The Ming Dynasty: The most ruthless imperial grandson, Old Zhu begged me not to kill him.

Chapter 638 Imperial Decree and Scheme
The night was as dark as ink, and the candlelight in the imperial study flickered, reflecting the emperor's solemn expression.

Zhu Xiong Ying knelt before his father, feeling an unprecedented sense of oppression.

"I have heard that Zhang Jing and others have secretly stirred up a lot of trouble in the court."

Although they did not openly oppose you, their words implied doubt about you.

The emperor's voice was deep and majestic, each word carrying an unquestionable authority.

Zhu Xiong Ying's heart sank, and he replied in a low voice, "Father, I know that Zhang Jing is exerting pressure in secret, but I have been restraining myself to avoid turmoil in the court."

The emperor nodded, but his eyes revealed a complex emotion.

"I know your intentions, and I understand that you don't want the situation to get out of control."

"But now, the situation has become more complicated."

"I do not want to see the court corrupted by these power struggles."

The emperor sounded extremely tired, clearly exhausted by the recent turmoil in the court.

Zhu Xiong Ying felt a slight tightness in his chest, knowing that his father was already considering how to resolve this power struggle.

"Father, I am willing to accept any arrangement to resolve the turmoil in the court."

He spoke respectfully, his tone filled with utmost sincerity.

The emperor sighed and looked at Zhu Xiong Ying with a deep gaze.

"Xiongying, I have always placed high hopes on you. You are the grandson of the Ming Dynasty's Crown Prince, the future heir apparent."

"But the current situation in the court forces me to be even more cautious."

“Zhang Jing and others are certainly ambitious, but they are, after all, veteran officials in the court. If we rashly take action against them, it may provoke an even greater backlash.”

Zhu Xiong Ying pondered his father's words in his heart.

He knew that the emperor's words were not merely a reminder, but paving the way for his next move.

"Father, are you worried that Zhang Jing's influence will cause trouble in the court?"

Zhu Xiong Ying asked cautiously, her eyes filled with inquiry.

The emperor nodded slightly, a profound light appearing in his eyes.

"good."

"I have noticed that Zhang Jing has been secretly winning over some ministers, attempting to exert influence through the old forces in the court."

"Although he outwardly maintained his loyalty to the court, he had already begun to secretly lay out his plans."

"What I am worried about is not just Zhang Jing, but all the unstable factors in the court."

The emperor's voice was filled with deep helplessness and worry; clearly, the undercurrents in the court were giving him a headache.

Zhu Xiong Ying pondered to himself.

He knew very well that behind Zhang Jing was not only his personal power, but also the collective interests of the old ministers in the court.

These people are unwilling to see their power diminished, so they remain suspicious and wary of their rapid rise to power.

"Father, those old ministers in the court are cunning and scheming. If they really join forces, I am worried that it will affect the normal operation of the government."

Zhu Xiong Ying carefully expressed her concerns, her eyes filled with utmost sincerity.

The emperor sighed and looked at Zhu Xiong Ying with a complicated expression.

"That's precisely why I need you to be even more careful in dealing with this."

"Now, the situation has reached its most critical moment."

"You must stabilize the situation in the court while ensuring that no further turmoil is triggered."

The emperor's voice was heavy with emotion and expectation, clearly showing that he placed high hopes on Zhu Xiong Ying.

Zhu Xiong Ying felt an unprecedented pressure.

He knew that this was not just an ordinary political upheaval, but a struggle that would determine the future power structure.

"Father, rest assured, your son will certainly live up to your expectations."

He said in a deep voice, his tone filled with unwavering determination.

The emperor nodded, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

"I have confidence in you."

"However, I have something for you to do now, and you must do it immediately."

Zhu Xiong Ying was slightly taken aback, then cupped his hands and said, "Please enlighten me, Father."

The emperor's expression grew even more serious, and he slowly said, "I have decided to send you to the northern border to completely eliminate the threat on the frontier."

“Recently, the Timurid Empire has been making frequent moves on the border, and I suspect they have begun to secretly plan a full-scale attack on the Ming Dynasty.” “You must go there in person to ensure the safety of the northern border.”

Zhu Xiong Ying was shocked; he had heard about the situation in the northern border region before.

Recent intelligence indicates that Timurid's army is frequently active on the border, clearly testing the Ming Dynasty's reaction.

"Father, I am willing to set off immediately."

He spoke without hesitation, his eyes filled with determination.

The emperor nodded in satisfaction, his eyes filled with trust.

"Xiongying, you are the person I trust most. The safety of the northern border is related to the future of the Ming Dynasty."

"After you go there, you must work together with General Lan Yu to ensure the stability of the border."

"I do not wish to see any war spread."

The emperor's tone was filled with deep worry and expectation, clearly indicating that the situation in the north had made him very uneasy.

Zhu Xiong Ying sensed his father's worry and immediately cupped his hands, saying, "Your subject will do everything in his power to ensure the safety of the border."

"Your subject will work closely with General Lan Yu and do everything in his power to prevent the Timurid Empire from launching a war."

His tone was firm, clearly indicating that he had made thorough preparations.

The emperor nodded and said earnestly, "After you go to the northern border, you must stay alert and not be careless."

"The Timurid Empire's ambitions should not be underestimated. They are not only advancing militarily step by step, but may even be secretly instigating internal strife."

"You must always be vigilant and never let your guard down."

Zhu Xiong Ying listened to his father's instructions with a heavy heart.

He knew that this was not just an ordinary border defense, but a life-or-death struggle concerning the future of the Ming Dynasty.

"My son understands."

He responded in a low voice, his eyes revealing calmness and determination.

The emperor nodded in satisfaction, then waved his hand and said, "Go back and prepare. We will set off immediately tomorrow morning."

"The situation on the border cannot be delayed."

Zhu Xiong Ying immediately bowed and withdrew, his heart filled with deep thoughts about the future.

He knew that this trip to the North would be an extremely important test.

Stepping out of the Imperial Study, the night was still deep.

Zhu Xiong Ying's mood was even heavier than the night.

He understood that he not only had to deal with the crisis on the frontier, but also with the turmoil in the court.

Whether it's the secret power struggles orchestrated by Zhang Jing and others, or the Timurid Empire's probing attacks on the frontier, these are all problems he must solve one by one.

"Your Highness, what preparations should we make next?"

When Li Jinglong saw Zhu Xiong Ying walk out of the palace gate, he immediately stepped forward and asked in a low voice.

Zhu Xiong Ying was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Pass down the order to immediately gather troops and set off for the northern border with me first thing tomorrow morning."

"At the same time, inform General Lan Yu to prepare for any possible surprise attack."

His tone was calm and decisive, clearly indicating that he had entered a state of readiness for battle.

Li Jinglong cupped his hands and said, "Understood, I will make the arrangements immediately."

As Li Jinglong left, Zhu Xiong Ying stood outside the palace gate, his gaze fixed on the darkness in the distance.

He knew that this trip to the northern border was not just a simple frontier battle, but also a key step in consolidating his position as the crown prince.

Whether it was the power struggles in the court or the military threats on the frontier, he had to deal with them one by one.

This incident will be a crucial battle that will determine his future fate.

"Zhang Jing, I know you're plotting in secret, but this time, you won't succeed."

Zhu Xiong Ying pondered silently, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

No matter how much wind and rain lies ahead, he will persevere to the end.

As night deepened, Zhu Xiong Ying's resolve remained unwavering.

He knew that a more complex game awaited him ahead.

Whether in the imperial court or on the frontier, he must have complete control and take every step carefully.

This time, he will not fail.

(End of this chapter)