Daming: Dad, you are really not good at governing the country

The official road of Yingtian Prefecture was covered with a thick layer of snow, like a white silk ribbon winding across the vast land.

The trees on both sides of the official road have long lost their former vitality.

Only bare branches were left, like skinny old men shivering in the biting cold wind.

The snow remaining on the branches was blown down by the wind, like scattered jade.

The mountains in the distance are also covered in silver, blending into the gray sky.

I can't tell where the mountain is and where the sky is.

The fields were dead silent, the lush green crops of the past were long gone.

Only the stubble buried by ice and snow remained, faintly visible in the cold wind.

Occasionally, you can see a few dilapidated farmhouses, and the smoke coming out of the chimneys looks particularly thin, as if it will be blown away by the wind at any time.

In this icy and snowy place, Li Heng, the prince's eunuch in charge of delivering the emperor's orders, was riding a horse with steam coming out of its body, galloping towards the Shuozhou Guard's garrison.

The strong wind cut across Li Heng's cheeks like a knife, freezing his ears so much that they hurt, but he was completely unaware.

At this moment, Li Heng was only thinking about getting to the Shuozhou Guard garrison as soon as possible to convey Zhu Yuanzhang's order, and he did not dare to slack off in the slightest.

He knew very well that if he arrived earlier, the situation might develop in a better direction.

This sense of mission drove Li Heng to race against time on this official road covered with ice and snow.

The horse's hooves stepped on the snow, splashing high snow waves.

"I have been ordered to pass on the message. All outsiders, please stay away!"

The cold wind in late winter was like sharp ice knives, cutting Li Heng's face, but the anxiety in his heart did not diminish in the slightest.

In order to catch up with Zhu Gang and Zhu Di as quickly as possible, Li Heng knew that every minute and every second was crucial, and he no longer cared whether it would disturb the people.

At this time he came to Lujiang Market, which was very lively on weekdays.

Although it is deep winter now, there are still dense crowds of people.

At the market, the sounds of hawking and bargaining are intertwined.

People wrapped in thick cotton clothes were walking around in front of the stalls.

The stalls are filled with all kinds of goods, from cotton wool and charcoal fire for winter to all kinds of food, it is a dazzling array.

Li Heng, riding on a horse, frowned as he looked at the bustling crowd in front of him.

If he didn't make a sound to drive the crowd away, his mount would have to slow down.

But the slower we are, the further the distance between us and Zhu Gang and Zhu Di will probably become.

Thinking of Zhu Yuanzhang's serious and hopeful expression, and the possibility that the situation might change due to his delay, Li Heng gritted his teeth.

He straightened up, took a deep breath, and shouted with all his might: "Everyone, make way! I have official business to attend to and need to hurry!"

The sound was heard from far away in the cold wind, and the people in the market were stunned at first.

Then they all turned to look at the eunuch who was riding a fast horse and looked hurried.

Some people who reacted quickly pulled their family members and retreated to the side of the road.

However, some people did not react for a while and still stood there stupidly.

Li Heng was extremely anxious and shouted loudly several times.

At the same time, he waved the whip in the air, and the horse responded by raising its head and neighing.

The crowd then started to panic and made way for a narrow passage.

Seeing this, Li Heng hurriedly drove his horse and galloped along the passage, leaving behind only a commotion and discussions.

At the same moment when Li Heng was struggling to break out in the Lujiang market, on the outskirts of Lujiang city, a cold wind was howling through a solemn military camp.

The tents were arranged in an orderly manner, and the military flags fluttered in the strong wind.

The "whoosh" sound seemed to be telling of the majesty and solemnity of the army.

Zhu Gang, the Prince of Jin, who was stationed here, was sitting in the central army tent and summoned Lin Zhen, the commander of the Luzhou Prefecture Guard.

Inside the big tent, the charcoal fire in the brazier was crackling, and the warmth it emitted formed a sharp contrast with the ice and snow outside the tent.

Zhu Gang was dressed in a black military uniform, sitting upright in the main seat. His face was filled with innate majesty, and his deep eyes were sharp and wise.

Soon, a loud announcement came from outside the tent: "Luzhou Prefecture Guard Commander Lin Zhen wants to see you!"

Zhu Gang's voice was steady and powerful, "Come in!"

Lin Zhen opened the tent curtain and strode into the tent.

He was of great stature, and his armor gleamed coldly in the reflection of the charcoal fire.

He was wearing a crimson cloak that fluttered in the wind like a burning flame.

There was a black leather belt around his waist, with a sharp sword hanging from it.

The hilt is inlaid with exquisite gems and the scabbard is engraved with exquisite cloud patterns.

He wore a pair of black boots with delicate leather texture on the upper and silver spurs on the boot shaft.

He wore a black iron helmet with a red tassel on the top.

There are simple patterns carved on the edge of the helmet, and ferocious animal faces carved on the cheek guards.

Lin Zhen knelt on one knee, clasped his fists and saluted, saying loudly: "General Lin Zhen pays homage to His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin!"

Zhu Gang nodded slightly, looked at Lin Zhen, and slowly said, "Commander Lin, I summoned you here to discuss important matters.

The current situation is complicated, and the defense of Luzhou Prefecture is of vital importance. Please tell us about the current situation in detail."

Lin Zhen raised his head, his expression serious and focused.

Afterwards, he began to report to Zhu Gang in an orderly manner on the military deployment, troop distribution, and possible hidden dangers in the surrounding area of ​​Luzhou Prefecture.

“Although Luzhou Prefecture is located in the interior, banditry is rampant in the surrounding areas, often harassing the people and seriously affecting local peace.

After taking office, I am fully aware of the heavy responsibility and dare not slack off in the slightest.

Every morning, I personally lead the soldiers in exercises and strict training to improve the combat effectiveness of the army.

In my spare time, I study the art of war painstakingly and formulate strategies and tactics based on actual conditions.

In addition, I pay great attention to patrolling military camps, care about the lives of soldiers, and share the joys and sorrows with them.

During an anti-bandit operation, spies reported that a large group of bandits were entrenched in the mountains and forests outside the city of Luzhou.

They burned, killed, looted and committed all kinds of evil.

After learning about this, I decided to take the initiative.

First, elite scouts were sent deep into the mountains and forests to find out the bandits' troop deployment, topography, and patterns of action.

After obtaining detailed intelligence, I formulated a detailed battle plan.

On the night of the operation, I personally led the army and divided it into three groups, quietly approaching the bandit's nest.

I will personally lead the team to launch a feint attack from the front to attract the main force of the bandits.

The other two armies encircled the enemy from both sides.

When the front-line army exchanged fire with the bandits, shouts of killing suddenly resounded throughout the mountains and forests.

The bandits fought back hastily, but were held back by my subordinates.

At this moment, the ambushes on both sides rushed towards the bandit's nest like tigers emerging from the mountains.

The bandits were attacked from both sides and their formation was in chaos.

They threw away their weapons and armor and fled in all directions.

I will lead the way, holding a sharp sword, and rush into the enemy camp.

Wherever he went, enemies fell.

After a fierce battle, the bandits were wiped out in one fell swoop, and the people all applauded!"

Lin Zhen, commander of the Luzhou Prefecture Guard, talked incessantly about his achievements. His face was flushed and his expression was full of pride and complacency.

His hands gestured from time to time, as if he wanted to present every detail vividly in front of Zhu Gang.

(End of this chapter)