Ming Dynasty: The Crocodile King of Han Prince Zhu Gaoxu's Family

Chapter 315 My Name is Wang Tiezhu 2
But then one day, everything slowly began to change in an incredible way.

During Emperor Taizong's fifth expedition against the Oirat Mongols on the grasslands, Emperor Taizong suddenly passed away on the return journey. Then, my commander, Prince Han, was inexplicably escorted back to the capital.

Then, along with many of my brothers, I was inexplicably exiled to Shandong and other places. However, I felt that none of this concerned me, because no matter where I was or who was the general, I would only be a lowly soldier, and no one would make things difficult for me.

A so-called "grunt" is someone who can survive anywhere as long as they're fed. Anyway, although the monthly pay isn't much, it's enough for me to have a few drinks and enjoy myself at a shady place.

Judging by the timeline, it must have been a few days after Emperor Taizong's coffin was transported back to Beijing when, for some unknown reason, the commander of the 3,000-strong battalion, Prince Han, suddenly arrived at the military camp late at night. He led his troops in an uprising, claiming that Emperor Taizong's death was suspicious and that he wanted to avenge him. He then immediately led us in an army, and we successively captured several cities. I joined the others in this movement, and of course, I also beheaded two people and amassed a little money—not much, but enough to cover my expenses for a trip through the back door.

Although we all knew that the Prince of Han was planning a rebellion, we still followed in his footsteps without hesitation. Not for any other reason than to be able to eat our fill here and perhaps gain some extra spoils after conquering the city.

That day, after the battle ended, I was still idly sitting in the stable when someone came to summon me, and I was called away. When I arrived at the drill ground, I learned that the Prince of Han wanted to select some soldiers to go to Yunnan, to serve as guards for the Princess and the Crown Prince.

Although I didn't know what the situation would be, I still signed up. On the one hand, going to Yunnan might mean I wouldn't have to fight, and maybe I could live a little longer, since I'm already thirty-three years old; on the other hand, I'm single, so it doesn't matter where I am, and who knows, I might even be able to retire comfortably in Yunnan.

And so, I arrived in Yunnan with the main force. Along the way, I even discovered General Hu Tian, ​​the prince's absolute confidant, who was actually the general leading the expedition. But General Hu Tian was a high-ranking general, and it was just that I knew him, but he didn't know me.

Of course, I've also dreamed of becoming a general. But I know it's just a dream. But then I thought, even if I don't become a general, being a squad leader would be enough for me in this life!

But after arriving in Yunnan, I realized that I had been overthinking it; there was fighting going on in Yunnan too!

Upon arriving in Yunnan, I heard that some small chieftain tribes dared to disobey the royal court's orders. So, General Hu Tian led us to conquer those tribes. I was astonished. Had the chieftains gone mad? His Highness the Crown Prince was the son of the most powerful prince in the Ming Dynasty! How dare any chieftain disobey his orders! They were courting death! This is nothing like me; I'm very obedient, which is why I've lived so long!

I must say, the military parade His Highness held before the departure of the chieftains was truly impressive, especially the distribution of rewards, wine, and meat. Although I only drank a bowl of wine and ate a piece of meat, it still made me very happy. Therefore, I've decided to teach those chieftains a lesson for His Highness! You heard me right, it's because of a bowl of wine and a piece of meat that I've decided to risk my life for His Highness! After all, I'm just a nobody; my life is enough for me!
Of course, I dismissed the rumors about distributing land. After all, it was precious land; even the most barren land, who would complain about having too much and giving it away? It must be just a rumor circulating in the military!

However, after arriving at the territories of those chieftains, although we only fought one battle, I discovered that the chieftain soldiers were truly incompetent.

I suddenly realized how easy it was for me to defeat those lowly chieftain soldiers! I suddenly had a feeling that I must be an elite soldier!
Later, although I don't know what happened during the process, we withdrew our troops, which I regret because we were unable to continue to demonstrate our elite strength.

Immediately afterwards, a military order came in, saying that a naval force was to be selected.
Although I had never seen it, I certainly knew about the navy. After all, the navy of my great Ming Dynasty was renowned overseas! Out of my curiosity about the sea, I signed up to join the navy.

But after joining the navy, I was surprised to find that because I had been trained among the three thousand horses and was familiar with them, I was assigned a horse, armor, and a lance. I had actually become a noble cavalryman! Thank you, Your Highness! It must be Your Highness's wine and meat that blessed me! Overwhelmed with excitement, I silently thanked Your Highness in my heart. Soon after, I also had my own groom! But I still preferred to bathe, feed, and salt the horses myself.

Not long after the naval selection, orders came from the army that His Highness the Crown Prince was to attack Guangdong and Guangxi. Everyone was reluctant, because they hadn't gained much from the previous campaign against the local chieftains.

But since no one had the right to resist, they had no choice but to go along.

But I was very happy, after all, I am now a cavalryman, with a fast horse, long sword, spear and thick armor, I am not afraid of anything!
The campaign to Guangdong and Guangxi was quite simple; there was practically no fighting along the way. The people of Guangdong and Guangxi simply surrendered, which I find regrettable. After all, I'd never experienced the feeling of a cavalry charge. Of course, it was also because I didn't earn any extra money.

After the army roamed around Guangdong and Guangxi for a while, His Highness the Crown Prince surprisingly ordered an attack on Annam! Everyone was excited, because battle meant extra money. As for whether they would lose their lives, that was up to fate. After all, they were all people who lived on the edge, their lives hanging by a thread; death was no big deal!
On the way to Annam, this was the second time I saw His Highness the Crown Prince, and his imposing figure was deeply imprinted in my heart.

At that very moment, in that instant, I made a decision: From now on, I, Wang Tiezhu, will follow His Highness the Crown Prince! It was His Highness the Crown Prince who transformed me from a groom into a noble cavalryman!

As for the rumors circulating in the army about land distribution, I still don't believe them. After all, it's land! How could those high and mighty nobles possibly give land to us lowly soldiers? It's absolutely a lie!

Therefore, I have always been disdainful of the land redistribution issue, even though others discussed it enthusiastically; I never participated. Because I had my own goals.

Right now, all I want to do is kill as many enemies as possible through the cavalry route, save up some money, get married, buy some land, and live a better life. For this, I've even given up drinking, and I've only visited the brothel once every few months!

That's how people are. When I was a stable boy, I never thought about getting married, buying land, or what the future would hold. But after I became a cavalryman, I started thinking about these things.

I told myself, this must be an inspiration from the Crown Prince! His Highness is indeed the most remarkable person in the world!
Sailing at sea is incredibly boring. After throwing up a few times, I've long since gotten used to life at sea. Now, when I look at those who are still throwing up, I just feel contempt!

Annam wasn't far away either; we arrived at sea in just a few days. We first landed in a prefecture in Annam, but I can't remember what it was called.

I remember riding a horse and charging into battle with the army. That was the first time I fought as a cavalryman, using my long sword to cut down enemies. That's when I realized that the blood of foreign tribes was also red.

After the battle, I was thrilled because I had distinguished myself; I had beheaded three! And because some cavalrymen had died in action, I naturally became a squad leader! That was something I had never dared to imagine before! Cavalry Battalion Squad Leader—Wang Tiezhu. What an impressive name!
I thought life would continue as I planned, until I saved enough money to get married.

(End of this chapter)