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

Chapter 158 Zhu Di's Second Test!
Zhu Ying naturally returned the congratulations with a smile.

After a while of pleasantries.

The military council, now that the entire army has gathered, has truly begun.

"Generals."

"Now, our army has captured more than a dozen cities on the border of the Northern Yuan."

"However, according to reports from spies lurking within the territory of the Northern Yuan."

"In the past three months, the troops that Emperor Yuan mobilized from various places have been deployed to various parts of Yuan Capital. The troop strength is probably no less than 400,000."

"Moreover, Emperor Yuan's general Guiliqi personally led 100,000 cavalry to deploy troops at the royal pasture a hundred miles outside the capital."

"You generals should be able to see through his purpose," Zhu Di said slowly, scanning the generals in the tent.

The words fell.

Zhang Yu spoke first: "Your Highness, the purpose of the Northern Yuan is obvious. They are completely incapable of stopping the advance of our Great Ming army in terms of city defense, so they want to use their strengths to deal with our Great Ming."

"In the past."

"The Northern Yuan was able to swallow up the Central Plains and seize the world precisely because of the power of its iron cavalry."

"so."

"The Northern Yuan must be trying to defeat our army with their cavalry."

Hear this.

Zhu Di gave Zhang Yu an approving look, feeling very pleased.

After all, they were Beiping troops under his command. Zhang Yuliang's actions were simply a way of giving him face.

"Generals."

"Nonsense, I won't say any more."

"The strength of the Northern Yuan cavalry is unparalleled in the world."

"Even though our Great Ming has driven the Northern Yuan out of the Central Plains for decades, the strength of the Northern Yuan cavalry should not be underestimated."

"I am not trying to undermine the morale of the Northern Yuan or diminish the prestige of my Great Ming, but this is simply the truth."

"The strength of the Ming Dynasty's cavalry is ultimately inferior to that of the Northern Yuan."

"Moreover, even if we add up all the cavalry of the Ming Dynasty, we still can't possibly muster 100,000 men," Zhu Di said very seriously, his tone extremely solemn.

He guarded Beiping Prefecture for many years.

Although no large-scale war broke out with the Northern Yuan.

However, small-scale battles did occur.

The Northern Yuan's southward raids also relied primarily on cavalry.

The Beiping army was indeed a formidable force, and before Zhu Ying appeared, it was the strongest in terms of combat power on the border.

However, the Beiping army was at a disadvantage in battles against the Northern Yuan cavalry, and even in cavalry duels, they were no match for the Northern Yuan cavalry.

Therefore, it is understandable that Zhu Di was wary of him.

"His Royal Highness King Yan."

"One hundred thousand cavalrymen, and on the vast grasslands, are indeed a force that no infantry can handle."

"Perhaps, the only way to deal with these 100,000 Northern Yuan cavalry is to join forces with General Lan Yu," Mu Sheng said in a deep voice.

"You want to join forces?"

"impossible."

"The Northern Yuan will not allow us to join forces."

"Now we have penetrated into the heart of the Northern Yuan territory. In addition to facing tens of thousands of Northern Yuan cavalry, we also have hundreds of thousands of Northern Yuan infantry."

“General Lan Yu can still hold back those large armies on the left, but once General Lan Yu joins forces, we will lose our current numerical advantage against the Northern Yuan cavalry,” Zhang Yu said immediately.

"Our army currently has 150,000 troops, which may be superior to the Northern Yuan's forces, but ultimately it is no match for cavalry."

“This time, the Northern Yuan has made it clear that they are using their cavalry to confront our army head-on. The terrain is flat and vast, and they are truly no match for us,” Mu Sheng said with a wry smile.

"King Yan."

"General Lee."

"In your opinion, what should we do now?" Zhang Yu also looked to Zhu Di for help.

Zhang Yu had fought against the Northern Yuan cavalry before; in a battle across a vast area, the Ming cavalry was no match.

"This……"

Zhu Di looked worried, also unsure how to wage war.

Even though he's been on the border for so many years.

The strategy for dealing with the Northern Yuan cavalry relied on the advantages of the Great Wall and the strength of the city's defenses, with a focus on defense.

But this time, the Ming Dynasty is taking the initiative to attack and engage in battle with the Northern Yuan cavalry, which will inevitably be difficult to resist.

After thinking for a moment.

Zhu Di turned his attention to Li Jinglong.

After all, Zhu Di was sent by Zhu Yuanzhang to gain experience and improve his military command skills. He was mainly observing the battle, and the main decision-making power was still in Li Jinglong's hands.

He felt Zhu Di's gaze.

Li Jinglong felt a sudden panic.

Listening to what the generals said, he was already in a very passive position. After all, Zhu Di and Zhang Yu had no way to deal with the situation of the Northern Yuan Mingpai. What could he do?
now.

How could Li Jinglong not panic?

but.

As Zhu Di's gaze shifted.

Almost all the generals in the tent were looking at him, and under these circumstances, Li Jinglong seemed to have no choice but to speak.

Faced with this situation.

After struggling for a moment, Li Jinglong caught a glimpse of Zhu Ying sitting silently in the first seat on the left.

Immediately.

With a "nothing to lose" mentality, he looked at Zhu Ying and asked, "General Zhu, what are your thoughts on the Northern Yuan cavalry?"

next moment.

All the generals' eyes, including Zhu Di's, were on Zhu Ying.

"This Li Jinglong is really useless."

“He has no ability to command troops, yet everyone regards him as a skilled commander. The halo brought by his father is too great,” Zhu Ying thought to himself.

but.

now.

Zhu Ying didn't think much of it.

"Actually, when I was training troops in Daning, I had already thought that if we were to launch a northern expedition in the future, we would inevitably have to face the strongest cavalry of the Northern Yuan."

"so…"

Zhu Ying looked around and said in a deep voice, "I had already come up with a countermeasure when we were training troops in Daning."

Hear this.

All the generals inside the tent stared at Zhu Ying in shock.

"General Zhu."

"How do you plan to deal with the 100,000 cavalry of the Northern Yuan?" Zhu Di immediately stared at Zhu Ying and asked. Although he was asking a question, Zhu Di was actually a little uneasy.

If Zhu Yinglian can handle these 100,000 cavalrymen, especially on the vast grasslands and deserts where the cavalry is on its home turf, then that would be truly terrifying.

"General Zhu."

"Do you really have a way to deal with these Northern Yuan cavalry?"

"If it's true, then General Zhu has truly accomplished a great feat," Li Jinglong said excitedly, looking at Zhu Ying expectantly.

"Da Ning, where are the generals of Huizhou?"

Zhu Ying did not answer directly, but instead spoke in a commanding voice.

"exist."

The generals of Huizhou Guard, who belonged to the Daning Border Army, all stood up and bowed to Zhu Ying.

"Do you still remember the formations I taught you when we were training troops in Daning?" Zhu Ying asked in a deep voice.

"We will never forget what the general taught us," the ten commanders replied in unison.

"The formation I taught you back then was specifically designed to counter the Northern Yuan cavalry," Zhu Ying said with a slight smile, a confident expression on his face.

"What kind of formation could possibly counter the 100,000 iron cavalry of the Northern Yuan?" Zhu Di asked with some skepticism.

Li Jinglong immediately asked, "Yes, General Zhu, I also have some knowledge of formations. If the Northern Yuan cavalry only number in the tens of thousands, our army can still deal with them by relying on its numerical advantage and using a long snake formation to outflank and surround them. Perhaps we can barely win. But with 100,000 cavalry in flat and wide terrain, even if we set up ten long snake formations, they will break through."

Obviously.

Li Jinglong was very pessimistic about Zhu Yingyou's formation and did not believe that there was a formation to deal with 100,000 cavalry.

"Have any of you ever heard of the Dragon Gate Formation?" Zhu Ying asked with a smile, looking around.

"The Dragon Gate Formation created by Xue Rengui during the glorious Tang Dynasty?"

"It is said that this formation is good at trapping and killing, and it is specifically designed for cavalry, so it can be used to trap and kill cavalry."

"However, this formation has long been lost."

"Could it be that General Zhu knows this?" Zhu Di was startled and hurriedly asked.

"It's quite a coincidence, I happen to know this formation well," Zhu Ying smiled confidently.

"If it really is the legendary Dragon Gate Formation."

"That might actually be able to deal with the 100,000 Yuan Army's iron cavalry."

Zhu Di nodded and said very seriously.

"General Zhu."

"Now that you have a plan to deal with the enemy, we will follow your arrangements in this military meeting."

"How to respond, how to deploy troops."

"I'm leaving everything to you."

Li Jinglong immediately spoke up.

Zhu Yingyou's tactics for dealing with 100,000 cavalry might resonate with others, but Li Jinglong felt them even more deeply.

This battle.

He no longer needs to lose face.

If he were to actually command the entire army, it would be a real disaster.

"This battle."

"Use infantry as the main force, and follow me to set up the Dragon Gate Formation to trap and kill the Yuan cavalry."

"As for the cavalry, they should remain hidden behind the Dragon Gate Formation. Once the Yuan army is trapped, they should be gradually released to kill them," Zhu Ying said immediately.

Regarding how to respond and how to deploy resources.

In fact, Zhu Ying had thought about this many times when he was in Daning.

"This northern expedition of our Great Ming is the main offensive."

"Will the Yuan cavalry obediently enter the battle?" Li Jinglong asked with some concern.

If the formation is set up properly, and the Yuan army doesn't take the bait or enter the formation, then it would be a joke.

"Will not."

Zhu Di shook his head, and said with certainty, "The Yuan army will definitely enter the battle!"

"Why?" Li Jinglong asked, puzzled.

Upon hearing Li Jinglong's question, Zhu Di looked at him with surprise, seemingly wondering why Li Jinglong would ask such a question.

After all, this situation is quite clear once you think about it.

“We are still somewhat wary of the Northern Yuan cavalry, and the Northern Yuan is most proud of their cavalry.”

"Perhaps in the eyes of the Yuan Emperor and the generals of the Northern Yuan, their cavalry could crush everything once they set out."

"Once our army reaches the royal pastures of the Northern Yuan, they will surely launch a full-scale attack. At that time, our army will only need to send a cavalry unit to lure the enemy."

“Once they actually reach the front lines, they will not stop their attack.”

Zhu Di slowly began to explain.

"indeed."

Li Jinglong nodded, seemingly agreeing.

Coming to his senses, he said, "General Zhu."

"We are less than a few dozen miles away from the pastures of the Northern Yuan."

"What should we do next?" Li Jinglong asked.

"Using cavalry to clear the way and eliminate the harassment from the Yuan cavalry, the main army can steadily advance and break camp."

“When they are not far from where the Northern Yuan cavalry are encamped, they will naturally launch an attack.”

“Once we enter the range of their cavalry attack, the roles of offense and defense will reverse, with our army on the defensive and the Yuan army on the offensive,” Zhu Ying said in a deep voice.

Li Jinglong nodded in understanding, completely comprehending the situation.

Immediately.

Li Jinglong then addressed the generals in the tent, saying, "Did all of you generals hear what General Zhu said?"

"tomorrow."

"The army continues as before, advancing steadily."

“One day is enough,” Li Jinglong said in a deep voice.

"This humble general will obey your orders."

All the generals inside the tent responded in unison.

"Generals, please go back and get some rest."

"We will launch another troop operation tomorrow."

Zhu Di also addressed his generals.

Followed.

The generals all stood up and took their leave.

Zhu Yingzi was no exception.

but.

When Zhu Ying was preparing to return to camp.

Zhu Neng quickly caught up.

"General Zhu."

"His Highness requests your presence."

Zhu Neng said in a low voice.

"kindness."

Zhu Ying nodded and then followed Zhu Neng.

Not a moment.

The location of Zhu Di's camp.

"This humble general pays his respects to Your Highness, the Prince of Yan."

Zhu Ying clasped his hands in a salute and said.

"General Zhu, there's no need for such formalities."

Zhu Di smiled slightly and waved his hand, saying, "Please sit down."

Zhu Ying straightened up, then sat down to the side, looking at Zhu Di with a puzzled expression: "I wonder what important matter the Prince of Yan has summoned me for?"

"Can't I have a chat with General Zhu if I have nothing to do?" Zhu Di said with a stern face, pretending to be angry.

"No, that's not it," Zhu Ying replied with a smile.

"Come on."

"I won't keep you in suspense any longer."

"I have just received news that the first batch of fine wine from your winery has arrived in Beiping Prefecture, and the response has been very good."

"This time."

"General Zhu's wine will surely make him a fortune in Beiping," Zhu Di said with a smile.

"win-win."

“Your Highness can also make a fortune,” Zhu Ying replied with a smile.

"Your restaurant manager has already entered Beiping Prefecture and has selected locations in Beiping City, as well as many other cities, to open restaurants. I have already given the order that this should not be hindered," Zhu Di said to Zhu Ying with a hint of goodwill.

"Thank you for your trouble, Your Highness," Zhu Ying said calmly.

Regarding Zhu Di.

Zhu Ying's attitude has always been the same: neither too close nor too distant, neither too intimate nor too conspicuous.

Having lived two lives, Zhu Ying naturally knew very well how to handle things smoothly.

"but……"

suddenly.

Zhu Di changed the subject, his expression turning serious: "In the months following the Northern Expedition, things haven't been very peaceful in my Beiping Prefecture. I wonder if General Zhu has heard about this?"

When this question is asked.

Zhu Di stared intently at Zhu Ying.

"Your Majesty."

"how do I say this?"

“Beiping Prefecture has always been well-organized under the Prince’s rule. Although the Beiping Army launched a northern expedition, the law still applies. How could it not be peaceful?” Zhu Ying asked in surprise.

When Zhu Di asked this question, Zhu Ying already had a thought in mind.

It's certain that the Shen family's matter has blown up.

After all, so many people died.

They looted so much wealth.

It would be strange if this matter hadn't reached Zhu Di's ears.

After all, Zhu Di had a very deep understanding of Beiping Prefecture.

Seeing Zhu Ying's surprised expression, Zhu Di continued to stare at him without immediately answering.

"Is it really not him?"

Zhu Di harbored suspicions in his heart, but on the surface he remained calm. He simply sighed and said with a hint of worry, "A fierce band of mountain bandits has suddenly appeared in my Beiping Prefecture and is spreading all over the official roads of Beiping Prefecture. The Shen family's merchant caravan, which has a grudge against you, has suffered considerable losses."

"More than three hundred servants of the caravan died, and the financial losses amounted to several thousand gold pieces..."

Before Zhu Di could finish speaking...

Zhu Ying frowned immediately, somewhat displeased, and said, "Your Highness, do you suspect that I did this?"

"Although I have killed countless people on the battlefield, I have no personal guards and I only run a liquor business. Your Highness knows this."

"This humble general has no ability to arrange for a band of mountain bandits to rob and kill."

"And then..."

Zhu Ying paused, then said very seriously, "The Shen family! I do indeed wish I could tear them to pieces, but I have no evidence of what they did back then. Even though I am furious, I dare not act rashly under the laws of the Ming Dynasty and the mighty imperial power."

"but."

"If the Shen family has really been targeted by bandits, then they truly deserve it."

"It's just a pity for those outside the Shen family."

talking.

Zhu Ying also looked quite saddened.

"It seems it really wasn't him."

Seeing Zhu Ying's serious expression and complete ignorance, Zhu Di became somewhat certain.

"General Zhu is mistaken."

"This time, apart from the Shen family, the other merchants were not robbed or killed."

"Only the Shen family is targeted by this band of mountain bandits."

"Kill or rob anyone from the Shen family," Zhu Di said in a deep voice.

"Such targeting?" Zhu Ying was astonished, then said, "This seems to be the work of the Shen family's enemies."

"If not."

"We would never target the Shen family like this."

"This incident occurred in Beiping Prefecture."

“Your Highness, the Prince of Yan must be cautious. The government must increase its patrols and have the county troops eliminate this rampant band of mountain bandits.”

"Although I also despise the Shen family, this matter has taken place in Beiping Prefecture. If it really escalates to the imperial court, it will not look good for the Prince of Yan."

Zhu Ying said with great concern.

"Don't worry, General Zhu."

"I have already given my instructions."

"Go all out to hunt down the bandits."

"Although the Beiping army has launched a northern expedition, dealing with small mountain bandits is no problem for the Beiping government," Zhu Di said with a smile.

"That's how it should be."

Zhu Ying nodded in agreement.

"All right."

"The reason I summoned General Zhu here is to discuss matters concerning the restaurant."

"It's happened here."

"General Zhu, please go back and rest first."

"When we finally face the Northern Yuan cavalry, I'd like to see General Zhu's impressive tactics."

After testing the waters, Zhu Di also issued an order to leave.

"Then I shall take my leave." Zhu Ying smiled, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and withdrew from the tent.

Zhu Ying was still quite unhappy about being with Zhu Di, a man with eight hundred schemes in his heart.

Perhaps he was the Yongle Emperor in history.

but.

At this moment, he is also an ambitious man.

In the end, I still didn't get to sit in that position!
Watching Zhu Ying's departing figure, until he was a dozen steps away from the camp.

“It seems it wasn’t him who did it,” Zhu Di said slowly.

"Wasn't he the one Your Highness suspected the most from the beginning?"

Yao Guangxiao's figure came from inside the tent.

Obviously.

They remain inseparable.

“This band of bandits is no ordinary bandit. Each one of them is highly trained. Most of the servants of the Shen family were killed with a single blow. Such training makes me suspicious of them.”

"and."

“He and the Shen family are mortal enemies,” Zhu Di said in a deep voice.

"indeed."

"He made a fortune by selling his alcoholic beverages."

"If one truly wants to train an elite elite suicide squad, it is indeed possible."

"Although Zhu Ying is young, he is quite cunning."

"It's difficult for Your Highness to deduce the answer through probing."

"Again."

"If Your Highness wants to use this as leverage to subdue Zhu Ying, it will be even more difficult."

"This person is no ordinary person."

"We still can't treat him with the same logic as usual," Yao Guangxiao said slowly, his words carrying a hint of warning.

"I understand, of course."

Zhu Di nodded, but his eyes were complicated: "However, it would be a waste if I didn't give this opportunity a try."

"With him in my grasp, I will truly be like a fish in water."

……

(End of this chapter)