Since the Northern Expeditionary Army set out, all the scholars from all over the world gathered in Yingtian Mansion, waiting for the new dynasty to be opened, and then crowded into the court hall.
In Prince Wu's palace, the 12-year-old crown prince Zhu Biao was following Song Lian to meet various world-renowned scholars and Confucian scholars.
Facing their compliments as if they were free of charge, Zhu Biao accepted them with a humble and elegant look.
After they left, Zhu Biao rubbed his stiff cheeks, and Song Lian picked up the tea and took a sip: "Biao'er, don't be annoyed, these people can't help in times of need, but it's nice to be the icing on the cake!
"The reputation you have accumulated over the years will be spread throughout the world through their publicity. Scholars all over the world will know that the Crown Prince of Wu, Zhu Biao, is courteous and knowledgeable!
"Disciple knows!"
"Well, then get ready, someone else is coming soon!"
……………
In the first year of Wu (1367), Zhu Yuanzhang ordered his thirteen-year-old son Zhu Biao to return to his hometown to pay homage to his ancestors' tombs.
Zhu Biao and Zhu Yuanzhang rode out of Yingtian Mansion. "Biao'er, this is the first time for you to leave your parents and travel far away. Remember to be careful along the way and don't leave the army!"
"There are many people with ulterior motives here, who are all staring at our father and son. The world is about to be conquered, and there are many military and political affairs. I'm afraid we won't have time to go back and worship in person, but how can we celebrate such a big happy event?
Tell us about the ancestors of Lao Zhu’s family!”
"You are our eldest son, so it is up to you to tell our ancestors this great news on behalf of my father!"
"Yes, dad, don't worry! I will be careful on the road, and I will tell my ancestors about dad's great achievements!"
"Hahaha, you kid, remember that when you go to your hometown, you can't show off, you have to be close to the elders in your hometown, and you can't forget your roots!"
When they arrived outside the city, five hundred cavalrymen had been waiting for a long time. When they saw King Wu and his son, all five hundred people dismounted, knelt on one knee and shouted, "See you, King Wu, see you, the crown prince!"
Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and asked them to stand up.
The leader of the five hundred cavalry stepped forward and knelt under the two horses. Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Zhu Biao and said, "This is Lan Yu, a young general under Chang Yuchun. He will protect you this time!"
"
Zhu Biao nodded and looked curiously at the young general under the horse. He looked very brave and had a sharp look on his face!
"Then we'll be in trouble for the General this time!"
Lan Yu replied loudly: "I am willing to serve the prince!"
Before leaving, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at his son and said: "In ancient times, people like Gaozong of Shang and King Cheng of Zhou knew the sufferings of the common people, so they were diligent and thrifty in their reign and became good monarchs who maintained their integrity."
"You grow up in wealth and wealth, and are accustomed to peace and happiness. When you go out and browse along the way, you can know that the saddle and horses are hardworking. You should carefully observe the people's livelihood to know the hardships of food and clothing, and understand the likes and dislikes of the people to know the good and bad customs. When you arrive at your hometown, you should visit your elders carefully.
You know how difficult it is for me to start a business.”
After Zhu Biao agreed, Zhu Yuanzhang watched him gallop away with five hundred cavalry.
Zhu Biao's thighs were worn out along the way. Lan Yu wanted to get him a carriage, but Zhu Biao refused!
Although Lan Yu is a person who is respectful to him now, he is very proud in his heart!
If Zhu Biao can't stand even this now, then he will never be convinced!
"Of course, blue jade is nothing! If you are really dissatisfied, you will be killed at worst, but playing for the king is not about the joy of taming the generals!"
"Kill if you don't accept it. The method is too rough and seems too substandard!"
We had to eat and sleep in the open air along the way. The roads at this time were very bad, and it was difficult for horses to pass in some places, so we had to take a detour. Fortunately, Yingtian was not too far from Haozhou.
And they were all within Lao Zhu's sphere of influence, so Zhu Yuanzhang only asked his son to bring five hundred elite cavalry. They could advance, attack, retreat or escape. Without tens of thousands of troops, it was impossible to stop them.
Lan Yu was very prudent in her work. She sent out scouts in advance to conduct reconnaissance along the way. She slept in front of Zhu Biao's tent at night and would never leave Zhu Biao alone.
Zhu Biao's horizons were indeed opened along the way. He passed by many villages and towns. Although no one dared to get close to them, he saw many villagers from a distance, which set a new limit for his poverty.
How should I put it? It was said to be a town, but it only had a few hundred households, which was not as densely populated as half a modern village.
Not to mention the villages, most of them belong to the same clan, and if they have a hundred households, they are considered prosperous!
Even the richest man in a village or town only has a larger mud house with some tiles on it and some chickens and ducks in the yard!
After running for more than five days, they finally entered Haozhou. They did not go into the city to disturb the people, but set up camp outside. Lan Yu sent people to the city to buy things needed for the sacrifice, and also asked people to buy some wine and food back.
Zhu Biao returned to the camp first, grinning and applying the ointment. His body, which had been pampered since childhood, could not withstand such a long period of attack.
The skin on the inner thighs is worn out during the day, scabbed at night, and then broken out again the next day!
He didn't take Liu Jin with him when he came out this time, and he wasn't used to letting other men come over to apply medicine on him, so he just kept doing it by himself.
Fortunately, the ointment in the army is very good. It stings first when you apply it, and then you feel cool.
As soon as I finished wiping it off, I heard Lan Yu's voice coming from outside: "The last general Lan Yu wants to see the Crown Prince!"
A smile appeared on Zhu Biao's face. He has not paid much attention to Lan Yu these days. We are a serious prince, not the shabby Liu Xuande! He Lan Yu is not Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and not Zhuge Liang!
If you want to take it, then take it. It's you who lack the opportunity, not me!