Chapter 170: The Imperial Edict Arrives!!

“The imperial edict is yours.”

“You tell the Ministry of Rites to announce it,” Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile to Zhu Biao.

“Thank you, Father.”

Zhu Biao bowed deeply, offering his thanks solemnly.

Then.

Zhu Biao extended both hands to receive the imperial edict proclaiming it to all under heaven.

Immediately after.

He hurried out of the Wenyuan Pavilion.

After Zhu Biao departed.

Zhu Yuanzhang’s smile faded, replaced by a long, deep sigh: “Zhu Ying!”

His aged eyes narrowed slightly, revealing complex emotions—admiration for Zhu Ying’s talent, yet the cautious scrutiny of an emperor.

“He is indeed a young prodigy.”

“He trapped and annihilated the Dragon Gate formation, then directly led his troops to crush the Northern Yuan’s iron cavalry. Perhaps even Huo Qubing could not have done better.”

Zhu Yuanzhang’s heart was filled with awe.

But after a moment of thought.

“Yet I have never met him, nor do I know his true nature. I only hope he does not betray Biao’s trust.”

“Otherwise…”

In an instant.

A cold, piercing glint flashed in Zhu Yuanzhang’s eyes, and the entire Wenyuan Pavilion grew suffocatingly oppressive: “My blade has not yet dulled!”

The resolve in his voice sent chills down the spine.

Anyone present in the hall at that moment would have instantly collapsed in terror.

In Zhu Yuanzhang’s heart, anyone who dared threaten the stability of the Great Ming would be ruthlessly erased.

Snap out of it!

Zhu Yuanzhang’s expression hardened, his voice deep and commanding, brooking no dissent: “Summon Jiang Huan.”

“Your servant obeys.”

Yun Qi’s thin, submissive voice echoed instantly from outside the hall.

Soon after, hurried footsteps receded into the distance—clearly, he had departed to carry out the order.

Not long after!

Rapid footsteps drew nearer from afar.

Jiang Huan, clad in the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s flying-fish robe, hurried swiftly into the Wenyuan Pavilion hall.

Upon entering.

He immediately knelt, bowing deeply, showing profound reverence for Zhu Yuanzhang: “Your servant pays homage to His Majesty.”

Jiang Huan kept his head lowered, his forehead nearly touching the ground, his voice trembling with fear and anxiety.

“Have you uncovered everything I ordered you to investigate?”

Zhu Yuanzhang’s aged eyes narrowed as he fixed Jiang Huan with an invisible, crushing pressure.

A cold, heavy aura instantly enveloped Jiang Huan, as if ready to crush him into dust.

Under this pressure, Jiang Huan felt his breath grow labored, his body trembling slightly, daring not to move.

Though he was the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, empowered to execute first and report later.

Before Zhu Yuanzhang, he was but an ant.

“Your Majesty.”

Jiang Huan struggled to steady his voice, yet his tension still bled through: “This is the detailed investigation I have prepared.”

As he spoke, Jiang Huan swiftly pulled a register from his robe and raised it high with both hands, moving with utmost care.

“It includes not only current findings, but also the investigation conducted in Beiping Prefecture.”

“Please, Your Majesty, review it.”

Jiang Huan’s tone was filled with anxious anticipation—both hopeful and terrified.

Zhu Yuanzhang said nothing, merely lifting his hand slightly, signaling Jiang Huan to approach.

Jiang Huan immediately understood, rising quickly and stepping forward in small, hurried motions to place the register respectfully before Zhu Yuanzhang’s desk.

Zhu Yuanzhang’s gaze fell upon the register, his aged eyes revealing curiosity.

He reached out and slowly opened the register on the desk.

Clearly.

This register was specifically about Zhu Ying—Zhu Yuanzhang had deliberately bypassed Zhu Biao and secretly ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to investigate.

After all!

Since the founding of the Great Ming, even before its founding, no one had risen in rank as swiftly as Zhu Ying.

And yet, as emperor of the Great Ming, he had never even laid eyes on Zhu Ying.

But under the law, military regulations, and with Crown Prince Zhu Biao’s full support, Zhu Ying had already been promoted to Guard Commander—and now stood on the verge of being enfeoffed as a marquis.

To Zhu Yuanzhang, all of this seemed utterly bizarre.

Therefore.

Zhu Yuanzhang intended to dig up every last detail of Zhu Ying’s past—only then would his heart feel at ease.

A man who had lost both parents and possessed only an elderly servant, yet displayed such extraordinary ability, struck Zhu Yuanzhang as deeply strange.

If truly untaught, how could he have reached such heights?

“Zhu Ying.”

Zhu Yuanzhang murmured the name softly, his gaze slowly tracing the register.

“At age nine, he migrated with his grandmother and servant Lin Fu from the south to Beiping Prefecture.”

“That was nearly nine years ago.”

“His grandmother was Qin Shi; her name is unknown, and her son’s identity is also unknown?”

As he read this report, Zhu Yuanzhang’s brow furrowed, his eyes flashing with displeasure. He turned a cold, piercing gaze upon Jiang Huan—as if trying to pierce through his very soul.

“Is this the depth of your investigation?”

Zhu Yuanzhang’s voice turned icy, and the hall grew oppressive: “His grandmother’s origins unknown? His son’s lineage also unknown?”

At this moment.

Zhu Yuanzhang’s tone brimmed with accusation and dissatisfaction—he was clearly furious with the result.

“Your Majesty.”

Jiang Huan trembled violently, immediately dropping to his knees again, his forehead pressed flat to the ground, voice filled with terror: “Your servant is incompetent.”

“The Embroidered Uniform Guard uncovered only this much in Beiping Prefecture—and even this required deep probing of Zhu Ying’s old neighborhood.”

As he spoke, Jiang Huan stole a glance at Zhu Yuanzhang’s expression and saw it darken further, making his fear intensify.

So.

He hurriedly added: “I also secretly reviewed the household registers in Beiping’s official archives—but found only this much.”

Jiang Huan’s voice grew quieter, daring not to raise it.

When submitting this investigation report, Jiang Huan had already felt deeply uneasy.

He knew well this was not what His Majesty desired.

He understood Zhu Yuanzhang’s nature—when matters concerned the empire’s stability, he demanded perfection. This investigation, clearly, was riddled with gaps.

“So you mean.”

Zhu Yuanzhang’s voice was low and suppressed, like the calm before a storm: “You have no information at all about Zhu Ying’s life before he arrived in Beiping?”

“Not even about his grandmother or his steward?”

Zhu Yuanzhang’s face grew darker still.

“Your Majesty.”

Jiang Huan spoke tremblingly, attempting to explain: “Many years ago, when the realm was newly stabilized, countless refugees fled their ancestral homes. Even though local offices recorded them, time has blurred those records.”

“After investigation, we can confirm Zhu Ying is not a foreigner—he is from the southern regions of our Great Ming.”

“But his exact former identity? Unless we ask General Zhu Ying himself, we cannot know for certain.”

As he spoke, Jiang Huan silently prayed his explanation would appease the emperor. He kept his head bowed, afraid to meet Zhu Yuanzhang’s gaze, terrified of provoking the dragon’s wrath.

Listening to Jiang Huan’s report.

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at the register, and ultimately refrained from reprimanding him.

He knew Jiang Huan’s capabilities—if even he, personally overseeing the matter, could uncover only this much, then the information on Zhu Ying’s origins had been exhausted.

Though Zhu Ying’s full history remained unverified, eliminating the possibility that he was a foreigner or outsider brought Zhu Yuanzhang considerable relief.

Then.

Zhu Yuanzhang continued reading the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s findings.

The register detailed Zhu Ying’s enlistment in Danning, his promotions, and numerous other events.

Even Zhu Ying’s establishment of a distillery and taverns was recorded clearly.

“Taverns now span Danning Prefecture, and are beginning to open in Beiping Prefecture?”

Zhu Yuanzhang’s gaze lingered on this line. He furrowed his brow, murmuring softly: “The liquor produced by the distillery cannot meet demand?”

“Has he oppressed the people, abused his power?”

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly lifted his head and fixed Jiang Huan with a piercing stare, asking in a low voice.

As an emperor,

he now revealed genuine concern for the people’s welfare; as a sovereign of his generation, he understood the critical importance of public sentiment and would never tolerate officials oppressing the common folk and tarnishing the court’s reputation.

Thus, throughout his reign,

he had opposed officials engaging in commerce, though no law explicitly forbade it.

But anyone who did so was inevitably watched by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, so most dared not, except the bold.

“Your Majesty,”

Jiang Huan quickly replied respectfully: “The Embroidered Uniform Guard found no such misconduct, but General Zhu Ying’s distillery and taverns have recruited many refugees as craftsmen, helping countless commoners.”

As he spoke, he silently rejoiced—he had specifically investigated this matter, or else he would have suffered again.

“Moreover, the grain purchased for brewing is priced higher than market rates, with no oppression of the people.”

“As for abusing power to intimidate others? That has never occurred.”

In response to this question, Jiang Huan’s voice was firm and confident—he was certain he had not erred.

“From your investigation, this Zhu Ying should be under nineteen, currently seventeen, correct?”

Zhu Yuanzhang slightly narrowed his eyes, pondered a moment, then spoke in a low tone.

Simultaneously, images of Zhu Ying’s deeds surfaced in his mind—a man so young, yet achieving extraordinary military feats, truly unbelievable.

“Precisely so.”

Jiang Huan nodded quickly, his expression cautious: “It is said that when General Zhu Ying first enlisted, he was underage, so his household registry was altered to inflate his age.”

“This fact was uncovered during the Prince of Yan’s own investigation.”

Jiang Huan added carefully, fearing he might omit any vital detail.

“Has any investigation revealed who taught him military strategy and command?” Zhu Yuanzhang asked again, his tone brimming with intense curiosity.

He had always wondered about the source of Zhu Ying’s ability—how could a youth, without a master’s guidance, possibly master military arts so thoroughly and win repeated battlefield triumphs?

“No.” Jiang Huan shook his head, then added: “According to Embroidered Uniform Guard investigations, no one has ever instructed General Zhu Ying; moreover, he has lived his entire life in Beiping, never leaving.”

Hearing this,

Zhu Yuanzhang’s face darkened with thought. He leaned back in his dragon throne, closed his eyes slightly, and his mind churned with countless thoughts.

“Could it truly be that some are born with innate talent, naturally gifted in command?”

At this moment,

even Zhu Yuanzhang’s heart could not help but entertain this thought.

Aside from this,

there seemed no other explanation for Zhu Ying’s extraordinary feats.

“Since Zhu Ying has now achieved great merit, we plan to reward him further with gold, silver, and servants. Place more Embroidered Uniform Guard agents among those servants.”

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly opened his eyes and said in a low voice: “I must keep every whisper and movement within the Zhu household under my watch.”

“But this matter must not reach the Crown Prince’s ears.”

As his words ended,

“Your servant obeys.”

Jiang Huan immediately bowed deeply, respectfully accepting the decree.

“Good. Dismissed.”

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, a trace of weariness on his face.

“Your servant takes leave.”

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

At this moment,

his forehead was drenched in sweat, his back soaked through.

For him, this encounter had been like walking through the gates of death.

He knew well Zhu Yuanzhang’s authority and suspicion—any misstep could bring instant death.

Meanwhile, Zhu Yuanzhang, leaning back in his dragon throne, watched Jiang Huan’s retreating figure and sank into deep thought.

“His household registry was altered to raise his age before he enlisted at sixteen; thus, he is now merely seventeen.”

Zhu Yuanzhang murmured softly: “Seventeen—and already so formidable! It defies all reason.”

His voice brimmed with awe and doubt, and he remained lost in thought for a long while.

……

The Zhu Residence!

Before the gate, an unprecedented bustle.

A procession of eunuchs, guarded by Imperial Guard troops, advanced slowly—steps synchronized, postures erect, radiating imperial majesty.

Crowds of onlookers had gathered around, whispering among themselves, filled with curiosity and anticipation.

The Imperial Guards held long spears, maintaining order; their cold, alert gazes scanned the crowd, preventing any disturbance.

At the gate, Shen Yuer wore the imperial-gifted ceremonial gown of a noble lady, her figure graceful, demeanor dignified, hands lightly clasped, waiting quietly.

Throughout the wait, her composure and solemnity remained undisturbed.

Lin Fu stood to one side behind her, dressed in a black steward’s robe, his face tense yet expectant.

Most servants and attendants within the residence had emerged, standing neatly behind, expressions reverent, not daring to move.

“That’s General Zhu’s wife—truly dignified and beautiful.”

“Indeed.”

“General Zhu is the youngest general of our Great Ming, ennobled as the Marquis of the Champion, a hero of the Liaodong campaign. Now the Imperial Guard has come with the Emperor’s envoy—clearly, General Zhu has achieved further glory in the northern expedition.”

“That must be it.”

“Didn’t a swift courier ride into the palace with news of a great northern victory? And he shouted ‘Great Victory in the North’—this must relate to General Zhu.”

“It very well could be.”

“Only after the victory report reached the palace did the imperial envoy arrive here—this must concern the Marquis of the Champion, General Zhu.”

“Listen closely—we’ll hear news of the northern campaign now.”

“...”

Before the residence!

Many commoners strained to see the spectacle, murmuring constantly—focused on the northern victory and whether it involved Zhu Ying.

In more remote areas, the people cared only about their harvests, how much they could earn, whether they could feed their families.

They might not even know Zhu Ying’s name.

When Liaodong was reclaimed and the news proclaimed to all, countless subjects had erupted in joy—but the specific generals who earned the victory were mentioned only in passing, not named.

Yet in the capital, the center of Great Ming’s power, rumors spread fastest.

As soon as the Marquis title was granted, Yingtian learned first—and many details about Zhu Ying had already circulated widely.

At this moment!

Under countless watching eyes, the senior eunuch at the center of the Imperial Guard smiled faintly and walked slowly toward Shen Yuer.

This old eunuch was none other than Yun Qi, Zhu Yuanzhang’s personal chief eunuch.

“Madam Zhu!”

Yun Qi’s voice was high-pitched yet soft, tinged with a smile: “Your servant comes by the Emperor’s decree to proclaim the edict.”

As he spoke, he raised the imperial edict high with both hands.

“Your servant’s wife humbly listens to the imperial decree.”

Shen Yuer immediately replied with reverence, her voice clear and melodious, radiating dignity—she did not disgrace Zhu Ying.

Yun Qi did not hesitate; he gently unrolled the silk ribbon binding the edict, slowly unfurled it, and declared loudly: “By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees!”

At his voice,

all around—every commoner, every Imperial Guard, every servant within the Zhu residence—bowed to the ground, listening respectfully.

For a moment, the street fell utterly silent, as if time itself had paused.

Shen Yuer held the title of noble lady—equivalent to a man’s noble rank—entitling her to stand before the Emperor and before the imperial decree.

This was a special honor, a mark of status.

Now, she was one of only two standing—her rank and dignity unmistakable.

“In the northern campaign, Marquis Zhu Ying has rendered great service to the state, leading our Great Ming cavalry to crush the Northern Yuan’s iron cavalry head-on, proclaiming the majesty of our Great Ming!”

Yun Qi’s voice rang high and stirring through the street.

“We are deeply pleased.”

“Now,”

“We bestow upon the wife of Marquis Zhu Ying the title of Third-Rank Noble Lady.”

“We grant one hundred gold taels, one thousand silver taels, one thousand bolts of brocade, one hundred jade artifacts, and one hundred servants.”

“This is our decree.”

Yun Qi held the edict aloft and proclaimed loudly.

His voice echoed through the street, drawing gasps and exclamations from the crowd.

Upon hearing the decree, Shen Yuer was startled but quickly recovered, bowing deeply and respectfully: “Your servant’s wife thanks Your Majesty for this boundless grace!”

Yun Qi stepped forward, smiling slightly: “Madam Zhu, receive the decree!”

Saying this,

He held out the imperial edict toward Shen Yuer, who immediately extended both hands to receive it carefully, holding it high with reverence, especially before such a crowd.

“Move all the imperial gifts to the Zhu residence.”

Yun Qi turned his head and shouted to the imperial guards behind him.

Though a eunuch, as Zhu Yuanzhang’s personal attendant, his voice carried authority that no one dared defy.

“Yes.”

The imperial guards responded in unison, their voices loud and synchronized.

Then they lifted the boxes of imperial gifts and carried them toward the Zhu residence.

Meanwhile,

One hundred servants had also been brought over, all dressed in uniform servant attire, their eyes filled with fear and anticipation.

They stood in neat rows, awaiting their new master’s instructions.

“Madam Zhu.”

Yun Qi smiled, his expression gentle: “The servant registers are all inside the boxes. Have your steward verify them carefully. I shall return to the palace to report.”

“Thank you, Your Excellency,” Shen Yuer replied at once, a faint smile on her face, her eyes brimming with gratitude.

“It is the Emperor’s command—no thanks are needed.”

Yun Qi gave a slight nod, then turned and walked toward the carriage, stepping inside.

Meanwhile,

After completing the task of moving the imperial gifts, the imperial guards swiftly formed ranks.

They spread out in a fan shape around the carriage, tightly guarding it on all sides.

Then,

The formation moved slowly, heading toward the palace.

The surrounding civilians rose from the ground at the sight.

At this moment,

Many civilians looked at Shen Yuer with deep reverence.

In the eyes of the people, the title of third-rank noble lady was immensely prestigious; in the vast city of Zhu Ying, very few women held such honor.

Usually, only the wives of marquises or dukes could receive such a title, and the opportunity was exceedingly rare.

Just after Yun Qi read the edict, the surrounding civilians had already learned the reason for Shen Yuer’s promotion.

As many had suspected, it was because General Zhu Ying had achieved great merit in the northern campaign.

“My husband,”

Shen Yuer tilted her head slightly, gazing northward, whispering to herself: “You must stay safe in the northern frontier.”

At this moment,

Though she had just been elevated to third-rank noble lady, no joy surged within her as she had imagined.

To her, the difference between fourth-rank and third-rank noble lady was negligible; what mattered most to her was Zhu Ying’s safety.

Thinking of Zhu Ying fighting bloody battles on the brutal northern battlefield, her heart filled with deep worry.

Yet,

She could do nothing but silently pray, hoping heaven would protect Zhu Ying and bring him home safely.

After a long while, Shen Yuer came back to herself, turned, and softly called to Lin Fu behind her: “Lin Bo.”

“Arrange these new servants.”

“I’ll go see Xi’er first.”

“Yes,” Lin Fu replied at once with a nod, his face bearing his usual respect.

He bowed slightly, watched Shen Yuer depart, then turned to methodically direct the new servants.

The household staff, seeing this, followed their assigned duties and orderly returned inside.

The main gate slowly closed, shutting out the commotion.

And now!

The civilians gathered outside continued to chatter excitedly, their enthusiasm undiminished.

“Did you hear that? I knew it—Madam Zhu was promoted to third-rank noble lady because General Zhu won great glory in the northern campaign.”

“Yes, we all heard it clearly.”

“That eunuch said General Zhu Ying led our Great Ming cavalry to crush the Northern Yuan iron cavalry head-on?”

“Is that even true?”

“The Northern Yuan iron cavalry—that’s the old Mongol cavalry, unmatched in battle!”

“The Mongol cavalry once swept the world, invincible—how could they be crushed so easily?”

“Our Great Ming has powerful infantry, victorious in sieges and conquests, but our cavalry should be inferior to the Northern Yuan iron cavalry, right?”

“I think so. The Northern Yuan Mongol cavalry has been powerful for centuries—it can’t be matched in a short time.”

“Those Mongols grew up on horseback; they’re nothing like our Han Chinese.”

“Ah, that’s true.”

“But the eunuch just read the imperial edict—it clearly said the cavalry crushed them head-on. Could the edict be wrong?”

…

For the edict to claim that Great Ming cavalry had crushed the Northern Yuan iron cavalry!

It was simply unbelievable.

After all, fear of the Mongol cavalry was etched deep into the hearts of countless Han subjects.

For a moment, everyone exchanged glances, unable to offer any certain answer.

But it was clear:

Tomorrow, rumors about this would spread like wildfire through the neighborhoods of Zhu Ying.

And now,

The Shen household.

The steward ran frantically toward the main hall, shouting: “Master!”

“Something’s wrong…”

(End of Chapter)