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

Chapter 170 Imperial Edict Arrives!

"The imperial edict is here."

"You can have the Ministry of Rites issue a proclamation yourself," Zhu Yuanzhang said to Zhu Biao with a smile.

"Thank you father."

Zhu Biao bowed deeply and expressed his sincere gratitude.

Subsequently.

Zhu Biao stretched out his hands and accepted the imperial edict that proclaimed the news to the world.

Followed.

He then quickly left Wenyuan Pavilion.

After Zhu Biao left...

The smile on Zhu Yuanzhang's face gradually faded, replaced by a long and deep sigh: "Zhu Ying!"

His old eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a complex mix of admiration for Zhu Ying's talent and the caution and scrutiny of an emperor.

"He is indeed a young talent."

"He trapped and killed his enemies with the Dragon Gate Formation, and then led his troops to defeat the Northern Yuan's iron cavalry head-on. Even Huo Qubing in the past was perhaps no more than this."

Zhu Yuanzhang was filled with emotion.

But after a moment's thought...

"But in the end, we have never met him and do not know his true character. I hope he will not disappoint Biao'er's high regard."

"otherwise……"

In an instant.

A cold glint flashed in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, and the entire Wenyuan Pavilion instantly became oppressive: "Our swords are not dull yet!"

The resolute tone in that voice sent chills down one's spine.

If there were anyone inside the hall at that moment, they would immediately be so frightened that they would fall to the ground.

In Zhu Yuanzhang's mind, anyone who dared to threaten the stability of the Ming Dynasty would be ruthlessly eliminated.

Come back to your senses!

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression hardened, and he spoke in a deep voice with an undeniable air of authority: "Summon Jiang Huan."

"This slave takes the order."

Yun Qi's high-pitched and submissive voice immediately came from outside the hall.

Immediately afterwards, the sound of hurried footsteps could be heard, clearly indicating that they had gone to carry out orders.

Not long after!
A series of hurried footsteps approached from afar.

Jiang Huan, dressed in the flying fish uniform of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, hurriedly entered the main hall of the Wenyuan Pavilion.

Upon entering the hall.

He immediately knelt down on both knees and bowed respectfully, showing his full reverence for Zhu Yuanzhang: "Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."

Jiang Huan lowered her head, her forehead almost touching the ground, her voice filled with tension and fear.

"Have you investigated everything we asked you to?"

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his old eyes and stared at Jiang Huan, his gaze conveying an invisible sense of oppression.

A cold and heavy pressure instantly enveloped Jiang Huan's entire body, as if it wanted to crush him.

Under this oppressive aura, Jiang Huan felt it becoming difficult to breathe, her body trembling slightly, and she dared not make any unusual movements.

Even though he was the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, who acted first and reported later, he still wielded great power.

But in front of Zhu Yuanzhang, they were like ants!

"Return to the Emperor."

Jiang Huan tried to keep his voice steady, but could not hide his nervousness: "This is the detailed investigation that I have prepared."

As he spoke, Jiang Huan quickly took out a booklet from his bosom, raised it high with both hands, and moved very carefully.

"Not only now, but also the investigation in Beiping Prefecture."

"Please have Your Majesty read this."

Jiang Huan's tone was full of anticipation and trepidation, a mixture of worry and fear.

Zhu Yuanzhang did not speak, but simply raised his hand slightly, signaling Jiang Huan to step forward.

Jiang Huan immediately understood, quickly got up, and walked briskly to the imperial desk, respectfully placing the register in front of Zhu Yuanzhang with both hands.

Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze fell on the register, his old eyes revealing curiosity.

He reached out and slowly opened the book on the table.

Obviously.

This record was specifically for Zhu Ying, and Zhu Yuanzhang deliberately bypassed Zhu Biao, secretly ordering the Embroidered Uniform Guard to investigate it.

after all!

Since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, and even before its founding, no one had ever experienced such a rapid rise in rank and title as Zhu Ying.

As the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, he had never actually met Zhu Ying.

However, with the full support of the law, military regulations, and Crown Prince Zhu Biao, Zhu Ying has now been promoted to the position of Commander of the Garrison, and is now also to be granted the title of Marquis.

All of this seemed utterly bizarre to Zhu Yuanzhang.

and so.

Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to thoroughly investigate Zhu Ying's background; only in this way could he feel more at ease.

In Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, a person who had lost both parents and only had an old servant, yet possessed such extraordinary abilities, was truly bizarre.

If no one had taught him, how could he have grown to this level?
"Zhu Ying."

Zhu Yuanzhang softly uttered the name, his gaze slowly moving across the register.

"At the age of nine, he moved from the south to Beiping with his grandmother and servant Lin Fu."

It has been nearly nine years since then.

"His grandmother was surnamed Qin, but her given name is unknown. Her son's identity is also unknown."

Upon seeing the information in the investigation report, Zhu Yuanzhang frowned, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes. He immediately turned a cold gaze to Jiang Huan, his eyes like a sharp sword, as if trying to see right through him.

"Is this all the information you've gathered for us?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was icy, and the atmosphere in the hall immediately became oppressive: "His grandmother's origins are unknown, and his descendants' origins are even more unknown?"

now.

Zhu Yuanzhang's tone was full of questioning and dissatisfaction, clearly indicating his extreme disappointment with the outcome.

"emperor."

Jiang Huan trembled with fear and immediately knelt down again, his forehead pressed against the ground, his voice filled with terror: "Your subject is incompetent."

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard only found this much information in Beiping Prefecture, and this was only after they went deep into the streets of Zhu Ying's former residence and conducted extensive investigations."

As Jiang Huan spoke, he secretly glanced at Zhu Yuanzhang's expression, only to see that the latter's face was becoming increasingly gloomy, which made Jiang Huan even more afraid.

then.

He hurriedly added, "At the same time, I also secretly reviewed the household registration records in the Beiping government, but that's all I could find."

Jiang Huan's voice grew softer and softer, and she dared not raise it.

Jiang Huan felt very uneasy when he handed over this investigation record.

Because he knew perfectly well that this was not the one the emperor wanted.

He knew Zhu Yuanzhang's character well; he always demanded perfection in matters concerning the country and its people, and his investigation was clearly full of loopholes.

"That means..."

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was low and suppressed, like the prelude to a storm: "There was no news of Zhu Ying before he came to Beiping Prefecture?"

"Neither her grandmother nor her housekeeper knew anything?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression grew increasingly grim.

"emperor."

Jiang Huan spoke cautiously, trying to explain: "Many years ago, when the country was first settled, there were too many people who fled their ancestral homes to escape famine. Although the local government had many records, they were unclear due to the passage of time."

"Now, after investigation, it can be confirmed that Zhu Ying is by no means a foreigner, but rather a native of the southern part of our Great Ming."

"But we can't know for sure what his past identity was unless we ask General Zhu Ying in person."

As Jiang Huan spoke, he silently prayed that his explanation would appease the emperor. He kept his head down, not daring to look Zhu Yuanzhang in the eye, for fear of angering the emperor.

Listening to Jiang Huan's report.

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at the register, but ultimately did not blame him.

He knew Jiang Huan's capabilities well; even he himself could only investigate to this extent, which showed that the information about Zhu Ying's place of origin had been thoroughly investigated.

However, although Zhu Ying's information was not fully investigated, the fact that Zhu Ying was not from another country or ethnic group reassured Zhu Yuanzhang considerably.

immediately.

Zhu Yuanzhang continued to review the information gathered by the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

The register included details of Zhu Ying's enlistment in the army in Daning, his subsequent promotions and titles, and many other events.

Even Zhu Ying's opening of a winery and a restaurant is all clearly written down.

"Restaurants are all over Daning Prefecture, and now they're opening branches in Beiping Prefecture?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze lingered on this line of text, his brows furrowing slightly as he murmured to himself, "The wine produced by the distillery is in short supply?"

"Is there any oppression of the people or abuse of power in this matter?"

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly raised his head, stared intently at Jiang Huan again, and asked in a deep voice.

As an emperor.

This also reveals his concern for the people's livelihood. As an emperor, he deeply understands the importance of the people's support and will never allow any official to oppress the people and tarnish the reputation of the court.

So it has been.

He opposed officials in the imperial court engaging in business, but there were no laws to restrict it.

However, once someone went into business, they would inevitably be targeted by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, so apart from the most daring individuals, most did not dare to engage in such activities.

"Return to the Emperor."

Jiang Huan quickly replied respectfully, "We didn't find anything about the Embroidered Uniform Guard, but General Zhu Ying's winery and restaurant did recruit a lot of refugees as craftsmen, which can be considered as helping many commoners."

As he spoke, he secretly rejoiced that he had made a point of investigating this matter, otherwise he would have been in trouble again.

"Moreover, the grain purchased for brewing wine is priced higher than that outside, and there is no oppression of the people."

"As for abusing power to bully others? That has never happened."

When asked this question, Jiang Huan's voice was very firm and confident, confirming that there was no mistake.

"Based on your investigation, this Zhu Ying should be under nineteen years old, only seventeen now, right?"

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said in a deep voice.

At the same time, Zhu Ying's deeds came to mind. It was unbelievable that such a young man could achieve such great military exploits.

"exactly."

Jiang Huan nodded quickly, a cautious look on his face: "It is said that when General Zhu Ying enlisted, he was underage, so his household registration record was changed to raise his age."

"This matter was also discovered by His Highness Prince Yan during his investigation."

Jiang Huan added cautiously, afraid of missing any important information.

"Can you find out who taught him how to command troops and conquer?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked again, his tone full of intense inquiry.

He was always curious about the source of Zhu Ying's abilities. How could a young man be so proficient in military strategy and achieve great feats on the battlefield without the guidance of a master?

“No.” Jiang Huan shook his head, then added, “According to the investigation by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, no one has taught General Zhu Ying, and General Zhu Ying has lived in Beiping City for many years and has never left.”

Hear this!
Zhu Yuanzhang wore a thoughtful expression. He leaned back on the dragon throne, his eyes slightly closed, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

"Could there really be people in this world who are exceptionally gifted and born with a talent for commanding troops?"

now.

This idea also arose in Zhu Yuanzhang's mind.

Apart from that.

There seems to be no other explanation for Zhu Ying's extraordinary performance.

"Zhu Ying has made a great contribution this time, so we plan to reward him with more gold, silver and servants. You can plant more Imperial Guards among the servants."

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly opened his eyes and said in a deep voice, "We must keep a close watch on everything that happens in the Zhu family."

"However, the Crown Prince must not know about this."

The words fell.

"I accept the decree."

Jiang Huan immediately bowed and respectfully accepted the order. "Yes, you may leave."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, his face showing a hint of fatigue.

"My minister retire."

Jiang Huan bowed and respectfully withdrew from the main hall of Wenyuan Pavilion.

at this time.

His forehead was covered in sweat, and the back of his clothes was soaked through.

For him, this was like a brush with death.

He knew Zhu Yuanzhang's authority and suspicious nature, and that the slightest mistake could lead to his death.

Zhu Yuanzhang leaned back on the dragon throne, watching Jiang Huan's departing figure, and fell into deep thought.

“His household registration was changed to raise his age so that he enlisted at the age of sixteen. So, he is only seventeen years old now.”

Zhu Yuanzhang murmured to himself, "Seventeen years old, so remarkable! This is simply unbelievable."

His voice was filled with emotion and doubt, and he remained lost in thought for a long time.

……

The Zhu family mansion!

In front of the government office, there was an unprecedentedly lively scene.

A procession of eunuchs, escorted by the Imperial Guards, slowly approached. Their steps were orderly and their posture upright, displaying the majesty of the royal family.

The surrounding area was already filled with onlookers, whispering and discussing among themselves, all filled with curiosity and anticipation.

The Imperial Guards, armed with long spears, maintained order around the area. Their cold, wary gazes watched the crowd closely, preventing any potential clashes.

At the gate of the mansion, Shen Yu'er, dressed in the imperial robes of a noblewoman bestowed by the emperor, stood gracefully and dignifiedly, her hands slightly clenched, waiting quietly.

The waiting process did not affect her composure and dignity in the slightest.

Lin Fu stood to one side behind her, dressed in a black butler's uniform, his face showing a mixture of nervousness and anticipation.

Most of the servants and attendants in the mansion came out and stood in neat rows at the back, their expressions respectful, not daring to make any unusual movements.

"This is General Zhu's wife; she is indeed dignified and beautiful."

"Yes."

"General Zhu is the youngest general in our Great Ming Dynasty, and he was even granted the title of Earl of Champion. He was a great hero in the Liaodong War. The fact that the Imperial Guards personally brought the imperial envoys here shows that General Zhu has once again made contributions in the Northern Expedition."

"That should be it."

"Didn't we have an urgent report that rushed into the palace on horseback? And it was about a great victory in the Northern Expedition. Perhaps this is related to General Zhu."

"That's actually quite possible."

"It hasn't been long since the news of the victory reached the palace, and now an imperial envoy has come to the Zhu residence. It must be related to General Zhu, the Earl of Champion."

"Listen on, this time we're sure to hear news about the Northern Expedition."

"..."

In front of the mansion!
Many people eagerly watched the spectacle, but discussions also raged, naturally focusing on the great victory of the Northern Expedition and whether it was related to Zhu Ying.

In many remote areas, people are concerned about how much grain their fields can produce, how much money they can earn this year, and whether they can support their families.

They may not know the name Zhu Ying.

When Liaodong was liberated and the news was announced to the world, it certainly caused a great stir among the people. However, the specific generals who made meritorious contributions were not fully mentioned in the announcement; they were only briefly mentioned.

However, in this capital city, the center of power in the Ming Dynasty, news from the streets is also the most readily available.

After the title of champion was bestowed, Yingtian was naturally the first to know, and many news about Zhu Ying had already spread.

This time!

Under the watchful eyes of many, the old eunuch in the center of the Imperial Guard smiled slightly and slowly walked towards Shen Yu'er.

This old eunuch was none other than Yun Qi, the chief eunuch who served as Zhu Yuanzhang's personal attendant.

"Madam Zhu!"

Yun Qi's voice was high-pitched yet gentle, with a hint of a smile: "This servant has come to deliver the imperial decree on His Majesty's orders."

As he spoke, he raised the imperial edict high with both hands.

"Your Majesty, I respectfully obey your decree."

Shen Yu'er immediately replied respectfully, her voice clear and melodious, carrying a solemn air. At this moment, she fully displayed the demeanor of a noblewoman, and did not embarrass Zhu Ying.

Yun Qi did not hesitate. He gently untied the silk ribbon on the imperial edict, slowly opened the edict in his hand, and then loudly proclaimed: "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:!"

The sound starts!
Apart from Shen Yu'er, all the surrounding common people, even the imperial guards and servants in the Zhu residence, knelt down to listen respectfully to the imperial edict.

For a moment, the streets were silent, as if time had stood still.

Shen Yu'er held the title of Imperial Noblewoman, which was equivalent to a noble title for men. This meant she was not required to kneel before the emperor or receive imperial decrees.

This was also a great honor for those who received imperial titles and noble ranks, showcasing their status.

At this moment, she was one of only two standing, highlighting her status and position.

"In the Northern Expedition, Champion Earl Zhu Ying rendered meritorious service to the country, leading our Ming cavalry to decisively defeat the Northern Yuan iron cavalry and displaying the might of our Ming Dynasty!"

Yun Qi's voice was high-pitched and passionate, echoing through the streets.

"We are very pleased."

"now."

"The wife of Zhu Ying, the Earl of Enze Champion, was granted the title of [Third-Rank Imperial Lady].

"He bestowed upon them a hundred taels of gold, a thousand taels of silver, a thousand bolts of brocade, a hundred pieces of jade, and a hundred servants."

"Appreciate this."

Yun Qi held the imperial edict in his hand and read it aloud.

The sound also spread throughout the surrounding streets, drawing gasps of amazement from the local residents.

Upon hearing this imperial decree, Shen Yu'er was startled, but she quickly regained her composure, immediately bowed, and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great favor!"

Yun Qi stepped forward and smiled slightly: "Madam Zhu, accept the decree!"

talking.

He handed the imperial edict to Shen Yu'er, who immediately stretched out her hands and carefully took it, holding it high as if she dared not disrespect it, especially in front of so many people.

"Move all the imperial favors and rewards to the Zhu residence."

Yun Qi turned around and shouted to the Imperial Guards behind him.

Although he was a eunuch, as Zhu Yuanzhang's close attendant, his voice carried an air of authority that commanded respect.

"Yes."

The Imperial Guards responded loudly and in unison.

Then they carried the gift boxes and moved them into the Zhu residence.

Simultaneously.

A hundred servants were also brought along; they were all dressed in uniform servant clothes, their eyes filled with fear and anticipation.

They stood there, neatly arranged, awaiting their new owner's arrangement.

"Madam Zhu."

Yun Qi smiled and said with a kind expression, "The slave registers of these servants are all in the box. Have the steward of the manor check them carefully. I will go back to the palace to report now."

"Thank you so much, Father-in-law." Shen Yu'er immediately thanked him, a smile on her face and gratitude in her eyes.

"It is the Emperor's decree; there is no need for thanks."

Yun Qi nodded slightly in acknowledgment, then turned and walked towards the carriage, where he boarded.

at the same time.

After completing their task of carrying the rewards, the Imperial Guards quickly formed ranks.

They spread out in a fan shape around the carriage, closely surrounding it.

Subsequently.

The procession moved slowly, heading towards the palace.

Upon seeing this, the surrounding people all stood up from the ground.

now.

Many people looked at Shen Yu'er with awe.

In the eyes of the common people, the status of a third-rank imperial consort was extremely noble. In the vast city of Yingtian, there were very few women who possessed such an honor.

Usually, only the wives of marquises and dukes could receive this title, and the opportunity was extremely rare.

Just after Yun Qi read out the imperial edict, the surrounding people already knew the reason for Shen Yu'er's additional title.

As many had previously speculated, it was Champion Bo Zhu who made outstanding contributions during the Northern Expedition.

"Husband."

Shen Yu'er tilted her head slightly, looked north, and murmured to herself, "You must take good care of yourself in the Northern Frontier."

now.

Although she was granted the title of Third-Rank Imperial Lady, she did not feel the joy she had imagined.

In her view, there was not much difference between a fourth-rank imperial consort and a third-rank imperial consort; what mattered most to her was Zhu Ying's safety.

The thought of Zhu Ying fighting bloody battles and risking his life on the brutal battlefield in the northern frontier filled Shen Yu'er with deep worry.

however.

She was powerless to do anything about it and could only pray silently in her heart, hoping that God would bless Zhu Ying to return safely.

After a long while, Shen Yu'er finally came to her senses. She turned around and said softly to Lin Fu behind her, "Uncle Lin."

"Make arrangements for these newly arrived servants."

"I'll go check on Xi'er first."

"Yes." Lin Fu nodded quickly, his face showing his usual respect.

He bowed slightly, watched Shen Yu'er leave, and then turned around to begin to methodically direct the newly arrived servants.

Seeing this, everyone in the mansion followed their assigned arrangements and returned to the mansion in an orderly manner.

The gate slowly closed, shutting out the hustle and bustle.

And now!
The crowd gathered outside the mansion continued to discuss the matter animatedly, their enthusiasm undiminished.

"Did you hear that? I was right. The reason why Madam Zhu was granted the title of Third Rank Lady is because General Zhu made great contributions in the northern frontier."

"Yes, we heard it all clearly."

"That eunuch just said that it seems General Zhu, the Earl of Champion, led our Ming cavalry to a head-on defeat of the Northern Yuan cavalry?"

"Is this... is it real or fake?"

"The Northern Yuan Iron Cavalry, those were the Mongol Iron Cavalry of yesteryear, their fighting prowess was unparalleled!"

"The Mongol cavalry once swept across the world, invincible. How could they be defeated so easily?"

"Although our Great Ming Dynasty has a powerful infantry force that is invincible in conquering cities and seizing territories, its cavalry is probably inferior to that of the Northern Yuan Iron Cavalry, isn't it?"

“I think so too. After all, the Mongol cavalry of the Northern Yuan has been powerful for hundreds of years, and it’s not something that can be caught up with in a short time.”

“Those Mongols grew up on horseback from childhood, which is quite different from us Han Chinese.”

"Well, that makes sense."

"But the eunuch just read out that we had decisively defeated the Northern Yuan cavalry. Could the imperial edict be wrong?"

……

Regarding the imperial edict that just mentioned the Ming cavalry defeating the Northern Yuan cavalry!

This is truly unbelievable.

After all, the fear of the Mongol cavalry was etched into the hearts of countless Chinese people.

For a moment, everyone looked at each other, unable to give a definite answer.

However, this is foreseeable.

Tomorrow, countless rumors will surely circulate in the streets of Yingtian City because of this incident.

And this moment.

Shen family.

His steward looked flustered and hurried towards the main hall, shouting, "Master!"

"Oh no……"

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(End of this chapter)