Daming: Brother, there is no future for monks, let's rebel

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "King Liao, do not worry. The Shenji Battalion I brought has better firearms and is more skilled in operation. We can use the advantage of firearms to strike the enemy from a distance, preventing them from getting close."

That night, under a dark and windy sky, a small group of border soldiers stealthily approached the enemy camp, lit pre-prepared torches, and threw them towards the enemy camp.

Immediately, chaos erupted in the enemy camp, with shouts and the sound of horses' hooves mingling together.

The Tatar leader Baturu was awakened. He rushed out of his tent with disheveled hair and roared, "What's going on? Who dares to harass us like this!"

A soldier rushed in and reported: "Chief, they are border troops from the Ming Dynasty. They are few in number, but very cunning. We are having difficulty capturing them in a short time."

Baturu was furious: "Send the order down! The entire force must be mobilized and wipe out these Ming soldiers!"

The enemy troops poured out of their tents and chased after the border soldiers.

However, they did not know that this was exactly what Zhu Han was planning.

Once the enemy troops entered the firing range of the Shenji Battalion, Zhu Han gave the order: "Fire!"

Immediately, muskets opened fire, and lead bullets rained down on the enemy.

The enemy troops were caught off guard and fell to the ground one after another.

Upon seeing this, Baturu was shocked: "What kind of weapon is this? How can it be so powerful!"

Tuotuo Buhua cried out in terror, "Chief, these are Ming Dynasty firearms, even more powerful than ours! We must retreat!"

Baturu looked ahead reluctantly, but faced with such fierce firepower, he knew he couldn't withstand it and had no choice but to order a retreat.

The north wind howled, the sky was gray, and the land of Liaodong was frozen like iron in the cold wind.

On the dilapidated city walls, banners fluttered, and bloodstains were hidden in the snow.

Zhu Han stood atop the city wall, clad in dark armor, his expression calm and stern.

Behind them, the banners of the Shenji Battalion fluttered in the wind, muskets were neatly arranged, matchlocks were slightly lit, and the air was filled with the smell of gunpowder and the chill of the air.

"The scouts report," Xu Qian stepped forward quickly, his expression solemn, "the enemy retreated twenty li last night, but this morning they have regrouped in the southeast, numbering about fifty thousand, and are being personally led by Baturu."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, his eyes sharp as blades: "He is indeed unwilling. Baturu is violent but also cunning. He must know that the night raid has failed and intends to overwhelm him with numbers."

"Your Highness, if they launch a full-scale offensive, although we have firearms, we are outnumbered and may not be able to sustain the attack for long."

Zhu Han turned his head and looked at the distant snowfield, an endless white wasteland, like a silent tide before a battlefield.

"A large number of troops does not necessarily guarantee victory. The advantage of firearms lies in seizing the initiative. Today, let the world see how the Ming Dynasty's new army can defeat ten thousand with a thousand."

His gaze swept over the soldiers in formation, his voice deep and resonant: "Pass down the order—the Divine Machine Battalion will be divided into three ranks: the front ranks will be armed with muskets, the middle ranks with repeating crossbows, and the rear ranks with crossbow cannons. When the enemy approaches within thirty paces, the muskets will fire first! Crossbowmen, prepare to provide cover. Anyone who retreats even half a step will be executed!"

"Follow the order!"

The mournful sound of the bugle pierced the cold sky.

Before sunrise, snow and fog blanketed the land. The combined forces of the Tatars and the remnants of the Yuan dynasty had pressed in, banners surging like a black tide, warhorses neighing, and war drums thundering.

Baturu sat high on his horse, his eyes flashing with coldness: "Though the Ming Dynasty's firearms are powerful, they are ultimately man-made! We will overwhelm them with our iron cavalry and see how they can set fires again!"

Tuotuo Buhua frowned and advised, "Chief, we must not underestimate the enemy. The muskets we saw that night were incredibly powerful. If we charge rashly, it may damage our morale."

"Bullshit!" Baturu roared. "If we're afraid of firearms, what's the point of fighting? All cavalry—charge! Let's pile up mountains of corpses to extinguish their fire!"

The bugle sounded, and a dozen or so riders charged ahead, followed by thousands of troops rolling out like a raging tide towards the Ming army's position.

On the city wall, the matchlock had burned to its last thread. Zhu Han shouted, "Release it—!"

In an instant, thunder roared.

Guns fired in unison, a thousand sparks suddenly ignited, and lead bullets pierced the air, whistling as they swept across the ice and snow.

The Tatar cavalry charging at the front were struck as if by an invisible giant hammer, falling from their horses and rolling around, their blood staining the snow red.

Although the enemy was alarmed, they continued their advance. Zhu Han then ordered: "Second wave—fire simultaneously!"

Another burst of fire erupted, cannons roared, and the snowfield trembled.

The Tatar front was in disarray, warhorses neighed in terror, and corpses lay strewn about.

Tuotuo Buhua shouted urgently, "Quickly disperse and advance, avoid the line of fire!"

Baturu gritted his teeth and roared, "Siege the city! Go around to the rear! Charge in!"

The Tatar cavalry charged forward on both flanks, attempting to bypass the position from both sides. Zhu Han was prepared, and with a wave of his spear, he shouted: "Left flank, three battalions, half-turn, fire the repeating crossbows—fire!"

A volley of arrows rained down like a storm. Tatar cavalrymen screamed in agony, their blood blooming in the snow.

Xu Qian shouted, "The enemy on the right flank is closing in thirty paces!"

Zhu Han said coldly, "Prepare the artillery!"

boom--

The three cannons roared simultaneously, their shells exploding in the enemy ranks, sending mud and snow flying, and shards of iron and flesh mingling together.

The enemy's morale collapsed completely, and their wails and roars intertwined into a hellish symphony.

A moment later, the snowy plains of Liaodong returned to silence.

Zhu Han slowly lowered the command flag in his hand. A cold wind swept across his armor, bringing with it a low metallic clang.

"The enemy has retreated thirty li." Xu Qian stepped forward, his voice trembling with excitement, "Your Highness, we've won!"

"Win?" Zhu Han said calmly. "This is just the beginning."

He turned his head and looked into the distance, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

That night, bonfires were lit in the camp. The soldiers cheered loudly, laughing and talking about their victory that day.

Zhu Han stood alone outside the tent, watching the snow falling heavily, still feeling a vague unease in his heart.

"Your Highness, I have just finished my investigation. Although the enemy has retreated, they have not fled far. They have set up camp twenty miles away, which suggests that they have reinforcements," Xu Qian said in a low voice.

Zhu Han frowned: "Reinforcements? Can you ascertain their origins?"

"It is still unclear, but the firearms they carried were similar in design to Western guns."

"Western-style guns?" Zhu Han's heart skipped a beat. In that instant, a name flashed through his mind—Portugal.

"It seems that there are external forces behind the chaos in the north."

Xu Qian asked in a deep voice, "Your Highness, if that's really the case, how should we deal with it?"

Zhu Han slowly raised his head, his eyes revealing determination: "Since they dare to come, let them see what real Ming Dynasty firearms are."

After saying this, he went into the tent and unfolded a scroll of confidential blueprints. It was the blueprint for a new weapon rewarded by the system—a rotary-bore musket.

The system notification sounded in his mind—

[Sign-in successful. Reward: Rotary Muzzle Gun Manufacturing Technique (increases range and accuracy)]

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "It'll come in handy just in time."

The following morning, the Shenji Battalion moved out quietly. Zhu Han ordered craftsmen to work day and night to produce rotary-bore muskets, while simultaneously sending out light cavalry to scout the enemy's situation.

Three days later, the scouts rushed back: "Your Highness, the enemy has indeed reinforced, numbering no less than 70,000, including more than 300 Westerners, all armed with long guns, which are extremely powerful."

Zhu Han's gaze was cold and stern: "Good, just what I wanted."

He summoned his generals: "This battle must be won quickly. The enemy relies on Western guns and is unaware that our army has new rotary-bore firearms. Tonight, we will ambush them under the snow-capped mountains and annihilate them in one fell swoop when they launch a night attack."

"Yes!"

Inside the enemy camp, Baturu was talking to a blond, blue-eyed Westerner. The man, named Andrei, was a Western merchant who had landed at the port of Donghai and was actually a mercenary leader.

“I have taught you how to load gunpowder and how to aim and fire,” Andrei said in broken Chinese. “If we win this battle, you must, as agreed, allow me to establish a trading post on the steppe.”

Baturu sneered, "As long as I can win, I will keep my promise."

Andrei grinned maliciously: "Then let's see if your Ming prince can still laugh tomorrow."

On the snow-capped mountain, Zhu Han and his group lay in wait. The fuse was burning softly, and the wind howled.

Xu Qian whispered, "Your Highness, they have already made their move."

In the distance, enemy fire flickered as they slowly approached from three directions.

Zhu Han drew his sword and pointed: "Wait for them to enter the valley!"

A cold wind whipped up snow, and the night was as dark as ink. As the enemy troops entered the canyon, they suddenly heard a low, mournful bugle call coming from the mountains.

"set fire--!"

In an instant, a thousand guns fired simultaneously, the breech-loading muskets exploding with blinding flames. Bullets whistled through the night, accurately striking the enemy's front ranks.

"Boom boom boom!" The three cannons were fired at the same time, and the valley was instantly turned into a hell.

Andrei was utterly horrified: "This is impossible! How could they have a breech-loading gun!"

Zhu Han spurred his horse forward, his voice cold and sharp as frost: "Do you think only you Westerners understand fire? How can the art of the Ming Dynasty be taken away by foreign barbarians!"

He raised his hand, and another volley of fire followed. Andrei was hit by several bullets and fell backward to the ground.

Seeing this, Baturu panicked completely. With a roar, he swung his sword to break through the encirclement, but was engulfed by the flames.

Zhu Han stood on the high slope, still wearing his armor, with frost forming a line on his brow.

He gazed silently at the burned-out enemy camp, feeling neither joy nor anger, only a profound stillness.

Xu Qian stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Highness, the enemy army has been completely routed. Baturu died in the chaos of battle, and the body of the Westerner Andrei has also been identified."

Zhu Han nodded and said calmly, "Order men to collect the bodies of the fallen soldiers and erect a monument to commemorate their achievements. As for the rest—investigate the prisoners of war and find out who is colluding with the Westerners."

Several days later, the victorious army slowly returned south. People lined the roads to welcome and see them off, their voices of gratitude resounding through the air.

But Zhu Han's heart grew heavier. Although Liaodong was pacified, he knew that this chaotic battle was not accidental.

Someone brought in Western firearms from the north, and someone spread rumors that a change was taking place in the court—these clues, like spider silk, led to the capital.

Three days later, in the capital city, at the Fengtian Hall.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat upright on the dragon throne, his face ashen. All the civil and military officials in the court stood solemnly, the atmosphere in the hall heavy with tension.

An imperial censor knelt down and said loudly, "Your Majesty, I have a memorial to the throne. Although the Prince of Han has rendered meritorious service in the north, he has arbitrarily deployed troops, manufactured cannons beyond his authority, and even set up workshops in Liaodong. I fear he harbors rebellious intentions!"

"Outrageous!" Zhu Biao slammed his fist on the table, his face pale, but his voice hoarse. "My imperial uncle fought to the death for the country, saving Liaodong from danger, and you dare to slander him?"

The censor, however, stood tall and defiant: "Your Highness, the distinction between loyalty and treachery is clear! The Liaodong campaign was conducted without imperial decree. Where did the newly manufactured muskets of the Shenji Battalion come from? All military equipment in the empire should be under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of War! If everyone could manufacture them, wouldn't that be a disaster for the country?"

A commotion erupted in the hall.

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly raised his hand, his imposing presence silencing the clamor in the hall: "Enough."

He squinted at the censor, his tone chillingly calm: "You say Brother Han abuses his power, what evidence do you have?"

The censor, sweating profusely, forced a smile and said, "Among the prisoners of war in Liaodong, some confessed that the Western-style muskets were modified by the Prince of Han, who even ordered the establishment of private workshops. This action—"

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his hand and waved it, causing the golden table to tremble.

"Guards—throw this man into the imperial prison and await my personal trial!"

There was a dead silence in the hall.

Zhu Biao suppressed a cough and bowed with difficulty: "Father, you are wise. My uncle has no ulterior motives."

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly rose and descended the dragon steps. At that moment, his voice was deep, yet filled with unparalleled majesty.

"If Brother Han truly intends to wreak havoc on my country, why bother manufacturing guns? If he rebels, how many officials will remain in the court?"

The ministers bowed their heads, not daring to utter a sound.

Royal study room.

The candlelight flickered as Zhu Han knelt on one knee. Zhu Yuanzhang sat behind his desk, remaining silent for a long time.

"Brother Han, I remember all your merits. But you must also remember that the power of the Ming Dynasty cannot be held by one person alone. Although the Shenji Battalion was established by you, it must ultimately be under the control of the court."

Zhu Han lowered his head: "Your subject understands. However, the remaining forces in the north have not been wiped out, and the Westerners have already intervened. If we do not make preparations soon, there may be future troubles."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes were deep as he slowly asked, "You say there is foreign interference in politics, do you have any evidence?"

Zhu Han presented a prisoner's confession, the handwriting was messy, but the words "red-haired merchant" and "foreign gunpowder" were clearly written.

After reading it, Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and remained silent for a long time.

"It seems... the world is not yet at peace."

Zhu Han looked up, his gaze firm: "Your Majesty, I have a plan to prevent future troubles."

"Oh?"

"Your Majesty, I propose to establish an 'Imperial Workshop,' nominally under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of War, but in reality, with the Shenji Battalion as its backbone, to focus on the research and development of new firearms and vehicle armor, and also to train the new army. This method can both prevent Western technology from being seized and enhance the prestige of our Great Ming."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a long time, then said in a low voice, "You can handle this matter yourself. But you cannot take charge of it alone—the Crown Prince must be involved."

Zhu Han kowtowed: "As you command."

The workshop was initially set up in the suburbs of Beijing and named "Tianji Camp". It was supervised by Zhu Biao and manufactured by Zhu Han.

The factory operated day and night, with the clanging of copper and iron and sparks illuminating the night sky.

The blueprint provided by the system appeared in his mind, and he secretly instructed the craftsmen: "The barrel spiral should be finely ground to the finest degree; the iron wheel should be used for transport, with a winch instead of a wooden pulley. If this can be accomplished, the range of this cannon will be doubled."

Xu Qian whispered from the side, "Your Highness, if this thing is completed, no one in the world will dare to offend it again."

Zhu Han shook his head: "If our Great Ming is truly strong, it will not only be through military force. The corruption in the court is also a battlefield."

The following day, another disturbance broke out in the imperial court.

The Minister of Justice submitted a memorial stating: "Your Majesty, the workshops in the suburbs of the capital have consumed tens of thousands of taels of silver and countless amounts of iron. Moreover, in this important military location, there have been those with ulterior motives who have infiltrated. If this matter is not carefully investigated, it may cause future troubles."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes turned cold: "Feng Sheng."

Feng Sheng stepped forward and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, I have discovered that someone is secretly colluding with maritime merchants to steal and sell military supplies. This person claims to be acting on orders from... the Prince of Han's residence."

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly froze.

Zhu Biao's face turned pale: "Absurd!"

Zhu Han slowly turned around, his expression calm: "Your Majesty, I can find out the truth about this matter. I hope Father will take it back in three days."

Zhu Yuanzhang stared at him for a moment, and finally said, "Alright, three days."

Three days later, Zhu Han brought the scroll into the palace. "Reporting to Your Majesty, the thief has been captured."

He tossed down a stack of documents, with a foreign emblem printed in the center.

"This man was originally a prisoner of war from Liaodong, secretly released and infiltrated my workshop to steal blueprints for sale abroad. The mastermind behind him is none other than Cai Yun, the Minister of Revenue." (End of Chapter)