Chapter 57: Zhu Yuanzhang Issues an Edict: Promotion to Commandant

After continuing for a long time.

The court ministers inside the Fengtian Hall exchanged bewildered glances.

Zhu Ying.

This was the third time they had heard this name.

The first time, he slew a hundred enemies, cut down their general, and seized their banner.

The second time, he annihilated ten thousand Tartar cavalry, breaking their mounted forces.

And this time, it was even more formidable—he directly slew the Tartar chieftain and shattered their tribal court.

Each of his achievements was sufficient to shake the court.

“Could this man truly be the reincarnation of the Marquis of Champion?”

“How could a mere few thousand cavalrymen drive the Tartars into such disarray? Inflict such heavy losses upon them?”

“To penetrate the Tartar tribal court and slay their leader—this is indeed a tremendous victory.”

“Though the Tartars are a minor tribe, with no more than a million people, they still fielded tens of thousands of troops, yet Zhu Ying, with only a few thousand cavalry, crushed them to this extent.”

“This youth will surely win even greater favor from His Majesty and the Crown Prince.”

…

In the imperial court.

Everyone understood the true value of Zhu Ying’s battlefield achievements.

Though it did not match the legendary feats of the ancient Marquis of Champion, Huo Qubing, who penetrated the Xiongnu’s heartland and sealed his glory at Langjuxu.

Yet this victory powerfully demonstrated the might of the Great Ming’s army, enough to uplift the entire military.

Even Zhu Biao, upon hearing this news, showed surprise and admiration on his noble face.

“Good, good, very good.”

“Zhu Ying.”

“He is worthy of being a general of the Great Ming—he has truly displayed the spirit of our Ming generals and the valor of our Han sons on the northern frontier.”

“To hold the enemy at bay with a tiny force deep in their territory was already extraordinary; yet he dared to raid their tribal court and slay their leader.”

“Excellent, excellent!” Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily, deeply pleased.

“Father.”

“Zhu Ying.”

“He has the bearing of the ancient Marquis of Champion.”

Zhu Biao smiled as he made this assessment.

If Feng Sheng’s earlier praise in the army had been known only to a few.

Now, with Zhu Biao’s words, the entire court—and soon the whole realm—would know.

The bearing of the Marquis of Champion.

What greater honor could there be?

Who was the Marquis of Champion?

He was the supreme glory of Han generals—sealed Langjuxu, radiant with glory.

For a general to be called the Marquis of Champion was the highest honor imaginable.

Zhu Biao’s assessment was the greatest reward Zhu Ying could receive.

Precisely because of this judgment, every minister in court could not help but stare in astonishment.

To earn such praise from Zhu Biao was to grant Zhu Ying a lasting boon, securing him an unlimited future.

The entire court and the whole realm now knew: the current Emperor was old, and everything was being arranged to pave the way for Crown Prince Zhu Biao. Whoever won Zhu Biao’s favor would surely hold a place of power in the future Ming court.

“The Crown Prince speaks truly.”

“Zhu Ying.”

“Indeed, he has the bearing of the Marquis of Champion.”

“Though these Tartars are but a minor tribe, inferior to the once-dominant Xiongnu of the north, they still fielded tens of thousands of troops—more than ten times Zhu Ying’s force.”

“Yet he still broke into their tribal court and slew their leader.”

“Such prowess deserves reward—and promotion.” Zhu Yuanzhang laughed in agreement.

“Father.”

“The report from Duke Song was precisely to petition rewards for Zhu Ying.”

“In our Great Ming army, merit is paramount—merit must be rewarded.”

“We must not slight Zhu Ying.” Zhu Biao smiled.

“What reward do you suggest, Crown Prince?” Zhu Yuanzhang asked with a smile, clearly handing the decision back to his son.

“Zhu Ying currently holds the rank of Garrison Commander and the hereditary title of Baron.”

“Given this great achievement, he deserves promotion by one rank—to Commandant, commanding ten thousand troops.”

“In addition.”

“Grant him a thousand gold pieces, a general’s armor, a sword, and a bow.” Zhu Biao paused briefly, then declared.

“Tang Duo.”

“Did you hear the Crown Prince’s words?”

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, turning to Minister of War Tang Duo.

“I heard them, Your Majesty.”

“I shall immediately issue the military order promoting Zhu Ying to Commandant, commanding ten thousand troops.” Tang Duo replied at once.

“Father.”

“I shall write this imperial decree myself.”

“Zhu Ying is a young, valiant general of our Great Ming—I must treat him with special attention.” Zhu Biao smiled.

Hearing this,

the court ministers showed no surprise—only envy at Zhu Biao’s high regard for Zhu Ying.

For the Crown Prince to write an imperial decree.

Only when the Emperor was away on campaign did such authority normally exist.

But for Zhu Biao, such restrictions did not apply.

An imperial decree!

Even if written by Zhu Biao, it carried the same weight—and he could even use the Emperor’s seal.

Historically, he was known as the most securely positioned Crown Prince—this was no falsehood.

“Very well.”

“I won’t remain on this throne much longer. Zhu Ying is a fine man—worthy of your attention, Biao.”

“Write this decree yourself—and issue it.” Zhu Yuanzhang smiled.

“I thank Father.” Zhu Biao replied at once.

…

The court session ended.

The Donggong Hall!

Zhu Biao held his brush, writing an imperial decree.

Court officials attended him nearby.

When the decree was finished,

Zhu Biao took his personal seal and stamped it upon the document.

“Deliver it to the Ministry of War—have them send it swiftly to Liaodong.” Zhu Biao rolled the decree shut and handed it to the attendant.

“I receive your command.”

The official bowed, received the decree, and withdrew respectfully.

“Zhu Ying.”

“Sixteen years old.”

“A true talent.”

“But not enough.”

“His native place is Beiping Prefecture—why did he enlist in Daning Prefecture?”

Zhu Biao stared at Zhu Ying’s dossier, a look of puzzlement crossing his face.

Generally,

conscription was confined within each prefecture, unless directly ordered by the imperial Ministry of War or summoned by the Five Military Commissions.

As Zhu Biao pondered,

a beautiful young woman entered the hall, carrying a bowl of chicken soup, accompanied by a boy of about ten.

“Husband.”

“You’ve worked hard on state affairs—I’ve prepared chicken soup for you.”

The woman spoke gently to Zhu Biao.

She was the Crown Prince’s concubine, Lady Lü.

Hearing this,

Zhu Biao looked up, a faint smile on his face, and nodded: “Mm. Set it down.”

"Your son pays homage to Your Majesty."

The youth beside Lady Lu also bowed respectfully to Zhu Biao.

He was none other than the eldest son of the Eastern Palace, Zhu Yunwen.

Zhu Biao’s eldest son.

"Didn’t Yunwen go to the Grand Academy?"

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Yunwen and asked with a hint of sternness.

"My lord."

"Today is a day off."

"Has my lord forgotten?" Lady Lu smiled.

Upon hearing this,

Zhu Biao nodded slightly in realization: "I was wrong to blame you."

"By the way."

"Where is Yunzhong?"

"I haven’t seen him in many days," Zhu Biao asked Lady Lu.

Upon hearing Zhu Biao mention Zhu Yunzhong,

Zhu Biao’s second son.

Yet in status, he was the legitimate son.

A flicker of coldness passed through Lady Lu’s eyes, but her face retained a gentle, understanding smile: "My lord, this child Yunzhong has been locking himself in his room for no reason, and has skipped the Grand Academy many times."

…

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(End of Chapter)