To Zhu Yuanzhang, capturing the Yuan Capital and seizing the dozens of cities built by the Northern Yuan merely meant gaining some population and territory.
As long as the Northern Yuan still existed.
The threat from the north would remain like a sword hanging overhead, capable of invading the Ming Dynasty at any time.
As long as the Northern Yuan remained, the northern border would never know peace.
Therefore, his greatest wish was to break up the Northern Yuan and plunge it into fragmentation.
That was the true purpose of the Northern Expedition, as well as its greatest possible achievement.
After the officials withdrew, Zhu Yuanzhang softly called out, "Biao."
Then, with expectation and a hint of concern in his eyes, he asked, "Do you think our Northern Expedition army can break apart the Northern Yuan this time?"
Zhu Yuanzhang was already growing old. All he wanted was to clear away every future obstacle for Zhu Biao within his lifetime and solve every problem one by one.
Only then could Zhu Biao devote himself fully to improving the people's livelihoods and make the Ming Dynasty ever stronger.
He could become someone like Emperor Wen of Han.
Then.
The histories of the future would surely record a fine tale about father and son.
"Father."
Zhu Biao smiled, his expression certain. "The achievements of the Northern Expedition army have already far exceeded our expectations."
"Originally, we thought that if the Northern Expedition army could reach the Northern Yuan capital within a year, it would count as a great victory."
"But now, in less than eight months, they have already achieved such brilliant results. It is truly rare."
"I believe the Northern Expedition army will not disappoint us."
As he spoke.
Zhu Biao was filled with confidence in the Northern Expedition army, without