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

Chapter 742 Expanding the Territory of the Ming Dynasty

Zhu Xiong Ying was taken aback; he hadn't expected Empress Ma to say such a thing. In his memory, Empress Ma had always been gentle and kind, and disliked killing.

“But… Mother’s last wish…” Zhu Xiong Ying said hesitantly.

Empress Ma grasped Zhu Xiong Ying's hand and said firmly, "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager is kind and does not wish to see the people suffer. But if the Mongol tribes are allowed to run rampant, wouldn't even more people suffer? The Empress Dowager in heaven would certainly not want to see such a situation."

Zhu Xiong Ying was struck by a sudden realization. Empress Ma's words were like a wake-up call, enlightening him. Yes, his mother's dying wish was for peace throughout the land and for the people to live in contentment. But now, the Mongol tribes' invasion was threatening the tranquility of the Ming Dynasty. As the emperor, how could he back down?
"The Empress is absolutely right!" A resolute glint flashed in Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes. "I can no longer hesitate! I will personally lead the army to completely annihilate these barbarians!"

Empress Ma smiled with satisfaction. "Your Majesty is wise!"

Zhu Xiong Ying stood up, walked to the center of the hall, and loudly proclaimed, "Issue my decree: tomorrow we will muster the troops and personally lead the expedition!"

"Your Majesty, we obey!" the officials in the hall shouted in unison.

The next day, Zhu Xiong Ying led an army of 100,000 men and marched north in a grand procession.

The army marched to the border and engaged in fierce battles with the Mongol tribes. Zhu Xiong Ying led the charge, charging into battle like a god descended from heaven, unstoppable by anyone.

Under Zhu Xiong Ying's leadership, the Mongol army suffered repeated defeats. In the end, the Mongol Khan was captured, and the Mongol tribes submitted to the Mongol rule.

Zhu Xiong Ying returned in triumph, and the whole country rejoiced. He did not become complacent because of the victory; instead, he became even more diligent in his duties, cared for the people, and worked hard to govern the country.

In the history of the Ming Dynasty, he was hailed as a wise and benevolent ruler, and his achievements have been praised by later generations.

However, just as he was feeling triumphant, an unexpected message arrived, plunging him into a dilemma once again.

When the good news arrived, Lan Yu had not only quelled the Mongol border troubles but also captured a Mongol Khatun. This Khatun was said to be exceptionally beautiful, capable of captivating a nation. Lan Yu, without authorization, presented this Khatun as "tribute" to Zhu Xiong Ying.

Zhu Xiong Ying gazed at the exotic beauty kneeling before him, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He recalled Lan Yu's enigmatic smile, and a sense of unease crept into his heart. Was this truly Lan Yu's loyalty, or was there ulterior motive? How should he deal with this Mongol Khatun? Should he take her into his harem, or…?

Just then, Empress Ma walked in...

Empress Ma's phoenix crown swayed gently as she gracefully walked to Zhu Xiong Ying's side. Her gaze swept over the kneeling Mongol Khatun, carrying a hint of barely perceptible contempt. She did not speak, but simply stood there quietly, like a dignified Bodhisattva, yet radiating an invisible pressure.

The atmosphere in the hall was heavy; you could hear a pin drop. Zhu Xiong Ying coughed lightly, breaking the silence. "Why has the Empress come?"

"I heard of Your Majesty's triumphant return and have come to offer my congratulations." Empress Ma's tone was gentle, yet it concealed a sharp edge. She turned to look at the Mongol Khatun, a hint of coldness flashing in her eyes. "This must be the Mongol Khatun, right? Indeed... she is exceptionally beautiful."

The Mongol Khatun sensed the hostility in Empress Ma's words, shrank back, but dared not raise his head.

Zhu Xiong Ying sighed inwardly, knowing that Empress Ma was subtly warning him. He hesitated for a moment before saying, "Your Majesty is too kind. This woman is a prisoner; I did not..."

"Your Majesty is wise." Empress Ma interrupted Zhu Xiong Ying before he could finish speaking. "The Mongols have repeatedly invaded the borders of our Great Ming and harmed our people. This woman, as a Mongol Khatun, cannot escape her guilt. Your Majesty is merciful and cannot bear to kill her, but she cannot be kept in the palace to avoid endless troubles in the future."

Zhu Xiong Ying frowned; he understood Empress Ma's meaning. Leaving the Mongol Khatun behind would undoubtedly cause turmoil in the harem and might even affect the stability of the court.

"Then, according to the Empress's wishes, how should this be handled?" Zhu Xiong Ying asked.

Empress Ma smiled slightly, "I think it would be better to send her to a nunnery so that she can pray for the Ming Dynasty with only the light of a lamp and the sound of Buddha."

Zhu Xiong Ying's heart skipped a beat; this was indeed a good idea. It could both avoid palace intrigue and demonstrate the benevolence of the Ming Dynasty.

"As the Empress says," Zhu Xiong Ying immediately ordered, sending the Mongol Khatun to a nunnery.

Having resolved the matter of the Mongol Khatun, Zhu Xiong Ying felt much relieved. However, Lan Yu's actions still troubled him. Was Lan Yu's offering of the Mongol Khatun genuine, or did he have ulterior motives? He decided to test Lan Yu.

A few days later, Zhu Xiong Ying summoned Lan Yu and rewarded him with a thousand taels of gold and a hundred acres of fertile land.

After Lan Yu expressed his gratitude, Zhu Xiong Ying casually asked, "General Lan, I have heard that the King of Annam is tyrannical and cruel, and the people are suffering terribly. What do you think should be done?"

A glint of light flashed in Lan Yu's eyes, and he immediately knelt down and said, "Your subject is willing to lead the army to conquer Annam and expand the territory of the Great Ming!"

Zhu Xiong Ying sneered inwardly, "Just as I thought." Lan Yu's offering of the Mongol Khatun was not out of genuine sincerity, but rather a ploy to gain his trust and secure greater power in the future.

"General Lan's loyalty is commendable, and I am very pleased," Zhu Xiong Ying said calmly. "However, Annam is a long way away and the climate is hot, so the general must be careful."

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Lan Yu kowtowed in gratitude.

Zhu Xiong Ying watched Lan Yu's departing figure, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. He would not allow anyone to threaten the Ming Dynasty's rule, not even meritorious officials.

He decided to personally lead the expedition against Annam!

The following day, Zhu Xiong Ying issued an imperial edict to mobilize an army of 200,000 to prepare for the conquest of Annam.

When the news spread, the entire court was in an uproar.

The ministers advised against it, arguing that Annam was too remote and hot to send troops.

Even Empress Ma advised him to think twice before acting.

"Your Majesty, Annam is a long and arduous journey with harsh weather. Why not send a general instead of personally leading the expedition?"

Zhu Xiong Ying shook his head and said firmly, "My mind is made up! The King of Annam is tyrannical and cruel. As the Emperor of the Great Ming, how can I sit idly by? I will personally lead the expedition to seek justice for the people of Annam!"

Seeing that he was determined, Empress Ma stopped trying to dissuade him and only reminded him to be careful.

Zhu Xiong Ying was moved, knowing that Empress Ma truly cared for him.

He embraced Empress Ma and said softly, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will surely return victorious!"

The army set off in a grand procession.

Zhu Xiong Ying, clad in golden armor and riding a tall horse, led the procession like a god descending to earth, exuding majesty.

When the King of Annam learned that the Emperor of Ming was personally leading the expedition, he was terrified.

He hurriedly mobilized troops from across the country to prepare to resist the Ming army.

However, how could the Annamite army be a match for the Ming army?

In less than a month, the King of Annam was captured.

Zhu Xiong Ying did not kill him, but imprisoned him, and then established a province in Annam and sent officials to govern it.

(End of this chapter)