Ming Dynasty: I, Zhu Yunwen, started by resurrecting my grandmother.

Geng Bingwen ordered his men to take inventory of the prisoners and various spoils of war, and then wrote a memorial to the throne, which was sent to the capital.

This time, in his memorial, he emphasized the great contributions of Zhu Yunwen and Chang Yuchun.

Geng Bingwen hosted a banquet for everyone. He raised his wine glass and said enthusiastically, "Prince Wu, Prince Kaiping, Tie Xuan, Princess, please raise your glasses. I toast you all!"

At this point, Geng Bingwen tilted his head back and drank the entire glass of wine.

"Respect the old general!"

Everyone drank it all in one gulp.

Geng Bingwen praised, "Yun Tong is young and promising. He is a rare talent for commanding troops, capable of strategizing and winning battles from afar. I intend to submit a memorial to the Emperor, offering to give Zhen Ding City and my 100,000 troops to Yun Tong."

Zhu Yunwen quickly waved his hand: "General Geng, you're joking."

We brought our troops here to lend you a hand, but the most crucial reason is actually because you defended the city so well.

If Zhengding has already been captured by Zhu Di, it would be virtually impossible for us to take it back.

Therefore, coupled with the heavy rain, my grandfather proposed a strategy of attacking with water.

Perhaps this is all fate.

I wasn't much of a help either.

As for your suggestion to hand over the army and the city of Zhen Ding to me, that is absolutely unacceptable.

You, Shouzhen, are sure to hold on; but if it were me, I might not be able to.

Geng Bingwen laughed and said, "You're too modest. There are no outsiders here. If I may say something I shouldn't, in my opinion, among all the imperial grandsons, you are the most outstanding one."

At the same time, your status is also the most distinguished, it's just a pity...

When the late emperor was alive, he passed the throne to Zhu Yunwen.

In my opinion, if you had become emperor, you would probably have been much better than Zhu Yunwen.

At least you won't make as many mistakes.

When I said I was handing over Zhen Ding and 100,000 troops to you, I meant it sincerely.

Our Great Ming Dynasty lacks a commander as capable as you.

Guo Ying coughed twice: "As everyone can see, Old Geng is getting old, and my health is failing."

His Majesty's decision to send the two of us to guard Zhen Ding was truly a last resort.

Because there are no capable generals in the court, I'm just a sickly person. Even if I take off my shoes and socks tonight, it's uncertain whether I'll be able to put them back on tomorrow morning.

Last time, at the Yanjin ferry crossing on the Yellow River, Yuntang crossed the river and managed to keep Zhu Gaosui and Zhang Yu in check, which gave us the opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

If Yunwen hadn't been the first to cross the Yellow River and negotiate with them,

How could Lao Geng and I possibly defeat Zhang Yu?

Zhang Yu was a general under Zhu Di.

If the King of Wu could take control of Zhen Ding and its army, that would be the best outcome.

Zhu Yunwen declined again: "I thank the two old generals for their kindness."

Actually, I'm still young and lack combat experience. I'm afraid I wouldn't be up to the task of commanding such a large army.

Zhengding was of paramount importance; for the entire Ming Dynasty, its loss was absolutely unacceptable.

Furthermore, both of you are highly trusted by His Majesty, which is why His Majesty is particularly at ease entrusting the defense of Zhen Ding City to you.

But I'm different. His Majesty would never entrust me with such an important place and so many troops.

After listening, everyone agreed with Zhu Yunwen's assessment, because everyone knew that...

Zhu Yunwen both loved and hated Zhu Yuntong; he wanted to use him, but was also wary of him.

Tie Xuan's eyes were piercing: I think the two old generals don't need to refuse anymore.

The King of Wu could not possibly accept the true agreement.

The city of Zhending still needs the two old generals to defend it.

As long as you hold Zhending, and Sheng Yong and I hold Jinan, Zhu Di's army will not be able to cross the Yellow River.

Our imperial court shouldn't have any major problems.

After hearing Tie Xuan's explanation, Geng Bingwen and Guo Ying stopped refusing.

Zhu Yunwen cleared his throat: "Everyone, although we won by luck this time, we still cannot be careless."

Although Zhu Di suffered a military defeat, his strength remained.

Zhu Di was a man who refused to accept defeat.

With Yao Guangxiao advising him, I think it won't be long before he makes a comeback.

Therefore, everyone should make thorough preparations in advance.

This included widening and deepening the moat, raising and thickening the city walls, and dispatching an army to guard the Hutuo River, forming a pincer movement with the city of Zhengding.

Of course, I don't know much about military strategy, so what I'm saying might be presumptuous.

Geng Bingwen praised, "I never expected that the King of Wu, at such a young age, would understand the art of war. I truly admire him."

What you said is absolutely correct. I will certainly keep it in mind and will further strengthen the defenses of our Zhen Ding City as soon as possible.

"Perhaps my thinking is not thorough enough. You and General Guo should discuss it again and come up with a foolproof plan to ensure the safety of Zhen Ding City."

At this moment, Geng Bingwen's gaze fell on Wang Yuemin.

He was quite surprised; he had originally thought that Wang Yuemin was leading 5000 Northern Yuan troops to attack Zhengding.

However, unexpectedly, Wang Yuemin came to help the Southern Army attack the Yan Army.

Geng Bingwen and Guo Yingzhen were completely baffled, wondering if the Northern Yuan had truly submitted to the Ming Dynasty.

"And who is this?" Geng Bingwen asked.

Wang Yuemin bowed and said, "General, I am Minmin Temur."

Chaghan Temur is my father, Wang Baobao is my elder brother, and my Chinese name is Wang Yuemin.

Geng Bingwen nodded: "Princess, is your decision to bring troops here this time at your father's behest?"

Wang Yuemin looked somber and shook her head: "That's not it, I came here secretly."

Everyone was surprised to hear this, and even Zhu Yunwen felt that the problem was a bit serious: "You mean that your father and brothers did not know that you led troops to help in the battle?"

"Yes," Wang Yuemin continued, "to be honest, my father and brothers disagree on whether to ally with Zhu Di."

So Wang Yuemin recounted how Yao Guangxiao had written to Chahan Temur, hoping to form an alliance with the Northern Yuan.

Zhu Yunwen straightened his clothes: "Zhu Di first sent Yao Guangxiao to contact Chen Zuyi's pirates,

Then, he asked Yao Guangxiao to write a letter to Chaghan Temur.

In other words, he would use anyone, good or bad, who was willing to help him fight against the imperial court.

Wang Yuemin's eyes were filled with resentment: "I just can't stand people like Zhu Di. When a person has no moral bottom line, it's terrifying."

When he needs you, he will make full use of you, extracting your value. Once he's done using you, he'll kick you aside, or even eliminate you.

Chang Yuchun sighed, "I never imagined that Zhu Di would fall to such a low point."

Driven by their own selfish desires, they disregarded all familial bonds and moral principles.

He even considered forming alliances with his former enemies and rivals.

Wang Yuemin said, "Don't worry, with me here, I will resolutely oppose the alliance between my father and Zhu Di."

After hearing this, everyone felt relieved.

Because everyone understands that if the Northern Yuan really does ally with Zhu Di,

Their strength is formidable, especially for Geng Bingwen and Guo Ying; it's hard to say whether they can hold Zhen Ding.

Geng Bingwen raised his wine cup: "Princess, based on your words alone, I will toast you three times!"

"Thank you, General. I toast you all!"

Wang Yuemin was a generous and outgoing person who never refused anyone's drink, and before she knew it, she had drunk quite a bit.

Mongolians, regardless of gender, are naturally fond of drinking, and she was no exception.

at night.

Zhu Yunwen's camp.

These past few days, Zhu Yunwen hasn't had a good night's sleep since he set off on his campaign. Today, he drank a few extra cups of wine and drifted off to sleep in a daze.

He didn't know how much time had passed, but Zhu Yunwen vaguely sensed someone getting onto his bed.

She held him in her arms; his body was soft and burning hot.

At the same time, Zhu Yunwen felt a hand gently stroking his face.

The person's soft lips seemed to be kissing his neck and earlobe.

Zhu Yunwen wondered if Zhao Ling'er had arrived.

He awoke with a start, opened his eyes, and saw, sure enough, a woman sleeping on his bed.

The woman was none other than Wang Yuemin.

Wang Yuemin's clothes had been removed, leaving only a pink ribbon binding her breasts.

Perhaps due to frequent sun exposure, his skin is light brown.

However, it remained full and firm, with a deep cleavage between the two peaks that meandered down to an unfathomable depth, and the strap seemed as if it might fall off at any moment.

At this moment, Zhu Yuntong only needed to gently tear off the pink ribbon with his hand to feast his eyes, and what followed would be a matter of course. However, Zhu Yuntong did not do so.

"Yunwen, you're awake." Wang Yuemin's voice was gentle.

Zhu Yunwen quickly sat up, staring at her with wide eyes: "You... how did you get onto my bed?"

Wang Yuemin wrapped her arms around Zhu Yunwen's neck, still pressing her advantage: "I missed you."

Zhu Yunwen quickly pushed her away and then jumped off the bed.

Zhu Yunwen dressed himself neatly: "Princess, we can't do this. This is a military camp; how can there be women here?"

Hearing this, Wang Yuemin was somewhat disappointed: "Your Ming army camp has so many rules. Didn't I already say that I'm willing to serve you alone, along with Zhao Ling'er?"

"Stop!" Zhu Yunwen waved his hand. "That's impossible. Zhao Ling'er and I are already engaged. I can never marry another woman in this life except for her."

Hearing Zhu Yunwen utter such heartless words, Wang Yuemin burst into tears: "Do you think I'm not as pretty or as gentle as her?"

Zhu Yunwen was sweating profusely, unsure how to explain it to her: "Princess, this isn't about whether it's pretty or not, or whether it's gentle or not."

"What is the problem?"

Do you think I'm of lowly status and not good enough for you?

"Princess, you're joking."

You are now a princess of the Northern Yuan Dynasty, of noble birth, truly a golden branch and jade leaf.

But I was just a deposed prince, a commoner, not much different from ordinary people.

If anyone is unworthy, it's me who's unworthy of you.

"Have you two already consummated your marriage?"

Is she exceptionally good in bed?

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen thought to himself that this Mongolian woman was really open-minded, and he couldn't even keep up with her words: "No, don't think such things."

"My life is truly miserable. I never imagined you could be such a heartless person. I even led my troops here secretly."

My father and brothers did not know.

"I don't dare go back." Wang Yuemin hugged her knees with both hands, tears streaming down her face.

Zhu Yunwen was deeply moved upon hearing this, thinking to himself that Wang Yuemin had truly gone to great lengths for him, daring to lead troops to his aid without authorization.

In the Northern Yuan's view, this is a capital offense.

Wang Baobao was also a fierce general, but he was biased towards Zhu Di.

This made Zhu Yunwen realize that the matter was quite troublesome.

Seeing Wang Yuemin crying so bitterly, Zhu Yunwen couldn't help but ask, "So what are your plans?"

Wang Yuemin wiped away her tears: "I ask for nothing more than to be with you."

"This—," Zhu Yunwen hesitated, not because he didn't trust Wang Yuemin, nor because he feared the Northern Yuan army would cause trouble in the interior, but because the court's attitude was unclear. If Qi Tai accused him of colluding with the Northern Yuan, it would be difficult to explain. "How about this? If you feel it's not appropriate to go back for now,"

You shall remain stationed outside Zhen Ding City, keep your soldiers disciplined, and prevent them from causing trouble.

"If that's the case, where will our military pay, provisions, and fodder for those horses come from?" Wang Yuemin asked with a worried expression.

"You don't need to worry about that, I can supply you."

"We are stationed on the outskirts of Zhen Ding City. Do you think Geng Bingwen and Guo Ying will trust us?"

What if they suddenly send troops one day and wipe out our 5000 men?

That time, at the Yellow River ferry, didn't the two of them sneak across the Yellow River and attack Zhu Gaosui and Zhang Yu's army?

As a princess of the Northern Yuan, Wang Yuemin had to consider the safety of her army.

Zhu Yunwen also felt this was a problem, because after all, the Northern Yuan and the Ming Dynasty had once been mortal enemies.

Although Wang Yuemin was wholeheartedly helping him, it was hard to say whether her soldiers felt the same way.

Zhu Yunwen pondered for a moment: "You should station your troops a little further away, perhaps closer to Suzhou, so that it will be easier for me to supply you with military provisions."

Wang Yuemin gradually calmed down and ran her hand through her hair: "Alright, I'll do whatever you say."

But tonight is such a beautiful night, such a great opportunity for us. Are you really going to miss it?

Heaven knows this, Earth knows this, you know this, I know this, and there are only the two of us in the tent.

"Have you never truly loved me?"

Zhu Yuntong frowned: "I know you've been very good to me, saving my life several times. I'm extremely grateful to you."

However, as I said before, I am already engaged to Zhao Ling'er, and I must remain faithful to her.

"You're such a blockhead."

"Which cat doesn't steal fish? You don't even know how to steal a bite!" Wang Yuemin said reproachfully.

Zhu Yunwen was also speechless.

By the light of the lamp, he observed that Wang Yuemin had a very hot figure, with a prominent bust and buttocks, a large and round bottom, and a waist as slender as a willow branch, which could be easily grasped in one hand.

Although her skin was a bit rough, she radiated a healthy and energetic aura.

Zhu Yunwen understood that this was the result of her long-term training.

This is another kind of beauty.

"Isn't it said that princes in your Great Ming Dynasty can have three wives and four concubines?"

Why are you so stubborn in your thinking?

I don't care about that much anymore.

"We don't need to care about others; in my heart, I believe in monogamy."

"What the heck? Monogamy? Your thinking is way too advanced."

This is not the case, neither in the Ming Dynasty nor in our Yuan Dynasty.

Zhu Yunwen didn't want to argue with her about this, so he simply said, "Hurry up and put your clothes on, and go back to your tent to rest."

"You want to kick me out, right? I'm not leaving!" Wang Yuemin said, leaning back against the pillow, looking like she was determined to spend the night there.

Zhu Yunwen was anxious, but there was nothing he could do.

At that moment, a carrier pigeon flew in from outside and landed on Zhu Yunwen's shoulder.

Zhu Yunwen took a letter from the carrier pigeon's leg. It turned out to be a letter from Zhao Ling'er. The letter said that Chen Zuyi had led 20,000 pirates to land and attack the Suzhou military camp, and the situation was very critical.

Upon seeing this, Zhu Yunwen immediately broke out in a cold sweat, thinking to himself, "What I feared most has come to pass. Chen Zuyi is trying to take advantage of my vulnerability."

Seeing Zhu Yunwen's drastic change in expression, Wang Yuemin couldn't help but ask, "What happened? Has Zhu Di returned with his army?"

Zhu Yunwen then handed the letter to Wang Yuemin.

After reading it, Wang Yuemin said, "Then I'll go with you; that way, our chances of winning will be better."

Zhu Yunwen listened quietly, his gaze fixed on the outside of the tent, as if he had spotted a figure moving about.

He lifted the curtain to look inside, but saw no one.

He wondered if he was seeing things.

"Who's outside?" Wang Yuemin asked.

"Nobody's here."

Immediately afterwards, Zhu Yunwen consulted with Chang Yuchun about the matter.

Chang Yuchun also sensed the critical situation and immediately agreed.

So they bid farewell to Geng Bingwen and Guo Ying and rushed to Suzhou overnight.

Zhu Yunwen and Wang Yuemin's army arrived at the Suzhou military camp as quickly as possible.

Chen Zuyi's pirates had already learned of the news and were so frightened that they retreated back to sea.

Zhao Ling'er was overjoyed to see that Zhu Yunwen and the others had returned safely.

However, when she saw Wang Yuemin beside Zhu Yunwen, she couldn't help but frown again.

She thought to herself that Wang Yuemin was truly a persistent ghost, always clinging to Zhu Yunwen.

However, in front of everyone,

Zhao Ling'er didn't feel comfortable saying anything else.

Zhu Yunwen then recounted the events of lifting the siege of Zhen Ding to Zhao Ling'er and Chang Sheng.

"This time, Zhu Di suffered a major defeat, so he probably won't be as arrogant anymore," Zhao Ling'er said.

Zhu Yunwen hosted a banquet to entertain Wang Yuemin, and at the same time sent people to deliver bottles of wine and meat to Wang Yuemin and the soldiers under Tie Xuan.

Zhu Yunwen raised his wine cup: "Princess, I am extremely grateful for your timely assistance, which helped us form an encirclement and jointly attack Zhu Di, thus relieving the siege of Zhen Ding."

Come, please drink this cup to the brim.

Wang Yuemin drank the wine: "Grand Commander of Pingbei, you are exaggerating. By the time we arrive in Zhengding, your overall situation will be settled."

In other words, whether we come or not, you will win this battle.

"You can't say it like that. You could say we had the advantage of timing, location, and popular support. Zhu Di didn't react quickly enough, so he suffered a loss."

The rain came down so suddenly, I guess he didn't expect it.

My grandfather and I simply took advantage of a time difference.

It is said that Yao Guangxiao had already written to Zhu Di, ordering him to move his camp.

If we delay for another half a day, we will lose our chance to fight.

Furthermore, even if your army arrives, it will catch him off guard.

Because of the rush of my return, I didn't have a proper chat with Cheol-hyun.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xue'er asked, "Did you ask Tie Xuan to help us?"

"yes."

Zhao Ning'er looked worried: "I'm afraid you didn't handle this matter very well."

I remember the last time I returned to the capital, I met with Zhu Yunwen and Qi Tai.

Qi Tai said he wanted to kill you, not for any other reason than one of the main reasons that you had secretly mobilized Tie Xuan's army.

And now you've sent Tie Xuan to help us. Don't you think the court will come after you?"

Zhu Yunwen frowned: "To be honest, I feel quite embarrassed every time I trouble Tie Xuan, but Zhu Di has an army of 200,000, a formidable force, while we only have 3500 men. If we were to fight to the death, how could we possibly win?"

Zhao Ling'er looked at Zhu Yunwen with her beautiful eyes: "I completely understand what you said. Zhu Yunwen asked us to go and support Zhengding, which is a difficult problem in itself."

Although he gave you the title of Grand General of Pingbei, he did not give you real power or equip you with the corresponding army.

In other words, you have the name but not the substance.

However, Zhu Yunwen entrusted us with such an important task.

If we disobey the imperial order and fail to provide support, it will be a capital offense.

Going to provide support but failing to achieve victory is also a capital offense.

Ultimately, he wants to use you, but he's also afraid of you.

During the Three Kingdoms period, when Cao Wei and Shu were at war...

As soon as Zhuge Liang arrives with his troops, Cao Rui will appoint Sima Yi and his son Sima Zhao to high positions.

Let them lead troops to resist Zhuge Liang, and appoint Sima Yi as the Grand Commander of the Western Expedition. However, he has an army under his command, while you are just a figurehead commander.

The imperial court only gave us 3500 men. He knew this perfectly well, yet he still wants you to fight against 20 Yan troops.

What's the difference between this and sending us to our deaths?

Upon hearing Zhao Ling'er's words, Chang Sheng angrily said, "If the court dares to punish us, I'll rebel!"

Upon hearing this, Chang Yuchun's face darkened: "Don't talk nonsense! Be careful, walls have ears. Remember, loose lips sink ships!"

When Chang Sheng saw that his father had spoken, he lowered his head and remained silent.

Chang Yuchun pondered for a moment: "Ning'er, your considerations have some merit, but I think this time is different from the past."

The imperial court probably won't do anything to us.

"Oh, why do you say that, Grandfather?"

Chang Yuchun stroked his beard and said: "Firstly, we won this battle, not lost it. Moreover, we captured so many Yan soldiers and obtained many spoils of war, such as gongs, drums, tents, spears, knives, and utensils. We successfully protected Zhending and kept the Yan army north of the Yellow River, preventing them from advancing even half a step. This is a great victory."

Secondly, although our strength is still weak, it is much stronger than before.

Whether it's the Emperor or Qi Tai, they both need to think it over carefully;

Thirdly, if they punish us,

So, if Chen Zuyi's pirates land again and wreak havoc along the southeastern coast, who will stop them?

After hearing Chang Yuchun's analysis, Zhao Ning'er felt much more at ease, and she also felt that there shouldn't be any major problems this time.