Chapter 169: Enthroned as Champion Hou! Enthroned as Third-Rank Gao-Ming Lady!

Inside the Fengtian Hall!

At this moment, the eyes of all civil and military ministers also fell upon Zhu Biao.

Upon hearing Zhu Yuanzhang’s words,

Zhu Biao revealed a gentle smile and stepped forward at once.

In the instant his gaze met Zhu Yuanzhang’s, he paused, then pondered for a moment.

Immediately afterward,

Zhu Biao’s expression turned solemn, and he declared: “Father Emperor has entrusted this decision to me; then I shall not be modest.”

“You brat, when have you ever been modest with us?”

Zhu Yuanzhang burst into a hearty laugh, his wrinkles smoothing out with the smile; he waved his hand grandly, his every motion radiating imperial majesty.

This intimate bond between father and son stirred deep emotion among the ministers—such harmony was not something ordinary emperor-son pairs could possess; it was undoubtedly a rare honor granted only to Zhu Biao.

“In the past, I bestowed upon Zhu Ying the title of ‘Champion’!”

Zhu Biao’s expression was serious as his gaze slowly swept across the court ministers, his tone slightly stern: “First, because he shone brilliantly on the Liaodong battlefield, leading our troops into fierce combat, leading from the front, and upholding the might of our Great Ming army.”

“Second, because he is young and gifted, much like the ancient Champion Hou Huo Qubing—courageous, fearless, wise and brave.”

“My heart’s desire is for our Great Ming to have its own Champion Hou, to showcase the extraordinary prowess of our Ming generals in this age of prosperity.”

Zhu Biao’s expression was grave, his words filled with anticipation.

“In this campaign, Zhu Ying has not disappointed me, nor has he disappointed Father Emperor.”

Zhu Biao slightly lifted his head, his eyes brimming with admiration: “He truly deserves the title of ‘Champion.’”

“Therefore…” Zhu Biao paused briefly, took a deep breath, and scanned the court ministers with an air of absolute certainty: “I propose elevating the Marquisate of Champion to the Marquisate of Champion Hou.”

“Our Great Ming must have a Champion Hou.”

“I believe Zhu Ying, upon being elevated to Champion Hou, will carry this title with honor.”

“And he will inherit the legacy of the ancient Han Champion Hou Huo Qubing, showcasing the martial glory of Han arms.”

As Zhu Biao’s words fell silent,

the court ministers were stunned.

Marquis of Champion… Champion Hou.

A single character’s difference.

Yet a world apart.

If truly granted a marquisate, even if not hereditary,

Zhu Ying would become the fastest-rising noble in Great Ming’s history—under twenty years old, ennobled as a marquis?

This would truly mirror the rise of the ancient Champion Hou Huo Qubing!

At this moment,

the court fell utterly silent.

All knew that in the Warring States period, the title “Lord of Wu’an” was the lifelong aspiration of every general.

Yet!

After the founding of the Han Dynasty, Huo Qubing emerged, his name as Champion Hou shaking the world; his feat of sealing the Wolf’s Lair became the dream of every future general.

The title of Champion Hou carried the highest honor and ambition of any warrior.

When Zhu Biao first bestowed the name “Champion” upon Zhu Ying, a common general might have struggled to bear such a weighty title.

But now, Zhu Ying, through his glorious battlefield achievements, has earned it without question.

“Champion Hou!”

These three words, spoken by Zhu Biao, seemed to carry a thousand jin of weight, echoing long through the court.

Though Zhu Ying had not sealed the Wolf’s Lair like Huo Qubing, his decisive defeat of the Mongol cavalry that had dominated the world for centuries was a feat destined for the annals of history.

“Father Emperor, what do you think?”

Zhu Biao bowed slightly, his face wearing a humble smile as he turned his gaze toward Zhu Yuanzhang upon the dragon throne.

“What you say, Biao’er, is utterly true.”

Zhu Yuanzhang’s face beamed with approval: “Our Great Ming indeed needs a Champion Hou.”

At this moment,

Zhu Yuanzhang’s authoritative voice echoed through the Fengtian Hall, expressing his full support for Zhu Biao.

“Moreover, Zhu Ying’s wife deserves further imperial grace and ennoblement to match the rank of Champion Hou.”

Zhu Biao spoke again: “I propose granting Zhu Ying’s wife the title of Third-Rank Gao-Ming Lady, along with servants, gold, silver, jade artifacts, and other gifts, to manifest the boundless grace of the imperial court.”

“Approved.” Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand decisively, without the slightest hesitation, immediately granting Zhu Biao’s proposal.

At this very moment,

all civil and military ministers chimed in unison: “Your Majesty is wise! Crown Prince is wise!”

Though the elevation to Champion Hou did not directly confer a hereditary marquisate,

yet,

the hereditary marquisate was merely a matter of time.

With Zhu Yuanzhang’s nod and such outstanding merit, who would dare oppose?

And at this moment!

“Your Majesty, Crown Prince!”

Fu Youde stepped forward and announced loudly.

“What is your suggestion, Minister Fu?” Zhu Yuanzhang lowered his head slightly, looking at Fu Youde.

“The Mongol cavalry’s reputation as invincible has been shattered by our Great Ming. Old minister believes we must proclaim this great victory in the northern campaign to all our subjects.”

Fu Youde’s eyes blazed with passion: “This will surely uplift the people, strengthen their loyalty to Great Ming, and forge the Han character of our nation.”

“Our Great Ming cavalry is the finest in the world!”

As a general by origin,

Fu Youde knew precisely what this victory meant for Great Ming.

As soon as he spoke,

Tang Duo, the Minister of War, considered for a moment, then stepped forward and declared: “I second Minister Duke Fu’s proposal!”

“When we reclaimed Liaodong, the people were convinced; it demonstrated the boundless grace of Your Majesty and the Crown Prince, stabilizing our state and winning the hearts of the masses.”

“Now, by crushing the Mongol cavalry, we further display the martial virtue of our Great Ming.”

“Through this victory, we can tell the world: our Great Ming’s martial virtue is abundant, capable of protecting all its people from foreign oppression, washing away the shame of past barbarian invasions, and achieving multiple goals at once.”

Tang Duo spoke with sincerity and conviction, standing with hands clasped, expressing his views to Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao.

Hearing this,

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly narrowed his eyes, his aged face thoughtful, weighing the pros and cons.

Though neither Fu Youde nor Tang Duo had explicitly stated it,

if the victory were truly proclaimed to the realm, Zhu Yuanzhang faced two options:

First,

proclaim the victory over the Northern Yuan cavalry.

Second,

proclaim the victory entirely as achieved by Zhu Ying’s command.

The implications of these two choices were vastly different.

“Minister Fu and Minister Tang speak wisely.”

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke slowly, glancing at Fu Youde and Tang Duo before turning to Zhu Biao: “What do you think, Crown Prince?”

He placed the decision in Zhu Biao’s hands.

After all, proclaiming this victory would make the name “Great Ming cavalry” resound across the land—built upon the corpses of the Mongol cavalry.

Simultaneously,

if the victory were fully attributed to Zhu Ying,

his fame would soar even higher.

A minister’s excessive renown was never good for an emperor.

Yet, remembering that Zhu Biao would one day rule the realm, Zhu Yuanzhang still entrusted the decision to him.

“Father Emperor, I believe such a great victory must be known throughout the realm.”

Zhu Biao’s expression was solemn, his voice resolute: “As Duke Yingguo and Minister Tang have said.”

“Proclaiming our crushing defeat of the Northern Yuan Mongol cavalry—”

“First, it will strengthen our people’s recognition of Great Ming’s legitimacy, filling them with pride to be subjects of our nation.”

“Second, I believe our Great Ming must produce a young general to purify our army, inspiring our troops’ strength and fighting spirit.”

“The Champion Hou, having received this title and achieved this feat, must be known to all the people.”

“I am certain that proclaiming the Champion Hou’s achievements will stir our people and inspire countless young men to serve Great Ming.”

“And our soldiers, learning that the Champion Hou is young and gifted with such remarkable victories, will fight even more fiercely.”

“A single act, multiple gains.”

Zhu Biao’s face was stern, his voice strong and clear, echoing through the court.

Hearing Zhu Biao’s words,

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, but a subtle, unreadable glint flashed in his eyes as he fixed his aged gaze upon Zhu Biao: “Crown Prince, have you truly considered this? This matter is no small thing!”

Understood!

Zhu Biao’s expression was resolute, without the slightest hesitation; he nodded firmly: “I have thought it through.”

As the Crown Prince, Zhu Biao was naturally a man of his word.

Watching Zhu Biao’s determined demeanor, it was clear he had fully recognized Zhu Ying’s merit and intended to elevate him completely as a rising star among Great Ming’s future generals.

“Zhu Ying.”

“Reputation.”

“I wonder whether Biao’s choice this time is right or wrong.”

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered silently within.

But he hesitated only a moment.

He decided, then, to say no more.

After all, the future realm belonged to Zhu Biao, and Zhu Ying was a minister Zhu Biao would rely on.

To truly elevate Zhu Ying, to grant him renown echoing across the land—this decision rested entirely with Zhu Biao.

“Then issue my edict.”

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke at once, his voice carrying undeniable authority.

All civil and military officials present, hearing this, wore complex expressions and bowed respectfully toward Zhu Yuanzhang on the throne.

Among the ministers’ gazes, some were calm, some indifferent, yet many carried hidden unease.

“Announce to the realm the great victory: our Great Ming’s Champion Marquis Zhu Ying, leading cavalry, has annihilated the Northern Yuan’s iron cavalry!”

“Let our Great Ming subjects know of this triumph, to inspire the people.”

Zhu Yuanzhang’s voice rang loud, echoing endlessly through the hall.

Filled with majesty.

“Your Majesty is wise.”

As the edict was issued, the ministers cried out in unison.

With the decree settled, the palace scholar stationed to record imperial words immediately picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and swiftly penned down Zhu Yuanzhang’s command.

But today’s court session, after the deliberation ended, would not settle so easily—the prelude to this edict’s issuance would stir unrest.

Once this decree spread, it would unleash a storm, shaking the entire Great Ming to its core.

“Your Majesty, this box contains the severed head of Guili Chi, the Northern Yuan’s Grand General, personally cut down by the Champion Marquis.”

At that moment,

the battlefield messenger finally spoke, bowing respectfully as he pointed to the two boxes held by the messengers behind him: “This sword is Guili Chi’s personal blade.”

The two messengers, holding the boxes, likewise bowed deeply, not daring to breathe.

“Guili Chi, Grand General of the Northern Yuan.”

Zhu Yuanzhang lifted his gaze, his eyes calm as still water, showing no ripple: “Find a place to bury it.”

His tone was flat—clearly, Guili Chi was not worth his deeper thought.

Merely a Northern Yuan Grand General.

Compared to Naha Chu of old, he was even less significant.

With this great crisis now settled,

court deliberations continued.

Time slipped away quietly.

The court session finally ended.

Outside the Fengtian Hall!

Civil and military officials walked out in small groups, leaving the palace.

Yet many officials were far from calm.

Their faces bore complex expressions: some grim, others whispering among themselves.

“Minister Tang, what is your view on this edict to be proclaimed to the realm?”

Lu Ben hurried forward with quick steps, approaching Tang Duo with a seemingly gentle smile: “What do you think?”

“The Emperor’s and Crown Prince’s will—how could a minister not agree?”

Tang Duo bowed slightly and replied with a smile: “Though our Great Ming has stood for over twenty years, our people still harbor some fear of the Mongols, of the Yuan court.”

“The Mongol iron cavalry was peerless—they once shattered our Huaxia gates with their hooves.”

“But this northern campaign’s great victory, crushing the Northern Yuan’s iron cavalry—its significance needs no words.”

“This proclamation alone will stir the people’s spirits, utterly cleanse their fear of the Yuan court, and strengthen their loyalty to Great Ming.”

“This is surely a good thing.”

As Tang Duo spoke, he nodded slightly.

Yet his words carried the air of pretending ignorance while fully understanding.

To hold the rank of one of the Six Ministries’ Ministers proved his ability and depth of thought.

Even among fellow ministers, one guarded oneself fiercely—how could one easily reveal true feelings?

Upon hearing this, Lu Ben smiled faintly, showing no impatience: “Minister Tang, you know that is not what I asked.”

At these words,

Tang Duo’s smile did not fade; he said with quiet insight: “You mean the Champion Marquis, don’t you?”

“Minister Tang clearly understands.”

Lu Ben leaned closer to Tang Duo, lowering his voice: “The future court, the future army—it will no longer be dominated by the Huaixi faction.”

“It seems Minister Lu has his own thoughts,” Tang Duo replied with a smile, his eyes sharp with understanding, seeing all but saying nothing.

“This inquiry is really about learning more about the Champion Marquis. Minister Tang, as head of the Ministry of War, you should know more.”

“Would you be willing to share?”

Lu Ben’s expression grew slightly serious, his tone laden with implication.

Tang Duo glanced at Lu Ben, then gently shook his head, a faint, weary smile on his face: “Minister Lu, I am old, and have few years left in office. If you wish to know these things, you need not come through me.”

“There are many matters awaiting the Ministry of War after this northern victory—I must take my leave.”

Saying this,

Tang Duo bowed to Lu Ben, his smile faint, then strode away without delay.

Watching Tang Duo’s retreating back, Lu Ben made no move to stop him.

Though Tang Duo gave no direct answer, their exchange had made the meaning clear.

“Zhu Ying. Champion Marquis.”

“With the Crown Prince’s backing, if we can win him over, Yunling gains a powerful ally in the military. This opportunity must not be wasted.”

“Moreover, Zhu Ying has poor ties to the Huaixi faction.”

“He is naturally a candidate Yunling can attract.”

Lu Ben thought silently to himself, his eyes flashing with resolve—he had made up his mind.

Of course,

Lu Ben was not the only one with thoughts now.

As the court session ended, ministers continued discussing the great victory over the Northern Yuan cavalry.

Zhu Ying, now set to be proclaimed to the realm, naturally occupied their calculations.

Every one of them knew: the title “Champion Marquis” declared Zhu Ying’s unique position within the military.

After this proclamation, his prestige would rise to an unimaginable height.

In short, so long as Zhu Ying does not rebel, this reputation will serve as his immortal shield.

Within the Wenyuan Pavilion!

“Biao, have you truly thought this through?”

Zhu Yuanzhang stared solemnly at Zhu Biao, his eyes filled with concern: “Once the imperial seal is stamped and sent to the Ministry of Rites, there will be no turning back.”

As he spoke,

his gaze fell,

upon the open document on the table—the very edict Zhu Yuanzhang had just decreed in court.

Now, all that remained was to stamp it with the imperial seal and dispatch it to the Ministry of Rites, and it would be proclaimed to the realm.

Seeing Zhu Yuanzhang’s solemn expression, Zhu Biao smiled confidently and stepped forward.

Without the slightest hesitation.

Zhu Biao firmly took the jade seal from its box, holding it in his hands with no trace of restraint.

The Crown Prince holding the jade seal?

And right before the Emperor’s eyes?

To a suspicious ruler, this would raise suspicion.

But for Zhu Yuanzhang and his son, it meant nothing.

Zhu Biao held the jade seal steady with both hands, pressed it firmly onto the edict.

A soft “thud”—the seal was stamped. The edict was complete.

Seeing this, Zhu Yuanzhang couldn’t help but shake his head with a wry smile: “You little rascal, you really are...”

His tone carried a touch of helplessness, yet also deep trust and indulgence toward Zhu Biao.

“Father, if I’ve chosen to grant Zhu Ying the boundless glory of Champion Marquis, then I’m not afraid he’ll slip from my control.”

Zhu Biao smiled and said.

He paused.

Zhu Biao’s eyes held an inexplicable trust: “Based on what he has shown so far, I am certain I have not misjudged him.”

“You granted him the title of Champion Marquis—the highest honor a general can seek—and now, by public proclamation, you are further elevating his fame. This grants him renown that will spread across the realm.”

Zhu Yuanzhang let out a faint sigh; the wrinkles on his face seemed to deepen further: “Biao, human hearts are hard to fathom—people change.”

“I truly fear you may raise a general who will grow beyond your control.”

Zhu Yuanzhang’s tone was heavy with concern; as Emperor, he knew well the dangers of a minister wielding too much power.

“Father, don’t overthink it.”

Zhu Biao smiled to reassure Zhu Yuanzhang, his smile brimming with confidence: “I appoint men I trust, and I never trust those I appoint.”

“Moreover.”

“The title of Champion Marquis has always carried boundless renown.”

“This public proclamation merely adds glory to glory.”

“It will have little impact.”

Zhu Biao smiled, utterly confident in his judgment.

“With this proclamation, once the court disperses, the ministers will surely erupt in outrage.”

“Such an honor—I have never bestowed it on anyone except your father-in-law, Xu Da, and your uncles Tang Duo and Tang He.”

“Publicly proclaiming military merit is not comparable to mere promotion or title-granting.”

“It is granting him a golden ticket to immunity from death.”

“I only hope he does not squander your goodwill in the future.”

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed again, filled with emotion, yet he let Zhu Biao have his way.

In truth!

Had Zhu Biao not agreed to this proclamation, Zhu Yuanzhang would never have approved Fu Youde and Tang Duo’s petition.

Even if the empire had wished to publicly announce the crushing of the Northern Yuan cavalry to affirm Great Ming’s might and win the people’s loyalty, Zhu Ying would not have been included in the proclamation.

After all, Zhu Yuanzhang was a man of deep suspicion, always wary of his ministers.

“Father, the northern campaign has achieved a great victory, severely crippling the Northern Yuan—this is cause for joy. Don’t dwell on it so much.”

Zhu Biao smiled, trying to ease his father’s worries: “With ten thousand Northern Yuan cavalry shattered, perhaps within half a year, the northern campaign will be complete.”

“If we can capture the Yuan Emperor himself, that would be a feat of golden age proportions.”

Zhu Biao’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Heh, you little rascal always know how to make me happy.”

Zhu Yuanzhang finally smiled: “This Yuan Emperor is infamous for his cowardice—if our northern army reaches the gates of his capital, he’ll flee straight back to the northern steppes.”

Zhu Yuanzhang’s laughter dripped with mockery; clearly, he did not regard the current Yuan Emperor as even a worthy opponent.

“Isn’t that exactly your goal?”

Zhu Biao said with a knowing smile: “To force the Northern Yuan back into nomadic life, no longer holding fortified cities.”

“That would drastically reduce the threat they pose to Great Ming.”

“If we can capture the Yuan Emperor in the future, all the better. If not, dismantling the Northern Yuan and driving them back to the northern frontier still counts as victory.”

Zhu Biao analyzed the situation with clarity—he understood his father’s thoughts all too easily.

“By the way,” Zhu Yuanzhang snapped back to attention, looking at Zhu Biao with concern: “Where is your seventeenth brother now?”

“I ordered the Golden Guard to escort him personally to the northern frontier—he should be halfway there by now. After all, he’s not traveling with urgent dispatch riders.”

Zhu Biao replied at once, clearly deeply invested in Zhu Quan’s fiefdom assignment.

“I hope your seventeenth brother learns something from this northern campaign—perhaps he can also learn governance from your fourth brother.”

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, thoughtful: “But Liaodong Prefecture also needs a prince to garrison it.”

“Which of your brothers do you think should be sent?”

Zhu Yuanzhang asked, his gaze returning to Zhu Biao, seeking his opinion.

“The appointment of princes was entirely your decision, Father. Since you set the board, I dare not disrupt your strategy,” Zhu Biao replied with a smile and a shake of his head.

“Send your fifteenth brother. Make him Prince of Liaodong and transfer him to govern Liaodong Prefecture,” Zhu Yuanzhang said after a moment’s deliberation, his gaze resolute.

“Agreed,” Zhu Biao nodded without the slightest objection.

“Enough. Don’t dwell on this matter further.”

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand slightly, his expression softening: “Zhu Ying’s wife and children have been in Yingtian for nearly ten days—you haven’t summoned them yet, have you?”

“Now that Zhu Ying has achieved such a great feat, you should summon them to commend them.”

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, handing Zhu Biao the imperial edict bearing his seal.

…

(End of Chapter)