Chapter 158: Zhu Di

In response to the officers’ congratulations, Zhu Ying merely smiled and returned their bows.

After a round of polite exchanges.

The military council, now that all forces had assembled, finally began in earnest.

“Gentlemen, commanders.”

“Our troops have now captured over a dozen cities along the Northern Yuan’s border.”

“However, according to intelligence reports from our spies within Northern Yuan territory.”

“Over the past three months, the Yuan Emperor has moved troops from all regions to reinforce his capital—his total forces likely exceed four hundred thousand.”

“Moreover, the Yuan Emperor’s Grand General, Guili Chi, personally leads one hundred thousand cavalrymen, stationed just a hundred li beyond the capital, at the imperial pasture.”

“The intent, gentlemen, should be clear to you all.” Zhu Di scanned the tent, speaking slowly.

His words fell silent.

Zhang Yu spoke first: “Your Highness, the Northern Yuan’s intent is obvious—they cannot withstand our offensive with their city defenses, so they intend to use their own strength against ours.”

“In the past,”

“the Northern Yuan conquered the Central Plains and seized the empire precisely through the power of their cavalry.”

“Therefore,”

“the Northern Yuan aims to crush us with their cavalry.”

Hearing this,

Zhu Di cast an approving glance at Zhang Yu, deeply satisfied.

After all, Zhang Yu was his own Beiping commander—his brilliance reflected well on Zhu Di.

“Gentlemen,”

“I’ll spare you the empty words.”

“The Northern Yuan’s cavalry is unmatched in the world.”

“Even though our Great Ming has driven them out of the Central Plains for decades, their cavalry remains formidable.”

“I am not boosting the enemy’s morale or diminishing our own—this is simply the truth.”

“Our Great Ming’s cavalry still lags behind theirs.”

“And even combined, our cavalry cannot reach one hundred thousand.” Zhu Di spoke with grave seriousness.

Having guarded Beiping for years,

though he had never fought a large-scale war against the Northern Yuan,

minor skirmishes had occurred.

When the Northern Yuan raided southward, they relied primarily on cavalry.

The Beiping Army was indeed formidable; before Zhu Ying’s arrival, it was the strongest force on the border.

Yet in direct clashes with Northern Yuan cavalry, the Beiping Army was at a disadvantage—even in cavalry-versus-cavalry engagements, they could not match the enemy.

Thus, Zhu Di’s apprehension was understandable.

“Your Highness, the Prince of Yan,”

“one hundred thousand cavalry, especially on vast grasslands, cannot be countered by infantry alone.”

“Perhaps we can only confront them by uniting forces with General Lan Yu,” Mu Sheng said solemnly.

“Unite forces?”

“Impossible.”

“The Northern Yuan won’t let us unite.”

“We’ve already penetrated deep into Northern Yuan territory; besides facing their hundred thousand cavalry, we must also contend with hundreds of thousands of their infantry.”

“General Lan Yu on the left can still pin them down and hold them fast—but if he joins us, we’ll lose our current numerical advantage against the Northern Yuan cavalry,” Zhang Yu replied immediately.

“Our forces total one hundred fifty thousand—we may outnumber them, but we’re still no match for cavalry.”

“The Northern Yuan has openly chosen to engage us head-on with cavalry, on open, level terrain—we simply cannot win,” Mu Sheng said with a bitter smile.

“Your Highness,”

“General Li.”

“What do you suggest we do now?” Zhang Yu turned his pleading gaze toward Zhu Di.

Zhang Yu had fought Northern Yuan cavalry before—he knew that on open ground, Ming cavalry were no match.

“This…”

Zhu Di’s face darkened with worry—he had no idea how to proceed.

Even after years on the frontier,

his strategy against Northern Yuan cavalry had always relied on the Great Wall’s defense, on holding cities, on passive resistance.

But this time, the Great Ming was on the offensive—we had to confront the Northern Yuan cavalry directly, and that would be nearly impossible to withstand.

After a moment of thought,

Zhu Di turned his gaze toward Li Jinglong.

After all, Zhu Di had been sent by Zhu Yuanzhang to gain experience and enhance his command skills—he was here primarily to observe; real decision-making authority rested with Li Jinglong.

Sensing Zhu Di’s gaze,

Li Jinglong’s heart lurched.

Hearing the officers’ words, he had already felt helpless—when even Zhu Di and Zhang Yu had no solution to this open Northern Yuan strategy, what could he possibly do?

Now,

how could Li Jinglong not panic?

Yet,

as Zhu Di’s gaze shifted,

nearly every officer in the tent turned to look at him—under such pressure, Li Jinglong seemed forced to speak.

Facing this,

after a moment of struggle, Li Jinglong’s peripheral vision caught Zhu Ying, seated at the head of the left bench, silent all along.

Instantly,

with the desperate hope of grasping at straws, he asked Zhu Ying: “General Zhu, what is your view on the Northern Yuan cavalry?”

The next moment,

every officer’s gaze—including Zhu Di’s—locked onto Zhu Ying.

“Li Jinglong truly is useless.”

“He has no command ability at all, yet everyone treats him as if he’s skilled—his father’s glory shines too brightly.” Zhu Ying thought silently.

Yet,

at this moment,

Zhu Ying didn’t dwell on it.

“When I trained troops in Daning, I already considered that if we launched a northern expedition, we would inevitably face the Northern Yuan’s strongest cavalry.”

“So…”

Zhu Ying scanned the room and said firmly: “While training in Daning, I already devised a countermeasure.”

Hearing this,

every officer in the tent stared at Zhu Ying in shock.

“General Zhu,”

“how do you plan to counter one hundred thousand Northern Yuan cavalry?” Zhu Di fixed his gaze on Zhu Ying, his voice urgent—though he asked, his heart was uneasy.

If Zhu Ying could truly counter one hundred thousand cavalry—even on open grasslands, where cavalry held the advantage—it would be terrifying.

“General Zhu,”

“you truly have a way to counter the Northern Yuan cavalry?”

“If so, General Zhu, you’ve achieved a monumental feat,” Li Jinglong exclaimed eagerly, staring at Zhu Ying with hope.

“Where are the officers from Daning and Huizhou?”

Zhu Ying did not answer directly, but spoke with authority.

“Here.”

The officers of the Daning frontier army, from Huizhouwei, rose and bowed respectfully to Zhu Ying.

“When I trained you in Daning, do you still recall the formations I taught you?” Zhu Ying asked sternly.

“We swear never to forget the General’s teachings,” ten Commanders-in-Chief replied in unison.

“The formations I taught you were specifically designed to counter Northern Yuan cavalry,” Zhu Ying smiled, confidence radiating from his face.

“What formation can counter one hundred thousand Northern Yuan iron cavalry?” Zhu Di asked skeptically.

Li Jinglong immediately added: “Yes, General Zhu—I understand formations somewhat. If the Northern Yuan cavalry numbered only tens of thousands, we might still use our numerical advantage to counter them—perhaps with a long-snake formation to encircle them, barely winning. But one hundred thousand cavalry, on open, level terrain—even ten long-snake formations would be shattered.”

Clearly,

Li Jinglong was deeply skeptical of Zhu Ying’s claim—he did not believe any formation could counter one hundred thousand cavalry.

“Have any of you heard of the Dragon Gate Formation?” Zhu Ying smiled, scanning the room.

“The Dragon Gate Formation created by Xue Rengui during the height of the Tang Dynasty?”

“It’s said this formation excels at trapping and annihilating enemies, specifically designed to counter cavalry.”

“But it was lost long ago.”

“Could it be that General Zhu knows it?” Zhu Di’s heart leapt—he asked urgently.

“Funny enough, I happen to know this formation.” Zhu Ying smiled confidently.

“If this truly is the legendary Dragon Gate Formation.”

“Then it might actually work against a hundred thousand Yuan cavalry.”

Zhu Di nodded solemnly.

“General Zhu.”

“Since you already have a strategy to counter them, this military council will follow your arrangements.”

“How to respond, how to deploy troops.”

“Everything is in your hands.”

Li Jinglong immediately spoke up.

Zhu Ying had a tactic against a hundred thousand cavalry; others might be impressed, but Li Jinglong’s impression was far greater.

This battle—

He no longer needed to lose face.

If he were truly put in command of the entire army, disaster would follow.

“This battle—”

“We rely on infantry to form the Dragon Gate Formation and trap and annihilate the Yuan cavalry.”

“The army’s cavalry will remain hidden behind the formation; once the Yuan forces are trapped, we release them gradually to slaughter them.” Zhu Ying said at once.

As for how to respond, how to deploy—

Zhu Ying had already thought through this many times during his time in Daning.

“This time, our Great Ming’s northern expedition is an offensive.”

“Will the Yuan cavalry willingly walk into the formation?” Li Jinglong asked, concerned.

If we set up the formation and the Yuan cavalry refuse to take the bait, it would be a farce.

“They won’t.”

Zhu Di shook his head with certainty: “The Yuan cavalry will definitely enter the formation!”

“Why?” Li Jinglong asked, puzzled.

Hearing Li Jinglong’s question, Zhu Di glanced at him with surprise—as if bewildered that Li Jinglong would ask such a thing.

After all, the logic was obvious.

“We still have some caution toward the Northern Yuan cavalry, yet the Northern Yuan take pride in nothing more than their cavalry.”

“To the Yuan Emperor and his generals, their cavalry alone can crush anything.”

“Once our forces reach the Yuan royal pastures, they will launch a full-scale charge—then we need only send a small cavalry unit to lure them.”

“When they reach the formation, they will not stop their advance.”

Zhu Di continued explaining slowly.

“Indeed.”

Li Jinglong nodded, as if this made perfect sense.

He came back to himself.

“General Zhu.”

“We are now less than a few dozen li from the Northern Yuan pastures.”

“What should we do next?” Li Jinglong asked.

“Send cavalry ahead to eliminate Yuan cavalry raids; the main army advances steadily.”

“Once we near the Yuan cavalry’s encampment, they will naturally launch an attack.”

“Once they enter the range of their cavalry’s assault, the roles reverse—we defend, they attack.” Zhu Ying said gravely.

Li Jinglong nodded in understanding, fully grasping it.

Immediately—

Li Jinglong addressed the officers in the tent: “All of you heard General Zhu’s orders?”

“Tomorrow—”

“The army proceeds as usual, steadily forward.”

“One day is enough.” Li Jinglong said firmly.

“Your orders shall be obeyed.”

The officers in the tent responded in unison.

“Gentlemen, return to your quarters and rest well.”

“We move tomorrow.”

Zhu Di also spoke to the officers.

Soon after—

The officers rose and took their leave.

Zhu Ying was no exception.

But—

As Zhu Ying prepared to return to his tent—

Zhu Neng hurried after him.

“General Zhu.”

“The Prince requests your presence.”

Zhu Neng whispered.

“Hmm.”

Zhu Ying nodded and followed Zhu Neng.

Not long after—

They arrived at Zhu Di’s tent.

“Your humble servant bows before Prince Yan.”

Zhu Ying bowed with clasped fists.

“General Zhu, no need for such formalities.”

Zhu Di smiled slightly and waved: “Please sit.”

Zhu Ying straightened, then sat beside him, watching Zhu Di with curiosity: “What is the Prince’s business in summoning me?”

“Must I have a reason to speak with General Zhu?” Zhu Di feigned annoyance.

“Not at all,” Zhu Ying replied with a smile.

“Enough.”

“I won’t beat around the bush.”

“I’ve just received word: your distillery’s first batch of fine liquor has arrived in Beiping Prefecture—and the response has been excellent.”

“This time—”

“General Zhu’s liquor will make a fortune in Beiping,” Zhu Di said with a grin.

“Mutual benefit.”

“The Prince will profit greatly as well,” Zhu Ying replied with a smile.

“Your tavern manager has already entered Beiping and selected locations for new taverns in Beiping City and many other towns—I’ve ordered that no one interfere.” Zhu Di added, showing clear goodwill toward Zhu Ying.

“Thank you, Prince,” Zhu Ying replied calmly.

As for Zhu Di—

Zhu Ying had always maintained this attitude: neither overly close nor openly hostile.

Having lived two lives, he knew well how to navigate such relationships.

“But…”

Suddenly—

Zhu Di’s tone shifted, his expression turning serious: “In the months since our northern expedition, Beiping Prefecture has not been entirely peaceful. Have you heard anything?”

As he asked this,

Zhu Di fixed his gaze deeply on Zhu Ying.

“Prince?”

“What do you mean?”

“Beiping has always been orderly under your rule. Even with the Beiping army on campaign, the law still holds—how could it be unsettled?” Zhu Ying asked, genuinely surprised.

At Zhu Di’s question, Zhu Ying already had an idea.

The Shen family matter had surely blown up.

After all, so many had died.

So much wealth had been plundered.

If this hadn’t reached Zhu Di’s ears, it would be strange.

After all, Zhu Di’s control over Beiping was deep.

Watching Zhu Ying’s genuine surprise, Zhu Di continued staring without answering immediately.

“Could it really not be him?”

Zhu Di secretly doubted, yet his expression remained unreadable; he only sighed, sounding troubled: “A fierce bandit gang has suddenly appeared in Beiping, spreading across many roads—your enemy, the Shen family’s caravan, has suffered heavy losses.”

"More than three hundred servants from the caravan were killed, and the financial losses reached thousands of gold pieces..."

Before Zhu Di could finish speaking.

Zhu Ying immediately frowned, sounding displeased: "Your Highness, do you suspect me of doing this?"

"Though I have killed countless men on the battlefield, my personal guards have always been with me, and within the city I have only dealt in alcohol—this Your Highness knows well."

"I have no capacity to arrange a band of mountain bandits to rob and murder."

"Moreover..."

Zhu Ying paused, speaking with grave seriousness: "The Shen family—I truly wish to tear them into a thousand pieces—but I lacked evidence of their crimes back then. Even though I was furious, I dared not act rashly, bound as I am by the laws of the Great Ming and the majesty of the imperial throne."

"But..."

"If the Shen family truly drew the attention of mountain bandits, then they deserve it."

"It’s just a pity for those outside the Shen family."

Saying this,

Zhu Ying also displayed a look of deep sorrow.

"It really wasn’t him."

Seeing Zhu Ying’s earnest, genuinely unaware expression, Zhu Di grew more certain in his heart.

"General Zhu has misunderstood."

"This time, apart from the Shen family, no other merchants were robbed or killed."

"Only the Shen family—this band of mountain bandits targeted the Shen family."

"Anyone from the Shen family was killed, anyone was robbed," Zhu Di said grimly.

"So specifically targeted?" Zhu Ying exclaimed in surprise, then added: "This seems like the work of the Shen family’s enemies."

"If not..."

"They would never have targeted the Shen family so precisely."

"This incident occurred in Beiping Prefecture."

"Your Highness must treat this with caution. The local government must increase patrols and eliminate this rampant bandit gang."

"Though I also despise the Shen family, this incident happened in Beiping Prefecture—if it truly reaches the imperial court, Your Highness’s reputation will suffer."

Zhu Ying spoke with genuine concern.

"General Zhu need not worry."

"I have already given orders."

"Full-scale manhunt for the bandits."

"Though the Beiping army has marched north, dealing with a mere band of mountain bandits is no challenge for Beiping’s local government," Zhu Di said with a smile.

"That is as it should be."

Zhu Ying nodded in agreement.

"Enough."

"I called you here to speak of the tavern matters."

"This matter is settled."

"General Zhu, return to rest now."

"When we finally face the Northern Yuan cavalry, I look forward to seeing General Zhu’s Dragon Gate Formation."

After the probe, Zhu Di issued his dismissal.

"Then I take my leave," Zhu Ying said with a smile, bowing and exiting the tent.

Being with Zhu Di, a man with eight hundred schemes, Zhu Ying still found it deeply unpleasant.

Perhaps he is the Yongle Emperor of history.

But...

Right now, he is still an ambitious man.

He has not yet taken that throne!

Watching Zhu Ying’s retreating back, until he had walked more than ten paces from the tent,

"It seems it wasn’t him," Zhu Di said slowly.

"But Your Highness was initially the most suspicious of him."

Yao Guangxiao’s voice came from inside the inner tent.

Clearly,

they remained inseparable.

"This band of mountain bandits is no ordinary group—each one is highly trained. Most of the Shen family’s servants were killed with a single blow. Such discipline makes me suspect him."

"Moreover,"

"He has a life-or-death grudge against the Shen family," Zhu Di said grimly.

"Indeed."

"With his alcohol sales, he has amassed vast wealth."

"If he truly wished to train a cadre of elite assassins, it is certainly possible."

"But General Zhu, though young, is deeply cunning."

"Your Highness cannot easily discern his true intentions through probes."

"Moreover,"

"Your Highness hopes to use this as leverage to bring him under your control—it will be even harder."

"This man is no ordinary person."

"Do not treat him by ordinary standards," Yao Guangxiao said slowly, his tone filled with warning.

"I understand that well."

Zhu Di nodded, his expression complex: "But such an opportunity—if I do not test it, it would be a waste."

"If I can control him, I will truly have the advantage."

(End of Chapter)