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

Chapter 640 Border Turmoil
The nights in the North were exceptionally cold, with howling winds outside the tents causing the banners to flutter wildly.

Zhu Xiong Ying stood at the entrance of the camp, gazing intently into the distance.

Ever since he arrived at the frontier, he had had a premonition of unease in his heart.

Although the Timurid Empire did not immediately launch a large-scale offensive, their actions became increasingly frequent.

"Your Highness, today's border patrol report has been completed."

Li Jinglong approached, holding a scroll of documents in his hands, his expression serious.

Zhu Xiong Ying took the document, quickly glanced through it, and frowned.

"Sure enough, Timur's reconnaissance troops were frequently active on the border, and their intentions were becoming increasingly clear."

His voice was low and tinged with alertness.

“This is not just a probe; they are looking for weaknesses in our defenses.”

Li Jinglong nodded, then said, "Your Highness, should we deploy more troops in advance to prevent them from launching a sudden attack?"

Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes flickered, and after a moment of thought, he slowly said, "No, there is no need to increase the number of troops for the time being."

"The Timurid Empire is still observing our reaction; they will not act rashly."

"If we rashly increase our troops, it will only make our intentions clear to them."

His tone was calm, clearly indicating that he had a precise assessment of the situation.

Li Jinglong frowned slightly. Although he was somewhat worried, he had always trusted Zhu Xiong Ying's judgment, so he said no more.

"Then how should we deal with it next?"

He asked, his tone tinged with urgency.

Zhu Xiong Ying's gaze narrowed slightly as he slowly said, "Maintain the existing defensive line while increasing patrols."

"We need to create the illusion for the Timurid Empire that we have a larger deployment behind us."

"In this way, they will not dare to act rashly."

His voice was calm and confident, as if he had the entire situation under control.

Upon hearing this, Li Jinglong immediately understood and bowed, saying, "Your subordinate understands and will make the arrangements immediately."

As Li Jinglong left, Zhu Xiong Ying stood alone at the entrance of the tent, feeling the chill of the night wind.

He knew that the Timurid Empire's intentions were far more complex than that.

For years, the Timurid Empire has been eyeing the Ming Dynasty covetously, and now is a crucial moment for them to try to break the balance of power on the border.

"We can't let them succeed."

Zhu Xiong Ying made a silent vow in his heart.

Whether it's military strength or the power struggles within the court, he must deal with them all, and he absolutely cannot allow any link to slip up.

***
The camp was bustling with activity the next morning.

The soldiers were conducting their routine drills, and the entire camp was in perfect order.

Zhu Xiong Ying walked through the camp, feeling a sense of relief.

"General Lan Yu's arrangements for the frontier were very meticulous."

"Such an army is indeed a force that can be trusted."

He murmured to himself, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.

At this moment, Lan Yu walked over quickly, her expression showing some urgency.

"Your Highness, urgent news has come from the scouts at the border: the Timurid Empire's army seems to be making unusual movements, and their vanguard has already approached our defenses."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xiong Ying's expression immediately turned serious.

"The Timurid Empire could no longer contain itself."

He spoke in a low voice, his eyes revealing calmness.

"What are their intentions? Are they just testing the waters, or are they preparing for a full-scale attack?"

Lan Yu shook her head, her expression serious.

"Based on current intelligence, their movements are still unclear."

"But one thing is certain: they have amassed a large number of troops outside our border."

"If we don't take precautions, conflict could break out at any time."

Zhu Xiong Ying frowned slightly, pondering to himself.

"This is not accidental harassment; they are deliberately approaching our defenses."

"But they dare not launch a full-scale attack rashly yet."

His tone was calm, clearly indicating that he had seen through the Timurid Empire's intentions.

Lan Yu nodded in agreement, then asked, "Your Highness, should we prepare for battle in advance?"

Zhu Xiong Ying pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Now is not the time to engage in battle. We must first figure out their true intentions."

"However, some troops can be moved to the vicinity of the defense line to prepare for emergencies."

He said this with utmost calmness and decisiveness.

Lan Yu immediately cupped his hands and said, "Your subordinate understands, I will make the arrangements immediately."

Zhu Xiong Ying watched Lan Yu leave, secretly pondering what to do next.

He knew that this was not just a border defense battle, but a race against time.

If handled properly, it can stabilize the border situation of the Ming Dynasty and prevent it from falling into the vortex of a full-scale war.

However, if we are not careful, the whole situation will become extremely dangerous.

"The Timurid Empire will not easily give up its plans."

"But I won't give them any chance either."

Zhu Xiong Ying silently made a vow in her heart, her eyes shining with a firm light.

***
A few days later, tensions at the border escalated further.

Timurid reconnaissance forces continued to harass the Ming Dynasty's defenses, and a conflict between the two sides was imminent.

Zhu Xiong Ying and General Lan Yu kept a close watch on the battlefield day and night, never daring to let their guard down.

"Your Highness, the scouts have reported again that Timur's vanguard appears to be gathering at the border and may launch an attack at any time."

Li Jinglong walked over quickly, his expression showing some anxiety.

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded slightly, her expression remaining calm.

"It seems they are ready."

"This probing will probably not end easily."

His voice was low and deep, his tone incredibly calm.

A hint of worry flashed in Li Jinglong's eyes, and he asked, "Your Highness, should we prepare for battle immediately?"

Zhu Xiong Ying's gaze was deep as he slowly said, "There's no need to rush into battle for now."

"Although the Timurid Empire is active, they do not dare to launch a full-scale war yet."

"What we need to do is keep the defensive line solid while looking for their weaknesses."

He said this with utmost composure.

Upon hearing this, Li Jinglong felt slightly relieved and cupped his hands, saying, "Your subordinate understands and will make the arrangements immediately."

With Li Jinglong gone, Zhu Xiong Ying once again fell into deep thought.

He knew that this border crisis was not only a military matter, but also a matter of the entire political situation of the Ming Dynasty.

Whether it was Zhang Jing and others in the court, or the enemy forces of Timur's empire, their goal was to weaken his position in the court.

"This is not just a battle, but a strategic maneuver."

"Whether it's the imperial court or the frontier, I must maintain firm control."

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

He knew that every step from now on would be crucial.

This is not only the fate of the Ming Dynasty, but also the future of Zhu Xiong Ying.

"No matter what, I will never let them succeed."

He silently made a vow in his heart, his gaze firm and filled with unwavering determination.

As night fell, the wind at the border remained bitterly cold.

Zhu Xiong Ying stood outside the tent, gazing at the starry sky, his heart filled with deep thoughts about the future.

He knew that this upheaval would determine the future of the Ming Dynasty.

He would never allow anyone to hinder his progress.

"Zhang Jing, Timur Empire, your conspiracy will not succeed."

"I will take every step carefully and completely crush your attempts."

He pondered silently, his eyes gleaming with unwavering determination.

A storm is brewing, and he is ready.

Whether it's the power struggles in the imperial court or the military crises on the frontier, he will deal with them one by one until the final victory.

Outside the tent, the wind still howled, but Zhu Xiong Ying's heart remained calm and resolute.

He will undoubtedly win this storm.

(End of this chapter)