The disgraced official I took care of was actually Zhu Houcong's childhood friend.

Chapter 690

Unless a relatively strong dynasty emerges during a specific period, such as Luchuan during the reign of Zhu Qizhen, which was caused by problems left over from the reigns of Renzong and Xuanzong.

Even so, Zhu Qizhen's three campaigns against Luchuan resulted in the complete annihilation of Luchuan.

In present-day Southeast Asia, apart from the Le Dynasty and the Toungoo Dynasty, the other smaller countries are generally weaker than the Toungoo Dynasty.

Zhou Chu knew that the true period of the Dongyu Dynasty's power was after Mang Ruiti ascended the throne; Mang Ji Sui had only initially established the Dongyu Dynasty.

For the next two months, Hu Zongxian and Zhao Zhenji led their thousands of troops on a continuous westward campaign. During these two months, Hu Zongxian and Zhao Zhenji fought and trained their troops at the same time, and the fighting power of the army grew stronger with each battle.

There are reasons why these small Southeast Asian countries have survived to this day. The terrain in Southeast Asia is complex, and soldiers from many countries cannot defeat them. They can simply disappear into the rainforest of Santiago, making it difficult for ordinary Ming armies to find them.

However, the army led by Hu Zongxian and his men was the army of Champa. The captains and even centurions in this army were very familiar with the terrain, if not know it by heart. Under their leadership, Hu Zongxian and Zhao Zhenji made rapid progress.

In pursuit of efficiency, Hu Zongxian and Zhao Zhenji even split their forces into two groups. To this end, Hu Zongxian once again requested two thousand soldiers from the Annam Provincial Governor and incorporated them into this army.

In just three months, Hu Zongxian and his accomplice had essentially pacified the entire Southeast Asia. However, it was unlikely that they could completely pacify it, as the terrain of Southeast Asia was too complex. Many people would hide in certain corners, and it would take an unknown amount of time to deal with them bit by bit.

After the foundations of Southeast Asia were shattered, Hu Zongxian and Zhao Zhenji did not return the military power of Champa to Bo Jie. Now, about half of this army consists of Ming soldiers who have fought alongside the two for three months and are now only concerned with Hu Zongxian and Zhao Zhenji.

Wen Zhengming was well aware that Southeast Asia was now unified by Hu Zongxian and his ally. If he rashly handed over military power, Bo Jie would inevitably have other ideas when he saw such a large territory and such a powerful army. People's hearts are the most fickle thing.

Despite how sincere and earnest Bo Jie's words were, Wen Zhengming understood that it was only because Bo Jie was afraid after witnessing the easy destruction of the Toungoo Dynasty by Hu Zongxian and his companion. Otherwise, if Bo Jie truly had such intentions, he would have already returned Annam when the Ming Dynasty recovered it.

After Hu Zongxian and Zhao Zhenji thoroughly ravaged Southeast Asia, Wen Zhengming wrote a memorial and had it sent back to the capital. They needed to be stationed in Champa to prevent any unforeseen events from occurring before the arrival of the Ming army.

Hu Zongxian even had people keep an eye on Bo Jie to prevent him from having other ideas.

In the capital, after receiving Wen Zhengming's memorial, Jiajing said "good" three times and then ordered Huang Jin to summon Zhou Chu to the palace.

"Greetings to Your Majesty."

Zhou Chu entered the imperial study and bowed respectfully.

"Weighing instruments, you have once again rendered tremendous service to our Great Ming Dynasty."

As he spoke, Jiajing handed the memorial in his hand to Zhou Chu.

Zhou Chu took the memorial and glanced at it.

"This is all thanks to the teacher and Ruzhen; I dare not take credit for it."

After Zhou Chu finished reading it, he said...

"Minister Wen and Hu Ruzhen certainly deserve credit, but I believe the real credit belongs to you. If it weren't for your foresight in devising such a detailed strategic plan for Hu Ruzhen and his men, how could they have so easily pacified the Dongyu Dynasty?"

Jiajing looked at Zhou Chu and praised him generously.

"Your ability to strategize and win battles from afar is truly remarkable."

"Your Majesty flatters me. The situation on the battlefield changes rapidly. I merely pointed out a general direction for Ruzhen and the others. The real credit belongs to the teacher and Ruzhen."