The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 182 Chang Sheng expresses his genuine envy.

After Zhu Di finished speaking, Madam Xu asked a few more questions.

Then, she remembered something and said with a smile, "Oh, by the way, I received a letter from Chi'er from the capital today!"

Zhu Di casually asked, "Oh, what did our Chi'er say in his letter?"

Madam Xu, full of affection, gestured to the maid to bring the letter and replied, "It didn't say anything else."

"Greetings to our parents, and inquiring about their health?"

"Later on, they also talked about the eldest grandson of the emperor—"

Zhu Di took the letter, glanced at it, and said, "Since going to the capital, this child has become very close to my nephew!"

"Indeed, over the past few months, my nephew has often talked about Chi'er —"

Madam Xu said with satisfaction, "Indeed! The eldest grandson of the emperor and Chi'er, though cousins, are closer than blood brothers!"

"With Chi'er's aspirations, when he grows up, he should be like the eldest grandson of the emperor, skilled in both literature and martial arts, serving the country and its people!"

"Look at him now, he's much more reliable than when he left Beiping, and he's even learned to ride a horse and shoot arrows, making things so much easier for us!"

The eldest son was a bit chubby from a young age, and was also overly kind and generous.

The husband often disliked it.

Knowing this, Madam Xu often protected her son and personally taught him to read, cultivate virtue, and understand principles.

Zhu Di pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "It's excellent that Chi'er is like this!"

Xu then changed the subject, adding, "Besides, Xu'er gets quite bored at home and keeps saying he wants to go to the military camp!"

"Why don't we find an opportunity to let Xu'er stay by the side of the eldest grandson of the emperor, get closer to him, learn the ways of the world, and broaden his horizons? It would be better than him staying in the mansion all the time—what do you think, Your Highness?"

His wife's words truly resonated with Zhu Di.

The second son, Zhu Gaoxu, was most like him, but was also quite unruly.

Although I am still young, it would be a good thing if I could go to the military camp, endure some hardship, and learn more from my nephew!

Zhu Di said, "This is simple!"

"Tomorrow, we'll tell my nephew to send Xu'er there. He can learn some skills and help out at the same time—it's a win-win situation!"

Madam Xu replied, "As Your Highness says!"

Two days later.

Outside Beiping city.

Upon hearing his fourth uncle Zhu Di's words, he immediately allowed his cousin Zhu Gaoxu to enter the military camp and study under his side.

Zhu Xiong Ying readily agreed.

In fact, he doesn't do that much actual work each day!

When he was studying at Dabentang, he got used to teaching his younger brothers to read!

With my cousin Gao Xu here, I'll have to work harder and not let my little brother have any free time!

That afternoon, Zhu Xiong Ying visited the South Camp to inspect the arrival and distribution of several new types of firearms.

I can't help but admire the craftsmanship of Tao Chengdao and his son!

By the time they returned to the western camp, it was already sunset.

Just as he settled into his tent, before he could even summon Li Jinglong to ask him a few questions, Sanbao rushed in.

"Your Highness, the Duke of Song's personal guards have arrived. They say the Duke has a letter to present to you!"

Old Feng?

Zhu Xiong Ying put down his storybooks.

The novel in his hand was Lao Luo's new work, and the story was very well written.

After Luo Guanzhong was recruited and given a government stipend, his productivity naturally increased significantly.

After a moment's thought, Zhu Xiong Ying said calmly, "Let him in!"

"yes!"

A few dozen breaths later, a burly man with a thick beard entered, took out a sealed letter, held it up with both hands, and bowed, saying, "I have come on the orders of the Duke of Song to deliver this letter! Please take a look, Your Highness!"

After Sanbao took it, he placed it in front of him.

As Zhu Xiong Ying sat upright, the letter was pressed down in his hand. Although he hadn't read it, he had already guessed most of its contents.

His grandfather's decree to punish him must have been delivered to Liaodong ahead of schedule in the last few days.

Old Feng retained his title.

What I wrote before was definitely to express my gratitude!

He immediately looked up and said, "You must be tired from your journey. Please go and rest!"

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

Only after Xinbing left did Zhu Xiong Ying open and read the letter.

As expected, Feng Sheng began by admitting his mistake and expressing his gratitude.

"Your humble servant Feng Sheng bows deeply and pays homage to His Highness the Crown Prince: I have spent my life on the battlefield, and should have dedicated myself to the country and fulfilled my duties. However, my greed and meanness have led me to violate the law and nearly caused a great disaster!"

"If it weren't for Your Highness's admonition, how could I have suddenly realized my mistake and taken the initiative to make amends? And how could Your Majesty have shown leniency? If it were today, I would already be beheaded, and my family would be destroyed."

"Your Highness's great kindness is something I will never forget. I will definitely correct my past mistakes, restrain my temper, and be careful in my words and deeds in the future."

"Regarding the war in the northern deserts next year, I will certainly cooperate fully with Duke Cao and do my utmost."

After reading Feng Sheng's letter.

Zhu Xiong Ying did not believe that Lao Feng would completely repent, reform his ways, and never repeat his mistakes.

After all, among all the generals of Huaixi, not everyone was as cautious and prudent as Xu Da, and knew when to retire gracefully.

Unlike Tang He, who was able to have a profound awakening and finally change his old habits!

As for Feng Sheng, it's already quite good that he's been able to restrain himself a bit.

With his military talent, he only hoped to live up to his guidance and make more contributions to the Ming Dynasty.

After a moment's hesitation, Zhu Xiong Ying picked up his brush, spread out the letter paper, and wrote back.

"To Grandpa Feng: I have read your letter. Back then, when Grandpa Feng and the Emperor raised an army in Haozhou, fighting across the north and south, the Imperial Family remembered all your merits and hardships."

"The Emperor felt compassion and hoped that Grandpa Feng would take this as a warning and not fail the Emperor's grace."

"As for the border affairs in Liaodong, they are of great importance! Moreover, they are not of our race, and their hearts are bound to be different. Although the Yuan invaders have surrendered, the Jurchens are still powerful and must be guarded against and subdued to prevent future troubles forever."

This paper outlines some potential risks and offers personal opinions for the long-term stability of Liaodong and the entire Northeast.

Zhu Xiong Ying concluded by writing: "I hope that Grandpa Feng can reorganize the area and hone the troops to repay the boundless grace of His Majesty."

After a long while, the ink dried.

He then put the letter in an envelope, sealed it with sealing wax, and had Sanbao exchange it for the soldier from before, so that he could present it to Feng Sheng.

After doing all this, just before nightfall.

As usual, Zhu Xiong Ying rode his horse to patrol the camp.

But then I saw the stars in the sky and gazed towards the northern desert.

Speaking of the famous generals of Huaixi, whether it was his uncle Li Wenzhong, his maternal uncle Lan Yu, or Feng Sheng—

As long as everyone can give full play to their talents and work together towards a common goal, it is only natural that the Ming army will win a great victory in the Battle of Mobei next year!

But destroying the remnants of the Yuan Dynasty in the northern desert was only the first step in pacifying the vast grasslands!

Going forward, the enemies that need to be eliminated include the Oirat and the Tatars.

The people here are all part of the enormous external threat that has plagued the Ming Dynasty for hundreds of years!

He, his grandfather Zhu Yuanzhang, and his fourth uncle Zhu Di were essentially the same kind of people.

A hundred years is too long; we must seize the day.

But relying on the weapons in their hands, they are unwilling to leave these hidden dangers to future generations, and they do not trust the wisdom of future generations.

As for heroic figures, given the current situation of numerous ruthless officials gathering in the early Ming Dynasty, we should look to the present!

Yingtianfu, at the foot of Zhongshan Mountain.

The university hall stands beside the workshop.

Today, after finishing his official duties, Chang Sheng also inspected public security matters.

After returning to his room, he happened to run into his younger brother, Changsen, who had come to visit him.

The two brothers first chatted about matters within the manor.

When the topic of the Northern Expedition came up, the eldest brother, Chang Mao, received commendation from the palace.

Chang Sheng said with some envy, "Big brother, you've done a lot of good work this time by following your nephew!"

"Third brother, if we ever go to the front lines, we absolutely cannot fall behind!"