Daming: Brother, there is no future for monks, let's rebel

After receiving the order, Deputy General Zhang quickly assembled a smart and capable reconnaissance team to go deep behind enemy lines and establish contact with local people. Before leaving, he specifically reported the detailed action plan to Zhu Biao and asked for further instructions.

"Your Highness, we plan to act in three groups. Each team will have five people. We will go to different villages to contact the people there and investigate the enemy situation at the same time." Lieutenant General Zhang said as he showed the map, tapping his fingers on several key locations.

Zhu Biao carefully examined the map, nodded slightly, and added: "Very good, but you must remember that safety comes first. When interacting with the people, you must remain humble and respectful, and let them feel our sincerity and determination."

"I understand. We will complete the mission with minimal noise and ensure that every team member can escape safely." Deputy General Zhang responded firmly.

Zhu Biao nodded with satisfaction and patted Deputy General Zhang on the shoulder: "Go ahead, believe in your ability. Remember, the intelligence you bring back is of vital importance to us."

Lieutenant General Zhang bowed and then led the team into the morning mist, beginning their secret mission.

As Deputy General Zhang and his entourage left, the army continued on its journey. During the march, Zhu Biao communicated with the generals from time to time to understand the status of the soldiers, and at the same time he was silently calculating the next strategic deployment in his mind.

One afternoon, the army passed through a dense forest and came to an open area. Just as everyone was taking a short break, a scout hurried over and reported nervously: "Your Highness, we found traces of an unknown force ahead. There are quite a few people with different equipment. It seems that they are not our army."

Zhu Biao frowned when he heard this and quickly called the generals to discuss countermeasures. He stood on a high ground, looking at the smoke and dust in the distance, and said in a deep voice: "This force came strangely, we must deal with it carefully."

General Li asked, "Your Highness, who could this force be? Could it be reinforcements from the enemy?"

Zhu Biao shook his head, his eyes deep: "Not necessarily. The terrain here is complicated. It could be local armed forces or bandits from other forces. Pass the order down, the entire army is ready for battle, and at the same time send scouts to further investigate their identities and intentions."

Soon, the scout returned again with more detailed intelligence: "Your Highness, that force seems to be a temporary patchwork of multiple small forces. Among them are mountain people, deserters, and even a few enemy soldiers. Their goal seems to be to rob passing merchants and troops."

Zhu Biao was moved when he heard this, and said to the generals: "Although this force is mixed, it lacks a unified command. This is a good opportunity for us to defeat them one by one. Pass the order down, the entire army will be divided into several teams, each led by a capable general, and adopt the tactics of encirclement and division, and we must capture them all in one fell swoop."

Upon hearing this, all the generals nodded, their eyes flashing with fighting spirit and determination. They quickly followed Zhu Biao's instructions and divided the army into several elite teams, each led by an experienced general, preparing to implement a tactic of encirclement and division against the mixed forces.

Zhu Biao stood on the high ground, looking at the troops ready to go, and said in a steady and powerful voice: "Commendants, although this battle is not a direct battlefield, it is also related to the dignity of our Ming Dynasty and the safety of our soldiers. We must be careful and cautious, both to show the military power of our Ming Dynasty and to ensure the safety of every soldier."

Deputy General Zhang stepped forward and clasped his fists, saying, "Don't worry, Your Highness. I will live up to my mission and ensure that I complete it!"

"Good!" Zhu Biao nodded approvingly. "The operation begins. Report the battle situation at any time."

Following Zhu Biao's order, the teams quickly moved, rushing towards the mixed forces like arrows from a bow. Zhu Biao stayed in high place, keeping in touch with all parties through messengers, and paying close attention to the changes in the battle situation.

Soon, the first squad encountered the enemy, and a fierce battle broke out instantly. Deputy General Zhang's voice came through the messenger, a little hurried but unusually firm: "Report to Your Highness, we have exchanged fire with the enemy. Although the enemy has a large number of people, their organization is loose, and they are being gradually divided and surrounded by us."

Zhu Biao felt relieved after hearing this and replied in a deep voice: "Continue to maintain the high pressure situation and make sure to annihilate the enemy completely. Don't let any of them escape."

As the battle continued, each team reported victory, and the mixed forces gradually collapsed under the precise attack of the Ming army. Zhu Biao stood on the high ground, receiving the battle report from the front through the messenger, with a satisfied smile on his face.

"Pass the order down, each team must ensure that the battle is completely over and no future troubles are left." Zhu Biao ordered in a deep voice, his tone revealing unquestionable majesty.

The messenger quickly conveyed the order to each squad, and the battle soon entered its final stage. The soldiers were in high spirits, and as long as they held on for a while longer, they could completely eliminate this threat and add another layer of security to the peace of the Ming border.

Soon, Vice Admiral Zhang came in person to report: "Your Highness, all the enemies have been annihilated, not a single one escaped. Our casualties were minor and have been properly handled."

Zhu Biao nodded and gave Lieutenant General Zhang an approving look: "Well done, Lieutenant General Zhang. You have made great contributions in this battle. I will definitely reward you after returning to Beijing."

Deputy General Zhang bowed his head modestly and said, "I dare not take credit for this. It is all thanks to your highness's good command and the soldiers' sacrifices that brought us this victory."

"Generals, this battle is small but of great significance." Zhu Biao's voice is steady and powerful. "It not only tests our combat effectiveness, but also allows us to see the power of unity and courage to fight. The journey ahead may be even more difficult, but as long as we maintain this spirit, there will be no difficulties that we cannot overcome."

The generals nodded in agreement, their eyes gleaming with determination. "Next, we must continue to strengthen reconnaissance work to ensure timely grasp of the enemy's situation." Zhu Biao continued, "At the same time, we must also pay attention to contact with local people and win their support. This will not only reduce our logistical burden, but also obtain valuable intelligence at critical moments."

The generals all expressed that they would strictly follow His Highness's instructions to ensure the safety and smooth progress of the army.

As time went by, the army finally arrived at an important stronghold in the border area. This place is difficult to defend and is one of the enemy's important defense lines. Zhu Biao stood on the high ground and looked at the enemy camp in front of him, with a determined light in his eyes.

"Pass the order, the whole army should be ready for battle." Zhu Biao ordered in a deep voice, "We must take this stronghold as quickly as possible and at the lowest cost." As Zhu Biao's order resounded through the sky, the intensity of the battle between the two armies instantly reached its peak. On the battlefield, arrows were like dense raindrops, cutting through the sky and hitting the enemy camp with a piercing whistle. The Ming soldiers, with their indestructible will, brandished their weapons and engaged in close combat with the enemy.

"Hold your ground, don't panic!" Deputy General Wang's voice echoed in the right wing troops. He held a spear in his hand and led the troops. Every thrust was precise and powerful, hitting the enemy's vital points. The soldiers around him were encouraged and their morale was boosted. They followed his steps and advanced step by step.

At the same time, General Li on the left wing led his troops to flexibly shuttle between the hills. They took advantage of the terrain to effectively harass and contain the enemy. "Brothers, come on, our target is their rear!" General Li shouted loudly, his voice was full of unquestionable majesty and determination, inspiring every soldier to move forward courageously.

The enemy's formation began to become chaotic under the attack from both sides. Seeing this, their commander hurriedly shouted loudly, trying to stabilize the morale of the army: "Hold steady, don't panic! Gather defense and prepare to counterattack!" However, the offensive of the Ming army surged like a tide, making it impossible for them to organize an effective resistance.

At this moment, an enemy general broke through the siege and headed straight for Zhu Biao, obviously wanting to capture the leader first!
"Protect His Highness!" Upon seeing this, a general stepped forward without hesitation and blocked the enemy general's path with his sword. The two men instantly engaged in a fierce battle, with swords flashing and the sound of metal clashing ringing incessantly.

"Good job!" Zhu Biao couldn't help but cheer loudly. He raised the flag in his hand and shouted loudly: "For the Ming Dynasty, for victory, charge!"

Encouraged by Zhu Biao, the morale of the Ming army was greatly boosted. Like a tiger descending from a mountain, they launched a final charge against the enemy. After a fierce battle, the enemy finally collapsed, discarding their armor and weapons and fleeing in all directions. The Ming army took advantage of the victory to pursue and annihilate the remaining enemy troops one by one.

"Your Highness, we did it!" A soldier covered in blood but still smiling walked up to Zhu Biao and said excitedly, "For the Ming Dynasty, all this is worth it!"

Zhu Biao held his hand tightly, tears in his eyes: "Yes, you did it! It is your courage and persistence that allow us to stand here and watch this land belong to us again. Every soldier who shed blood and sacrificed for the Ming Dynasty will be remembered by history."

At this time, General Li and Vice General Wang also stepped forward, their faces also full of fatigue and pride. "Your Highness, what should we do next?" General Li asked.

Zhu Biao took a deep breath, his eyes determined: "We must not only defend this stronghold, but also use it as a springboard to continue to advance deep into the enemy's territory. We must completely break their defense line and let the enemy know that the Ming army is invincible!"

Upon hearing this, Vice General Wang's eyes flashed with excitement: "Great! I can't wait to do something big! Brothers, don't you agree?!"

The soldiers around responded one after another, their morale high: "Yes! We swear to follow your Highness until death and expand the territory for the Ming Dynasty!"

Zhu Biao smiled and nodded. He turned to Deputy General Zhang and said, "Deputy General Zhang, you must immediately organize people to clean up the battlefield, treat the wounded, and strengthen the defenses of the stronghold to ensure the stability of our rear."

"I obey your command!" Lieutenant General Zhang responded and quickly organized the soldiers to take action.

Zhu Han was deeply worried when he learned about the serious situation of the war on the border. So he decided to ask His Majesty to go to the border in person to help the prince.

The next morning, Zhu Han, dressed in court robes, walked firmly into the palace to meet His Majesty. In the imperial study, His Majesty was reviewing memorials with his head down. When he saw Zhu Han coming, he put down his pen, looked up and asked, "Brother Han, what are you doing here?"

Zhu Han bowed and said sincerely, "Your Majesty, I heard that the war on the border is tense and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is leading the troops alone. I am very worried. Although the Crown Prince is brave, the situation on the border is complicated and changeable. I petition to go to the border in person to lend a helping hand to the Crown Prince."

His Majesty frowned upon hearing this, and after a moment of contemplation, he said, "Brother Han, you are an important official in the court, and you are busy with government affairs. There are generals to deal with the border wars. Why do you have to take risks yourself?"

Zhu Han raised his head, his eyes firm. "Your Majesty, although I am not a military officer, I have been in politics for many years and I understand the situation on the border. More importantly, I am willing to share your worries and the responsibility for your Highness the Crown Prince. Border affairs are related to the safety of the country. How can I sit idly by and do nothing?"

His Majesty looked at Zhu Han's determined eyes, and a warm current surged in his heart. He knew Zhu Han's loyalty and responsibility, and he also understood his influence in the court. After a moment, His Majesty nodded slowly: "Brother Han, I know what you mean. If you go to the border, you can indeed stabilize the morale of the army and help the prince. But remember, you must take care of yourself and return safely."

On the way to the border, Zhu Han and his trusted staff rode in a carriage. The atmosphere in the carriage was solemn and full of strategic discussions. Zhu Han sat in the main seat, his eyes were sharp, and he stared at the scenery passing by the window from time to time. In his mind, he had already drawn a blueprint for the battlefield layout.

"Staff Li, you are most familiar with the terrain of the border. In your opinion, how should our army's marching route be adjusted to avoid areas where the enemy may set up ambushes?" Zhu Han's voice was steady and powerful, revealing unquestionable majesty.

Upon hearing this, Li Mujiao hurriedly replied respectfully: "Master Han is wise. In my humble opinion, we should go around the foot of Nanshan Mountain. The terrain there is steep and difficult for the enemy to ambush, and it can also shorten the journey. However, the mountain road is rugged, so we need to be more careful."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, expressing his agreement: "Well, this is a great plan. Pass the order down, the entire army will change its route to Nanshan, and must be cautious to ensure the safety of the march."

At this time, another staff member, Mr. Zhang, interrupted and said, "Lord Han, we still need to consider the issue of food and fodder supply. The journey is long and there are few villages along the way. I am afraid it will be difficult to collect enough supplies."

Zhu Han frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and made a decisive decision: "Send a pigeon immediately to order the rear to speed up the preparation of food and grass. At the same time, send a small group of troops to explore the situation along the way and find possible supply points. We must ensure that the food route is unobstructed."

As the carriage moved forward, night fell quietly. Zhu Han ordered his men to set up camp in a relatively safe open area to rest. He gathered the generals around the campfire and continued to discuss the war.

"Generals, tomorrow we will be crossing a dense forest, which is a traditional ambush area for the enemy. We must be vigilant and be fully prepared." Zhu Han's voice was particularly clear and powerful in the night. A brave general, General Zhao, stood up and asked for orders: "Don't worry, Lord Han, I am willing to lead a team of elite soldiers to explore the way first and ensure the safe passage of the army." (End of this chapter)