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

Chapter 747 Incomprehensible Loneliness and Helplessness
Zhu Xiong Ying's heart stirred; this woman gave him a strange feeling. This feeling wasn't a desire to conquer, but rather... curiosity.

“Fujiwara Chiyo…” Zhu Xiong Ying repeated her name, his tone carrying a gentleness he himself didn’t realize, “Why did you come to the Ming Dynasty for a political marriage?”

Fujiwara Chiyo lowered her eyes and replied softly, "For the peace between the two countries."

"Peace?" Zhu Xiong Ying sneered. "I don't need this false peace. What I want is conquest!"

Fujiwara Chiyo's body trembled slightly, but she remained calm: "Your Majesty is the chosen one, and Chiyo is willing to serve Your Majesty."

"Serve?" Zhu Xiong Ying looked at her with interest. "How do you intend to serve?"

Fujiwara Chiyo raised her head and looked at Zhu Xiong Ying with a firm gaze: "Chiyo is willing to conquer the world for Your Majesty."

Zhu Xiong Ying was stunned. He hadn't expected this seemingly delicate woman to have such ambition. He suddenly realized that this woman was perhaps much more interesting than he had imagined.

"Good!" Zhu Xiong Ying laughed loudly. "I like ambitious people! I want to see what you're capable of to help me conquer the world!"

In the days that followed, Zhu Xiong Ying frequently summoned Fujiwara Chiyo to discuss the state of the world and military strategies. He was surprised to find that Fujiwara Chiyo's understanding of military affairs was no less than that of his own generals. Many of her suggestions were quite insightful.

Fujiwara Chiyo was gradually drawn to Zhu Xiong Ying's talent and ambition. She initially thought he was just a cruel ruler, but after getting to know him, she discovered that he also possessed a loneliness and helplessness that were difficult for ordinary people to understand.

The relationship between the two gradually became more delicate.

One day, Zhu Xiong Ying was reviewing memorials in the imperial study when Fujiwara Chiyo walked in.

“Your Majesty,” Fujiwara Chiyo said softly, “I have something to report.”

"What is it?" Zhu Xiong Ying asked without looking up.

"Your Majesty, I would like to request that you send troops to Goryeo."

Zhu Xiong Ying suddenly raised his head, a cold glint flashing in his eyes: "Goryeo? Why do you want me to attack Goryeo?"

Fujiwara Chiyo walked up to Zhu Xiong Ying, knelt down, and said, "Goryeo has repeatedly invaded the borders of our Great Ming Dynasty, burning, killing, looting, and committing all sorts of atrocities. I believe that they should be completely conquered to eliminate future troubles!"

Zhu Xiong Ying looked at Fujiwara Chiyo kneeling before him, and a sudden, inexplicable rage rose within him. He grabbed Fujiwara Chiyo by the collar and lifted her up: "Who exactly are you? What is your purpose in approaching me?"

Fujiwara Chiyo was startled by his sudden action, but she showed no fear. Looking directly into Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes, she said, word by word, "Your Majesty, I am Fujiwara Chiyo, Princess of Wa (Japan). My purpose is singular: to assist Your Majesty in achieving hegemony!"

Chapter 705

Zhu Xiong Ying stared intently into Fujiwara Chiyo's eyes, trying to discern something within them. But all he saw was unwavering resolve and sincerity.

He suddenly released Fujiwara Chiyo and slumped back into his chair, saying dejectedly, "I...I'm tired..."

Fujiwara Chiyo gently walked behind Zhu Xiong Ying and massaged his shoulders: "Your Majesty, you bear the heavy responsibility of the world on your shoulders, and I know you are suffering. But I believe that you will be able to overcome all difficulties and achieve great things!"

Zhu Xiong Ying closed his eyes, enjoying Fujiwara Chiyo's massage. At that moment, he felt incredibly relaxed and comfortable. Perhaps he really needed a woman like Fujiwara Chiyo to help him share some of his burdens.

“You’re right,” Zhu Xiong Ying opened his eyes, a glint of brilliance in them. “I will conquer Goryeo! I will make the whole world submit to the Ming Dynasty!” Fujiwara Chiyo’s slender fingers traced the contours of Zhu Xiong Ying’s tense shoulders, like a spring breeze caressing hardened earth. Zhu Xiong Ying closed his eyes, savoring this rare moment of relaxation, yet a burning desire for conquest surged within him. Goryeo was merely the first step in his grand scheme. What he desired was the entire world groveling at his feet, trembling and begging for his mercy.

"Issue the imperial decree: In three days, the Emperor will personally lead an expedition against Goryeo!" Zhu Xiong Ying opened his eyes, a cold glint flashing within them, like a lurking beast finally baring its fangs.

A hint of joy flashed in Fujiwara Chiyo's eyes, but she quickly concealed it and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, I obey."

Three days later, the army marched off in a grand procession, banners obscuring the sun and war drums thundering. Zhu Xiong Ying, clad in golden armor and riding a tall horse, looked like a god descending to earth, majestic and awe-inspiring. Fujiwara Chiyo, in full military attire, followed closely behind, her heroic bearing proving that women are no less capable than men.

The Goryeo cities were no match for the Ming army's iron hooves, suffering defeat after defeat. Zhu Xiong Ying, with his strategic brilliance and decisive victories, manipulated the Goryeo army with ease. He reveled in this feeling of control, as if all things in the world submitted to his will.

Fujiwara Chiyo's military talent was fully displayed during the war. Her ingenious strategies repeatedly plunged the Goryeo army into dire straits. Zhu Xiong Ying looked at her, his eyes filled with admiration and a hint of inquiry. Just how many secrets did this woman hold?

King Yi Seong-gye of Goryeo fled in disarray under the fierce attack of the Ming army and was eventually captured. Zhu Xiong Ying looked at Yi Seong-gye kneeling before him, trembling, and a cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth: "Yi Seong-gye, do you know your crime?"

Yi Seong-gye stammered, "Your Majesty, spare my life! I know my crime!"

“I’ll give you a chance,” Zhu Xiong Ying said, looking at him with amusement. “Submit to me, and I may spare your life.”

Without hesitation, Yi Seong-gye kowtowed and said, "This humble king is willing to submit to the Great Ming and be a vassal of the Great Ming for eternity!"

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded in satisfaction. Goryeo was now incorporated into the territory of the Ming Dynasty.

On their triumphant return journey, Zhu Xiong Ying and Fujiwara Chiyo rode side by side.

"Chiyo," Zhu Xiong Ying suddenly spoke, "why are you helping me?"

Fujiwara Chiyo smiled slightly: "Your Majesty's talent and strategy are admirable, and I have long admired you. It would be my honor to assist Your Majesty in achieving your great cause."

Zhu Xiong Ying looked at her, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He couldn't see through this woman; her eyes were as deep as the sea, unfathomable.

"My ambitions extend beyond Goryeo," Zhu Xiong Ying gazed into the distance, his eyes burning with fervor, "I will conquer the entire world!"

A glint of light flashed in Fujiwara Chiyo's eyes, and a mysterious smile appeared on her lips: "Your Majesty, I am willing to assist you in unifying the world!"

Upon returning to the capital, Zhu Xiong Ying rewarded those who had rendered meritorious service, especially bestowing upon Fujiwara Chiyo a high position, granting her a rank second only to the Empress.

However, the peaceful days did not last long. Annam, a small country that had always outwardly obeyed the Ming Dynasty but inwardly defied it, took advantage of the Ming army's exhaustion and suddenly launched an attack on the Ming border.

The news sent shockwaves through the government and the public.

"Your Majesty, Annam's actions are clearly a provocation against the might of our Great Ming Dynasty!" the Minister of War said indignantly.

"I second that opinion! We should immediately send troops to attack Annam!"

(End of this chapter)