On the twenty-third day of the seventh month in the tenth year of Zhengtong, the emperor decided to personally lead an expedition against the Oirats.
The moment the news emerged, regardless of how worried the civil and military officials were, the common folk erupted in jubilant celebration.
"I've long found those Tatars unbearable. I heard they send men to Datong every year to pillage. His Majesty is benevolent and, knowing they are poor, has often shown them leniency. Yet they still don't know when enough is enough and even dared to send a great army south. The Imperial Court has finally shown some backbone this time."
"What Imperial Court? I heard the civil and military officials all opposed going to war. It was the emperor who argued his case and insisted on personally leading the expedition, and only then did they agree to send troops."
"A tiger father begets no dog sons. In matters like this, we still have to look to His Majesty."
The Capital City's residents were relatively well informed. The news of the emperor personally leading the expedition had barely come out, while those beyond the capital still knew nothing, and they were already discussing it with great fervor.
The moment Pan Yu entered the city and heard the discussions, he immediately cupped his fists to bid his colleagues farewell and raced home.
His colleagues, like him, hurried home at once.
Since the emperor was personally leading an expedition, he would surely draw troops from the capital's Five Army Camp to accompany him.
This spring, Pan Yu had taken the military examinations and seized fifth place in one stroke, becoming a proud military Jinshi scholar.
His father had not even needed to spend money; Pan Yu had entered the Left Wing of the Five Army Camp on