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

Chapter 160 Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao discuss summoning Zhu Ying's wife and children!
This residence.

Just a few streets away from the palace, the area is bustling with traffic and people.

Horse-drawn carriages can be seen passing by frequently.

They were clearly people of status.

This place showcases the most prosperous side of the capital city, while also highlighting its extraordinary status. The mansion bestowed upon Zhu Ying is located here, demonstrating the importance that the current emperor and crown prince place on him.

"Welcome back to the manor, Madam!"

As soon as the carriage stopped in front of this grand mansion, about fifty servants knelt down in unison, their voices echoing throughout the street.

Lin Fu moved swiftly, jumping off the carriage first, and then carefully took the young Zhu Xi from Shen Yu'er's hands, his movements gentle, as if afraid of disturbing his young master.

"Everyone, get up."

Shen Yu'er slowly stepped down from the carriage and spoke gently to the servant kneeling on the ground.

"Thank you, madam!"

The crowd shouted in unison, but all lowered their heads, not daring to look directly at Shen Yu'er's face.

As slaves, they knew their fate was in the hands of the master and mistress of the mansion.

Humility and subservience—that's their way of survival.

"Madam Zhu, this is the residence that His Majesty bestowed upon General Zhu."

"Now that the escort mission is complete, I will return to the Eastern Palace to report to His Highness the Crown Prince."

The commander of the Imperial Guard stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and looked at Shen Yu'er respectfully.

"Thank you for your kind escort, Commander Zhang. My husband and I will always remember it."

Shen Yu'er smiled and thanked her, which also revealed a hint of gratitude.

"You're too kind, Madam. This is simply my duty."

Zhang Baihu replied with a smile.

Subsequently.

Zhang Baihu turned around, waved his hand, and his Jinwu Guards quickly formed ranks.

"Return to the Eastern Palace!" Zhang Baihu shouted.

He led a hundred Imperial Guards toward the Eastern Palace.

"All of you, come down! The guards in the manor shall continue to stand guard in accordance with the rules of Da Ning, and must not slacken their duties."

Lin Fu turned around and loudly instructed the servants who were getting off the carriages behind him.

"Yes!" the servants responded respectfully, their voices ringing out in unison.

This time, when traveling from Daning to Yingtian, Lin Fu was escorted by the Imperial Guards. He left only twenty servants to guard Daning Prefecture and took the rest of more than one hundred servants to Yingtian.

He knew in his heart that he would most likely be living in Yingtian for a long time from now on, and he would probably rarely have the opportunity to return to his mansion in Daning City.

Even after the battlefield is over, my young master should still come.

Inside the Imperial Palace, at the Wenyuan Pavilion!

As the place where the current emperor reviews memorials, the entire hall is shrouded in an atmosphere of solemnity and reverence.

Zhu Yuanzhang, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, sat upright on the dragon throne in the main seat. Even without speaking, he exuded an aura of authority without anger.

Zhu Biao stood upright to the side, his gaze fixed on the interior of the hall.

And in the center of the main hall.

A boy of seventeen or eighteen, dressed in a magnificent prince's robe embroidered with exquisite dragon patterns, was kneeling respectfully on the ground, bowing to Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao: "Your subject greets the Emperor and elder brother."

"Rise." Zhu Yuanzhang raised his hand slightly, his voice deep and authoritative, echoing in the hall.

"Thank you, Father."

The prince slowly stood up, his hands unconsciously clenching, a hint of tension on his face, and an unspeakable awe in his eyes as he cautiously looked at Zhu Yuanzhang.

He was filled with fear in front of his father, the emperor.

"Seventeenth Brother, there's no need to be so formal."

"Your father summoned you here today to hear your thoughts."

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, his face showing the care and kindness of an elder brother, and spoke gently.

Seventeenth brother!
That's right, he was Zhu Quan, the seventeenth son of Zhu Yuanzhang, and the future Prince of Ning.

"I do not know what your orders are, Father. I will do my utmost, even at the cost of my life."

Zhu Quan spoke respectfully, leaning forward slightly, displaying extreme deference and daring not to show any disrespect.

"We want to ask you, should we go to Daming to take up our fiefdom now, or wait until after the Northern Expedition?"

Zhu Yuanzhang stared intently at Zhu Quan, his tone calm, making it difficult to discern his thoughts.

From his attitude, one can clearly feel that Zhu Biao and his other sons held a completely different weight in his heart.

Who is Zhu Chongba's biological son? What is Zhu Yuanzhang's bloodline of descendants?

They're not even the same concept!

Hear the words.

Zhu Quan raised his head, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes. With nervousness and trepidation, he asked, "May I ask, Father, what is the difference between going now and going after the Northern Expedition?"

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure showing on his face.

Upon seeing this, Zhu Biao immediately stepped forward with a smile and explained gently, "Seventeenth Brother, our Great Ming is currently at a critical juncture in its northern expedition against the Northern Yuan. Da Ning Prefecture is located on the border of the Great Ming and its strategic position is extremely important. In the future, we will frequently clash with the northern barbarians, and there may even be a large-scale war."

"Therefore, Father intends for you to go to the Northern Frontier Army to observe and experience the battlefield firsthand. Perhaps you will gain something and broaden your horizons."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Quan suddenly understood, his eyes lit up slightly, and he quickly said, "I understand now."

"Your subject is willing to go to the northern frontier battlefield first to gain experience and observe."

"But...but..."

Zhu Quan hesitated, his eyes revealing worry, and he spoke haltingly, looking at Zhu Yuanzhang with trepidation.

"Just say what you have to say, stop beating around the bush!"

“Our son can’t be so timid and cowardly.”

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned, raised his voice a few decibels, and reprimanded him irritably.

"My father once decreed that princes, after taking up their fiefs, must not meet with each other in private."

"As far as I know, my fourth brother is serving as a general in the Northern Expedition, so... I am worried that going there rashly would violate Father's decision."

Zhu Quan answered nervously, his voice growing softer and softer, his body trembling slightly.

Even the slightest anger from Zhu Yuanzhang would terrify him to the extreme; it was a fear that came from the very depths of his heart.

“We’re sending you to the northern frontier, not to have you immediately take up your fiefdom.”

"Before you take up your fief, you can't be considered a true feudal lord."

"Besides, we're the ones who sent you this time. Neither your older brother nor I have any objections. Does anyone dare to impeach you?"

Zhu Yuanzhang scolded Zhu Quan in a bad mood, his eyes filled with disappointment and frustration.

Aside from their own targets, why are all the others so timid and hesitant?
If others saw this, they would probably be jealous too.

"I understand now."

Zhu Quan bowed respectfully, secretly relieved.

He could never relax in front of his father, the emperor, and even harbored a deep-seated fear in his heart.

"Seventeenth brother, I'll give you one day to prepare."

"Go to the palace to say goodbye to your mother properly, and set off tomorrow."

Zhu Biao said with a smile, his eyes full of concern.

Compared to Zhu Yuanzhang's strictness towards his sons, Zhu Biao displayed the gentleness and kindness of an elder brother.

"Your subject thanks you, elder brother." Zhu Quan respectfully bowed to Zhu Biao, then looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and asked cautiously, "Father, may I go see Mother now?"

"Go." Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, signaling Zhu Quan to leave, and didn't bother to say anything more.

"Thank you, Father Emperor." Zhu Quan's face showed a joyful expression. After bowing, he quickly left Wenyuan Pavilion.

Although he was a prince, he left the palace at the age of twelve and had no chance to visit his mother without imperial decree.

Do you think the seventeenth prince can shoulder the heavy responsibility of Daning in northern Xinjiang?

"Compared to Beiping Prefecture, Daning Prefecture and Liaodong Prefecture are the strategic strongholds of the northern frontier in the future."

"We plan to let him control the troops of a garrison in the future."

Watching Zhu Quan's departing figure, Zhu Yuanzhang fell into deep thought, a hint of worry on his face. His fingers unconsciously tapped the armrest of the dragon throne, his expression thoughtful.

"Father, the seventeenth prince is still young and needs to be properly tempered."

"Moreover, with Zhu Ying in Daming, your idea is to let the Seventeenth Prince control the military power in Daming. As for the military power in Liaodong, a commander-in-chief is still needed to manage it."

"Didn't you already decide on the layout for the northern frontier?"

Zhu Biao said with a smile, his words carrying a deeper meaning.

This means that a military garrison will be established in Daning Prefecture and Liaodong Prefecture in the northern frontier in the future, and Zhu Ying is very likely to be the candidate for the commander-in-chief.

"Zhu Ying is indeed outstanding, but he is still too young and needs more experience."

"At least, we have to see him once, otherwise we won't feel at ease."

Zhu Yuanzhang said in a deep voice, his tone revealing caution and contemplation.

"Dad is right."

"However, our Great Ming Dynasty needs young and capable generals to lead the troops."

"Although I have never met Zhu Ying, I have no doubt about his abilities."

“Even if he is promoted to Commander-in-Chief in the future, I believe he will be able to do the job.”

Zhu Biao responded with a smile, his tone full of recognition and respect for Zhu Ying.

"You know, this is the first time in all these years that I've seen you care so much about a subject." Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head helplessly, a faint smile appearing on his old face. He knew that once his son made up his mind, it was very difficult to change it.

"Father, don't you care about Zhu Ying?" Zhu Biao asked with a smile, a hint of cunning in his eyes.

"How can you not care?"

"This Zhu Ying has truly surprised us."

"The Northern Yuan spent countless resources to build ten border cities. These border cities protected each other, provided mutual support, and were heavily fortified."

"Logically speaking, even if our Great Ming mobilizes 300,000 troops, it would still take half a year to break through, after all, the Yuan army is powerful."

"But Zhu Ying was brave and fearless. Wherever he went, no city could stop him. He advanced the battle by several months. In less than three months, he captured ten strong cities of the Northern Yuan. Such bravery was unprecedented!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was deeply moved, and an expression of appreciation appeared on his old face. Although the war in the northern frontier was thousands of miles away, the war reports kept being presented to him.

He quickly learned about the battle situation and results.

Almost every so often, military reports would arrive requesting commendations for Zhu Ying.

There is one by Li Jinglong.

There was also Guo Ying, who served as a general.

"Our Great Ming has always been adept at conquering cities and seizing territories. The Northern Yuan's attempt to use fortified cities to block the advance of our Great Ming army is simply wishful thinking."

"only……"

Zhu Biao's expression was solemn, a trace of worry appearing on his face, his brows furrowed slightly: "This time, the Northern Frontier sent a battle report that the Northern Yuan has mobilized 100,000 iron cavalry. This is the Yuan Emperor's trump card. They seem to be preparing to confront our Great Ming army head-on with their cavalry."

"The grasslands are vast, making them the home ground for cavalry. With these 100,000 iron cavalrymen, this battle will not be easy for our army."

Hear this.

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression also turned serious. He nodded and fell into deep thought. He had naturally read all these battle reports and was well aware of the difficulty of this battle.

Even he, if he were on the battlefield, seemed to have no way to deal with it.

After all, the vast land is the home ground for cavalry.

This cannot be changed.

However, the number of cavalry in the Ming Dynasty was far from sufficient.

Moreover, they are inferior in combat strength.

After all, the cavalry of the Northern Yuan were raised on horseback from childhood.

"The battlefield situation changes rapidly. Guo Ying, Lan Yu, and your nephew are all talented generals, not to mention the skilled warrior Zhu Ying."

"We believe they can come up with a solution."

Zhu Yuanzhang said in a deep voice.

Although he was deeply worried about the Northern Yuan cavalry while stationed in Yingtian, he could only closely monitor the changing situation on the battlefield.

Do not give arbitrary commands or interfere arbitrarily.

Ensuring a sufficient supply of food and provisions was all he could do.

at this time.

"Your Highness, news has come from the Eastern Palace that Zhu Ying's wife and children have arrived safely in Yingtian and have moved into the mansion bestowed by the Emperor."

outside the temple.

Luo Yang, the commander of the Golden Guard, respectfully reported, his voice clearly reaching the hall.

"I understand," Zhu Biao replied in a deep voice.

"Your subject takes his leave." After reporting this, Luo Yang bowed and left without saying anything more.

"Zhu Ying's wife and children have arrived. Your son must find an opportunity to see them."

Zhu Biao said with a smile, his eyes also filled with anticipation.

"What? You won't let us summon you?"

Zhu Yuanzhang joked, a smile appearing on his face, his eyes revealing his affection for Zhu Biao.

“They came to Yingtian on my orders, so I should summon them first.”

"As for whether Father Emperor will summon me later, that's up to you," Zhu Biao replied with a smile.

In the whole world, perhaps only Zhu Biao would dare to speak to Zhu Yuanzhang like that.

"Fine!"

"Once the Northern Expedition is over and Zhu Ying returns to Yingtian, we'll summon him together."

"Now that Zhu Ying's wife and children have come, you must treat them well and never let them suffer any injustice."

"When Zhu Ying first distinguished himself in the army, many people in Huaixi were dissatisfied."

“When we were in Daning, they didn’t have much of a chance to cause trouble, but when we got to Yingtian, these people became arrogant and domineering. We must not let them harm Zhu Ying’s wife and children.”

"If this really happens, we won't let it go easily." Zhu Yuanzhang's tone was stern, his eyes revealing a warning, even murderous intent.

Huaixi.

If it weren't for Zhu Biao protecting him, he would have died countless times.

Zhu Yuanzhang's ruthlessness was known throughout the court.

"Please rest assured, Father, I will handle this properly."

"Zhu Ying has made countless contributions to the country. How could I possibly mistreat his wife and children?" Zhu Biao solemnly assured him, his expression resolute.

The imperial palace, the harem!
Shufang Palace.

The palace is elegantly decorated and exudes a sense of tranquility and peace. This was the residence of Consort Yang, one of Zhu Yuanzhang's concubines.

"The Seventeenth Prince has arrived!"

Outside the palace, the clear voice of a palace maid announced something.

Zhu Quan, his face filled with excitement, strode quickly into the hall.

The moment he saw his mother, his eyes lit up, and he hurriedly stepped forward, bowing respectfully: "Your son greets His Majesty."

"It's not time for your usual palace visit yet, why are you here today?"

When Consort Yang saw her son suddenly enter the palace, she was both surprised and somewhat flustered, and her eyes revealed worry. She quickly asked, "You didn't enter the palace without prior notice, did you?"

"Mother, I entered the palace with Father's permission," Zhu Quan explained with a smile, his face beaming with joy that he could not hide.

"Your father summoned you?" Consort Yang's expression changed slightly as she fell into deep thought, a hint of worry in her eyes. "Has something happened?"

It's clear that Consort Yang was always cautious and prudent in her actions within the palace.

There is no empress in the palace now, but none of Zhu Yuanzhang's many concubines dare to compete for his favor, as they are filled with fear of him.

Moreover, no one dared to covet the position of Empress; it was a taboo in the palace.

There was once a concubine who thought herself favored and even proposed to be made empress. As a result, Zhu Yuanzhang directly banished her to the cold palace.

Learn from past mistakes!

Let alone the position of empress.

Even the competition for the emperor's favor in the harem was something they wouldn't even dare to dream of.

Therefore, Zhu Yuanzhang's harem was peaceful and harmonious, with no fighting at all.

"Mother, Father has issued a decree that I will be heading north to Daming tomorrow."

Zhu Quan could not hide his excitement and said excitedly.

For Zhu Yuanzhang's many sons, although they could enjoy wealth and honor in the capital, they also had to receive a rigorous education and constantly face their stern father.

Many princes would commit grave mistakes if they made even the slightest error in front of Zhu Yuanzhang.

Therefore, most princes hoped to come of age as soon as possible, take up their fiefdoms, and leave, so that they could live a carefree life in their own territories.

"Really?" Consort Yang's face also showed excitement, her eyes widening slightly: "Being enfeoffed is a good thing."

“With you in Yingtian, your mother is constantly worried. If you were to be enfeoffed here, you would be able to relax and be more at ease in the future.”

“It’s true.” Zhu Quan nodded affirmatively, then continued, “However, this time we’re not going directly to Daming, but rather to the Northern Expeditionary Army first.”

"My father intends for me to go to the army to observe and learn, and then go to Daming to take up my fiefdom after the Northern Expedition is successful."

"What? Go to the Northern Expedition battlefield? That's too dangerous!"

Consort Yang's expression changed drastically; her previous excitement vanished instantly, replaced by worry.

“Mother, this is the Emperor’s decree, and I am willing to go.”

"This is a rare opportunity. If I can learn something, I can make contributions and achieve success when I take up my fief in Daming in the future, and report back to my father."

Zhu Quan spoke earnestly, his eyes filled with determination, revealing his resolve.

Seeing her son's resolute expression, Consort Yang nodded and said earnestly, "Quan'er, you've grown up. As a member of the royal family and a prince, you must be dutiful to the court, your father, and your elder brother, and guard the border."

"Speaking of which, sigh..."

Consort Yang sighed, a hint of sadness in her eyes: "If the eldest grandson of the emperor were still alive, he would be a little older than you now. You two were so close when you were young."

"If he were still here, your mother wouldn't have to worry about your future."

"But now, you have to rely on yourself for everything."

"After you go to Da Ning to assume your fiefdom, you must perform well, make contributions to the country, and satisfy your elder brother."

Consort Yang patiently gave her instructions. Although she was just a woman and didn't know much, every word she spoke was full of deep love for her son, and her eyes were filled with reluctance and concern.

"Please rest assured, Mother, I understand."

"My elder brother is kind-hearted and has always been good to us. My son will definitely not let him down!"

Zhu Quan nodded firmly, his eyes filled with determination.

……

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(End of this chapter)