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

Chapter 1458 Reporting Back to Brother Chong

Zhu Yuanzhang turned around, his gaze resolute: "Hmph, these Tartars will never again bully my Han people. Issue my orders to strengthen defenses along the border, and at the same time, summon all generals to discuss the construction of the Great Wall."

Before long, generals Tang He, Zhou Dexing, and others arrived at the camp. Zhu Yuanzhang sat in the main seat, with Zhu Qiwu sitting beside him, and the others took their seats in turn.

Zhu Yuanzhang began, "Although the Northern Yuan has been severely weakened, some remnants still cause trouble on the border. To ensure the peace of our Great Ming's borders, I have decided to order the strengthening of frontier defenses and the construction of the Great Wall. What do you all think?"

Xu Da was the first to stand up: "Brother Chongba's plan is excellent. The Great Wall is a powerful weapon to defend against foreign enemies. If it can be built perfectly, it can ensure peace on the border for many years."

Tang He also nodded in agreement: "That's right, but the construction of the Great Wall is a huge project that requires a lot of manpower and resources, and time is tight, so we need to plan it carefully."

Zhou Dexing stroked his chin and pondered for a moment: "Brother Chongba, we can first select a key location to build it as a demonstration, and then gradually promote it after the experience is mature."

Zhu Qiwu had been listening quietly, but suddenly spoke up: "Fourth Brother, building the Great Wall is important, but now the remnants of the Yuan Dynasty are roaming everywhere. If we concentrate our efforts on building the Great Wall, we may leave our rear vulnerable and be taken advantage of."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly: "What Qi Wu said makes sense. So, in your opinion, what should be done?"

Zhu Qiwu stood up, walked to the map, pointed to a spot and said, "Fourth Brother, I suggest we first send an elite force deep into the area where the remnants of the Northern Yuan are active to strike them, weaken their power, and deter them from easily moving south. At the same time, we should build simple defensive fortifications in key border locations and postpone the full-scale construction of the Great Wall until the rear is stable, then concentrate our efforts on its construction."

Xu Da's eyes lit up: "Seven-five's plan is brilliant. First strike the enemy, then build steadily. In this way, we can ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Tang He also laughed and said, "Haha, Qi Wu is becoming more and more strategic these days. He truly deserves to be Chong Ba's younger brother."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed: "Good, let's follow the plan of the seventh and fifth. Xu Da, I order you to lead five thousand elite cavalry deep into the territory where the remnants of the Northern Yuan are active, and strike them down. We must make sure to terrify them and scatter them."

Xu Da clasped his hands in a fist and said, "This humble general obeys the order!"

Zhu Yuanzhang then looked at Tang He: "Tang He, you will lead a thousand men to build simple defensive fortifications at key locations along the border to ensure border security."

Tang He stood up: "Yes, sir!"

Zhu Yuanzhang then said to Zhou Dexing, "Zhou Dexing, you are in charge of preparing the materials needed to build the Great Wall, including timber and stone. Make sure to ensure a sufficient supply."

Zhou Dexing nodded: "Understood."

After arranging everything, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Qiwu and said, "Qiwu, you will sit with me in the central army and oversee the overall situation."

Zhu Qiwu smiled and replied, "Alright, Fourth Brother, don't worry, I will do my best to assist you."

After Xu Da led five thousand elite cavalrymen off, Zhu Qiwu returned to his tent and silently said, "System, sign in."

"Ding, check-in successful. You have obtained a new gunpowder formula and a cement production method. The reward value has been increased. Because the host is Zhu Yuanzhang's younger brother and participated in important military decisions, the reward value has been enhanced."

Zhu Qiwu was overjoyed. This new gunpowder formula and cement manufacturing method were truly valuable. The new gunpowder was extremely powerful and could be used in military operations; the cement was strong and durable, and if used to build the Great Wall, it could greatly improve the quality and speed of its construction.

Zhu Qiwu hurriedly arrived at Zhu Yuanzhang's camp with the new gunpowder formula and cement production method.

"Fourth Brother, look what this is." Zhu Qiwu handed two pieces of paper to Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yuanzhang took it and examined it carefully. The more he looked, the more delighted he became: "Seventh Five, where did you get this new gunpowder formula and cement manufacturing method? If it is really as described on the paper, it will be of great benefit to our army."

Zhu Qiwu laughed and said, "Fourth Brother, I obtained this by chance, so don't worry about where it came from. With this new type of gunpowder, we can launch a surprise attack and deal a heavy blow to the remnants of the Northern Yuan when fighting them; and this cement, if used to build the Great Wall, can make the Great Wall more solid and stronger in its ability to resist foreign enemies."

Zhu Yuanzhang stood up excitedly and paced back and forth in the tent: "Good, good, Qiwu, you are truly the lucky star of my Zhu family. Issue my order to summon the craftsmen and immediately study the production of new gunpowder and the preparation of cement."

Soon, the craftsmen were summoned outside the tent. Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Qiwu stepped out of the tent, and Zhu Yuanzhang said loudly, "Craftsmen, today I have obtained two precious formulas: one is a formula for a new type of gunpowder, and the other is a method for making cement. This new gunpowder is extremely powerful and can be used in warfare; the cement is strong and durable and can be used to build fortifications. You must study it carefully and produce the finished products as soon as possible."

The craftsmen knelt down one after another: "Your Majesty, rest assured, we will do our utmost."

Zhu Qiwu added, "Gentlemen, if you encounter any difficulties during the research process, please feel free to come to me, and I will do my best to assist you."

The craftsmen responded in unison, "Thank you, Young Master Qiwu."

After arranging for the craftsmen, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Qiwu returned to their tent to continue discussing military matters. At this moment, a soldier rushed in to report: "Report! General Xu Da has sent an urgent report. While penetrating deep into the territory of the remnants of the Northern Yuan, he encountered a stubbornly resisting enemy force. The two sides are locked in a stalemate and he requests reinforcements."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned: "These remnants of the Northern Yuan are so stubborn. Qi Wu, what do you think we should do?"

Zhu Qiwu pondered for a moment: "Fourth Brother, I am willing to lead a force to support General Xu Da. At the same time, I will bring the newly developed gunpowder to show that enemy army what I'm made of."

Zhu Yuanzhang hesitated for a moment: "Seven-five, this journey is dangerous. You are my own brother, and I am really worried about you."

Zhu Qiwu said firmly, "Fourth Brother, the great cause is not yet accomplished, how can I be afraid of death? I have my own system and new gunpowder to help me, I will definitely return in triumph."

Seeing Zhu Qiwu's resolute determination, Zhu Yuanzhang had no choice but to nod: "Alright, Qiwu, you must be careful. I've ordered Tang He to go with you so you can look after each other."

Zhu Qiwu replied, "Okay, thank you, Fourth Brother."

Zhu Qiwu and Tang He led two thousand men, carrying new types of gunpowder, and traveled day and night to Xu Da's location.

After several days of marching, Zhu Qiwu and his men finally met up with Xu Da. Xu Da was both surprised and delighted to see Zhu Qiwu: "Young Master Qiwu, what brings you here?"

Zhu Qiwu laughed and said, "General Xu Da, I heard that you encountered fierce resistance from the enemy, so I came to provide support. I also brought a secret weapon."

Xu Da asked curiously, "Oh? What secret weapon?"

Zhu Qiwu smiled mysteriously: "General, you'll know soon enough. What's the current situation with the enemy?"

Xu Da pointed ahead and said, "That enemy force numbers about three thousand men. They occupy a favorable position, easy to defend and difficult to attack. We have attacked many times, but they have repelled us each time, and we have lost many brothers." Zhu Qiwu observed the terrain and had a plan in mind: "General Xu Da, I think that although the enemy's position is advantageous, it also has its weaknesses. We can divide our forces into two groups. One group can launch a feigned attack from the front to attract the enemy's attention; the other group can circle around to the enemy's rear and attack from both sides, while using the new type of gunpowder to catch them off guard."

Xu Da's eyes lit up: "Seventh Prince, your plan is brilliant. We'll do as you say. Tang He, you lead a thousand men to circle around to the enemy's rear; I'll lead a thousand men to launch a feigned attack from the front; Seventh Prince, you lead the remaining men to find the right moment to drop the new type of gunpowder."

Everyone accepted the order and began their preparations.

The battle commenced, and Xu Da led a thousand men in a fierce attack on the enemy's front. Seeing this, the enemy concentrated their forces on the front lines for defense. Taking advantage of this, Tang He led another thousand men to quietly circle around to the enemy's rear.

Zhu Qiwu observed the battle situation and, seeing that the time was ripe, shouted loudly: "Deploy the new type of gunpowder!"

The soldiers lit the gunpowder packs containing the new type of gunpowder and hurled them at the enemy positions. With several loud "booms," the gunpowder packs exploded in the enemy's lines, sending flames soaring into the sky and dust flying everywhere. The enemy soldiers were blown to pieces, their ranks thrown into chaos.

Seeing this, Xu Da shouted, "Brothers, charge!"

The soldiers attacking from the front were greatly encouraged and charged towards the enemy like tigers descending a mountain. Tang He also launched an attack from the rear, and with the enemy forces caught in the pincer movement, they were quickly routed.

After a fierce battle, the enemy was completely defeated, and almost all three thousand men were wiped out. Xu Da, Tang He, and Zhu Qiwu met up, and the three of them looked at each other and laughed.

Xu Da gave a thumbs up: "Young Master Qiwu, this new type of gunpowder is indeed very powerful. If it weren't for it today, we probably wouldn't have been able to win."

Tang He also laughed and said, "Haha, Young Master Qiwu, you are truly our lucky star."

Zhu Qiwu smiled and said, "Generals, you flatter me. This is the result of everyone's joint efforts. Now that this enemy force has been wiped out, we can continue to advance and strike at other remnants of the Northern Yuan."

Xu Da nodded: "Alright, Seventh Prince, we will follow your orders from now on."

Zhu Qiwu, Xu Da, and Tang He led their troops deeper into the territory inhabited by the remnants of the Northern Yuan. Along the way, they encountered several small enemy forces, but these were easily defeated by the power of the new gunpowder.

However, just as they were preparing to continue their advance, a scout rushed in to report: "Report! A large group of remnants of the Northern Yuan has been spotted ahead, numbering about 10,000, and is well-equipped. They are heading in our direction."

Zhu Qiwu frowned: "Ten thousand enemy troops, that's no small number. General Xu Da, General Tang He, what are your thoughts?"

Xu Da pondered for a moment: "Young Master Qiwu, we only have two thousand men now. If we confront this enemy force of ten thousand head-on, we will probably find it difficult to win. It would be better to find a favorable terrain to temporarily avoid their sharp edge, and then look for an opportunity to defeat them."

Tang He also nodded in agreement: "General Xu Da is right. We cannot fight head-on."

Zhu Qiwu observed the surrounding terrain and pointed to a mountain peak in front of him, saying, "Generals, I think that mountain peak is strategically located, easy to defend and difficult to attack. We can occupy that mountain peak first, wait for the enemy to come and attack, and then use new gunpowder and bows and arrows to defend against them, exhausting their strength. When they are exhausted, we can then launch a counterattack."

Xu Da and Tang He carefully examined the mountain peak and nodded in agreement: "Young Master Qiwu's plan is excellent. We will follow your suggestion."

The group quickly headed towards the mountain peak. Upon reaching the peak, Zhu Qiwu directed the soldiers to take up advantageous positions, set up defensive fortifications, and prepare new gunpowder, bows, and other weapons.

Soon after, ten thousand remnants of the Northern Yuan army arrived at the foot of the mountain. The enemy general, seeing Zhu Qiwu and his men waiting in battle array on the mountain, sneered: "A mere two thousand men dare to occupy this mountain and resist our army? They're courting death! Issue my order: a full-scale attack and capture this mountain!"

The enemy troops launched an attack on the mountain peak like a tidal wave. Seeing the enemy within firing range, Zhu Qiwu shouted, "Fire!"

The soldiers drew their bows and fired arrows, raining down on the enemy. The enemy suffered heavy casualties, but they continued to advance bravely.

As the enemy approached the mountain peak, Zhu Qiwu shouted, "Deploy the new type of gunpowder!"

The soldiers lit the gunpowder packs and threw them at the enemy. Another earth-shattering explosion followed, and the enemy was blown to pieces, their ranks thrown into chaos.

Upon seeing this, the enemy general flew into a rage: "Continue the attack! We must take this mountain!"

The enemy launched another attack, but each time they were repelled by a hail of arrows and new gunpowder from Zhu Qiwu and his men. After several attacks, the enemy suffered heavy casualties and their morale plummeted.

Zhu Qiwu observed the enemy's situation and, seeing that the time was ripe, said to Xu Da and Tang He, "Generals, the enemy is exhausted. We can launch a counterattack now."

Xu Da and Tang He nodded: "Alright, Seventh Prince, we will follow your command."

Zhu Qiwu stood up and shouted, "Brothers, charge! Annihilate this enemy force!"

The soldiers charged down the mountain like tigers descending a mountain, charging towards the enemy. The enemy, seeing this, panicked and scattered in all directions.

Zhu Qiwu, Xu Da, and Tang He led their troops in pursuit, slaughtering the enemy and leaving them in disarray. After a fierce battle, the remaining 10,000 Northern Yuan troops were completely defeated, with only a few escaping.

After the battle, Zhu Qiwu, Xu Da, and Tang He tallied the casualties. Although they had won, they had also lost several hundred men.

Xu Da said with emotion, "Young Master Qi, if it weren't for your strategy and the new gunpowder, we probably wouldn't have been able to achieve such a great victory today."

Tang He also said, "Yes, Prince Qiwu, you are truly our great hero."

Zhu Qiwu smiled and said, "Generals, you flatter me. This is the result of everyone fighting together. Now that this large-scale enemy force has been wiped out and the power of the remnants of the Northern Yuan has been greatly weakened, we can return to the capital."

Xu Da and Tang He nodded: "Alright, Seventh Prince, we'll go back and report to Brother Chongba now."

Zhu Qiwu, Xu Da, and Tang He led the remaining troops back to the capital. Zhu Yuanzhang was overjoyed to learn of their great victory and personally went out of the camp to welcome them.

Zhu Yuanzhang held Zhu Qiwu's hand and said excitedly, "Qiwu, you have made a great contribution again. It is a great blessing for the Zhu family to have you."

Zhu Qiwu laughed and said, "Fourth Brother, this is what I should do. Now that the remnants of the Northern Yuan have been greatly weakened, we can focus on building the Great Wall."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "Good, Qiwu, the task of building the Great Wall is now entrusted to you and Zhou Dexing. Make good use of the cement-making method you brought." (End of Chapter)