Chapter 150: Discussion between Zhu Yuanzhang and his son

With Tang Duo's opening, the civil and military officials also regained their senses one after another.

Everyone had different expressions, some amazed, some moved, and then they uniformly bowed to Zhu Yuanzhang to congratulate him.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the Fengtian Hall was enthusiastic, and the congratulations from the ministers followed one after another.

Regardless, although Zhu Ying's kill count was shocking and unbelievable, the fact that the city was broken in the first battle of the Northern Expedition was certain.

As a general, Li Jinglong would definitely not use such a major result to report false information and deceive the Emperor.

After all, the crime of deceiving the Emperor is a serious crime in the Great Ming law; even if Li Jinglong had the courage of heaven, he would never dare to fake such a major matter concerning national war and the hearts of the army and the people.

Even if he is a relative of the current Emperor.

As the topic was brought back to the right track, Zhu Biao recovered from the depths of his thoughts.

He bowed slightly, his expression solemn, and said in a clear voice: "Father Emperor! Winning the first battle of the Northern Expedition is the joy of our Great Ming."

After a slight pause, Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Yuanzhang with firm eyes and continued: "This son thinks that since Zhu Ying has made such a great merit in the first battle, he should be rewarded to encourage all the soldiers of the army and let the soldiers know the merit of our Great Ming's rewards."

Zhu Biao's words were earnest; after speaking, he bowed to Zhu Yuanzhang again, his attitude extremely sincere.

Hearing this.

A gentle smile appeared on Zhu Yuanzhang's face; he nodded slightly and said: "What Biao'er said is naturally reasonable."

Then, his tone changed, and his expression carried a bit of deep consideration: "It's just that the great war has just begun, and all the results need to wait until the Northern Expedition is thoroughly settled before rewarding."

"Haven't you always wanted to summon Zhu Ying to Ying Tianfu for an audience?"

"After this Northern Expedition ends, We will issue a decree for Zhu Ying's family to enter the capital for an audience."

Speaking to this point, a flash of certainty crossed Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes: "Of course, since he has made a great merit this time, he cannot be unrewarded, and he cannot be unpraised."

"We should draft a decree to praise him well and record this battle merit in detail, and wait until the Northern Expedition is settled to reward according to merit together."

Apparently.

Regarding the matter of rewards, Zhu Yuanzhang had his own far-reaching considerations.

The current Zhu Ying is no longer the unknown soldier who made merits on the Liaodong battlefield, but a Guard Commander holding military power in one side of Great Ming, and his status is already not low.

In the past, under the Commander, in order to boost morale and stimulate the soldiers' fighting spirit, they could be rewarded on the spot to encourage the whole army.

But now, Zhu Ying is already in the high position of Commander; if he is rewarded heavily in the first battle, then if he makes great military merits in the future, he will really face the awkward situation of having no more to reward.

For an emperor, if it really reaches the point of having nothing to reward, that is definitely not a good thing; instead, it may trigger a series of unpredictable problems.

"Father Emperor, Zhu Ying is now married, and his wife has also given birth to a son."

"For this first merit of the Northern Expedition, according to Father Emperor's intention, we cannot reward directly, but perhaps we can bestow a title of honor on Zhu Ying's wife."

"When Liaodong was pacified in the past, this son had this intention, but things were complicated, and this son forgot for a moment."

"This time Zhu Ying has made another strange merit, so it should be so." Zhu Biao smiled and said neither humbly nor arrogantly.

"Haha." Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily, the laughter echoing in the Fengtian Hall, full of love and infinite trust in Zhu Biao.

Subsequently.

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Biao'er is truly holding Zhu Ying in high regard."

Then, his tone changed, and he said without any hesitation: "Good. Since you have spoken, then this title of honor, We will definitely bestow it."

Zhu Yuanzhang scanned the circle and ordered loudly: "Draft a decree. Zhu Ying, for opening up territory for the country and beheading the strong enemy of the northern frontier."

"The merit of breaking the city in the first battle of the Northern Expedition is temporarily recorded, and wait until the Northern Expedition is settled to reward together."

"Zhu Ying's wife is bestowed the 【Fifth-Rank Title of Honor】, enjoys the salary of the fifth rank, and enjoys the privilege of not kneeling when seeing the Emperor."

On the side of the Fengtian Hall, the official responsible for drafting the imperial decree immediately recorded it with full concentration.

He quickly picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote furiously on the paper, recording Zhu Yuanzhang's decree word for word, waiting for the court session to disperse to present it, and then stamp it with the great seal to be sent to the northern frontier.

"Biao'er, is this good?" Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and looked at Zhu Biao with loving eyes.

"Is the Fifth-Rank Title of Honor a bit low?" Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and proposed his view with a smile.

"Since it is the first bestowal, it is enough."

"If Zhu Ying makes more merits for the country, We will not only promote his merit, but also continue to add to his wife's title."

Zhu Yuanzhang responded with a smile immediately, his eyes also revealing anticipation for Zhu Ying's future merits.

"Father Emperor is wise." Zhu Biao bowed immediately, expressing approval of Zhu Yuanzhang's decision.

And for Zhu Biao's high regard for Zhu Ying, not hesitating to ask for a reward in person, Zhu Yuanzhang was very satisfied.

In this way, all the civil and military officials know that Zhu Ying is a person valued by Zhu Biao.

Over time, Zhu Ying will surely be grateful for Zhu Biao's grace and will surely serve Zhu Biao to the death in the future.

Imperial governance emphasizes treating with grace; this is the subtle way of it.

Zhu Yuanzhang can reward, but this favor must be harvested by Zhu Biao.

Or rather, this is a tacit double act between father and son; through this way, it both highlights the grace of the royal family and consolidates Zhu Biao's prestige.

"Breaking the city in the first battle of the Northern Expedition is indeed worth celebrating." Zhu Yuanzhang's expression became serious, he looked at Tang Duo, and instructed in a steady tone: "Minister Tang, pay close attention to the war in the northern frontier."

"As long as there is news related to the northern frontier, report it to the Crown Prince immediately."

"This Northern Expedition is also personally planned and commanded by the Crown Prince."

Apparently, Zhu Yuanzhang intended to give the credit for the Liaodong merit in the past to Zhu Biao, so that Zhu Biao would be recorded in history with heavy ink.

And this Northern Expedition, Zhu Yuanzhang undoubtedly also wanted to give the credit to Zhu Biao, so as to establish Zhu Biao's prestige and add help for Zhu Biao to successfully inherit the throne in the future.

The court session proceeded in an orderly manner, time passed quietly, and an hour later, the court session ended.

In the Fengtian Hall, only the father and son, Zhu Biao, remained.

"Biao'er, what do you think?" Zhu Yuanzhang picked up the report from Li Jinglong again, with a meaningful smile on his face, and asked softly.

"If it is said that when Zhu Ying first appeared in the court, killing a hundred enemies was already the warrior of the world, now he has broken Zhentangcheng, killing over a thousand enemies with his own strength."

Zhu Biao's expression was serious, his eyes revealing an unusual solemnity: "Then... he has transcended the power of ordinary people."

As he spoke.

Zhu Biao's face also changed slightly, seemingly still marveling at Zhu Ying's bravery.

"Now this son is also a bit fortunate; fortunately, he is a warrior of our Great Ming, not the Northern Yuan, and even less a foreign race."

"Otherwise, our Great Ming would really encounter a formidable enemy." Zhu Biao said seriously again.

Hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang also nodded solemnly and said in a low voice: "You are right; fortunately, this Zhu Ying is a person of our Great Ming, otherwise he would definitely be a formidable enemy."

After saying this, Zhu Yuanzhang seemed to think of another important matter; he raised his head slowly, stared at Zhu Biao, and said earnestly: "Biao'er, regarding this Zhu Ying, We must remind you of one point; you must keep it in your heart."

"Father, please speak." Zhu Biao's expression instantly became serious, listening with full attention, understanding that this was his father having something extremely important to specifically instruct.

"This person's bravery is too strong; using it to deal with enemies is indeed a fortunate thing for our Great Ming."

"But this is also a good thing under control. Regarding this Zhu Ying, neither of us father and son has ever seen him; we only know of his extraordinary abilities from the reports, and we don't know his true character."

"If in the future, it is best to be able to subdue this Zhu Ying; if he is truly loyal to you, then you can use him."

Speaking to this point.

A sharp murderous intent flashed in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, and his tone became cold: "However... if you cannot truly obtain his loyalty, cannot truly suppress him, cannot control him! Then for this person, you must kill him. Such a brave person is too dangerous!"

Hearing this, Zhu Biao's face changed instantly, and a chill surged in his heart.

But feeling Zhu Yuanzhang's extremely serious expression, Zhu Biao knew very well that what his father said was definitely not alarmist.

Based on the content described in Li Jinglong's battle report, one could fully imagine what kind of bravery Zhu Ying had!

Killing a thousand enemies?

This is simply unimaginable; is this something that human power can do?

You must know that it was a strong city heavily guarded by the Northern Yuan army, with strong soldiers and many generals in the city, and the defense was tight to the extreme.

If Zhu Ying is out of control in the future, the situation will be unimaginable, and the consequences will be immeasurable.

"Father's words, this son has remembered." Zhu Biao took a deep breath, trying to calm the waves in his heart: "However, although this son has never seen Zhu Ying, this son is confident that he can definitely make Zhu Ying serve Great Ming loyally."

"What Father thinks will definitely not happen." Zhu Biao raised his head, looked at Zhu Yuanzhang with firm eyes, and replied very solemnly, his eyes also having a kind of self-confidence.

Seeing this, Zhu Yuanzhang smiled slightly, his eyes full of gratification, nodded, and said: "We also believe that you can suppress this Zhu Ying; what We just said was also to let you be prepared in your heart."

"In the final analysis, judging from Zhu Ying's performance, taking the lead and having deep feelings, as long as you treat him with grace, he will surely be a sharp blade in your hand."

"And after this battle, you can bring his family into Ying Tianfu."

"When a general is outside commanding troops, there must be checks and balances."

"Before, Zhu Ying was alone and hard to control, but now he has a family and a son, which is naturally a good thing for you."

"Governance and checks and balances naturally must be aimed at the weaknesses of the subjects; only by letting them have fear, respect, and desire in their hearts can they be truly mastered."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and taught Zhu Biao his imperial way.

For Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao is his greatest masterpiece in his life; he regards Zhu Biao as the hope for achieving the great achievements of Emperor Wen of Han in the past.

"Father's words, this son respectfully accepts." Zhu Biao replied respectfully immediately, his attitude humble and serious.

"Alright." Zhu Yuanzhang patted Zhu Biao's shoulder, his tone becoming relaxed: "There is no need for such restraint between us father and son."

"Today you asked for merit for Zhu Ying in the court and asked for a title of honor for Zhu Ying's wife; this is correct."

"For such a person who values feelings, bestowing grace is the way to subdue him."

"Regarding this title of honor and other rewards, you handle it yourself. We will not ask." Zhu Yuanzhang smiled again, his eyes full of trust and support for Zhu Biao.

"This son understands." Zhu Biao nodded with a smile, understanding his father's deep meaning.

Northern frontier! Outside Zhentangcheng.

Dawn broke, the morning light was faint, and the logistics army had already been fully mobilized.

They shuttled busily inside and outside the city, cleaning the battlefield nervously and orderly.

Outside the city, it was a mess, with corpses lying horizontally and vertically on the ground; the logistics army soldiers were in pairs, laboriously moving the corpses onto horse-drawn carriages.

Some people held ropes, carefully tying the corpses to prevent them from falling during the transport process, while others directed on the side to ensure the progress of the cleaning.

Inside the city, it was also a busy scene.

From time to time, corpses were pulled out by carriages, but the armor on the corpses had already been removed.

This is naturally the rule of cleaning the battlefield; even if the armor is broken, it can be re-smelted. In the battlefield where materials are relatively scarce, every available item appears particularly precious.

"Greetings, General Zhu."

When Zhu Ying walked toward the city gate under the guard of his personal guards, the surrounding logistics army and the Daning border army guarding the city gate instantly ignited with fanatical and awe-inspiring light, and they saluted uniformly, their voices loud and neat.

"No need for courtesy." Zhu Ying nodded with a smile, his smile carrying a hint of gentleness.

After arriving at the city gate, Zhu Ying finally had time to carefully check the destructive power he had caused to this city gate.

The city gate was already broken, and on the wall of the city pass where the city gate was originally embedded, cracks were like hideous scars, shocking.

These cracks varied in width, and in some places, one could even reach in a hand.

"It seems I still need to restrain myself a little in the future." Zhu Ying thought to himself.

The city gate and city pass before him, if not repaired in the future, these cracks will inevitably continue to spread, eventually possibly leading to the collapse of the city pass.

"Smash the plaque of this city gate."

Zhu Ying raised his head, looked at the three characters "Zhentangcheng" hanging on the city gate, his brows furrowed slightly, a flash of disgust in his eyes, and he ordered directly.

The cities built by the Northern Yuan at the border to humiliate Great Ming were mostly aimed at the Huaxia ethnic group.

"Zhenhan," "Zhentang," and "Zhenxia"—in the eyes of the Northern Yuan, perhaps they still harbored the delusion that, just as before, they could enslave Huaxia forever.

This kind of act with strong insulting nature made Zhu Ying full of anger.

"Yes." Liu Lei obeyed immediately.

There were still many scaling ladders at the city pass, and the personal guards acted quickly, in groups of a few, directly carrying the scaling ladders.

They moved skillfully, quickly leaning the scaling ladders against the city gate, and then climbed up along the scaling ladders. After reaching the location of the plaque, several people worked together to directly lift the plaque on the city gate; the plaque drew an arc in the air and fell heavily to the ground, instantly shattering.

Watching the shattering of this "Zhentangcheng" plaque, Zhu Ying nodded; he strode forward, directly stepping on the broken plaque, and walked toward the city.

Inside the city, there were busy logistics army soldiers coming and going, dealing with the corpses.

Although the corpses were gradually being transferred, blood was still seeping out everywhere in the city, gathering into pools of dark red blood.

The air was filled with a heavy smell of blood, which was nauseating.

Zhu Ying just swept a calm glance and quickened his pace.

When he arrived at the entrance of the Garrison Commander's mansion, Mu Sheng had been waiting here for a long time, his eyes looking into the distance; seeing Zhu Ying arrive, he immediately cupped his hands and greeted him, saying loudly: "General Zhu."

"What is the important matter for the Grand General's summons?" Zhu Ying asked directly to the point.

Originally, Zhu Ying was still resting in the military camp, but he was suddenly woken up by someone sent by Guo Ying for an urgent meeting.

"It should be the next step of troop movement." Mu Sheng replied with a smile, his face carrying a hint of speculation.

"Let's go." Zhu Ying nodded and immediately stepped into the Garrison Commander's mansion.

Mu Sheng followed closely behind Zhu Ying, step by step, and even deliberately fell half a step behind Zhu Ying while walking.

Apparently, from Mu Sheng's actions, one could also see his conviction in Zhu Ying.

Although they were both Commanders, Mu Sheng knew that he was not as good as Zhu Ying in terms of bravery and strategy, and in this battle, he was also under Zhu Ying's command.

Inside the hall!

Guo Ying sat in the main seat, his expression majestic, not angry but awe-inspiring.

Zhu Di and Li Jinglong were sitting on the left and right sides respectively.

After Zhu Ying entered, Zhu Ying immediately bowed to Guo Ying and said loudly: "This subordinate pays respects to the Grand General."

"General Zhu, have you rested well?" Guo Ying's face showed a concerned smile, and he asked gently.

"Thank you for your concern, Grand General; this subordinate has rested well." Zhu Ying replied with a smile.

"General Zhu led the army to break the city in one day yesterday and killed countless enemies; it truly surprised me." Guo Ying stared at Zhu Ying and praised loudly.

"This is my duty." Zhu Ying's expression was calm, his tone steady as he replied.

Zhu Ying was naturally used to this kind of thing.

"The results of this battle are out; does General Zhu know how many Yuan troops our army annihilated in this battle?" Guo Ying smiled and then asked tentatively.

"In this battle, according to my estimation, the Yuan troops who fought with our army were no less than forty thousand. It should be half of the troops guarding this city." Zhu Ying frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and replied slowly.

Hearing this, a flash of admiration crossed Guo Ying's eyes, and he smiled immediately: "General Zhu is worthy of being a wise and brave general of our Great Ming; I didn't expect that even the number of troops could be estimated so clearly."

"Not bad, according to the count, there were originally more than eighty thousand Yuan troops stationed in the city, and fifty thousand young and strong."

"But after the outer city was broken by General Zhu, the second son of the Yuan Emperor who was originally guarding this city led most of the troops to retreat."

"In this battle, after the count by the logistics army, nearly thirty thousand were killed, and more than twenty thousand were captured, including the young and strong, that is, the cannon fodder army of the Yuan army."

Guo Ying opened his mouth slowly, telling the results of the battle in detail.

"In this way, the subsequent war will also be more difficult."

"Although this city was captured this time, quite a few Yuan troops also escaped."

Zhu Ying said with a serious expression.

"Achieving such results in the first battle, the Yuan court is not worth worrying about."

"However, General Zhu killed enemies for a day yesterday; do you know how many Yuan troops you killed yourself?" Guo Ying narrowed his eyes slightly and asked tentatively.

"This subordinate naturally cannot remember this number." Zhu Ying replied calmly.

However, in his heart, Zhu Ying knew clearly that in one day of killing yesterday, the Yuan troops who died at his hands exceeded two thousand.

Not only did it bring him eighty years of lifespan to pick up, but it also allowed all his attributes to successfully break through to six thousand.

"According to the count by the logistics army and the Regional Military Commissioner, the number of enemies killed by General Zhu exceeded one thousand five hundred."

"General Zhu... are you... are you even human?"

Guo Ying widened his eyes, carrying a kind of indescribable shock, staring intently at Zhu Ying, seemingly unable to calm the waves in his heart.

After seeing the results counted by the Regional Military Commissioner and the logistics army, Guo Ying almost popped his eyes out.

More than one thousand five hundred people, and there were only more, not less.

After all, those who could be determined to be killed by Zhu Ying were because the bodies of those dead Yuan soldiers had deep bone-marrow knife marks, sword marks, and there were broken arms and remains; those who died at Zhu Ying's hands almost had no good death state.

And hearing this number, Zhu Di and Li Jinglong on the side instantly gathered their gazes and fell on Zhu Ying.

"My parents raised me well, giving me natural divine strength. So killing enemies was a bit simpler." Zhu Ying smiled and answered lightly, carrying a hint of freedom.

After all, he didn't know how to answer.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 151 =====