Daming: I am the Crown Prince

Zhu Yunhuan may indeed need to think about some things more comprehensively, but the good news is that even if he has not done some things perfectly now, fortunately there have been no mistakes.

This can naturally be regarded as an improvement, mainly because he is striving to do better, rather than just getting by, and not thinking that it is okay to just muddle through some things.

When I returned to the East Palace, it still looked like a place of peace and prosperity.

Zhu Youling was in a good mood. She was training the maids. On the one hand, she was preparing to take them with her when she got married. On the other hand, she felt that after she got married, these maids would have to take good care of Zhu Yunhuan.

"Come with me to Duke Wei's place tomorrow if you have nothing to do." Zhu Yunhuan said with a smile, but then he couldn't help complaining, "Second sister, do you think that my eldest sister can't take care of us anymore after getting married? It's only been a short time, let alone wanting to come back, she doesn't even bother to send a message back."

Zhu Youling also complained, "That's right! Big sister really forgot about the two of us. She must be busy getting along with her brother-in-law. And little sister-in-law, she was so happy when she was in the East Palace, but she doesn't want to come back after getting married."

Zhu Yunxun couldn't help but complain, "My aunt has a child now, after all. I'm too lazy to say anything. You mustn't be like this. After all, this is your mother's home."

Zhu Youling just smiled and didn't say anything, and he didn't seem to have much confidence.

Zhu Yunhuan was even more speechless when he saw this. This was really the case of a daughter who is married off and is like water spilled. She hasn't even married yet.

Zhu Yunhuan thought of something and said, "My brother-in-law will probably join the army this time. If you don't like it, just stay."

Zhu Youling immediately asked, "Join the army? Are you going to train or to fight?"

"Fighting." Zhu Yunhuan replied, "There is a Tusi rebellion in Guangxi, and we are busy mobilizing troops today. Whether it is my eldest brother-in-law or my future second brother-in-law, it is best for them to send troops."

Zhu Youling said quickly, "This is a serious matter, so you don't need to tell me. Besides, my elder sister and brother-in-law are newlyweds and need to take care of important matters. My little matter is nothing."

Zhu Yunhuan nodded and said, "It should not delay your marriage. Xu Huizu will be the general on this trip."

Although Zhu Youling was not very sensitive to many political issues, when he heard Zhu Yunhuan say this, he probably knew that there would definitely be a big war on this trip.

It would be a lie to say that he was not worried, but Zhu Youling still had a sense of the general situation and was aware that some state affairs could not be handled arbitrarily.

A new day began. Before dawn, Zhu Yunhuan got up and prepared to attend the morning court.

This time, Zhu Yuanzhang appeared in the court, probably because the situation in Guangxi was not small, and he, as the emperor, still needed to stay in charge. To be more precise, he wanted to support Zhu Yunhuan.

The Five Military Commanders' Office had already known about the border situation, but many civil officials were still unaware of it. That is, when the civil officials were reporting on the matter, they were shocked and knew about the border situation.

Now it was Zhu Yunhuan's turn to perform. Yesterday's events had been arranged almost entirely. Now he just had to announce it again in the court and let the civil servants cooperate. This was obviously enough.

After the court session, Zhu Yunhuan was not idle either, and prepared to leave the palace directly.

After picking up Zhu Youling, he went straight to the Prince of Zhongshan's Palace, also known as the Duke of Wei's Palace, as there was some important business to do.

Although the Xu family is now considered a split family, Xu Yingxu and Xu Zengshou have both returned to the palace. After all, there are still some big things to happen.

When Zhu Yunhuan arrived at the palace, he naturally had to follow certain etiquette, and there was nothing wrong with that.

Zhu Yunxun opened his mouth and said, "Those who are not important can go down."

Including the female family members, those who should leave must leave at this time.

Looking at the three brothers of the Xu family, Zhu Yunhuan said with a smile, "Duke Wei is preparing to go to war, and you two will have to stay in Beijing."

Xu Yingxu said, "Your Highness, I am willing to follow the army."

Xu Zengshou also said, "Your Highness, I think so too."

Zhu Yunhuan smiled and said, "There is no need for you to go together. I am not going to keep you as hostages."

Zhu Yunhuan's words made it difficult for the three brothers of the Xu family to respond, but this has been the case many times since ancient times. When a general led troops outside, his family members would naturally stay in the capital. This could be considered a group of hostages.

Sometimes it was quite helpless. Zhu Yunhuan could make jokes, but others didn't dare to join in.

Looking at Xu Huizu, Zhu Yunhuan asked, "You are in charge of the army this time, so you must be steady. You don't have to worry too much. No matter how long it takes or how many enemies you kill, as long as you win, that's all."

Xu Huizu immediately replied with great respect, "I understand."

Logically speaking, you shouldn't put too much pressure on a general before he sends his troops out, but that's not necessarily the case.

The army naturally wants to win when it goes out to fight, but many generals will have a series of concerns, such as worrying about logistics, suspicion from the imperial court, or a series of other pressures.

But Xu Huizu obviously doesn't need to worry. It doesn't matter how long he fights, as long as he doesn't do anything out of the ordinary. He doesn't need to win quickly or in one battle. He is good at steady and cautious fighting.

Zhu Yunhuan continued, "My grandfather also told me yesterday that we should not show mercy to those evil chieftains. It is not easy for me to command them from such a long distance. When you get there, you will not only be given the seal of a general, but you will also be in charge of many things. Please pay attention to the layout of all the passes and garrisons."

Xu Huizu's eyes lit up. Lan Yu had planned a series of garrison construction and layout after suppressing the rebellion of Jianchang Guard. This was real power, which also showed the trust of the emperor and the grandson.

Zhu Yunhuan continued to say to Xu Huizu, "There are also a group of noble children accompanying the army. You must keep a close eye on them. Tell me which ones are useful and worth using when you come back."

Although this was an offensive matter, Xu Huizu still said firmly, "I understand."

Xu Huizu is really not afraid of offending people.

Because his father was Xu Da, King of Zhongshan, because he was Duke of Wei, and because he was the eldest brother of the Crown Princess.

Zhu Yunhuan took a look and said to Xu Zengshou, "You follow Chen Xuan to dredge the canal and build a city and set up a garrison in Tianjin. You follow him."

Xu Zengshou immediately accepted the order, "I obey your order."

After thinking for a while, Zhu Yunhuan said, "Don't worry about breaking taboos. If we really go to Tianjin, it won't be far from Beiping." Xu Zengshou immediately knelt down, looking very terrified, "Your Highness, please understand. I was born in the Zhongshan Palace. How can I have private contact with the prince?"

Zhu Yunhuan couldn't help but look at Xu Zengshou. This was a man in history who was Zhu Di's accomplice and he didn't seem to regret even losing his life.

But it's normal to think about it. Zhu Di has no reason to start a rebellion now. As for Xu Zengshou, there is no reason for him to think about secretly helping his brother-in-law.

Zhu Yunxun looked at Xu Yingxu and said with a smile, "I am very satisfied with your work in the past few years. My grandfather often praised the King of Zhongshan for his good family education and strict family tradition. You will be promoted to the deputy commander of the Central Army, or the commander-in-chief. Tell me, what do you think?"

Xu Yingxu immediately knelt down and said, "Your Highness, I am willing to serve as the deputy commander of the Fujian Provincial Command."

Zhu Yunhuan was immediately amused. "The assistant magistrate of the Central Military Governor's Office is of the first second rank, and the deputy commander of the military governor's office is of the second rank. Besides, serving in the Five Military Governor's Office is also considered a Beijing official. If a Beijing official is not demoted to a commoner, how can his rank be lowered?"

Xu Yingxu immediately replied, "Your Highness, I have received the emperor's grace many times, but I cannot repay it. I should be loyal to my duties and dare not shirk them. However, I have no military merits and have never been on the battlefield. How can I bear the heavy responsibility of a military commander? I am willing to be the deputy commander of the military commander, and repay the emperor's grace after some experience!"

Xu Huizu also immediately stepped forward and knelt down, "Your Highness, I understand what my brother said. The Duzhishisi is too heavy a responsibility for him to bear. Besides, my brother's official position is not high, and it is not a good thing to promote him suddenly. I hope Your Highness will show mercy!"

Others are all eager to get promoted and seek official positions in order to make progress, but the Xu brothers don't seem to care at all about the second-rank position they have obtained.

But this is also a smart approach. The Xu family does not need a second-rank commander-in-chief, because it is just an empty shell. The Five Military Commandery has a large number of officials with hidden positions, and their ranks are all frighteningly high, on the same level as the six ministers, but so what?
Without real power, it is just an empty shell, it just sounds better when it is said.

Xu Yingxu has made a good choice now, becoming the second-in-command of Fujian Dusi, where he can gain experience. With his status, the first-in-command would not dare to embarrass him, and he can indeed get a lot of tasks there.

What's more, many people are aware of Zhu Yunhuan's emphasis on Fujian and Guangzhou, and they also know that the crown prince seems to be interested in opening up the sea and fighting the Japanese pirates. Therefore, Zhejiang, Fujian and other places are places that some children of nobles are envious of, and it is easy to achieve success there.

Xu Yingxu had been to Fujian before, and now Chang Sen, the third master of the Chang family, is also building large ships and recruiting boatmen in Fujian.

Now it seems that being a deputy officer of the Central Military Governor's Office is a good opportunity, but Xu Yingxu thinks that he is still young and has a chance to make achievements. If this is the case, then of course he must seize the opportunity to try his luck.

Not even thirty yet, Xu Yingxu still felt he could give it a try.

After arranging some things, Zhu Yunhuan said to Xu Huizu, "Where is Miao Jin?"

Xu Yingxu and Xu Zengshou were very tactful and left immediately. They were of course happy to see Zhu Yunhuan and Xu Miaojin getting along well.

Xu Huizu said, "My wife and Miao Jin are probably accompanying the princess."

Zhu Yunhuan looked around and said, "I have been to the palace several times, but I have never looked around. How about this, let Miao Jin come over and walk around with me."

Xu Huizu was naturally happy to see this happen, and immediately sent someone to pass on the message.

Xu Miaojin had no embarrassment and came over with ease. However, she was still a little shy when she saw the smiling Zhu Yunhuan.

Zhu Yunhuan took the initiative to speak, saying, "Take me around, I have never seen the Zhongshan Palace."

Xu Miaojin walked ahead naturally, "Your Highness, please follow me to have a look around. I just wonder where you want to go?"

Zhu Yunhuan said, "Just walk around, go to the garden or the study. There's nothing else to do, just walk around and talk."

Xu Huizu next to him immediately said, "Your Highness, I will take my leave now."

Zhu Yunhuan waved his hand decisively and said, "Just leave. There's no need for you to follow me here."

He was totally a dandy, even a little bit ignorant of etiquette. Not only did he say that he wanted to be alone with his wife when he arrived at the girl's house, but he also said that he wanted to be alone with his wife. This was simply lawless.

Zhu Yunxun followed behind Xu Miaojin and asked, "Did my second sister say anything to you?"

Xu Miaojin asked in confusion, "Your Highness, the Princess didn't say anything."

Zhu Yunhuan underestimated his sister. "I came here for no other reason than that your elder brother is going to lead the army. There is a rebellion in Guangxi, and the court is going to appoint your elder brother as the general."

Xu Miaojin's eyes lit up, and he immediately smiled and said, "Although my eldest brother has never led an army, he has been carefully taught by my father since he was young. If he is assisted by a veteran general, I believe he will definitely be able to take on the important task."

Zhu Yunxun smiled and asked, "You seem to have a lot of confidence in him. Tell me why you think so?"

In fact, Xu Da did teach Xu Huizu carefully, and Xu Huizu also went out with him when he was young, but his battlefield experience was limited. On the other hand, Xu Da also fought in many battles in his early years and did not have much time to teach him step by step.

Xu Miaojin said, "Big brother has always been calm and composed, and his military tactics are similar to my father's. If you lead the army, you will definitely use a steady and balanced approach. If you have enough soldiers and supplies, you will surely win."

Zhu Yunxun smiled and said to Xu Miaojin, "My elder sister and second sister were always praised as female Zhuge Liang before, but everyone knew it was a joke. You have a good insight, and my grandfather said the same thing."

Xu Miaojin quickly said modestly, "Your Highness, thank you for your compliment. I only said this because I know my eldest brother well."

Zhu Yunxun said seriously, "The lineage of the King of Zhongshan and the Duke of Wei's mansion will ultimately be taken up by your eldest brother. I have thought a lot about appointing him as the commander this time. The scale of the battle is not large, and there are veteran generals to assist, so we should not be defeated."

Xu Miaojin smiled and said, "That's true. The court has won every victory in recent years, so there won't be any problems."

It is true that there is nothing wrong with saying this. The last time the Ming army failed was in the fifth year of Hongwu. Not only did the armies of Xu Da, Feng Sheng, and Li Wenzhong fail to defeat Wang Baobao, they also suffered heavy casualties.

Zhu Yunhuan looked at Xu Miaojin and said, "Take care of the affairs of the mansion these days. He will lead the army to fight in two days."

Xu Miaojin understood, "I understand."

Talking to smart people is worry-free. Zhu Yunhuan also said with a smile, "That's fine. If your eldest brother returns to Beijing with a great victory before the end of the year, he can still make it in time for our wedding. My eldest sister doesn't want to come back to the palace often after she got married, and my second sister is not much better. You can interact with them more often when you have nothing to do. My two brothers-in-law are also going to the battle this time."

Xu Miaojin smiled with her lips pursed and her head lowered. She was still somewhat envious of the relationship between Zhu Yunhuan and the two princesses. After all, there were still many rules in her family. (End of this chapter)