Ming Dynasty: Charge, Emperor Yongle!

Chapter 88: Killing to establish authority, taking the first step towards monitoring the world!

"father."

"Should we reconsider establishing the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

"Today, officials in the court and the public are all filled with fear."

In the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Biao offered his frank advice.

"We've already handed this matter over to the fourth brother."

"These lawless bastards, if there wasn't a knife hanging over their heads, they wouldn't know what it means to be law-abiding."

"I summoned you here to discuss the conversion of the Imperial Guard Commandery and the Imperial Ceremonial Guard into the Embroidered Uniform Guard. The Fourth Prince only used 20,000 men, so how should we arrange the remaining 15,000?"

"Furthermore, it is inappropriate for the Embroidered Uniform Guard to be in charge of guarding, arresting, and handling criminal cases, and also to serve as the emperor's personal guard."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, dismissing the matter of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and turned to ask Zhu Biao.

"Yes."

Zhu Biao saw that Zhu Yuanzhang had made up his mind, so he didn't say much. Instead, he focused on the 15,000 men who would be laid off from the Embroidered Uniform Guard and said, "Father."

"The captains and strongmen under the Yiluan Division were all selected from able-bodied men in the countryside."

"The captains are responsible for carrying the imperial regalia, ceremonial guards, and summoning officials in front of the emperor, and are now under the jurisdiction of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"It is indeed inappropriate to have the strongmen in charge of the drums, flags, and accompanying the emperor in and out, as well as guarding the four gates, and also put them under the control of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"It would be better to upgrade the Flag Bearer Thousand-Household Office to the Flag Bearer Guard, with the duties of controlling the emperor's drums, flags, and banners, and leading strongmen to accompany the emperor on his night guard."

"With 15,000 men as the backbone, four guards of the Imperial Guard, the left and right guards of the Golden Guard, the left and right guards of the Feathered Forest Guard, and the left and right guards of the Tiger Guard were added; among them, the Imperial Guard was in charge of leading the young soldiers and taking turns to carry swords and guard them, while the other nine guards, in addition to patrolling the various gates of the capital, were also required to guard one side of the Imperial City."

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Flag Guard were combined into the Twelve Imperial Guards, which were not under the jurisdiction of the Grand General's Office but were directly under the Emperor's command."

"The Twelve Guards of the Upper Zhili Army!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang fell into deep thought.

For the second northern expedition, the Ming Dynasty mobilized 150,000 elite troops, most of whom were the Beijing garrison troops stationed in the capital, leaving Yingtian Prefecture (Nanjing) vulnerable.

Nowadays, these 150,000 elite Ming troops have become the main force of the garrison in the northern deserts and Beiting. In fact, the court no longer has a capital army, only more than 30,000 imperial guards under the command of the Imperial Guard Commandery.

If the Twelve Upper Guards were established, in addition to the Embroidered Uniform Guard, there would be eleven other guards, totaling 61600 people, which would be enough to ensure the safety of the imperial palace.

Once the Grand General's Office unifies and coordinates all the garrisons and guard posts across the country, there will be no need for the Beijing garrison to be stationed there; everything will be directly controlled by the emperor.

"That's a good suggestion, let's do it that way."

Zhu Yuanzhang slapped his thigh and nodded in satisfaction.

"father."

"My son has a lot to say to his fourth son when he comes back this time."

After hesitating for a moment, Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Boss."

"I'm not just the fourth brother's biological father, I'm also your biological father."

"When did our relationship become so estranged that you have to rack your brains to figure out how to deal with us?"

"father."

Zhu Biao was moved and quickly explained, "That's not what my son meant."

"So what do you mean?"

Zhu Yuanzhang stood with his hands behind his back, staring directly at his crown prince, Zhu Biao.

"My son thought about two things."

"First, is the military system of our Great Ming Dynasty appropriate for the times?"

"Secondly, what path should our Great Ming take in governing local areas?"

Zhu Biao stated bluntly: "Nowadays, apart from Liaodong and Yunnan, the Ming Dynasty has largely recovered the territory of the Han Dynasty since the Han and Tang Dynasties."

"It extends north to the Gobi Desert, west to the Tianshan Mountains, south to the Qiongya Mountains, and east to the Shanhaiguan Pass."

"With a population of tens of millions, the people are eagerly awaiting its arrival."

"Henan and Jiangbei provinces are certainly not the first cases, but I hope they can be the last."

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes shone brightly. After a moment of silence, he slowly said, "Elder, we are very pleased that you have this intention."

"But you must know that governing a large country is like cooking a small fish; you can't rush it."

"Military system and local governance are interconnected; a single hair can affect the whole body."

"You want to end the fighting and also settle the people; you need to carefully consider the balance between these two goals."

"The Ming Dynasty will ultimately be handed over to you."

"The son wants to discuss this with the fourth son as well."

Zhu Biao mentioned Zhu Di, the Prince of Yan.

"Fourth brother, that brat."

Upon hearing Zhu Di's name, Zhu Yuanzhang puffed out his beard and glared.

"father."

"The Northern Protectorate, the Northern Court Protectorate, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard were all established by the fourth prince."

"Few people in the Ming Dynasty could combine local governance with military command."

Zhu Biao made no attempt to hide his admiration for Zhu Di. This Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty had always paid close attention to Zhu Di and naturally knew that the fact that the northern deserts and Beiting had become an inseparable part of the Ming Dynasty in such a short time was due to the inseparable relationship between Prince Yan, Zhu Di.

The idea of ​​implementing a dual system between Han and Mongol people in the northern desert, with Han people farming and Mongols herding livestock, is not something that ordinary people could come up with.

"Guards, summon the Prince of Yan to the palace."

Zhu Yuanzhang had to admit that Zhu Di was indeed a good helper.

The eunuchs attending the emperor hurriedly went to deliver the imperial edict.

The residence of the Imperial Guard Commander.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

A large, densely packed crowd bowed to Zhu Di.

"Rise."

Looking around at everyone, Zhu Di slightly raised his right hand.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

The newly appointed commanders of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, numbering in the thousands and hundreds, stood tall and proud, like evergreen pine trees.

"The residence of the Imperial Guard Commander shall be changed to the office of the Embroidered Uniform Guard from this day forward."

"There are only the Bureau of Experience and the Bureau of Pacification of the North and South here."

"You will each lead your troops to various places in the capital and the provinces."

"Yes."

.

"The specific destination will be announced by the commander."

Zhu Di's voice resounded throughout the entire camp, reaching everyone's ears.

If the Embroidered Uniform Guard wanted to become the emperor's ears and eyes, it had to have an intelligence network that covered the entire country.

"Tap tap!"

Commander Mao Xiang opened the folded book with both hands and read aloud: "Location of the Central Thousand-Household Garrison: Taiping Street."

"The location of the front Thousand-Household Office is Shitou Mountain; the location of the rear Thousand-Household Office is outside Zhengyang Gate; the location of the left Thousand-Household Office is Qingliang Mountain; and the location of the right Thousand-Household Office is Zhongshan Mountain."

"Yes."

The five commanders in the capital responded in unison, accepted the order, and left.

More than 5,000 people then left, leaving a large empty space in the once bustling training ground.

The primary task of the five offices in Beijing was to control all situations in Yingtian Prefecture and cooperate with the Southern and Northern Garrison Offices.

"Hebei Thousand-Household Garrison Headquarters: Beiping; Shandong Thousand-Household Garrison Headquarters: Jinan; Henan Thousand-Household Garrison Headquarters: Kaifeng."

"The headquarters of the Jiangzhe Thousand-Household Garrison was located in Hangzhou; the headquarters of the Jiangxi Thousand-Household Garrison was located in Nanchang; and the headquarters of the Huguang Thousand-Household Garrison was located in Changsha."

"Gansu Thousand-Household Garrison Headquarters: Dunhuang; Shaanxi Thousand-Household Garrison Headquarters: Xi'an; Shanxi Thousand-Household Garrison Headquarters: Taiyuan."

"The Sichuan Thousand-Household Garrison was located in Chengdu; the Yunnan Thousand-Household Garrison was located in Kunming; and the Liaodong Thousand-Household Garrison was located in Liaoyang."

With the announcement by Commander Mao Xiang, the destinations of the twelve outposts were all decided.

"Yes."

The twelve commanders led their respective subordinates and left one after another.

The entire training ground immediately became empty.

"Your Highness."

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard currently only has one Deputy Commander, isn't that right? —."

Geng Tianbi, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, looked at Zhu Di with a worried expression.

The standard setup is two deputy commanders and four assistant commanders, but now he's practically a lone commander, having to do everything himself.

"That's enough."

Zhu Di said calmly, "These official positions will be promoted later when the subordinates have made meritorious contributions."

"The quality of soldiers is more important than their quantity. The Embroidered Uniform Guard is the emperor's personal guard, not ordinary garrison soldiers."

"The Southern Garrison Command only has one centurion, five generals, and 112 strongmen."

"The Northern Garrison Command has one Chief of Justice and one Chief of Justice, plus 10 Centurions, and 1120 Captains under its command."

"Yes."

Jiang, the Northern Garrison Commander, and Song Zhong, the Southern Garrison Commander, accepted the order with smiles on their faces.

The Southern Garrison Command is responsible for internal supervision and does not require many personnel. The Northern Garrison Command, on the other hand, is in charge of imperial prisons and is responsible for arrests, interrogations, and executions, so it must be staffed with elite troops.

"In order to distinguish the Embroidered Uniform Guard from other guards, I have decided to focus on their clothing and armor."

"what?"

Geng Tianbi was stunned for a moment, somewhat puzzled.

"Ordinary captains and strongmen usually wear goose-shaped hats and brocade robes, and carry waist knives, long spears, and firearms."

"The junior and senior officers wore blue silk robes with black collars and red silk skirts, and wore square-necked collars."

"The centurions and commanders wore black robes with gold trim and flying fish patterns, the garrison commanders and commanders wore red robes with flying fish patterns, and the deputy commanders wore gold robes with flying fish patterns."

"The Commander-in-Chief wore a bright red python robe, a flying fish-patterned coat, a black gauze hat, and an embroidered spring knife."

"These are the styles and designs of the flying fish robe and the embroidered spring knife. You have ordered people to sew and make them."

Zhu Di took the two scrolls from Zhang Wu and tossed them to Geng Tianbi.

Geng Tianbi opened it and saw that it was a garment resembling a *yesa* or *tieli*, with patterns of dragon heads and fish bodies.

With its two wings, four claws, and forked tail, it exudes an indescribable sense of nobility and mystique.

The embroidered spring knife is shorter than a regular waist knife and has a curved shape, making it easier to draw and sheathe. The scabbard has a skirt with tassels woven at the bottom, making it ornate and requiring techniques such as gilding and silver inlay.

"Whoa!!!"

When Mao Xiang, Jiang, and the others who came forward saw this, their eyes lit up.

Even Tie Xuan, the usually expressionless Jinyiwei officer, showed some fluctuation in his expression.

Zhu Di always liked one of the emperor's sayings: "Military uniforms must be handsome. If they are not handsome, how can they attract people to join the army?"

The Embroidered Uniform Guard has always been a hallmark of the Ming Dynasty, with its iconic flying fish robes and embroidered spring knives being an unalterable fact.

However, in the late Ming Dynasty, the bestowal of official robes was abused, causing the Embroidered Uniform Guard to lose its unique glory.

Now, he wants to establish the uniqueness of the Embroidered Uniform Guard from the very beginning, so that it can become an indispensable part of the Ming Dynasty.

"Your Highness, Prince Yan."

"His Majesty has summoned me."

Just then, a eunuch rushed in and said urgently.

"Um.

""

Nodding slightly, Zhu Di followed behind him, gradually disappearing from everyone's sight.

"Mao Xiang, you will personally select the 1120 captains from the Northern Garrison Command."

"These people must be elite soldiers, capable of taking on ten opponents at once."

"His Highness will probably need it soon."

Geng Tianbi instructed, "Also, Tie Xuan, the manpower in the Bureau of Records must be increased."

"clear."

Mao Xiang and Tie Xuan nodded solemnly in response.

Yingtian Prefecture, Yongjia Marquis's Residence.

.

"My lord."

"These are items sent by the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

The butler humbly presented a red lacquered wooden box.

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

With a slight frown, Zhu Liangzu, unsure of Zhu Di's intentions, waved his hand and ordered, "Open it."

"Yes."

The butler carefully opened the red lacquered wooden box.

"ah?!!!"

The next moment, he was so frightened that he trembled all over, and his hands lost their grip on the wooden box, which fell to the ground.

A hideous head rolled onto the floor of the main hall. Who else could it be but the eldest son of the Marquis of Yongjia?

"Siam!"

Zhu Liangzu's expression changed drastically. He stared intently at the severed head on the ground, his eyes filled with overwhelming hatred and murderous intent.

He had only two sons in his life, namely his eldest son Zhu Xian and his second son Zhu Yu. Zhu Yu was assassinated by the Prince of Yan and died from his injuries, leaving only his eldest son Zhu Xian. Zhu Xian served as the deputy commander of the Left Guard in the Imperial Guard Commandery. He was intelligent and brave, and made meritorious contributions in battles alongside his father. He was once regarded as the heir to the Yongjia Marquisate.

But now, Zhu Liangzu watched helplessly as his only hope was shattered, and the tragedy of an elderly person burying their child was repeated once again.

"Zhu Di!"

Overwhelmed with anger and frustration, Zhu Liangzu roared out.

"My lord, you mustn't!"

The steward was shocked to hear his words and said the name of the Prince of Yan, which was a serious crime.

"Go to the estate outside the city and summon all my adopted sons and nephews."

"And gather all of my household guards."

Zhu Liangzu's eyes flashed with a fierce light as he gritted his teeth and spoke.

Now that things have come to this, how could Prince Yan, Zhu Di, possibly let him go? He had no choice but to fight back with all his might.

"Yes."

The butler was filled with fear and hurriedly left the lobby.

Meanwhile, at the Korean government office.

"Hu Weiyong".

"What exactly do you want?"

Li Shanchang was put in a very passive position by Hu Weiyong's actions today and was furious.

"The old prime minister."

Hu Weiyong lowered his head, looking submissive.

"Let me tell you, the current emperor is not a tyrant like Emperor Wu of Han, and he has no need for Zhang Tang or Zhu Fu Yan."

Li Shanchang glanced at him coldly, his words full of warning.

"You flatter me, Your Excellency."

Hu Weiyong said bitterly, "This time, I have no choice but to do it."

"To repay the Emperor's kindness and to serve the Duke of Han, we, the civil and military officials of Huaixi, must find a respectable way out."

"Is this the dignity you wanted?"

Li Shanchang was furious and shouted in a deep voice: "Assassinate the princes and royals!"

"My lord, I know nothing about this matter either."

Hu Weiyong looked aggrieved and complained bitterly: "I asked these soldiers to hand over the goods, but who would have thought they would be so audacious as to commit such a heinous crime as confiscating property and exterminating their families."

Even if you gave him a hundred lives, he wouldn't dare do such a thing.

"Zhu Liangzu is inextricably linked to this matter."

"The Prince of Yan is young and intolerant of injustice; he will never let this go so easily."

"His Majesty has already agreed to allow the Prince of Yan to establish the Embroidered Uniform Guard. It is foreseeable that the matter in Huaixi can no longer be concealed."

"Is that Tie Xuan the scholar you've been looking for but haven't found?"

Li Shanchang rubbed his temples, his old face full of exhaustion. He was utterly worn out. He was truly unable to handle this bunch of incompetent teammates.

"Yes."

Hu Weiyong dared not conceal anything and replied, "I repeatedly warned Tu Jie, but he still managed to escape."

"Don't even mention Tu Jie; Tu Jie can't even protect himself."

Li Shanchang raised his withered hand and said in a gloomy tone, "The most important thing now is to prevent them from causing any more trouble and to remain unchanged in the face of all changes."

No one understood Zhu Yuanzhang better than him. He appeared gentle on the surface, but was a ruthless killer behind the scenes. Once the emperor was thoroughly angered, the nobles of Huaixi would likely face rivers of blood, and all wealth and glory would be meaningless.

"yes.

""

Hu Weiyong's back was soaked with sweat as he walked heavily out of the Han State Mansion, a storm brewing.