Chapter 6, Joyfully Acquiring Two Battalions

For a century, one has only heard of his name but never seen the person, a remarkable figure of the age. The son of the great hero, the Eagle, how could he not be astonished

Huang Jingtian secretly felt admiration and then said: "The Ming Dynasty is prosperous and strong. Since the founding of the dynasty over twenty years ago, it has already restored the losses incurred during the fall of the Yuan. The border troubles are not a major concern; our Ming army is in an invincible position. However, the Emperor is now elderly, and several princes hold military power. If something were to happen to the founding Emperor, internal strife would be a serious worry"

The elephant trunk broadsword, iron bow, surname Huang, could it be that he is a descendant of the famous general Huang Zhong from the Three Kingdoms? Ha

Respectfully, Tian, you should first report that you are safe, so that the Emperor and my mother do not worry.

Your Highness, I am deeply grateful for your kindness; I have no means to repay you. In this life, whether in the saddle or on foot, through water or fire, I will surely follow you, unafraid of a thousand deaths. I know that he does not say these words lightly.

I changed the subject: "Alright, let's not discuss that anymore. Jing Tian, tell me, what are your views on the future situation of the Ming Dynasty?"

I smiled at him and gestured for him to return to his seat, while I paced back and forth in the hall: "Although it has only been seven days of apprenticeship, for Yunwen, it feels as long as a century. To receive the favor of this unparalleled master craftsman is indeed a stroke of luck for Yunwen."

Respecting Heaven, from the first moment I was reborn and saw you, I knew we would come together, for we are both individuals of exceptional ambition. I have confidence in you, and there will be no concealment. May the heavens and the books bear witness, as the old saying goes, "A loss may turn out to be a blessing." Respecting Heaven, do you know who saved me at the critical moment?

Such individuals are not appreciated by others; it is they who are unworthy of having such subordinates. Even gold buried in the soil can shine.

In the midst of great joy, I was allowed to select two battalions from the Hongwu Sixteenth Camp to serve as my personal guard.

I obey the decree

Indeed, it is the visionary individuals who possess such qualities. With such figures complementing each other, if I truly wish to rewrite history, it cannot be said that it is impossible

However, over the past twenty years, the wars have been relatively calm, and the truly brave and valiant soldiers in each regiment have long sought connections to enjoy wealth and honor, while those once fierce and formidable warriors have significantly diminished in strength.

I nodded and said, "There must have been some chaos in the city these past few days due to my disappearance, right?"

But it is of no consequence. Unbeknownst to me, an innate regal demeanor emanates from my being

At yesterday's celebratory banquet, he also noticed the changes in me

The commander of the special institution known as the Elephant Archery Camp is typically led by a cavalry officer of the fifth rank.

Is the Yǔnwén before me truly that arrogant, proud, and self-important imperial grandson, yet also timid and incompetent? Could the rumors be deliberately tarnishing his image? I have seen him once or twice myself, but he indeed seems like a different person from the one I see now. What is going on?

However, Huang Jingtian was left dumbfounded by the shock

A person so incompetent that they cannot even withstand a single move from Huang Jingtian must have relied on someone's connections to ascend to the position of commander

I did not directly select the two battalions I wanted, as I still know too little about military matters. I am even less familiar with the true strength of each battalion. After choosing the Marksman Battalion, I made an excuse to Zhu Yuanzhang, planning to select the other battalion later.

I do not wish to recruit incompetent individuals as my personal guards; Huang Jingtian should be the one who understands the strength of the Sixteenth Regiment best. Although his official position is lowly, his true abilities cannot escape my keen observation

A true master of martial prowess like Xiang Huang Jingtian is often the target of envy, remaining frustrated and unfulfilled. Over a decade ago, he held the position of a cavalry officer, and even today, more than ten years later, he still occupies that same role. It is precisely because he possesses an exceptionally strong will that any other person would have sought a higher position long ago.

Although the mastermind remains at large, my safe return has greatly pleased Zhu Yuanzhang.

After I sweetly sent off my mother, Lady Huang, I immediately summoned Huang Jingtian

Now Huang Jingtian has been promoted three ranks, which is exactly the military rank of a commander. The previous cavalry officer who was in charge was directly sent back to the Ministry of War, allowing them to use talents according to their abilities. It is not acceptable to think of taking advantage of me for a living.

Truly, it is heaven that assists me; is this not an opportunity granted by the heavens? If he were some sort of commander or the like, who knows if someone is backing him from behind? Ha, now I shall also take on the role of this supporter.

The incident of the Crown Prince's disappearance came to a close on the eighth day

I have a very clear understanding of Huang Jingtian's mindset. The changes in Yunwen before and after are qualitative changes; it would be surprising if he were not astonished.

What Your Highness has said is indeed correct. Regarding the Qingliang Temple incident, His Majesty was furious and that very night implemented a strict citywide curfew, thoroughly investigating all suspicious individuals, especially those from the martial arts community. Over three hundred monks, both young and old, from Qingliang Temple were all detained. The Factory Guard, Imperial Guard, Jinyiwei, and the Eight Guards of the Imperial City, along with the 16th Battalion of Hongwu, have been mobilized day and night, conducting a citywide search as if mercury were spilling everywhere, and this operation continues even at this very moment

Upon hearing this, my heart trembled, as I could not fathom why Zhu Yuanzhang would make such a grand display for a weak and incompetent Yunwen. Yet, who would know that I, this imperial grandson, am actually the son of Zhu Yuanzhang

Huang Jingtian took a deep breath and said: "Please forgive me, Your Highness, for my presumptuous words."

Huang Jingtian nodded with some emotion, gaining a new understanding of my open-mindedness. I never expected that the seemingly useless Yunwen would actually play the role of a cunning fox, and to receive such appreciation from him is indeed a stroke of luck in this lifetime.

Looking at Huang Jingtian before me, I could not help but feel a desire to recruit such a talented general; if this fierce warrior could be brought under my command, it would be akin to giving wings to a tiger

I approached him with genuine sincerity and honesty, which led to a resonance in his heart. From this, it is evident that his cultivation has already entered the realm of innate mastery, and he is even more astonished by my profound depth

Huang Jingtian shook his head, yet his eyes revealed a sense of anticipation

Huang Jingtian and a group of Jingwei rose, a hint of confusion evident in his eyes

Suddenly, Huang Jingtian turned over and knelt down again: "What virtue or ability does Jingtian possess to be valued so highly by Your Highness?" It was evident that he felt the weight of my trust in him.

This is also for the safety of me, his son, that Zhu Yuanzhang is concerned

Respect the heavens, come, sit down and talk, do not be constrained by formalities, anything goes in front of others, if it is just us, then we still put on airs, living is exhausting enough, ha

Huang Jingtian remained silent for a long time, unable to believe that the young man before him was actually the sole disciple of the Eagle Fate Living Buddha. No wonder he could not see through him with his own cultivation level.

And Huang Jingtian finally awaited this day

I lost it, no wonder he isn't anxious

Certainly, he is very aware of my incompetence and vulgarity, my lustfulness and lack of virtue. The reason for designating me as the crown prince is also a matter of necessity; the other princes have all been granted titles of kings, each guarding their own territories, commanding substantial military forces. Choosing any one of them would inevitably lead to future turmoil.

The Sixteenth Battalion of Hongwu is indeed the most elite force in the imperial capital, with each battalion comprising 3,000 elite soldiers. They are capable of engaging in fierce battles, exhibiting unparalleled ferocity, and are by no means inferior to the Jinyiwei, and may even surpass them.

Huang Jingtian was deeply moved by my appreciation, yet he showed not the slightest hint of it on the surface; that is just the kind of person he is. However, I was still able to understand the true feelings reflected in his eyes and the expressions he conveyed.

Upon this thought, I stepped forward and helped him up: "General Huang, there is no need for excessive formalities, please rise quickly, and everyone else, please get up as well"

"Eagle's Edge." I said softly

After the ascension of the Jianwen Emperor, Prince Di of Yan rebelled, achieving victory against a stronger opponent. However, he faced the weak and incompetent Yunwen, rather than me, the Yunwen from the twentieth century. The outcome is self-evident. No matter how capable he may be, how could he possibly contend with someone like me, who is well-versed in history? Although there are variables, I still hold more than half of the odds in my favor.

In recent days, the vast Prince Gong's Mansion has seemingly transformed into an impregnable fortress under the arrangements of Huang Jingtian. Eight hundred elite guards, meticulously selected by him, have formed the iron protection of the Prince Gong's Mansion

Suppressing the doubts in his heart, Huang Jingtian bowed and said: "Your Highness is safe and sound, which is a blessing for our Ming Dynasty. I, Huang Jingtian, truly do not deserve the title of general; it would be better for Your Highness to call me by my full name."

Such a person is merely a Wu Qiwei, a low-ranking military officer.

However, this incident alerted Zhu Yuanzhang, and the next day he conferred the title of Duke of Gong upon his grandson, Yunwen. According to the laws of the Ming Dynasty, a prince could have his own soldiers and guards, with a minimum of 3,000 and potentially exceeding 10,000.

Prince Gong's Mansion

In the main hall, there are only two of us: Huang Jingtian and I

Zhu Yuanzhang, without any doubt, nodded in agreement and awarded Huang Jingtian, who had made significant contributions, a promotion of three ranks, elevating him from the sixth rank of Wu Qiyu to the fifth rank of Xiao Qiyu.