Zhutian: Starting from the Space-Time Merchant

Chapter 331 Chang Yuchun storms into the White Tiger Hall

"Sister~"

The door was slowly pushed open, and Guo Guo'er, with her arms bulging, carefully entered.

He closed the door and jogged over.

He took out a steamed bun wrapped in oil paper from his pocket and handed it over, saying, "Are you hungry? Eat up."

Putting down her pen, Ma Xiuying smiled wryly as she took the steamed bun, then pulled Guo Guo'er's hand, gesturing for her to look at the table beside her.

On the table were bowls of mutton soup that had been eaten, and spring noodles.

“Your sister was only punished by being confined to her home to reflect on her actions; she wasn’t locked up in jail waiting to be dealt with.”

Gently rubbing Guo Guo'er's pretty face, Ma Xiuying's smile remained unchanged. "I still want to thank you. Guo'er has grown up and knows how to cherish her older sister."

"I'll eat this steamed bun for lunch."

Guo Guo'er hugged her sister and snorted in dissatisfaction, "Doesn't the Prince of Ming cherish his sister anymore?"

“You’re still young, you don’t understand.” Ma Xiuying hugged Guo Guo’er and patted her back gently. “If that were the case, your older sister wouldn’t be here copying characters from a literacy book.”

"I just said I've grown up."

"Now they say I'm still too young."

Guo Guo'er sat up straight, grumbling, "Sister, what happened? Why did Prince Ming suddenly confine you to your quarters?"

The question made Ma Xiuying slightly flustered, and a blush rose on her pretty face as she changed the subject.

"Don't ask such nonsense, you little kid!"

"You're talking nonsense." Guo Guo'er stood up with a resentful look and ran to the air conditioner to cool off. "Fine, don't say anything then, I won't bring you any steamed buns tomorrow."

Ma Xiuying smiled without saying a word, picked up her pen and continued copying.

This is the punishment that the King of Light gave himself: to copy it one hundred times. He should do his best to finish it.

Guo Guo'er pulled over a chair and sat down in front of the air conditioner. She picked up the fruit plate on the table and started eating by herself.

For a moment, the only sounds in the room were the frosting of pen nibs on paper, the soft hum of the air conditioner, and the chewing of fruits.

After an unknown amount of time, Ma Xiuying, having finished writing page after page of literacy books, raised her wrist to look at the wristwatch given to her by the Ming King.

"Guo'er, you should go to the small kitchen."

She called Guo Guo'er over and instructed her, "~Use plenty of oil when stir-frying bamboo shoots~"

"~Stir-fry~"

"~First, rinse it with water~"

"~Pay attention to the heat~"

After giving her some instructions, he pushed the girl out the door, saying, "Remember, Mingwang Catering must not be handled by others."

She was punished by being confined to her home and forced to write, so most of her work was handed over to Guo Guo'er.

He sat back down at the table, picked up the now-cold steamed buns, tore them apart piece by piece, and stuffed them into his mouth.

The scene from that night resurfaced in my mind.

It left such a deep impression on me that I will never forget it.

"That old traditional Chinese medicine doctor is truly a miracle worker!"

"The drug's effects are too strong."

"I'm so tired!"

"My back is killing me from all the shaking."

The main hall of the military camp.

Lin Dao pinned a gold double-sword apricot-leaf honor medal to Xu Da's chest, who was standing tall and proud.

He picked up the beautifully crafted certificate of honor and handed it over.

After the medal-awarding ceremony was completed, Lin Dao raised his hand to indicate, "Sit down and let's talk."

After the two sat down, Lin Dao got straight to the point: "As you know, I'm currently preparing for the Northern Expedition."

"This was not a simple military operation, but a war of annihilation aimed at completely destroying the Yuan Dynasty."

"I intend to divide my forces into three routes and advance simultaneously."

"The western detachment marched from Huguang and headed straight for Tongguan, entering Guanzhong and advancing into the northwest."

"For this journey, I plan to use the reorganized Tianwan Army as the main force, with Chen Youliang as the chief general and Feng Guosheng as the deputy."

Upon hearing the Ming King's explanation of this strategic arrangement, Xu Da, well aware of his own position, did not say much.

"I will personally lead the central route to Bianliang City to relieve the siege of Bianliang City."

"Afterwards, they entered the heart of the Secretariat, went north along the Taihang Mountains, and reached places such as Datong and Yunzhong. Their troops then approached the capital and joined forces with the Eastern Route Army."

Lin Dao dipped his finger in tea and drew lines on the table.

"There is also the eastern route, which will send troops from the Huai River region northward to Shandong, Hebei, and other places, heading straight for Dadu!"

His gaze was fixed on Xu Da.

"I hereby appoint you as the commander-in-chief of the Eastern Route Army."

Even Xu Da, who was known for his composure and calmness, couldn't help but feel excited upon hearing this.

Northern Expedition!

Not only in the two rivers region, but also with their military might pointing directly at Dadu (Beijing)!

It's been four hundred years.

It has been four hundred years since the puppet emperor ceded the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, and the northern border has fallen into the hands of the barbarians.

In the past four hundred years, only last year's three Red Turban armies from Bianliang City launched a northern expedition and managed to cross the border, but unfortunately they were ultimately annihilated by the landlords' armed forces.

Now, the Ming King is launching another northern expedition to recover the lost territories of the Han people.

This sense of mission, passed down for hundreds of years, fell on his shoulders, which made Xu Da feel excited and unable to contain himself.

Being poor cares themselves, being wealthy cares the world.

When life is uncertain and people are living worse than dogs, everyone naturally prioritizes self-preservation and survival.

But when one's status and position reach a certain level, a sense of mission will arise, urging one to do what needs to be done.

One can imagine how excited he was to personally participate in such a great battle that will be remembered for thousands of years.

Xu Da stood up and solemnly performed a grand salute.

"This humble general is willing to die for his country!"

Lin Dao helped him up and sat him down again.

"Do you have someone you'd like to appoint as your deputy general?"

Xu Da already had someone in mind: "Your Majesty, this humble general prefers General Chang Yuchun for assistance."

He further explained, "General Chang is brave and fierce, and he is invincible on the battlefield, commanding respect from all three armies."

"By working in harmony with me, we can achieve twice the result with half the effort."

The commander is steady and calm, and the deputy commander is skilled in battle; it is indeed a very good combination.

"Chang Yuchun~"

Lin Dao was naturally aware of Chang Yuchun's current situation.

Chang Yuchun was originally eager to gain military merit in the great battle against Chen Youliang, and thus be reinstated to his original position.

Unexpectedly, Chen Youliang surrendered.

Not only did I make a wasted trip, but I didn't even receive a medal for participating in the war. I did receive some financial rewards, similar to a travel allowance.

Back in Jinling City, he continued to work as the head coach.

Lin Dao nodded, "Okay."

At this time, Chang Yuchun was unaware that he was about to return to the battlefield.

He was accompanying the pregnant Lady Lan to the temple of the Goddess of Fertility to fulfill a vow.

“Last time, Xiuying accompanied me. When she offered incense, she was even more devout than I was.”

Lan offered incense to fulfill her vow, and even pulled Chang Yuchun along, saying, "I wonder how she is now."

"Sir, could you please put in a good word for me?"

Chang Yuchun glared at him and said, "What nonsense are you talking about?"

"This is a matter concerning the Ming King's household; what right do I have to speak on it?"

"They say getting pregnant makes you stupid, and you really are stupid."

As everyone knows, Ma Xiuying, who was in charge of the affairs of the Ming King's harem, was suddenly placed under house arrest.

This was an order personally given by the Ming King.

But no one knew what she had done to be grounded.

She didn't say it herself!

Everyone tacitly agreed that this was a matter concerning the Ming King's inner quarters, and no one could possibly say anything about it.

As her best friend, Lan Shi still wanted to persuade her husband to help.

But then came an impatient shout from behind, "That's enough! Stop hogging the toilet, we need to burn incense!"

The couple turned their heads and saw a richly dressed young man leading a beautiful woman, waiting to offer incense.

Chang Yuchun narrowed his eyes.

Given his temper, he should have given this person a good beating right now.

But this is, after all, a temple dedicated to the Goddess of Fertility.

Thinking of bringing good fortune to her unborn son, she suppressed her anger and only glared at the young man.

Unexpectedly, instead of frightening the young man, it aroused his evil intentions.

"Look at you!"

"Believe it or not, I'll throw you in jail?"

"Get out of here!"

Now that's it, Chang Yuchun, whose anger has exceeded his threshold, immediately stepped forward.

The young man's servant rushed up to try to stop him, but was knocked to the ground by Chang Yuchun's punch and kick.

"Don't come any closer!"

The young man screamed and backed away, waving his hands repeatedly, "My father is Vice Minister Li of the Ministry of War—he can send you to jail with just one note!"

Chang Yuchun stopped in his tracks, looking at him with suspicion. "Are you Li Shanchang's son? I remember he didn't have a son."

"I am Li Shen, my father's adopted son!"

Li Shen, thinking he had intimidated Chang Yuchun, laughed smugly, "Now kneel down and kowtow to me to admit your mistake!"

'Boom! '

Chang Yuchun's iron fist slammed into Li Shen's mouth and nose.

Suddenly, his lips and teeth started to leak air, and his nose started bleeding profusely.

Chang Yuchun didn't waste any words and immediately started punching and kicking him.

He was a fierce general who had been on the battlefield. Even though he deliberately held back, Li Shen was still beaten so badly that he had broken bones.

After escorting Lan Shi home to rest, Chang Yuchun rode out and arrived at the temporary location of the Ministry of War.

After the establishment of the government in Kaiya, Lindao gradually established a formal administrative body.

The Six Ministries were the most important administrative units.

There is no such thing as a civil minister in the Ministry of War. The position is temporarily vacant and will be filled by someone with outstanding military achievements after the Northern Expedition.

The daily operations were handled by two vice ministers who held the title of acting vice minister.

One is Li Shanchang, and the other is Shi Nai'an.

The Ministry of War's temporary location was situated to the west of the Prince's Palace.

The White Tiger, one of the Four Divine Beasts, is located in the west.

This place is also a strategically important military location, so in private, everyone calls it the White Tiger Hall.

At this moment, Li Shanchang and Shi Nai'an were sitting together discussing matters such as the distribution of military funds and the mobilization and replenishment of troops.

But then they heard a commotion outside.

Before the two could even frown and ask, Chang Yuchun, with an unfriendly expression, strode in, sword in hand.

The two hurriedly got up, first chasing away the people who had followed them in, and then asked in confusion.

"General Chang, what is the meaning of this?"

Chang Yuchun's gaze fell on Li Shanchang.

The scrutinizing gaze made Li Shanchang feel extremely uncomfortable.

When Chang Yuchun spoke, he recounted what had happened at the Temple of the Goddess of Fertility that day.

Li Shanchang was trembling with anger.

"Nonsense! Nonsense!"

"I don't have such an adopted son!"

"I wonder which bastard he sprang up from in some remote mountain village!"

Li Shanchang bowed repeatedly, saying, "General Chang, rest assured, after I finish my shift, I will definitely give him a good talking-to when I get home before kicking him out of the house, to give you an explanation!"

Although Chang Yuchun is now just a head coach.

But he was a favorite general in the eyes of the Ming King.

As soon as the time is right, we can take off immediately.

For the sake of some worthless adopted son, Li Shanchang was no fool to offend such a favorite of the Ming King!
Chang Yuchun, who came to demand an explanation, felt his anger lessen slightly upon seeing the sincerity of the man's attitude.

He didn't say much, but just gave Li Shanchang a deep look.

After bowing with clasped hands, he turned and left.

We're waiting to see what Li Shanchang does next.

If words and actions don't match, this matter isn't over!

Chang Yuchun was already being kind by not bullying others, yet he was actually bullied himself?

Turn on the toilet light!

Only after Chang Yuchun left did Li Shanchang breathe a sigh of relief.

He gave a wry smile to Shi Nai'an, who was watching the commotion from the side, and said, "It's an unfortunate family affair. Please excuse my foolishness."

Shi Nai'an, who was watching the melon, had a gleam in his eye.

This needs to be written down!
(End of this chapter)