"Lan Yu's son, Lan Taiping? Why would he want to go?"

Zhu Ying was in Kunning Palace, listening to the words of the Minister of War Ru Chang, and was quite surprised.

According to the configuration standards given by Huang Guan, 50,000 people will be divided into three teams, requiring three commanders.

Having just seen off Xu Huizu who had already gone off to the battlefield, the expeditionary force is about to set out.

When the number of expeditionary force commanders was being decided, Ru Hong came over and said that Lan Taiping had also signed up.

This is Lan Yu’s eldest son.

"Call Lan Taiping over and I'll ask him what he thinks." Zhu Ying ordered directly.

Ru Hong felt relieved that the hot potato had been handed over to the Crown Prince, and she quickly ran off to call for help.

No matter what, Lan Yu, the Duke of Liang, had a reputation in the capital for being very cruel, especially after he beat up the Minister of Personnel, Zhan Hui.

Now Lan Yu has gone to Zhenla and has not returned yet. If we send his eldest son into the expeditionary force without his consent, what will we do if he gets angry when he returns?

He is someone who even dares to confront His Majesty directly.

In fact, not many people know that Lan Yu is afraid of the Crown Prince, and they don’t know that Lan Yu has now completely submitted to the Crown Prince.

It’s just the name of a person, the shadow of a tree, the deterrence remains.

Zhu Ying was not worried that Lan Yu would come back and cause trouble, but he found it a little strange.

As Lan Yu's eldest son, he would certainly be able to inherit the title of Duke of Liang in the future, which means that wealth and glory would be at his fingertips. So why would he join the expeditionary force?

After a ten-year expedition, it is even a question whether we can come back.

Not long after, Lan Taiping was brought into Kunning Palace by Guo Zhong.

He doesn't look much like Lan Yu, perhaps more like his mother. Judging from his face, he has the bookish air of a scholar, but he has a strong physique and must have practiced martial arts since childhood.

"Lan Taiping pays his respects to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince." Lan Taiping was a little nervous.

Although he is only a few years younger than the Crown Prince, this is the Crown Prince that even his father is afraid of.

Zhu Ying asked directly: "I heard that you joined the expeditionary army. What do you think? Do you know that you will be away for ten years, and you may not even be able to come back in ten years?"

"Besides, the journey is long and accidents are frequent. You never know for sure if you will lose your life."

"Why leave such a huge family business behind and take such a risk?"

Hearing this, Lan Taiping had already prepared a plan in his mind, and said, "Your Highness, I have been a restless person since I was young, and I love traveling."

"I am going on this expedition to find the weeping tree. There will definitely be some unseen scenery along the way."

"I don't want to be a young man whose father's family has benefited from his father's influence. Although the capital is prosperous, it is not a place I want to stay. I hope Your Highness will grant my wish."

After saying that, Lan Taiping bowed deeply.

Zhu Ying understood it now.

Lan Taiping is adventurous by nature.

This situation is understandable.

The Lan family was originally a wealthy family. After Lan became the Crown Princess and Lan Yu became the Duke, they became even wealthier.

As Lan Yu's eldest son and the future Duke of Liang, Lan Taiping must have been strictly disciplined by Lan Yu since birth.

Some people are born to be cattle and horses, and some people are born in Rome.

It is obvious that Lan Taiping has never lacked almost anything since he was a child.

What is hard for others to find is readily available to him.

Especially after Lan Yu became the leader of the Huaixi military generals and nobles group, he became even more powerful.

Ordinary people pursue a life of wealth and luxury, but he felt a little bored and disgusted with it, so naturally he had the idea of ​​seeking excitement.

For Lan Taiping, the ten-year expedition not only allowed him to find a new world, but also to complete the mission of the Crown Prince, and he could get a promotion when he returned. It was truly a win-win situation.

After all, he is a commander and has the protection of soldiers. As long as he doesn't seek death, his survival rate is still very high.

"How's your physical strength? It's a long journey," Zhu Ying asked.

Lan Taiping replied: "Please rest assured, Your Highness, I am also a top-class graduate of the Imperial Military Academy."

However, Zhu Ying forgot that he had previously sent these second-generations to the Beijing Military Academy for training, and they would not be allowed to graduate if they did not meet the standards.

Graduating with an A grade means that one is already the best in comprehensive ability. No matter which military academy, physical training is of paramount importance. If one can get an A grade, one's physical fitness must have passed the test.

In fact, this is normal, and even most of the second generation can get A grade.

When the Ming Dynasty was first established, family traditions were generally very strict. Moreover, most fathers practiced martial arts, and the second generation also followed suit.

When you are poor, study literature; when you are rich, practice martial arts.

There is naturally no shortage of tonic medicines and medicinal baths.

This is not surprising.

"Okay, since you've made up your mind, it's up to you."

"But you should still write a letter to your father and explain your thoughts."

Zhu Ying ordered.

Lan Taiping bowed and responded.

…

Wang Tianlu was a little excited as he was about to board the ship for the expedition tomorrow.

And tomorrow, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will summon all the generals above the rank of hundred households to meet with him.

This is particularly exciting for Wang Tianlu.

He was very glad of his choice, otherwise he would not have been able to have such close contact with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

Although His Royal Highness the Crown Prince often came to the academy in the past, he only watched from afar.

Thinking about meeting His Royal Highness the Crown Prince tomorrow, Wang Tianlu was so excited that he couldn't sleep.

After graduating from the Imperial Military Academy, Wang Tianlu did not go home because his home was not near the capital and he would not have enough time to go back and forth.

Even if he is now a centurion, it is impossible for him to afford a house in the capital.

Two thousand strings of cash was not enough to buy a toilet in the inner city of the capital.

Fortunately, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has made arrangements for those who have been selected. They live near Zhengyang Square next to Chengtian Gate, which is closest to the imperial palace.

This is the best and most expensive inn in the capital.

And this place is not open to the public, entry is by invitation only.

Of course, only the government is eligible for this invitation.

Wang Tianlu walked to the window and looked at the still bustling crowd outside Zhengyang Square.

"The night in the capital is indeed noisy. They didn't lie to me."

It was already late at night. Although the scene outside was somewhat tempting and he had an urge to go out, thinking of the meeting with the Crown Prince tomorrow, Wang Tianlu firmly closed the window and lay down on the bed to sleep.

Soon, he fell into a deep sleep.

The corners of Wang Tianlu's mouth curved slightly in his sleep, and he was obviously having a sweet dream.

The next day.

When Wang Tianlu woke up, it was still dark outside.

He had long been accustomed to this. When he was in the military academy, he had to get up before dawn to run with weights. It has been almost a year now and he doesn't need anyone to call him to do it; it has become a habit.

"It's really a big restaurant. This toothbrush is really easy to use. It's much more comfortable than the one in the academy."

Wang Tianlu didn’t have the habit of brushing his teeth before, but after entering the military academy, he was taught that everyone must brush their teeth, which was the rule of the academy.

After almost a year, Wang Tianlu has already gotten used to it.

In the past, only landlords could enjoy this.

Rinse your mouth, wash your face, and brush your teeth.

After tidying up the room, Wang Tianlu went into the closet.

The cleaning crew will be shocked when they come over later.

Not only was every place clean, but the bedding was also folded neatly, just like a block of tofu.

In fact, the bedding in restaurants is not folded but spread out.

The wardrobe was opened, and inside was a square wooden box.

There are floating cloud carvings on the wooden box, and it has a hollow shape. Inside the hollow is a layer of light gold base, which looks extremely luxurious.

Wang Tianlu carefully took out the wooden box. His hands were shaking a little at this moment, which was a sign of being too excited.

He reverently placed the wooden box on the table, turned the lock on the front of the box, and then slowly opened the box.

What comes into view is a set of Baihu costumes.

Unlike the spacious uniforms for civil officials, the military uniforms of the centurions also need to be customized individually and tailored to the body.

The overall fit is more slim and looks more capable.

It is said that this is a new style designed under the guidance of the Crown Prince.

Black gauze hat, lining, clothes, thousand-layer shoes, and a small wooden tag in front of the belt.

After putting on the clothes, Wang Tianlu stood in front of the bronze mirror and felt very satisfied.

It was still dark outside at this moment.

When Wang Tianlu went downstairs, there were already about twenty people in the lobby, and more people were coming down one after another.

"Wang Tianlu, return to the team!"

"Yes, sir!"

A man dressed in Qianhu's attire shouted.

Wang Tianlu immediately clasped his fists and bowed.

Then enter the queue.

Although there were quite a few people, it was very quiet. No one was talking or communicating. Everyone stood straight, looking straight ahead, just like in a military academy.

Wang Tianlu glanced at him.

At the front was a man wearing a commander's uniform, who looked to be about the same age as himself.

The first row is the Qianhu, which has eight people.

Seven people stood straight like him, and another person was holding a list and kept calling out the names of the people coming down.

Wang Tianlu knew him. It was from him that he received the hundred-household wooden box yesterday.

We only met once and didn't talk much. Apart from knowing his last name was Li, I knew nothing about him.

Listening to Captain Li constantly calling out for people, Wang Tianlu felt a little impressed that he had such a good memory.

Before long, sixty or seventy people came into the lobby.

After calling the last person's name, Wang Tianlu saw Captain Li go to the front.

Then came the voice.

"Your Excellency, all sixty-four members of the Hundred Households have arrived."

"Wait."

"Yes, sir."

At this point, the entire hall fell silent.

No one knew what they were waiting for, but no one spoke, as if there were more than seventy sculptures in the lobby.

The waiter at the lobby counter was so frightened by the scene in front of him that he dared not breathe.

After a long time, footsteps were heard from the front, and Wang Tianlu vaguely saw several people in eunuch costumes walking towards him.

Then there was a conversation coming from the front.

"Greetings, Eunuch Guo."

"Mr. Lan, you are too polite. Everyone is here, right?"

"Everyone is here."

"Okay, then follow us into the palace."

Wang Tianlu saw the commander in front of him turn around and shout, "Listen to my order, follow me into the palace."

Wang Tianlu followed suit and shouted back, “Yes!”

Zhengyang Square was still bustling with activity, and the dawn was just beginning to break in the sky.

After leaving the hall, Wang Tianlu saw that there were two teams of palace guards outside clearing the way. Naturally, the people did not dare to gather around and could only watch from afar.

They were divided into four rows in total and marched forward with the palace guards.

The neat steps make the formation look pleasing to the eye, but these are just basic drills in the military academy.

The same was true for the armored guards in front. Their footsteps sounded together, and if you didn't listen carefully, they sounded like one person.

People passing by stopped and watched this exciting scene.

The noise was so loud that it was difficult to hear clearly, but Wang Tianlu could imagine the envious looks on their faces.

After crossing the Waiwulong Bridge, you will reach Chengtian Gate.

Chengtian Gate was open, and behind the gate were various office buildings affiliated with the imperial court.

As Wang Tianlu walked by, he could see out of the corner of his eye many officials walking on both sides holding documents.

Behind Chengtian Gate is Duanmen, which is also open.

Behind the Duanmen Gate are important government offices such as the Six Ministries.

The Meridian Gate is closed.

Wang Tianlu waited for a while before opening it.

The Fengtian Gate is even more strict.

Even if the team was led by a eunuch from the palace, the guard at Fengtian Gate would still take over the roster and carefully check the identity of each person.

If there is any ambiguity, the questioning will be conducted directly.

After confirmation, the door will be opened to let people pass.

After passing Fengtian Gate, the view suddenly opens up.

There are many magnificent palaces all around, and the square is guarded by guards on all four sides.

Ahead, on the steps ahead, is the Golden Throne Hall where civil and military officials hold meetings.

"All troops, listen up! Stop!"

"promise!"

"Lord Lan, just wait here for your summons."

"Thank you, Eunuch Guo."

The team stopped quietly at Fengtian Square.

Everyone waited quietly.

I don’t know how long it took, but a loud shout came from the steps ahead, in front of the hall door.

"The Crown Prince has issued an order to summon the expeditionary army to the Fengtian Palace for an audience!"

Wang Tianlu was a little excited. He never thought that one day he would be able to enter the Golden Palace.

"All troops, listen up! Forward!"

"promise!"

This time everyone gathered their courage and gave the loudest cheer.

They wanted the Crown Prince, who was currently in the main hall, to be able to hear their voices.

Go straight ahead and up the stairs.

Everyone's expressions became solemn.

Wang Tianlu's mind was completely blank at this moment.

After entering the hall, when they stopped, there were no military orders ahead, but the team remained in no disorder.

"I, the expeditionary army commander Lan Taiping, am here with eight thousand households and sixty-four hundred households to pay my respects to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

Wang Tianlu immediately knelt on one knee, bowed his head and clasped his fists, "Greetings, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

A familiar voice sounded.

"No need to be polite."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"Raise your head and let me see the momentum of the expeditionary army."

"promise!"

Only then did Wang Tianlu dare to look ahead with everyone else at His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in the Golden Palace.

A bright red robe and a black Wushayishan hat.

There is a jade belt around the waist.

Mysterious, solemn and majestic.

The Crown Prince's eyes were as sharp as torches, and just by looking at each other, Wang Tianlu felt the panic in his heart.

He watched as His Royal Highness the Crown Prince stood up from the dragon throne and then walked down from the Golden Palace step by step.

Zhu Ying looked at the young faces and felt quite satisfied.

Basically, 90% of these thousand households and hundred households were graduates of the Ming Military Academy. Among them, there were more than ten students who were personally selected by himself but had not graduated this year. They were granted the title of hundred households to graduate early and join the expeditionary force.

The president of the Ming Dynasty Capital Military Academy is the old man, and he is the vice president.

In a sense, these are all his students and his direct descendants.

Oh, this solemn sense of ceremony.

Zhu Ying could even feel from these students of similar age that they were adding to the crazy drama in his heart at this moment.