[{"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-160":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},2341967,4577,"Chapter 160: Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao Discuss Summoning Zhu Ying","starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-chapter-160",160,"\u003Cp>This mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It stands merely a few streets away from the imperial palace, bustling with carriages and clamor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carriages frequently pass by.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, all are people of status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, the capital’s greatest prosperity is displayed, and its extraordinary status is affirmed. Zhu Ying’s granted mansion lies here, a clear sign of the Emperor and Crown Prince’s high regard for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Welcome, Madam, home!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the carriage halted before the grand gate, about fifty servants knelt in unison, their voices echoing down the entire street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Fu moved swiftly, leaping down first, then gently taking the young Zhu Xi from Shen Yuer’s arms, his motions tender, afraid of disturbing his young master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rise, all of you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer slowly stepped down from the carriage and spoke gently to the kneeling servants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Madam!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All chorused in unison, yet kept their heads bowed, daring not to look directly at Shen Yuer’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As bonded servants, they knew their fates—life and death rested entirely in the hands of their Master and Madam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Humility, obedience—this was their only way to survive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Madam Zhu, this is the mansion granted by His Majesty to General Zhu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“With this escort mission completed, I shall return to the Eastern Palace to report to Crown Prince.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jinwuwei Company Commander stepped forward, clasping his fists, and spoke respectfully to Shen Yuer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Commander Zhang, for your careful escort. My husband and I are deeply grateful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer smiled in thanks, revealing genuine appreciation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Madam, you are too kind. It is my duty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Commander Zhang replied with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Commander Zhang turned and waved his hand; his Jinwuwei troops swiftly formed ranks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Return to the Eastern Palace,” Commander Zhang called out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They marched toward the Eastern Palace, a hundred Jinwuwei in formation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All of you, get down! The mansion’s guards will maintain the same duty roster as in Daning—no slackening.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Fu turned and shouted to the servants who were disembarking from the following carriages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!” The servants responded in unison, their voices crisp and orderly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the journey from Daning to Yingtian, Jinwuwei provided escort; thus, Lin Fu left only twenty servants to guard the Daning mansion and brought over a hundred others to Yingtian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew clearly: they would likely reside in Yingtian long-term; the Daning mansion would rarely, if ever, be revisited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after the war ended, his young master would surely come here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the imperial palace—Wenyuan Pavilion!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Emperor’s chamber for reviewing memorials, the entire hall was steeped in solemn gravity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yuanzhang, clad in a bright yellow dragon robe, sat upright on the dragon throne; even without speaking, he radiated an aura of unspoken authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, Zhu Biao stood straight, his gaze fixed on the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the center of the hall,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>a youth of seventeen or eighteen, dressed in an ornate imperial prince’s robe embroidered with intricate dragon patterns, knelt respectfully before Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao: “Your servant bows to Father and Elder Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rise,” Zhu Yuanzhang said, raising his hand slightly, his voice low and commanding, echoing through the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Father.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The prince rose slowly, his hands unconsciously clenched, his face tense, his eyes filled with unspoken awe as he cautiously regarded Zhu Yuanzhang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before this father, he trembled with deep-seated fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Seventeenth Brother, no need to be so formal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Today, Father summoned you to hear your thoughts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao smiled gently, his expression warm and elder-brotherly, his tone kind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seventeenth Brother!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes—he was Zhu Yuanzhang’s seventeenth son, Zhu Quan, future Prince of Ning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I beg to ask, Father’s command? Your servant will spare no effort, even at the cost of my life.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Quan replied respectfully, leaning slightly forward, utterly submissive, daring not the slightest disrespect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I wish to know: do you depart for Daning now, or wait until after the northern campaign?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yuanzhang fixed his gaze on Zhu Quan, his tone calm, his intentions unreadable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From his demeanor, it was clear Zhu Biao held a weight in his heart utterly unlike that of his other sons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was Zhu Zhongba’s biological son? What was Zhu Yuanzhang’s bloodline heir?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were not the same thing at all!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Quan lifted his head, hesitation flickering in his eyes; nervously, he asked: “May I ask, Father, what difference does it make whether I go now or after the northern campaign?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yuanzhang frowned slightly, a trace of displeasure crossing his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Zhu Biao stepped forward at once, smiling warmly: “Seventeenth Brother, our Great Ming is now in a critical phase of the northern campaign against the Northern Yuan. Daning lies on our northern frontier, of immense strategic value. It will face frequent clashes with northern barbarians, possibly even large-scale war.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Therefore, Father intends for you to join the northern frontier troops, observe firsthand, experience the battlefield—perhaps you will gain insight and broaden your horizons.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhu Quan understood at once, his eyes brightening; he quickly said: “Then I understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am willing to depart for the northern frontier first, to train and observe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But… but…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Quan hesitated, his eyes filled with worry, his speech halting as he nervously glanced at Zhu Yuanzhang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Speak plainly! Don’t dither!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My sons cannot be so timid.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yuanzhang scowled, raising his voice slightly in irritation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your father has decreed: once a prince takes his fief, he may not meet privately with others.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As I understand, Fourth Brother serves as a commander in the northern campaign—so I fear that going prematurely might violate Father’s decree.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Quan answered uneasily, his voice growing fainter, his body trembling slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a hint of his father’s anger filled him with utter dread—this fear came from the deepest core of his being.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am sending you to the northern frontier, not ordering you to take your fief yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Before you assume your fief, you are not yet a true prince.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Moreover, I am the one sending you—your elder brother and I both approve. Who would dare impeach you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yuanzhang scolded Zhu Quan, his eyes filled with frustration at his son’s weakness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from his Biao, why are all the others so fearful?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If others saw this, they’d surely grow resentful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Quan bowed deeply, secretly exhaling in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before his father, he could never relax; deep shadows haunted his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Seventeenth Brother, I give you one day to prepare.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go bid farewell properly to your mother in the palace; depart tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao smiled, his eyes brimming with concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Zhu Yuanzhang treated his sons with sternness, Zhu Biao embodied the gentle benevolence of an elder brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your servant thanks Elder Brother,” Zhu Quan bowed respectfully to Zhu Biao, then turned to Zhu Yuanzhang and asked cautiously: “Father, may I go see my mother now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go,” Zhu Yuanzhang waved dismissively, unwilling to say more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Father,” Zhu Quan’s face lit up with joy; he bowed and hurried out of Wenyuan Pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though a prince, he had left the palace at twelve; without explicit permission, he could never enter to visit his mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you think the seventeenth can shoulder the burden of Daning on the northern frontier?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Compared to Beiping, Daning and Liaodong are the true strategic strongholds of our northern frontier.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I intend for him to command a guard battalion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Zhu Quan’s retreating back, Zhu Yuanzhang fell into thought, a hint of worry on his face; his fingers unconsciously tapped the arm of the dragon throne, lost in contemplation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father, the seventeenth is still young—he needs proper training.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, Zhu Ying is already in Daning. Your plan is for the seventeenth to command Daning’s troops; as for Liaodong’s command, you’ll need a Regional Military Commissioner.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t you already lay out your northern frontier strategy long ago?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao smiled, his words carrying deeper meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This meant that in the future, Daning and Liaodong would form a single guard command, and Zhu Ying was likely the candidate for Regional Military Commissioner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhu Ying is indeed outstanding, but he is still too young—he needs more experience.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At the very least, I must meet him face to face, or I cannot rest easy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yuanzhang said gravely, his tone marked by caution and deliberation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father is right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yet our Great Ming now needs young, capable generals to command troops.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although I have never met Zhu Ying, I have complete faith in his abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he is promoted to Regional Military Commissioner in the future, I believe he will be more than capable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao smiled in response, his tone brimming with recognition and high regard for Zhu Ying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You, after all these years, I’ve never seen you show such concern for a subject before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head helplessly, a faint smile appearing on his aged face—he knew well that once his son made up his mind, nothing could change it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t you care about Zhu Ying?” Zhu Biao asked with a smile, a hint of mischief in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could I not care?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Zhu Ying has truly astonished us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Northern Yuan spent immense wealth and resources building ten border cities, each mutually supporting and reinforcing the others, with heavy garrisons stationed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By normal standards, even if our Great Ming deployed three hundred thousand troops, it would take half a year to breach them, given the Yuan’s formidable forces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhu Ying, fearless and valiant, shattered every city he faced—forcing the campaign forward by months, capturing all ten of the Northern Yuan’s fortified cities in less than three months. Such valor has never been seen!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yuanzhang sighed deeply, a look of admiration crossing his weathered face; though the northern front lay ten thousand li away, battle reports kept arriving before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly learned the progress and outcomes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost every few days, a military report arrived petitioning for rewards for Zhu Ying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some came from Li Jinglong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others from Grand General Guo Ying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our Great Ming has always excelled at capturing cities and seizing territory; for the Northern Yuan to think their fortresses could halt our advance is sheer delusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao’s expression turned grave, a trace of worry creasing his brow: “Recent reports from the northern frontier indicate the Northern Yuan has mobilized one hundred thousand iron cavalry—this is the Emperor’s last card. They appear ready to meet our army head-on with mounted forces.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The grasslands are vast—perfect terrain for cavalry. With one hundred thousand iron cavalry, this battle will not be easy for us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yuanzhang’s expression grew serious. He nodded, sinking into thought. He had read every report; he knew well how difficult this campaign would be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even he, if placed on the battlefield, seemed to have no clear countermeasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, on such vast land, cavalry holds the advantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That cannot be changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And our Great Ming’s cavalry numbers are far too few.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, their combat effectiveness is inferior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the Northern Yuan’s cavalry grew up on horseback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Battlefield conditions shift rapidly. Guo Ying, Lan Yu, and your nephew are all gifted generals—let alone the battle-hardened Zhu Ying.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I trust they will devise a strategy to counter this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yuanzhang spoke in a low, firm tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though stationed in Yingtian and deeply troubled by the Northern Yuan’s iron cavalry, he could only closely monitor the evolving battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would not interfere recklessly. He would not meddle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ensuring adequate grain and supply—that was all he could do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness, word from the Eastern Palace: Zhu Ying’s wife and children have arrived safely in Yingtian and have taken up residence in the imperial residence granted to them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the hall,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yang, Commander of the Jinwu Guard, respectfully reported, his voice clearly carrying into the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand,” Zhu Biao replied in a low tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your servant takes his leave,” Luo Yang said, bowing deeply, then turned and departed without another word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhu Ying’s wife and children have arrived—I must find an opportunity to meet them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao smiled, his eyes filled with anticipation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? Won’t you let me summon them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yuanzhang teased, a smile on his face, his eyes soft with paternal affection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They came to Yingtian under my orders—it is proper that I receive them first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whether you summon them afterward is entirely your decision,” Zhu Biao replied with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout the realm, only Zhu Biao would dare speak to Zhu Yuanzhang this way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When the northern expedition ends and Zhu Ying returns to Yingtian, we’ll summon them together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since Zhu Ying’s family has arrived, treat them well—do not let them suffer any hardship.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When Zhu Ying first rose to prominence in the army, the Huaixi faction resented him deeply.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In Danning, they had no chance to harass him—but now that they’re in Yingtian, these men are arrogant and overbearing. Do not let them harm Zhu Ying’s family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If anything happens, I will not spare them,” Zhu Yuanzhang said sharply, his eyes revealing not just warning, but outright murderous intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huaixi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had it not been for Zhu Biao’s protection, Zhu Ying would have been dead countless times over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yuanzhang’s ruthlessness was known throughout the court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rest assured, Father—I will handle this properly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhu Ying has earned countless merits for the state—I would never mistreat his wife and children,” Zhu Biao vowed solemnly, his expression resolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The imperial palace—the inner court!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shufang Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall was elegantly decorated, radiating calm and serenity—it was the residence of Consort Yang, one of Zhu Yuanzhang’s concubines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Seventeenth Imperial Prince has arrived!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the hall, a palace maid’s clear announcement rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Quan entered with an excited expression, his steps quickening as he hurried inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the sight of his mother, his eyes brightened. He hurried forward and bowed respectfully: “Your son greets Your Ladyship.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not your scheduled day to visit—why are you here today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Consort Yang, startled and slightly alarmed by her son’s sudden arrival, looked worried: “You didn’t sneak in without reporting, did you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother, I received Father’s permission to enter the palace,” Zhu Quan explained with a smile, his joy unmistakable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your father summoned you?” Consort Yang’s expression shifted, deep in thought, her voice tinged with concern: “Has something happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, Consort Yang lived with constant caution in the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With no Empress in the court, Zhu Yuanzhang’s many concubines dared not compete for favor—they all lived in fear of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the position of Empress was a taboo no one dared even contemplate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once, a concubine, believing herself favored, dared suggest she be made Empress—she was immediately cast into the Cold Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that precedent!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even the Empress’s seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even competing for favor within the harem was a thought they dared not entertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Zhu Yuanzhang’s inner court remained peaceful, utterly free of rivalry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother, Father has issued an edict: tomorrow, I depart north for Danning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Quan could barely contain his excitement as he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Zhu Yuanzhang’s many sons, though they enjoyed luxury in the capital, they also endured strict education and constant fear of their stern father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many princes committed grave errors merely by slight missteps before Zhu Yuanzhang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, most princes longed to reach adulthood and be granted their fiefs—to escape and live freely in their own lands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really?” Consort Yang’s face lit up, her eyes widening: “Being granted a fief is good news.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“While you’re in Yingtian, I’m constantly anxious. Once you’re granted your fief, life will be far easier for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s true,” Zhu Quan nodded firmly, then added: “But this time, I’m not going directly to Danning—I’m first joining the northern expedition army.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father intends for me to observe and learn in the army. After the northern campaign succeeds, I will proceed to Danning to take up my fief.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? To the northern battlefield? That’s far too dangerous!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Consort Yang’s face paled. Her earlier excitement vanished, replaced entirely by dread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother, it is Father’s command—and I wish to go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is a rare opportunity. If I can learn something, I can later achieve merit in Danning and fulfill my duty to Father.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Quan spoke earnestly, his eyes filled with determination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her son’s resolve, Consort Yang nodded, speaking with solemn care: “Quan, you’ve grown. As a royal son, a prince, you must serve the court, your father, and your elder brother faithfully—defend the borders.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Speaking of which… sigh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Consort Yang sighed, a trace of sorrow in her gaze: “If only the eldest grandson had lived, he’d be slightly older than you now. You two were so close as children.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If he were still alive, I wouldn’t have to worry about your future.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But now, everything rests on you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Once you’re in Danning, you must perform well, earn merit for the state, and make your elder brother proud.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Consort Yang repeated her advice patiently. Though she was merely a woman, with limited knowledge, every word carried deep maternal love, her eyes filled with reluctance and longing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please, Mother, rest assured—I understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Elder brother is kind-hearted and treats us all well. I will never disappoint him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Quan nodded firmly, his eyes filled with determination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2855,"2026-06-20T23:30:09.614Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","1e38e9806d53c8c6107d1372ce599cb7a3326ed8f559a936c4640591c71da856","starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-chapter-161","starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-chapter-159",204,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-cover.jpg"]