As for the northwest, the Western Regions had not been fully recovered, and after the Mongol split, there were still Tartars entrenched in the northwest. These were all major threats to the Ming Dynasty, even though they didn't seem to have much strength to fight the Ming Dynasty now. However, if these issues were not resolved, they would always remain a hidden danger.

Moreover, Zhu Yunying also had designs on places like Annam, and he also wanted to take over Southeast Asia.

There's no need to worry about not having any battles. For people like Lan Yu, it's hard to say whether they'll be able to experience all of these battles for a long enough period. After all, these battles aren't something that can be fought overnight, nor can they all be resolved at once.

Hearing Zhu Yunying say this, Lan Yu and the others were naturally overjoyed. Only by continuously accumulating military merits could their status as military officers remain secure and their importance be truly demonstrated.

As for the civil officials, they might have some concerns. Expanding the territory was certainly a good thing, and serving a wise and ambitious emperor was something they could be proud of. However, they were also worried about excessive military spending. Once a war started, manpower and resources would have to be invested, and the development and governance of the conquered territories would also require the Ming Dynasty to continuously invest resources.

Of course, it cannot be ruled out that some civil officials felt that war was not a good thing, as it contradicted the teachings of the sages, and they opposed unjust wars. In the view of some civil officials, those people should be educated and influenced, especially those from barbarian lands; these civil officials looked down on some remote and desolate places.

Zhu Yunying probably knew what these civil officials were thinking, but he didn't bother to pay much attention. As long as they didn't hold him back, that was fine. Besides, Zhu Yunying was naturally quite confident in his control over the court officials.

Disobedient ministers can naturally be removed from the court. Take Zhuo Jing, for example, a former confidant who is now a powerful regional official. Simply because he was disobedient, simply because some of Zhuo Jing's ideas conflicted with Zhu Yunying's plans.

As an emperor, Zhu Yunying could be ruthless when he was cold-blooded. When his own faction and confidants disagreed with his policies, he wouldn't show much consideration for their past relationships. At most, he would spare them some leniency to prevent things from going too badly, or find some opportunities for them to "contribute their remaining energy" and continue to contribute to the construction of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Yunying was quite adept at these tasks; he was quite skilled at them.

He offered a brief reassurance to the military officers, mainly because some upcoming events would inevitably harm their interests. Therefore, offering a reward or promising a lucrative deal was the right thing for Zhu Yunying to do.

As things stand, things are alright. The Wu Xun Group is basically under Zhu Yunying's firm control, so there's no need to worry about them causing any trouble. Moreover, some things were mentioned in advance, so although there will be some changes and reforms, they won't cripple the Wu Xun Group.

Under such circumstances, there is naturally no need to worry about these people causing too much trouble; it is just a small change that is acceptable.

Looking at Wu Xun, Zhu Yunying continued, "Have you completed the tasks I previously asked you to re-survey and plan the garrisons, and to verify the troop rosters with the Ministry of War?"

Xu Huizu stepped forward and said with a serious expression, "Your Majesty, we have been working diligently on this matter. However, there are too many military households, and we have not yet been able to sort them all out."

Zhu Yunying did not criticize him harshly, as this was not a simple matter to begin with. "Continue to expedite the handling of this matter and do not be careless or negligent. I have mentioned before that it is time to consider the resettlement of the military households who are stationed in the fields, including some veterans."

Let them continue to contribute their remaining energy. After all, among Zhu Yunying's grand plans, the most achievable one right now is the large-scale development plan for Huguang. By fully developing the 'semi-developed' Huguang, the Ming Dynasty will have another major grain-producing base.

With grain in hand, one has nothing to fear. Moreover, when Hubei and Hunan are prosperous, the whole country is well-fed. With such a wonderful prospect, the Ming Dynasty can take another step closer to its golden age. This was Zhu Yunying's goal.

So now is the time to start some plans; the large-scale development plan cannot be delayed!