Zhu Yuanzhang's opponent in this battle was Lu Zhen, a general under Zhang Shicheng.
Lü Zhen was Zhang Shicheng's most distinguished and senior general. Zhu Yuanzhang's naval commander, Liao Yongan, the brother of Liao Yongzhong, Zhu Yuanzhang's current number one naval commander, was captured by Lü Zhen and remains imprisoned in Pingjiang City.
Most of Zhang Shicheng's generals were arrogant and would bargain with Zhang Shicheng before going out on campaigns, only demanding rewards before breaking camp. Lü Zhen, however, was Zhang Shicheng's trusted confidant and was relatively obedient to his orders. Therefore, when Zhang Shicheng sent his younger brother Zhang Shixin on campaigns, he often accompanied Lü Zhen, making Zhang Shixin his deputy general.
Although Zhang Shixin was arrogant and extravagant, he was very convinced of Lü Zhen. When fighting with Lü Zhen, he was only responsible for eating, drinking and having fun in the rear camp, leaving all the fighting matters to Lü Zhen and never causing trouble for him.
Last year, Zhang Shicheng took advantage of the rebellion of many generals under Zhu Yuanzhang and finally took action. He sent Lu Zhen and Zhang Shixin with an army of 100,000 to attack Zhu Yuanzhang's Zhuquanzhou.
In the original history, generals such as Hu Dahai were killed by traitors, and Zhuquanzhou was guarded by Xie Zaixing.
After a hundred days of fierce fighting, Xie Zaixing was first defeated and fled to Li Wenzhong who was guarding Dingzhou. Li Wenzhong and the reinforcements sent by Zhu Yuanzhang repelled Lu Zhen. Xie Zaixing then defected to Zhang Shicheng, and Li Wenzhong sent troops again to quell the rebellion and recapture all the prefectures.
In this world, history turns its corner early.
Xie Zaixing had defected long ago; Li Wenzhong did not stay in Dingzhou, but returned to Yingtian to wait for marriage, and now he has fled to Hongdu.
When Lu Zhen and Zhang Shixin attacked Zhuquanzhou, they encountered Hu Dahai and his son, who were not harmed by the traitor, and Chang Yuchun, who was furious about the logistics.
Chang Yuchun led his labor reform army and fought all the way, almost rushing into the tent of Zhang Shixin who was enjoying singing and dancing. Zhang Shixin was frightened so much that he had a high fever for several days. Lu Zhen had to retreat in a hurry.
Lü Zhen and Zhang Shixin returned to Zhang Shicheng's territory to rest for a while. At the end of the year, they split into two groups again. Lü Zhen led the main force to attack Zhuquanzhou again; Zhang Shixin followed another general, Xu Yi, and attacked Anfeng with the help of Zuo Junbi.
Anfeng was the capital of Liu Futong, the de facto ruler of the Han Song Dynasty, and Han Lin'er, the nominal "emperor" of the Red Turban Army. Following their failed campaign against the Yuan Dynasty, the Han Song Dynasty retreated to Anfeng and resisted. Zhang Shicheng, still a loyal subject of the Yuan Dynasty, ordered an attack on Anfeng to demonstrate his loyalty.
Zuo Junbi also revolted under the name of the White Lotus Sect, so he can be considered a member of the Red Turban Army. He actually assisted Zhang Shicheng, who surrendered to the Yuan Dynasty, in attacking Han and Song. It can be seen that the Red Turban Army had already been acting independently and had become a mess.
Originally, the battle of Zhuquan Prefecture ended at the beginning of the year. Although Li Wenzhong defeated Lü Zhen, Lü Zhen suffered no casualties and only retreated strategically.
At the end of the year, when Lu Zhen and Zhang Shixin led an army of 100,000 to attack Anfeng, Liu Futong sought help everywhere, but the Red Turban Army generals ignored him.
Liu Ji and other counselors also advised Zhu Yuanzhang not to rescue Han Lin'er, and to destroy the Han Song Dynasty cleanly and neatly so that Zhu Yuanzhang could become king and emperor openly .
Zhu Yuanzhang, however , ignored the opposition and was willing to risk the small stain of personally burying Han Song in the future, and personally led the expedition to Anfeng.
Zhu Yuanzhang's goal was to give Zhang Shicheng, who was constantly making small moves, a hard blow, so that Zhang Shicheng would be more obedient during the decisive battle between him and Chen Youliang.
In this battle, Zhu Yuanzhang defeated Lü Zhen, nearly annihilating his 100,000-man army. Later, when Zhu Yuanzhang returned to Hongdu to reinforce Chen Youliang, Zhang Shicheng remained motionless, like a monk in meditation, refusing to move, despite the persuasion of his advisors.
From this battle, it can be seen that Zhu Yuanzhang's strategic vision in the overall situation was slightly higher than that of his advisers.
In current history, Zhu Yuanzhang personally led the army to lift the siege of Quanzhou. His purpose was the same as in the original history, which was to teach Zhang Shicheng a lesson so that Zhang Shicheng would not stab him in the back during the decisive battle with Chen Youliang.
When Zhu Yuanzhang learned on the way that Anfeng was attacked, he considered whether to go to Anfeng to rescue Liu Futong.
However, because Xu Yi's prestige was lower than Lü Zhen's, Zhang Shixin was only responsible for acting as a mascot when working with Lü Zhen. He wanted to show off his abilities when he and Xu Yi went to fight against the desperate Han Song. Furthermore, they did not have enough troops, so Xu Yi and Zhang Shixin were defeated by Liu Futong.
Later, Liu Futong shouted from the front, questioning Zuo Junbi's intention to become a Yuan Dynasty lackey, just like Zhang Shicheng. Zuo Junbi silently withdrew his troops. Xu Yi and Liu Futong remained in a stalemate, each awaiting reinforcements and waiting to see how the battle between Zhu Yuanzhang and Lü Zhen unfolded in Quanzhou.
Zhu Yuanzhang didn't need to get involved in the mess between Han and Song. He could achieve his strategic goal by concentrating on the decisive battle with Lu Zhen.
Zhu Yuanzhang summoned his trusted generals who knew Chen Biao's identity and told them that Chen Biao was guarding Hongdu City to buy them time to defeat Zhang Shicheng. He encouraged the generals to fight bravely and not to waste the time that Biao had bought for them.
Tang He was almost going crazy: "Master! Boss! Are you kidding me?! How old is Biao'er? How old do you say Biao'er is?!"
Zhu Yuanzhang said calmly: "Nine years old."
Tang He wanted to grab his eldest son’s shoulders and shake him: “Nine years old! Nine years old! Nine-year-old Biao’er defending the city? Boss, are you serious?!”
Zhu Yuanzhang clenched his fists, his expression still calm: "Biaoer wrote to me, saying that he would buy me four months. We should try to go back in one month!"
Tang He's shoulders slumped, his expression dejected: "Biao'er... Biao'er... I..."
Zhou Dexing's head buzzed for a long time before he came to his senses: "My Lord, aren't Wenzheng and Wenying the ones guarding the city? Why is it Biao'er?"
Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Once Biao'er left, he naturally took over Hongdu. I was wondering how that happened!"
Zhu Yuanzhang threw Chen Biao's letter on the table.
Several fellow countrymen huddled together to watch, and after finishing, they were all silent.
Should they say congratulations to the lord that his son Qilin is a natural born handsome man, or should they say... No, boss, we don’t want Zhuquanzhou anymore, let’s go back and save Biaoer first!
Zhu Yuanzhang said firmly, "I trust Biao'er. One month! In one month, not only will we defeat Lu Zhen, but we will also annihilate his army of 100,000!"
All the generals knelt on one knee, clenched their right fists, and pounded their chests: "Yes!"
Zhu Yuanzhang stood up, put on his armor himself, and led a group of mad-dog-like Zhu family army generals. He abandoned the long-range munitions advantage of the Zhu family army and divided his troops into three groups. The other two groups were led by Xu Da and Chang Yuchun, who directly penetrated into Lu Zhen's army for close combat.
When Lu Zhen heard the report, he was so shocked that he couldn't speak for a long time.
It was just a fight for Zhuquan Prefecture, but how could Zhu Yuanzhang and his generals display such a desperate attitude that was even more terrifying than the desperate Liu Futong? It was as if I had forced him into a desperate situation and if he didn't kill me, he would die himself?!
When Zhu Yuanzhang was fighting with Lu Zhen, Ma Xiuying received a letter from Zhu Yuanzhang in Yingtian. Her legs went weak and she fell to the ground.
Ma Xiuying has a strong character and never despairs no matter how difficult the situation is.
Now when she saw Zhu Yuanzhang's letter, she was at a loss the whole day and could only cry.
It was not until Chen Chong and Chen Tan, who did not understand why their mother was crying, also started crying with their mouths pursed, that Ma Xiuying was able to regain her composure.
She first coaxed the child, then put on the leather armor helmet that Zhu Yuanzhang had specially customized for her, and asked Li Zhen to help her take care of the child temporarily while she went to the Marshal's Mansion to take charge.
In order to cooperate with Ma Xiuying, Zhu Yuanzhang ignored the opposition and appointed two female generals under his command, Xu Shuzhen and Chen Huoxing, as the main and deputy generals to guard Yingtian.
When Xu Shuzhen and Chen Huoxing saw Ma Xiuying arrive, they immediately realized that something serious had happened.
"Madam Xiuying! What are your instructions? I will go through fire and water for you!" Commander Xu Shuzhen said immediately.
Ma Xiuying said, "Chen Youliang is besieging Hongdu, and the Marshal is battling Lü Zhen. This is the most critical moment. I order you to guard the key roads to Yingtian and not allow anyone to enter or leave at will to prevent any unforeseen events in Yingtian. All the relatives of the soldiers are in Yingtian, and nothing must happen to them."
Xu Shuzhen thought for a moment and said, "Could we temporarily suspend classes at Yingtian Primary School and allow the wives of important generals and their children to live there together? They can look after each other's children, and we can also free up more manpower for patrols."
Ma Xiuying nodded. "Okay. I'll do it. You must gather the troops and drive out the caravan from the city."
Xu Shuzhen took the order and left.
Ma Xiuying continued, "General Chen, I'll give you a list. Surround the houses of these people and seal their doors. For this period of time, no one from their families is allowed to enter or leave. If they need additional food, we will deliver it. Anyone who enters or leaves without permission will be killed!"
Chen Huoxing didn't ask the reason and immediately took the order and left.
After Ma Xiuying gave the order, she first had someone spread the word in the city, using Chen Biao's strategy to continue to build up the reputation of Deng Yu's wife Cao as a heroine, saying how the Cao family wanted to break off the engagement, how they humiliated Deng Yu, and almost forced Cao to death.
After the old lady of the Cao family went to the Marshal's Mansion to seek help and hoped to arrest the person who spread the rumors, Ma Xiuying hosted a banquet at the Marshal's Mansion to invite the Cao family to reassure them.
When the Cao family members came to the banquet, Ma Xiuying immediately ordered all the Cao family members who attended the banquet to be placed under house arrest, quietly controlling the people involved in the Cao family.
Afterwards, Ma Xiuying repeated the same trick and placed the wealthy families without reputation on the list provided by the Zhang family under house arrest, while inviting the prestigious "famous families" to a banquet and then respectfully inviting them to stay as guests in the Marshal's Mansion.
For a moment, the laughter and joy in Yingtian City turned into solemnity, and everyone stayed indoors for fear of danger.
After Zhu Yuanzhang got the Zhang family's list, he did not arrest them immediately because they involved too many people. Instead, he played it safe and waited for them to make a move next time so that he could catch them red-handed.
However, due to the Cao family's collusion with the enemy, Chen Biao, Zhu Wenzhen, Li Wenzhong and Chen Ying were all trapped in Hongdu Prefecture. Ma Xiuying became impatient and didn't care about the long line or the big fish, she just wanted to catch them first.
After that, there was no more fish, and she didn't care about her reputation. She just wanted to catch these people quickly and prevent them from doing anything bad when their children were surrounded.
Ma Xiuying risked her reputation by arresting someone without any evidence. In Hongdu City, Chen Biao also worked hard to restore order within the city, regardless of his reputation.
Whenever there was a siege in troubled times, most people would flee the city.
Not to mention that in times of chaos, the land is vast and the population is sparse. Even in prosperous times, if there are too many taxes and levies, the people will flee to the mountains to hide.
In the feudal era, apart from official roads connecting cities, most of the land was just desolate mountains and wilderness. In order to survive, the people had long since mastered the art of escaping.
Most ancient cities were not very large, and there were four types of people living in the cities.
The first type goes out to the city to farm during the day and returns to their homes in the city to rest at night. If they have slack time, they will find work in the city;
The second type of family members farm outside the city while they find work in the city;
The third type is the wealthy, whose numerous estates are managed by stewards and tenants, and who only occasionally inspect them;
The fourth type is rare in troubled times and only appears in prosperous times. They are merchants and refugees who have abandoned their family land and come to the city purely to make a living.
In ancient times, population and land were tied together, and city residents also had land.
When the well-field system was first implemented in Hongdu, almost everyone had a piece of land, and naturally, they also had houses next to the land for living during the busy farming season.
Hongdu was under siege and the city was unable to provide much food and drink for the people. Chen Biao asked his brothers to voluntarily send the people out of the city and return to their own fields.
People who lived far away from Hongdu City could hide in their own cellars, while people who lived closer to Hongdu City packed up their food and went to the mountains to hide together.
Under the organization of Zhu's army and the leadership of the newly appointed village heads and militiamen, the elderly, the weak, women and children from ordinary families in the city evacuated in an orderly manner.
Perhaps in troubled times, few armies cared about the lives of ordinary people before defending a city. The civilians were reluctant to leave. Some, halfway through their journey, turned back and placed a small bag of grain, a few eggs, or a scrap of cloth at the feet of the Zhu family soldiers who were maintaining order, before hurriedly running off.
Zhu's army was at a loss and didn't know what to do.
Chen Biao gave orders through Zhu Wenzhen, and the Zhu family army continued to stand guard, ignoring the actions of the people and letting things pile up at their feet and in front of them.
The best reaction is no reaction.
This action of the people not only represents the public support won by Zhu's army, but also serves as a shot in the arm for the people who left or stayed in Hongdu City.
When the people and soldiers were worried about the upcoming fierce battle, they would surely strengthen their faith when they saw this scene.
People in this era don’t understand the unity of the military and civilians, but Chen Biao does.
The people of Hongdu wanted Zhu's army to stay, and Zhu's army thought that the people of Hongdu wanted them to stay. After seeing this, they knew that no matter how difficult it was to defend the city, it would not shake the will of the soldiers and people who stayed in the city.
Ordinary people were dismissed very quickly, but Zhu's army encountered trouble when encountering wealthy families, especially those with high reputation.
The rich have a lot of wealth at home. If they are asked to stay, they are afraid of death; if they are asked to leave, they cannot take all their wealth with them and are worried about being robbed.
Good people are often bullied.
Under normal circumstances, these wealthy families would find their own solutions. If they suffered losses, they would just accept it. Could they still expect these warlords to compensate them?
But Zhu Jiajun was a good man, so they started making trouble.
They nominated people of high moral character to negotiate with the leader of Zhu's army, saying that they wanted Zhu's army to take inventory of the family's property, and if there was anything missing from the house when they returned, Zhu's army would have to compensate them.
If Zhu's army refused, they would say they would stay in the city, and Zhu's army would promise not to collect their food and people, and would also lend a helping hand when they were in trouble.
They argued that they had recognized the Zhu family army as the imperial court, so the Zhu family army had to shoulder the responsibilities of the imperial court.
Hongdu governed more than just the prefecture. Hongdu Prefecture was similar to the administrative structure of a prefecture-level city in later generations.
In order to establish the well-field system and rebuild the taxation system, Zhang Cundao, the prefect of Hongdu, had been running around the county and countryside and rarely returned to the prefecture.
Only after learning that Chen Youliang might attack Hongdu Prefecture did Zhang Cundao return to oversee the evacuation of the people.
Zhang Cundao was the son of the great Confucian scholar Zhang Yi. When these highly respected people saw Zhang Cundao coming to appease them, they quoted more scriptures and made more accusations, demanding that the Zhu family army guarantee their livelihoods.
Just as Zhang Cundao was in a dilemma, Chen Biao led his troops and came over, saying indifferently, "Capture them all."
The respected elders were horrified: "What are you going to do..."
Before they could finish their words, their mouths were blocked by soldiers and they were tied up.
Zhang Cundao frowned: "Biao'er, isn't this too much?"
Chen Biao said: "According to the information I received, Chen Youliang is already recruiting his troops and generals. We don't have time to waste with them."
He sneered, bowed his hands, and said loudly, "Since you have recognized us as the legitimate court, the court has issued an order. Those who disobey are just unruly people who disobey orders and should be arrested. Before the war, those who delay military affairs should be executed. Please order the prefect to severely punish those who cause trouble!"
Zhang Cundao struggled for a moment, took a deep breath, and said coldly, "They deserve severe punishment. The troublemakers will be beaten with twenty military sticks and expelled from Hongdu City! All families are ordered to make preparations within one day! If there are any more troubles, all their property will be confiscated!"
Seeing Zhang Cundao take the initiative to take responsibility, Chen Biao breathed a sigh of relief and stood up straight, saying, "I obey your orders! Come on, follow me... Oh, what are you doing, Brother Zhang?"
Zhang Cundao picked up Chen Biao, who was nine years old in terms of age but would only turn eight in October this year, with one hand, like picking up a chicken.
He was dressed in scholar's clothes, looked thin and elegant, but seemed to have too much strength.
"What do you mean by 'I'm a subordinate or not'? When did you become an official? I'll send someone to arrest him, why are you running around so eagerly?" Zhang Cundao hugged Chen Biao in his arms and stroked the two small pigtails on Chen Biao's head. "Don't do anything that offends others."
Chen Biao pouted and said, "I was handsome for a while, but now it's all gone. I'm already grown up, don't carry me around and hug me, don't I have any dignity?"
Zhang Cundao said with a stern face, "You are still a child, with two little pigtails on your head. What do you mean by growing up? Stay at home and don't run around."
Chen Biao shook his head vigorously. "That won't do. The soldiers are busy repairing the city walls, digging trenches, and setting up fences in the river. The clerks have to evacuate the people and sort out the logistics. Brother Zhang, you have a lot to do too. These people are few in number, but they are very loud and prone to causing trouble. Leave it to me."
Chen Biao took out an official badge from his pocket and said, "My brother gave it to me. Now I am really an official."
Chen Biao continued to rummage through his arms and pulled out a large pile of official badges and seals of civil and military officials.
Zhang Cundao even saw the titles of "General", "Colonel", "Prefect", "Counselor", "Commander" and even "Grand Marshal" and "Pingzhang", and his eyelids twitched.
With so many things, where did Biaoer hide them? Could it be that Biaoer had some magical power like the Secret World in His Sleeves?
And these official badges and seals...that bastard Zhu Wenzhen just relies on the fact that he is the lord's nephew and carves them randomly, right?
Zhang Cundao couldn't believe the different handwritings. He wondered if even the usually rational and calm Chen Ying had been involved. As for the man named Li Wenzhong, he didn't know him well and didn't know his personality. But there was one unfamiliar handwriting, and he was afraid it was Li Wenzhong's.
Apart from these three people, no one else has the courage.
Is it really okay for you three silly brothers to act this way? You might as well carve "As if I were here in person" or a golden seal for the Crown Prince!
Chen Biao fumbled around here and there, then held up a gold medal high.
"As if Marshal Zhu were here in person!"
Zhang Cundao: "..."
He lifted Chen Biao up with both hands and shook him vigorously, knocking the official badge and seal out of Chen Biao's arms. He said, "Don't do the same as them. Official badges and seals cannot be carved carelessly."
Chen Biao was shaking so much that he was shaking his hands, feet and head. "I know. But I'm still young, the Marshal won't bother with me about this. Stop shaking, I have to get to work quickly. If you delay military affairs, you will be beaten with a military stick! I don't want to be beaten with a military stick!"
Seeing Chen Biao's insistence, Zhang Cundao had no choice but to put him on the ground. Then he picked out a plaque for each of the civil and military officials that he and Zhu Wenzheng could appoint, and stuffed it into Chen Biao's hands: "Are you sure you want to do this? Even if you want to do something, you don't have to do something that offends others."
Chen Biao said seriously, "These people are very cunning and have good tongues. Most of our generals are honest and can be easily tricked by them. If they catch us, it will affect our good reputation in Hongdu. Although with the troops at the Marshal's command, we may not need to worry about this, I cannot bear to see the reputation we have worked so hard to build jeopardized by a few scoundrels."
Chen Biao patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, Prefect. Although I'm small, I have a very smart mind. You can trust me with this kind of thing."
Chen Biao used a Conan joke that no one in this world understood and successfully dispelled Zhang Cundao's doubts.
Zhang Cundao gave Chen Biao a few words of advice and watched him leave with a worried look on his face.
Zhang Cundao's deputy, the clerk, asked, "Given Biao'er's talent, it wouldn't be difficult to accomplish this. But would Your Excellency really allow a young child of the Chen family to do such an offensive thing? Would General Chen Guorui blame you?"
Zhang Cundao said in a deep voice: "No. Let's go and do our own thing."
To facilitate the Chen family's merchant caravans' voyages, Zhu Yuanzhang had already conquered several coastal areas of Fujian. These areas became his "enclaves." Zhang Yi was entrusted with the important task of assisting General Zhu Liangzu in defending the Fujian enclaves.
Before leaving, Zhang Yi asked Zhu Yuanzhang and officially informed his eldest son of Chen Biao's identity, asking his eldest son to protect Chen Biao on his behalf.
Zhang Cundao didn't expect that Chen Biao would actually come to Hongdu, and he really had to take on the responsibility of protecting Chen Biao.
Since he knew that Chen Biao was his lord's heir, Zhang Cundao had no reason to stop Chen Biao even if he felt reluctant.
Chen Biao will become the crown prince and then the emperor in the future, and he will do a lot of "offensive" things like this.
A moral gentleman cannot be a good emperor.
The way to be an emperor is the way to be a king and a tyrant. Although Biao'er is unaware of his own identity, has he already shown such qualities?
Zhang Cundao was both happy and worried. He was happy about Biao'er's talent, but worried that Biao'er might be too smart and easily fail.
I hope the lord will consider this.
Although Chen Biao is a modern man, perhaps because he is not very kind by nature, or because he has heard too much about the "glorious past" from his father and uncles, he has no discomfort in dealing with these people.
Chen Biao took the joint letter and knocked on each person's door, asking them whether they were willing to leave as requested by Zhu's army.
If they refused, they would be tied up immediately and thrown out of the city gate, regardless of whether they were old, weak, women, children or servants. Only one cart of food would be left to them, and all other things would be confiscated.
Every time Chen Biao threw a family away, he would shut up the group of people and say in front of the evacuated people that these people refused to leave and refused to defend the city when the war was approaching. They also wanted Zhu's army to send people to help them protect their mansions and property, and asked Zhu's army to compensate for the lost things.
"I'll leave these unruly people here as a warning to the public. Hongdu is in such a critical situation, yet there are still people who want to be local tyrants and the masters of the world. Everyone, take a good look at these people's faces, remember their appearances and names, and avoid them in the future."
Chen Biao left behind a servant of the Chen family (a personal soldier of the Zhu family) who had played the role of a storyteller, and asked him to hold a gavel, stand on a temporary platform, and constantly tell the departing people about the ugly faces of these people.
Add fuel to the fire?
Of course it has to be artistic.
What Chen Biao wants is the hearts of the people, not the "scholars' hearts" or "rich businessmen's hearts" of those who are unwilling to pay or work.
The "hearts of scholars" and "hearts of wealthy businessmen" were things that Zhu Dashuai, the emperor, had to consider. Now he was only thinking about how to defend the city.
Chen Biao had just left two households when he reached the third household. Before he even dismounted, the other party had already opened the door and kowtowed to greet him, saying that they were already preparing and told him to leave immediately, and that they would leave half of the food as a reward for the troops.
Chen Biao laughed sarcastically and said, "Why bother drinking when you don't want to accept a toast? We, the Zhu family army, are defending the city on our own, not stealing food or people, and yet we are being bullied. But you repented quickly, and we are good people, so we won't blame you too much. Send someone to deliver the food to the granary, and then leave obediently."
The middle-aged man, who looked wealthy but was dressed in scholar's clothes, kowtowed repeatedly to thank Chen Biao for letting him go.
But Chen Biao did not ignore the resentment in his eyes.
Chen Biao ignored his resentment.
It was impossible for him not to be resented for doing such ruthless things. He deliberately did things that would provoke resentment, so as to dilute his overly high reputation in Hongdu Prefecture.
Chen Biao knew the ways of being a minister. Having too good a reputation was not a good thing.
As for whether these people who resented him would cause trouble, Chen Biao was not worried at all.
He would be a military officer, a noble, and the crown prince's closest official in the future. As long as his position was high enough, those who resented him would only live in fear and think about how to please him.
Moreover, these people in Hongdu Mansion who are not even powerful may not even be able to see him no matter whether they resent or try to please him in the future.
As for whether this group of people would attack him like mad dogs after he fell into poverty... Chen Biao would have much more to worry about at that time, and these people would not be able to get any attention.
After the first person donated grain, Chen Biao did not ask for compensation. The people who followed not only honestly followed the orders given by Zhu's army, but also donated money and grain at the same time.
Some even wanted to offer their daughters to warm the bed of the nine-year-old Chen Biao. Chen Biao was shocked and looked at them with disgust, making them sweat profusely and their legs tremble.
"If my parents were here, they'd probably break your legs if someone gave a woman to their young child," Chen Biao said disdainfully. "Besides, you're a scholar, yet you're willing to sell your daughter. Have you lost all your knowledge of sages?"
Chen Biao left quickly as if he was avoiding something dirty. When he left, he did not forget to tell the people behind him to write this matter down. The storyteller at Chen's restaurant and teahouse now has new material.
The man immediately collapsed to the ground, almost unable to breathe, and died.
"Can't...don't..."
How can we tell these things to others? And let the storyteller tell them? This is going to drive me crazy!
Regardless of whether this man was forced to death, no one dared to test Chen Biao or offer beautiful women to him again.
However, some people did not want to give grain, but wanted to give some gold, silver, calligraphy and paintings and antiques to offset the grain, and hinted that they could give Chen Biao a discount.
How could a scholar not like ancient books and famous paintings and calligraphy? He thought this was to please Chen Biao.
Chen Biao was very angry.
He really likes these things. Antiques, famous paintings and calligraphy, who doesn't like them!
Damn it! How could you tempt me with something I like?
Of course, Chen Biao was very determined to only take the food and not the antiques, calligraphy and paintings, gold and silver treasures, but his heart ached when he had to give them up!
In the eyes of Chen Biao, who has integrated modern memories, antiques and calligraphy and paintings by famous artists are national treasures that should be placed in museums.
Now he lets this person leave with antiques and famous paintings and calligraphy, and these things may be scattered and never reach the hands of modern museums.
Chen Biao wanted to beat his chest and stamp his feet!
How could you suddenly make me bear such a heavy crime? Isn't this much more serious than forcing one or two wealthy people to death?
Chen Biao said coldly, "I hope you will take good care of these famous paintings and calligraphy. These are national and cultural treasures that should be passed down through the ages, not just money-grubbing things you use to curry favor with others."
Chen Biao directly ordered people to move grain without even looking at those who tried to test him.
I'm so angry! Those who force me to make this choice are all bad people! This time, I'm going to move half of the real grain in his granary, not the half they say they have!
Chen Biao rode away angrily, leaving the man standing there in deep thought.
Then, he bowed deeply to Chen Biao, and a trace of clarity and enlightenment appeared in his turbid eyes.
Chen Biao spent two days sending all the wealthy and famous families in the city out of the city gate, and begging for enough food for the military camp to last for half a month.
Zhu Wenzheng was itching to do so: "I didn't expect that group of people were so wealthy. If I had known earlier, I would..."
Chen Biao said, "Don't you still want to rob me? My reputation is already bad enough, and you want to make it worse? Please maintain a good reputation and protect my poor brother."
Zhu Wenzheng placed his hands on Chen Biao's head: "So protective?"
Chen Biao turned around and hit Zhu Wenzheng in the stomach: "Get out!"
Zhu Wenzheng clutched his stomach and laughed, "Don't worry, your reputation won't be ruined. Not only the common people who have fled the city, but even the wealthy families you've driven out of the city are spreading the praises of your virtue and reputation."
Chen Biao was dumbfounded: "Are they sick?" Stockholm syndrome?
Zhang Cundao had already shaved off his scholarly beard and donned the armor of a military commander to prevent it from getting in the way. "It was because Biao'er was too kind and tolerant that he had the moral upper hand."
Chen Biao pointed at himself with his eyes wide open.
Am I too kind and too tolerant?
Are you talking about me? Am I not fierce enough?
If the person who said this was not Zhang Cundao but his three brothers, Chen Biao would definitely think that his three brothers were bragging about him again.
But Brother Zhang...it shouldn't be that serious, right?
Chen Biao was very confused and shocked.
He once again felt that there might be a deep gap between him and this world.
Chen Biao rubbed his head with both hands, extremely confused.
…
When Chen Biao thought he had dealt with the chaos in the city very brutally, Chen Youliang finally got news about "Chen Jiabiaoer" in Hongdu Prefecture.
It is said that a child prodigy named "Chen Biao" predicted that Chen Youliang wanted to attack Yingtian Prefecture, and advised the Hongdu garrison commander and the prefect to evacuate the people, repair the city walls, stockpile food, and ask for help in advance.
Chen Biao also claimed that he had predicted Chen Youliang's military actions and arrogantly asked Chen Youliang whether he dared to come.
Chen Youliang was furious and almost drew his sword to kill the messenger.
The messenger stood proudly with his hands behind his back, looking straight at Chen Youliang.
He claimed to be sent by Zhu Yuanzhang. Before he left, he knew that his fate was in jeopardy, but he was not afraid.
Chen Youliang looked at the messenger with a gloomy expression and sneered, "You want to die? I won't let you die! Lock this man up! Keep him well! When I capture Hongdu City, I'll make a delicious meal out of that prodigy he mentioned, Chen Biao, and treat him to a feast!"
The messenger's eyelids twitched, and he sneered, "To target a child like this, the Emperor of Chen Han is indeed as narrow-minded as the outside world says he is!"
The messenger bowed, turned around and left with the guards under Chen Youliang's furious gaze.
Chen Youliang gritted his teeth and wanted to kill the messenger directly, but he felt that this was too easy for him.
"What is the origin of that child prodigy Chen Biao? How come a child prodigy suddenly appeared?!" Chen Youliang said angrily.
Most of the generals under Chen Youliang did not know Chen Biao, but most of his staff were literati and businessmen, so they naturally knew the very famous Biao of the Chen family.
The fact that Chen Biao had served as a primary school principal in Yingtian Prefecture for a period of time and was in charge of pacifying the refugees in Yingtian through work-for-relief was enough to make them marvel at his intelligence.
Although such child prodigies are not uncommon in history books, encountering one in real life still makes them sigh for a long time.
An aide offered a suggestion, "Chen Biao is indeed a rare talent, and he is also the eldest son of the Chen family, Zhu Yuanzhang's moneybag. Your Majesty must not be angry. Keep Chen Biao, he can assist your prince, and you can also recruit the Chen family to serve your majesty!"
Chen Youliang was so angry at this moment that he insisted on killing Chen Biao and having a piece of his meat to eat with wine. His staff were helpless.
They thought that after they captured Hongdu, perhaps His Majesty's anger would subside and they could try to persuade him again.
If he can't be persuaded, it would be a pity for such a rare child prodigy in the world.
Chen Youliang's military plan was seen through by Chen Biao, but the arrow was on the string and had to be shot.
However, some people suggested that Chen Youliang bypass Hongdu and directly advance to Yingtian City.
It is said that Yingtian City was guarded by Zhu Yuanzhang's wife and two female generals. Women and children are not to be feared. If Zhu Yuanzhang's wife and two female generals were taken into the bedroom, wouldn't that be an even greater humiliation to Zhu Yuanzhang?
According to common sense, Chen Youliang should indeed bypass Hongdu, occupy other places, or even directly recapture the capital of Chen Handu.
The reason why Chen Youliang chose Hongdu was, firstly, because Zhu Wenzhen, the only nephew given a surname by Zhu Yuanzhang, was in Hongdu; secondly, he had an insider who knew the weak points of Hongdu’s city walls.
Now Chen Biao was already repairing the city wall, Hongdu was ready to defend it, and even Zhu Yuanzhang got the news in advance. He had lost the strategic initiative.
However, after Chen Youliang proclaimed himself emperor, he was defeated by the despised Zhu Yuanzhang and lost nearly half of the Chen Han territory. His character weaknesses were too obvious.
Ever since losing to Zhu Yuanzhang, Chen Youliang even dreamed every day that people like Xu Shouhui, whom he had killed, were mocking him for being useless and saying he was not worthy of being emperor!
He urgently needed a big victory to boost the morale of his troops and himself.
In Chen Youliang's eyes, Hongdu was no longer a strategic location. He wanted to capture Hongdu and kill everyone in it when Zhu Yuanzhang and Hongdu were ready.
He wanted to personally make meat jerky out of Zhu Yuanzhang's three adopted sons and the arrogant child prodigy of the Chen family and send it to Zhu Yuanzhang!
Chen Youliang regarded Hongdu as a war of revenge, and took out all his hatred for Zhu Yuanzhang on Chen Biao, who dared to provoke him.
So, Chen Youliang led hundreds of civil and military officials, boarded a tall ship, and personally led an army of 600,000 to attack Hongdu.
Zhu Yuanzhang's spies under Chen Youliang got the news and learned that he had sent envoys to provoke Chen Youliang.
Zhu Yuanzhang was so angry that he stood up and turned around to smash the chair he was sitting on into pieces.
"Who is it! Who is it?!" Although Zhu Yuanzhang was mentally prepared for Chen Youliang to fight to the death in Hongdu because of his character weakness, someone actually used provocation to instigate Chen Youliang to go to Hongdu, which was another matter.
Someone wants to kill his son! Who is it?!
"They must be Zhang Shicheng's advisers." Even Li Shanchang, who was not good at military strategy, guessed, "They want to force the lord to return for help."
Liu Ji's voice trembled. "Not only that. They deliberately brought Biao'er out to the public to divert Chen Youliang's hatred towards Biao'er. They might have intended to force Chen Guorui to rebel. They wanted to kill Biao'er on purpose!"
Given Chen Biao's age, even if he was famous, if Hongdu City was captured and others were captured, Chen Youliang would most likely not attack a child.
If Chen Youliang was rational, he would take good care of Chen Biao. Even if the Chen family did not turn to him because of Chen Biao, Chen Biao was just a smart child. Chen Youliang could have adopted Chen Biao as his adopted son, given him advice and strategies, and alienated Chen Guorui and Zhu Yuanzhang.
But now, Chen Youliang has already threatened to steam Chen Biao. With Hongdu City broken, even with everyone's protection, Chen Biao's chances of survival are reduced.
"This is indeed a plot to sow discord. The ones sowing discord are Chen Guorui and the Lord." Song Lian closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then forced a smile. "It's a pity they don't know that Chen Guorui is the Lord. They also don't know how capable Biao'er is!"
Zhu Yuanzhang dropped his knife, his eyes red. "He shouldn't have said he wanted to steam the beast. If I capture him, I will steam him myself, so he knows that even if he says it, he can never touch my beast!"
The staff bowed their heads, and although they remained silent, their silence expressed their connivance of Zhu Yuanzhang's brutal action.
At this moment, even if they thought that this should not be the case, everyone knew that Zhu Yuanzhang's reverse scale could not be touched.
With the attention of several parties, Chen Youliang's army finally surrounded Hongdu City.
The clarion call for the defense of Hongdu was officially sounded.