Chapter 57: Zhu Yuanzhang Issues an Imperial Decree: Promotion to Assistant Commander of the Jin Division

After a long silence.

The court officials within the Hall of Supreme Harmony exchanged uncertain glances.

Zhu Ying.

This was the third time they had heard this name.

The first time, he had executed a hundred enemies, slaying generals and flag-bearers alike.

The second time, he had annihilated ten thousand Tartar cavalry, severing their mounted strength.

And this time, it was even more formidable; he had actually slain the clan leader of the Tartars, destroying their entire clan lineage.

Every time he appeared, his achievements were enough to shake the imperial court.

"Could this man truly be the reincarnation of the Marquis of Champion?"

"With only a few thousand cavalry, how could he drive the Tartars into such a pathetic state? How could he inflict such heavy losses?"

"To charge into the Tartar clan stronghold and slay their leader—this achievement is truly immense."

"Though these Tartars are but a small tribe with a population of no more than a million, they still command tens of thousands of troops. Yet, Zhu Ying led only a few thousand cavalry to drive them to such an extent."

"This boy is set to win even greater favor from the Emperor and the Crown Prince."

...

Within the imperial court.

Everyone understood the weight and value of the military merit Zhu Ying had achieved this time.

While it might not compare to the legendary Marquis of Champion, Huo Qubing, who charged into the Xiongnu residence and was titled "Marquis of Mount Langju," these results greatly demonstrated the military prestige of the Ming Dynasty and were sufficient to boost the morale of the entire army.

Even upon hearing these results, a look of surprise and admiration surfaced on Zhu Biao's heroic face.

"Good, good, very good!"

"Zhu Ying!"

"He is truly a worthy general of our Great Ming. He has truly fought with the spirit of a Ming general and the gallantry of a Han warrior on this northern frontier."

"To stir up storms in the heart of enemy territory with a mere few thousand troops is difficult enough; to have actually raided their clan stronghold and slain their leader is even more remarkable."

"Well done, well done!" Zhu Yuan璋 also laughed heartily, filled with immense gratification.

"Imperial Father," Zhu Biao remarked with a smile, "Zhu Ying possesses the spirit of the former Marquis of Champion."

If Feng Sheng had made such a comment in the army previously, only a few soldiers would have known. But now that Zhu Biao had spoken, the entire court—and eventually the entire world—would know.

The spirit of the Marquis of Champion.

What incomparable glory was that?

Who was the Marquis of Champion?

That was the supreme glory belonging to the warriors of the Han people—to be titled at Mount Langju was to possess infinite prestige. For a military officer to be bestowed with the title of Marquis of Champion was the ultimate honor.

Zhu Biao's evaluation was the greatest blessing he could bestow upon Zhu Ying.

Because of this assessment, the civil and military officials in attendance could not help but look on in astonishment. To receive such praise from the Crown Prince was to secure Zhu Ying's future; it was a sign of boundless prospects.

The entire court, and indeed the whole world, knew that the current Emperor was aging, and everything was being paved for the Crown Prince, Zhu Biao. To be valued by Zhu Biao meant there would surely be a seat for him in the future Ming court.

"The Crown Prince is correct."

"Zhu Ying indeed possesses the spirit of the Marquis of Champion."

"Although these Tartars are but a small tribe and cannot compare to the Xiongnu who once dominated the north, they still command tens of thousands of troops—more than ten times the size of Zhu Ying's force."

"Yet, despite such a disparity in numbers, he was able to break their clan stronghold and slay their leader."

"Such a man deserves reward and heavy employment," Zhu Yuan璋 agreed, laughing loudly.

"Imperial Father," Zhu Biao said with a smile, "The report from the Duke of Song was specifically to request rewards for Zhu Ying. In our Great Ming military, merit comes first, and merit must be rewarded. We must not treat Zhu Ying poorly."

"How does the Crown Prince suggest he be rewarded?" Zhu Yuan璋 asked with a smile, clearly handing the decision-making power back to his son.

"Zhu Ying currently holds the rank of Commandant and the hereditary title of Baron."

"Having achieved such great merit, he should be promoted one level higher to the rank of Command Assistant, to lead ten thousand troops."

"Furthermore," Zhu Biao added after a brief moment of thought, "he shall be granted a thousand pieces of gold, general's armor, a sword, and a bow."

"Tang Duo."

"Did you hear the Crown Prince's words?" Zhu Yuan璋 smiled and looked toward the Minister of War, Tang Duo.

"Your servant has heard," Tang Duo responded immediately. "I shall issue the military orders at once to promote Zhu Ying to Command Assistant to lead ten thousand troops."

"Imperial Father," Zhu Biao said with a smile, "Let me write this imperial edict. Zhu Ying is a young and brave general of our Great Ming; I must treat him with special importance."

Hearing this, the officials in the court showed no sign of protest, only envy toward Zhu Biao for valuing Zhu Ying so highly.

For the Crown Prince to write an imperial edict himself—this was a power usually reserved only for the Emperor when traveling far from the capital. But for Zhu Biao, such restrictions did not exist.

An imperial edict!

Zhu Biao wrote it just the same; he could even use the Emperor's seal. The historical reputation of him being the most stable Crown Prince was no exaggeration.

"Very well," Zhu Yuan璋 said with a smile. "I won't be in this position for much longer. This Zhu Ying is quite capable and worthy of your regard. You shall write the edict of reward, and you shall issue it."

"Your son thanks Imperial Father," Zhu Biao replied immediately.

...

After the court session adjourned.

In the Eastern Palace!

Zhu Biao held a brush, writing an imperial edict. An official of the Eastern Palace stood by his side in attendance.

Once the edict was finished, Zhu Biao took out his own official seal and pressed it onto the document.

"Send this to the Ministry of War. Have them deliver it to Liaodong immediately," Zhu Biao said, folding the edict and handing it to the attending official.

"Your servant obeys your command." The official took the edict and bowed respectfully before withdrawing.

"Zhu Ying. Sixteen years old. A true talent."

"But something is not right. His registered residence is in Beiping Prefecture; why did he enlist in Daning Prefecture?" Zhu Biao looked at the information regarding Zhu Ying, a look of confusion crossing his face.

Generally speaking, unless troops were directly dispatched by the Ministry of War or conscripted by the Five Military Commissions, recruitment did not cross prefectural boundaries.

As Zhu Biao was lost in thought, a beautiful young woman carrying a bowl of chicken soup walked slowly into the hall, followed by a boy of about ten.

"Husband," the woman said tenderly as she approached. "You must be tired from handling state affairs. I have stewed some chicken soup for you."

She was the Crown Prince's Consort, Lady Lyu.

Hearing this, Zhu Biao looked up, a faint smile appearing on his face as he nodded. "Mm, set it down."

"Your son greets Imperial Father."

The boy beside Lady Lyu also bowed respectfully to Zhu Biao. He was the eldest son of the Eastern Palace, Zhu Yunwen—Zhu Biao's eldest son.

"Yunwen, why are you not at the Grand Hall?" Zhu Biao asked, his tone carrying a hint of sternness.

"Husband, today is a rest day. Have you forgotten?" Lady Lyu said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao nodded as if realizing something. "It seems your father was mistaken. By the way, where is Yunveng? I haven't seen him for many days," Zhu Biao asked Lady Lyu.

He was referring to Zhu Yunveng, Zhu Biao's second son, who, despite being the second son, held the status of a legitimate heir.

A flash of coldness flickered in Lady Lyu's eyes, but her expression remained one of gentle, understanding kindness. "Husband, I don't know what has come over Yunveng. He always keeps himself locked in his room, and he has even refused to go to the Grand Hall many times."