The second year of Jingtai.
In late February, Li Qing returned to the capital.
He was somewhat embarrassed that it was almost a month beyond the holiday.
So he went straight to the palace without even returning home.
Zhu Qiyu didn't say anything, but simply asked about Jiangnan Weaving Bureau.
I have to say that the new boss is quite interesting. Li Qing took half a year's leave, but his salary was paid as usual, not less than a cent, because Qian received it on his behalf.
Although I don’t have much money, my attitude is very pleasing.
Living up to the goodwill of others is Li Qing’s code of conduct.
Of course, except those who bribe with strong intentions and give small favors just to work for him.
For example, Zhu Laosi, who was still King of Yan at that time, wanted to deprive him of the right to supervise the army with a leg of lamb.
Li Qing put down his tea cup and said, "Your Majesty, it has been nearly two years since the battle to defend the capital. It's time to start working on the grassland tribal forces."
After half a year of rest, it was time to do something. Li Qing also wanted to get busy and get out of the haze of his old friend's death.
"No need for the time being." Zhu Qiyu said with a smile, "Sir, you don't know yet, Wala years ago came to pay tribute."
"Tribute?" Li Qing was stunned for a moment, "So..."
"The imperial court has expanded trade with them, and Wala is willing to continue to pay tribute to the Ming Dynasty." Zhu Qiyu was in a good mood.
This was another political achievement of his after defending the capital. At the same time, it also raised his political status from the side.
Even the most powerful Oara tribe on the grassland has pledged allegiance to him, which is enough to prove that his prestige to the foreign barbarians is no weaker than that of his elder brother.
The situation in the court became more stable, and Mobei became a vassal and paid tribute. In just two years, he had achieved such political achievements, which gave Zhu Qiyu a sense of accomplishment.
"I asked the Ministry of Revenue to calculate that after processing, the leather goods on the grassland can be sold overseas at a good price, at least three times that of the Ming Dynasty." Zhu Qiyu said with a smile,
"However, ginseng is not very popular. Except for Japan and North Korea, other countries do not recognize this stuff, but it doesn't matter. The Ming Dynasty can completely digest it. It just makes less money."
He smiled happily and there was hope for early repayment of the loan.
Li Qing thought for a while and asked: "Is it the emperor's suggestion this time, or is it the suggestion of the officials?"
"It's the suggestion of the officials, and it's also my opinion." Zhu Qiyu said. Seeing that Li Qing was not as happy as expected, he asked suspiciously, "Did you discover some hidden danger?"
"Not really." Li Qing shook his head slightly, "Increasing trade between the two sides is a good strategy for mutual benefit. This can also effectively suppress the occurrence of wars. Although the grassland tribes are fierce and ferocious, they are just trying to survive."
Zhu Qiyu relaxed and joked with a smile: "I think it's because your husband doesn't agree, or maybe he senses something wrong with it."
"There are problems..." Li Qing nodded, "Admittedly, this is a strategy that ensures profit without loss, and can also stabilize the border, but it is not without benefits and disadvantages."
"Ah?" Zhu Qiyu was surprised, then his smile faded, and he frowned and said, "Sir, what you mean is that this will make Wala grow bigger and unify the grassland."
"No, Oara cannot unify the grassland." Li Qing said flatly, "The only one who can unify the grassland is the Tatar tribe."
"Hey~ What do you think I am?" Zhu Qiyu leaned back, leaned comfortably on the back of the chair, and chuckled, "As long as the Wala cannot unify the grassland, other things will not be a problem."
It can make money, reduce wars, and stabilize borders. In the face of such interests, some small issues are irrelevant.
Li Qing picked up the tea cup, took a sip, and said, "Your Majesty, there are always two sides to everything. You can't just look at one side."
"Sir, you might as well say it clearly." Zhu Qiyu's heart moved, he sat up straight and motioned for Li Qing to continue.
"Does Your Majesty know that Wala is internally unstable?"
"I know this. When Wala came to pay tribute, the envoy said this." Zhu Qiyu nodded, "But in my opinion, increasing trade can effectively improve the prestige of Wala's leader, Boyan Timur, so as not to give The Tatar tribe can take advantage of this opportunity.”
"What the emperor said makes sense," Li Qing quite agreed with this point of view, but the crux lies here.
Li Qing analyzed: "Your Majesty, think about it. As trade increases and Wala becomes richer and richer, will more grassland tribes join them?"
"Hmm... it should be possible." Zhu Qiyu nodded slightly, "As Mr. said, grassland tribes also seek survival, and they will not choose a better option if they have one;
However, as Mr. Wang said, Wala are outsiders and it is difficult for them to achieve unification. "
"That's the problem. The Wala are outsiders, so they only have power but no status." Li Qing said, "As more and more grassland tribes join, internal conflicts will further intensify. The people on the grassland recognize the descendants of Genghis Khan, and the Wala None of them are natives of the prairie;
When a large number of grassland tribes join, there will be a situation where the competition is overwhelming, and trade is always limited, which cannot satisfy all the tribes in the grassland;
Don't worry about being few, but worry about unevenness; when that time comes, the leaders of the tribes in the grasslands will raise their arms and Oala will be attacked by the group. Li Qing said, "Wala can't bear it at all. He will either return to his hometown or be devoured by the grassland tribes;
Then, there is unity. "
Li Qing sighed: "By then, the Ming Dynasty's support for Oara will be transferred in disguise to the Tatars, who are known as the orthodox people of the grassland."
"This..." Zhu Qiyu's expression changed. He didn't expect that the strategy he thought was excellent actually hid such a big hidden danger.
"Sir, do you have any good ideas?"
"The specific situation in Wala is unknown, and there is no point in discussing a solution now." Li Qing shook his head slightly, "I have to leave as soon as possible."
Zhu Qiyu didn't say anything this time. He had already realized the seriousness, and at the same time, he also understood the power of the heirloom.
Li Qing's far-sighted vision and deep understanding of the overall situation are simply... terrifying!
Having an old man in the family is like having a treasure... Zhu Qiyu thought to himself, but immediately felt that something was wrong. After all, Li Qing was so young.
"What do you need, sir?" Zhu Qiyu asked, "How many people are needed?"
Li Qing thought for a while and said: "Twenty thousand people are enough, five thousand combat soldiers, fifteen thousand supplies, more food and grass, because we have to recruit the families of those who took refuge in the Ming Dynasty last time."
"No problem." Zhu Qiyu agreed, and then asked: "Is twenty thousand less or less?"
"It's quite a lot. The Tatars were severely damaged in the last battle, and the scars haven't healed yet." Li Qing shook his head, "As for Wala, now is the time when they are begging for the Ming Dynasty, and they will not use troops against us."
"That's true." Zhu Qiyu nodded, "When will we set off?"
"The sooner, the better." Li Qing said, "Wala has been suffering from internal friction for a long time. If we just leave it alone, there is a risk of losing control."
Zhu Qiyu stopped being pretentious. He walked to the imperial desk and sat down. He wrote an imperial order and handed it to Li Qing, saying:
"Sir, I know Yu Aiqing well, and you are both my ministers, so I have nothing to worry about."
Li Qing smiled and said, "I'll take my leave."
…
After leaving the palace, it was almost evening, so Li Qing went directly to Yu Qian's house.
Before Yu Qian came back, Li Qing chatted with Yu Mian for a few words, and then chatted with the donkey until the donkey's fodder was no longer tasty.
It was dark when Yu Qian came back.
Seeing Li Qing coming, a flash of surprise flashed in his eyes, and he smiled happily: "Sir, you are finally back. I thought you were going to extend your leave again."
"Something has delayed me." Li Qing asked with a smile, "Now that the government is calm, why are you still so busy?"
"The prince's classes were a bit long today and he stayed in the East Palace for a while." Yu Qian smiled and asked, "When did you come back, sir?"
"I just came back in the afternoon. I came here after entering the palace." Li Qing patted the donkey, turned around and said, "I came to see you on business."
Yu Qian was startled, nodded and said, "Let's go to the study to talk."
…
"Sir, are you afraid that Walawei won't be able to grow big, which will make it possible for the grassland to be unified?"
"That's right." Li Qing sighed softly: "This situation is very likely to happen, and we must guard against it. If the grasslands are really unified, it will be difficult for the Ming border to be peaceful in the future."
Yu Qian pondered: "When will you go, sir?"
"As soon as possible, prepare food, grass and baggage as soon as possible. I will go to the capital camp to find Shi Heng tomorrow," Li Qing said. "This is not a war. There is no need to make any arrangements. Everything should be simple and quick."
"Understood." Yu Qian nodded and reminded, "Sir, I'm going to the grassland this time. Yu Qingyuli wants to see the Supreme Emperor. I can't decide whether the Supreme Emperor comes back, but if you don't go to visit, someone will inevitably pick on you when he comes back." bone."
After a pause, "There are many officials who hate Mr., and there is also the Queen Mother... at least bring back a letter personally written by the Emperor, so that some people can shut up."
Li Qing smiled and nodded: "I know this."
In fact, he is already ready.
…
ps: I’m too tired today. I’ll take a day off and look forward to Baozi Haihan. I’ll resume the third update tomorrow!
