Start by saving Empress Ma, Zhu Yuanzhang honors me as the Emperor of Ming Dynasty

The potential of the Ming Dynasty's war machine was fully exploited.

The successive reports of victory shocked the world, but no one was surprised. After all, the Ming Dynasty was now so powerful that it would be strange if it couldn't defeat these villains!

One month later!

Almost all the fighting has subsided.

The Northern Yuan Dynasty originally wanted to use a large number of elite cavalry to charge, but under the deterrence of land warfare artifacts, these nomadic tribes became unusually docile, and the border troubles that had plagued the Ming Dynasty for decades were finally eliminated.

Even though many years have passed, Zhu Yuanzhang still remembers that midnight. When the good news came, he couldn't believe it at first, as if he was dreaming and it was unreal. But soon, he accepted it all very calmly!

The Northern Yuan Dynasty had long been a major threat, and now it was eliminated in one day!

It's really too proud.

Time passed by little by little. Finally, after all the troubles were quelled, half a year had passed. Zhu Yuanzhang finally remembered a very important thing, which was to hold a wedding for King Wei!

So, Zhu Yuanzhang had an additional task on his desk, which was to prepare for the wedding of King Wei!

However, Zhu Yuanzhang was used to being a hands-off boss, so he let the crown prince Zhu Biao help with this job, while he just kept to himself.

Just as everyone was jubilant, a fast horse rushed into the imperial city and found Zhu Yuanzhang directly. It said anxiously: "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened. Mu Ying is dead!"

"What! What did you say?" Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes suddenly widened, his face filled with shock!

Ever since the south surrendered to the Ming Dynasty, he asked Mu Ying to guard the border for the Ming Dynasty. He was also one of the ministers he relied on most!

No, he is no longer considered a minister. You have to know that Mu Ying is his first godson. If it were not for his status as Zhu Biao's eldest son, Mu Ying would be the boss of these princes!

Perhaps he was too excited, so that the teacup in his hand fell to the ground with a bang and broke into several pieces. Hot water gushed out and the tea splashed on his dragon robe, but he was completely unaware of it. His eyes were fixed on the guard who came to report the news, and his eyes seemed to be spewing flames!

"Mu Ying... is dead?" Zhu Yuanzhang's voice trembled. "How is it possible? He was in his prime, how could he..."

Perhaps even Zhu Yuanzhang did not realize that his words were filled with shock and a hint of subtle fear!

emperor!

Are you actually afraid?

The guard practically lay prone on the ground, his voice trembling. He didn't even dare to raise his head as he spoke tremblingly, "Your Majesty, General Mu suddenly fell ill while inspecting the border. He couldn't get treatment in time, so..."

His voice became lower and lower, until it was almost inaudible.

With every word he spoke, he could feel the pressure on his head getting stronger. By the time he finished speaking, his head was pressed firmly against the ground, and his back was almost soaked with cold sweat.

Zhu Yuanzhang's face was filled with shock. He staggered back two steps and subconsciously held onto the imperial desk with his hands to avoid falling to the ground in embarrassment. However, he didn't realize that his hands were also trembling!

He is really afraid of seeing his loved ones die before him!

Is this the price of becoming emperor?

Mu Ying was his adopted son and one of his most trusted generals.

Over the years, Mu Ying fought in many battles, making great contributions to the Ming Dynasty. Now that the Northern Yuan Dynasty has just been pacified and it is the time to recruit talents, he left like this!

For a moment, he found it difficult to accept this cruel reality.

"Call the imperial physician!" Zhu Yuanzhang seemed to have suddenly realized something and shouted to the eunuchs kneeling on the ground, "Investigate immediately. Send the imperial physician to Kuncheng immediately. I want to know how Mu Ying died!"

After a pause, he said with a gloomy face, "Take the Jinyiwei with you. If there is any suspicion, arrest them all! Until the investigation is complete!"

The guards quickly took the order and left.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat dejectedly on the dragon throne, and the image of Mu Ying when he was young emerged in his mind.

At that time, Mu Ying was still an orphan. He was adopted as his adopted son and followed him in his battles. Every time, Mu Ying was always at the front. He was covered with scars, but he never complained. He was very brave and fearless. He made great military achievements, but he was not arrogant. This was also one of his prides!

After pacifying the south, he let Del serve as the governor of Kuncheng for a period of time. Later, when Del was unable to bear the heavy responsibility, Zhu Yuanzhang personally recruited troops and sent Mu Ying to Kuncheng to guard the border for this huge empire!

Mu Ying had no complaints about this and was willing to share Jun's worries.

This is also one of the things that makes Zhu Yuanzhang feel happiest. In addition to the Huaixi nobles who are now corrupt and only know how to eat, drink and have fun, those who followed him to conquer the world also include godsons and grandsons like Mu Ying who help him solve problems!

Da da da--

A crisp sound of footsteps was heard!

Then, Crown Prince Zhu Biao hurried over. As soon as he entered the imperial study, he said to Zhu Yuanzhang, "Father, I heard that Mu Ying..."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, indicating that he didn't need to say more.

Seeing this, Zhu Biao stood silently by, his eyes filled with grief in an instant.

"Biao'er..." Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly spoke, turned his head to look at Zhu Biao, and said with a doubtful expression: "Do you think Mu Ying's death was really just an acute illness?"

Hearing this, Zhu Biao was stunned for a moment, frowned slightly and said: "Father means..."

"Mu Ying has always been in good health, how could he suddenly die of illness..." Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes, a murderous light gradually emanated from them, and his voice became colder and colder.

"It's best not to let me find out that Mu Ying was murdered! Otherwise, I won't mind setting up another big prison!"

"Hundreds of thousands, millions, I will kill them all the same!"

Everyone who is familiar with Zhu Yuanzhang knows that when Zhu Yuanzhang calls himself "Zhen", that is when he is most angry!

Zhu Biao was infected by this murderous aura, and his heart sank slightly. After a while, he nodded and said, "Then I will send someone to investigate!"

"No need, I have already asked the Jinyiwei to go!" Zhu Yuanzhang said!

Zhu Biao's heart sank and he wanted to say something, but when the words came to his lips, he didn't know what to say!

Then, there was a sudden silence in the imperial study!

It was unknown how long it took before Zhu Biao took his leave. At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang was sitting alone in the imperial study, looking at the moonlight outside the window, with an ominous premonition in his heart.

He always felt that Mu Ying's death was just the beginning and a bigger storm was brewing.

Moreover, the uneasiness in his heart became stronger and stronger, almost making him feel uncomfortable!

At this moment, a young eunuch came running in: "Your Majesty, His Royal Highness the Prince of Qin requests an audience."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned: "It's so late, what is he doing here?"

"His Highness said he has something important to report."

"Xuan."

Soon, Zhu Chong walked quickly into the imperial study.

After entering the study, Zhu Chong bowed deeply towards Zhu Yuanzhang's seat. The moment he lowered his head, his expression was solemn, but a barely perceptible light flashed in his eyes.

But the moment he stood up, his expression returned to normal.

"Cong'er, why do you come to the palace so late at night? Is there anything important?" Zhu Yuanzhang noticed that his son was acting abnormally. After thinking about it, he took the initiative to ask!

Zhu Chong also looked up at Zhu Yuanzhang. He naturally didn't know that his thoughts had been seen through long ago. He said very calmly: "Your son just received news that the remnants of the Northern Yuan Dynasty have made unusual movements."

Zhu Yuanzhang was somewhat surprised when he heard this. He said in astonishment, "What? Haven't the Yuan people been wiped out? The victory report clearly states it. Could this be faked?"

There was a hint of anger in his voice at this moment!

Zhu Di also noticed this and after a moment's silence, he said, "I'm not very clear about the specific situation. I just learned of these disturbances and hurried here to report to you, Father. So far, I've heard that a remnant of the army has fled into the mountains and is gathering strength."

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes and stared at Zhu Chong for a long time.

He suddenly realized that his son seemed more unfathomable than he had imagined.

Because even he didn't know this news!

He has the most powerful intelligence network in the world, the Jinyiwei!

"Shuang'er," Zhu Yuanzhang said slowly, "Do you think this incident is related to Mu Ying's death?"

A flicker of surprise flashed across Zhu Chong's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. "I dare not speculate. However... there is something strange about this."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, already having a plan in mind.

He took a deep breath, waved his hand calmly, and said, "Okay! You can go down first. I will take care of this matter."

Zhu Chong was silent for a while, and finally raised his head, ready to say something, but seeing Zhu Yuanzhang's expression, he held back, nodded gently, and said, "Your son will take his leave!"

After walking out of the imperial study, Zhu Chong's mouth corners slightly raised, and his lowered head revealed a meaningful smile.

Inside the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang felt increasingly uneasy as he pondered the situation. He then shouted, "Come here, tell Xu Da and Tang He to come to the palace immediately!"

Following Zhu Yuanzhang's order, the entire palace became bustling with activity. Two veteran generals, Xu Da and Tang He, entered the palace overnight and stood solemnly before Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Your Majesty, I wonder what important matter you summoned me for so late at night?" Xu Da asked with a bow.

Zhu Yuanzhang's face was gloomy, and he said slowly: "Mu Ying is dead."

"What?" Xu Da and Tang He exclaimed simultaneously, disbelief written all over their faces. Mu Ying was not only Zhu Yuanzhang's adopted son, but also an indispensable pillar of the army. His death was undoubtedly a heavy blow.

"Not only that," Zhu Yuanzhang continued, "there have been unusual movements among the remnants of the Northern Yuan army. Zhu Chong just reported that a group of remnants have fled into the mountains and are gathering strength."

Tang He frowned and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, this is very strange. General Mu Ying was in his prime, how could he suddenly die? And the remnants of the Northern Yuan Dynasty had just been eliminated, how could they start to move so quickly? I'm afraid these two things are not coincidences."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, a cold glint in his eyes: "I think so too. Mu Ying's death is probably not that simple. Therefore, during this period of time, you must be careful and cautious!"

Tang He and Xu Da looked at each other and saw the solemnity in each other's eyes!

At the same time, Zhu Chong returned to his residence, still wearing that meaningful smile on his face. He walked into the study and clapped his hands lightly. A man in black appeared silently in front of him.

"Your Highness, it's been done." The man in black said in a low voice.

Zhu Chong nodded, a cold look flashing in his eyes. "Very good. With Mu Ying's death, the situation in the north will become even more complicated. Father will certainly be suspicious of the remnants of the Northern Yuan Dynasty, and we can take this opportunity to further weaken the power of the King of Wei."

The man in black asked respectfully, "Your Highness, what should we do next?"

Zhu Chong smiled faintly, a sinister glint in his eyes. "Continue to spread the news that the remnants of the Northern Yuan are gathering their forces and preparing for a counterattack. At the same time, secretly contact those court officials who are dissatisfied with the King of Wei, and have them put pressure on the court to force the emperor to take more severe measures against the Northern Yuan."

The man in black nodded in acceptance and then disappeared into the darkness.

Zhu Chong stood in front of the window, looking at the imperial palace in the distance, with a slight smile on his face. He knew that he was getting closer and closer to that location.

A few days later, the situation in the court suddenly changed.

A group of military generals, led by Emperor Shengzong of Tang, submitted memorials to Zhu Yuanzhang, urging him to take more severe measures against the remnants of the Northern Yuan Dynasty. However, the civil officials opposed this, believing that the war had just ended and that it was time to rest and recuperate rather than engage in further fighting.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne, watching the debate in the court coldly, but he couldn't help sneering in his heart.

He knew that there was probably someone behind all this, fanning the flames.

"Enough!" Zhu Yuanzhang slammed the dragon throne, and the court suddenly fell silent.

"I will make my own decision on the matter of the remnants of the Northern Yuan Dynasty. As for the cause of Mu Ying's death, it is under investigation and I believe there will be a result soon." Zhu Yuanzhang said coldly, and then waved his hand, "Dismiss the court!"

The court officials looked at each other and withdrew one after another.

Zhu Yuanzhang returned to the imperial study alone, and the ominous premonition in his heart became stronger and stronger.

Just then, Xu Da and Tang He hurried over with solemn looks on their faces.

"Your Majesty, the cause of General Mu Ying's death has been found out." Xu Da said in a low voice.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked up suddenly: "Speak!"

Tang He stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "General Mu Ying didn't die of an acute illness, but rather of poisoning. We found a deadly poison in his food, and the person who poisoned him was none other than one of his closest associates."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes flashed with murderous intent: "Where is that confidant?"

Xu Da shook his head. "He committed suicide. However, we found some clues in his residence that seem to be related to the remnants of the Northern Yuan Dynasty."

Zhu Yuanzhang sneered, "As expected. It seems the remnants of the Northern Yuan Dynasty are unwilling to accept defeat and actually dare to attack my adopted son! They are truly courting death!"

Tang He hesitated for a moment and whispered, "Your Majesty, this matter is probably not that simple. Although that confidant has connections with the remnants of the Northern Yuan Dynasty, there seems to be someone else behind him."

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes: "What do you mean?"

Xu Da and Tang He exchanged a glance and said in unison, "I'm afraid this matter involves the powerful officials in the court."

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, then waved his hand and said, "You can go down first. I have my own plans."