Chapter 56

Beiping Prefecture!

Yan Wang's Mansion

Inner Hall.

“Four thousand cavalry stormed the northern frontier, holding back tens of thousands of Jianzhou Tartar troops.”

“With four thousand cavalry, they annihilated ten thousand Tartar horsemen, stripping the Tartars of their cavalry strength and resolving the crisis of our own cavalry being pursued and encircled.”

“They raided Tartar tribes, forcing the Tartars to disperse their main forces, then struck unexpectedly at the Tartar tribal seat.”

“One move follows another seamlessly.”

“This boy is truly extraordinary.”

Zhu Di held the secret report in his hand, a look of shock spreading across his face.

The only achievement capable of moving him, the Prince of Yan, to such awe was this battle result from Zhu Ying.

“The Great Ming’s destiny is strong; the emergence of new, capable generals is not uncommon.”

“After this, Zhu Ying will surely be summoned before the Emperor’s presence in Yingtian.”

Before Zhu Di, the black-robed monk Yao Guangxiao spoke.

“He has already been summoned.”

“The Emperor has issued an edict, granting Zhu Ying the hereditary title of County Nan.”

“At barely sixteen, he already holds a noble title—this is a distinction many have never attained.” Zhu Di smiled.

“Does the Prince not see the Emperor’s deeper intent?” Yao Guangxiao said obliquely.

“What deeper intent?” Zhu Di blinked.

But then—

After sensing Yao Guangxiao’s gaze, Zhu Di instantly regained his composure: “The Huaixi region is full of fierce generals—arrogant, battle-hardened troops who boast of their merits and act with insolence. The Emperor has long been angered by them, yet their prestige in the army is immense. The Great Ming is still in the midst of war, so we must still use them—and thus endure.”

“The Emperor has long wished to cultivate new, young generals to replace the Huaixi officers, but so far, none have measured up—except for Elder Mu Ying, who guards Yunnan Prefecture; the rest have been mediocre.”

“Zhu Ying’s emergence may well align with what the Emperor has envisioned.”

Yao Guangxiao nodded: “Exactly so.”

“Judging from Zhu Ying’s demonstrated achievements, he will surely please the Emperor even more and win greater favor.”

“As long as Zhu Ying lives, he will surely hold a place among the Great Ming’s future top generals.”

Hearing this firm affirmation,

Zhu Di’s eyes gleamed with interest.

“Why isn’t this boy in my Beiping Prefecture?”

“If he were under my command, I would gain another battle-savvy general.” Zhu Di said, somewhat disappointed.

“Your Highness.”

“Find a way to obtain Zhu Ying’s birth details. I may be able to divine his fate.”

“See if he might serve you in the future.” Yao Guangxiao smiled.

“Good.”

Zhu Di nodded without hesitation.

…

Time passed in the blink of an eye.

The Great Ming’s capital, Yingtian.

Fengtian Hall!

All ministers gathered.

“Your Majesty, I humbly report.”

“Now,”

“Duke Song has led his army into Liaodong, launching an offensive against Nara Chu.”

“Faced with our Great Ming’s punitive force, Nara Chu has shifted from offense to defense.”

“The Ministry of War closely monitors the Liaodong campaign; as soon as any battle report arrives, we will immediately submit it to Your Majesty.”

Minister of War Tang Duo bowed respectfully and reported.

“Nara Chu.”

“This time, I will not let him off again.” Zhu Yuanzhang snorted, a cold killing intent radiating.

“Liaodong has dozens of cities and millions of people; besides the Mongols, most are Han.”

“They have been separated from their homeland for years, and have long been outside the governance of Huaxia.”

“After this campaign, we must govern and rebuild.”

“Minister Zhao.”

“You must pay special attention to this matter.”

“After the great battle, there will be devastation—the Ministry of Revenue must swiftly implement stability measures in Liaodong.”

“The Ministry of Personnel must also contribute.”

Zhu Biao, standing on the steps, spoke, his expression grave.

Minister of Revenue Zhao Mian immediately stepped forward: “I accept the imperial decree. As soon as Liaodong is secured, the Ministry of Revenue will transport provisions and supplies there, and will draft policies for its governance.”

As Zhao Mian finished speaking,

Minister of Personnel Chen Jing immediately stepped forward: “I will screen suitable officials for the Crown Prince’s review; if approved, they will be dispatched to govern Liaodong.”

“Excellent.” Zhu Biao nodded in satisfaction.

On the dragon throne,

Zhu Yuanzhang offered no objection to Zhu Biao’s words; instead, he wore a kind, gentle smile.

Only after Zhu Biao fell silent

did Zhu Yuanzhang continue.

“When war begins, grain and supplies are consumed in vast quantities.”

“The Ministry of Revenue must not only conscript but also safeguard the people’s livelihood.”

“No oppression of the common folk must occur,” Zhu Yuanzhang said sternly.

He had risen from the lowest ranks, and knew well the suffering of the common people.

“Rest assured, Your Majesty.”

“All grain and supplies conscripted by the Ministry of Revenue are collected from each prefecture within the tax quota; we will not impose harsh policies upon the people,” Tang Duo immediately replied.

“Good.” Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in satisfaction.

At that moment—

“Report!”

“Urgent report from Liaodong. Duke Song submits his report.”

A swift messenger sprinted into Fengtian Hall, holding high a battle report.

“Father.”

“It seems Liaodong has brought another victory,” Zhu Biao smiled.

“Indeed.”

Zhu Yuanzhang also nodded with a smile.

He waved his hand: “Yunqi, no need to formally present it—just read it aloud.”

“I trust Duke Feng has brought good news.”

Regarding Feng Sheng,

Zhu Yuanzhang was utterly confident.

To reclaim Liaodong—the ancestral Han territory—he had prepared for a long time: sufficient troops, ample grain and supplies, battle-hardened generals—he saw no possibility of defeat.

The eunuch Yunqi bowed respectfully, then stepped swiftly down the hall to receive the report from the messenger.

He loudly proclaimed: “Your servant Feng Sheng submits to Your Majesty.”

He immediately proclaimed loudly: “Minister Feng Sheng submits this memorial to His Majesty.”

“The twenty-thousand-strong Liaodong expeditionary force has fully mobilized: Marquis Yongchang Lan Yu leads one hundred thousand troops against Kaiyuan; Duke Yingguo Fu Youde leads another hundred thousand against Jincheng. The two armies advance separately to annihilate Nara Chu; victory is imminent.”

“The twenty-million-strong expeditionary force against Liaodong has fully mobilized: Earl of Yongchang Lan Yu leads one hundred thousand troops to attack Kaiyuan, while Duke Yingguo Fu Youde leads another hundred thousand to attack Jincheng; the forces split into two prongs to destroy Naha Chu, and victory will soon be achieved.”

“Today’s report concerns the northern frontier of Jianzhou Tartars and the achievements of Garrison Commander Zhu Ying.”

“I received Zhu Ying’s battle report and dared not delay—I submit it to Your Majesty for judgment.”

“Garrison Commander Zhu Ying led four thousand troops deep into Jianzhou Tartar territory, raided their tribal seat, slew countless Tartars, broke through from the Tartar seat, and personally beheaded the Jianzhou Tartar chieftain, Aha Chu.”

“He has severely crippled the Jianzhou Tartars.”

“Originally, the Daining Commandant ordered Zhu Ying to hold the Tartars for half a month, then withdraw upon the arrival of our main force. But Zhu Ying held near the Tartar seat for nearly two months, destroyed dozens of Tartar tribes, slew countless enemies, and now has slain their chieftain, crippling them so severely that the Jianzhou Tartars cannot threaten our borders or reinforce the Northern Yuan for a long time.”

“When the former Danning Commandant ordered Zhu Ying to hold off the Tartars for half a month until our main army arrived, he was only to withdraw afterward. Yet Zhu Ying held his troops near the Tartar chieftain’s seat for nearly two months, shattered dozens of Tartar tribes, slew countless enemies, and now has slain the Tartar chieftain himself, severely crippling them—so that the Jianzhou Tartars cannot threaten Great Ming’s borders for a long time, nor reinforce Northern Yuan.”

“I humbly petition for rewards for Zhu Ying.”

“I beg Your Majesty to grant him honors.”

Yunqi read aloud.

But as the battle report was proclaimed,

the entire court fell into absolute silence.

The entire court fell into silent stillness.

Obviously.

Everyone was stunned by Zhu Ying’s achievement.

……

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(End of chapter)