The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 153 Chang Mao: We'll surpass Uncle in the future!

The eighth day of the third month in the twentieth year of Hongwu (1388).

Outside Beiping city, at the location of the South Gate.

On both sides of the road, banners fluttered, soldiers stood in rows, their armor gleaming.

Zhu Xiong Ying, dressed in a dark blue robe with subtle patterns, stood at the front of the crowd, chatting with them while looking towards the main road to the east.

On the left, Prince Yan, Zhu Di, dressed in casual clothes, also gazed at the end of the road with sharp eyes.

On the right is Li Wenzhong, the Duke of Cao, dressed in military attire, exuding an air of solemnity and authority.

In addition, there were the sons of meritorious officials such as Chang Mao, Xu Yungong, and Li Jinglong, as well as many officials and generals from Beiping, who were also included in this group.

Some stood ramrod straight, their expressions calm and focused, their eyes fixed straight ahead. Others wore expressions of excitement and anticipation.

Today is no ordinary day; it is the day that Marquis Yongchang, Lan Yu, after winning the victory at Qingzhou, stopped in Tongzhou to report back and then returned to Beiping!

In the past few days, although Zhu Xiong Ying was in the rear, he received reports from Feng Sheng and others, learned about the changes in the military situation at the front, and discussed the subsequent strategy for advancement!

Judging from Lao Feng's words, his considerations regarding the war were not much different from his own, aiming to stabilize the gains and accelerate the offensive in the Jinshan direction!

Then, in one fell swoop, they completely shattered the Yuan rebels' plot, forcing Nahachu and his generals to surrender!

As the uncle and nephew were talking, a soldier galloped up, dismounted, and announced, "Your Highness Prince Yan, Your Highness the Crown Prince, the Marquis of Yongchang is three miles away!"

Not long after he finished speaking, a general's banner appeared in front of them, followed by a group of galloping cavalry.

Lan Yu, clad in armor, took the lead and was at the very front.

Their attire was not much different from when they left, but their aura was even more fierce and domineering.

Seeing the eldest grandson of the emperor and others coming to greet him, Lan Yu then concealed his arrogance, leaped off his horse, and strode forward.

Five steps away, he quickly clasped his hands in greeting and said, "This humble general, Lan Yu, was ordered by the General to attack Qingzhou, and I have fortunately fulfilled my mission!"

"In this battle, we killed Guo Lai, captured his son Bulanxi and others alive, and burned more than 200,000 shi of enemy grain—I have come to report to the Crown Prince!"

As Lan Yu greeted him, Ping An, clad in silver armor and standing tall, followed behind.

When her gaze swept over the young man, she noticed his facial features, appearance, and demeanor, and her expression couldn't help but change slightly.

I remember when the eldest grandson of the emperor was ordered to leave the capital, he was still a child!

As for today, he is already so handsome and dashing!

Time truly waits for no one.

Zhu Xiong Ying also saw the figures behind him and, recalling the news he had received a few days ago, was now certain.

He stepped forward, helped his great-uncle up with both hands, and said, "Great-uncle, please rise! This surprise attack was a long and arduous journey, day and night, deep into enemy territory, with countless brushes with death. To achieve this great victory, you deserve immense credit for your hard work and contributions."

"We will certainly report the truth to our Imperial Grandfather and request commendations for our Uncle and the soldiers!"

Then, he changed the subject, his face showing regret, and sighed, "For this victory, our Ming army sacrificed many men. I wonder if those fallen and wounded soldiers have been properly taken care of?"

Lan Yu's expedition this time was accompanied by several medical officers and medical students from the university, all of whom carried medicinal herbs, alcohol, and other treatment materials.

Upon hearing the words of the eldest grandson of the emperor, he rose and hurriedly replied, "This humble general dares not claim credit!"

"As for the fallen soldiers, in accordance with the instructions of the Crown Prince before their departure, I have sent men to collect their remains, which will now be brought back to Beiping for burial! As for the wounded brothers, following the advice of the medical officers, they should not travel too much and will remain at Xifengkou to recuperate, where they will be cared for by designated personnel!"

After hearing this, we learned the inside story.

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded in agreement.

Zhu Di stepped forward again, smiling, and said, "Just as my nephew said, without the bravery and skill of Marquis Yongchang and the valiant fighting of our soldiers, how could we have achieved such a great victory today?"

"In this battle of Qingzhou, thousands of Ming cavalrymen decisively won the war, demonstrating the might of our Great Ming! This also laid the foundation for our future battles!"

Even when meeting Zhu Di, the Prince of Yan, he praised him in this way.

Lan Yu felt relieved and, unusually, uttered a few words of humility.

A moment later, Li Wenzhong also stepped forward, nodded, and said encouragingly, "Indeed, this battle was fought brilliantly, catching everyone off guard. Having a fierce general like the Marquis of Yongchang is a blessing for our Great Ming!"

Lan Yu held Li Wenzhong, a veteran and core military general of Huaixi, in high regard, repeatedly saying he dared not accept such praise.

As soon as they finished speaking, Zhu Xiong Ying took two quick steps, looked at the young general to the front, and bowed with a smile, saying, "Is this Uncle Ping in person?"

Seeing this, Zhu Di's gaze softened, and he said with emotion, "It's been many years since I last saw my elder brother and nephew! My nephew has changed so much; I'm afraid you wouldn't even recognize him!"

Ping An hurriedly bowed and said, "This humble general, Ping An, greets His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Prince of Yan!"

"Although I have been away from home for many years and have not met the Crown Prince, I have often heard of him—I wonder if the Crown Prince still remembers me?"

As Zhu Xiong Ying helped him up, he said in a friendly tone, "We're all family, Uncle, please don't stand on ceremony!"

"How could we forget those things from our childhood?"

"Back when my uncle was still in the capital, he taught us archery in the palace!"

"When I was four or five years old, I couldn't draw a bow, so you held me and taught me hand in hand. Later, I was ordered by my grandfather to come to Beiping to guard the border. More than ten years have passed in the blink of an eye. My grandfather often said to me, 'Look at you now, Uncle, you haven't changed at all. You are still as energetic as ever!'"

Zhu Xiong Ying had a very vague memory of many of the minor details involved.

But Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma often whispered those past events in his ear.

Over time, it became deeply etched in my mind.

Ping An obviously didn't expect that after so many years, his nephew would still remember these details.

Moved, he said in a hoarse voice, "Over the years, while I was in Beiping, I missed His Majesty, the Empress, the Crown Prince, and the eldest grandson of the Emperor day and night!"

"But it is my duty to defend the border, protect our homeland, and prevent a single Yuan traitor from advancing south! This humble general dares not slacken in the slightest, nor dares to fail His Majesty and the Empress's trust, or His Highness the Crown Prince's expectations!"

Having said those words from the heart...

Hearing this, Zhu Xiong Ying became even more moved, and said with his arms crossed, "With my uncle here, how could my imperial grandfather and grandmother, and all the civil and military officials, not be at ease?"

"I haven't seen you for many years, and I'm very happy to see you again today, Uncle! Please stay in Beiping for another day—"

Ping An's tiger-like eyes flickered, and he hurriedly bowed solemnly, saying, "This humble general obeys!"

They met and talked for a long time outside the city.

Seeing that it was getting late, the group quickly and in a large group returned to their camp.

During this time, young players such as Chang Mao, Li Jinglong, Xu Yungong, and Tang Ding found an opportunity to gather around Lan Yu and express their admiration.

Chang Mao put away his arrogance, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "I've heard about the battle, and Uncle fought brilliantly! I'm impressed! However, in a few years, I'm sure I'll surpass Uncle!"

Lan Yu was the maternal uncle of Chang Mao, Chang Sheng, and others.

Even in the years since my brother-in-law Chang Yuchun passed away, he has taken good care of his nephews here.

Hearing this, I thought of my nephew's childhood appearance—how chubby and impulsive he was.

Lan Yu didn't care at all and laughed heartily, "Then let's wait for Mao-ge!"