Chapter 150: Zhu Yuanzhang and His Son

With Tang Duo’s opening, the court officials gradually came to their senses.

Their expressions varied—some in awe, some in reflection—then they uniformly bowed to Zhu Yuanzhang in congratulations.

At this moment, the Fengtian Hall was filled with lively energy, as the ministers’ congratulations rose and fell in succession.

Regardless of how astonishing and unbelievable Zhu Ying’s kill count was, the fact that the Northern Expedition’s first battle had breached a city was undeniable.

As a general, Li Jinglong would never fabricate such a major battlefield result to deceive the emperor.

After all, deceiving the emperor was a grave crime under Great Ming law; even if Li Jinglong had the audacity of heaven, he would never dare falsify matters of such national importance—matters tied to military morale and public sentiment.

Even if he were the emperor’s own relative.

As the topic returned to its proper course, Zhu Biao emerged from his deep thoughts.

He bowed slightly, his expression solemn, and spoke clearly: “Father! The victory in the Northern Expedition’s first battle is a joy for our Great Ming.”

After a brief pause, Zhu Biao fixed his gaze firmly on Zhu Yuanzhang and continued: “I believe that since Zhu Ying has already achieved such great merit in the first battle, he must be rewarded, to inspire all officers and soldiers and let them know the rewards our Great Ming bestows.”

Zhu Biao’s words were earnest; after speaking, he bowed again to Zhu Yuanzhang, his demeanor deeply sincere.

Upon hearing this,

Zhu Yuanzhang’s face broke into a gentle smile; he nodded slightly and said: “Biao’s words are certainly reasonable.”

Then his tone shifted, his expression deepening with careful thought: “But the great war has only just begun; all victories must await the complete conclusion of the Northern Expedition before any rewards are granted.”

“Aren’t you always eager to summon Zhu Ying to Yingtian for an audience?”

“After this Northern Expedition ends, I will issue an edict for Zhu Ying’s entire family to come to the capital for an audience.”

Here, Zhu Yuanzhang’s eyes flashed with firmness: “Of course, his great merit this time cannot go unrewarded or unpraised.”

“I shall draft an edict to lavish praise upon him, and record the details of this battle, to be fully assessed and rewarded once the Northern Expedition concludes.”

Clearly,

Zhu Yuanzhang had his own far-reaching considerations regarding rewards.

The Zhu Ying of today was no longer the nameless soldier who fought and earned merit on the Liaodong battlefield; he was now the Guard Commander of a guard battalion, holding real military authority, his status already substantial.

In the past, when he was still beneath the rank of Guard Commander, battlefield promotions could be granted to boost morale and inspire the troops.

But now, Zhu Ying holds the high rank of Guard Commander; if he were lavishly rewarded for this first battle, what would be left to reward him with when he achieves even greater feats in the future? He would face the awkward situation of having nowhere left to rise.

For an emperor, reaching a point where no further rewards can be given is never a good thing—it may trigger unforeseen problems.

“Father, Zhu Ying has already married, and his wife has borne him a son.”

“Since, according to your will, Zhu Ying’s first victory cannot be directly rewarded, perhaps we may grant his wife a noble title.”

“When we pacified Liaodong, I had this intention, but matters were too numerous and I carelessly forgot.”

“Now that Zhu Ying has achieved another extraordinary feat, it is fitting.” Zhu Biao smiled, speaking with neither humility nor arrogance.

“Hah!” Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily, his laughter echoing through the Fengtian Hall, filled with paternal affection and boundless trust in Zhu Biao.

Then,

Zhu Yuanzhang said: “You truly hold Zhu Ying in high regard.”

Then, without hesitation, he added: “Fine. Since you’ve spoken, this noble title I will certainly grant.”

Zhu Yuanzhang scanned the court and ordered loudly: “Draft the edict. Zhu Ying, for expanding our territory and slaying northern enemies.”

“The merit of breaching Zhenxiacheng in the Northern Expedition’s first battle shall be recorded for now; rewards will be granted collectively after the Northern Expedition concludes.”

“Zhu Ying’s wife shall be granted the title of Fifth-Rank Noble Lady, entitled to fifth-rank stipend, and permitted to enter court without kneeling.”

Beside the Fengtian Hall, the official responsible for drafting the edict immediately focused entirely on his task.

He swiftly picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote furiously on the paper, recording every word of Zhu Yuanzhang’s decree, ready to present it after court adjourned, seal it with the imperial stamp, and dispatch it to the northern frontier.

“Biao, is this satisfactory?” Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, gazing tenderly at Zhu Biao.

“Is fifth-rank noble lady too low?” Zhu Biao paused a moment, then smiled and offered his view.

“It is sufficient for a first bestowal.”

“If Zhu Ying achieves further merit for the state, we will not only promote him, but also further elevate his wife’s title.”

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately replied with a smile, his eyes revealing his anticipation for Zhu Ying’s future achievements.

“Father, your wisdom is unmatched.” Zhu Biao immediately bowed, acknowledging Zhu Yuanzhang’s decision.

Zhu Yuanzhang was deeply satisfied that Zhu Biao so valued Zhu Ying that he had personally petitioned for his reward.

Thus, all court officials would know Zhu Ying was Zhu Biao’s favored man.

Over time, Zhu Ying would inevitably feel gratitude toward Zhu Biao and surely pledge his life to serve him.

The emperor’s rule relies on bestowing grace—this is the subtle art of governance.

Zhu Yuanzhang could grant rewards, but the favor must be collected by Zhu Biao.

Or rather, this was an unspoken duet between father and son: through this method, the imperial grace was displayed, and Zhu Biao’s prestige was strengthened.

“The breach of Zhenxiacheng in the Northern Expedition’s first battle is indeed worthy of celebration.” Zhu Yuanzhang’s expression turned serious; he looked at Tang Duo and spoke with steady authority: “Tang Qing, closely monitor the northern frontier battles.”

“Any news concerning the northern frontier, immediately report it to the Crown Prince.”

“This Northern Expedition is also personally directed and commanded by the Crown Prince.”

Clearly, Zhu Yuanzhang intended to attribute the former Liaodong achievements to Zhu Biao, ensuring history would record Zhu Biao’s name in bold strokes.

And now, for this Northern Expedition, Zhu Yuanzhang had no doubt of his intent to bestow the glory upon Zhu Biao, to establish Zhu Biao’s prestige and strengthen his path toward a smooth succession.

The court proceedings proceeded orderly; time slipped away, and an hour later, the court session ended.

Inside the Fengtian Hall, only Zhu Biao and his father remained.

“Biao, what do you think?” Zhu Yuanzhang picked up Li Jinglong’s report again, a knowing smile on his face, asking softly.

“When Zhu Ying first appeared at court, slaying a hundred enemies was already extraordinary valor; now, he has personally breached Zhenxiacheng and slain over a thousand.”

Zhu Biao’s expression was grave, his eyes carrying an unusual solemnity: “He has transcended human capability.”

As he spoke,

Zhu Biao’s face subtly changed, still awed by Zhu Ying’s ferocity.

“Now even I am grateful—he is our Great Ming’s general, not a Northern Yuan soldier, not a foreigner.”

“Otherwise, our Great Ming would truly face a formidable enemy.” Zhu Biao added solemnly.

Hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded gravely and said: “You are right. Fortunately, Zhu Ying is ours; otherwise, he would be a formidable enemy.”

After speaking, Zhu Yuanzhang seemed to recall something crucial; he slowly raised his head, his eyes fixed on Zhu Biao, and spoke with grave earnestness: “Biao, I must warn you about Zhu Ying—remember this well.”

“Father, speak.” Zhu Biao’s expression instantly turned serious; he listened intently, knowing his father was about to deliver something of utmost importance.

“This man’s strength is too great; against enemies, he is indeed a blessing for our Great Ming.”

“But this blessing only holds if he is under control. We father and son have never met him; we know only of his extraordinary abilities from reports, and his true character remains unknown.”

“If we can win his loyalty, then use him.”

Here,

Zhu Yuanzhang’s eyes flashed with sharp murderous intent, his voice turning icy: “But… if we cannot truly gain his loyalty, cannot truly subdue or control him—then this man must be killed. A man of such strength is far too dangerous!”

Hearing this, Zhu Biao’s face instantly changed, a chill surging through him.

But seeing his father’s utterly serious expression, Zhu Biao knew his words were no idle warning.

Based on the details in Li Jinglong’s report, one could easily imagine Zhu Ying’s true might!

Slaying a thousand enemies?

It was almost unimaginable—could human strength truly achieve this?

Remember, this was a heavily fortified city, garrisoned by a large Northern Yuan force, with strong generals and ironclad defenses.

If Zhu Ying ever became uncontrollable, the consequences would be unthinkable.

“Father’s words are etched in my heart,” Zhu Biao took a deep breath, steadying his inner turmoil: “Though I have never met Zhu Ying, I am confident I can make him faithfully serve our Great Ming.”

“What you fear will never happen,” Zhu Biao raised his head, his gaze firm as he replied solemnly, his eyes filled with self-assurance.

Seeing this, Zhu Yuanzhang smiled faintly, his eyes brimming with satisfaction; he nodded and said: “I believe you can subdue Zhu Ying. What I just said was merely to prepare your mind.”

“After all, judging from Zhu Ying’s conduct—he leads from the front, shows deep loyalty—if treated with proper grace, he will become your sharp blade.”

“Moreover, after this battle, bring his family to Yingtian.”

“A general commanding troops far from court must be balanced.”

“Previously, Zhu Ying was alone and hard to control; now that he has a family and a son, it is naturally advantageous for you.”

“To govern subordinates, one must target their weaknesses—only when they fear, revere, and desire can they truly be controlled.”

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, imparting his imperial wisdom to Zhu Biao.

To Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao was his greatest creation, the hope for achieving the greatness of Emperor Wen of Han.

“Father’s words are deeply received,” Zhu Biao replied respectfully, his demeanor humble and earnest.

“Enough,” Zhu Yuanzhang patted Zhu Biao’s shoulder, his tone lightening: “We need not be so formal between father and son.”

“Today, you petitioned for Zhu Ying’s merit and his wife’s noble title—that was correct.”

“For a man of deep loyalty, bestowing grace is the way to win him.”

“Regarding this noble title and other rewards, handle them yourself—I will not interfere.” Zhu Yuanzhang smiled again, his eyes full of trust and support for Zhu Biao.

“I understand,” Zhu Biao nodded with a smile, comprehending his father’s deeper meaning.

…

Northern Frontier! Outside Zhenxiacheng.

Dawn broke, the morning light faint; the logistics troops were already fully mobilized.

They moved busily through the city’s interior and exterior, tidying the battlefield with tense yet orderly efficiency.

Outside the city, chaos reigned—bodies lay scattered everywhere; the logistics troops worked in pairs, laboriously hauling corpses onto carts.

Some held ropes, carefully binding the corpses to prevent them from falling during transport; others directed nearby, ensuring the cleanup proceeded smoothly.

Inside the city, the scene was equally bustling.

Corpses were occasionally dragged out on carts, but their battle armor had already been stripped off.

This was standard practice after battle: even broken armor could be reforged into iron, and on a resource-scarce battlefield, every usable item was precious.

“Hail General Zhu.”

As Zhu Ying approached the city gate, escorted by his Personal Guards, the rear troops and the border soldiers guarding the gate instantly lit up with fervor and awe, bowing in perfect unison, their voices loud and synchronized.

“No need for such formality,” Zhu Ying replied with a smile, his expression gentle.

Only after reaching the gate did Zhu Ying have a chance to examine the damage he had wrought upon it.

The gate was shattered beyond repair; the walls surrounding it were riddled with cracks like grotesque scars, horrifying to behold.

These cracks varied in width—some were wide enough to fit a hand inside.

“I’ll have to rein in my strength a little next time,” Zhu Ying thought to himself.

If left unrepaired, these cracks would continue spreading, eventually causing the gate’s wall to collapse.

“Smash the gate’s plaque.”

Zhu Ying looked up at the three characters hanging above the gate—“Zhenxia City”—frowned slightly, a flicker of revulsion in his eyes, and gave the order outright.

The Northern Yuan built these border cities to humiliate the Great Ming, naming them after Huaxia ethnic groups.

“Zhenhan,” “Zhentang,” “Zhenxia”—to the Northern Yuan, they still dreamed of enslaving the Huaxia as they once had.

Such blatantly insulting acts filled Zhu Ying with rage.

“Yes,” Liu Lei immediately obeyed.

Several ladders still stood near the gate; his Personal Guards swiftly moved, forming groups of several men each to carry them over.

With practiced efficiency, they leaned the ladders against the gate, climbed up, and at the plaque’s position, worked together to pry it loose. The plaque arced through the air and crashed to the ground, shattering instantly.

Watching the “Zhenxia City” plaque break apart, Zhu Ying nodded, strode forward, and stepped directly onto the shattered plaque as he entered the city.

Inside the city, rear troops moved busily, handling corpses.

Though the bodies were being gradually removed, blood still seeped across the city, pooling into dark red puddles.

The air reeked of heavy, nauseating blood.

Zhu Ying glanced calmly over the scene and quickened his pace.

At the gate of the General’s residence, Mu Cheng had been waiting a long time, his gaze fixed on the distance; seeing Zhu Ying arrive, he immediately stepped forward with a salute and called out, “General Zhu.”

“What urgent matter did the Grand General summon me for?” Zhu Ying asked bluntly.

Zhu Ying had been resting in the camp when Guo Ying suddenly sent someone to wake him for an emergency summons.

“Likely the next move,” Mu Cheng replied with a smile, a hint of speculation in his tone.

“Let’s go,” Zhu Ying nodded and stepped into the General’s residence.

Mu Cheng followed closely behind, matching his steps, even deliberately lagging half a step behind Zhu Ying.

Clearly, Mu Cheng’s actions revealed his deep respect for Zhu Ying.

Though both were Regional Military Commissioners, Mu Cheng knew he lacked Zhu Ying’s courage and tactical brilliance, and during this campaign, he had been under Zhu Ying’s command.

Inside the great hall!

Guo Ying sat upon the main seat, his expression stern, commanding respect without raising his voice.

Zhu Di and Li Jinglong sat on either side.

When Zhu Ying entered, he bowed deeply to Guo Ying and declared loudly, “Your servant pays homage to the Grand General.”

“General Zhu, have you rested well?” Guo Ying asked with a caring smile, his tone gentle.

“Thank you for your concern, Grand General. I have rested fully,” Zhu Ying replied with a smile.

“Yesterday, you led your troops to breach the city in a single day, slaying countless enemies—it truly took me by surprise,” Guo Ying stared at Zhu Ying and praised him loudly.

“It is merely my duty,” Zhu Ying replied calmly and steadily.

Such feats had long become routine for Zhu Ying.

“Now that the battle results are in, General Zhu, do you know how many Northern Yuan troops we annihilated?” Guo Ying smiled and probed.

“Based on my estimate, the Northern Yuan forces we engaged exceeded forty thousand—roughly half the garrison,” Zhu Ying frowned slightly, thought for a moment, then replied slowly.

Hearing this, Guo Ying’s eyes sparkled with admiration. “General Zhu, you truly are a wise and valiant general of our Great Ming—no one else could estimate enemy troop strength so precisely.”

“Indeed, the original garrison in the city numbered over eighty thousand, plus fifty thousand able-bodied civilians.”

“But after your breach of the outer wall, the Northern Yuan’s second prince led the bulk of the troops in retreat.”

“According to the rear troops’ tally, we slew nearly thirty thousand, captured over twenty thousand—including the civilians, who served as the Northern Yuan’s cannon fodder.”

Guo Ying spoke slowly, detailing the battle’s outcome.

“Thus, future campaigns will be harder.”

“Though we’ve taken this city, many Northern Yuan troops escaped.”

Zhu Ying’s expression turned serious.

“Yet with such a victory in our first battle, the Northern Yuan court is no threat.”

“But General Zhu, you slew enemies all day yesterday—do you know how many you personally killed?” Guo Ying narrowed his eyes, probing.

“I cannot possibly recall the exact number,” Zhu Ying replied calmly.

Yet in his heart, Zhu Ying knew clearly: in that single day, he had slain over two thousand Northern Yuan soldiers.

It had granted him eighty years of lifespan and pushed all his attributes past six thousand.

“According to the joint tally by the Capital Pacification Office and the rear troops, you personally killed over fifteen hundred enemies.”

“General Zhu… are you… even human?”

Guo Ying stared wide-eyed, struck by an indescribable shock, fixed on Zhu Ying as if unable to calm his inner turmoil.

After seeing the joint tally from the Capital Pacification Office and the rear troops, Guo Ying nearly fell out of his seat.

Over fifteen hundred—no less, and likely more.

These were confirmed kills because the dead Northern Yuan soldiers bore deep, bone-piercing cuts from swords and blades, with severed limbs and mangled remains; none died cleanly when killed by Zhu Ying.

Upon hearing this number, Zhu Di and Li Jinglong instantly turned their gazes toward Zhu Ying.

“My parents gave me great strength at birth, so killing enemies comes easily,” Zhu Ying replied with a light laugh, his tone carefree.

After all, he had no good way to explain it.

……

(End of Chapter)