Xu Huizu won a great victory, which brought jubilation throughout the Ming Dynasty court. For the people of Ming, such victories were nothing new. Their joy stemmed from a deep sense of pride; they lived in a powerful nation, where peace and stability reigned, and the Ming Dynasty's power grew ever stronger.

The Ming Dynasty is now thriving, it is growing stronger, and it can become even more powerful.

Old Zhu was very happy. Holding the military report, he said, "Xu Huizu is still not as good as Tiande. This kid is too green. He needs to be trained properly."

"Oh?" Zhu Yunying asked without hesitation, "Grandpa, I think he fought this battle very well."

Old Zhu immediately said to Zhu Yunying, "This child has a ruthless and decisive side. Using his brother as bait is something a general should do. However, this child is seeking stability. If the Tartars are not tied down, or if they flee far away after a failed attack, this battle may not have been so effective."

Zhu Yunying seemed to understand somewhat, and said seriously, "Then, according to Grandfather's opinion, should we continue to train him?"

“He still needs more experience. We’ve seen the offspring of the noble families, and not many of them are truly accomplished.” Old Zhu also became serious and said to Zhu Yunying, “This child’s talent is average, but he is steady. It’s hard to expect him to win big, but I reckon he won’t suffer a major defeat either.”

Zhu Yunying thought about it and realized that it was indeed true; Xu Huizu was actually quite capable.

The Ming Dynasty's war god Li Jinglong suffered over 100,000 casualties at the Baigou River, allowing Zhu Di to shift from defense to offense and gain the initiative in the war. During this battle, Xu Huizu, who was in charge of the rearguard, covered Li Jinglong's retreat, ensuring the safe return of his entire army.

He then achieved a great victory over Zhu Di's army at Qimei Mountain in Lingbi. However, this was Xu Huizu's last moment of glory, as Zhu Yunwen in history failed to recognize and appoint capable people, recalling Xu Huizu at a crucial moment. Even when Zhu Di's army attacked Yingtian Prefecture, Xu Huizu was able to lead troops to ambush the Yan army.

“Cousin Jiujiang, the more we look at him, the more we feel that he is not fit to lead troops on his own,” Zhu Yunying said, becoming more serious. “He is good at training troops and can give us advice, but he is not fit to lead a large army.”

Old Zhu also found it amusing, but somewhat helpless. "This child doesn't have the talent of a strategist, but fortunately he's quite well-versed in military strategy. We originally thought this child could be your right-hand man in the future. But looking at it now, it seems your judgment was more insightful. Jiujiang is usable, but shouldn't be given too much responsibility."

Li Jinglong was currently directing the army's supplies, managing everything meticulously. He was completely unaware that he had been manipulated by two generations of emperors, nor that he was no longer considered a capable leader. At this moment, he felt he could inherit his father Li Wenzhong's illustrious reputation and become the foremost general among the imperial relatives of the Ming Dynasty.

With his graceful demeanor, tall stature, and refined features, Li Jinglong has an excellent appearance. He can settle down to be a consultant from now on.

Old Zhu leaned back on the couch and said to Zhu Yunying, “Our grandson is good in every way, except he’s not good at fighting. If you were to lead troops, you would at most be a minor general. But our grandson has one good point: he is the emperor. An emperor can have a commanding view and doesn’t need to lead troops into battle. Our grandson has a long-term vision and can plan things out well.”

Zhu Yunying felt embarrassed, mainly because he was somewhat ashamed. His imperial grandfather was not only known for his favoritism towards his grandchildren, but also for his hypocrisy. His own eldest son and grandson were always considered good, no matter what they did. No matter how capable other people's children were, they were never as good as his sons and grandsons.

Old Zhu had no idea of ​​Zhu Yunying's predicament, and continued, "If our Ying'er continues to raise troops in the future, do not impose too many restrictions. Just tell the generals below the reasons for using troops and what results they want."

Zhu Yunying was immediately speechless and somewhat frustrated. "Does Grandfather mean that if I interfere, even a victory can be turned into a defeat?"

"Pretty much. Our grandson is the emperor. Battlefields are dangerous, and there are many variables." Old Zhu pointed at Zhu Yunying and said with a smile, "You and Jiujiang are the same. You talk a good game, but if you actually get to the battlefield, you won't be able to handle any unexpected changes."

Okay, Joo Yoon-young decided to stick to being a strategist and focus on making good plans. He decided against remote control and command; he needed to learn from the mistakes of the micromanagement masters, and he had thoroughly grasped that point.

Zhu Yunying, however, was somewhat curious and asked, "Grandpa, I have been fond of martial arts since I was a child, and I often discuss warfare with veteran generals. A few years ago, I also led troops into the grasslands. Aren't you worried, Grandpa?"

Old Zhu patted Zhu Yunying's head and said, "It's true you're good at martial arts, but does that make you a great general? You don't have that talent. Those veteran generals are just playing along with you; they don't dare let you defeat them. Last time, I let you lead troops so you could get some experience and know what it's like to lead troops. Besides, our army is there. Even if your second and third uncles are incompetent, they still have a talent for fighting."

Zhu Yunying was suddenly stunned, then gritted his teeth and said, "Then Grandfather should issue an edict to Second Uncle and Third Uncle, so that I am officially the commander-in-chief. If we really encounter the Tartar army, we will have to send them back."

"Haha!" Looking at his belatedly aware grandson, Old Zhu said, "The Tartars wouldn't have dared to go there anyway, and if they had, they wouldn't have sent you back. Your second and third uncles can lead the army, and you can sit comfortably in the central command tent. We've already issued an order to them."

This meticulous care is enough to give anyone a headache. However, Zhu Yunying also found it amusing; he seemed to have a high opinion of himself, but it was all an illusion. In his earlier years, it really was just many people flattering him. Because at that time, he was the Crown Prince, the future heir apparent of the Ming Dynasty.

It's best to understand your own position. Zhu Yunying has a clearer understanding of this matter now. He knows that he really can't have too many expectations for these things, nor can he be too narcissistic.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!