The affairs of the civil officials were giving Zhu Xiong Ying a headache, but most things were still under control. He wasn't picky about food; he could accept small fish and shrimp even if he didn't catch the big ones.
Old Zhu and Young Zhu were quite in sync. This time, their attack on the civil service was also a way of preparing for the upcoming relocation of the capital. Appointing officials to different regions, supporting the northern areas, and holding separate examinations for the north and south were all part of Old Zhu and Young Zhu's plan; they weren't just doing it to annoy the civil officials.
In Zhu Xiong Ying's plan, the imperial examinations would no longer be for scholars who were well-versed in the classics; other people might enter the court through the imperial examinations.
This could be considered a long-term strategy. Zhu Xiong Ying is digging a pit, waiting for some civil officials to fall into it. Or rather, these actions are Zhu Xiong Ying's way of making plans and long-term schemes, not intending to achieve anything overnight.
It can't be said that Zhu Xiong Ying was particularly cunning; it's just that he knew the power of the Confucian disciples was too great, and many things had to be done slowly.
Marquis Mu Chun of Xiping delivered a military report: the rebellion of Azi, the chieftain of Yuezhou Guard, had been quelled, and Mu Chun had executed Azi and 240 of his followers in one fell swoop. At this time, Mu Chun did not return to the capital; instead, he continued to cooperate with Lan Yu's army.
Nong Zhenyou, the chieftain of Guangnan, allied with the Dangman tribes to resist the Ming army. Mu Chun led his troops to attack, capturing Nong Zhenyou and others alive, and killing and taking thousands prisoner. Dao Bailan, the chieftain of Ningyuan, submitted to Annam and disobeyed the imperial court. At this time, the imperial army naturally did not show any mercy and continued to drive the rebels into Annam.
King Tran Yong of Annam was somewhat flustered, but also somewhat fearless. Among the countries surrounding the Ming Dynasty, Annam was the most disobedient. The imperial army marched into Annam in a grand procession, not only to quell the rebellion but also to intimidate the restless foreign powers.
We can't completely conquer Annam now, but we can slowly nibble it away, training our troops extensively along the border. We must take issues like acclimatization problems seriously, and we should minimize non-combat casualties whenever possible.
Zhu Xiong Ying was determined to send troops to Annam and had quite a few ideas about it.
Although Annam is relatively wild and uncivilized nowadays, it is not entirely inhabited by savages or uncivilized people. After conquering some areas here, Zhu Xiong Ying not only settled some of his imperial uncles.
Most importantly, Annam is located at the junction of mainland China and the Indochina Peninsula, making it a crucial springboard for the Ming Dynasty's expansion into the Western Ocean. Taking control of Annam would allow the Ming Dynasty to more easily control the Indochina Peninsula.
It could control Champa, Siam, and Cambodia in the near term, and Malacca and neighboring countries such as Sumatra, Palembang, Java, and Ningxia in the far term. This was also to realize the Ming Dynasty's military presence in the Indochina Peninsula, and to support Zhu Xiong Ying's "southward expansion strategy".
The Ming Dynasty's navy today is likely far stronger than that of the same period in history, given that Zhu Xiong Ying has been dedicated to building up the navy for many years. After experiencing the benefits brought by Southeast Asia and Japan, Zhu Xiong Ying has indeed placed great importance on the navy, making the Ming Dynasty's naval strength quite formidable.
Even setting aside the possibility of circumnavigating the globe at this time, if a eunuch wanted to go to Southeast Asia, Zhu Xiong Ying could easily assemble a powerful navy.
Zhu Xiong Ying was somewhat pleased with himself. He believed he had made significant contributions to the changes and achievements of the Ming Dynasty, and he certainly had the right to feel proud and happy. He was even more confident about the future of the Ming Dynasty.
Zhu Xiong Ying, who had come to report, hurried to the Qianqing Palace. He had to show off his brother-in-law's achievements. "Grandpa Emperor, the Marquis of Xiping has sent a military report."
Old Zhu raised his head slightly and then said, "It seems we've won. You can decide what to do with it."
Old Zhu has every right to be so calm. The minor disturbances in Yunnan are really nothing to him. They're just some wild men and barbarians rebelling; he don't need to take them seriously at all.
"After inheriting the title, the Marquis of Xiping has made many achievements, and now he has quelled the rebellion. I think it's time to mention it, since they are stationed in Yunnan." Zhu Xiong Ying said to Old Zhu, "Mu Chun is also quite good. My brother-in-law has military merits, and like the Prince of Qianning, he is also good at civil administration."
Old Zhu smiled and said to Zhu Xiong Ying, "You can bestow the title of Duke of Qian upon him later, but for now, let's wait and not rush things."
Zhu Xiong Ying also smiled. Mu Chun did indeed have some merits. However, it was a bit of a stretch to say that he should be granted the title of Duke of the State now. Of course, it was also acceptable, after all, he was an absolute noble who guarded a region, so there was nothing wrong with granting him the title of Duke of the State.
Old Zhu's meaning was quite clear: Mu Chun hadn't yet made any significant achievements, so he could wait and hold off for a while. Once Zhu Xiong Ying ascended the throne, Mu Chun's title could be promoted, and the favor would naturally come from Zhu Xiong Ying.
"I'm still worried about your nephew." Old Zhu laughed and said to Zhu Xiong Ying, "You, as the eldest uncle, are just like us, always having endless worries."
Zhu Xiong Ying was also amused and said to Old Zhu, "If Mu Lin can become like the Prince of Qiyang in the future, then I will be very happy."
Old Zhu didn't say anything more; there was really no need to continue discussing these matters. Mu Chun's title could be brought up another time. As for the military affairs in Yunnan and Annam, everything was under control.
Let's continue reviewing the memorials. Zhu Xiong Ying still has a lot to do, and he really can't afford to be idle at this time.
Zhu Xiong Ying, accustomed to reviewing memorials, was very efficient. However, when he saw a particular memorial, he immediately stopped. He needed to think carefully and consider it thoroughly.
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