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

"We have learned that Li Rong has not withdrawn his troops, and we have received a secret letter that suggests reinforcements are on their way."

Zhu Han was slightly startled: "Reinforcements? From where?"

“It should be northwest of Jinling, possibly troops under the command of the Prince of Zhenhuai,” Shen Lu replied.

"They are operating covertly, but I estimate they will arrive within two days."

Zhao Desheng's expression changed: "If that's really the case, we can't hold out."

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Then we cannot allow them to combine their forces smoothly."

"Does Your Highness mean—to take the initiative?" Shen Lu asked.

Zhu Han raised his eyes, his gaze sharp: "Yes."

"We can no longer afford to be passively attacked. If the enemy thinks we are defending the city, then let them be wrong about that."

He quickly spread out a map on the sand table, pointed to the northwest and said, "This is Songlin Ferry, a necessary route. Send three thousand elite troops to travel at night, detour from here, and we should be able to arrive in half a day."

"If we can ambush them at the ferry crossing and cut off their reinforcements, our army may be able to switch from defense to offense."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Desheng's expression hardened: "This humble general is willing to volunteer for battle!"

Zhu Han shook his head: "No, you guard the city. I'll go."

"Your Highness, you mustn't!" Shen Lu exclaimed urgently. "You are the commander of the entire army; what if something happens—"

"This matter cannot be left to me." Zhu Han's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority. "If I do not go out, the enemy will suspect that I am guarding the front; only if I go out can I disrupt their minds."

Zhao Desheng and Shen Lu exchanged a glance, then could only kneel down and accept the order: "We will obey Your Majesty's command!"

At dawn the next day, a thin mist filled the air.

Zhu Han personally led three thousand elite cavalry, quietly leaving the city through the west gate of Yingtian. The warhorses were clad in armor, the swords and spears gleamed coldly, and the soldiers' faces were grim.

They sped along the winding mountain road, bypassing the enemy's main position, and headed towards Songlin Ferry.

"Your Highness, this place is only a dozen miles from the enemy. If we are discovered, there may be unforeseen circumstances," the lieutenant warned in a low voice.

"That's precisely why it's so effective." Zhu Han's eyes flashed like lightning. "Quickly."

The wind howled, and the horses' hooves pounded the mud. By the time they reached the ferry, dawn was breaking.

The river churned in the morning mist, its roar echoing. Zhu Han squinted, gazing coldly into the distance.

"We'll ambush them here."

"Listen to my orders and do not act rashly."

At noon, enemy reinforcements finally arrived. They were the troops of the Prince of Zhenhuai, their banners flying high, numbering as many as five thousand.

The general in charge of the troops was named Zhou Xian. He was arrogant and domineering, and relied on his great achievements.

"A mere city has dragged His Majesty into a personal campaign; Li Rong is utterly incompetent!" He sneered, whipping his horse to urge it forward.

"Order the entire army to cross the river!"

Just then, a sharp whistle pierced the sky.

"Fire arrows!"

Zhu Han's voice boomed like thunder, and three thousand archers fired simultaneously, unleashing a rain of arrows like a sudden storm, covering the sky and the earth.

Zhou Xian's forwards were caught off guard and dozens of them were shot down on the spot.

"Ambush! Retreat immediately!"

Before he could finish shouting, Zhu Han had already spurred his horse forward, his black cloak fluttering in the wind.

"kill!"

The Yingtian cavalry surged forth like a raging tide, their long swords gleaming coldly, charging straight into the enemy ranks.

Zhou Xian was terrified and hurriedly ordered a resistance, but the reinforcements had not yet formed ranks and the formation was thrown into chaos.

In a short time, the five thousand people were scattered and retreated for miles.

Zhu Han's sword strikes were incredibly fierce, and no one could stop him wherever he went.

Blood splattered, warhorses neighed, and the entire pine forest ferry crossing was transformed into a hellish scene.

"Retreat! Retreat quickly!" Zhou Xian fled into the woods in a panic, but was pierced in the throat by a cold arrow and fell off his horse on the spot.

The enemy forces were completely routed.

Zhu Han stood amidst the chaos of the army, his armor stained with blood, his gaze cold and icy.

"Burn their baggage and cut off their retreat!"

"Yes!"

The Yingtian cavalry quickly set fire to the enemy's provisions, and flames soared into the sky.

Under the blazing firelight, Zhu Han looked up towards the distant Jinling, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

As night fell again, the beacon fires atop Yingtian City were relit.

Zhao Desheng gazed at the distant flames, a thought suddenly striking him: "It's the Prince! The Prince has returned in triumph!"

The whole city cheered, and morale soared once again. People spontaneously brought grain and cloth, their eyes filled with tears.

"The prince is alive! We've won!"

Zhu Han returned to the city with a weary smile. His cloak was torn and his armor was riddled with cracks, yet he still stood tall and proud.

"Generals, you have worked hard." He cupped his hands in greeting to the crowd. "Although we have won this battle, the chaos in the Ming Dynasty is not yet over. What we must protect is not only Yingtian, but also the hearts of the people."

Shen Lu stepped forward and whispered, "Your Highness, do you know that His Majesty will not stop after this battle?"

Zhu Han smiled faintly and looked at the pale moon in the night sky: "I'm waiting for him."

The autumn night in Nanjing is cold as a knife.

In the Imperial Garden deep within the palace walls, the night dew was still wet. Zhu Yuanzhang, draped in a heavy black dragon robe, stood alone in front of the artificial hill, his back as heavy as iron.

The palace lanterns in the distance swayed in the wind, seemingly afraid to approach this oppressive aura.

Wu Zhen stood respectfully to the side with his head bowed, not daring to make a sound.

"Have you seen the military report that came through?" Zhu Yuanzhang spoke slowly, his voice low and deep, like a muffled thunderclap pressing on his chest.

Wu Zhen bowed and reported: "Your Majesty, the Battle of Yingtian has taken another turn. Li Rong suffered a defeat, and the reinforcements from the Prince of Zhenhuai were wiped out... Zhu Han launched a surprise attack on Songlin Ferry, defeated the enemy in one battle, and has now defended Yingtian."

Zhu Yuanzhang's fingertips trembled slightly, and the bamboo slip in his hand made a crisp "snap" sound. He slowly raised his head, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

"He actually... won again."

After a moment of silence, he gave a cold laugh. The laugh was filled with anger and a hidden murderous intent.

"Well done, Zhu Han! He truly is worthy of being my bloodline."

He paused, his tone turning cold, "But if he truly possesses my courage, then he should know: there is no room for a second Zhu Yuanzhang in this world."

Wu Zhen's heart trembled, and he immediately knelt down: "Your Majesty, please calm down! Although Zhu Han is rebellious, he may not have the intention to seize the throne."

"Seize the throne?" Zhu Yuanzhang chuckled softly, his voice hoarse. "If he only wanted to save his life, he should have retreated into seclusion. Yet he held out in Yingtian for three months, killing three of my generals and twenty thousand soldiers. Was he trying to save his own life?"

Wu Zhen remained silent, not daring to speak further.

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly sat down, raised his hand to rest his hand on the table, and lightly tapped his fingertips on the dragon-shaped desk. It was his usual rhythm—whenever he had to make a decision.

"The throne is passed to Crown Prince Zhu Biao."

A moment later, the palace doors opened. Zhu Biao walked in slowly, dressed in plain clothes, his expression serene.

Despite being nearly thirty, his gaze still carried a gentle air, a stark contrast to Zhu Yuanzhang's sharpness.

"My son, I bow to my father."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on him for a moment, before he said calmly, "Sit."

Zhu Biao sat down as instructed, but he never dared to look his father in the eye.

The silence between the two was like a mountain pressing down, so heavy it was suffocating.

After a long silence, Zhu Yuanzhang finally spoke: "Do you know about Zhu Han's matter?"

Zhu Biao replied in a low voice, "Your subject has heard a little about it."

"Have you heard a little about it?" Zhu Yuanzhang scoffed. "You are the Crown Prince, the heir apparent. The court has mobilized 200,000 troops, and the rebellion of the vassal kings is still not quelled. And you say you've heard a little about it?"

Zhu Biao looked up, a bitter look in his eyes: "Father, Zhu Han is, after all, my brother. He guarded Yingtian, defying the imperial decree, but he never declared himself emperor. Perhaps... he was simply unwilling to be misunderstood." "Misunderstood?" Zhu Yuanzhang shouted sternly, "I granted him a fiefdom and gave him military power, yet he dared to disobey orders and defy the imperial edict—is this what you call a misunderstanding?!"

The sound made the golden tiles on the roof of the palace tremble slightly. Zhu Biao lowered his head, not daring to speak again.

"You are too merciful." Zhu Yuanzhang's tone gradually turned cold. "If this world cannot be protected by mercy, then it must be protected by iron and blood."

He paused, then suddenly stared into Zhu Biao's eyes: "If today's traitor were not Zhu Han, but you, what would you do?"

Zhu Biao was startled and looked up at his father. At that moment, he seemed to see a ferocious beast eyeing its prey.

"Your subject... dares not," he said softly.

"Dare not?" Zhu Yuanzhang sneered. "But the whole world is watching. If you sit on this dragon throne after my death, will you be able to control these princes and generals? Will you be able to manage someone like Zhu Han?"

Zhu Biao remained silent.

Zhu Yuanzhang stood up, put his hands behind his back, and walked away. His voice suddenly lowered a few degrees: "You are too benevolent. Benevolence can bring peace to the people, but it cannot control the ministers. If you ascend the throne, I'm afraid you will be led by the nose."

Zhu Biao silently kowtowed: "Your subject will remember your teachings, Father."

Zhu Yuanzhang stared at him for a moment, a complex light flashing in his eyes: "Step down."

After the crown prince left, the palace returned to silence.

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly turned around and said to Wu Zhen, "Send an order to Li Rong to return to Nanjing."

"Your Majesty...withdraw your troops?" Wu asked in shock.

"Withdraw?" Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes sharpened. "What I want is not retreat, but 'exchange'."

"Substitution?"

"That's right," Zhu Yuanzhang said coldly. "Send Shen Si, Hu Gui, and Lan Yu to approach Yingtian from three directions. I order them to use any means necessary to break through the city within three days!"

Wu Zhen bowed his head: "Yes, Your Majesty!"

Zhu Yuanzhang turned around, looked at the cold moon in the distance, and murmured softly, "Brother Han, if you really want to fight me, then let's see if you can withstand this fourth calamity of Heaven."

Three days later, in Yingtian.

Zhu Han sat in the council hall, his brows furrowed.

Shen Lu handed over the latest intelligence: "Your Highness, Jinling has mobilized troops in three routes: Hu Gui in the southeast, Shen Si in the north, and Lan Yu in the southwest. All three are veteran generals. If these three join forces, Yingtian will be unable to withstand the attack."

Zhao Desheng's face turned pale: "Does His Majesty really intend to exterminate us?"

Zhu Han did not answer immediately, but instead picked up the map and slowly spread it out on the sand table.

"Hu Gui is a naval veteran, skilled in river-crossing surprise attacks; Shen Si is ruthless and adept at using fire attacks; Lan Yu is good at attacking fortified positions, but is impatient. If all three armies come at the same time, it will indeed be bad."

Shen Lu asked, "So, how does Your Highness intend to deal with this?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, then said firmly, "To defend is to die. To flee is also to die. The only way is to strike first."

He pointed to a river bend on the map: "This place is called 'Shilingkou,' a place that Hu Gui's navy must pass through. If we can ambush them here and kill one of them first, we can break the enemy's momentum."

"Your Highness is going to divide your troops?" Zhao Desheng exclaimed in surprise. "If the main force goes out, the city's defenses will inevitably be weak!"

Zhu Han's gaze was cold and stern: "If you don't gamble, you die. If you win, you have a chance to live."

He turned to Shen Lu: "You stay in Yingtian and mobilize the people to build a second line of defense. Zhao Desheng will accompany me on the expedition; we will depart tomorrow night."

The night was deep, and the wind seemed to whisper mournfully.

Zhu Han led two thousand elite troops and quietly left Yingtian.

They marched through the night, the wind whipping up dust, the cold moonlight shining on everyone's armor.

As we approached Shilingkou, dawn was breaking. The river churned, steam rose, and shadowy figures appeared in the mist.

Zhu Han stood on the shore, gazing at the flags on the opposite bank.

"Hu Gui has indeed arrived."

Looking over, Zhao Desheng saw that the Nanjing navy on the opposite bank was preparing to build a bridge to cross the river.

The enemy camp was covered with flags, and the drums beat softly.

"Your Highness, shall we launch it immediately?"

"Wait a minute." Zhu Han raised his hand.

His gaze was deep as he observed the enemy's formation. Suddenly, a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

"Their rear guard is empty."

Zhu Han suddenly waved his hand: "Archers, attack!"

The bugle sounded, and three thousand rockets were launched simultaneously. Sparks streaked across the night sky like meteors, instantly igniting the enemy's supply ships and bridges. Flames soared into the air, illuminating the entire Shilingkou Pass.

"An ambush!" Hu Gui cried out in alarm. Just as he was about to give the order, Zhu Han's cavalry charged through the fog. Warhorses neighed, swords flashed, and blood-red waves churned on the river surface illuminated by the firelight.

Zhu Han charged ahead, his long sword flashing as he charged straight at Hu Gui's central army. The enemy troops, caught off guard, were thrown into chaos. Hu Gui was struck by several arrows and fell from his horse, dying instantly.

By noon, Hu Gui's army had completely collapsed, and the remnants abandoned their armor and fled along the river.

Zhao Desheng laughed loudly: "Your Highness, Heaven is on my side!"

Zhu Han showed no joy. He gazed at the burning river and murmured, "Heaven... never helps anyone."

In the Jinling Palace, Zhu Yuanzhang received an urgent report from the front lines, his face grim. Wu Zhen knelt on the ground, trembling with fear, not daring to raise his head.

"Hu Gui—is dead?" Zhu Yuanzhang slowly finished reading the battle report, his voice so low it was almost inaudible.

"Yes... Your Majesty."

"Did he kill himself?"

"Yes."

A moment of silence. Then—

"Hahahaha!" Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly burst into laughter, his laughter filled with madness and anger.

"Well done, Zhu Han!"

"If I don't kill you, the world will still think that only you, the Zhu family member, are good at fighting!"

He suddenly stood up, his sleeves fluttering, his eyes like knives.

"Issue the decree—Lan Yu and Shen Si are not to retreat even a step. If they fail to conquer Yingtian within three days, their entire clans will be punished!"

Wu Zhen knelt on the ground, his clothes soaked with cold sweat.

At that moment, the air in Nanjing seemed to freeze.

Meanwhile, atop Yingtian City, Zhu Han stood silently in the wind.

Shen Lu stepped forward and whispered, "Your Highness, our scouts have reported that Lan Yu's army has already marched a hundred miles south, and Shen Si is currently detouring along the northern route. If you do not return, I fear we will not be able to hold out."

Zhu Han smiled faintly: "I'll go back."

He glanced back at the distant night, where the firelight was still burning.

"Lan Yu and Shen Si, one is impatient, the other is ruthless."

He slowly exhaled, "Then let's give them another chance and let them be defeated by their own nature."

He turned around, his expression calm as still water.

Zhu Han stood atop the city wall, gazing at the cold moon on the horizon. The wind blew through his hair and stirred the dust on his armor.

Having experienced countless battles, his hands were calloused from the ravages of war, but his eyes remained as clear as ever.

Shen Lu walked slowly from behind, his expression somewhat complicated: "Your Highness, the scouts report that Shen Si has retreated, and Lan Yu has also withdrawn to a distance of thirty miles. The Jinling army... seems to have suddenly stopped its attack."

Zhu Han frowned slightly.

"Return?"

"Yes." Shen Lu nodded. "I think... it's not like fear of war, but more like... someone gave the order."

Zhu Han remained silent for a moment, then gently closed his eyes. A cold wind swept by, causing the flag behind him to flutter.

"It finally moved." He murmured softly, a complex light flashing in his eyes.

The Qianqing Hall in the Jinling Imperial Palace.

The candlelight flickered as Zhu Yuanzhang sat behind his imperial desk, several military reports spread out before him. They were simultaneous memorials from Shen Si, Lan Yu, and Li Rong—all expressing their desire for a ceasefire and requesting the Emperor's decision. (End of Chapter)