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

Chapter 168 Zhu Yuanzhang: Champion Earl, you should be the leader of the younger generation!
Inside the Fengtian Hall, as always, it was solemn and dignified, with an aura of majesty enveloping the entire hall.

The imperial guards standing solemnly inside and outside the hall were all clad in armor and wielding weapons, adding to the solemnity of the place.

The civil and military officials, dressed in the official robes of the Ming Dynasty, lined up in an orderly fashion in the hall. They stood upright and respectfully on both sides, presenting their memorials in an orderly manner.

Every matter discussed and reported to the court was of great importance to the nation.

The voices of the ministers echoed in the hall, some passionate and impassioned, others calm and analytical. Every word concerned the affairs of the Ming Dynasty. Since the start of the Northern Expedition, a large part of every court meeting had been about the Northern Expedition.

Right now!

A series of hurried footsteps came from outside the hall, breaking the rhythm of the court.

Guo Zhen, the commander of the Imperial Guards, entered the main hall with hurried yet steady steps, dressed in bright armor.

After entering the hall.

With barely suppressed excitement on his face, Guo Zhen looked respectfully at Zhu Yuanzhang on the dragon throne and loudly proclaimed, "Your Majesty!"

"General Guo Ying sent an urgent report to the emperor, announcing a great victory in the Northern Expedition."

"The messenger is currently waiting outside the palace."

Guo Zhen was so happy because the general leading the northern expedition was his father.

The words fell.

The officials, who had been focused on the court proceedings, all turned their attention to Guo Zhen.

For a while.

Time seemed to stand still in the hall for a moment, as everyone was captivated by the sudden news.

"A great victory?"

Even on the dragon throne, Zhu Yuanzhang's usually calm and dignified face showed a hint of emotion.

He leaned forward slightly, with a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

Then there were the civil and military officials in the imperial court, each of whom also showed curiosity and anticipation on their faces.

no doubt!

The words "great victory" were used to describe the victory.

This alone is enough to stir up a huge wave and move people's hearts.

"Summon him here immediately."

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately shouted, his voice filled with an urgency rarely seen in his daily life.

An expectant smile quickly appeared on the old man's face, which dispelled the serious atmosphere in the court.

Zhu Biao, who was on the steps, was also drawn by the news.

For a victory to be called a great one, it must have been a major triumph in the Northern Expedition; otherwise, the word "great victory" would not have been proclaimed.

"The Emperor has a decree."

Yun Qi, who was serving nearby, was dressed in a magnificent eunuch's robe and announced loudly and clearly in a sharp voice: "Summon the urgent troops to enter the palace for an audience."

echoed.

Outside the palace!

Three messengers, dressed in light, short-sleeved clothing, looked tired but also excited to meet the emperor.

They split into two groups, one in front and two behind, and walked into the hall in an orderly and swift manner.

Inside the solemn hall, their footsteps sounded exceptionally clear.

"I see you, Your Majesty."

After the three messengers entered the hall, they moved in unison and immediately paid their respects.

Simultaneously.

The three men raised the urgent reports they carried high and presented them to the emperor.

"No need to pay tribute."

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his hand hastily, his tone filled with impatience.

Then, Zhu Yuanzhang asked directly, "What great victories have been achieved in the Northern Expedition?"

"Let's start playing, Your Majesty."

The lead messenger immediately raised the bamboo tube containing the urgent report high and replied in a loud voice, "This is a report of victory personally written by the General. Please read it, Your Majesty."

Before Zhu Yuanzhang could speak, Yun Qi, who was serving nearby, immediately walked quickly to the messenger, picked up the urgent report, and then carefully presented it to Zhu Yuanzhang on the table in front of him.

"Let's see what kind of great victory the Northern Expeditionary Army has brought us this time."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily, his voice cheerful.

His hand swiftly opened the urgent report, his old eyes narrowed, staring intently at the words on it.

At this moment, all the eyes of the court officials were focused on Zhu Yuanzhang.

Each one of them had curiosity and anticipation in their eyes.

Under their gaze, Zhu Yuanzhang's old face changed from a smile to astonishment, his eyes widening as if he had witnessed the most unbelievable thing in the world.

At last.

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes widened in disbelief.

After a while, it seemed that they had read the entire report of victory without missing anything.

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly put it down, a look of emotion he had never seen before appearing on his old face.

Even when Nahachu was beheaded and Liaodong was recovered, Zhu Yuanzhang remained extremely calm.

But today, the emotion he displayed seemed genuinely difficult to calm down.

Under the watchful eyes of the entire court.

"Okay, okay, okay!"

Zhu Yuanzhang burst into loud laughter, no longer hiding his true feelings.

Laughter echoed throughout the hall, filled with joy and pride.

"We really didn't expect this."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily and continued, "The Northern Expedition has brought us such great news."

"May Heaven bless the Ming Dynasty, may Heaven bless China."

This only fueled the curiosity of the court officials.

"Father."

Zhu Biao asked with a smile, his face showing concern and curiosity: "What kind of great victory was the Northern Expedition?"

All the officials and civil and military officials were eagerly anticipating the arrival of Zhu Yuanzhang, their eyes fixed on him.

"For hundreds of years."

Zhu Yuanzhang gripped the victory report tightly in his hand, held it high, and his old face was filled with an indescribable excitement.

"The Mongol cavalry swept across the world, conquering all directions. Wherever their iron cavalry passed, mountains of corpses and seas of blood followed. No one could stop them, and no army could withstand them."

"In the past, the Mongol cavalry trampled the Central Plains, destroyed the Song Dynasty, and swept across our China."

"They enslaved the Central Plains of China for a hundred years."

But now, everything has changed.

Zhu Yuanzhang's tone suddenly became excited: "Biao'er."

"The Northern Yuan's 100,000 iron cavalry were defeated by our Northern Expeditionary Army."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed loudly, his laughter echoing throughout the court, filled with excitement and exhilaration.

"The 100,000 iron cavalry of the Northern Yuan were defeated?"

The civil and military officials in the court were all taken aback.

Tang Duo, the Minister of War, in particular, stared wide-eyed in disbelief: "The Northern Yuan's 100,000 iron cavalry, despite the discussions among many ministers of the Ministry of War, had no countermeasures and could only send more soldiers and artillery. And now they've been defeated?"

Before Tang Duo could think further...

Subsequently.

Zhu Yuanzhang handed the victory report in his hand to Yun Qi, who was standing beside him, and his expression gradually became serious: "Read it aloud!"

Restoring authority is beyond question.

"This slave takes the order."

Yun Qi held the victory report in both hands with solemn gestures.

After slowly opening the door, he faced the assembled civil and military officials and loudly proclaimed: "Your subject Guo Ying hereby reports to Your Majesty on the great victory achieved in the Northern Expedition!"

The sound resounded throughout the hall and could be heard clearly.

"Since our two armies launched a northern expedition and captured ten border cities of the Northern Yuan, breaking through the Northern Yuan's border defenses, the Northern Yuan has mobilized a large force to protect its capital."

"Other."

"The Northern Yuan has deployed 100,000 Northern Yuan cavalry to its northern border region to block our Northern Expeditionary Army at the Northern Yuan Royal Pasture."

"Even I am powerless against 100,000 Northern Yuan cavalry. The fighting prowess of the Northern Yuan cavalry is unparalleled in the world!"

"My Northern Expeditionary Army has a total of only about 60,000 cavalrymen, and is mainly composed of infantry. It is simply not able to fight against the Northern Yuan cavalry."

"And the Northern Yuan cavalry is located on a vast, boundless plain. I have racked my brains but cannot find a way to fight them or defeat them."

"In a moment of crisis."

Yun Qi's voice suddenly rose: "Zhu Ying, the Champion Earl and commander of the second route army of the Northern Expedition in Daning, has proposed a method to defeat the enemy."

"This formation, originally from the glorious Tang Dynasty, was specifically designed to counter cavalry charges and is called the 'Dragon Gate Formation'."

"Seeing that the Champion Earl was confident about this battle, I entrusted him with the authority to deploy the two armies and arrange the troops to meet the enemy."

"Wait until the battle is complete and the battle begins."

"The Champion used the Dragon Gate Formation to trap and kill more than 40,000 Northern Yuan cavalry, greatly weakening the Northern Yuan cavalry's fighting strength."

"Afterwards, the Champion Earl personally led 40,000 cavalrymen who had been prepared for battle to meet the remaining nearly 60,000 iron cavalrymen and won the battle."

Yun Qi's voice grew louder and louder: "The Marquis of Champion personally beheaded the Northern Yuan general Guiliqi and killed nearly 20,000 Northern Yuan cavalrymen in a direct confrontation. Our Ming cavalry has won a great victory."

"In terms of cavalry, our Great Ming only has forty thousand!"

"Although more than 40,000 Northern Yuan cavalrymen were trapped in the battle formation, nearly 60,000 of them still remained!"

"For hundreds of years, since the rise of the Mongols and the existence of the Yuan Dynasty, the Yuan cavalry has been unparalleled in the world, sweeping across the land and invincible!"

"now!"

Yun Qi's voice reached its peak, as if it would pierce through the roof of the palace: "Our Great Ming Champion Earl is worthy of the name of champion. With inferior cavalry, we have defeated the elite Northern Yuan cavalry head-on and won a great victory!"

"From this day forward, the cavalry of our Great Ming shall be the best in the world, unparalleled in the world!"

Yun Qi read it aloud, his hoarse voice echoing throughout the entire court.

Even though he was a eunuch, even though he was disabled, Yun Qi's voice was still very loud and moving when he read out this report of victory.

His face was also full of excitement and pride.

Meanwhile, in the imperial court, all the civil and military officials watched in shock.

If it were merely a simple victory in capturing a city, Zhu Ying would have already achieved success in the first battle of the Northern Expedition and reported the victory to Yingtian.

At that time, although the court officials were surprised by Zhu Ying's new achievements, given his performance in the Liaodong campaign, it seemed that the entire court had become accustomed to it and felt that Zhu Ying's military exploits were not surprising.

after all.

During the Liaodong War, Zhu Ying's name appeared many times in the imperial court, and he was also highly regarded by the current emperor and crown prince.

But this time.

This is different from before!
Northern Yuan Iron Cavalry!

This term has become synonymous with the Mongol Empire and the Yuan Dynasty in the past.

Even though the Northern Yuan was driven out of the Central Plains by the Ming Dynasty, the power of the Northern Yuan cavalry remained.

But this time, the Northern Yuan Iron Cavalry, renowned for centuries, was defeated!
Moreover, they were defeated by the Ming Dynasty cavalry.

This significance needs no further explanation!

This will be a great victory that will go down in history!
How could this not be moving and shocking!

"No wonder Guo Ying attached such importance to it, rushing back with a report of a great victory. It turns out he had achieved such a triumphant result," a minister murmured, full of amazement.

"The Northern Yuan cavalry, renowned for their unparalleled might, have actually been defeated by the cavalry of our Great Ming! This... this is truly a great victory, an unprecedented one!" Another somewhat aged minister exclaimed, his face flushed with excitement.

"History will remember this forever. No wonder the Emperor was so happy. From now on, the Northern Yuan cavalry will no longer be the best in the world, but our Ming cavalry will be the best in the world."

"The formidable reputation of the Northern Yuan cavalry is gone forever."

"Our Great Ming drove the Northern Yuan out of the Central Plains, rebuilt the Ming Dynasty, and recovered Liaodong, thus completely reshaping the map of our China. This time, we defeated the Northern Yuan cavalry head-on, which also completely washed away the blood debt of the Mongol cavalry that once invaded the Central Plains and slaughtered our China."

"From this day forward, the Mongol cavalry and the Northern Yuan cavalry will be consigned to the dust of history! Our Great Ming cavalry will be the strongest!"

"good."

"What a great victory!"

"Our Great Ming Iron Cavalry shall be the best in the world."

"good……"

Upon hearing the report of this great victory, many ministers in the court couldn't help but discuss it, and many even cheered loudly at the end, unable to hide their excitement.

Compared to seizing territory, this direct defeat of the arrogant Northern Yuan cavalry is a truly inspiring victory!

Centuries of shame for China have been washed away!

All of a sudden!

As Yun Qi paused for a moment, a silent uproar ensued throughout the court.

The ministers' faces showed excitement, pride, and anticipation for the success of the Northern Expedition.

"Zhu Ying." Zhu Biao also had a smile on his face, his expression filled with satisfaction and admiration.

"I knew I hadn't misjudged you."

"You are so outstanding that you led the Ming cavalry to a head-on defeat of the Northern Yuan cavalry."

Zhu Biao thought to himself that he valued Zhu Ying even more.

And this time!
Yun Qi continued reading: "This battle between our Great Ming and the 100,000 iron cavalry of the Northern Yuan has come to an end! Your subject and the generals in the army have tallied the results!"

The sound once again broke the clamor in the court.

"Of the 100,000 iron cavalry of the Northern Yuan, less than 20,000 escaped!"

"Our army captured more than 30,000 Yuan cavalrymen and killed more than 40,000 in total."

"Our army suffered fewer than 10,000 casualties, a great victory."

"In this battle, we not only successfully defeated the strongest elite cavalry of the Northern Yuan, but also captured countless warhorses and supplies. I will submit a detailed count to the Ministry of War and then to His Majesty as the Commander-in-Chief."

"Furthermore," Yun Qi paused slightly, "the 100,000 iron cavalry of the Northern Yuan have been defeated, and the obstacles in our army's path have been removed! I will lead the Northern Expeditionary Army to capture the Yuan capital as soon as possible, destroy the Yuan court, and will certainly not fail Your Majesty's expectations."

That concludes the reading.

This report of victory is now complete.

It can be said.

This report of victory was read aloud.

Guo Ying did not claim credit for herself, nor did she claim credit for Li Jinglong.

Instead, he presented a detailed account of the events leading up to and following the battle at the Northern Yuan Royal Ranch, including the ultimate victory over the Northern Yuan cavalry. Zhu Ying's military achievements were fully described without any omission.

It can be said.

This report of victory, besides being a memorial to the emperor praising the defeat of the Northern Yuan cavalry and the establishment of the prestige of the Chinese cavalry, was also Guo Ying's personal request for credit on behalf of Zhu Ying.

That was a brilliantly fought battle.

Guo Ying also knew that without Zhu Ying's Dragon Gate Formation, which was effective against the Northern Yuan cavalry, he would not have been able to change the course of the battle.

Ultimately, although the Ming Dynasty captured cities one after another at the beginning of the war, it ultimately underestimated the strength of the Northern Yuan and its military power.

Even an army of 300,000 was ultimately not enough to suppress the rebellion.

But Zhu Ying managed to turn the tide of this crisis.

"Your Majesty."

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly stood up from the dragon throne. Although he was old, he still exuded an aura of majesty that pressed down on the court.

Followed.

With an excited smile, Zhu Yuanzhang looked down at the court and asked loudly, "How do you feel?"

"Your son congratulates Your Majesty on the great victory in the Northern Expedition, which has utterly defeated the Northern Yuan cavalry."

Zhu Biao was the first to stand up and bow to congratulate Zhu Yuanzhang.

His face was full of joy and pride, as if he were proud of his father and his country.

"We congratulate His Majesty."

The entire court of civil and military officials offered their congratulations to Zhu Yuanzhang. Their voices were unified and resounding, echoing throughout the hall.

Congratulations resounded throughout the court.

"Hahaha."

Upon seeing this, Zhu Yuanzhang burst into laughter, overjoyed at this great victory.

Their laughter was filled with satisfaction and pride.

The Northern Expedition!

Even if it's not completely settled yet.

However, upon hearing that the Northern Yuan cavalry had been decisively defeated by the Ming Dynasty, they were shocked to learn that the Northern Yuan

this moment.

Zhu Yuanzhang felt that all his efforts and sacrifices had been rewarded at this moment.

"Your Majesty."

Zhu Yuanzhang spread his arms wide and said authoritatively, "From this day forward..."

"The Northern Yuan cavalry is no longer unparalleled in the world; it is our Great Ming cavalry that is now unparalleled in the world."

The words fell.

"The Ming Dynasty's iron cavalry is unparalleled in the world."

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Ming Dynasty!"

All the officials and civil and military officials echoed in unison.

At this moment.

The entire court of civil and military officials also shared a sense of shared glory.

Although they did not go to the battlefield or participate in the Northern Expedition.

However, they were involved in the planning of the Northern Expedition and the allocation of its provisions and supplies, and they were also part of the team that won this great victory.

Their faces were filled with pride and joy!
"Father."

Zhu Biao turned around and solemnly asked Zhu Yuanzhang for permission: "The Marquis of Champion is unparalleled in bravery and has outstanding command of troops."

"This time, leading our Great Ming cavalry to a head-on victory over the Northern Yuan iron cavalry has truly demonstrated the might of our Great Ming and the might of our Chinese nation."

"Your subject once again requests that the Champion Earl be richly rewarded."

Zhu Biao continued, "At the very least, we must let the world know of the achievements of the Champion Earl, and let all the people of the world know of the great victory of the Northern Yuan Iron Cavalry being defeated by our Great Ming."

With Zhu Biao speaking up, Fu Youde, the former general who had conquered Liaodong, also stepped forward and immediately said, "The Earl of Champion is extremely loyal and brave, and has made countless contributions to the country! I second the Crown Prince's request."

Similarly, Fu Youde's voice was firm, full of recognition and appreciation for Zhu Ying.

"I second the proposal."

"The champion deserves a great reward."

"I second the proposal..."

One by one, the ministers stood up to echo their sentiments.

As one minister after another stepped forward, the entire court erupted in applause and agreement.

The ministers' voices rose and fell, but they all had the same goal: to reward Zhu Ying.

It was able to ensure that not a single official in the entire court opposed it.

Even if they were unwilling, they had no choice but to agree.

This is sufficient to prove one point.

Zhu used his military achievements to subdue all those who disagreed.

And again!
The imperial court was originally the domain of civil officials, not military generals or those from Huaixi.

The reason no one objected was solely because Zhu Biao spoke up.

The real key point is that Zhu Ying is neither from Huaixi nor from any faction in the court.

Moreover, Zhu Ying has no background and a clean record. No faction dares to offend Zhu Ying easily, because it would not be a good thing if Zhu Ying were to align himself with a faction that opposes him.

Therefore, the best choice is to avoid offending anyone.

Unless they truly become adversaries.

Above the court!

This is far more complex and far more complicated than the battlefield. On the battlefield, it's all about killing, but the killings in the imperial court are bloodless.

And now!
Seeing the unanimous agreement in the court.

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, and then said in a majestic voice, "Reward him! Zhu Ying has rendered meritorious service to the country, brought fame to the nation, wiped away the shame of China, and won the unparalleled reputation of our Ming cavalry! Naturally, he deserves a great reward."

"Champion Earl is the most outstanding young talent of our Great Ming Dynasty!"

Zhu Yuanzhang also acknowledged and praised Zhu Ying's achievements in this battle.

"but."

Zhu Yuanzhang's tone softened slightly: "The Northern Expedition is not completely over yet."

"The final rewards will naturally be determined after the Northern Expedition concludes, when all the military achievements are gathered together, so that we can reward them based on their merits."

"And the Crown Prince's words mean that we should bestow rewards right now."

talking.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Biao with a hint of helplessness.

After all, it was her own son who brought it up.

In Zhu Yuanzhang's mind, all the rewards for the generals of the Northern Expedition should be given after the expedition was over.

Even Zhu Ying was the same.

After all, Zhu Ying was no longer the junior officer he once was.

Now that he had agreed, Zhu Yuanzhang's old face showed a thoughtful expression, as if he was thinking about how to reward Zhu Ying.

"Biao'er."

"Do you have any ideas on how to reward the champion?"

Zhu Yuanzhang then looked at Zhu Biao with a questioning gaze.

Since it was Zhu Biao who suggested it, let him think about it.

……

　P.S.: Thank you for subscribing and supporting me, brothers. Thank you very much.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)