Chapter 170: The Imperial Edict Arrives!!

"The imperial edict, it's yours."

"You let the Ministry of Rites announce it yourself." Zhu Yuanzhang said to Zhu Biao with a smile.

"Thank you, Father."

Zhu Biao bowed and thanked him solemnly.

Subsequently.

Zhu Biao stretched out his hands and took this imperial edict that was to be announced to the world.

Following that.

He quickly left the Wenyuan Pavilion.

And after Zhu Biao left.

The smile on Zhu Yuanzhang's face gradually faded, replaced by a long and deep sigh: "Zhu Ying!"

His old eyes squinted slightly, revealing complexity, both appreciation for Zhu Ying's talent and the caution and scrutiny of an emperor.

"He is indeed a young talent."

"Trapping with the Long Menzhen, and head-on leading the army to defeat the Northern Yuan's iron cavalry. In the past, Huo Qubing might have been just like this."

Zhu Yuanzhang's heart was full of emotion.

But after thinking for a moment.

"But in the end, I have never seen him, and I don't know his true character, but I hope he will not fail Biao'er's regard."

"Otherwise..."

In an instant.

A cold chill flashed in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, and the entire Wenyuan Pavilion instantly became oppressive: "My blade is not yet dull!"

The determination revealed in this voice made people shudder.

If anyone were in the hall at this moment, they would also be immediately frightened to the ground.

In Zhu Yuanzhang's heart, anyone who dared to threaten the stability of the Great Ming empire would be ruthlessly erased by him.

Coming back to his senses!

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression became stern, and he spoke in a deep voice, carrying unquestionable majesty: "Summon Jiang Huan."

"This servant obeys the edict."

Yun Qi's sharp and submissive voice immediately came from outside the hall.

Immediately after, a sound of hurried footsteps was heard, obviously executing the edict.

Not long after!

A sound of hurried footsteps came from far to near.

Jiang Huan, dressed in the Embroidered Uniform Guard's flying fish suit, walked into the Wenyuan Pavilion hall with hurried steps.

Upon entering the hall.

He knelt directly on both knees, saluted respectfully, fully displaying his awe of Zhu Yuanzhang: "Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."

Jiang Huan lowered his head, his forehead almost touching the ground, his voice carrying tension and panic.

"What I asked you to investigate, has it all been investigated clearly?"

Zhu Yuanzhang squinted his old eyes, staring at Jiang Huan, revealing an invisible sense of oppression.

A cold and heavy pressure instantly enveloped Jiang Huan's entire body, as if to crush him.

Under this pressure, Jiang Huan felt that breathing became difficult, his body trembling slightly, not daring to make any movement.

Even as the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, who has the power to execute first and report later.

But in front of Zhu Yuanzhang, he was like an ant!

"Reporting to Your Majesty."

Jiang Huan tried to keep his voice steady, but still couldn't hide the tension: "This is the detailed investigation I prepared."

Saying this, Jiang Huan quickly took out a register from his bosom, held it high with both hands, his movements careful.

"Not only now, but also including the investigation in Beiping Prefecture."

"Please read it, Your Majesty."

Jiang Huan's tone was full of anticipation and anxiety, both worried and afraid.

Zhu Yuanzhang did not speak, just raised his hand slightly, signaling Jiang Huan to come forward.

Jiang Huan understood immediately, hurriedly stood up, walked quickly to the imperial desk, and respectfully placed the register in front of Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze fell on the register, his old eyes revealing curiosity.

He stretched out his hand and slowly opened the register on the table.

Obviously.

This register was aimed at Zhu Ying, and it was also Zhu Yuanzhang who deliberately bypassed Zhu Biao and secretly let the Embroidered Uniform Guard investigate.

After all!

Since the founding of Great Ming, and even before the founding, there had never been such a speed of promotion.

He, as the Emperor of Great Ming, had never actually seen Zhu Ying.

But under the laws, military regulations, and the full support of Crown Prince Zhu Biao, Zhu Ying had now been promoted to the level of Guard Commander, and was now also to be enfeoffed as a Marquis.

All of this, in Zhu Yuanzhang's view, was too bizarre.

So.

Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to investigate Zhu Ying's background thoroughly; only then would his heart be more at ease.

A person whose parents were both dead, with only one old servant, yet possessing such extraordinary ability, was too strange in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes.

If he really had no one to teach him, how could he grow to this point?

"Zhu Ying."

Zhu Yuanzhang whispered the name, his gaze moving slowly on the register.

"At nine years old, moved from the south to Beiping Prefecture with his grandmother and servant Lin Fu."

"It has been nearly nine years since then."

"His grandmother was surnamed Qin, name unknown, his descendants unknown?"

When seeing this information on the investigation report, Zhu Yuanzhang's brows furrowed, displeasure flashing in his eyes, and he immediately looked coldly at Jiang Huan, his gaze like a sharp sword, as if to see through Jiang Huan.

"This is the background you investigated for me?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was cold, and the hall instantly became oppressive: "His grandmother's origin is unknown, and his descendants are even more unknown?"

At this moment.

Zhu Yuanzhang's tone was full of questioning and dissatisfaction, obviously extremely disappointed with this result.

"Your Majesty."

Jiang Huan trembled all over, hurriedly knelt down again, his forehead pressed tightly against the ground, his voice full of panic: "Your subject is incompetent."

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard only found this much in Beiping Prefecture, and this was after deep investigation into the streets where Zhu Ying lived."

Jiang Huan said, while secretly looking at Zhu Yuanzhang's expression, only to see the latter's face becoming increasingly gloomy, which made Jiang Huan even more afraid.

So.

He hurriedly added: "At the same time, your subject also secretly reviewed the household registration records in the Beiping government office, but only found this much."

Jiang Huan's voice became lower and lower, not daring to raise it.

When handing over this investigation register, Jiang Huan was very uneasy in his heart.

Because he knew clearly that this was not what the Emperor wanted.

He knew Zhu Yuanzhang's character deeply; for matters concerning the country, he always demanded perfection, and his investigation this time was obviously full of loopholes.

"That is to say."

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was low and oppressive, like the prelude to a storm: "There is no information about this Zhu Ying before he came to Beiping Prefecture?"

"Whether it is his grandmother or his housekeeper, everything is unknown?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's face became increasingly ugly.

"Your Majesty."

Jiang Huan said tremblingly, trying to explain: "Many years ago, the world was just settled, and there were too many people fleeing famine from their ancestral lands. Although local government offices had records, they were blurred due to the long time."

"Now, after investigation, it can be confirmed that Zhu Ying is definitely not a foreign tribe, but from the south of our Great Ming."

"But what his specific identity was in the past, unless you go and ask General Zhu Ying in person, you cannot get the truth."

Jiang Huan said, and silently prayed in his heart, hoping his explanation could make the Emperor stop being angry. He lowered his head, not daring to look directly at Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze, for fear of angering the Dragon's face.

Listening to Jiang Huan's report.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the register and ultimately did not blame him.

He knew Jiang Huan's ability deeply; even if he supervised it himself, he could only find out to this extent, which shows that the information about Zhu Ying's ancestral home had been investigated to the end.

However, although he did not find out Zhu Ying's complete information, excluding that Zhu Ying was not from another country or tribe made Zhu Yuanzhang feel much more at ease.

Subsequently.

Zhu Yuanzhang continued to look at the information obtained by the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

The register included Zhu Ying joining the army in Daning, then being promoted, and many things were recorded in detail.

Even Zhu Ying opening a winery and a restaurant were all written clearly.

"Restaurants are all over Daning Prefecture, and now they are opening in Beiping Prefecture?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze stayed on this line, his brows furrowing slightly, whispering to himself: "The wine produced by the winery is in short supply?"

"Is there any bullying of the people or using power to bully others in this?"

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly raised his head, stared at Jiang Huan again, and asked in a deep voice.

As an emperor.

At this moment, he also revealed his concern for people's livelihood. As a generation of emperors, he knew deeply the importance of the people's hearts, and would never allow officials to bully the people and ruin the court's reputation.

So all along.

He opposed officials doing business in the court, but there were no laws to restrict it.

But as long as they did business, they were bound to be watched by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, so except for those who were bold, most did not dare.

"Reporting to Your Majesty."

Jiang Huan hurriedly replied respectfully: "The Embroidered Uniform Guard did not find this, but General Zhu Ying's winery and restaurant recruited many refugees as craftsmen, which can be considered helping many civilians."

He said, while secretly rejoicing in his heart, fortunately he specifically investigated this aspect clearly, otherwise he would suffer again.

"And the grain collected for brewing is higher than the price outside, and there is no act of bullying the people."

"As for using power to bully others? This has never happened."

Regarding this question, Jiang Huan's voice was very firm and confident, determined that there was no mistake.

"From your investigation this time, this Zhu Ying should be under nineteen years old, now he is only seventeen, right."

Zhu Yuanzhang squinted his eyes, thought for a moment, and said in a deep voice.

At the same time, various deeds of Zhu Ying appeared in his mind. Such a young person could make such brilliant battle contributions, which was really incredible.

"Exactly."

Jiang Huan nodded hurriedly, his face revealing a cautious expression: "It is said that when General Zhu Ying joined the army, his age was insufficient, and his household registration record was directly changed, increasing his age."

"This matter was also investigated by His Highness the Prince of Yan."

Jiang Huan added carefully, for fear of missing any important information.

"Then did you find out if there is anyone behind him teaching him how to command troops and conquer?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked again, carrying a strong sense of exploration.

He was always curious about the source of Zhu Ying's ability. A young man, if there was no expert pointing him, how could he be so proficient in military strategy and make repeated contributions on the battlefield?

"No." Jiang Huan shook his head, then added: "According to the Embroidered Uniform Guard's investigation, no one taught General Zhu Ying, and for many years, General Zhu Ying has lived in Beiping City and has never left."

Hearing this!

Zhu Yuanzhang had a thoughtful look on his face. He leaned on the dragon throne, closed his eyes slightly, and his mind was full of thoughts.

"Is there really such a thing as being gifted and born to be good at commanding troops in this world?"

At this moment.

This thought also arose in Zhu Yuanzhang's heart.

Besides this.

It seems there is no other way to explain Zhu Ying's various extraordinary performances.

"This time Zhu Ying made a great contribution, I am preparing to reward him with some gold, silver, and servants, you should insert more Embroidered Uniform Guards among the servants."

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly opened his eyes and said in a deep voice: "I want everything that happens in the Zhu mansion to be under my eyes."

"However, this matter must not be known to the Crown Prince."

As his voice fell.

"Your subject obeys the edict."

Jiang Huan bowed immediately and respectfully obeyed the edict.

"Well, withdraw."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, his face also carrying a bit of fatigue.

"Your subject takes his leave."

Jiang Huan bowed and respectfully withdrew from the Wenyuan Pavilion hall.

At this time.

His forehead was full of sweat, and the clothes on his back were soaked with sweat.

For him, this time was like walking through the gates of hell.

He knew deeply Zhu Yuanzhang's majesty and suspicion; a slight carelessness could lead to a disaster.

And Zhu Yuanzhang leaned on the dragon throne, looking at Jiang Huan's departing back, and fell into deep thought.

"His household registration was changed to increase his age, so he joined the army at sixteen, looking at it this way, he is only seventeen now."

Zhu Yuanzhang whispered to himself: "Seventeen years old, so remarkable! This is too unbelievable no matter how you look at it."

His voice was full of emotion and doubt, difficult to recover for a long time.

Zhu Fu!

In front of the mansion, there was an unprecedented lively scene.

A team of eunuchs guarded by the Imperial Guards came slowly, their steps orderly, their postures straight, displaying the majesty of the Imperial family.

Many people were already scattered around watching the excitement, whispering to each other, all full of curiosity and anticipation.

And the Imperial Guards held long spears, maintaining order around, their gazes cold, vigilantly watching the surrounding crowd to avoid being impacted.

And in front of the mansion gate, Shen Yuer, dressed in the Imperial-bestowed Noble Lady palace attire, her posture graceful, her demeanor dignified, her hands slightly clenched, waiting quietly.

And during the waiting process, it did not affect her composure and solemnity at all.

Lin Fu stood on one side behind her, dressed in black housekeeper clothes, his face carrying a bit of tension and anticipation.

Most of the servants in the mansion came out, they stood neatly behind, their expressions respectful, not daring to make any movement.

"This is General Zhu's wife, she is truly dignified and beautiful."

"Yes."

"General Zhu is our Great Ming's youngest general, and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Champion, a great contributor to the Liaodong battle. This time the Imperial Guards personally brought the Imperial Palace angel here, which shows that General Zhu has made contributions in the Northern Expedition again."

"It should be."

"Didn't the urgent report soldiers gallop into the Imperial Palace to report before? And they were shouting about a great victory in the Northern Expedition, perhaps this is related to General Zhu."

"It really is possible."

"After the victory report entered the Imperial Palace, how long has it been? The angel from the Imperial Palace came to the Zhu mansion, it must be related to the Marquis of Champion General Zhu."

"Listen on, this time we will definitely be able to hear news about the Northern Expedition."

"..."

In front of the mansion!

Many people were craning their necks to watch the excitement, but they were also discussing constantly, naturally about the great victory in the Northern Expedition, and whether it was related to Zhu Ying.

In many remote places, the people care about how much grain their fields can produce, how much money they can earn this year, and whether they can feed their families.

Perhaps they don't know Zhu Ying's name.

When Liaodong was recovered and announced to the world, it did make countless people boil, but the specific military generals who made contributions naturally would not appear completely in the announcement, just mentioned in passing.

But in this capital, where the power center of Great Ming is located, the news in the streets is also the most well-informed.

After the Champion title was enfeoffed, it was naturally known first in Ying Tian, and many news about Zhu Ying had already spread.

At this time!

Under the gaze of many eyes, the old eunuch in the center of the Imperial Guards smiled slightly and walked slowly toward Shen Yuer.

And this old eunuch was none other than the personal eunuch manager beside Zhu Yuanzhang, Yun Qi.

"Lady Zhu!"

Yun Qi's voice was sharp and soft, carrying a trace of a smile: "This servant obeys the Emperor's edict and is here specifically to announce the edict."

Saying this, he held the imperial edict high with both hands.

"Your subject's wife respectfully listens to the imperial edict."

Shen Yuer replied respectfully immediately, her voice crisp and pleasant, carrying a solemn look, at this moment fully displaying the demeanor of a Noble Lady, not losing face for Zhu Ying.

And Yun Qi did not hesitate, he gently untied the silk on the imperial edict, slowly opened the imperial edict in his hand, and then said loudly: "By the order of Heaven, the Emperor decrees!"

As the voice rose!

Except for Shen Yuer, all the people around, including the Imperial Guards and the servants in the Zhu mansion, all knelt down to listen respectfully to the imperial edict.

For a time, the street was silent, as if time had stopped.

Shen Yuer had the status of a Noble Lady, which is equivalent to a man's title, and can stand without kneeling before the Emperor, and stand without kneeling before the edict.

This is also a special honor for Noble Ladies and titles, showing status.

At this moment, she was one of the two standing, her status and position displayed.

"In the Northern Expedition battle, Marquis of Champion Zhu Ying, made contributions to the country, led our Great Ming cavalry to head-on defeat the Northern Yuan iron cavalry, promoting the prestige of our Great Ming!"

Yun Qi's voice was high-pitched and passionate, echoing on the street.

"I am very gratified."

"Today."

"Bestow grace on Marquis of Champion Zhu Ying's wife, promote to 【Third Rank Noble Lady】."

"Bestow one hundred gold, bestow one thousand silver, bestow one thousand pieces of brocade, one hundred pieces of jade, bestow one hundred servants."

"Respect this."

Yun Qi held the imperial edict and announced loudly.

The voice also spread around the street, causing a burst of exclamation from the surrounding people.

After listening to this edict, this time Shen Yuer was shocked in her heart, but quickly recovered, and immediately bowed and saluted, respectfully saying: "Your subject's wife thanks the Emperor for his great grace!"

Yun Qi walked forward and smiled slightly: "Lady Zhu, receive the edict!"

Saying this.

He handed the imperial edict in his hand to Shen Yuer, and the latter immediately stretched out both hands, carefully took it, held it high with both hands, not daring to blaspheme, especially in front of this public.

"Move all the rewards bestowed by the Imperial grace to the Zhu mansion."

Yun Qi turned his head and shouted to the Imperial Guards behind him.

Although he was a eunuch, as Zhu Yuanzhang's personal attendant, his voice also carried majesty, making people not dare to disobey.

"Yes."

The Imperial Guard soldiers shouted in unison, their voices orderly.

Then they moved the boxes of rewards one after another and moved them into the Zhu mansion.

At the same time.

There were also one hundred servants brought over, they were all dressed in unified servant clothes, their eyes carrying panic and anticipation.

Standing there, arranged neatly, waiting for the arrangement of the new master.

"Lady Zhu."

Yun Qi said with a smile, his face revealing a kind expression: "The slave registrations of these servants are all in the boxes, you let the mansion housekeeper check them carefully. This servant will return to the palace to report."

"Thank you, Eunuch." Shen Yuer said immediately, a smile appearing on her face, her eyes full of gratitude.

"The Emperor's order is here, no need to thank."

Yun Qi nodded slightly, then turned and walked toward the carriage, and got on the carriage.

At the same time.

A group of Imperial Guards, after completing the task of moving the reward items, quickly formed a team.

They centered on the carriage, spread out in a fan shape, and guarded the carriage tightly.

Subsequently.

The team moved slowly and marched toward the direction of the Imperial Palace.

The surrounding people saw this scene and stood up from the ground one after another.

At this moment.

Many people looked at Shen Yuer with awe.

In the eyes of the people, the status of a Third Rank Noble Lady is extremely noble, and in the vast Ying Tian City, the number of women who possess such special honor can be counted on one's fingers.

Usually, only the wives of Marquises and Dukes can possibly obtain this title, and the opportunity is extremely rare.

Just after Yun Qi announced the imperial edict, the surrounding people already knew the reason for Shen Yuer's promotion.

Just as many people had guessed before, it was because the Marquis of Champion Zhu Ying had made great contributions in the Northern Expedition battle.

"Husband."

Shen Yuer raised her head slightly, her gaze looking toward the north, whispering to herself: "You must be well in the northern frontier."

At this moment.

Although she was promoted to Third Rank Noble Lady again, she did not feel the joy she imagined in her heart.

In her view, there was no big difference between Fourth Rank Noble Lady and Third Rank Noble Lady, and what was most important in her heart was Zhu Ying's safety.

Thinking of Zhu Ying fighting in the cruel battlefield in the northern frontier, bathing in blood and fighting for life and death, Shen Yuer felt deep worry in her heart.

However.

She was powerless about this, and could only pray silently in her heart, hoping that Heaven would bless Zhu Ying to return safely.

After a long time, Shen Yuer recovered, she turned around and said softly to Lin Fu behind her: "Uncle Lin."

"Arrange these new servants who entered the mansion."

"I will go see Xi'er first."

"Yes." Lin Fu nodded hurriedly, his face carrying his usual respect.

He bowed slightly, watched Shen Yuer leave, and then turned to command the new servants who entered the mansion in an orderly manner.

Seeing this, the people in the mansion also followed their respective arrangements and returned to the mansion in an orderly manner.

The mansion gate closed slowly, isolating the liveliness outside.

And at this moment!

The people gathered outside the mansion were still discussing constantly, their enthusiasm not diminished at all.

"Did you hear just now? My guess was indeed correct, the reason Lady Zhu was promoted to Third Rank Noble Lady was because General Zhu made great contributions in the northern frontier."

"Yes, we all heard it clearly."

"Just now that Eunuch said, it seems that the Marquis of Champion General Zhu led our Great Ming cavalry to head-on defeat the Northern Yuan iron cavalry?"

"Is this, is this true or false?"

"The Northern Yuan iron cavalry, that is the former Mongol iron cavalry, with unparalleled combat power!"

"In the past, the Mongol iron cavalry swept across the world, invincible, how could it be defeated so easily?"

"Although our Great Ming infantry is powerful, winning every battle in attacking cities and seizing land, in terms of cavalry, it should not be as good as the Northern Yuan iron cavalry, right?"

"I think so too. After all, the Northern Yuan Mongol iron cavalry has been prosperous for hundreds of years, and it cannot be caught up with in a short time."

"Those Mongols grew up on horseback since childhood, which is different from us Huaxia Han people."

"Sigh, that's true."

"But just now that Eunuch announced that they head-on defeated the Northern Yuan iron cavalry, could the imperial edict be wrong?"

Regarding the imperial edict mentioning that the Great Ming cavalry defeated the Northern Yuan iron cavalry!

This is really hard to believe.

After all, the fear of the Mongol iron cavalry is also engraved in the hearts of countless Huaxia people.

For a time, everyone looked at each other, and no one could give a definite answer.

But it can be foreseen.

Tomorrow, the streets of Ying Tian City will definitely spread countless rumors because of this.

And at this moment.

Shen family.

Their housekeeper was panicked, his steps hurried as he ran toward the main hall, shouting: "Master."

"It's not good..."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 171 =====