Chapter 16: The Purpose of the Ming Dynasty!

"Mm."

Bu Wan nodded.

However, his expression remained somewhat solemn.

"The fundamental purpose of this battle is to sever the menace of these Tartars disrupting our Ming borders."

"If we want to cease hostilities, they must present a letter of surrender."

"Otherwise, our Ming army shall absolutely not withdraw," Bu Wan said in a heavy voice.

"My Lord."

"Perhaps one thing must be considered."

"These Jianzhou Tartars are vassals of the Northern Yuan. With our Ming forces launching an offensive this time, the Northern Yuan may not sit idly by."

"As we continue the offensive, we may need to guard against the Northern Yuan," Chen Heng said with a serious expression.

Hearing this, Bu Wan smiled.

"Since our Ming has already mobilized troops and achieved victory in the first battle, I can now share some news with you generals." Bu Wan's expression gradually turned grave.

The gazes of the various generals converged upon Bu Wan.

But Zhu Ying thought to himself: "It seems the Imperial Court has already dispatched troops in preparation to campaign against the Yuan."

"Sweeping away the bandit menace is perhaps one step, and attacking these Jianzhou Tartars is also just one step. The fundamental purpose is to divert attention—ideally to draw the gaze of the Northern Yuan—so that the true main army of the Ming can move under the cover of this opportunity."

Knowing history and combining it with the current situation, Zhu Ying was naturally able to deduce this.

After all, while history recorded many of the wars during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, they were not entirely detailed.

For instance, this suppression of bandits in Daning Prefecture followed by an attack on the Jianzhou Tartars was something not recorded in history.

However, compared to the grand strategy of the Ming, this naturally had no significant impact.

"The Emperor has issued an edict: our Ming is dispatching two hundred thousand troops to attack Liaodong and destroy Naha'u."

"Naha'u—I presume you generals have heard of him?" Bu Wan smiled slightly.

"This man is a Grand Marshal of the Northern Yuan, wielding immense military power. In the past, our Ming captured him, and the Emperor, in his grace, released him. Yet, this man shows no gratitude for the imperial benevolence; instead, he continues to act as an enemy to our Ming, constantly seeking to destroy us and reshape the Northern Yuan to rule the Central Plains."

"This man is highly relied upon by the Yuan Emperor and is hailed as another Wang Baobao," Chen Heng immediately added.

"Naha'u is a hidden danger to our Ming. He has gathered hundreds of thousands of troops in Liaodong with the intent to topple our empire."

"The Emperor has decreed that to destroy the Northern Yuan, we must first destroy Naha'u," Bu Wan said deeply.

"May I ask, My Lord," Liu Zhen asked respectfully, "whom has the Emperor dispatched to lead the troops this time? And what is the specific responsibility of our Daning Prefecture?"

"As far as this official knows," Bu Wan said in a low voice, "the Emperor has appointed the Duke of Song as the Commander-in-Chief, with the Duke of Ying and the Marquis of Yongchang serving as Deputy Commanders."

"They are likely already mobilizing troops and transporting provisions."

"As for the responsibility of our Daning Prefecture, on the surface, it is to clear out bandits, but in reality, it is to draw the attention of the Northern Yuan. These Jianzhou Tartars are the key link in this plan."

"We understand," Chen Heng and Liu Zhen both nodded, their expressions filled with realization.

At this moment, the generals within the command tent all displayed looks of anticipation.

This war was beginning, and it was not merely a small-scale skirmish against these mere Jianzhou Tartars, but a true great war to decide the fate of the Northern Yuan.

This was a magnificent opportunity to earn merit and gain promotion.

"Generals!"

"The Imperial command has been issued, and the great army is in motion."

"In two months at most, or one month at the very least, the true main force of our Ming will enter the northern frontier to destroy Naha'u."

"During this time, the soldiers of our Daning Prefecture shall focus on offensive operations. Should the Northern Yuan mobilize to aid them, we shall shift to defense and await the main force."

"This great war concerns the very safety of our Ming. By Imperial decree, this official will face it alongside you all with everything we have," Bu Wan said with a face of utmost gravity.

Hearing this, the generals all stood up and bowed deeply: "Everything for the Ming!"

The meeting concluded.

"Zhu Ying."

Just as Zhu Ying stepped out of the tent, he was called by Chen Heng.

"General Chen," Zhu Ying responded immediately. However, since he was carrying so many items, he could not perform a formal salute.

"I haven't had the chance to thank you for saving my life today," Chen Heng said with a smile.

"You flatter me, General," Zhu Ying replied with a smile. "On the battlefield, we are fellow soldiers, and since we faced the enemy together, I would naturally fight to the death against them."

Hearing this, the smile on Chen Heng's face did not fade. He then said, "Comrades are comrades, but a life-saving debt is a life-saving debt. Great kindness needs no words of thanks; I, Chen Heng, will remember this."

Seeing Chen Heng's manner, Zhu Ying nodded and said no more.

"Alright," Chen Heng patted Zhu Ying on the shoulder and said with a smile, "The battle was just decided today, and you are injured. Go back and rest well. I will personally lead you to the cavalry camp tomorrow."

"Yes," Zhu Ying nodded.

"Also," Chen Heng reminded him, "as a Thousand-man Commander, you are entitled to fifty personal guards. If you wish, you can select them from your original unit; if there are none, I can arrange them for you."

At this, Zhu Ying's eyes lit up, and he nodded immediately. "Thank you for the reminder, General. I will ask around when I return."

With that, Zhu Ying left the main camp, clutching his armor and blades.

"That fellow is lucky to have such a fierce warrior under his command."

"To slay a hundred enemies alone, taking down generals and breaking their banners... such courage is truly terrifying," Liu Zhen said with great emotion, having approached Chen Heng at some unknown point.

However, the envy in his tone was quite obvious.

"Haha," Chen Heng glanced at Liu Zhen and turned to leave with great satisfaction.

"You rascal," Liu Zhen said, laughing in exasperation.

Returning to his own tent, the soldiers immediately swarmed around him. It wasn't just those under Zhu Ying's command; the entire Centurion's company and the surrounding soldiers gathered, filled with curiosity.

Although less than half an hour had passed, Wei Quan had just arrived and read aloud all of Zhu Ying's combat achievements: killing a hundred enemies, slaying generals, and breaking banners. As a great hero of this engagement against the Tartars, many naturally felt both curiosity and awe toward him.

"How is it?" Liu Lei leaned in curiously as soon as Zhu Ying returned.

Seeing Liu Lei's expectant look, Zhu Ying smiled. "I've been promoted five ranks. I am now a Thousand-man Commander."

"A... Thousand-man Commander?" Liu Lei's eyes widened in disbelief.

"A Squad Leader promoted to Thousand-man Commander?"

"Good heavens, how many ranks is that?"

"But considering he killed a hundred enemies alone and even took down a Tartar commander, it's completely deserved. That's a massive achievement."

"That promotion speed is too fast."

"Incredible."

"I saw the Squad Leader fighting on the battlefield with my own eyes. Those Tartars were like little chicks; the Squad Leader took them down one by one with a single stroke."

"Truly amazing..."

The soldiers all looked at Zhu Ying with expressions of shock and reverence.

Of course, at this moment, whether they were new recruits or veterans, everyone was stunned by the news of his promotion to Thousand-man Commander.

However, considering Zhu Ying's military merits, no one dared to voice any objection. After all, military promotions in the Ming were personally decreed by the current Emperor, and the officers in the army did not dare to act recklessly.