Chapter 199: Lan Yu Sees Zhu Wen, Shocked!

At this moment!

Lan Yu was completely suppressing his inner resentment, even clinging to a sliver of hope as he asked.

If they had merely broken the Northern Yuan court, this might count as a victory in the northern campaign, but if the Yuan Emperor fell into Zhu Ying’s hands, then the success of this northern expedition would be definitively settled.

This northern campaign was now entirely secured by Zhu Ying.

From the very first battle, breaking through the city, then slaying the Northern Yuan Grand General and Grand Tutor, to capturing the Yuan capital.

These military achievements combined were truly incalculable.

With these accomplishments, adding the feat of capturing the Yuan Emperor would be unimaginable.

“Thank you, Marquis of Yongchang, for your concern.”

“My glory as Marquis of Guanjun shattered three million Northern Yuan troops at Langjuxu Mountain, then pursued them all the way to Burye Sea, shattered their temporary court, and captured the Yuan Emperor and all his officials.”

“This time, we return in triumphant victory,” Liu Lei said with great pride, his voice loud.

Upon hearing this.

Lan Yu’s last shred of hope vanished; his face darkened.

Seeing this, Liu Lei sneered inwardly.

Among Zhu Ying’s officers, who did not know that the Huaixi generals, led by Lan Yu, had long been viciously targeting their commander? Though both sides were generals of the Great Ming, their relations were terrible.

This time, Liu Lei spoke so loudly precisely because he intended to.

Making Lan Yu furious was a small revenge for their general.

“Chang Mao.”

Lan Yu said in a low voice.

“General,” Chang Mao immediately replied.

“Order the army to turn south and return in triumph.” Lan Yu’s voice was icy, as if suppressing something.

“Yes!” Chang Mao shouted back.

If before, Lan Yu’s order to retreat was out of necessity—supplies were exhausted—now it was unavoidable.

The Northern Yuan court had fallen, the Yuan Emperor captured—what could they accomplish by advancing north any further?

They had come north hoping to claim the final glory of destroying the Yuan, only to become a joke, mere foils to Zhu Ying.

“Marquis of Yongchang.”

“My Ning border troops are right behind us. Shall we march together, returning in triumph to the Great Ming?” Liu Lei asked with a smile, as if sincerely inviting.

“No need.”

Lan Yu spoke coldly, then turned his horse around.

Then.

He led his army straight south.

He didn’t even care to acknowledge Liu Lei.

“Don’t get too cocky.”

Chang Mao muttered coldly, then turned his horse and followed the army away.

Watching this retreating army, Liu Lei smiled.

“Hahaha.”

“That was satisfying.”

“Finally, we’ve made Lan Yu and his men eat dirt.”

After watching Lan Yu’s forces disappear into the distance, Liu Lei burst into laughter.

Around Liu Lei, his personal guards also laughed heartily, each one utterly delighted.

Among them were guards who had followed Zhu Ying since he became Garrison Commander; they clearly understood the feud between their lord and the Huaixi generals. Now that they had so triumphantly humiliated Lan Yu and his men, how could they not feel exhilarated?

Meanwhile, at Lan Yu’s army.

Lan Yu galloped hard, as if trying to put distance between himself and Zhu Ying.

“Big Uncle.”

“So infuriating. So unbearable.”

“That bastard Zhu Ying even sent his personal guards to insult us.”

“I can’t swallow this humiliation,” Chang Mao said angrily as he rode.

“Since we’re outmatched, what can we do?”

“Can we just attack him directly?”

“There are military inspectors and guard inspectors, even Embroidered Uniform Guards traveling with the army. If you so much as raise a hand, next time it’ll be all of us punished by the Emperor.” Lan Yu spoke coldly; though filled with hatred and humiliation, he was utterly powerless.

He could only swallow it.

“Zhu Ying.”

“One day, I’ll teach him a brutal lesson,” Chang Mao muttered inwardly.

Eyes turned back.

When Liu Lei led his personal guards back to the formation.

“General.”

“Lan Yu’s forces have retreated south.”

“I even kindly invited them to march with us, but Lan Yu was clearly unwilling.”

As soon as he returned,

Liu Lei bowed respectfully to Zhu Ying with a faint smile.

“Let him refuse.”

“As long as the news has been delivered,” Zhu Ying replied calmly.

He didn’t care whether Lan Yu was angry or resentful.

The military achievements were already secured.

The accompanying inspectors had recorded everything.

These concrete results were undeniable.

“Since they moved first,”

“Let them have time to return.”

“Issue orders: the Yuan Emperor rests for one hour, eats and drinks his fill, then we march south in triumph after the hour.” Zhu Ying immediately ordered.

“Yes, General.”

All soldiers replied in unison.

Then they dismounted and rested on the spot.

……

Ying Tian Fu!

Within the Wenyuan Pavilion!

“Has no news arrived from the northern frontier?” Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne, his face filled with concern as he asked Tang Duo.

“Your Majesty.”

“No news has yet returned.”

“It has been nearly three months since our northern expedition forces entered the northern frontier lands.”

“They must have achieved results by now, but due to the vastness of the northern frontier and its isolation, it’s difficult to send news back,” Tang Duo replied respectfully.

“Three months.”

“So long.”

“Without news this long, I’m truly uneasy,” Zhu Yuanzhang said, his aged face heavy with worry.

Beside him, Zhu Biao smiled: “Father, no need to worry. This time, our Great Ming has sent not foot soldiers but ten thousand cavalry, well-prepared. Whether Marquis of Guanjun or Marquis of Yongchang, both are seasoned generals. I’m certain they will achieve victory and return in triumph.”

“Good news will arrive soon.”

Hearing this,

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: “I hope so.”

“After all, this is the northern frontier—the very place where countless dynasties of our Huaxia have been defeated. In such a harsh, foreign land, I’m not worried about our soldiers’ combat strength, but that they may lose their way.”

Tang Duo immediately said: “Your Majesty! Our northern expedition forces achieved tremendous results in less than a year, driving the Northern Yuan completely out of our ancestral lands. This time, they will surely complete their mission triumphantly.”

In response,

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said no more, but added: “Issue my decree: your Ministry of War must closely monitor. As soon as news arrives from the northern frontier, report it to me immediately.”

“Your servant obeys,” Tang Duo said at once.

“That will be all. You may go,” Zhu Yuanzhang said, waving his hand.

“Your servant takes leave,” Tang Duo did not dare linger in the Wenyuan Pavilion; he bowed deeply and swiftly exited the hall.

As soon as he left,

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed: “Biao, when will news finally come?”

“Though we have ten thousand cavalry in the northern frontier, it is still foreign land. If they lose their way, they risk annihilation.”

“One day without news, I am one day unsettled.”

“If I lose these ten thousand troops, I’ll be dooming you.”

Here, the words ended.

Clearly.

Zhu Yuanzhang was most worried that his decisions might negatively affect his son—after all, these hundred thousand troops were the strongest warriors of the Great Ming; if truly left behind in the northern frontier, it would be a tremendous loss for Zhu Biao.

“Father.”

“Don’t go thinking nonsense.”

“The Grand General won’t disappoint you—especially the Marquis of Champion, he certainly won’t.”

Seeing his father so troubled, Zhu Biao could only smile and reassure him.

After all, they were stationed in the capital, at court; no matter how concerned they were, they could do nothing for the northern frontier—they could only wait for news.

Just then!

“Report!”

“Your Majesty.”

“The Marquis of Champion’s Lady and Young Master Wenxi have arrived outside the hall.”

Yun Qi walked slowly into the hall and bowed respectfully.

“Looks like they came early today,” Zhu Biao said, startled, then smiled.

“It’s their first time attending our imperial family banquet—they probably didn’t know when to enter.”

“If they’ve come, then let them come.”

“I heard that little fellow has made great progress—he’s learned many characters already. Let’s see this adopted great-grandson of mine,” Zhu Yuanzhang said at once, smiling.

Zhu Biao nodded and immediately told Yun Qi: “Admit them.”

Yun Qi responded.

He called out to the hall’s entrance: “The Marquis of Champion’s Lady, enter to pay homage!”

As his voice faded.

Shen Yuer, dressed in the robes of a noble lady, led Zhu Wenxi—now over a year old—into the hall.

Several more months had passed; Zhu Wenxi had naturally grown taller.

And over these months, Shen Yuer had already hired several tutors for her son.

To learn characters.

To study literature.

To learn propriety.

She had secured teachers for all of it.

Watching Zhu Wenxi, though small, walk with steady dignity, one could clearly see he had learned something in these months.

“Your servant wife pays homage to Your Majesty and to the Crown Prince.”

After entering the hall.

Shen Yuer immediately bowed deeply, with utmost respect.

Beside her.

Zhu Wenxi did not need his mother to prompt him.

He immediately knelt down respectfully and, in a child’s voice, cried: “Great-grandson pays homage to His Imperial Great-Grandfather!”

Then he turned to Zhu Biao: “Grandson pays homage to His Imperial Grandfather.”

Now Zhu Xi was Zhu Wenxi—he had been adopted by Zhu Biao as an heir, and thus addressed Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao as imperial family members should.

“Ha!”

“Rise, no need for formalities.”

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and waved his hand.

“Thank Your Majesty, thank the Crown Prince,” Shen Yuer said.

Zhu Wenxi quickly followed: “Thank Great-Grandfather, thank Grandfather.”

After they rose.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao’s eyes immediately fixed on Zhu Wenxi, both filled with praise and satisfaction.

“Xi’er, well done.”

“Every time I see you, you’re different—more sensible, more aware of propriety,” Zhu Yuanzhang praised with a smile.

“Father.”

“The teachers guiding Xi’er are truly exceptional,” Zhu Biao said with a smile.

“Oh?”

Zhu Yuanzhang was slightly surprised, then asked: “If even Biao calls them exceptional, I’m curious—who are Xi’er’s teachers?”

“Kong Yi,” Zhu Biao smiled.

Hearing that name.

Zhu Yuanzhang’s eyes lit up immediately, then he smiled knowingly: “Him?”

“The fifty-seventh generation of the Southern Kong—do you remember, Biao? You once summoned him to court, but he refused. Now why has he agreed to be Xi’er’s teacher?”

“That doesn’t seem like Kong Yi’s nature.”

Zhu Yuanzhang asked with a smile.

“I didn’t expect you’d remember that.”

“Kong Yi has talent, virtue, and spirit.”

“Back then, he declared: ‘I will not serve a ruler who dishonors the Duke of Yansheng—I share the same clan, but I am ashamed to stand with him.’ That shook the entire Ying Tian City.”

Thinking of Kong Yi, Zhu Biao spoke with deep emotion.

Know that.

Since the Southern Song moved south.

The Kong!

Split into two branches: Northern Kong and Southern Kong.

Those recorded in unofficial histories as having spirit—living with the nation, dying with the ruler—were the Southern Kong.

The hereditary Duke of Yansheng in the Hongwu era now belongs to the Northern branch.

This rivalry between the two Kongs naturally stirred much controversy—and caused many to look down upon the court’s favoritism.

“Yuer.”

“How did you persuade Kong Yi to become Xi’er’s teacher?” Zhu Yuanzhang asked with a smile.

“Your Majesty.”

“It’s quite coincidental—Master Kong Yi loves wine, and our family’s brew suits his taste perfectly. He teaches Xi’er for free, asking only for one fine jug of wine each day.”

“And… he said he has long admired my husband, and to teach Xi’er as requested by him is his honor,” Shen Yuer said without concealment, revealing everything.

How she had persuaded this proud, spirited Southern Kong descendant—and how she had won his willing service to teach Zhu Wenxi.

Hearing this.

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily: “Excellent!”

“Xi’er is excellent.”

“Kong Yi is excellent.”

“Given time, Xi’er will surely become a great talent.”

Hearing Zhu Yuanzhang’s praise.

Zhu Wenxi immediately bowed deeply: “Thank Your Imperial Great-Grandfather for your praise.”

“Xi’er.”

“Only a few months have passed, yet you’ve become so well-mannered—your teacher has truly put in effort.”

“But before your grandfather, no need to be so formal—I still prefer you lively,” Zhu Biao said with a smile.

Hearing this.

Zhu Wenxi’s eyes brightened, and he grinned: “Grandfather, you said that!”

Saying this.

Zhu Wenxi immediately dropped his stiff posture, ran barefoot toward Zhu Biao, and leapt up.

Zhu Biao laughed and caught him effortlessly.

“I knew you were pretending all along.”

Looking at Zhu Wenxi in his arms, Zhu Biao couldn’t help laughing.

Zhu Yuanzhang beside him was equally smiling broadly.

Shen Yuer lowered her head, covering her mouth as she smiled.

“Grandfather.”

“My teacher is too strict—he makes me walk properly, speak properly—I had no choice.”

“After all, he’s my teacher,” Zhu Wenxi said with mock resignation.

“Ha!”

Zhu Biao smiled warmly at this.

Just then!

“Your Majesty.”

“The Eastern Palace’s side consort, Lady Lü, and the young princes are waiting outside the hall.”

Yun Qi entered the hall again, bowing respectfully.

“Looks like everyone came early today.”

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled at Zhu Biao, then said with a touch of nostalgia, “Good. It’s been a long time since I last saw Yunzhong.”

At the mention of Yunzhong.

Zhu Biao’s expression darkened slightly, as if he felt ashamed before his father.

“Summon them,” Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand.

Shen Yuer stepped to the side.

The Crown Prince’s concubine had arrived—Shen Yuer was naturally curious, having never seen her before.

At this moment!

Lü Shi walked ahead.

Zhu Yunwen, Zhu Yunzhong, and Lü Shi’s two sons followed closely, walking slowly into the grand hall.

“Your servant wife pays homage to Your Majesty.”

As soon as Lü Shi entered the hall, she knelt and bowed respectfully to Zhu Yuanzhang.

“Grandson pays homage to His Imperial Grandfather.”

Zhu Yunwen, Zhu Yunzhong, and the other two bowed and knelt as well.

Zhu Yunwen’s voice was the loudest, clear and proper in its delivery.

Seeing Zhu Biao beside him, Zhu Yuanzhang said nothing about Lü Shi calling herself “your servant wife,” only raised his hand: “Rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Lü Shi replied at once.

“Thank you, His Imperial Grandfather.”

Zhu Yunwen, Zhu Yunzhong, and the other two immediately thanked him.

But at this moment!

When Lü Shi lifted her head and her gaze flickered, landing on the infant in Zhu Biao’s arms, her eyes widened in utter shock!

……

(End of Chapter)