Zhu Yuanzhang Returns from Modern Times

Chapter 120 Meeting the eldest grandson Zhu Xiong Ying

Luo Dapao, Feng San, and the others were filled with shock and anger, their minds filled with disbelief.

What is that pig-brat Zhu Laosi doing?
Don't you die?

Where does the courage come from?

Do they really dare to use force against them here?!
It is simply the opposite of Tiangang!

This is the headquarters of the naval forces preparing against Japanese pirates!
How dare he act like this!

Also, what is this brat from the Wu family good for?
In such a short time, Zhu Di quietly replaced all the guards outside?!
This is simply unreasonable!
"Fight them!"

"If that bastard won't let us live, we'll kill him!"
After killing that Zhu family brat, we men will go out to sea and live a carefree life!

Even the Zhu family emperors couldn't do anything to us!

Luo Dapao roared, grabbed the stool he was sitting on, and charged at Zhu Di.

These people were inherently unruly and had long been involved with pirates at sea, making them ruthless.

When Zhu Di confronted them with a stern expression, especially after asking whether they were the Ming Dynasty's naval force defending against Japanese pirates or the naval force defending against pirates and merchants, a sense of foreboding arose in their hearts.

At this moment, Zhu Di gave another order, and so many armored soldiers rushed over.

How could they not know that things had reached a critical point?

This pig-brat talks a good game, saying he'll interrogate you after he's captured you, but if he's actually captured, whether you live or die is entirely up to him.

Of course, many of them also know that what they did was truly reckless.

They certainly wouldn't sit idly by and wait to die!

After Luo Dapao took the lead, Feng San and his men also grabbed tables, chairs, and benches and rushed towards Zhu Di!

Because Zhu Di summoned them this time as a prince, these people were not allowed to bring weapons into the room.

This is why, at this point, only tables, chairs, and benches could be used as weapons.

These were also part of Zhu Di's calculations.

"Those who are loyal to my father and loyal to the Ming Dynasty need not worry!"

This has nothing to do with you.

Take immediate action to help the imperial court subdue these rebels!

Not only are they innocent, but they have actually rendered meritorious service!

Wu Zhong also shouted loudly.

Among the hundred or so people present, not only were they all Chen Fang's former subordinates, but his father's confidants were also among them.

If we only invite Chen Fang's old subordinates here, they will definitely become suspicious.

In order to avoid leaks, Wu Zhong did not disclose the news to his father's confidants beforehand.

Of all these people, only Li Zhu knew about the plan.

Therefore, it was very necessary for him to speak up quickly and tell his father's confidants the truth.

To prevent these people from, in their panic, following Feng Sanluo and his ilk in committing acts of treason and insubordination.

This is a crime so serious that it could lead to the extermination of nine generations of one's family!
The twenty armored soldiers who were already guarding Zhu Di immediately stepped forward, holding long spears, and protected Zhu Di behind them.

Zhu Di then pulled Wu Zhong to his side.

When it comes to martial arts, Zhu Di was quite skilled.

But Wu Zhong is a different story.

If Wu Zhong isn't protected, given the current situation, he could very well be killed on the spot by these arrogant and domineering scoundrels in the Japanese navy who are launching a desperate counterattack.

If something like this happens, it will be really bad.

"Keep shouting."

Zhu Di drew his sword from his waist and spoke to Wu Zhong.

His face was solemn, and his eyes, like those of a hawk, were fixed on Luo Dapao and Feng San, the traitors who had suddenly erupted into chaos and were now less than ten feet away from him.

They stood there motionless, as if rooted to the spot.

"Your Highness, please retreat! Leave from the rear; this place is too dangerous!"

Wu Zhong shouted anxiously, trying to stand in front of Zhu Di.
But Zhu Di reached out and pulled him aside.

"I'm not going anywhere. Today, I will stand here and watch these traitors be brought to justice!"

Keep shouting!

Zhu Di's attitude was firm, and he refused to back down an inch.

He remained completely calm as the bandits who had already charged close and were fighting two Yanshan Guard soldiers.

He didn't look scared at all.

Seeing this, Wu Zhong had no choice but to shout desperately again.

Let those who are loyal to his father take action quickly to set things right.

With a soft thud, the sharp spear pierced through Luo Dapao's chest.

The spurting blood flew onto Zhu Di's face.

Zhu Di, however, remained oblivious and stood there straight as ever.

Before he knew it, some blood vessels had appeared in his eyes.

He was prepared to fight personally.

Wu Zhong screamed desperately, urging those loyal to his father to kill the traitors immediately.

They kept shouting that this matter had nothing to do with them, and that killing the thief would bring them merit.

Given the suddenness of the incident, even some of Wu Zhen's loyal followers were thrown into a panic.

But then, upon hearing Wu Zhong's shout and seeing him standing on the chair with two iron walnuts held high in his hand, he knew what to do.

Without further hesitation, he obeyed Wu Zhong's orders and joined forces with Chen Youding and Fang Guozhen's former subordinates.

"Come! You all come with me! Don't go and kill the Prince of Yan!"

That guy did it on purpose; he went there specifically to lure us away and prevent us from leaving!
The more you try to kill him, the more you'll be sucked in there and unable to move!
They'll be surrounded and killed soon!
The most important thing now is to rush out, find our personal guards, and reunite with our troops!
They only have a few hundred people in total. If any of us can break through and pass the message out, we can wipe them out in a flash!

Staying here to fight the Prince of Yan will only lead to death!

Qian Deshou shouted frantically, urging people to rush out with him.

The incident happened suddenly, the scene was chaotic, and shouts of anger were heard everywhere.

His voice doesn't carry far at all.

Most of the people, following Luo Dapao's initial call, charged towards Prince Yan, Zhu Di.

They only thought about capturing the king first, taking down Prince Yan Zhu Di, and securing a way out.

Only five people who were relatively close to the money heard his shout and rushed out with him.

But how easy is it?

By this time, a large number of Prince Yan's personal guards had poured in. Qiu Fu, the commander of Prince Yan's personal guards, was armored, armed, and led his men to guard the entrance.

Upon seeing Qian Deshou and his men arrive, he roared angrily and charged straight at them with his spear, which moved like a raging dragon.

Zhu Yuanzhang was very generous in spending money on his sons.

In his original considerations, he had already planned for his son to guard the border after he came of age.

Therefore, the three guards assembled for his son were all elite soldiers and brave warriors.

This time, Zhu Di was once again venturing deep into the tiger's den, hoping to obtain the tiger cub.

The three hundred guards they brought were the cream of the crop.

At this moment, with the intentional and the unprepared, and all of them fully armored and armed, they were able to easily crush these unarmed and disorganized people.

Whether in terms of numbers, weaponry, or training, they completely overwhelmed their opponents.

A dozen or so breaths later, Qian Deshou, the commander of the Japanese naval force known for his cunning and bravery, had been stabbed seven or eight times and lay in a pool of blood...

The situation was brought under control within 15 minutes.

The sudden yet extremely fierce battle came to an end.

More than thirty officers from the Japanese naval forces were killed on the spot.

More than twenty people were captured.

More than forty people were surrounded on the spot, standing there helplessly, looking somewhat uneasy.

At the naval headquarters for defending against Japanese pirates, corpses lay scattered on the ground, and the stench of blood filled the air.

"Wu Zhong, you will die a horrible death!"
You little brat, you've become a traitor to the Japanese navy!

Despite being a member of the Japanese naval forces, he conspired with others to secretly carry out sabotage.

Those who have so cruelly harmed my Japanese naval forces!
What good will come of your actions today, and what will become of you and your son in the future?

You're digging your own grave, you're courting death!

Feng San, covered in blood, was still defiant, glaring at Wu Zhong and cursing loudly, his face contorted with rage.

"Shut up! The Imperial Navy is the Imperial Navy's naval force for defending against Japanese pirates! It's not anyone's personal naval force for defending against Japanese pirates!"
It is because of so many people like you with ulterior motives that the atmosphere of my anti-Japanese navy has been corrupted.

This has led many in the Japanese-prepared navy to deceive Heaven!
They are incredibly audacious and do whatever they want.

If it weren't for so many madmen like you, how could my father have had so many connections with the river pirates?
Even facing certain death, you still dare to spout such arrogant words?

Wu Zhong shouted curses, his words seemingly an attempt to exonerate his father and uncle.

"Hahaha, go to hell! What do you mean you were misled by us!"
Do you think your dad is a good guy?
He took the initiative to contact us and get many things done!
Now that something has gone wrong, they want to pin all the blame on us?

We don't accept this!

Feng San's face was fierce as he shouted insults at Feng San's face.

There was no longer any respect for Wu Zhen in his words.

They tried their best to implicate Wu Zhen, hoping to drag him down with them and make him suffer a terrible fate.

Little did he know that Wu Zhen had already been captured by the emperor.

"Kill this man!"

Zhu Di looked at Wu Zhong, whose face had turned red, and nodded towards Qiu Fu.

Qiu Fu then stepped forward and thrust out his spear.

One shot was all it took to end Feng San's life.

Although Zhu Di knew that the brothers Wu Zhen and Wu Liang had committed heinous crimes, and that they had probably already been arrested by his father.

However, Wu Zhong's reputation still needs to be preserved to some extent.

He wouldn't do something like discarding a donkey after it has served its purpose.

Upon seeing Zhu Di's action, Wu Zhong cast a grateful glance at Zhu Di.

"Among these people, you know better than I do which are loyal and righteous, and which are heinous criminals."

Sanjiang, you can identify them.

Those who collude with pirates, betray their country, and commit heinous crimes should be executed immediately; there is no need to keep them alive.

It would be a sin to let such people live even a quarter of an hour longer!
As for the loyal and righteous men, they were also frightened this time, so they will have tea and a meal here first.

In the future, your contributions will be recognized and rewarded.

Zhu Di, whose dragon robe was splattered with blood and whose face was also marked with bloodstains, spoke these words in front of everyone.

This can be described as giving Wu Zhong a tremendous amount of face.

His father had given him the authority to act as he saw fit to deal with the Japanese naval forces.

Now that the dust has settled, he can naturally deal with the people in the Japanese naval force that was preparing to fight the Japanese pirates.

Upon hearing this, Wu Zhong felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and warmth fill his chest.

I knew His Highness would never lie to me.

We would never do something like discarding someone after they've served their purpose!

He then bowed deeply to Zhu Di.

He turned his gaze to the dozens of people present.

Wu Zhen's confidants secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

His Highness the Prince of Yan is a man of his word; he didn't resort to the tactic of discarding someone after they've served their purpose.

My young master has a lot of influence with His Highness the Prince of Yan!

"These captured people are all heinous criminals and deserve to die!"

Wu Zhong's voice carried a hint of menace.

In a short period of time, he experienced so much, which made him grow up quickly.

Compared to him a few months ago, when he was in the main hall.

Significant changes have already occurred.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di nodded: "Then execute them all."

Qiu Fu immediately ordered more than twenty soldiers to step forward and, with swift strokes of their swords, behead more than twenty bound Japanese naval commanders.

The pleas for mercy, the curses, the wailing, and the silly laughter abruptly ceased.

Heads rolled, blood flowed.

The main hall of the naval headquarters for defending against Japanese pirates was completely soaked in blood.

Of the remaining forty-odd people, some stood still, their expressions unchanged.

But many more people felt a chill run down their spines and trembled with fear.

Even though many of them were warriors who had fought on the battlefield.

I've seen it all before.

But I've never seen anything like this before! At this moment, life and death are in someone else's hands, decided by a single word; it's truly terrifying.

Some people lowered their heads, not daring to meet Wu Zhong's gaze.

Some people looked at Wu Zhong with pleading eyes.

Wu Zhong's gaze swept over them one by one.

“You, you, you, and you, and both of you, step forward.”

Although these people were not Chen Youding or Fang Guozhen's former subordinates, they were equally harboring malicious intentions.

He acted arrogantly and domineeringly, and frequently committed illegal acts.

He then ordered six more people.

Some people, after being called upon, had their legs go weak and collapsed to the ground.

Some people shouted insults at Wu Zhong and made accusations against him.

The Yanshan Guards immediately stepped forward, captured the six men, and killed them on the spot.

"The remaining people may make some minor mistakes in their daily lives, but they are not wrong in important matters."

Wu Zhong withdrew his gaze and said the same thing to Zhu Di.

Zhu Di nodded, a smile appearing on his face.

The tense atmosphere in the room immediately eased up considerably.

These people disregarded the bloodstains and knelt down in the pool of blood, kowtowing to Zhu Di and Wu Zhong.

Zhu Di ordered the Yanshan Guard to temporarily keep these people under their custody.

"The situation is still unclear, so you should rest for a while."

This time, he captured the leader of the thief and carried out a thorough decapitation operation.

The number of people he led this time was ultimately too small.

To be on the safe side, it would be best to leave these generals here for now.

To avoid any unnecessary trouble.

At Zhu Di's signal, Qiu Fu went outside, took out a carefully preserved signal flare, and lit it with a tinderbox.

Soon, red signal flares shot into the sky.

In the gloomy sky, a thunderous sound boomed, shattering the heavens...

……

"Your Highness, there is still one person who needs to be killed."

After some hesitation, Wu Zhong looked at Zhu Di and spoke these words at the Naval Defense Office.

"Who?"

"Liu Dabao, the commander of a thousand households, is the one who repeatedly sold ships to pirates."

Although Liu Dabao was his father's confidant, he was involved in the illegal sale of ships, and Wu Zhong could not hide this from Zhu Di at this time.

A corresponding decision needs to be made.

Where is Liu Dabao now?

"According to the schedule, it should take about half a day to get here by sea."

Zhu Di pondered for a moment, then looked at Wu Zhong and said, "Although Liu Dabao was acting under orders, he really did accomplish these things."

His behavior was extremely heinous; he truly deserved to die.

Following orders? Whose orders? It must be my own father's.

Wu Zhong's heart skipped a beat.

"However, it is not without the opportunity to make amends and atone for their crimes."

After hearing Zhu Di pause for a moment, he said these words.

Wu Zhongman was completely surprised.

His Highness is actually willing to spare Liu Dabao's life?

"After Liu Dabao arrived here, he instructed him to continue trading with the pirates."

Let's see if we can take advantage of this opportunity to wipe out some of the pirates.

Zhu Di revealed his true considerations.

Faced with these pirates at sea, Zhu Di's idea was simple: one word, fight!

He wouldn't try to play any kind of balancing act with the pirates, as Wu Zhen thought.

These pirates must be resolutely cracked down upon.

If we have the conditions, we should fight; if we don't, we'll create the conditions and still fight!
You can only commit a thief in a thousand days, but there is no way to guard against a thief in a thousand days.

The best way to defend against pirates is to take the initiative.

Once the pirates are eliminated, they will have no way to invade again.

Isn't this better than any defense?

Moreover, he knew that his father, the emperor, planned to reopen the Maritime Trade Office and resume foreign trade.

Therefore, these pirates must be dealt with.

Otherwise, maritime trade will not be so easy to do in the future.

Every now and then, pirates would raid the area.

If we could take advantage of the trade to give those pirates a good beating and tear off some flesh, that would be a good choice.

Upon hearing this, Wu Zhong nodded in acceptance, indicating that he would proceed with the arrangements as Zhu Di had instructed...

……

Why is there still no signal?

Why hasn't there been any news yet?

"Well... if it really comes down to it, I'll just lead my men and charge straight there!"

On a large ship of the Chaohu Navy, Yu Tongyuan stared intently in the direction of the Japanese naval forces.

This posture remained unchanged for more than an hour.

I was afraid that if I turned my head, I would miss the signal.

"Calm down. How old are you? Don't you even have this much self-control?"
What nonsense are you talking about?

"If you rush back now, what if His Highness is at a crucial moment? Wouldn't you be putting his life in danger?"

Yu Tongyuan reprimanded his younger brother.

"Sigh, if I had known it would turn out like this, I would never have let His Highness take such a risky step."

I can disguise myself as Your Highness's personal guard and travel alongside you!

Yu Tongyuan, who usually listened to his elder brother, completely ignored his brother's reprimand at this moment.

Still muttering to myself here.

This contrasts sharply with Yu Tongyuan's unwavering stance and reluctance to utter a word.

At first glance, one can tell that Marquis Yu Tongyuan of Nan'an possesses the bearing of a great general, remaining calm and composed in the face of danger.

After a period of agonizing waiting, the faint sound of fireworks exploding could be heard.

A red light flashed across the sky, followed by three consecutive sounds.

Upon seeing this scene, Yu Tongyuan, who had been muttering to himself, froze on the spot.

Yu Tongyuan, who had been standing still with the air of a great general, suddenly jumped up.

"Okay! Okay!"

He cheered loudly.

"Turn around immediately! Your Highness has succeeded!"
Your Highness has truly succeeded!
Immediately proceed to the Japanese naval forces!
"Even at the cost of our lives, we must reach the Japanese naval forces as quickly as possible to aid His Highness!"

His voice was full of passion.

Immediately, a messenger appeared, waving a colorful flag to relay the order.

Numerous large ships slowly turned around, hoisting their sails and setting sail...

While these things were being done, a large number of light, nimble boats took action ahead of time.

The soldiers on board pushed the ship so high it seemed to fly!
Like an arrow released from a bow, it charged fiercely toward the direction of the Japanese pirates.

Yu Tongyuan, the Marquis of Nan'an, also abandoned the large ship, boarded a small boat, and led his men to the forefront.

His Majesty and the Empress have a fine son!
Your Highness Prince Yan is truly outstanding!

……

About half an hour later, Yu Tongyuan led the first two thousand men to the Japanese naval forces.

Li Zhu personally guarded the camp gate. Upon seeing this, he immediately ordered the gate to be opened to allow the Chaohu navy to enter.

With Yu Tongyuan leading these people to provide support, the overall situation was completely stabilized.

"Where is His Highness? How is His Highness?"

"Is Your Highness alright?!"

Upon arriving here, Yu Tongyuan immediately bombarded him with questions, acting very urgently.

The safety of His Highness the Prince of Yan is of utmost importance.

Otherwise, even if this operation is completed perfectly, it could cost His Highness the Prince of Yan his life.

That was also an extremely unprofitable business.

And he will certainly keep his word.

He will commit suicide after stabilizing the situation here, and follow His Highness the Prince of Yan.

"It's alright, His Highness is fine!"
He was completely unharmed, only splattered with some blood.

Li Zhu responded.

Upon receiving this news, Yu Tongyuan breathed a sigh of relief.

They moved inside at an even faster speed.

……

"Your Highness is mighty! The Ming Dynasty is mighty!"

Yu Tongyuan knelt on one knee before Zhu Di, and his words were sincere and heartfelt.

His Highness the Prince of Yan's performance this time has truly opened his eyes.

This kind of courage, resourcefulness, and bravery surpasses that of many veteran generals in the military!

For a prince to dare to do this, and to accomplish it so well, what a display of great courage and wisdom!

Zhu Di helped Yu Tongyuan up: "Now that the Marquis of Nan'an has arrived, I can finally relax."

Next, Zhu Di arranged for people to quickly take over the key areas of the naval forces defending against Japanese pirates.

At the same time, they also brought many of the Japanese naval officers and soldiers under their control.

It wasn't until this point that many ordinary officers and soldiers of the anti-Japanese naval force learned what had happened.

Some people were terrified and wanted to escape.

But there was no chance at all.

Their greatest reliance was that if things didn't go smoothly, they could retreat to the sea.

But this time, with Zhu Di's divine army descending from the heavens, this road was directly cut off.

The problem with the Japanese navy is much bigger than simply dealing with a group of officers.

Many ordinary low-ranking officers and soldiers below them also need to be dealt with.

But these are all things for later.

The most urgent task is to seize the opportunity to tear a large chunk of flesh from the Fang clan's pirates.

……

"Your Highness, please don't take any more risks in this matter."

Send your subordinates there.

That night, after meeting with Liu Dabao and making the necessary arrangements, Zhu Di looked at the enormous two-thousand-tonnage ship and decided to board it.

Yu Tongyuan quickly tried to stop him, his voice trembling with tears.

His Highness Prince Yan is a good man, but he is too reckless.

He always likes to lead from the front.

This is really bad!
Isn't it said that among all the princes, Prince Qin is the most reckless?

Now it seems that His Highness the Prince of Yan is just as impressive!
Ultimately, after being persuaded by Yu Tongyuan, Yu Tongyuan, and later Liao Dingguo, Wu Zhong, and others, Zhu Di gave up the idea.

He did not personally lead the team there.

After Zhu Di finally relented, Yu Tongyuan and the others almost felt like bursting into tears...

Standing in the naval camp guarding against Japanese pirates, watching the three large ships, each with a capacity of two thousand liters, slowly sailing towards the sea under the cover of night, Zhu Di's eyes reflected the lights.

There seemed to be a shimmering light.

Hopefully, this time we can achieve something.

We can give the pirates a really tough fight!
……

"Sister, let's go to the East Palace for a walk and see our grandson, Xiong Ying."

Inside the Kunning Palace, Zhu Yuanzhang greeted Empress Ma with a smile.

(End of this chapter)