The Ming Dynasty: The most ruthless imperial grandson, Old Zhu begged me not to kill him.

Chapter 679 Iron-Blooded Reform: Zhu Xiong Ying's Prosperous Blueprint

After a lengthy discussion, the two finally reached a preliminary agreement.

Meanwhile, Li Sheng's performance on the northwestern border surprised everyone.

Upon his arrival, he immediately threw himself into the new tactical training. The experienced veterans initially had some doubts, but Li Sheng won their trust with his actions.

One day, an emergency warning suddenly sounded, and the enemy army was quietly approaching.

Without hesitation, Li Sheng commanded his troops to use new tactics to counterattack, quickly stabilizing the front line.

After the battle, the border commander-in-chief exclaimed in admiration: "General Li, today's victory is entirely due to your bravery and resourcefulness."

Li Sheng smiled slightly, feeling extremely honored.

Meanwhile, a nationwide academic competition swept through the various academies and schools of the Ming Dynasty.

Young students eagerly signed up, hoping to stand out from the crowd.

Zhu Xiong Ying personally reviewed countless entries, and several innovative works in particular caught his attention.

During the final selection meeting, he remarked with emotion, "These talented individuals are the hope for the future of the nation."

The success of the competition not only sparked reflection within the intellectual community but also had a profound impact nationwide.

As Zhao Jie reached mutually beneficial agreements with neighboring countries, ensured border security, and discovered a group of academic stars, Zhu Xiong Ying's vision and leadership skills became increasingly apparent.

He gradually gained the support of more ministers in the court.

After returning to China, Zhao Jie quickly presented the preliminary agreement reached with the neighboring country to Zhu Xiong Ying.

Inside the palace, a tense and heated meeting was underway, with civil and military officials gathered to discuss the agreement.

"Lord Zhao has indeed lived up to expectations,"

An older minister spoke first, expressing his approval and anticipation for a bright future of cooperation: "This will greatly promote our border security and economic development."

Another young official chimed in, "Yes, especially in terms of cultural exchange, this could be an important step in enhancing our national strength."

Zhu Xiong Ying sat in the main seat, pondered for a moment, his posture upright, but his eyes revealed a firmness. He said, "Gentlemen, although this agreement is only the beginning, it is enough to show us a broad prospect. The mutual benefit between the two sides is not only commercial, but also cultural and academic.

At this time, Li Sheng was also urgently summoned back to the capital.

He was summoned by Zhu Xiong Ying immediately upon his arrival.

The two men had a long talk in the study. Zhu Xiong Ying praised Li Sheng's performance on the border, saying, "General Li, your heroic performance on the border not only ensured safety but also inspired the people."

Li Sheng responded humbly, "Your Highness is too kind. It is my honor to be able to contribute to the country."

“I already have a new plan,”

Zhu Xiong Ying continued, "We are preparing to put you in charge of the next phase of national defense matters. We need to rely on your wisdom to further strengthen national defense."

Li Sheng straightened his back, knowing the weight of his responsibility. He nodded solemnly, "Your Highness, rest assured, I will live up to your expectations."

At the same time, in order to promote the importance of academics, Zhu Xiong Ying plans to personally preside over the next national academic competition.

His heart was filled with aspirations for academic prosperity, and for this reason he specially invited scholars from home and abroad to participate in the review, hoping to inspire more young talents through a fair and rigorous selection process.

During the court assembly, Zhu Xiong Ying, with a piercing gaze, explained his plan to the assembled officials: "Only through the flourishing of scholarship can we cultivate talents who can truly drive the development of the nation."

"Your Highness is absolutely right. Scholarship is not merely a matter for scholars and officials, but also the foundation for governing the country and ensuring its stability."

Another loyal veteran nodded in approval.

Meanwhile, the foreign envoy who had just left returned home and strongly recommended to his royal family that they further cooperate with the Ming Dynasty, promising unlimited possibilities for economic and cultural exchanges. Zhu Xiong Ying had anticipated all of this; his diplomatic blueprint was already in place.

Li Sheng's mission in the capital has begun.

He spent his days shuttling between his study, training grounds, and various military meetings, preparing for a comprehensive assessment and reform of frontier defenses.

His mind was filled with tactical diagrams, soldier training plans, and improved weapon designs.

He knew that any small decision could have an immeasurable impact on the security of the frontier.

On a bright and sunny morning, Li Sheng, holding a scroll, entered Zhu Xiong Ying's study.

In the study, sunlight streamed through the window and fell on the floor. Several maps were spread out, marking in detail the locations of various important towns and fortifications on the frontier.

Zhu Xiong Ying was intently studying one of the maps. He looked up, his expression focused and expectant: "General Li, is there any new progress?"

Li Sheng approached and unfolded the scroll in his hand in front of Zhu Xiong Ying.

"Your Highness, this is a preliminary plan for enhancing military training and tactical innovation. I believe that through systematic training and new tactical strategies, our army will become even more invincible."

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded, a satisfied smile on his face: "You have indeed lived up to my expectations. Where shall we begin our advance?"

Li Sheng pointed to a point on the map and explained, "This is Liaodong. We can start here, try out new training methods, and then gradually promote them based on the actual results."

Meanwhile, Zhu Xiong Ying's academic competition was also in full swing.

Top scholars from all over the world gathered in the Ming Dynasty, and the reputation of the judging panel was at its zenith.

On this day, with only a few days left until the final of the competition, all the participating young students were working hard for the final sprint.

Inside an elegantly decorated exhibition hall, students showcased their research and discoveries.

Zhu Xiong Ying walked through the hall, listening attentively, and occasionally stopping to offer her insights on a student's work.

His appearance undoubtedly brought great encouragement to every participant.

"Your Highness, this competition has not only inspired young students, but also shown us many innovative ideas."

An authoritative scholar said to Zhu Xiong Ying.

Zhu Xiong Ying responded with a smile: "This is just the beginning. I believe these young minds will make even greater contributions to our country in the future."

While implementing these internal reforms and initiatives, Zhu Xiong Ying did not forget about external cooperation.

He hosted a grand banquet at the palace to entertain envoys from various countries.

During the gathering, Zhu Xiong Ying and the foreign envoys raised their glasses and discussed plans for closer cooperation in the future, especially in the cultural and economic fields.

A foreign envoy raised his glass and said, "Our royal family deeply admires the great hospitality of the Ming Dynasty. We look forward to our cooperation yielding fruitful results in various fields."

Zhu Xiong Ying raised her glass slightly, a calm smile on her face: "We expect more than that. As our cooperation deepens, we can learn from each other and grow together."

The new training method has achieved initial success in Liaodong, which makes Li Sheng extremely excited.

He eagerly compiled a detailed report and submitted it to the imperial court.

One morning at court, Li Sheng stood respectfully below the throne and handed a report to Zhu Xiong Ying.

His voice was full of anticipation: "Your Highness, this is our new training method in Liaodong, and it has achieved good results. I suggest that it be promoted on a larger scale."

(End of this chapter)