Zhu Yuanzhang Returns from Modern Times

Chapter 119 Wow! Prince Yan, Zhu Di, is this fierce?!
Qiu Fu suppressed his urge to run forward, and immediately drew his bow to its fullest extent, aiming a sharp arrow at Wu Zhong from afar!
If Wu Zhong makes any further moves, they will immediately take action and shoot him dead!

We must protect the prince's safety at all costs.

If something really happens to the prince, they won't need to go back.

I have no face to go back!
Not only Qiu Fu, but the rest of the Prince of Yan's personal guards also had similar reactions.

The atmosphere became extremely tense, with swords drawn and weapons poised to strike.
"Put down your weapons immediately, everyone get out!"

No matter what happens next, none of you are allowed to lay a hand on it!

"I will obey the choice made by the Three Rivers!"

Just then, Zhu Di's voice rang out.

Although his eyes were closed, it was as if he saw everything.

"This is an order, execute it immediately!"

His voice rose, becoming stern.

Qiu Fu hesitated for a moment, then glared fiercely at Wu Zhong.

In the end, he could only suppress his deep worry, put away his weapons, and follow Zhu Di's orders to leave the courtyard.

Only Wu Zhong and Zhu Di remained in the courtyard.

"Your Highness, what will happen to my father and my uncle?"

"Can...can I save my life?"

Wu Zhong spoke, his voice hoarse.

Zhu Di kept his eyes closed: "We were classmates, and I have always regarded you as a friend, a friend closer than ordinary friends."

Now that things have come to this, I won't hide it from you.

Given what they've done, their chances of survival are slim.

Wu Zhong's hand holding the sword trembled slightly.

"It's not that my father is heartless, it's just that the two of them have gone too far."

They colluded with pirates to resell ships and deceived my father, the Emperor, into closing the Maritime Trade Office.

They colluded with pirates, merchants, and many others to share a large amount of profits.

Which of these things, one after another, can be easily forgiven?

Given my father's temperament, it will be very difficult for him to survive.

Even at this critical moment, Zhu Di did not choose to deceive Wu Zhong.

"However, Father still cherishes old feelings."

Even if those two have gone too far, my father will not implicate you people.

Of course, the premise is that you don't betray your country.

If you are able to stay and make some contributions in dealing with the Japanese naval forces, your family will not lose the title of Marquis of Jinghai.

They will not lose the wealth and honor they deserve.

There's a lot of family property to leave behind.

I vouch for these things in my capacity as the King of Yan.

After Zhu Di finished speaking, he fell silent.

Here we wait for Wu Zhong to make his choice.

Wu Zhong stood there silently, sword in hand.

It felt like my feet were rooted to the ground.

After a brief pause, Wu Zhong took further action.

He held the sword in both hands and knelt on one knee before Zhu Di.

"Your Highness, please put this sword away."

Your Highness remembers the time we spent studying in the Great Hall, cherishing the friendship we shared as classmates and the affection we had for each other.

How could I, Wu Zhong, not remember these things?
How could I, Wu Zhong, be the kind of person who can't distinguish right from wrong?

I, Wu Zhong, would never betray the Ming Dynasty!

The navy prepared against Japanese pirates is the navy of the Ming Dynasty, not the navy of my Wu family.

The problem with the navy prepared against Japanese pirates was indeed significant, as it was of mixed quality.

My father's actions were not unrelated to some of the people in the anti-Japanese naval forces.

The Japanese-prepared navy definitely needs a thorough overhaul.

I, Sanjiang, am unworthy, but I am willing to follow Your Highness and do my utmost!
This can be considered a small way of atoneing for the sins of my Wu family, and for my father and uncles.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di opened his eyes.

He bent down and took the sword from Wu Zhong's hand.

Then he lifted Wu Zhong up with all his might, helping him to stand up.

He held Wu Zhong's hands tightly.

"Sanjiang, I knew you would not let down the Ming Dynasty!"

Knowing that the loyal and righteous men of Sanjiang had ideals and aspirations, they were wholeheartedly willing to contribute to the rise of the Ming Dynasty!

My eyes aren't blind; I didn't mistake you for someone else!

"It was Your Highness who arrived in time to undertake this dangerous task despite your noble status."

For someone like me, they condescend to their status and risk extraordinary dangers.

If I, Wu Zhong, were to commit such an act to harm His Highness, then I would truly not be human!

"Haha, good! Why are the Yuan Tartars so unpopular?"
Why did they lose?

How was the Ming Dynasty established and how did it prosper?
My father said that it was because there were so many people who couldn't go on living, who were unwilling to die, and who were unwilling to be humiliated by the Yuan Tartars.

I am willing to do my part and contribute my strength for the sake of my Han people's land.

The Ming Dynasty does not belong to him alone, nor does it belong to my Zhu family; it belongs to all the people of the world!

It is because of people like you, Sanjiang, who are so insightful and righteous, that our Great Ming Dynasty has been able to prosper so much.

My father once said that the Ming Dynasty would prosper, and we should see what he does.

It also depends on our actions.

Ultimately, the world belongs to us young people.

Let us join forces and do something for the Ming Dynasty!
"Regarding the merits of the Three Rivers campaign, I will certainly report the truth to my father!"

Zhu Di was radiant and excited, yet also very sincere.

His words and actions, especially his boldness in drawing his sword and closing his eyes to let Wu Zhong do as he pleased.

At this moment, it appears particularly infectious.

Wu Zhong's initial anxiety gradually subsided.

His pale face flushed red at this moment.

He knew he had made the right choice.

A correct choice that follows one's heart.

Although doing so contradicts the explanation given to him by his father.

But when faced with the greater good of the nation, these things seem to be something that people try to ignore.

Loyalty and filial piety have always been difficult to reconcile.

Moreover, he actually understood that the situation had reached this point.

Regardless of whether he followed his father's instructions and brought people to the sea.

His own father and his own uncle were both doomed.

The matter concerning the Maritime Trade Office was far too significant, to the point that it was simply unforgivable.

His Majesty is also a person with a particularly strong personality.

It was utterly impossible for him to prevent the emperor from harming his father and uncle by leading a group of people outside.

Back then, Chen Youding's old subordinates came to the sea and would harass the coast whenever they had nothing to do.

But what became of Chen Youding?
The grass on the grave has withered and flourished countless times.

The bones are about to rot.

He knew that his father had told him those things, telling him to go to sea.

The real purpose wasn't actually to get myself to go to sea.

Rather, it was to save their own lives.

He feared that staying there would lead to his death, and worried that he would be foolish enough not to leave.

He said that only so that he could leave with a clear conscience.

As a son, he may not understand his father's intentions in other aspects.

But he could still understand these things.

It just goes to show how pitiful parents are.

"Your Highness, what do you require me to do next? Please give your instructions."

Trying to gather his scattered thoughts, Wu Zhong looked at Zhu Di and asked a question.

"Invite as many officers and generals as possible from the anti-Japanese naval forces to the anti-Japanese naval headquarters."

In particular, those former subordinates of the bandits, Chen Youding and Fang Guozhen, troublemakers in the Japanese naval forces, who had committed numerous evils, should be brought to justice as much as possible.

These three hundred of the Prince of Yan's personal guards will disguise themselves as your people and stand guard outside later.

Once they've all arrived, I'll give the order for my guards to take them all away.

Investigate and prosecute them one by one to see what they have done.

Then it will be dealt with according to the law.

Zhu Di didn't stand on ceremony and immediately began discussing his plans with Wu Zhong right there and then.

He ventured deep into the lion's den this time, and the danger he faced was not in vain.

This was done to capture the leader first.

First, we should take down as many influential generals in the Japanese naval forces as possible who have close ties with pirates.

In this way, the situation was brought under control.

With the Chaohu naval force also stationed elsewhere, the remaining men were unlikely to cause any trouble.

Even if it causes some trouble, it's just a minor ailment.

It can be solved very easily.

"Of course, the three rivers can be used to identify the Marquis of Jinghai's confidants."

I won't do anything to them.

Zhu Di added to Wu Zhong.

When handling matters, one should not see things in black and white, nor should one condemn an ​​entire group of people based on a single example.

At this time, Wu Zhong was particularly important.

Offering some appropriate discounts or exemptions is still quite necessary.

Otherwise, it will be very difficult to get things done.

As for Wu Zhen's confidants, after this incident, it will be difficult for them to regain their previous power.

After all, Wu Zhen is gone, and the Japanese naval forces will also undergo a major purge.

Even if these people are not put on hold for the time being, they will be evaluated in the future, and those who are truly suitable will remain in the navy to continue their service.

The rest of them will be transferred to other places.

These are all follow-up measures, and naturally, they wouldn't be discussed with Wu Zhong at this point.

Upon hearing Zhu Di's words, Wu Zhong's unease subsided.

The last trace of hesitation vanished at that moment.

He bowed to Zhu Di, expressing gratitude on behalf of those people for Zhu Di's favor.

"This matter needs to be arranged as soon as possible, and the fewer people who know about it, the better."

Otherwise, with so many people talking, if word gets out even slightly, it could lead to endless trouble!
It would be too difficult to capture all of them in one fell swoop.

Zhu Di solemnly gave instructions to Wu Zhong.

Wu Zhong nodded, indicating that he understood.

With time on their hands and the task heavy, the two of them didn't waste any more time.

He immediately walked out of the garden.

His heart was already in his throat. He had thought about it countless times: how Qiu Fu would die, and the guards of Yanshan.

When Zhu Di and Wu Zhong walked out one after the other, there was no sword held to the Prince of Yan's neck.

He breathed a sigh of relief.

They were all elite soldiers who had experienced countless battles on the battlefield.

At this moment, they all felt completely exhausted.

The extreme torment that lasted less than fifteen minutes was, for them, even more exhausting than experiencing a life-or-death battle.

……

"Young master, isn't this inappropriate?"

"The Marquis's orders are not given in this way."

Li Zhu was extremely surprised when he heard what Wu Zhong said, and quickly tried to persuade him.

Wu Zhong nodded:

"This is indeed different from what my father said, but my father never expected things to change so drastically."

The most important reason my father sent this message was because he was worried about my safety.

I'm afraid I'll be implicated.

But now I have received a promise from His Highness the Prince of Yan that I will not be implicated.

This time, the primary target isn't us, but rather individuals like Feng San within the anti-Japanese naval forces who harbor ulterior motives.

"Young master, you can't believe these words so easily."

"The most ruthless are those in the imperial family..."

Li Zhu still seemed hesitant, and continued to persuade him.

"Uncle Li, things are not as we thought."

The emperor, on the other hand, knew that he had been deceived in the matter of the Maritime Trade Office.

The emperor was well aware of the numerous interactions between the Japanese navy, pirates, and maritime merchants.

This is the fundamental reason why the emperor would mobilize such a large force.

Now that things have come to this, there really aren't many other options.

The current choice is the best one.

If you do well, you can even earn merit.

It's not impossible that my father and uncles could also benefit from this.

At this point, forcibly bringing people to the sea would be a sure path to death.

Upon hearing this shocking news, Li Zhu was speechless, his expression shifting repeatedly as he hesitated. Wu Zhong then took out two iron walnuts from his robes and laid them flat on his palms.

"Uncle Li, my father gave this to me when he went to the capital."

"With this in place, Uncle Li, you'll all listen to me."

Upon seeing the two iron walnuts, Li Zhu said no more.

He bowed deeply to the iron walnut in Wu Zhong's hand.

"Your subordinate will obey your orders, young master!" He then turned to carry out Wu Zhong's command.

"Only you, Uncle Li, know about this."

Before the matter is completed, no one may reveal it; it must be kept secret.

We must not let the news leak out.

If word gets out and things go wrong, I'd rather die.

"I'm not going anywhere else, I'll just commit suicide here!"

Li Zhu stopped in his tracks and turned around.

"Please rest assured, young master, I will certainly complete the task without any mistakes!"

Otherwise, you'll have to answer to me with your head!

"Thank you for your hard work, Uncle Li!"

Wu Zhong bowed deeply and respectfully to Li Zhu.

Li Zhu turned and strode away...

……

"What do you mean by the emperor's brat coming here at this time?"

Inside the Japanese naval camp, a muscular man with a full beard that was reddened by years of sea breeze asked a question to the person next to him.

His brows were furrowed.

This man, named Feng San, was a commander of a thousand men in the Japanese naval force.

He was also one of Fang Guozhen's former subordinates who had surrendered.

"Hasn't it already been made clear?"

They said they wanted to see the true quality of our navy—whether it was a navy prepared against Japanese pirates, or one that could only be attacked by them.

"This emperor is really making a mountain out of a molehill. It was just that the Japanese pirates caused a small disturbance in Laizhou."

Only six peasants were killed.

And it didn't cause too much of a commotion.

But he's the opposite; he's refusing to let it go!
Summoning the Marquis of Jinghai to the capital for questioning is one thing.

They even sent his own son here, and now they're using this as an excuse—that's really going too far!

Luo Dapao frowned and said in a muffled voice.

He appeared extremely dissatisfied.

"Go or not?"

Someone else spoke up to ask.

"I'll definitely go! We haven't really fallen out yet."

The naval force to defend against Japanese pirates is very important. As long as the naval commanders at sea exist, the imperial court will never be able to do without the naval force to defend against Japanese pirates.

Despite the emperor's apparent rage, this incident...

But it's nothing more than picking something up high and putting it down lightly.

They dared not do anything excessive.

Feng San spoke up, and the others echoed his sentiments.

"I feel like something's not quite right about this, so it's best to be careful."

A rather thin man who hadn't spoken much spoke up.

This man's name is Qian Deshou.

"What's wrong?"

Feng San asked a question, and the others all turned their gazes toward him.

"If it's just this matter, I don't think the emperor would make a big deal out of it."

Also, are those Chaohu naval forces outside really just transporting supplies northward?

That's a bit too much of a coincidence.

Do you think... it's possible that the emperor discovered their business of smuggling ships?

His voice sounded somewhat solemn.

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the others changed.

But soon someone shook their head: "It shouldn't be. The matter of the sea voyage has always been handled very discreetly, and it's difficult for the emperor to find out."

"Yes, the Chaohu Navy was dealt such a terrible blow before, and its business has already been almost completely lost."

Even Liao Yongzhong is dead.

The emperor gave them a severe beating, so he'll definitely have to offer some sweet treats.

"My people are keeping a close eye on their movements."

After dropping off Zhu Laosi, who was passing by, the Chaohu naval forces continued northward without stopping…

Wu Zhong had just received the message from Li Zhu and hadn't had time to do anything when Zhu Di arrived.

Therefore, at this time, only a very few of Wu Zhen's confidants knew about this news.

It didn't spread at all.

Feng San and Luo Dapao were specifically instructed by Wu Zhen to be wary of them, but those who needed to be guarded against naturally wouldn't know this.

"Old Qian, you're overthinking it. It's nothing."

"The Marquis of Jinghai is not here, nor is the Emperor Zhu; they are just two brats."

What more could we possibly want to think about?
Zhu Laosi only brought three hundred personal guards.

"My naval forces, prepared against the Japanese, have 43,000 brothers!"

"Haha, you're right. We're on our own turf, why would we be afraid of them? Let's go!"

No wonder you never gain weight, Lao Qian.

It's because I overthink things and put too much pressure on myself!

Qian Deshou felt that something was still not quite right.

But I can't quite put my finger on what's wrong.

After listening to these people and thinking about what they said, I realized that it made sense.

It's very likely that I'm overthinking this.

Without saying another word, they headed with them toward the Naval Headquarters for the Defense Against Japanese Pirates...

……

Because of the presence of Prince Zhu Di, the naval headquarters for the defense against Japanese pirates appeared much more solemn than usual.

The main hall of the naval headquarters for the defense against Japanese pirates was already full of people.

There were at least a hundred of them.

Those who are sitting here at this time are all heroes and valiant men of high standing in the anti-Japanese naval forces.

Unlike the somber atmosphere outside, things here seemed rather chaotic.

Even if no one is speaking loudly, a faint buzzing sound can be heard incessantly.

Many of the commanders in the Japanese naval forces were used to being arrogant and domineering.

Even if the person who came at this time was the emperor's own son, it would not be enough to earn their full respect.

With Wu Zhen absent and only Wu Zhong present, they were still not intimidated.

"Everyone, silence!"

Wu Zhong raised his voice, sounding somewhat dissatisfied.

After he spoke, the buzzing stopped.

But it only disappeared for a moment before rising again.

Clearly, many people don't take him seriously.

This made Wu Zhong's face flush slightly.

These people are truly arrogant, domineering, and utterly despicable!
When his father was alive, he once gathered a large group of people to discuss matters.

He watched the whole thing from the sidelines.

How dare these people make such a racket and disregard their father?

Deceiving too much!

While feeling angry, he also increasingly felt that agreeing to His Highness Prince Yan's request to take action against these people was a very wise choice.

The real crime his father committed has not yet been made public. He was the commander of the anti-Japanese naval force, the superior of all those people present.

In their subconscious, these people still believe their father will come back, which is why they dare to disregard them so much.

If everything were to be revealed, he would lead his men to sea.

Many of these people probably wanted to defect right then and there!
It's even possible that they might have allied with pirates and completely wiped out their forces.

Luo Dapao, Feng San, and the others noticed Wu Zhong's changing expression and couldn't help but chuckle to themselves.

Luo Dapao nudged Feng San lightly with his shoulder and whispered, "This little brat, does he really think he's his father?"

In terms of social standing, we are all his uncles and elders.

How dare this little brat act so arrogantly in front of us?
Do you really think he's the commander of this naval force prepared against Japanese pirates?
Feng San smiled upon hearing this: "The child is too young, he hasn't even shed a drop yet, he doesn't know any better."

After experiencing a few more things, you'll understand.

"They've turned him into a fool in the main hall, taught by those stinking Confucian scholars."

The Yuan Dynasty divided various professions into ten ranks, with Confucian scholars ranking ninth.

Now that Zhu Yuanzhang has pacified the country and established a Han Chinese homeland, he has abolished all of these things.

Even so, when certain things happen, some people will still bring this up again and curse the Confucian scholar as a "stinking intellectual."

Just then, a whip cracked, and twenty burly guards in full armor cleared the way.

Then a man dressed in a dragon robe walked in.

This commotion immediately silenced all the officers.

They stood up one after the other and bowed to Zhu Di, who had already walked to the main seat at the front.

He addressed the Prince of Yan as a greeting.

"Everyone, please rise."

Zhu Di spoke with an imposing presence.

Although they were about the same age as Wu Zhong, the dragon robes they wore made these proud and fierce soldiers in the Japanese naval force appear much more respectful.

No one dared to whisper anymore.

"I have come here to see what the Japanese navy is like, and whether it still has any fighting power!"
Was it a naval force prepared against Japanese pirates, or a naval force that was attacked by Japanese pirates?

Or perhaps, a navy that only knows how to hide and sleep in its defensive positions!

Zhu Di's expression was serious. He didn't say any unnecessary pleasantries and went straight to the point, adopting a posture of questioning and punishing.

The scene was quiet for a while.

"We certainly have the fighting strength! These mere Japanese pirates are nothing to worry about!"
It was merely a surprise attack on Laizhou.

In a real, bloody battle, these Japanese pirates are nothing!

The person who spoke was Luo Dapao.

This man had a fiery temper, and even when Zhu Di, a prince, said these words, he still disagreed.

"Yes, how can mere Japanese pirates be compared to my elite naval forces?"

Feng San and the others spoke up one after another.

The scene became lively, as if the words spoken by Zhu Di had offended them and aroused their strong fighting spirit.

Zhu Di didn't take it to heart and stood there looking at everyone.

After the noise subsided, he nodded and said:

"Good! I also hope that you all are capable and brave warriors, people who dare to fight and struggle!"

Luo Dapao, Feng San, and the others exchanged glances secretly.

Although no words were spoken, everything was understood without being said.

Even the emperor's little brat is nothing special.

They came out strong and arrogant, thinking that as the emperor's son, he could do whatever he wanted and that they should all listen to him. They wanted to confront and punish them.

Let's see what he can get out of him!

"Then I have another question for you all: are you the imperial navy's naval force for defending against Japanese pirates, or the naval force of smugglers?"
Should they be loyal to the imperial court, or to the two pirate groups led by Chen Fang?

Zhu Di's question was like a bolt from the blue.

Suddenly, many people present were shaken and their expressions changed drastically!
Some people have already realized that something is wrong.

That pig-brat Zhu Laosi, he's up to no good!

How dare he ask such a question? What does he mean by that?!

"Of course it's the imperial navy, and of course they're loyal to the imperial court!"
We are utterly loyal, Your Highness, why do you say such a thing and ask such a question?

Wouldn't this chill the hearts of loyal and righteous officials?

Luo Dapao responded with his head held high.

Feng San and others, having succeeded, offered their support.

Once the money is received, the eyes dart around nervously, a sense of unease creeping in, ready to leave at any moment.

"it is good!"

Zhu Di cheered.

"I also believe that you are loyal to the court!"

But these are just words; I don't believe them. I need to examine them and let the facts speak for themselves!

Upon hearing Zhu Di's words, Luo Dapao and the others were filled with shock and anger!
The emperor's piglet has come here to show off his power!
But he forgot that this was the territory of the Japanese naval forces, the territory of the Japanese pirates!

It's not the palace!

When the dragon comes, coil up; when the tiger comes, lie down!

He's more like a piglet trying to show off than his father!
I don’t know how high the sky is and how high it is!

"Men! Seize him!"

Just then, Zhu Di suddenly shouted.

Feng San, Luo Dapao, and others were shocked.

Immediately, the sound of armor clashing rang out, and with a bang, the door was kicked open, and a large group of armored soldiers filed in!

(End of this chapter)