Luo Yashan, the Duke of Xianbei, responded the fastest, and the responses of several other vassal states were not too slow.
On the way to Xi'an with Luo Yashan's family, the princes of Kazakhstan, Khiva and Persia also applied.
The Duke of Egypt, Muhammad Ali bin Ibrahim, also hopes to come to see Zhu Jingyuan. He has now given himself the official name "Mu Yi" in Ming Dynasty.
However, the vassal state of the Duke of Egypt did not fall within the scope of Zhu Jingyuan's supervision this time.
After Zhu Jingyuan received the news, he was a little shocked and immediately reported to the capital.
Emperor Zhu Jianyan of the Ming Dynasty quickly replied that the five remaining major foreign vassals of the Ming Dynasty, namely Xianbei, Kazakhstan, Khiva, Persia, and Egypt, should adopt the same policies as much as possible towards them.
The same policy means that management complexity can be simplified and possible resentment between them can be reduced.
Therefore, the Egyptian region is now also added to Zhu Jingyuan's supervision area.
After Zhu Jingyuan saw the response, he also formally replied "Mu Yi" and allowed him to come to see him.
Zhu Jingyuan's reply to the monarchs of Kazakhstan, Khiva, Persia, and Egypt agreed that the time was on the same day, so that they could arrive on the same day as much as possible and solve their problems in a unified manner.
There was no Xianbei, because when Zhu Jingyuan arranged the time for them, the Duke of Xianbei had already arrived in Xi'an.
Xianbei City is an important aviation node in the Ming Dynasty, and Luo Yashan's family has become accustomed to airplanes.
The safety indicators of military-specific aircraft are already very high, and the survival rate after an accident involving a propeller aircraft is also very high.
Now Luo Yashan dares to travel by plane, and this time he flew over directly.
Zhu Jingyuan took Wang Ya and Luo Feiya to meet the family in the back hall of the palace.
Luo Feiya is the youngest among the Hu Ji in Zhu Jingyuan's harem. She just turned nineteen this year and has not yet given birth to a child.
Luo Feiya's body is now fully open, and she is over 1.6 meters tall, neither tall nor short.
A nineteen-year-old girl in this era can already be considered an adult.
Luo Feiya has been studying and training with Zhu Jingyuan for nearly nine years. Whether as Zhu Jingyuan's life secretary or the team leader of the harem maids, she is fully qualified and knows what to do when.
Luo Feiya first went to say hello to her father, then went to talk to her mother and sisters, and asked her father to talk to Zhu Jingyuan.
This meeting was private in nature, and the two parties could be considered relatives, so there weren't many rules.
But Luo Yashan obviously also had something to talk to Zhu Jingyuan as soon as possible.
Luo Yashan also brought a "gift" to Zhu Jingyuan.
Luo Yashan personally handed a small jar to the guards accompanying Zhu Jingyuan.
The guards and secretary inspected it and sent it to Zhu Jingyuan. They also reported what was inside:
"It's crude oil for some oil."
Zhu Jingyuan was a little confused after hearing this. Why did Luo Yashan give him such a small box of crude oil?
Luo Yashan didn't dare to tell anyone, so he explained directly without waiting for Zhu Jingyuan to ask:
“According to the news I received recently, the Lucians discovered a very rich oil field in an area east of the Volga River, very close to the Ural River on the border between us and Lucia.
“According to the current experience in oil exploration and production, the distribution of oil fields is often not point-like, but in patches.
"So the engineers of the Xianbei Principality made a bold guess that the area east of the Ural River belonging to the Xianbei Principality may also have oil deposits. They suggested that I invest and organize manpower to explore there.
“But I think His Highness should be the most professional in the world when it comes to oil exploration and development.
"So I hope His Highness can come forward to coordinate and participate in this project..."
Zhu Jingyuan became a little serious when he heard this topic.
Although the oil fields developed by Zhu Jingyuan are all world-class, and although the Ming Dynasty has controlled most of the oil and gas areas in the world, Zhu Jingyuan's past life experience has made Zhu Jingyuan very sensitive to oil.
Rojashan introduced that the oil field discovered by the Lucians should be the "Volga-Urals Oil and Gas Area". It was also a very important oil field in Lucia in its original history.
It was first discovered in 1929 and was named "Second Baku" at that time. The Tyumen Oil Field developed later was also called "Third Baku".
As you can imagine from the name, the oil reserves in this place are very rich.
In recent years, Zhu Jingyuan has developed oil fields in Dashi Country, Baku area, and Nanyinzhou, and made a lot of money by selling oil.
With the unfolding of the second industrial revolution, the demand for oil in the Ming Dynasty and Western countries has also increased day by day.
Lucia's oil supply previously relied entirely on imports, which were all produced from the Baku oil field developed by Zhu Jingyuan.
Although the Ming Dynasty did not impose too many restrictions on exports, the Lucians were jealous when others made money. Of course, they hoped that they would also have oil fields in their own country, so that they would not have to spend money to import oil.
Luo Yashan, on the other hand, saw with his own eyes the gap between the oil development in the big food country before and after, and he was also very concerned about the oil industry.
As it happens, the Baku oil field is very close to the border between Lucia and the Xianbei Principality.
The Lucians specially organized manpower to explore close to the border, and Mount Roya kept a close eye on it.
After several years of hard work, the Lucians finally discovered oil in Second Baku.
This place is very close to the Xianbei Principality, and the relationship between Luo Yashan and Lucia is very special, so the news was quickly received.
I just want to copy the gourd and look for oil on my side of the Volga-Urals border area.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with turning to Zhu Jingyuan when it comes to finding oil.
When Luo Yashan came to Zhu Jingyuan, he was not only asking for help, but also selling favors to Zhu Jingyuan.
If Zhu Jingyuan participates, Zhu Jingyuan will definitely make money or gain fame. This is indeed a very affordable "gift".
So after Luo Yashan finished explaining, he looked at Zhu Jingyuan expectantly, waiting for Zhu Jingyuan to say "ok".
But Zhu Jingyuan thought about it for a while, then slowly shook his head and said:
“Exploring and developing oil fields near borders can easily create conflicts in the long run…
"What's more, that place is even a demilitarized zone stipulated in the armistice treaty, which is inherently very sensitive.
"The Lucians are developing oil fields here, but they don't inform the Ming Dynasty properly. This can even be regarded as a diplomatic issue."
Luo Yashan was obviously taken aback when he heard this and could not follow Zhu Jingyuan's thinking:
"Well... they may not have time yet, they may notify Daming when the construction officially starts.
"Then, we can ask both parties to jointly explore and develop, right?"
Zhu Jingyuan closed his eyes and tried to search through the memories of his previous life, mainly recalling the general scope of the oil field.
Zhu Jingyuan vaguely remembered that this oil field was mainly located near the Volga River. The main oil fields should be west of the Ural Mountains, and there seemed to be relatively few east and south of the Ural Mountains.
Moreover, the parts east and south of the Urals seem to be mainly in Kazakhstan, and it is difficult to say whether the Xianbei Principality exists.
The main thing is that my memory in this area is not deep enough. If I arrange for someone to go there for months or even years, but fail to find a big oil field in the end, wouldn't it damage my reputation as an "oil king"...
The key is that Ming Dynasty has no shortage of oil.
Big food countries have large production and low costs.
The oil quality in the Nanyang region is good and close to the mainland.
Nanyinzhou can supply local fuel needs.
There is no need to go to inland areas like the Urals to develop oil.
Although the cost of local development may not be that high, it is generally not worth it.
Just looking at Luo Yashan's positive energy, it is obvious that he really wants to get oil, because oil can make money.
Most of the Xianbei Principality is a bitter cold land, and there is no future for simply farming.
The key is that this place is also a strategic location and the frontier for defense and attack on the West.
Zhu Jingyuan thought for a while and finally made a decision:
"I will let people keep an eye on Lucia, and the Duke of Xianbei can also remind them through your family channels.
"Before the Lucians officially develop the local oil fields, it is best to communicate and negotiate with the Ming Dynasty Honglu Temple through official channels.
"Otherwise, Ming Dynasty will dispatch regular troops to the border demilitarized zone stipulated in the treaty while they are starting construction."
Zhu Jingyuan said seriously, and Luo Yashan did not dare to ask any unnecessary questions for the time being, and immediately agreed honestly.
Then Zhu Jingyuan asked someone to get a map of the Xianbei Principality, and unfolded it on the small table between him and Luo Yashan.
Zhu Jingyuan picked up a pencil and drew a circle at the fork of the main tributary in the middle reaches of the Ob River:
"If the Duke of Xianbei really wants to participate in the oil industry, there is no need to go to sensitive areas like the Urals.
"The next step is for us to jointly form an exploration and development company and go explore in the Xianbei inland area in the middle reaches of the Ob River."
This place in Zhu Jingyuan Circle was the original historical "Tyumen Oil Field", or the "West Siberian Oil and Gas Area".
In most cases, when the Tyumen Oilfield is mentioned in history and geography textbooks, it usually refers to the entire oil and gas area.
The most famous oil and gas field in this area is of course the Tyumen oil field, followed by the Samotelor oil field.
They were once the first and third largest oil fields in Red Lucia.
The current Ming Dynasty is not the Lucia of the previous life, nor is it a land-based country trapped in the mainland in search of resources.
The key to the actual development costs of these two oil fields is that after adding the cost of outward transportation, they have no advantage over the Dashi Oil Field.
Therefore, it is estimated that it will be difficult to develop on a large enough scale in the future.
But it should be enough to make the sparsely populated Xianbei Principality rich.
Because after the cheap oil from the Great Food Country is transported to Xianbei and Kazakhstan, as well as the northwest inland areas of the Ming Dynasty, it should no longer have a price advantage over the oil produced in the Xianbei area.
Therefore, the provinces and vassal states in the northwestern inland region of the Ming Dynasty are potential markets for the oil of the Xianbei Principality.
It will be easier to make the Xianbei Principality rich, supply supplies to maintain local order, and defend the garrisons of various countries in Europe and the West.
So Zhu Jingyuan circled this oil-producing area.
Just when Zhu Jingyuan was about to issue a warning to Lucia, Luo Yashan was already a little disappointed, and his originally high mood had begun to sink.
But now looking at Zhu Jingyuan's arrangements, he immediately became energetic again.
Of course Luo Yashan didn't know how much oil there was in the area around Zhu Jingyuan, but it was enough as long as Zhu Jingyuan promised to go to Xianbei to find oil.
Zhu Jingyuan's reputation in the oil industry is unparalleled in the world.
Luo Yashan has begun to look forward to the bright future of the Xianbei Principality.
After Luo Yashan got excited, he couldn't help but thank Zhu Jingyuan. At the same time, he instinctively followed the topic and continued to ask, wanting to continue discussing the details of exploration and development with Zhu Jingyuan.
But Zhu Jingyuan shook his head:
"This matter is not urgent. The exploration and development of oil resources in the Xianbei Principality can be put together with the Ming Dynasty's investment and construction in the northwest vassals, the construction of government-owned manufacturers in the northwest vassals, and other issues of several other princes. Let’s discuss it together when we get here.”
Although Luo Yashan was excited and looking forward to it, he did not dare to talk to Zhu Jingyuan. Zhu Jingyuan arranged for a discussion later, and Luo Yashan agreed honestly.
Moreover, when Luo Yashan heard Zhu Jingyuan talking about several other vassal kings, he immediately thought of another question that he had prepared in his heart.
Luo Yashan himself feels that this issue is a bit sensitive, so he is hesitant now:
"Your Highness... I have a question, I don't know how to ask..."
Zhu Jingyuan smiled and waved his hand and said:
"The Duke of Xianbei is not an outsider. According to the tradition of the Ming Dynasty, I have to call the Duke more or less father-in-law.
"If you have any questions or thoughts, please don't hide them, just tell me directly."
Zhu Jingyuan said that Luo Yashan was his father-in-law, but Luo Yashan did not dare to admit it carelessly.
My daughter is just a concubine of the king of the Great Food Kingdom, and her identity in the Ming Dynasty is actually just a maid and head maid.
At the very least, it would have to be the father of Zhu Jingyuan's prince's concubine to dare to take up this topic.
Only the father of Zhu Jingyuan's main princess could accept this title seriously.
So Luo Yashan is obviously a little scared now:
“Don’t dare, don’t dare, Your Highness is too polite.
"I actually just want to know about the imperial court's arrangements for Xianbei's future.
"I can prepare and cooperate in advance..."
Luo Yashan said it politely, but his intention was also expressed.
Luo Yashan could guess that Zhu Jingyuan's purpose in coming to the northwest was probably to rectify the remaining vassal states.
The Western Xianbei Principality, which was split from Lucia, was the first to bear the brunt.
Luo Yashan is now in a very uneasy mood.
Although the vassal treaty signed at the time clearly stated that the vassal state would not be withdrawn, re-established or extended to the Western Xianbei Principality.
But the situation now is increasingly different from when the contract was signed.
Ming Dynasty... In the history of China, there were too many things where vassal states were first established and then abolished.
Just in the past few years, Ming Dynasty has just withdrawn and merged almost all its vassals.
The Ming Emperor and the imperial court really wanted to forcibly withdraw from the vassal state, and the West Xianbei Principality had no way to resist.
Lucia's brother may not dare to stand up for him.
Zhu Jingyuan could understand Luo Yashan's mood, and now he said with a very easy-going smile:
“Xianbei Principality need not worry, His Majesty the Ming Emperor and the Ming Court have always kept their promises.
"Xianbei Principality is the Duke of Ming Dynasty recognized by the Ming Emperor, and is the vassal king of the Western Xianbei Principality.
"Unless the Duke of Xianbei does not want to stay in the Ming Dynasty, the position of king will never be easy."
As Zhu Jingyuan spoke, Luo Yashan's expression remained uneasy, as if he did not dare to fully accept the promise.
So halfway through the sentence, he suddenly changed direction:
“If the Xianbei Principality is still worried, it might as well think about it from a different angle.
“The Ming Dynasty actually hoped that the countries in Europe and the West, like Xianbei, Persia, Egypt and other countries, would become foreign vassals of the Ming Dynasty.
"The Ming Dynasty promised not to annex the European and American countries, but it did not refuse or even expected the European and American countries to actively join.
“If you want them to take the initiative to join, you must have conditions and benefits that they are willing to accept.
“The existing vassal states such as Xianbei, Persia, and Egypt were used as models to show them.
“Even if the Duke of Xianbei is worried about Xianbei’s future, he should wait until all the countries in Europe and the West join the Ming Dynasty.
"Before that, the Duke of Xianbei can keep his heart in his stomach."
When Luo Yashan heard this, he followed Zhu Jingyuan's train of thought and thought about it, and immediately felt that it made sense.
If the Ming Dynasty wanted to "conquer the enemy without fighting" and let the countries in Europe and the West take the initiative to join the Ming Dynasty, then it would have to keep its current foreign vassals well.
However, after they join, then Ming Dynasty should find a way to withdraw from the vassal, right?
So Luo Yashan continued to test and said:
“With the Ming Dynasty’s current national strength, it is easy to annex the countries in Europe and the West, and the countries in Europe and the West should understand this.
“As long as they are wise enough, it shouldn’t take long before they take the initiative to join.
"At that time, the Ming Dynasty will truly be integrated into the world, and the world will be able to truly integrate into one..."
Zhu Jingyuan waved his hand after hearing this:
"The Duke of Xianbei should understand that this matter is not as simple as it sounds.
“The monarchs of the countries in Europe and the West are still relatively high-spirited, and the people of the countries in the region and the West already have their own ideas.
"Take Lucia now as an example, can you expect those Lucia elements to voluntarily join the Ming Dynasty?
"Even if they all join voluntarily, I, Ming, may not be willing to accept it.
"Even if all the remaining countries in the world immediately become vassal states of the Ming Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty will not think about completely withdrawing the vassal state.
"To put it bluntly, the Lucians, Germans, French, English, and all the current Thais, they are unable to become Ming people for the time being.
“Neither the civil and military officials of the Ming Dynasty nor the people of the Ming Dynasty today can accept it.
“So, even if these countries became vassal states of the Ming Dynasty, they would still have to shoulder the task of managing these ethnic groups individually.
“They still have to exist as a vassal state with a high degree of autonomy for a long time.
"The five kingdoms of Xianbei, Persia, Kazakhstan, Egypt, and Khiva, as well as the black nobles in the central and western parts of Mozhou, and several vassal states without kings in the Yinzhou area, are now undertaking such tasks.
“If these people want to become Ming people, it may take several generations of hard work...
"We'll probably never see it again in our lifetime."
Zhu Jingyuan said it very straightforwardly, even with natural discrimination, but Luo Yashan accepted it very happily.
Luo Yashan was finally sure that the Ming Dynasty would really allow his vassal state to exist for a long time.
At least until Zhu Jingyuan's generation, there shouldn't be any big changes.
Luo Yashan finally felt relieved, and then his curiosity arose:
"Taixi people are indeed not qualified to be Ming people, and the Mo slaves in Mozhou are even less qualified.
"By the way, His Highness is supervising the northwest provinces and vassals this time. Are there any policy pilot reforms that he wants to carry out?
"If your Highness has any requests, you can give them directly. Xianbei will definitely cooperate with you."
Zhu Jingyuan took a sip of wine:
“Of course there are things to do, and they are all things that are good for you kings.
"We will talk about what to do specifically after the other monarchs have arrived."
(End of chapter)
