Zhu Yuanzhang Returns from Modern Times

Chapter 225 A Big Surprise from Zhu Yuanzhang

"Dad, why are you so happy?"

Zhu Xian looked at his father and asked.

"Has something good happened?"

For more than a year now, my father's mood has not been very good.

Since the emperor transferred his father to the capital, he has been left idle.

She didn't arrange any tasks for her father.

As a military general, what I fear most is not fighting, but having no battles to fight.

Only in the military, only in battle, can the value of a military general be demonstrated.

That's all; once war begins, the power of military commanders can be increased indefinitely.

Many things had to give way to the war.

His own father had always hoped to regain control of the military.

But nothing ever came of it.

For one's own father, this kind of thing is incredibly painful.

But in the last two days, my dad has clearly changed. He's in a particularly good mood, and he looks like he's eaten magpie droppings.

How could Zhu Xian not be curious?
When he asked his father these questions, his heart also soared.

Some guesses popped into his mind, making him unable to suppress his joy.

"Could it be... that you are being sent out to lead troops in battle?"

Zhu Xian looked at Zhu Liangzu and asked him a question, appearing particularly delighted.

When you ask this question, you are basically certain that your guess is true.

Besides that, there couldn't be anything else that could make his father act like this.

And it's perfectly normal for him to be happy.

A son's status rises with his father's; if his father gets promoted, it will naturally bring him countless benefits.

Moreover, since the emperor abolished the Imperial Guard Commandery last year and established the Embroidered Uniform Guard, I, who originally served in the Imperial Guard Commandery, was dismissed and have not been reappointed.

This was equally unpleasant for him.

If his father were to gain real power and lead troops in the provinces, then he could naturally follow his father.

He wanted his father to take him away from the capital in a legitimate way so that he could work in a local area.

No longer do I have to live a stifled and miserable life in the capital.

Once we got to the local area, those were truly good days.

Because of his status and position, he could do whatever he wanted.

I want to make up for all the grievances I've suffered these past few days.

"Haha, you're pretty smart, kid. You figured it out right away?"

Zhu Liangzu laughed heartily and readily admitted to the matter.

"Father, really?!"

Zhu Xian immediately perked up and looked at Zhu Liangzu to ask him questions.

He knew that since his father had said that, there was no way anything unexpected would happen.

But I just want to confirm it again.

"Of course it's true. Would your father lie to you?"

"Haha, great! That's wonderful, Dad!"

Zhu Xian couldn't help but burst into laughter, feeling incredibly happy.

I almost wanted to jump up on the spot.

"Father, where are you going?"

For a military general, leading troops to guard a region is already a very good thing, but it also depends on where he is to be stationed.

Treatment varies from place to place.

If it were really the case that he had accidentally sent his father to a desolate and cold place, then it would be much more comfortable for him to stay in the capital.

If you go to a relatively prosperous place, then life can truly be called life.

"I need to go to Guangzhou to oversee things."

Zhu Liangzu said with a smile, "How could I not know what my son cares about?"
"Hahaha, great, wonderful, Dad! Going to Guangzhou is good!"

He said this repeatedly, overjoyed.

This time, His Majesty has truly found them a good place.

Although the climate in the south is not good, being too hot and humid, and most of the area is still barren.

However, this does not include Guangzhou.

Guangzhou is a great place; it's very comfortable being by the sea.

Leading troops there to garrison the area would be an excellent and desirable job.

After one's father goes to the other side, his power will increase infinitely.

After I go over there with my father, I'm sure I'll have a very comfortable life.

Not only is the emperor far away and the country rich, but the emperor has truly treated his father very well this time.

"Dad, how did you get this information? Is it reliable?"

"What? Are you worried that your dad is spreading false information?"

"Hehe, no, no, how could I have such thoughts?"

Isn't this just curiosity, child?

The imperial court has not yet issued any clear orders..."

"This news is guaranteed to be true, you don't need to think too much about it."

It was Prime Minister Hu who told me this.

He said that before His Majesty, a trade trade was established with the grasslands, and making money was secondary.

The main purpose of this method is to further weaken the grasslands and create numerous conflicts on them.

He was already preparing to take action against the Northern Yuan royal court.

Now, an envoy has been sent to Goryeo, ostensibly to deal with matters there, but in reality, his thoughts are also on the Northern Yuan court.

If things continue like this, it won't be long before they launch a full-scale military campaign against the Northern Yuan royal court.

As for the King of Liang in the Southwest, His Majesty had repeatedly sent envoys to try to persuade him to surrender, but the King of Liang in the Southwest had not yet surrendered.

Since last year, more than a year has passed, and His Majesty has not sent any envoys to the southwest.

It is clear that they have given up on this idea and are preparing to resolve the issue in the southwest through war.

If they are to take action against the Northern Yuan royal court, then the southwest region must be on guard.

Otherwise, the King of Liang in the southwest, who was subordinate to the Northern Yuan, would certainly not sit idly by.

There will inevitably be some changes.

To prevent such things from happening, it is necessary to make arrangements in advance and take precautions, keeping an eye on the southwest.

This prevented them from making any unusual moves.

Therefore, the best place to look at the southwest is Guangzhou.

Stationing troops there would serve to intimidate the King of Liang in the southwest, and would also prepare for a future attack on the southwest.

"Then why choose you, Father, instead of having someone else do this?"

Zhu Xian raised another question.

Zhu Liangzu laughed and said, "You don't know this. The good thing is that your father is not from Huaixi."

The power of Huaixi is too great, to the point that even His Majesty is wary of it.

This can be seen from the severe punishment of Li Shanchang last year and the subsequent crackdown on Huaixi.

The situation in Huaixi has already aroused the emperor's suspicion and vigilance, and this matter cannot be resolved in a short time.

This will last for a long time.

If it were before, with that group from Huaixi around, this matter might not have fallen on my shoulders.

But who could blame them? Those people in Huaixi acted too arrogantly, arousing the emperor's suspicion.
Under those circumstances, there would be no doubt that your father would go to Guangzhou to oversee things.

"Besides your father, no one else will do."

"Congratulations, Father! Congratulations on being granted the title of Duke!"

After listening to Zhu Liangzu's analysis, Zhu Xian smiled broadly and congratulated his father.

Hu Weiyong's analysis, or rather, his father's analysis, was truly insightful, logical, and convincing.

That's exactly what happened.

At this time, he was congratulating his father on being granted the title of Duke of the Great Ming Dynasty, and he wasn't just offering empty congratulations here.

It was his own father who would actually be granted the title of Duke in the future.

There aren't many battles left to fight. The Northern Yuan court, Nahachu in the northeast, and the Liang King in the southwest are the largest Mongol forces.

His military achievements also lie in these three areas.

The Northern Yuan has a great general; it's not anyone else's turn.

But if his father is stationed in Guangzhou, then if the imperial court prepares to attack the southwest in the future, his father will inevitably be the commander-in-chief.

Her father's achievements were already great, so he deserved to be granted the title of marquis.

With such a great achievement in conquering the southwest, it would be reasonable and expected that he would be promoted to Duke.

Duke!
This is a Duke!
How rare!

To date, the Ming Dynasty has only had six dukes.

Even Tang He was not granted the title of Duke.

If his father becomes a duke, then he will also become the duke's son.

Most importantly, the title of Duke, which his father earned through military achievements, could be passed down to his father.

That means he himself will also become a Duke.

How could he not be delighted? "Be humble, be humble, you must be humble!"

Zhu Liangzu looked at his son and repeatedly said that he should keep a low profile.

But after saying that, he couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Feeling exceptionally cheerful and self-satisfied, where was the humility in my heart?
Zhu Xian laughed along, feeling incredibly happy.

The room was filled with a cheerful atmosphere.

Zhu Liangzu and his son Zhu Xian were in exceptionally good spirits, feeling that they both had a bright future ahead of them.

The Duke was already in their grasp.

His Majesty treats me quite well. I know that, given my abilities and status, the Emperor can't possibly keep me idle in the capital forever.

That would be a terrible waste of talent and resources.

Sure enough, it's time to entrust myself with important responsibilities.

Hu Weiyong was a really good prime minister; he was able to give me guidance in advance.

Moreover, he was smart enough that he would never have thought of these things if Prime Minister Hu hadn't explained them to him.

Now that Prime Minister Hu has explained it this way, I feel more at ease.

More importantly, Prime Minister Hu was also exceptionally loyal and righteous; when something really happened, he would step up and help.

This can be seen from the fact that, since the Empty Seal Case last year, Prime Minister Hu, under immense pressure, was able to speak up for the offending officials and choose to oppose the emperor.

This kind of courage is something that not everyone possesses.

Compared to Li Shanchang, who cowered at this crucial moment, Prime Minister Hu was truly a man of noble character.

"From now on, you should spend more time with Hu Tianci, the son of Prime Minister Hu. Building a good relationship with someone as intelligent and responsible as Prime Minister Hu will only bring benefits and no harm."

After laughing, Zhu Liangzu looked at his son Zhu Xian and solemnly gave him instructions.

Although Prime Minister Hu's son, Hu Tianci, was not very good, rather foolish.

Compared to Hu Cheng, he is far inferior.

It can be described as a classic case of a tiger father and a dog son.

But what can he do when his father is the prime minister?
Moreover, Hu Weiyong doted on this son, whom he had in his later years.

They are absolutely my darlings.

In this situation, it is impossible not to take it seriously.

It's more useful to have a good relationship with Hu Tianci than with Hu Weiyong.

"When you're getting to know him, try to be more agreeable to him and build a good relationship."

I don't need to teach you how to do it, do I?

"Father, don't worry, I know what to do."

"Just pamper him and make him happy. He's good at that; he definitely won't cause any trouble!"

Zhu Liangzu smiled and nodded after hearing what his son said.

"As long as you know."

The father and son talked for a while longer, and then the son went out happily to find Hu Tianci.

Zhu Liangzu's face beamed with an uncontrollable smile.

I felt wonderful and had a bright future ahead of me.

The Duke! He's a Duke!
Many people are eagerly hoping to advance further and become a duke.

And now, this opportunity is about to fall into my lap!
……

"Is Godfather going back now? Why not stay here a little longer?"
"I haven't even had a chance to properly fulfill my filial duties to my godfather yet."

On the Goryeo side, Yi Seong-gye was filled with reluctance upon learning that Mu Ying would soon be leading his men back to the Ming Dynasty.

Looking at this person who was clearly older than his own brother Wenying, yet addressed Wenying as his father, and with such reluctance on his face, full of filial affection.

Ping An, standing nearby, couldn't help but feel nauseous and chilled.

That's disgusting! Absolutely disgusting!

How could Yi Seong-gye do such a disgusting thing?
That Korean is truly disgusting; he cannot be viewed with ordinary eyes.

"It's time to leave. I've stayed here long enough."

You don't need to worry about not being able to fulfill your filial duties to me.

You now bear a heavy responsibility, and Goryeo cannot do without you. However, you can also send your son to my side and let him return to the Ming Dynasty with me.

It's perfectly acceptable to let him fulfill this filial duty on your behalf.

Wouldn't that solve both problems?

Mu Ying smiled and offered a very reasonable suggestion.

These words made Yi Seong-gye's eyelids twitch and his heart skip a beat.

He was clearly struck by what his adoptive father had said.

However, there was no hesitation.

With a look of delight, he said, "Father is absolutely right, that's what I thought too!"
"Following my godfather, I'll definitely learn a lot of good things; this is a blessing he's earned in eight lifetimes."

Yi Seong-gye readily agreed, his face beaming with joy.

In reality, both Mu Ying and he knew that while they were saying this, they were actually going to take his eldest son from Goryeo to Ming as a hostage.

But what could he do in this situation?
I had no choice but to agree, and I was extremely happy to agree.

My godfather and the others have helped me so much. Without them, I would never have been able to achieve such a high position so quickly.

I was promoted too quickly, and there are many people in China who actually don't like me.

If I want to secure this position, I can't do it on my own.

His adoptive father, and the Ming Dynasty he represented, were his greatest support.

After experiencing such an event, both they themselves and many people in Korea have come to realize a fact.

That was the Ming Dynasty, unfathomable.

Faced with the Ming Dynasty, there was only one path to take: submission. There was absolutely no way to disobey.

In this situation, as long as he can get the support of the Ming Dynasty, his position will be as solid as a rock.

No one can threaten you.

Even if those people disliked him, they wouldn't dare to really do anything to him.

You can only accept yourself.

He will firmly grasp the position of the regent minister.

No one can take it away!

It is only right to send one's son to serve one's godfather and let him fulfill his filial duties in one's place.

Even if his adoptive father didn't bring it up, he would still suggest that his eldest son return to the Ming Dynasty with his adoptive father.

They are all adults, and already in such high positions, so naturally they wouldn't have too many unrealistic fantasies.

"Haha, good, you are indeed filial! Don't worry, he will not be mistreated after arriving in the Ming Dynasty. He will learn a lot of good things there."

Mu Ying laughed and said, "Li Chenggui agrees with what his godfather said."

……

Five days later, Mu Ying led the delegation away from Goryeo.

In addition to many Goryeo specialties, the group also included a Goryeo delegation.

The chief envoy from Goryeo was none other than Kim Tao, an old acquaintance.

Yi Seong-gye, along with King Wang Yao of Goryeo, led his civil and military officials to the dock to see them off with great respect.

Among the people seeing them off were Ping An and many Ming Dynasty soldiers.

Ping An isn't going back this time.

After relaying the news of their great victory to their adoptive father, he made the latest arrangements.

Three thousand elite soldiers were dispatched and placed under the command of the Ping An Commander, stationed in Goryeo.

To prevent the emergence of another treacherous and heartless traitor like Yi In-im in Goryeo, who might do something unspeakable to the Ming envoy.

The reasons given were so legitimate that no one could refuse, nor dared to refuse.

After all, this time, Goryeo did indeed kill the Ming envoy.

Under such circumstances, how could they dare to refuse?
Of course, such a practice is indeed difficult for many to accept.

However, it was not unacceptable to Yi Seong-gye.

For the time being, the Ming Dynasty's garrison is still quite good for him.

To reiterate, his foundation is unstable, and not everyone submits to him.

Under such circumstances, having a garrison dispatched by the Ming Dynasty stationed here would effectively deter such scoundrels.

They dared not speak out against their own rise to such a high position, and could only swallow their anger and accept the situation.

As for humiliation... what's there to be humiliated about?

It's quite normal to make such concessions when facing the Ming Dynasty.

As for Tamna Island, the people of Goryeo also agreed to its repossession by the Ming Dynasty and its transformation into a horse-breeding island.

There was absolutely no room for them to disagree.

They took control of Tamna Island and established the Horse Breeding Guard.

With troops stationed in Goryeo, the two sides are no longer isolated entities, but can support each other and act as a defensive alliance.

……

Ming dynasty.

Zhu Yuanzhang officially announced that Feng Sheng, the Duke of Song, would be transferred to Guangzhou to oversee the situation...

……

"father!"

"father!"

Zhu Xian ran all the way home...

(End of this chapter)