The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 141 Zhu Xiong Ying: Second daughter, you'd better make us proud this time!

Kunning Palace.

Empress Ma finished speaking not long ago.

Zhu Yuanzhang turned to the side, glanced at his eldest grandson's small face, and nodded, saying, "Your imperial grandmother is right!"

"Within the imperial court, brothers like your grandfather Xu, who followed us in conquering the world, are all getting old!"

"The heavy responsibility of protecting the Ming Dynasty will ultimately be handed over to your fourth uncle, your great-uncle, and your eldest uncle—these young people!"

At this point, Old Zhu glanced at the flickering candlelight, then squinted and said, "And speaking of your Uncle Li! He's our nephew, and he fought alongside us for thirty years. In the army, apart from your Grandpa Xu, no one can match his prestige!"

"And we've put him in charge of 20,000 troops, stationed in Beiping, so even if something goes wrong at the front, we'll have a backup plan!"

"Besides, your Grandpa Xu and I also discussed that once the war progresses, Naha will face immense pressure and will inevitably concentrate all his troops along the Jinshan line, waiting to fight our main Ming forces to the death!"

"The troops led by your Uncle Li will be a surprise force! They can leave through Xifengkou, bypass Daning, and strike straight at Qingzhou, the stronghold of the remnant Yuan! At that time, the enemy in Liaodong will have nowhere to escape!"

Facing his wife and eldest grandson.

Zhu Yuanzhang did not hide his strategic ideas and gave a general account of them.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes lit up.

In this Northern Expedition in history, although Feng Sheng forced Nahachu to surrender, he also caused many of his remaining troops to escape, leaving behind future troubles!

But in this life, because of his arrival, many people's fates have changed!

Including my uncle Li Wenzhong, who is still alive and well!

Now, the fact that Zhu Rongji was able to foresee this potential threat and make preparations in advance before the major battle demonstrates his extraordinary military talent!

As for the real reason why his uncle Li Wenzhong was not appointed as the commander-in-chief...

Even if Lao Zhu didn't want to say, he could guess.

This can be considered a common ailment among emperors!

Zhu Xiong Ying stepped forward and helped massage his back, saying, "The Emperor has summoned Uncle Xu back to the capital. I wonder if there are any plans for next year?"

My uncle, Xu Sima, has been back in the capital for several months since October of last year.

Given his abilities, he couldn't possibly stay in the capital forever!

Seeing the concern in his grandson's eyes.

Zhu Yuanzhang stroked his beard and said, "Before the New Year, I promoted your Uncle Xu to Vice Commander of the Central Military Commission, in charge of the troops in the capital! And this year, he will assist your father in overseeing the transport of provisions for the Northern Expedition!"

At the same time, Empress Ma noticed the grandson's little scheme and chimed in, "Speaking of your Uncle Xu, he was raised by your imperial grandfather and me from a young age. He's steady, meticulous, and never competes for credit or rewards!"

"I remember when I defended Hangzhou, I governed the area very well, and the supplies and weapons under my charge were never compromised!"

"And while your Uncle Xu is no slouch in battle, Xiong Ying, you must understand that sometimes, having him oversee the rear is ten times more useful than sending him to the front lines to lead troops!"

Zhu Xiong Ying immediately understood.

He quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, your considerations are thorough; I admire you!"

"As for this expedition, please rest assured, Grandfather and Grandmother, your grandson will certainly represent the royal family and reassure all the troops!"

"And take good care of our elders, so that everyone can work together as one and achieve victory in the Northern Expedition!!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was overjoyed. He pulled his eldest grandson into his arms and said to his wife, "Good! He truly is our good grandson! With you saying that, I can rest assured!"

The next day.

Yingtian Prefecture was still shrouded in night.

Inside the Kunning Palace in the Imperial City.

But the lights were on full display.

With the help of palace maids, Zhu Xiong Ying dressed and ate breakfast before heading to his bedchamber to bid farewell to Old Zhu and Empress Ma.

Under the reluctant gazes of the two elders, he bowed and took his leave, intending to meet up with Biao'er's father.

The location of the Eastern Palace.

Zhu Biao had already put on his everyday clothes, with a black cloak tied around his neck.

Even the Crown Princess Lü, along with the imperial grandsons Zhu Jixi, Zhu Yunwen, Zhu Gaochi, and Zhu Yuntong, were dressed in their finest attire and were present in this place.

On this side, after the greetings...

Zhu Xiong Ying chatted briefly with her brothers.

Until fifteen minutes later.

Amidst the wailing and sobbing of Zhu Yunwen and his younger brothers.

Zhu Xiong Ying followed Biao'er's father and headed towards the Meridian Gate.

Subsequently, under the protection of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, they rode in a carriage through Chengtian Gate, headed south, and then exited through Zhengyang Gate.

At this moment, dawn was breaking in the east, and the sky was beginning to brighten.

And outside Zhengyang Gate.

The civil and military officials who came to see them off today, as well as the generals and elite soldiers who were going north with them, had been standing quietly and waiting for a long time!

Among the leading court officials were Xu Da, Duke of Wei, and Xu Sima, Vice Commander of the Central Military Commission, among others!

Behind them were young players such as Chang Mao, Li Jinglong, and Xu Yungong.

They observed and then left.

Chang Mao was wearing a bright silver armor today, with a long sword hanging at his waist.

Li Jinglong, on the other hand, was dressed in brocade armor and had a long sword at his waist.

Xu Yungong also wore armor and carried a sword.

In addition, Tang Ding, Mu Chun, and other sons of noble families were also among them!

These young men were specially selected by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang to accompany and escort his grandson Zhu Xiong Ying, and to give him experience on the front lines!

Behind them followed the personal guards of each household, totaling nearly six hundred!

Further behind were the accompanying imperial medical officers and medical students from the accelerated medical program at the university. They were mostly dressed in blue robes and carrying medical kits. Just as everyone raised their heads, craned their necks, and kept looking around.

The Imperial Guard's ceremonial procession was the first thing to come into view.

Immediately following, amidst the loud shouts of officials from the Ministry of Rites.

Zhu Xiong Ying got out of the car first, and then helped Biao'er's father down.

The assembled officials hurriedly bowed and said, "Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince! Greetings, Eldest Grandson of the Emperor!"

Zhu Biao stepped forward, his robes fluttering, his gaze sweeping over all the civil and military officials, and said in a gentle voice, "Rise, everyone!"

"Today, the eldest grandson of the emperor, by order of his father, is going to Beiping to oversee the army. Although he will not personally hold the military command or directly command the battle—"

"However, within the Northern Expeditionary Army, anyone who is arrogant, disobedient, disrupts morale, or engages in private bribery may be investigated by the eldest grandson of the emperor, and the matter shall be reported to the court later!"

These are the words spoken in public here.

Zhu Biao was not admonishing the officials in the capital.

It was said to the generals of Huaixi, especially his brother-in-law Chang Mao and others.

"Your Majesty, we obey!"

After the imperial decree was read aloud.

Zhu Biao, along with his eldest son Zhu Xiong Ying, chatted with Xu Da and the others for a while.

When he came before Chang Mao, he had already given him the words of advice he needed to say.

Zhu Biao kept his story brief, concluding with, "Brother, you are Xiong Ying's maternal uncle! You must ensure his safety on this trip!"

Chang Mao said solemnly, "Your Highness, rest assured! This humble general will certainly protect the eldest grandson of the Emperor!"

Looking at Xu Yungong, Zhu Biao smiled and said, "Yungong is always reliable in his dealings. Please take good care of him during this journey!"

Back then, when Zhu Biao was the crown prince and still young, Xu Yungong, as the son of a meritorious official, accompanied him as he studied at the Dabentang Academy.

Unlike his younger brother Xu Zengshou, he was closest to Zhu Biao in private.

"Your Highness, I will certainly not fail in your trust!"

He took two steps and stood before Li Jinglong.

Before Biao'er's father could speak, Zhu Xiong Ying raised her eyes and glanced at him.

He thought to himself: This time, Er Yatou (Second Girl) has to live up to our expectations as she goes on this expedition!