The soldiers of the Ming Dynasty could now begin their victory celebrations, for in this battle they had routed the Korean army, killing and capturing over five thousand enemies. This number filled everyone with immense excitement and satisfaction; they had achieved considerable success and military merit.
While the soldiers began their celebrations, Zhu Xiong Ying naturally held a grand victory banquet in the central command tent. This was acceptable, and it was something he had to do well; it was the dignity of the imperial family.
Feng Sheng and Chang Mao, the father-in-law and son-in-law pair, were naturally the first to steal the spotlight, even though they had caused a lot of unpleasantness when they subdued Nahachu. But that didn't matter, as Feng Sheng dared not put on airs in front of his son-in-law now.
There was no other reason than that Chang Mao was the maternal uncle of the Crown Prince, and that reason was enough.
Feng Sheng still had some concerns about his position and future. But Chang Mao didn't need to worry; as long as the Crown Prince ascended the throne smoothly, everything would naturally fall into place. At that time, not only would Chang Mao's position be secure, but the entire Chang family's position would be firmly established.
Speaking of the Chang family, it's a rather awkward situation; they're having trouble having offspring.
Previously, Zhu Xiong Ying had racked his brains to have Lan Yu bring Zhu Yue Lin back from his son-in-law, which meant that the Duke of Liang's lineage was now secure. But what about the Chang family? Chang Mao and Chang Sen had no children. Fortunately, Zhu Xiong Ying's second maternal uncle, Chang Sheng, was helpful and gave birth to a son, whom Zhu Biao personally named Chang Ji Zu, which speaks volumes.
There's no way to reason with this. Some things are just like that; you need a bit of luck, and you also need the right timing, location, and people.
However, at this moment, there was no need to consider such things. Zhu Xiong Ying only needed to happily enjoy the victory celebration with his civil and military subordinates; this was the most important thing, and also the most exciting moment for everyone. Now that they had achieved victory, everyone naturally had the right to celebrate.
While excited, Chang Mao didn't forget the important matter at hand. "Your Highness, now that this matter is settled, when will Your Highness depart for the capital?"
Others can't ask about such things, but Chang Mao's special status allows for a slight inquiry, which doesn't seem to be too taboo.
Many people were actually uneasy if Zhu Xiong Ying stayed in Busan. While a personal campaign might seem like a morale booster, there were also concerns that the usurper Yi Seong-gye might go berserk again and launch a full-scale attack, which would be a real problem.
Defending Busan would certainly be a meritorious achievement, but these people understood even better that if the Crown Prince were to suffer any mishap, then no amount of merit would be of any use. The Crown Prince's safety was the most important matter of all, and leaving him in this battlefield was not a good thing.
Zhu Xiong Ying laughed and said to Chang Mao, "Wait a little longer. The big battle has just ended, and there are still some things to do. There's no rush now."
Zhu Xiong Ying may not be in a hurry, but others are genuinely anxious at this time, feeling uncertain. They won't be able to sleep soundly for a single day until the Crown Prince returns to Yingtian Prefecture; everyone probably shares this realization.
That might be the case, but Zhu Xiong Ying doesn't intend to just briefly touch the battlefield and then immediately end the battle. He's not here for a 'day trip' to Busan; he has many things to do.
Feng Sheng and the others didn't know what to say, and they couldn't force Zhu Xiong Ying to leave. Besides, these people weren't completely brainless.
Without a doubt, both Feng Sheng and Chang Mao were true military generals. They excelled on the battlefield, while they were sometimes unable to consider or handle political matters effectively.
Zhu Xiong Ying was different. He never saw himself as a mere warrior. He admired Huo Qubing and Wei Qing, and respected Yue Fei and Li Jing, but Zhu Xiong Ying was even more aware that he knew he was not just a general; he needed to become a politician.
A politician is not the same as a political politician; they are completely different things. Of course, they also need to be distinguished from military generals and the like.
At this time, Gaegyeong was in chaos. Leaving aside the events after Yi Seong-gye's usurpation, even before that, Yi Seong-gye had controlled the court and wiped out the opposition. Almost all of the Goryeo royal family had perished, and the royal clan members had changed their surnames to avoid further persecution.
But things are different now. Not only is the Ming army entrenched in Busan, but more importantly, the entire Ming army has been mobilized from Tielingwei. Yi Seong-gye's opportunity to seize the throne came from the return of his troops from Wihwa Island. But now, Yi Gyeong-ryong and Chaghan are leading 50,000 troops to capture Wihwa Island, making it seem like they are about to attack Joseon.
As for the "greater cause," Yi Seong-gye felt that since the Ming Dynasty was beyond help, the remnants of the Mongol Yuan Dynasty were "greater" than his Joseon Dynasty. But what happened? Fu Youde led the elite troops of the Nine Garrisons out, and the Ming Dynasty's northern vassal kings also led their troops to its aid.
Some went to Liaodong, while others launched direct attacks on the northern deserts. The aim was to completely suppress the Mongol Yuan forces, preventing them from making any rash moves and ensuring that the Mongol Yuan and Korea would not collude.
The mobilization of the Ming army at this time also made many people in the Mongol Yuan and Joseon dynasties tremble with fear. At this point, there was no need to think about any alliance; what they were worried about most was whether the Ming army would take advantage of the situation and wipe them out.
The Ming Dynasty is too strong now; it can really take on two opponents at once. Some other forces are indeed terrified when facing the Ming Dynasty.
Zhu Xiong Ying naturally needed to write letters, both family letters and memorials to the emperor. Especially at this time, Zhu Xiong Ying also received information that the second batch of reinforcements was about to arrive.
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