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

Chapter 140 Kublai Khan is equal to Liu Bilie! The army marches north!
When Zhu Ying left the tent, he had a smile on his face. It was obvious that after a conversation with Zhu Di, they reached a cooperation intention and the two had a very pleasant conversation.

The successful opening of Zhu Ying's restaurant in Beiping Prefecture will undoubtedly bring Zhu Ying considerable profits again. For him, this is a business that is sure to make money.

"Your Highness," Yao Guangxiao said softly, looking at Zhu Di with a certain insight into worldly affairs. He said slowly, "Perhaps this is another reason why Your Highness agreed to introduce Zhu Ying."

"Zhu Ying Winery's liquor is considered the best in the world. In the past, the Shen family obtained its liquor supply and made countless fortunes from it."

"Being able to cooperate with him this time will undoubtedly open up a business route that is sure to make a profit." Zhu Di's eyes revealed his optimism about the prospects of this cooperation.

"Now that you've pushed me down this path, it's difficult to turn back. I must seize every opportunity."

Follow closely.

Zhu Di continued speaking slowly, his voice low but firm, his ambition undisguised.

Done.

He raised his head slightly and looked outside the tent, towards the direction of Yingtian, which seemed to be his final destination.

"This Zhu Ying is a smart man."

Yao Guangxiao frowned slightly, as if pondering Zhu Ying's thoughts. He said in a deep voice, "He knows how to avoid suspicion, and he also knows not to get too involved with the prince."

"And it's all the better because he's a smart man."

"That's why I offered to supply wine instead of cooperating to open a restaurant."

"If he wasn't a smart man, this king wouldn't cooperate with him."

Zhu Di put his hands behind his back to express his understanding of Zhu Ying's approach. At the same time, the smile on his face showed both recognition of Zhu Ying and confidence in his own vision.

"Zhu Ying's fate is unique; it defies common sense." Yao Guangxiao said solemnly, a look of emotion on his face. "He's only seventeen, yet he's already achieved such great things. This is rare in the world."

He seemed amazed at the huge contrast between Zhu Ying's age and achievements.

"My king does not believe in fate." Zhu Di raised his head and said in a deep voice, with a determination to fight to the end in his eyes, as if challenging fate.

Or maybe it's a reference to the throne!

.........

Turn your eyes!

Inside Zhu Ying's tent.

"Send this letter to Uncle Lin as soon as possible and let him make his own decision." Zhu Ying sat in front of the desk, holding a pen in his hand, writing the letter quickly, and said to Liu Lei as he wrote.

After finishing the letter, Zhu Ying picked it up and read it carefully. After confirming that it was correct, he carefully put it into the envelope and handed it to Liu Lei: "After the negotiation is completed, the trade route to Beiping Prefecture can be opened."

"I didn't expect that the King of Yan asked the general to go for a business partnership." Liu Lei respectfully stretched out his hands, took the letter, and put it in his arms. At the same time, he said with emotion, a look of surprise on his face, as if he was surprised by the cooperation between the King of Yan and Zhu Ying.

"Beiping Prefecture, this is a good place." Zhu Ying smiled, as if he saw the huge business opportunities brought by the Beiping Prefecture trade route.

"indeed."

"Beiping Prefecture is richer than Daning Prefecture," Liu Lei agreed.

"but."

"Prince of Yan, Zhu Di."

Zhu Ying said in a deep voice, his expression becoming serious: "He is not a simple person."

Although cooperation.

But Zhu Ying showed his vigilance towards Zhu Di. Although it seemed that the two could still cooperate to make money at present, if something happened in the future, everything could change rapidly.

"General." Liu Lei thought of something, leaned closer to Zhu Ying, and said in a low voice, "There is one more thing."

Then, Liu Lei carefully took out a secret letter from his sleeve.

"Black Guard message."

Liu Lei held up the secret letter and respectfully reported, "The first batch of over 300 Black Guards have entered Beiping Prefecture and have found the Shen family's trade route. They intercepted a shipment of goods worth several thousand taels and executed all the Shen family members who were escorting the goods."

Liu Lei's voice was cold, as if he was stating something very ordinary.

Hear this!

A sneer appeared on Zhu Ying's face, filled with murderous intent.

He had long regarded the Shen family as his mortal enemy. In his heart, there was no need to show any mercy to anything related to the Shen family.

"Send a message to the Black Guards." Zhu Ying said coldly, "Continue. I will make sure the Shen family's business in Beiping Prefecture is no longer viable."

There was a gleam of hatred in Zhu Ying's eyes. If possible, Zhu Ying would like to wipe out the Shen family from this world immediately.

"After Beiping Prefecture, if the Shen family wants to continue doing business in other prefectures, the Black Guards will continue to follow and kill them."

Zhu Ying added word by word: "In short. I want the Shen family's goods! I want the lives of the Shen family too!"

"I don't care how to do it, I just want the result."

There was a fierce look in Zhu Ying's eyes.

Liu Lei immediately bowed and said respectfully, "I understand."

……

in a blink!
Five days have passed!

In Daning Prefecture and Liaodong Prefecture, all the troops summoned by the court to participate in the Northern Expedition have gathered.

Three hundred thousand combat troops were gathered at the border of Beiping Prefecture, with tents stretching out in a continuous line and military flags rustling in the wind.

The camp gate is where all the generals gathered.

Led by Zhu Di, Li Jinglong, Zhu Ying, Mu Sheng and other generals were lined up neatly at the camp gate waiting.

They were dressed in armor, with long swords at their waists, and looked solemn.

now.

Seems to be waiting.

After continuing for a while.

In front of the generals, many guards were surrounding several generals for protection.

Guo Ying took the lead, while Lan Yu and Chang Mao followed behind.

"Welcome, General." Seeing Guo Ying coming, all the generals, led by Zhu Di, bowed to Guo Ying in unison.

Seeing Zhu Di, Guo Ying did not dare to be polite. He immediately dismounted and walked forward with a gentle smile on his face. He said, "Your Highness, Prince of Yan, there is no need to be polite."

"According to etiquette, I should be the one to pay my respects to His Highness."

As Guo Ying spoke, he stretched out his hands and helped Zhu Di up.

"General," Zhu Di replied sternly, "Properties must not be abandoned. I am now a general in the Northern Expedition, not the Prince of Yan in Peking."

Zhu Di's eyes showed respect for military rules.

Seeing this, Guo Ying said no more and glanced at the generals behind Zhu Di.

Of course he knew Li Jinglong.

When I saw Zhu Ying and Mu Sheng.

Guo Ying immediately said with a smile: "This must be Zhu Ying, the commander of the Daning Border Army."

"I am Zhu Ying, the humble general, and I am honored to meet you, the great general." Zhu Ying immediately saluted with his fists clasped.

"Excellent." Guo Ying immediately smiled and praised, "I have long heard of General Zhu's name in Yingtian. Now that I have seen him, I can see that he is indeed a young and outstanding talent."

As he spoke, he looked Zhu Ying up and down, and the admiration in his eyes became more and more obvious.

"Thank you for your compliment, General." Zhu Ying replied with a polite and humble smile.

Zhu Ying has become accustomed to these flattering words.

Almost everyone who is not familiar with the person will say this when they see him, if he is in a higher position!
If someone's position was lower than Zhu Ying's, they would say things like "I've long heard of your great name" and "I want to learn from you." It was just polite talk.

Although he is a military general, in Zhu Ying's opinion, anyone who can survive in the current Hongwu court is very cunning.

They have worked hard in a complex political environment and have developed the ability to read people's expressions and adapt to the situation.

"Mu Sheng." Guo Ying's eyes fell on Mu Sheng again, and he asked with a smile, "I haven't seen your father for a long time. How is he?"

"Replying to the General," Mu Sheng replied with a serious face, "My father was well when I came to Northern Frontier. This time, I was able to come to Northern Frontier to participate in the Northern Expedition because of my father's efforts. He allowed me to come to Northern Frontier to conquer and learn so that I can better serve the Ming Dynasty in the future."

"Mu Ying was right to send you to Northern Xinjiang."

Guo Ying smiled and nodded slightly, approving of Mu Ying's approach. "Although those scoundrels and foreign tribes around Yunnan Prefecture have been constantly harassing the border, they are only small-scale wars. This Northern Expedition of our Ming Dynasty is the real war."

This time!

Li Jinglong said, "General, now that you are here, it's time to go into the camp and discuss matters."

"Yes, yes, yes." Guo Ying also nodded, and his expression instantly became serious, as if he had become a different person.

"General Lan, General Chang." Guo Ying shouted loudly behind him.

Lan Yu and Chang Mao also walked over slowly. Upon seeing Zhu Di, they stepped forward and bowed reluctantly. Their movements and expressions showed that their relationship with Zhu Di was not very good. Lan Yu curled her lips slightly, a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes, while Chang Mao rolled his eyes, his face full of reluctance.

Zhu Di also glanced at the two of them, returned the greeting indifferently, with a hint of indifference in his eyes.

"It seems that Zhu Di and Lan Yu don't have such a harmonious relationship."

When Zhu Ying saw this scene, he thought secretly in his heart.

However, Zhu Ying naturally would not give a good face to Lan Yu and Chang Mao. He glanced at them, too lazy to pay attention, turned his head slightly, and looked elsewhere, as if these two people did not exist at all.

The two of them did the same, showing the same disdain towards Zhu Ying.

Subsequently.

Led by Li Jinglong, all the generals gathered towards the main camp.

Outside the camp, the personal guards held spears in their hands, stood tall and straight, on guard duty, and no generals under their command were allowed to enter.

Inside the camp!

Guo Ying sat in the main seat, with a dignified look on his face and his eyes showing his determination for the Northern Expedition.

Zhu Di and Lan Yu sat at the top of the table. Next to Zhu Di sat Li Jinglong, Zhu Ying, Zhang Yu, and Mu Sheng, while next to Lan Yu sat Chang Mao and three of his generals.

They sat down in order of their positions, with solemn expressions, waiting for the military meeting to begin.

"Bring up the map." Zhu Di said loudly, his voice echoing in the tent.

Zhu Neng and other personal guards immediately took action. They carried up a huge sand table map and placed it in the middle of the tent.

The map was made with great detail, with mountains, rivers, and cities all appearing before everyone's eyes.

"General," Zhu Di said, pointing to the sand table map in front of him, "Since I've been stationed in Beiping Prefecture, although I haven't left the Ming Dynasty to engage in actual combat with the Northern Yuan, I have sent many spies into the Northern Yuan for reconnaissance."

"The various deployments of Northern Yuan troops and cities are all marked on this map."

Zhu Di's finger moved slowly on the map, explaining the information on the map in detail, revealing his familiarity with the situation around Beiping Prefecture.

"Among all the generals in the camp, none is more knowledgeable about the Northern Yuan Dynasty than His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan."

Guo Ying said with a smile, nodding slightly, expressing his approval of Zhu Di's ability: "This time, our Great Ming's Northern Expedition still needs the Prince of Yan's advice."

"This is my duty, and I have no choice but to do it." Zhu Di replied with a fist salute.

It can be seen that among Zhu Yuanzhang's sons, Zhu Di was indeed second only to Zhu Biao.

He was a man of considerable ability, and even more so, one who could bend and stretch. At this moment in the military camp, he did not act like a prince, but participated in the preparations for the Northern Expedition as an ordinary general.

If it were any other princes, they might really put on airs and act arrogantly in the army, making it difficult to win the support of the people.

"Although the Northern Yuan Dynasty has been driven out of the Central Plains," Zhu Di stood up and walked to the sand table map. He pointed at the Northern Yuan territory on the map and said with a sneer, "But it is said that the Northern Yuan emperor covets the Central Plains of China day and night."

"In the Northern Yuan territory bordering Beiping Prefecture, the Northern Yuan built dozens of cities. The largest of these was called Xindu, the capital of the Northern Yuan."

talking.

Zhu Di's eyes swept across, revealing his disdain for the Northern Yuan Dynasty.

"That matter." Guo Ying nodded and said, "I have heard about it."

"Although the Northern Yuan were a nomadic people from the grasslands, since they took control of the Central Plains, they have become fascinated with the city-building of our China and have gone to the grasslands to build cities everywhere."

"So now the Northern Yuan Dynasty is also divided into many factions."

"One faction advocates returning to their nomadic ways of setting up tents, while the other, the Northern Yuan Dynasty's royal family and emperor, advocates building cities and continuing to use Chinese rituals and official systems."

"So, while the Northern Yuan Dynasty may appear to be a united whole, they are actually experiencing internal turmoil."

Guo Ying shook his head slightly, a sneer on his face, mocking the internal disputes in the Northern Yuan Dynasty.

In response, all the generals nodded.

This is also their understanding of the Northern Yuan Dynasty.

Strictly speaking, the Northern Yuan Empire was divided into a conservative faction and a sinicization faction.

There is no doubt that this Sinicization faction is the descendants of Kublai Khan, that is, the orthodox royal family of the Northern Yuan Dynasty.

"Kublai Khan is quite interesting." Zhu Ying couldn't help laughing after hearing this, revealing a hint of a playful smile: "No wonder later generations jokingly called him Liu Bilie."

"I didn't expect that his descendants were all influenced by him. They must aspire to be Han Chinese."

After the Yuan Dynasty destroyed the Song Dynasty, Kublai Khan moved to the Central Plains. At that time, the royal family and nobles of the Yuan Dynasty advised Kublai Khan not to go south, as he would be influenced by the Han people. However, Kublai Khan did not listen at all, and then he became Liu Bilie.

What's even funnier is that after Kublai Khan came to control the Central Plains, he realized the danger posed by his former compatriots and even launched a northern expedition to conquer the Wolf's Lair!
In the end, he knew very well the harm caused by the foreign tribes on the grassland, so he killed the chicken to scare the monkeys. His fellow tribesmen were slaughtered in a brutal way.

This is exactly the case, the cause in the past is the result today.

The current internal disputes in the Northern Yuan Dynasty were also the root cause of the trouble planted by Kublai Khan.

When the Northern Yuan Dynasty was strong, it could still be suppressed and pacified, but now that the Northern Yuan Dynasty is weak, all of this is naturally difficult to pacify.

"Thankfully, there were figures like Liu Bilie in history. Leaving the hidden dangers within the Northern Yuan Dynasty behind is a blessing for China."

Zhu Ying thought secretly in his heart, feeling sentimental about history and thinking about the current situation.

At this time, Guo Ying turned his gaze and scanned the generals in the tent.

"Generals," Guo Ying said loudly, his voice filled with majesty and power. "The Emperor has entrusted us with the task of mobilizing 300,000 troops for the Northern Expedition. They are all the best of our Ming Dynasty."

"This battle is still the same as the attack on Liaodong, with the troops divided into two groups."

"One route will be led by Commander Lan Yu and Deputy Commander Chang Mao. The second route will be led by Commander Zhu Di and Deputy Commander Li Jinglong."

"When this great war begins, where shall we begin our march and where shall we join our forces? Generals, please feel free to speak your mind."

talking.

Guo Ying expressed his expectations for the generals, hoping that they could come up with ideas for the Northern Expedition.

Lan Yu immediately stepped forward and declared with a heroic spirit, "Since the Ming army is the main force this time, we must be highly motivated and attack the Northern Yuan army head-on, leaving no one alive."

"My Great Ming is mobilizing troops, and the Northern Yuan spies must have received the news. I believe their important border towns must be well-defended. They are either hiding in the cities, or they intend to engage my Great Ming army with cavalry."

"There are only two possible paths."

Hear this!

The generals in the tent nodded one after another.

Although Lan Yu was arrogant, he was an impeccable leader of troops and conquests.

His bravery and wisdom on the battlefield were witnessed by all, and everyone agreed with his analysis.

"General," Zhu Di also stood up and said immediately, "The Northern Yuan has been abducting Han Chinese people and building cities on the border with the Ming Dynasty, intending to use the power of the cities to stop the Ming army."

"As far as I know, the Northern Yuan Dynasty built ten border towns along the border. The towns have high walls and thick defenses, all designed to guard against the Ming army."

"In this battle, if we want to invade Northern Yuan, we must first conquer several of its border towns."

"I am also willing to be the vanguard and attack the border towns on the left, taking them out one by one. In this way, we will surely be able to break through the Northern Yuan border defenses."

Zhu Di's eyes also revealed firm determination, as if he was ready to charge into battle.

"Marquis Yongchang is absolutely right."

"Your Highness Prince Yan is also right."

As soon as Zhu Di finished speaking, a general echoed him.

"If we want to invade the Northern Yuan Dynasty and penetrate its stronghold, we must first eliminate all of its border towns. This time, I am willing to lead the troops in this attack."

"I am also willing to be the vanguard and attack the Northern Yuan Dynasty."

"I am also willing..."

Other generals also nodded to express their wishes.

Seeing Lan Yu, Zhu Di, and all the generals in the camp asking for orders, Guo Ying nodded with a relieved smile on his face.

He slowly walked to the sand table map and carefully examined the ten border towns of the Northern Yuan Dynasty on the map. Those ten border towns were like ten nails, nailed on the border between the Ming Dynasty and the Northern Yuan Dynasty, blocking the advance of the Ming army.

"The names of these cities in the Northern Yuan Dynasty are targeting China."

Guo Ying glanced at the cities on the sand table and a sneer appeared on his face.

These cities, Zhenhan City, Zhenxia City, Nuhan City... It can be said that these ten cities were all targeted at the Ming Dynasty, and all of them were intended to enslave China in various ways.

Looking at these names, Guo Ying's eyes revealed anger and disdain.

"Marquis Yongchang." After Guo Ying took a glance, his face became fierce and he shouted loudly.

"I am here." Lan Yu responded immediately, his voice loud and powerful, as if swearing his loyalty and determination to Guo Ying.

"I order you to lead your 150,000 troops to attack this so-called Zhenhan City from the left and capture all five surrounding border cities."

……

(End of this chapter)