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

Zhou Dexing excitedly ran up to Zhu Yuanzhang and said, "Fourth Brother, we have won a great victory in this battle! The Yuan army suffered countless casualties, their supply lines were completely cut off, and we also captured many prisoners."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in satisfaction and said, "Good, brothers, you've worked hard. This victory is thanks to your bravery and Qi Wu's ingenious strategy. Let's clean up the battlefield, treat the wounded, and then have a good rest."

Everyone responded in unison, "Yes!" and then began to get busy.

Looking at the bustling battlefield, Zhu Qiwu was filled with emotion. He firmly believed that as long as his brothers worked together, relying on his system and modern knowledge, they would definitely be able to help Zhu Yuanzhang overthrow the Yuan Dynasty and restore the Han Dynasty.

Just then, a system notification sounded in Zhu Qiwu's mind: [Mission complete. Assisted Zhu Yuanzhang in formulating a perfect battle plan. Reward: Advanced military strategy book, *The Essence of Sun Tzu's Art of War*.]

Zhu Qiwu was overjoyed. This "Essentials of Sun Tzu's Art of War" was a valuable resource. With it, he would be much more adept at formulating battle plans. He eagerly began to review the contents of the book in his mind, becoming increasingly excited with each reading. The strategies, tactics, and wisdom within it greatly benefited him.

Zhu Yuanzhang saw Zhu Qiwu standing there in a daze, so he walked over and asked, "Qiwu, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Zhu Qiwu came to his senses and said with a smile, "Fourth Brother, I'm fine. I was just thinking that this victory is just the beginning. We will face even stronger enemies in the future, and we need to keep improving our strength."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said, "Seven-Five, you're right. We can't be complacent because of this victory. Next, we need to carefully summarize the lessons learned from this battle, train our brothers, and improve our combat effectiveness. At the same time, we also need to expand our sphere of influence and attract more people to join us."

Zhu Qiwu said, "Fourth Brother, I have an idea. We can implement some policies to benefit the people in the occupied areas, such as reducing the people's taxes and opening granaries to distribute grain to relieve the poor. This way we can win the support and endorsement of the people, and our power can be more consolidated."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes showed appreciation, and he said, "Seventh Five, your idea is very good. He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world. We must let the people know that we are thinking of them. After this battle is over, I will arrange for people to implement these policies."

As the two brothers were talking, Xu Da and Tang He walked over. Xu Da smiled and said, "Fourth Brother, Seventh Brother, we were able to achieve such a great victory in this battle thanks to Seventh Brother's strategy. However, we also discovered some problems, such as some brothers' lack of coordination in battle, and some aspects of our weapons and equipment that need improvement."

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Xu Da, you're right. We need to take these issues seriously. Next, we need to strengthen the training of our brothers and improve their teamwork. At the same time, we also need to find ways to improve our weapons and equipment so that our brothers have a greater advantage in battle."

Tang He said from the side, "Fourth Brother, I heard there's a blacksmith shop nearby with excellent blacksmithing skills. We can cooperate with them and have them forge better weapons for us."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said, "Alright, Tang He, I'll leave this matter to you. Take some brothers and talk to the blacksmith shop to try and get them to forge a batch of excellent weapons for us."

Tang He replied, "Yes, Fourth Brother, I'll take care of it right away!" After saying that, he turned around to arrange the manpower.

Watching Tang He's departing figure, Zhu Yuanzhang said to Xu Da and Zhu Qiwu, "We can't just wait for weapon improvements. In terms of training, Xu Da, you need to develop a more rigorous training plan to improve the brothers' martial arts and combat capabilities. Qiwu, you're quick-witted, so help Xu Da come up with some ideas as well."

Zhu Qiwu smiled and said, "Don't worry, Fourth Brother, I will definitely work with Brother Xu to ensure the brothers' training goes well."

Xu Da patted his chest and said, "Fourth Brother, don't worry, I will definitely train the brothers into an iron army!"

Zhu Qiwu stood atop the city wall of Yingtian Prefecture, his brow furrowed as he gazed at the billowing dust in the distance. Beside him, Zhu Chongba patted his shoulder and said in a deep voice, "Qiwu, the Yuan army is coming with overwhelming force this time; we must prepare early."

Zhu Qiwu snapped out of his reverie, turned to look at Zhu Chongba, a determined glint in his eyes: "Fourth Brother, rest assured, I already have a plan." He secretly calculated in his mind that since transmigrating to this era and becoming Zhu Yuanzhang's younger brother, and possessing a built-in sign-in system, he had accumulated considerable resources and connections despite the many twists and turns along the way. Now, it was time to use the system rewards and modern knowledge to further aid his fourth brother's ambitions.

"Oh? What brilliant plan does Qi Wu have?" A hint of curiosity flashed in Zhu Chongba's eyes. He had always trusted his younger brother, especially since Qi Wu always came up with some unexpected ideas.

Zhu Qiwu smiled slightly and said in a low voice, "Fourth Brother, I propose to establish the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard?" Zhu Chongba raised an eyebrow. He had never heard of this name before and couldn't help but ask, "What are they? What is their purpose?"

Zhu Qiwu explained, “The Embroidered Uniform Guard is a secret agency that I envision. It reports directly to the emperor and is responsible for monitoring officials, collecting intelligence, and ensuring unwavering loyalty both inside and outside the court. They can wear magnificent brocade robes to show their nobility, while secretly carrying out missions, leaving no place for those with ulterior motives to hide.”

Upon hearing this, a glint of light flashed in Zhu Chongba's eyes. He knew all too well the importance of intelligence and loyalty in chaotic times. But then he frowned again: "Seventh Five, these Embroidered Uniform Guards are good, but how can we ensure they won't become a new threat? After all, power easily corrupts people's hearts."

Zhu Qiwu was prepared and smiled, "Fourth Brother, rest assured, the selection of the Embroidered Uniform Guard will be extremely strict. Only those with clean family backgrounds, high martial arts skills, and loyalty will be selected. Moreover, I will design a strict supervision mechanism to ensure that they dare not have any disloyalty. More importantly, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard will be personally appointed by you, Fourth Brother, and will be responsible only to you."

After listening, Zhu Chongba remained silent for a moment, then finally nodded: "Alright, as you say. Seven Five, I'll leave this matter to you."

Zhu Qiwu was overjoyed, knowing this was a golden opportunity to elevate his status. He immediately summoned his trusted generals, including Xu Da, Tang He, and Zhou Dexing, to discuss the specifics of establishing the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

"Brother Xu, Brother Tang, Brother Zhou, I want to establish a secret organization called the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and I need your help," Zhu Qiwu said bluntly.

Xu Da, being a calm and collected individual, spoke first: "Seventh Five, how exactly does the Embroidered Uniform Guard operate? How should we cooperate with them?"

Zhu Qiwu explained in detail the duties, selection criteria, and supervision mechanism of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, which made the three nod repeatedly.

Tang He, being straightforward, laughed and said, "Seven-Five, your idea is brilliant! With the Embroidered Uniform Guard, we can know the movements of the Yuan army and internal traitors in advance, and we'll no longer have to be passively attacked." Zhou Dexing pondered for a moment and then asked, "Seven-Five, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has so much power, how can we ensure they won't abuse their authority?"

Zhu Qiwu was prepared and smiled, "Brother Zhou, don't worry, I have a plan. First, members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard will sign strict confidentiality agreements, and will be severely punished if they leak secrets. Second, I will set up an independent supervisory body to specifically monitor the behavior of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Finally, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard will be personally appointed by Fourth Brother and will be replaced regularly to prevent the concentration of power."

The three nodded in agreement. Zhu Qiwu felt reassured, knowing that the establishment of the Embroidered Uniform Guard had taken a crucial step.

In the days that followed, Zhu Qiwu was busy with the selection and formation of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. He used the rewards he received from system check-ins, such as advanced reconnaissance equipment and covert communication tools, to provide the Embroidered Uniform Guard with strong technical support. At the same time, he personally designed a training curriculum, including martial arts, intelligence gathering, and assassination techniques, to ensure that every member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard was an elite.

During the selection process, Zhu Qiwu encountered numerous challenges. Some generals expressed concern about the existence of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, fearing it would become a new center of power. Zhu Qiwu patiently explained, using modern management concepts and oversight mechanisms to dispel their concerns. Some soldiers also harbored doubts about joining the Embroidered Uniform Guard, worried about offending people. Zhu Qiwu personally intervened, promising them generous compensation and promotion opportunities, finally winning their trust.

After months of effort, the Jinyiwei (Imperial Bodyguard) was finally initially established. This secret organization, composed of hundreds of elites, dressed in magnificent brocade robes and wielding sharp weapons, became a powerful force under Zhu Yuanzhang's command.

Zhu Qiwu stood on the training ground of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, gazing at the perfectly aligned ranks before him, his heart filled with pride. He knew that this team would become a crucial asset in his fourth brother's unification of the empire.

"Seven-Five, what do you think of these Embroidered Uniform Guards?" Zhu Chongba arrived at the training ground at some point and asked, standing next to Zhu Seven-Five.

Zhu Qiwu turned to look at Zhu Chongba and said with a smile, "Fourth Brother, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has already taken shape. As long as it undergoes a period of training and integration, it will surely become an invincible force."

Zhu Chongba nodded in satisfaction, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes: "Seven-Five, you have indeed not disappointed me. I will now entrust the Jinyiwei to your full command."

Zhu Qiwu was overjoyed. He knew this was his fourth brother's trust and high regard for him. He immediately knelt on one knee and solemnly said, "Thank you for your trust, Fourth Brother! Qiwu will certainly live up to your expectations!"

Just then, a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard rushed over and reported that a small squad of Yuan soldiers had been spotted operating nearby. A flicker of excitement crossed Zhu Qiwu's eyes; he knew this was a good opportunity to test the Embroidered Uniform Guard's combat capabilities.

"Fourth Brother, may I lead the Embroidered Uniform Guard to meet this Yuan army squad?" Zhu Qiwu requested.

Zhu Chongba pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "Alright, Qiwu, be careful. Remember, safety first."

Zhu Qiwu accepted the order and led the Jinyiwei members to quickly conceal their movements and sneak towards the Yuan army squad. Along the way, they used the reconnaissance equipment rewarded by the system to discover Yuan army ambushes and traps in advance, successfully avoiding many dangers.

When they finally approached the Yuan army squad, Zhu Qiwu ordered a halt to carefully observe the enemy situation. He discovered that although the Yuan army squad was small in number, it was well-equipped and well-trained, clearly an elite force.

"Brother Xu, Brother Tang, Brother Zhou, each of you lead a group of Imperial Guards and launch an attack from three directions simultaneously. I will lead the remaining members to provide support and coordination," Zhu Qiwu ordered in a low voice.

The three men accepted the order and each led a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to quietly approach the Yuan army squad. When they entered the attack range, Zhu Qiwu gave the order, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard members launched an attack simultaneously.

In an instant, shouts of battle shook the heavens and the earth as members of the Imperial Guards charged towards the Yuan army squad like tigers descending a mountain. Utilizing the advanced weapons and tactics rewarded by the system, they swiftly broke through the Yuan army's defenses. Although the Yuan army squad fought valiantly, they were quickly routed under the fierce attack of the Imperial Guards.

Standing on high ground, Zhu Qiwu surveyed the battlefield with satisfaction. He knew that this Jinyiwei force had begun to demonstrate combat capability. He ordered a halt to the attack and instructed the Jinyiwei members to begin searching for the fleeing Yuan soldiers.

Just then, a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard rushed over and reported that a prisoner resembling a Yuan general had been found. A flicker of excitement crossed Zhu Qiwu's eyes; he knew this could be a good opportunity to obtain crucial intelligence.

He immediately followed the Jinyiwei members to the prisoner and carefully examined the Yuan general. He saw that the general was dressed in magnificent armor, with a cold and stern face, and his eyes revealed his unyielding spirit and arrogance.

"What is your name? What position do you hold in the Yuan army?" Zhu Qiwu asked coldly.

The Yuan general looked up at Zhu Qiwu, a cold smile playing on his lips: "Hmph! Kill me or torture me, it's up to you! I won't tell you any information!"

Zhu Qiwu smiled slightly; he wasn't angry. He knew that dealing with such a tough nut required special measures. He turned and whispered a few words to the Jinyiwei member beside him, who immediately nodded and left.

A short while later, the Imperial Guard member returned with a wooden box. Zhu Qiwu opened the box, revealing some strange tools and equipment. The Yuan general's eyes flashed with fear and confusion upon seeing these tools.

"These tools are specially prepared for those stubborn prisoners," Zhu Qiwu said coldly. "They can inflict unprecedented pain on you, but will leave no scars. Want to try them?"

Upon hearing this, the Yuan general's expression changed drastically. Although he was not afraid of death, he did not want to endure such unknown suffering. He hesitated for a moment before finally speaking: "I...I will talk! My name is Arughtai, and I am a commander of a thousand men in the Yuan army. I have come here on orders to scout your movements."

Zhu Qiwu nodded in satisfaction and continued, "Where is the main force of the Yuan army? What are their plans?"

Arughtai hesitated for a moment before finally speaking: "The main force of the Yuan army is stationed fifty li from here. They plan to launch a general offensive in three days to annihilate you in one fell swoop." (End of Chapter)