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

Chapter 812 Facing the Upcoming Challenge

He immediately summoned his generals to discuss countermeasures. The officers were all indignant and advocated for an immediate campaign to confront the enemy. However, Zhu Xiong Ying fell into deep thought. With a million-strong army, provisions and supplies were a huge problem, not to mention the long distance to the Western Regions; what were the chances of victory in such a costly expedition?
"Generals, I know you are all indignant, but this matter requires careful consideration." Zhu
Zhu Xiong Ying frowned, unable to fathom his father's "brilliant plan." The generals were filled with fervor, eager to march into the Western Regions and annihilate the million-strong allied army. But Zhu Xiong Ying knew that a war of attrition was not a long-term solution, and his father's underestimation of the enemy made him even more uneasy.

"Your Highness, this humble general requests permission to lead 100,000 elite troops to strike at the heart of the enemy!" A burly general clasped his hands in a fist and pleaded for battle, his voice booming so loudly that it made the tent vibrate.

"Yes! Your Highness, I am also willing to lead the army there and make sure those barbarians from the Western Regions never return!" Another general stepped forward to volunteer for the mission.

Zhu Xiong Ying raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet. He slowly said, "I will remember the loyalty and bravery of all the generals. However, the Western Regions allied forces are coming with great force, claiming to number a million. We must not underestimate them and advance rashly. We need to carefully plan our supplies, marching routes, and other matters. We must not act impulsively."

Although the generals were unwilling, they understood that what His Highness the Crown Prince said was true, so they had no choice but to suppress their fighting spirit for the time being.

After the meeting, Zhu Xiong Ying went to his study alone. He pondered his father's words, "I have a brilliant plan," and grew increasingly uneasy. What brilliant plan did his father have? Was he truly confident of winning with fewer troops?

It was late at night, but Zhu Xiong Ying still couldn't fall asleep. He put on his coat, walked to the window, and gazed at the dark night sky outside, his mind filled with thoughts.

Suddenly, a dark figure flashed by, and Zhu Xiong Ying immediately became alert. He shouted sharply, "Who's there?"

The shadowy figure didn't answer, but instead quickly approached him. Zhu Xiong Ying immediately drew his sword and engaged the shadowy figure in combat.

The shadowy figure was agile and unpredictable, and Zhu Xiong Ying found it difficult to gain the upper hand for the time being. The two exchanged blows in the study, their swords flashing, tables and chairs overturned, leaving the room in a mess.

Just then, the shadowy figure suddenly spoke up: "Your Highness, you have excellent skills. No wonder the Emperor values ​​you so highly."

The voice sounded somewhat familiar to Zhu Xiong Ying. He looked closely and, by the moonlight, finally made out the face of the dark figure.

"It's you!" Zhu Xiong Ying exclaimed in surprise.

The dark figure turned out to be Liu Jin, the emperor's personal eunuch!

"Eunuch Liu, why are you doing this?" Zhu Xiong Ying asked, putting away his sword.

Liu Jin also put away the dagger in his hand, bowed and said, "Your Highness, the Emperor has sent me to deliver something to you."

As he spoke, Liu Jin took out a letter from his pocket and handed it to Zhu Xiong Ying.

Zhu Xiong Ying took the letter and opened it with a puzzled look. The letter contained only a few words: "The Western Regions Allied Forces are nothing to fear. Just observe the situation. Remember, do not act rashly."

After reading the letter, Zhu Xiong Ying was even more puzzled. What exactly did her father mean? Did he really intend to sit idly by and allow the Western Regions allied forces to invade?

He raised his head, looked at Liu Jin, and asked, "Eunuch Liu, does Father have any further instructions?"

Liu Jin shook his head and said, "His Majesty only instructed me to deliver this letter, and gave no other instructions."

Zhu Xiong Ying was filled with doubt, but he also knew that Liu Jin was merely a messenger and couldn't possibly know anything more. He waved his hand, signaling Liu Jin to leave. Liu Jin bowed and then quietly left the study.

Zhu Xiong Ying looked at the letter in his hand again, pondering his father's meaning. He always felt that his father was playing a very big game, and he was just a pawn in that game.

He walked to the window and looked once more at the dark night sky. A million-strong allied army from the Western Regions was pressing in, and the Ming Dynasty was in grave danger. Yet his father had ordered him to observe the situation calmly. Why was that?
Does Father Emperor truly have a foolproof plan? Or is this just wishful thinking on his part?
Zhu Xiong Ying was filled with confusion and unease. He didn't know what would happen next, but he knew he had to be prepared to face the challenges ahead.

The next morning, Zhu Xiong Ying summoned his generals again and conveyed his father's instructions. Although the generals were puzzled, they could not disobey the emperor's orders and had no choice but to obey.

However, at this moment, an unexpected message arrived, completely shattering Zhu Xiong Ying's plans... The Western Regions Allied Forces suddenly changed their direction of attack. Instead of directly attacking the Ming border, they detoured and headed straight for the heart of the Ming territory!
This news came like a bolt from the blue, catching Zhu Xiong Ying completely off guard. He never expected that the Western Regions Allied Forces would adopt such a bold strategy.

"Father, this..." Zhu Xiong Ying rushed to the Imperial Garden to report the news to his father.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang remained calm and composed. He sipped his tea leisurely and said calmly, "Ying'er, don't panic. Everything is under my control."

Zhu Xiong Ying looked at her father's calm and collected demeanor, her doubts growing stronger. What on earth was her father up to? Did he really have the confidence to turn the tide?
Just as Zhu Xiong Ying was racking her brains, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly said, "Ying'er, I am now giving you a task."

"Father, please speak," Zhu Xiong Ying said hurriedly.

"I want you to disguise yourself as an ordinary soldier, infiltrate the enemy camp, and gather intelligence."

Zhu Xiong Ying was stunned upon hearing this. He was to disguise himself as an ordinary soldier and infiltrate the enemy camp? That was far too dangerous!

"Father, this..." Zhu Xiong Ying wanted to refuse, but seeing his father's unquestionable gaze, he finally agreed.

"My son, take your orders!"

"Father, this..." Zhu Xiong Ying wanted to say something more, but Zhu Yuan Zhang raised his hand to interrupt her.

"Ying'er, you are the future hope of our Ming Dynasty. This task is none other than yours." Zhu Yuanzhang's tone was firm and left no room for doubt. "Rest assured, I have arranged everything. You just need to do as I instruct."

Zhu Xiong Ying took a deep breath; he knew he had no other choice. He bowed and said in a deep voice, "Your subject obeys the decree!"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in satisfaction, then took out a jade pendant from his sleeve and handed it to Zhu Xiong Ying, saying, "Keep this jade pendant close to your body; it might save your life in a critical moment."

Zhu Xiong Ying took the jade pendant and examined it carefully. The jade pendant was crystal clear and exquisitely carved; it was clearly a priceless treasure.

"Thank you, Father!" Zhu Xiong Ying carefully put away the jade pendant, her heart filled with gratitude.

Zhu Yuanzhang patted Zhu Xiong Ying on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Ying'er, this journey is fraught with danger, so be careful in everything you do."

(End of this chapter)