Rejecting the tribute requests from the left and right wings of Meng Yuan, this decision was deliberately suppressed for several days.
In the Luan River Valley northeast of Gubeikou, the Duoyan tribe is now stationed here.
It's September, the weather is getting colder, and the horses in Duoyan Department have been fed to be fat and strong.
But now Hua Dang, the leader of the tribe, was surrounded by about forty people in his big tent. There are so many people crowded in the tent, and the smell is touching.
And their eyes were now looking at the old man wrapped in the blanket, looking at his frowning face.
"...Father?" Beside him, another middle-aged man called him softly.
"Huh? Oh, hey..."
Hearing the old man's reaction, the two middle-aged men sitting slightly lower and looser next to him couldn't help but look at each other.
Hua Dang is really old.
"Dear Huadang Abaga, our father will listen to your opinion on how to handle this matter."
Those two middle-aged men were the sons of the Taining and Fuyu tribe chiefs.
Except for Huadang and his son Boge, the other thirty-six people are the heads of the thirty-six families of Duoyan.
So many people crowded here, naturally because of the shocking news that came back after Daha went to discuss the opening of trade.
The emperor of the Ming Dynasty no longer recognized them as the three guards of the Ming Dynasty, and all their official positions were taken back. This incident was enough for all the families to come together to discuss, not to mention more shocking news later - Bodi's son called Sun Jing to call his nephew and request to open the market, and the location turned out to be the Duoyan Department Resident Shepherd in the north of Jizhou The location where the ground borders the Ming Dynasty border wall.
Boge said worriedly: "Kuden Khan has inherited everything from Arak Khan, and has made the daughter of his son and grandson Aha his wife. She wrote a letter. The emperor of the Han people does not recognize that we are also Ming ministers. Kuden Khan wants to remind us that the Duoyan Tribe and the Khan Court should be one family. Father, what should we do now?"
Hua Dang sighed again: "My stupid granddaughter..."
He had four sons. The eldest son died young. The eldest son, who had relied on his daughter to marry his children to Bodi a few years ago, wanted to seize the throne from his legitimate son while he was still young, but he also died. Now Boge and Daha are both concubines. According to the rules, after Hua Dang's death, the position of head of the clan belongs to Gram Tai, the eldest grandson, but Gram Tai is still too young.
Now, because of the power of Dayan Khan, the marriage relationship between the Duoyan tribe and the Khan's court has made things complicated.
If not, the Duoyan tribe might not have helped Bodi contain Jizhou's troops in the Ming Dynasty last year.
From here to the capital of the Ming Dynasty, it takes just one day by horseback. Hua Dang is the most aware of the changes in the Ming Dynasty.
Because he knew it, he stood still, and then he got the promise from the Minister of War of the Ming Dynasty.
But Bodie was defeated so miserably that he died in Xuan Mansion. Now the young Han emperor proudly dismissed the three guards of Duoyan.
Doesn't he know that Duoyanbu and Khan Ting are still related by marriage? Although her granddaughter is just one of Bodie's many women, an inconspicuous one.
After sighing with emotion, Huadang said: "Don't forget, the Karaqin Otok under the Yongxiebu on the right wing has fallen into the hands of Gunbilik and Anda's fourth brother. In fact, it has also fallen into the hands of the fourth brother. In Anda's hands. They are just to the west of our Duoyan. Join the Khan Court? Become an Otok of Chahar? Do we have the noble golden bloodline?"
After reminding them, Hua Dang frowned even more.
Now, they are caught between the Khan Court, the Right Wing and the Ming Dynasty, and the situation is even more difficult.
"But in the past, we treated them as ministers of the Ming Dynasty, and they always lied to us in transactions. Now that they have taken back their official positions, the price of the transaction is much less than before. In addition, they will definitely cheat us. , I think it’s better to join the Khan Court! Even if Karaqin comes, will our Duoyan tribe be afraid?”
Among the thirty-six families, one person expressed his opinion loudly.
"...The Khan Court will neither formally incorporate us into Chahar nor rescue us. Now, both the Khan Court and the Ming Dynasty hope that we will fight to the death with the right wing. Who are we? Used to consume the strength of the right wing. Just a pioneer!" Another family owner retorted.
"Am I stupid? How could he want to occupy this place? From Datong Xuanfu to Jizhou, he is facing the Ming Dynasty's most elite border troops?"
When Hua Dang coughed, she really coughed, rather than trying to stop them.
"Ida..." After he finished coughing, he took advantage of the silence in the tent and said, "Even if I don't want to do this, when the market opens, who wouldn't be greedy for the wealth of our three departments? From now on, every year we don't know Which cavalry will come to plunder our camp..."
Today is not what it used to be. The Taining and Fuyu tribes are much weaker than the Duoyan tribe. Thinking that their pastoral area was closer to the Khan Court, both of them looked sad.
Hua Dang also felt very powerless. This was the first time in his life that he encountered such a situation where neither side could borrow any strength.
When Dayan Khan was powerful in the grassland, Ming Dynasty was weaker, so he could submit to Dayan Khan. After the death of Dayan Khan, the various clans were in dispute. He could use Duoyan Wei's identity to ask for more from the Ming Dynasty.
But now, the Khan Court will not want them. Instead, they hope that they will consume the right wing. After Dayan Khan died, they no longer belong to any ten thousand households under the Khan Court. Both the left wing and the right wing can embezzle them without any scruples. They expand their grazing land, enhance their strength, and enhance their prestige.
The emperor of the Ming Dynasty no longer cared whether they would invade Jizhou and Liaodong, and they also lost their status as vassals of the Ming Dynasty.
Can the three Duoyan tribes invade Jizhou and Liaodong now? In that case, Daming can also beat them.
Although they may occasionally win at the beginning, they are beaten by the three parties in turn, and the demise of the three Duoyan tribes is already visible.
Under this situation, the Duoyan Tribe could only ask for the protection of the Ming Dynasty, so that the left and right wings would be wary when they wanted to attack them.
And the opening of the market that Wang Shouren promised was actually a plan.
If a war of genocide is not enough and a small-scale robbery is not possible, the Ming Dynasty cannot mobilize troops to conquer the border walls, right?
In the solemn atmosphere in the big tent, Hua Dang slowly said: "Our old pastoral area has been occupied by the Jurchens, and it is difficult to go back. Now, we have been forced here. For so many days, I have been I'm thinking about the future of the three divisions. This time, I really can only sincerely surrender to the Ming Dynasty, at least until they and the Khan's court completely decide the winner."
No one spoke, but everyone was worried.
"Among the various goods that Ming Dynasty wants, the price of grain is the highest. I have already figured out what His Majesty the Emperor wants. We will still lead the three troops, but please ask him to send more civil servants to help us. How about cultivating grain fields and cultivating crops in the river valley?"
"Father! Then we won't raise cattle, sheep and horses in the future?"
"Of course we still need to raise them. However, there will be no place to move in the future, and we have to be wary of plunder from the left and right wings. We need more iron to make arrows and good knives. Food... cargo... we also need someone to learn from the three departments. I want to know how to do business without being cheated, and how to grow crops. If each family still needs to herd cattle, they can catch slaves from the Jurchen tribe and learn how to grow crops."
Hua Dang finally made a decision in this situation, and added: "Boge, your little daughter is the most beautiful. Choose one from each of the three bloodlines, and then choose the most beautiful one from the three. , donate it to the emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Regardless of whether he wants it or not, at least let him know that the three departments are sincerely asking for the protection of the Ming Dynasty this time."
Finally, he looked at the sons of the leaders of Tai Ning and Fu Yu: "Kaishi Trading, whatever he wants, and what he wants our three departments to help achieve, we three departments will do it. There is only one thing, our soldiers and horses It’s still in our own hands, we just will never point the blade at Ming Dynasty again.”
"... Noble Hua Dang Abaga, but the Ming Dynasty and the Khan Court will eventually have a decisive battle. At that time, what if the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty asks us to attack the Khan Court or the right wing?"
Hua Dang remained silent, and then just said: "That is the decision you should make in the future..."
…
Because of the tribute show between the Khan Court and the right wing, Liu Long's negotiation work went so smoothly that it made his scalp numb.
Now in the Forbidden City, Zhu Houcong also needs to make a decision.
"...According to your wishes, it would be better to accept this offer of a woman?"
Fei Hong nodded: "You must be at ease! Your Majesty, in the past, when the three guards were set up, they never sent civil servants to teach. Hua Dang took the initiative to ask for this, which shows his sincerity. Although the three departments are waiting for the situation to become clearer in the future. I have another idea to make a decision, but as long as the Celestial Empire succeeds in enlightenment, it is not impossible to become a naturalized member of the three tribes."
Zhu Houcong was thinking intently.
I want to dedicate my daughter to my "sister", and I want to dedicate my flowers to my granddaughter. It can only be said that in this era, they believe that this fragile "bond" has at least a short-term effect.
At any rate, it is a sincere release and acceptance.
However, Zhu Houcong did not want to deviate from the original plan like this and give the Duoyan Tribunal another chance to be a walleye.
Can only one civil servant be sent to carry out good education work in the third department?
He thought, settle for the next best thing.
"Taking this opportunity, you and others will also start to become familiar with another method." Zhu Houcong said, "You can't take charge of the army. If the civil servants are gone, they can only serve as a liaison between the first and the second. In this case, only send a propaganda officer Envoy, with two or three assistant officers and one banner of guards."
"...Envoy?"
Zhu Houcong nodded: "Selected from the Ministry of Rites. One of these assistant officers is in charge of liaison, one is in charge of education, and the other is in charge of business and civilian affairs. As for the guards... they are selected from the external inspection factory and the special service office."
Fei Hong thought carefully for a moment, and then asked uncertainly: "What does your Majesty mean..."
"In addition to military force, our Ming Dynasty's customs, culture, education, and technology can make foreigners yearn for it. This propaganda embassy does not need to try to govern and educate foreign people. I respect their rights and customs. But to promote our Ming Dynasty, Communication, coupled with intelligence collection, and cultivating people who are friendly to the Ming Dynasty are the true responsibilities of the embassy. This approach is not only used in Duoyan Sanbu, Uszang, Turpan, which has swallowed Hami, but also in Korea, Ryukyu and Jiaozhi can do this."
Zhu Houcong's eyes flashed: "Mo Dengyong of Jiaozhi is still trying his best to eradicate the descendants of the Li family and hide it from the Ming Dynasty. In this case, it is better to take this opportunity to send envoys to discuss the establishment of a diplomatic embassy. Explain our Ming Dynasty's attitude to Mo Dengyong to inspire Ruan Gan and others."
Fei Hong then said: "The Host and Guest Department of the Ministry of Rites has been changed to the Foreign Affairs Department. It turns out that His Majesty has had this idea for a long time..."
Otherwise, why is it called "familiar with another way"?
"The outside world is bitterly cold and the dangers are even greater." Zhu Houcong said, "Those who are willing to go will be given a double salary. After completing their term, they will be given priority in the selection process."
In the future external situation, with the advent of the Age of Discovery, Ming Dynasty cannot always use the thinking of a heavenly kingdom to interact with neighboring and foreign countries. A more advanced and systematic diplomatic thinking can begin to be cultivated from this opportunity.
"If you want to be protected by the Ming Dynasty, you will have to reach the diplomatic level. Whether you want to do business and trade and how you are treated are all related to this. Take your time and enhance mutual trust." Zhu Houcong smiled and added to Fei Hong, "When the time is right, you may be willing to become the Ming Dynasty. A province may have other intentions. If it is not important, keep friendly. In dangerous places, you can use planning to guide the relationship. If its neighbors or neighboring tribes are already very friendly with the Ming Dynasty but are attacked by it, the Ming Dynasty can learn from it. With a reputation, use force to break up the fight."
"..."
Of course, this idea has actually been used in the past, but this time it will be operated for a long time through the permanent agency of the embassy.
Fei Hong looked at Zhu Houcong with a complicated expression, and finally could only say: "I am familiar with history books, and I really admire your majesty's ingenuity. The duties and strategies of these envoys who were sent to various vassal states to restore their clans can only be determined I’m afraid I need your Majesty to teach me something.”
"That's natural. After this major national policy meeting, the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Rites will start the selection process. Before going on the mission, they will go to the palace for training."
"... What about the Duoyan Tribe offering clan girls? If Your Majesty agrees, the Ministry of Rites will send someone to teach etiquette. This is the first time since Your Majesty became emperor..."
It is always not a trivial matter for foreigners to offer their daughters for marriage.
"...There is no need for such a large formation. Since there is only one envoy sent, they can choose one person to send it, and it does not have to be a daughter of each clan. I only know their intentions."
Look at Dahan's appearance, can his niece be beautiful?
Zhu Houcong just wants to live in his hometown and do as the Romans do. Even if he is sent to the palace, he doesn't have that much thought about women now.
He was still waiting for Gunbilik's reaction.
The reaction of the Khan Court does not matter. If they want to invade eastward immediately, it will only force the three tribes of Duoyan to fall more towards the Ming Dynasty under pressure.
The Ming Dynasty can help Duoyan's three tribes, but it will only provide weapons, money and food, and it will have to be exchanged for things. At most, it will be a little discounted.
The reaction of Zhu Houcong and others did not come until the governors-general of various provinces and governors and the envoy from the left arrived in Beijing, and the major national policy meeting was about to be held.
On November 19th, an urgent report of Gansu's army arrived in Beijing, and the northern rebels invaded Gansu.
This is the westernmost town among the nine borders of the Ming Dynasty. It is currently commanded by Chen Jiuchou, the governor of the three borders.
After being summoned to the palace, he naturally apologized first: "I was unable to guard the border, which caused the Tartars to break the fortress. Please forgive me."
A big change is coming soon. A great victory was announced last year. This year, Gansu Town was once again invaded by the Northern Captives into the Hexi Corridor. Chen Jiuchou was in a very depressed mood.
Zhu Houcong said: "This is no wonder."
After that, he looked at Yang Yiqing: "Their 25,000 troops on the right wing broke the fort but did not loot the town of Gansu. They just plundered along the way and then marched to Qinghai. Aren't they ready to go home? They are not afraid that I will counterattack Hetao and Hetao. Toyosu Beach?”
The reason why Chen Jiuchou is not to blame is that the right-wing army that broke the fort this time is really huge.
The purpose of concentrating the attack on a border fort was not to plunder Gansu Town, but to go straight to Qinghai through the narrow Hexi Corridor.
Yang Yiqing said solemnly: "I have been in charge of the three sides for many years. Looking at this move, I have given up the road of conquering through Hami without attacking. This time, the 25,000-strong army went to Qinghai to completely wipe out without attacking. Instead of plundering the town of Gansu, it is better to capture Qinghai. After that, the town of Gansu will have to face the right-wing front on both sides, and the situation will be more difficult! Therefore, I am afraid that most of the 25,000 troops will stay in Qinghai. The rest will have to Rick, I have the best soldiers under my command, and we can go back around Hami."
"Going from the town of Gansu, one is to show off one's power, and the other is to lure the enemy. After the death of Wuba Umbrella Qingtaiji last year, all households in Yongxiebu have been in the hands of the right wing. And this is not wrong, it is Yongxie in the past year. The lord of Buwanhu was expelled to Qinghai by Dayan Khan. Gunbilik and Anda Dajun were not found in the military report, so they must still be guarding Hetao and Fengzhoutan. This time, the 25,000-strong army is probably Anda. The elite soldiers under my command will be the vanguard, and the Yongxiebu tribes will be the main force. After I win, I will not take Qinghai, but will only let Gunbilik use it to win the hearts of thousands of households in Yongxiebu."
After listening to his explanation, Zhu Houcong also nodded: "I am young and can afford to wait. Once Gunbilik dies, the right wing will still respect him. He wants me to turn my attention to Gunbilik. After all, there will be more pressure in the future. The bigger ones will be the three sides to the west. This move is a good move!"
Twenty-five thousand is enough to destroy the country.
Zhu Houcong believed that the Qinghai area south of the Qilian Mountains and north of Uzang would change hands this time.
He didn't know about An Da's more plans, but just because the north and south sides of Gansu Town had to face the pressure of Gunbilik, it was already a situation that had to be dealt with.
In the past, although Qinghai was also controlled by the Mongolian and Yuan Dynasties, Buza and the right wing were mortal enemies after all, and Gansu Town still had room for maneuver.
After this year, it will be different.
After studying and judging the situation for a while, the monarch and his ministers still just agreed on the same old point of view: he will fight his, and I will fight mine.
We have to defend the three sides, but the pressure from behind is just a little greater.
Now, the three sides need more capable governors and more powerful generals.
Since the situation has changed, what has changed will naturally be a longer-term arrangement.
For example, taking advantage of the opportunity that the three sides need to strengthen supplies in terms of military strength, food and wages, etc., to plan the Loop.
Many people's names flashed through Zhu Houcong's mind, and he finally ended the impromptu military affairs meeting: "Let it be decided at the national policy meeting."
In the last month or two of the seventh year of Jiajing, the candidates who have accumulated positive results from various provinces in the past three years are arriving in Beijing one after another, preparing to participate in next year's joint examination.
At the national policy meeting, another round of central government office reform will usher in.
The changes in the positions of several ministers of state have resulted in the transfer of important ministers, which has been the focus of discussion between the government and the opposition.
Guangning, located northeast of Shanhaiguan, is preparing to open the market. Duoyan Sanbu is selecting beauties to contribute to the emperor of tomorrow. Zhang Lun is busy assisting Yu Chengye in checking the company's accounts. Yan Song is thinking about the candidates for this large number of propaganda envoys. Who, Yan Chunsheng and Zhang Boring were selecting guards for the diplomatic missions that were about to go to several vassal states and clans.
In this winter, Wei Bin and Gu Shilong passed away, and Yang Tinghe and Jiang Mian also retired and returned to their hometowns.
More than eight years after Zhu Houcong ascended the throne, the first group of veterans were almost completely leaving the court stage.
In the Yangxin Hall, Zhu Houcong hosted a banquet for Yang Tinghe, Jiang Mian and other senior ministers who were about to retire.
"Have another good year in the capital." Zhu Houcong sighed, "I will never forget your contribution to the country and your loyalty to me."
Yang Tinghe looked at him blankly.
Now he is only twenty-three years old, and he will have a long life ahead of him.
Those who can sit here know what kind of future Ming this young emperor has in his mind.
But I probably can’t see it anymore.
They are the last people of the old dynasty, the big ship of the new dynasty, and now it is their turn to step off and watch it sail on its new journey.
But Yang Tinghe's favor was already very high, and the Yang family was still entrusted with important responsibilities by the emperor.
Yang Shen was promoted to Minister of Household Affairs. Yang Tingyi, the minister of the Ministry of Industry, was the governor-general of Liaodong.
With his uncle and nephew as ministers, Yang Tinghe felt at ease in becoming an official.
"Your Majesty, there will be more affairs in the future, and the Marquis of Jing'an is already old, so it's time to establish a prince." Yang Tinghe gave his last suggestion before taking office.
(End of chapter)
