Ming Dynasty: Pick up attributes from the battlefield to create the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 137 Zhu Di: How can he look so much like Xiong Ying?

Zhu Ying’s name!

After the Liaodong war was settled, the news quickly spread to almost 90% of the Ming Dynasty's territory.

Even Mu Ying, who was far away in Yunnan Prefecture on the southwestern border, heard about the military achievements of Zhu Ying and the victory of Liaodong Ding.

The reason why Zhu Ying's name spread so quickly among the Ming Dynasty's generals was all because of his military achievements!
If it was just an ordinary little achievement, it would never have caused such a sensation.

Even those arrogant generals from Huaixi like Lan Yu, although they could comment on Zhu Ying's age and behavior, chose to remain silent when it came to commanding troops and fighting.

The three words "Uncle Champion" are what Zhu Ying got for his battle!
Approved by the emperor!

Outside the military camp where the Peking Army was stationed, everything was planned in an orderly manner, and the stationing place for the Daning Border Army was ready.

Under the clear sky!

At this time, Zhu Di and Li Jinglong walked towards the camp gate side by side.

Zhu Di wore a black royal robe, showing his majesty as a royal prince.

Li Jinglong was wearing armor and following behind Zhu Di.

Suddenly, there were faint footsteps sounds coming from the distance.

In a flash, the sound became clearer, as if thousands of troops were galloping towards us.

Tread.

Tapping.

A dense and powerful sound of horse hooves swept over from afar.

Looking up, I saw tens of thousands of cavalrymen coming like a torrent.

Many Ming Dynasty battle flags were erected among the army, and the flags fluttered in the wind, showing the power of the Ming Dynasty.

The Daning border army has always used cavalry as the vanguard, and this time was no exception. They arrived first, and the subsequent 30,000 infantry followed steadily in the rear. This is a manifestation of the cavalry's speed advantage.

When they were less than a dozen steps away from the gate of the Beiping military camp, the leader Zhu Ying suddenly raised his hand and shouted, "Stop!"

next moment.

The cavalrymen behind him pulled the reins hard.

For a moment, the horses made "whoosh" sounds one after another, and their hooves pawed the ground, raising clouds of dust.

Twenty thousand cavalrymen stopped their advance almost at the same time.

At this moment, even though they were just standing quietly in front of the gate of the Peking military camp, the terrifying murderous aura accumulated from countless battles was like a surging flood.

The momentum seemed to be able to freeze the surrounding air.

"What an elite cavalry!"

Zhu Di couldn't help but exclaimed, his eyes full of admiration.

"Indeed, this army possesses such a powerful military might!"

"They are truly elite."

Li Jinglong echoed, revealing a hint of shock.

The two looked at each other, surprise revealed in each other's eyes.

Obviously, this was the first time they saw the Daning border troops.

Just with a glance, and standing just a few dozen steps away, how could Zhu Di and Li Jinglong not feel the suffocating murderous aura that was blowing in their faces!

Especially Zhu Di, as the commander of the Beiping Army, he had been fighting on the battlefield for a long time and could see the difference between elite soldiers and weak soldiers at a glance.

"Champion Bo Zhuying truly lives up to his reputation!"

Li Jinglong said with deep emotion: "Such elite troops are indeed elite troops who have experienced the bloody battles in Liaodong."

"Then, it should be Zhu Ying."

Zhu Di's eyes were fixed on a few dozen steps away.

I saw a general wearing a bright red cloak and wrapped tightly in armor, standing on his horse.

Under the gaze of Zhu Di and Li Jinglong, Zhu Ying dismounted from his horse in a smooth and seamless manner without any hesitation, and threw the helmet on his head towards Liu Lei behind him.

Liu Lei was quick-eyed and quick-handed. He stretched out his hands steadily and caught the helmet.

At the same time, Liu Lei, leading a group of personal guards, quickly dismounted and followed closely behind Zhu Ying.

The cavalrymen behind him did not move at all, but just stood there, quietly waiting for the next instruction.

"The king's robe is on his body."

Zhu Ying looked ahead and thought to himself, "This person must be the famous Yongle Emperor in history, Zhu Di."

"In history, he was an emperor who had the merit of sealing the Wolf's Lair."

"Today, I actually saw him with my own eyes."

Zhu Ying looked up and his gaze instantly locked on Zhu Di, who was standing right in the center of the camp gate.

With just one glance, Zhu Ying was certain of the man's identity based on his attire and temperament.

However, Zhu Ying did not show his inner thoughts on his face. He looked calm and just strode towards Zhu Di.

Zhu Di's eyes were always fixed on Zhu Ying.

As Zhu Ying’s figure got closer and closer.

Suddenly.

Zhu Di's expression changed slightly, and a strange light flashed in his originally calm eyes. In his sight, Zhu Ying's figure and appearance gradually became clearer from the haziness in the distance.

When Zhu Di finally saw Zhu Ying's face clearly, especially his eyes, his expression instantly became extremely complicated. There was even an indescribable surprise in his eyes, and his heart was beating wildly.

"impossible."

Zhu Di was shocked in his heart: "Absolutely impossible. How can these two eyes be so similar? They are so similar!"

now.

Zhu Di's heart was like a huge wave, and memories of the past surged in like a tide.

The moment he saw Zhu Ying, especially Zhu Ying's eyes, Zhu Di's heart was suddenly shocked.

A familiar voice seemed to faintly ring in his ears.

"Fourth uncle."

"Fourth Uncle... I've brought Twelfth Uncle and Seventeenth Uncle to see you."

"Uncle Si, what are you doing today? I heard you're getting married. Congratulations. I wonder what your aunt looks like?"

"Fourth Uncle..."

The childish yet familiar cries made Zhu Di's face look a little dull. His eyes were empty, as if he was lost in deep memories. His feet seemed to be nailed to the ground, unable to move at all.

At this moment, Zhu Ying had already walked in front of Zhu Di.

"General Zhu Ying greets His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan."

Zhu Ying came before Zhu Di and bowed in salute.

However, at this moment, Zhu Di seemed to still be immersed in his turbulent inner world and did not respond to Zhu Ying's salute.

Li Jinglong, who was standing by, couldn't help but feel a little surprised when he saw Zhu Di in a daze.

"Your Majesty."

Li Jinglong hurriedly patted Zhu Di's arm.

This slap finally brought Zhu Di back to his senses.

When he saw Zhu Ying in front of him, Zhu Di came to his senses completely. The dazed look on his face disappeared instantly, and was replaced by a perfect smile, which made it almost impossible to notice his abnormality.

"General Zhu Ying, I have long heard of your great name."

Zhu Di said with a smile, his tone full of enthusiasm and familiarity: "Now I have finally met you. It is indeed as I knew. General Zhu is young, promising, and heroic!"

As he spoke, Zhu Di's eyes were filled with admiration.

"Your Highness Prince Yan is too kind."

Zhu Ying first humbly thanked him, then smiled and replied, "I've long heard that His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan is a strict commander of his army. I once witnessed the formidable combat power of the Peking Border Army in Liaodong, and I've always been curious about what His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan is like."

"Now that I see you, His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan truly possesses the heroic spirit of a general!"

According to historical records, Zhu Di loved fighting on the battlefield and was determined to expand his territory.

If you praise him for being weak, he will definitely be unhappy, but if you praise him for having the spirit of a warrior, he will be very happy.

as predicted.

After hearing Zhu Ying's praise, the smile on Zhu Di's face became even more intense.

"General Zhu really knows how to talk."

Zhu Di said this with a big laugh, and at the same time reached out and patted Zhu Ying on the shoulder. The action seemed very intimate, as if he wanted to treat Zhu Ying as his own.

"It is my honor to meet General Zhu today," Zhu Di said again.

"I wonder who this general is?" Zhu Ying turned his head and his eyes fell on Li Jinglong who was beside Zhu Di, with a puzzled look on his face.

"correct."

Zhu Di seemed to have just remembered. He immediately stretched out his hand, pointed at Li Jinglong beside him and introduced him, "This is the deputy general sent by the court to lead the Northern Expedition, Li Jinglong, Duke of Cao!"

"Of course, although General Li is nominally the deputy, in reality, he is responsible for many matters such as the control of military power, mobilization of troops, and expeditionary campaigns."

"I am only assisting from the side."

"General Zhu, don't underestimate General Li's youth. He has inherited his father's true teachings."

"With General Li leading the Northern Expedition, our Ming army will surely defeat the enemy."

From Zhu Di's words, it is not difficult to hear his admiration for Li Jinglong.

however.

When Zhu Ying heard the three words "Li Jinglong", his expression froze for a moment and his eyes widened.

"Fuck."

Zhu Ying secretly exclaimed in his heart, seeming to be extremely helpless.

"Li Jinglong? The one who was later called the first generation of the Ming Dynasty's God of War, but who caused Zhu Yunwen to lose his kingdom, that super idiot."

"What on earth was the imperial court thinking? Why would they let Li Jinglong lead the troops?"

"Old Zhu, you really made random choices this time."

"There's no such thing in history. Originally, the Northern Expedition against the Northern Yuan Dynasty was led by Lan Yu. How come it's changed now? Li Jinglong has suddenly appeared."

"This guy is a complete swindler. It seems that in future marches and battles, we must do everything we can to avoid being tricked by him."

Zhu Ying felt extremely complicated and complained inwardly.

Others may not know Li Jinglong's true ability, and they all think that he inherited his father Li Wenzhong's ability to command troops.

But in fact, this guy is just a paper tiger with only good looks. He has only a superficial understanding of real military command and combat.

What's more, Li Jinglong stayed in Yingtian all year round, living in that peaceful and comfortable greenhouse, and had never experienced the cruelty and bloodiness of the battlefield.

In the prosperous Yingtian City, he might be able to talk big in the court, but he had never witnessed a real life-and-death struggle. How could he possibly command this legion-level war?

"It turned out to be General Li."

Zhu Ying quickly adjusted his expression and regained his composure. He immediately bowed, clasped his fists, and saluted, saying, "This humble general greets General Li."

There is nothing wrong with this action and this salute.

"General Zhu."

Li Jinglong, beaming, took a few steps forward and said enthusiastically, "Like His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan, I've long heard of General Zhu's great name!" "General Zhu may not know this, but when I was in Yingtian, your name was already a household name, both in the court and among the people."

“It is my great fortune to see you today.”

"It's a pity that alcohol is prohibited in the army during the march, otherwise I would really get drunk with General Zhu."

When Li Jinglong spoke, there was a look of disappointment on his face, as if he really wanted to have a big drink with Zhu Ying.

"When we return victorious from the Northern Expedition, I'll have the opportunity to drink with General Li."

Zhu Ying responded with a smile.

Although Zhu Ying deeply criticized Li Jinglong's ability, Li Jinglong was now a general after all. Zhu Ying would naturally not be stupid enough to take the initiative to break up with him. After all, there was no point in doing so.

Moreover, Zhu Ying knew clearly that above Li Jinglong, there should be a general who was responsible for coordinating and commanding the overall situation.

If Li Jinglong wanted to mobilize troops for an expedition, he also needed the consent of the general.

Considering the overall situation, he should not be betrayed by Li Jinglong.

Fortunately, he was not appointed as a general!
"Well said."

Zhu Di, standing by, also said with a smile, glancing between Zhu Ying and Li Jinglong: "When we return victorious from the Northern Expedition, let's get drunk together."

Zhu Di's voice was cheerful, as if he had already seen the scene of a triumphant victory.

"it is good!"

Li Jinglong responded loudly.

"His Royal Highness King Yan."

Zhu Ying put away his smile, clasped his fists, and asked, "I wonder if the Daning Border Army camp has been properly arranged? This time, I am leading the cavalry ahead, and we still need to set up camp for the follow-up army."

"General Zhang." Zhu Di shouted loudly without hesitation.

echoed.

Zhang Yu walked over quickly from the side.

Upon seeing Zhu Ying, Zhang Yu's face immediately lit up with joy, and he enthusiastically called out, "General Zhu!"

"General Zhang." Zhu Ying also responded with a smile, his eyes showing the joy of meeting an old friend again: "It's been a year."

"It's been a year indeed."

A trace of regret flashed in Zhang Yu's eyes. He shook his head slightly and said, "It's a pity that I couldn't go to congratulate General Zhu on his wedding. It's really a pity."

"Haha, I got married in a hurry, so I didn't take everything into consideration. Please don't blame me, General Zhang."

"but."

"When we return victorious from the Northern Expedition, General Zhang and I will have a good drink together."

"But when we get to Beiping Prefecture, General Zhang will have to treat me to a drink."

Zhu Ying said with a smile.

"Of course." Zhang Yu nodded seriously, then said, "But right now, military affairs are the most important thing. I'll take General Zhu to arrange for the Daning Border Army to be stationed there first."

"Okay." Zhu Ying nodded, then turned to Zhu Di and Li Jinglong, clasped his fists, and said, "Your Highness Prince of Yan, General Li, I will go and settle the army first."

"General Zhu, please go." Zhu Di smiled slightly.

immediately.

Under the guidance of Zhang Yu, Zhu Ying quickly followed and prepared to settle the army and set up camp.

Looking at Zhu Ying's departing back, Zhu Di's face showed a thoughtful expression, with a hint of confusion and thought in his eyes, as if he saw something in Zhu Ying that he could not understand.

"How could there be such a pair of eyes in this world that look so similar?"

Zhu Di murmured in his heart: "It looks too much like Xiong Ying."

"It's just that it can't be his."

"I saw Xiongying buried with my own eyes. But..."

Zhu Di's eyes were filled with deep doubt: "If I hadn't known that Xiongying was dead, I might have thought he was Xiongying."

"But it's not him. If it were him, who could compare to his natural advantages? Even if Big Brother really does... I can't stop Xiongying!"

Zhu Di had imagined the future countless times in his mind.

According to the blueprint that Yao Guangxiao planned for him, his elder brother's future might not be long.

In the future, if my father wants to choose a crown prince, he will definitely select from among the legitimate sons.

Zhu Di was full of confidence in himself. He knew very well that compared with his second and third brothers, he was definitely the most outstanding.

Therefore, Zhu Di firmly believed that as long as his elder brother died, he would have a great advantage in the competition for the position of crown prince.

can.

If Zhu Xiongying were still alive, all of Zhu Di's confidence and advantages would vanish in an instant.

Zhu Di deeply understood his father's thoughts. In his father's heart, the real relatives from beginning to end were only his eldest brother's family, and that included Zhu Xiongying.

In his father's eyes, Zhu Xiongying is the eldest grandson and the best candidate for the future throne besides his eldest brother.

If his eldest nephew Zhu Xiongying had not passed away, he might have been named the Crown Prince by now.

of course.

Like the current situation.

If it was really as Yao Guangxiao expected, his eldest brother would have died unfortunately due to a premature death.

The most likely candidate for the future crown prince position is Zhu Xiongying, because he is the true eldest grandson and has an incomparable advantage in the order of succession to the throne.

but.

None of this will happen.

Because Zhu Di had witnessed Zhu Xiongying's burial with his own eyes, and he was buried together with his mother.

That scene is still vivid in my mind!
This also made Zhu Di feel secretly relieved.

Without Zhu Xiongying, he would not face too much pressure in the future fight for the throne.

"Your Majesty."

Li Jinglong looked at Zhu Di, who was lost in thought, and said with a strange look on his face, "What are you daydreaming about? You were just now, too."

"It's okay." Zhu Di shook his head and said with a smile, "It's just that I met Zhu Ying for the first time, and I felt a little emotional."

Zhu Di used words to conceal his true thoughts, not wanting Li Jinglong to see that something was wrong with him.

Hear the words.

Li Jinglong nodded, as if he felt the same way. He looked in the direction Zhu Ying left and said slowly, "This Zhu Ying is indeed a young man who achieved success at a young age."

"Unlike the likes of us who were born with noble titles and status, he started as a soldier at the bottom and fought his way up step by step.

"At only eighteen, he was already an earl and a commander, yet his words and actions showed no trace of youthful arrogance or impetuousness. It was truly astonishing."

As he spoke, Li Jinglong's eyes were filled with admiration and disbelief.

"Not only that,"

Zhu Di took over the conversation: "He is well versed in the ways of the world. His words were appropriate in the conversation just now. He was neither humble nor arrogant, and he was very polite. There was no impoliteness at all."

"I have fought in many battles and have seen countless people, but this is the first time I have met someone as mature and capable as Zhu Ying at such a young age."

Zhu Di showed a hint of admiration, but beneath this admiration, there was a hint of complex and indistinguishable emotions.

of course!

Deep down in Zhu Di's heart, even though he knew very well that his eldest nephew Zhu Xiongying had passed away, just now, Zhu Ying's eyes, which looked so similar to Zhu Xiongying, still startled Zhu Di.

Zhu Di knew very well what it would mean to him if Zhu Xiongying were still alive.

As the eldest grandson, Zhu Xiongying was deeply loved by his father. If he were still alive, the inheritance of the throne would be as firm as iron and no one else would have the right to interfere.

His ambition to covet the throne will never be realized.

"Fortunately, it's not Xiongying!"

Thinking of this, Zhu Di sighed softly, raised his head slightly, and had a lot of thoughts in his mind.

at this time!

Daning border army station.

The 20,000 soldiers under Zhu Ying's command were busy.

The heavy tents were easily lifted in their hands and neatly arranged in the designated positions.

There were also soldiers carrying all kinds of supplies, and the metal equipment collided, making crisp sounds.

They were quick and agile, and were already familiar with tasks such as setting up camp.

"General Zhang."

Zhu Ying turned to look at Zhang Yu, his expression showing some concern. "The commander has been confirmed. I wonder who will be the general in charge?"

"Listen to what the prince said," Zhang Yu said with a serious expression, "This time, our Ming Dynasty has dispatched 300,000 troops, divided into two groups."

"It's similar to the previous layout during the attack on Liaodong. One general will lead the entire army, and two commanders will each lead a major force."

"The Grand General was personally appointed by the current Emperor, and he is Guo Ying, Marquis of Wuding."

"The commander of the first route is Lan Yu, Marquis of Yongchang, and his deputy commander is Chang Mao. The commander of the second route is His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan, and his deputy commander is Li Jinglong, Duke of Cao."

"I see."

Zhu Ying nodded slightly, with an expression of sudden enlightenment.

Under such a layout.

It is indeed the safest move.

The existence of the general also controls the two main generals.

"In this Northern Expedition, the imperial court is determined to complete the victory in one battle and completely pacify the Northern Yuan Dynasty."

"The ultimate goal is to completely crush the Northern Yuan Dynasty, rendering it unable to invade the borders of the Ming Dynasty."

"That's why we mobilized such a large force and summoned so many skilled generals and elite soldiers."

"The crux of this battle far exceeds that of the Liaodong battle."

Zhang Yu said seriously that he naturally understood the significance of this Northern Expedition.

however.

Zhu Ying had a clear understanding of the court's desire to completely pacify the Northern Yuan Dynasty and prevent it from posing a threat to the Ming Dynasty.

"You're overthinking it if you want to achieve complete peace of mind!"

Zhu Ying smiled faintly in his heart.

Even if this Northern Expedition could successfully defeat the Northern Yuan Dynasty, or even capture and kill the Northern Yuan emperor, the Northern Yuan regime might collapse, but the various tribal groups that made up the Northern Yuan Dynasty would still survive.

Zhu Ying was well aware of the direction of history. After the fall of the Northern Yuan Dynasty, three large tribal groups would be formed: Tatar, Oirat and Uriankhai, and they would still frequently harass the northern border of the Ming Dynasty.

and!

Zhu Ying also clearly remembered that after Zhu Di, his great-grandson Zhu Qizhen, the foolish emperor known as the "God of War of the Ming Dynasty", almost wiped out the elite troops accumulated by the Ming Dynasty over the years in the Battle of Tumu.

That incident dealt a heavy blow to the Ming Dynasty!

If Yu Qian had not appeared at the critical moment, turned the tide and organized the defense of Peking, the Ming Dynasty might have really repeated the mistakes of the Southern Song Dynasty, been forced to retreat south, and live in peace south of the Yangtze River, losing a large part of its territory in the north.

......

(End of this chapter)