The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 159 Zhu Yuanzhang's Strategic Intentions

Zhu Xiong Ying's words were resounding and powerful.

Upon hearing this, Chang Mao's eyes widened, and he immediately chimed in, "My nephew is right!"

"Those who offend our mighty Ming Dynasty, though far away, shall be punished!"

"Let's see where Nahachu can escape to this time."

After the discussion, Xu Yungong stroked his short beard, raised his eyes in thought, and said, "But as the eldest grandson of the emperor just said, after the battle with Duke Cao, the souls of the Yuan rebels were extinguished. I wonder how long the enemy can hold out?"

Zhu Xiong Ying glanced sideways and smiled, saying, "Uncle Xu, rest assured! General Feng's main force, along with Uncle Li's troops, has now advanced to the foot of Jinshan! From this, it's clear that our hundreds of thousands of troops have completely surrounded the enemy!"

"Since the great victory at Qingzhou, the Yuan rebels have been facing a severe shortage of food supplies. Reports from the front lines indicate that they can only sustain themselves for a month at most!"

"Once our two armies from the Great Ming have conquered all the strongholds surrounding Jinshan, completely extinguishing the enemy's hopes, Nahachu will have no choice but to send someone to see us by the end of May at the latest—"

Zhu Di was pondering his brother-in-law's words.

Upon hearing his nephew's deduction, he nodded in agreement, saying, "But judging from the timeline, what my nephew is thinking is almost exactly the same as ours."

At this point, the Prince of Yan of the Ming Dynasty laughed and said, "Furthermore, my father sent someone from the capital to our front line in Beiping a month ago!"

"It should arrive in about ten days, and by then, the situation might change again—"

Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes flickered.

Based on the imperial edict sent by Zhu Yuanzhang from Jiangnan, he knew who the messenger was!

In accordance with his grandfather's wishes, the plan could be made even more perfect!

Inside the tent, the King of Yan's words successfully piqued everyone's interest.

Apart from Chang Mao, who was in a great hurry but hesitated to speak, the rest of the group knew the military secrets and therefore did not ask any questions.

Finally, seeing the smooth progress of this Northern Expedition, Tang Ding recalled the twists and turns he experienced when he accompanied the army to conquer Yunnan.

Fortunately, at a critical moment, the North Korean government made adjustments to the war situation, which turned the tide and prevented even greater casualties!

In that same year, misfortune struck again.

It is said that both the Empress and the eldest grandson of the Emperor fell ill, but fortunately they have recovered!

Tang Ding sighed, saying, "Nahachu's fate is nothing more than surrender or death!"

"Once the war is over and Liaodong is pacified, we'll be returning home in triumph!"

"To be honest, Your Highness Prince Yan and the Crown Prince, this humble general has never fought such a delightful battle since I first joined the army!"

At this point, Tang Ding also seemed somewhat helpless.

Because during this Northern Expedition, these relatives of the emperor stayed close to the eldest grandson of the emperor to protect his safety and did not actually participate in the battle.

In the words of the imperial grandson, Chun Chun became just an accessory!

I got a ride!

Upon hearing this, Chang Mao's eyes widened in anger, and he said, "Pacifying Liaodong is only the first step. After Liaodong, as long as the Northern Yuan still exists, the border will never be peaceful!"

"We must exterminate these Yuan invaders until the northern deserts are completely pacified and the borders are no longer at war before we can return to our capital!"

Hearing the Duke of Zheng spout such outrageous words...

Xu Yungong and the others looked at each other in bewilderment.

How easy is it to wipe out all the remaining Yuan rebels?

I wonder who gave the Duke of Zheng the courage!

Zhu Di seemed to be deep in thought, and glanced at his nephew!

My nephew is incredibly clever; he must have secretly tricked the eldest son of the Chang family into getting sick long ago!

No one else chimed in, but Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and said, "I would do as my uncle says!"

Subsequently, considerations were taken into account for the battle situation on the front lines.

He then chatted with his fourth uncle and others about the transportation and supply of provisions and military equipment to ensure that nothing went wrong!

Ten days later.

In Beiping, the chill has dissipated and warmth is beginning to appear.

Inside the main camp outside the city.

Today, Zhu Xiong Ying only summoned his fourth uncle, Zhu Di, to receive the people from the capital.

This man's name is Nai Ci Wu!

As early as November of the eighth year of Hongwu, when Nahachu led tens of thousands of cavalry to invade, Naiciwu, relying on his own strength, took the lead in charging into battle. However, he was shot by the Ming army, fell from his horse, and was captured alive!

After he was escorted to the capital, all the court officials demanded that he be executed!

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However, his grandfather, contrary to his usual behavior, showed a benevolent side.

Not only did he defy public opinion and spare me from the death penalty for stabbing him, but he also appointed him as a garrison commander and bestowed upon him land, houses, gold, and silver.

In retrospect, Zhu Yuanzhang's actions had a deeper meaning; his purpose was precisely to undermine the morale of the remaining Yuan army and to set an example of not killing and treating those who surrendered with leniency!

During his more than ten years living in the capital, Zhu Yuanzhang summoned Naichou several times to inquire about the military and political situation of the remnants of the Yuan dynasty and the geographical situation in Liaodong, laying a solid foundation for today's great victory!

Seeing people's hearts over time.

He has already become a wise minister and has sincerely submitted to me.

Inside the large tent.

Zhu Xiong Ying and his fourth uncle, Zhu Di, were sitting in chairs, chatting about the recent military situation.

Sanbao, who was accompanying the army, tiptoed in and said, "Your Highness has arrived!"

A moment later, a middle-aged man dressed in a robe, with a thin face and a goatee, and dressed in Han Chinese style, bowed and walked in.

"Your humble servant, Nai Lawu, pays respects to His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Prince of Yan!"

Facing the direct descendants of the royal family.

Nai Ciwu was very respectful and, speaking fluent Mandarin, bowed four times to the uncle and nephew.

Zhu Xiong Ying exchanged a glance with his fourth uncle, then gestured for him to sit, saying, "No need for formalities, please have a seat!"

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

After thanking me, he bowed and sat down, his buttocks close to mine, maintaining a forward-leaning posture.

A brief exchange of pleasantries.

Zhu Xiong Ying asked, "But I wonder if the Emperor has sent any oral edict?"

What Lao Zhu wanted to say had already been said in the original letter.

But he still showed plenty of respect and asked a question.

Nailawu rose from his seat and respectfully said, "To be honest, His Majesty did indeed issue an oral decree!"

Upon hearing this, the uncle and nephew immediately stood up, listening attentively.

Nailawu continued, "His Majesty said that Nahachu was originally a former official of the Yuan Dynasty, and he had disturbed the borders of our Great Ming for more than twenty years. His crimes were unforgivable!"

"But Heaven cherishes life. If Nahachu can repent and surrender with his troops, we will forgive his past transgressions! At that time, he and his generals will each be rewarded! After surrendering, his people will become subjects of the Ming Dynasty, and will be given land and seeds to live in peace and prosperity! If they remain obstinate and resist stubbornly, when our Ming army breaks through Jinshan, everything will be destroyed, and it will be too late for regrets!"

"His Majesty also said that the focus of subsequent battles should be on appeasement, so as to avoid prolonged warfare and excessive casualties among the men of the Ming Dynasty."

Old Zhu's use of both carrot and stick is truly masterful!

As for the explanation that follows.

That doesn't mean Old Zhu didn't want to kill people!

Instead, given the outcome of the battle, the goal was to preserve strength and prepare for the subsequent Northern Expedition!

But from this perspective, his fascinating ancestor truly possessed a broad vision and great foresight.

No wonder he rose from a beggar to become an unparalleled emperor!

After hearing the imperial edict, he sat down again.

Zhu Xiong Ying said, "Your Majesty is wise and far-sighted, and considerate of your soldiers! Your grandson admires you!"

"Then, do you think it's time for us to persuade Nahachu to surrender?"