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

Chapter 667 The Calm Before the Storm
Zhu Xiong Ying stood on the high platform, looking down over the capital city and beyond.

The streets in the distance were still bustling, but he knew in his heart that the situation was far from as calm as it appeared.

Although the imperial court's investigation was nearing its end, the undercurrents of local power had not yet been completely quelled.

Zhu Xiong Ying's thoughts gradually returned to the various arrangements made recently.

He understood that although the Timurid Empire's clandestine activities were temporarily suppressed, their ambitions would never cease.

"Your Highness, I have something to report."

Li Jinglong strode in, his expression grave.

"Your subordinate has just received the latest intelligence from the border. Although the Timurid Empire's army has withdrawn, their troop movements in the Western Regions have not stopped."

"They appear to be reorganizing their troops, secretly gathering forces, and waiting for an opportunity to strike."

Zhu Xiong Ying frowned slightly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"The Timurid Empire is indeed unwilling to give up easily."

"They took advantage of the local power to try to weaken the imperial court's rule. Now that they have failed, they will certainly not give up easily."

He said this with unwavering decisiveness in his voice.

"Pass down the order to the border troops in the Western Regions to continue to strengthen their vigilance and not to slacken their efforts in any way."

"We must make sure they have no further chance to retaliate."

Li Jinglong immediately nodded in agreement and said, "I understand, I will make the arrangements immediately."

"However, Your Highness, although we have strengthened our border defenses, the Timurid Empire's movements still make us wary."

"My subordinates are worried that they might try to infiltrate us through other means."

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded slightly, a hint of coldness in his eyes.

“You’re right. The Timurid Empire didn’t just exert pressure on our Ming Dynasty through military means.”

"They will likely also try to find new breakthroughs within our regime through trade, intelligence, and cultural means."

Although his voice was calm, every word he spoke was filled with boundless courage and wisdom.

"We must not only prepare militarily, but also prevent their infiltration in every aspect."

“In particular, we must keep a close watch on merchants, officials and gentry who have dealings with foreign enemies.”

"If they make any further unusual moves, we will deal with them immediately and without any leniency."

Upon hearing this, Li Jinglong immediately nodded in agreement.

"I will immediately arrange for personnel to conduct a thorough investigation of all businessmen and officials who have dealings with external forces."

"We will never give them any opportunity to take advantage of us."

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping coldly into the distance.

"Although the threat from the Timurid Empire has been temporarily contained, their conspiracies have not stopped."

"We must make everyone understand that any act of colluding with foreign enemies will be ruthlessly cracked down on by the imperial court."

He said this with an air of utter coldness and decisiveness.

***
A few days later, the capital gradually returned to calm, but beneath this calm, undercurrents still lurked.

Although Zhu Xiong Ying's investigation was successful, he knew in his heart that the real challenge had just begun.

"Your Highness, although the local gentry and wealthy merchants have been behaving themselves for the time being, our intelligence indicates that some local forces are still secretly colluding."

Li Jinglong came to report again, his expression showing some worry.

"Although they dared not openly rebel against the imperial court, they were secretly looking for an opportunity to make a comeback."

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

"These local forces are indeed unwilling to give in easily."

"Their attempt to collude with foreign enemies failed, but they still harbor ulterior motives and want to seize an opportunity to turn the tables."

"They don't seem to have fully grasped the situation yet."

He said this with an air of utter coldness.

"Pass down the order to continue monitoring these local forces operating in the shadows."

"We must make them understand that the power of the imperial court is not something they can easily challenge."

Li Jinglong immediately nodded in agreement and then said, "I understand. I will strengthen the monitoring of the area to ensure that no more rebellious forces will emerge."

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded slightly, his gaze deep.

"These people have betrayed the court and harbored ulterior motives; they have no way out."

“We must not only suppress their resistance, but also completely dismantle their influence.” “The local people have gradually become dependent on the imperial court, but we still need to further strengthen our control over the local areas.”

"Make sure that no local power can regain control."

Although his voice was low, every word he spoke was filled with boundless decisiveness and wisdom.

"At the same time, we should strengthen communication with the people and make them understand that the power of the imperial court is their true reliance."

"We must not only strike foreign enemies militarily, but also completely dismantle their influence ideologically."

"This is the foundation for long-term stability and security."

Upon hearing this, Li Jinglong suddenly realized what was going on.

"What His Highness said is absolutely true."

"I will immediately arrange for officials to go deep into the local areas to publicize the imperial court's benevolence and ensure that the relationship between the people and the court is further strengthened."

"These local forces have lost the support of the people, and naturally they are no longer able to stir up trouble."

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded slightly, his gaze coldly fixed on the distant horizon.

"Although the storm has subsided for the time being, we cannot let our guard down."

"The majesty of the imperial court must be continuously demonstrated."

"Anyone who dares to challenge the imperial court will face the most severe punishment."

Although his voice was calm, every word he spoke was filled with endless coldness and decisiveness.

***
Just as the situation in the capital was gradually stabilizing, the situation on the border in the far west remained volatile.

Although the Timurid Empire has not taken any further military action for the time being, its activities have not completely ceased.

"Your Highness, our spies on the border have sent another message."

Li Jinglong rushed over, his expression showing some tension.

"The Timurid Empire is secretly amassing troops, seemingly preparing for the next attack."

"Although they have not publicly declared war, these actions are clearly ill-intentioned."

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

"The Timurid Empire was indeed unwilling to accept defeat."

"They are secretly gathering strength, waiting for an opportunity to launch a counterattack."

"However, their every move has long been under our control."

He said this with an air of unwavering resolve and ruthlessness.

"Pass down the order to continue strengthening border defenses, with no room for complacency."

"We must let the Timurid Empire know that any attempt to challenge the Ming Dynasty will come at a terrible price."

Li Jinglong immediately nodded in agreement and said, "Your subordinate understands. Your subordinate will immediately arrange for the border troops to strengthen their defenses."

"However, Your Highness, do these frequent actions by the Timurid Empire indicate that they have a greater scheme?"

Zhu Xiong Ying sneered, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes.

"The Timurid Empire's ambitions have long been obvious."

"They not only want to exert pressure on our Ming Dynasty through military means, but also attempt to infiltrate through other channels."

"However, their every move has already been under our control."

"The more frequently they act, the more they expose their true colors."

He said this with a tone full of wisdom and decisiveness.

"What we need to do is remain vigilant."

"Wait for them to reveal more weaknesses, then wipe them out completely."

Upon hearing this, Li Jinglong immediately nodded in agreement and then asked, "Your Highness, should we launch further attacks on the Timurid Empire to prevent them from regrouping their forces?"

Zhu Xiong Ying shook his head slightly, his eyes revealing deep thought.

"There's no need to rush into an attack."

"We need to continue to observe their movements and take action only when they completely reveal their weaknesses."

"At that time, we will not only be able to defeat their army, but also completely destroy their strategic deployment."

Although his voice was calm, every word he spoke was filled with endless coldness and wisdom.

"Although the Timurid Empire's conspiracy has been temporarily thwarted."

(End of this chapter)