Before dawn, the Xuanjiawei military camp was already filled with soldiers standing in neat rows.

On the stage for selecting generals, Pan Rong, Wu Hai, Dong Quan, Zhang Zuo, and Cao Bing stood shoulder to shoulder.

The five people are the five thousand households that Xuanjiawei is mainly responsible for.

Among the five people, there was no question of who had a higher or lower status, and they were all directly commanded by Zhu Ying.

And among the five-person rooms, there is also a ranking.

Counting from left to right, the person ranked first has a little more say among the five people.

This ranking is not fixed. Instead, at the end of every month, there will be a military exercise. Whoever leads the team that wins first place will naturally stand in the leftmost position.

The person currently standing on the far left is Dong Quan.

Of these five people, except Cao Bing who was the son of Cao Zhen, the other four were once generals under Lan Yu.

After he was recommended, Zhu Ying accepted him without any hesitation and made him a captain, as if he was training him as his confidant.

Of course, the military men recommended by Lan Yu, including Cao Bing, were not people with connections who could be easily dealt with.

They can almost be said to be the five most outstanding people among Lan Yu’s descendants.

Whether in terms of military talent or bravery in combat, he is extremely outstanding and is not simply a person with connections.

Lan Yu was also very particular about this point, because anyone who had come into contact with the Crown Prince would understand that someone like the Crown Prince would only bring humiliation upon himself if he used nepotism or tricks in front of him.

No one could or dared to fool a crown prince who started from scratch and dominated the Western Regions.

Even though Cao Bing did have a relationship with Cao Zhen, he was still the best among all the Huaixi nobles, or even the descendants of all the military generals and nobles in the Ming Dynasty.

Not only does he not have any of the temperament of a second-generation kid, but he actually has a strong military talent.

It sounds strange that Cao Bing was a captain in Xuanjiawei, but Cao Zhen didn't even know the situation of Xuanjiawei.

The fact is, since entering the Xuanjia Guard, almost no one has the right to take a rest.

Since its establishment in March, Xuanjiawei has been adopting a closed management system, with continuous training every day without any rest.

Anyone who cannot accept this will be directly eliminated from the Xuanjia Guard.

However, anyone who can come to the Xuanjia Guard, even if he is the smallest soldier, is extremely outstanding among all the soldiers, and his qualities are comparable to those of the Xiaoling Guard.

Although it is hard and difficult, but so far no one has been eliminated, only those who meet the standards will be promoted.

The so-called promotion is that soldiers below the rank of centurion are directly promoted to other guards to serve as centurions. However, in the eyes of the internal members of the Xuanjia Guard, this is no different from being kicked out.

Because this quota is not given to the most outstanding one in each team, but only the bottom one will be appointed as a centurion.

Almost everyone is trying desperately to stay.

"Brother Dong, please say a few words. Your people were the best in the competition last month."

Wu Hai next to him said with a smile.

The night was filled with darkness and the cold wind was howling. The only light around was the torches swaying in the wind.

The soldiers below were like sculptures, standing still and without any sound.

Dong Quan hesitated for a moment, waved his hand and said, "Why don't you let Brother Bing tell us? We are just rough guys, but we are not as knowledgeable as Brother Bing."

After these words were spoken, the other two nodded in agreement.

Although Cao Bing is the youngest among the five, he has been well-read since childhood, and is naturally much better than those who grew up in the military camp.

Seeing this, Cao Bing did not delay. He clasped his fists to express his gratitude and took a step forward.

"Today is a very important day for us Xuanjia Guards. I'm sure you've all heard that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will lead the thirty-six guards around the capital and the generals of the Five Military Governor's Office to observe our military exercise today."

"It has been a hundred days since the establishment of the Xuanjia Guard. During these hundred days, I have seen every brother. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has given us the best treatment. We have meat for three meals a day, and the portions are large enough to keep us full."

"Of course, none of our brothers are cowards. Even if we fainted during training, no one retreated."

"After a hundred days of hard training, today is the time for the test. Whether you can bring honor to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and demonstrate all the training you have done depends on your results today."

"Don't let us down, and don't let His Royal Highness down."

There were no loud roars, no enthusiastic shouts, and no neat and loud slogans.

Cao Bing's voice echoed in the darkness. More than 5,000 people were quiet and peaceful, like a sleeping lion.

If you listen carefully, you can hear the heavy breathing, and if you look closely, you can see the burning gaze in the eyes of each soldier.

The day and night training, as well as reading and learning to read every night, not only made these soldiers extremely strong, but any one of them could stand on his own.

After Cao Bing finished speaking, he glanced at the soldiers below the stage who were in the dark and could not see clearly, and waved his hand.

Boom boom boom!!!

The footsteps of all the soldiers began to sound. According to the usual training, they were divided into five teams and began training, or in other words: warm-up.

In the palace at this moment.

"Grandpa, you don't have to go in such cold weather." Zhu Ying said helplessly.

He had previously proposed to take all the commanders to watch the Black Armor Guard military performance, but he didn't expect that the old man would also go today.

"Why? We can't go and see it yet." Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile.

Zhu Ying could only reply, "Grandpa, of course I'll go and see you, but this is outside the city, and in this weather, I'm afraid you'll catch a cold."

Zhu Yuanzhang patted his grandson on the shoulder and said, "I know you are filial, but I am not an old man who can't move his legs. I am strong and healthy. These colds are nothing."

"Besides, we always hear Jinyiwei say how powerful your Xuanjiawei are. This time, at least we can broaden our horizons and see with our own eyes how majestic the soldiers trained by our eldest grandson are."

After hearing this, Zhu Ying naturally had no reason to refuse.

But he turned and asked, "Then the morning court."

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Originally, I was planning to send an imperial edict directly to Duanmen, asking them to follow me to see your Xuanjia Guard, but when I think about it, I realize that these old officials are in much worse physical condition than us."

"If we really want to get everyone over there, there will be a group of people lying on the ground and unable to come out tomorrow. That's unnecessary, so forget it."

When Zhu Ying heard this, he was a little surprised.

Because this is very unlike Zhu Yuanzhang.

When will the old man start to care about the life and death of his civil officials?

In fact, Zhu Yuanzhang's transformation had a lot to do with Zhu Ying.

The tyranny and murder in the past were caused by many factors.

The first three major cases, such as the Hu Weiyong case, were inevitable results because the prime minister’s power was too great and had already overwhelmed the imperial power.

How could a man like Zhu Yuanzhang accept such a situation? Naturally, he would kill as many people as possible.

As for the case of the empty seal, it was a provocation to the imperial power by middle-level officials, and Zhu Yuanzhang felt that he had been deceived.

There is no need to say much about the Guo Huan case. The reason why it involved so many people was that Zhu Yuanzhang took the opportunity to sweep away corrupt officials across the Ming Dynasty.

By the time it came to Zhu Ying, those who should be killed had actually been killed almost all, and those who should be dealt with had basically been dealt with as well.

It's just that because Empress Ma passed away earlier and the Crown Prince died suddenly, he missed them too much over the years, which led to his extreme personality, irritability and explosiveness.

Coupled with the government affairs, my mind is always tense and I can get angry at any time.

He also encountered the death of Crown Prince Zhu Biao. He lost his wife and grandson in middle age, and his son in old age.

The appearance of Zhu Ying was a huge surprise for Zhu Yuanzhang.

The most beloved eldest grandson has returned, and he is still so outstanding. He handles government affairs, regulates military affairs, and fills the national treasury. He is very good in all aspects, especially in terms of national wealth, which is much better than himself.

This made Zhu Yuanzhang's originally tense mind gradually begin to relax, and he felt a new sense of sustenance in his heart.

There is no doubt that Zhu Yuanzhang himself had a very good physical foundation.

Historically, even though he reached that level, he still lived until the 31st year of Hongwu, at the age of 71.

In the Ming Dynasty, people lived very long lives.

Now, under Zhu Ying's careful care and with the change in his mental state, Zhu Yuanzhang is naturally healthier.

Just a few days ago, news came from the harem that the beauty Zhang Xuanmiao was pregnant with a dragon seed.

In October this year, Zhu Ying will have a younger uncle, or aunt.

With a calmer mind, Zhu Yuanzhang naturally became less harsh. In addition, his eldest grandson's consideration for his ministers and the holding of the Duanmen breakfast led to some changes in Zhu Yuanzhang.

At this time, in the Duanmen Gate, when he heard that His Majesty had sympathy for the minister's frailty and that he did not need to follow him to watch the military exercise,

Many old ministers shed tears of gratitude and shouted thank you for Your Majesty's grace.

Many of these ministers had experienced the dark period of the Hongwu court. After more than ten or even twenty years of darkness, such a ray of dawn was a real touch to them.

When the dragon sedan is traveling, there is a charcoal brazier inside, which is very warm.

朱英抬手打开窗口玉帘，看了看外面骑马跟随的诸多都督，同知，佥事，还有那些卫所指挥使们，眼神闪动。

“大孙这是在咱们大明将军们的风采吗。”朱元璋笑问道。

朱英摇头道：“孙儿看到的，是诸位将军，心有余而力不足的体现。”

朱元璋眉头微微皱起，不过很快就舒展开来。

旁边的刘和，整个身子一抖，心慌得很，赶忙给火盆里添加些许木炭。

皇家的木炭，都是由特别的树木制成，在燃烧时不仅没有异味，还有着淡淡如香薰般好闻的气味，有着凝神静气的功效。

尤其是最初燃烧的时候，香气尤为浓烈。

刘和自然不敢去打扰插嘴，也只能在这些小事上，下些功夫了。

主要是太孙殿下的话，太骇人了。

这话的意思，说是那些将军们，都老了，干不动了。

可那些将军们，可是和陛下同一个时代的，当陛下眉头一皱的时候，刘和的心都提了起来。

这岂不是含沙射影说陛下老了吗。

像陛下这般雄才大略的人，怎么可能服老，这是大忌讳啊。

朱英的有感而发，似乎引发了一场小小的危机，然而这危机在朱元璋一笑之下，**然无存。

若是别人，自然是剥皮充草，若是大孙嘛，当然是呵呵一笑啦。

“大孙可是有什么别的想法。”朱元璋没有丝毫在乎的问道。

朱英坦然回道：“孙儿觉得，军队想要保持高效的作战能力，主要的方向，还是要往年轻化去发展。”

“俗话说得好，乱拳打死老师傅，人的体能，在四十多岁的巅峰值后，便就会开始逐渐的后退，即便是作战经验丰富，但个人的体力已经难以维持。”

“而将军们在年纪大了之后，最为主要的，便就是宝贵的战场经验，孙儿的军学堂，至今没有什么大的起色。”

“所以想着，便让这些年岁稍大的将军们，以半退伍的形式，不再劳累奔波，而是将毕生经验，通过教学的方式，去传递给新一代的将士们。”

“如此一来，咱们大明的将士，更替传承，长久不衰，即能保持高效的战力，也能有着丰富的经验。”

三大学堂，成立已久。

然实则一直没有真正的去发展过，就像只有一个名义。

像是农学堂，几乎就是朱橚一个人在撑着，匠学堂就更不用说了，都是在弄火绳枪有关事宜。

军学堂只在玄甲卫这边有所进展，算是正在不断的完善体系。

而这次，朱英也是想着借着这个机会，一来是给更多年轻的将士们提供新的上升渠道。

勋贵们占据高位，几乎堵死了中下层的晋升渠道，这是不健康的，很多将士们心里头没了动力。

二来，就像方才所言，年轻化的将士，在有着足够学习下，可以更加快速的成长，成为大明新生一代的顶梁柱。

“好一个武将传承。”朱元璋哈哈一笑说道。

“自古以来，于兵事之上，难以持续，多是时势造英雄，大孙此法，可护佑咱大明军力旺盛，无惧外族侵犯。”

在当今世道，罢黜百家，独尊儒术，对于兵家是很不友好的。

现在的将军们，除了那些将门虎子，真正得到培养的非常少，纵观整个大明，也没什么培养的地方。

常规来说，就是军户子嗣，然后通过战场博取功劳，得到武官之位，这也是唯一的来源。

朱英所提出的，便就是把整个军队的，形成如同文人一般，传承有序的概念。

这一次玄甲卫军演过后，朱英就会趁此机会，把这些都督，同知，佥事，包括许多年岁偏大的都指挥使们，全部网罗到军学堂里去。

犹如国子监般，为大明源源不断的输出优质中层军官。

军学堂或者不能再叫为军学堂，应当更名为军事学院，这院长人选，自然非老爷子莫属。

“咱老了，这学院的院长，便就让大孙担任吧。”

这一路上，朱英和朱元璋不断聊着关于军事学院的时候，听到让自己担任院长后，朱元璋笑着说道。

他更想让大孙，来承受这般荣耀。

朱英回道：“爷爷，这怎么能行，孙儿才多大，哪有什么资历可言，且对于学院来说，爷爷担任才是最好的。”

“孙儿年幼，不足以服众。再者说了，若是爷爷担任院长，这些指挥使，各将军都督们，哪个不是挤破头了想往里头钻呢。”

听这番有些恭维的话，朱元璋笑哈哈的应了下来。

龙撵的旁边，是锦衣卫的守护，再就是蓝玉，曹震，冯胜，傅友德等公侯骑马跟随了。

听到里面传来陛下和太孙殿下的欢声笑语，虽然听不清是在聊什么事情，但蓝玉，曹震等人，也很是兴奋。

天微亮时，一行数百人，抵达了玄甲卫军营外。

众将军纷纷下马，龙撵则是畅通无阻一路行至点将台旁。

当朱英从龙撵中走出来时，众多早已等候多时，如雕塑般的玄甲卫将士们轰然单膝下跪，高呼：

“拜见太孙殿下，殿下千岁千岁千千岁！！！”

朱英闻言，眼神一动，不由看了眼在旁边同样抱拳，单膝下跪的曹炳。

大明如今这个时候，可不流行喊千岁什么的。

虽然类似于千岁，万岁这样的喊法，在唐朝武周时期，就已经开始流行。

只是因为多朝代皇帝和储君微妙关系，所以千岁这个词，很少会提起。

如今整这么一出，一般人可想不到，这玄甲卫五个千户里，也只有曹炳了。

曹炳单膝跪地，低着的头看不到面容，只有他自己知道，此刻有多么的紧张。

这确实是他自作主张提出，也得到了其他千户的认可。

曹炳有着敏锐的政治嗅觉，他非常明白太孙殿下对于陛下，有着多么重要的地位。

在五个玄甲卫千户中，因为年岁的关系，曹炳的表现一直都是非常的努力，他知道自己能得到玄甲卫千户这个职位，少不了父亲还有凉国公裙带关系。

所以才会在这个时候，另辟蹊径，希望能得到太孙殿下的重视和垂青。

至少，在往后的改革中，他不会被踢出太孙殿下的核心。

不得不说，在得到众多将士这等高呼千岁，朱英的心情还是非常美丽的。

顺手拍了一下曹炳的肩膀，朱英便就去接老爷子下龙撵了。

感受到肩膀上的轻轻一拍，曹炳心中大喜，稳了。

“拜见陛下，陛下万岁万岁万万岁！！！”

随着朱元璋出来，众将士再次高呼。

“众将士平身！”

“谢陛下！”

从龙撵下来后，朱英便就搀扶着老爷子，向着点将台上去。

玄甲卫军营这边的点将台，和其他军营的区别很大，因为太孙殿下的缘故，所以还算是比较豪华。

首先是三面都有遮挡，如同一个木屋般，高度也有三丈。

上面更是配有案台，椅子。

上去后，便就可以坐着观看，一览无遗。周边早有火盆升起，驱寒取暖。

相比之下，其他人自然就只能站着观看了。

这也是为什么朱元璋没有让文臣前来，一般人还真就承受不住。

随着鼓点的响起，军演正式开始。

玄甲卫的军演和其他卫所，自然有着非常大的区别。

五个千户，分为五队，分别占据五个区域。

在他们的区域后方，有着各赤橙黄绿蓝五面旗帜。

军演的最终，就是守住己方区域，抢夺他人旗帜。

武器自然都是木刀，木盾为主。

而拼杀，也是极为真实的。

在演练场地的周围，是数百名早就准备好的大夫，更有大量金疮药，正骨大师，时刻准备着。

单单这个开局，就把所有的将军们，全部都给震撼到了。

这是要真打啊。

原来，这就是玄甲卫的军演操练吗。

在这等操练的环境下，几乎相当于不断搏斗成长，这样的将士，难怪如此优秀。

“好，大孙这个安排，当真是让咱大开眼界。”

只是一眼，朱元璋就看出了其中的关窍。

正规军和杂牌军最大的区别，在冷兵器为主的年代，无非就是士气和章法了。

士气这个东西，极为玄乎，受到诸多方面因素的影响。

但无疑优秀的军队，士气是绝对非常高昂的。

如果保持高的士气，对于一名优秀的将军来说，是经常需要考虑到的问题。

而在玄甲卫这里，士气被操练化了。

这样的军演，肯定是经常进行，长期的多人搏斗，便就让所有将士们的士气，随时都能维持一个非常高的临界点。

一旦真正上了战场，人人龙精虎猛，骁勇冲锋，开战时就已经赢了三分。

而目前五方所用章法，或者说军阵。

更是可以让将军更加轻松的指挥，长期以往，将士们对于改变军阵也非常熟稔。

军阵的好处，就是可以将所有将士们的能力，最大的程度的激发出来。

以强击弱，以多打少。

“大哥，你看到没，那是我儿子。”

Cao Zhen, who was standing next to Lan Yu, said excitedly.

Compared with the Black Armor Guards, the soldiers under his command really had no resistance at all.

Even if there were more than 5,000 people in his garrison, the chances of winning would be very slim when facing the more than 1,000 people under his son's command.

As someone who had spent most of his life on the battlefield, Cao Zhen could see the difference at a glance.

But he was his own son, and there was no trace of jealousy in Cao Zhen's tone and eyes, only strong pride.

Lan Yu watched intently, not paying attention to Cao Zhen next to him.

As a famous general, he naturally knew very well what the Xuanjia Guard in front of him represented.

This is completely different from the previous soldiers. It is a new training mode. The elite soldiers trained in this way are as easy to use as one's own arms. They only need a little running-in, and the combat power they burst out is immeasurable.

Originally, Lan Yu had reached a peak in military operations and training troops, but also reached a bottleneck.

However, the current Xuanjiawei has refreshed Lan Yu's consistent ideas and pattern.

This is the peak ceiling of cold weapon combat from later generations.

Lan Yu was greatly inspired, it was like opening up the world anew.

At the same time, all the generals, whether they were the governors, associate governors, or assistant governors of the Five Military Governors' Office, or the commanders of various garrisons.

As he watched the Black Armor Guards getting ready to start, he almost held his breath, for fear of disturbing them due to excessive breathing.

"Your Highness, you are truly...a man favored by heaven."

Feng Sheng carefully checked among the Xuanjia Guards and couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

Fu Youde next to him nodded heavily.

As the three drums sounded.

All the Black Armor Guards finally took action.

kill!!!

Five roars were heard and the flag bearers waved.

The transition from extreme stillness to extreme movement made everyone's blood boil.

The soldiers formed a wall and rushed forward. In a five-way fight, no one retreated at all and they charged forward fiercely.

The wooden sword shattered and the wooden shield flew away.

There was even more blood spreading in the air, which was particularly conspicuous under the sunlight against the snow-white ground.

This is not a military exercise at all, it's clearly a real battle.

Even in a melee, you can see that the rules are very clear. No one fights alone. We form groups of three or five. You go up and I protect you, and he fills in when he is lacking.

What's more, with the help of his teammates, he could leap and kick someone a dozen feet away.

"What kind of monsters are these?"

There was a garrison commander who couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

The soldier who was kicked ten feet away and bumped into several people fell to the ground, but in the blink of an eye he got up, roared and joined his own team again to fight.

Such scenes were played out in every corner of the battlefield.

There were more than 5,000 people, all of them were brave warriors with a strong ability to withstand attacks. They seemed invincible and kept fighting, which was horrifying.

What is most frightening is in such a melee situation.

These soldiers, who seemed to be blood-thirsty, were very rational.

The commanders roared, the flag-bearers waved, and the military formations changed without any awkwardness, and no soldiers deserted.

This is the most rare thing. It is incredible that the army formation can be maintained in such a fierce battle situation.

Many generals were present, including Lan Yu, Cao Zhen, Feng Sheng, Fu Youde, as well as other meritorious military generals and various governors-general.

Everyone is asking themselves this question.

If the soldiers led by me encounter such an enemy, is there any possibility of victory?

The answer is yes.

There was not even the slightest chance of winning, it was a complete crushing from all aspects, like the difference between a strong man and a child, there was a world of difference.

You have to know that everyone here has made contributions on the battlefield, and most of them have grown from being a soldier to where they are today.

The soldiers they led were currently the most powerful and elite troops in the entire Ming Dynasty.

But in front of the Black Armor Guards who were training under the leadership of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, they were like paper.

"I heard that at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, there was an army called Xianzhen Camp, which had more than 700 soldiers, all of whom were well-trained and equipped with armor. They were able to defeat any enemy they attacked."

"I think it's just like what's in front of me, but the Crown Prince has such soldiers under his command, more than 5,000 people."

Feng Sheng looked at the unpredictable situation on the battlefield and said with emotion.

Lan Yu beside him added: "Duke Song, don't forget that all the members of the Black Armor Guard are not only good at foot combat, but also good at riding and shooting when they are selected. For example, the Xiaoling Guard can shoot with a bow on horseback, and only those who can hit two out of three targets can be selected."

"The Black Armor Guards' rear camp has several thousand war horses, so cavalry training is a must. It is probably because the losses in cavalry battles are too great that they will not be included in the military exercise."

"And His Royal Highness the Crown Prince values ​​firearms. The matchlock muskets are in the Black Armor Guards, so they must have had a lot of training."

"The military exercise we witnessed today is only the tip of the Black Armor Guard iceberg. What His Royal Highness wants us to see is not only the strength of the soldiers, but also the strict discipline."

At this moment, Lan Yu's expression and tone were completely different from what he usually looked like.

There is not the slightest bit of rebelliousness, only eyes as calm as water and a rapidly working brain.

Being able to become a famous general and having even greater momentum than Shangguan Fengsheng, he is not just a person of fame.

Currently in the Ming army, the only ones who can communicate and discuss in this regard are Feng Sheng and Lan Yu.

After listening to this, Feng Sheng agreed deeply with it.

At this moment, a full hour had passed since the military exercise began, and the soldiers on the field were gradually beginning to show signs of fatigue.

This has come to the final critical moment.

None of the generals felt cold, because the blood in their bodies was boiling due to the fighting of the Black Armor Guards.

Even Zhu Yuanzhang was not sitting at this moment. He stood up and watched carefully at some point.