After the tax issue was resolved, Zhu Yunwen did not leave Baicheng immediately. Since he knew that Zhu Yunwen had colluded with some people in the north, Zhu Yunwen was determined to find a way to bring these people out.
So he summoned General Fu Youde, who had stationed his troops in the north.
Ever since Zhu Yunwen arranged for Fu Youde to train troops in the north in order to protect him.
They never managed to recall Fu Youde.
Fu Youde was stationed in the north for two reasons: first, to eliminate Zhu Yuanzhang's desire to kill these threatening meritorious officials to pave the way for Zhu Yunwen; and second, to have Fu Youde in the north to intimidate Prince Yan, Zhu Di, and to take control of the border troops in Zhu Di's place.
Now, Zhu Yuanzhang no longer needs to worry that these military generals will pose any threat to Zhu Yunwen's future.
Prince Yan, Zhu Di, has also been completely defeated.
So, Fu Youde's job here was simply to guard the border.
Although Fu Youde was still in the north, the concepts, circumstances, and situation were completely different.
Previously, I was somewhat forced to think about saving my life, which is why I obediently came here as Zhu Yunwen instructed.
Now that those worries are gone, he has been officially appointed to come to the north to wholeheartedly defend the border.
Although the conditions here are a bit harsh, Fu Youde is still willing to do it.
After all, Zhu Yunwen had done him a great favor, and guarding the north was also a sign of being highly valued.
So when Fu Youde received Zhu Yunwen's message, he immediately led a few soldiers and traveled for half a day to reach Baicheng.
Upon entering the county town, Fu Youde knelt down at a distance upon seeing Zhu Yuntong.
"This humble general, Fu Youde, pays his respects to His Highness the Crown Prince."
Zhu Yunwen stepped forward with a smile: "General, please rise. There's no need for such formalities."
Fu Youde then stood up and excitedly stepped forward to Zhu Yunwen, saying:
"I know that His Highness the Crown Prince has toured the country and arrived in the north, but as the leader of the local garrison, I cannot leave the military camp at will. I am so excited to finally be summoned by His Highness the Crown Prince."
Zhu Yunwen was surprised to find that Fu Youde had quite high emotional intelligence. He smiled and waved his hand, saying:
"We're both grown men, why are you in such a hurry to see me? Is there something you need to report from the military camp?"
Fu Youde shook his head:
"No, it's just that Your Highness the Crown Prince is a legendary figure in the Ming Dynasty, a legend among legends. Many of the young men in our Northern Army have the utmost respect for you."
Zhu Yunwen smiled and waved his hand, saying:
"It's just that the rumors are a bit outrageous; it's not that exaggerated."
However, Fu Youde shook his head and said:
"It's no exaggeration, not at all. In our eyes, Your Highness, you are a god. Putting aside everything else, just your improvements to cannons and muskets are simply breathtaking."
I never imagined that cannons and muskets could be used so conveniently. All you have to do is pull the trigger, and that thing called a bullet can automatically ignite the gunpowder inside.
The shells can also explode upon landing—that's incredible. The power of both is simply awe-inspiring. Now, our army is also beginning to equip itself with these things.
"Even if the Eastern Island Nation and the Goryeo Nation were to unite and attack us, we wouldn't be afraid at all; we could handle it completely."
Zhu Yunwen sighed and said:
"The reason I called you here is to talk about this matter. Although our army is very strong and we are not afraid of the East Island Nation and the Korean Nation, there is one thing: we can deal with external enemies, but internal enemies are not easy to deal with."
Fu Youde frowned immediately and said to Zhu Yunwen:
"Your Highness, what does this mean? What is an internal enemy? Does it mean we have enemies within our own ranks?"
Zhu Yunwen: "That's right. I just received the news. This Zhu Yunwen is incorrigible. He has actually joined forces with Goryeo and Dongdao to deal with the Ming Dynasty."
As you know, Zhu Yunwen had many former officials who supported him. Although he has fallen from power, it's not impossible for him to reappear and persuade these former officials to continue supporting him with sweet words.
Currently, the magistrate of Baicheng is one of those he has persuaded, and he is preparing to open the city gates to welcome the enemy army when they attack the Ming Dynasty.
Upon hearing this, Fu Youde's eyes widened in anger, and he said:
"What?! That dog of a magistrate in Baicheng deserves to die!"
Zhu Yunwen said, "I have already imprisoned him and put another official in the position of county magistrate."
I just want to tell you that we cannot let our guard down. As far as I know, it wasn't just this one local official who was persuaded by Zhu Yunwen.
Even if these local officials were persuaded by Zhu Yunwen, they wouldn't be able to play a significant role; the real battle depended on the army.
If your army were to block them, these enemy forces would not be able to enter the Ming Dynasty at all.
So even if these traitors wanted to open the city gates, they wouldn't have the chance. Therefore, you must be even more vigilant within your army to see if any of them have also colluded with the enemy and betrayed the country.
Upon hearing Zhu Yunwen's words, Fu Youde immediately understood.
He lowered his head, thought carefully for a moment, and then said to Zhu Yunwen:
"Then what does Your Highness the Crown Prince wish me to do?"
Zhu Yunwen looked at Fu Youde, then said seriously:
"I want you to thoroughly investigate whether anyone in your army has any connection with Zhu Yunwen. Even if there was a connection in the past, you must investigate that carefully. If all else fails, replace all the generals who are suspected."
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