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

Chapter 743: The island has finally been captured.

The people of Annam were deeply grateful to the Ming emperor.

Zhu Xiong Ying returned in triumph and was once again warmly welcomed by the people.

He did not become arrogant or complacent because of the victory; on the contrary, he became even more diligent in his duties, cared for the people, and worked hard to govern the country.

He knew that as an emperor, he bore a heavy responsibility.

He not only had to protect the Ming Dynasty's territory and its people, but also ensure that they could live in peace and prosperity.

He secretly vowed to make the Ming Dynasty the most powerful country in the world!
Just as Zhu Xiong Ying was basking in the joy of victory, news arrived that enraged him... Japanese pirates had taken advantage of his attack on Annam to harass the coast of the Ming Dynasty!
The incursions of the Japanese pirates were like a bucket of cold water poured on Zhu Xiong Ying's blazing victory, causing him to plummet from the clouds of joy. Anger raged within him, like a volcano about to erupt. "A bunch of clowns, how dare they disturb the borders of my Great Ming while I am on campaign!" he roared, his voice echoing throughout the imperial palace, making the rafters hum.

He slammed his hand on the dragon throne, the golden armrests making a dull thud. "Issue my decree: mobilize the navy and annihilate the Japanese pirates!"

In the imperial court, the ministers were silent, trembling with fear. The Emperor had just returned from his campaign against Annam, a time for rest and recuperation, but now he was to lead another expedition against the Japanese pirates; the pressure on the national treasury was unimaginable. The Minister of Revenue stepped forward, trembling, "Your Majesty, years of war have left the national treasury empty..."

Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by Zhu Xiong Ying's icy gaze, "The national treasury is empty? I think you're just lining your own pockets and enriching yourself!"

The Minister of Revenue turned pale with fright and immediately knelt down, pleading, "Your Majesty, please understand! I would never dare to do that!"

Zhu Xiong Ying sneered, "Dare not? I think you're incredibly audacious! Guards, take the Minister of Revenue to prison and thoroughly investigate the Ministry of Revenue's accounts!"

Having said that, he turned and left, leaving the court officials looking at each other in bewilderment.

That night, Zhu Xiong Ying sat alone in the imperial study, toying with an imperial seal in his hand. He didn't really intend to punish the Minister of Revenue, but merely to make an example of him to deter other corrupt officials. The threat of Japanese pirates had made him realize that although the Ming Dynasty appeared powerful, it was actually fraught with crises.

He needs more money and supplies to build a stronger army to deter those petty villains.

His gaze fell on a map hanging on the wall, slowly sweeping over Korea, Japan, Ryukyu... A bold idea gradually took shape in his mind.

"Since you're all restless, don't blame me for being impolite!" he muttered to himself, a cold light flashing in his eyes.

The following morning at court, Zhu Xiong Ying summoned all civil and military officials again and announced a decision that shocked the court and the public—an expedition to Japan!
These words caused an uproar throughout the court.

"Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable!" The Minister of War was the first to stand up and object. "Japan is separated by vast oceans and the journey is long. Our army is unfamiliar with the terrain. If we rashly send troops, there may be unforeseen consequences!"

Other ministers echoed this sentiment, deeming the move too risky.

Even Empress Ma advised him to think twice before acting, saying, "Your Majesty, Japan is a barbarian land, and it is not worth the Ming Dynasty wasting so much manpower and resources on it."

Zhu Xiong Ying remained unmoved. He swept his gaze over the crowd and said firmly, "My mind is made up! Japan has repeatedly harassed the coast of my Great Ming Dynasty, and now it has become even more aggressive. How can I tolerate this? This expedition is not only to wipe out the Japanese pirates, but also to completely conquer Japan and eliminate future troubles!"

Seeing his resolute determination, the officials knew that further persuasion would be futile, and had no choice but to accept the order and withdraw.

The army assembled, warships gathered, and banners blotted out the sun. Zhu Xiong Ying once again donned his golden armor and led his mighty army toward the distant Japanese archipelago.

On the vast ocean, warships braved the wind and waves, like giant dragons winding their way across the sea.

Zhu Xiong Ying stood at the bow of the ship, gazing into the distance, his heart filled with lofty ambitions. He would plant the banner of the Ming Dynasty in every corner of the world!
However, this expedition was not without its challenges.

The waters off Japan are riddled with reefs, and the waves are unpredictable. The Ming Dynasty fleet encountered a violent storm during its voyage. Towering waves rocked the warships violently, as if they might be swallowed at any moment.

Many soldiers suffered from seasickness and vomiting, and some were even swept into the sea by giant waves.

Even Zhu Xiong Ying felt dizzy and lightheaded.

"Your Majesty, be careful!" A guard reacted quickly and caught him.

The storm lasted for three days and three nights before it gradually subsided.

When the wind and waves subsided and the sun shone on the sea again, Zhu Xiong Ying looked around and couldn't help but gasp.

The once mighty fleet is now less than half its original size; the rest of the warships were either swallowed by giant waves or scattered by storms and have disappeared without a trace.

lost heavily!

Zhu Xiong Ying's face was terribly gloomy.

He knew this was just the beginning.

The expedition to Japan was destined to be a difficult war.

But he did not back down because of this; instead, he became even more determined.

He took a deep breath, his eyes gleaming with determination.

"Pass down the order: continue the advance!"

The remnants of the fleet continued their advance towards the Japanese archipelago. What awaited them ahead?

The wrecked fleet moved slowly forward under the gloomy sky, the sea breeze carrying a salty smell, slapping against Zhu Xiong Ying's face. He pressed his lips tightly together, staring at the faintly visible coastline in the distance, his heart churning with rage. This damned storm had not only cost him most of his fleet, but also utterly humiliated him. He, Zhu Xiong Ying, the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, invincible under heaven, when had he ever suffered such a loss?
"Your Majesty, an island has been spotted ahead, suspected to be an island off the coast of Japan," a scout, soaking wet, reported.

"Land!" Zhu Xiong Ying uttered coldly, his eyes flashing with bloodlust. He wanted these Japanese pirates to pay the price, to wash away his shame with their blood!

The landing was not smooth; the island was riddled with reefs, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. The remaining Ming soldiers were exhausted and demoralized. The attack was thwarted, and casualties were heavy.

"Useless! A bunch of useless trash!" Zhu Xiong Ying roared, snatched the long sword from the guard's hand, and personally rushed to the front line.

Clad in golden armor, he appeared like a god descended to earth, his sword flashing, unstoppable. The Japanese pirates' katanas were like paper before him, easily slicing through the air. His eyes were bloodshot, blood splattering his armor, yet this did nothing to diminish his killing intent.

Under his leadership, the morale of the Ming army soared, and they fought bravely against the enemy, finally capturing the island.

However, this is just the beginning.

Standing atop the island's highest point, Zhu Xiong Ying looked down upon the blood-stained land, feeling no joy, only an endless chill. He knew this was merely an insignificant island on the outskirts of the Japanese archipelago; the real challenges lay ahead.

(End of this chapter)