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

Chapter 734 An even more shocking piece of news
"What brilliant plan does the immortal master have?" Zhu Xiong Ying asked hurriedly.

Yu Xuzi said, “There is a secret passage deep in the snow mountain, which only I know. Your Majesty can send an elite team, led by me, to enter the depths of the snow mountain through the secret passage.”

Zhu Xiong Ying was overjoyed. "Excellent! Immortal Master, I will make the arrangements immediately."

He immediately assembled a special forces team of 500 elite soldiers, led by Yu Xuzi, and headed deep into the snow-capped mountains.

At the same time, Lan Yu's army also reported a victory, successfully annihilating the remaining Northern Yuan forces.

However, Lan Yu's victory was accompanied by his arrogance and domineering behavior. He not only disobeyed the court's orders, but also disposed of prisoners of war on his own and even plundered people's property.

When this news reached the capital, it caused a stir in the court and among the people.

Zhu Biao and Empress Ma once again urged Zhu Xiong Ying to deal with Lan Yu, but Zhu Xiong Ying hesitated.

He was well aware of Lan Yu's contributions and did not want to disappoint the soldiers.

However, Lan Yu's actions have violated the law, and if he is not punished, he will pose a serious threat to the stability of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Xiong Ying was caught in a dilemma.

Just then, news came from deep within the snow-capped mountains that Yu Xuzi's special forces team had found the headquarters of the Heavenly Demon Sect.

However, the headquarters of the Heavenly Demon Cult was heavily guarded and easy to defend but difficult to attack.

The special forces team suffered heavy losses, and Yu Xuzi was also seriously injured.

This news completely woke Zhu Xiong Ying up. He realized that the threat posed by the Heavenly Demon Sect was far more serious than he had imagined.

He must make a decision as soon as possible, or the consequences will be unimaginable.

He took a deep breath, a resolute glint in his eyes.

"Issue my decree: Recall Lan Yu!"

……

After Lan Yu returned to the capital, Zhu Xiong Ying did not punish him immediately, but instead hosted a banquet in his honor.

During the banquet, Zhu Xiong Ying highly praised Lan Yu, commending him for his great contributions to the Ming Dynasty.

Lan Yu was flattered and became even more smug.

After several rounds of drinks, Zhu Xiong Ying suddenly changed the subject and asked sternly, "Lan Yu, do you know your crime?"

Lan Yu instantly sobered up, his face changing drastically. "Your Majesty, what crime have I committed?"

"You have disposed of prisoners of war without authorization and plundered the people's property. You have no regard for the law and your crimes are unforgivable!" Zhu Xiong Ying rebuked angrily.

Lan Yu tried to argue, but Zhu Xiong Ying had already lost patience.

He waved his hand and ordered, "Men, seize Lan Yu!"

At that moment, Chang Yuchun's messenger arrived weary from his journey, bringing even more shocking news...

Chang Yuchun's messenger, covered in blood and with tattered armor, staggered and knelt before Zhu Xiong Ying, his voice hoarse: "Your Majesty... General Chang... he..."

Lan Yu glanced sideways at the messenger and sneered disdainfully, "What? That old scoundrel Chang Yuchun has also lost a battle? I told you he only knows how to act recklessly!"

Zhu Xiong Ying ignored Lan Yu's sarcasm and helped the messenger up: "General Chang, what's wrong? Tell me slowly!"

The messenger, panting, stammered, "General Chang... General Chang... has been ambushed by the Heavenly Demon Sect... severely wounded... his fate is unknown... the Heavenly Demon Sect... used evil magic... the snow mountain... the snow mountain collapsed..." "What?!" Zhu Xiong Ying was struck dumb, staggering back several steps before grabbing the armrest of the dragon throne to steady himself. Chang Yuchun, his most trusted general, was trapped in a desperate situation!

Lan Yu's expression also changed. Although he usually looked down on Chang Yuchun, the two had been comrades-in-arms for many years, and hearing this news, he couldn't help but be shocked. He stepped forward and grabbed the messenger by the collar: "Explain yourself! What happened to Chang Yuchun?"

The messenger was startled by Lan Yu and stammered, "General Chang... General Chang... was... buried by the heavy snow... his fate is unknown..."

Zhu Xiong Ying felt a wave of dizziness wash over him, and he nearly fainted. Suppressing his grief, he asked in a low voice, "How many brothers survived?"

The messenger bowed his head, his voice barely audible, "Only...only a few..."

The hall was deathly silent; you could hear a pin drop. Zhu Biao and Empress Ma were also deeply saddened by the devastating news. Empress Ma couldn't help but sob softly.

Zhu Xiong Ying took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. Chang Yu Chun's fate was unknown, the army had suffered heavy losses, and the threat of the Heavenly Demon Sect still existed. He had to make a decision as soon as possible.

He abruptly raised his head, his eyes flashing with a cold light: "Lan Yu!"

"Your subject is here!" Lan Yu replied hastily.

"I order you to immediately muster your troops and march into the Snow Mountain once more! You must find Chang Yuchun, alive or dead!" Zhu Xiong Ying's voice was powerful and resolute, carrying an unquestionable authority.

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Lan Yu clasped his hands in acceptance, but inwardly he groaned. The snow-capped mountains were treacherous and the climate harsh; another advance by the army would inevitably result in heavy losses. However, he dared not disobey the imperial edict and could only grit his teeth and agree.

"Wait!" Zhu Xiong Ying suddenly called out to Lan Yu.

Lan Yu turned around in confusion, "Does Your Majesty have any further instructions?"

Zhu Xiong Ying stared intently at Lan Yu, his gaze sharp, and said, word by word, "I'm giving you this chance to redeem yourself! If you dare to act on your own again and disobey military orders, I will not forgive you!"

Lan Yu's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately knelt down: "Your Majesty, I dare not! I will do my utmost to complete the task assigned by Your Majesty!"

Zhu Xiong Ying waved his hand, "Go!"

Lan Yu rose and strode out of the main hall, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew that this expedition to the snow-capped mountains was fraught with peril, but he had no other choice.

Zhu Xiong Ying watched Lan Yu's departing figure, his heart heavy. Although Lan Yu was brave and skilled in battle, his arrogant and domineering nature made him difficult to control. Sending Lan Yu into battle this time was a last resort. He could only pray that Lan Yu would learn from his mistakes and not repeat them.

After Lan Yu left, Zhu Xiong Ying summoned his ministers to discuss countermeasures.

"My esteemed ministers, General Chang's fate is now unknown, our army has suffered heavy losses, and the threat of the Heavenly Demon Sect remains. The fate of our Great Ming Dynasty is in grave danger! What good strategies do you have? Please speak frankly!"

The ministers looked at each other, all with furrowed brows.

At this moment, the Minister of Revenue stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that the most urgent task is to stabilize public sentiment and appease the people. Now that the war in the snowy mountains is critical, the court should allocate funds for disaster relief to help the affected people rebuild their homes."

The Minister of War also stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that we should strengthen border defenses to prevent the remnants of the Northern Yuan forces from taking advantage of the situation."

……

The ministers offered their opinions, but most of them were just old clichés and offered no substantial suggestions.

As Zhu Xiong Ying listened to these empty words, she grew increasingly agitated.

He abruptly stood up, interrupting the ministers' discussion, and said sternly, "Enough! I don't want to hear this nonsense! What I want are solutions to the problem, not excuses to shirk responsibility!"

The ministers were so frightened by Zhu Xiong Ying's roar that they fell silent and dared not utter another word.

Zhu Xiong Ying took a deep breath, trying to calm his anger. He looked around, his gaze finally settling on Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

(End of this chapter)