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

Chapter 814 How Dared to Go Back on Their Promises
"Yes, our morale is high right now, it's the perfect time to conquer cities and seize territory!" another general chimed in.

Zhu Xiong Ying calmly said, "Generals, do you really think you can defeat the Ming Dynasty?"

"Hmph, the Ming emperor is incompetent and his army is utterly defeated!" a general said disdainfully.

Zhu Xiong Ying laughed heartily: "It seems that you generals are completely unaware of the strength of the Ming Dynasty!"

"What do you mean?" a general shouted angrily.

Zhu Xiong Ying's lips curled up slightly, revealing a mysterious smile. "You'll find out soon enough."

After saying that, Zhu Xiong Ying suddenly made a move, striking the pressure points of several generals, rendering them unable to move.

Upon seeing this, the other generals drew their weapons, preparing to attack Zhu Xiong Ying.

Zhu Xiong Ying sneered, his figure flashed, and he instantly appeared in front of a general, striking him in the chest with a palm and sending him flying.

The other generals, seeing this, were terrified and knelt down to beg for mercy.

Zhu Xiong Ying looked around and snorted coldly: "Now, what else do you have to say?"

The generals were all silent, too terrified to utter another sound.

Zhu Xiong Ying walked to the map, pointed to the location of the Ming capital, and said, "From now on, you must cease all military operations, or you will bear the consequences!"

The generals nodded in agreement.

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded in satisfaction and turned to leave the command post.

He walked out of the camp, looked up at the starry sky, and a smug smile appeared on his lips.

"Father, I have not failed in my mission!"

Zhu Xiong Ying quietly returned to the Ming army camp and informed Zhu Yuanzhang of the Western Regions coalition's plan.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang was overjoyed and highly praised Zhu Xiong Ying.

"Ying'er, you are truly my good son!" Zhu Yuanzhang said excitedly. "You have rendered great service, and I will reward you handsomely!"

Zhu Xiong Ying quickly replied, "Father, this is what I should do."

"No, you have done very well!" Zhu Yuanzhang said. "I have decided to make you the Crown Prince!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xiong Ying was overjoyed. He had finally obtained the position of Crown Prince that he had always dreamed of!

"Thank you, Father Emperor!" Zhu Xiong Ying knelt down to express his gratitude.

After being named Crown Prince, Zhu Xiong Ying studied the art of governing the country even more diligently, hoping to become a qualified monarch.

He knew that he bore the future of the Ming Dynasty on his shoulders, and he had to do his best!
Zhu Xiong Ying stood atop the city wall, hands clasped behind his back, overlooking the Western Regions allied army's camp below, a contemptuous smile playing on his lips. These barbarians dared to dream of defying the Ming Dynasty; they were truly overestimating themselves. He lightly brushed away non-existent dust from his sleeves, as if his action had merely swatted away an annoying fly.

Back at the Ming army camp, Zhu Yuanzhang, having already received the news, personally came out to greet him. He grabbed Zhu Xiong Ying's hand, his beard trembling with excitement: "Ying'er, you are truly my prodigy! Single-handedly, you penetrated deep into the enemy camp, and with a few words, you shattered the enemy's morale. You are truly unparalleled in bravery!"

Zhu Xiong Ying feigned humility, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect and saying, "Father, you flatter me. I merely used a small trick to let these barbarians witness the might of Heaven." Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily, patting Zhu Xiong Ying on the shoulder: "Good! What a display of Heavenly might! I will reward you handsomely!" With that, he turned to the eunuch behind him and instructed, "Issue my decree to appoint my eldest grandson, Zhu Xiong Ying, as Crown Prince!"

Zhu Xiong Ying was secretly delighted, but kept a straight face and respectfully knelt down to express his gratitude.

The ceremony to appoint the crown prince was grand and solemn. Zhu Xiong Ying, dressed in the crown prince's robes, received the congratulations of the officials, his heart filled with pride. He enjoyed this supreme glory, as if the entire world was under his control.

However, just as he was basking in this joy, news came like a bolt from the blue—the Western Regions Allied Forces had broken the peace treaty and launched another attack on the border of the Ming Dynasty!
Zhu Xiong Ying was stunned; he couldn't believe his ears. These barbarians were utterly despicable and shameless!
Zhu Yuanzhang was furious. He slammed his fist on the table and roared, "These barbarians dare to go back on their word! I will personally lead the army to wipe them out!"

Zhu Xiong Ying quickly dissuaded him, saying, "Father, please calm down. This matter needs further consideration. Your son is willing to lead troops into battle and make amends for my mistakes!"

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Very well! I will give you this opportunity! You must completely defeat these barbarians and avenge our previous humiliation!"

Zhu Xiong Ying accepted the order and immediately mustered his troops, who then marched in a grand procession toward the border.

The army marched swiftly and soon arrived at the border. Zhu Xiong Ying climbed the city wall and looked out into the distance. He saw the Western Regions allied forces' camps stretching endlessly, their banners obscuring the sun, their imposing presence overwhelming.

"Your Highness, the Western Regions allied forces are coming with great force this time, and I'm afraid they will be difficult to deal with," the adjutant said worriedly.

Zhu Xiong Ying sneered: "Hmph, a bunch of rabble, what's there to fear! Pass down the order to prepare to attack the city!"

War drums thundered and horns blared as the Ming army surged towards the enemy camp like a tidal wave. The Western Regions allied forces were equally resolute, and a fierce battle ensued.

Clad in golden armor and wielding a long sword, Zhu Xiong Ying charged into battle with unparalleled bravery. He charged left and right, as if entering an empty field, and enemy soldiers fell one after another under his sword.

However, the Western Regions allied forces were numerous and fearless, and although the Ming army was brave, it gradually became bogged down in a bitter battle.

"Your Highness, the enemy numbers are too many, we can't hold out much longer!" A soldier covered in blood ran up to report.

Zhu Xiong Ying frowned. He looked around and saw that the Ming army had suffered heavy casualties and its morale was low.

Just then, a troop of Western Region cavalry suddenly attacked from the flank, heading straight for Zhu Xiong Ying. Zhu Xiong Ying was startled and quickly drew his sword to meet the attack.

However, the enemy outnumbered them, and Zhu Xiong Ying was quickly surrounded. He fought bravely, but gradually felt his strength waning.

"Haha! Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty, today is your death day!" A general from the Western Regions brandished his scimitar and slashed at Zhu Xiong Ying.

Zhu Xiong Ying was unable to dodge in time and was slashed in the shoulder by a blade, blood gushing out immediately. He staggered backward and almost fell off his horse.

"Your Highness!" The surrounding soldiers exclaimed in surprise upon seeing this.

At that critical moment, a sharp arrow suddenly pierced the air and struck the Western Regions general in the throat. The general screamed and fell to the ground dead.

Zhu Xiong Ying looked up and saw a warhorse galloping towards him in the distance, with a young general in silver armor riding on it. It was none other than his personal bodyguard, Xu Da!
Xu Da leaped off his horse and knelt before Zhu Xiong Ying, anxiously asking, "Your Highness, are you alright?"

Zhu Xiong Ying shook her head, enduring the pain as she said, "I'm fine. Quick, get me out of here!"

Xu Da helped Zhu Xiong Ying up, shielded him behind him, and fought his way through the encirclement.

(End of this chapter)