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

Chapter 876: The army marches out! The first battle is a victory

He was dressed in armor, looking heroic, standing on the parade ground, looking at the soldiers lined up in front of him, with a surge of heroic spirit in his heart.

"Soldiers!" Zhu Biao shouted loudly, his voice loud and firm, "We are about to embark on a journey to the border to defend our homes and protect our people. Although this journey is full of dangers, as long as we work together, there will be no difficulties that cannot be overcome!"

Upon hearing this, the soldiers all raised their heads and chests, and shouted in unison: "We are willing to follow Your Highness, and go through fire and water without hesitation!"

Zhu Han stood aside, watching this scene, his heart filled with relief and pride. He walked up to Zhu Biao and said, "Biao'er, it's getting late, it's time to set off. Remember, no matter where you are, you must always bear in mind your mission and responsibility."

Zhu Biao nodded heavily and bowed deeply to Zhu Han: "Uncle Royal's teachings, Biao will remember them in my heart. Uncle Royal, please take care of yourself and wait for your triumphant return!"

At dawn, a thin layer of mist still covered the streets of the capital. Zhu Biao, dressed in armor, stood on the parade ground with a heroic look. His eyes were firm and deep, looking into the distance, that was the journey he was about to embark on. Zhu Han stood aside, his eyes full of reluctance and expectation. There was no need for much words between the two, the deep uncle-nephew friendship was beyond words.

"Biao'er," Zhu Han called softly, his voice heavy, "This journey to the border is long and dangerous. You must always remember that you are not only carrying the safety of the Ming Dynasty, but also the well-being of thousands of people on your shoulders."

Zhu Biao turned around and looked at Zhu Han firmly. He clenched his fists and said in a deep voice, "Uncle, rest assured. Biao will live up to the expectations of my father and uncle. When I go to the border, I will put the country first and the people first. I swear to drive out the foreign enemies and protect our land."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, a trace of relief flashing in his eyes. "I am very relieved that you have such determination. But on the battlefield, things are unpredictable. You must act carefully and don't underestimate the enemy."

At this time, the generals on the side also came forward to express their respect and blessings to Zhu Biao. General Li, a veteran general who had been on the battlefield for a long time, patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder and said earnestly: "Your Highness, although I cannot accompany you to the border in person, my heart is with you. Remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, you must stay calm and use your wisdom."

Zhu Biao nodded solemnly and bowed deeply to General Li and the other generals: "I will remember your teachings in my heart. If this trip is successful, it will all depend on your help. When I return, I would like to drink a celebratory wine with you all!"

As the horn sounded, the army began to move slowly. Zhu Biao mounted his horse and looked back in the direction of the capital, which was his starting point and the beacon of his return. He shouted loudly: "Let's go!" The sound penetrated the morning mist and inspired the hearts of every soldier.

In the team, the soldiers responded in unison, with high morale. This expedition was not only for fighting, but also for protecting their homes and loved ones. Zhu Biao and Zhu Han exchanged a firm look, which was a trust and entrustment without words.

During the march, Zhu Biao discussed tactics with the generals from time to time to understand the status of the soldiers. His care and attentiveness made everyone feel warm and powerful. During a short break, Zhu Biao sat around the campfire with several trusted generals, and the firelight reflected his resolute face.

"In this battle, we must not only be brave, but also be strategic." Zhu Biao said slowly, his eyes sweeping over the crowd, "Although the enemy is strong, we have the advantage of terrain and people. As long as we unite as one, we will surely defeat the enemy."

Deputy General Zhang, a young and brave general, stepped forward and said, "Your Highness is absolutely right. I am willing to be the vanguard, charge into battle, and defend Your Highness and the Ming Dynasty to the death!"

Other generals also expressed their stance, vowing to live and die with Zhu Biao and face the national crisis together. Zhu Biao looked at these loyal soldiers, and his heart was filled with great emotion and pride.

"Great! With you all by my side, why fear a strong enemy?" Zhu Biao raised his glass and drank with everyone, "Let us use this glass of wine to pledge to go to war and return victoriously!"

As the army continued to advance, the scenery along the way gradually changed from prosperous towns to desolate wilderness, and the climate became increasingly severe. The wind and sand were everywhere, and the road was rugged, but this did not wear down the army's fighting spirit, but instead inspired them to be more determined.

One evening, the army camped by a river valley to rest. Zhu Biao and several key generals sat around the campfire to discuss the next strategic deployment.

"Your Highness, the terrain ahead is complex. The enemy may use the terrain to set up an ambush." ​​General Li frowned and pointed to a place on the map. "We need to send scouts to explore first and ensure the safety of the marching route."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, and then looked at Vice General Wang standing beside him: "General Wang, I'll leave this matter to you. Please be careful and report immediately if you discover any enemy activity."

Deputy General Wang took the order and left, while Zhu Biao continued to discuss other details with the generals. At this time, a soldier hurried over with an urgent letter in his hand: "Your Highness, there is a letter from the capital!"

Zhu Biao took the letter, quickly read it, and his face changed slightly. He looked up at the special envoy sent by Zhu Han to deliver the letter, and asked in a deep voice: "Does the emperor have any other instructions?"

The envoy bowed and replied, "Prince Han asked me to tell Your Highness that everything is fine in the court, so Your Highness should not worry. He has learned that the terrain ahead is complicated, so he has ordered craftsmen to rush to make a batch of lightweight reconnaissance equipment, which will be delivered soon. Your Highness, please take care of yourself and wait for the triumphant return."

When Zhu Biao heard this, a warm feeling surged in his heart.

"Please tell my uncle that Biao'er will live up to expectations and will return in triumph." Zhu Biao handed the letter to the generals beside him for circulation, his tone full of firmness and confidence.

As night fell, the valley was silent, with only the crackling of the campfire reflecting the determined faces of the soldiers. Zhu Biao stood alone outside the tent, looking at the starry sky, with a myriad of thoughts in his mind.

"No matter how difficult the road ahead is, I must persevere." Zhu Biao silently warned himself in his heart, "For the Ming Dynasty, for the people, and more importantly, to live up to the expectations of the emperor's uncle."

As night fell, the cold wind in the valley became more biting. Zhu Biao stood outside the tent, staring at the dark night sky in the distance, but his heart was burning with joy.

The next morning, when the first ray of sunlight penetrated the mist and shone on the army ready to go, Zhu Biao was already standing at the front of the team, with unquestionable determination flashing in his eyes.

"Soldiers!" Zhu Biao's voice was loud and powerful, penetrating the tranquility of the early morning. "Today, we will step into an unknown and dangerous territory, but please remember that we are the warriors of the Ming Dynasty and the steel Great Wall that protects this land! No matter how many difficulties and obstacles we face ahead, we must move forward bravely and fight to the end for the Ming Dynasty and our families!"

The soldiers shouted in unison, their morale soaring, as if even the heaven and earth were shaken by this excitement. Zhu Biao turned to the generals beside him and said, "General Li, you lead the vanguard troops, you must be careful and cautious, find out the road conditions ahead, and ensure the safe passage of the army."

General Li took the order and led a team of elite soldiers, quickly disappearing in the morning mist. Zhu Biao continued to deploy follow-up actions, and each of his instructions was clear and precise, revealing his deep understanding and grasp of the battle situation. The army slowly moved forward, crossing the mountains and ridges and crossing the turbulent rivers. On the way, they encountered several small-scale bandit attacks, but under Zhu Biao's calm command, the soldiers quickly responded, defeated the enemy with fewer troops, and successfully repelled the enemy.

One afternoon, the army reached a steep valley with steep cliffs on both sides and only a thin line of sky. General Li hurried back with a serious look on his face: "Your Highness, we found a large number of enemy troops ambushed in the valley ahead. They are numerous and well-equipped, and seem to have been prepared in advance."

Zhu Biao frowned, quickly scanned the surrounding terrain, and quickly thought of a countermeasure in his mind. A head-on confrontation is definitely not the best strategy, and we must use our wits to defeat them.

"Pass the order down, the entire army will immediately stop advancing and hide and wait for orders." Zhu Biao gave the order in a deep voice, and then summoned the generals to discuss countermeasures.

"Your Highness, why don't we take advantage of the valley terrain, set up an ambush, lure the enemy deep into our territory, and then annihilate them in one fell swoop," suggested a young general.

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and nodded: "This plan is very good, but we must be extremely cautious in implementing it. Deputy General Wang, you lead a team of soldiers to go around the enemy's rear, and when our army is engaged head-on, attack from behind and catch them off guard."

Deputy General Wang took the order and quickly led his elite troops into action. Zhu Biao stayed at the front and commanded the army to set traps and disguises, preparing to deal a fatal blow to the enemy.

As night fell, the valley was completely silent, with only the occasional chirping of insects breaking the tranquility. The enemy seemed unaware of the army's movement and continued to deploy their defenses as planned.

Suddenly, a burst of hurried horse hoof sounds was heard at the entrance of the valley. A group of "defeat" Ming soldiers rushed into the enemy camp in panic, deliberately leaving loopholes to lure the enemy into pursuit.

Upon seeing this, the enemy general was overjoyed, thinking that the Ming army had been completely defeated. He immediately ordered the entire army to attack, vowing to annihilate these "remnant troops" in one fell swoop.

However, they did not realize that they had stepped into the trap set by Zhu Biao step by step. When the enemy army went deep into the valley and was about to encircle the "defeated army", arrows suddenly rained down from the cliffs on both sides, and huge rocks rolled down, smashing the enemy army into pieces.

At the same time, the special forces led by Vice General Wang also rushed out from the rear of the enemy army, forming a pincer attack with the Ming army that was engaged head-on. The enemy army was immediately thrown into chaos, divided and surrounded, and annihilated one by one.

The battle lasted all night until dawn, when the enemy was finally defeated. Zhu Biao stood high in the valley, looking at the enemy corpses and captured spoils, but he did not feel the slightest joy of victory.

"Clean up the battlefield, treat the wounded, and let's move on." Zhu Biao's voice was calm and firm, as if what they had just experienced was not a bloody battle, but an ordinary march.

Under Zhu Biao's calm command, the army quickly and methodically carried out the post-war cleanup work. The soldiers had clear division of labor, some were responsible for collecting spoils, and some were busy treating the wounded. Although the entire camp had experienced a night of fierce fighting, it was in good order, demonstrating the efficiency and discipline of the Ming army.

Zhu Biao stood on a high place, looking at the busy soldiers, feeling both gratified for the victory and sad for the sacrificed soldiers. He walked down the hillside slowly, came to the wounded, personally asked about their injuries, and gave encouragement and comfort.

"Brother, how do you feel?" Zhu Biao squatted in front of a soldier with a leg injury, his tone full of concern.

The soldier endured the pain and forced a smile: "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I'm fine, just a minor injury. Your Highness, we won, didn't we?"

Zhu Biao patted his shoulder gently, his eyes firm: "Yes, we won. But remember, every victory is hard-won, it is earned by the blood and sweat of brothers. Each of you is a hero of the Ming Dynasty."

At this time, a medical officer hurried over and reported to Zhu Biao on the treatment of the wounded: "Your Highness, most of the wounded are in stable condition, but several are seriously injured and need to be sent back to the rear for treatment as soon as possible."

Zhu Biao nodded and ordered, "Arrange a carriage immediately and make sure the wounded are properly taken care of during transportation. At the same time, notify the post stations along the way and make preparations for reception."

The medical officer took the order and left, while Zhu Biao continued to patrol the camp to ensure that everything was proceeding in an orderly manner.

In the midst of his busy schedule, Zhu Biao summoned the main generals and sat them in a makeshift command tent to discuss the next action plan.

"Generals," Zhu Biao said in a steady and powerful voice, "Although we have won this battle, there are still more challenges waiting for us. We must remain vigilant and not slack off in the slightest."

General Li nodded in agreement: "Your Highness is right. The terrain ahead is complex and changeable, and the enemy is good at using the terrain to set ambushes. We must be more cautious."

"That's true," Zhu Biao said after thinking for a moment, "Next, we need to strengthen reconnaissance to ensure timely grasp of the enemy's situation. At the same time, adjust the marching route to avoid areas where the enemy may set up ambushes."

Vice Admiral Wang asked, "Your Highness, if we take a detour, will it delay our journey and affect our battle plan?"

Zhu Biao shook his head, his eyes firm: "March speed is important, but the safety of soldiers is more critical. We would rather spend more time to ensure that every soldier can reach the destination safely."

Upon hearing this, all the generals nodded in agreement. They knew that Zhu Biao was not only a brave general, but also a leader who cared about his soldiers and had foresight.

"In addition," Zhu Biao continued, "we must strengthen our ties with local residents and win their support and help. This will not only reduce our logistical burden, but also allow us to obtain valuable intelligence at critical moments."

Vice General Zhang made a suggestion: "Your Highness, we can send a small force to go deep into the local area, establish contact with the people, and collect information about the enemy. This will not only ensure the safety of the army, but also keep track of the enemy's movements in a timely manner."

Zhu Biao nodded approvingly: "This is a very good plan. Deputy General Zhang, I will leave this matter to you to arrange. Make sure the operation is secretive and efficient."