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

Chapter 155 His Highness the Crown Prince Invites Madam Zhu to Yingtian!
This time!
Even Bu Wan, who is usually calm and composed, was in turmoil at this moment and found it difficult to regain his composure for a long time.

However, in front of outsiders, Bu Wan remained composed and forcefully suppressed his inner excitement. Judging from the words of the Jinwuwei centurion, Crown Prince Zhu Biao had already taken a different view of him and favored him greatly.

Once the day of returning to the capital arrives, a meteoric rise to prominence and a meteoric increase in one's career will be just around the corner.

After all, those who have gained Zhu Biao's favor are the future pillars of the nation!
of course.

Bu Wan knew perfectly well that his achievements in governing the Da Ning Prefecture alone were far from enough to truly catch the eye of the current Crown Prince.

after all.

The Ming Empire had a vast territory and countless prefects. Although they held great power, it was extremely rare for a prefect to stand out among so many officials and receive a personal imperial edict from the Crown Prince.

This time.

The reason he was able to receive such a great honor can be traced back to only one person: Zhu Ying.

There is no other possibility.

"Unconsciously, I owe that kid a huge favor."

"If it weren't for his outstanding performance on the Liaodong battlefield and his remarkable achievements, how could I, a mere prefect in a remote border region, have had the honor of catching the eye of His Highness the Crown Prince?" Bu Wan thought to himself, filled with gratitude for Zhu Ying.

Befriending Zhu Ying was definitely the right thing to do!
Just now.

Footsteps came from inside the Zhu residence.

A group of Imperial Guards quickly emerged from the Zhu residence.

One of the Imperial Guards quickly ran to the Imperial Guard Commander outside the mansion, bowed, and said, "Reporting to the Commander, all the items bestowed by His Highness the Crown Prince have been moved into the Zhu residence and properly settled."

"All the servants were also handed over to the Zhu family."

Hear the words.

The commander of the Imperial Guard nodded slightly, then walked up to Shen Yu'er with a smile, bowed, and said with a smile, "Madam Zhu, His Highness the Crown Prince has a personal letter that he specifically ordered me to deliver to you in person."

Say it.

The commander of the Imperial Guard slowly took out a letter from his bosom, solemnly presented it to Shen Yu'er with both hands.

Even though it wasn't an imperial edict, it was still a letter from the current crown prince, and it couldn't be treated lightly.

"Your subject has received the Crown Prince's letter."

Upon seeing this, Shen Yu'er also showed respect and accepted the letter with both hands.

After receiving the letter.

Shen Yu'er subconsciously looked at Bu Wan beside her, her gaze questioning, as she herself was unsure whether she should open it now.

He sensed Shen Yu'er's pleading gaze.

Bu Wan smiled slightly and nodded, indicating that she could open the letter to view it directly.

After receiving Bu Wan's nod, Shen Yu'er reached out and opened the letter.

after all.

Before her husband went to war, he specifically instructed her that when dealing with matters related to the government and the court, she could follow Bu Wan's advice and just ask him for help. As for the business in the mansion, she could leave it entirely to Lin Fu to manage.

After opening the letter.

Shen Yu'er carefully read the letter in her hand, and her expression changed slightly.

Subsequently.

Shen Yu'er walked to Bu Wan's side, her face showing some trepidation, and said softly, "Uncle Bu, His Highness the Crown Prince invited me to Yingtian in his letter."

Upon hearing this, Bu Wan was slightly taken aback, then a smile appeared on his face, and he immediately said with a smile, "Yu'er, this is a wonderful thing!"

"To be personally invited to Yingtian by His Highness the Crown Prince is an honor that not everyone can receive!"

Hearing Bu Wan's words, Shen Yu'er's worries lessened slightly. Then she turned her gaze to the Jinwu Guard commander standing to the side.

Upon seeing this, the commander of the Imperial Guard immediately understood and stepped forward, respectfully saying, "Madam, His Highness the Crown Prince has specifically instructed that we, the Imperial Guard, will accompany you on your journey back to Yingtian and do everything in our power to protect your safety."

"Then...I wonder if we could postpone our departure for a few days?"

“My husband is currently on a northern expedition, and there are still many things to do in the household that I need to arrange properly.”

Shen Yu'er asked tentatively.

"I wonder if His Highness the Crown Prince specified a departure date in his letter?" the commander of the Imperial Guard asked tentatively.

“It wasn’t mentioned.” Shen Yu’er shook her head, then slowly said, “His Highness the Crown Prince only said in his letter that I could set off immediately after I had properly arranged the affairs of the manor.”

Upon hearing this, the commander of the Imperial Guard immediately laughed and said, "In that case, we Imperial Guards will wait for you in Daning City for a few more days."

"His Highness the Crown Prince specifically instructed that the safety of the Lady and her family must be ensured, and that they be returned to Yingtian without any mishap."

"Thank you all for your help," Shen Yu'er said softly.

"Somebody come!"

Bu Wan suddenly shouted loudly.

Upon hearing the shouts, an official in robes quickly ran over and bowed respectfully to Bu Wan: "What are your orders, sir?"

"Immediately prepare the post station and properly entertain the soldiers of the Imperial Guard."

Bu Wan looked at his subordinates and immediately gave instructions.

"Yes! Your lord!"

The official responded, turned around and strode towards the commander of the Imperial Guards, leading them to the post station with a warm smile and great courtesy.

Wait for everyone to leave.

Inside Zhu Mansion.

Shen Yu'er and Bu Wan arrived at a pavilion.

Shen Yu'er looked around to make sure no one was there, and with a worried expression, asked softly, "Uncle Bu, why did His Highness the Crown Prince suddenly summon me to Yingtian?"

"There were too many people talking outside just now, so I couldn't ask too directly."

"Yu'er, there were indeed too many people outside just now, so I didn't dare to say it too clearly."

"But now we can talk about it."

"Regarding this summons from the Crown Prince, you must understand this point: when a general is stationed in the field, he holds significant military power and authority, and the court will inevitably take measures to check and balance him."

Bu Wan looked at Shen Yu'er with a serious expression and said.

Hear the words.

Shen Yu'er was slightly taken aback at first, then suddenly realized and said softly, "So that's how it is, I understand now."

"Military power, in any dynasty, is the most taboo key issue for the imperial court."

"Generally speaking, to ensure the stability of military power and loyalty of generals who command large armies in battle, the court will leave their families in the capital as a means of checks and balances. Only in this way can the court feel at ease to give them important positions."

"According to past practice, although Zhu Ying had made many outstanding military achievements when he was promoted to commander, he was still young and had no family in the capital. Normally, he would not have had the opportunity to obtain such a high position."

"But fortunately, His Highness the Crown Prince values ​​him highly and appreciates him greatly, which is why he was able to be promoted smoothly."

"The reason I summon you to Yingtian is twofold: firstly, to check Zhu Ying's military power; and secondly, to make thorough preparations for Zhu Ying's triumphant return from his northern expedition and his audience with His Majesty in Yingtian."

Bu Wan patiently analyzed the situation, his words revealing a profound understanding and precise grasp of the political landscape.

After all, Bu Wan was a seasoned veteran of the officialdom.

"Uncle Bu, I understand."

"In order to put the court at ease about my husband, and for my husband's better future, I must go to Yingtian, and I must stay there with peace of mind."

"Only in this way can my husband go further and more smoothly in his future career."

Shen Yu'er nodded seriously, having thoroughly grasped the profound meaning behind the Crown Prince's summons to Yingtian.

Bu Wan smiled and nodded, saying gently, "It's good that you understand the pros and cons."

"Zhu Ying has now made great contributions to the country, and the Emperor and the Crown Prince have nothing but reliance and appreciation for him."

"Summoning you to live in Yingtian is also to silence the gossips of those with ulterior motives in the court. In this way, if Zhu Ying has any opportunities for promotion in the future, he will not encounter too many obstacles or setbacks."

"Speaking of which, I really have to congratulate you this time."

"Yu'er. The title of Lady of the Imperial Decree is an immense honor that every woman in the world dreams of!"

"With this status, one does not need to kneel when meeting the monarch, and can enjoy a generous salary from the court. This is practically equivalent to having a noble title."

At this point, an undisguised look of envy flashed in Bu Wan's eyes.

Although he couldn't obtain the title of nobility, Bu Wan still wanted it!

only.

Apart from the founding heroes of the past, fewer and fewer people are now receiving titles.

Zhu Ying is perhaps the only person in recent years to be granted a title, and it is a hereditary title.

"All of this is thanks to my husband's military achievements in battles where he fought to the death. I am just fortunate to have benefited from his glory."

Shen Yu'er said softly, a happy and proud smile on her face.

"Haha, don't underestimate yourself."

“You bore Zhu Ying a son, continuing his bloodline. For that alone, you should naturally share in his glory,” Bu Wan said with a smile.

"Alright, I won't delay your trip preparations any longer."

"These next few days, you can focus on arranging the affairs of the manor properly."

"With the Imperial Guards protecting you along the way, you can take more trustworthy servants with you to Yingtian."

"Back then, the Emperor and the Crown Prince specially bestowed a mansion upon Zhu Ying in Yingtian. You should settle down there first, and once Zhu Ying returns in triumph, you can go directly back to your home in Yingtian."

After giving his instructions, Bu Wan smiled and turned to leave. After Bu Wan left, Lin Fu quickly walked over.

Looking at Shen Yu'er, Lin Fu said respectfully in a low voice, "Young Madam, the Crown Prince has summoned you. This matter is of great importance and you cannot refuse."

"The main thing your household needs to prepare now is matters related to business dealings with Beiping Prefecture."

"I have already made proper arrangements for all of these in advance, so there shouldn't be any major problems."

Shen Yu'er nodded gently as she listened to Lin Fu's words.

Although she felt somewhat helpless about Lin Fu always referring to her as "Young Madam," she had long since gotten used to it.

The Zhu couple always regarded Lin Fu as their closest elder, not a servant. Shen Yu'er repeatedly begged Lin Fu to call her by her name, but Lin Fu always insisted on not changing his way of addressing her. Over time, this became a fixed habit of addressing her.

"Uncle Lin, are you planning to come to Yingtian with me?" Shen Yu'er asked.

"The young mistress and young master are the lifeblood of our family. I really can't rest easy if I don't go with them," Lin Fu said with a smile, very seriously.

For Lin Fu, his whole life was dedicated to Zhu Ying and his young master.

“But the businesses in Daning Prefecture and Beiping Prefecture still depend on you to manage them. These are the fruits of your husband’s labor,” Shen Yu’er said with some worry.

"Don't worry, young lady."

"Back in Beiping, this old servant had already cultivated some loyal confidants for the young master."

"Now, all the old craftsmen in the distillery are loyal to the young master and devoted to him. They have also gained his approval."

"In addition, I have trained some managers who are capable of handling things on their own. They are sufficient to handle all kinds of affairs in the restaurant and winery, so there will be no problems with the business."

"Furthermore..."

Lin Fu paused here, glanced around warily to make sure no one was approaching, and then lowered his voice to say, "The mansion is full of elite assassins carefully trained by the young master, and they have also been deployed to the restaurants and wineries."

"If there is any unusual activity in the industry, they will take immediate action to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

"Therefore, young mistress need not worry too much. Young master has long been farsighted and has arranged everything very properly."

Shen Yu'er nodded again as she listened to Lin Fu's words, but there was still some unease on her face: "I used to only think about being able to stay with my husband forever, but I never expected that I would become his burden. The court summoned us to Yingtian, ultimately, just to keep my husband in check. Alas..."

"As a subject, this is an unavoidable and helpless move."

"But from another perspective, after the young mistress went to Yingtian, the young master will be able to focus more wholeheartedly on making contributions on the battlefield."

"In the future, young master's path will be smoother and longer," Lin Fu comforted him with a smile.

…………

Ying Tianfu!
Yingtian City.

The location of the capital of the Ming Dynasty.

This place is a gathering place for powerful and wealthy people, prosperous and thriving, displaying the majesty and grandeur of the imperial court.

Shen family.

Although their new residence is quite large, it is not located in the most prosperous and bustling core area of ​​Yingtian, where land is extremely valuable.

As a merchant family, the Shen family was subject to many strict rules and restrictions in the capital.

Even if they were incredibly wealthy, possessing vast fortunes, they still found it difficult to purchase a residence near the inner city and close to the imperial palace.

All of this is because the current emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang, personally established laws that explicitly prohibit merchants from wearing fine clothes. Zhu Yuanzhang has always been extremely disgusted with merchants who prioritize profit.

at this time!

Shen Wansan was sitting upright in the inner hall of the Shen family mansion.

He flipped through the ledgers on the table, his brow furrowed, focused and solemn. His brush occasionally circled and marked various accounts and losses on the ledgers.

Having been in Yingtian Prefecture for over a year, the Shen family's businesses have gradually expanded and developed during this time.

however.

On paper, many places were still operating at a loss, which worried Shen Wansan greatly.

at this time.

A series of hurried and frantic footsteps broke the silence of the inner room.

Shen Wansan's eldest son, Shen Rong, and second son, Shen Mao, rushed in, looking flustered.

"Father, something terrible has happened!"

The two shouted almost in unison.

Upon hearing this, Shen Wansan's face darkened. He put down the account book in his hand, his brows furrowed, and he sternly rebuked, "What's the panic! What kind of behavior is this! What exactly happened?"

"My second brother sent an urgent message: many of our Shen family's merchant caravans in Beiping have been robbed!"

"All the goods were looted, and almost all the caravan members were killed, with no one spared."

"Moreover, this was not an isolated incident, but rather a case in which more than a dozen caravans encountered the same situation, were completely robbed, suffered heavy casualties, and had no survivors."

Shen Rong's face was grim. He clutched a letter from Beiping Prefecture tightly in his hand and spoke in a trembling voice.

"what?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Wansan's eyes widened in shock, his old face filled with disbelief.

After carefully observing his two sons' expressions and confirming that what they said was true, he eagerly pressed, "How much was lost? Tell me quickly!"

"The confirmed news that has come back is that eighteen caravans have been ravaged, more than three hundred servants have been killed, and the total amount of money lost by the caravans is close to three thousand gold."

Shen Rong's voice was heavy, and his face was full of anxiety and helplessness.

Three daughters!

This is no small sum.

Hear the words.

Shen Wansan fell into deep thought.

After a moment, he slowly raised his head, staring intently at Shen Rong, and asked, "Beiping Prefecture has always been peaceful, with very few bandits or villains appearing. Why have so many suddenly appeared this time?"

"Moreover, the servants of our Shen family caravan are all rigorously trained and equipped with weapons. Even if they encounter ordinary mountain bandits, they should be able to hold them off for a while. Why did they end up like this this time?"

“Father, Beiping Prefecture has indeed always been stable and rarely has any troubles.”

"My second brother has investigated carefully. In the entire Beiping Prefecture, apart from our Shen family's caravan being robbed, all other caravans are safe and sound, without any looting or casualties."

"These bandits who suddenly appeared seem to be targeting our Shen family specifically, wanting to rob our goods and kill our people."

Shen Rong's expression was solemn, and his tone was filled with anger and confusion.

After the caravan was attacked, Shen Wang, who remained in Beiping, immediately launched an in-depth investigation and was surprised to find that only the Shen family's caravan had been subjected to such a brutal and inhumane attack.

Other merchant families' caravans did not encounter this.

Hear this.

A fierce glint flashed in Shen Wansan's eyes.

As a prominent merchant who had been operating in the market since the Yuan Dynasty, he was not a soft-hearted person.

In the fierce competition of the business world, it was not uncommon in the past for people to commit murder and robbery in order to seize profits.

Although the laws became increasingly strict after the founding of the Ming Dynasty, and such bloody incidents decreased, the covert struggles and contests never truly ceased.

"Have you found out which force is targeting our Shen family?"

"Especially our adversaries with whom we have direct conflicts of interest."

Shen Wansan asked in a deep voice.

Given his extensive experience and shrewd thinking, such actions against the Shen family must stem from either hatred or a fierce conflict of interest; there is absolutely no other possibility.

"Father, my second brother has done everything he can to investigate."

"But this band of mountain bandits was extremely cunning, scattered in every corner of Beiping Prefecture, and no servant of a caravan was able to escape from them, so there was no way to know their origins or identities."

"My second brother's investigation has also reached a stalemate, with no leads whatsoever."

"Moreover, the Ming Dynasty is currently on a northern expedition, and the troops stationed in Beiping Prefecture have all set out, which makes Beiping Prefecture even more uneasy," Shen Rong said helplessly, full of frustration and annoyance.

"Father, judging from the message my second brother sent, this band of mountain bandits is no ordinary rabble."

"Almost all of us who died were killed by a single blow, either by a sharp blade piercing our hearts or by a slit in our throats. There were almost no other ways to die."

“These people are all highly trained elites.”

"Those who can attack so many of my Shen family's caravans and train so many elites are definitely not ordinary bandits."

Shen Mao then spoke up, his face equally grim, though his voice was filled with intense worry and fear.

"Aren't they just ordinary bandits?"

Shen Wansan's face grew increasingly gloomy.

Leaning back in his chair, he fell into deep thought, his mind racing as he considered possible solutions.

after all.

This robbery and murder happened far too strangely.

and.

We can't find anyone, and we can't find any trace of them.

Isn't this just too terrifying?

……

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(End of this chapter)