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

Chapter 830 Completely Eradicate the Northern Yuan, Eliminating Future Threats

Zhu Xiong Ying returned to her palace, but her heart remained unsettled for a long time.

He always felt that things were not that simple.

Lin Yueru's death, Lin Qing'er's appearance, and this monster all made him uneasy.

"Could it be...could it be that I have really been caught up in a huge conspiracy?" Zhu Xiong Ying murmured to himself.

He decided to find out the truth as soon as possible and find out who was behind it all.

The next day, Zhu Xiong Ying summoned all civil and military officials and announced a major event.

"I have decided to personally lead the army to attack the Western Regions!"

The ministers were all alarmed and offered their advice.

"Your Majesty, this is absolutely not allowed! The Western Regions are remote, the journey is long, and the climate is harsh; our army is not suited to them!"

"Your Majesty, although the Western Regions are weak, their people are fierce and they are easy to defend but difficult to attack. I'm afraid our army will have a hard time winning!"

"Your Majesty, this is a time of peace and prosperity for the nation; it is not the time to wage war!"

Zhu Xiong Ying sneered: "My mind is made up, no need for further words!"

His gaze sharpened as he swept his eyes over the assembled officials, and he said in a deep voice, "I want the whole world to know that the majesty of the Ming Dynasty is inviolable!"

Seeing Zhu Xiong Ying's resolute attitude, the ministers stopped trying to persuade him.

Zhu Xiong Ying immediately ordered the mobilization of a large army to prepare for the expedition.

At the same time, he dispatched the Imperial Guards to secretly investigate the cause of Lin Yueru's death, as well as the origins of Lin Qing'er and the monster.

He believed that as long as these matters were investigated thoroughly, the mastermind behind them could be found and all the mysteries could be solved.

A month later, the army was fully assembled, and Zhu Xiong Ying led his million-strong army on a grand and imposing march.

His purpose in this trip was not only to attack the Western Regions, but also to demonstrate the strength of the Ming Dynasty to the world and deter those who would harm him.

He wanted everyone to know that the Ming Dynasty was invincible!
The army advanced with unstoppable momentum, quickly capturing several cities along the western coast.

The Emperor of the Western Regions was terrified and hurriedly sent an envoy to sue for peace.

Zhu Xiong Ying sneered: "Trying to make peace now? Too late!"

He ordered the attack to continue and that the Western Regions Emperor be captured alive!
The army continued its advance and soon arrived at the capital of the Western Regions.

Seeing that the situation was hopeless, the Emperor of the Western Regions had no choice but to lead his civil and military officials out of the city and surrender.

Zhu Xiong Ying accepted the surrender of the Western Regions and renamed them the Eastern Ying Province of the Ming Dynasty, sending officials to govern them.

With this, the Western Regions were officially incorporated into the territory of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Xiong Ying returned in triumph and was warmly welcomed by people all over the country.

He stood on the high platform, looking at the cheering crowd, his heart filled with lofty ambitions.

"I will let the banner of the Ming Dynasty fly in every corner of the world!" News of Zhu Xiong Ying's triumphant return spread throughout the land, and the whole country rejoiced. Inside the palace, singing and dancing filled the air, and the sounds of string and wind instruments never ceased. Zhu Xiong Ying sat upright on the dragon throne, receiving the congratulations of his officials, a barely perceptible cold smile playing on his lips. Japan was merely the first step in his grand scheme.

"My beloved ministers, I am greatly pleased! This tiny island of Japan dared to defy the might of Heaven. Now that it has become a province of the Great Ming, I shall see who else in this world dares to provoke the tiger!" Zhu Xiong Ying raised his wine cup, his heroic spirit soaring to the heavens.

The courtiers shouted "Long live the Emperor!" and the atmosphere reached its climax. However, Liu Bowen, the Minister of Revenue, stepped forward at this moment, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, I have a suggestion, but I don't know if I should speak it?"

Zhu Xiong Ying narrowed his eyes slightly. Liu Bowen was known for his brilliant strategies, and he wanted to hear what tricks this old fox was up to this time. "Please speak freely, Minister Liu."

"Your Majesty, although the Eastern Kingdom has been destroyed, the remnants of the Northern Yuan still occupy the northern desert and are eyeing the Ming Dynasty covetously. I believe that we should seize this opportunity to send troops north to completely wipe out the Northern Yuan and eliminate future troubles!" Liu Bowen declared eloquently.

Zhu Xiong Ying sneered inwardly. This old fox had indeed lost his patience. He had long set his sights on that harsh, cold land in the north, but the time was not yet ripe. "What Minister Liu says is quite right, but the army is exhausted and supplies are insufficient, so I'm afraid it will be difficult to sustain the northern expedition."

Minister of War Li Jinglong immediately echoed, "Your Majesty is wise. The Northern Yuan is vast and sparsely populated, making the transport of grain and supplies difficult. If we rashly send troops, there may be mishaps!"

Zhu Xiong Ying waved his hand, feigning contemplation, and said, "What you two ministers say, I am well aware of. However, I cannot sleep or eat in peace until the Northern Yuan is eliminated!"

Seeing that Zhu Xiong Ying seemed to be wavering, Liu Bowen quickly pressed his advantage, saying, "Your Majesty, I believe we can follow the example of Emperor Wu of Han and recruit powerful local figures to supply the border regions for military purposes!"

Zhu Xiong Ying pretended to ponder for a moment, then slammed his hand on the table and stood up: "Excellent! Minister Liu's plan is brilliant! Issue my decree to recruit local strongmen to transport grain, fodder, and weapons to the border. All those who donate will receive rewards from the court!"

This decree sent shockwaves through the court and the public. Wealthy and powerful figures, some possessing fortunes comparable to those of entire nations, responded swiftly, rushing to transport provisions and equipment to the border, fearing they would fall behind. Zhu Xiong Ying, looking at the mountains of provisions and equipment, chuckled inwardly. "These fools," he thought, "do they really think I'm short of supplies?"

Three months later, the million-strong army was assembled, and Zhu Xiong Ying once again personally led the expedition, marching north in a grand and imposing manner. Wherever the army passed, the Northern Yuan troops fled in terror, daring not to engage them in battle.

Zhu Xiong Ying advanced triumphantly and soon arrived at Karakorum, the capital of the Northern Yuan. Seeing that all was lost, the Northern Yuan emperor had no choice but to surrender. Zhu Xiong Ying accepted the surrender and renamed the Northern Yuan the Great Ming Northern Province.

With this, the northern border troubles were completely eliminated, and the Ming Dynasty's territory expanded once again. Zhu Xiong Ying's fame spread throughout the north, and various tribes came to pay tribute and express their submission.

Zhu Xiong Ying stood atop the city wall of Helin, gazing at the vast grasslands, his heart filled with boundless pride. His gaze, however, had already turned to a more distant place.

"Who's next?" Zhu Xiong Ying muttered to himself.

At this moment, a man dressed in black appeared silently behind Zhu Xiong Ying, knelt on one knee, and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, Lu Bing, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, requests an audience."

"Let him in."

Lu Bing entered the city gate and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I have been ordered to investigate the death of Lin Yueru, as well as the origins of Lin Qing'er and the monster, and I have now made some progress."

A glint of light flashed in Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes: "Speak!"

"Lin Yueru did not die of illness, but was poisoned. The murderer is none other than Lin Qing'er!" Lu Bing's words were shocking.

Zhu Xiong Ying's expression changed slightly: "Lin Qing'er? Why would she poison her own daughter?"

"According to my investigation, Lin Qing'er is not Lin Yueru's biological mother, but comes from a mysterious organization. This organization is called the 'Heavenly Demon Sect'!"

"The Heavenly Demon Sect?" Zhu Xiong Ying frowned; he had never heard of this name before.

"The Heavenly Demon Sect is an extremely secretive organization. Their goal is to overthrow the Ming Dynasty and restore the previous dynasty's rule!" Lu Bing said in a deep voice.

"Absurd!" Zhu Xiong Ying roared. "The previous dynasty has long since collapsed. Who would dare to attempt a restoration?"

(End of this chapter)