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

Chapter 738 A Great Battle Is About to Erupt
"The Emperor of the Ming Dynasty is personally leading the expedition—this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" A glint of excitement flashed in Wang Baobao's eyes. "If we can capture him, we can force the Ming Dynasty to negotiate peace, and perhaps even... overthrow the Ming Dynasty!"

Upon hearing this, the generals rubbed their hands together, eager to try their skills.

A great battle is about to break out...

Zhu Xiong Ying led his army on a grand expedition. He swept through the enemy lines with unstoppable momentum, quickly capturing several cities on the border of the Northern Yuan.

Seeing the unfavorable situation, Wang Baobao decided to avoid direct confrontation and lure the enemy deeper into his territory. He withdrew his main force to the depths of the desert, leaving a small force to garrison border cities, in order to deplete the Ming army's supplies and morale.

Zhu Xiong Ying fell for the trap. He led his army deep into the desert, pursuing the Northern Yuan forces relentlessly. However, the harsh desert climate and scarce water resources quickly plunged the Ming army into difficulties…

As they ventured deeper into the desert, the Ming army's situation became increasingly difficult. The scorching sun baked the earth, leaving the soldiers parched and their horses listless. Supply lines were stretched thin, hindering the transport of provisions and supplies, and signs of food shortages began to appear within the army.

Zhu Xiong Ying sat upright in his command tent, his face grim. He stared at the flags on the map marking the Ming army's positions, lost in deep thought. He knew he had fallen into Wang Baobao's trap, but he was unwilling to retreat.

"Your Majesty, the army is currently short of supplies and the morale of the soldiers is low. Perhaps we should withdraw to the border first and then make further plans." Xu Huizu, the young general and son of Xu Da, knelt on one knee, his tone anxious.

Zhu Xiong Ying glanced at him coldly: "How could I, the Emperor, return empty-handed after personally leading the expedition? A mere shortage of provisions is nothing to worry about!"

“But Your Majesty…” Xu Huizu wanted to persuade him further, but Zhu Xiong Ying interrupted him.

"No need for further words! My mind is made up. We will continue our advance tomorrow!" Zhu Xiongwen's tone left no room for argument.

Xu Huizu had no choice but to accept the order and leave. He walked out of the command tent, looked up at the starry sky, and was filled with worry.

That night, the bright moon hung high in the sky, and countless stars twinkled. Zhu Xiong Ying stood alone outside the tent, gazing into the distance.

"Xu Miaoyun, what exactly are you thinking?" he muttered to himself, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

He knew that Xu Miaoyun was no ordinary woman; her wisdom and strategy far surpassed that of ordinary people. He suspected that she was secretly colluding with Xu Da, and might even have been involved in Wang Baobao's plan.

"If that's really the case..." Zhu Xiong Ying clenched his fist, a murderous glint flashing in his eyes, "I will never forgive you!"

Meanwhile, Xu Miaoyun was sitting in her palace, reading a letter in her hand. The letter, sent by Xu Da, detailed the Ming army's current predicament and offered suggestions for a breakout.

After reading the letter, Xu Miaoyun fell into deep thought. She knew Zhu Xiong Ying's character; he would never give up easily. If they continued deeper into the desert, the Ming army might be completely annihilated.

"Your Majesty, why are you so stubborn?" Xu Miaoyun sighed softly, her eyes filled with helplessness.

She knew she had to do something to stop this disaster from happening.

The next day, Zhu Xiong Ying led his army to continue their advance. However, they were soon ambushed by the Northern Yuan army.

The Northern Yuan army descended like divine warriors, surrounding the Ming army from all sides. The Ming soldiers were exhausted and lacked supplies, and soon found themselves in a fierce battle.

Zhu Xiong Ying led from the front, fighting bravely against the enemy. His sword moved like a dragon, and wherever it went, enemy soldiers fell one after another.

However, the Northern Yuan army was numerous, and the Ming army was outnumbered and gradually lost ground.

"Your Majesty, retreat quickly!" Xu Huizu shouted, desperately protecting Zhu Xiong Ying.

Zhu Xiong Ying refused to retreat, brandishing his sword and continuing to fight the enemy. Just then, an army suddenly appeared on the battlefield. This army was small in number, but its soldiers were all brave and skilled in battle. They quickly broke through the encirclement of the Northern Yuan army and arrived before the Ming army.

"It's General Xu Da!" The Ming soldiers cheered, their morale soaring.

Xu Da led his troops into the battle and quickly turned the tide. The Northern Yuan army was no match for them and fled in disarray.

Zhu Xiong Ying looked at Xu Da with a complex expression in his eyes. He knew that Xu Da had come to save him, but he still harbored resentment towards Xu Miao Yun.

"Xu Da, why did you come?" Zhu Xiong Ying asked coldly.

"Your Majesty, I have come to support you on the orders of Her Majesty the Empress," Xu Da replied respectfully, kneeling on one knee.

"Your Majesty the Empress?" Zhu Xiong Ying was taken aback, then thought of the letter in Xu Miao Yun's hand.

He suddenly understood everything. Xu Miaoyun hadn't betrayed him; she was protecting him in her own way.

"I misunderstood you..." Zhu Xiong Ying murmured to himself, a trace of regret flashing in his eyes.

He looked up at Xu Da, his tone much gentler: "Thank you for saving me."

Xu Da smiled slightly: "It is my duty."

After this battle, Zhu Xiong Ying led his army back to the border. He did not pursue Xu Miao Yun's "unauthorized actions," but instead respected her even more.

Upon returning to the capital, Zhu Xiong Ying immediately issued an edict, bestowing upon Xu Miao Yun the title of Empress and granting her greater power.

Xu Miaoyun knew she had won this battle. But she felt no joy, for she knew this battle had only just begun…

After a period of rest, Zhu Xiong Ying set his sights on a more distant place—Annam. He decided to once again personally lead an expedition to conquer this small southern country and bring it into the territory of the Ming Dynasty. He summoned his generals and announced his decision.

"Annam, that tiny little country, dares to repeatedly invade the borders of my Great Ming! How can I tolerate this!" Zhu Xiongwen's tone was icy cold and filled with murderous intent. "This time, in this southern expedition, I will raze Annam to the ground!"

In the imperial court, the officials exchanged glances, none daring to object. Xu Da frowned, a sense of unease creeping into his heart…

Xu Da's unease was not unfounded. Zhu Xiong Ying's ambition burned like a raging fire, and Annam was merely the first stop in its spread. He craved conquest, power, and the chance to trample the sun, moon, and stars under his feet.

The massive army marched south, with Zhu Xiong Ying seated atop his imperial carriage, his eyes cold and piercing, like an eagle surveying ants. Cities along the way surrendered without a fight; Annam's resistance was like a paper tiger, easily broken with a single poke.

Despite the frequent reports of victories, Zhu Xiong Ying grew increasingly anxious. He was tired of these unchallenging wins and longed for a true opponent, for the exhilarating experience of facing a worthy adversary.

"I want to capture the King of Annam alive!" Zhu Xiong Ying said coldly to the kneeling Annam officials, "Bring him to me!"

The King of Annam was quickly captured. He knelt before Zhu Xiong Ying, trembling and weeping, utterly devoid of imperial dignity. Zhu Xiong Ying looked at this weak and incompetent monarch and felt a surge of deep contempt.

"This is the King of Annam?" Zhu Xiong Ying sneered, his tone full of mockery. "So utterly pathetic, does he even deserve to be called a king?"

(End of this chapter)