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

Chapter 650 Court Storm
The morning sunlight shines on the glazed tiles of the Daming Imperial Palace, making it magnificent and splendid.

Zhu Xiong Ying strode into the Golden Hall, his gaze deep, his heart filled with unparalleled calmness and vigilance.

Today's court assembly will be a crucial battle that will determine the overall situation.

Inside the main hall, civil and military officials were already seated.

Zhu Xiong Ying's arrival naturally drew everyone's attention to him.

News of his great victory leading the Ming army on the border had already spread throughout the capital, and the faces of the officials were filled with awe and anticipation.

However, Zhu Xiong Ying knew that there were undercurrents behind this court meeting, especially Zhang Jing and others, who were bound to take the opportunity to make trouble.

"Your Highness's triumphant return is truly a blessing for the Ming Dynasty. We, your subjects, offer our congratulations."

Zhang Jing stood among the crowd and spoke first, his voice full of flattery.

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled slightly, glanced at Zhang Jing indifferently, and then said, "Lord Zhang, you flatter me. The victory on the border is the result of the joint efforts of all the soldiers."

"I have only done my bit of work."

His voice was calm yet powerful, radiating confidence and composure.

Upon hearing this, a barely perceptible glint of coldness flashed in Zhang Jing's eyes, before he quickly resumed his obsequious smile.

"Your Highness is indeed modest. A great victory at the border is not something everyone can easily achieve."

"However, I have heard some rumors that seem to question the authenticity of Your Highness's victory this time."

Although Zhang Jing's tone remained respectful, his words subtly shifted, carrying a hint of provocation.

The air inside the hall seemed to instantly become heavy.

Many officials felt a chill run down their spines and secretly glanced at Zhu Xiong Ying, seemingly waiting for his reaction.

Zhu Xiong Ying's face remained expressionless, maintaining her calm smile.

"Rumors are never credible. Lord Zhang should know that 'rumors stop with the wise.'"

He said this, his voice carrying a hint of sharpness.

Zhang Jing's smile faltered slightly, then he said, "Your Highness is absolutely right. However, we are worried about the safety of the Ming Dynasty and hope to know more about the true situation."

His words seemed concerned, but the underlying intent to make things difficult was obvious.

Zhu Xiong Ying coldly swept her gaze over Zhang Jing, fully aware of his sinister intentions.

Zhang Jing attempted to undermine his prestige and shake the support for him in the court by questioning him.

However, Zhu Xiong Ying had already made preparations to deal with it.

"Lord Zhang seems to be very concerned about the border war, so I, the Crown Prince, will explain it to you all in detail."

Zhu Xiong Ying's voice suddenly became authoritative, and his gaze swept over the officials.

"In this border war, the Timurid Empire has spared no effort in attacking the border of our Great Ming Dynasty, attempting to disrupt the court and shake the foundation of the country."

"I, the Grandson, led a large army to meet the enemy in battle. After several months of fierce fighting, we finally and completely defeated the enemy's main force, thus securing the northern border of our Great Ming."

"This battle was remarkably successful, not only stabilizing the border situation but also completely eliminating the military threat posed by the Timurid Empire to the Ming Dynasty."

"As for the rumors circulating outside, they are nothing but nonsense. I, the Crown Prince, can say with certainty that I have lived up to the expectations of the Ming Dynasty and all the soldiers."

His voice was firm and powerful, full of authority and decisiveness.

Upon hearing this, all the officials nodded in agreement, and the atmosphere in the court instantly became quiet.

Zhang Jing's face darkened, and a hint of resentment flashed in his eyes.

He hadn't expected Zhu Xiong Ying to be so decisive, easily thwarting his carefully planned attack of doubt.

"Your Highness is indeed wise and powerful, and we deeply admire you."

Zhang Jing forced a smile and said, "However, I have heard that Your Highness was too reckless in this battle and almost got surrounded by the enemy several times."

"If it weren't for the soldiers risking their lives to save you, Your Highness would probably be in grave danger."

His words were full of veiled accusations, attempting to portray Zhu Xiong Ying's victory as a fluke.

The atmosphere in the hall became tense again. The officials' gazes shifted between Zhu Xiong Ying and Zhang Jing, seemingly anticipating a more intense confrontation. Zhu Xiong Ying maintained a calm smile, a hint of contempt flashing in his eyes.

"Lord Zhang is overthinking it."

"The battlefield is ever-changing. As the commander-in-chief, I naturally have to personally go to the front line to direct the battle and ensure every detail of the situation is handled."

"As for the so-called dangerous situation, it is just a common situation on the battlefield. If you are not willing to take risks, how can you achieve victory?"

His voice was calm yet powerful, conveying immense confidence and decisiveness.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jing's expression changed slightly.

He originally intended to weaken the opponent's prestige by implying that Zhu Xiong Ying's recklessness was too much, but he did not expect that Zhu Xiong Ying would deal with it so calmly, turning the dangerous situation into an inevitable and courageous battle, which made people admire his decisiveness and courage even more.

"Lord Zhang, if you have any questions about the border war, you may ask me directly."

"I, the Crown Prince, will never conceal any details from the battlefield."

Zhu Xiong Ying's voice remained calm, but its sharpness was already unmistakable.

Zhang Jing was speechless for a moment, secretly anxious, clearly not expecting Zhu Xiong Ying to be so decisive.

Although he wielded considerable power in the court, he was powerless to retaliate against Zhu Xiong Ying's ruthless methods.

"His Highness the Crown Prince is brave and decisive, and his contributions in the border war are invaluable. We all admire him."

Just as Zhang Jing was in a predicament, another voice rang out, breaking the deadlock in the court.

This is the voice of Li Wen, the Minister of Personnel.

Li Wen had always been at odds with Zhang Jing. Seeing Zhang Jing at a disadvantage, he immediately seized the opportunity to side with Zhu Xiong Ying, hoping to use this opportunity to weaken Zhang Jing's power.

"Lord Zhang is not very familiar with battlefield affairs, so it is inevitable that he will have some misunderstandings."

"His Highness the Crown Prince not only commanded with composure on the battlefield, but also personally led the troops on many occasions to inspire them."

"Without Your Highness's courageous decision, the northern border of our Great Ming Dynasty would probably have already fallen into enemy hands."

Li Wen's voice was firm and powerful, directly refuting Zhang Jing's doubts.

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded slightly, fully aware of Li Wen's support.

Zhang Jing's face grew increasingly grim. His planned attack of questioning had collapsed, and he could no longer find an opportunity to launch an attack.

"We have nothing to say. Your Highness's victory is indeed a blessing for the Ming Dynasty."

Zhang Jing could only bow his head and admit defeat in the end, his tone somewhat reluctant.

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping coldly over Zhang Jing.

He knew that Zhang Jing must be resentful about his defeat today, but this time, he had firmly grasped the initiative in the court.

"My lords, the border has been secured. Now we must ensure that the court and the people are of one mind and continue to consolidate the foundation of the Ming Dynasty."

"Anyone who attempts to use rumors to disrupt the court will be severely punished."

Zhu Xiong Ying's voice was full of authority, and his eyes shone with a firm light.

All the officials bowed and agreed, and the entire court fell silent instantly.

Zhang Jing stood to the side, a smile still on his face, but his heart was burning with rage.

His long-planned scheme was so easily thwarted by Zhu Xiong Ying.

"His Highness the Crown Prince's power is indeed not to be underestimated."

"However, this contest is far from over."

Zhang Jing made a silent vow in his heart, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes.

***
After the court assembly ended, Zhu Xiong Ying walked out of the main hall, his expression still calm.

Li Jinglong quickly caught up, his face full of admiration, and said, "Your Highness, at today's court meeting, Zhang Jing could no longer find fault with you. I admire you."

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled slightly.

(End of this chapter)