Chapter 184: Zhu Yuanzhang Will Summon Shen Yuer and Her Son! Zhu Xi

At this moment!

For the entire Great Ming, the capture of the Yuan capital was a victory no less significant than Zhu Ying’s direct defeat of one hundred thousand Northern Yuan iron cavalry—sufficient to stir the hearts of Great Ming subjects and become the greatest source of inspiration.

The Yuan capital is broken.

The Yuan court is trodden upon.

Especially for the newborn Great Ming realm and those Ming subjects who had suffered under Yuan rule, this news would carry unprecedented encouragement.

The Yuan court!

More than a hundred years ago, after they took control of the Central Plains, they established their decaying dynasty on this land belonging to the Huaxia Han people.

Although this dynasty’s lifespan was brief,

to the Huaxia Han people, it was a history filled with humiliation.

Under Yuan rule, Han people endured countless injustices and oppression—their dignity trampled without restraint, even to the point that upon marriage, a Han man’s first night had to be surrendered to Yuan nobles.

Until the Great Ming appeared.

Zhu Yuanzhang emerged suddenly, leading countless Han sons in rebellion, contending for the realm, and ultimately toppling the Yuan’s brutal rule, restoring the Han dynasty.

Without doubt!

Zhu Yuanzhang is the hero of all Huaxia!

But the existence of the Yuan remained like a sword hanging above every Han subject’s head, constantly threatening.

Now!

The Yuan capital has been successfully breached by the Great Ming’s northern expeditionary army; the last city of the Northern Yuan within the Great Wall has been utterly eradicated.

Under this major victory, it not only means the Northern Yuan will have no foothold left on Huaxia soil, but also marks their complete loss of the title of dynasty.

From now on, the Northern Yuan will revert to nomadic tribes, and their threat to the Great Ming will be greatly diminished.

At this moment!

Facing the ceaseless chorus of congratulations from the court ministers, Zhu Yuanzhang sat upon the dragon throne, and an expression of joy could not help but appear on his aged face.

Breaking the Yuan capital was undoubtedly an exhilarating piece of news, but compared to his innermost grand expectations, it still fell far short.

What he envisioned was the complete dismantling of the Northern Yuan, so that the regime known as “Yuan”—which had brought endless suffering to the Han people—would vanish entirely.

He wanted the grassland tribes, once united under the name of Northern Yuan, to fracture into several independent, mutually hostile regimes.

After all, the threat posed by a unified Northern Yuan versus numerous fragmented tribes was plainly obvious.

Once the Northern Yuan split, the tribes would inevitably fight among themselves for scarce resources, too preoccupied with their own struggles to pose a serious threat to the Great Ming.

This, then, was the true purpose of the northern expedition.

“My ministers,” Zhu Yuanzhang spoke slowly, his aged yet commanding voice echoing through the Fengtian Hall.

Instantly,

the previously enthusiastic congratulations in the hall ceased abruptly.

All ministers immediately assumed expressions of reverence, their gazes fixed entirely on Zhu Yuanzhang upon the dragon throne.

“The Yuan capital has fallen, but the Northern Yuan is not yet destroyed.”

Zhu Yuanzhang’s expression was grave as he scanned the ministers below, continuing sternly: “The northern expeditionary army must consolidate its gains and continue advancing.”

“Before breaking the Yuan capital, I had already issued orders for the army to press northward.”

“If this campaign fails to shatter the Northern Yuan completely, it cannot be called a true victory.”

“Only when the name ‘Northern Yuan’ ceases to exist, and the northern frontier is no longer unified, can this be called true victory.”

Zhu Yuanzhang’s words carried undeniable authority—he was declaring to the entire court what victory in the northern expedition truly meant to him.

“The Ministry of War must closely monitor the northern front. Report any developments to me immediately.”

Zhu Yuanzhang added, his gaze turning to Tang Duo.

“Your servant obeys.”

Upon hearing this, Tang Duo stepped forward from the court line, clasped his court tablet, and bowed respectfully in acceptance.

“Father Emperor.”

At this moment, Zhu Biao took a few steps forward, turned to face Zhu Yuanzhang, and said solemnly: “Winter will arrive in no more than three months.”

“That means our northern expeditionary army has only three months left.”

“If decisive results cannot be achieved within three months, I propose we withdraw the northern expeditionary army.”

“The northern frontier is plagued by snowstorms and extreme cold; if we push too deep, the entire army risks annihilation.”

“This matter must be considered with great caution.”

As Zhu Biao spoke, his expression was grave, his eyes filled with deep concern.

He understood the harshness of the northern frontier, the biting cold of the north, and the immense risks of rashly advancing deep into enemy territory.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang’s face showed a hint of contemplation.

After a brief pause, Zhu Yuanzhang slowly nodded and said: “The Crown Prince speaks wisely.”

“Let the northern expeditionary army advance for three more months.”

“The northern expeditionary army must withdraw safely into Great Ming territory before snow covers the desert.”

“Once the northern expedition succeeds, I shall reward them handsomely.”

Zhu Yuanzhang declared loudly, full of trust and expectation for the northern expeditionary army.

“Which general was the first to breach the Yuan capital in this campaign?”

Zhu Yuanzhang shifted his tone, turning his gaze toward Tang Duo in the court and asked.

“Your Majesty,”

Tang Duo stepped forward immediately and replied respectfully: “In this campaign to breach the Yuan capital, Marquis Zhu Ying was the first to break through the walls and storm into the city.”

“He then pressed forward without pause, entered the Yuan imperial palace, and personally slew the Northern Yuan Grand Marshal Manzi.”

“This victory not only secured the capture of the Yuan capital, but also took captive countless Yuan nobles.”

“According to General Guo Ying’s report, over sixty thousand Northern Yuan nobles were captured and have all been reduced to slave status.”

“Their family wealth has been entirely confiscated and will be transported back to the capital in batches.”

As Tang Duo spoke, his words were clear and orderly, not daring to show the slightest negligence.

His words clearly reported Zhu Ying’s achievement as the first to breach the Yuan capital.

“Again, Zhu Ying.”

“Indeed.”

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and praised him.

But now, no one was surprised—had Zhu Ying not earned such merit, it would have been strange.

“The spoils from this campaign in the Northern Yuan will surely swell the state treasury,” Zhu Biao said with a smile.

This northern expedition,

though a massive drain on national strength, could also replenish the treasury with rich resources seized from the defeated enemy if victorious.

This time, the Yuan emperor fled without daring to make a sound; though he took many treasures from the palace, the Yuan capital was still the seat of the Northern Yuan, where nobles gathered in abundance—its wealth was unimaginable.

Merely confiscating the property of these nobles might be enough to grant the Great Ming a substantial fortune.

Moreover,

this does not even include vital war materials seized from the Northern Yuan—horses, cattle, and sheep.

If all these are accounted for, the Great Ming will suffer no significant loss from this campaign, and may even turn a profit.

“Zhao Mian,” Zhu Yuanzhang paused briefly, then spoke directly.

“Your servant is here,” Zhao Mian responded at once, stepping forward, adjusting his robes, and bowing respectfully.

“Immediately dispatch skilled accountants from the Ministry of Revenue to the northern frontier. Accurately tally every single gain from this campaign.”

“Whether gold, silver, silk, or cattle, horses, and sheep—everything must be clearly recorded.”

Zhu Yuanzhang’s expression was grave, showing his high priority on this matter.

“Also, the Ministry of War must warn the generals of the northern expeditionary army: the rewards I grant are what they are owed.”

“If I have not granted them, all spoils of war must be turned over to the state treasury.”

“Whoever dares to embezzle will not escape my punishment.”

As Zhu Yuanzhang spoke the final words, his tone turned extremely stern, his aged eyes glinting with coldness.

He understood human nature—during war, some generals might succumb to temptation and privately seize war loot.

Such behavior not only harmed the Great Ming’s interests but also severely undermined military discipline.

Therefore, he must sound the alarm in advance, as a warning to others.

After major warfare, the state treasury is severely depleted.

Maintenance and development across the realm urgently require vast sums of money.

All civilian needs—building irrigation systems, aiding famine victims—and military needs—procuring weapons, grain, even officials’ salaries—each expenditure flowed like water.

Perhaps the cost of a few individuals was negligible, but the total expenditure of the entire Great Ming realm was an enormous sum, like a heavy mountain pressing upon the court’s shoulders.

Thus, the wealth gained in this campaign must be treated with utmost seriousness to replenish the treasury.

“Your servant obeys.”

Zhao Mian and Tang Duo exchanged glances, both seeing solemnity in each other’s eyes.

“Your Majesty,”

At this moment,

Lu Ben stepped forward, bowing respectfully: “Today, I received a report from the Ministry of Rites’ Bureau of Foreign Affairs.”

“The King of Goryeo has sent envoys, pleading for the Great Ming to dispatch troops to crush the rebel forces within Goryeo.”

And he explicitly stated that if the Great Ming were willing to send troops to aid them, Korea would forever remain a vassal of the Great Ming.

When Lu Ben spoke these words, his tone was calm and respectful.

This matter.

Must await Zhu Yuanzhang’s review.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang first paused slightly, then sneered: “Korea, a barbarian backwater, dares to dream so grandly.”

“In the past, it paid tribute and submitted to the Northern Yuan, even mobilizing troops to aid the Northern Yuan in resisting our Great Ming’s campaign to reclaim Liaodong.”

“Had our Great Ming soldiers not been fierce and brave enough to seize Liaodong first, Korea would surely have become our enemy.”

“We haven’t even settled accounts with Korea for that grudge, yet their king dares to beg us for aid?”

Zhu Yuanzhang’s words dripped with mockery; he was deeply displeased with Korea’s fickle nature.

In his view, Korea’s opportunistic behavior was utterly contemptible.

The Northern Yuan is now weak.

The Great Ming is now strong, yet Korea, on the brink of collapse, now wishes to pay tribute and submit? And even demand our troops to save it?

What a fantasy!

“Your Majesty speaks truly.”

Lu Ben quickly agreed: “According to the Ministry of Guest Affairs, unrest in Korea has intensified; the Korean king’s army has been steadily defeated by his former general Li Chenggui, who now stands at the gates of the royal capital.”

“Soon, Korea may face a dynastic change.”

“Moreover, Li Chenggui reveres our Great Ming; his officials have conveyed through the Ministry of Guest Affairs their profound respect for Your Majesty and for the Great Ming.”

“He has pledged that once internal strife ends, he will send envoys to pay tribute to the Great Ming.”

Lu Ben further elaborated on Korea’s internal situation, giving Zhu Yuanzhang a fuller understanding of the matter.

“The Crown Prince.”

Zhu Yuanzhang turned his gaze to Zhu Biao and asked directly: “What is your view on Korea’s situation?”

These past years, though the Great Ming has focused all its energy inward—primarily against the Northern Yuan, striving to reclaim ancestral lands and restore Han territory—

Under the vast expanse of the Great Ming, many small states border our realm.

Some, awed by our might, voluntarily submit, pay tribute regularly, and demonstrate loyalty; others, overreaching, dare to defy us, even stationing troops along our borders to provoke our authority.

Yet to the Great Ming, these small states are but minor nuisances; should we truly move against them, crushing them would be no great feat.

The Northern Yuan, however, remains our true threat—a sword hanging over our heads, constantly endangering our security.

“Father.”

Zhu Biao paused briefly, then spoke with quiet confidence: “I believe we should let Korea fight among itself.”

“Li Chenggui is a clever man; he knows how to deal with our Great Ming in the future.”

“After this northern campaign succeeds, the Northern Yuan will no longer be able to stand as an equal to our Great Ming.”

“If Li Chenggui dares to provoke us, let him learn what the might of the Great Ming truly means.”

As Zhu Biao spoke, his face bore the confident air of a crown prince, radiating imperial authority.

Hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang’s expression softened with emotion; he nodded approvingly and said: “Biao’er is right—these words carry the spirit of an emperor.”

Zhu Yuanzhang’s voice brimmed with pride and joy; he was deeply satisfied with Zhu Biao’s response.

In his eyes, Zhu Biao had fully matured into a capable, strategic crown prince—equipped to govern the realm and handle foreign affairs.

Hearing Zhu Yuanzhang’s praise, the court ministers felt no surprise.

After all, the relationship between emperor and crown prince in this dynasty was harmonious, unlike the tense, hostile dynamics of past dynasties.

The current emperor trusted the Crown Prince completely, never fearing he would usurp the throne.

For the emperor believed that all future power rightfully belonged to Crown Prince Zhu Biao; everything he did was to pave the way for his son’s succession and the governance of the realm.

“Yet, Father.”

Zhu Biao shifted tone, smiling at Zhu Yuanzhang: “In just over three months, the New Year draws near—and next year, our court must devote all its efforts to a major event.”

As Zhu Biao spoke, his eyes sparkled with anticipation, as if he already envisioned this great event.

“Indeed.”

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, sighing: “Before we know it, another three-year imperial examination cycle has arrived.”

“I wonder how many talents this one will bring to our Great Ming.”

Zhu Yuanzhang’s face also showed anticipation; he understood well the importance of talent to the state.

Each imperial examination was a vital opportunity to select capable officials; he hoped this one would attract even more pillars of the nation, infusing new vitality into the Great Ming’s prosperity.

“Father, our Great Ming is rich in talent and virtue; countless scholars emerge from its lands—this examination will surely not disappoint you.”

Zhu Biao said with firm confidence.

He knew that across the vast expanse of the Great Ming, countless talents lay hidden, waiting only for an opportunity to rise and serve the state.

The imperial examination was that path.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, then said gently: “You shall oversee the preparations for this examination, with the Ministry of Rites providing full support.”

Again.

Zhu Yuanzhang’s trust in Zhu Biao was absolute; entrusting him with such a vital matter caused him no concern whatsoever.

“Your servant accepts the decree,” Zhu Biao replied at once.

“Your servant accepts the decree,” Lu Ben also immediately bowed in assent; the Ministry of Rites’s crucial role in the examination made his duty unquestionable.

The imperial examination was a vital path for selecting officials—of utmost importance.

Since the founding of the Great Ming, only the first examination was presided over by Zhu Yuanzhang himself; all subsequent ones have been led by Zhu Biao.

This was to cultivate Zhu Biao’s own faction: officials selected under his direct supervision became his disciples.

These men would later serve Zhu Biao wholeheartedly, becoming his indispensable aids in ruling the realm.

“By the way.”

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly remembered something: “Has the Ministry of War recorded Zhu Ying’s battlefield merits?”

“Your Majesty,” Tang Duo replied promptly: “The Marquis of Champion’s merits have all been duly recorded.”

“And not only the Marquis of Champion—every officer of Assistant Commander rank or higher who participated in the northern campaign has had his merits recorded; once the campaign concludes, Your Majesty may reward them according to their achievements.”

As Tang Duo spoke, his words were clear, precise, and flawless.

“Excellent.”

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled approvingly and nodded.

He was deeply satisfied with the Ministry of War’s meticulousness under Tang Duo’s leadership.

With the Ministry of War so diligent in recording rewards,

soldiers’ sacrifices would be properly honored, motivating them to fight bravely on the battlefield.

Then, Zhu Yuanzhang fell into thought, as if recalling something significant.

“The Marquis of Champion has earned countless merits in this northern campaign; his wife and children have been in Yingtian for some time. The Crown Prince has already met them once—now it is time for me to see them.”

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke slowly, his tone carrying a hint of concern: “Yunqi, after the court session ends, deliver my verbal order: take Zhu Ying’s wife and children into the palace for an audience.”

“I shall host a banquet and bestow rewards.”

This, too, was a sign of his regard for Zhu Ying.

“Your servant obeys,” Yunqi replied, stepping forward respectfully.

Yun Qi heard the Emperor’s command and immediately stepped forward, bowing respectfully in response.

The Zhu Residence!

“Mother, come catch me!”

“Mother…”

In the spacious courtyard of the Zhu residence,

Zhu Ying had been on campaign for nearly nine months.

When he left, Zhu Xi was only a few months old; now he was over a year old.

He had once only crawled unsteadily; now he ran joyfully.

Dressed in a fine white-gray silk robe, Zhu Xi inherited the best traits of both parents—adorably cute, his rosy cheeks like ripe apples, tempting one to pinch them.

One could foresee he would grow into a graceful, handsome young man.

It’s easy to foresee that he will one day become a graceful, handsome young lad.

while his father Zhu Ying exuded the fierce vigor of a warrior, Zhu Xi embodied the refined demeanor of a scholar; his eyes sparkled with wit and curiosity, as if enchanted by everything around him.

Compared to the martial vigor radiating from his father Zhu Ying, Zhu Xi leaned more toward the demeanor of a scholar—his eyes sparkled with wit and intelligence, as if curious about everything around him.

Shen Yuer chased after him, smiling helplessly.

“You’re mischievous all day long.”

Shen Yuer scolded softly, yet her tone brimmed with affection.

She had once not understood the saying “a one- or two-year-old is hated even by dogs”; now she understood completely.

This child’s energy seemed endless—he scampered nonstop through the house, never still, truly at the age where even dogs grow tired of him!

This little rascal seemed to have endless energy, constantly running and jumping around the house, never still—he had truly reached the age when even dogs grew tired of him!

Lin Fu walked up and gently scooped up little Zhu Xi, his movements practiced and tender—as if he had done this countless times before.

Lin Fu walked up and immediately scooped up little Zhu Xi, his movements gentle and practiced, as if he had done this countless times before.

Little Zhu Xi beamed the moment he saw Lin Fu, his smile pure and joyful.

The moment little Zhu Xi saw Lin Fu holding him, he beamed with a radiant smile, full of innocence and joy.

You're back.

Zhu Xi excitedly asked, “Did you bring me something to eat?”

As he spoke, Zhu Xi’s eyes widened with eager anticipation.

“Of course I’d bring something for my little young master,” Lin Fu said with a smile, gazing at his young master with warmth and deep affection.

Lin Fu smiled, looking at his little young master, his expression especially tender, his eyes brimming with love for little Zhu Xi.

Then,

Lin Fu reached into his sleeve and pulled out a rice dumpling, its aroma filling the air.

“Lin Aweng is the best,” Zhu Xi happily took the rice dumpling and immediately flattered him.

“Madam.”

Lin Fu held little Zhu Xi and turned to face Shen Yuer.

He bowed slightly, his back curved in respect—though Zhu Ying and his wife treated him as an elder, his manners never wavered.

Shen Yuer watched her son wriggling in Lin Fu’s arms: “Lin Bo, don’t you think I should find a tutor to teach Xi’er how to read and write?”

Lin Fu looked down at Zhu Xi, who blinked up at him with big eyes, then said, “He’s only a little over a year old—isn’t he too young?”

“He’s small, but I feel he’s more restless than most three- or four-year-olds.”

“He has boundless energy all day.”

Shen Yuer sighed helplessly, then leaned closer, lowering her voice, her eyes glinting with excitement: “And this child is truly clever—I’ve seen him playing beside my desk while I read, and he memorized over a dozen characters and could even pronounce them!”

As if understanding the praise, Zhu Xi suddenly wriggled free of Lin Fu’s arms, stumbled over to the stone table, and pointed his chubby fingers at the calligraphy practice sheets Shen Yuer had left behind, mumbling: “Tian… Di… Ren!”

“Little young master can already read?” Lin Fu stared in astonishment—he had never expected it: “He’s only one year and three months old!”

After all,

Being able to recognize characters at one year old was extremely rare.

And this—

Without doubt—

Was the result of the talent granted to Zhu Xi by the system panel at birth: when Zhu Xi was born, a random talent had descended upon him—【Politics】.

Politics.

It encompassed many things.

Among them, literacy was essential—only those who could read and write could handle state affairs.

Now that Zhu Xi recognized characters so quickly, it was proof of the talent’s manifestation.

Shen Yuer knelt down and stroked her son’s head: “I tried several times, teaching him different characters—he remembered them all.”

Saying this,

Shen Yuer looked up at Lin Fu, her gaze filled with hope: “Lin Bo, don’t you think we should hire a tutor now?”

Hearing this,

Lin Fu paused to think, then nodded immediately, his eyes filled with pride for Zhu Xi: “It seems we truly must find a tutor to teach little young master to read.”

“Such talent must not be wasted.”

At this,

Shen Yuer said at once: “Then Lin Bo, please look for a learned tutor. As long as he’s suitable, we’ll pay handsomely.” She smiled faintly: “It’ll keep him from being mischievous all day.”

Lin Fu thought for a moment, then brightened suddenly: “Madam, if little young master truly has a talent for literature, we should find him several teachers.”

“Hire masters skilled in classics, history, philosophy, and collections—each in their own field—and see which subject little young master leans toward.”

“If little young master truly has this talent, our Zhu family may yet produce a future top scholar,” Lin Fu said happily.

“Brilliant idea!” Shen Yuer clapped her hands and laughed in agreement: “Just find one, Lin Bo. If he’s right, we’ll hire him at great expense.”

“Very well.”

Lin Fu had just agreed,

When suddenly, hurried footsteps rushed toward them.

A guard stationed outside the mansion hurried over and bowed deeply: “Madam! Manager Lin! The… the Imperial Guard has arrived outside—every one of them wears red cloaks. They seem to be from the palace. They say they wish to summon you.”

…

(End of Chapter)