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

Chapter 206 Zhu Ying: It really is Zhu Di!!
"So be it if we return empty-handed."

"Now, the Northern Expedition is decided, and the victory is achieved."

"All soldiers who ventured deep into the northern frontier to fight will be rewarded." Guo Ying raised his head slightly, looking towards the northern frontier, and spoke slowly, his voice not loud but conveying an undeniable composure.

After all, as Guo Ying said, going deep into the northern border is like putting oneself in a life-or-death situation. Although there is an opportunity to gain merit, it is also full of dangers.

Once lost in the process, there is a risk of total annihilation.

As Guo Ying finished speaking, Zhu Quan pursed his lips slightly, swallowing back the words he had been about to say, and remained silent.

"All right."

A hearty smile returned to Guo Ying's face as she looked at Zhu Ying: "The champion marquis has returned victorious from his northern expedition; tonight we should celebrate together."

"Champion Marquis, please go and rest and wash up first. Tonight, I will have a good drink with you."

Say it.

Guo Ying's eyes were also full of anticipation.

"must."

Zhu Ying smiled and replied with a cupped hand.

"Champion Marquis."

Zhu Quan, his face full of enthusiasm, quickly stepped forward: "I've been wanting to have a drink with you for a long time. Don't get drunk tonight."

"We won't leave until we're drunk tonight!" Zhu Ying replied with a loud laugh, his eyes inadvertently glancing at Zhu Di as he spoke.

Compared to Guo Ying and Zhu Quan's excitement, Zhu Di had a smile on his face, but that smile seemed superficial.

Zhu Ying keenly sensed a subtle complexity in the depths of his eyes, suggesting that he wasn't genuinely happy about his victory.

"This Zhu Di is truly a man of deep thoughts," Zhu Ying thought to himself. "I must test him tonight."

immediately!

Zhu Ying clasped his hands in a fist and said loudly, "General, then this humble general will go and rest and wash up first."

"Someone is coming."

Guo Ying raised his voice and ordered loudly, "The Marquis of Champion and all the soldiers who have returned from the Northern Frontier, go to the cook's camp to wash up."

After glancing at the victorious soldiers around him, Guo Ying paused slightly and added, "Also, make sure the cooks prepare plenty of meat and have the wine delivered as soon as possible."

"I accept your orders."

One of the guards responded in response.

immediately.

Under the guidance of Guo Ying's personal guards, Zhu Ying led his troops toward the military camp.

After giving his instructions, Guo Ying's expression turned serious, and he walked hurriedly towards his tent.

Now that the Northern Expedition has been victorious and the Yuan Emperor has been captured, he dares not delay such an important matter.

Having explained the matter, he naturally had to personally write a report on the battle results and submit it to the Emperor.

of course.

Writing it in my own hand is also to take it seriously, so as not to make any oversights at this crucial stage of the end of the Northern Expedition.

"Fourth brother."

Zhu Quan moved closer to Zhu Di, his face full of excitement: "I've never drunk with you before, I must have a good drink with you tonight."

"Alright." Zhu Di replied with a smile and nodded, "Then we brothers will drink until we drop tonight."

While Zhu Di appears happy to you on the surface, he is actually filled with complex and uneasy feelings inside.

"Ugh."

suddenly.

Zhu Quan sighed softly, his expression full of melancholy: "Perhaps after today, it will be difficult to see each other again."

"The Northern Expedition is over, and I am going to take up my post in Daming Prefecture."

Considering the current situation, the Northern Expedition has ended, the great war has come to a close, and he, who came to observe the war, should go to Daning Prefecture to govern a region.

Zhu Yuanzhang had already decreed that without an imperial edict, the princes were not allowed to meet in private, nor could they even have any open correspondence. If they did meet or communicate, they would be immediately handed over to the Imperial Clan Court without further questioning.

This means that after Zhu Quan took up his fief, even though Daning Prefecture and Beiping Prefecture were not far apart, he and Zhu Di would not be able to meet again.

Hear the words.

"Yes."

Zhu Di also sighed, his expression instantly turning melancholy.

It is unclear whether Zhu Quan was depressed because he was about to take up his fief, or because Zhu Ying returned alive from the northern frontier, and with the great achievements of capturing Emperor Yuan and sealing the wolf's lair.

Perhaps, it's a combination of both!

Time passes slowly!
The sun gradually set in the west. News of the triumphant return from the northern frontier spread like wildfire throughout the tens of thousands of troops stationed along the Great Wall.

With insufficient numbers of cooks and logistics personnel, the soldiers of the main combat force spontaneously helped fetch and boil water.

They expressed their respect for the heroes who returned from the northern frontier in their simple and unpretentious way.

now!

The atmosphere inside Zhu Di's tent was somewhat oppressive.

"now."

Zhu Di frowned, his voice low and slow, as if every word carried a heavy weight: "There is no other way."

“You leaked information about your troop strength to the Northern Yuan, but the Northern Yuan still can’t do anything to him.”

Zhu Di paced slowly, his hands behind his back, his fists clenched unconsciously: "Even with a force many times greater than Zhu Ying's, and in the fact that it was the home ground of the Northern Yuan, they couldn't do anything to him."

"Now he has not only returned alive from the northern frontier, but also captured the Yuan Emperor, defeated the Yuan army, and achieved the feat of sealing the wolf's lair, which is unique in history."

"I am not as good as him." Zhu Di's voice was filled with resentment and helplessness.

Before him stood Yao Guangxiao, dressed in a black monk's robe, quietly, like a statue.

Hearing Zhu Di's words, his gaze lowered slightly, and he fell silent.

He was usually a master strategist, but this time, he completely miscalculated.

In his mind, once Zhu Ying entered the northern frontier and got close to the heart of the Northern Yuan, he would face a nine-out-of-ten chance of death.

Because as long as the Northern Yuan knew the detailed troop strength of Zhu Ying's forces, that Zhu Ying only had a mere 50,000 troops, and also knew his purpose, it would be enough to ensure Zhu Ying's certain death.

But now, Zhu Ying has returned unharmed, and with his 50,000 troops, he has brought back more than 40,000 men, defeated the Yuan army, captured the Yuan emperor, and sealed the Wolf-Dwelling Mountain.

This... Yao Guangxiao simply couldn't believe it.

So, at this moment, he was also silent, not knowing what to say.

"Didn't you say you were infallible?"

Zhu Di suddenly stopped, staring intently at Yao Guangxiao with a hint of accusatory anger in his eyes: "Didn't you say that Zhu Ying was bound to die this time? Now, you have nothing to say?"

Faced with Zhu Di's anger, Yao Guangxiao clasped his hands together, slowly raised his head, and said calmly, "This time, I was indeed wrong! I underestimated Zhu Ying's abilities and overestimated the Northern Yuan."

Regarding this statement.

Zhu Di's face was cold, and he snorted, clearly not buying it: "You think you can make amends just because you said one thing wrong?"

"Because of you, I have been burdened with the guilt of disloyalty and injustice."

"Although I may be disappointed that Zhu Ying has returned alive, I am also glad that the soldiers who went to war for the country have returned alive."

"At least, I did not make a truly terrible mistake that led to the deaths of tens of thousands of soldiers in the northern frontier."

"Otherwise, even if I obtain the throne, I will still feel uneasy."

this moment.

Perhaps Zhu Di had some genuine feelings behind these words.

However, what's done is done, and there's no going back.

If Zhu Ying hadn't possessed a "cheat device" like the golden eagle that could observe the earth and avoid all ambushes, he might have truly fallen victim to the Northern Yuan's ambush.

Even if Zhu Ying were to lead his army out, he would suffer heavy losses.

"No one will know that the information was leaked from the prince."

Yao Guangxiao looked at Zhu Di with unwavering eyes and said in a steady voice, "This matter will be buried forever."

"Of course, this humble monk will always be by Your Highness's side. If Your Highness wishes to kill this humble monk, you may do so at any time."

Yao Guangxiao naturally sensed Zhu Di's murderous intent once again, and he knew very well what Zhu Di was thinking at that moment.

They simply wanted to kill him so that everything that happened before would never happen again.

Zhu Di's face turned pale and then red, his expression full of struggle. He stared intently at Yao Guangxiao, his hands clenching and unclenching at times, his heart pounding between killing and not killing.

But in the end, he slowly closed his eyes, took a deep breath, suppressed his murderous intent, and did not make a move.

……

Night fell slowly, like a huge black ribbon, enveloping the entire military camp.

Inside the military camp, on the vast plain, thousands of bonfires roared, their flames soaring into the sky, illuminating the entire training ground as if it were daytime, the firelight flickering. And in the very center, a tall platform had already been set up.

A campfire was also set up above, its leaping flames like joyful dancers.

The air was thick with the rich aroma of meat mingled with the mellow scent of wine throughout the training ground. With the capture of Emperor Yuan and the triumphant return of Zhu Ying, the Northern Expedition was over, and the alcohol ban could be lifted.

Today's banquet is a feast to reward the heroes returning from the northern frontier.

"Soldiers."

Guo Ying straightened up and stood at the edge of the high platform. His voice was as loud as a bell as he addressed the soldiers all over the training ground: "Today you have returned in triumph, made contributions to the country, and accomplished a feat that will shake the world and be remembered in history."

"You are all meritorious officials of my Great Ming Dynasty, and heroes of my China."

between words.

Guo Ying paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over each soldier: "I, Guo Ying, won't waste any more words."

"Today's banquet is a feast to reward you."

"Enough wine and meat, we won't leave until we're drunk."

At this moment, Guo Ying was filled with excitement and boundless pride.

"well."

"This time in northern Xinjiang, we ate dry rations every day until we were sick of them. Today we can finally have some meat."

"Yes. We must eat and drink our fill today, haha, it's been almost a year since I last drank alcohol, and the alcohol ban is finally lifted."

"Very good……"

As soon as Guo Yingyi made the announcement, the entire military camp erupted in cheers. The soldiers cheered excitedly.

Marching and fighting are inherently arduous. If there are cooks and logistics troops to provide support, then the march is slightly better, since they will eat hot meals and will not mistreat the soldiers who are fighting for their lives.

But once they entered northern Xinjiang, things were completely different. Not only did they eat dry rations, but they couldn't even wash themselves.

The hardships they endured over the past few months are unimaginable.

"Soldiers," Guo Ying laughed loudly, "no need to be reserved, let's eat."

immediately.

Guo Ying no longer delayed the soldiers on the training ground from enjoying the food and wine, but turned around and returned to the high platform.

This place is on a high platform.

Zhu Ying and his seven generals were already seated.

Zhu Di and Zhu Quan were naturally among them.

"Champion Marquis." Guo Ying laughed loudly, reached out and picked up the wine bowl, swung his arm forcefully, and toasted Zhu Ying: "No need for further words today. This old man toasts you with a bowl."

"Respectfully, General." Zhu Ying smiled and quickly raised his wine bowl, drinking it down in one gulp with swift and decisive movements.

"Champion Marquis."

Zhu Di also held a bowl of wine, a smile on his face, but the smile was hard to read, and slowly toasted Zhu Yingyi.

Hear the words.

Zhu Ying naturally raised his wine bowl without hesitation and drank it all in one gulp.

Today's reward banquet undoubtedly belongs to Zhu Ying.

Zhu Di, Zhu Quan, and many generals all toasted him.

Everyone was very happy, with smiles on their faces.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became more and more lively.

"General."

Chen Heng suddenly stood up, a hint of anger on his face, and looked at Guo Ying: "This time in the northern frontier, there is something I don't know whether I should say or not."

"What is it? Please speak freely!" Guo Ying frowned and immediately asked, her eyes filled with doubt.

"After approaching the Northern Yuan royal court, the Northern Yuan set up an ambush at the royal court, with three ambushes around it, and more than 300,000 troops were surrounded."

Chen Heng clenched his fists, his voice filled with anger: "The Northern Yuan knows our army's objectives, and they also know our detailed troop strength."

Upon hearing this, Guo Ying's previously calm expression instantly turned gloomy.

"What did you say?"

Guo Ying's voice became serious, her tone filled with disbelief.

If what Chen Heng said is true, then it is a very serious matter. This is a leak of military secrets, which is a major issue.

Just as Chen Heng mentioned this matter, Zhu Ying subtly glanced at Zhu Di.

Obviously.

Zhu Ying deliberately arranged for Chen Heng to speak.

After Chen Heng spoke, Zhu Di maintained his composure on the surface, but his eyes suddenly narrowed in the dim light of the campfire.

This subtle change is not obvious under the cover of night; it is merely a subconscious pause, and others cannot see anything about it.

But Zhu Ying was different.

Even under the cover of night, Zhu Ying's eyes can see as clearly and unobstructed as during the day, because he has spiritual power, and he can clearly sense even the slightest movements.

"It's really him."

With just a subtle movement, Zhu Ying was already certain in his heart: "Zhu Di. It was he who leaked the intelligence and revealed the detailed troop strength of my forces."

Even the slightest movement of Zhu Di was perfectly captured by Zhu Ying.

In that instant, Zhu Ying was certain that Zhu Di was involved in this matter.

Why did he leak information about my troop strength?

"Why would you collude with the Northern Yuan to deal with me?"

“I have no grudge against him, so he has no reason to treat me like this.”

"Could it be that he wants to get his hands on the wine brewed in my distillery by targeting me? And make more money?"

"No, that's not right. Even if he really did kill me, the distillery is still in Yu'er's hands. He can't possibly get his hands on it. That doesn't make sense."

"Could it be because of my official position? I might be stationed in the northern frontier in the future. If he rebels, he might face me. He's afraid of me, afraid of fighting me in battle, so he's plotting to kill me?"

Zhu Ying frowned, lost in thought.

He considered two possibilities, and after thinking about the second one, Zhu Ying felt that it was indeed possible.

Others may not know Zhu Di's ambition, but Zhu Yingke knew it very well.

Having lived two lives, Zhu Di's ambition for the throne was considerable.

Yao Guangxiao had already been by Zhu Di's side for a long time, and if he had wanted to "add white to the king's name," he probably would have already moved Zhu Di.

"Zhu Di."

"I didn't do anything to you, and you're starting to mess with me."

Zhu Ying felt a chill in his heart, and a trace of disgust flashed in his eyes. He had completely developed a dislike for Zhu Di.

He wanted his own life, and the lives of tens of thousands of his soldiers.

Perhaps in his previous life, Zhu Ying greatly admired Emperor Zhu Di, but this admiration was limited to historical accounts.

Now that I live in this era, I am not one to be slaughtered at will.

Let alone Zhu Di, even if it were the old Zhu of Yingtian who wanted to deal with Zhu Ying, Zhu Ying would absolutely not tolerate it.

The idea that a subject must die if the ruler commands it is utter nonsense in Zhu Ying's eyes.

He would kill anyone who wanted him dead.

If Lao Zhu wants him dead, then he'll turn the world upside down.

This is Zhu Ying.

He possesses such strength and resources.

And this time!
Apart from Zhu Ying keeping a close eye on Zhu Di out of the corner of his eye, everyone's gaze immediately fell on Chen Heng after he spoke, and the platform instantly fell silent, with only the crackling sound of the campfire breaking out.

"General Chen."

Guo Ying asked again seriously, her expression grave: "Was what you just said true or false?"

"General."

Chen Heng stepped forward with a serious expression: "After capturing Emperor Yuan, we interrogated him. They do know the detailed troop strength of our army, and even its objectives and routes."

"The Northern Yuan knows everything perfectly well."

"Moreover, Emperor Yuan also said that this was a secret report from our Great Ming."

"Our information has been leaked."

Chen Heng became more and more agitated as he spoke, his hands clenching into fists involuntarily, showing his extreme anger.

……

(End of this chapter)