Ming Dynasty: He was ordered to give lectures in prison, but Lao Zhu eavesdropped and made people nu

Chapter 583: Conquering Annan
The next day.

As the sun rises, its golden light shines on the tiles of the Forbidden City, making them sparkle.

Zhu Yuanzhang got up early today on purpose. He stood in the imperial garden, gazing at the eastern sky, and seemed to be in a particularly good mood.

"Annan has surrendered today, and our territory has expanded a bit. Haha!" He said excitedly to the eunuch beside him, with undisguised pride in his voice.

The eunuchs also greeted him with a smile, saying, "Your Majesty is wise. This is a sign that the foundation of the Ming Dynasty will be more stable and the people will be blessed."

The court meeting began in a joyful atmosphere. Lin Che, as the main contributor, stood in the court with a calm expression but a faint glow in his eyes.

The Annan envoy held the letter of credence. This time he was not as arrogant as before. He knew very well that today was a historic moment and he would make the final submission on behalf of Annan.

The music sounded with a sense of solemnity and peace. Everyone's eyes were focused on the Annan envoy. He stepped across the Danbi with an extremely solemn look.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne, looking graceful and elegant. He waved his hand slightly and announced the start of the ceremony.

The Annan envoy walked steadily towards Zhu Yuanzhang, with a look of awe and calmness on his face. He bowed his head and said, "Thanks to the great power of the Ming Dynasty, Annan is here and is willing to be a vassal of the Ming Dynasty and never separate."

At this moment, the whole place was so silent that you could hear a pin drop.

Immediately, the solemnity and silence were replaced by thunderous applause. All the ministers were excited. This was a display of national prestige and another victory for the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked down at the envoy kneeling on the ground, his heart filled with the joy of victory, "Annan is a land of vast land, sparsely populated, and rich in resources. It is the treasure of our Ming Dynasty."

"Today, you have the foresight to resolutely surrender."

Then, he turned his gaze and looked at the Imperial Master Lin Che, his tone full of praise, "If it weren't for the Imperial Master's help, how could Annan have surrendered so quickly?"

Lin Che bowed slightly to show his humility: "Your Majesty, thank you for your praise. This is just my duty. The Annan envoy is sincerely convinced, which is also due to your Majesty's great talent and strategy."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed loudly: "Master, please stop being so modest. Without you, we wouldn't be here today."

"Your wit and wisdom are the treasures of our Ming Dynasty. I will personally confer the title on you in the future."

Lin Che then put away his humility and said, "Your Majesty is wise and wise. We are all loyal to your Majesty. It is the duty of all the ministers to consolidate the foundation of the Ming Dynasty."

The banquet started again, and unlike the previous ones, this time it was filled with more celebration and relaxation.

From then on, Annan and the Ming Dynasty were no longer in a superior-subordinate relationship, but partners walking side by side.

At the state banquet.

The dishes on the table were served one after another, and Jinhu filled the cup with fragrant wine. Every congratulation and every blessing proclaimed the magnanimity and tolerance of the Ming Dynasty.

As night fell, Zhu Yuanzhang stood in the corridor, gazing at the starry sky, a hint of complacency flashed in his eyes.

The stars seem unusually bright tonight.

The Forbidden City under the night sky is brightly lit yet still quiet.

In the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang and Lin Che sat opposite each other. On the table was a bright glass lamp, which emitted a soft light and illuminated the serious faces of the two.

"Master, your performance at the banquet today really amazed us." Zhu Yuanzhang got straight to the point, his voice filled with admiration that was difficult to conceal, "This time the Annan envoys will be speechless. If they can really surrender, it will be a great joy for our Ming Dynasty."

Lin Che waved his hand gently with a faint smile on his face: "Your Majesty, you are too kind. Untying the Nine Links is just a small trick. As for the matter of Annan, it would be best if it can be resolved peacefully."

"But I also feel a little ashamed. I always feel that this victory came too easily, which makes people..."

Before he finished speaking, Zhu Yuanzhang had already started talking: "Are you worried that the Annan envoy might be dissatisfied and do something wrong for Ali?"

“That’s right.” Lin Che nodded. “People’s minds are hard to predict. Although the Annan envoy’s words were respectful today, who can guarantee that things won’t change in the future?”

His worries were not without reason. Zhu Yuanzhang was naturally aware of this, but he was full of confidence in Lin Che. He said, "Master, you are extremely wise. I believe that you can foresee many possibilities and plan a world for the Ming Dynasty."

“Your Majesty, you are too kind. I am just fulfilling my duty as a subject.” Lin Che’s voice remained calm, but it could not hide the thoughtfulness revealed in his deep eyes.

The two looked at each other and smiled, the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed, and the sharpness in his eyes was replaced by the wisdom of an elder. "Once Annan truly surrenders, both land and sea routes will be given equal importance. Our trade, culture and even military layout will be greatly improved.

By then, I hope you can help me re-plan the affairs of Annan."

Lin Che pursed his lips slightly. He knew that there were both opportunities and challenges in this. "Your Majesty, Lin Che will do his best, but before we make any plans, I have an unwelcome request."

Zhu Yuanzhang motioned for Lin Che to continue: “Go ahead.”

"I request another meeting with the emissary."

Lin Che's implication was not just a simple meeting. "Face-to-face communication can reach the depths of the soul more deeply than written correspondence. I believe that understanding each other is the key to long-term peace."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded. This proposal suited his taste. "Okay, let's arrange it tomorrow."

Lin Che nodded slightly and looked at Zhu Yuanzhang gratefully, with a gleam of determination in her eyes.

After the meeting, the two chatted about many things, from government affairs to the country. It is rare that in this center of power, they can still maintain such a frank and relaxed dialogue.

The moonlight gradually sank to the west, and the bright lights also quietly became dim. After a long time, the two said goodbye.

Zhu Yuanzhang stayed alone in the study, looking out the window at the sky which was approaching dawn, and a sense of inexplicable emotion arose in his heart.

Lin Che returned to the Imperial Master's Mansion. In the dead of night, he had to review today's conversation. Endless thinking and planning were the price he had to pay for the country's stable navigation.

The morning breeze of the next day was a little bit cold. It brushed over the high walls of the Forbidden City and slowly swept across the imperial garden with willows swaying in the wind. In this palace under the morning breeze, another day began.

In the court, the throne room was shining brightly, and everything looked so solemn and dignified.

Under the gaze of all the ministers, the Annan envoy walked towards Zhu Yuanzhang with steady steps.

"Your Majesty, the future soldiers of Annan will be your country's solid allies. Our farewell today is for more reunions in the future." Although the words of Prince Annan were disguised as a farewell, they vaguely revealed his reluctance and nostalgia.

(End of this chapter)