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

Chapter 678 Ensuring the Army's Combat Effectiveness Remains at its Optimal State

The emperor was furious upon seeing it and questioned, "How dare such a scoundrel act so recklessly!"

Zhu Xiong Ying calmly replied, "Your Majesty, please rest assured, I already have a plan to deal with this matter."

Next, he devised a scheme within a scheme to lure the remaining members of the Han clan into revealing their true colors.

As expected, they walked right into the trap and were eventually completely eliminated by the imperial court.

Meanwhile, good news came from the frontier: Zhu Xiong Ying's border defense policies enabled the soldiers to repel the invading enemy and successfully recover many lost territories.

This series of victories not only stabilized the country's borders but also greatly boosted morale in both the government and the public.

These successes made Zhu Xiong Ying feel very gratified. He knew that the road was difficult, but it was worth it.

However, he did not let his guard down because of the victory.

"Governing a country is not only about war, but also requires cultural and educational governance."

He told the think tank.

He then began to push forward a series of domestic reforms, covering multiple areas such as taxation, education, and law, with the aim of laying a more solid foundation for future development.

A few months later, the capital city was thriving, and people lived in peace and contentment.

Standing atop the high pavilion of the palace, Zhu Xiong Ying looked down upon everything, a sense of unparalleled accomplishment rising within him.

He murmured to himself, "This is just the beginning."

One morning a few months later, sunlight streamed through the window and fell onto the desk.

Zhu Xiong Ying got up, stretched, and looked down at the capital city outside the window.

Pedestrians came and went on the streets, and the cries of vendors rose and fell, creating a scene of prosperity.

He took a deep breath and smiled with satisfaction.

"Good morning, U.A. "

Zhao Jie pushed open the door and entered, holding several documents in his hand. "These are the latest tax reports and progress reports on education reform. Some of the data still needs your review."

"let it go."

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded slightly. "Come, sit down and let's talk."

Zhao Jie nodded and sat down opposite Zhu Xiong Ying.

"The tax reform has begun to show results, with many people reporting a lighter tax burden and more active economic activity. However, some local officials are still not used to the new system and need further training."

"This was expected; reform is never smooth sailing."

Zhu Xiong Ying said thoughtfully, "Stabilizing the foundation of the country is the direction we need to adhere to in the long term. I have contacted a group of experienced veterans who will offer suggestions at the upcoming meeting."

"I will get started on arranging this."

Zhao Jie nodded firmly, "By the way, the feedback on education is also good. Although there are difficulties in implementing the new system, many students have shown great enthusiasm for practical courses."

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled with satisfaction.

"A strong and prosperous nation requires talents in many fields; practical skills and moral character are equally important. We must cultivate generation after generation of pillars of the nation who are capable and have ideals."

At this moment, there was a gentle knock on the door.

Zhu Xiong Ying said in a deep voice, "Come in."

A guard opened the door, saluted, and reported, "Your Highness, the military modernization plan you requested has been submitted, and the commanders are waiting to see you."

"Okay, hard work."

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded and turned to Zhao Jie, "I need to go take a look. You continue to follow up on tax and education matters, and report to me immediately if there are any problems."

"clear."

Zhao Jie smiled with trust; he knew that Zhu Xiong Ying's decisions always filled him with confidence.

In the conference hall, several senior generals had been waiting for some time. Zhu Xiong Ying quickly entered, greeted them one by one, and began to listen to a detailed report on the modernization of the army.

The trial production of new guns and cannons, the innovation of military uniforms, and the improvement of tactics are all the focus of discussion at this moment.

"We must carefully choose the appropriate reform path to ensure that the military's combat effectiveness is always at its optimal level."

Zhu Xiong Ying said seriously, her eyes revealing a firm determination.

He knew that although peace had temporarily arrived, the threat had never truly gone away.

After the meeting, Zhu Xiong Ying stood on the platform of the palace and looked eastward.

Zhu Xiong Ying stood on the palace platform, gazing eastward, his mind already filled with new plans.

He muttered to himself, "Uniting with neighboring small countries to build a shared and prosperous economy will be an important step towards long-term stability and security."

That evening, he urgently summoned Zhao Jie.

The two sat in the small hall, and a cup of tea, almost cold, was not picked up.

Zhu Xiong Ying confidently said, "Zhao Jie, I have a new task for you. This task is crucial to our future development."

Zhao Jie leaned forward slightly, indicating that he was all ears: "Please enlighten me, Your Highness."

"I want you to be our special envoy to our neighboring country."

Zhu Xiong Ying's tone became more resolute: "We need to establish closer economic cooperation with them. Although it will not be easy, if successful, it will greatly enhance our stability."

Zhao Jie pondered for a moment, then frowned deeply: "Your Highness, this task is undoubtedly arduous. Relations between neighboring countries are complex. What strategy do you wish me to adopt?"

"Based on mutual trust,"

Zhu Xiong Ying replied with a firm gaze, "Our sincerity is our greatest asset. Recognizing the mutually beneficial relationship between us is the key to opening the hearts of our partners."

Zhao Jie nodded, already having a preliminary plan in mind.

The following morning, Zhu Xiong Ying summoned Li Sheng from the general's camp.

Despite his young age, Li Sheng commanded considerable respect in the army, earning the trust of his men with his quick thinking and extraordinary courage.

"Li Sheng, I have an important task for you,"

Zhu Xiong Ying cut straight to the point, "I want to send you to the northwest border to assist in the defense and test our newly developed tactics."

Li Sheng was slightly surprised, but quickly rallied his spirits: "Your Highness is so kind to me, I will do my best."

"I trust your abilities, and this is also an opportunity to test you."

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and encouraged him.

He knew that a young general who could prove himself in actual combat would surely become a pillar of the nation in the future.

Meanwhile, in his study within the palace, Zhu Xiong Ying was meticulously planning a nationwide academic competition.

He knew that discovering and nurturing young people was the long-term solution.

He personally drafted the competition theme, emphasizing practicality and innovation.

He said to the attendant beside him, "Notify all the academies and universities to provide a stage for these promising young people to showcase themselves. Our future needs them to shape it."

Zhao Jie was initially a little apprehensive, but after several exchanges with envoys from neighboring countries, he gradually got into the role.

He was well aware of the "mutual trust" that Zhu Xiong Ying emphasized.

Therefore, at every meeting, he tried his best to convey the sincerity of the Ming Dynasty.

One day, after a hasty meeting, Zhao Jie had dinner with a foreign envoy, and the atmosphere was much more relaxed than in a formal setting.

The envoy put down his wine glass, smiled, and said, "It is clear that your country truly desires to establish a genuine partnership."

Zhao Jie nodded in response: "Yes, we firmly believe that both sides can benefit from enhanced cooperation, which is also the purpose of my trip."

(End of this chapter)