Chapter 151: Open the Chests! Various Technological Artifacts! For Future Technology

Even amidst the bloody chaos of a siege and battle, Zhu Ying still held back his true strength.

To reveal all his power at once would be too shocking to comprehend.

Simply in speed, a single step of his left ordinary men far behind—this was no longer human, but beyond imagination.

After all, Zhu Ying still relied on the Great Ming as a great tree, drawing nourishment to grow stronger.

Thus, some sharp edges must be hidden; in this complex situation, precisely acquiring what one needs is the way to survival and growth.

“That General Zhu must truly be a prodigy!” Guo Ying exclaimed with deep admiration.

Indeed, describing Zhu Ying’s ferocious prowess as “a prodigy” still fell short—it seemed no other word could better capture it.

Nearby, Zhu Di stared deeply and meaningfully at Zhu Ying, his eyes deepening with a fear of him that had grown beyond words.

“Within a single day, he slew over fifteen hundred armored Yuan troops, charging at the very front, facing the Yuan’s fiercest assaults.”

Zhu Di pondered inwardly: “If I were to confront him, what means would I need to ensure victory and kill him on the battlefield?”

At this moment, Zhu Di’s heart was filled with awe and dread; in his eyes, Zhu Ying had long transcended the realm of ordinary men.

Dread!

Worry!

This was precisely what Zhu Di felt now.

“Ha!” Li Jinglong burst into laughter, shouting: “General Zhu is truly a divine being!”

“In ancient times, Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Western Chu, was invincible in valor, leaving a monumental mark in history.”

“I believe General Zhu will one day earn his own place in history, remembered by future generations!”

As he spoke, his gaze toward Zhu Ying brimmed with unhidden reverence.

Though Li Jinglong was far older and held higher rank, this did not diminish his heartfelt respect for Zhu Ying.

After all, he had been raised under the influence of his father Li Wenzhong, who revered military life and fierce warrior generals.

“Then I accept your good wishes, General Li,” Zhu Ying replied with a calm smile.

“General Zhu,” Guo Ying gathered his thoughts, returning to focus, and said: “The battle results from yesterday have been largely tallied; today we can send urgent reports galloping to Yingtian.”

“This northern campaign’s foremost merit will undoubtedly be yours.”

“Yet, Zhentixia has been secured—what are your thoughts on our next move?”

Though Guo Ying, as Grand General, held command and oversaw the entire campaign, Zhu Ying had shone brilliantly in the first battle.

Morally and practically, Guo Ying felt it necessary to ask Zhu Ying’s opinion—even though he had already drafted his own strategy.

“Naturally, we should press the advantage, seize this hard-won victory, and continue advancing.”

Zhu Ying gave his suggestion without hesitation, then added: “While the Northern Yuan is still reeling from the loss of Zhentixia, we must split our forces swiftly, strike them off-guard, and give them no chance to recover or regroup.”

“Prince Yan,” Guo Ying turned to Zhu Di and asked: “Has the Beiping army arrived yet?”

“Reporting to Grand General,” Zhu Di immediately replied: “Tomorrow, the Beiping army will reach Zhenmingcheng and lay siege to the city.”

“Good,” Guo Ying nodded slightly, his expression grave: “Tomorrow, General Zhang Yu will lead his troops to attack, drawing off part of the Yuan forces.”

“The remaining hundred thousand troops can then advance swiftly, pressing toward Zhentangcheng—the city the defeated Yuan forces hastily retreated into.”

“After a day of fierce combat, the Danning border troops are exhausted,” Mu Sheng stepped forward immediately, volunteering: “I beg to lead Huizhouwei in taking this city.”

“The Yuan forces at Zhentangcheng have gathered significant reinforcements during their retreat.”

“And they already had garrison troops stationed there,” Zhu Ying frowned slightly and analyzed: “With Huizhouwei’s current strength, breaching this city is extremely difficult—nearly impossible.”

“Then what is your suggestion, General Zhu?” Guo Ying asked at once.

“I will lead Danningwei to attack Zhentangcheng,” Zhu Ying said without changing expression. “Huizhouwei will shift to attack the neighboring city, which has weaker defenses.”

“This time, we divide our forces into three columns to swiftly crush the remaining four border cities of the Northern Yuan.”

“Thus, our Great Ming army can advance unimpeded straight into the Northern Yuan’s heartland.”

“On the battlefield, speed is paramount.”

Undoubtedly, the Yuan garrison at Zhentixia had been the strongest among all the Northern Yuan border cities.

Zhu Ying opposed Mu Sheng’s request to attack Zhentangcheng partly because Huizhouwei lacked the strength to win such a siege, and partly because he sought to secure more opportunities for Danningwei to gain kills and battlefield merit.

Of course, there was also Zhu Ying’s own need to kill enemies and collect attributes.

“General,” Mu Sheng argued stubbornly: “Today’s battle proved Huizhouwei’s soldiers performed exceptionally well.”

“Though they were former defectors, after this period of integration, they have truly pledged loyalty to the Great Ming.”

“I have full confidence I can lead them to breach this enemy city.”

“General Mu,” Zhu Ying explained patiently: “Integrating and tempering defectors is no overnight task—it cannot be achieved merely by winning one battle.”

“Yesterday, Huizhouwei’s soldiers did fight bravely and performed commendably.”

“But they have never endured the true brutality of a siege battle.”

“A well-trained elite force, if suffering thirty percent casualties, may collapse into panic and rout.”

“But an army formed from defectors is even more fragile—just ten to twenty percent casualties could shatter their morale instantly and destroy their will to fight.”

“Thus, having Huizhouwei face the enemy head-on might still work, but sending them to assault a city defended by stronger forces? They will not only fail to break through—they may collapse at the first strike.”

“And our entire northern campaign would suffer as a result.”

Though Huizhouwei had been meticulously trained by Zhu Ying for nearly a year, he knew better than anyone the nature and traits of its defectors.

He could not know every soldier’s individual details, but his insight into human nature allowed him to fully grasp the stakes.

Hearing this analysis, Mu Sheng, once resolute, hesitated.

He looked up, worry in his eyes, and said: “But… after yesterday’s battle, Danning border troops suffered over five thousand casualties and are utterly exhausted.”

“If we immediately launch a siege, will our soldiers have the strength and morale to endure?”

“Rest assured,” Zhu Ying smiled faintly, radiating confidence: “Danning border troops will breach the city.”

Hearing this, Guo Ying turned to Li Jinglong and asked: “General Li, what are your thoughts on troop deployment for this campaign?”

Li Jinglong did not hesitate a moment: “I believe General Zhu’s proposal is sound—we should follow his plan.”

“After all, General Zhu has endured countless campaigns in Liaodong, mostly sieges, accumulating immense experience. He must already have a thorough strategy in mind.”

Upon hearing Li Jinglong’s endorsement, Guo Ying decisively declared: “Then we proceed as General Zhu suggests.”

“The two armies divide into three columns, attacking three cities.”

“Yet, Zhentangcheng holds a large number of Yuan troops; to prevent mishaps and ensure caution, we shall transfer twenty thousand troops from Huizhouwei to reinforce Danningwei’s siege force.”

After a moment’s thought, Mu Sheng nodded in agreement: “Grand General’s words are wise.”

Once the military council concluded, all moved swiftly, dividing into three columns as planned, advancing toward their targets.

And Zhu Ying, as desired, was assigned to lead the assault on Zhentangcheng—the city with the heaviest Yuan garrison.

Inside Zhu Di’s tent!

“Zhu Ying,” Zhu Di returned to his tent, face grim, murmuring to Yao Guangxiao: “Yesterday, he slew over fifteen hundred enemies and killed more than a dozen enemy officers.”

“Can such terrifying combat prowess truly be within the bounds of human capability?”

His expression betrayed the intense dread within.

“Are you afraid, Your Highness?” Yao Guangxiao’s gaze pierced him, seeing straight into his thoughts.

“Yes,” Zhu Di did not deny it; he nodded solemnly, admitting: “I truly feel a flicker of fear toward this Zhu Ying.”

“If I ever face him in battle, how can I defeat him—kill him on the field?”

“The more I think on it, the heavier my worry grows, and the harder it is to dispel.”

Watching Zhu Di’s deep anxiety, Yao Guangxiao shook his head gently: “Your Highness is clinging to illusions.”

“Though Zhu Ying’s valor is extraordinary and rare, his strength still depends on the support of his troops.”

“Without his army, if Zhu Ying were surrounded alone, no matter how fierce, he would die.”

“Who in this vast world can survive a storm of ten thousand arrows?”

“No matter how heavenly his ability or peerless his strength, he remains flesh and blood—not a true immortal.”

“In ancient times, Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Western Chu, was unmatched in martial prowess—how mighty he seemed?”

“Yet in the end, he was worn down by Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang’s strategy and prolonged war, ending in suicide at the Wu River.”

“Moreover, we are not yet at the point of open conflict or mortal struggle. Your Highness’s fears are merely imagined possibilities.”

“The future is unpredictable, full of variables—there is no need to burden yourself with such thoughts.”

“Perhaps one day, Zhu Ying will serve Your Highness.”

The words ended.

Zhu Di fell silent, saying nothing for a long while.

He knew Yao Guangxiao spoke sense—but could mere words dispel the dread stirred by Zhu Ying’s terrifying power?

If he could be won over, that would be best.

But if he could not?

When Zhu Ying becomes a general, how will I stand against him?

Meanwhile, in his own tent, Zhu Ying looked relaxed, smiling as if awaiting something.

“Fifteen treasure chests,” Zhu Ying’s eyes gleamed with excitement as he thought: “Seven first-tier chests, eight ordinary chests.”

“If luck isn’t too poor, this haul will yield plenty of good items.”

“Three Pure Ones, bless me.”

“Open all treasure chests,” Zhu Ying took a deep breath and issued the command.

The next instant!

The mental interface immediately flashed: “Host command received. Opening all treasure chests.”

“Opening eight ordinary treasure chests.”

"Congratulations, host, you have obtained [1 Skill Point]."

"Congratulations, host, you have obtained [100 Steel Swords]."

"Congratulations, host, you have obtained [1000 taels of silver]."

"Congratulations, host, you have obtained [10 bottles of Premium Hemostatic Powder]."

"Congratulations, host, you have obtained the design blueprint for [Assault Boat]."

"Congratulations, host, you have obtained the diagram record of [Fine Iron Smelting Method]."

"Congratulations, host, you have obtained [5 bottles of Minor Restoration Pills]."

"Congratulations, host, you have obtained [300 Steel Penetrating Arrows]."

"Open first-tier treasure chest."

"Congratulations, host, you have obtained [2 Skill Points]."

"Congratulations, host, you have obtained the diagram record of [Steel Refining Method]."

"Congratulations, host, you have obtained [Concrete Manufacturing Method]."

"Congratulations, host, you have obtained a Xuan-class lower-grade [Golden Scale Inner Armor]."

"Congratulations, host, you have obtained the diagram record of [Hot Air Balloon]."

"Congratulations, host, you have obtained the diagram record and principles of [Telegraph Machine]."

"Congratulations, host, you have obtained the diagram record of [Heavy Armor Casting Method]."

The system prompts continued without pause; in the blink of an eye, all fifteen treasure chests were fully opened.

Seeing the items awarded from these chests, Zhu Ying’s expression turned slightly peculiar.

"I haven’t seen a martial arts manual in ages, nor have I obtained any divine weapons or sharp blades for a long time."

"This time, the only item worthy of mention is this Xuan-class lower-grade inner armor."

"Sigh, though I already own one inner armor, this Xuan-class one must offer superior protection—I’ll be safer on the battlefield from now on."

"I’ve gained three more skill points—that’s not bad."

"With these skill points, I can improve my martial technique proficiency; at a critical moment, it might prove decisive."

"Steel swords are practical enough—I can distribute them to my personal guards."

"During this city assault, the weapons held by my personal guards played a significant role; it’s time to equip those without steel swords."

"As for the rest..." Zhu Ying’s gaze swept over the items awarded from the chests, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words.

Assault Boat?

This might be useful in naval combat.

Yet, similar assault boats already exist in this era—though the one from the chest will surely surpass them in speed and performance.

Fine Iron Smelting Method?

Sounds promising; I can try using it to refine iron later and forge better weapons.

Penetrating arrows are good too, but Zhu Ying doesn’t urgently need them now.

After all, he’d already obtained many steel penetrating arrows before; in his view, no one yet deserved the use of such arrows.

Then came the truly remarkable items.

Steel refining?

In this era, steel refining technology had barely begun to develop—it was undeniably a far-ahead technique.

And concrete? That was even more unexpected.

Most absurd of all was the hot air balloon—even its manufacturing diagram records had been awarded.

And the most incomprehensible of all was the telegraph machine.

In an era where electricity had not yet been discovered or harnessed, where the Industrial Revolution had not even begun, the telegraph machine was pure fantasy.

Holding the telegraph machine’s diagram and principles, Zhu Ying could only laugh and cry at once—this thing had absolutely no use in the present!

After a moment of thought, Zhu Ying quickly let go of his frustration.

"Fine," Zhu Ying sighed, shaking his head inwardly: "Just like before—I’ll treat this as accumulating wealth for the future."

"When I one day establish my own nation, these precious diagram records from the treasure chests will allow me to rapidly transform my realm into the world’s foremost technological superpower."

"I’ve already obtained flintlock guns, premium gunpowder refining methods, and red barbarian cannons."

"Hmm... if all these could be manufactured in reality, it would truly be extraordinary."

Thinking of this, Zhu Ying couldn’t help laughing aloud, his eyes filled with longing and anticipation for the future.

Technological superpower!

Modern superpower!

These don’t seem like dreams anymore!

Though these high-tech items from the treasure chests cannot yet be realized due to the limitations of this era, Zhu Ying firmly believed that one day, they would become his weapons, helping him forge a true technological superpower ahead of the entire world.

In the era of Zhu Ying’s past life, foreign powers used their sturdy ships and powerful cannons to blast open China’s gates, burning, killing, looting, and committing every atrocity, bringing immense suffering and humiliation to the land of Huaxia.

Now, Zhu Ying silently vowed: in the future, he would use his own cannons to blast open the gates of those foreign powers, turn their own methods against them, let them taste the agony of invasion, restore the glory of Huaxia, and erase the shame of his past life!

Of course!

Zhu Ying was also confident—he would personally witness the transformation from this agrarian age to the industrial age, and then to the electrical age and modern technology, all led by him and centered on Huaxia.

Northern Yuan, New Capital!

"Report!" A Northern Yuan soldier, panicked, scrambled into the hall and fell to his knees with a thud, urgently reporting: "Your Majesty, disaster has struck!"

"Urgent news: Zhenxiacheng has fallen."

"General Mahawu fought valiantly but was defeated and died on the battlefield; tens of thousands of our soldiers were slaughtered by the Ming army."

"Forced by circumstance, the Second Imperial Prince has withdrawn his forces into Zhentangcheng."

"Now the Ming army advances fiercely—the Second Imperial Prince urgently begs Your Majesty to dispatch reinforcements immediately; otherwise, all our border cities will be in grave danger!"

His words ended.

The atmosphere in court shifted instantly.

"What?" The Yuan Emperor, upon hearing this, turned pale as death, eyes wide, staring fixedly at the soldier as if unable to believe his ears: "Say it again!"

"Zhenxiacheng has fallen? How is that possible?"

Not only the Emperor, but all the Northern Yuan ministers in court were stunned by this sudden news.

Zhenxiacheng was a fortress impregnable as iron; even if the Ming army was prepared, it was understandable if it fell after holding out for over ten days.

Yet now, it had fallen in a single day—this was simply unacceptable, beyond anyone’s imagination.

How did the Ming army accomplish this?

Even a thousand cannons firing together couldn’t breach a city in one day!

"Your Majesty," the soldier on the ground trembled as he spoke, "Zhenxiacheng has truly fallen!"

"General Mahawu... has also died."

"It is said that the Ming general Zhu Ying led the assault and breached the city—General Mahawu was killed by his hand."

Upon receiving this confirmed answer, the Yuan Emperor felt his vision darken; he lost all strength and collapsed onto his dragon throne.

"How? How could this be?" the Emperor muttered, eyes filled with panic and despair: "It’s only been one day! I spent countless resources and manpower to build these border fortresses, stationed over a hundred thousand troops—why couldn’t they hold for even one day? Why?!"

“How could this be? How is this possible?” the Emperor murmured, his eyes filled with panic and despair: “It has only been one day! I have spent countless resources and manpower to build these border fortresses, and deployed over a hundred thousand troops to garrison them—why can’t they hold for even a single day? Why?!”

he regained his composure.

The Emperor, frantic with urgency, immediately turned to Shi Liemeng in court and asked: "Chancellor! Where have all our generals’ troops been deployed?"

"Your Majesty," Shi Liemeng replied solemnly, "Imperial orders for troop mobilization have already been issued."

"But to concentrate forces from all regions to the new capital will take at least half a month."

"Moreover, Your Majesty has yet to appoint a supreme commander."

"These critical matters require Your Majesty’s imperial decision."

"Supreme commander?" The Emperor paused, then immediately snapped back to focus, his gaze sweeping the court until it landed on Guili Chi in the military ranks. "Minister. I appoint you Grand General. All troops summoned shall be under your command."

"Including the ten thousand elite cavalry urgently recalled from the northern frontier—they too are under your command."

"I ask for nothing else—I only hope you lead the army to crush the Ming forces, drive them back south, and expel them from our Yuan territory."

"If you accomplish this, I... I..." The Emperor paused, then his eyes hardened with resolve as he shouted: "I shall make you a Prince!"

Hearing the Emperor’s promise of princely title, Guili Chi, previously calm, flushed crimson with excitement. He stepped forward, clasped his fists, and cried out: "Rest assured, Your Majesty! I shall spare no effort and fulfill Your Majesty’s trust!"

"I shall slaughter every last Ming soldier who dares invade our Yuan realm, to repay Your Majesty’s boundless grace!"

“I shall slaughter every last Ming soldier who dares invade our Great Yuan, to repay Your Majesty’s boundless imperial grace!”

(End of Chapter)

(End of chapter)