Chapter 91: Good News Arrives at Yingtian, Zhu Yuanzhang

“Indeed, it’s a blood-sweating steed—and an exceedingly rare black-blooded one.”

“The black steed of Xiang Yu, the Overlord of Western Chu, was of this kind.”

“To be honest, you’re lucky.”

“It was found in the stables of the Man Jier General’s residence.”

“Upon hearing you lost your warhorse, I’ve decided to bestow this steed upon you,” Fu Youde said with a smile.

Looking at the towering warhorse before him, Zhu Ying’s face lit up with delight; he stepped forward and gently stroked it, and the horse exuded a palpable sense of power.

As a military officer, to not love a warhorse would be false.

Always.

Zhu Ying had ridden only ordinary warhorses, from the northern frontier to this city of Jincheng, having changed mounts several times.

One reason was his growing strength—ordinary horses simply couldn’t bear it; the other was that the horses themselves were inadequate.

But this warhorse here.

A blood-sweating steed—this was truly the pinnacle among horses.

With it, Zhu Ying could better gallop across the battlefield and slay his enemies.

“Thank you, General Fu, for your generous gift.”

“I dare not refuse.”

Zhu Ying immediately expressed his gratitude.

He would be a fool to refuse this blood-sweating steed.

“Hah! A noble steed befits a hero.”

“This horse was meant for you.”

“But a noble steed chooses its master. When we found it in the stables, the stableboy said Man Jier had never tamed it—be careful,” Fu Youde chuckled.

“Then I shall test it.”

Zhu Ying smiled.

He took the reins from a nearby soldier and mounted at once.

The moment he sat upon it.

The warhorse let out a neigh, reared up on its front legs, as if to throw him off.

“Is that all?”

Zhu Ying gripped firm and sat steady on the saddle, unmoving.

Then.

He quietly increased the pressure of his weight.

Taptaptap.

Taptaptap.

The warhorse galloped wildly through the vast residence, bucking and rearing, its wild nature untamed.

‘I underestimated you.’

“Then I’ll add more force.”

Seeing the horse’s fierce untamed spirit, Zhu Ying was even more pleased.

He continued to increase his strength, squeezing the horse’s flanks with his legs.

As Zhu Ying’s power grew, the blood-sweating steed ceased its frantic struggles; its limbs could no longer bear the pressure and collapsed to the ground—but it still writhed, while Zhu Ying pressed down like a thousand-pound weight, crushing it utterly.

After a long while.

The blood-sweating steed stopped struggling and let out a soft neigh, as if submitting.

“Good.”

Zhu Ying laughed, released the pressure of his legs, and the steed immediately rose to its feet, no longer resisting.

Fu Youde and the other generals, witnessing this, saw Zhu Ying’s strength for the first time.

During the assault on Jincheng, it had been under cover of night—they hadn’t seen his battlefield prowess—but now, in taming this horse, they saw his power displayed.

“Excellent.”

“Looks like we gave it to the right man.”

“Such a wild, untamable steed—and you subdued it so easily.”

“A noble steed chooses its master. Zhu Ying, won’t you name it?” Fu Youde smiled.

“Its entire coat is black—‘Wu.’ Its wild nature is fierce, yet it possesses spirit, and a soldier’s edge—let’s call it ‘Wu Feng.’” Zhu Ying thought a moment and replied at once.

“Good.”

“Wu Feng.”

“A fine name.”

“In ancient times, Xiang Yu’s steed Wuzhui became famed across the land because of him, celebrated through the ages.”

“May Wu Feng, like Wuzhui, become renowned through your name, Zhu Ying, and be sung of for eternity,” Fu Youde said with sincere blessing.

Zhu Ying dismounted, clasped his fists, and said: “I shall strive toward this goal.”

…

Beiping!

Yan Prince’s Mansion!

Inside the inner hall.

Zhu Di held a secret report, his expression thoughtful, tinged with shock.

“Your Highness.”

“You’ve been staring at this report for a long time—what could possibly move you so?”

“That’s rare.”

Yao Guangxiao, holding his prayer beads, looked at Zhu Di with equal surprise.

“Aren’t you the monk who can divine fate? Then why not divine what’s in my hands?”

Zhu Di raised his head, smiling slightly at Yao Guangxiao.

“Only Liaodong could cause you such concern—and prompt such a swift report.”

“It seems something has happened in Liaodong to stir you so,” Yao Guangxiao said with a faint smile.

“You’re too clever, monk.”

Zhu Di glanced at him, then returned his gaze to the report.

“Do you recall Zhu Ying, who galloped across the northern frontier?” Zhu Di asked.

“Of course.”

“A young hero who led thousands to slay countless Tartars beyond the frontier, even beheading their chieftain—his ability is extraordinary,” Yao Guangxiao said with admiration.

As he spoke.

Yao Guangxiao immediately realized: “Could it be that Zhu Ying has returned safely from the northern frontier?”

“He didn’t just return—he received rewards from His Majesty and your elder brother.”

“His achievements in the north have earned him the hereditary title of County Nan, promotion to Deputy Commander, and command of the Wan Army,” Zhu Di said with a sigh.

“Wasn’t the title and promotion already known?”

“Why such a reaction, Your Highness?” Yao Guangxiao asked, puzzled.

“How many cavalry do we have in Beiping?” Zhu Di asked seriously.

“Beiping Guard Battalion: ten thousand cavalry, forty thousand infantry.”

“Danning is the same,” Yao Guangxiao replied calmly, but his gaze fixed on Zhu Di.

“Your elder brother’s favor toward Zhu Ying is truly immense.”

“Danning has just established a new Deputy Commander Camp—a full cavalry Deputy Commander Camp.”

“This Zhu Ying is truly a fierce and brilliant general.”

“He destroyed over ten thousand Tartar cavalry and brought back ten thousand warhorses.”

“Those horses now form his complete cavalry Deputy Commander Camp!” Zhu Di said with a sigh.

Yet his expression grew grave—whether at the shift in Danning’s guard battalion structure, or at his elder brother Zhu Biao’s profound favor toward Zhu Ying, or perhaps at some other thought of his own.

“Danning was already near Liaodong, with two cavalry Deputy Commander Camps; now it has three.”

“Such force, such cavalry—this has already broken the guard battalion system.”

“The Crown Prince is not merely cultivating Zhu Ying—he’s building up military strength in Danning, waiting for Liaodong to be pacified, after which Danning may no longer be a guard battalion, but a Military Commission,” Yao Guangxiao mused, finally seeing the true nature of the matter.

Upon hearing the term “Military Commission.”

Zhu Di’s eyes darkened with gravity.

“You said my elder brother’s lifespan is short—I believed you.”

“But if he remains vigorous and healthy, I must put aside thoughts I shouldn’t have.”

“As long as he lives, I will have no chance.”

“Monk, you understand what I mean.”

Zhu Di turned to Yao Guangxiao, his face stern, his gaze carrying silent pressure.

Yao Guangxiao smiled confidently: “Fate is fate—it will reveal itself in due time.”

“I once told you I would give you a white hat—I won’t break my word.”

“If I fail to deliver, take my head.”

Upon hearing this.

Zhu Di said no more on the matter.

He then stared at the secret report: “This Zhu Ying truly possesses exceptional ability; since returning from the northern frontier, he has achieved another victory. With this merit, he is more than worthy of at least one promotion.”

“Fu Youde and Lan Yu have separately attacked Jincheng and Kaiyuan in Liaodong, yet after half a month of fierce assault, neither city has fallen.”

“Those Huaxi fierce generals are somewhat jealous of Zhu Ying, so they recommended him to lead the assault on the city.”

“Yet, despite its heavy defenses and nearly eighty thousand troops, Jincheng was indeed breached by him.”

“And he used some unknown battle tactic—cavalry to break the city walls.”

“If this boy cannot be won over in the future, he will surely become a great enemy!”

As he spoke these words,

Zhu Di’s hand involuntarily clenched the secret report.

Clearly,

Zhu Di was filled with both curiosity and wariness toward Zhu Ying.

Unlike the Huaxi generals,

though they held immense prestige in the military and were indeed skilled commanders, most were already over forty, and their time was limited. Zhu Di could outlast them, and his father the Emperor already harbored resentment toward the Huaxi faction—perhaps one day he would deal with them.

But Zhu Ying was different.

He was still so young; his future stretched long ahead.

His demonstrated command ability and combat prowess were nothing short of astonishing.

“Zhu Ying.”

“This boy is truly unexpected.”

“His abilities shown on the northern frontier were already enough to earn high regard and bring him to the attention of Yingtian.”

“Now, with this new victory at Jincheng, his future is boundless,” said Yao Guangxiao.

Zhu Di pulled another slip of paper from beneath the secret report.

“This is Zhu Ying’s birth date.”

“It is recorded in the military registry.”

“Aren’t you skilled at divination?”

“Use his birth date to calculate his fate.”

Zhu Di drew out the slip and handed it to Yao Guangxiao.

Yao Guangxiao stepped forward, took it, and glanced at it.

“Hongwu Fifth Year, seventh month.”

Seeing the age, Yao Guangxiao silently recited the figures in his mind.

Then,

he sat back down in silence, turning prayer beads in his hand, his face solemn—as if calculating deep within.

Zhu Di did not rush, waiting calmly.

After a long while,

Yao Guangxiao opened his eyes.

“According to his birth chart, this boy should be utterly ordinary,” Yao Guangxiao said slowly.

“Then you’ve miscalculated.”

“If Zhu Ying is still ordinary, then there is no extraordinary man left in the world.”

“At sixteen, he has achieved such feats—how can that be ordinary?” Zhu Di smiled faintly.

“Perhaps.”

“Either his birth date is wrong, or he has defied heaven and altered his destiny,” Yao Guangxiao said slowly.

“Zhu Ying.”

“I am growing ever more curious about you.”

“Pity I cannot leave my fiefdom—otherwise, I would truly wish to meet him.”

Zhu Di spoke slowly, his eyes holding a trace of longing.

…

Time gradually passed!

The capital of the Great Ming: Yingtian!

Tap-tap-tap.

Tap-tap-tap.

A swift rider, a flag planted behind his back, galloped from outside the city toward its heart.

“Urgent report from Liaodong!”

“Make way!”

“Clear the way!”

The rider surged forward,

and the guards at the city gate immediately moved aside the barricades.

The rider sped through.

Many citizens in the city exchanged glances but dared not obstruct—everyone stepped aside to the sides of the street.

“Urgent report from Liaodong!”

“The imperial court has finally launched troops against Liaodong!”

“Liaodong has always been Chinese territory; now, at last, we will reclaim it!”

“Wonderful…”

As the citizens heard the courier’s cry of “Urgent report from Liaodong,” each face lit up with anticipation.

For them,

Liaodong

had always been Chinese land. Now that the Central Plains had been restored to the Han Chinese, Liaodong had remained under Northern Yuan control. With the Great Ming now mobilizing against Liaodong, it was certain they would reclaim it for China.

The urgent courier galloped straight into the palace gates, encountering no obstruction.

Fengtian Hall!

“Your Majesty, I humbly report.”

“The second batch of grain and military supplies has begun mobilization and is already en route,” said Minister of Revenue Zhao Mian, stepping forward to announce loudly.

“The Ministry of Revenue has done well this time.”

“The grain and supplies have not been interrupted.”

“But Feng Sheng and the others in Liaodong have disappointed us.”

Zhu Yuanzhang praised Zhao Mian while expressing dissatisfaction with the offensive in Liaodong.

“Your servant thanks Your Majesty’s praise.”

“The Ministry of Revenue was able to mobilize these supplies so swiftly thanks entirely to Your Majesty’s benevolent governance of the realm. Our Great Ming has suffered no natural disasters or human calamities, so harvests have been good.”

“All is due to Your Majesty’s great fortune,” Zhao Mian replied calmly and respectfully.

Upon hearing this,

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled: “Ministry of Revenue—record one merit.”

“Your servant thanks Your Majesty,” Zhao Mian’s face brightened with joy as he immediately bowed and returned to his place in the court.

“Your Majesty, I humbly report.”

“Since the mobilization from Danning Prefecture, the border troops have suffered heavy casualties.”

“The Ministry of War has received lists of over four thousand dead and one thousand wounded soldiers discharged from service.”

“These soldiers require compensation.”

“This matter requires Your Majesty’s decision.”

Minister of War Tang Duo stepped forward and declared loudly.

“Crown Prince.”

“Compensation for fallen soldiers has always been your responsibility—how do you propose to handle this?” Zhu Yuanzhang turned his gaze to Zhu Biao.

Hearing this,

Zhu Biao looked at Tang Duo, his expression thoughtful. Then he said: “For soldiers who have given their lives for the state, I have only one phrase: grace, compassion, and care.”

“For those who died in service to the state: pay the Great Ming’s official death compensation, led by the Ministry of War and assisted by the Ministry of Revenue, ensuring the compensation reaches the families of the fallen heroes.”

“For those wounded and disabled in service: pay the Great Ming’s disability compensation, and additionally, secure them employment in their home villages to ensure they have no hardship upon returning.”

“For the families of these loyal heroes, the court shall extend its grace.”

“I will personally draft an imperial decree detailing the measures.”

Upon hearing Zhu Biao’s words,

Tang Duo and Zhao Mian immediately bowed: “Your servants receive the decree.”

“All ministers have heard the Crown Prince’s words.”

“Regarding compensation for soldiers who gave their lives for the state, I have only one rule: anyone who embezzles it shall have his entire clan exterminated.”

“Each department’s chief shall bear responsibility,” Zhu Yuanzhang scanned the court with a cold voice.

Beneath this icy gaze,

Every minister in the court felt a chill in their hearts, all filled with dread.

The current Emperor’s ruthlessness, the current Emperor’s power.

Who in the court doesn’t know?

Who in the realm doesn’t know?

Li Shanzhang, once arrogant and invincible.

Hu Hai, once arrogant and invincible, wielding power over the court.

Yang Xian, once arrogant and invincible.

What was their final fate?

Though they stood high above others, in the end they were exterminated by Zhu Yuanzhang, their clans wiped out.

Imperial power reigns supreme, authority firmly in hand.

He says exterminate nine kin, and nine kin are exterminated.

This is Zhu Yuanzhang!

“Your subjects humbly obey Your Majesty’s decree.” The ministers bowed deeply before Zhu Yuanzhang.

Seeing this display, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in satisfaction.

For Zhu Yuanzhang,

for the ministers in court, he outwardly believed them, but inwardly he did not.

For corrupt officials, Zhu Yuanzhang showed zero tolerance.

Though the Great Ming had his established systems and laws!

Yet wealth stirs the human heart.

Zhu Yuanzhang must exert pressure on the entire court, so that those corrupt officials would rein themselves in.

“It has been a month since Feng Sheng led his troops into Liaodong.”

“I wonder how things stand in Liaodong.”

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke slowly, his tone carrying both anticipation and authority.

Zhu Biao immediately stepped forward and smiled: “Your Majesty need not worry—Song Duke will surely give you a satisfactory report.”

“Nahasi cannot possibly resist our Great Ming’s imperial army.”

“Liaodong will surely return to Huaxia.”

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded.

Just then!

“Report!”

From outside the hall,

a loud cry rang out.

A messenger sprinted into the hall, holding a urgent report aloft.

“Urgent report from Liaodong.”

“Submitted by General Feng Sheng.”

The messenger knelt in the hall and announced loudly.

“Finally arrived.”

Zhu Yuanzhang’s face broke into a smile.

“Bring it here.”

Zhu Biao immediately waved his hand.

At this moment,

the urgent report from Liaodong had arrived.

Anyone could guess it was good news.

If it weren’t a victory report, Feng Sheng might not have dared to submit it.

The Chief Eunuch, Yun Qi, stepped forward and took the report from the messenger’s hands.

He then presented it directly onto Zhu Yuanzhang’s imperial desk.

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately opened it, glanced at it, and his eyes widened in shock.

He then stared closely.

As if he could not believe it.

All the ministers’ gazes converged, filled with anticipation—and unease.

Would it be heavenly grace or thunderous wrath?

It all hinged on this urgent report.

After a long pause,

Zhu Yuanzhang read the report several times, confirming its accuracy.

“Hahaha.”

“Liaodong. Zhu Ying.”

“Our Great Ming has truly gained a young, fierce general.”

“This boy is good.”

“Very good.”

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily.

“Father.”

“What about Zhu Ying?”

“Has he achieved merit in Liaodong?” Zhu Biao asked directly, smiling.

He was the only one in court who dared ask so bluntly.

The ministers raised their heads, exchanging puzzled glances.

Zhu Ying?

That name appeared again in court?

This is the fourth time, isn’t it?

From his first appearance, which startled Zhu Yuanzhang and his son and made them remember the name, every subsequent appearance brought military merit and deeds of loyalty.

Now, is it the same in Liaodong?

“No wonder he’s my son—so sharp.”

“Exactly.”

“Zhu Ying, this boy is outstanding—he’s delivered another great service to our Great Ming.”

“He led our troops to capture Jincheng, breaking Liaodong’s defenses,” Zhu Yuanzhang declared with laughter.

At these words,

Zhu Biao’s face showed surprise: “Zhu Ying just returned from the northern frontier, and he commands the Cavalry Assistant Camp—how did he breach a city? How did he earn such a feat?”

At this moment,

even Zhu Biao was baffled.

Not just him.

The civil and military ministers alike stared in confusion.

How does capturing Jincheng relate to cavalry?

And how does it relate to Zhu Ying?

…

PS: Second chapter, five thousand characters delivered. On debut day, ten thousand characters delivered—thank you, brothers, for your support. Tomorrow I’m driving on the highway, but the draft is already written. Thank you for your support.

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(End of chapter)