The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 133 Zhu Yuanzhang: How about we grant our grandson's request?

Inside the warm pavilion of Kunning Palace.

Faced with Empress Ma's question, Zhu Xiong Ying approached and nodded, saying, "Just as Grandmother said! I heard Lai Fu talking about it as soon as I left the main hall!"

"My uncle, with 30,000 elite troops, decisively defeated a barbarian army several times larger, beheading over 30,000—this is truly a momentous occasion for our Great Ming!"

Empress Ma's smile remained unchanged as she smoothed her eldest grandson's hair and sighed, "Indeed! I heard from your imperial grandfather that Luchuan has been causing trouble for many years! The imperial court has never been able to completely resolve this problem!"

"Now that your uncle has won a great victory, the worries in the southwest can finally be resolved—"

Following Empress Ma's words, Zhu Xiong Ying offered a string of compliments.

Until nightfall.

As soon as Zhu Yuanzhang returned and sat down, he began to talk about the great victory at Dingbian.

He took the tea from his eldest grandson, took a small sip, and couldn't help but laugh, "Today was truly enjoyable! Wenying, that child, has really made us proud!"

"Even today in the palace, Tiande and Wenzhong praised Wenying, saying that this battle was fought brilliantly!"

"Let me tell you, none of the children and grandchildren we raised are cowards!"

Old Zhu's words weren't exactly a lie.

Among his sons and nephews, whether it was his eldest son Zhu Biao, his fourth son Zhu Di, the Prince of Yan, or Mu Ying, Xu Sima, Zhu Wenzheng, Li Wenzhong, and the like, which one of them wasn't outstanding?

In fact, even the second son, Prince Qin Zhu, and the third son, Prince Jin Zhu Lu—

Even those of questionable character here possess personal abilities!

After a pause, Zhu Yuanzhang continued, "We have already issued an edict to reward the generals on the front lines, and now that the situation in the southwest has been pacified, the court can focus its main efforts on the Northern Expedition—"

Upon hearing Old Zhu's words, Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes brightened, and he looked up, asking, "Grandfather! Are we going to launch a campaign against Nahachu next spring?"

This isn't the first time my eldest grandson has asked!

As the emperor's grandfather, how could he not understand his inner thoughts?

Thinking back to the end of today's meeting, the discussion focused on preparations for war.

Zhu Yuanzhang stroked his beard and said, "That's exactly what we were thinking! After hearing your father's report today, I have ordered the Ministry of Revenue to immediately transfer all the tens of thousands of shi of grain originally destined for Yunnan to Liaodong by sea as soon as possible!"

"Now that the battle in the southwest is basically over, the imperial court should focus all its efforts on dealing with the remnants of the Yuan dynasty!"

"As for Nahachu, we've discussed this with your father, the court officials, your fourth uncle, and the frontline generals before. He's definitely a thorn in our side!"

"This thorn must be removed first; otherwise, it will be difficult to continue the battle!"

"From the perspective of timing and location, February or March of next year would be the best time to launch an attack!"

"We have made a decision to appoint Feng Sheng as the Grand General of the Expedition, and Youde and your maternal uncle Lan Yu as his left and right deputy generals, respectively. With 200,000 troops, we will march out of Songguanting and head straight for Jinshan!"

"Furthermore, your Uncle Bao'er, Uncle Lan, and others will each be dispatched to the front lines—"

The Ming Dynasty court had been preparing for this Northern Expedition for a long time.

Old Zhu was confident of victory.

He paused, then shook his head and sighed, "It's a pity your Grandpa Xu is getting old and his health isn't good, so he won't be going to the front lines and will stay in the capital to recuperate—to be honest, we would feel much more at ease if he were here!"

Feng Sheng was appointed as the commander-in-chief.

Old Zhu was still somewhat uneasy.

But as mentioned last time, there is no more suitable candidate, either in or out of government or government!

Beside him, taking advantage of his grandfather's good mood.

Zhu Xiong Ying quickly moved closer, blinked, and said, "Grandfather, now that the general plans for the Northern Expedition have been finalized, I have another request: I'd like to go with the army and see the world!"

Over the past few months, the eldest grandson has made this point quite openly and subtly.

Not to mention his wife, Ma Xiuying, who had already said so.

However, the eldest grandson was young and weak, and on the battlefield, swords and spears had no eyes—

After much deliberation, his grandfather, the Emperor, ultimately let family ties prevail over everything else, and he couldn't put his mind at ease!

Even his beloved wife was filled with reluctance and worry.

Zhu Yuanzhang turned to the side, glanced at his wife sewing shoe soles, remained silent for a moment, and pondered, "I understand what my grandson means!"

"But you haven't experienced the dangers of the battlefield, while we do. If we really send you to the front lines, wouldn't your grandmother come after us to our deaths?"

Although Empress Ma did not speak, she tacitly agreed.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xiong Ying felt a sudden tightness in her chest.

But how could he give up and miss out for nothing?

This is a great opportunity to make achievements and leave a mark on history alongside my uncle Chang Mao, my great-uncle Lan Yu, and my elders Feng Sheng.

Not to mention, given the ferocity of these founding generals!!

As the eldest grandson of the emperor, he never needed to fight on the battlefield.

As long as we are behind Beiping, we can just lie down and relax!

Zhu Xiong Ying's small face turned serious. She straightened her back and raised her head, saying, "Grandpa Emperor, Grandmother Emperor! Your grandson is not young anymore!"

"When you were thirteen, you were already independent and self-reliant. Even now, at my age, I help you with affairs—"

"As the eldest grandson of the Ming Dynasty, it is my duty to share the burdens of you and Grandmother! Moreover, if we go to the front lines, I know I am not capable enough to fight on the battlefield. I only wish to stay in the army and learn from Grandpa Feng, Uncle Feng, my eldest uncle, and my fourth uncle!"

"Furthermore, in wartime, I can help comfort the soldiers—you two can rest assured on this matter, your grandson will certainly not cause any trouble!"

In order to dispel the doubts of Emperor Zhu and Empress Ma, Zhu Xiong Ying revealed all her thoughts.

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang stroked his beard and remained silent.

Our grandson is no longer the little baby who wanted hugs and candy from years ago!

In recent years, they have shown both vision and responsibility!

As the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, he should be happy to see this!

Moreover, as I thought that day, if the eldest grandson were really in the Northern Expeditionary Army, wouldn't he be a pillar of strength?

Even Feng Sheng had to restrain his temper.

But ever since I saw the illness that my grandson had back then, I've had a knot in my heart, and I'm afraid that something might happen!

Despite the wisdom of his grandson's words, Zhu Yuanzhang still found it difficult to make a decision.

He paused in stroking his beard, and seeing his wife hesitate, he pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "This matter is of utmost importance. We cannot agree to the eldest grandson's request yet. Let me discuss it with your imperial grandmother—"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xiong Ying keenly sensed something.

Although Lao Zhu did not agree directly, his attitude had softened.

It seems there's definitely a chance!

After responding, Little Zhu massaged Empress Ma's back, offered some courtesies, and then took his leave.

As soon as the good grandson made his escape, Empress Ma put down her needlework, picked up the teapot, and refilled her husband's cup, saying softly, "I know that Chongba is somewhat conflicted, isn't he?"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said, "No one knows me better than my sister."

7

"Da Sun is a meticulous and reliable young man, much more decisive than Biao'er and Lao Si were in their youth!"

"As the eldest grandson of the emperor, he will inherit our throne in the future. If he has never seen war and doesn't know the hardships of soldiers, how can he govern the country?"

"After all, we are the emperor on horseback! The descendants of the Zhu family, whether emperors or members of the imperial clan, must not neglect military preparedness! They must not be like the likes of the Song dynasty, cowardly and afraid of war! How can such a ruler and his ministers protect the empire?"