The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 134 Zhu Biao, who dotes on his son

Zhu Yuanzhang was very critical of the emperors of the Zhao Song dynasty.

He often used it as a negative example to warn his children, grandchildren, and ministers.

Immediately afterward, Old Zhu sighed, met Empress Ma's gaze, and said, "When you mentioned this last time, I could see your worry!"

"In this world, which grandparent doesn't love their grandchildren dearly?"

"But think back to those days, when we joined the Red Turban Army in our twenties, weren't we also risking our lives at such a young age? Biao'er was so young back then, following us in Yingtian, didn't he also experience the perilous situation of Chen Youliang's army besieging the city?"

"So, on second thought, we realized that our children and grandchildren need to experience some hardships before they can truly grow up."

"Besides, just as our eldest grandson said, even if he were to go to the front lines, we wouldn't want him to be fighting on the front lines. We'd rather he stay behind the main army, with Fu Youde and the others protecting him. There shouldn't be any danger!"

Empress Ma stared into her husband's eyes and said, "That day, I was chatting idly and told Chongba what Xiong Ying had said as a joke!"

"I remember you rejected it outright back then, but after listening to Xiong Ying's words today, you changed your mind!"

"It's not just about letting our U.A. High School train a bit, is it?"

"The girl guessed correctly—"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and laid out all his concerns and anxieties about the conflicts within the army.

Finally, he sighed, "Looking around the palace and beyond, besides us, my sister, my Biao'er, and my eldest grandson, Tiande—who else can subdue Guosheng, Lanyu, and other arrogant and fierce generals of Huaixi?"

"To ensure everything goes perfectly before the battle, we've been thinking about this issue for the past few months! Even letting Guosheng lead the entire army this time carries some risk—"

"As for our eldest grandson, look at what he's done over the years. He dares to bring it up because he knows what he's doing. Once we're on the front lines, given his status and position, he won't need to do much. Who under him would dare to object?"

"Even those two brats, Lan Yu and Chang Mao, have to obey! And someone like Guo Sheng, as the head coach, might not be able to control them!"

No matter how reluctant Empress Ma was to part with him.

Given his virtue, how could he not understand the importance of the overall situation?

As an elder, she already knew a great deal about the personalities of Yu Lanyu and Chang Mao!

She understands her husband's good intentions even more now!

Empress Ma's eyes reddened, and she sighed, "I watched Xiong Ying grow up! Even when he went back to his hometown of Fengyang last time, the trip only lasted a month or two!"

"This trip is really that far; I wonder how long it will take to get back to Beijing?"

"You really went along with that child's decision. Since you've made it, I won't object. But Chang Mao and the others have to protect him every step of the way. If Xiong Ying loses even a single hair—"

Before he could finish speaking...

Zhu Yuanzhang quickly replied, "I understand your concerns, sister!"

"We were already quite worried, and even if we made a decision, we would give Chang Mao and the others a proper explanation! As for now, although we have this idea, we also need to talk to Biao'er and see what he thinks—"

Five days later.

With the year-end approaching, there are only about twenty days left.

After the morning court session, things proceeded as usual.

Zhu Yuanzhang summoned all his ministers for a meeting, and finally kept the crown prince Zhu Biao behind alone.

He first picked up the account book and inquired about the provisions for the Northern Expedition.

"Our Biao'er, have the men inspected all those tens of thousands of shi of military rations ahead?"

Zhu Biao, dressed in court robes, bowed and said, "Reporting to Father Emperor, all have been inspected; they are all this year's new grain, dry and without mold!"

"Furthermore, my fourth brother wrote yesterday, saying that the reserve rations in Beiping Prefecture are all stockpiled, and there are also cotton-padded clothes, tents, wound medicines, and other supplies, all prepared in accordance with the army's needs for half a year's campaign!"

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said, "Fourth Prince is indeed efficient! It's a pity he's too young and lacks experience in warfare. For this expedition, he will temporarily take charge of the logistical arrangements!"

"And Lan Yu and the others, once they arrive in Beiping, will they have reorganized their troops? How is their training going?"

Zhu Biao replied, "To be honest, Father, it's proceeding according to plan—"

After listening, Zhu Yuanzhang tapped his fingers on the table and frowned, saying, "Hmm, these matters absolutely cannot be delayed!"

"Besides that, in a few days, we plan to have Bao'er lead the troops to Beiping first! Chang Mao and the others will have to wait until the first day of the Lunar New Year to set off!"

See the changes.

Zhu Biao was slightly puzzled.

As early as last month, during the military discussions in the court, the Emperor decided that in December, his cousin Li Wenzhong and his brother-in-law Chang Mao would lead troops to the front lines together!

In the past two years, my cousin has recovered his health and is no longer having any problems going to war.

He had hoped to achieve further merit in this Northern Expedition!

Zhu Yuanzhang looked up at his eldest son, but instead of explaining directly, he pondered and said, "I've been thinking about something these past few days! I need to ask for your opinion!"

"Biao'er, you should know that your eldest grandson is exceptionally intelligent and thoughtful, and he pays close attention to matters of state!"

"We were thinking, could we let our eldest grandson go along on this Northern Expedition to gain experience?"

"After all, he is our eldest grandson of the emperor. We can't just talk about war on paper without actually experiencing military affairs. Besides, this child has mentioned it to us several times—Biao'er, what do you say?"

But judging from the tone of his father's discussion.

Zhu Biao was startled and subconsciously said, "Your Majesty, I understand that you are doing this for Xiong Ying's good, but he is only a teenager, and the battlefield is no child's play!"

"Why not wait a few more years, until he's older and stronger, then he can gain experience in the army!"

Seeing the great love the eldest son has for his son.

Even the iron-fisted emperor Zhu Yuanzhang softened his tone: "We understand your intentions!"

"Your mother and I love our eldest grandson just as much, don't we? But there are some things we need to consider!"

I explained the pros and cons to my eldest son.

Finally, Old Zhu said in a deep voice, "After careful consideration, sending Da Sun this time will be the most effective. He can represent us and oversee things in the army!"

"Feng Sheng, Lan Yu, Chang Mao and the others wouldn't dare to act recklessly—and with these people around, our Great Sun can be protected without any mishaps!"

'

"As for you, Biao'er, you'll be in Beijing assisting us with important military, political, and public affairs, especially the reforms implemented since last year, which still need improvement!"

Zhu Biao concealed his reluctance and bowed, saying, "Your subject understands!"

Seeing this, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said, "It's good that you understand. We will also write to the fourth prince and ask him to take good care of the eldest grandson's safety."

"Furthermore, if this northern expedition is successful, given the merits of my grandson's participation in the campaign, I am also considering making him the crown prince."

That night, inside the Eastern Palace.

Zhu Biao dragged his weary body back to his palace, his face still filled with worry.

Upon hearing the noise, Crown Princess Lü quickly rose to greet him: "Your Highness is back!"

As they spoke, Lady Lü hurriedly took the outer robe from the palace maid, draped it over her shoulders, and said with concern, "It's windy outside, Your Highness, please rest for a while and have a cup of hot tea to warm yourself up!"

"Um!

""

After Zhu Biao took the teacup, he absentmindedly placed it on the table and rubbed his temples.

Seeing this, Lady Lü's heart skipped a beat. She quickly went behind him and gently massaged his shoulders, saying, "Your Highness, what's wrong? Is there some problem? Is it something to do at court? Please tell me!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao shook his head and said, "It's not about the imperial court, but rather concerns Xiong Ying—"