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

Chapter 184 Zhu Yuanzhang summons Shen Yu'er and her son! Zhu Xi's talent!
now!

For the entire Ming Dynasty, the victory of capturing the Yuan capital was no less significant than Zhu Ying's direct defeat of 100,000 Northern Yuan cavalry. It was enough to inspire the people of the Ming Dynasty and become the greatest source of encouragement.

They broke through the Yuan capital.

Stepping into the Yuan Court.

This news was especially encouraging for the newly established Ming Dynasty and its people who had suffered greatly during the Yuan Dynasty's rule.

Yuanting!

More than a hundred years ago, after they entered the Central Plains, they established their corrupt dynasty on this land that belonged to the Han Chinese.

Although this dynasty was short-lived.

But for the Han Chinese, this is a history filled with humiliation.

Under the rule of the Yuan Dynasty, the Han people suffered all kinds of injustices and oppressions. Their dignity was trampled on at will, and even when a Han person got married, their first night was offered to a Yuan nobleman.

Until the emergence of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Yuanzhang's sudden rise to power led countless Han Chinese to rise up in rebellion, vie for the throne, and ultimately overthrow the tyrannical rule of the Yuan Dynasty, reshaping the Han Dynasty.

no doubt!

Zhu Yuanzhang is a hero of all Chinese people!
However, the existence of the Yuan dynasty was always like a sword hanging over the heads of all Han people, constantly threatening them.

now!

The Yuan capital was successfully captured by the Ming Dynasty's Northern Expeditionary Army, and the last city of the Northern Yuan within the Great Wall was completely eliminated.

This major victory not only meant that the Northern Yuan would have no place to stand on the land of China, but also marked the complete loss of their dynasty name.

From then on, the Northern Yuan would revert to a nomadic tribe, and their threat to the Ming Dynasty would be greatly reduced.

now!

Faced with the continuous congratulations from the court officials, Zhu Yuanzhang sat upright on the dragon throne, and a joyful smile appeared on his old face.

The capture of Yuandu was undoubtedly exciting news, but it was still quite a distance from his grand expectations.

His heart was set on completely dismantling the Northern Yuan and making the Yuan dynasty, which had brought endless suffering to the Han people, disappear completely.

He wanted to disintegrate the grassland tribes that had been united under the name of the Northern Yuan, splitting them into several independent and warring regimes.
After all, the difference in the strength of the threat posed by the unified Northern Yuan to the Ming Dynasty compared to the numerous separate tribes is quite obvious.

Once the Northern Yuan splits, the various tribes will inevitably fight among themselves for limited resources, leaving them too busy to care for themselves and thus unable to pose a significant threat to the Ming Dynasty.

This is the true purpose of the Northern Expedition.

"My lords," Zhu Yuanzhang began slowly, his aged yet authoritative voice resounding throughout the Fengtian Hall.

moment.

The previously enthusiastic praise in the hall immediately ceased.

All the ministers showed respect and their eyes were all fixed on Zhu Yuanzhang on the dragon throne.

"Although the Yuan capital has fallen, the Northern Yuan has not been destroyed."

Zhu Yuanzhang, with a serious expression, glanced at the assembled officials below and solemnly said, "The Northern Expeditionary Army still needs to consolidate its gains before continuing its campaign."

"Before we captured Yuandu, we had already issued an order for the army to continue north."

"If this battle cannot completely disintegrate the Northern Yuan, it cannot be called a true great victory."

"Only when the name of the Northern Yuan ceases to exist and the Northern Frontier is no longer unified can we achieve a great victory."

Zhu Yuanzhang's words were filled with unquestionable authority, as he declared to the entire court what victory he desired in his northern expedition.

"The Ministry of War is keeping a close eye on the battle results in the northern frontier and will inform us immediately of any developments."

Zhu Yuanzhang then added, his gaze turning to Tang Duo.

"I accept the decree."

Upon hearing this, Tang Duo immediately stood up from the court ranks, picked up his court tablet, and respectfully accepted the imperial decree.

"Father."

At this moment, Zhu Xiangqian took a few steps forward, turned around, and said to Zhu Yuanzhang with a serious expression, "Winter will arrive in three months at the latest."

"In other words, my Northern Expeditionary Army only has three months left."

"If a decisive victory cannot be achieved within three months, I propose that the Northern Expeditionary Army be withdrawn."

"Northern Xinjiang is often windy and snowy, and it is also a place of extreme cold. If we go deep into northern Xinjiang, we may be wiped out."

"This matter requires careful consideration."

When Zhu Biao said these words, his expression was serious, and his eyes revealed deep worry.

He was well aware of the harsh environment of the northern frontier, the extreme cold of the north, and the enormous risks that a large army might face if it ventured too far into the region.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's face showed a thoughtful expression.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Zhu Yuanzhang slowly nodded and said, "What the Crown Prince says is absolutely right."

"Three months, then let the Northern Expeditionary Army move for another three months."

"The Northern Expeditionary Army must safely withdraw back to Ming territory before the snow covers the desert."

"We will reward you handsomely once the Northern Expedition is successful."

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke loudly, his voice filled with trust and expectation for the Northern Expeditionary Army.

"In this battle, which general was the first to breach the Yuan capital?"

Zhu Yuanzhang changed the subject, turning his gaze to Tang Duo in the court and asking a question.

"Let's start playing, Your Majesty."

Tang Duo quickly stepped forward and respectfully replied, "In this battle to capture Yuandu, Marquis Zhu Ying was the first to break through the city and enter Yuandu."

"Afterwards, he pressed on and stormed into the Yuan Emperor's Palace, where he personally killed the Northern Yuan Grand Commandant, Manzi."

"This battle not only resulted in the capture of Yuandu, but also the capture of countless nobles within Yuandu."

"According to the report sent back by General Guo Ying, more than 60,000 Northern Yuan nobles were captured in this battle, and they have all been reduced to slaves."

"The wealth of these nobles will be confiscated and transported back to the capital in batches."

Tang Duo spoke clearly and logically, never daring to slack off in the slightest.

In his conversation, he also reported on Zhu Ying's victory in capturing Yuandu.

"It's Zhu Ying again."

"good."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and praised him.

But now there are no surprises, because it would be strange if Zhu Ying didn't achieve any military merits.

"What we have gained in the Northern Yuan will surely increase the national treasury," Zhu Biao said with a smile.

This Northern Expedition.

Although it is a huge drain on national strength, if we win the war, we can replenish the national treasury and make up for the deficit by acquiring the abundant resources from the defeated country.

This time, Emperor Yuan dared not make a sound when he fled. Although he took a lot of treasures from the palace, Yuandu City was, after all, the capital of the Northern Yuan Dynasty, where nobles gathered, and one can imagine how rich their family property was.

Simply confiscating the property of these nobles might be enough to bring the Ming Dynasty a considerable fortune.

and.

This does not include important supplies such as warhorses, cattle, and sheep obtained from the Northern Yuan.

If all these factors are taken into account, the Ming Dynasty will definitely not suffer a significant loss in this battle, and may even have a surplus.

"Zhao Mian," Zhu Yuanzhang said after a moment's thought.

"Your subject is here." Upon hearing the emperor's summons, Zhao Mian immediately stood up, straightened his clothes, and bowed respectfully.

"Immediately dispatch officials skilled in calculation from the Ministry of Revenue to the northern frontier to compile a complete and detailed account of all the gains from this battle."

"Whether it's gold and silver, or cattle, sheep, and warhorses, we'll keep a clear record of everything."

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression was serious, showing that he attached great importance to this matter.

"Furthermore, the Ministry of War warned the generals in the Northern Expeditionary Army that the rewards we bestowed upon them were what they deserved."

"If we do not bestow these spoils of war, they will all go into the national treasury."

"If anyone dares to embezzle, we will absolutely not let him get away with it."

As Zhu Yuanzhang finished speaking, his tone became extremely stern, and a cold glint flashed in his old eyes.

He knew human nature well; during wartime, some generals might succumb to temptation and embezzle spoils of war.

This behavior not only harms the interests of the Ming Dynasty, but also seriously affects the army.

Therefore, he must sound the alarm in advance to serve as a warning to others.

The national treasury was severely depleted after the war.

The maintenance and development of various regions urgently require a large amount of money.

Various necessities for people's livelihood, such as building water conservancy facilities and providing relief to disaster victims; necessities for the army, such as purchasing weapons and provisions; and even the salaries of officials—every expenditure was like flowing water.

Perhaps the expenses of a few people are insignificant, but the expenses of the entire Ming Dynasty are an enormous figure, like a heavy mountain weighing on the shoulders of the court.

Therefore, the wealth obtained this time must be treated with care in order to replenish the national treasury.

"I accept the decree."

Zhao Mian and Tang Duo exchanged a glance, both seeing a solemn look in each other's eyes.

"Let's start playing, Your Majesty."

This time!

Lu Ben stepped forward and said respectfully, "Today, I received a report from the Ministry of Rites' Department of Receptions."

"The King of Goryeo sent an envoy to plead with the Ming Dynasty to send troops to suppress the Goryeo rebels."

"And it was stated that if the Great Ming Dynasty was willing to send troops to help, Goryeo would forever be a subject of the Great Ming Dynasty."

When Lü Ben said these words, he reported in a calm tone.

About it.

They had to wait for Zhu Yuanzhang's approval.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang was slightly taken aback, then sneered: "Goryeo, a barbarian country, is dreaming too much."

“In the past, we paid tribute to the Northern Yuan and became its vassals. We even had to send troops to aid the Northern Yuan and resist our Ming Dynasty’s conquest of Liaodong.”

"If it weren't for the bravery of our Ming soldiers who took Liaodong first, Goryeo would probably have really become an enemy of our Ming."

"We haven't even settled accounts with Goryeo for this grudge yet, and the King of Goryeo dares to come and beg our Great Ming to save him?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's words were full of sarcasm, and he was extremely dissatisfied with the fickle nature of the small country of Goryeo.

In his view, Goryeo's opportunistic behavior was utterly despicable.

The Northern Yuan is now weak.

Now that the Ming Dynasty is strong, and Goryeo is about to be destroyed, it actually wants to pay tribute to the Ming Dynasty and become its vassal? And it even wants the Ming Dynasty to send troops to help it.

That’s a nice thought!

"What the Emperor said is absolutely true."

Lu Ben quickly chimed in, "According to the report from the Ministry of State Affairs, the chaos in Goryeo is intensifying. The Goryeo king's army has been repeatedly defeated by his former general, Yi Seong-gye, and has even reached the outskirts of the capital."

"Perhaps not long from now, Goryeo will usher in a change of dynasty."

"Moreover, Yi Seong-gye revered our Great Ming Dynasty. His officials expressed their reverence for the Emperor and the Great Ming Dynasty through the Ministry of Personnel."

"He stated that once the internal turmoil in his country ended, he would definitely send envoys to pay tribute to the Ming Dynasty."

Lu Ben further elaborated on the situation within Goryeo, giving Zhu Yuanzhang a more comprehensive understanding of the situation there.

"Prince."

Zhu Yuanzhang turned his gaze to Zhu Biao and asked directly, "What is your opinion on the situation in Goryeo?"

In recent years, although the Ming Dynasty has focused all its efforts on internal affairs, mainly targeting the Northern Yuan, it has been committed to reclaiming lost territory and restoring the Han Chinese homeland.

However, within the vast territory of the Ming Dynasty, there were also many small countries bordering the Ming.

Under the might of the Ming Dynasty, some small countries respected it and voluntarily submitted, paying tribute regularly to demonstrate their loyalty. Others, however, overestimated their strength and attempted to oppose the Ming, even deploying troops on the border to challenge its authority. But for these small countries, they were merely minor troubles for the Ming; if war were to break out, dealing with them would not be difficult.

The Northern Yuan, however, was the true threat to the Ming Dynasty, like a sword hanging over its head, constantly threatening the Ming's safety.

"Father."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment, then said with great confidence, "Your subject thinks that we should let Goryeo fight amongst itself."

"This Yi Seong-gye is a smart man; he knows how to get along with my Great Ming in the future."

"After this successful northern expedition, the Northern Yuan will no longer be able to form a tripartite balance with our Great Ming."

"If Yi Seong-gye dares to provoke the Great Ming, then let him know what the might of the Great Ming is."

When Zhu Biao said these words, his face carried the confidence of a crown prince of a great nation, exuding an air of imperial dominance.

Upon hearing Zhu Biao's words, Zhu Yuanzhang's face immediately showed emotion. He nodded approvingly and said, "Biao'er is right. These words already have the air of an emperor."

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was filled with satisfaction and joy; he was very pleased with Zhu Biao's performance.

In his view, Zhu Biao had fully matured into a responsible and strategic crown prince, possessing the ability to govern the country and, more importantly, the ability to deal with external affairs.

Hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's praise, the court officials were naturally not surprised.

After all, the relationship between the current emperor and his son is harmonious, unlike the tense and confrontational situation of previous dynasties.

The current emperor trusts the crown prince implicitly and has no concern whatsoever that the crown prince will usurp the throne.

Because in the emperor's eyes, everything in the future would belong to Crown Prince Zhu Biao anyway, and everything he did was to pave the way for the crown prince and help him to better inherit the throne and govern the country.

"But Father."

Zhu Biao changed the subject, smiling as he looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and said, "In just over three months, the end of the year will be approaching, and next year there is a major event that our court needs to handle with all its might."

As Zhu Biao spoke, his eyes sparkled with anticipation, as if he was already filled with longing for this momentous event.

"Yes."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly and said with emotion, "Unbeknownst to us, the imperial examination three years have passed again."

"I wonder if this will bring many talented people to our Great Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Yuanzhang's face also showed an expectant expression, as he knew the importance of talented people to the country.

Each imperial examination was an important opportunity for the Ming Dynasty to select talents. He hoped that through this imperial examination, he could recruit more pillars of the nation and inject new vitality into the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty.

“Father, our Great Ming Dynasty is a land of outstanding people and abundant resources, with countless talents emerging. This special imperial examination will certainly not disappoint you.”

Zhu Biao said with a smile, his tone resolute.

He knew that countless talents were hidden across the vast territory of the Ming Dynasty, just waiting for an opportunity to stand out and serve the country.

Enko is the way.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, then said gently, "This special imperial examination will still be overseen by the Crown Prince, with the Ministry of Rites providing full support."

still.

Zhu Yuanzhang had complete trust in Zhu Biao, and naturally had no worries about entrusting such an important imperial examination to him.

"Your son obeys your order." Zhu Biao responded immediately.

"Your subject obeys the decree." Lü Ben immediately accepted the order, as he naturally had the responsibility to fulfill the important duties of the Ministry of Rites in the special imperial examinations.

The special imperial examination was an important way for the Ming Dynasty to select officials, so it was naturally extremely important.

After the founding of the Ming Dynasty, except for the first imperial examination which was personally presided over by Zhu Yuanzhang, all subsequent imperial examinations were presided over by Zhu Biao.

This was also to cultivate Zhu Biao's own faction, since the officials selected after the special imperial examinations, personally overseen by Zhu Biao, were all the Crown Prince's protégés.

These people will later serve Zhu Biao wholeheartedly and become his capable assistants in ruling the world.

"correct."

Zhu Yuanzhang seemed to suddenly remember something: "Has the Ministry of War recorded all of Zhu Ying's military achievements?"

"Your Majesty," Tang Duo replied hastily, "the Marquis of Champion's military achievements have all been recorded."

"Moreover, it's not just the Marquis of Champion. All the generals who have made meritorious contributions in the Northern Expedition, and all the officers above the rank of Vice Commander, have had their battle achievements recorded. Once the Northern Expedition is successful, the Emperor can reward them according to their merits."

When Tang Duo spoke, his words were clear and logical, leaving no room for error.

"So good."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled with satisfaction and nodded.

He was very satisfied with the rigorous attitude of Tang Duo in charge of the Ministry of War.

The Ministry of War did so, and the records of the rewards and honors were kept.

This is the only way to ensure that the soldiers' efforts are rewarded and to motivate them to fight bravely on the battlefield.

Then, Zhu Yuanzhang looked thoughtful, as if he had thought of something important.

"The Marquis of Champion has made numerous military achievements in this Northern Expedition. His wife and children have been in Yingtian for a long time. The Crown Prince once summoned them, so we should meet them too."

Zhu Yuanzhang said slowly, his tone revealing a hint of concern: "Yunqi, after the court meeting is over, go and convey my oral decree. Bring Zhu Ying's wife and children to the palace for an audience."

"We will bestow upon you a feast as a reward."

This naturally expresses the high regard for Zhu Ying.

"This slave takes the order."

Upon hearing the emperor's order, Yun Qi immediately stepped forward and respectfully responded.

……

The Zhu family mansion!

"Mother, come and catch me!"

"mother……"

In the spacious courtyard of the Zhu residence.

Zhu Ying has been on the expedition for nearly nine months.

When they parted, Zhu Xi was only a few months old; now she is over a year old.

At first they could only take unsteady steps, but now they can run happily.

He was dressed in an exquisite white and gray gown. Zhu Xi inherited the excellent genes of her father and mother and was very cute. Her pink face was like a ripe apple, making people want to pinch it.

It's foreseeable that he'll grow up to be a dashing and handsome young man.

of course.

Compared to his father Zhu Ying's fierce and valiant military bearing, Zhu Xi had a more scholarly air about him. His eyes were bright and intelligent, as if he were full of curiosity about everything around him.

"Xi'er, your bottom is just itchy."

Shen Yu'er followed behind her son, a helpless smile on her face.

"He's always causing trouble."

Shen Yu'er gently scolded him, but her tone was full of doting affection.

She didn't understand what it meant to be disliked by dogs even at one or two years old before, but now Shen Yu'er completely understands.

This little guy seems to have endless energy. He's always running around the house, never still for a moment. He's really reached an age where even dogs would find him annoying!
This time!

Lin Fu walked towards them and immediately picked up little Zhu Xi in his arms. His movements were gentle and practiced, as if he had done this countless times before.

“Uncle Lin”.

As soon as Xiao Zhu Xi saw Lin Fu holding her, she immediately broke into a bright smile, full of innocence and joy.

"You're back."

Zhu Xi asked excitedly, "Did you bring me anything to eat?"

As she spoke, Zhu Xi's eyes widened, filled with anticipation.

“My young master wants something to eat, so of course this old servant will bring it to him.”

Lin Fu said with a smile, looking at his young master with an exceptionally warm smile and eyes full of love for Xiao Zhu Xi.

Subsequently.

Lin Fu pulled a rice ball directly from his sleeve; it smelled delicious.

"Grandpa Lin is still the best." Zhu Xi happily took the rice dumpling and immediately said ingratiatingly.

"Young lady."

Lin Fu, holding little Zhu Xi, turned to face Shen Yu'er.

He bent his back slightly and bowed, showing no less respect even though he was regarded as an elder by Mr. and Mrs. Zhu.

Shen Yu'er looked at her son wriggling in Lin Fu's arms and asked, "Uncle Lin, do you think I should find a tutor to teach Xi'er to read and write?"

Lin Fu looked down at Zhu Xi, who was blinking his big eyes in his arms, and said, "Young Master is only a little over a year old, isn't he a bit too young?"

"Although he is young, I feel that he is more boisterous than a three or four-year-old child."

"I have boundless energy every day."

Shen Yu'er shook her head helplessly, then leaned closer and lowered her voice, her eyes shining: "And this little guy is indeed very smart. When I was in the study, he was playing by the desk and actually memorized more than a dozen words and could even read them out!"

Zhu Xi seemed to understand the praise. Suddenly, she broke free from Lin Fu's embrace, stumbled to the stone table, and pointed her chubby finger at the calligraphy left by Shen Yu'er, mumbling indistinctly, "Heaven...Earth...Man!"

"The young master is so amazing?" Lin Fu looked on in astonishment, completely unexpected: "He's only one year and three months old! And he can already read?"

after all.

It is indeed very rare for a one-year-old to be able to recognize characters.

and this.

no doubt.

It was the effect of the talent that the panel had given Zhu Xi that caused him to be born with the random talent of [Politics].

政。

It contains many things.

Literacy is naturally one of these skills, as only those who can read and write can handle government affairs.

Zhu Xi's ability to recognize characters so quickly is a testament to his talent.

Shen Yu'er squatted down and stroked her son's head: "I tried a few more times, teaching him different words, and he really remembered them all."

talking.

Shen Yu'er looked up at Lin Fu, her eyes full of expectation: "Uncle Lin, don't you think we should invite a doctor?"

Hear this.

After a moment's thought, Lin Fu nodded immediately, his eyes filled with satisfaction for Zhu Xi: "It seems that we really need to find a tutor to teach the young master to read."

"Such talent cannot be wasted."

Hear the words.

“Uncle Lin, could you please take the time to see if there are any learned teachers available?” Shen Yu’er said immediately, then a faint smile appeared on her pretty face: “So that he won’t just be mischievous all day.”

Lin Fu thought for a moment, then his eyes lit up and he suddenly said, "Young Madam, I think if the young master really has a talent for learning, then we should find him a few more teachers."

"We will invite scholars specializing in the classics, history, philosophy, literature, rites, law, politics, and other subjects, and then we will see which subject the young master prefers."

"If the young master is truly talented, then our Zhu family will indeed produce a future top scholar," Lin Fu said happily.

"Great idea!" Shen Yu'er clapped her hands and laughed, agreeing immediately: "Anyway, Uncle Lin, you can go and find someone. As long as they are suitable, our manor will offer them a high salary."

"it is good."

Lin Fugang agreed.

Suddenly, I heard hurried footsteps approaching.

A guard on duty outside the mansion hurried over and immediately bowed: "Madam! Steward Lin! Imperial guards have arrived outside the mansion. They are all wearing red cloaks and seem to be from the palace. I wonder what business they have with you, Madam?"

……

　P.S.: Please support me by following my lead, thank you!

  　　
　
(End of this chapter)