Chapter 4: The Illustrious Founding Emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang!

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Yingtian Prefecture!
Yingtian City, the capital of the Great Ming Empire.
At the heart of the city stood the imperial palace of the Great Ming, the center of governance for the entire empire.
A place where countless Ming citizens revered the heavenly authority.
Inside the palace.
The Hall of Heavenly Mandate!
An emperor, slightly aged, dressed in a dragon robe and wearing a crown, sat solemnly on the throne. His hands rested on the imperial desk as he reviewed official memorials.
Though his face bore the marks of age, likely reaching the stage of knowing his destiny, his entire presence radiated an imposing aura. Even sitting still, he exuded a profound pressure that no one dared to meet directly.
He was the heavens of the Great Ming Empire.
The founding emperor of the Great Ming, Zhu Yuanzhang.
A ruler who truly rose from the lowest ranks to the supreme throne, forging the dignity of the Han people, changing their fate from that of mere grass to a force to be reckoned with, and restoring Han prestige.
“The Crown Prince has arrived.”
At that moment!
A shout came from outside the hall.
A man wearing the red robes of the Crown Prince, his expression firm and dignified, entered the hall briskly.
Without formal announcement, he directly entered the Hall of Heavenly Mandate.
Within the entire Great Ming Empire, only one person had such privilege.
That was the most secure Crown Prince, Zhu Biao.
Of course, years ago there were two others: one was Zhu Yuanzhang’s primary wife, Empress Ma of the Great Ming, and the other was Zhu Biao’s eldest legitimate son, Zhu Xiongying.
“The eldest son has arrived.”
Seeing Zhu Biao, Zhu Yuanzhang put down the memorial and smiled slightly.
Only Zhu Biao could bring such a gentle and kind smile to the emperor’s face throughout the entire Great Ming.
“Father.”
“I just received a report from Daning Prefecture.”
“The bandit troubles in Daning Prefecture are worsening.”
“Mountain and local bandits are rampant along the border, plundering caravans and slaughtering civilians.”
“There have already been over a hundred incidents.” Zhu Biao said seriously.
“If these were ordinary bandits, they would not act so frequently. It seems someone is orchestrating this in secret to disturb Daning Prefecture and disrupt the peace along the Great Ming’s border.” Zhu Yuanzhang said in a deep voice.
“Father,”
“Could it be that news of our campaign against the Northern Yuan has leaked?”
“Perhaps they want to create disturbances on the border to trouble the Great Ming?” Zhu Biao asked with some suspicion.
“Highly likely.”
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, his expression turning cold.
“Northern Yuan,”
“Although severely weakened by our forces, it has not yet been completely destroyed.”
“The young emperor of Northern Yuan still harbors ambitions to counterattack the Great Ming, and their Grand Commander, Naha Chu, is gathering troops, amassing an army with the intent to invade us.”
“The father once showed mercy and released them, but they showed no gratitude and remained loyal to Northern Yuan, ultimately becoming a great threat.” Zhu Biao sighed.

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Clearly, Naha Chu was taken very seriously.
“Naha Chu is known as the pillar of Northern Yuan and is even called another Wang Baobao by them.”
“Our northeastern border must be cleansed of him for us to fully control it.”
“Enough.”
“This matter needs no further consideration. Even if he plays these small games, he cannot stop the Great Ming from destroying him. Once he is dealt with, defeating Northern Yuan will be much easier.”
“We have already issued orders to Feng Sheng; he is currently mobilizing the troops.”
“As for provisions and logistics, Biao, you will handle it personally. I do not trust those people.”
“We aim to launch an attack on Naha Chu within a few months.” Zhu Yuanzhang told Zhu Biao.
“Your son accepts the order.” Zhu Biao responded immediately.
“As for the bandit troubles in Daning Prefecture, issue orders to the commander of Taining Prefecture to completely eliminate all bandit threats and restore peace to the border.”
“This must be resolved before Feng Sheng mobilizes the army. If it is not done, I will have his head.” Zhu Yuanzhang said coldly.
Zhu Biao bowed: “Your son accepts the order.”
Just as Zhu Biao turned to leave,
“Eldest son,”
“You are busy with state affairs every day; make sure to rest and avoid overexertion.” Zhu Yuanzhang said with warmth and kindness.
“Father, rest assured.”
“I am still young, and naturally need to share some burden with you, or else you would be overworked.” Zhu Biao replied with a smile.
“In any case, your health is paramount.”
“We have already lost your mother and Xiongying; we cannot afford to lose you.”
“Sigh.”
Zhu Yuanzhang sighed deeply, his aged face full of sorrow.
Throughout the realm,
Only Zhu Biao could witness such a tender moment from Zhu Yuanzhang.
“Father,”
“I will take good care of myself, and you will too.”
Zhu Biao said earnestly.
...
Daning Prefecture!
Barracks.
On the training ground.
Nearly a thousand Ming soldiers clad in armor gathered.
Every hundred soldiers formed a unit, with one hundred households standing before each formation.
Standing on the command platform was Wei Quan, the commander of Ansha County’s garrison.
“Soldiers of Ansha Garrison,”
“With this mission completed successfully,”
“Within fifty li of Ansha County, all mountain bandits have been cleared.”
“Over two hundred bandits were slain, and all soldiers have made great contributions.”
“This bandit suppression operation is now concluded.”
“Especially the soldiers of the One Hundred Household Battalion who distinguished themselves by killing forty-eight enemies and capturing over a dozen chests of gold and silver.”

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“Among them, many soldiers fought bravely and earned military merits.”
“According to our Great Ming military merit system, they shall be rewarded accordingly.”
“Now, those whose names I call, step forward to receive your military commendations.”
Wei Quan stood on the command platform and called out loudly.
Then,
Wei Quan glanced at a roster and began reading: “One Hundred Household Battalion, Liu Lei.”
“One Hundred Household Battalion, Zhu Ying.”
“Three Hundred Household Battalion, Chen Xiong.”
“Six Hundred Household Battalion, Wu Yi.”
...
Wei Quan read nine names in total.
When Zhu Ying heard his name, he felt somewhat surprised but recalled that he had killed several bandits and even their leader in the mountain bandit lair.
That was no small achievement!
In the Great Ming army,
Previously, military positions could be hereditary, but starting from the fifteenth year of the Hongwu reign, hereditary offices were abolished.
Now, promotions were all based on military merit.
A soldier who kills five enemies can be promoted to a minor banner commander; ten kills promote him to a general banner commander; one hundred kills or killing an enemy general or other notable deeds can promote a soldier to command one hundred households.
All military merits are recorded.
The system is strict, completely eliminating the old hereditary privileges.
“Liu Lei,”
“You commanded the One Hundred Household Battalion with merit in bandit suppression. You are awarded one hundred taels of silver and one recorded merit.” Wei Quan announced loudly.
“Thank you, Commander.”
Liu Lei bowed respectfully.
“Zhu Ying,”
Wei Quan’s gaze fell on Zhu Ying.
“Present, sir.”
Zhu Ying responded immediately, his heart filled with anticipation.
This time,
He had killed five enemies, qualifying at least for a minor banner commander rank, and had slain the bandit leader who was a centurion of the Tatars, a much greater merit.
“You killed five enemies and the bandit leader, earning military merit.”
“According to our Great Ming military merit system, you are promoted to minor banner commander, commanding ten soldiers, and awarded fifty taels of silver.” Wei Quan declared loudly.
“Thank you, Commander.”
Zhu Ying responded promptly.
At this moment!
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