The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 120 Empress Ma: Chongba, do you believe me now?

Meanwhile, Zhu Xiong Ying's voice did not stop.

He pointed to the blueprints and said, "Grandpa, as you know, the liquor we drink every day is distilled from grains!"

"It has many benefits, such as dispelling cold and promoting blood circulation, and it can also be rubbed on the body to ward off evil spirits!"

"My grandson thought, why not refine it again and make a stronger spirit? That would definitely be more effective!"

"Even on the battlefield, when soldiers are wounded, washing their wounds with this fire-infused liquor and then bandaging them with boiled, clean cloths will certainly reduce the rate of decay!"

"Not to mention the silver needles used for stitching wounds; soaking them in this strong liquor dispels the impurities, making them less likely to be transmitted to others!"

Zhu Yuanzhang spent most of his life fighting on the battlefield.

The effects of strong liquor are already very clear!

The eldest grandson's argument was exactly as expected.

Old Zhu took the blueprints, studied them carefully for a while, then placed them on the imperial desk and said, "I understand! I'll have the Ministry of Works try to manufacture this equipment to see if they can brew the strong liquor that my grandson mentioned—"

"Does our eldest grandson have anything else to say?"

Zhu Xiong Ying said, "I heard that your uncle is going to Beiping in a few days?"

"On that day, your grandson would like to personally see you off!"

When the topic of Lan Yu came up...

Zhu Yuanzhang's face darkened, clearly still angry.

He said in a deep voice, "Your maternal uncle from the Lan family has only himself to blame. Sending him to Beiping is a way for him to make amends!"

"As a junior, it's only right for the eldest grandson to see us off; we have no objection!"

"But if you go to see him, remember to pass on some messages and give him a reminder—"

In total, several more points were mentioned.

Although Old Zhu's tone was heavy, it was clear that he did not diminish his regard for his maternal uncle, Lan Yu, in the slightest!

His earnest and heartfelt advice was evident in his words.

Zhu Xiong Ying readily agreed.

That same night, at Kunning Palace.

Empress Ma was in a much better mood than she had been the previous two days after her husband returned.

She looked up and asked with a smile, "What happy thing happened to you today, Chongba? Why don't you tell me about it!"

Zhu Yuanzhang could never keep secrets from his wife and always wanted to share them with her.

He recounted what his eldest grandson had said and offered when he returned from outside the city.

He couldn't help but sigh, "In this life, after conquering the world and ruling the land, what makes me happiest, besides having you by my side, is having my wonderful eldest son, Biao'er, and my wonderful grandson, Xiong Ying!"

Empress Ma smiled and glanced sideways, saying, "Chongba, do you remember what I told you before? Xiong Ying is a good boy, very clever, and his future achievements will certainly not be inferior to yours!"

"At such a young age, you've accomplished so much, and made quite a name for yourself—you should believe me now, right? I'm not joking!"

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "We believed it a long time ago!"

"Speaking of which, you have excellent taste, girl; you see further than we do!"

"Judging from the way things are now, in a year or two, Grandson might actually be able to share our burdens and lead the troops into battle!"

Thinking back to the secret report that came from the north a few days ago.

Seeing that Feng Sheng showed no remorse and continued to make those same small mistakes.

Other generals included Lan Yu, among whom were known for their stubborn and arrogant nature.

Furthermore, considering the importance of the Northern Expedition.

According to Empress Ma's unintentional remark that day.

Zhu Yuanzhang actually had this idea: for the next war, why not let his eldest grandson be the nominal commander-in-chief and lead the three armies into battle!

Unfortunately, the age of the eldest grandson is ultimately a major drawback!

But then I thought about it again.

Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, displayed his talent at the young age of sixteen by rescuing his father at Yanmen Pass. At eighteen, he led troops into battle, saving his father from the midst of a massive army. Later, he achieved great victory at Huoyi in the Battle of Hexi, making him famous throughout the land!

Are the descendants of the Zhu family inferior to those of the Li family?

Seeing her husband seemed lost in thought, Empress Ma took his hand and said, "This is wonderful news!"

"If Xiong Ying can help share the burden, neither you nor Biao'er will be so exhausted!"

"Alright, you've all had a long day, go to bed early! We have court early tomorrow!"

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Just as my sister said! Oh, right, there's one more thing. In a couple of days, isn't Lan Yu going to Beiping? My eldest grandson is planning to see him off, and we've agreed!"

Empress Ma was not surprised. She patted her husband's hand and said softly, "Public matters are public matters, and private matters are private matters!"

"Although Lan Yu made a mistake, he is, after all, Bo Ren's brother-in-law, Biao'er's uncle, and Xiong Ying's maternal great-uncle—this blood tie cannot be severed!"

"The fact that Xiong Ying did this shows he's a truly sentimental person! You can rest assured, Chong Ba, right?"

"Our sister is right!"

Two days later.

Outside Yifeng Gate in Yingtian Prefecture.

Lan Yu, dressed in a dark blue casual robe with a black cloak draped over his shoulders and a goose-feather sword at his waist, turned to look at the capital, his eyes filled with contemplation.

According to the news from the Ministry of Justice, the adopted sons will be executed in about ten days to half a month.

The Emperor's reprimand from just a few days ago is still vivid in my mind!

Even if I leave the capital today, if I cannot achieve great things, how can I have the face to return to Yingtian Prefecture?

"My lord, His Highness the Crown Prince's carriage has arrived!"

As the guard whispered a reminder, Lan Yu turned around to look.

Just then, a carriage, escorted by the Imperial Guards, slowly approached.

As he straightened his robes and stepped forward, he saw the eldest grandson of the emperor, dressed in a moon-white robe with a jade pendant at his waist, walking down.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects!"

As Uncle Lan was about to bow, Zhu Xiong Ying stepped forward and supported his arm, saying, "Uncle, you may skip this. Today is the day you leave the capital, and we've come to see you off!"

Lan Yu was deeply moved and rose to her feet, bowing slightly as she said, "Thank you for your trouble, Your Highness!"

Then, the two walked toward the small pavilion next to them.

After they sat down, Sanbao and the others brought out food boxes and spread out the wine and dishes.

There was a jar of Fengyang rice wine sealed with mud, and four small dishes to accompany the wine. They were mostly ordinary foods, but they also showed my sincerity.

After the eunuch left.

Zhu Xiong Ying picked up the wine jar, poured a cup for him, and said, "Since last year, Your Majesty has often mentioned that Naha Chu in the north has been leading troops to Jinshan, repeatedly invading the borders of our Great Ming, causing great suffering to the people in the border regions!"

"Over the past year and a half, the court has expended considerable effort in preparing for the upcoming war, as my uncle has surely witnessed!"

"When it comes to training troops and waging war, in my opinion, among all the young and powerful generals in the court and the countryside, no one can compare to you, Uncle!"

"As long as you, Uncle, give it your all, you'll definitely be among the top achievers in this Northern Expedition! Drink this wine!"

These words were not meant to flatter.

His great-uncle has that ability!

Upon hearing this, Lan Yu picked up the wine bowl with both hands, bowed, and said, "Your Highness's favor is greatly appreciated! I will certainly not disappoint you!"

After saying this, he tilted his head back and drank the wine in one gulp.

Zhu Xiong Ying poured another cup and said, "Furthermore, as Grandfather Emperor said, you must listen to advice in specific military matters! You must not act unilaterally!"

"Your Excellency, you know better than Xiong Ying! When we march and fight, we don't rely on one person, but on thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of people."

These were Old Zhu's original words.

In addition to passing on the knowledge, he also added some points to note!

Lan Yu's expression changed, and he solemnly replied, "Please rest assured, Your Highness, I understand!"