Chapter 75: Second Expedition

In the Eastern Palace, Zhu Biao and Chang Wan have just finished breakfast.

Seeing Zhu Yong and Guanyin Nu arrive, Chang Wan cheerfully greets them: "Second brother, sister‑in‑law, come in quickly!"

She takes Guanyin Nu's hand and looks her up and down: "Sister‑in‑law, you look beautiful; this outfit also suits you."

Guanyin Nu, a bit embarrassed, says: "Elder sister‑in‑law, you flatter me."

Zhu Biao laughs: "Second brother, now that you're married, how does it feel?"

Zhu Yong scratches his head: "Not much, just that there's another person in the house."

Chang Wan gives him a glare and says: "You simpleton, you only know how to speak bluntly."

She takes Guanyin Nu's hand and sits down, warmly saying: "Sister‑in‑law, from now on come to the Eastern Palace often so we sisters‑in‑law can talk more. In the palace the consorts and princesses are either too old or too young; it's rare to have someone we can actually converse with."

Guanyin Nu nods: "Alright, I will definitely come often."

Chang Wan then asks about her life in the Mongol lands—what she likes to eat and what hobbies she has.

The two get along well, and Zhu Biao and Zhu Yong find themselves unable to interject.

"Fine, we're just extra then," Zhu Biao says with a smile to Zhu Yong.

"Elder brother, I was just about to ask—are Father still thinking about moving the capital?" Zhu Yong asks.

Zhu Biao nods: "Yes, I'm still thinking about it. Yesterday I even spoke with officials from the Ministry of Works, asking them to redraw Fengyang's maps in more detail. However, although the treasury is currently abundant, the north hasn't been fully pacified yet, so it's not time to move the capital."

"I still think Fengyang isn't that great; I always feel problems will arise…" Zhu Yong says.

"You don't need to worry about this; Elder brother will handle it, and Father is only preparing for now. If we really start construction, we'll have to wait at least three to five years," Zhu Biao says.

As they speak, a eunuch outside reports: "Crown Prince, Prince Wu, the Emperor summons you both to the Wu Ying Hall for a council."

Zhu Biao and Zhu Yong exchange a glance and rise.

Chang Wan says to Guanyin Nu: "Sister‑in‑law, stay here and keep me company while the men go about their business."

Guanyin Nu nods: "Alright."

In the Wu Ying Hall, Zhu Yuanzhang is reading a military report.

Xu Da, Chang Yuchun, Li Wenzhong and other generals are present.

Seeing Zhu Biao and Zhu Yong enter, Zhu Yuanzhang says: "They're here; there's new news from the north, sent by Wang Baobao."

He points to the report: "Over in Northern Yuan, internal strife has broken out again. After Yesu's death, Toghus Temur and Yesuder are fighting for power, battling fiercely."

Wang Baobao says this is an opportunity and suggests we seize the chaos to launch troops and completely eliminate the Northern Scourge.

Xu Da says: "His Majesty, I think it's feasible. With the internal chaos in Northern Yuan, the troops' morale is unstable; striking now would achieve twice the result with half the effort."

Chang Yuchun adds: "Indeed, strike while he's ill and take his life! I volunteer to be the Vanguard!"

Zhu Yuanzhang looks at Zhu Biao and says: "Crown Prince, what do you think?"

Zhu Biao ponders briefly and says: "Imperial Father, I, your son, think we can dispatch troops, but a full‑scale attack is unwise. We could send an elite cavalry unit, with Wang Baobao as guide, to penetrate Mobei, harassing and containing the enemy."

"After they wear each other out, then we can bring a large army to press the siege and claim total victory."

"Mm, Biao, you make a good point. Then who would be suitable to go?" Zhu Yuanzhang nods.

Everyone's gaze turns to Zhu Yong.

Zhu Yong says earnestly: "Father, I'll go too."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiles: "I knew you'd want to go. Fine, this time it's you. Lead five thousand elite riders, with Wang Baobao as your deputy. Remember, focus on harassment, no need for a full assault; preserve your strength."

"Understood!" Zhu Yong replies.

Chang Yuchun says: "His Majesty, let Lan Yu go as well; that youngster keeps shouting about wanting to fight."

"Approved," Zhu Yuanzhang says.

Having settled the deployment, the ministers disperse.

Zhu Yuanzhang stays behind with Zhu Biao and Zhu Yong, saying: "Yong Er, this expedition to Mobei is unlike before; Mobei is vast and sparsely populated, making supplies difficult. You must heed Wang Baobao's advice, as he's familiar with that region."

"I understand," Zhu Yong nods.

"Biao, you will arrange provisions and arms for Yong Er; depart in three days," Zhu Yuanzhang adds.

"Your son obeys the command," Zhu Biao says.

Leaving the Wu Ying Hall, Zhu Yong says to Zhu Biao: "Elder brother, this trip will be at least two or three months."

"Don't worry, with me at home, regarding your sister‑in‑law, I'll have your elder sister‑in‑law take good care of her," Zhu Biao pats his shoulder.

Returning to the Eastern Palace, Chang Wan and Guanyin Nu are still talking.

Seeing the two return, Chang Wan asks: "Is the council finished?"

Zhu Biao nods, looks at Guanyin Nu and says: "Sister‑in‑law, Second brother will set out for Mobei in three days; this journey may take several months."

Guanyin Nu pauses, a hint of reluctance flashing in her eyes, then says: "Brother Yong is a general; it's only natural for him to go on campaign."

Zhu Yong says earnestly: "I'll be back soon."

Chang Wan takes Guanyin Nu's hand and says: "Sister‑in‑law, don't worry. Second brother is invincible; he'll surely return safely. These days, come to the Eastern Palace more often; we'll keep each other company."

"Thank you, elder sister‑in‑law," Guanyin Nu whispers.

Although her heart feels reluctant, this is a matter of duty...

Three days later, at dawn.

Outside the North Gate of Yingtian Prefecture, five thousand elite riders are ready to depart.

Zhu Yong rides a Wuzhui Horse, clad in iron armor, with two drum‑worn golden hammers crossed on his back.

Ugh! Another warhorse has been swapped.

Wang Baobao and Lan Yu take positions on the left and right.

Wang Baobao was summoned back after Zhu Yuanzhang received the letter.

Zhu Yuanzhang, accompanied by the Civil and Military Officials, comes to see them off.

"Yong Er, remember our orders: focus on harassment, do not seek glory or overextend." Zhu Yuanzhang admonishes.

"Dad, rest assured, I've memorized it," Zhu Yong replied.

Empress Ma's eyes were slightly red as she said, "Yong Er, you must return safely."

"Mother, I will definitely come back," Zhu Yong said with a goofy grin.

Zhu Biao stepped forward, handed a Water Bag and said, "Second brother, this contains Ginseng Soup; drink it on the road."

Chang Wan also pulled Guanyin Nu over.

Guanyin Nu walked to Zhu Yong's horse, handed a pair of hand‑made Leather Gloves and said, "Brother Yong, the wind in Mobei is strong; wear these."

Zhu Yong took them and said simply, "Thank you."

At the appointed time, the army set out.

Five thousand iron cavalry moved like a black dragon, heading north.

Guanyin Nu stood on the city wall, watching the gradually receding troops, remaining motionless for a long while.

Chang Wan stayed beside her and whispered, "Sister, go back; Second brother will return."

Guanyin Nu nodded, cast one last glance toward the Northern Region, then turned and descended the wall.

The army left Yingtian Prefecture and marched northward.

General Lan spurred his horse to Zhu Yong's side and asked, "King Wu, how shall we fight this time?"

Zhu Yong said innocently, "Elder Brother, you speak…"

Wang Baobao said, "Prince, in Mobei there are now two forces: Toghus Temur in the east and Yesuder in the west. We should slip through the middle, first strike Toghus Temur; his strength is weaker and easier to defeat."

"After we strike we flee, so they cannot guess our intention."

"Alright, we'll do as you say," Zhu Yong nodded.

General Lan laughed, "This move is ruthless; let them bite each other like dogs, and we will reap the benefit."

Wang Baobao also laughed, "General Lan is right; Northern Yuan now is just a pack of hungry dogs—give them a bone and they'll start fighting."

The army pressed on day and night, and after ten days entered Monan.

Further north lies the endless grassland.

Zhu Yong gazed at the horizon where Heaven and Earth seemed to meet, and a surge of heroism rose within him.

This world is vast.

And Great Ming still has a long road ahead.

He touched the Jade Token in his bosom; it was given by Zhu Yuanzhang, a credential for entering the palace at any time.

When this battle is over, he'll return to properly accompany his parents, his elder brother, and… Guanyin Nu.

"Send the order, advance faster!" Zhu Yong raised his horsewhip.

Five thousand iron cavalry swept across the grassland like wind, raising clouds of dust.

The campaign of Hongwu Year Four had only just begun.