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

Chapter 1459 Full Cooperation

Zhu Qiwu replied, "Fourth Brother, rest assured, I will certainly live up to your expectations."

Subsequently, Zhu Qiwu and Zhou Dexing began organizing craftsmen and common people to build the Great Wall. With the help of cement, the construction speed of the Great Wall was greatly accelerated, and the quality was also greatly improved.

During the construction of the Great Wall, Zhu Qiwu did not forget to sign in. He would silently sign in every day, and the system would continuously provide him with various rewards, including advanced agricultural tools, excellent weapon manufacturing methods, and precious medical books.

One day, Zhu Qiwu was inspecting the Great Wall construction site when a soldier rushed over and said, "Young Master Qiwu, there is a man outside the tent who requests an audience. He claims to be an old friend of yours."

Zhu Qiwu asked with some doubt, "An old friend? Who could it be?"

Zhu Qiwu arrived outside the tent and saw a man in a long robe with an extraordinary air standing there. The man saw Zhu Qiwu and walked forward with a smile: "Brother Qiwu, it's been a long time."

Zhu Qiwu scrutinized the man closely, but couldn't recall who he was: "Who are you?"

The man smiled and said, "Brother Qiwu, I am Liu Bowen. We met once when we were in our hometown."

Zhu Qiwu suddenly realized: "So it's Brother Liu! It's been many years, and you've become even more elegant. Please come in."

Zhu Qiwu welcomed Liu Bowen into the tent. After the two sat down, Zhu Qiwu asked, "Brother Liu, what brings you here today?"

Liu Bowen smiled and said, “Brother Qiwu, I have heard that you assisted Brother Chongba in establishing his career and are now in charge of building the Great Wall. I admire you very much. I have been well-versed in military books since childhood and am proficient in astronomy and geography. I am willing to serve Brother Chongba and hope that Brother Qiwu will introduce me to you.”

Zhu Qiwu was overjoyed: "Brother Liu, it's wonderful that you have this idea. My fourth brother is eager to find talented people. With your help, he will be even more powerful. I will take you to see my fourth brother right away."

Zhu Qiwu brought Liu Bowen to Zhu Yuanzhang's camp. Upon seeing the person Zhu Qiwu had brought, Zhu Yuanzhang asked curiously, "Qiwu, who is this?"

Zhu Qiwu smiled and said, "Fourth Brother, this is my old friend Liu Bowen. He has been well-versed in military strategy since childhood and is knowledgeable in astronomy and geography. He is willing to serve you."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes lit up, and he stood up to warmly greet Liu Bowen: "So it's Mr. Liu, I've long admired your name. Please have a seat."

Liu Bowen clasped his hands in a salute and said, "Brother Chongba, you are too kind. I am willing to serve you faithfully and work together to achieve great things."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily: "With Mr. Liu's help, I, Zhu Yuanzhang, am like a fish in water! Seventh Five, you have truly brought me a great talent."

Zhu Qiwu laughed and said, "Fourth Brother, Brother Liu is very talented and will surely help you achieve great things."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Liu Bowen: "Mr. Liu, although our army has defeated the remnants of the Northern Yuan, the world is not yet completely at peace, and there are still many forces that need to be eliminated. I wonder if Mr. Liu has any good strategies?"

Liu Bowen pondered for a moment and said, “Brother Chongba, the world is in chaos now, with various forces constantly fighting each other. We should first consolidate the territories we have already occupied, develop production, and strengthen our power. At the same time, we should closely monitor the movements of other forces, look for opportunities, and defeat them one by one. We can appease those forces that are willing to submit; and we should resolutely eliminate those forces that stubbornly resist.”

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "Mr. Liu is absolutely right, and his opinion coincides with mine. Qiwu, what are your thoughts as well?"

Zhu Qiwu said, "Fourth Brother, what Brother Liu said is very true. We can also use the advanced agricultural tools rewarded by the system to increase grain production and solve the food problem for the army and the people. At the same time, we can use the rewarded sophisticated weapon manufacturing methods to create more powerful weapons and enhance the army's combat effectiveness."

Zhu Yuanzhang said excitedly, "Good, good, both Qi Wu and Mr. Liu's suggestions are excellent. Issue my order to take immediate action as you two have suggested."

With the assistance of Zhu Qiwu, Liu Bowen, and others, Zhu Yuanzhang's power continued to grow. While consolidating their territory and developing production, they also sought opportunities to eliminate other forces.

A few years later, Zhu Yuanzhang basically unified the country and established the Ming Dynasty. Zhu Qiwu was also granted the title of king due to his outstanding achievements, and his status was highly respected.

However, after Zhu Yuanzhang consolidated his power, he began to worry that the founding heroes would threaten the Zhu family's rule. He gradually developed suspicions about generals such as Xu Da, Tang He, and Zhou Dexing.

One day, Zhu Yuanzhang summoned Zhu Qiwu to the palace and said with a solemn expression, "Qiwu, now that the Ming Dynasty has been established, those founding heroes hold heavy troops and have great power. I am worried that they will have ulterior motives and threaten our Zhu family's rule."

Zhu Qiwu was startled. He hadn't expected his fourth brother to have such thoughts: "Fourth brother, Xu Da, Tang He, Zhou Dexing and other generals are all our childhood friends. They are loyal to you and would never betray you."

Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head: "Seven-five, you don't understand. People's hearts are fickle. Now that they hold high positions and great power, it's hard to guarantee that they won't develop disloyal thoughts. I must take measures to ensure that the Zhu family's empire is absolutely secure."

Seeing that his fourth brother had made up his mind, Zhu Qiwu knew that further persuasion would be useless, so he could only ask, "Fourth brother, what do you plan to do?"

A ruthless glint flashed in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes: "I will gradually weaken their power, and if necessary, eliminate them."

Zhu Qiwu was torn. He didn't want to see his fourth brother turn against his former brothers, but he also knew that his fourth brother's decision was unlikely to change. He decided to observe the situation for a while before trying to resolve the crisis.

Soon after, Zhu Yuanzhang began to find excuses to weaken the power of Xu Da and others. He first transferred Xu Da away from the capital and sent him to guard the frontier; then he reduced the military power of Tang He, Zhou Dexing and others under various pretexts.

Xu Da, Tang He, Zhou Dexing, and others sensed Zhu Yuanzhang's suspicion and were deeply distressed. They sought out Zhu Qiwu and poured out their grievances.

Xu Da said with grief and indignation, "Seventh Prince, we have followed Brother Chongba for many years, risking our lives to help him build this Ming Dynasty. Now he is so suspicious of us. We are truly heartbroken."

Tang He also said, "Yes, Seventh Prince, we have never been disloyal, why does Brother Chongba treat us like this?" Zhu Qiwu comforted them, "General Xu Da, General Tang He, don't worry. Fourth Brother is also thinking about the Zhu family's country, he may have been confused for a moment. I will find an opportunity to persuade him and make him understand your loyalty."

Zhou Dexing sighed, "I hope that the Seventh Prince can persuade the Eighth Prince, otherwise, we founding heroes may not have a good end."

Zhu Qiwu patted his chest and said, "Generals, rest assured, I will do my best."

Zhu Qiwu returned to the palace and once again advised Zhu Yuanzhang: "Fourth Brother, Xu Da, Tang He, Zhou Dexing and other generals are our brothers in arms. They have made great contributions to you and have no intention of betraying you. If you suspect them like this, you will chill their hearts."

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly: "Seventh Five, you are too naive. In the face of power, even kinship and friendship seem so fragile. I must consider the future generations of the Zhu family and cannot leave any hidden dangers."

Seeing his fourth brother's stubbornness, Zhu Qiwu was very anxious: "Fourth brother, if you insist on doing this, it may cause turmoil in the court and even lead to civil war in the country."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned: "Seven Five, are you threatening me?"

Zhu Qiwu immediately knelt down: "Fourth Brother, I had no such intention. I was just worried that your decision would have adverse consequences. Think about it, Xu Da, Tang He, Zhou Dexing and other generals have extremely high prestige in the army. If they become dissatisfied and cause a mutiny, then our Zhu family's empire will be in grave danger."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, his resolve wavering. But he remained defiant: "Even if they intend to stage a coup, I have ways to deal with them."

Seeing that his fourth brother's attitude had softened, Zhu Qiwu continued to persuade him: "Fourth brother, why don't you adopt a policy of appeasement, reward them, and let them feel your trust and importance? In this way, they will definitely serve you wholeheartedly and will not have any other thoughts."

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed, "Seventh Five, what you said makes sense. But now that I've taken this step, it might be difficult to turn back."

Zhu Qiwu stood up and said with a smile, "Fourth Brother, as long as you have this intention, you are not afraid of difficulties. I can help you communicate with generals such as Xu Da, Tang He, and Zhou Dexing to resolve the misunderstanding between you."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "Alright, Qiwu, then we'll do it your way. You must handle this matter well and make sure the situation doesn't worsen."

Zhu Qiwu replied, "Fourth Brother, rest assured, I will do my best."

Zhu Qiwu once again approached Xu Da, Tang He, Zhou Dexing, and others, and told them Zhu Yuanzhang's thoughts. After hearing this, Xu Da and the others felt much less aggrieved and resentful.

Xu Da said, "Young Master Qiwu, since Brother Chongba has repented, we do not wish to become enemies with him. We are willing to follow your arrangements and resolve the misunderstanding with Brother Chongba."

Tang He and Zhou Dexing nodded in agreement: "That's right, Young Master Qi, we don't want to see the Ming Dynasty fall into internal strife either."

Zhu Qiwu was overjoyed: "Good, the three generals are wise and righteous, and admirable. I will go back and report to my fourth brother to arrange for you to reconcile with him."

Zhu Qiwu returned to the palace and told Zhu Yuanzhang about Xu Da and others' attitude. Zhu Yuanzhang was very pleased and decided to hold a grand banquet, inviting generals such as Xu Da, Tang He, and Zhou Dexing to participate, as a sign of reconciliation.

At the banquet, Zhu Yuanzhang raised his wine cup, stood up, and said sincerely, "Generals Xu Da, Tang He, Zhou Dexing, and others, today I, Zhu Yuanzhang, apologize to you. In the past, I was suspicious of you because I was worried about the stability of the country, and that was wrong of me. You have followed me for many years, risking your lives to build this Ming Dynasty for me. I, Zhu Yuanzhang, will always remember your loyalty. From now on, we will still be good brothers and work together to protect this Ming Dynasty."

Generals Xu Da, Tang He, Zhou Dexing, and others stood up and raised their wine cups: "Brother Chongba, let bygones be bygones. We have never blamed you, and we are still willing to serve you and protect this Ming Dynasty."

Everyone drank their fill, and the banquet was filled with laughter. Zhu Qiwu thus averted a crisis that could have caused turmoil in the court.

Zhu Qiwu stood before the newly erected defensive model, his fingers lightly tapping the table, his gaze sweeping over the structure pieced together from wooden blocks and bamboo strips. Xu Da stood to the side, his brow furrowed, occasionally reaching out to fidget with a component of the model, seemingly testing its sturdiness. Tang He squatted on the ground, holding a small pebble, drawing something on the ground, muttering, "If this place is attacked by fire, it might be disastrous."

"Seven Five, your fortifications look novel, but can they really withstand the Yuan army's offensive?" Xu Da finally couldn't help but ask, his voice tinged with doubt.

Zhu Qiwu smiled and patted Xu Da on the shoulder: "Brother Xu, don't worry. I designed this fortification based on modern defense concepts and combined it with the materials we have. It will definitely make the Yuan army suffer a lot."

"Modern defense concept?" Tang He looked up, puzzled. "What is that? It sounds pretty mysterious."

Zhu Qiwu scratched his head, thinking that this was a bit troublesome to explain, but in order to convince them, he still had to say it: "Simply put, it is to use the advantages of terrain and structure to make it difficult for the enemy to break through, while at the same time protecting our own people to the greatest extent. Look at the layout of this fortification, there are watchtowers, arrow towers, trap zones, and hidden passages. Once the Yuan army attacks, we can launch attacks from multiple directions, making it impossible for them to defend against us."

Xu Da and Tang He exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes. Zhou Dexing also walked in from outside at this moment, holding a map in his hand. Hearing Zhu Qiwu's words, he couldn't help but interject, "Qiwu, you make it sound so easy, but in reality, it's quite difficult to build. We have limited materials and manpower right now, so whether we can finish on time is a question."

Zhu Qiwu took the map, examined it carefully, and then pointed to a mountain range, saying, "Brother Zhou, look here. This mountain range has a treacherous terrain, which is perfect for our defensive fortifications. We can dig traps at the foot of the mountain and set up arrow towers on the slopes, using the terrain advantage to make it difficult for the Yuan army to get close. As for materials and manpower, I have already figured out a way."

"What method?" Xu Da, Tang He, and Zhou Dexing asked almost simultaneously.

Zhu Qiwu smiled mysteriously: "Have you forgotten? I have a system. As long as I sign in every day, I can get all kinds of rewards, including materials and tools needed to build fortifications. Moreover, I can use modern knowledge to teach everyone some more efficient construction methods, which can save time and ensure quality."

Xu Da and the others were overjoyed upon hearing this. Tang He slapped his thigh and exclaimed excitedly, "Hey, Qi Wu, why didn't you say so sooner! With your system and modern knowledge, what are we afraid of from the Yuan army? Let's just attack and wipe them all out!"

Zhu Qiwu gave a wry smile: "Brother Tang, don't be so impulsive. We are not strong enough yet, and we cannot attack rashly. These fortifications are just our first step. After the fortifications are completed, we will slowly develop our strength and wait for the right time to overthrow the Yuan Dynasty in one fell swoop."

Xu Da nodded in agreement, saying, "Seven Five is right. We still need to proceed cautiously and steadily, consolidating our base first before pursuing greater undertakings. The construction of these fortifications will be entrusted to you, Seven Five; we will fully cooperate with you." (End of Chapter)