Zhu Yuanzhang: My second son is invincible!

The next morning, the court session was held in the Fengtian Hall.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne, listening to the Minister of War report on the military situation in the northern border.

"...Wang Baobao gathered 80,000 cavalry to harass Datong and Xuanfu. General Xu led his troops to meet them and beheaded 3,000, but the Mongol cavalry came and went like the wind and could not be completely annihilated."

Zhu Yuanzhang tapped the armrest and said, "Xu Tiande said that to completely eliminate the northern threat, we must go deep into the northern desert and destroy Wang Baobao's stronghold."

What do you think? Should they have been hit...?

From the ranks of military officers, Lan Yu was the first to step forward: "Your Majesty, I am willing to go! Give me 50,000 elite troops, and I will surely capture Wang Baobao and present him to you!"

Veteran players such as Fu Youde and Feng Sheng also volunteered to fight.

Zhu Yuanzhang did not express his opinion, but looked towards the civil officials.

Several civil officials hesitated for a moment, then one stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the northern expedition was extremely costly. Now that the White Lotus Rebellion has just been quelled, Huguang needs relief, and the national treasury..."

"What happened to the national treasury? We heard that 800,000 taels of silver from the White Lotus sect were confiscated in Yunyang Prefecture, and the total amount from various parts of Huguang is at least two million taels."

"Is this not enough to fight a war?" Zhu Yuanzhang interrupted him.

The civil official choked.

Zhu Biao spoke up at the opportune moment: "Father, the northern expedition concerns the fate of the nation. I believe we should proceed with caution. However, it is also true that the northern border will never be at peace if Wang Baobao is not eliminated."

"How about this: let General Xu hold the line first, while the court prepares provisions and weapons. Once everything is ready, we can then launch a full-scale northward offensive."

His words were perfectly worded; he neither opposed the northern expedition nor immediately agreed to it, giving them time to adjust.

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted and said, "Biao'er is right. Then let's start preparing. We'll have provisions, weapons, and horses ready within three months."

"When the time comes, we'll lead the army ourselves!"

A commotion broke out inside the hall.

"Your Majesty, you mustn't!" Several senior ministers hurriedly tried to dissuade him.

"Why not? Back when we were wielding swords and conquering the world, you were still studying at home! This matter is settled. Court adjourned!"

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and said.

All officials withdrew.

Zhu Biao called out to Zhu Hui, "Second brother, stay for a moment."

The two brothers arrived at the East Pavilion, where Zhu Yuanzhang was looking at a map. Seeing them enter, he beckoned them over and said, "Come here."

Zhu Hui walked over and saw a huge map of the northern desert spread out on the table, marked with mountains, rivers, and the locations of tribes.

"Li'er, tell your father the truth: if I let you go to the northern desert, could you bring Wang Baobao back to us?" Zhu Yuanzhang said, pointing to the map.

Zhu Hui looked at the map, then thought for a moment: "Where is he?"

"Um... it's probably around here." Zhu Yuanzhang pointed to a location.

"Is it far?"

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said, "A thousand miles away, Xu Tiande has ten military flying boats that can travel eight hundred miles a day and will arrive in two days."

Zhu Hui did the math and nodded, saying, "Alright, but Dad, what does Wang Baobao look like? I don't want to grab the wrong one."

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao both laughed.

"Don't worry, Xu Tiande knows him. But there's no rush. Let's wait until the supplies are ready. You can rest for now. When you have time, go to the military camp and get to know the soldiers."

Zhu Yuanzhang patted his son on the shoulder and said.

"it is good."

After leaving the East Pavilion, Zhu Biao escorted Zhu Hui out of the palace.

On the way, Zhu Biao suddenly asked, "Second brother, what do you think of fifth brother?"

"Fifth brother, Zhu Di, is quite energetic, but he doesn't talk much," Zhu Hui said after thinking for a moment.

"He wanted to go north. After court this morning, he came to find me and said he wanted to follow Uncle Xu to gain some experience," Zhu Biao said calmly.

Zhu Hui said with an "Oh," and then added, "Then let him go!"

Zhu Biao stopped and looked at Zhu Hui, saying, "Do you know why Father has always kept Fifth Brother in Yingtian and prevented him from going to the fiefdom?"

Zhu Li shook his head.

"Because my fifth brother is too much like Father. He is ambitious and resourceful... Father is worried that if he goes to Beiping and commands the Yanshan cavalry, he will be difficult to control in the future," Zhu Biao said softly.

He spoke very subtly.

Zhu Hui understood, yet seemed not to fully grasp it: "So, what do you mean, brother?"

"What I mean is, if Fifth Brother really wants to go to the battlefield, we can let him go, but someone has to keep an eye on him," Zhu Biao said with a smile.

"Who's watching?"

"you..."

Zhu Li was stunned: "Me?"

"Yes, take your fifth brother to the north and let him follow you. With you there, he won't be able to cause any trouble. Besides, you two are brothers and have fought together, so your relationship will be even better." Zhu Biao continued walking forward.

Zhu Hui scratched his head and said, "But I don't know how to lead troops."

"You don't need to lead him, Uncle Xu will arrange it. You just stay in the central command and Fifth Brother will be your vanguard, how about that? Would you like to mentor Fifth Brother?" Zhu Biao said with a smile.

Zhu Hui thought for a moment, then grinned and said, "Sure! Fifth Brother is quite interesting."

Zhu Biao smiled and said, "Then it's settled. I'll go tell Father."

……

Three days later, at the Prince of Yan's residence.

Zhu Di was practicing his sword in the backyard when he heard a servant announce, "His Highness Prince Wu has arrived." He quickly sheathed his sword and went out to greet him.

Zhu Li rode on horseback, accompanied only by two guards, Zhang Han and Chen Nian.

"Why are you here, Second Brother?" Zhu Di asked, bowing respectfully.

"I've come to see you. It's quite peaceful here!" Zhu Li dismounted and looked around the palace.

Zhu Di led him into the hall and served him tea, saying, "It's not as lively as my second brother's Prince Wu's mansion."

Zhu Li took a sip of tea and got straight to the point: "Fifth Brother, do you want to go to the north to fight?"

Zhu Di paused, looked up, and asked, "Did my elder brother tell you?"

"Yes! My brother said he wants me to take you there." Zhu Li nodded.

Zhu Di's eyes lit up: "Really?"

"Really, but you have to listen to me and not run around." Zhu Li put down his teacup and said.

Zhu Di immediately stood up, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said, "Second Brother, rest assured, I will obey your orders!"

"Alright... get ready, we'll set off when Father gives the order," Zhu Li said, standing up as well.

Zhu Di, his face flushed with excitement, said, "Thank you, Second Brother!"

After leaving the Prince of Yan's residence, Zhang Han asked in a low voice, "Your Highness, are you really taking the Prince of Yan with you?"

"What you arranged, elder brother, must make sense. Besides, fifth brother really wants to fight, so let him go," Zhu Hui said as he mounted his horse.

Chen Nian laughed and said, "Your Highness Prince Yan must be really bored. After staying in Yingtian for so many years, you've been wanting to get out and move around a bit."

"Let's get some exercise then. Come on, back to the manor, I'm hungry." Zhu Li flicked the reins.

……

Seven days later, it was time for the morning court session.

Zhu Yuanzhang officially issued an edict appointing Xu Da as the Generalissimo of the Northern Expedition, leading an army of 150,000 to launch a northern expedition. Prince Wu, Zhu Di, was appointed as the supervising officer, and Prince Yan, Zhu Di, was appointed as the vanguard.

The imperial decree caused a stir throughout the court and the country.

The civil officials whispered among themselves, while the military officers rubbed their hands together in anticipation.

After the court session ended, Zhu Di caught up with Zhu Hui, his eyes filled with excitement, and asked, "Second Brother, when are we setting off?"

"Once Uncle Xu has everything ready, you should go to the Ministry of War to collect your armor and weapons, and then choose five hundred personal guards," Zhu Li said.

"yes!"

Zhu Di strode away, his steps so light they seemed to be flying.

Zhu Biao walked up from behind, looked at Zhu Di's back, and said softly, "Second brother, take good care of yourself this time, and also take good care of fifth brother."

"I understand." Zhu Hui nodded. "Don't worry, elder brother."

Zhu Biao smiled, took out a jade pendant from his sleeve, and handed it to Zhu Hui, saying, "This is a peace charm that your mother went to Huguo Temple to get. Wear it."

The jade pendant is warm and smooth, and engraved with scriptures.

Zhu Hui took it and hung it around his neck, saying, "Thank you, elder brother."

"We're family, no need to be so polite. Go on! Get ready, things aren't peaceful up north... be careful." Zhu Biao patted him on the shoulder and said.

"Um."

Zhu Hui walked out of the palace gate and looked up at the sky.

The clouds to the north were thick, as if it were about to snow.

He touched the tattoo on his left arm.

The axe and shield were slightly warm, as if they too were anticipating something.