Ming Dynasty: Charge, Emperor Yongle!

Chapter 99 The most beautiful flower in the northern desert, Second Sister-in-law, I'm here!

"Someone come here!"

"Your Highness."

Zhang Wu, Mao Xiang, Jiang, and Song Zhong all entered and awaited instructions.

"You don't need to go."

"Zhang Wu, gather my guards and come with me to the Prince of Qin's residence."

Zhu Di glanced at Mao Xiang and the other two, and then gave his orders.

"Yes."

Zhang Wu readily agreed and summoned a group of Prince Yan's guards.

"drive!!!"

Zhu Di took the reins from him, mounted his horse, and in the blink of an eye, his figure disappeared outside the Jinyiwei yamen.

"Da da da! Da da da!"

A dozen or so guards of the Prince of Yan stood guard on either side of him, following closely behind.

"Master Mao!"

When Jiang and Song Zhong saw Prince Yan, Zhu Di, leave, they immediately looked at Mao Xiang, their questioning gazes undisguised.

"The Northern Garrison immediately cleared out a small courtyard and had craftsmen install iron windows and iron doors."

"Yes."

Just as Jiang Huan was about to go down to make the arrangements, Mao Xiang stopped him: "There's more."

"Send someone to buy some flowers and plants and plant them."

"what?"

Jiang was dumbfounded. They were the Embroidered Uniform Guards, a force that struck fear into the hearts of everyone in the capital. The Northern Garrison Command controlled the imperial prison, and to civil and military officials, they were like the Black and White Impermanence, capable of stealing souls and spirits. What kind of nonsense was it to ask them to clear out a courtyard and plant flowers and plants?

Mao Xiang earnestly instructed, "Don't ask why you should do this; just do it."

"Yes."

Jiang realized that his tone was very serious, and without saying a word, he turned and left.

"The Southern Garrison Command has assigned personnel to guard the courtyard, and no mistakes are allowed."

"Don't even mention news; not even a mosquito can fly out without His Highness Prince Yan's permission."

Mao Xiang gave Song Zhong a deep look and said in a deep voice.

"Yes."

Song Zhong felt a chill run down his spine and hurriedly went to make arrangements.

"call!"

Watching his two subordinates leave, Mao Xiang took a deep breath. The person coming in this time was no ordinary person; a member of the imperial family and the principal wife of a prince. If he was not careful, the entire Embroidered Uniform Guard would suffer a great disaster. He could not afford to be negligent in the slightest.

At 3:45 PM, the sun was setting in the west. To the east of the imperial palace was the Prince of Qin's residence.

Zhu Di led a group of guards into the mansion of the first prince of the Ming Dynasty. Everywhere was magnificent and showed the solemnity of the royal family.

"Fourth brother."

Prince Qin, Zhu, was tall and imposing, dressed in a crimson robe with a round collar and narrow sleeves, a dragon robe, a jade belt around his waist, a winged crown on his head, and gold-embroidered six-section boots on his feet. He went directly to greet Zhu Di. The two brothers had grown up together since childhood and had a very close relationship.

Compared to Prince Jin, Zhu Di preferred associating with his second brother, Zhu, at least because he was less cunning and more impulsive and straightforward.

.

"You may all step back."

Zhu Di gave a cold shout, and the guards of the Prince of Yan behind him all withdrew from the main hall of the Prince of Qin's mansion.

Upon seeing this, the people from the Prince of Qin's residence all left, leaving only the two brothers, Prince Zhu of Qin and Prince Zhu Di of Yan, talking inside the hall.

"Fourth brother, I've been waiting for you for a long time."

Zhu said somewhat impatiently.

"Second Brother."

"I have come by imperial decree. Please forgive me if I have offended anyone."

Zhu Di gave Zhu face; otherwise, given his status, he could have easily broken into the inner palace of the Prince of Qin's residence simply by using the name of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

"We're brothers, we're all in the same boat."

"I'm very happy that you came here. I've put up with that Mongolian Tartar who smells like sheep for a long time."

"Hurry up, should I send someone to arrest her?"

Zhu rubbed his hands together, showing no anger whatsoever, but rather his face was full of anticipation.

He had always disliked Wang Yuemin, this Mongolian woman, even before their marriage. What kind of nonsense was it for a prince of the Ming Dynasty to marry a Tartar?

Therefore, he always felt that Zhu Yuanzhang was humiliating him and never gave Wang Yuemin a kind look.

The couple had been married for many years, but had only consummated their marriage a handful of times and had no children.

Consort Deng was the eldest daughter of Duke Deng Yu of Wei. She was sensible and charming, and was deeply loved by him. All the affairs of the Prince's mansion were handled by Consort Deng.

Zhu Di looked at Zhu as if he were a fool; he never expected Zhu to be so "simple-minded."

Even though he knew that Princess Qin, Wang Yuemin, controlled the Scouts and had investigated the military secrets of the Ming Dynasty for the Northern Yuan, he dared not mobilize the Embroidered Uniform Guard to come in a grand manner, because this would damage the royal family's reputation.

If Zhu were to arrange for someone to arrest Princess Qin, Wang Yuemin, it would truly become a joke.

"I appreciate your kindness, Second Brother."

"This matter should not be taken too seriously. I have already had a carriage prepared, which is right outside the gate."

"You can pretend you don't know anything. I'll go see her myself and take her away."

Zhu Di appeared to be thinking of Zhu's best interests and patiently persuaded him.

"What about Father's side?"

..........

Zhu approached Zhu Di, looking at him with thick eyebrows and big eyes.

"Second Brother is referring to the daughter of the Duke of Wei."

"Father said that Second Brother will be in charge of all affairs of the Prince of Qin's residence."

"Announce to the public that the Princess Consort of Qin has suddenly fallen ill and died, and that the Prince of Qin's residence is not allowed to establish a new Princess Consort for three years."

"No, I..."

Upon hearing this, Zhu became somewhat anxious. He had solemnly promised Deng that he would elevate Wang Yuemin to the position of principal wife after she left, and that he would not establish a principal wife for three years. Wasn't this asking him to break his promise? How could he do that!

"Second Brother."

Zhu Di's expression turned serious, and he solemnly said, "The Princess Consort of Qin is the younger sister of the Duke of Yuan."

"The Duke of Yuan is about to take up the post of Left Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Commandery, and he is the leader of the group of former officials who have served the Yuan court."

"Heaven, earth, you, me, and he all know about this."

"If you were to elevate Lady Deng to the position of legitimate wife now, the Duke of Wei would naturally be overjoyed, but what about the Duke of Yuan?"

"The court and the public were just in turmoil because of the Huaixi incident, and the nobles were all holding their breath."

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"If this move triggers a confrontation between the nobles of Huaixi and the former officials of the Yuan Dynasty, then when Father gets angry, don't say that your younger brother didn't warn you."

"Oh, this!"

Zhu Yi felt a chill run down his spine at the thought of Zhu Yuanzhang's fierce and menacing appearance, and dared not utter a single word.

"Second Brother."

"I will also trouble you to dismiss the servants and have my guards guard the passage."

Zhu Di continued.

"No problem, no problem, I'll go right away."

Zhu Yi was delighted at the thought of no longer having to spend every day with that Mongolian woman, and quickly went down to make the arrangements.

Before long, a group of Prince Yan's guards stood by the path leading from the main hall to the rear hall, their faces stern and imposing. The servants of Prince Qin's mansion were all somewhat afraid and dared not approach, only hiding in the shadows to secretly observe this astonishing scene.

"Princess."

"The Prince of Yan has arrived."

In the rear hall of the Qin Prince's mansion, Ulan Tuya's eyes were filled with sorrow as she reminded Wang Yuemin.

"Um.

""

Wang Yuemin was mentally prepared for this, and her expression remained calm.

"Tap tap..."

Zhu Di entered the rear hall of the Prince of Qin's residence alone. The woman before him, Wang Yuemin, was not dressed in the attire of a princess, but instead wore a long, narrow-sleeved, bright red brocade robe with gold embroidery. Her long, glossy black hair was braided and hung down, and she was adorned with numerous gold and silver hairpins.

Necklace, purse, and a gold and jade belt around the waist.

Her demeanor was like a withered lotus in the wind, maintaining her nobility and dignity even in adversity.

"Second Sister-in-law."

Zhu Di held a degree of respect for Wang Yuemin, who, despite being in an enemy country, risked his life to gather intelligence for the Northern Yuan as always.

"Even His Highness the Prince of Yan has arrived."

"Please call me by my real name: Minmin Timur."

Wang Yuemin's eyes were indifferent, devoid of any emotion.

"Then please join the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

Zhu Di's expression hardened, and he said in a deep voice.

Wang Yuemin controlled at least half of the scouts' forces, which was his pledge of allegiance to Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Ulan Tuya, after I leave, go to the Duke of Yuan's mansion to find Hai Bie, and stay by her side to serve her from now on."

Wang Yuemin turned to look at Ulan Tuya, who had been with her for more than ten years, and carefully gave her some instructions.

"Princess."

I want to go with you.

Ulan Tuya said stubbornly.

"Ulan Tuya".

Before Wang Yuemin could offer any advice, Zhu Di jokingly said with a smile, "Since the bond between master and servant is so deep, why don't we go together?"

"My Imperial Guards are not monsters; they won't devour anyone who comes."

brush!!!"

Wang Yuemin couldn't help but glance at Zhu Di, and seeing his sincere expression, she nodded and agreed to Ulan Tuya's request.

Accompanied by Zhu Di, the master and servant left the Prince of Qin's residence together, boarded a specially made carriage covered with black cloth, and headed to the Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) headquarters.

"Your Highness."

"What should be done with the things the princess left behind?"

The steward of the Prince of Qin's residence stepped forward and asked Zhu.

"Burn them all."

"Why keep these unlucky things?"

Zhu waved his hand, his face full of disgust and disdain for Wang Yuemin.

"yes.

The servants of the Prince of Qin's mansion busied themselves tidying up the back hall, piling up all the clothes and bedding, and setting a fire, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky.

The headquarters of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

"Your Highness, the Duke of Yuan has arrived."

As soon as Zhu Di returned to the yamen with his men, Mao Xiang, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, hurriedly stepped forward to greet him.

"I understand."

"The Duke of Renyuan is going to the Northern Garrison Command."

"Yes."

Mao Xiang immediately responded and turned to leave.

A moment later, in a small courtyard deep within the Northern Garrison, Wang Baobao and Hai Bie saw Wang Yuemin, whom they had not seen for a long time.

"Guanyin slave".

"aunt!"

Both of them showed expressions of concern.

"Brother, goodbye."

When Wang Yuemin saw her family, all the pent-up grievances she had kept inside for so many years suddenly erupted, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

Looking at his haggard sister, Wang Baobao could hardly believe that this was the same beautiful, spirited, and heroic woman who had once been the most fragrant flower blooming on the vast desert grasslands. His heart ached. If he hadn't insisted on leaving Wang Yuemin in the Ming Dynasty to gather intelligence for the Northern Yuan, how could Wang Yuemin have become like this?

"Father-in-law."

Zhu Di interrupted the three men's conversation, saying, "Official business is more important."

"My mother has summoned me to the palace tonight for a family banquet."

"Um."

Wang Baobao quickly composed himself, while Hai Bie, who was standing nearby, blushed upon hearing Zhu Di's words.

"I heard that the scout headquarters is divided into the north wing."

"If I'm not mistaken, the north-facing room was previously in my father-in-law's possession, while the first-facing room was given to someone else."

When this was mentioned, Zhu Di's gaze lingered on Wang Yueminyu for a moment.

"I do indeed control the noodle shops, and my business extends throughout Hebei, Sichuan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Yunnan, and Nanjing."

"We had spies planted in the residences of the nobles and high-ranking officials on the spot."

Wang Yuemin directly confessed her remaining share.

"I want to save Guanyin slave."

Wang Baobao's eyes were sharp, and he said firmly, "The entire scout team can be handed over; I will not hesitate to do so."

"I can give up the Duke of Yuan, I just want my sister to live."

"elder brother."

Wang Yuemin never expected that Wang Baobao would be willing to give up the wealth and honor he had gained in the Ming Dynasty for her sake.

"After the Prince of Yan's porridge, my aunt..."

Hai Bie looked at Zhu Di with pleading eyes.

"I have already spoken to my father."

"As long as the store is handed over, her safety will not be a problem."

"Before this, she had been staying in this small courtyard and couldn't go out."

"I think once the Embroidered Uniform Guard has fully taken over the scouts' quarters, she should be able to leave here."

Meeting the gazes of Wang Baobao and his daughter, Zhu Di replied earnestly.

"That's good!"

Wang Baobao's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally returned to its chest. Hai Bie couldn't help but glance at Zhu Di a few more times, his heart filled with gratitude.

"Father-in-law."

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"I hope Hai doesn't stay here, but learns to take over the north-facing rooms and observes the daily life of Jinluwei."

"I will personally arrange for people to guard the courtyard to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Next, Zhu Di made a request.

Thump!

Having spent years immersed in court politics and fighting on the battlefield, Wang Baobao immediately grasped the deeper meaning and blurted out, "The Zhu Emperor doesn't trust you?"

"What?"

Hai Bie and Wang Yuemin both looked up, their eyes fixed on Zhu Di.

Zhu Di smiled wryly and said, "It's like a landlord having four sons."

"The eldest son is destined to inherit the family business, while the second and third sons received a portion of the fertile land."

"The fourth son was the most shrewd and capable, but he was allocated the smallest and most barren piece of land."

"How could the landlord not worry that the fourth son might have ulterior motives and end up seizing the eldest son's business?"

The words fell.

All three present understood this example: Crown Prince Zhu Biao was determined to inherit the Ming Dynasty.

The title of Prince of Qin bestowed upon the Second Prince Zhu was the highest-ranking title of a vassal king since the Qin Dynasty unified the country. His status became even more prominent after the Qin Dynasty ended. Guanzhong was a fertile land with the Yin Mountains to the north, the Long Mountains to the west, the Qinling Mountains to the north, and the Yellow River to the east.

The Qin Prince's Mansion in Xi'an is already under construction, and it's clear to anyone with eyes to see Zhu Yuanzhang's affection and care for this second son.

The third prince, Zhu, was granted the title of Prince of Jin. Jin was the most powerful state during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. Han, Zhao, and Wei were all separated from Jin, making it second only to Qin in significance. The land of the Three Jins was a strategic location, with mountains and rivers connecting the two sides. At the end of the Sui Dynasty, Li Yuan raised an army in Taiyuan, entered Guanzhong, seized power, and established the Jin Dynasty.

Shanxi's status rose as a result, and it became a strategic location fought over by military strategists during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Later, the Later Jin and Later Han dynasties both originated in Shanxi. Guo Wei of the Later Zhou dynasty laid the foundation for his rule after defeating Liu Chong (Liu Zhiyuan's younger brother), the military governor of Hedong.

In comparison, the title of Prince of Yan is nothing special. Since ancient times, Youyan has been a bitterly cold place. It was only after the Yuan Dynasty established Dadu in Beiping that its status was gradually elevated.

Today, Hebei faces threats from the grasslands and Liaodong. Rather than valuing Zhu Di, it would be more accurate to say that Zhu Di was sent to guard the northeastern gate of the Ming Dynasty.

Especially now that Zhu Di has made unparalleled military achievements, how could Zhu Yuanzhang not worry that Zhu Di would threaten Zhu Biao's position as crown prince?