Chapter 56: News of Victory from Yingtian Arrives, Zhu Yuanzhang's Surprise!

Beiping Prefecture!

The Prince of Yan's Mansion.

The inner hall.

"Four thousand cavalry charged into the Northern Frontier, using those four thousand men to pin down tens of thousands of Jianzhou Tartar troops."

"With four thousand cavalry, they annihilated ten thousand Tartar horsemen, stripping the Tartars of their cavalry strength and resolving the crisis of our own cavalry being pursued and surrounded by the enemy."

"They harassed the Tartar tribes, forcing the Tartar heavy forces to disperse, and finally launched a surprise attack on the Tartar clan stronghold."

"Every move was linked, step by step."

"This boy is truly extraordinary."

Holding the secret report in his hand, Zhu Di could not help but show a look of shock and awe on his face.

To move the dignified Prince of Yan like this, currently, only Zhu Ying's military achievements could suffice.

"The national fortune of the Great Ming is prosperous; it is not difficult for new, elite generals to emerge."

"After this, Zhu Ying will surely enter the Emperor's good graces."

In front of Zhu Di, the black-robed monk Yao Guangxiao spoke.

"He already has."

"The Imperial Father has already issued an edict, promoting Zhu Ying to a hereditary County Baron."

"To receive a title before the age of sixteen—this is an honor many have never attained," Zhu Di smiled.

"Does the Prince not see the Emperor's deeper meaning?" Yao Guangxiao spoke cryptically.

"What deeper meaning?" Zhu Di was momentarily stunned.

However, immediately after sensing Yao Guangxiao's gaze, Zhu Di snapped back to reality: "The Huaxi region has many fierce generals. They are proud and bellicose, acting with arrogance due to their merits. Imperial Father is often angry with them, but the Huaxi generals hold extremely high prestige within the army. Since the Great Ming is currently engaged in many wars, these Huaxi generals must still be utilized, so he can only endure them."

"For a long time, Imperial Father has wanted to cultivate new elite generals to replace the Huaxi faction, but it has ultimately been underwhelming. Aside from Brother Mu Ying, who guards Yunnan Prefecture, the others are nothing exceptional."

"The emergence of Zhu Ying perhaps aligns with what Imperial Father has in mind."

Yao Guangxiao nodded. "Precisely."

"Judging by the achievements Zhu Ying has demonstrated this time, he will surely delight the Emperor once again and gain even greater imperial favor."

"As long as Zhu Ying does not die, he will surely have a place among the top generals of the Great Ming in the future."

Hearing such a definitive answer, a brilliant light flashed in Zhu Di's eyes.

"Why is this boy not in my Beiping Prefecture?"

"If he were in my Beiping, this Prince would have another battle-hardened general under his command," Zhu Di said with a hint of disappointment.

"My Lord."

"Find a way to obtain Zhu Ying's birth details. This monk might be able to deduce his destiny."

"To see if he can be used by you in the future," Yao Guangxiao smiled.

"Very well."

Zhu Di did not hesitate and nodded immediately.

...

Time passed in the blink of an eye.

The capital of the Great Ming, Yingtian.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony!

The officials were gathered.

"Reporting to the Emperor."

"Today,"

"The Duke of Song has already led his army into Liaodong, initiating the campaign against Na Ha Chu."

"Facing the Great Ming's punitive expedition, Na Ha Chu has shifted from offensive to defensive since the start of our campaign."

"The Ministry of War is closely monitoring the battle in Liaodong. Once a battle report is transmitted, the Ministry will immediately submit it to the Emperor," the Minister of War, Tang Duo, reported respectfully.

"Na Ha Chu."

"In this battle, we shall no longer tolerate him." Zhu Yuan璋 snorted coldly, exuding a murderous intent.

"Liaodong has dozens of cities and millions of people. Aside from the Mongols, most are Han people."

"They have been separated from their ancestral lands for many years and have lived under the governance of our Huaxia for many years."

"After this conquest, the focus will be on governance and reconstruction."

"Minister Zhao."

"You must treat this matter with great importance."

"There will surely be losses after a great war; the Ministry of Revenue must quickly implement stability measures for Liaodong."

"Furthermore, the Ministry of Personnel must also contribute their efforts."

Standing on the steps, Zhu Biao spoke with a serious expression.

The Minister of Revenue, Zhao Mian, immediately stepped forward: "Your servant accepts the decree. Once Liaodong is stabilized, the Ministry of Revenue's supplies and provisions will be transported there, and the Ministry will formulate various policies for the administration of Liaodong."

As Zhao Mian's voice fell, the Minister of Personnel, Chen Jing, immediately stepped forward: "Your servant will screen suitable officials to be reviewed by the Crown Prince. If they are deemed suitable, they will be dispatched to govern Liaodong."

"That is excellent," Zhu Biao nodded with satisfaction.

On the dragon throne.

Regarding Zhu Biao's remarks, Zhu Yuan璋 had no objections; instead, he wore a kind and gentle smile.

Only after Zhu Biao finished speaking did Zhu Yuan璋 continue.

"When wars break out, the consumption of grain and supplies is immense."

"In addition to mobilization, the Ministry of Revenue must also pay attention to the people's livelihood."

"There must be no instances of oppressing the common people," Zhu Yuan璋 said very seriously.

Having risen from the bottom, he naturally understood the hardships of the common folk deeply.

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty."

"The grain and supplies mobilized by the Ministry of Revenue are collected from various prefectures and counties, all within the scope of taxation. There will never be oppressive policies targeting the people," Tang Duo said immediately.

"That is good," Zhu Yuan璋 nodded with satisfaction.

Just then!

"Report!"

"Urgent report from Liaodong. The Duke of Song has submitted a memorial!"

A soldier carrying an urgent report ran quickly into the Hall of Supreme Harmony, holding the battle report high.

"Imperial Father."

"It seems there is more good news from Liaodong," Zhu Biao said with a smile.

"Indeed."

Zhu Yuan璋 also nodded with a smile.

He then waved his hand: "Yun Qi, there is no need to submit it formally; read it directly."

"I believe the Duke of Song must be bringing us good news."

Regarding Feng Sheng, Zhu Yuan璋 was extremely confident.

To launch this campaign against Liaodong and reclaim the territories that originally belonged to the Han, Zhu Yuan璋 had been preparing for a long time. With sufficient troops, ample supplies, and battle-hardened generals, Zhu Yuan璋 could not imagine the possibility of defeat.

The eunuch Yun Qi nearby bowed respectfully, then walked quickly toward the bottom of the hall to take the report from the soldier.

He immediately read aloud: "Your servant, Feng Sheng, submits a memorial to the Emperor."

"Today,"

"The two hundred thousand troops conquering Liaodong have fully mobilized. The Marquis of Yongchang, Lan Yu, leads one hundred thousand troops to attack Kaiyuan, while the Duke of Ying, Fu Youde, leads one hundred thousand troops to attack Jincheng. Dividing the forces into two routes to annihilate Na Ha Chu, results will surely be achieved soon."

"Additionally,"

"The report I submit today is regarding the achievements of the defender Zhu Ying in the Northern Frontier against the Jianzhou Tartars."

"I received Zhu Ying's battle report and, not daring to delay, I submit it to the Emperor for his decision."

"The defender, Zhu Ying, led four thousand troops deep into the heart of the Jianzhou Tartar territory, raided their clan stronghold, and slew countless Tartars. Zhu Ying forcefully broke through the Tartar clan stronghold and personally executed the Jianzhou Tartar chieftain, Aha Chu."

"He has dealt a heavy blow to the Jianzhou Tartars."

"When the former Commander of Daning ordered Zhu Ying to hold off the Tartars for half a month and wait for our main army to arrive before withdrawing, Zhu Ying instead led his troops into the Tartar residence for nearly two months, destroying dozens of Tartar tribes and slaying countless enemies. He has now executed the Tartar chieftain and severely crippled the Jianzhou Tartars, ensuring they cannot threaten our Great Ming borders in the short term, nor provide aid to the Northern Yuan."

"This is a great merit."

"Your servant requests merit for Zhu Ying."

"I request the Emperor to bestow rewards."

Yun Qi read loudly.

However, once this battle report was read aloud, the entire imperial court fell into a deathly silence.

Clearly, everyone was stunned by Zhu Ying's achievements.