Chapter 96: The Imperial Decree Arrives

“General Chen, you flatter me.”

Zhu Ying replied with a smile.

For these officers who also belonged to the Da Ning border army, Zhu Ying was naturally amiable, with no sense of distance.

In Jincheng,

only his own ten thousand troops were under the Da Ning guard battalion system; all others belonged to various prefectures or were elite forces directly under imperial command.

Now that he had finally met his old superior, Zhu Ying was naturally very excited.

“Enough.”

“Save your words for after the military council ends.”

“We have many things to say to you too,” Bu Wan said solemnly.

“Yes.”

Zhu Ying immediately nodded.

“Come inside.”

Bu Wan smiled and walked into the general’s residence.

Zhu Ying followed, and Chen Heng and Liu Zhen also immediately followed behind.

Inside the general’s residence,

it was a scene of devastation after war—bodies everywhere, blood flowing like water.

But as officers and soldiers of the army, they were naturally accustomed to it.

Inside the general’s residence!

The layout still bore strong Yuan-style features.

Feng Sheng stood before the main seat, not sitting, but watching the gathering officers.

“Gentlemen, commanders.”

“Kaiyuan has fallen.”

“Now I issue my orders.”

“Marquis Yongchang.”

“Continue leading your troops eastward to attack Liaodong.”

“General Fu Youde has already marched straight on Gaizhou; our army will strike directly at Fuzhou.”

“Compared to the defenses of Kaiyuan and Jincheng, Fuzhou is not difficult.”

“Along the way, many small Liaodong towns can be gradually cleared and captured,” Feng Sheng said.

“Your servant accepts the order,” Lan Yu replied immediately.

“General Bu.”

Feng Sheng spoke again.

“Your servant is here.”

Bu Wan responded at once.

“With Kaiyuan now secured, what are your thoughts on the next advance?” Feng Sheng asked Bu Wan.

Hearing this,

Bu Wan thought for an instant, then replied: “Of course, we should continue advancing with the army to restore our Huaxia’s Liaodong as soon as possible.”

“Good.”

“I assign the Da Ning border army a mission.”

“Under General Bu’s command, attack Tie Ling City.”

“This place is Nara’s central hub for grain and supply logistics in Liaodong, responsible for over eighty percent of Nara’s army provisions, and it is Liaodong’s strategic nexus. Once captured, our army will secure a great victory and swiftly reach Liaoyang to destroy Nara,” Feng Sheng said gravely.

“Your Majesty, Grand General.”

“Tie Ling is Nara’s grain hub—it must be heavily guarded. With General Bu’s force of less than thirty thousand, it is insufficient to take it.”

“I beg to lead the assault myself.”

Chang Mao stepped forward and declared loudly.

“That is only right.”

“Please, Grand General, grant me this opportunity.”

Lan Yu also shouted his agreement.

“I second that.”

The other Huaixi fierce commanders echoed in unison.

It seemed as if most of the officers in the hall were in agreement.

Seeing this,

Bu Wan gave Zhu Ying a glance, signaling him not to speak.

Chen Heng and Liu Zhen beside him also remained silent.

Clearly,

they were already accustomed to being sidelined by these Huaixi fierce commanders.

“These Huaixi fierce commanders!”

Zhu Ying sneered inwardly.

Yet,

having seized the victory at Kaiyuan, Zhu Ying truly had no need to speak up now.

Watching the officers’ pleas, Feng Sheng’s expression remained calm—he had expected this.

“So everyone wants to take Tie Ling?”

“Then I will give Marquis Yongchang and General Bu a chance.”

“From Kaiyuan to Tie Ling lies hundreds of miles, with multiple Yuan-held cities along the way.”

“I permit you to split your forces. Whoever captures Tie Ling first shall claim the primary merit,” Feng Sheng said bluntly.

He did not assign it outright but let the two sides compete—for glory, for battlefield merit.

Clearly,

the rift between the Huaixi and Da Ning border armies had reached an uncontrollable state.

Any bias would leave both factions dissatisfied.

If so,

Chang Mao says Zhu Ying is competing for merit?

Then let them truly compete—let each prove themselves by actual results; then no one can complain.

Of course,

for Grand General Feng Sheng, the paramount goal remained the full restoration of Liaodong.

With his commanders fully engaged in battle, Liaodong could be restored faster.

If Nara could be destroyed within half a year, that would be a great achievement.

To this,

Lan Yu immediately replied: “Your servant accepts the order.”

“Your servant accepts the order,” Bu Wan also said at once.

This time,

it was a competition between the two military systems—each side to rely on their own abilities.

“Zhu Ying.”

“You got lucky this time, but future battlefield merits have nothing to do with you,” Lan Yu’s face hardened, his sidelong glance at Zhu Ying filled with hostility.

Sensing Lan Yu’s hostility,

Zhu Ying glanced back, smiled faintly, and paid it no mind.

Just then!

“Report!”

“Envoy from Ying Tian, bearing the Crown Prince’s decree.”

Outside the hall,

a personal guard arrived and announced loudly.

“The Crown Prince’s envoy?”

Feng Sheng’s expression turned solemn and reverent, showing no hint of disrespect.

As a founding veteran, he owed reverence only to the current Emperor and Crown Prince.

“All commanders, quickly welcome the Crown Prince’s envoy,” Feng Sheng said at once.

He then strode down the steps to meet the envoy outside.

Lan Yu and the other Huaixi commanders gave Zhu Ying a cold, contemptuous glance.

It was well known

that among the Huaixi fierce commanders, Lan Yu was closest to the current Crown Prince and a staunch supporter; moreover, by kinship, Lan Yu was the Crown Prince’s maternal uncle, for the Crown Prince’s late consort, Lady Chang, was Lan Yu’s niece.

“The Crown Prince’s envoy must not be delayed—we must hurry to greet him.”

“But this envoy’s arrival may be good news—Zhu Ying, your reward for capturing Jincheng may finally come,” Bu Wan smiled.

Chen Heng and Liu Zhen beside him also cast envious glances.

The achievements of breaking Jincheng and slaying the Northern Yuan prince were already known throughout the army campaigning in Liaodong.

“Mm.”

Zhu Ying nodded, a look of anticipation also rising on his face.

“I wonder how Yingtian will reward me this time?”

“And considering the time, my Hemostatic Powder formula should be arriving in Yingtian soon, right?”

“If Old Zhu doesn’t reward me for this life-saving divine elixir, it’d be strange indeed.”

“Official rank, noble title, treasure chest.”

“The higher the reward, the better.” Zhu Ying thought inwardly.

Then.

He followed Bu Wan toward the palace entrance.

At this moment.

Outside the General’s Hall.

A group of elite Imperial Guards, clad in red cloaks, stood with formidable presence.

Hundreds strong, radiating an aura distinct from ordinary troops.

The Imperial Guards.

That was how it was.

Of course.

The Imperial Guards of Hongwu’s era differed from later generations, for these were elite soldiers selected from the ranks, not political appointees placed through connections.

To join the Imperial Guards now required passing multiple layers of screening, culminating in an examination by the Minister of Military Affairs.

“Minister Feng Sheng, leading his officers, respectfully greets the Crown Prince’s envoy.”

“May the Crown Prince live forever.”

Feng Sheng bowed deeply to the lead Imperial Guard Company Commander.

“We humbly greet the Crown Prince’s envoy.”

“May the Crown Prince live forever.”

The assembled officers shouted in unison, bowing in reverence.

The Crown Prince’s envoy represented the Crown Prince himself—meeting him was like meeting the Crown Prince.

“Duke of Song.”

“I, Biao, carry the Crown Prince’s edict and the Ministry of Military Affairs’ promotion order.”

“Where is General Zhu Ying—in Jincheng or here?”

The Imperial Guard Company Commander held up two imperial edicts and asked Feng Sheng.

“Here.”

Feng Sheng replied immediately.

“Damn.”

“Another reward?”

“Has Zhu Ying really struck lucky?”

“He was just rewarded half a month ago—promoted to Wan Army commander and granted a noble title.”

“And now another reward?”

“Does the Emperor truly intend to elevate Zhu Ying?”

…

Seeing the envoy had come for Zhu Ying, Lan Yu and Chang Mao exchanged glances, their faces dark with resentment.

They now viewed Zhu Ying with growing irritation.

But Bu Wan and Chen Heng wore expressions of excitement.

Clearly.

Zhu Ying had become the benchmark of the Danning frontier army—and for them, that was a good thing.

One rises, all rise.

“Where is Zhu Ying, Deputy Commander of the Danning Cavalry Battalion?”

The Imperial Guard Company Commander called out loudly.

“Your servant is here.”

Zhu Ying stepped forward at once, his eyes filled with anticipation.

“By the Mandate of Heaven, the Crown Prince’s edict decrees:”

“Deputy Commander Zhu Ying of Danning, having broken Jincheng and slain the Northern Yuan prince Manjier, has rendered great service to the state.”

“In accordance with our Great Ming military merit system, he is promoted to the rank of [Deputy Commandant], commanding five Garrison Commanders, with corresponding salary and status.”

“May Zhu Qing, upon assuming this post, continue to serve the Great Ming faithfully, expel the Tartars, and restore the Han lands.”

“Thus decreed.”

The Imperial Guard Company Commander read aloud loudly.

“Your servant Zhu Ying thanks the Emperor’s great grace, thanks the Crown Prince’s great grace.”

Zhu Ying replied loudly.

He then stepped forward to receive the edict.

“Deputy Commandant, commanding five Garrison Commanders.”

“So young.”

“Under seventeen.”

“Are the Emperor and Crown Prince truly abandoning our Huaixi faction? To place such trust in a mere child?”

Lan Yu and Chang Mao glared, teeth clenched, filled with bitterness and resentment.

And at this moment!

As Zhu Ying stepped forward to receive the edict,

the Imperial Guard Company Commander smiled: “General Zhu, wait a moment—the Crown Prince has another edict.”

“Another?”

Zhu Ying froze.

This campaign’s merit was indeed great, but promotion to a higher command position was already a major reward—could there still be more?

“Old Zhu and Biao are truly generous.”

“Could they be elevating my noble title?”

“Treasure chest—awesome!”

Zhu Ying’s heart soared with joy.

Under the circumstance of another edict, Zhu Ying naturally assumed it was a noble title upgrade.

Beyond that,

he could not imagine anything else.

Lan Yu and Chang Mao stared, eyes wide.

“By the Mandate of Heaven, the Crown Prince’s edict decrees:”

“Deputy Commander Zhu Ying of the Danning frontier army has demonstrated outstanding merit and stands as a model among our young warrior-officers; I, personally, deeply commend him.”

“The Great Ming’s realm requires countless heroes like General Zhu to inspire the entire army.”

“Therefore,”

“I hereby elevate Zhu Ying’s noble title to [Hereditary County Viscount], granting him noble stipends and ensuring his descendants inherit the title.”

“I hope General Zhu will continue striving, achieving new merits for the Great Ming.”

“Thus decreed.”

The Imperial Guard Company Commander read aloud loudly.

“Hereditary County Viscount.”

“Two noble ranks elevated.”

“No wonder it’s Zhu Biao—he really knows how to treat people.” Zhu Ying thought, thrilled.

But Zhu Ying quickly calmed himself and bowed respectfully: “Your servant Zhu Ying thanks the Emperor’s great grace, thanks the Crown Prince’s great grace. I swear I will not betray this grace—I shall serve the Great Ming with all my strength, restore the Han lands, and uphold the glory of the Han people.”

“General Zhu, receive the edict.”

The Imperial Guard Company Commander gathered both edicts and walked slowly toward Zhu Ying.

“Your servant receives the edict.”

Zhu Ying immediately took the edicts.

As he received them,

“Host has claimed two imperial edicts. Reward: two ordinary treasure chests.” the system prompted.

“One edict equals one treasure chest—more edicts would be great.” Zhu Ying mused.

Coming back to himself,

“Also,”

“The Crown Prince’s edict to the Ministry of Military Affairs.”

“After promotion to Deputy Commandant, General Zhu shall command five Garrison Commanders: four frontline garrisons and one logistics garrison.”

"With General Zhu’s promotion, the position of Deputy Commandant is now vacant. The Crown Prince has ordered: the first Battalion Commander under General Zhu who breached Jincheng shall be promoted to Deputy Commandant and lead the Deputy Commandant Camp."

"Additionally, regarding the reorganization of military authority and structure, the General may consult with the Regional Military Commissioner of Danning Guard Battalion to determine the details," said the Embroidered Uniform Guard Company Commander to Zhu Ying.

"Your servant understands."

Zhu Ying immediately nodded.

"Duke Song."

"With the Crown Prince’s edict delivered, I shall return to Yingtian to report."

"Also."

"The Emperor and the Crown Prince have instructed: Jincheng has fallen; Naha Chu is now a spent force. Duke Song must not seek glory through reckless advance—steady, methodical progress is the superior path," the Embroidered Uniform Guard Company Commander added, conveying the Emperor’s imperial will to Feng Sheng.

"Please convey this to the Emperor and the Crown Prince."

"Your servant Feng Sheng understands the imperial will and will not disappoint the Emperor or the Crown Prince," Feng Sheng replied at once.

"Then, I take my leave."

The Embroidered Uniform Guard Company Commander bowed, mounted his horse, and led his contingent away swiftly.

Swift and decisive.

With the Crown Prince’s envoy gone,

all eyes turned to Zhu Ying.

Some rejoiced for him; others glared with anger and bitter resentment.

Zhu Ying took in every gaze.

"General Zhu."

"Congratulations."

Feng Sheng smiled and offered his congratulations to Zhu Ying.

"Thank you, Grand General," Zhu Ying returned the bow.

"Regarding the reorganization of your Battalion Commander camp, the Crown Prince has already issued his decree."

"You may consult with Commander Bu."

"I shall not interfere further."

"The military council is dismissed."

Feng Sheng waved his hand.

Then,

the officers bowed to Feng Sheng and dispersed.

"Huaixi, Huaixi."

"Sigh."

"The balance of imperial power has finally reached this point."

"If Lan Yu and Chang Mao do not rein themselves in, the Emperor and the Crown Prince may truly no longer tolerate them."

"A seventeen-year-old hereditary County Marquis, appointed Deputy Commandant."

"Since the founding of the Great Ming, he is the only one to receive such honor."

"Zhu Ying is truly favored by the Emperor and the Crown Prince—his future achievements will surely be extraordinary."

"Yet."

"After this, Lan Yu and the others will surely see Zhu Ying as a thorn in their side," Feng Sheng thought silently.

Though part of the Huaixi faction, Feng Sheng, like Fu Youde, practiced prudence and self-preservation; his conduct was never arrogant—this was one reason he was chosen as the Grand General of this northern campaign against Liaodong.

He was sent to balance Lan Yu and the others, and his status was sufficient to hold them in check.

Before Zhu Ying’s arrival, the fierce generals of Huaixi remained arrogant and unrestrained; now that Zhu Ying has appeared, their days may grow difficult.

Night fell!

Some Ming soldiers still patrolled the city, hunting down hidden Yuan troops and clearing out remaining threats.

The scattered corpses throughout the city would await morning, when logistics units arrived to clear them.

Beneath the night sky, Kaiyuan City, like Jincheng at its first breach, resembled a hell on earth—a ghost city. Every step crushed corpses; rivers of blood pooled everywhere.

Inside the general’s camp,

lanterns burned bright.

Lan Yu.

Chang Mao, Hu Hai.

One was the commander of a hundred-thousand-strong army; the other two were deputy commanders equivalent to Regional Military Commissioners.

All three wore grim expressions.

"We fought for days to take Kaiyuan, losing men and officers."

"And now Zhu Ying has stolen the glory—how infuriating!" Chang Mao snarled.

Though reprimanded by Feng Sheng that day, Chang Mao clearly remained resentful.

"Zhu Ying must have planned this."

"I wonder what Fu Youde was thinking, sending him to Kaiyuan—just to snatch our victory," Hu Hai added angrily, implicating Fu Youde as well.

Lan Yu’s face darkened.

He grabbed a wine jar from beside him, uncorked it, and drank straight from it, his face flushed with rage.

The two beside him immediately took up jars and drank as well.

Alcohol was forbidden in camp, but these fierce generals paid no heed.

"Uncle, what do we do?"

"Just let Zhu Ying revel in his triumph?"

"I can’t stand his smug face," Chang Mao fumed.

"What can we do?"

"Kill him?"

"This is the army—he’s a Great Ming General, and he’s caught the Emperor’s eye."

"Touch him, and you’re dead," Lan Yu snapped coldly.

"Then what?"

"Just swallow this humiliation?" Chang Mao grumbled.

"We can’t act openly—but secretly, we can."

"Hu Hai, you control the grain and supply logistics, don’t you?"

"Delay the Danning border troops as much as you can."

"Tie Ling is Naha Chu’s vital hub—this victory must not slip into his hands."

"Zhu Ying is a reckless fool—there will be plenty of chances to teach him a lesson."

"Also."

"Find out his background. We still don’t know anything about him—that’s ridiculous," Lan Yu said grimly.

"Understood."

Chang Mao and Hu Hai both nodded.

"Zhu Ying."

Cold light flashed in Lan Yu’s eyes.

Meanwhile, at the Danning border troops’ encampment,

inside the tent,

Zhu Ying, Bu Wan, Chen Heng, Liu Zhen.

The four gathered together.

"Zhu Ying, congratulations."

"Deputy Commandant."

"So young, and already at this rank—your future is boundless," Bu Wan said sincerely, offering his congratulations.

"Thank you, Commander Bu."

"I owe today’s position entirely to your trust."

"If only we had wine—I’d raise a cup to you," Zhu Ying replied with a smile.

"Pfft."

Bu Wan waved his hand: "Don’t be so formal. Every honor you’ve earned was won with your own blood and life—it has nothing to do with me."

"To be honest,"

"when you were left behind in the northern frontier to face the Tartars, no one believed you’d survive—not even I."

"But you stunned everyone: you returned alive, bringing back nearly three thousand soldiers, and shattered a Tartar tribal seat—your achievement was immense."

"When I heard the news, I was astonished."

"But more than that, I was glad—for you, and for Danning."

Chen Heng nodded: "Indeed!"

"General Zhu’s rank and fame were earned by his own courage and merit—this promotion is entirely deserved."

"We cannot match him."

Liu Zhen also nodded in deep agreement.

“In any case, thank you all, Generals.”

Zhu Ying didn’t know what to say; a thousand words condensed into a single thanks.

“Enough of this.”

“As fellow soldiers of the Great Ning frontier army, we’re glad for you, Zhu Ying.”

“Should you rise to prominence, even serve in the capital, it will be a glory to Great Ning.”

“Now that you’ve been promoted to Vice Commandant, what are your thoughts on reorganizing the Garrison Battalion?” Bu Wan asked with a smile.

“Grateful for the Crown Prince’s favor, I’ve already formed a Cavalry Assistant Battalion—the finest cavalry unit in the frontier army. But I know my forces can’t be all cavalry, or the Ministry of War wouldn’t have approved it.”

“Thus, this reorganization must create an Assistant Battalion composed of infantry and archers.”

“As for the logistical Garrison Battalion, it still requires your guidance, Lord Bu.” Zhu Ying thought for a moment and immediately said.

Hearing this,

Bu Wan nodded.

His gaze settled on Chen Heng and Liu Zhen.

After sensing that gaze,

Chen Heng stepped forward quickly: “I volunteer to be reorganized under General Zhu’s command. I humbly request your approval, my lord.”

At this,

Liu Zhen grew anxious.

“Chen Heng, how come you’re always so quick? I haven’t even spoken yet!” Liu Zhen glared at Chen Heng in frustration.

“Hahaha.”

“I spoke first,” Chen Heng said at once.

“Zhu Ying, what do you think?” Bu Wan smiled.

He saw through it but said nothing.

Zhu Ying was now deeply favored by both the Emperor and the Crown Prince; his future was boundless, even surpassing that of a Prefect and Commandant like himself. One day, the position of Commander of Great Ning might well go to Zhu Ying.

After all, Bu Wan held that post only in an adjunct capacity.

Someone would eventually have to take it over.

Following Zhu Ying meant greater prospects—this opportunity, Chen Heng and Liu Zhen could not afford to miss.

“I leave it entirely to Lord Bu’s judgment,” Zhu Ying said at once.

“Since General Chen spoke first, he shall be reorganized under General Zhu’s command tomorrow,” Bu Wan said without hesitation.

“I accept the order,” Chen Heng bowed with great delight.

Beside him, Liu Zhen looked disappointed.

“General Liu, don’t be disheartened.”

“General Zhu’s future is limitless; he will surely become the foremost in Great Ning.”

“I am merely a civil official with little knowledge of troop command. Therefore, I have decided that while Zhu Ying is here, I shall temporarily assume the duties of Commandant. All military deployments will be under Zhu Ying’s control, so that nearly fifty thousand frontier soldiers of Great Ning may all have the chance to earn merit.”

Bu Wan smiled and immediately announced this decision.

Hearing this,

Zhu Ying’s eyes widened; Chen Heng and Liu Zhen did the same.

They were utterly stunned by Bu Wan’s decision.

……

PS: It’s the first day of the Lunar New Year—I stayed up late writing this. Brothers, please support with follows and subscriptions. Six thousand characters delivered. Today’s update is likely the only one; the holiday is busy, please understand. After the New Year, I’ll do my utmost to post ten thousand characters daily. Thank you.

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(End of Chapter)