When Chen Biao and Zhu Wenzhen blew up the Ganjiang River embankment, Zhu Yuanzhang had already started a decisive battle with Chen Youliang.
Chen Youliang was indeed an outstanding general who could establish his own regime. He quickly gathered the scattered troops, set up camp on the side of Poyang Lake, and confronted Zhu Yuanzhang head-on.
However, now nearly half of Chen Han's soldiers and civilians had died in battle or fled, and his troop strength was almost the same as Zhu Yuanzhang's, and his morale was extremely low.
Chen Youliang was worried that his soldiers would flee again, so he tied up the ships with iron chains to form a huge platform, and fought with Zhu Yuanzhang in the water as if it were flat land.
Zhu Yuanzhang had only small boats and was unable to shake Chen Youliang's large ships. For a time, he was suppressed by Chen Youliang's firepower and was temporarily at a disadvantage.
Then, Zhu Yuanzhang's advisers and generals observed the wind direction in Poyang Lake and proposed a fire attack.
All of this has come full circle back to history.
Unlike history, the generals who died in the Battle of Hongdu are now fighting together in Zhu Yuanzhang's army.
During the first month of the Battle of Hongdu , when Chen Han's attack was the most fierce, fourteen senior generals including Marshal Zhao Desheng, Left Wing Marshal Niu Hailong, Left Deputy Marshal Zhao Guowang, and Right Wing Marshal Zhu Qian were all killed in the battle. Only Zhu Wenzhen and Deng Yu survived among the senior generals in Hongdu.
Zhu Wenzhen was besieged for many days before he successfully sent Captain Zhang Ziming to break out and seek help.
Zhang Ziming was captured when he returned to the city. He pretended to surrender to Chen Youliang and cooperated with Chen Youliang in lying that he had not requested reinforcements. However, when he arrived at the city gate, he shouted, "I have seen the lord, who ordered you to hold on, and help is coming." The angry Chen Youliang killed him on the spot with a long spear and posthumously named Marquis of Loyalty and Integrity.
Zhang Ziming today doesn't know that after his death in a certain time and space, he was dramatically processed by later generations and turned into a scholar, and even served as Zhu Wenzheng's zither player. Perhaps only a scholar could be worthy of such integrity.
Now that Zhang Ziming had failed to achieve his title, he had become Zhao Desheng's deputy general. Zhao Desheng, after charging into battle for a while, turned back and disparaged Zhang Ziming, saying that Zhang Ziming would regret missing the opportunity to follow the young military advisor. Niu Hailong led another team to fight the enemy, chatting with his colleagues about his heroic deeds in defending the city, and boasting about his close relationship with the young military advisor. Zhu Qian, Zhao Guowang and others fought for a while, then looked down at the water, muttering to themselves, "When will the young military advisor show his power..."
Now no one in the army doubts the contribution of the young military advisor Chen Biao.
Hongdu's 20,000 to 30,000 men faced Chen Youliang's 600,000 men. None of the generals guarding the city gates were killed, and they eventually chased Chen Youliang to Poyang Lake, where they ran head-on into Zhu Yuanzhang's army. These generals all called Chen Biao "Little Military Advisor." How could this be false?
But they felt that the defenders of Hongdu were too annoying. No matter whether they were generals or soldiers, they were always chattering to others while fighting, "Brother, have you heard of our young military advisor Chen Biao?"
If Chen Biao were here, he would be so embarrassed that he would want to dig a hole with his toes and bury himself.
Are you guys here promoting Amway or preaching?! Please shut up!
On Zhu Yuanzhang's flagship, everyone was talking about how the Hongdu defenders were crazy about showing off their young military advisor.
Li Wenzhong said angrily, "The generals defending the city didn't die, but Biao'er told them to stay in the city and wait for my adoptive father to rescue them. They saw the opportunity and ran away. Several of them were injured and are still lying in the wounded camp in the city!"
Chen Ying nodded repeatedly: "Biao'er is soft-hearted. They clamor for merit, so Biao'er racks his brains to find opportunities for them to gain merit while protecting them as much as possible. Alas, Biao'er has been exhausted this month."
Zhu Liangzu stopped calling him a "young brat" and his eyes lit up. "Is there such a good thing?! Can the young military advisor come to our army?!"
Xu Da said with a stern face: "Go away!"
Chang Yuchun's face darkened: "Don't talk nonsense."
Li Shanchang smiled: "You're joking."
Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Zhu Liangzu and said: "Even if our army is short of men, we will not rely on nine-year-old children."
Zhu Liangzu intuitively felt that the atmosphere was very dangerous, and although he didn't know why, he still kept his mouth shut.
Liu Ji and others, who had little experience and were not in a position to interrupt the generals when they were chatting with each other, exchanged glances.
They decided that they would teach Chen Biao a lesson on how to reject those unreasonable generals.
Obeying the military advisor's orders is the first priority for a general or a soldier. How could Biaoer change his strategy and give credit to the generals just because they wanted credit?
This child, alas!
Yu Tonghai, one of Zhu Yuanzhang's naval marshals, although he believed in Chen Biao's intelligence, still had some doubts that Chen Biao could calculate everything accurately.
He asked, "Young Military Advisor, can you lower the water level? Is that true?"
Li Wenzhong said, "Biao'er said he's not sure. If the water level doesn't drop, using fire will be the same. If Chen Youliang ties up the boats with chains, that would be a good opportunity for a fire attack."
Yu Tonghai was even more unconvinced: "He even guessed that Chen Youliang would tie up the boat?"
Although they were at a disadvantage, they had already prepared their fire ships and were just waiting for the wind to change. Chen Biao hadn't even been at Poyang Lake to witness the fire attack discussed , so how could he have guessed it?
Li Wenzhong glanced at Zhu Yuanzhang and said, "Biao'er said that he has learned about Chen Youliang's character from my uncle Chen Guorui and Marshal Xu Da, who often taught him martial arts. General Chen Guorui and Marshal Xu Da have taught him how to predict Chen Youliang's behavior. Biao'er's predictions have been correct for the past month."
Yu Tonghai didn't know Chen Guorui, but he knew Xu Da.
He immediately looked at Xu Da: "Marshal Xu, you taught me?!"
Xu Da: "Ah no... Uh, well, I taught you that!"
Zhu Yuanzhang rolled his eyes at Xu Da. "What the hell are you teaching me? You're just boasting!"
Those who knew the situation looked at Xu Da with contempt.
Although Yu Tonghai was young, he was very perceptive and unlike Zhu Liangzu, he was unable to read the atmosphere. He immediately noticed that Zhu Yuanzhang and his confidants seemed to know Chen Biao very well, and he was not surprised at all.
He pondered for a moment and smiled, "Then I'll just wait patiently... Eh? Did the boat shake a bit?"
Zhu Yuanzhang and others boarded the ship, and then found to their embarrassment that the flagship they were on had run aground.
Li Shanchang was at a loss for words: "Biao'er was indeed successful. But how come your ship ran aground before Chen Youliang's ship did?"
Xu Da suppressed a laugh. "My Lord, Biao'er said that no one knows better than him that the Zhu family has no large ship and will definitely not run aground. If he knew your ship was stranded, would he think you were lying to him, not giving him the large ship and taking it yourself?"
Zhu Yuanzhang kicked Xu Da and said, "Get out! What are you doing here? Change boats! Do you want to be besieged?!"
So all the generals immediately changed boats. When Chen Youliang discovered that Zhu Yuanzhang's ship was stranded, they had already dispersed to the small boats.
Seeing that the water level of Poyang Lake was really dropping, Zhu Yuanzhang and others retreated to the middle of the river and set up fences at the mouth of the lake.
If Chen Youliang did not leave the lake, he would face the risk of being stranded. If he left the lake, the river would not be wide enough for the tower ships to sail side by side, and Zhu Yuanzhang could defeat them one by one.
When the water level dropped, the wind direction also changed.
The famous burning of Chibi in history...well, the burning of Poyang Lake, officially began.
This battle was quite fierce, but for some reason the generals on Zhu Yuanzhang's side seemed a little unmotivated.
Perhaps it was because Chen Han’s army was even less motivated than theirs, and it didn’t seem like they were in a decisive battle.
The Hongdu defenders were proud again: "That's because we destroyed Chen Han's morale! This is all thanks to the young military advisor!"
Other Zhu family soldiers: "Ah, yes, yes, yes."
Two or three thousand people broke the morale of 600,000 people, but that makes you look so awesome, right?
It’s really awesome (sour).
Zhu Yuanzhang had the advantage of time, place and people in Poyang Lake, but the battle would not be over in one or two days.
Even hundreds of thousands of pigs running around would be very difficult to deal with, let alone humans.
Zhu Wenzhen knew that a decisive battle was taking place in Poyang Lake to determine the future of his fourth uncle, but he did not go back. Instead, he called on his personal soldiers to go hunting in the wilderness, fish in the flooded river, and prepare a meal of wild game for Chen Biao to satisfy his craving.
Chen Biao was speechless: "Brother Zheng, what are you doing?"
Zhu Wenzheng had already taken off his armor. Bare to the waist, he took off his boots, rolled up his trouser legs, and soaked his feet in the river while saying, "Rest."
Chen Biao looked up, his face filled with disbelief: "Ah? There's a war going on in Poyang Lake!"
Zhu Wenzheng said lazily, "Chen Youliang's morale has been shattered by us, and only half of his troops have escaped. My adoptive father has so many generals and counselors under his command, do they really need us two to help? That would be too foolish of them."
Chen Biao held his head, feeling it slowly grow bigger. "This isn't a question of whether they can win or not. There's a war going on in Poyang Lake! It's really not good for us to rest here!"
Zhu Wenzheng stretched out his large hand and covered Chen Biao's head, rubbing it vigorously. "What's wrong with that? I don't lack this little bit of merit, and neither do I. You're already exhausted. Now rest well and return slowly. You might just catch the end of the Battle of Poyang Lake when you return. Don't you always say you're worried about your achievements overshadowing your master? Why aren't you worried this time?"
Chen Biao held his head and tilted his head to look at Zhu Wenzheng, surprised and said: "Brother Zheng, you actually said such a reasonable thing? I thought you were an arrogant and brainless person!"
Zhu Wenzheng: “…”
Zhu Wenzheng scooped up Chen Biao with his big hands, pinned him down on his knees, and began to tickle Chen Biao: "Ah? Who are you calling brainless? Say it again?"
Chen Biao laughed so hard that tears came out, but he insisted: "It's you, it's you, Brother Zheng has no brains, hahahaha, if you tickle me again you have no brains, no! Brains don't exist! Your brains have been eaten by monsters!"
Zhu Wen was trying to pretend to be angry, but he couldn't suppress the smile on his face. "Whose brain was eaten by a monster? Where did the monster that eats brains come from? You bad brother, wait and see how I deal with you !"
Zhu Wenzhen and Chen Biao started to make a noise, and Zhu Wenzhen's personal soldiers who were cooking on the stove nearby couldn't help laughing.
A personal guard whispered, "It's been a long time since I saw Master Biao smile so happily."
The person opposite him said, "That's why the general stopped here to rest."
They all nodded, and then tried their best to hunt game, catch fish, and pick some beautiful leaves and flowers to give to Chen Biao.
Chen Biao was speechless as he looked at the pile of colorful flowers and plants.
He is not a little girl, how could he like these things?
Zhu Wenzhen didn't care whether his brother Biao was a brother or a sister. He immediately skillfully made a ring for Chen Biao with branches, inserted flowers and a big leaf in it, and put it on Chen Biao's head.
The big leaf looked a bit like the leaves of taro plants. The rhizome was inserted at the back of Chen Biao Huahuan's head, with the tip of the leaf facing straight ahead, just enough to provide shade for Chen Biao.
Chen Biao touched the wreath hat on his head, lowered his head and looked at himself in the river, and surprisingly thought it was not bad.
"Brother Zheng, I didn't expect you to have such a skill." Chen Biao gave Zhu Wenzheng a thumbs up, "You can use this skill to coax your sister-in-law."
Zhu Wenzheng laughed: "Your sister-in-law comes from a scholarly family, how could she like this?"
Chen Biao said, "You don't understand this. Just go ahead and try it. Sister-in-law will definitely like it!"
Zhu Wenzheng said: "Okay, then I will try it when I get back. This is what my mother taught me."
Zhu Wenzheng was silent for a moment, then raised his lips and continued, "During the escape, whenever I was exhausted and hungry and couldn't hold on any longer, my mother would weave little things out of tree branches to cheer me up and even taught me how to weave. She said that once I got to live with my fourth uncle, I wouldn't be living in vain if I had a weaving skill, and my fourth uncle would support me."
Ever since Zhu Wenzhen realized that his mother left alone for him, he never mentioned the past.
This was the first time he mentioned it.
A few years passed, and he finally mustered up the courage to recall the hard but warm past with his mother.
Chen Biao stroked the tip of the large leaf above his head. Instead of comforting Zhu Wenzheng, he said in a very mercenary manner, "That makes sense! Handicrafts are very profitable! When you can no longer fight, come to me and do handicrafts. I'll help you sell them!"
Zhu Wenzheng snorted, "Even if I can't fight anymore, the money I've saved is enough to last me several lifetimes! Why would I need to do any work?"
Chen Biao said jokingly, "Don't be so vulgar, or you'll teach me bad things, or my dad will spank you. It's miserable to eat and drink for free and have nothing to do. You should have some hobbies. It would be even happier if this hobby could make money."
Zhu Wenzheng said, "You always have so many twisted ideas. Anyway, I will follow you in the future. You can do whatever you say. I will definitely find work."
Chen Biao nodded seriously: "That's true. I'm someone who can't sit still."
Chen Biao also took off his straw sandals and put his feet into the river.
The two brothers stayed quietly for a while until the guards said the meat was ready.
Logically speaking, in a famine year when no roosters crowed for thousands of miles, the tree bark and grass roots should have been eaten up by the hungry people.
It is very easy to catch wild animals in the mountains and forests in this area. Those wild animals are not even afraid of humans, and it seems that they have not been harmed by humans for a long time.
"There's been too much war here. Young men are taken away as soldiers or forced labor. Even the smallest bit of food at home is taken away to make rations for the army." Zhu Wenzheng bit into a piece of meat and mumbled, "This place has been deserted for too long. It's become a home for wild beasts."
Chen Biao ate the barbecue in small bites and said, "It will be soon. My lord will be able to pacify the world soon, and everything will be fine soon."
Even though modern people would definitely look down on the treatment of the people in the feudal Ming Dynasty, for the people today, it is good that they are not in a chaotic world.
"Hmm." Zhu Wenzheng saw that Chen Biao, who was missing a tooth, had difficulty chewing the meat. He washed his hands and dagger, then roasted the dagger over the fire. He used his hands and dagger to tear the game into strips, piled them on a large leaf and gave them to Chen Biao to eat. "When will your teeth grow back? Little military advisor, you're missing a few teeth, aren't you ashamed?"
After hearing Zhu Wenzheng's disgust, Chen Biao ate the meat strips while humming: "Yes, yes, you have never lost your teeth, you have never changed your teeth, and I am the one who is embarrassed."
Zhu Wenzheng bared his teeth: "At least I don't have any missing teeth now!"
Chen Biao threatened: "Believe it or not, if I go back and complain now, my father will immediately hold you down and have Brother Zhong and Brother Ying knock out one of your teeth!"
Zhu Wenzhen thought about it and it was really possible!
So he didn't dare to despise and complain about his dog brother anymore, and ate the meat and drank the soup obediently, and continued to tear meat for Chen Biao until Chen Biao shouted that he was full and couldn't eat anymore.
After Zhu Wenzhen and Chen Biao had eaten and drunk their fill, they set up camp and took a nap before slowly heading back.
A group of light cavalrymen were taking a leisurely stroll on horseback, as if they were going for an outing.
Although the surrounding area has experienced many wars, the alluvial plains along the rivers and lakes are the most fertile land. There are always some scattered people hiding there, trying their best to farm, hoping to harvest a harvest in the gaps between conscription of men or seizure of military rations so that they can survive.
It was now nearly June, and the fields were in ear-forming stage, so the people could not escape.
When they saw the neatly dressed military master coming, they knew they were no match for him, so they sent people to stop the military master and kowtow to him and beg him, saying that they were willing to let the young and strong men and women in the village who had a little strength to follow him, and even offered little girls who had grown up a little to be used by the military master.
Zhu Wenzhen quickly covered Chen Biao's ears, fearing that Chen Biao would hear those dirty things and pollute his ears.
"Go away, we are not Chen Han's army, so we won't do such things. We are the Zhu family army!" Zhu Wenzheng's personal guards immediately stepped forward and pointed at their own banners, saying, "We, the Zhu family army, farm our own land and will not steal your things."
Another personal guard immediately said, "That's right. We, the Zhu Family Army, don't conscript men. Every year when we recruit soldiers, the numbers are so high that the doors are broken down. Everyone wants to serve our lord. Haven't you heard of the well-field system? Serving in the Zhu Family Army gives you land."
Zhu Wenzheng covered Chen Biao's ears and said, "Serving the lord as a commoner will earn you land, and serving as a soldier will earn you double the good land. You're so close to Hongdu, haven't you heard of the reputation of our Zhu Family Army?"
The people below shook their heads in confusion.
Chen Biao looked helpless.
At such a close distance, how could his cousin think that covering his ears would prevent him from hearing them? What kind of new version of the "covering one's ears to steal the bell" was this?
Chen Biao patted Zhu Wenzheng's hand that was covering his ear and said, "Communication is difficult now. Villages across the mountains may not be able to communicate. In peacetime, many people have never left their village in their entire lives. It's normal for them not to know Hongdu."
Zhu Wenzheng was horrified: "Can you hear us talking?!"
Chen Biao rolled his eyes and said, "Brother Zheng, cover your ears and see if you can hear it."
Zhu Wenzhen cooperated very well by covering his ears and motioning Chen Biao to continue speaking.
Chen Biao: “…”
If he had not witnessed his cousin's talent and bravery this month in Hongdu, he would never have believed that his silly cousin was an outstanding general who could stand on his own.
Chen Biao said, "This place is not far from Hongdu. With your speed, you can get there in a day at most. You can go to Hongdu and ask. Our Zhu family army is quite famous. It doesn't matter if you don't ask. Chen Youliang and Xu Shouhui's men have been driven away by us. From now on, this place will belong to our lord Zhu Yuanzhang. We will soon send people to divide the land and give you seeds to help you farm. However, taxes will still be collected. At most, they will be exempted for one year."
Chen Biao slowly described Zhu's army's taxation policy and land distribution policy.
Accents vary from place to place, and Chen Biao, with his good memory, learned some of the local accent after arriving in Hongdu. But he wasn't sure if the villagers in front of him could understand him.
Regardless of whether they can understand or not, seeing our side's tolerant attitude, they should not regard us as enemies, right?
After Chen Biao finished his brief explanation, the leading old man looked up and said, "What does this young master mean? Will there be government control here in the future? Not a government that robs and runs away, but a government that will help us survive here as long as we pay taxes and perform labor service?"
Although the old man had an accent, he spoke Mandarin.
Chen Biao's mind moved, and he smiled: "Yes, the real government officials have arrived."
The old man asked, "Can you keep winning? Won't you be beaten away?"
Chen Biao said, "We will definitely win. Look, in this chaotic world, only our Zhu family army doesn't rob the people of their belongings. We even distribute land to the people and help them cultivate the land. Apart from us, who else can act like an official?"
The old man lowered his head and thought for a while, then kowtowed several times and said nothing more.
Chen Biao turned around and said to Zhu Wenzheng, who was covering his ears, "Didn't my father teach you to respect the elderly and love the young? Hurry up and help the old man up."
Zhu Wenzheng opened his eyes wide and said, "I covered my ears and couldn't hear anything."
Chen Biao: "Cousin!"
Zhu Wenzheng laughed, dismounted, and helped the old man up: "Remember the man you're talking to, his name is Chen Biao. Go to Hongdu City and ask around. What the young military advisor Chen Biao says never goes unreliable."
The old man asked: "Which city, which sign?"
Zhu Wenzhen took out the knife with a smile. The other people all showed expressions of horror, only the old man looked calm.
Zhu Wen was writing on the ground stroke by stroke: "This is Chen, this is Biao. But he may also be called Zhu Biao in the future."
Chen Biao's face wrinkled into a bun. "Huh? Why? Because I've done so many great things, the Lord wants to adopt me as his adopted son?"
Zhu Wenzheng said, "Stupid! You don't have to be an adopted son to have the surname Zhu. Doesn't the King of the Country understand? Throughout the dynasties, people with great contributions have been given the national surname. Our Chen family is so loyal to the lord and has made such great contributions. Even if we were to buy a horse's bones with a huge sum of money, we would be the King of the Country sooner or later. My adoptive father said so!"
Chen Biao's eyes bulged: "Yes, that makes sense, Brother Zheng, you actually speak so sensibly, are you still my Brother Zheng?"
Zhu Wenzheng said proudly, "Otherwise, how could he be your brother? Old man, Chen Biao, Zhu Biao, they are all him. You will know later. My brother's reputation will surely spread to every corner of China in the future. Old man, you must work hard and live until the day when my brother's reputation spreads throughout China."
Chen Biao shuffled his feet awkwardly: "Alright, alright, stop bragging about me. Please shut up! Even if you're not embarrassed, I'm embarrassed too!"
Zhu Wenzheng said: "What's embarrassing? I'm telling the truth, right?"
Zhu Wenzheng's personal guards all nodded with a smile: "Of course, Young Master Biao is the best!"
Chen Biao wanted to hold his head and roll over on the horse's back (although he couldn't do such a difficult move): "Please shut up, shut up! Old man, don't believe it! Ah, all right, hurry up, hurry up, don't delay the old man and others from doing farm work! Hurry up!"
Chen Biao started roaring, and Zhu Wenzhen stopped teasing Chen Biao.
He untied a few pieces of uneaten game from the horse's buttocks and threw them to the old man: "You can organize the villagers to farm in troubled times, and you can speak Mandarin. You must be a capable person. Take this to replenish your body and live well. If you hear my son Biao'er's name next time, you can brag to others that you have met Biao'er."
Chen Biao roared: "Cousin!"
Zhu Wenzheng jumped onto his horse and held Chen Biao in his arms: "Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore. Let's go, maybe we can catch up with the end of the Battle of Poyang Lake."
Zhu Wenzhen led a group of light cavalrymen, bypassing the people who were still kneeling in front of them. With the sound of horse hooves, they finally broke into a gallop.
Chen Biao lay in Zhu Wenzhen's arms, with a look of despair on his face.
He decided to give his cousin another dose of croton when he returned.
How could he have such a hateful brother who makes fun of his closest younger brother!
After Zhu Wenzhen and others left, the old man and others stood up.
They turned around and looked at the "Zhu" flag flying away in the distance, speechless for a long while.
"Village Chief, this..." said a middle-aged farmer who was missing a finger, "The Zhu family army incident could be..."
Really?
A glimmer of hope appeared involuntarily in their numb eyes.
That light may be smaller than the tip of a needle, but it is still light.
The old man pointed at the pheasants, rabbits, and half a wild boar on the ground and said, "The military officers have sent us meat. Do you think it's true? Could it be that we have some ability that makes the military officers curry favor with us?"
They looked at the meat on the ground and couldn't help swallowing.
"Ah, yes, yes, they bring us meat!"
“It’s meat!”
"My mother told me that the government used to send us food during disaster years."
"Is there? But they certainly won't send us meat."
"Do you want to go to Hongdu City and find out?"
They all looked at the village chief.
The village chief picked up the little granddaughter who was about to be given away, rubbed the head of his only family member, and said, "I'll go and take a look. If it's true, they must be short of people. Let's go quickly. Maybe we can get some benefits and live in the city."
"Grandpa..." The little granddaughter hugged the village chief's neck and rubbed his cheek, "Can I go too?"
The village chief smiled and said, "Let's go together. We will never be separated again."
The village chief was a retired official from the Yuan Dynasty who had returned to his hometown. When the chaotic world came, his son and daughter-in-law all died. He and his fellow villagers hid from place to place, struggling to survive.
There was only one slightly grown-up girl left in the village. After sending his granddaughter to save the villagers, he decided to die immediately to make amends to his son and daughter-in-law in the afterlife.
Save others and save yourself.
It’s so nice not to have to make a choice anymore.
"Chen Biao..." The village chief chewed on the name in his mouth and remembered it firmly.
After Zhu Wenzhen took Chen Biao away on horseback, Chen Biao remained silent.
Zhu Wenzheng felt a little guilty. He had just acted on impulse, and Biao'er wouldn't be really angry, right?
"Biao'er? Brother Biao? My little ancestor, you can't be so stingy, right?" Zhu Wenzheng asked cautiously, "How about you just beat me up and pretend nothing happened?"
Chen Biao came back to his senses and rolled his eyes at Zhu Wenzheng: "If I hit you, who will feel the pain, you or me?"
Zhu Wenzheng asked, "You asked Wenzhong and Aying to beat me?"
Chen Biao said, "Okay, I'll file a complaint when I get back."
Zhu Wenzheng breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "Okay, okay, then don't be angry anymore."
Chen Biao complained, "Can you please stop bragging about me in front of outsiders? You're so famous! How dare you say that?"
Zhu Wenzheng said with a smile: "I think he should be a very capable person. This kind of person will probably be able to contact his own connections after the chaos is over. By then, he will definitely make a name for you."
Chen Biao twisted Zhu Wenzheng's arm and said, "Why are you trying to make me famous? What fame do I need? I don't need fame!"
Zhu Wenzheng said perfunctorily: "Yeah, yeah, yes, yes."
Zhu Wen Zheng thought to himself, of course it is for the fame of you, the prince.
After the Battle of Hongdu, Zhu Wenzhen's mentality underwent a drastic change.
Biao'er is really too good. He can't bear it if Biao'er doesn't become the emperor.
Although Fourth Uncle now regards Biao'er as the apple of his eye, Biao'er can only return to his position when he reaches the age of twenty. Before that, Biao'er cannot appear as Fourth Uncle's biological son.
The higher the Fourth Uncle's status, the more women he would have in his harem, and there would definitely be other women who would give birth to his sons. Biao'er, the crown prince, had not yet returned to his position, so who knows, there might be several more princes.
There are far more people who are unaware than those who are aware. Who knows, there might be someone who wants to take a position, or there might be a prince who overestimates his own abilities and wants to be the crown prince.
Zhu Wenzheng wanted Chen Biao to become famous before he became the crown prince. Then, once Biao ripped off the veil and revealed his true identity, the ministers would immediately bow down in obedience and the people would be united in their hearts. No matter how many advantages the other princes had accumulated before Biao appeared, it would be like an egg hitting a stone. They would obediently kneel at Biao's feet and call him "Crown Prince".
It can be said that even though Zhu Wenzheng knew that Chen Biao's position as crown prince was absolutely secure with Zhu Yuanzhang's support, he could not tolerate anyone questioning or coveting his brother Chen Biao's position as crown prince.
Just thinking about it makes me grumpy!
The irritable Zhu Wenzhen angrily rubbed Biaoer's dog head.
Biaoer said that he was not a dog, and then pinched Zhu Wenzhen's arm hard.
"Okay, okay, I know you're just like Dad, you like to show off your family." Chen Biao said, "Actually, I like to show off too. When you're not in Yingtian, I tell everyone how capable my brothers are out there. If anyone bullies me, I'll let my brother beat him up!"
Chen Biao does say this often.
Chen Guorui's official position and achievements remain a mystery. Those in high positions and positions of power know that Chen Guorui is very powerful and dare not offend the Chen family. However, most minor officials have no idea who Chen Guorui is.
But Zhu Wenzhen and Li Wenzhong are really too powerful.
Chen Ying joined the army too late and was far inferior to Zhu Wenzheng and Li Wenzhong in terms of their military status. Both of them were "marshals " who could defend an entire prefecture on their own.
The more ignorant and despicable a person is, the more he likes to cause trouble.
At this time, Chen Biao would just pretend to be a playboy, "Zhu Wenzhen is my cousin, and Li Wenzhong is my cousin. I will break your legs and see who dares to stand up for you!", and the other party would immediately become timid.
As Zhu Wenzhen and Li Wenzhong's military achievements became more and more outstanding and their official positions became higher and higher, Chen Biao dared to bring up his own cousins when he encountered the arrogant parents of generals from Yingtian Primary School, asking them to go to Zhu Wenzhen and Li Wenzhong to complain if they had any opinions.
Chen Biao crossed his arms and nodded his head: "I have also written many scripts for you."
It's a pity that Shi Nai'an, Luo Guanzhong and Zhu Yuanzhang were not in the same camp, otherwise Chen Biao would have asked the master and apprentice to co-write a book "The Romance of the Late Yuan Dynasty", which would have become a famous work and been included in the Chinese language textbooks of later generations, for later students to recite and memorize.
Hahahaha, I feel so proud just thinking about it!
When Zhu Wenzhen heard Chen Biao bragging about his brothers, the corners of his mouth grew wider and wider, almost reaching his ears.
The other cavalrymen listened with their ears perked up, their expressions filled with envy.
How could our general have such a smart, well-behaved and loving brother? He's even his cousin! Even his own brother has never been so good!
"I will be even more powerful in the future, so that you can feel proud when you tell others about it." Zhu Wenzhen hugged his younger brother tightly in his arms and promised.
Chen Biao nagging: "Safety is the most important."
Zhu Wenzheng said, "I know, I know... Hey, look, there's Poyang Lake ahead. How come it's so fast?"
Chen Biao said, "It's not far anyway, and we're riding horses... Hey? There's such a big smoke, haven't you finished yet?"
Zhu Wenzheng said disdainfully, "It's been two or three days already, right? My adoptive father's men are such a bunch of rubbish!"
Chen Biao was speechless: "Brother Zheng, Brother Zhong and Brother Ying are now under the command of our adoptive father. Uncle Xu, Uncle Tang, and Uncle Zhou must be here too. Who knows, maybe my father, your fourth uncle Chen Guorui, is here too! Are you sure you want to scold them all?"
Zhu Wenzheng said arrogantly: "I just cursed, what's wrong?"
Chen Biao said, "If you have the guts, go and scold me in person! Send me to Hongdu City and you go and help me."
Zhu Wenzheng said: "I will go back to Hongdu City with you. I don't trust others to protect you."
Chen Biao said, "Go if I tell you to. Don't you know my reputation in Hongdu City? If anyone dares to speak loudly to me, the people and defenders of Hongdu City will drown him with a spit. Now, hurry up! Don't you want to gain more merits so that I can be more arrogant and domineering?"
Zhu Wenzheng was helpless: "Yes, yes, yes."
He ordered half of his cavalry to send Chen Biao back to Hongdu City, and he himself rode to Zhu Yuanzhang's camp. On the way, he detoured and killed a group of Chen Han soldiers who were transporting supplies ashore.
Zhu Yuanzhang blocked all the waterways in Hukou, so Chen Han’s logistical supplies could not be transported by water and could only be transported by land.
Zhu Wenzhen just happened to seize a batch of newly arrived supplies.
Without this batch of supplies, Chen Han would have to wait for the next batch, and many people would probably starve to death.
Zhu Wenzhen made great military achievements as soon as he arrived, and Zhu Yuanzhang was very happy.
But his first question wasn't about military exploits: "Where's Biao'er? Isn't he with you?"
Zhu Wenzheng casually clasped his fists towards Zhu Yuanzhang, not even bothering to bow, and walked straight into the tent: "Biao'er has returned to Hongdu City. He is anxious to oversee the repairs to the city and the planting of crops. Biao'er said that successfully defending the city is only the first step. How to ensure that the people have a good New Year this year is the most important thing."
Zhu Yuanzhang said proudly, "As expected of you, Biao'er. If you don't escort him back, won't he be in danger?"
Zhu Wenzheng said, "I would like to, but Biaoer asked me to come over and help. He said that the garrison of Hongdu City is more than enough to protect him. Biaoer just doesn't like to cause trouble for others, so I can't help it. I sent a thousand cavalry to escort him back. He will be fine, don't worry, godfather."
Zhu Wenzheng glanced at the soldiers and complained, "Foster father, half of the Chen Han army has fled, their morale has long been gone, and the ship has run aground. Why hasn't the battle been over yet?"
Although Zhu Wen Zheng did not say those two words, the generals present could clearly see those two words from Zhu Wen Zheng's arrogant expression.
waste!
Li Wenzhong quickly tried to smooth things over, to prevent Zhu Wenzheng from incurring public outrage: "Chen Youliang's ships are chained together, making them difficult to defend even if they're stranded. Having used fire once, they're already prepared, and it won't work. To avoid too many casualties, we should retreat to the river and wait for Chen Youliang to emerge."
Zhu Wenzhen thought about it and understood Zhu Yuanzhang's strategic intention.
Since victory was already secured, there was no need to waste too many lives on a strong attack. They were now trapping Chen Youliang in Poyang Lake, much like Chen Youliang had besieged Hongdu Prefecture. They were surrounding the enemy and attacking their reinforcements, cutting off their supply lines, forcing Chen Youliang to either attack first or die trapped in Poyang Lake.
Zhu Wenzheng bowed and said, "I didn't think it through. This is indeed the best solution."
Everyone felt better when they saw Zhu Wenzhen surrender so cleanly and efficiently.
Zhu Wenzheng was able to defend Hongdu Prefecture because he had the capital to be arrogant. As long as young people know how to humble themselves, their character is good.
Yu Tonghai asked, "You and the young military advisor returned together. Did the young military advisor offer any advice on the Battle of Poyang Lake?"
Everyone pricked up their ears.
Zhu Wenzheng took in Yu Tonghai's expression and saw that he was simply curious and had no ill intentions, so he said, "Biao'er said that since his adoptive father is here, his mind can be clear, so he didn't say anything."
"Puff..." Zhu Yuanzhang coughed dryly and stopped laughing, "He has this kind of personality."
Yu Tonghai sighed: "Although we can indeed win this battle, I am really curious, if the young military advisor were here, what advice would he give?"
Zhu Liangzu couldn't help but say, "Yes, yes, I always hear you bragging about the little military advisor, but I still don't believe it unless I see it with my own eyes!"
Zhu Wenzheng said calmly, "It doesn't matter whether others believe it or not. Just don't forget Biao'er when you reward him. His achievements are enough for us, the Hongdu defenders."
Zhu Liangzu said awkwardly: "I'm not questioning..."
Zhu Wenzheng lazily bowed, "I know what the general means. I hope Biao'er can speed up the end of the battle. After all, waiting like this is annoying. But Biao'er was taught by Marshal Xu and my fourth uncle. Marshal Xu is here. Can Biao'er be more capable than Marshal Xu?"
Xu Da said firmly: "Yes, Biao'er, I taught him!"
Zhu Yuanzhang was itching to hit Xu Da on the head.
Not to mention Zhu Yuanzhang, other people who knew the situation also secretly glanced at Xu Da with unfriendly eyes.
This group of Zhu Yuanzhang's confidants already knew that Xu Da's personality in front of and behind people was comparable to Zhu Yuanzhang's, and they were completely two different people.
This talk of Marshal Xu being cautious, humble and as immovable as a mountain is all fake!
So shameless!
Zhu Liangzu glanced at Xu Da and said intimidatingly again: "Yes, Marshal Xu is right here."
"Alright, cheer up, it's just a matter of a few more days." Zhu Yuanzhang felt relieved after learning that Biao'er was safe. "After we win this battle, we'll go to Hongdu to meet that young military advisor and satisfy your curiosity."
"Yes! My Lord!"
…
In June, Chen Youliang was besieged in Poyang Lake. His logistics were cut off, so he had no choice but to break out by force and try to escape back to Wuchang.
But Zhu Yuanzhang had already arranged an ambush to cut off his escape route. Chen Youliang was murdered by a hail of arrows. The Battle of Poyang Lake finally came to an end.
Zhu Yuanzhang went straight upstream and took Wuchang.
By the time Zhu Yuanzhang captured Wuchang and returned to Hongdu Prefecture to pick up Biaoer, it was already July.
When Chen Biao learned that Zhu Yuanzhang was going to summon him, he was so nervous that he couldn't sleep.
He came to Zhu Yuanzhang's temporary marshal's residence with dark circles under his eyes. Before he saw Zhu Yuanzhang, he saw his father looking around.
Chen Biao burst into tears: "Dad!"
Zhu Yuanzhang burst into tears: "Biao'er!"
"father!"
"Biao'er!"
The father and son hugged each other and cried bitterly.