Chapter 31: Zhu Gaoxu: From now on, you are my own elder brother.

Regarding the conferment of titles, Zhu Di had naturally anticipated that there would be discussion within the army, so he had prepared his rhetoric accordingly. Upon hearing Zhang Yu’s words, the generals immediately understood.

"The Prince of Yan is wise," the generals chorused.

"Commander Zhu," Zhang Yu said, raising the two royal decrees in his hand. "Receive the Prince’s mandates."

One was the decree for Zhu Zheng’s promotion to Military Commander, which had been authorized by Zhu Di; the other was for the bestowal of a title. Zhu Zheng did not dare to be negligent; he stepped forward immediately and received the two scrolls with both hands.

"This subordinate thanks His Highness, the Prince of Yan," Zhu Zheng said after taking the scrolls.

"Host has received two royal decrees. Reward: two common treasure chests." The system panel’s notification sounded as the decrees touched his hands; two more chests were in his possession.

"Congratulations to the host for being promoted to [Non-hereditary County Baron]. Reward: one common treasure chest."

"Congratulations to the host for being promoted to [Hereditary County Baron]. Reward: one common treasure chest." The panel notifications continued.

*I didn't expect that being granted a title would also yield treasure chests,* Zhu Zheng thought to himself. *A County Baron... wasn't this title abolished during the Hongwu era? It seems Zhu Di is worried that future titles won't be enough to reward merit, so he has reinstated the rank of County Baron.*

As someone well-versed in history, he knew that during the latter years of the Hongwu Emperor’s reign, in order to highlight the nobility of titles, the lower ranks of County Baron and County Viscount had been abolished, leaving only Earl, Marquis, and Duke. But now, Zhu Di’s reinstatement was clearly intended for better reward distribution.

"Gentlemen," Zhang Yu said, shifting the topic back to the agenda. "Miyun City has been secured, but Jizhou and Zunhua have yet to be settled. We have captured over five thousand prisoners of war. What are your thoughts?"

"General Zhang," one of the garrison commanders said, "it is my opinion that those among the prisoners who can be incorporated should be reorganized into the army to replenish our losses. Those who cannot be reorganized should be sent to prison as usual. Most of these captives are soldiers from our Beiping army and originally belong to His Highness. We can win them over, but as for the troops sent by the imperial court, we must handle them with caution and try to break them up and reorganize them as much as possible."

"I second that," another added. "That is the strategy for reorganization. Furthermore, since Miyun has been breached, Jizhou and Zunhua should not be difficult to take. The current priorities are Juyong Pass and Huailai City."

The officers spoke freely, reporting on the current situation. Zhang Yu nodded and commanded in a deep voice, "Pass on my orders: begin the reorganization of prisoners today. The two garrison commanders will handle the specific arrangements."

"Understood," the two commanders replied immediately.

***

After the military meeting concluded, the officers returned to their respective camps.

"Brother Zhu, how did it go?" Zhu Gaoxu approached immediately upon his return, looking expectant. "Did you get promoted?"

"Promoted to Military Commander, and granted a title as well," Zhu Zheng replied with a smile.

"The Prince of Yan is even handing out titles?" Zhu Gaoxu was slightly stunned.

"We’ve already committed treason, so what’s a title?" Zhu Zheng laughed.

At the mention of treason, Zhu Gaoxu felt a twinge of anxiety, as the army was officially claiming they were only "purging the court of evil influences."

"Forget it," Zhu Zheng said, patting Zhu Gaoxu on the shoulder. "You’ve been promoted too, to Vice Thousand-Man Commander. Work hard, and you’ll surely become a great general one day."

"Brother Zhu," Zhu Gaoxu said earnestly, "I don't know if I can become a great general, but you certainly can."

"Then I’ll take your word for it. Go get some rest." Zhu Zheng didn't want to elaborate; he had gained so many treasure chests that he was eager to open them.

"Brother Zhu," Zhu Gaoxu said, his expression turning serious as Zhu Zheng turned to leave.

"What is it?" Zhu Zheng asked, turning back.

"You really look a lot like my eldest brother," Zhu Gaoxu said with profound sincerity. "You’ve saved my life so many times; from now on, you are my own blood brother."

Listening to his genuine words, Zhu Zheng smiled. "You brat—fine, I’ll accept you as my younger brother. Now go get some proper rest; we might have a big battle tomorrow."

"Yes, Brother Zhu," Zhu Gaoxu replied immediately.

Zhu Zheng quite liked Zhu Gaoxu’s personality; he was straightforward, lacked guile, and knew how to repay kindness. *But where do I look like Zhu Gaochi?* Zhu Zheng mused to himself as he walked to his tent. *History records him as stout, wheezing, and short of breath. I’m quite fit—I don't resemble him at all.*

Little did Zhu Zheng know, the "eldest brother" Zhu Gaoxu spoke of was not Zhu Gaochi.

*Eldest Brother,* Zhu Gaoxu thought, a wave of nostalgia washing over him as he returned to his tent. *If you were still alive, you would surely be like Brother Zhu Zheng. When we were young, you always protected us brothers. If you were still here, our whole family wouldn't have had to walk the path of rebellion.*

***

Back in his tent, Zhu Zheng looked at his loot. "Four Tier 1 chests, four common chests. Open them all."

"Opening common chests..."
"Obtained: [Premium Golden Sore Ointment] x5."
"Obtained: [Blood-Boiling Pill] x5."
"Obtained: [Hemostatic Pill] x4."

"Opening all Tier 1 chests..."
"Obtained: Yellow-grade High-tier [Heaven-Reliant Sword]."
"Obtained: Yellow-grade High-tier martial art [Swift Wind Slash]."
"Obtained: [Tianshan Snow Lotus] x1."

In an instant, the seven chests were opened, and a dazzling array of treasures appeared before Zhu Zheng.

"Excellent!" Zhu Zheng’s eyes lit up. The Blood-Boiling Pill alone was a treasure, capable of doubling his strength and stamina for a short period—it was the very thing that had allowed him to break through the city defenses earlier. Having five more would be incredibly useful on the battlefield.

As for the Heaven-Reliant Sword, he pulled it out without hesitation. A long, slender sword appeared in his hand. He gripped the hilt and drew it—the blade flashed with a cold, piercing light.