Chapter 16: Daming’s Purpose!

“Mm.”
Bu Wan nodded, though his expression remained somewhat grave.
“The essence of this battle lies in cutting off these Tatars who bring trouble to our Ming borders.”
“If we want to cease hostilities, these Tatars must submit a letter of surrender.”
“Otherwise, the Ming army shall not withdraw,” Bu Wan said in a deep voice.

“Sir,”
“Perhaps we should consider something.”
“These Jianzhou Tatars are vassals of the Northern Yuan. If our Ming forces attack them now, the Northern Yuan might not stand idly by.”
“Continuing the offensive now means we must be wary of the Northern Yuan,” Chen Heng said solemnly.

At these words, Bu Wan smiled.
“We have already mobilized and won the first battle. I can now share some news with you, generals,” Bu Wan’s expression grew serious.

All the generals’ gazes converged on Bu Wan.
But Zhu Ying thought quietly to himself, “It seems the court has already dispatched troops to campaign against the Yuan.”
“Clearing the bandits may be one step, attacking the Jianzhou Tatars another, but the real purpose is to draw attention, ideally to lure the Northern Yuan’s gaze, so that the true main force of Ming can move in.”

Knowing the history, combined with current circumstances, Zhu Ying was naturally able to deduce this.
After all, many wars during the Hongwu reign of the Ming are recorded in history, though not always in full detail.
For example, the suppression of bandits in Daning Prefecture and the subsequent attack on the Jianzhou Tatars are not documented historically, but compared to the grand scheme of the Ming, this has little impact.

“The emperor has decreed that the Ming dispatch two hundred thousand troops to attack Liaodong and destroy Nahachu.”
“I’m sure the generals have heard of him,” Bu Wan smiled.
“This man is the Northern Yuan’s grand marshal, holding military power. In the past, the Ming captured him, and the emperor, showing mercy, released him. But this man does not appreciate the emperor’s grace and continues to oppose us, always aiming to overthrow the Ming and restore the Northern Yuan’s control over the Central Plains.”

“This man is highly trusted by the Yuan emperor and is hailed as another Wang Baobao,” Chen Heng added immediately.
“Nahachu is a hidden threat to the Ming. He has gathered hundreds of thousands of troops in Liaodong, intent on toppling the Ming.”
“The emperor has ordered that to destroy the Northern Yuan, we must first eliminate Nahachu,” Bu Wan said gravely.

“May I ask, sir,”
“Who has the emperor appointed to command the army? And what is Daning Prefecture’s role?” Liu Zhen asked respectfully.

“As far as I know,”
“The emperor has appointed the Duke of Song as the commander-in-chief, with the Duke of Ying and the Marquis of Yongchang as deputies.”
“They are likely already mobilizing troops and preparing supplies.”

“As for Daning Prefecture’s official duty, it is to clear bandits, but in truth, it is to attract the Northern Yuan’s attention, with the Jianzhou Tatars being a key part of this,” Bu Wan said gravely.

“Understood,” Chen Heng and Liu Zhen nodded thoughtfully.

At that moment, the generals inside the camp wore looks of anticipation.
This was not a mere small-scale battle against the Jianzhou Tatars, but the true deciding war against the Northern Yuan.
This was a splendid opportunity for merit and promotion.

“Generals,”
“The imperial order has been given, and the main army has already moved.”
“Within at most two months, or as soon as one month, the true main force of the Ming will enter the northern border and destroy Nahachu.”
“During this period, the soldiers of Daning Prefecture shall focus on offense. If the Northern Yuan sends reinforcements, we will defend and await the main force.”
“This great battle concerns the safety of the Ming dynasty. The emperor has decreed it, and I will fully cooperate with you all,” Bu Wan said solemnly.

At his words, all the generals stood and bowed deeply: “Everything for the Ming.”

The discussion concluded.

“Zhu Ying,”
Just as Zhu Ying stepped out of the camp, Chen Heng called him back.

“General Chen,”
Zhu Ying responded immediately, though holding so many things, he could not salute.

“I haven’t yet had the chance to thank you for saving my life today,” Chen Heng said with a smile.

“You flatter me, General.”
“On the battlefield, comrades fight against the enemy to the death,” Zhu Ying smiled back.

Hearing this, Chen Heng’s smile never faded. Then he said, “Comrades are comrades, but saving a life is saving a life. Great kindness needs no thanks. I have noted it.”

Seeing Chen Heng’s demeanor, Zhu Ying nodded in agreement and said no more.

“All right,”
“The great battle has just been decided today, and you are wounded. Go rest well first. Tomorrow, I will personally take you to the cavalry camp,” Chen Heng patted Zhu Ying’s shoulder and smiled.

“Yes,” Zhu Ying nodded.

“Also,”
“As a commander of a thousand households, you may command fifty personal guards. If you wish, you can select them from your original unit. If not, I can arrange it for you,” Chen Heng reminded him.

At this, Zhu Ying’s eyes brightened and he immediately nodded: “Thank you for the reminder, General. I will inquire about it when I return.”

Afterward, Zhu Ying left the main camp carrying his armor, saber, and sword.

“You’re lucky to have such a fierce warrior under your command.”
“One man slew a hundred enemies, defeating generals and capturing banners. His courage is truly terrifying,” Liu Zhen said with great admiration as he suddenly appeared beside Chen Heng.

His tone was clearly filled with envy.

“Haha,”
“You can just envy him,” Chen Heng glanced at Liu Zhen and turned away proudly.

“You bastard,” Liu Zhen laughed bitterly.

Back inside his own tent, Zhu Ying was immediately swarmed by soldiers—not only those under his command but the entire hundred-household camp and nearby troops gathered, brimming with curiosity.

Though less than half an hour had passed, Wei Quan had already announced Zhu Ying’s achievements: killing a hundred enemies, defeating generals and capturing banners, making him the hero of this battle against the Tatars. Naturally, many were curious and respectful toward Zhu Ying.

“How was it?”
Upon Zhu Ying’s return, Liu Lei approached eagerly.

Seeing Liu Lei’s expectant look, Zhu Ying smiled: “Promoted five ranks, appointed commander of a thousand households.”

“Thousand... commander of a thousand households?”
Liu Lei’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“小旗 has been promoted to commander of a thousand households?”
“My goodness, how many ranks has he risen?”
“But it’s well deserved; he killed a hundred enemies single-handedly and defeated the Tatar general — a great achievement.”
“The promotion speed is incredible.”
“Amazing.”
“I saw it with my own eyes—Xiaoqi slaughtering enemies on the battlefield like they were chicks, one swing per enemy.”
“Truly amazing...”

The soldiers all looked at Zhu Ying with astonishment and awe.

Of course, whether new recruits or veterans, everyone was shocked by Zhu Ying’s appointment as commander of a thousand households.

But recalling Zhu Ying’s military merits, no one dared to object, for military promotions in the Ming were personally decreed by the current emperor. No officer dared to act rashly.

...