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

Chapter 755 Like a God Descending to Earth

Cui'er's cries echoed through the palace, but they did not elicit the slightest pity from Zhu Xiong Ying. He knew that he had to be heartless in order to avenge the Empress and uphold the dignity of the royal family.

However, the matter did not end there. After dealing with Cui'er, Zhu Xiong Ying discovered an even more shocking secret. It turned out that there was an even bigger mastermind behind Consort Li, and that person was none other than... his own uncle, Prince Yan, Zhu Di!
Zhu Xiong Ying never imagined that his own uncle would be involved in this conspiracy. He was filled with shock and anger, and also felt a deep sense of fear. He didn't know Zhu Di's purpose, nor what his next move would be.

He realized that he was facing a huge crisis, a crisis that could threaten his throne...

Just as Zhu Xiong Ying was deep in thought, Wang De Zhong rushed in, his face panicked. "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! The Prince of Yan... the Prince of Yan... he has rebelled!"

"The Prince of Yan has rebelled!" Wang Dezhong's voice trembled, echoing in the empty imperial study, striking Zhu Xiong Ying's eardrums, yet it seemed as if there was a thick layer of cotton in between, making it difficult for him to process.

Zhu Di, his own uncle, the uncle who cared for him and showed him great concern after his father's death, actually... rebelled.
Zhu Xiong Ying abruptly stood up, sweeping the memorials on the imperial desk to the ground, scattering them like his chaotic thoughts. He clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white, his chest heaving violently. A surge of anger rose from the depths of his heart, scorching his reason.

"On what grounds did he rebel?" Zhu Xiong Ying's voice was low and hoarse, as if it were a low growl coming from the depths of hell.

Wang Dezhong knelt on the ground, trembling. "Prince Yan... said... said Your Majesty... you are not the late Emperor's biological son, but... born of the Empress's affair... therefore... therefore he is not qualified to inherit the throne..."

"Absurd!" Zhu Xiong Ying roared, slamming his fist on the dragon table. The solid wood dragon table made a dull thud, and a clear crack appeared on it.

He never imagined that Zhu Di would use such despicable means to slander him and his deceased mother!
“He…he also said…” Wang Dezhong’s voice grew softer and softer until it was almost inaudible.

"What else did he say?!" Zhu Xiong Ying suddenly turned her head, her eyes fixed on Wang De Zhong, filled with murderous intent.

Wang Dezhong trembled with fear and hurriedly said, "The Prince of Yan also said... said that Your Majesty... you are cruel and tyrannical, dissolute and immoral, and unworthy... unworthy to be the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty..."

Zhu Xiong Ying sneered, "Fine! What a cruel, tyrannical, and debauched man! I'd like to see what right Zhu Di has to talk about me!"

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He knew this was not the time to be angry; he had to act quickly, or the Ming Dynasty would be in grave danger.

"Send the order to summon all civil and military officials to court immediately!" Zhu Xiong Ying said in a deep voice, his tone filled with unquestionable authority.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Wang Dezhong hurriedly got up and stumbled out.

Zhu Xiong Ying stood in the imperial study, gazing at the gloomy sky outside the window, his heart filled with worry and unease. He knew that this war would be a tough one, a battle that would determine the life and death of the Ming Dynasty!
……

The atmosphere in the Golden Palace was heavy and oppressive. All the civil and military officials remained silent, not daring to look up at Zhu Xiong Ying.

Zhu Xiong Ying sat on the dragon throne, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials. He said in a deep voice, “My beloved ministers, the Prince of Yan, Zhu Di, has dared to rebel, slander me, and defame the late Empress! My heart is deeply pained! I have summoned you all here today to discuss with you how to quell this rebellion!”

“Your Majesty, the Prince of Yan is very powerful, we must be on guard!” Minister of War Li Jinglong stepped forward and said, his tone full of worry.

"Lord Li is absolutely right. The Prince of Yan commands a large army and occupies Beiping. We must be careful in dealing with him," said Xia Yuanji, Minister of Revenue. "Your Majesty, I believe we should first send someone to Beiping to negotiate with the Prince of Yan and see if we can resolve this matter peacefully," suggested Huang Zicheng, Minister of Rites.

"Peaceful resolution? Hmph! Zhu Di has already rebelled, what peaceful resolution are you talking about?!" Zhu Xiong Ying sneered. "He's trying to force me to abdicate, to force me to hand over the throne! How can I agree to that?!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" the military officers echoed.

"Your Majesty, I believe we should immediately send troops to punish the Prince of Yan and suppress him with overwhelming force!" General Xu Huizu stepped forward and said firmly.

"I second that proposal!" The other military officers also expressed their support.

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Very well! In that case, General Xu Huizu will be appointed as the General Who Conquers the North, leading the army to attack the Prince of Yan! I want to see just how capable Zhu Di really is!"

"Your Majesty, I obey! I will certainly not fail Your Majesty's trust!" Xu Huizu knelt on one knee, accepted the order, and left.

……

Outside Beiping city, the banners of the Prince of Yan's army blotted out the sun, exuding a murderous aura.

Zhu Di, dressed in golden armor, rode a tall horse and gazed at the distant city of Beiping, a cold smile playing on his lips.

"Your Majesty, when shall we attack the city?" Yao Guangxiao asked from the side.

Zhu Di turned to look at Yao Guangxiao, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes. "No rush. Let the officials and common people in Beiping see my million-strong army! Let them know that I am the true Son of Heaven!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" Yao Guangxiao quickly flattered.

Zhu Di laughed heartily, his laughter filled with confidence and ambition. He seemed to already see himself ascending the throne and ruling the world!
Just then, a deafening sound of horses' hooves suddenly came from afar...

Dust billowed on the distant horizon, like a giant yellow dragon rolling in. The thunderous sound of hooves grew closer and louder, as if it would shatter the heavens and earth. Zhu Di narrowed his eyes, his smile deepening. "It seems our good nephew is truly impatient!"

"Your Majesty, the visitors are not friendly!" Yao Guangxiao's face was solemn. The army had arrived too quickly and with too much momentum, which made him feel uneasy.

Zhu Di waved his hand dismissively, "What's there to be afraid of? They're just a bunch of rabble! Send down the order to prepare for battle!"

As the dust settled, a well-equipped and imposing army appeared before the Yan army. This army was not Xu Huizu's Northern Expeditionary Army, but... the Imperial Guard! And leading them was none other than Zhu Xiong Ying, clad in golden armor, looking like a god descended from heaven!
Zhu Di's smile froze instantly. He never expected that Zhu Xiong Ying would personally lead his army here! Yao Guangxiao, who was beside him, changed his expression drastically, his lips trembling as he was unable to speak.

Zhu Xiong Ying rode a pure white steed, his gaze sweeping coldly over the Yan army camp before finally settling on Zhu Di. His voice was as cold as ice, "Fourth Uncle, how have you been?"

(End of this chapter)