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

The group charged forward bravely, engaging in fierce combat with the Yuan soldiers at the city gate. Chen Yong, wielding a broadsword, slashed left and right, moving with unparalleled speed. Wang Er, not to be outdone, brandished his spear, felling several Yuan soldiers.

After a fierce battle, they finally broke through the city gates and escaped outside the city. Yuan soldiers pursued them relentlessly, and Chen Yong and the others ran all the way until they shook off the Yuan army's pursuit before stopping to rest.

Chen Yong counted the number of men and found that only a dozen or so had been lost, which relieved him. He said to the men, "Brothers, this operation was a success. We burned the Yuan army's supplies and made a great contribution to the army! Now let's hurry back and report to General Xu."

Chen Yong led his men on a journey that lasted day and night, and they returned to Yingtian Prefecture. Xu Da was overjoyed to see them: "Chen Yong, you did a great job! Burning the Yuan army's supplies this time will surely throw their morale into chaos."

Chen Yong clasped his hands and said, "General Xu, you flatter me. It's all thanks to Young Master Qi Wu's brilliant plan. We were just following the plan."

Xu Da nodded: "Brothers Qi and Wu are indeed exceptionally intelligent. You should go and rest first, and then join the army when it sets off."

Chen Yong and the others accepted the order and left. Meanwhile, the craftsmen had also finished manufacturing gunpowder and sophisticated crossbows. Zhu Qiwu looked at these newly created marvels and was very satisfied.

Zhu Yuanzhang personally visited the craftsmen to inspect these extraordinary artifacts. He picked up a fine crossbow, pulled back the string, and exclaimed, "What a fine bow! Its range and power are truly exceptional!"

Zhu Qiwu smiled and said, "Fourth Brother, with these gunpowder and crossbows, the fighting power of our army will be greatly enhanced. When we launch the Northern Expedition, we will definitely let the Yuan army see our strength."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "That's right. Qiwu, you have made a great contribution again this time. When the Northern Expedition is successful, I will reward you handsomely."

Zhu Qiwu quickly replied, "Fourth Brother, this is all I should do. It is my honor to help you conquer the world."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily: "Good! With your words, Fourth Brother can rest assured. Issue the order: in three days, the army will set off for the Northern Expedition!"

Three days later, outside Yingtian Prefecture, banners fluttered and warhorses neighed. Zhu Yuanzhang stood on a high platform, looking down at the neatly arrayed army below, and shouted: "Soldiers! The Yuan court is now tyrannical, and the people are suffering unspeakably. We are launching this northern expedition today to overthrow the Yuan court and bring peace to the people! In this battle, victory is the only option; defeat is not an option!"

The soldiers shouted in unison: "Overthrow the Yuan Dynasty and restore our peace! Overthrow the Yuan Dynasty and restore our peace!"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Xu Da: "Xu Da, I entrust the army to you. You must do your utmost to wipe out the remaining Yuan forces in one fell swoop."

Xu Da clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Brother, rest assured, this humble general will certainly not fail in his mission!"

Zhu Yuanzhang then looked at Zhu Qiwu: "Qiwu, you should also go on the expedition with the army and broaden your horizons."

Zhu Qiwu excitedly replied, "Yes, Fourth Brother! I will definitely keep up with the army and not hold them back."

With Zhu Yuanzhang's order, the Northern Expeditionary Army marched northward in a mighty force. Along the way, the army swept through the enemy lines, capturing many Yuan cities in succession. The Yuan army, terrified, fled in disarray.

On this day, the army arrived at the city of Tai'an. Tai'an was strategically located with high and sturdy walls, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. The Yuan army stationed several thousand men there, led by a general named Arughtai.

Xu Da looked at Tai'an City, his brows furrowing slightly: "Tai'an City is situated in a treacherous location; a direct assault would likely result in too many casualties. Does anyone have a better plan?"

Tang He thought for a moment and said, "General Xu, I am willing to lead a troop to circle around to the back of the city, attack it by surprise, and join forces with the main army to attack from both sides. We will surely be able to take this city."

Xu Da nodded: "Tang He, this plan is feasible. However, you will lead your men around to the back of the city, which is a long journey, and there may be Yuan troops lying in ambush along the way, so you must be careful."

Tang He clasped his hands in a fist and said, "General Xu, rest assured, I will be careful and cautious to complete the mission."

Zhu Qiwu suddenly said, "General Tang He, I will go with you. I have some rare items that may come in handy during the siege."

Tang He glanced at Zhu Qiwu and smiled, "It would be wonderful if Brother Qiwu could accompany us. Let's not delay, let's set off now."

Tang He, along with Zhu Qiwu and a group of men, quietly circled around to the back of the city. They advanced cautiously, fearing discovery by the Yuan army.

As they reached a valley, they suddenly heard shouts of battle. Tang He's heart tightened: "This is bad, there might be a Yuan army ambush!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than a group of Yuan soldiers rushed out from both sides of the valley, surrounding Tang He and his men. The Yuan general at the head of the group was tall and burly, with a menacing face, wielding a large axe, and shouted, "You traitors, you won't escape today!"

Tang He, undaunted, brandished his spear and roared, "Soldiers, charge out! Fight them to the death!"

The group charged forward bravely, engaging in fierce combat with the Yuan soldiers. Zhu Qiwu was not to be outdone; he took out the gunpowder he had obtained from the system's daily check-in, made it into a makeshift bomb, and threw it at the Yuan soldiers.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!" The bombs exploded among the Yuan soldiers, tearing them apart and sending them screaming in agony. The Yuan soldiers were terrified by the sudden explosions and their formation was thrown into chaos.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Tang He led his men to fight their way out of the valley. The Yuan general, seeing this, was furious and gave chase.

Tang He and his men fled at breakneck speed, finally shaking off the Yuan army's pursuit and arriving at Tai'an City. Looking at the city, Tang He said to Zhu Qiwu, "Brother Qiwu, thanks to your wondrous items, otherwise we probably wouldn't have escaped today. Now, how should we attack the city?"

Zhu Qiwu observed the city walls of Tai'an and said, "General Tang He, I see that although the city walls are high, some cracks have appeared. We can use gunpowder to blast a breach in the city walls, and then the army can rush in."

Tang He nodded: "This plan is excellent. However, we still need Brother Qi Wu's guidance on how to use the gunpowder."

Zhu Qiwu laughed and said, "General Tang, don't worry, I have my own way."

Zhu Qiwu led a few men, packed up the gunpowder, and then quietly approached the city wall. They placed the gunpowder in a crack in the wall, lit the fuse, and quickly withdrew.

With a deafening roar, a large hole was blasted in the city wall. Seeing this, Tang He shouted, "Soldiers, charge!"

The troops charged forward bravely, rushing into the city through the breach in the city wall. At this moment, Xu Da also led his army to launch an attack from the front. When the Yuan general Arutai saw that the city wall had been breached and his army was attacked from two sides, he was greatly alarmed and hurriedly organized his soldiers to resist.

However, the morale of the Yuan army was already low, and they were unable to mount any effective resistance. Tang He and Xu Da's army quickly captured Tai'an City. Seeing that the situation was hopeless, Arughtai, along with a few trusted followers, took advantage of the chaos to escape outside the city.

Tang He and Xu Da met in the city, both overjoyed. Xu Da said to Tang He, "Tang He, you have made a great contribution to this siege. And Brother Qi Wu, your extraordinary artifacts also played a crucial role." Tang He smiled and said, "General Xu, you flatter me. This is all thanks to everyone's concerted efforts. Brother Qi Wu, your extraordinary artifacts are truly amazing. I wonder if you have any more?"

Zhu Qiwu smiled and said, "General Tang, don't worry, I still have many rare items here, which will surely come in handy in future battles."

Xu Da nodded: "Good! With the help of the Seven Brothers' extraordinary artifact, our army will surely be able to sweep through the north and wipe out the remaining Yuan forces in one fell swoop."

While everyone was resting in the city, a soldier suddenly reported: "General Xu, a Yuan army force of several thousand men has been spotted outside the city and is heading towards it."

Xu Da frowned: "The Yuan army has come at the perfect time. We were just looking for a battle! Tang He, you take a portion of the troops and ambush them outside the city; I will take the rest of the troops and set traps inside the city. When the Yuan army enters the city, we will wipe them out in one fell swoop."

Tang He and Zhu Qiwu replied in unison, "Yes!"

Tang He led a portion of his troops out of the city and lay in ambush outside. Xu Da, on the other hand, led the rest of his troops to set traps throughout the city, waiting for the Yuan army to enter.

Before long, the Yuan army arrived at the city walls. The leading general, named Batel, looked at Tai'an City and said to his deputy, "This city has been captured by the rebels. Today we will definitely take it back and avenge General Arughtai!"

The lieutenant nodded: "General, rest assured, we will do our utmost to retake Tai'an City."

At Batel's command, the Yuan soldiers charged into the city. When they were halfway into the city, Xu Da gave the order, and the traps throughout the city were activated. In an instant, the Yuan soldiers were thrown into chaos; some fell into the traps, others were hit by arrows and crossbow bolts, screaming in agony.

Upon seeing this, Batel was alarmed: "Oh no, an ambush! Retreat!"

But it was too late. Tang He led his troops, who had been lying in ambush outside the city, and attacked from the rear, completely surrounding the Yuan army. Xu Da also charged out of the city and joined Tang He in attacking from both sides, and the Yuan soldiers surrendered one after another.

Seeing that the situation was hopeless, Batel had no choice but to dismount and surrender. Xu Da looked at Batel and shouted, "You Yuan soldiers are brutal and inhumane! Now that the situation is hopeless, why don't you surrender obediently? What are you waiting for?"

Batel lowered his head and said, "I am willing to surrender, I only beg the general to spare my life."

Xu Da snorted coldly: "I can spare your life, but you must tell me the truth: where are the remaining Yuan forces now?"

Batel quickly said, "General, the remnants of the Yuan army are now gathered near Dadu, led by the Yuan Chancellor Toqto'a, attempting to put up a stubborn resistance."

Xu Da nodded: "I see. Since you have surrendered, I will spare your life. But you must atone for your crime by leading the way for my army to Dadu."

Batel quickly replied, "Yes, General! I will definitely lead the way for you and atone for my sins."

Xu Da informed Zhu Yuanzhang of the situation, and Zhu Yuanzhang was very pleased: "Good! Since the remnants of the Yuan army are gathered in Dadu, then let's press on and strike Dadu in one fell swoop, and completely annihilate the Yuan court!"

Thus, the Northern Expeditionary Army, led by Xu Da, continued its march towards Dadu (Beijing). Along the way, the army swept through the enemy lines, and Yuan soldiers surrendered one after another. Soon, the army arrived at the walls of Dadu.

Dadu was the capital of the Yuan Dynasty, with high and sturdy city walls and extremely tight defenses. The Yuan Dynasty's Prime Minister, Toqto'a, stood atop the city wall, gazing at the army below, his heart filled with fear and rage: "These rebels dare to attack my Dadu! Today I will fight them to the death!"

Xu Da looked at Dadu and said to Zhu Qiwu beside him, "Brother Qiwu, Dadu is heavily defended. A direct assault would likely result in too many casualties. Do you have a good plan?"

Zhu Qiwu observed the city walls and surrounding terrain of Dadu and came up with an idea: "General Xu, I think that although Dadu is well-defended, the city gates are relatively weak. We can use gunpowder to blow open the city gates and then send the main army to rush in. At the same time, we can send another team to go around to the back of the city and attack it by surprise. Together with the main army, we can attack from both sides and surely take this city."

Xu Da nodded: "This plan is excellent. Tang He, you take a group of men and go around to the back of the city to wait for the right opportunity; I will take the rest of the men and prepare to blow up the city gates in front of the city."

Tang He clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Yes!"

Zhu Qiwu said to Xu Da, "General Xu, it will take some time to make the gunpowder to blow up the city gate. I'll go and prepare it first."

Xu Da nodded: "Alright, Brother Qiwu, get ready as soon as possible."

Zhu Qiwu led a few men to a secluded spot and began making gunpowder to blow up the city gate. After much effort, the gunpowder was finally ready.

Zhu Qiwu brought gunpowder to the city gate. He placed the gunpowder at the gate, lit the fuse, and quickly withdrew.

With a deafening roar, a gaping hole was blasted open in the city gate. Seeing this, Xu Da shouted, "Soldiers, charge!"

The troops charged forward bravely, rushing into the city through the breach in the city gate. At the same time, Tang He also led his men to launch an attack from the rear of the city. Seeing their army attacked from two sides, the Yuan defenders were thrown into chaos.

Seeing that all was lost, Toqto'a was filled with despair: "Is my Yuan Dynasty really going to perish here?" Helpless, he fled Dadu City with a few close confidants.

Xu Da led his army to capture Dadu (Beijing), and Zhu Yuanzhang arrived shortly after. Standing atop the city wall, Zhu Yuanzhang gazed upon the city's splendor, his heart filled with emotion: "Years of effort have finally yielded this victory. The Yuan dynasty is destroyed, and peace reigns throughout the land!"

Zhu Qiwu stood beside Zhu Yuanzhang and said with a smile, "Fourth Brother, this is all thanks to your excellent leadership and the concerted efforts of our brothers. Now that the world is at peace, you can finally take a good rest."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Qiwu with eyes full of satisfaction: "Qiwu, you have made great contributions in this Northern Expedition, and your fourth brother will not forget you. From now on, enjoy this peaceful and prosperous era."

Everyone burst into laughter upon hearing this.

On the day Xu Da, Chang Yuchun, and other generals received their orders to set off, banners fluttered and warhorses neighed outside Yingtian Prefecture. Zhu Qiwu stood beside Zhu Yuanzhang, looking at his brothers who were about to go to the battlefield, feeling both excited and apprehensive.

Xu Da, clad in silver armor and wielding a long spear, sat astride a tall warhorse, exuding heroic spirit. He turned to Zhu Qiwu and laughed loudly, "Brother Qiwu, on this expedition, I hope your modern military strategies will help us decisively defeat the enemy!"

Zhu Qiwu patted his chest and said, "Brother Xu, don't worry! With me, Zhu Qiwu, here, you will definitely return victorious!" (End of this chapter)