Zhu Yuanzhang was deeply displeased. He felt that his achievements over the past few years had been quite remarkable. Even if he couldn’t be considered a formidable warlord, he should at least merit a few lines in the historical records. How could the deities in the light screen mention so many people around him while completely overlooking him?
Did he have some grudge against Liu Futong? Why would his name be erased when compiling the historical texts?
Old Zhu refused to believe his name hadn’t been recorded. There could only be one reason why future generations wouldn’t know of Zhu Yuanzhang – his name had been deliberately removed.
What kind of deep-seated hatred was this?!
Li Shanchang also found it hard to believe they were all insignificant figures. Their General Zhu was far more capable than Commander Guo Zixing. If Commander Guo could be mentioned by the heavenly voice, there was no reason their General Zhu would leave absolutely no trace.
Even if Zhu Yuanzhang’s name was missing, was it possible that none of his subordinates had achieved anything noteworthy? Impossible!
Old Li maintained his composure. The heavenly voice had appeared twice now, mentioning neither too many nor too few names. There was no need to panic.
Besides, none of them could verify whether what the heavenly voice said was true. Even if it were, what difference would it make? Could millions of troops suddenly descend from heaven to help them conquer the realm?
Haste makes waste. The emperor was still safely ensconced in his palace in Dadu. Overthinking things now would be pointless.
Zhu Yuanzhang cooled down and recognized the wisdom in Old Li’s words.
While the heavenly voice’s revelations touched upon their current situation, the information was too broad and general. It was like learning about massive waves forming in the ocean – as mere small fish and shrimp in the sea, knowing about impending tidal waves was useless. Living their lives well was what mattered most.
This Divine Manifestation differed from the previous one. The last time had covered many things directly relevant to them, particularly by revealing the final outcome of the Battle of Gaoyou in advance. Even though they hadn’t been sure about the heavenly voice’s veracity at the time, their anxiety had considerably diminished.
This time focused more on court intrigues. Zhu Yuanzhang was certain that his brothers in the room had only paid attention when the map appeared – the subsequent power struggles among court officials went in one ear and out the other. If asked to recount those parts, none would be able to.
The factional conflicts among powerful court ministers meant little to them. Whichever side won would remain their enemy. If they ever confronted each other in battle, there would be no need for words – they would simply raise their broadswords and fight fiercely.
After this Divine Manifestation, they needed to remember one thing: the court was no longer the oppressive force that suffocated them. If they united their efforts, overthrowing Mongol rule was not impossible.
The Central Plains and Huai River regions had never truly accepted Mongol domination. Now that officials in Henan Jiangbei Province had been completely exposed, if not now, when would be a better time to rebel?
The Mongol court was tearing itself apart with internal strife. If they couldn’t win under these circumstances, they would truly be incompetent.
Old Zhu stood up and stretched. As before, he instructed Li Shanchang to organize the information revealed by the Divine Manifestation and to admonish the brothers present before dismissing them to return to their homes.
Back in Chuzhou, they had needed to guard against Commander Guo and Guo Tianxu. Not anymore. Old Li could openly return home with his paper and brush.
Wait!
Guo Tianxu?!
Zhu Yuanzhang halted his steps, suddenly remembering why he had called his brothers to the Council Hall in the first place. He quickly called everyone back, “Come back, all of you! We haven’t discussed the main business yet!”
Guo Tianxu was escorting the coffin back to Chuzhou, and what they needed to discuss was how to deal with the challenges Guo Tianxu would pose—not mock the petty squabbles within the imperial court.
The Divine Manifestation had come at such an inconvenient time, making them forget their actual duties.
The trusted followers who had just dispersed returned one by one, also recalling what they had gathered to discuss today.
They used to think Commander Guo Zixing was difficult to get along with, but now, upon reflection, Commander Guo was merely a bit soft-hearted and quick-tempered. Under normal circumstances, he was actually quite easy to deal with.
If nothing else, at least Commander Guo didn’t actively venture out and could stay put steadily in one place, acting as a local ruler.
That kid Guo Tianxu lacked his father’s capabilities but was full of ambition. Once he realized he couldn’t control the troops left by Commander Guo, he would undoubtedly blame their eldest brother without distinguishing right from wrong.
Really, when it was time to recruit soldiers, he didn’t go; when it was time to fight, he avoided battle; when danger arose, he hid in the back; yet when it came to sharing merits and rewards, he popped up again. No wonder the brothers were unwilling to follow him.
Zhu Wenzhong yawned, bid farewell to his father, and carried his drowsy little brother out quietly.
He first took the little one back to sleep, then planned to return to discuss the important matters.
Zhu Yuanzhang rubbed his temples. “After taking Wenqing back, there’s no need to return. Spend more time talking with your mother.”
With so many recent events, he was truly uneasy leaving his wife alone in the rear courtyard.
Mu Qing rubbed his face to perk up, lying on Zhu Wenzhong’s shoulder while tightly covering his mouth with both hands.
Old Zhu took a deep breath. “No need to pretend to be mute in front of your mother!”
He had just praised the little one for being clever, and in no time, he turned into a little fool. Dealing with children was truly not easy.
Hearing this, Zhu Wenzhong quickly assured his father, “Don’t worry, Dad. Aside from Mother and Wenying, we won’t tell anyone about what just happened.”
Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, signaling that he could leave. Truth be told, he wasn’t worried about this brat spilling nonsense in front of his wife. Most of what the heavenly voice had just said involved court infighting—even he, as the father, found it confusing. With that kid’s brain, he couldn’t possibly remember so much.
Zhu Wenzhong had no idea what his father was thinking. He didn’t mind whether he did odd jobs in the Council Hall or went back to chat with his mother—both were just ways to pass the time, so it made no difference to him.
Mu Qing waved to his uncles, but as he waved, he yawned again, his eyes barely open as if he could fall asleep instantly.
Counting on his fingers, he realized he had first left the mourning hall, then spent the entire duration of the video in the Council Hall on edge. It was only by sheer willpower that he hadn’t collapsed from exhaustion.
Sleep was the top priority in the world. Let Old Zhu handle the troubles—he was just a clueless child who should obediently go to sleep.
Unable to resist sleepiness, the child mastered the skill of falling asleep in an instant. Zhu Wenzhong, walking along, noticed the little one had gone quiet and quickened his pace to find him a bed.
Mu Ying wasn’t in the Council Hall. After Guo Tianxu escorted the coffin away from Hezhou, he had accompanied Ma Xiuying back to rest. Seeing Zhu Wenzhong carrying his brother in a rather rough manner, he hurried over to meet them. “Brother Wenzhong, what’s wrong with Wenqing?”
“It’s nothing, he’s asleep.” Zhu Wenzhong had just been wondering when he’d be able to take charge independently—leading troops into battle instead of babysitting, and looking so impressive that little kids would gaze at him with starry eyes.
Now, seeing Mu Ying who hadn’t gone to the Council Hall and knew nothing, he suddenly realized this kid was actually the most pitiful one.
Wenqing had witnessed the Divine Manifestation twice, he himself had seen it once, but this poor lad hadn’t experienced it even once—hahahahaha!
Zhu Wenzhong sympathetically averted his gaze, unconsciously straightening his posture a bit more.
Mu Ying: ???
What’s going on? What happened?
Zhu Wenzhong placed the deeply sleeping child on the bed, then slung an arm around his younger brother to go find their mother. “Little brother, don’t be scared no matter what I say later.”
With so many people in the Council Hall, Wenying would normally have been there helping too, though he missed it this time. Since Father said there was no need to hide this from Mother, naturally Wenying shouldn’t be kept in the dark either.
Mu Ying sensed something odd and warily shrugged off the hand on his shoulder. “Brother, act normal.”
Zhu Wenzhong grinned, flashing his white teeth. “I’m perfectly normal right now—could even demonstrate a full Changquan set for you.”
Mu Ying: …
Isn’t this overly excited?
Zhu Wenzhong suppressed his exhilaration. “Wenying, whatever you do, don’t be scared later. Actually, never mind—I’ll handle things with Mother. You go directly to the Council Hall and assist Father. They’ll be busy for a long time today and might stay for dinner later.”
Mu Ying sighed helplessly. “Brother, what exactly is going on?”
Zhu Wenzhong struggled to maintain seriousness. “It’s hard to explain in just a few words. You’ll understand when you get there—I wouldn’t lie to you.”
“Then don’t laugh too happily in front of Mother. I’m leaving.” After this reminder, Mu Ying finally yielded to his curiosity. Even at the doorway, he emphasized, “Remember—don’t laugh too wildly.”
Commander Guo had just passed away, and Mother was grieving. Laughing too heartily now would likely earn him a beating.
Zhu Wenzhong waved dismissively. What he was about to share was so extraordinary, Mother definitely wouldn’t hit him.
Ma Xiuying, due to give birth in two months, had been exhausted by recent events. After returning, she half-reclined on the bed to rest with closed eyes, only rising when she heard the boys bickering outside. “Wenzhong?”
“Mother.” Zhu Wenzhong hurried over to support her. “Please go back and lie down. It’s nothing serious—Wenying went to the Council Hall to help Father, Wenqing fell asleep and was just brought back to his room, and I came to keep you company.”
Ma Xiuying frowned slightly. “What happened at the Council Hall?”
Zhu Wenzhong lowered his voice mysteriously. “Mother, we just witnessed a Divine Manifestation. A deity has revealed itself to our family.”
Ma Xiuying’s heart skipped a beat. She returned to the room to sit comfortably before asking, “What did the deity say this time?”
“The deity performed a grand drama.” Zhu Wenzhong had guessed their mother already knew about the Divine Manifestation. With just the two of them in the room, he could speak freely without fear of eavesdroppers, so he began narrating with animated gestures.
The deity recounted an event from over a decade ago—back in Henan Province, there emerged a ruthless man named Fan Meng who impersonated an Imperial Envoy and slaughtered many yamen officials.
Later, when his impersonation was exposed, the imperial court executed all the remaining officials as well.
If not for the entire Henan Province bureaucracy being wiped out in one sweep, their rebellion would undoubtedly be far more difficult than it is now.
Well now, when officials oppress the people until they rebel, the people have no choice but to rebel. Who would have thought that the colossal event of destroying all government offices in Henan Province started with nothing more than a frustrated minor clerk having his salary withheld?
Incredible, truly incredible.
Ma Xiuying’s lips twitched slightly. “And then?”
“Ah? Then…” Zhu Wenzhong scratched his head. “Then it was all about the court officials fighting among themselves. The Mongol names are quite hard to remember, but that’s not important. If Mother wants to know, you can wait for Father to come back and tell the story again.”
He hadn’t paid much attention while listening, and now he couldn’t really explain it properly.
Blame those Mongols and their tongue-twisting names.
Mu Qing slept straight through until evening. When he opened his eyes, he felt dizzy and disoriented, thinking he had slept right through to the next morning.
When Old Zhu returned after finishing his work, Zhu Wenzheng and Zhu Wenzhong flanked Ma Xiuying on either side, chattering about today’s divine manifestation. Whether their account was complete or not was unclear, but having both of them talking at once was certainly more chaotic than just one.
Mu Ying had been in a daze all afternoon. He never imagined there could truly be divine manifestations in this world. How could gods possibly exist?
And so close to him too!
He hadn’t even been there to see it!
Was it fair that the whole family had witnessed it except him?
After returning, Mu Ying had been squatting gloomily under a tree counting ants. He’d spent the whole afternoon at it without ever figuring out exactly how many ants were at his feet. Only when he noticed his younger brother stumbling out of the room did he stand up with a stern face. Though his mind was still befuddled, his hands automatically reached for a towel.
Mu Qing: ???
The little boy struggled against the icy cold towel, which jolted him completely awake. “Brother, snap out of it. This is cold water.”
Mu Ying patted his face to clear his head, then fetched warm water to wipe his brother’s face again.
Mu Qing: …
“Brother, maybe you should use the cold water to wash your own face.”
What happened? Why was he more out of it than someone who just woke up?
Mu Ying let out a long, melancholy sigh. “Little brother, did you all see a ghost today?”
Mu Qing paused in his movements, putting down the towel to argue earnestly. “Brother, that was a divine being!”
Mu Ying declared righteously, “I didn’t see it!”
If he had seen it, it would be divine. Since he hadn’t seen it, it must have been some trickery!
Mu Qing was rendered speechless by his brother’s robber’s logic. Having slept all day without eating, his stomach began rumbling after just a little movement. Catching the scent of food, he immediately abandoned his brother and rushed toward the dining table.
Zhu Yuanzhang shooed his two sons off to look after the little boy during the meal, then helped his wife to her seat at the table. “My dear, I discussed matters with the brothers today. With Commander Guo gone, Chuzhou and Hezhou are left leaderless. Since we’re flying the banner of the Red Turban Army, fighting over territory would create a bad impression. It might be better to wait for Little Prince Ming’s decree.”
Ma Xiuying understood his implication. “You mean to follow Little Prince Ming’s arrangements?”
“My capabilities may be limited, but I’ve managed to capture several cities nonetheless.” Zhu Yuanzhang straightened his back. Regardless of whether future generations would recognize Zhu Yuanzhang’s abilities, he himself felt quite capable at surviving. “Liu Futong won’t leave this area unattended. Even if we don’t make a move, Guo Tianxu will establish contact with them.”
Not long after the new year, Liu Futong had found Han Lin’er and immediately brought him to his side, proclaiming him emperor. Now with two Song regimes coexisting alongside the lingering Great Yuan Dynasty, Liu Futong wouldn’t pass up any opportunity to win over potential allies.
Guo Tianxu was Commander Guo’s own son, and with supporters like Guo Tianjue and Zhang Tianyou still around, he commanded considerable backing within the army.
Most of the troops in Chuzhou and Hezhou had been recruited by Zhu Yuanzhang himself, and he had a group of brothers who were willing to follow only him. Given this situation, if he and Guo Tianxu were to fall out, the only path would be to go their separate ways.
Fighting was out of the question—they were all brothers, and conflict would only damage their bond.
Guo Tianxu was incompetent, but he wasn’t foolish. With Yuan Dynasty officials still active, splitting up at this point would be tantamount to suicide. No matter how unwilling he felt, he had to maintain the appearance of brotherly harmony.
Having no leader was not ideal, and internal strife would only harm their relationship. The best solution was to let an unrelated third party choose the commander.
Liu Futong had established Han Lin’er as emperor, and their banner proclaimed the legitimate succession of the Song Dynasty. After careful consideration, they seemed the most suitable choice—who else could they turn to?
Although Zhu Yuanzhang was reluctant to be subordinate to Little Prince Ming, considering the other’s current strong influence, he could still leverage that authority to consolidate his own position.
What did it matter if he had to use Little Prince Ming’s Longfeng era name? He would use it!
Han Lin’er generously appointed officials, making Du Zundao the chancellor and Liu Futong the vice chancellor. With two powerful ministers under a puppet emperor, it was only a matter of time before they clashed.
Old Li was right—the outcome was still uncertain. The events mentioned in the Divine Manifestation were pieced together by later generations from historical records, and no one could be sure what was true or false.
After the first appearance of the Divine Manifestation, he had discreetly sent people to gather information, noting down every name mentioned by the heavenly voice. Whether useful or not, it was better to be prepared.
Liu Futong’s Ming Army had driven the Mongols out of the Central Plains—such a figure was impossible to ignore.
When Han Shantong was still alive, Liu Futong and Du Zundao were his right-hand men: Du Zundao as the head of civil officials and Liu Futong as the leader of military commanders.
Liu Futong’s background was well-known—Jia Lu had deliberately diverted the river to flood his ancestral home, and in a fit of rage, he had joined Han Shantong.
Compared to Liu Futong, Du Zundao’s origins were extraordinary.
That fellow had once served as an official in Dadu, and even under Bayan. Given Bayan’s extreme prejudice against Han Chinese, for Du Zundao to hold an official position under him as a Han person was a testament to his remarkable abilities.
Having served under Bayan, Du Zundao likely realized early on that the Yuan Dynasty was beyond saving. Soon after, he resigned and returned to his hometown to stir up trouble.
Han Shantong wanted to rebel, Du Zundao sought to overthrow the existing order, and with Liu Futong burning for revenge, the three joined forces and formed their rebellion group.
To be honest, Zhu Yuanzhang admired Du Zundao’s decisiveness and drive.
Li Shanchang had previously remarked that for Han Shantong’s group to raise the banner proclaiming, “Three thousand warriors will reach You and Yan; the dragon will fly to the ninth heaven and reopen the Great Song,” there must have been a mastermind behind it.
If his guess was correct, that mastermind was Du Zundao.
Du Zundao was highly capable, but he had one flaw—he loved to meddle in everything. Regardless of whether it was his responsibility, if he saw something, he felt compelled to get involved.
If Han Shantong were still alive, his influence might have kept Du Zundao’s meddling tendencies in check.
But now Han Shantong was dead, Little Prince Ming Han Lin’er was subordinate to him, and as the chancellor of the Great Song, shouldn’t all affairs fall under his jurisdiction?
If Liu Futong and Han Shantong had both died, perhaps he really could have emulated Bayan and become a powerful minister capable of deposing and installing emperors. Unfortunately, Liu Futong was still alive.
Old Liu had rebelled out of fury when his ancestral home was destroyed. If Du Zundao wanted to suppress him, he’d have to see whether he had the lifespan to do so.
The grievances and grudges surrounding Little Prince Ming were too distant for them to worry about for now. They only needed to know one thing: if they were lucky enough, they might just become the “fisherman” who benefits when the snipe and the clam fight.
Hehe, not bad at all.
Mu Qing buried his head in his meal, mentally applauding Old Zhu.
The old man’s guess was right—Du Zundao indeed didn’t have much longer to live.
Liu Futong was no pushover. Provocation once or twice might be tolerated, but not a third time. With Du Zundao constantly causing him trouble, it was no surprise that Liu Futong soon ordered his men to take care of Old Du with an Iron Mace.
You, Du Zundao, wanted to emulate Bayan and monopolize power? Well, Liu Futong would emulate Fan Meng and use the Iron Mace to take your life.
Brutal.jpg
Zhu Yuanzhang kept his composure, waiting for Little Prince Ming’s appointment to come his way.
Hezhou was not his ultimate goal. Looking around, the most suitable place for their base was Jiqing. He needed to find a way to cross the river south, capture Taiping Road on the opposite shore, and then gather his forces to take Jiqing.
After lifting the siege of Gaoyou, Zhang Shicheng had set his sights on the prosperous Jiangnan region. Fortunately, Old Zhang was more interested in the even wealthier Pingjiang Road and hadn’t yet taken a liking to Jiqing.
If they didn’t hurry to capture Jiqing, once Zhang Shicheng took Pingjiang and turned his attention to Jiqing, they would have no hope of seizing it.
Old Zhu was bustling with activity, waiting for Little Prince Ming’s appointment while preparing to cross the river and attack Taiping Road. However, plans often fail to keep up with changes. Before the appointment from Little Prince Ming arrived, news came that Sun Deyan had attacked Chuzhou.
The love-hate relationship between Commander Guo and Commander Sun was not something outsiders could fully understand. As soon as the news of Guo Zixing’s death from illness spread, Sun Deyan immediately began preparing to seize his territory, eager to avenge his previous humiliating defeat.
The wheel of fortune turns; this year, it’s my turn. Let’s see who’s afraid of whom this time!
Old Zhu: …
Old Zhu’s brothers: Staring.jpg
Zhu Yuanzhang: ???
“Why are you all looking at me? It’s Sun Deyan who’s attacking Chuzhou! I have nothing to do with Sun Deyan!”
The brothers beside him: “Really?”