Chapter 32: Counterattack! Toying with Chang Mao!

The sharp, predatory gazes of the generals turned Zhu Gaochi’s little face pale with fright. Zhu Xiongying stepped forward just in time, glaring back at them one by one without a hint of fear. After all, he was the eldest imperial grandson of the Ming Dynasty; truly, no one dared to cause him trouble.

Chang Mao let out a laugh and then turned his attention to Guo Ying. "Old Guo, I heard your precious student invented a novel contraption that gives people 'thousand-mile eyes.' Is there any truth to this?"

Upon hearing this, generals like Fu Youde and Mu Ying also cast expectant gazes toward Guo Ying. They had only heard rumors of the device and had yet to see it with their own eyes, so they were all burning with curiosity. Others might not understand, but the military commanders knew better than anyone what it meant to significantly enhance the reconnaissance capabilities of their scouts.

In the past, the limited scouting range meant they could hardly discern the true strength of an enemy camp without getting dangerously close, often risking life and limb. But with this magical telescope, one could climb to a high vantage point and see every move the enemy made. It would vastly expand the reconnaissance radius and multiply efficiency—its importance to military operations was self-evident. Their teasing of Zhu Gaochi earlier was merely a byproduct of this burning curiosity; it showed just how highly the generals regarded this new weapon.

Facing the expectant gazes of his peers, Guo Ying stroked his beard slowly, a long-unfelt sense of pride welling up inside him. It felt good—incredibly good! Although he was strict with Zhu Gaochi, he had long since acknowledged the boy as his student. Now that the little chubby fellow had concocted the telescope and achieved such a feat, he, as the master, shared in the honor and felt immensely satisfied. It was a wonderful, inexplicable feeling.

"It is indeed the creation of my rebellious student," Guo Ying said leisurely. "After Lan Yu presented it to His Majesty, the Emperor was delighted. The device is called a 'telescope.' It can greatly enhance the human eye's vision. If scouts were equipped with it, it would be like adding wings to a tiger—their reconnaissance capability would increase at least tenfold."

Lan Yu, standing to the side, was displeased and retorted, "Cut the crap! It was clearly Ying'er and Chi'er who worked on it together. Don't you dare forget Ying'er's contribution!"

Chang Mao glared at him irritably, exclaiming excitedly, "So there really is such a weapon? Just the name sounds formidable!" He turned back to the group. "Quick, Big-Head Lan, bring out the treasure and let us have a look!"

Lan Yu curled his lip. "Look at my rear end! This item has already been presented to His Majesty; you won't be seeing it."

The generals were stunned, followed by a wave of disappointment. Lan Yu continued calmly, "However... His Majesty has already issued an edict to spare no expense in commissioning five thousand telescopes. Materials are being gathered for mass production. Since we are still months away from reaching Yunnan, the army will certainly be equipped with them by then."

At these words, everyone's gaze snapped onto Zhu Gaochi. Chang Mao grabbed him again, his eyes filled with menace as he growled, "You little brat, how is the progress coming along? If I don't have a telescope to use once we reach Yunnan, I’ll be sure to hang you up and whip you when we return to the capital!"

Zhu Gaochi: "???"

What the hell? Is this guy even human? Did I ever provoke you? No wonder this Chang Mao didn't meet a good end; he really is a piece of work! His fiery temper is exactly like Chang Yuchun's—a ruthless monster who kills without batting an eye! I never imagined these legendary generals would act like bandits, so unreasonable and lacking in decency, actually pressing a child for production deadlines!

Just as Zhu Gaochi was seething with indignation, the Grand Palace Steward, Du Andao, arrived. Du was not a eunuch, but a trusted confidant of the Emperor. Because he was meticulous and discreet, he had become the Grand Palace Steward, overseeing the Emperor's daily life.

"Generals, the Emperor's carriage has arrived at the camp gate!"

The generals tightened their expressions. Fu Youde straightened his armor and said coldly and solemnly, "Gentlemen, follow me to welcome the Emperor."

The generals immediately went to stand outside the camp gate. Before long, the imperial carriage arrived. In the distance, banners could be seen fluttering. The Imperial Guard led the way with halberds, followed by rows of eunuchs and palace maids carrying the Emperor's ceremonial equipment. A massive, golden carriage appeared in their line of sight, followed by a cloud of courtiers and attendants, while pedestrians on both sides of the road knelt in reverence.

The carriage stopped outside the gate, and Fu Youde, Lan Yu, and the other generals stepped forward to salute. Zhu Gaochi, Zhu Xiongying, and the other imperial descendants stood in the second rank, obediently bowing as well.

Zhu Yuanzhang stepped down from the carriage with a powerful stride, a kind smile on his face. "This is not the imperial court, so you lot can dispense with the formalities! Follow the rules of the camp!" This was the Emperor soothing his subjects and lightening the mood. However, generals like Fu Youde and Lan Yu could not take it literally and bowed respectfully, followed by the others.

After chatting briefly with the generals, the Emperor's gaze shifted to the imperial descendants. With just a casual glance, he noticed Zhu Gaochi. He couldn't help it; the boy was too eye-catching. At that moment, Zhu Gaochi was standing sneakily behind Chang Mao, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes, before he raised his foot and kicked him without hesitation!

To the shock of Zhu Yuanzhang, while Chang Mao was bowing, Zhu Gaochi had kicked him so hard he fell face-first into the dirt!

Chang Mao stumbled, lunging forward, his hands instinctively trying to break his fall, but he still ended up in a pathetic heap. Everyone was stunned. There was a brief moment of shocked silence, followed by bursts of raucous laughter. Fu Youde, Lan Yu, and Guo Ying roared with laughter; it was the first time they had ever seen someone kicked like that while bowing to the Emperor.

Chang Mao’s face turned bright red, like a ripe tomato, as if it might bleed. Once he regained his senses and realized it was Zhu Gaochi, his fury peaked. He roared, "You goddamn little fatty, I’m going to whip you to death today!" He jumped up and charged at Zhu Gaochi like an angry bull.

But Zhu Gaochi was not foolish enough to wait for a beating. He reacted with lightning speed and vanished in a flash, yelling as he ran, "You goddamn round-eyed thief, that's for teasing me earlier!"

"Little fatty, don't you dare run!" Chang Mao chased him relentlessly, his exasperated appearance making the generals laugh even harder. The entire camp echoed with their mirth.

Zhu Yuanzhang felt both angry and amused; the brat was truly bold—he actually dared to kick him! Soon, Guo Ying caught Zhu Gaochi and dragged him before the Emperor like a chick.

"You embarrassing creature, you are truly bold!" Zhu Yuanzhang feigned anger, scolding him symbolically. "Don't be so unruly here. By rank, these are your uncles, and some are even of your grandfather's generation!"

Hearing this, the generals gasped. By the Emperor's tone, it was clear he was truly fond of this little fatty! Usually, any imperial descendant before the Emperor would be trembling with fear, walking on thin ice. Only this little fatty could kick someone and face no consequences; in fact, the Emperor seemed quite pleased. In truth, the old Emperor was growing fonder of this eccentric grandson by the day.

Zhu Gaochi’s eyes darted around. He walked up to Chang Mao and bowed respectfully. "This junior pays his respects to Grandfather Chang..."

No sooner had he spoken than the crowd erupted in snickers, followed by the old generals laughing out loud. Chang Mao’s face turned from black to green, as if he were about to smoke from anger. He gnashed his teeth at Zhu Gaochi and barked, "You brat... are you looking for a beating?"

As the son of Chang Yuchun, his generation was the same as Zhu Di's; how could he possibly accept being called "Grandfather"? This brat was clearly trying to sow discord in front of the Emperor!

Upon hearing this, the Emperor stepped forward and gave the little fatty a shove, sending him tumbling to the ground. The generals found this even more hilarious. The entire West Suburban Camp was immersed in a joyous and relaxed atmosphere, the tension of the impending expedition completely dissipated.