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

Chapter 750 How Dare They Harm His Majesty?

The people felt the change in him, and they began to support and love him.

Under his rule, the Ming Dynasty gradually recovered its former prosperity. The people lived in peace and contentment, and the country was prosperous and peaceful.

However, his reforms threatened the interests of certain powerful figures, who began plotting a rebellion.

One night, Zhu Xiong Ying was reviewing memorials when suddenly a group of men in black broke into the palace and surrounded him.

"Escort!"

The guards fought bravely, but they were outnumbered and quickly subdued by the men in black.

The leader of the men in black, holding a sharp sword, pointed it at Zhu Xiong Ying and sneered, "Zhu Xiong Ying, your death is near!"

Zhu Xiong Ying remained calm and showed no fear.

“I know you were sent by those who have vested interests. My reforms have affected your interests, so you want to kill me.”

"You know that's good!" the leader of the men in black sneered. "Just obediently prepare to die!"

Zhu Xiong Ying shook his head: "I will not surrender. I will fight for the people, and for the Ming Dynasty!"

He suddenly made a move, snatched the guard's sword, and engaged in a fierce battle with the man in black.

He was highly skilled in martial arts, able to fight ten men single-handedly, and forced the men in black to retreat in defeat.

However, the number of men in black was large, and Zhu Xiong Ying gradually became exhausted.

Just then, a man in black attacked him from behind, stabbing him in the back with a sword.

Zhu Xiong Ying let out a muffled groan and collapsed to the ground.

The leader of the men in black stepped forward, raised his sword, and prepared to deliver the final blow.

Suddenly, a figure flashed past and blocked Zhu Xiong Ying's path.

"stop!"

It's Fujiwara Chiyo.

"Chiyo..." Zhu Xiong Ying called out weakly.

Fujiwara Chiyo stared at the leader of the men in black, her eyes filled with rage.

"You despicable scoundrels, how dare you harm His Majesty!"

"Get out of my way!" the leader of the men in black roared, "or I'll kill you too!"

Fujiwara Chiyo drew her dagger and pointed it at the leader of the men in black: "Come on! I want to see if you have the ability!"

The leader of the men in black hesitated for a moment. He hadn't expected that Fujiwara Chiyo would risk her life for Zhu Xiong Ying.

"Go! Kill them!"

The men in black swarmed forward, surrounding Fujiwara Chiyo and Zhu Xiong Ying...

Despite her petite stature, Fujiwara Chiyo possessed astonishing strength. The dagger in her hand moved like a venomous snake, each strike deadly. The man in black clearly underestimated this seemingly frail woman, and for a moment, he was forced to retreat repeatedly.

Zhu Xiong Ying struggled to sit up, his dragon robe stained crimson with blood. Looking at the valiant Fujiwara Chiyo, a warm feeling welled up within him. This foreign woman, for his sake, was willing to risk her life.

"Chiyo, go! Don't worry about me!" Zhu Xiong Ying cried weakly.

Fujiwara Chiyo didn't turn her head and said coldly, "Your Majesty, I will never abandon you!"

She let out a sharp cry, and the dagger in her hand flashed, piercing the throat of a man in black. Blood gushed out, splattering all over her face.

Fujiwara Chiyo, however, paid no attention. She licked the blood off her lips, her eyes filled with a bloodthirsty madness.

"Come on! You bunch of scum!"

Enraged by his inability to break through the defenses, the leader of the men in black gave an order, and the men in black no longer held back, each move aimed to kill.

Fujiwara Chiyo gradually lost her strength, and several wounds appeared on her body.

Just then, shouts of battle erupted outside the palace. "Reinforcements! Reinforcements!"

Commander Jiang Huan of the Embroidered Uniform Guard arrived with a large army and surrounded the men in black.

Seeing that the situation was hopeless, the leader of the men in black hurriedly led the remaining men in black to break through the encirclement and escape.

Jiang Huan walked up to Zhu Xiong Ying and knelt on one knee: "Your Majesty, I am late in coming to your rescue. Please forgive me!"

Zhu Xiong Ying shook his head: "Rise, my dear minister. This time, I owe you a great debt; otherwise, my life would have been in danger."

He looked at Fujiwara Chiyo, his eyes filled with gratitude: "Chiyo, thank you."

Fujiwara Chiyo smiled slightly: "Your Majesty, this is what I should do."

Although the assassination attempt was quelled, it was like a seed planted in Zhu Xiong Ying's heart.

He knew that his reforms had affected the interests of too many people, and that these people would not give up easily.

He needs to become stronger to protect himself, to protect the Ming Dynasty, and to protect those he loves.

In the days that followed, Zhu Xiong Ying became even more diligent in his duties. He abolished the prime minister system, established a cabinet, and strengthened imperial power. He rectified officialdom, punished corrupt officials, and improved government efficiency. He vigorously developed the economy, encouraged commerce, and increased national fiscal revenue.

At the same time, he did not forget the people. He built water conservancy projects, developed agriculture, and reduced the burden on the people; he established schools, popularized education, and improved the quality of the nation; he established medical institutions to protect the health of the people.

Under his rule, the Ming Dynasty experienced unprecedented vitality. The people lived in peace and prosperity, the national treasury was full, and the country's strength grew day by day.

However, Zhu Xiong Ying's reforms also aroused strong opposition from the conservative faction in the court. They believed that Zhu Xiong Ying's reforms were too radical and violated the rules established by their ancestors.

Conservative officials, led by Grand Tutor Li Shanchang, began spreading rumors in the court to attack Zhu Xiong Ying and try to stop his reforms.

Zhu Xiong Ying knew that these people were parasites on the Ming Dynasty, and that they were willing to harm the interests of the country in order to protect their own interests.

He decided to crack down on these people.

He used his power to dismiss conservative officials such as Li Shanchang, and then confiscated their property and executed them.

This move shocked the government and the public, and also made those with ulterior motives restrain themselves.

Under the leadership of Zhu Xiong Ying, the Ming Dynasty was gradually moving towards prosperity and strength.

Meanwhile, Zhu Xiong Ying and Fujiwara Chiyo's feelings for each other deepened.

Although Fujiwara Chiyo was a foreign woman, her love for Zhu Xiong Ying was genuine. She not only took care of Zhu Xiong Ying in his daily life, but also provided him with political support.

Zhu Xiong Ying also deeply loved Fujiwara Chiyo. He admired her wisdom and courage, and was even more grateful for her devotion to him.

On a moonlit night with few stars, Zhu Xiong Ying and Fujiwara Chiyo were strolling in the Imperial Garden.

"Chiyo, do you regret coming to the Ming Dynasty?" Zhu Xiong Ying asked.

Fujiwara Chiyo shook her head: "No, Your Majesty. I am very fortunate to have come to the Ming Dynasty and to have met Your Majesty."

She looked up at Zhu Xiong Ying, her eyes filled with tenderness: "Your Majesty, I love you."

Moved, Zhu Xiong Ying gently embraced Fujiwara Chiyo and said, "I love you too, Chiyo."

He lowered his head and kissed Fujiwara Chiyo's lips.

It was a tender and lingering kiss, full of love.

On this night, they became one, and became husband and wife.

However, the happy time is always short-lived.

Just as Zhu Xiong Ying was immersed in the sweetness of love, a sudden piece of news broke the tranquility.

Japanese pirates launched a large-scale invasion of the coastal areas of the Ming Dynasty, burning, killing, looting, and committing all sorts of atrocities.

Zhu Xiong Ying was furious when he learned of this.

He immediately ordered the mobilization of a large army, preparing to personally lead an expedition to punish the Japanese pirates.

(End of this chapter)