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

Chapter 767 Japanese Pirates Launch a Large-Scale Invasion of Korea
Zhu Biao was so frightened that he retreated repeatedly, but there was nowhere to go.

"Father, spare me... Your son will never dare to do it again..." Zhu Biao cried out, knowing that he had reached a dead end.

Zhu Xiong Ying stopped and looked at Zhu Biao kneeling on the ground, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.

"Biao'er, you have disappointed me greatly." Zhu Xiong Ying sighed, his tone filled with helplessness and sorrow.

He waved his hand, and two guards emerged from the shadows and took Zhu Biao away.

The torrential rain poured down, washing away the bloodstains on the ground. Zhu Xiong Ying stood in the rain, letting the water soak his clothes, his eyes deep and unfocused.

He knew in his heart that this was just the beginning. His goal was the whole world! And in the process, anyone who stood in his way would be ruthlessly crushed!
Suddenly, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from afar. A messenger, soaking wet, rode up, dismounted, and knelt before Zhu Xiong Ying.

"Your Majesty, an urgent message! Japanese pirates have launched a massive invasion of Korea!"

Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes narrowed, and a powerful killing intent erupted from his body.

"Japanese pirates? Hmph! It seems it's time for me to stretch my muscles!"

Zhu Xiong Ying squinted, raindrops sliding down his brow like two cold, sharp blades. "Japanese pirates? A bunch of clowns dare to invade the territory of my Great Ming!" He abruptly flicked his sleeve, splashing rain everywhere. "Order the troops to be mustered; I will personally lead the expedition!"

The messenger was intimidated by Zhu Xiong Ying's imposing manner, so he quickly kowtowed to accept the order, climbed onto his warhorse, and disappeared into the vast rain.

Zhu Xiong Ying turned around, his gaze falling on Zhu Biao, who was being escorted away, his expression complex and unreadable. He didn't truly intend to kill his own son; he simply wanted to teach him a lesson, to make him understand the weight of power and the magnitude of responsibility. Unfortunately, Zhu Biao disappointed him.

Upon returning to the palace, Zhu Xiong Ying immediately summoned his ministers to discuss the campaign against the Japanese pirates.

"Your Majesty, the Japanese pirates are rampant and have repeatedly violated the maritime borders of our Great Ming Dynasty. This time, they have become even more audacious and dared to invade Korea! I beg Your Majesty to severely punish the Japanese pirates as a warning to others!" Hongwu, the Minister of War, said excitedly.

"Granted!" Zhu Xiong Ying slammed his hand on the dragon throne, his eyes gleaming. "I will personally lead the expedition to completely annihilate these Japanese pirates!"

Upon hearing this, all the ministers were greatly alarmed.

"Your Majesty, you mustn't!" Prime Minister Liu Bowen hurriedly dissuaded him. "Although the Japanese pirates are not a threat, Your Majesty is of noble birth. How can you take such a risk so easily?"

“Yes, Your Majesty, you can leave this matter to us. Your Majesty only needs to stay in the capital and strategize,” Minister of Revenue Shen Wansan also advised.

Zhu Xiong Ying sneered, "I am the Emperor of the Great Ming Dynasty. How can I sit idly by and watch the Japanese pirates run rampant? You need not persuade me any further. My mind is made up!"

Seeing Zhu Xiong Ying's resolute attitude, the officials knew that further persuasion would be useless, so they had no choice but to accept the order and prepare for the expedition.

A few days later, Zhu Xiong Ying led his massive army to Korea. Wherever the army passed, the people lined the streets to welcome them, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" Zhu Xiong Ying, riding a tall horse, was full of vigor and looked like a god descended from heaven.

After the army arrived in Korea, Zhu Xiong Ying immediately launched a campaign to wipe out the Japanese pirates. He led from the front, charging into battle like a tiger descending a mountain, unstoppable. Before him, the Japanese pirates were like clay chickens and earthen dogs, utterly vulnerable.

Within a few short months, the Japanese pirates were completely wiped out by Zhu Xiong Ying. The Korean people were moved to tears and knelt down to thank Zhu Xiong Ying for saving their lives.

Standing on Korean soil, Zhu Xiong Ying gazed at the distant sea, his heart filled with boundless pride. "I will let the banner of the Ming Dynasty fly over every corner of the world!"

Upon his triumphant return to Beijing, Zhu Xiong Ying received a warm welcome from the people. The entire capital was immersed in a sea of ​​jubilation.

However, just as Zhu Xiong Ying was basking in the joy of victory, a sudden message shattered the peace. "Your Majesty, news has arrived from the Western Regions: Timur, the Great Khan of the Timurid Empire, has led a large army to invade the borders of our Great Ming!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xiong Ying's face darkened, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "Timur? It seems my conquest is not yet over!"

He immediately summoned his ministers to discuss countermeasures.

"Your Majesty, the Timurid Empire is strong and well-equipped; we must not underestimate them," Liu Bowen said with deep concern.

“Yes, Your Majesty, the Western Regions are a long way off and logistical supplies are difficult to obtain. If we rashly send troops, I am afraid the losses will outweigh the gains,” Shen Wansan also expressed his concerns.

Zhu Xiong Ying sneered, "Difficulties? That word doesn't exist in my dictionary!" He abruptly stood up, his eyes filled with fighting spirit. "Send the order: muster the troops! I will once again personally lead the army to crush the Timurid Empire!"

Seeing Zhu Xiong Ying's resolute determination, the officials had no choice but to obey the order and prepare for the expedition.

However, just as the army was about to set off, something unexpected happened.

Zhu Biao has escaped from prison!
The news caused an uproar throughout the court. Zhu Xiong Ying was furious and ordered a nationwide manhunt for Zhu Biao.

"This rebellious son, I must bring him back!" Zhu Xiong Ying said through gritted teeth.

Just then, a mysterious man in black appeared in front of Zhu Xiong Ying.

"Your Majesty, I know the whereabouts of His Highness the Crown Prince." The deep voice of the man in black echoed in the hall.

Zhu Xiong Ying abruptly raised her head, her gaze fixed intently on the man in black. "Speak!"

The man in black slowly raised his head, revealing a familiar face.

It was actually... Chang Yuchun!

Chang Yuchun? Zhu Xiong Ying felt as if he had heard the biggest joke in the world. This founding hero, who had died of illness in the twenty-sixth year of Hongwu's reign, was now standing alive in front of him, masked and pretending to be a ghost! He laughed angrily, "Chang Yuchun? How dare you pretend to be a ghost! Guards, seize him!"

The palace guards rushed forward, but were intimidated by the chilling murderous aura emanating from Chang Yuchun the moment they got close, and dared not approach. Chang Yuchun slowly removed his mask, revealing a face identical to the one in the portrait, only with a touch more vicissitude and sinister intent. "Your Majesty, I am indeed Chang Yuchun."

Zhu Xiong Ying narrowed her eyes, sizing up Chang Yu Chun, a sense of unease creeping into her heart. "What... exactly do you want?"

Chang Yuchun did not answer directly, but instead asked, "Does Your Majesty still remember the Hu Weiyong case from back then?"

Zhu Xiong Ying felt a chill run down her spine. The Hu Weiyong case had far-reaching implications, almost wiping out all the founding heroes, including Chang Yuchun's son, Chang Mao. Could it be...?

"Your Majesty, my son Changmao has been wronged!" Chang Yuchun's voice was low and hoarse, filled with endless grief and indignation. "I have lived in anonymity for many years in order to find out the truth and clear my son's name!"

Zhu Xiong Ying's expression was uncertain. He was well aware of the complexity of the Hu Weiyong case and understood that there might be wrongful convictions involved. But he also knew that this was not the time to pursue those matters. "Chang Yuchun, I will forgive and forget your past contributions. You may leave immediately, and I can pretend nothing happened."

Chang Yuchun sneered, "Your Majesty, do you think that's possible? Today, I will take His Highness the Crown Prince away to avenge my son!"

(End of this chapter)