Daming: After self-explosive time travel, Lao Zhu's mentality collapsed

Eliminating the treacherous officials was only the first step. Next, we had to resist foreign enemies and pacify the border.

Especially Xixia, this serious threat cannot be delayed any longer!
Chu Ze summoned all the generals to discuss military affairs.

"The Xixia bandits have repeatedly invaded our borders. Although they were repelled by our army last time, they are still ambitious and may come back at any time."

Chu Ze looked at the generals with a sharp gaze: "What do you think we should do?"

The ministers discussed the matter and expressed their own opinions.

"I think we should increase the troops on the border and guard the passes strictly. If there is any disturbance, we will strike them head-on!"

"Not right! The Xixia army is brave and good at fighting. If we disperse our forces, we may lose sight of the big picture and fall into their trap!"

"In my opinion, it is better to take the initiative and attack first! Attack them by surprise and go straight to Huanglong!"

Chu Ze listened to everyone's discussion with a frown on his face.

Each option has its pros and cons. Which one is the best choice?

He was lost in thought.

Just then, a voice suddenly sounded.

"I have a plan, but I don't know if I should tell you or not."

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw a short, dark-faced man slowly walking out.

This person was none other than the newly appointed Minister of War, whose surname was Guo and whose name was Huai.

Guo Huai was born in a humble family, but he had great ambitions. In his early years, he had served in frontier garrisons and was familiar with the military situation of Western Xia. Later, he followed Chu Ze in his campaigns and made many military achievements.

Chu Ze's eyes lit up when he heard this: "What do you think, Mr. Guo? Feel free to speak."

Guo Huai bowed and said, "I think it is better to take the initiative to attack rather than passively defend. But it is different from what you gentlemen said."

He slowly raised his head, his eyes sparkling. "I have lived on the border of Western Xia for many years, and I am quite familiar with the terrain, hydrology, and people there. There are three things you must know about Western Xia: first, the land is vast and sparsely populated, making it easy to defend but difficult to attack; second, the people are tough and aggressive; third, the royal family is accustomed to war."

All the ministers were stunned when they heard this.

"But Lord Guo, what you said sounds more like we should not easily use military force against Western Xia?" someone asked puzzledly.

Guo Huai smiled slightly: "That's right. Xixia is not our kind. If we really want to use our troops, it will be a protracted war and our army will suffer heavy losses."

"So what do you mean?" Chu Ze stared at Guo Huai, a gleam in his eyes.

"I think we should choose a roundabout tactic to avoid the sharp edge."

Guo Huai stood at attention and said, "Our army should be divided into two routes: one route will openly repair the plank road, secretly cross Chencang and directly attack the Xixia royal court; the other route will feint to attack the front and attract the enemy's main force."

"In this way, we can avoid direct confrontation and capture the enemy's heart in one fell swoop. By then, Xixia will be in chaos, and our army can take advantage of the situation and annihilate them in one fell swoop!"

This strategy may seem simple, but it is quite scheming. Avoid the real and attack the fake, and use the roundabout way to achieve the direct way. If it succeeds, the war can really be resolved in the shortest possible time!

Chu Ze's eyes also lit up and he nodded repeatedly.

"Great! This is a brilliant plan! As expected of Mr. Guo, you are very resourceful and can predict the enemy's moves!"

He immediately decided: "Follow the advice of Mr. Guo Ai, deploy troops immediately, divide them into two groups, and attack Huanglong directly!"

"I obey your command!" Guo Huai bowed and responded, then turned around and prepared to leave.

"Wait a minute!"

Chu Ze suddenly called him, his eyes sharp.

"Lord Guo, do you have any suitable candidates for these two groups?"

Guo Huai thought for a moment and said in a deep voice, "We must use a large force to attack the royal court. I think the emperor can personally supervise the battle."

"As for pinning down the enemy, we need light cavalry and special forces to disrupt the enemy with guerrilla tactics. The best candidate for this is General Chai Mingyuan!"

Chu Ze was stunned for a moment, then he understood.

Chai Mingyuan, also known by his courtesy name Guanyu, was a fierce general under Chu Ze. He was born in the countryside, was good at riding and shooting, and was familiar with the art of surprise attacks. If we talk about the light cavalry in the army, this man should be the leader.

"Okay! It's settled!" Chu Ze made a prompt decision, "Pass on my imperial decree, order Chai Mingyuan to lead the special forces, set out at night, and attack the border of Western Xia!"

"I will personally lead the army and march forward. On the way, I will cooperate with General Chai from inside and outside to cut off the Xixia bandits' tail and take their souls away, leaving them without a burial place!" "Our emperor is wise! We, the ministers, will follow your orders!"

All the ministers responded in unison, each of them full of fighting spirit.

Soon, the news spread and the whole country was excited.

"Our emperor is wise and powerful. He personally led the expedition to Xixia. What should we, the common people, fear?"

"Our lives will soon get better! As long as we defeat those bandits, why should we worry about not having a peaceful life?"

"My emperor is wise! May the Ming Dynasty prosper forever!"

The voices of the people merged into a mighty torrent. The heartfelt support and expectations filled everyone's heart with strength.

Chu Ze, wearing golden armor, stood in the main hall of the palace. He looked at the cheering crowd below, with mixed feelings in his heart.

He didn't expect that one day, he would stand here and look down on the world in a completely new identity.

The people of the Ming Dynasty placed all their hopes on themselves. They looked forward to and longed for the arrival of a peaceful and prosperous era.

Can I shoulder this heavy responsibility?

Chu Ze clenched his fists.

No, it’s not about whether you can, but you must!

For the people to live and work in peace and happiness, and for the eternal foundation of the Ming Dynasty, I must try my best to win this battle!
"Pass on my command!"

Chu Ze turned around abruptly and looked at the ministers behind him with sharp eyes.

"Order all the soldiers to prepare their horses and be ready for battle at any time. All the civil officials shall perform their duties and provide logistical support for the army."

"The concubines will temporarily manage the harem, and the crown prince will supervise the country. During my absence from the capital, government affairs shall continue as usual, and there must be no mistakes!"

"promise!"

All the ministers responded in unison, and they were all in high spirits.

Chu Ze nodded with satisfaction and his eyes fell on Crown Prince Li Ke again.

"Your Highness, I am going to Xixia this time, and I don't know when I can return. The affairs of the capital all depend on your Highness's attention."

Li Ke bowed and promised: "Your son will follow your father's teachings. Your Majesty, please feel free to go to war. Your son will go all out and live up to your trust!"

Chu Ze patted the prince's shoulder with relief.

Although this boy is still young, he has an open mind and a clever mind. He will surely become a pillar of society in the future!
Thinking of this, Chu Ze felt more at ease.

With such a wise crown prince, I would have no regrets even if I died on the battlefield.

Chu Ze looked around at the ministers again, his eyes sweeping across each of their faces.

After a long pause, he said, "My lords, I and you all shoulder the heavy responsibility of restoring the Ming Dynasty. Although there are many difficulties at the moment, as long as we work together, we will be able to overcome all difficulties and create a prosperous era again!"

"Our emperor is wise! We will serve you wholeheartedly and do our utmost until our death!"

The ministers responded excitedly, and their voices resounded through the sky.

Chu Ze felt relieved. With such a group of loyal ministers, what else did he have to worry about?
He strode down the steps, his eyes determined.

Outside the palace, there were already the sounds of horses neighing, people talking, and dust flying.

A hundred thousand soldiers were ready for battle. War horses were neighing, flags were waving. Every soldier had a determined look on his face, eager to fight.

Chu Ze rode out on his horse and stood in front of the army.

He raised his right hand, the sword shining coldly.

"Soldiers!"

His voice pierced through the smoke and echoed throughout the battlefield.

"Today's battle concerns the fate of our Ming Dynasty! It concerns the safety of millions of people!" (End of this chapter)