Chapter 92: The Golden Mouth Opens: Grand Rewards for Zhu Ying!

“Hah!”

“Yunqi, read it out for us.” Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and handed the urgent report to Yunqi beside him.

“Your servant obeys the imperial command.”

Yunqi replied respectfully.

He then took the report, stepped forward to the steps, and announced loudly: “Great victory in Liaodong! Minister Feng Sheng submits this report to His Majesty!”

“I commanded the northern expeditionary army in the assault on Liaodong, fulfilling Your Majesty’s decree to reclaim Liaodong and restore our Huaxia territory.”

“The Northern Yuan’s Grand Marshal Naha Chu fortified Jincheng and Kaiyuan as shields, and after years of preparation, turned both cities into fortresses of Liaodong, stationing heavy garrisons to defend them.”

“I led my troops in fierce assaults on both cities for over fifteen days, yet failed to breach their walls, and have failed Your Majesty’s trust.”

“Now.”

“During the battle of Jincheng, Zhu Ying, a cavalry commander of the Danning border troops, was recommended by multiple generals and appointed by General Fu Youde to lead his cavalry in the assault on Jincheng.”

“Our forces used cannons as support; General Zhu Ying personally led a night raid on Jincheng, leading from the front. His divine valor shattered the city gate, and he charged into the city with his troops, breaking Jincheng open. Only then did our Great Ming army pour into the city. After a day and night of brutal fighting, General Zhu Ying slew Naha Chu’s top commander, [Sali Dawen], and Naha Chu’s foremost warrior, [Man Jier].”

“This secured the victory at Jincheng and marked the first step in our Great Ming’s recovery of our ancestral lands.”

“In the future, I shall lead our Great Ming’s elite forces to crush Naha Chu, fully reclaim Liaodong, and restore Han rule.”

“The merit of breaking Jincheng belongs foremost to General Zhu Ying. I humbly beg Your Majesty, according to our Great Ming’s system of military rewards and punishments, to bestow great rewards upon General Zhu Ying.”

“Your servant, Feng Sheng, bows.”

Yunqi read aloud, his voice echoing throughout the Fengtian Hall.

As this urgent report was read out,

the court ministers were all stunned.

Zhu Biao was no exception.

“Fu Youde and Lan Yu led their armies in fierce assaults on Jincheng and Kaiyuan for over half a month and failed to break them—yet Zhu Ying broke through in one attack?”

“The Ministry of War’s report clearly described the conditions of Jincheng and Kaiyuan: their defenses were solid, easy to defend, hard to attack.”

“How did Zhu Ying, commanding only cavalry, manage to breach the city?”

“Could he truly be the reincarnation of the Marquis of Guan?”

“Fu Youde, Lan Yu—these Huaxi generals are all seasoned commanders, yet now they’ve been outshone by this young upstart Zhu Ying.”

“Huaxi, hah—good days are over for them now.”

“Lan Yu has always been arrogant, proud of his command, and dismissive of all others—but now his glory has been stolen by a teenager. Huaxi is truly declining.”

“Excellent.”

“The court needs generals like Zhu Ying to suppress Huaxi’s dominance, force them to fight among themselves—only then will the Great Ming grow stronger.”

“Zhu Ying has already caught the Emperor’s and Crown Prince’s attention for his battlefield merits in the northern frontier; his future was already bright. Now, with this new achievement, he’s become even more formidable…”

The court ministers all buzzed with discussion.

For many, especially those in conflict with the Huaxi warlords over power and influence, this was a welcome turn of events.

“Crown Prince.”

“What is your view?”

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled at Zhu Biao.

Hearing this,

Zhu Biao snapped back to attention, bowed deeply to Zhu Yuanzhang, and said with emotion: “Father, Zhu Ying is truly a valiant general of our Great Ming. Such combat prowess, such command ability—he must be the model for all our officers.”

“Judging by this, he will surely earn the title of Marquis of Guan.”

Clearly,

Zhu Yuanzhang was delighted.

Zhu Biao was even more delighted.

Zhu Ying was so young—he would serve under Zhu Biao’s command in the future. To have such a formidable general under his banner filled Zhu Biao with great satisfaction.

“Hahahaha!”

“Zhu Ying.”

“This victory has truly surprised me.”

“To break Jincheng with cavalry alone—I’m genuinely curious how he did it.” Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily, clearly overjoyed.

“Father.”

“Zhu Ying has secured the first major victory in reclaiming Liaodong, and he slew Man Jier.”

“According to my knowledge,”

“Man Jier was the Prince Yun’an of the Northern Yuan—his status there was not insignificant.”

“I believe Zhu Ying deserves great reward, to inspire the entire army.” Zhu Biao immediately spoke up, petitioning for Zhu Ying’s commendation.

As Zhu Biao finished speaking,

Minister of War Tang Duo immediately stepped forward: “I second the Crown Prince’s words.”

“I second it.”

Ministers of Rites Lu Ben, of Revenue Zhao Mian, and ministers of Justice and Personnel all rose in unison, loudly endorsing the proposal.

Even the Grand Secretaries of the Three Halls joined in agreement.

The first merit in reclaiming Liaodong was no small achievement.

One could say,

Zhu Ying’s breach of Jincheng was a crucial step in the Great Ming’s recovery of Liaodong.

With the Crown Prince calling for reward, any minister not foolish would agree.

Especially those with grudges against Huaxi—they shouted loudest, pushing hard for it.

The entire Fengtian Hall erupted in chorus of approval.

“The Crown Prince speaks wisely.”

“Zhu Ying has rendered great service to the state.”

“He must be rewarded.”

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily, pleased by the unanimous court support.

“Crown Prince, how do you propose to reward him?” Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, handing the decision back to Zhu Biao.

Zhu Ying was so young and talented—clearly, he would become one of the Great Ming’s top generals.

The future of the Great Ming belonged to his son Biao; such acts of grace must come from Zhu Biao himself, so that Zhu Ying would one day be loyal to him, swearing to serve the Great Ming with his life.

This was precisely what Zhu Yuanzhang intended.

He was old.

He would not remain on the throne much longer.

Even if Zhu Biao simply asked to ascend, Zhu Yuanzhang would immediately yield the throne without hesitation.

But Zhu Biao refused.

So Zhu Yuanzhang remained on the throne, laboring for his son, paving the way for his son’s future reign.

“Your Majesty,”

“First, promote him one rank.”

“Elevate Zhu Ying to [Deputy Commandant].” Zhu Biao smiled and spoke.

“It seems Biao has more rewards in mind,” Zhu Yuanzhang said, smiling with anticipation.

“Bestow upon Zhu Ying the hereditary title of [County Sub-Lord], and grant him a thousand taels of gold.” Zhu Biao added immediately.

Hearing Zhu Biao’s reward,

many court ministers drew sharp breaths.

One rank promotion in office.

Two ranks upward in noble title.

The reward was extraordinarily generous.

Once an officer reached the rank of Deputy Commandant, he could be called a General. Advancing further required great merit; many commanders remained stuck at this rank for years. Yet Zhu Ying’s promotion came too swiftly.

He had served less than a year—barely seven months.

Yet he had risen from a common soldier to Deputy Commandant of the Great Ming, becoming a commander of ten thousand.

Now, promoted again to Commandant, he could command five Garrison Commands, with two Deputy Commandants under him.

In less than a year, Zhu Ying had traveled a path that other generals took a decade to cover.

“Rising to the heavens in a single step” was no exaggeration.

Moreover,

Zhu Biao had elevated his noble title again—something even harder to obtain than an office promotion.

Hereditary County Sub-Lord.

This was one tier above County Male.

For many ministers without noble titles, even being granted a County Male title was a mark of status—let alone a County Sub-Lord.

One could say,

since Zhu Yuanzhang abolished hereditary military ranks, anything hereditary had become precious.

Hereditary County Sub-Lord meant higher stipend and noble status.

Such favor had been rare since the founding of the Great Ming.

Only Zhu Ying had received it.

“What do you all think of the Crown Prince’s recommendation for Zhu Ying’s reward?” Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, asking the court ministers.

The ministers looked at Zhu Yuanzhang’s smile—they were practically already agreeing; anyone who dared oppose would be asking for death.

It was a question in form, but a decision already made.

Of course.

Since it was the Crown Prince’s proposal, opposition would be even more unthinkable.

Everyone in court knew.

The Great Ming’s emperor had three sheaths for his sword.

One was the late Empress Ma.

One was the Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

The third was the late eldest imperial grandson, Zhu Xiongying.

When Empress Ma and the eldest grandson were still alive, even when Zhu Yuanzhang was in a rage, they could still hold him back, still prevent him from ordering mass executions.

But after Empress Ma and Zhu Xiongying passed away,

only one sheath remained.

Now, if you anger Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, the Crown Prince Zhu Biao’s plea can still spare your life and save your clan from annihilation.

But if you offend the Crown Prince, no one can save you.

“The Crown Prince is wise.”

“We concur.”

The entire court shouted in unison.

No one dared oppose.

Moreover,

Zhu Ying’s battlefield merits truly deserved heavy reward.

This was not undeserved favor.

It was real, undeniable merit.

Even those jealous of Zhu Ying had no grounds to object.

“Good.”

“Since no one in court opposes,”

“then proceed with the Crown Prince’s recommendation to reward Zhu Ying,” Zhu Yuanzhang declared with a loud laugh.

Then,

Zhu Yuanzhang’s gaze fell on Zhu Biao: “Crown Prince, draft the edicts yourself—one to promote Zhu Ying’s official rank, one to elevate his noble title.”

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

“Your Majesty, Crown Prince,”

“I have a petition.”

Tang Duo stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

“What is your petition, Tang?” Zhu Yuanzhang asked with a smile.

With one barrier of Liaodong breached and the front line advanced, Zhu Yuanzhang was noticeably more cheerful.

“General Zhu’s promotion to Regional Military Commissioner’s Deputy means his command will expand.”

“Who will replace him as Deputy Commander of his former guard battalion?”

“Moreover, how should the Danning frontier troops be reorganized?”

“This requires your Majesty and the Crown Prince’s decision,” Tang Duo said respectfully.

“Crown Prince.”

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled at Zhu Biao.

“This was indeed an oversight on my part,” Zhu Biao replied, his expression thoughtful.

After a moment of silence,

Zhu Biao had his answer.

“Issue my decree:”

“Of General Zhu Ying’s two Garrison Commanders, the one who first followed him into Jincheng shall be promoted to Deputy Commander—his merit suffices for a one-rank promotion. As for the vacant Garrison Commander post, let the Regional Military Inspector under Zhu Ying be promoted by merit.”

“As for reorganization,”

“General Zhu Ying belongs to the Danning Guard Battalion; the reorganization must transfer the battalion’s Deputy Commander units.”

“The specifics of reorganization shall be decided jointly by Zhu Ying and the Danning Frontier Command Commissioner, as they see fit,” Zhu Biao declared at once.

Hearing Zhu Biao’s words, Tang Duo bowed immediately: “I understand. The Ministry of War will deliver the Crown Prince’s decree to General Zhu Ying.”

“Mm,” Zhu Biao nodded in satisfaction.

“The Ministry of War shall also deliver my decree to Feng Sheng.”

“With Jincheng fallen, the campaign to reclaim Liaodong is now clear. I expect him to advance steadily, not rashly seek glory,” Zhu Yuanzhang added.

“Your servant accepts the decree,” Tang Duo replied at once.

“Crown Prince,”

“How is the selection of officials for governing Liaodong progressing?” Zhu Yuanzhang asked.

“Father, Your Majesty,”

“The first batch of officials for Liaodong has been chosen.”

“Tie Xian as Prefect, with several of your court attendants as assistants, and one hundred civil clerks.”

Zhu Biao announced loudly.

“Tie Xian.”

“When he first came to Yingtian, he was a greenhorn. After years in the Eastern Palace, he is indeed fit to be Prefect.”

“You chose well, Crown Prince,” Zhu Yuanzhang praised with a smile.

“Thank you, Father,” Zhu Biao replied with a smile.

Watching the father and son speak so gently, the ministers all smiled.

Until the court session ended.

Within the imperial palace, the Wenyuan Pavilion!

This was where Zhu Yuanzhang reviewed memorials.

At this moment,

father and son sat facing each other.

“Zhu Ying,”

“This boy truly has some ability.”

“In less than a year, he has won so many victories for the Great Ming.”

“Fu Youde, Lan Yu,”

“They are veteran generals, founding warriors of our dynasty—and now, compared to him, they are even outshone by this young, inexperienced officer.”

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke with deep emotion.

In front of his own son, with no outsiders present, Zhu Yuanzhang naturally spoke his true thoughts, with no concealment.

“Father,”

“I think it’s good for Lan Yu and the others to suffer a setback, to be held back a bit.”

“So they won’t act recklessly later.”

Zhu Biao smiled.

“But,”

“Zhu Ying will surely face their hostility in the future.”

“I wonder if he can endure it,” Zhu Biao added, his tone turning concerned.

“As long as I’m here,”

“As long as you’re here,”

“Open competition, rivalry for merit—that’s their affair.”

“But if they resort to underhanded tactics, they won’t dare.”

“Moreover,”

“Zhu Ying is so young and has already achieved such merit. Beyond commanding troops, he must also endure more trials in the military and court.”

“A life too smooth isn’t always better,” Zhu Yuanzhang said with solemn gravity.

Zhu Biao nodded: “Father is right. Whether civil or military, serving the court demands constant refinement to become truly useful.”

“By the way,”

“Is your twelfth brother seventeen this year?”

Zhu Yuanzhang asked suddenly.

“Yes.”

“After the New Year, he’ll be seventeen. Next year, when he turns eighteen, he can be enfeoffed and depart for his fief.”

Zhu Biao smiled.

Zhu Biao naturally cherished his younger brothers and sisters; as the eldest brother, he truly acted as a father to them.

Benevolent, gentle, yet stern—all in one.

His younger brothers loved and feared him in equal measure.

“If we count it up, the seventeenth son is already sixteen.” Zhu Yuanzhang said again.

“Yes, the seventeenth son has reached sixteen.” Zhu Biao smiled faintly in agreement.

【Historically, Prince Ning Zhu Quan was only ten at this time; the author has altered history for plot development.】

And at this moment.

Zhu Yuanzhang’s face softened with contemplation and memory: “The twelfth and the seventeenth—when they were young, they were closest to our Xiongying. Though our Xiongying was still a child, younger than all his uncles, that little fellow always commanded their trust. He got his uncles to join him in mischief.”

Saying this,

Zhu Yuanzhang’s face broke into a smile, as if recalling the days when his sister was alive and his grandson still lived—back then, the entire imperial palace had been full of vitality for him.

“Father.”

“You’re at it again.”

Zhu Biao said, exasperated.

“Older son.”

“It’s not that I want to— but at this age, half my body is already in the grave. When I close my eyes, I think maybe your mother and Xiongying are thinking of me.” Zhu Yuanzhang smiled.

“Father.”

“Don’t talk nonsense.”

“Your health is excellent, and you’ll surely live to be a hundred.”

Zhu Biao shot Zhu Yuanzhang a sharp glance.

“Ha ha.”

“Live to be a hundred.”

“Fine, I’ll live to be a hundred.”

“I still want to see Biao wear the dragon robe and ascend the throne.”

“I want to hand you a prosperous and stable Great Ming.” Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile.

For Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao, father and son,

though one was Emperor and the other Crown Prince, within the Great Ming’s capital palace,

they behaved like an ordinary father and son.

“Father.”

“You suddenly brought up the twelfth and seventeenth sons.”

“Is it because of Danning?” Zhu Biao asked sharply.

His father would never think of such things without reason—he must have deep deliberation behind it.

“Reclaiming Liaodong is already underway. In the future, I plan to incorporate Liaodong under Danning Prefecture’s jurisdiction, which naturally requires our imperial clan to guard it.”

“When the seventeenth son turns eighteen, he can be sent to Danning to take up his fief.”

“You raised both the twelfth and seventeenth sons yourself. With the seventeenth holding Danning and Liaodong, you can rest easy.” Zhu Yuanzhang smiled.

“Indeed.”

“The seventeenth son has a steady character, and with his abilities, he can restore vitality to Liaodong.” Zhu Biao nodded.

“Once Liaodong is secured,”

“Nahachu’s former Yuan troops will surely surrender in large numbers.”

“I plan to establish a Military Command in Danning Prefecture after annexing Liaodong, integrating those surrendered Yuan troops into our Great Ming’s forces to guard our borders.”

“The prince’s garrison is a crucial step.”

“Of course.”

“Once the Military Command is established, the troop strength will reach one hundred thousand. The prince will only have partial command authority; the majority of troops will remain under direct imperial control, for balance.” Zhu Yuanzhang said.

Zhu Biao’s eyes lit up, then he smiled: “Father, it’s clear you truly value Zhu Ying. The future Regional Military Commissioner’s post might well be his.”

“Surely even you, Older Son, aren’t unmoved by this general?” Zhu Yuanzhang countered with a smile.

“Young and accomplished, fearless and unmatched in valor, exceptional at commanding troops, yet without arrogance or pride.”

“Such a general—I like him too.”

“He’s worth our cultivation.” Zhu Biao nodded in agreement.

“When the chance arises, summon Zhu Ying to Yingtian, so I can see for myself just who he is.”

“What makes him so extraordinary?” Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily.

“I’m equally curious about him,” Zhu Biao nodded.

……

PS: Five thousand characters delivered. Thank you, brothers, for your enthusiastic support—I’m deeply grateful. First chapter done; second one coming.

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(End of Chapter)