After initially stabilizing the Northern Yuan Dynasty, the next step is to develop the black soil.

If this piece of black soil can be fully developed, it will truly solve the problem of food and clothing for the current population of more than 60 million in the Ming Dynasty.

Even if it's tens of millions more, it's totally affordable.

Those pieces of black soil are really like pieces of fertilizer. If you plant crops directly on the fertilizer, you can imagine the harvest.

But before that, we must first take precautions.

The black soil of Liaodong is unlike other places. It is a vast plain, and it is impossible to build defenses and cities.

The only way is to station a large army in the surrounding areas and bring all the scattered tribes around under the direct rule of the Ming Dynasty.

This area involves the grassland military base.

At this moment, Zhu Di had already returned to the grassland military base.

"So we have reached a peace treaty?"

Zhu Di asked speechlessly.

Zhang Yu beside him nodded helplessly: "Your Highness, I have asked around, and the Northern Yuan Dynasty gave up all its Han ministers to show its sincerity, and has truly reached a peace treaty with our Ming Dynasty."

"Now on the grassland, all Ming merchant caravans are protected by Mongolian cavalry, and the Crown Prince is also constantly transporting supplies to ensure the supply of the grassland."

Zhu Di snorted coldly: "He is raising a tiger to cause trouble. When the grassland recovers, it will definitely invade our Ming Dynasty."

"No matter how much meat you feed this prairie wolf, it will never be full."

Zhang Yu smiled bitterly, but did not refute the prince.

Zhu Di asked in a deep voice: "Why, do you think what I said is wrong?"

Zhang Yu hesitated for a moment and said, "I heard that His Royal Highness is negotiating with the Northern Yuan about mercenaries. He said that he wants to let the Northern Yuan cavalry go out and follow our Ming Dynasty caravans to fight overseas."

"Settle the bill according to the price of the escort and give Bei Yuan a way to develop."

After hearing this, Zhu Di fell into deep thought.

After just a little thought, he understood Zhu Ying's plan.

This is equivalent to continuously drawing on the Northern Yuan Dynasty's military resources, and simply treating the entire Northern Yuan Dynasty as a reserve force.

Zhu Di was of course very clear about the interests of the Ming merchant caravans overseas. When the Northern Yuan cavalry earned their first pot of gold, they would certainly want to earn more.

At first glance, it seems that the Ming Dynasty was training and providing cavalry for the Northern Yuan Dynasty.

In fact, based on Zhu Di's understanding of the grassland and his familiarity with Zhu Ying, these cavalrymen were very likely to be like a meat bun hitting a dog, and would never return.

Everyone wants to live a better life, let alone the Northern Yuan cavalry now.

They already had very beautiful ideas about the Central Plains. Now they can come here with a legitimate reason. When they get used to the prosperity of the Central Plains, will they still want to live a hard life on the grassland?

"Zhu Ying is really quite something. I underestimated him after all."

Zhu Di sighed and said with some helplessness.

Then he said, "I heard that there is a war going on in Japan. Zhang Yu, if I ask Zhu Ying to go to Japan now, will he agree?"

Zhang Yu heard this and said quickly, "Your Highness, please keep your voice down. This is the grassland military base, and His Royal Highness's people are everywhere. If some of the words are passed to His Royal Highness, it will inevitably have a negative impact."

Zhu Di shouted, "Why? How can there be any bad influence? I am his fourth uncle."

Although he said so, Zhu Di's voice was much lower even when he was shouting.

It's really like a dead duck trying to be stubborn.

Speaking of which, Zhu Di is now really worried that Zhu Ying will target him again. If he is not allowed to control the military power and wreak havoc on the battlefield, it would indeed be quite uncomfortable.

Zhu Di, who has been fighting wars for most of his life, doesn't want to sit around doing nothing now.

…

The Imperial Gazette.

Concubine Yue, who has returned to Annan to visit her relatives, will be returning to the capital soon.

Of course, the fact that this news could be published in the official gazette was something Zhu Ying had already known about.

Not only do we know, but the details of the entire journey are reported continuously within seven or eight days.

The Ming Dynasty's influence on its neighboring countries, or the Central Plains Dynasty, was really too great.

Especially when the Central Plains dynasty was at its peak, even the most troubled small countries around it would become obedient little brothers.

For example, the culture of Champa today is greatly influenced by India. As the Ming Dynasty's caravans continue to arrive, Chinese schools have been opened in all the cities in Champa.

Of course, these Chinese schools were mainly attended by Champa nobles or their children.

Champa is a caste system, and with the blessing of the surname, the nobility is born noble.

The Ming Dynasty did not interfere with these things and did not pay too much attention to the education of Champa.

Cultures like this are actually very well-behaved and obedient, so why bother putting in any more effort?

Today, Champa already has Ming troops stationed in it. It is not their needs that are provided by Champa.

Even if Chen Muyue returned to the capital, half of the navy had already returned, and the remaining more than 10,000 navy was not someone Champa could easily offend.

Chen Muyue's trip to Annan can be said to be very smooth, with hardly any trouble.

Especially after arriving in Annan, under the protection of the Xuanjia Guards, it had a great impact on the political situation of Annan as a whole.

The current situation in Annan is very complicated. Although Annan seems prosperous, it is actually leaking from all sides.

Just like the separatist regimes in the Tang Dynasty, each place had its own commander and paid little attention to the Annan royal family.

With Hu Jima's involvement, the situation became even more complicated.

But now, Chen Muyue’s arrival is like a shot of adrenaline to the hearts of the Annan royal family.

After arriving, in just seven days, the Annan royal family gained the allegiance of several forces around the royal capital.

The situation is changing. With the support of the Ming Dynasty, the Annan royal family has become more powerful. Others are not fools. Princess Anxiu has returned, so how can they not understand the attitude of the Ming Dynasty?

Especially the appearance of the Black Armor Guards made all the Annan people who saw them truly understand what elite soldiers and powerful generals were.

This majestic style is completely different from that of the Annan army.

With Chen Muyue returning to the capital, it was time for Zhu Yunwen to go to Champa to establish his fiefdom.

Lu, who was sensible, had already started asking her servants to pack up at this time.

Once you leave, you may never come back.

"Wen'er, have you ever regretted it?" Mrs. Lu looked around the palace and finally said with a sigh.

Zhu Yunwen was stunned for a moment, then he said: "I don't understand what mother means."

Mrs. Lu was immediately embarrassed. After a slight pause, she continued, "In fact, there are many things that can be attacked about your eldest brother's identity."

"Even mother has made a lot of preparations for this."

"If mother had stepped forward and fought for that slight chance for you, it wouldn't be impossible."

"Your Majesty is naturally extremely fond of your elder brother, but once some things are truly exposed, it is not necessarily that we will lose."

Lu's mood was somewhat complicated.

Although she had been retreating, she was not without opportunities to attack. The sudden appearance of an eldest grandson who had died many years ago brought with him many doubts that could be discussed.

As the Crown Princess, Lu's words carry a certain amount of weight since the Crown Prince has passed away.

The reason why she remained silent was not because Lu was afraid, but because she was worried about her son, who ultimately lost the fight.

If you lose the fight over such matters, you can imagine what will happen in the future.

So Lu finally chose to remain silent and avoid it.

It is because of the choice I made back then that I have the life I have today.

Zhu Yunwen is still relatively simple. In fact, in his world, many things are not thought of in a complicated way.

"Mother, maybe you will say that I am too cowardly, but I still want to say it."

"Look at today's Ming Dynasty. It is no longer the Ming Dynasty of the past. My elder brother may not be able to recite poems or compose couplets, and may not understand the Four Books and Five Classics, but he is far superior to me in governing the country."

"I have thought carefully in my heart, if I were the grandson, would the Ming Dynasty be as prosperous as it is now?"

"Probably not. It may even be worse."

"My grandfather once asked me what I should do if the princes made any unusual moves."

"The child's answer is, first courtesy, then force."

"It can be seen that the threats from various vassal kings to the capital have gradually disappeared without a trace in the many plans."

"Whether it's the uncles or the younger brothers, who can resist the arrangements made by my eldest brother?"

"This is something only Big Brother can do."

"So I don't regret it, and I'm very glad that my elder brother has returned. When my grandson was designated as the crown prince, I was actually terrified."

"I always feel that my virtue is not worthy of my position. It turns out that my eldest brother is the most suitable person."

There was a hint of ease in Zhu Yunwen's tone, and he looked at the place where he grew up with some nostalgia.

He had never been away from home before, and this time's departure almost meant that it would be difficult for him to come back.

And when I come back, it won't be the same as it is now.

After listening to Zhu Yunwen's inner monologue, Lu paused for a moment, and finally nodded slightly.

I am very lucky to have the current results.

This also shows the magnanimity of the Crown Prince, who has never thought of suppressing anyone.

In fact, no one would say anything even if overseas territories were not given.

Giving it now shows that you still care about this brotherhood.

As long as you stay well in the overseas fiefdom, you don't have to worry about any retribution later.

This is also the reason why other princes admire the Crown Prince.

After all, overseas and the Ming Dynasty are two completely different concepts.

"I received news a few days ago that the navy has made some preparations, and your elder brother has also arranged troops for you."

"You should pay your respects to His Majesty and your elder brother in the next few days, and try to get to know your future soldiers better."

"You should be more friendly to the soldiers and don't have the bad habits of the scholars. In the future, we will rely on them the most in Champa."

Lu said, instructing.

She knew very well that internal affairs were necessary, but military power was more important. Only when the soldiers were loyal could she survive and thrive.

In other aspects, even if there is a slight difference, the impact will not be too great.

After all, there is the Ming Dynasty to support us behind us.

There is no need to be afraid of anything.

"I understand, son." Zhu Yunwen nodded seriously.

…

In Kunning Palace.

Zhu Ying was looking at the simple map on the table in deep thought.

Of course, his target was not just Annan and Champa.

Speaking of these places, they really don't pose any challenges to Zhu Ying now.

Most of the countries adjacent to the Ming Dynasty's territory were once counties and prefectures of the Central Plains dynasty. As long as there were enough talents, they could be easily taken back under control.

However, an army of only 200,000 can easily sweep the entire Nanyang region.

Pure war is not the result that Zhu Ying wants.

The development and advancement of the Nanyang region is Zhu Ying’s ultimate goal.

Now in Annan, the Ming army is constantly reclaiming land and establishing farmlands, in an attempt to develop Annan into the Ming's back garden and granary.

"I hope the Lu family won't let me down. After all, I sent 30,000 soldiers this time."

Zhu Ying never said that the possibility of taking root in Champa should be placed on Zhu Yunwen, but on a woman like Lu.

Going overseas to serve as a feudal lord is not just a matter of maintaining the status quo, but requires an enterprising spirit.

Lu is such a good candidate.

If it weren't for other reasons, Zhu Ying would really want to hand the army directly over to Lu for control.

Judging from the current situation, almost all the arrangements and preparations regarding Zhu Yunwen's enfeoffment can be said to be handled by the Lu family.

Even scholars like Huang Zicheng were fooled by Lu and went to Champa.

Huang Zicheng has a bad reputation in history. After all, it was because of his mistakes that Zhu Di was able to successfully seize the throne.

But whether in terms of loyalty or personal ability, Huang Zicheng is a top-notch player.

Otherwise, Zhu Yuanzhang would not have entrusted him with the task, or even allowed him to be a companion to the Eastern Palace.

Without real talent, how could Zhu Yuanzhang favor him?

With someone like Huang Zicheng assisting, at least there is no need to worry about the internal affairs of the Champa territory.

After Chen Muyue came back, Ye Yueqing's health could basically be said to have recovered.

The imperial physicians in the palace naturally have real skills, especially when it comes to maintaining physical health.

The next step is also a relatively important one, which is Ye Yueqing’s pregnancy again.

Only if Ye Yueqing gave birth to a boy would the inheritance be guaranteed.

Other concubines were also able to begin to obtain permission to become pregnant.

In just one month, the imperial physician diagnosed Ye Yueqing with pregnancy again.

In other words, in September, we may welcome the great-grandson of Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Yuanzhang had been looking forward to it.

He has always wanted to hold his great-grandson.

Whether it is a boy or a girl will be known after ten months.