20demayo Chapter 14 The Army Marches North
Chapter 14 The Army Marches North
Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at the censor, then slowly spoke, his voice not loud, but carrying an undeniable authority:
"Young men, how can they become useful if they are not allowed to see blood on the battlefield and feel the wind on the edge of a blade? The future of our Ming Dynasty will ultimately be handed over to these brothers."
He paused, his gaze fixed on Zhu Mu, and his tone turned serious:
"King of Chu, heed my command!"
"Your subject is here!"
Zhu Mu stepped forward and knelt on one knee.
"I hereby appoint you as the Deputy General of the Expeditionary Army, to lead 20,000 troops each, alongside General Li Wenzhong, to depart immediately and head north to join forces with Chang Yuchun! In this battle, Li Wenzhong will lead the frontal assault, while you will lead the surprise attack. I do not care about your victories; I only want Kökö Temür's life!"
"Your subject obeys the decree!"
Zhu Mu's voice was strong and clear, his eyes filled with fighting spirit.
There was no more noise in the imperial court.
The emperor's determination is the will of the Ming Dynasty.
Zhu Yuanzhang's move was not only to relieve the siege of Beiping, but also to use Wang Baobao, the hardest whetstone, to sharpen his most powerful weapon!
After the court session, Zhu Mu was summoned to the Kunning Palace by Zhu Yuanzhang.
Empress Ma was already waiting there. She was personally adjusting the straps of Zhu Mu's armor, her eyes filled with love and reluctance.
"Mu'er, swords and spears have no eyes on the battlefield, you must take good care of yourself. You are a prince and a general, but first and foremost, you are your mother's son. Promise me you will come back safe and sound."
Zhu Mu felt a warmth in his heart and nodded:
"Your Majesty, rest assured, I understand."
Zhu Yuanzhang stood with his hands behind his back, lacking the domineering presence he displayed in the imperial court, and resembling more of an ordinary father.
He said in a deep voice:
"Mu'er, remember, you are the deputy general. Listen to Li Wenzhong's advice; he is your cousin and a veteran of the battlefield. But I also know your temperament. On the battlefield, things change in an instant. If there is a real opportunity, don't hesitate to make a decision!"
"Our son, on the battlefield, should be a wolf, not a sheep!"
He stepped forward, patted Zhu Mu on the shoulder, and lowered his voice:
"Also, be wary of Chang Yuchun. He's a fierce general, but also a ruthless killer. Don't follow his example and massacre entire cities at the drop of a hat. What we want is the land of the North, but even more so, the hearts and minds of the people of the North. If we win, we must win decisively."
"We're the father-in-law who's interested in making him a target. You should suppress him on the battlefield and prevent the general from getting too prominent."
"Your Majesty's teachings will be firmly remembered!"
This admonition contained both the deep love of parents for their children and the political maneuvering and strategic considerations of an emperor.
Zhu Mu knew that in this battle, he carried more than just the weight of military victory or defeat.
After leaving Kunning Palace, Zhu Mu went straight to the East Palace.
Crown Prince Zhu Biao had already prepared hot tea. Seeing him enter, he grabbed his arm, scrutinizing his military uniform from head to toe with a complex expression.
"Second brother, be careful on your trip to Beiping. I'll keep a close eye on the Agricultural Affairs Department while I'm in the capital, and I'll make sure you have no worries!"
The two brothers need no further explanation.
A single glance, a single gesture, is worth a thousand words.
Just then, a young woman dressed in a traditional Chinese dress, exuding both heroic spirit and delicate beauty, walked in. She was Chang Meirong, the daughter of Chang Yuchun.
Upon seeing Zhu Mu, she gracefully bowed.
"Greetings, Your Highness, the King of Chu."
"Sister Rong, there's no need for such formalities."
Zhu Mu returned the greeting.
Chang Meirong looked at Zhu Biao, a hint of girlish worry in her eyes:
"Your Highness, my father said in his letter that Wang Baobao is extremely cunning. Your Highness, on your journey..."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao laughed heartily, put an arm around Zhu Mu's shoulder, and said in an extremely proud tone:
"Sister Rong, don't worry! I might worry about others, but my second brother is invincible!"
……
Outside Yingtian Prefecture, 100,000 troops stood with banners obscuring the sun, their murderous aura soaring to the heavens.
Zhu Mu was clad in heavy black armor, with a long sword at his waist, and sat astride a magnificent black horse.
Beside him stood Li Wenzhong, the General Who Conquers the Barbarians, also dressed in military uniform and exuding a composed aura.
On the high platform, Zhu Yuanzhang personally handed the commander's seal to Li Wenzhong and then bestowed upon Zhu Mu a Chu-character banner representing his personal expedition.
His gaze swept over the two young men, and he said in a deep voice:
"Wenzhong, Mu'er, the journey to Beiping is long and the military affairs are heavy. Remember, you two, one a commander and the other a general, are not only ruler and subject, but also brothers. Discuss everything, be of one mind and one heart, only then can you defeat the enemy!"
"Your subject obeys the decree!"
The two agreed in unison.
As the army set off, Zhu Mu looked back at the city tower, where Zhu Biao was standing, waving vigorously at him.
The two brothers, one guarding the central command and the other managing the four directions, met in the air, their eyes filled with heavy entrustment and trust.
……
For the three days leading up to the army's departure, Zhu Mu practically lived at the royal farm.
He knew that the Northern Expedition would not be completed overnight; it would take at least a few months and at most a year.
He had to ensure that the agricultural foundation of the Ming Dynasty would not stagnate in the slightest during his absence.
He summoned all the core officials of the Agricultural Department and laid out a huge sand table, on which the number of each experimental field was precisely marked.
"Gentlemen,"
Zhu Mu's voice was calm yet powerful.
"I am about to head north, and I entrust all matters concerning the farm to you."
Instead of giving a long speech, he took out a thick booklet and handed it to the leading official.
"This is the Agricultural Affairs Department's Standard Operating Procedures Manual."
Zhu Mu explained,
"From today onward, all matters concerning the farm must be handled in accordance with this manual. It details every step of the operation."
"also,"
He pointed to another document,
"This is a cross-monitoring and incentive system. You will be divided into two groups, A and B. After the workday ends, you will check each other's records and operations to ensure there are no errors."
"The team that performs best and records the most detailed data in monthly assessments will receive a substantial reward! Any team that causes data errors or damage to rice plants due to negligence or carelessness will be severely punished!"
"I have already reported this matter to my father and elder brother, the Crown Prince, and they will personally oversee it."
This system eliminates the ambiguity of personal experience and ensures the continuity and accuracy of scientific research to the greatest extent possible.
Even in his absence, this sophisticated "machine" can continue to operate on its own, relying on the power of the system.
Seeing the mixture of awe and excitement in the officials' eyes, Zhu Mu knew he could go to war with peace of mind.
……
The army marched north, traveling by day and resting by night.
Zhu Mu's army was disciplined and committed no offenses against the people, which complemented Li Wenzhong's steady and powerful army.
A month later, the massive Ming army finally arrived at the gates of Beiping.
The city gates were opened wide, and Chang Yuchun personally led his generals out of the city for thirty miles to welcome them.
This fiercest general of the Ming Dynasty was as tall and imposing as a mountain, with a dark complexion and a pair of tiger-like eyes that shone with shrewdness.
Upon seeing Li Wenzhong and Zhu Mu, he burst into laughter, his voice echoing across the surrounding area:
"Wenzhong, Your Highness Prince Chu! You've finally arrived! Old Chang has been waiting for you here every day, my neck is practically growing long from waiting!"
After exchanging pleasantries, the three rode side by side into the city.