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

Chapter 801 Pillars of the Ming Dynasty

"The leader is right!" another Japanese pirate commander chimed in. "We can ambush them at sea and catch them off guard!"

"Good! That's settled!" The pirate leader slammed his hand on the table and ordered, "Pass down the order: all ships must assemble immediately and prepare to engage the Ming Dynasty navy!"

Zhu Xiong Ying led his army south and soon arrived at the stronghold of the Japanese pirates—Ryukyu Island.

Surrounded by the sea, Ryukyu Island was easy to defend and difficult to attack. Japanese pirates had been operating here for many years, building numerous fortifications and stockpiling large quantities of food and weapons.

Zhu Xiong Ying stood on the beach, gazing at Ryukyu Island, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes. He knew that attacking Ryukyu Island would be a tough battle.

"Pass down the order: the entire army will rest for a day, and the attack on the island will commence tomorrow!"

The next morning, the Ming Dynasty's naval fleet sailed in a grand procession toward Ryukyu Island.

The Japanese pirates' ships were already on high alert at sea, and a major battle was about to break out...

Zhu Xiong Ying stood on the deck of the flagship, looking at the Ryukyu Islands getting closer and closer, a cold smile appearing on his lips.

"Japanese pirates, your end has come!"

The Japanese pirates' ships, varying in size and shape, resembled a disorganized rabble scattered haphazardly across the sea. Zhu Xiong Ying smiled contemptuously. These clowns dared to challenge the majesty of the Ming Dynasty? He waved his hand, "Fire!"

The deafening roar of cannons echoed across the sea and sky as shells whistled through the air, accurately striking the Japanese pirates' ships. Instantly, flames soared into the sky, explosions resounded, and the pirate ships were blasted to pieces, with wreckage and fragments flying everywhere.

"Charge!" Zhu Xiong Ying gave the order, and the Ming Dynasty's warships shot forward like arrows, launching a fierce attack on the remaining Japanese pirate ships.

Although the Japanese pirates were familiar with the sea, their ships and weapons were far inferior to those of the Ming Dynasty's navy. Faced with overwhelming firepower, they were utterly helpless.

"Damn the Ming people!" The Japanese pirate leader stood on a large warship, watching his ships sink one after another, and roared angrily, "Charge forward and fight them to the death!"

The Japanese pirates' ships recklessly charged towards the Ming Dynasty's warships, attempting to engage in boarding combat. However, the Ming Dynasty's soldiers were prepared, and they used bows and arrows, muskets, and other weapons to shoot down the Japanese pirates who charged at them.

On the sea, shouts of battle shook the heavens, and blood stained the seawater red.

Zhu Xiong Ying stood on the flagship's deck, coldly observing everything, his heart unmoved. To him, this was merely a game, a cat-and-mouse game.

Several hours later, the battle ended. All the Japanese pirate ships were sunk, and their leader was captured alive by Ming soldiers.

Zhu Xiong Ying ordered that the Japanese pirate leader be brought before him.

"So you're the leader of the Japanese pirates?" Zhu Xiong Ying looked down at the kneeling pirate leader, his tone icy.

"Yes...yes..." The Japanese pirate leader trembled with fear and could not even speak clearly.

Why do you dare to invade the maritime borders of my Great Ming Dynasty?

"I...I..." The Japanese pirate leader stammered, not daring to look Zhu Xiong Ying in the eye.

"Hmph!" Zhu Xiong Ying sneered, "Do you think I wouldn't know if you didn't tell me? You Japanese pirates are nothing but thieves who want to plunder the wealth of my Great Ming Dynasty!"

"Yes...yes..." The Japanese pirate leader nodded repeatedly.

"Men, drag this Japanese pirate leader out and behead him!" Zhu Xiong Ying waved his hand impatiently.

"Spare me! Spare me!" The Japanese pirate leader kowtowed desperately, begging for mercy, but Zhu Xiong Ying remained unmoved.

Soon, the Japanese pirate leader was dragged out, and after a scream, everything returned to calm.

Zhu Xiong Ying stood on the deck, watching the sunset and the shimmering sea, his heart filled with lofty ambitions.

"Those who offend our Great Ming Dynasty, no matter how far away, shall be punished!"

Upon learning of the capture of their leader and the great victory of the Ming Dynasty navy, the remaining Japanese pirates on Ryukyu Island surrendered en masse.

Zhu Xiong Ying led his army to Ryukyu Island and accepted the surrender of the Japanese pirates.

He ordered all captured Japanese pirates to be escorted back to the Ming Dynasty and placed under strict guard as a warning to others. The Japanese pirates on Ryukyu Island were completely wiped out, and peace was restored to the Ming Dynasty's coastal areas.

Zhu Xiong Ying returned in triumph and was rewarded by the emperor, who bestowed upon him the title of "Great General of Might and Valor".

Zhu Xiong Ying's fame spread far and wide, deterring neighboring countries, and no one dared to easily invade the territory of the Ming Dynasty again.

Upon returning to his residence, Zhu Xiong Ying removed his military uniform and changed into comfortable civilian clothes. He lay back in a rocking chair, leisurely sipping a pot of fine wine.

"Someone, bring Liniang here!" Zhu Xiong Ying called out to the door.

Li Niang was Zhu Xiong Ying's personal maid and also his most beloved woman.

Li Niang approached gracefully and bowed to Zhu Xiong Ying with a gentle smile. "What are your orders, young master?"

"Come on, have a drink with me," Zhu Xiong Ying said with a smile.

Li Niang walked to Zhu Xiong Ying's side and nestled in his arms. The two drank wine while admiring the scenery outside the window.

"Young master, you have made great contributions on this expedition, which is truly commendable," Li Niang said softly.

"Haha, this is nothing, a piece of cake." Zhu Xiong Ying laughed smugly. "When I have the chance in the future, I will lead a large army to conquer more countries and let the flag of the Ming Dynasty be planted in every corner of the world!"

Li Niang covered her mouth and chuckled, "Young master, you truly have lofty ambitions."

Zhu Xiong Ying embraced Li Niang and whispered in her ear, "After I complete my great undertaking, I will make you empress and let you enjoy wealth and honor."

Liniang lowered her head shyly, her heart filled with sweetness.

Suddenly, there was a rush of footsteps outside the door.

"Report! Young master, someone from the palace has arrived, saying that the Emperor summons you to the palace!"

Zhu Xiong Ying frowned, somewhat displeased. This old fellow, what a spoilsport!

"I know, I'll go right away."

Zhu Xiong Ying straightened his clothes, rose, and walked towards the palace. Little did he know that this trip to the palace would change his life forever…

Zhu Xiong Ying strode confidently into the palace. The eunuch's shrill voice echoed in the spacious hall: "The Mighty General has arrived—"

The emperor sat upright on the dragon throne, his face solemn. Zhu Xiong Ying bowed respectfully, saying, "Your subject greets Your Majesty."

"No need for formalities." The emperor's voice was low and unreadable.

"I have heard that you won a great victory in this campaign. Is that true?"

"Your Majesty, I am unworthy, but fortunately I have not failed in my mission and have completely wiped out the Japanese pirates on Ryukyu Island." Zhu Xiongwen's tone was calm, as if he were talking about a trivial matter.

A hint of admiration flashed in the emperor's eyes, but it quickly disappeared. "Excellent! Truly a pillar of our Great Ming!"

"Your Majesty flatters me," Zhu Xiong Ying said with a faint smile.

The emperor was silent for a moment, then suddenly changed the subject: "Xiongying, you are now renowned and have achieved great military exploits, which greatly pleases me. However..."

"But what?" Zhu Xiong Ying had a vague sense of foreboding.

The emperor sighed: "But you are not young anymore, and you are still unmarried. Wouldn't that make you a laughingstock?"

Zhu Xiong Ying cursed inwardly: The old man, so he just wants to pressure me into marriage!

"Father, I have no such intention."

(End of this chapter)