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

Chapter 171 The Shen family is in despair! Shen Wansan is filled with remorse!
master."

"Oh no!"

The Shen family's butler, looking flustered, staggered as he rushed towards the inner hall, appearing anxious and helpless.

"What happened now?"

Seeing the steward rushing into the inner hall in a panic, Shen Wansan frowned, his old face full of displeasure.

During this period, bad news came like a tide to the Shen family, one wave after another. Almost every few days, they would receive bad news from various places, especially the north, which made the already aging Shen Wansan feel overwhelmed.

He was constantly busy, personally handling all sorts of matters.

"An imperial edict has just arrived at the Zhu residence. Zhu Ying, the Earl of Champion, has made great contributions in the Northern Expedition. The Emperor has specially conferred upon Zhu Ying's wife, Shen Yu'er, the title of Third-Rank Imperial Consort."

The steward's voice trembled slightly, filled with barely concealed fear: "Moreover...moreover, the news coming from the court has not yet been officially announced, but it seems that Zhu Ying is going to be promoted to the rank of Marquis and be named the Marquis of Champion."

Champion!
These three words were like a thunderclap, exploding in Shen Wansan's ears.

Shen Wansan, who was sitting in the main chair, turned pale instantly, and the tea he had been holding steadily in his hand suddenly slipped out of his grasp.

啪呲
With a crisp sound, the teacup shattered on the ground, spilling tea everywhere.

How could that be?

Shen Wansan muttered to himself, his voice filled with disbelief: "The Marquis of Champion! He's only seventeen years old."

"How could he possibly be granted the title of Marquis of Champion? A marquisate at the age of seventeen!"

Shen Wansan's eyes were filled with fear.

His wrinkled old face was now completely filled with fear, as if he had foreseen an inescapable catastrophe in the future.

Or!

Even today, Shen Wansan still feels as if it were a dream, and he can't understand how that unknown young man grew up to be so awe-inspiring, and was granted a title and rank at the young age of seventeen.

of course.

From the outside, Zhu Ying was already nineteen years old. After all, in order to harm Zhu Ying, Shen Wansan did not hesitate to spend a lot of money to bribe the recruitment officer and falsify Zhu Ying's age and household registration.

But Shen Wansan knew better than anyone that Zhu Yingshi was really only a little over seventeen years old.

now!

In Shen Wansan's heart, besides the surging fear, there was another strong emotion churning within him: regret, a deep, agonizing regret.

Deep self-reproach flowed in his eyes. He had originally had the opportunity to become in-laws with Zhu Ying, and Zhu Ying was very likely to become his son-in-law.

But because of his shortsightedness and his contempt, he ruined this great opportunity with his own hands.

Zhu Ying is now on the opposite side of the Shen family, and the two sides are locked in a life-or-death struggle.

This is something that cannot be changed.

Is this news confirmed?

Shen Wansan forced himself to remain calm, regained his composure, and stared intently at the steward, pressing for an answer.

"master."

The butler smiled wryly, his expression one of utter helplessness and bitterness: "The news is confirmed."

"Just now, the Emperor's personal eunuch, the chief eunuch, personally went to the Zhu residence to deliver an imperial edict, bestowing upon Shen Yu'er the title of a third-rank imperial lady."

"Master instructed us to keep a close eye on the Zhu residence, so our servants also went to see what was going on."

But he hadn't finished speaking.

“I’m not asking about this imperial title.”

Shen Wansan frowned again, his tone becoming more serious, and asked in a deep voice, "I'm asking whether Zhu Yingfeng's marquisate is real or fake?"

Although the title of a third-rank imperial consort is prestigious, it is a completely different concept compared to that of a marquis.

"Although it has not been officially announced, the news is already confirmed."

The steward, with a solemn expression, said in a low voice, "This great victory in the Northern Expedition was entirely due to Zhu Ying leading the Ming cavalry to a head-on defeat of the Northern Yuan's Mongol cavalry."

"Therefore, His Highness the Crown Prince personally submitted a memorial, earnestly requesting that Jin Zhu be granted the title of Marquis, while the title of Champion shall remain."

"Now, he is a true champion."

Upon hearing this...

"Destroy the Mongol cavalry of the Northern Yuan head-on!"

Shen Wansan's face suddenly darkened.

As a merchant who had been active since the Yuan Dynasty, he had a profound understanding of the strength of the Northern Yuan cavalry.

In the past, he had even witnessed firsthand the bloody scene of those rebels being slaughtered like ants under the iron hooves of the Northern Yuan cavalry.

The formidable fighting power of the Northern Yuan cavalry left an indelible shadow in his heart.

He knew all too well that ordinary Han cavalry could not easily contend with them. Upon hearing that Zhu Ying had actually led Ming cavalry to a head-on victory against the Mongol cavalry, his first reaction was disbelief!
"fake."

A glint of light flashed in Shen Wansan's eyes, as if he had grasped a lifeline: "This military merit must be fake."

"How powerful were the Mongol cavalry?"

"You saw it with your own eyes back then, how capable they were. This Zhu Ying is utterly ruthless in his pursuit of promotion, even daring to lie about military intelligence."

"This is a capital offense."

however.

The butler standing to the side shook his head with a wry smile, his expression full of helplessness.

"master."

The butler said softly, "This good news is absolutely true."

"According to my investigation, this news was personally reported by General Guo Ying, the Grand General of the Northern Expedition, and there is absolutely no falsehood in it."

"It is said that after this great victory in the Northern Expedition, the Emperor will issue an imperial edict to announce it to the world, so that all the people may know the martial spirit of our Great Ming Dynasty and that our army has defeated the Northern Yuan cavalry head-on."

"And Zhu Ying's name will also appear in this proclamation."

"This is an unparalleled honor bestowed upon Zhu Ying by the Emperor and the Crown Prince."

"Moreover, there is much discussion in the court now. After this battle, Zhu Ying's reputation and the prestige of the Marquis of Champion will surely resound throughout the world."

"Now, many people in the court are interested in befriending Zhu Ying, including many important officials from the Six Ministries."

"Zhu Ying has completely risen to prominence."

"My Shen family has truly made an insurmountable enemy."

"Even... even after this announcement to the world, perhaps even those people from Huaixi won't be able to do anything to him."

The butler's voice was filled with worry and despair.

at first!

They also attempted to use the power of Huaixi and Shen Yu'er's identity to threaten Zhu Ying and force him to abandon his revenge against the Shen family.

But now it seems that all of this was nothing but wishful thinking on their part, utterly foolish.

Hearing the steward's words, Shen Wansan's face grew even more gloomy.
Faced with the current situation.

Facing the increasingly powerful Zhu Ying.

Even though he was incredibly wealthy, his riches seemed to vanish instantly in the face of a powerful marquis.

Just thinking about the future, about the possible revenge Zhu Ying might take against the Shen family, filled Shen Wansan with deep regret and lingering fear, sending chills down his spine.

He devoted countless efforts and years of hard work to build the Shen family's vast fortune, making it one of the leading merchant families in the Ming Dynasty.

He was already old, but like all those in power, he hoped to pass everything down steadily to his son.

But now, the thought of the Shen family having made Zhu Ying such a terrible enemy makes Shen Wansan feel that he cannot die in peace. He is afraid that once he closes his eyes, the Shen family will be completely wiped out in Zhu Ying's wrath.

"Ugh."

Shen Wansan let out a long sigh, a sigh that seemed to contain all the vicissitudes and helplessness of his life.

He slowly turned his gaze to the butler and asked, "What can my Shen family still do now?"

"Zhu Ying, in just three short years! He has grown to such an extent."

"I was wrong after all; I shouldn't have treated him like that."

"If we hadn't targeted him like that, but instead facilitated his marriage to Yan'er and then let Shen Yu'er marry him as a concubine, what glory would our Shen family have received?"

Speaking of which.

Shen Wansan's eyes were filled with regret. He wished he could turn back time and go back three years to make that choice that changed the fate of the Shen family.

From the Yuan Dynasty to the present, Shen Wansan has made countless choices for the prosperity of his family, but this time he made the wrong choice!
That's ridiculously wrong!

"master."

The butler looked grave, his expression revealing deep worry: "What's done is done. Now we must think carefully about how to deal with Zhu Ying's revenge."

"Although there is no conclusive evidence, it seems that the series of incidents involving my Shen family's caravans in Beiping Prefecture are most likely the work of Zhu Ying."

"Moreover, given Zhu Ying's current style of doing things and his development trend, his revenge against our Shen family will not stop easily in the future. It is likely that not only Beiping Prefecture, but other places will also be hard to escape."

"This kid is truly vengeful."

Hear the sound.

"Ugh!"

Shen Wansan sighed again and said helplessly, "Now we can only wait for Shen Cong to come back and see what Zhu Ying's attitude is."

"As long as he doesn't target my Shen family, I can accept any price he pays."

At this moment, Shen Wansan had lost his former toughness and confidence, and dared not mention the word "threat" again.

They had previously hoped that Shen Yu'er's status would allow them to control Zhu Ying, but now it seems like a complete joke.

With Zhu Ying's promotion to marquis, and the highly respected Champion Marquis among military generals, although there were many fierce generals from Huaixi in the court, who could be absolutely certain of suppressing Zhu Ying?
Nowadays, any minister with a modicum of insight in the court can see that the current emperor and crown prince value Zhu Ying so highly because, on the one hand, Zhu Ying has truly distinguished military achievements, and on the other hand, they may also want to use Zhu Ying's strength to suppress the increasingly powerful Huaixi forces.

As long as Zhu Yingneng continues to make great contributions to the country, he is currently a marquis, and there is a possibility that he may be granted the title of duke in the future.

Butler Shen lowered his head slightly and did not reply.

He knew in his heart that he was just a servant, and there were some things that were really inconvenient to say.

Even if Shen Wansan was wrong, he couldn't say anything more. Just then!

"Father."

"Oh no."

Shen Rong's urgent voice came from outside the hall, accompanied by hurried footsteps.

Upon hearing this voice, Shen Wansan's expression calmed down somewhat.

In his mind, Shen Rong must have heard the news that Shen Yu'er had been granted the title of a third-rank noblewoman and that Zhu Ying was about to be ennobled as a marquis.

"I am already aware of the matter concerning Zhu Ying and Shen Yu'er."

Shen Wansan looked at Shen Rong, who rushed in, and said calmly, "There's no need to panic."

"Father, what are you saying?" Shen Rong looked bewildered, his eyes full of confusion, and he was very puzzled by his father's sudden words.

"You don't know about Shen Yu'er being granted the title of Third-Rank Imperial Concubine?" Shen Wansan frowned, a vague sense of unease rising in his heart.

“Father.” Shen Rong hesitated for a moment, a look of struggle flashing across his face, along with barely suppressed anger: “Shen Cong has returned from the north, but…”

Shen Rong paused, seemingly finding it difficult to speak, and said, "Never mind, Father, you can see for yourself."

As Shen Rong spoke, he turned around and shouted loudly towards the outside of the hall, "Bring Shen Cong in."

echoed.

Two servants carefully helped Shen Cong into the inner hall.

Shen Cong's face was ashen, devoid of any color, and his steps were unsteady, as if a gust of wind could blow him over; he was extremely weak.

When Shen Wansan glanced at it, his face instantly turned ashen, and his old eyes narrowed sharply.

Under his gaze, Shen Cong's hands were tightly bound with layers of white cloth, and bright red blood seeped through the cloth, even dripping onto the ground, leaving bloodstains that were shocking to behold.

"You...you..." Shen Wansan raised his trembling hand, pointed at Shen Cong, his throat seemed to be choked by something, and he couldn't speak for a moment. His face was extremely ugly.

"Master," Shen Cong said, his voice trembling with grief and indignation, tears welling in his eyes, "that Zhu Ying is a beast!"

"He...he cut off my hands."

"Moreover... he also declared that he would fight the Shen family to the death."

As Shen Cong spoke, he began to wail in grief, his cries filled with grievance and anger.

He seemed to want to devour Zhu Ying whole.

When Butler Shen saw his son's miserable state, his face turned deathly pale, his eyes instantly reddened, and tears streamed down his face.

He hurried forward, his hands trembling as he tried to touch his son's wound, but afraid of hurting him, he could only cry out, tears streaming down his face, "Cong'er."

"Father."

Shen Rong's face was full of anger, his eyes seemed to be spitting fire: "This Zhu Ying is simply shameless."

“My Shen family has already made such a big concession, and even prepared to give him tens of thousands of gold as compensation, but not only did he not accept it, he even dared to treat Shen Cong so cruelly. He is clearly courting death.”

"In that case, let's reveal Shen Yu'er's identity to the public."

"I believe that once those people in Huaixi find out, they will definitely deal with Zhu Ying."

Shen Rong's breathing became rapid due to anger, and his chest heaved violently.

Shen Cong was his confidant, someone he had sent. How could he not be angry that Shen Cong had suffered such a terrible fate?

Coupled with the humiliating experience of being beaten away by Shen Yu'er's men when he went to the Zhu residence, his hatred for Zhu Ying deepened.

Judging from his behavior, he was clearly unaware of the momentous event outside that Zhu Ying was about to be ennobled.

"Enough." Shen Wansan's face was terribly gloomy as he coldly rebuked him.

"Father," Shen Rong said urgently, filled with resentment, "We've come to this point, are we still going to keep backing down?"

"Zhu Ying is clearly determined to oppose the Shen family to the very end."

"I just received another letter from my second brother. Even though he hired a security escort agency at great expense, our caravan still suffered heavy losses. Those bandits are like ghosts, impossible to guard against."

"If this continues, my Shen family's business in Beiping Prefecture will be completely impossible to continue..."

Before Shen Rong could finish speaking...

"Go out and inquire now," Shen Wansan said in a cold and heavy voice. "Zhu Ying is going to be ennobled."

“That girl Shen Yu’er has also been granted the title of a third-rank imperial consort.”

"Huaixi? They probably have no way to deal with Zhu Ying now."

These words struck Shen Rong's heart like a heavy hammer.

Shen Rong's face turned deathly pale instantly. He looked up in astonishment and said in a trembling voice, "A...a title of nobility?"

"Young Master."

Steward Shen sighed helplessly and explained, "It's already spread outside. The imperial decree bestowing the title of Lady upon Shen Yu'er has already reached the Zhu residence."

"This time, Zhu Ying made great contributions in the Northern Expedition."

"Now he is powerful and influential, and is also the youngest nobleman in the court."

"Let alone my Shen family, even Huaixi would probably be helpless against Zhu Ying."

Upon hearing this, Shen Rong was completely stunned, as if he had been frozen in place, unable to move.

Even Shen Cong, who was originally filled with anger and resentment because his hands had been cut off, and was shouting for Shen Wansan to take revenge, was now completely stunned, as if struck by lightning.

Mr. Hou?

Marquis?

Although the Shen family was extremely wealthy, in this Hongwu era, the current emperor had a great aversion to merchants.

Trying to use money to deal with a marquis is undoubtedly courting death!

Dealing with the Marquis?

You're asking for it!
……

Inside the main hall of the East Palace!

Lu Ben straightened up and stood respectfully in the center of the hall, holding the imperial edict that had been stamped with the official seal in his hands.

"Your Highness," Lü Ben bowed slightly, his voice steady and respectful, "Should this imperial edict be issued as an urgent report, or should it be distributed to the various prefectures gradually according to regulations?"

now.

As always, Zhu Biao sat upright at his desk, reviewing memorials.

Only after hearing Lü Ben's voice did his gaze fall on Lü Ben himself.

"The Northern Expedition is not over yet..." Zhu Biao pondered for a moment before speaking slowly, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority: "Issuing proclamations step by step according to the established procedure is sufficient."

"After the Northern Expedition is successful, we will send an urgent report to announce it."

"This old minister understands," Lü Ben replied respectfully.

"There's nothing else here, so go and prepare for the announcement." Zhu Biao said calmly, "Tomorrow, make the announcement first in Yingtian City, and then gradually expand it to Yingtian Prefecture, and even the surrounding prefectures. We need to act quickly."

"This old minister understands." Lü Ben bowed again to accept the order.

However, before taking his leave, Lü Ben hesitated for a moment and then respectfully said again, "Your Highness, this old minister has not seen his daughter for a long time. I wonder if I could stay at the Eastern Palace for a while?"

Hear this!

Zhu Biao was slightly taken aback, then a gentle smile appeared on his face: "Go ahead!"

Although the Eastern Palace is not as strictly governed as the Imperial Palace, all the etiquette and regulations are no different from those in the Imperial Palace.

Even though Lü Ben was Lü's father, he still needed Zhu Biao's permission to stay in the Eastern Palace for a short time.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Upon receiving Zhu Biao's approval, Lü Ben smiled happily, thanked him, and quickly withdrew.

"Luo Yang." After Lü Ben withdrew, Zhu Biao shouted loudly towards the outside of the hall.

Luo Yang, the commander of the Golden Guard, dressed in armor and wearing a bright red cloak, strode into the hall upon hearing the summons.

After entering the palace.

He immediately walked up to Zhu Biao and bowed deeply.

"Please give your orders, Your Highness," Luo Yang said respectfully.

"Go to the Zhu residence and deliver the imperial decree." Zhu Biao said calmly and in a peaceful tone, "Tomorrow, have Zhu Ying's wife, Shen Yu'er, bring her son to the Eastern Palace for an audience."

"She has been in Yingtian for more than ten days now, and it is time for me to summon her."

The words fell.

"Your subject obeys the decree." Luo Yang immediately accepted the order.

He stood up and strode away.

They were decisive and efficient.

After receiving the imperial decree, Zhu Biao turned his attention back to the mountain of memorials piled on the table.

As night approached, he looked somewhat tired, but his diligence was evident.

The daily stream of memorials and government affairs was almost non-stop, and tomorrow he would have to find time to arrange an audience.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Palace, inside the palace where Lady Lü resided!
"The daughter greets her father."

As soon as Lü Ben entered the palace, Lady Lü immediately stood up and bowed respectfully.

Lu Ben slightly raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the palace maids waiting inside the hall.

Lady Lü immediately understood and said softly, "You all go and guard outside the palace."

"My slave takes orders."

The palace maids all bowed and then filed out of the hall, quietly waiting outside.

……

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(End of this chapter)