Chapter 30: Ennobled! Hereditary County Magistrate!

Miyun City, military camp!

Night had fallen. The camp had already distributed rations, ensuring every soldier was well-fed.

In the infirmary, the sound of wailing was constant. After a battle, hand-to-hand combat was naturally brutal. There were severed limbs, arrow wounds, and all manner of injuries. In this era, anesthetics were non-existent, and even substances like "mafeisan" were rare. In the military, strong spirits were used to intoxicate the wounded to dull the pain, but even so, the screams never ceased. After all, most of the wounds cut deep into the marrow.

Outside the infirmary, Zhu Zheng sat eating a flatbread, his right hand holding the food while a military medic applied medicine and bandages to him. Zhu Zheng had wounds on both arms, but his upper body was protected by soft armor, sparing him from injury there.

"Little brother," the elderly medic said, looking at Zhu Zheng, who was still calmly eating his bread, "your composure is truly remarkable. Pierced by arrows, slashed by blades and swords—yet you don't even change your expression."

"Perhaps I just have a high pain tolerance," Zhu Zheng replied with a smile.

A moment later, the medic finished. "There, the medicine is applied. With your constitution, you should be fully healed in a few days," he said with a smile.

"Thank you for your trouble," Zhu Zheng said.

Just then, Zhu Gaoxu came running over. "Brother Zhu, General Zhang has summoned you."

"What for?" Zhu Zheng asked with a smile.

"It must be the recognition for your feat of slaying the enemy commander! This victory was only possible because of your ferocity in breaking through the city," Zhu Gaoxu said, his face full of excitement. His eyes shone with genuine admiration for Zhu Zheng.

A summons from the general was surely good news. Zhu Gaoxu was genuinely happy for him, and his use of the title "Brother Zhu" was sincere, devoid of any airs as the son of the Prince of Yan. He truly respected and was grateful to Zhu Zheng. From the life-saving kindness back in Tongzhou to today’s siege, Zhu Zheng had saved him multiple times; without him, Zhu Gaoxu would have perished long ago.

"You did quite well yourself today, kid. You took down quite a few of the enemy," Zhu Zheng said with a smile. "I believe you even killed an enemy battalion commander."

"Hehe, that was only because you were leading me, Brother Zhu. If I hadn't been following you, I never could have killed them," Zhu Gaoxu laughed happily.

Looking at Zhu Gaoxu, Zhu Zheng thought to himself, "In history, after Zhu Di passed away, Zhu Gaoxu vied with Zhu Gaochi for the throne, only to lose. And because of that, the 'Five Dragons' in the court exhausted the national fortune of the Ming Dynasty. Although Zhu Zhanji was capable, he and his father did not live long due to health issues. Then came the 'Ming God of War' Zhu Qizhen, who sent hundreds of thousands of Ming elites to their doom—the finest soldiers of our Han dynasty, wasted by his incompetence. If there is to be such a struggle in the future, it wouldn't be bad for Zhu Gaoxu to take the throne; at least then, that 'Ming God of War' would never appear."

Zhu Zheng was well aware of the course of history. For the sake of his own future, and perhaps even to establish a nation of his own, relying on the strength of the Ming was a viable path. Of course, these were just his current thoughts; as his power grew, nothing would stand in his way. After today’s battle, his attributes had increased significantly. After looting the bodies, he had pushed his total attributes above 600 points.

Coming back to his senses, Zhu Zheng didn't dwell on it. "Let's go." He didn't hesitate; he would never turn down a promotion or a reward.

A short while later, inside the main hall of the government office in Miyun City, the officers under Zhang Yu's command were gathered. Everyone with the rank of battalion commander or higher was present.

"Greetings, General Zhang," the officers bowed in unison as Zhang Yu entered.

Zhang Yu waved his hand, walked to the main seat, and said, "Everyone, you have worked hard in today’s battle."

"Everything for the Ming!" the crowd replied in unison.

"The casualties and results of this battle have been tallied," Zhang Yu said, his expression stirred. "Our casualties are fewer than a thousand, while we have cut down over two thousand of the enemy and captured five thousand more. This is a great victory. His Highness, the Prince of Yan, has sent a royal decree, highly commending our army."

He paused, his gaze landing on Zhu Zheng. "The greatest contribution in this battle, without question, belongs to Zhu Zheng."

The officers looked over. There was surprise, but no jealousy. Zhu Zheng’s ferocity had already spread through the ranks. This was a merit earned with his life; as soldiers, they felt no envy.

"During the siege, I issued a reward for whoever breached the city first," Zhang Yu said solemnly, lifting a royal decree from the table.

Seeing this, all the generals bowed. "We humbly listen to the royal decree!"

"The battle to breach Miyun City has yielded rich results, which I have reviewed," Zhang Yu read aloud. "The primary contributor, Deputy Battalion Commander Zhu Zheng of the First Battalion, fought with ferocity, breached the city, and slew enemy commanders, rendering great service. Following General Zhang’s recommendation, I hereby promote Deputy Battalion Commander Zhu Zheng to the rank of [Military Marquis], in command of the First Military Marquis Battalion. Furthermore, although Zhu Zheng transferred from the logistics corps to the main combat force with little time, he has repeatedly killed enemies and earned merit for the country. He shall be heavily rewarded. In addition to his promotion, he is granted a noble title: from this day forth, Zhu Zheng is bestowed the title of [Hereditary County Baron]. Let his achievements be proclaimed throughout the entire army. I hope Military Marquis Zhu will continue to earn glory for the Ming."

Zhang Yu finished reading. In the hall, the officers were stunned. A military promotion was standard for the Beiping army, but a noble title? That was the prerogative of the imperial court, of the Emperor himself!

"Zhu Di is certainly interesting," Zhu Zheng thought with a smile. "He’s even handing out noble titles. It seems he truly has no interest in the court anymore. Since he has already rebelled, he cares little for their authority. He might as well use these titles to reward his deserving subjects."

Zhu Zheng understood Zhu Di’s intentions perfectly.

Seeing the expressions of the officers, Zhang Yu immediately added, "His Highness, the Prince of Yan, says that those who render service must not be treated shabbily. While the granting of noble titles rests with the court, our Beiping army has risen to 'cleanse the court of evil' and save the nation from crisis. Once the treacherous ministers are eradicated, these titles will be presented to the Emperor for formal confirmation. Therefore, there is no need for concern. These titles are what you deserve for your service."