Chapter Sixty: Meeting King Zhao

  The troops led by Bai Wenxuan were indeed very strong. Even two years later, after experiencing battles and casualties, when they finally surrendered to the Qing Dynasty, there were still more than 400 officials, over 4,000 soldiers, 3,260 horses, and 12 war elephants following him in surrender.

  Unfortunately, Li Dingguo couldn't lead his troops to meet up, he was the strongest general in Zhu Yongxing's heart, enough to defeat Zhang Yong. As for what tactics to use, Zhu Yongxing didn't consider it in detail. After all, his expertise wasn't military affairs, and having a psychology of worship or fear towards famous generals recorded in history was normal. Moreover, in this kind of warfare where cold and hot weapons were mixed together, he dared not to meddle.

  In a precarious situation, Zhu Yongxing adopted the safest tactic to face Zhang Yong, a renowned Qing general. He relied more on his familiarity with similar historical events and hoped for the arrival of the rainy season to force the Qing army to retreat. As for retreating back to Tengchong, luring the enemy into a deep trap, and then using his own tricks to defeat them, it was clearly a last resort, and its success was uncertain.

  Perhaps, the selection of Bai Wenxuan as the commander would be the decisive factor in ensuring the smooth implementation of the plan. Zhu Yongxing collected his thoughts and smiled as he welcomed several Ming generals and ministers who had dismounted their horses and hurried over quickly.

  "The others will wait upon Your Excellency in the palace."

  Bai Wenselect had a few encounters with the original Mingshi Zi, and although he didn't have a deep impression of him, he was after all a member of the imperial family and now held the title of Guardian, making him a representative of the Emperor and the court. Even if Bai Wenselect had just been promoted to Prince, he still had to show some respect in his attitude. Moreover, the incense table was right in front of them, clearly indicating that Zhu Yongxing was about to perform his duties as Heaven's Envoy.

  "His Highness has arrived." Zhu Yongxing nodded politely and did not immediately go to support Bai Wense, but instead took out the forged edict and walked two steps to the front of the incense table, reading aloud: "Bai Wense receives the edict!"

  Bai Wenzhong chose a official robe and in front of everyone, he knelt down to Zhu Yongxing and kowtowed: "Your subject is here."

  "By the Mandate of Heaven and in accordance with the Emperor's decree: ...Bai Wenzhong, being loyal to his lord and brave in serving the country, is specially promoted to be King of Zhao... Let this be respected!"

  Bai Wenzhong heavily kowtowed: "I respectfully wish you peace, long live, long live, forever and ever."

  "Long live the Emperor."

  Bai Wenzhong heard the words and immediately knelt down, pausing for a second before kowtowing again: "Thank you for the heavenly grace, long live, long live, forever long live."

  "Heaven's favor is vast and profound."

  He repeated the actions of kneeling and kowtowing, and Bai Wenshou bowed his head in response: "I will obey your orders forever, Long live Your Majesty, long live, long live, long live."

  "It is beneficial to be sincere."

  After the third "Long live the Emperor", Bai Wenselect finally completed the process of receiving the imperial edict. As he stood up, Zhu Yongxing stepped forward and presented the imperial edict to Bai Wenselect with both hands, smiling: "Congratulations, Your Excellency Zhao."

  "Thank you, Your Highness." Bai Wenselect was promoted to a first-class prince, and he felt joyful in his heart. He had more affection for Zhu Yongxing, and he bowed his head to thank him: "I will follow your orders and act accordingly, and I only hope that the defense of Ma's First will be successful."

  Zhu Yongxing stretched out his hand to support Bai Wenselect, then swept his gaze over the surrounding ministers and laughed loudly: "My dear ministers. In times of hardship, true feelings are revealed; in turmoil, loyalty is demonstrated. Today, I see so many loyal ministers and brave generals, which shows that the fate of our dynasty has not been severed, and there is hope for revival. My heart is greatly comforted and delighted."

  "If Your Highness stays in the palace and issues an edict to enter Yunnan, then the great banner of resistance against the Qing will not fall, and the great name of opposing the Qing can be preserved. This is truly a wise decision by His Majesty, and a fortunate event for the country." Bai Wense saw Zhu Yongxing's friendly attitude and proper speech, and couldn't help but feel moved, first flattering him with a sentence, while also praising Yongli.

  Zhu Yongxing smiled faintly and nodded his head to the south, saying: "Your Majesty is wise, entrusting me with a heavy responsibility. I dare not spare my heart and strength to repay your imperial favor."

  "Your Highness led the army to fight against the Qing army and won consecutive victories, which is admirable." Bai Wense then started asking about the war situation, "I don't know what the current situation is like. Although our army is exhausted, we can also come to assist in the battle."

  Zhu Yongxing's face showed a relieved expression, and he gestured with his hand to lead the crowd to a nearby camp. He chose to meet with Bai Wense at Mashan, which is located at the southern foot of Mount Gaoligong and is also a strategic location on the way to Tengchong. Confronting Zhang Yong's Qing army, before finalizing the battle strategy with Bai Wense, he did not dare to leave the defensive position far from the front line. This place was made into a defensive point, guarded by General Wu Sanxiang.

  These people in Tengchong had already heard Wu Zisheng and others talk about Zhu Yongxing's actions before and after entering Yunnan, of course with exaggerated praise. After their shock and admiration, they also felt a strong curiosity, wanting to see what this imperial relative who was said to have received divine inspiration and transformed his body was like.

  Zhu Yongxing, who resembled the late Prince Min in appearance, had undergone a long period of tempering and recognition, and was no longer as timid and fearful as he had been at first. His speech and manner were not only natural and elegant, but also exuded confidence and dignity. Moreover, wearing military attire, with a weathered face, even the small scar on his cheek did not detract from his overall demeanor, but rather added to his heroic air.

  Is it really the blessing of heaven that a member of the royal family like Min Temple has emerged with such a spirited appearance? Almost everyone had doubts, but having hope is better than despair. The fact that the emperor's relatives can lead soldiers into battle is enough to make these civil and military officials look at them in a new light.

  When the wind and rain are raging, spiritual strength plays a more decisive role. When morale collapses, even with elite soldiers and powerful generals, there is no will to fight; as long as hope remains, one can overcome difficulties and persevere through hardships. With the emperor abandoning the country and both internal and external forces losing hope, Zhu Youxiao's timely emergence would undoubtedly become the hope for many people to achieve a great revival.

  If people have such hope in their hearts, they will naturally think about it and constantly affirm and strengthen it. Even if Zhu Yongxing didn't do anything outstanding, just because he could enter Yunnan to resist the Qing as a member of the imperial family, people were willing to place their hopes on him. After all, in the minds of the people at that time, the Ming Dynasty, the country, and the royal surname Zhu were inseparable relationships.

  It is precisely because people still hold this feudal concept of family and country that the royal relatives with a guarding identity, such as Zhu Yongxing, are more attractive than Li Jinwang, who has outstanding military achievements and a reputation that spreads far and wide.