Zhu Xiong Ying, who was originally standing to the side and behind Zhu, immediately understood and hurriedly came out, kneeling on one knee. "Your Majesty, the Marquis of Hanghai transported grain and opened up sea routes. This time, our Ming army crossed the sea to fight, and the soldiers at the front made great contributions. The Marquis of Hanghai also made great contributions. Furthermore, the wind and waves are merciless, and it is difficult for human power to prevent the ships from capsizing."

After a moment's thought, Emperor Zhu said, "Alright, since the Crown Prince has pleaded for you, I will spare you this time!"

Tang and the veteran generals were very familiar with these tactics. In the past, if Zhu wanted to severely punish some civil or military officials, it was difficult for anyone to stop him. Sometimes Zhu seemed to be in a rage, but the Crown Prince could always protect him.

Many people are familiar with this tactic, but it is very effective.

In this era, loyalty to the emperor was paramount. However, Zhang He was now considered a key general under Zhu Xiong Ying, and with Zhu Xiong Ying's strong protection, Zhang He would henceforth be labeled as part of the imperial grandson's faction. His descendants would also be obligated to remain loyal to the imperial grandson. Otherwise, they would be considered disloyal and unfilial, utterly ruining their reputation.

Old Zhu still had a stern face and said, "Chang Sheng and Chang Sen, you two have lived up to the reputation of the King of Kaiping. We are satisfied with this mission."

Zhu Xiong Ying's second and third uncles hurriedly stepped forward to express their gratitude, even if it was just verbal praise.

Old Zhu couldn't possibly disrespect Zhu Xiong Ying, so he said, "It's just that you two are both training troops and supervising the supply of provisions, so you don't get much military merit. How about this, Chang Sheng, you're to set up a Regional Commandery and be appointed as the Commander of Busan Guard this time you're accompanying the army into Goryeo."

Chang Sheng quickly expressed his gratitude. This was the highest-ranking commander of a local garrison in the Ming Dynasty's military system, a third-rank official. These officers' positions were also hereditary, as the garrison system was established by Zhu Yuanzhang.

Chang Sheng is indeed the second maternal uncle of the Crown Prince, and he currently holds the title of Vice Commander-in-Chief, a rank of second grade. However, the position of Vice Commander-in-Chief is a title with no fixed number of rank, and it is merely a prestigious title without any actual duties.

Moreover, sending Chang Sheng to Busan to establish the Busan Guard might allow him to gain experience and return, after which Old Zhu could legitimately bestow a title upon him. Forget about a Duke, an Earl is a certainty, and perhaps even a Marquisate is within reach.

These are things that cannot be envied. Chang Sheng was born into a good family; he was the second son of Chang Yuchun and the second maternal uncle of the Crown Prince. It was much easier for him to achieve success than for others, and the opportunities that came his way were countless. If he could seize just one or two such opportunities, he could easily reach a position that many people could only dream of in their entire lives.

Many people have now realized that Zhu Yuanzhang (Emperor Zhu) openly cultivated a faction for the Crown Prince in the past, and now he is cultivating a faction for the Grandson of the Crown Prince. Working under the Grandson of the Crown Prince makes it much easier to get promoted and granted titles.

There's nothing we can do about it; that's just how His Majesty the Emperor is—he wants to give the best of everything to the Crown Prince and his grandson!