Daming: Brother, there is no future for monks, let's rebel

Chapter 1457 Guo Zixing's Test

"boom!"

With a deafening roar, the earthenware jar exploded amidst the Yuan army, sending flames soaring into the sky and blasting shockwaves. Several Yuan soldiers were blown to pieces, and the surrounding soldiers were thrown about by the force of the blast.

"What kind of sorcery is this?" Arutai cried out in terror.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Zhu Qiwu threw out several more pottery jars. Explosions rang out one after another, throwing the Yuan army's formation into chaos. Soldiers cried out for their parents and fled in all directions.

"Good!" Zhu Yuanzhang, who had a clear view from the mountaintop, excitedly waved his fist. "Seven-five, well done!"

Seeing the situation was dire, Arughtai quickly ordered a retreat: "Retreat! Retreat now!"

The Yuan army retreated like a receding tide, and cheers erupted from the mountaintop. Zhu Yuanzhang walked over and patted Zhu Qiwu on the shoulder: "Qiwu, you've done another great service!"

Zhu Qiwu smiled and said, "Fourth Brother, you flatter me. However, the amount of gunpowder is limited, so we must use it sparingly."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "Don't worry, I've already instructed Tang He to expedite contacting Guo Zixing. As soon as reinforcements arrive, we can launch a counterattack!"

Three days later, Tang He finally returned with good news.

"Fourth Brother!" Tang He excitedly ran into the Dragon King Temple. "Guo Zixing has agreed to send reinforcements! Sun Deyan is personally leading troops and is on his way!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was overjoyed: "Excellent! Seventy-five, our plan can be implemented!"

Zhu Qiwu nodded: "Fourth Brother, you lead your men to ambush on both sides of the mountain path. When the Yuan army attacks the mountain, let them pass first. Once they enter the valley, General Sun's reinforcements will attack from behind, and we'll launch a pincer attack. We're sure to achieve a great victory!"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "Good! Let's do it this way! Xu Da, Tang He, Zhou Dexing, you come with me! Qi Wu, you stay on the mountain to command!"

Zhu Qiwu shook his head: "No, Fourth Brother, I'll go with you. The system still has unused rewards; they might come in handy."

Zhu Yuanzhang thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "Alright! Then be careful!"

In the valley, Arutai was resting with his remaining troops. The explosion three days ago still haunted him, but the thought that Zhu Chongba was nothing more than a rabble brute roused him.

"My lord," the lieutenant said cautiously, "should we wait for reinforcements to arrive before launching an attack?"

Arutai shook his head: "No need! Zhu Chongba is nothing but a bunch of peasants, what abilities could he possibly have? Pass down the order, all troops attack! We must take Lion Mountain today!"

The Yuan army advanced towards the mountaintop again. As they entered the valley, they suddenly heard shouts of battle behind them.

"Oh no! An ambush!" Arutai shouted in alarm.

Sun Deyan led reinforcements out from the rear, and in the flash of swords, Yuan soldiers fell one after another. At the same time, Zhu Yuanzhang also led his men out from both sides, surrounding the Yuan army.

"Kill!" Zhu Yuanzhang roared and led the charge into the enemy ranks.

Zhu Qiwu followed behind Zhu Yuanzhang when he suddenly heard a system notification: "A major crisis has been detected facing the host. Sign in?"

"Sign in!" Zhu Qiwu silently repeated to himself.

"Ding! Sign-in successful! Rewards: 10 Steel Spears, 1000 System Points."

Zhu Qiwu's eyes lit up—a spear! This was exactly what he needed! He drew the spear awarded by the system, let out a shout, and charged into the enemy ranks.

His spear moved like a dragon, unstoppable. Zhu Qiwu charged through the enemy ranks, and wherever he went, Yuan soldiers fell to the ground.

Seeing Zhu Qiwu's bravery, Arughtai was both shocked and furious: "Who is that Han Chinese in strange clothes? Seize him!"

Several Yuan soldiers rushed towards Zhu Qiwu. Zhu Qiwu sneered, flicked his spear, and pierced the first soldier's throat. Then, with a swift sweep, he cut the second soldier in half at the waist. The third soldier, terrified, turned and ran, only to be pierced through the heart by Zhu Qiwu's spear.

"Excellent!" Zhu Yuanzhang shouted excitedly upon seeing Zhu Qiwu's bravery. "Qiwu, well done!"

The battle lasted for half an hour, and the Yuan army was already in complete disarray. Seeing that the situation was hopeless, Arughtai turned and fled with a few trusted followers.

"Trying to run?" Zhu Qiwu sneered, pulling a ceramic jar from his robes. "Try this!"

He lit the fuse and threw it forcefully at Arutai. The pottery jar arced through the air and landed right in front of Arutai.

"boom!"

Amidst the explosion, Arughtai was blown to pieces. Several of his confidants were also thrown about and easily captured by Zhu Yuanzhang's soldiers.

"Victory!" Cheers echoed through the valley. Zhu Yuanzhang's soldiers embraced each other, celebrating this hard-won victory.

Zhu Yuanzhang walked up to Zhu Qiwu and patted him hard on the shoulder: "Qiwu, you've made another great contribution! Without you, this battle wouldn't have been so easy!"

Zhu Qiwu smiled and said, "Fourth Brother, you flatter me. This is the result of everyone's concerted efforts."

Sun Deyan walked over, cupped his hands in greeting to Zhu Yuanzhang, and said, "Brother Zhu, I've long admired your name! Meeting you today, I can see it's truly well-deserved!"

Zhu Yuanzhang quickly returned the greeting: "General Sun, you are too kind. If you hadn't arrived in time, we probably wouldn't have been able to win."

Sun Deyan laughed heartily, "Brother Zhu is too modest! However..." He suddenly lowered his voice, "Marshal Guo greatly admires Brother Zhu and would like to invite you to Haozhou for a chat."

Zhu Yuanzhang was taken aback: "General Guo wants to see me?"

Sun Deyan nodded: "That's right. Commander Guo said that Brother Zhu is a talented individual and wants to work with you on a great undertaking."

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, then suddenly looked at Zhu Qiwu: "Qiwu, what do you think?"

Zhu Qiwu's heart skipped a beat. He knew this was a crucial turning point in Zhu Yuanzhang's life. Going to Haozhou meant that Zhu Yuanzhang would officially join the Red Turban Army and begin his path to becoming emperor.

"Fourth Brother," Zhu Qiwu said earnestly, "Guo Zixing is the commander-in-chief of the Red Turban Army and has great influence in the Jianghuai region. If we can gain his support, it will greatly benefit our development."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "You're right. However..." He hesitated, "Guo Zixing is naturally suspicious, I'm worried..."

Zhu Qiwu smiled and said, "Don't worry, Fourth Brother, with me here, you won't suffer any losses."

Seeing Zhu Qiwu's confident smile, Zhu Yuanzhang's concerns vanished instantly: "Alright! In that case, let's go to Haozhou!"

Sun Deyan was overjoyed: "Great! Brother Zhu, let's set off now! Commander Guo is still waiting!"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "Alright! However, we need to arrange things here first."

He turned to Xu Da and said, "Xu Da, you stay behind with your men to guard Lion Mountain, continue recruiting volunteers, and train your troops."

Xu Da cupped his hands in greeting: "Yes! Don't worry, Fourth Brother!"

Zhu Yuanzhang then said to Tang He, "Tang He, take men to Chuzhou City, pacify the people, and gather provisions." Tang He bowed and replied, "Yes! Don't worry, Fourth Brother!"

Finally, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhou Dexing: "Dexing, you'll come with me to Haozhou. Qi Wu is right, Guo Zixing is inherently suspicious; we must be careful."

Zhou Dexing nodded: "Yes! Don't worry, Fourth Brother!"

After arranging everything, Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Qiwu, Sun Deyan, and Zhou Dexing, along with dozens of personal guards, set off for Haozhou.

Outside Haozhou City, Guo Zixing, along with civil and military officials, personally welcomed Zhu Yuanzhang. Seeing Zhu Yuanzhang's imposing presence and composed demeanor, Guo Zixing secretly nodded in approval.

"Brother Zhu," Guo Zixing warmly shook Zhu Yuanzhang's hand, "I've long admired your name! Meeting you today, I can see it's truly well-deserved!"

Zhu Yuanzhang quickly returned the greeting: "General Guo, you are too kind. I am but a commoner, and to have gained your favor is truly an honor!"

Guo Zixing laughed heartily: "Brother Zhu is too modest! Come, please come inside! I've prepared a feast to welcome you back!"

During the banquet, Guo Zixing frequently toasted Zhu Yuanzhang, asking for his views on the current situation. Zhu Yuanzhang spoke eloquently and analyzed the situation logically, which made Guo Zixing even more impressed.

“Brother Zhu,” Guo Zixing suddenly said, “the Yuan army is currently very powerful, and the local militias are fighting independently, making it difficult to achieve anything significant. I would like to ask Brother Zhu to stay in Haozhou and lend me a hand. What do you think, Brother Zhu?”

Zhu Yuanzhang's heart skipped a beat. He knew that Guo Zixing was testing him. If he agreed too quickly, it would arouse Guo Zixing's suspicion; if he refused, he would lose this rare opportunity.

He looked at Zhu Qiwu. Zhu Qiwu nodded slightly, indicating that he agreed.

Zhu Yuanzhang, now confident, cupped his hands and said, "It is my good fortune that Commander Guo thinks highly of me. However…" He paused deliberately, "I still have several thousand brothers under my command, brothers who have followed me through thick and thin. If I remain in Haozhou like this, I fear they will become resentful."

Guo Zixing nodded: "Brother Zhu's consideration is thorough. How about this, I appoint you as the Garrison Commander, leading five thousand men. Your brothers can also be incorporated into the army. What do you think?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was overjoyed. The position of Zhenfu Shi was a significant one, and it allowed him to command five thousand troops, which suited his needs perfectly.

He quickly stood up and knelt on one knee: "Thank you for your promotion, Commander Guo! Yuanzhang is willing to serve you like a dog!"

Guo Zixing laughed loudly: "Great! From today onwards, we're family! Come on, let's drink!"

After the banquet, Guo Zixing kept Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Qiwu alone.

“Brother Zhu,” Guo Zixing looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, “I know you are an ambitious man. However, in Haozhou, I am the commander-in-chief. I hope you understand that.”

Zhu Yuanzhang felt a chill run down his spine. He knew that Guo Zixing was warning him not to have any improper thoughts.

He quickly cupped his hands in greeting: "General Guo, rest assured. Now that Yuanzhang has pledged allegiance to you, he will be utterly loyal and have no other intentions!"

Guo Zixing nodded: "That's good. But..." He suddenly looked at Zhu Qiwu, "And who is this?"

Zhu Yuanzhang quickly introduced, "This is my younger brother, Zhu Qiwu. Although he is young, he is resourceful and has helped me escape danger many times."

Guo Zixing's eyes lit up: "Oh? Brother Zhu speaks so highly of him, this Brother Qiwu must have some extraordinary abilities."

Zhu Qiwu quickly cupped his hands in greeting: "General Guo, you flatter me. I am but a commoner; to have earned Fourth Brother's appreciation is already a great fortune."

Guo Zixing laughed heartily: "Brother Qiwu, you're too modest! Come, let me toast you!"

Zhu Qiwu quickly raised his wine glass: "Thank you, Commander Guo!"

The three chatted for a while longer, then Guo Zixing suddenly said, "Brother Zhu, Brother Qiwu, the Yuan army is now powerful, and local rebel forces are fighting independently. I'd like to hear your views on the future situation."

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Qiwu exchanged a glance. Zhu Qiwu knew that Guo Zixing was testing them.

He looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, signaling him to speak first.

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment and said, "General Guo, although the Yuan army is currently powerful, uprisings are springing up everywhere, and the Yuan army is overwhelmed. I believe we should unite with the local resistance forces to resist the Yuan. As long as we are united, the Yuan army will undoubtedly be defeated!"

Guo Zixing nodded: "Brother Zhu is right. However, the local rebel armies fight independently, without any coordination. How can they unite?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "This is indeed a difficult problem. However, I think we can start with the Jianghuai region. The Jianghuai region is a crucial supply route for the Yuan army. If we can control the Jianghuai region, we can cut off the Yuan army's supply lines and force them to retreat."

Guo Zixing's eyes lit up: "Brother Zhu, your plan is brilliant! However, the Jianghuai region is heavily guarded by Yuan troops. How can we control it?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "This requires careful consideration. However, I believe we can first capture Chuzhou and Hezhou to establish a base, and then gradually expand towards the Jianghuai region."

Guo Zixing nodded: "Brother Zhu's consideration is thorough. However, attacking Chuzhou and Hezhou requires a large number of troops and provisions. We currently lack sufficient troops and provisions. What should we do?"

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Qiwu. Zhu Qiwu knew it was his turn to step in.

He cupped his hands and said, "General Guo, Fourth Brother, I have an idea."

Guo Zixing and Zhu Yuanzhang both looked at him: "Oh? What brilliant ideas do you have, Brother Qi Wu?"

Zhu Qiwu smiled and said, "General Guo, Fourth Brother, we can recruit volunteers to expand our forces while simultaneously reclaiming wasteland and planting crops to solve our food supply problem. At the same time, we can send spies to infiltrate the Yuan army and gather intelligence to prepare for future battles."

Guo Zixing's eyes lit up: "Brother Qiwu's plan is brilliant! Recruiting a righteous army, reclaiming wasteland, and sending spies to gather intelligence—these three approaches combined will surely solve our problem!"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, "Seven-Five is right. Commander Guo, let's do as Seven-Five says!"

Guo Zixing laughed heartily: "Excellent! From today onwards, Brother Zhu will be responsible for recruiting volunteers and training soldiers; Brother Qiwu will be responsible for reclaiming wasteland and planting crops; and I will be responsible for sending spies to gather intelligence. Let's divide the work and cooperate to resist the Yuan!"

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Qiwu quickly clasped their hands in greeting: "Yes! Commander Guo, rest assured! We will certainly live up to your expectations!"

After leaving Guo Zixing's residence, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Qiwu walked side by side.

“Seven five,” Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly said, “I owe you a great debt today. If it weren’t for you, I’m afraid I would have had a hard time dealing with Guo Zixing’s probing.”

Zhu Qiwu smiled and said, "Fourth Brother, you're too kind. We're brothers; this is what I should do."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "However, Guo Zixing is inherently suspicious, so we must be careful in the future."

Zhu Qi nodded: "Fourth Brother, don't worry, I'll be careful. However, we can't always be dependent on others. Once we're strong enough, we can start our own business and create something of our own!"

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes lit up: "Seven-five, you mean...?"

Zhu Qiwu smiled but didn't speak. He knew that Zhu Yuanzhang had already understood his meaning.

Zhu Yuanzhang stood before his tent, gazing at the distant, rolling mountains, his brow furrowed. Xu Da strode over, clasped his hands in a salute, and said, "Brother Chongba, scouts report that the remnants of the Northern Yuan are stirring up trouble on the border, seemingly intending to invade again." (End of Chapter)