People in Hongwu, from heavenly master to emperor master

Chapter 393 The Battle of Lingbei, Xu Da who underestimated the enemy
The Northern Expedition in the fifth year of Hongwu was no longer a war between the Ming army and the Han people on their own territory, but a war that went deep into Mobei to clean up the Mongolian royal court and resolve the Mongolian war.

This is a historical achievement that was never accomplished by the Han and Tang dynasties.

If this battle is successful, Zhu Yuanzhang will be able to secure his position as the emperor through the ages only by virtue of his martial arts.

Daming has been very smooth since the expedition,
The strategy of the Ming army is divided into three positive and two strange soldiers, Xu Da in the middle, Li Wenzhong in the east, Feng Sheng in the west, and fight steadily.

In February, Zhu Biao's maternal uncle Lan Yu defeated Wang Baobao in Yema River, causing them to retreat continuously.

Lao Zhu asked Zhu Biao to take out all the previous battle reports. No matter how he looked at it, he was obviously unlikely to lose.

According to the original strategy, there were 5 troops in each of the three routes, with the middle route as the main route, the east and west routes as the odd ones, using both the odd and upright forces to attack together.In the middle, Xu Da was appointed as the general to march out of Yanmen Pass. It was said that he was rushing to attack Helin, but in fact he advanced slowly, luring the Northern Yuan army to fight south in order to annihilate it...

Although Zhu Yuanzhang had a violent temper, he was very steady when it came to using troops.

He did not agree to this Northern Expedition at the beginning, but after Xu Dazou's request, he and Xu Da repeatedly confirmed that Lao Zhu thought there was no problem, so he agreed to this Northern Expedition.

"Impossible, my Ming army cannot be defeated!

Biao'er, is there any military information? "

"Father, there is no more..."

Zhu Biao spread his hands helplessly. It would take ten days to send the battle report from the front.

If it’s an eight-hundred-mile expedited trip, it will probably take three or four days.

But general military reports don’t need to be rushed eight hundred miles away.

And there is a problem. After Xu Da and the others entered Mobei, the transmission of information was much slower...

The information that Zhu's father and son saw was at least ten days ago.

Moreover, future battle reports will only get slower and slower as the Ming army deepens.

"When is today?"

"Father, March [-]th..."

?

Lao Hu paced back and forth in the royal study: "This Mu Ying doesn't know how to ask more questions?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was so angry that even Muying was to blame.

Zhu Biao smiled bitterly when he heard this. Although Zhang Yi likes to chat, he doesn't trust everyone.

Mu Ying and Zhang Yi's friendship was average. How could Zhang Yi reveal so many historical details to him?

Lao Zhu said a few words, probably knowing that what he said was unreasonable, and he was just angry.

He walked to the desk and wanted to remind Xu Da, but after writing for a long time, he couldn't think of what to write?
Zhu Yuanzhang remembered Zhang Yi's comment that Xu Dajiao's army would be defeated, so he could only send a letter to remind Xu Da to be steady...

……

In this situation, the Zhu family and his son waited for another ten days.

Ten days later, they did not wait for the defeat of the front line, but instead waited for a great victory.

Lan Yu made another military exploit and defeated Wang Baobao again at the Tula River.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao could no longer understand. Regardless of Lan Yu, the other armies were basically invincible.

Everything is going well for Daming.

"I have already warned Xu Da, maybe he will handle it carefully!"

Accompanying the battle report was Xu Da's reply.

Zhu Yuanzhang could only believe that Xu Da had listened to his warning.

"Your natal uncle is not bad, he can take over from Xu Da and Chang Yuchun in the future..."

Lao Zhu is very satisfied with Lan Yu's performance. The current princes of Ming Dynasty are his own team after all.

In order for Zhu Biao to inherit the throne in the future, he should also cultivate his own power.

Among them, Sapphire is naturally on Zhu Biao's side and is Zhu Biao's best support.

"However, I heard that your natal uncle's temperament is not very peaceful!
Just like your mother-in-law, so don’t forget to beat him more, otherwise, he will be difficult to control..."

"Yes, Father!"

Zhu Biao lowered his head and responded to Zhu Yuanzhang's words.

After Lao Zhu felt relieved, he finally had the mood to pick up a book that had been delivered to him for many days.

American Plant Encyclopedia

Zhu Yuanzhang opened it and took a look, and immediately became uneasy.

It has been two years since he felt the shock Zhang Yi brought to him.

Although Mu Ying brought back many species, Mu Ying is not familiar with the utilization value of these species.

Even with the guidance of local people, these species may not necessarily adapt to the unfamiliar Ming Dynasty after leaving their place of origin.

The saying goes that oranges are in the south and tangerines are in the north. This is probably the truth.

If the Chinese people only rely on their own exploration, it may take several years before many plants can be thoroughly studied.

Zhang Yi's book is equivalent to saving Zhu Yuanzhang several years of exploration.

"It turns out that peanuts can be squeezed for oil...

Upland cotton...

corn……"

This book has Zhang Yi's unique style, with a large number of illustrations.

Zhu Yuanzhang read through it and had a deep understanding of these plants. He was overjoyed.

I always heard Zhang Yi say that America is a treasure house, but after reading this book, he realized what is so good about these things?
"Biao'er, make a copy of this book and send it to the steward of the imperial garden and your mother..."

"Yes, Father!"

Zhu Biao took the book in the emperor's hand and responded gently.

The imperial garden is a piece of land specially encircled by Zhu Yuanzhang to imitate Zhang Yi's medicine garden.

From the time Muying went to sea, the emperor began to arrange this place.

Champa rice was planted here, and Empress Ma personally managed it.

After Mu Ying came back last year, Zhu Yuanzhang had people expand the imperial garden.

The royal experimental field is a hundred times larger than the medicine garden of Zhang Yidao Temple.

"After giving the book to your mother, let her personally take charge of the improvement of potatoes and sweet potatoes...just follow Zhang Yi's method!
Of all the land, sweet potatoes and potatoes account for [-]%, upland cotton accounts for [-]%, and other plants account for the remaining [-]%...

Keep some of the remaining seeds, and plant the excess sweet potatoes and potatoes in the imperial field! "

In addition to sweet potatoes, Zhu Yuanzhang valued upland cotton most...

According to Zhang Yi's description, in the cotton world, this thing's impact on the local varieties of Ming Dynasty is no less than that of Yaowang rice.
In Zhang Yi's book, there is another thing that made Zhu Yuanzhang think.

Seeds of the rubber tree.

There is no way to grow this thing in the royal garden.

Zhang Yi clearly emphasized that only Hainan can plant...

The so-called Hainan is Qiongzhou.

Although this place is in China, it has been under control for many years.

But it's still a wild place.

The Lingnan area is far away from the Central Plains, and the customs and culture are different.

Qiongzhou is a completely barbarian land.

The Ming Dynasty's rule over it was limited to setting up a management organization.

"I don't know how many tricks I used, but I couldn't trick this guy into going down the mountain. When Mu Ying got a load of rubber, this guy started shouting that he wanted to go down the mountain!
Rubber, is it really that important? "

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't know the importance of rubber, but he believed in Zhang Yi.

"It seems that Qiongzhou is a good place. I will have people control it later!

It would be best to station a naval force there...

That kid sent Song Zongzhen to preach last year, which shows the importance of rubber in that kid's heart! "

Zhu Yuanzhang listened to the persuasion, especially the things that Zhang Yi valued, he would definitely pay more attention to them.

Qiongzhou is alone overseas.

No matter how much he paid attention to before, it is impossible to pay attention to it.

But things are different now. Lao Zhu is already thinking about how to give Qiongzhou resources!

The best way he came up with was to set up a navy headquarters in Qiongzhou. “If we go to sea in the future, the south is also a good outlet...

I remember that boy said that if you go tens of thousands of miles south, there is a dangerous place that will choke the future world..."

After figuring this out, Zhu Yuanzhang made a decree to Zhongshu Sheng.

Li Shanchang was shocked when he received Zhu Yuanzhang's order.

Zhu Yuanzhang ordered to develop Qiongzhou...

"His Majesty's recent orders are becoming more and more unreasonable..."

Li Shanchang closed Zhu Yuanzhang's order and said to Hu Weiyong beside him.

After speaking, he coughed violently.

"Li Xiang, you..."

"I'm getting old, and my body and bones are not doing well. I should have resigned last year, but the medicine given by His Majesty was delayed for a while. I have been busy with the front line these days, and some of my old illnesses have relapsed..."

Hu Weiyong heard this and said with concern:

"Prime Minister Li, although the Imperial Master is working hard, you should also pay attention to rest!"

Li Shanchang waved his hand:

"I understand this truth, but this Northern Expedition is our battle for the Ming Dingding. I must witness this victory before thinking about anything else!

Just be prepared. Next year at the most, I will consider retiring!

But before I leave, I must help you ascend to the position of prime minister of Zhongshu Province. We cannot give up this position to others..."

When Hu Weiyong heard this, a hint of longing flashed through his face.

However, he remains respectful and humble:

"Everything depends on Prime Minister Li. Without you, Hu would not dare to think..."

Li Shanchang ignored Hu Weiyong's flattery, and turned his attention back to another battle report.

A great victory in the Blue Jade Tula River.

Li Shanchang's eyes were filled with joy.

It doesn't matter whether he loves power or eliminates dissidents.

But as a scholar who has followed Zhu Yuanzhang for many years, he also has his own ideals and ambitions.

The logistics manager of the Ming Dynasty was able to witness history during his tenure.

He has no regrets about this prime minister.

"Lanyu is the future Xu Da and Chang Yuchun of our Huaixi lineage. I, a descendant of Huaixi, have a lot to do!

When there is a great victory in the north, I will recommend you while Your Majesty is happy..."

After Li Shanchang finished speaking, he coughed again.

"Li Xiang, students, please help you handle it!"

Hu Weiyong suddenly called himself a student, and Li Shanchang was stunned.

However, he quickly smiled with relief. Hu Weiyong could be considered a knowledgeable person.

……

The Ming Dynasty’s second Northern Expedition attracted too many people’s expectations.

Among them, naturally includes the Ming Dynasty's general who conquered prisoners, the Ming army's No. 1 Xu Da...

"Li Wenzhong's Eastern Route Army is not going very smoothly..."

In Xu Da's hand, he held the military newspaper of the whole army.

The three-way army of the Ming Dynasty, the Chinese army led by him, was so powerful that Wang Baobao ran away with his head in his arms.

Although Xu Da was not optimistic about Feng Sheng's West Route Army at first, it was progressing very smoothly.

On the contrary, Li Wenzhong's East Route Army, which started with a surprise attack on Kaiping, should have been invincible, but the enemy on this side is extremely tenacious.

Xu Da did not doubt Li Wenzhong's strength. As one of the six princes of the Ming Dynasty,

Xu Da believes that his commanding ability is second only to himself and Chang Yuchun.

Looking at Li Wenzhong's information, Xu Da hesitated.

"Have we gone too far into Mobei? Should we wait for Wenzhong?"

What Xu Da remembered was a letter sent to the front line by Zhu Yuanzhang more than ten days ago. It was trustworthy. Zhu Yuanzhang gave many instructions to Xu Da to fight steadily and never be arrogant and complacent!
He received the emperor's blessing,

Mobei, strictly speaking, has left Xu Da's familiar range.

If we say that during the Northern Expedition three years before Hongwu, Daming had restored the actual control area of ​​the previous Central Plains dynasty, which could be regarded as fulfilling the emperor's vision of expelling the Tartars and restoring China.

This time the Northern Expedition, the goal of the Ming Dynasty was to expand the territory and restore the glory of the strong man.

Thinking of this, Xu Da's heart also ignited a fire.

He also understands that he is still a little behind those famous generals in the past.

But if this battle is over, it will be different, and I will be famous in history with famous generals such as Yue Wumu, Wei Qing, and Li Jing.

"General, I think we can't wait!
If you wait any longer, Wang Baobao will run away again..."

As soon as Xu Da finished speaking, his subordinates immediately objected clearly.

Most of these people were veterans who followed Xu Da and Zhu Yuanzhang.

Although they did not reach the level of knighthood, they still made great achievements in battle.

"General, Wang Baobao will run away. We defeated him twice in a row without catching anyone!"
This matter is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, if he is allowed to escape again, I am afraid it will be difficult in the future! "

"That's right, general, Lan Yu has already defeated Wang Baobao twice, and it's only three times. If he defeats him once, his confidence will be gone!
Your Majesty has never forgotten this man. If he were captured, it would be a great achievement! "

"Fighters are fleeting, General..."

Faced with the turbulent opinions, Xu Da couldn't make up his mind for a while, but he had his own inclination and quickly agreed with the soldiers' idea.

"Okay, we will continue to pursue and we must capture Wang Baobao..."

Xu Da gritted his teeth and made up his mind.

……

May fifteenth.

The moon in the sky is extremely round.

After Zhu Yuanzhang finished handling the affairs in hand, he rarely turned his head to look at the bright moon.

He got excited and asked people to prepare some food and wine to enjoy the moon outside.

“This bright moon is like a wheel, symbolizing reunion!
I also hope that my Ming soldiers will have a day to return to their hometowns for reunion! "

Zhu Yuanzhang said this to Zhu Biao beside him, but as soon as he finished speaking, a dark cloud covered the bright moon.

Lao Zhu's smile froze on his face, and he immediately had an ominous premonition.

"Your Majesty, urgent report, urgent report..."

Late at night, there were still people entering the palace to deliver military reports.

The Zhu family father and son looked at each other, with an unknown premonition rising in their hearts.

"Your Majesty, the front military newspaper, our Ming army was defeated in Lingbei..."

Zhu Yuanzhang's brain exploded with a buzz.

The ominous premonition in his heart became a reality.

"Where is it coming from?"

Lao Zhu stepped forward, snatched the military newspaper sent away by the other party, and opened it to take a look.

"Father..."

Zhu Yuanzhang staggered and almost fell.

Fortunately, Zhu Biao had quick eyes and quick hands and supported Zhu Yuanzhang from behind.

"Really defeated..."

Thinking of Zhang Yi's prophecy, Lao Zhu lost his mind.

Arrogant soldiers must be defeated, and arrogant soldiers must be defeated.

Even if he reminded Xu Da, he still did not escape his established fate.

(End of this chapter)