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

Chapter 644 Behind the Decision
The morning sun shone on the battlefield outside the camp, and the air was still filled with the stench of blood.

Zhu Xiong Ying stood on the watchtower, looking down at the surroundings. Although the enemy had been repelled, his vigilance never wavered.

"Your Highness, we have won this battle, but the threat from the Timurid Empire still exists."

Li Jinglong stood behind him, his eyes filled with worry.

"Although the enemy has suffered heavy losses, they still have reserves. How should we deal with them next?"

Zhu Xiong Ying did not respond immediately, but instead gazed into the distance with a deep look, as if pondering a more far-reaching plan.

"The enemy has not completely collapsed; they will continue to look for opportunities to counterattack."

His voice was low and deep, carrying a hint of calm analysis.

"However, their morale has been severely damaged this time, and they will not make any rash moves in the short term."

Li Jinglong nodded in agreement, but he was still uneasy.

"Your Highness, although the situation is temporarily stable, if the enemy were to return with renewed force, would we be able to achieve victory once again?"

Zhu Xiong Ying narrowed her eyes slightly, her tone firm.

"Victory is not achieved through a single battle, but through overall control."

"The Timurid Empire's goal is not just the border; they want to disrupt our border defenses and tear apart our internal affairs."

He said this with a deep insight in his voice.

"Therefore, we must not only continue to stabilize the border, but also guard against those restless forces in the government."

Li Jinglong was taken aback for a moment, then asked, "Your Highness, are you referring to Zhang Jing and others in the court?"

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded, her eyes gleaming with wisdom.

"good."

"Zhang Jing and his ilk have been waiting for an opportunity."

“If the border war goes badly, they will surely take the opportunity to disrupt the court and even shake the position of my grandson.”

He said this in a cold and decisive tone.

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

"Your Highness is wise. I was only focused on the battlefield and neglected the situation in the court."

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled slightly and then said, "The battlefield and the imperial court are closely related. A mistake by either side could lead to the collapse of the entire situation."

"We must consolidate both fronts at the same time."

Although his tone was calm, every word he spoke was filled with the composure and wisdom of a decision-maker.

Li Jinglong was deeply impressed and then asked, "So, how does Your Highness plan to balance these two aspects?"

Zhu Xiong Ying's gaze was deep. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly said, "At the border, we will continue to strengthen our defenses and wait for the Timurid Empire to show a weakness before delivering a fatal blow."

"As for the court, I have already arranged for several trusted confidants to monitor Zhang Jing and others. Once they make any unusual moves, I will take swift action."

He said this with unwavering confidence and decisiveness in his voice.

Li Jinglong nodded in agreement, feeling immense admiration for Zhu Xiong Ying's strategy.

"Your Highness, I am willing to pledge my life to you and cooperate with all your plans!"

After he finished speaking, he bowed deeply with his hands clasped in greeting.

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled slightly, patted his shoulder and said, "We have fought side by side for many years, so there is no need for further words."

"Every step from here on out will determine the future of the Ming Dynasty."

"Whether it's on the border or in the court, we must go all out."

Although his tone was calm, it conveyed unwavering determination and strength.

***
Time flew by, and a few days later, the border temporarily returned to calm.

Zhu Xiong Ying and General Lan Yu closely monitored the Timurid Empire's movements to prevent them from launching another attack.

During this period, Zhu Xiong Ying remained highly vigilant at all times.

He knew that the calm on the battlefield was only temporary, and the real battle was not yet over.

"Your Highness, the latest intelligence indicates that Timur's reserve forces seem to be shrinking, and their movements are becoming more covert."

Lan Yu entered the tent and handed over the latest battle report.

Zhu Xiong Ying took the battle report and carefully read it, his brows furrowing slightly.

"They are reducing their forces and preparing to readjust their strategy."

He said this, his eyes flashing with deep thought.

"This means their next operation could be more covert, and even more deadly." Lan Yu nodded, his face grave.

"Your Highness, should we take advantage of their retreat and launch a preemptive attack?"

Zhu Xiong Ying shook his head slightly, a hint of calm in his eyes.

"Now is not the best time to launch an offensive."

"The Timurid Empire appears to be shrinking its military strength, but there may be a larger conspiracy behind it."

"If we attack rashly, we may fall into their trap."

He spoke with utmost caution and rationality.

Upon hearing this, General Lan Yu suddenly realized the truth.

"Your Highness is wise; this humble general was almost deceived by appearances."

"Then how should we deal with it next?"

He asked, his eyes filled with inquiry.

Zhu Xiong Ying's gaze remained calm as he slowly said, "We must continue to maintain the strength of our defenses while simultaneously intensifying intelligence gathering."

"We must find out what Timur's next plan is in advance."

"Only by striking first can we completely thwart their scheme."

His voice was calm yet firm, clearly indicating that he had made comprehensive arrangements.

General Lan Yu nodded in agreement and then said, "This subordinate will immediately arrange for manpower to strengthen border patrols and reconnaissance to ensure that any unusual movements of the enemy are under our control."

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded slightly, watching Lan Yu leave, but he remained vigilant.

He knew that the Timurid Empire would not easily abandon their plans.

Whether it's border battles or power struggles within the court, every step from here on out is fraught with uncertainty.

"We must remain vigilant at all times and cannot afford to be complacent in the slightest."

He silently warned himself, his eyes filled with unparalleled coldness and determination.

***
As night fell, the candlelight inside the tent flickered. Zhu Xiong Ying sat alone at the table, reviewing the latest intelligence.

Suddenly, a trusted aide rushed in, looking somewhat nervous.

"Your Highness, news has come from the capital that Zhang Jing and his group have been active recently, and it seems they are planning something."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xiong Ying's gaze sharpened slightly, then she calmly asked, "What are the specific details?"

The confidant whispered, "According to our intelligence, Zhang Jing is secretly contacting some officials in the court, seemingly trying to build up his power base in secret."

"In addition, some rumors have begun to spread in the capital, with some questioning His Highness the Crown Prince's military and political decisions."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xiong Ying frowned, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"Zhang Jing was indeed not idle."

He spoke with remarkable calmness and thoughtfulness.

"It seems he has realized our victory at the border and wants to take the opportunity to create chaos in the court."

Although his voice was calm, the chill emanating from it sent shivers down one's spine.

The confidant asked in a low voice, "Your Highness, what should we do next? Should we take immediate action?"

Zhu Xiong Ying shook his head slightly, then said, "No rush."

"Zhang Jing hasn't fully revealed his hand yet. If we make a move now, we might alert him."

"We need to wait until he completely exposes himself before delivering a fatal blow."

He said this with an extremely cold and decisive tone.

The confidant nodded in agreement and then said, "Understood. I will continue to closely monitor Zhang Jing's every move immediately."

With his trusted confidant gone, Zhu Xiong Ying sat alone in his tent, his gaze grave.

He knew that the situation in the central government was becoming increasingly complicated.

Zhang Jing and his associates' conspiracy has gradually come to light, and this border war is the crucial moment for them to launch their plot.

"Whether on the battlefield or in the imperial court, I cannot afford to be complacent in the slightest."

"I must win this contest of power and battle."

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

That night, the sound of the wind still echoed in the border camp, and Zhu Xiong Ying's heart...

(End of this chapter)