Ming Dynasty: Charge, Emperor Yongle!

"Father."

"The Marquis of Yongjia visited the residences of the Duke of Han, the Duke of Wei, the Marquis of Ji'an, the Marquis of Yan'an, and the Marquis of Pingliang in succession..."

Inside the Hall of Literary Glory, Crown Prince Zhu Biao reported with a somber expression.

"That fool who doesn't know what's good for him."

A murderous aura rose on Zhu Yuanzhang's face, and his tone gradually became cold and stern.

He had already shown Zhu Liangzu great favor, promoting his eldest son to the position of Deputy Commander of the Left Guard of the Imperial Guard. Yet Zhu Liangzu was still not satisfied and continued to seek favors with nobles and officials.

"His Majesty."

"The Duke of Wei is away seeking an audience."

The eunuch quickly entered and reported back to Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Has Tiande arrived?"

"Quickly, announce it!"

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and gave the order.

"Yes."

With the departure of the eunuch, Duke Xu Da of Wei entered the Huagai Hall with steady steps.

"Heavenly Virtue".

"Where is that brat? I'm going to break his legs."

Zhu Yuanzhang asked impatiently.

Xu Da knew his older brother well. Although he said he would break Zhu Di's legs, he was more worried about Zhu Di's safety than anyone else. So he didn't take the bait and sat down in the rosewood armchair. He said, "Your Majesty, Prince Yan is currently in the capital army camp, in my central tent."

"It is impossible for him to return to the palace on his own. If Your Majesty issues an order, I will immediately order someone to bring him out and hand him over to Your Majesty."

"Hehehe."

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao exchanged a glance and smiled at each other.

"Hey old buddy."

"What are you up to?"

"Stop beating around the bush and just tell us."

"Ha ha."

Xu Da smiled and replied, "Yes."

"Your Majesty, if Your Majesty allows me to leave the Prince of Yan in the army and accompany him on the northern expedition..."

"Then the day we return to the capital will be the day of the wedding between the Prince of Yan and my daughter."

"If His Majesty does not agree, then the marriage alliance will be called off."

"Um."

Zhu Yuanzhang's breathing became much heavier.

"It is inconvenient for me to stay in the palace any longer, so I will take my leave now."

Xu Da didn't say anything more, and got up to walk out of the hall.

As he watched his departing figure grow smaller and smaller in the sunlight, Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne, lost in thought, remaining silent for a long time.

"Jupachi."

Empress Ma appeared in the Hall of Literary Glory and called out softly.

"daughter."

Zhu Biao waved his hand, and the eunuchs and palace maids serving in the hall all withdrew, leaving only the family of three.

"Woman"

When Zhu Yuanzhang met Empress Ma, he was moved and said, "Tiande wants to take the fourth prince to the battlefield, and we are not happy about it."

"If it were the second or third child, we wouldn't be so worried."

"The fourth son is still young, and swords have no eyes on the battlefield."

"Ptooey! Ptooey! Ptooey!"

Empress Ma interrupted him: "Stop saying unlucky things."

"Today was originally arranged for the Xu family to meet their son-in-law."

"Although it was a bit chaotic, at least the father-in-law and son-in-law met and got to know each other."

"I think it's fine. Tiande may not say it, but the reason he came here today is simply for Lao Si."

"They're training their son-in-law, and you, as the father, are still worrying about this and that."

"We're not..."

Zhu Yuanzhang hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

"I know you feel sorry for the fourth child, but do you think I don't feel sorry for him too?"

"He's a piece of my own flesh and blood."

Empress Ma, her eyes filled with barely concealed worry, said, "He is a prince, and even more so, a prince of the blood."

"The imperial court is now divided between the nobles of Huaixi and the scholars of Zhejiang, and it is not easy to get along with either side."

"To get these soldiers to hand over their military power is tantamount to taking their lives."

"Since the fourth brother has already taken this step, let him take it one step further."

"We parents shouldn't hold our children back."

"Okay, whatever you say."

At Empress Ma's urging, Zhu Yuanzhang decided to let Zhu Di accompany him on the northern expedition.

However, he was still a little worried and instructed, "Boss."

"father."

Zhu Biao immediately responded.

"Tell the Imperial Guard to prepare a carriage immediately. We will go with you to the capital's military camp."

"Also, select ten skilled men from the Imperial Guard Commandery. I want to assess the abilities of that brat, the Fourth Prince."

"Hmph, he's keeping it a secret from his father."

Zhu Yuanzhang had deep, unfathomable eyes, as if he could see through the ways of the world and the hearts of men.

"Yes."

Zhu Biao quickly went down to take care of it.

"Jupachi."

"Since Tiande has agreed to this matter..."

"I think we should send the eldest daughter of the Xu family to the palace."

"As the mother-in-law, I have to meet my daughter-in-law."

Empress Ma made a suggestion.

"it is good."

"You are in charge of arranging this."

Zhu Yuanzhang readily agreed.

"Um."

A glimmer of hope rose on Empress Ma's dignified and regal face.

The marriage between Zhu Di and Xu Miaoyun represented a union of interests at the highest levels of the Ming Dynasty, second only in significance to the marriage between Zhu Biao and Chang Yuchun's daughter.

...............

At dusk, the Beijing military camp on the west bank of Xuanwu Lake.

Xu Da received the imperial decree early on and gathered a group of generals, along with Prince Yan Zhu Di, to wait by his side.

"Da da da! Da da da!"

Dressed in fine clothes and carrying a sword, the Imperial Guard Captain rode into the camp at breakneck speed.

The master of ceremonies, dressed in magnificent attire, carried a goldfish bag and a dragon flag, and led the way with brocade banners and colorful pennants.

A royal carriage with gold-leaf dragon patterns and vermilion wheels slowly drove in, surrounded by imperial guards and eunuchs.

A group of burly Han generals, wearing helmets adorned with small flags and gleaming armor, carrying golden maces and axes, followed closely behind.

"Thump! Thump! Thump!"

A muffled drumbeat erupted, like thunder, startling the entire camp. Every soldier looked solemnly toward the camp gate.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

The shrill voice of the eunuchs echoed in all directions as Zhu Yuanzhang stepped down from the imperial carriage and strode across the camp gate with the imposing presence of a dragon and the mighty stride.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao lagged behind by half a step, while the other guards jogged into the camp, standing guard on both sides with menacing eyes.

"Greetings, Your Majesty/Father!"

Xu Da and Zhu Di stepped forward to greet them.

"Welcome, Your Majesty. May you be well."

The chief secretary, Gu Cheng, and the other generals knelt on one knee and bowed in unison.

"Rise."

Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze lingered on Zhu Di for a few seconds before he turned to face the Ming army.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Xu Da and the others stood up one by one and stood by his side.

"Fourth brother."

"father!"

Zhu Di, head held high and chest out, strode forward.

Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, a tall, handsome young man appeared before countless Ming soldiers. This was the first time the Ming army had ever seen the Prince of Yan.

"Children from ordinary families must undergo rigorous examinations before they can join the army."

"My sons are princes and dukes, bearing the heavy responsibility of the nation and its people, and must work harder than ordinary people."

"Someone come here!"

Zhu Yuanzhang shouted loudly.

"Tap tap..."

Ten burly bodyguards stepped forward.

"His Majesty."

Xu Da tried to stop him, but Zhu Yuanzhang interrupted him.

"Fourth brother."

"Have you thought it through?"

"Father, I have made up my mind."

Zhu Di's eyes were resolute as he answered with a firm and resounding voice.

"it is good."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, and ten fierce personal guards surrounded Zhu Di.

This scene left everyone present completely dumbfounded. What was going on?!