Zhu Ying naturally returned the generals' congratulations with a smile.
After a round of pleasantries,
the war council for the assembled army truly began.
"Generals."
"By now, more than a dozen cities along the Northern Yuan border have already fallen to our army."
"However, according to reports from spies planted within Northern Yuan territory,"
"over the past three months, all the troops the Yuan Emperor mobilized from various places have been deployed around the Yuan Capital. Their numbers are likely no fewer than four hundred thousand."
"Moreover, Guilichi, the Great General under the Yuan Emperor, has personally led one hundred thousand cavalry and arrayed them at the royal pastures a hundred li from their capital."
"Surely you generals can see through their intentions." Zhu Di swept his gaze across the generals in the tent and spoke slowly.
As soon as he finished speaking,
Zhang Yu was the first to speak. "Prince, Northern Yuan's objective is obvious. They cannot stop the Ming Dynasty's advancing edge through city defenses alone, so they intend to use Northern Yuan's strength against the Ming Dynasty."
"In the past,"
"Northern Yuan devoured the Central Plains and seized the realm by relying on the strength of its iron cavalry."
"Therefore,"
"Northern Yuan undoubtedly intends to defeat our army with cavalry."
Hearing this,
Zhu Di gave Zhang Yu an approving look, greatly pleased.
After all, Zhang Yu belonged to his Northern Peace Army. Zhang Yu's brilliance reflected well on him.
"Generals."
"This Prince will not waste words."
"Northern Yuan cavalry are unmatched beneath heaven."
"Although the Ming Dynasty drove Northern Yuan out of the Central Plains decades ago, the strength of Northern Yuan cavalry must not be underestimated."
"This Prince is not boosting Northern Yuan's morale while diminishing the Ming Dynasty's prestige. This is simply the truth."
"The