I summon all the famous generals in history in another world

Chapter 1428 Startling Yellow Turban Rebellion and Zhu Biao's Petition

"Read!"

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't even look up, his right hand still holding a charcoal pencil as he continued to annotate the booklet: "Transport 20,000 shi of grain to Xu Da's camp in three days."

But when the messenger read out the sentence, "The deputy commander of Hengzhou Army launched a night attack on our army's main camp. The Zuoye Army's main camp was breached, and the second young master Zhu Shuang was captured by Baihu of Hengzhou Army," his fingers holding the charcoal pencil suddenly tightened, and the charcoal wick snapped in two with a "crack," with black powder falling onto the yellowed paper.

The tent fell silent instantly. Zhu Biao, Chang Yuchun, Tang He, Zhu Tianpeng, and the others standing on both sides held their breath, not daring to breathe too loudly.

Everyone knows that the second young master Zhu Shuang is the lord's own son. Now that he has been captured, given the lord's temperament, he will probably be furious.

"That wretched child! He's utterly useless and only good for making things worse!"

To everyone's surprise, Zhu Yuanzhang simply threw the charcoal pencil on the table. Instead of scolding Xu Da, he slammed his fist on the table and shouted angrily.

"Xu Da was fighting wits and courage with Wu Qi, the military governor of Hengzhou, on the front lines, advancing step by step. He should have been free from any worries, but this rascal went and caused trouble. Now that he has been captured alive, isn't this making Xu Da hesitant to act rashly?"

His voice was so loud that the reeds on the top of the tent fell down.

"Our old Zhu's sons should either be like the fourth son, capable of handling things in Ruizhou, or as reliable as Biao'er. But instead, we have such a good-for-nothing!"

"The war in Wuzhou is crucial to the foundation of our Great Xuan Yellow Turbans. Xu Da is our sharpest blade. Let alone one Zhu Shuang, even if there were ten or eight, we cannot delay the important matters at the front!"

In Zhu Yuanzhang's heart, the great cause of the country always came first. Although he valued his children and family ties, apart from his eldest son Zhu Biao, his other sons were not so important that Zhu Yuanzhang would put them above matters of state.

Xu Da, now known as the "First Commander of the Yellow Turban Rebellion," has followed him in countless battles since the beginning of the uprising. He is Xu Da's most trusted right-hand man, a position far more important than that of an incompetent son.

When Empress Ma, who was standing behind Zhu Yuanzhang, heard the words "Zhu Shuang has been captured," she swayed slightly and unconsciously clenched the embroidered handkerchief at her waist.

She has always loved her sons. Although Zhu Shuang is unruly, he is still her own flesh and blood, born after ten months of pregnancy. Now that he is trapped in the enemy camp and his life is uncertain, how can a mother not feel heartache?
But she knew her husband's temperament well and understood the importance of the battle in Wuzhou. She could only lower her eyes, quietly wipe away the tears from the corners of her eyes with her embroidered handkerchief, and remain silent.

She knew that Xu Da was already besieged on both sides at the front line, having to deal with Wu Qi's Hengzhou army on one hand and guard against the remnants of Wuzhou's forces on the other. Now, with Zhu Shuang's capture as an added burden, his situation would only become more difficult.

She couldn't let her own selfish desires put her husband in a difficult position, nor could she let the soldiers on the front lines feel disheartened.

"father!"

The eldest son, Zhu Biao, stepped forward and bowed as he stepped out of the ranks.

"My second brother has been captured and is in enemy hands. How can I, as his elder brother, sit idly by? I am willing to lead three thousand elite cavalrymen to rush to the front line of Wuzhou under the cover of night and rescue my second brother from the Hengzhou army!"

He was dressed in plain soft armor, his face was calm, but his eyes showed an undisguised urgency.

Zhu Biao was Zhu Yuanzhang's most valued son. He was gentle yet resolute, and he handled government affairs in an orderly manner, winning the hearts of the army and the people.

The Three Thousand Battalion he mentioned was Zhu Yuanzhang's elite cavalry force, composed entirely of battle-hardened Yellow Turban elites. Their warhorses were smuggled from Xiling and the northern grasslands, and the soldiers were all skilled horsemen, adept at using lances and scimitars. In battle, they were like tigers descending from the mountains, specifically responsible for breaking through enemy lines and charging into battle. They were undoubtedly the ace cavalry of the Great Xuan Yellow Turban Army.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at his eldest son, his brows furrowing slightly. How could he not want to save Zhu Shuang?

However, the front line in Wuzhou is extremely dangerous. Wu Qi has many fierce generals under his command, and Baihu is a top expert with the ultimate in Gang Qi. Although the 3,000 battalions are elite, going deep into enemy territory to provide rescue would be like lambs to the slaughter.

Zhu Biao was his chosen successor; if anything were to happen to him, the consequences would be unimaginable.

“Biao’er, the front lines are dangerous. Wu Qi is a cunning strategist, and the White Tiger Cavalry is unstoppable. You can’t go.”

“That bastard Zhu Shuang brought this on himself and deserves to be taught a lesson. You don’t need to take the risk for him.”

Zhu Yuanzhang's tone softened as he looked down at his eldest son, whom he valued most. "Father! No matter how unruly my second brother is, he is still of the Zhu family bloodline. How can we allow him to fall into the hands of the Hengzhou army and suffer humiliation?"

"As the eldest son, it is my duty to protect my brothers. Moreover, this trip is not only to rescue my second brother, but also to support General Xu Da."

Zhu Biao raised his head, his gaze resolute.

"Now that General Xu Da's camp has been attacked and his supplies have been damaged, his morale must be shaken. I will lead three thousand battalions to go there, which will not only help General Xu Da, but also provide an opportunity to rescue my second brother. It will be a win-win situation."

As soon as Zhu Biao finished speaking, the tent erupted in chaos. The officers and soldiers were filled with righteous indignation and stepped forward one after another to volunteer for battle.

"My lord! This humble general is willing to go!"

Chang Yuchun was the first to stand up, his eyes wide open, patting his chest and shouting loudly.

"That brat Baihu dared to capture the Second Young Master alive! He simply doesn't take our Great Xuan Yellow Turbans seriously! This humble general is willing to lead my troops to the front line in Wuzhou, and I will definitely rescue the Second Young Master. While I'm at it, I'll twist that bastard Baihu's head off and use it as a chamber pot!"

He had a fiery temper and spoke in a booming voice that made people's ears tremble.

"My lord, General Chang is too hasty and may ruin important matters!"

Tang He stepped forward and said calmly.

"This humble general is willing to lead the navy north along the Qi River, and then turn overland to rush to Wuzhou to provide relief. This will not only ensure the supply of food and fodder, but also contain the Hengzhou army from the flank, and cooperate with General Xu Da to launch a pincer attack from both inside and outside. The matter of rescuing the second young master can also be planned in the long term."

Tang He was always cautious, used his troops steadily and methodically, and was best at overall planning and coordination.

"General Tang is right. When it comes to rushing to the front lines, speed is of the essence!"

Zhu Tianpeng, holding a nine-toothed rake, strode forward.

"This humble general is willing to lead his cavalry, together with General Chang, to march day and night straight to Qing Shi Valley! Every one of our three thousand brothers is a hero capable of taking on ten men, so why should we be afraid of the White Tiger Cavalry? We will make sure the Hengzhou army knows that our Great Xuan Yellow Turban cavalry is not to be trifled with!"

Zhu Tianpeng was one of the most valiant generals under Zhu Yuanzhang in his early years, and he also commanded a powerful cavalry force, especially skilled in charging into battle.

"My lord, I am also willing to go!"

"Please give the order, my lord! We are willing to follow General Xu Da to face the national crisis and rescue the Second Prince!"

The generals in the tent all volunteered for battle, eager to fight and full of high morale.

Most of them were old comrades who had followed Zhu Yuanzhang since the beginning of the Yellow Turban Rebellion. They were not only grateful for Zhu Yuanzhang's recognition and support, but also had a strong sense of camaraderie. Now that the second son had been captured and the front lines were in dire straits, they were all filled with righteous indignation.

Looking at his generals, who were full of enthusiasm, Zhu Yuanzhang felt quite gratified. These brothers were always willing to live and die with him, which was the foundation for his ability to stand firm in the chaotic world.

But he still did not agree to let Zhu Biao go. Zhu Biao was his hope, and he could not allow his successor to be in danger. He swept his gaze over the generals and finally landed on Li Wenzhong standing in the crowd.

Li Wenzhong was Zhu Yuanzhang's nephew and adopted son. He followed Zhu Yuanzhang in battle from a young age. He was not only brave and good at fighting, but also meticulous and calm in handling affairs, which earned him Zhu Yuanzhang's deep respect.

Historically, as Zhu Yuanzhang's nephew, he fought even more ruthlessly than his own son. During the Northern Expedition, he led 5000 light cavalry and routed the Mongol cavalry in southern Mongolia, capturing hundreds of concubines and ministers of Emperor Zhaozong of Yuan.

In the Battle of Gansu, 1 Ming soldiers fought against 10 Northern Yuan soldiers, capturing countless camels and horses, which angered the Northern Yuan nobles who cursed the Ming as "evil wolves" in their letters.

Over the years, Li Wenzhong has made numerous military achievements under Zhu Yuanzhang's command. Whether it was suppressing local rebellions or resisting invasions by various foreign enemies, he has performed exceptionally well and is now one of the best among the younger generation of generals under Zhu Yuanzhang.

(End of this chapter)