Chapter 98 The fight for Mancijia
Today's Malacca City is not as prosperous as it was in later generations, and it is not even as prosperous as the old port where the Han people gathered in Nanyang. The reason is very simple. The old port is the old capital of Sriwijaya, although Sriwijaya has already entered the dust of history. But there are still some foundations left.
But Malacca was founded by the current king. A few decades ago, this was still a small fishing village.
Um. If we look at it from a modern perspective, it is now a small fishing village. The entire city of Malacca has no walls, only a layer of railings. Or rather a wooden city wall, but it has a large population, probably tens of thousands in the entire city of Malacca. Quite a few people are businessmen. Arab businessman.
Moreover, the king had close relations with Arab merchants.
For at least a few decades, Malacca turned to Islam and became the Malacca Khanate, which even led to the establishment of a series of Southeast Asian khanates, which has influenced later generations. Converted Southeast Asia from Hinduism to Islam.
Such a major decision is definitely not made lightly. Because Thailand in the north has always been a Hindu country, and Majapahit in the south is also a Hindu country. Man Cijia was taking a huge risk by doing this.
Therefore, the close relationship between the two parties should not be a day or two, or even a generation or two.
It can be said that the first king of Malacca could transform from a fallen prince into a founding king without the strong support of Hui Hui merchants. Even now in Malacca, the number of Hui Hui merchants is higher than elsewhere.
Yang Yu is currently in the palace in Malacca City.
It is said to be a palace, but it is actually a large wooden house on stilts with flowing water underneath. It takes away a lot of the heat of Nanyang. It is covered with thorns and is dressed in light gauze. From Yang Yu's perspective, the material should be made in Suzhou. The warriors around King Mancijia were dressed much cooler. He was wearing gold and silver jewelry and several rings on his hands and feet. I don’t know if it’s for protection, but other than that, it’s just a pair of big pants. Then there are long spears and short swords standing by the side.
Yang Yu didn't know how to react.
The warriors of Mancijia went to court in such disheveled clothes, and the so-called court hall was a large wooden house with ventilation on all sides. In addition, there was a woman's laughter outside. It can be seen that there is no separation between the harem and the front at all.
Sometimes there are differences between countries. It's not of the same magnitude at all.
Yang Yu thought so in his heart, but he was not rude and said: "Your Majesty, the foreign minister has some heartfelt words to tell your Majesty."
King Mancijia signaled Yang Yu to speak.
Yang Yu said: "Now the king has two choices. The first choice is to defect to Java. But what is the king's origin? The king himself knows it, and Java also knows it. They didn't fight the king before, because they have more important things. The goal is the surrender of the king himself. Under the current circumstances, the king even chooses Java. Can Java believe the king? And today, the Ming Dynasty must ask Java to give an explanation. If the king wholeheartedly surrenders to Java, then he will have to suffer on Java's behalf. The Ming Dynasty’s troops can only attack Java if they attack Malacca first. Your Majesty also knows this.”
"And if the king defectes to the court, the court will not hesitate to reward him. The army of the court will also distract Java's power, so that Java cannot easily go north to attack Malacca. In addition, does the king really not want to avenge his parents' revenge for destroying the country?"
King Mancijia's face was as calm as water, as if he didn't understand what Yang Yu said.
He said: "Did Ming come to Nanyang and not leave?"
Yang Yu thought for a moment, if he didn't leave after saying this. Wouldn't it infringe on the interests of local people, and this local people are Malacca? If you talk about leaving but do the opposite in the future, it is likely to cause trouble.
Sometimes, you might as well use some tricks, but there are some things where you can't use tricks. Yang Yu finally said: "The Ming Dynasty is determined not to abandon its allies."
The implication is that if Malacca becomes an ally of Ming Dynasty. Then everything is easy to say, otherwise.
King Mancijia sent Yang Yu away politely.
Almost instantly. The Javanese envoy arrived.
The Javanese envoy set out a long time later than Yang Yu. But because Yang Yu was too far away, they all came here one after another. The mission of the Javanese envoys was just one, to defend the city with full strength and not to surrender to the Ming Dynasty.
As for rewards and so on. Not at all.
This also confirms Yang Yu's previous inference.
But another difficulty in persuading King Mancijia to surrender was ignored by Yang Yu.
After King Mansika sent away the Javanese envoys, a group of merchants appeared. They were all Arab businessmen, all wrapped in white scarves. King Mancijia was very polite and friendly when he met these people. The two parties sat on the floor of the stilt building. Grasp the meat and fresh fruits on the plate with your hands.
An Arab businessman said: "Java is not sincere, but Ming Dynasty is also not sincere. Now the Han people are aggressive. They are reaching Nanyang step by step, waiting for the Han army to arrive here. Can our business continue?"
"The old port already belongs to Liang Daoming and Chen Zuyi. Now Malacca has also been given to the Han people. What should we do?"
These people were talking a lot.
Historically, when the Malacca dynasty fell to Zheng He, there were no such twists and turns, because Zheng He returned. Both parties are one family. And Zheng He was also committed to preaching. Even the relationship between the popularity of Islam in Southeast Asia and Zheng He is a major question for historians.
Everything is about money.
Malacca is a small country. King Mancijia cooperated with Huihui merchants. Make some money in business. This has maintained Mancajia's growth over the years. Otherwise, how could the king himself transform from a penniless prince to a subjugated prince? When he arrived in Java, he was a prince who did not dare to despise him.
Even magic has not changed like this.
When Chen Zuyi opened up the business channels of Ming Dynasty. And Huihui merchants still rely on smuggling. The decision was made based on the cost and the quantity, so Huihui merchants had to purchase goods from Chen Zuyi. For a time, a considerable part of Huihui's profits went to Chen Zuyi.
This has made them very dissatisfied.
But I am determined not to give up any more.
Suddenly a businessman said: "Everyone, if we are not willing, are the Han people willing? I heard that both Chen and Liang escaped from China, especially Chen, who is still on the wanted list of the Ming court. The Ming army came here , they really feel at ease.”
"Why don't we hold it off? Tell the Old Port side about this news first and see how they do it?"
King Mancijia said: "Okay. Let's do it. No matter it's the Ming Dynasty or Java, I won't offend. Hold it off until the outcome is determined. Let's see how other parties react."
In fact, this is what King Mancijia is thinking, and it is also his helplessness, or the helplessness of the small country. For small countries, diplomatic failure is almost fatal. Making the wrong choice means ruining the country. This is also the reason why King Mancijia has been hesitant.
Small countries can only side with the winner.
But now, who is the winner?
Java is a land tiger, with deep roots and favorable geographical location. The Ming Dynasty came from afar and had abundant financial resources and soldiers. It is a dragon crossing the river and should never be underestimated.
But tigers can eat people, and so can dragons.
This battle between dragon and tiger has just begun. How dare you risk all your little capital to win or lose when you are full of thorns and kings.
Although he knew that one day he would have to choose. But he still wanted to see more. Look around and choose the side with a better chance of winning.
King Mancijia immediately sent all this news to Old Port. In fact, in Old Port, Chen Zuyi and Liang Daoming already knew it without King Mancijia reminding them. Old Port was also undercurrent because of this news. This matter is a matter for later, let’s not mention it for now. Just talk about Yang Yu.
Yang Yu visited King Mancijia several times, but King Mancijia did not give any substantive response at all. The meaning of procrastination is too clear.
How could a smart man like Yang Yu not know this?
It's just that King Mancijia wants to drag it down, but Yang Yu doesn't want to. He has a heavy responsibility this time. If he can do it well, it will be easy to soar in the future. If he doesn't do it well, it will be easy. So it is appropriate for Yang Yu to become a subordinate in the future.
Coupled with the pressure from the army behind them. Yang Yu can only tolerate Mancijiawang's delay?
"This is the only way." Yang Yu thought to himself.
