Xu Da: You can't deny getting old!

Chapter 184 Xu Da: You can't deny getting old!

The study of the Duke of Wei's residence.

A faint sandalwood scent permeated the air.

Looking around, to the due north, Xu Da sat upright, his desk piled high with documents.

At the lower seat, Xu Zengshou, dressed in a black, close-fitting outfit, stood tall and slightly forward, and said, "Your son greets you, Father!"

Xu Da looked well. He glanced around, pointed to the chair on his left, stroked his beard, and said, "Sit down!"

"After the morning court session this morning, His Majesty kept us in the warm pavilion, and we chatted for almost half an hour!"

"Weren't there rumors a few days ago that another batch of sons of meritorious officials were to be selected and sent to Beiping for training?"

"I was told you were on this list, but it's confirmed now!"

Xu Zengshou had just sat down in his chair when he suddenly stood up, his eyes lighting up. He looked up and said, "Father, is what you said true? I can go to the front lines too?"

Xu Da glanced sideways and sneered, "Would I lie about what I say!"

"However, His Majesty has sent you not only for training, but also to escort a batch of military equipment!"

"The items here are mostly newly made long-barreled muskets, powerful thunderclap bombs, and dozens of new cannons!"

"And it will be used for next year's Northern Expedition, so there can be no mistakes whatsoever—"

However, since the emperor issued an edict a month ago, greatly rewarding young generals such as Chang Mao and Li Jinglong!

The sons of noble families who remained in Beijing, such as Xu Zengshou, were all eager to make their move!

Rumors began to circulate in the palace.

Each of them was filled with anticipation, thinking about making a contribution and being rewarded!

Upon hearing this, Xu Zengshou bowed and said, "Father, please rest assured, your son will protect you with his life and will not fail in his mission!"

Seeing the three boys' excitement, Xu Da smiled and shook his head, saying, "The battlefield is far less peaceful than the capital!"

"You need to be mentally prepared! When you go, observe and learn as much as you can, and apply the principles of military strategy to real-world situations!"

"Your older brother did a good job in this regard!"

"Not to mention the Prince of Yan, he understands military affairs and all such matters immediately—"

When talking about his son-in-law Zhu Di, Xu Da became increasingly satisfied and couldn't stop talking.

At this stage, he is not worried that the Prince of Yan will grow up one day and cause turmoil in the court, threatening the stability of the imperial power!

You should know that his son-in-law's most admired person was Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

He especially doted on his nephew, the eldest grandson of the emperor, Zhu Xiong Ying.

Therefore, even after the emperor's death, as long as the Crown Prince and his son were alive, the son-in-law Zhu Di would always be a good younger brother and a good uncle!

After calming himself down and thinking for a moment, Xu Zengshou couldn't help but ask, "According to Father's opinion, it's possible that Brother-in-law will go to the battlefield next year for the Northern Desert War?"

"I heard someone say the other day that my brother-in-law is in charge of logistics and supplies in Beiping, and he drills the troops every day. Maybe he's been waiting for this day for a long time!"

He knew that his three sons were closest to their son-in-law, Zhu Di.

Xu Da, holding a teacup, shook his head and said, "Your brother-in-law has managed everything perfectly in Beiping all these years!"

Therefore, those in the rear cannot do without him!

"As long as he's there to guard the city, supplies will continue uninterrupted, defenses will hold, and the front lines will have no worries about the rear!"

"This is our idea, and of course, His Majesty probably thinks the same way!"

"On the other hand, your brother-in-law is still too young, and there are certainly capable generals within the court."

"Leaving aside Guosheng and Youde, aren't young men like Wenzhong and Lanyu all destined for leadership?"

Xu Da's meaning was quite clear.

If we really have to wait until our son-in-law Zhu Di, with his noble status as a prince, personally leads the charge, wouldn't that prove that the court has no generals to use?

Where would that emperor put his face?

In fact, Xu Da's thoughts accurately reflected the awkward situation that the Yongle Emperor faced after the Jingnan Campaign.

Starting from the end of the Hongwu period, after the bloody purges by Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang and the losses from the Jingnan Campaign, the Ming Dynasty suffered a shortage of top generals, leaving the court without any capable commanders!

Emperor Yongle himself, based on his trust in his own abilities, his resolute determination to eliminate the great threat from the northern barbarians, and his need to consolidate his legitimacy—

Under the influence of various factors, he insisted on personally leading the Northern Expedition.

After hearing his father's words, Xu Zengshou seemed to understand and replied, "I see, I understand now!"

Seeing this, Xu Dashang was still somewhat worried and added, "Your eldest brother is currently serving by the Crown Prince's side, managing documents and assisting with affairs!"

"Once you leave the capital and arrive in Beiping, the first thing you should do is pay your respects to the eldest grandson of the emperor. Remember the proper etiquette and respect for hierarchy, and do not lose your composure."

"In military affairs, you are too hasty and impulsive. You should consult your elder brother more often! He is older than you, calm, meticulous, and thoughtful!"

"If something happens, listen more, observe more, speak less, and definitely don't make decisions on your own. Remember that?"

Seeing his father's solemn expression.

Xu Zengshou said, "Your son will remember your teachings, Father!"

Xu Da turned to the side, his tiger-like eyes narrowing, and said carefully, "There is one more thing: before the battle, all orders from the generals must be obeyed!"

"But at the same time, the safety of the eldest grandson must always be the top priority!"

This time, the emperor selected another group of noble sons to go to Beiping. Ostensibly, this was to accompany the army on its expedition and hone their skills.

In reality, most of the people were placed next to the eldest grandson of the emperor in order to consolidate the position of the crown prince.

Perhaps he felt that he was getting old and his strength was failing him, so he did his best to pave the way for Crown Prince Zhu Biao's succession.

The reason why Li Shanchang, a founding hero, was killed in the previous incident was also due to this!

Rumors circulating for the past six months, circulated that the eldest grandson of the emperor would return from his campaign and be established as the crown prince, were further designed to build momentum.

But in terms of political acumen, who can match the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty who rose from the bottom to where he is today?

Anyone who underestimates others or becomes overly ambitious will not have a good ending!

For example, veteran subordinate Feng Sheng clearly made a mistake this time.

Even without being present at the time of the battle, Xu Da could guess most of what Feng Sheng had done.

Xu Zengshou had just agreed when he hesitated for a moment, then said seriously, "Father, I've heard that Brother Li is currently in overall command of military affairs at the front!"

"Does this mean that Brother Li will definitely be the commander-in-chief of next year's Northern Expedition? What about Uncle Feng?"

Xu Da stroked his beard and said, "Your brother Li is truly deserving of the position of commander-in-chief in the Northern Expedition!"

"In terms of seniority, he is the emperor's nephew, having fought alongside His Majesty in conquering the land! In terms of military achievements, he has fought in numerous battles, never suffering a defeat! And in terms of loyalty, there is no doubt whatsoever—"

"As for your Uncle Feng, there's no need to ask further; His Majesty has his own plans!"

She noticed that her father's tone had suddenly become serious.

Xu Zengshou felt a chill run down his spine.

It now seems that Uncle Feng Sheng really did get into trouble.

No wonder the imperial edicts and related statements contained a strong sense of reprimand!

Seeing his son deep in thought, Xu Da pondered for a moment and sighed softly, "To be honest, you can't deny getting old!"

"Looking back at the war in Liaodong, it's clear that the future truly belongs to you young people!"

"Furthermore, I have a few words for you to heed—"