We should ask the Empress for her opinion on this matter. The Crown Prince can act recklessly, but others cannot follow suit in certain matters.
Little Zhu had no idea what his second uncle was thinking. He said to Zhang Fu, "This time when we go to Goryeo, we don't need the Imperial Guards to make great contributions. Father Emperor told us that the most taboo thing for a ruler is to control everything. We understand the principle that there are no fixed formations in warfare and water has no fixed shape, so we won't restrict you."
Zhang Fu appeared noncommittal. He had heard that the current emperor preferred grand plans and viewed the entire country as a grand game of chess, rather than giving detailed instructions on every little thing.
As long as we can complete the tasks assigned by His Majesty and achieve His Majesty's strategic goals, that is enough. His Majesty is indeed very willing to delegate power in some matters.
“But you must remember this well: the Imperial Guards are all descendants of meritorious officials. They should have courage and will.” Little Zhu said very seriously, “Our Imperial Guards have higher salaries than the ordinary Beijing garrison, and no one dares to embezzle soldiers’ blood or draw salaries without working. Many people say that those are our pampered soldiers, and we all know that.”
That's right. There are also rumors that the current crown prince's position is secure, and with the emperor's favor, nearly five thousand young men are his playmates.
Xiao Zhu continued, "The Imperial Guards have always liked using firearms, and we will have the Ministry of War and the Five Military Commissions equip them with firearms. You must remember this well: not only must you demonstrate your prowess, but you must also help us figure out how to use firearms. The firearms that the Emperor Emeritus used to conquer the world are no longer effective."
This statement may sound a bit arrogant at first glance, as firearms are not a new invention. Not only did firearms play a significant role when Zhu Yuanzhang was conquering the country, but their military applications were also very evident during the Song Dynasty.
However, some of the tactics and strategies used back then may not be applicable today. Firearms are becoming increasingly powerful and diverse, which necessitates innovation and the development of entirely new tactics.
The three-stage shooting technique pioneered by Mu Ying in his early years was one such advancement, demonstrating numerous advantages. Such exploration and improvement through actual combat is also extremely important.
Zhang Fu was somewhat excited, feeling that this was a sign of being given a high position. It was hard to say whether he would be given a high position by the Crown Prince in the future. As long as he performed well in Goryeo, he could be given a high position in the Yeongseok court. He didn't really have to wait for the Crown Prince to ascend the throne to have a chance to rise in the world.
While Xiao Zhu was giving him instructions, Xu Yingxu was also busy.
Upon meeting Xu Miaoqing, Xu Yingxu did not hide anything, saying, "Your Highness, His Highness the Crown Prince intends to order Zhang Fu to send the Imperial Guards into Goryeo."
Xu Miaoqing nodded with a smile, also somewhat excited, "We know a bit about the Imperial Guards. It was mostly Second Brother and Third Brother who were doing the drills, and Fu Rang and others also contributed to the Imperial Guards. It's a good thing that the Imperial Guards orphans were able to enter the capital camp this time."
These people naturally knew the origins of the Imperial Guards, but Xu Yingxu was not concerned with these matters.
Xu Yingxu did not hide anything, but said, "His Highness the Crown Prince intends to attend court tomorrow. Although I am fortunate to have been awarded a military tally by the Crown Prince, I can only lead the Ministry of War. His Highness intends to persuade the Imperial Guards to go north, but I am afraid His Majesty will not agree."
Xu Miaoqing smiled and said, "Second brother, don't overthink it. Although Yin'er is mischievous, he wouldn't dare to act recklessly in such an important matter. Without His Majesty's decree, Yin'er will not attend court. Tomorrow morning, just go along with Yin'er's wishes. If Yin'er is somewhat disrespectful or rash, remember to smooth things over."
Xu Yingxu was immediately relieved. Since the matter was authorized by the emperor, there were no more worries. At most, he would have to keep an eye on things in court to prevent the crown prince from being too radical, but that was nothing serious.
Xu Miaoqing beckoned to the female official and said, "Second brother, we have a cloak here. Second brother, take it back and give it to third brother. Third brother is the Vice Commander of the Right Army Commandery. Although he holds a high position, he is still somewhat lacking in military merit."
Xu Yingxu, understanding the implied meaning, immediately said, "Your subject understands. After all, the third prince comes from a military family and has accompanied the army on expeditions or trained troops to defend the borders over the years. The third prince's trip to Goryeo will undoubtedly give him the opportunity to earn military merit."
Looking at Xu Yingxu's right hand, Xu Miaoqing said with some sadness, "Those born into military families often enjoy honor and privilege. However, for us born into military families, going to the battlefield is also an inevitable part of our lives."
"It's good to gain some fame and fortune," Xu Yingxu said with a smile, unconcerned. "If it weren't for Father's great achievements, how could we, young and old, enjoy such wealth and honor? Qin'er is now studying with the Crown Prince; many people would only dream of such an opportunity."
Indeed, Xu Huizu's eldest son is currently the Crown Prince's study companion, so it's safe to say that young Zhu and his cousin have a very good relationship. It seems the favor bestowed upon the Prince of Zhongshan's mansion will not cease. The Prince of Zhongshan's mansion remains the most illustrious noble family in the Ming Dynasty, even surpassing the Prince of Kaiping's mansion.
After all, Chang Mao isn't capable of shouldering the responsibility at the Kaiping Prince's Mansion, and his eldest son is still just a little kid. To put it another way, judging from Chang Qi's current behavior, he's very likely to inherit Chang Mao's纨绔 (spoiled and dissolute) ways.
It can only be said that Chang Yuchun was a hero in his lifetime, but his children and grandchildren were basically all wastrels. It seems that all the literary talent and ability of the Kaiping Prince lineage were absorbed by the Chang family and monopolized by the current emperor.
Just as Xu Miaoqing and Xu Yingxu were chatting, Xiao Zhu's voice came, "Mother, we've brought Zhang Fu to pay our respects to you. Zhang Fu is quite talented as a general; he's our Imperial Guard Commander, and we just bestowed upon him the Commander's Seal."
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