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

Upon hearing this, Zhu Qiwu's heart sank. He knew that the main force of the Yuan army was powerful, and if they were allowed to launch a general offensive, the consequences would be unimaginable. He immediately ordered Arutai to be taken away and placed under strict guard, and at the same time sent someone to report this intelligence to Zhu Chongba.

Upon receiving the intelligence, Zhu Chongba immediately summoned his generals to discuss countermeasures. Zhu Qiwu also attended the meeting and offered his suggestion: "Fourth Brother, I think we should utilize the reconnaissance capabilities of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to discover the Yuan army's movements in advance, and then adopt a surprise attack tactic to disrupt their deployment."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Chongba's eyes flashed with admiration: "Seventh Five, your idea is excellent. But the main force of the Yuan army is powerful; how can we ensure the success of our surprise attack?"

Zhu Qiwu smiled and said, "Fourth Brother, don't worry, I already have a plan. We can use the secret communication tools of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to transmit intelligence to the generals in advance. Then, on the eve of the Yuan army's general offensive, we will divide our forces into multiple routes and launch simultaneous attacks. This will catch the Yuan army off guard and prevent them from forming an effective defense."

After listening, Zhu Chongba pondered for a moment and finally nodded in agreement: "Alright, it will be as you say. Seven Five, you will be in full command of this operation."

Zhu Qiwu accepted the order and immediately began assigning tasks. He used the covert communication tools rewarded by the system to transmit intelligence and battle plans to the various generals. At the same time, he personally led members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to infiltrate near the main force of the Yuan army, preparing to launch a fatal blow at the crucial moment.

Three nights later, under a dark and windy sky, Zhu Qiwu stood on a high ground, gazing at the distant camp of the main Yuan army force, his heart filled with tension and anticipation. He knew that tonight would be a decisive battle.

"Brother Xu, Brother Tang, Brother Zhou, are you ready?" Zhu Qiwu asked in a low voice.

The three answered in unison, "Ready!"

Zhu Qiwu nodded and ordered, "Good! Proceed according to plan! The attack must be launched before midnight!"

The three men accepted the order and left, each leading a group of Imperial Guards and rebel soldiers to quietly approach the camp of the main Yuan army force. Zhu Qiwu, on the other hand, led the remaining members to stay on the high ground to provide support and coordination.

Just as midnight arrived, shouts of battle suddenly erupted in the distance. Zhu Qiwu knew that this was an attack launched by Xu Da, Tang He, and Zhou Dexing. He immediately ordered the members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to light torches as a signal. At the same time, he led his own Embroidered Uniform Guard members to charge towards the Yuan army camp and join the battle.

In an instant, flames soared into the sky, and the shouts of battle were deafening. Members of the Imperial Guards and rebel soldiers charged towards the Yuan army camp like tigers descending a mountain. Utilizing the advanced weapons and tactics rewarded by the system, they quickly broke through the Yuan army's defenses. Although the Yuan soldiers fought valiantly, they were soon routed under the fierce attack of the rebels.

Standing on the battlefield, Zhu Qiwu surveyed the situation before him, his heart filled with excitement and pride. He knew that victory had been achieved. He ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to begin searching for the scattered Yuan soldiers, and simultaneously sent someone to report to Zhu Chongba.

Shortly after, Zhu Chongba arrived with reinforcements. Seeing the situation on the battlefield, a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes: "Seventh Five, you truly did not disappoint me! You have rendered a great service in this battle!"

Zhu Qiwu smiled modestly and said, "Fourth Brother, you flatter me! This is the result of everyone's joint efforts."

Zhu Chongba patted Zhu Qiwu on the shoulder and laughed, "Qiwu, you are not only exceptionally intelligent, but also brave and skilled in battle. With you by my side, I am truly like a tiger with wings!"

Zhu Qiwu felt a warmth in his heart. He knew this was his fourth brother's recognition and appreciation. He secretly vowed to continue working hard and contribute his strength to his fourth brother's ambition.

After this battle, Zhu Yuanzhang's rebel army gained immense prestige. Utilizing the reconnaissance capabilities and surprise attack tactics of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, they successively defeated multiple Yuan army units. The Yuan Dynasty's rule began to crumble, and people from all over the country responded to the call of the rebel army and joined the ranks of those resisting the Yuan Dynasty.

Zhu Qiwu's outstanding performance in this battle earned him the respect and trust of his generals. He utilized system rewards and modern knowledge to continuously provide the rebel army with advanced weapons and tactical support. Simultaneously, he personally trained members of the Imperial Guard, transforming them into an invincible force.

However, as the rebel army grew stronger and its power expanded, Zhu Qiwu also realized that they faced increasing challenges and difficulties. Although the Yuan Dynasty had begun to decline, it still possessed a powerful military and abundant resources. Moreover, different factions and conflicts of interest existed within the rebel army. How to coordinate relations between the various parties and maintain the unity and stability of the ranks became an important issue that Zhu Qiwu needed to address.

One evening, Zhu Qiwu sat alone in his tent, contemplating the future. He knew that to help his fourth brother unify the world and establish unparalleled achievements, he would need to put in even more effort and wisdom. He secretly resolved that no matter what difficulties and challenges he encountered, he would persevere and forge ahead.

Just then, footsteps suddenly came from outside the tent. Zhu Qiwu looked up and saw Zhu Chongba leading Xu Da, Tang He, Zhou Dexing and other generals into the tent.

"Seven Five, we heard you were sitting here alone tonight thinking about something, so we came to see you," Zhu Chongba said with a smile.

Zhu Qiwu quickly stood up to greet them: "Fourth Brother and all the elder brothers, what brings you here? Please have a seat!"

After everyone sat down, Zhu Chongba spoke up: "Seventh Five, we know you've been worried about the rebel army. You can share your thoughts and plans with us. Let's discuss them together and work together."

Zhu Qiwu felt a warmth in his heart. He knew this was the care and support from his fourth brother and all the elder brothers. He nodded and explained his thoughts and plans: "Fourth brother and elder brothers, I believe that although we have achieved some victories, we still cannot let our guard down. Although the Yuan Dynasty has begun to decline, it still possesses a powerful military and abundant resources. Moreover, there are different factions and conflicts of interest within our rebel army. How to coordinate relations between the various parties and maintain the unity and stability of the ranks is a crucial issue we currently face."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Zhu Chongba spoke up, "Seven-Five, you're right. We do need to be more cautious and united. Do you have any specific suggestions?"

Zhu Qiwu pondered for a moment, then continued, “I believe we can start from the following aspects: First, strengthen the construction and training of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, improving their reconnaissance capabilities and combat skills. Let the Embroidered Uniform Guard become the eyes and ears and sharpest blade of our rebel army. Second, strengthen the construction of internal management and supervision mechanisms to ensure that the interests of all parties are balanced and coordinated, preventing internal disputes and conflicts. Finally, strengthen contact and cooperation with rebel armies in various regions to form a unified front and jointly resist the rule of the Yuan Dynasty.”

After hearing this, everyone expressed their agreement.

Standing atop the city wall of Yingtian Prefecture, Zhu Yuanzhang gazed northwards, his eyes filled with resolute determination: "This northern expedition must utterly destroy the Yuan Dynasty and restore peace to the people of the world!"

Standing beside Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Qiwu patted his chest and said, "Fourth Brother, don't worry, with me here, I'll definitely help you achieve your goal!"

Xu Da stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Brother, brothers Qi Wu, the troops for this Northern Expedition are ready. When shall we depart?"

Zhu Yuanzhang turned around and glanced at everyone: "We shall set off immediately! Xu Da, you shall be the commander-in-chief of the Northern Expedition and lead the army; Tang He, you shall be the vanguard and lead the way; Zhou Dexing, you shall be in charge of provisions and supplies and ensure that the army is supplied continuously."

Zhu Qiwu had an idea and said to Zhu Yuanzhang, "Fourth Brother, I have a plan that may be of great help to the army."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Qiwu with great interest: "Oh? Qiwu, what's your plan? Tell me quickly." Zhu Qiwu cleared his throat: "Fourth Brother, although the Yuan army is depleted, it still has many elite troops. Our army has made a long march, and if we fight head-on, we may suffer losses. I think we can first send a small group of troops disguised as refugees to infiltrate the Yuan army's rear, burn their grain supplies, and cut off their supply lines. When their morale is thrown into chaos, our main force can then launch a full-scale attack and we will surely achieve a great victory."

Upon hearing this, Xu Da's eyes lit up: "Brother Qiwu's plan is brilliant! In this way, the Yuan army will fall into chaos without a fight, and our army can reduce many casualties."

Tang He also nodded in agreement: "That's right, Brother Qi Wu is indeed exceptionally clever, and his plan is very thorough."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily: "Good! We will do as Qi Wu said. Xu Da, quickly arrange the men and carry out the plan."

Xu Da accepted the order and left. Zhu Qiwu was secretly delighted. He would make good use of this system sign-in feature; perhaps he could obtain many good things during this Northern Expedition. Thinking of this, Zhu Qiwu quietly chanted in his mind, "System, sign in."

"Ding! Sign-in successful. You have received one gunpowder formula and ten blueprints for making excellent crossbows."

Zhu Qiwu was overjoyed. The gunpowder formula and the blueprints for making bows and crossbows were truly valuable! With these, the army's combat effectiveness would surely be greatly enhanced.

Zhu Qiwu quickly found Zhu Yuanzhang: "Fourth Brother, I've thought of something else. I recently obtained some formulas and blueprints for rare items. If we can manufacture them, they will greatly benefit our army's operations."

Zhu Yuanzhang became interested: "Oh? Seven-five, what kind of strange object is that?"

Zhu Qiwu handed the gunpowder formula and crossbow manufacturing blueprints to Zhu Yuanzhang: "Fourth Brother, look, this is the gunpowder formula. The gunpowder made with this formula is extremely powerful and can be used to attack cities and seize territories. These are excellent crossbow manufacturing blueprints. The crossbows made according to this formula have a long range and strong power, which can greatly enhance our army's long-range attack capabilities."

Zhu Yuanzhang took the items, examined them carefully, and his eyes were filled with delight: "Seventh Five, you are truly a lucky star for my Zhu family! With these, our army will undoubtedly win this Northern Expedition! Go and find craftsmen to manufacture these wondrous items."

Zhu Qiwu accepted the order and went to find the best craftsmen in Yingtian Prefecture. He handed them the gunpowder formula and the blueprints for making crossbows and instructed them: "Gentlemen, this is of great importance to our army's northern expedition. You must manufacture it as soon as possible and ensure its quality."

The craftsmen replied in unison, "Seventh Prince, rest assured, we will do our utmost and live up to your expectations!"

While the craftsmen worked day and night to create these wondrous objects, Xu Da also arranged for men to disguise themselves as refugees and infiltrate the Yuan army's rear. This small force was led by a general named Chen Yong, who was highly skilled in martial arts and exceptionally intelligent, and had been carefully selected by Xu Da.

Chen Yong led several hundred men, disguised as refugees, northward. They wore tattered clothes, their faces smeared with dust, and carried broken bowls, looking no different from real refugees.

One day, they arrived outside a city garrisoned by the Yuan army. Yuan soldiers were guarding the city gate, checking the refugees entering the city.

Chen Yong's heart tightened, and he said to his deputy Wang Er beside him, "Wang Er, act according to the situation later, and do not reveal any flaws."

Wang Er nodded: "Don't worry, Brother Chen, I understand."

When it was Chen Yong's turn to enter the city, a Yuan soldier asked menacingly, "Where did you refugees come from? What are you doing in the city?"

Chen Yong quickly put on a smile and said in broken Mongolian, "Sir, we are refugees from the south. We heard that we can find food in this city, so we came to try our luck."

The Yuan soldier sized Chen Yong up and down, then glanced at the group behind him, and snorted, "Go in, but all of you better behave yourselves. If you dare cause trouble in the city, you'll be sorry!"

Chen Yong quickly nodded and bowed, "Yes, yes, sir, don't worry, we'll be absolutely honest."

The group successfully entered the city. Chen Yong led them to a secluded corner to stay, and then began to search for the location of the Yuan army's food supplies.

After several days of investigation, Chen Yong finally learned that the Yuan army's provisions were stored in a large warehouse in the north of the city, and that it was heavily guarded.

Chen Yong gathered everyone together and said, "Brothers, we've found out where the Yuan army's supplies are stored. It's in the warehouse in the north of the city. Tonight, we'll take action, burn their supplies, and then slip out of the city in the chaos."

In the dead of night, Chen Yong led his men stealthily to the outside of the warehouse in the north of the city. Dozens of Yuan soldiers patrolled around the warehouse, making the defenses very tight.

After observing for a while, Chen Yong said to Wang Er, "Wang Er, you take a few men and distract them from the east; I'll lead the rest of the others to sneak in from the west and burn the grain supplies."

Wang Er nodded: "Okay, Brother Chen, be careful."

Wang Er and a few men deliberately made some noise, attracting the patrolling Yuan soldiers to run towards them. Chen Yong took the opportunity to lead the group over the wall from the west and into the warehouse.

The warehouse was filled with grain and fodder. Chen Yong and the others took out torches they had prepared beforehand, lit them, and threw them around. Instantly, a large fire broke out in the warehouse, and the flames spread rapidly.

Yuan soldiers discovered the warehouse was on fire and rushed to its rescue. Chen Yong and his men took advantage of the chaos to fight the Yuan soldiers. Although they were few in number, they were all brave and skilled in battle, and filled with hatred for the Yuan army. For a time, they fought the Yuan soldiers to a standstill.

At this moment, Wang Er and the others also escaped the patrolling Yuan soldiers and arrived to join Chen Yong and the others. Working together, they fought their way out and ran towards the city gate.

Upon seeing the warehouse ablaze and Chen Yong and his men charging towards them, the Yuan soldiers at the city gate hastily closed the gates, preparing to resist. Chen Yong shouted, "Brothers, charge! Once we're out of the city, we'll be safe!" (End of Chapter)