Chapter 262: The Ming Dynasty did not have Xuanwu Gate, and Li Wenzhong, the fierce general who destroyed the Yuan Dynasty, came to the palace

"In order to defend his own respected position, Li Chengqian resolutely decided to take the initiative and launch a military rebellion.

Unfortunately, things did not go as planned, and this carefully planned mutiny ended in a tragic failure. "

Li Shanchang's words immediately aroused Zhu Biao's strong dissatisfaction.

"My third brother is not the King of Yue, and there is no 'Xuanwu Gate' in the Ming Dynasty!
Mr. Han, don't say that again!"

Just as the atmosphere became somewhat tense, Zhu Yuanzhang's close minister, the eunuch chief Wang Jinghong, walked in quickly and reminded him, "Your Highness, the civil and military officials have been waiting in the Fengtian Hall for a long time. His Majesty wants to know when you will go over to preside over the court meeting?"

Zhu Biao calmed down a bit, straightened his clothes and said, "I will leave right away, Duke Hanguo should come with me."

After about a cup of tea, Zhu Biao and Li Shanchang arrived at the Fengtian Hall, and all the ministers saluted.

At this time, Zhu Biao sat on the dragon throne and began to deal with state affairs, but his heart was still restless.

Li Shanchang's words just now made Zhu Biao realize that the situation in the court had become increasingly complicated.

It is absolutely impossible that my third brother Zhu Gang has any rebellious intentions as the outside world has said. There must be someone secretly obstructing him and trying to reap the benefits.

Zhu Biao decided to investigate the matter secretly, and at the same time he became more vigilant about the power struggle in the court.

After all, as the crown prince, Zhu Biao was responsible for maintaining the stability of the Ming Dynasty, and he had to be more cautious in every move.

"If you have the foundation, you will play early, but if you don't have the foundation, you will retreat!"

Following this majestic and loud shout, the court suddenly became solemn.

Zhu Biao, dressed in a gorgeous dragon robe, was seen sitting high on the dragon throne, scanning the ministers below with his sharp eyes.

The eunuch chief Wang Jinghong, who was standing nearby, waved a delicate whisk in his hand, signaling everyone to start their performance.

At this moment, a man stepped out from among the ministers. He was the famous Duke of Cao, Li Wenzhong.

He held his head high and walked to the front of the hall with firm steps.

Then Li Wenzhong bowed and said in a loud voice: "Your Highness Li Wenzhong has the book!"

His voice was sonorous and powerful, echoing throughout the Fengtian Hall.

Time goes back to the third year of Hongwu. At that time, Li Wenzhong was full of vigor and vitality, and was personally appointed as the left deputy general of the expedition by Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang.

Shortly thereafter, he embarked on a journey with Xu Da, Duke of Wei, and divided their troops into two routes to march north.

Along the way, they were unstoppable and led an army of 100,000 across the vast wilderness.

After crossing the steep mountains, we finally arrived in Xinghe.

Here Li Wenzhong demonstrated extraordinary military talent, successfully subdued the Xinghe defender, and made great contributions to the Ming Dynasty.

Then the army continued to advance and headed straight for Chahan Naoer.

Faced with the enemy's stubborn resistance, Li Wenzhong was not afraid.

He led the troops and fought bravely against the enemy.

After a fierce battle, Li Wenzhong not only captured the enemy Pingzhang Zhuzhen alive, but also made the enemy terrified.

Later, when the army was stationed at Luotuo Mountain, Li Wenzhong once again demonstrated his outstanding command ability and easily repelled Pingzhang Shabuding who came to harass him.

When the troops marched to Kaiping, Li Wenzhong took advantage of the situation and forced Pingzhang Shangduhan to surrender.

At this moment, the dawn of victory is in sight.

However, just as everyone was immersed in joy, a sudden piece of news broke the silence - Emperor Shun of Yuan Dynasty passed away.

Crown Prince Ayushiridara ascended the throne, known in history as Emperor Zhaozong of Yuan.

After learning about this, Li Wenzhong did not panic, but made a decision quickly.

He sent spies deep into enemy territory to find out the truth, and based on the intelligence, he led the army to Yingchang day and night. When Yuan Zhaozong learned that the Ming army was coming, he was terrified and fled north in a hurry.

Li Wenzhong pursued them relentlessly and finally intercepted Yuan Zhaozong's eldest son Maidelibala, as well as many concubines, palace maids, kings, generals and hundreds of officials.

In addition, Li Wenzhong reaped a lot of rewards and returned home with a full load!

During this expedition, he not only seized fifteen jade seals and gold treasures from the Song and Yuan dynasties, but also two extremely precious jade books.

There are also the Zhengui, Dagui, jade belt, and jade axe, which symbolize supreme power and status!
These treasures undoubtedly demonstrate Li Wenzhong's great military exploits and outstanding achievements in this campaign.

Then he immediately sent out a group of elite cavalry to pursue northward like a gust of wind.

The pursuit continued all the way to North Gyeongju, whereupon Li Wenzhong returned in triumph.

When passing through Xingzhou on his way back, he relied on his extraordinary wisdom and bravery.

They successfully captured a number of important criminals including Jiang Wenqing, Duke of Beiyuan, and forced 37,000 enemy troops to surrender.

This feat once again demonstrated Li Wenzhong's extraordinary military talent and leadership charisma.

By the time he arrived at Hongluo Mountain, his fame had already spread far and wide.

Here, Li Wenzhong once again displayed his divine power and subdued the troops led by Yang Sizu, numbering more than 16,000 people.

At this point his army grew in size and its prestige shook the world.

When Li Wenzhong returned to the capital victoriously and presented the exciting victory news to the emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang personally went to Fengtian Gate to accept the worship and congratulations of all civil and military officials.

For a moment, the entire court was immersed in a joyful and peaceful atmosphere.

Zhu Yuanzhang then rewarded his meritorious officials.

Among them, Li Wenzhong's achievements were the most outstanding and he was second to none.

Therefore, he was granted the lofty title of "military minister who founded the country and assisted the people with sincerity and hard work", and was specially promoted to such prominent positions as Ronglu Doctor, You Zhuguo, and Zuo Dudu of the Grand Marshal's Office.

Not only that, Li Wenzhong was also granted the honorable title of Duke of Cao, and was able to participate in the decision-making of major military and political affairs of the country.

In addition, he could enjoy a generous salary of up to 3,000 stones every year and was granted the honor of hereditary succession, which was extremely glorious.

In the golden autumn of the fourth year of Hongwu, generals including Yingchuan Marquis Fu Youde successfully pacified the Sichuan region.

At this time, Li Wenzhong once again took on the heavy responsibility and was ordered to go to the area to carry out pacification work.

To ensure the situation is stable and the people can live and work in peace and contentment.

After untold hardships, he finally arrived in Sichuan, and immediately gave the order to start building the magnificent and grand new city of Chengdu.

Not only that, Li Wenzhong also carefully deployed military forces and sent a large number of elite troops to garrison strategic locations in various counties to ensure the safety of the border.

After everything was arranged, he set out on his return journey carrying the emperor's order.

Time flies, and it is the fifth year of Hongwu.

This year, Li Wenzhong once again took on an important task and, with the prominent status of Left Deputy General, led his troops to the north from the east.

He led the brave and fearless soldiers and rushed out of Juyongguan like a tiger descending from the mountain, galloping all the way to Helin.

Wherever they went, the Northern Yuan army was terrified and fled in panic.

When the army marched to the Kou Wen area, Li Wenzhong was well aware that the terrain here was dangerous and that he had to act with caution.

So he decisively ordered his general Han Zheng and others to guard the precious baggage and supplies.

Li Wenzhong himself led the main force, each man carrying enough food and fodder to sustain them for 20 days, and they rushed to the Tula River without stopping.

(End of this chapter)