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

Chapter 639 Departure for the Northern Territory
The first rays of morning sunlight shone on the palace walls of the Ming capital, and golden light shone through the heavy palace gates onto Zhu Xiong Ying's face.

He has made all the preparations, and today is the day he will set off for the North.

Zhu Xiong Ying stood in the main hall of the Crown Prince's residence, calculating each step to come.

"Your Highness, the troops are ready and can depart at any time."

Li Jinglong strode in and reported in a low voice.

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded, his eyes filled with deep thought.

"The task entrusted to us by my father must be completed as soon as possible. The Timurid Empire's movements are becoming increasingly clear, and we cannot allow them any opportunity to take advantage of us."

Although he spoke calmly, he was filled with a sense of urgency.

Seeing this, Li Jinglong couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, are you worried that the situation at the border is deteriorating?"

Zhu Xiong Ying frowned slightly and said slowly, "It's not just the border."

"Zhang Jing and others' accomplices in the court are also making their moves. Although things appear calm on the surface, undercurrents are surging."

"My departure will likely complicate the situation in the central government even further."

A hint of worry flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

"In any case, I must go to the northern border in person, not only to strengthen the border defenses, but also to give Zhang Jing a warning."

Upon hearing this, Li Jinglong immediately understood Zhu Xiong Ying's intention.

"Does Your Highness intend to use this trip to the northern border to deter those in the court who are eager to cause trouble?"

He asked in a low voice, his eyes filled with admiration.

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded, his gaze deep.

"good."

"Although Zhang Jing and his group are making plans in secret, they don't dare to openly oppose me."

“As long as I achieve significant success on the border, the forces in the DPRK and China that support them will waver.”

"This is not only a military operation, but also a political game."

His voice was low but full of power.

Li Jinglong was deeply impressed and immediately cupped his hands in respect, saying, "Your Highness has great foresight. I will arrange the departure immediately."

As Li Jinglong left, Zhu Xiong Ying stood alone in the courtyard, her mind filled with countless thoughts.

He knew that this trip to the North would not be just an ordinary border patrol, but a crucial operation to consolidate his position.

He had to deal with both the power struggles in the court and the enemies on the border.

"Your Highness, the carriage is ready and we can set off at any time."

A servant walked up to Zhu Xiong Ying and whispered his report.

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded slightly, straightened his cloak, and slowly walked out of the Crown Prince's residence.

Outside the gate, hundreds of elite cavalrymen were already lined up in neat formation, their horses neighing and their morale high.

Zhu Xiong Ying mounted his horse, his gaze sweeping over the elite soldiers, and a surge of heroic spirit welled up in his heart.

"set off!"

At his command, the troops set off swiftly, speeding towards the northern border.

Along the way, the people of the capital came out of their homes to watch the grand procession depart.

They knew that His Highness the Crown Prince's trip was related to the safety of the Ming Dynasty, and their hearts were filled with anticipation and reverence.

As the city gates of the capital slowly closed, Zhu Xiong Ying's troops gradually disappeared into the dust in the distance.

***
Despite the long journey, Zhu Xiong Ying remained vigilant throughout her northward journey.

"Your Highness, we are less than two days away from the border."

Li Jinglong rode up to Zhu Xiong Ying's side and reported in a low voice.

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded slightly, gazing into the distance.

"Although the situation on the border is temporarily calm, we cannot let our guard down."

"General Lan Yu is already waiting ahead; we must join him as soon as possible."

His tone was firm, clearly indicating that he had made comprehensive plans.

Li Jinglong nodded in agreement and then spurred his horse forward to arrange for the team to speed up their journey.

As the group continued its journey, Zhu Xiong Ying gradually felt a sense of unease. He knew that the Timurid Empire's ambitions were not to be underestimated, and this battle was not merely a matter of border defense, but also concerned the future of the Ming Dynasty.

Moreover, the turmoil in the court will not subside with his departure.

Zhang Jing and his associates will undoubtedly take advantage of his absence to try to further expand their influence.

"We must end the war in the North as soon as possible and not give them any opportunity to take advantage of the situation."

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

***
Two days later, Zhu Xiong Ying's team finally arrived at the frontier.

General Lan Yu had been waiting outside the camp for a long time. Upon seeing Zhu Xiong Ying's arrival, he immediately stepped forward to greet him.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince!"

General Lan Yu, his face full of excitement, cupped his hands and said, "This humble general has made all the necessary preparations as Your Highness instructed."

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings.

The soldiers in the camp were lined up neatly, and the defensive fortifications were also well-organized, clearly indicating that Lan Yu had made ample preparations.

"General, you've worked hard."

Zhu Xiong Ying said, and then entered the tent with Lan Yu.

Inside the tent, the latest border intelligence had already been laid out.

Zhu Xiong Ying sat in the main seat, flipping through the intelligence reports, his brows slightly furrowed.

"The Timurid Empire has been increasingly active recently, clearly preparing for a large-scale operation."

"General, what do you think?"

Zhu Xiong Ying looked up and asked, her eyes filled with inquiry.

After a moment of contemplation, Lan Yu said, "Your Highness, I believe that the Timurid Empire is indeed planning an attack."

"Their recent troop movements have been very secretive. Although they have not yet launched an attack, they have already begun large-scale reconnaissance operations along the border."

"We must remain vigilant at all times and not give them any opportunity."

His voice was steady and powerful, clearly indicating that he had a full understanding of the Timurid Empire's movements.

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded, then said in a deep voice, "Not bad."

"We cannot underestimate our opponents, but we also cannot be too passive."

"The Timurid Empire is testing our reaction; we cannot let them see through our trump card."

He spoke with remarkable calmness and wisdom.

Lan Yu nodded in agreement and then said, "What specific arrangements does Your Highness have? This humble general is willing to cooperate fully."

Zhu Xiong Ying's gaze was deep as she slowly said, "I have already made preliminary arrangements on the way."

"We need to create the illusion that we are preparing a massive counterattack."

"This will make them hesitate and dare not attack easily."

Although his voice was calm, every word he spoke revealed a well-thought-out plan.

Upon hearing this, Lan Yu's eyes flashed with admiration, and he immediately cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness is truly insightful!"

"This subordinate will immediately arrange manpower to cooperate with Your Highness's plan."

After Lan Yu left, Zhu Xiong Ying sat alone in the tent, his gaze fixed on the map on the table.

He knew that this battle in the north was not only about the safety of the border, but also a crucial battle for him to consolidate his position as the crown prince.

Whether it was the power struggles within the court or the military threat from the Timurid Empire, he had to overcome them one by one.

This time, he will not allow anyone to stand in his way.

As night deepened, the candlelight inside the tent flickered, illuminating Zhu Xiong Ying's resolute face.

He knew that every step he took next would determine the future of the Ming Dynasty.

He must remain calm and clear-headed at all times and play each game well.

No matter how many challenges lie ahead, he is ready.

This time, he will personally take control of the fate of the Ming Dynasty.

(End of this chapter)