[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut":3,"chapter-starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-chapter-159":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Starting from the Battlefield: Gathering Attributes to Build the All-Heavens Ming Dynasty",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2341966,4577,"Chapter 159: Shen Yuer","starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-chapter-159",159,"\u003Cp>Looks like!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Di’s Shitan  of Zhu Ying this time has a very clear purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Zhu Ying had truly shown signs of guilt or admitted to orchestrating the massacre of the Shen family, Zhu Di could use it as leverage to gain initial control over Zhu Ying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Di is a clever man, and Zhu Ying is no fool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying knows full well just how great Zhu Di’s ambitions are.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Zhu Di’s Shitan  ended in failure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You say.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could it really have been him who ambushed the Shen family’s caravan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Di turned his head and asked Yao Guangxiao again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Zhu Ying’s answer and demeanor showed no irregularities, Zhu Di felt it wasn’t him—but doubt still lingered in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whether or not.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if the Prince suspects it was him, without evidence, it’s merely surface appearance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If the Prince truly wishes to use this to control Zhu Ying, he must obtain concrete evidence.” Yao Guangxiao replied solemnly; he did not confirm whether it was him or not, but his intent was unmistakable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Di nodded, his expression unusually grave: “I will issue orders—Gaochi must spare no cost to capture this band of ‘mountain robbers’ and secure evidence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had this been merely an ordinary bandit ambush, Zhu Di would not have cared so deeply—but the situation now is entirely different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more Zhu Di fears Zhu Ying, the more he values this opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Zhu Ying could be brought under his control, all his fears would vanish—so Zhu Di naturally seized every chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Zhu Ying returned to his tent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhu Di.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Has a deep grudge against me—he came specifically to test me this time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From now on, I must increase my guard against this man—no close ties allowed.” Zhu Ying thought to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying had not missed Zhu Di’s Shitan .\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Liu Lei.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying called out toward the tent’s entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Lei hurried in and bowed respectfully: “Lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are the Black Guards still carrying out the ambushes on the Shen family’s caravans?” Zhu Ying asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Replying to Lord, since the first report.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Black Guards’ ambushes continue unabated; thanks to plundering the Shen family’s caravans, we’ve amassed considerable wealth, and over six or seven hundred Shen servants have died at our hands. But the Shen family has grown wiser—they’ve hired escort firms, though their effectiveness is weak.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Black Guards strictly follow Lord’s orders: any Shen caravan, seize its goods, kill its people.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Unless Lord orders otherwise, the Black Guards will not cease.” Liu Lei reported immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Prince of Yan has now learned of the ambushes in Beiping Prefecture.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Send word to the Black Guards—be cautious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I do not wish any evidence to fall into the hands of the authorities.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This matter has grown too large.” Zhu Ying said solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If only a few or a dozen had been killed, it might have remained quiet—but hundreds dead? Even if Zhu Di tried to cover it up, word would eventually reach the imperial court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet even so, Zhu Ying had no intention of stopping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He intended to make the Shen family tremble with terror, to make them understand what fear truly meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beiping Prefecture was only the beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the Black Guards grew stronger, they would not merely strike in Beiping—wherever the Shen family’s caravans traveled, the Black Guards would keep killing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Zhu Ying’s madness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since they were already mortal enemies, and Zhu Ying now had his own secret death-soldiers, he would feel no restraint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gentleman seeks revenge after ten years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying seeks revenge day and night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying would make the Shen family live forever in nightmares.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It all begins with Beiping Prefecture—gradually dismantling the Shen family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord, rest assured—the poison you gave the Black Guards has been successfully prepared and issued to every member; if any are captured, there will be no survivors.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Moreover.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I believe there is no one under heaven who can match the Black Guards in covert combat.” Liu Lei replied with great confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Treat them with caution.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying warned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying naturally had great confidence in the Black Guards—they had been trained by his Personal Guards, practiced hardened martial arts, and had their bodies tempered with Bone-Refining Powder; their physical strength was no longer ordinary. As long as they weren’t surrounded, they were nearly impossible to stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Outside the camp.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A man has arrived, claiming to be from the Shen family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Says he comes on the orders of the Shen family patriarch to meet you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Han’s voice came from outside the tent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shen family?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying frowned, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord, shall we just…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Lei raised his hand and made a slashing motion across his throat—his meaning was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s see him first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I want to see what tricks the Shen family is playing.” Zhu Ying steadied himself and said at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He and the Shen family were already locked in mortal enmity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Shen Wansan’s cunning, he must have realized there was no reconciliation possible between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This targeted slaughter of the Shen family by Zhu Ying—given Shen Wansan’s intelligence—he had surely eliminated all other possibilities and ultimately pinned it on Zhu Ying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was exactly what Zhu Ying intended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he had once tricked Zhu Ying—bribing the recruiting officer to send him to Danning Prefecture, yet leaving no proof it was the Shen family’s doing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now Zhu Ying was doing the same to them—making them know it was him who ambushed their caravans, yet leaving them with no evidence. Perhaps this was a karmic cycle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under Xiao Han’s guidance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A middle-aged man entered Zhu Ying’s tent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon seeing Zhu Ying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s heart jolted—he was clearly from the Shen family and recognized Zhu Ying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Zhu Ying of old had been a naive fool; now, Zhu Ying radiated authority, drenched in the aura of slaughter—he was a different man entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shen Cong of the Shen family, pays respects to General Zhu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After entering the tent, the man immediately knelt and bowed low before Zhu Ying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shen Cong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No Feihua —just tell me what Shen Wansan sent you here to do.” Zhu Ying said coldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying naturally recognized the man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was the son of the Shen family’s steward; they had crossed paths before in Beiping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By my master’s order.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I bring a letter for the General.” Shen Cong stood and pulled a sealed letter from his robe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Lei stepped forward, gave it a cold glance, took the letter, and respectfully handed it to Zhu Ying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying took the letter, tore it open, and read the contents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon seeing the contents, Zhu Ying’s expression subtly changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He closed the letter and stared coldly at Shen Cong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“General Zhu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve read the letter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My master also said.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Feuds are better resolved than prolonged.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In the past, our Shen family did wrong. To atone for our mistreatment of you, General, we are willing to pay fifty thousand taels of gold.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If General Zhu agrees to bury the past grievances, fifty thousand taels of gold can be delivered to Daning Prefecture at any time,” Shen Cong said solemnly, holding up five fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing that sum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying showed no reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To any man, fifty thousand taels of gold was an enormous sum, enough to make anyone fabulously wealthy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the Shen family had truly bled heavily this time—fifty thousand taels was no small amount even for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to quell the matter, they gritted their teeth and produced it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What if I refuse?” Zhu Ying sneered coldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“General Zhu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My master said.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What my family did back then was indeed inappropriate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now General Zhu holds high rank and power, but the Shen family is no ordinary commoner household. The Great Ming governs by law. Even if General Zhu hates us, the deed is done—why not accept our apology gift and avoid further enmity?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But if General Zhu insists on continuing to target the Shen family, then the Lady’s identity will be made public.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You just saw the letter—the Lady’s lineage is no trivial matter. Her ancestors once offended many powerful figures, who now hold considerable influence in the imperial court.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I trust General Zhu understands my meaning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Cong lifted his head, speaking with a threatening tone, his gaze filled with mockery as he stared at Zhu Ying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He assumed that anyone not utterly foolish would not dare continue targeting the Shen family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had vastly overestimated the Shen family—and vastly underestimated Zhu Ying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying’s expression remained calm, but the coldness in his eyes grew denser.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Lei and Xiao Han’s expressions were filled with murderous intent as they watched Shen Cong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had they not been waiting for Zhu Ying’s order, they would have cut him down on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cut off his hands.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying said coldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the command,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Lei and Xiao Han moved without hesitation, walking straight toward Shen Cong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhu Ying.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you doing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aren’t you truly afraid?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even though you’ve been promoted, compared to the nobles and high officials in the court, you’re nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Liu Lei and Xiao Han approaching, Shen Cong’s face, moments ago filled with threatening smirks, turned pale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the next instant,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Han slammed Shen Cong to the ground, his strength like iron clamps—one hand pinning him, the other forcing his wrists flat against the earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you doing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell are you doing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Cong was now utterly panicked, trembling violently, struggling with all his strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ll find out soon,” Liu Lei sneered, drawing his steel blade from his waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he brought the blade down upon Shen Cong’s hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“AHHHH!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Cong screamed in agony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both hands severed, blood spurted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, he fainted from the pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying showed no reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The battlefield was far bloodier than this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop the bleeding.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Splash water on him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying ordered sternly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Lei pulled a vial of hemostatic powder from his robe and applied it directly to Shen Cong’s severed wrists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the military’s divine medicine, its effect was immediate—within moments, the bleeding ceased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Han brought in a basin of icy water from outside the tent and poured it over Shen Cong’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Cong was jolted awake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>his face was deathly pale; staring at his severed hands, he glared at Zhu Ying with furious hatred: “The Shen family… and those nobles won’t let you live.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll wait.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying replied calmly, his eyes fixed on Shen Cong: “Go tell Shen Wansan that old bastard—soon, I will exterminate his entire clan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying waved his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Han showed no hesitation—he seized Shen Cong by the collar and dragged him out of the tent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After he left, two Personal Guards entered and cleaned up the blood and severed hands on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These Shen people are truly asking for death.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How dare they send someone to meet you?” Liu Lei said with scorn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Lei knew full well how the Shen family had wronged his master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You may go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For the Shen family, the Black Guards are to show no mercy—kill on sight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Also, expand the Black Guards steadily—do not limit yourselves to Beiping Prefecture,” Zhu Ying ordered sternly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Lei bowed deeply and immediately took his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then exited the tent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After he left,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying’s gaze returned to the letter in his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Liu Bowen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yuer… is Liu Bowen’s granddaughter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s quite a joke.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Liu Bowen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The man who severed the dragon veins, the strategist who helped Zhu Yuanzhang conquer the realm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But his death seems tied to Li Shanzhang and Hu Weiyong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He was caught in the turmoil surrounding the founding of the Great Ming, and died amid its intrigues.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the letter, Zhu Ying felt a flicker of surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bowen—this name was far from unfamiliar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And his wife was Liu Bowen’s granddaughter. After Liu Bowen’s death, he secretly sent her to the Shen family, relying on the debt of gratitude he had once owed them, so they would take her in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Shen family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You truly are merchants—greedy, heartless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Liu Bowen entrusted Yuer to you—he clearly trusted you. And if he gave you a favor, it was no small one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yet in all these years, have you ever treated Yuer with kindness?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You gave her the hollow title of ‘illegitimate daughter,’ but in truth, you treated her as a slave.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Calling you heartless is already too generous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You thought you could control me through Yuer’s lineage—but now, I have no reason left to hold back against you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You aren’t even her family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This… is perfect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ying pondered inwardly, his expression growing colder by the moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Zhu Ying,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>for Shen Yuer,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>though the Shen family had already severed all ties, Shen Yuer still bore the Shen surname; no matter how Zhu Ying might later strike against the Shen family, he ought to show some mercy—at least leave them a single heir. But now, the Shens themselves had delivered Shen Yuer’s origins straight to Zhu Ying’s door, foolishly believing this knowledge could threaten him and force him to halt his campaign against them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, in the Shen family’s view,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bowen had once offended many.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he had offended none other than the old Huaixi faction—no matter how powerful Zhu Ying was, he could never rival Huaixi!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All one can say is,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the Shen family had been far too presumptuous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had destroyed their own final shield, for no reason at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ying Tian!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The capital of the Great Ming—the city of Ying Tian!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the massive city gate,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>crowds of civilians streamed in and out: some in carriages, others on foot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those entering the city never ceased to arrive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>outside the gate,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>ten carriages stood out sharply, alongside many more hauling crates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the escort of over a hundred Jinwu Guards, they advanced toward the gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Lady.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ying Tian—our Great Ming’s capital has arrived.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside Shen Yuer’s carriage, Lin Fu shouted excitedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the voice,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer stirred with interest, immediately lifting the curtain, holding her son, and gazing forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A majestic city gate rose before her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above the gate, the three characters “Ying Tian City” radiated the grandeur of a capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around it, civilians from all corners of the realm poured in continuously; as the Great Ming’s capital and its most prosperous city, Ying Tian drew those seeking official business, officials arriving to report, and merchants alike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was, without doubt, bustling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xi’er, look—this is our Great Ming’s capital.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer had never been to the capital before; now, as she gazed upon it, she immediately spoke to her son in her arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Xi was already several months old; though he could not understand, he followed his mother’s gaze, his big eyes wide open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Captain Zhang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do we still need to queue to enter?” Lin Fu asked the Jinwu Guard company commander.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Fu turned to the Jinwu Guard company commander beside him and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lin the steward underestimates the Jinwu Guards too much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We who travel outside represent the Crown Prince himself—we have our own dedicated entry passage.” The Jinwu Guard company commander spoke with a touch of pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding Jinwu Guards straightened their postures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they arrived, the onlookers’ gazes filled with reverence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Great Ming’s military,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>who did not wish to join the Imperial Guard? Who did not wish to join the Jinwu Guards?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was unquestionable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Imperial Guard!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jinwu Guards!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In military structure, in status, in salary—they were far superior to regional armies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the escort of the Jinwu Guards,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>indeed,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the city gate guards, upon seeing the Jinwu Guards, immediately opened a path blocked by barricades and stepped aside respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jinwu Guards surrounded the Zhu family’s carriages, and with the awe-filled stares of countless civilians, they entered the city without hindrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jinwu Guard escorted Zhu’s carriage, passing unimpeded through the city amid the reverent gazes of countless commoners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the glory and convenience brought by power seemed made manifest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Captain Zhang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shall we proceed directly to the residence?” Lin Fu ventured to ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that they had reached Ying Tian City, whether to go straight to the mansion granted by the Emperor to his young master, or to visit the Eastern Palace to pay respects to Crown Prince Zhu Biao—this was not Lin Fu’s decision to make.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Crown Prince previously sent word: after Lady Zhu arrives in Ying Tian, she may return directly to the residence and await summons; the Crown Prince will call for her in due time.” Captain Zhang replied at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then we are grateful for your guidance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Fu nodded in understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterwards,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the journey passed in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the protection of the Jinwu Guards, they traveled unimpeded all the way to the inner city, just a few streets away from the imperial palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the protection of the Jinwu Guard, they traveled unimpeded all the way to the inner city, just a few streets away from the imperial palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2884,"2026-06-20T23:30:09.614Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","fa230668f74043de247f65c99513a6a6269b74d0836d2a366acda9f4dc42bece","starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-chapter-160","starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-chapter-158",204,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-cover.jpg"]