Ming Dynasty: Charge, Emperor Yongle!

Mid-July of the fifth year of the Hongwu reign.

Yingtian Prefecture, Huagai Hall.

"That damned Xu Tiande, he really dares to send our son to risk his life!"

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the Imperial Seal of the State in his hand, and was furious. He was about to smash it.

"Father."

Zhu Biao hurriedly stepped forward to snatch the Imperial Seal of the State and comforted him, saying, "Although it was Uncle Xu who asked the fourth prince to lead the troops, Father Emperor agreed to it in the first place."

"Besides, Father Emperor originally intended to have his younger brothers take up their fiefs and lead troops."

"Can they be the same?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said angrily, "I'm sending some of my sons to be generals who lead troops."

"We're not asking them to do business that involves bloodshed."

"If nothing happens to the fourth prince this time, all will be well. But if something does happen, I will make Xu Tiande's daughters become nuns."

"Father."

Zhu Biao rolled his eyes and said helplessly, "Sheng Yong, you tell me, is His Highness the Prince of Yan injured?"

"Yes."

Sheng Yong, who had been kneeling on the ground, quickly stood up and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"His Highness Prince Yan is exceptionally brave and has not suffered any external injuries."

"The Mongols of Karakorum were all terrified and trembling at the sight of His Highness the Prince of Yan."

"On the day I set out, Karakorum had already fallen completely into the hands of His Highness the Prince of Yan."

"snort!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's pent-up anger gradually dissipated, and his expression softened.

"Father."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao added: "My fourth brother captured Karakorum this time, taking thousands of people, including the Northern Yuan emperor, empress, concubines, and nobles, prisoner."

"The court and the public will surely be shaken. I imagine there will be no further obstacles to my second and third brothers taking up their fiefs and leading troops."

"But how should we reward my fourth brother?"

"That little brat!"

Zhu Yuanzhang cursed aloud, but inwardly he was secretly delighted.

Zhu Di's journey was no different from Huo Qubing's sealing of the wolf's lair, creating an unprecedented feat, and as a father, he naturally felt honored.

"Eldest brother, summon fourth brother back to the capital."

Thinking of this, Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't wait to meet Zhu Di.

"Father."

"The northern desert is thousands of miles away from Yingtian Prefecture."

"Uncle Xu is still confronting Wang Baobao in Bayanbulage."

"I'm afraid that if the fourth brother returns to Beijing now, he will be intercepted and killed on the way."

Zhu Biao's few words dissuaded Zhu Yuanzhang from his plan.

"Where is Bao'er?"

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and asked.

"A military report that arrived from Beiping a few days ago."

"My cousin led the Eastern Route Army to Kouwen (south of present-day Chagan Nuoer, Inner Mongolia) on June 29th, and the Northern Yuan garrison fled upon hearing the news."

"Our army captured a large number of cattle, horses, and supplies. Han Zheng, deputy general of the Eastern Route Army, led 3,000 men to garrison Kouwen."

"My cousin has already led the main force to pursue the Yuan army along the Haramanglai (present-day Honggor, Mongolia) and Luqu Rivers."

"The Western Route Army, led by Marquis Fu Youde of Yingchuan, attacked Yijinai Road (southeast of present-day Ejin Banner, Inner Mongolia). The Northern Yuan general Bayan Temur surrendered the city. The main force of the Duke of Song was still in Yongchang Road (present-day Wuwei City, Gansu Province)."

Zhu Biao informed Zhu Yuanzhang of the movements of the Eastern Route Army and the Western Route Army in detail.

"Um."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang fell into deep thought.

Xu Da's central army must contain Wang Baobao and prevent him from returning to Karakorum; otherwise, the Ming army's campaign will be in vain.

The only forces capable of coming to Zhu Di's aid now are Li Wenzhong's Eastern Route Army and Feng Sheng's Western Route Army.

"Issue the imperial decree: Marquis Fu Youde of Yingchuan is ordered to lead 5000 cavalry out of Yijinai Road and head north to Karakorum."

"Tell Bao'er about the fourth son's situation; he knows what to do."

"In addition, Prince Yan, Zhu Di, was granted the authority to oversee the northern desert regions and was permitted to make decisions on the spot."

"Send someone to tell that brat that things like Harahorin and the Northern Yuan Emperor can be discarded if necessary."

"I don't want all those things, I just want him to return safely."

At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang resembled a helpless father longing for his young son to return home.

"Yes."

Zhu Biao responded.

"Your name is Sheng Yong?"

Zhu Yuanzhang turned his attention to Sheng Yong.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Sheng Yong trembled all over, completely unable to face the Ming emperor directly.

Zhu Yuanzhang was not an heir, but a founder, with the blood of countless people on his hands. Just standing in the palace gave him an indescribable sense of oppression.

"You did a good job on this errand."

"From now on, you will serve the Crown Prince."

Zhu Yuanzhang said expressionlessly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Sheng Yong was overjoyed and quickly agreed and left.

This life-or-death journey was not in vain; by gaining access to Crown Prince Zhu Biao, he will surely enjoy wealth and honor in the future.

"Father."

"Did the fourth brother send me a talented person?"

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Yuanzhang with some surprise.

"This man first betrayed Wang Baobao, and then betrayed Wang Baobao's daughter."

"You know what kind of person the fourth brother is. No matter how talented he is, he won't look down on this person."

"I might as well send him out to deliver the message, and hand him over to you for arrangements."

How could Zhu Yuanzhang not know Zhu Di's thoughts? He saw right through him.

"Son understands."

Zhu Biao didn't mind. He had been the crown prince for so many years and had seen all kinds of people. What he cared about was talent. Sheng Yong was talented, and with his willingness to risk his life this time, it was enough for him to secure a future. As for character, he was confident that he could control Sheng Yong.

"By the way, don't tell your mother about this for now."

Zhu Yuanzhang remembered Empress Ma and hurriedly instructed Zhu Biao.

"Your Majesty, the envoy from the State of Wei has sent a proclamation 800 li long to report the victory!"

"His Highness the Prince of Yan marched 1,600 li into the northern desert, conquered Karakorum, and captured the Northern Yuan Emperor!"

A eunuch rushed into the Hall of Literary Glory and shouted.

"Father, it seems there's no need to hide it anymore."

Zhu Biao spread his hands, revealing a helpless smile.

"That Xu Tiande!"

A hint of shame and anger flashed across Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes. He understood that Xu Da was trying to promote his son-in-law, but he was helpless to do anything about it.

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

The capital city, Zhengyang Gate.

"Da da da! Da da da!"

The dull thud of hooves echoed all around as a Ming cavalryman galloped down the street, his banner fluttering in the wind behind him like a small flag.

They shouted: "His Highness Prince Yan has raided the northern deserts, conquered Karakorum, and captured the Northern Yuan Emperor!"

What?

Upon hearing this news, the people along the way were all stunned and stood there dumbfounded.

"Get out of the way! Get out of the way now!"

The Ming soldiers guarding Zhengyang Gate quickly dispersed the surrounding crowd and cleared the way.

The 800-li proclamation of victory was second only to the 800-li urgent military report, demonstrating its immense importance. Anyone who dared to obstruct it would be killed without exception!

Thus, the Ming cavalry entered the inner city unimpeded, went straight to the palace, and made a great noise that spread in all directions.

The news spread instantly throughout Yingtian Prefecture, and the people cheered with joy. The Ming army had conquered Karakorum and captured the Northern Yuan emperor. What a victory this was!

The instigator, Prince Yan Zhu Di, was once even compared to Huo Qubing.