Chapter 6: The Crown Prince’s Decree!

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In this era!

Although firearms had already appeared, cavalry remained the dominant force, and horsemanship was crucial.

In an instant, Zhu Ying transformed from someone who barely knew how to ride into a skilled horseman. With genuine riding experience, his horsemanship would soon be perfected.

“So many people around, it’s really not the time to take out the steel sword. I’ll wait for the right moment to test its sharpness,” Zhu Ying thought to himself.

Snapping back to reality, he began his horizontal training regimen.

With the activation of his attribute panel, Zhu Ying had unknowingly entered a phase of transformation. His constitution had now become quantifiable data, and the benefits gained from training could be fully reflected through the attribute statistics.

However, he probably wouldn’t be venturing out for some time.

After all, the bandits surrounding Ansha County had already been wiped out.

“Official rank bestowed.”

“Do you wish to consolidate the authority seal?” the panel prompted.

“Authority seal?” Zhu Ying was momentarily puzzled, then said, “Consolidate it.”

“Authority seal successfully consolidated.”

“Authority seal equipped.”

[Minor Banner Officer’s Seal]: Commands subordinate soldiers; increases their combat strength by 10%, morale by 10%, and endurance by 10%.

“This authority seal is impressive.”

Zhu Ying’s face showed delight.

……

Daining Prefecture City!

Prefecture Government Main Hall!

Many officials of Daining Prefecture had gathered inside the hall.

Not only civil officials but also many military generals commanding the forces of the Daining prefecture.

“Bandits and outlaws have been wreaking havoc along the borders of Daining Prefecture, repeatedly committing crimes and harming the people! His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has already issued an edict. The bandit uprisings are no coincidence; they must be supported secretly by barbarian tribes aiming to destabilize our Daining. Therefore, we must swiftly resolve the bandit problem—not only those within the prefecture but also their backers,” said Prefect Bu Wan with a serious expression.

Upon hearing this, a military officer immediately spoke up, “Lord Bu, I just received the military report from Ansha County. The bandits within several dozen miles around the county seat have been eradicated, numbering in the hundreds. Several dozen chests of gold and silver were confiscated. According to the report, these bandits are no ordinary outlaws; they appear trained and speak with an accent resembling that of the Jianzhou Jurchen barbarians.”

“Jianzhou Jurchen barbarians?” Bu Wan’s expression darkened slightly.

“Although the Northern Yuan has been driven out of the Central Plains by our Great Ming, their prestige and influence remain.”

“The Jurchen barbarians are naturally their vassals, aiding the Northern Yuan to disturb our Ming borders, which is no surprise.”

“Furthermore, these bandits robbing Ming citizens also serve to strengthen their tribal power,” another military officer added.

“General Chen, General Liu,”

“What is your view on how to thoroughly resolve Daining’s bandit problem and break the barbarians’ intentions to disrupt our prefecture?”

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“The Crown Prince has already issued the order to decisively quell the bandit problem and secure peace on the Daining frontier.”

“This matter cannot be delayed,” Bu Wan said, looking at the two generals.

As the prefect of Daining, Bu Wan managed the civil administration and, as the frontier prefecture, temporarily held military authority granted by the court, though not full command. The current discussion was focused on adhering to the Crown Prince’s directive.

Upon hearing this, Chen Heng and Liu Zhen exchanged glances before responding, “Lord Prefect, our Daining garrison has a total troop strength of fifty thousand. Judging by the current situation, the Jianzhou Jurchen tribe has colluded with the Northern Yuan to disrupt the Great Ming. To resolve the bandit plague, we must make the Jianzhou Jurchen pay a price. Only by driving them out from the border adjoining Daining and enforcing strict border defenses can we prevent these barbarian Jurchens from infiltrating.”

“You propose military action against the Jianzhou Jurchen?” Bu Wan considered thoughtfully.

“Lord Prefect,”

“To eliminate the threat to Daining, this is the only way,” Chen Heng said.

“The Jianzhou Jurchen tribe is formidable, with a population exceeding a million. Though bordering our Great Ming and scattered in tribes, not all their forces are concentrated near our border.”

“If we strike hard this time, we will surely resolve the bandit problem in Daining,” Chen Heng asserted.

“How many troops will be needed?” Bu Wan inquired after some thought.

“To deal with the Jianzhou Jurchen,”

“Twenty thousand troops will suffice,” Chen Heng replied promptly.

“Twenty thousand is enough?”

“General Chen, are you certain? The Jurchen consist of three tribes, and their strength is not to be underestimated,” Bu Wan said gravely.

“Replying to Lord Prefect,”

“I have conducted thorough investigation of the three Jurchen tribes. Though they are divided, they are not unified. The Jianzhou Jurchen are near our Ming border, but not all their forces are here. This deployment is only to send a warning and deliver a painful blow, not to annihilate their tribe. Twenty thousand troops are definitely sufficient.”

“Besides, they do not dare directly challenge the Great Ming even when secretly inciting banditry in Daining.”

“A military strike will be enough to intimidate them,” Chen Heng said decisively.

Upon hearing this, Bu Wan nodded, “Very well, we shall proceed as General Chen advises.”

“Chen Heng, Liu Zhen, take your orders,” Bu Wan commanded.

The two commanders immediately stepped forward. These officers belonged to the Ming garrison and were generals commanding thousands, leaders of ten-thousand-strong forces.

“We stand ready.”

The two immediately bowed.

“His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has decreed that the bandit problem in Daining must be resolved with utmost speed, restoring peace to the people.”

“Today,”

“I hereby act as the commanding officer and order both generals to lead their garrison troops to campaign against the Jianzhou Jurchen, eradicating the root of the bandit problem and driving the barbarians out of Ming territory by a hundred miles,” Bu Wan declared.

He also issued a written command sealed with the authority officer’s seal.

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“Orders received,” the two generals responded immediately.

……

Ansha Town, Qianhu Garrison!

Six days had passed since the bandit suppression campaign returned to the city.

Inside the barracks,

Zhu Ying opened his eyes, gazing at the early dawn outside, a satisfied smile on his face.

“A night of cultivation.”

“Refreshing.”

Feeling the increased attributes, Zhu Ying smiled broadly.

Six days.

Not a moment wasted. After the bandit campaign, Zhu Ying devoted himself fully to training every day.

In six days, his strength increased by 60 points, constitution by 60 points, and endurance by 60 points.

Clenching his fist, Zhu Ying could feel the growth in his power—solid and real strength.

At that moment!

Bang, bang, bang!

A sudden drumbeat echoed.

“Emergency assembly.”

“Could it be another bandit suppression mission?”

Zhu Ying’s expression shifted, replaced by anticipation.

“Brothers, get up quickly!”

Zhu Ying shouted immediately.

The ten soldiers in the barracks hurriedly rose from their beds, dressed, donned armor, and grabbed their swords and bows.

“Little Banner,”

“Are we going out to suppress bandits again?”

One soldier asked nervously.

The others all looked at Zhu Ying.

……