The Ming Dynasty started with saving the eldest grandson

Chapter 292 Hexi Strategy
The imperial court did not hold any grand welcome ceremony for Zhao Zhi and the others, but several officials from the Ministry of Rites and Honglu Temple were sent to greet them.

The rest of the officials who came to greet them were basically relatives and friends of Zhao Zhi and Geng Zimao.

Of course, Zhu Yuanzhang also sent a eunuch over to express his concern for the matter, and by the way, he sent a few words directly to Zhao Zhi.

It's not that someone specifically targets the ocean missions, but that the country has its own laws.

What level of person goes on an envoy, and what level of country does the envoy go to? When he comes back, the court will send corresponding officials to greet him.

It can't be higher, and it can't be lower.

Especially after the promulgation of Zhu Xiongying's diplomatic regulations, this aspect has been implemented very strictly.

Although Zhao Zhi's mission was large in scale, it was actually not of high standard.

After all, he had no clear mission or goal on this trip. He just went out to take a look and make some money along the way.

According to regulations, the court cannot give a high-level welcome.

At such a young age, he is somewhat majestic when he is serious.

However, Zhao Zhi did not feel left out at all. The welcome he received after entering the Ming Dynasty, and the emperor sent eunuchs around him to greet him and convey the message, was completely enough.

Zhu Xiongying interjected: "In the future, I will send people to the black soil continent to catch a few and show them to you."

"Attack in two directions. As long as one of them can find the target, it will be considered a success. Why did you change your mind again?"

Just when he was hesitating whether to leave too, Chen Jingke said:
"It's not a big secret. It doesn't hurt for Commander Chiang to listen."

Seeing that they were about to talk business, Xu Miaojin put down the telescope and stood obediently next to Zhu Xiongying.

It is Chen Jingke, Zhu Xiongying and Xu Miaojin.

Chen Jingke came to his rescue and said: "Of course I won't go out to catch them. In the future, the ocean caravan will pass by and just catch a few of them."

Chen Jingke replied: "Yes, there are larger lions living in the more distant black earth continent."

"The third uncle went to find Yesudier's main force, and the fourth uncle attacked Jiejie, Naierbuhua, Alu Timur and other tribes."

Xu Miaojin also said: "This is the first time I've seen it. It's very powerful."

Then he changed the subject and said, "I have never seen a lion in my life."

Zhu Xiongying said quickly: "Hey, why do you and I need to be so indifferent..."

While watching, Zhu Xiongying kept mumbling: "Where's Suan Ni? Why didn't I see Suan Ni?"

"Just like this time, it was originally a mission to various countries to do business and capture some unique local animals."

Chen Jingke subconsciously moved a few steps to the side, indicating that I didn't recognize this person.

Xu Miaojin said with disgust: "That's not a Suan Ni, it's a lion."

Jiang Wei immediately ordered the people standing guard around him to stay away.

Chen Jingke picked up the telescope and looked at it. It was indeed a lion, a male lion.

"Teacher, do you think that is a lion?"

"Since the middle and late Tang Dynasty, when they no longer had control over the Western Regions, the people of the Central Plains have never seen this beast again."

Xu Miaojin said seriously: "No, how can you waste people and money just for your own preferences?"

Jiang Yu and Niu Erhu, who were following behind, turned their heads to the side and pretended not to see it.

"Zhao Zhi is so ignorant that he doesn't put Suanni in the most conspicuous place."

Xu Miaojin looked in the direction he pointed, and sure enough she saw a beast with a mane on its head.

Zhu Xiongying said in confusion: "Isn't this a strategy that was discussed before?"

"It's about one-third longer than this kind of lion, and the mane on the male lion's head is also more than this, just like an exploding ball of hair."

Chen Jingke said: "Lions like hot and arid climates, and only the Western Region is suitable for survival."

Zhu Xiongying snorted coldly and said: "Sooner or later, the Ming Dynasty will regain control of the Western Regions and let China's footsteps once again enter the far west."

Chen Jingke then said: "After the new year, King Jin and King Yan are ready to take the initiative. I think doing so is a waste of troops."

Zhu Xiongying said quickly: "Okay, okay, it's a lion... Look, look, see if it's a lion."

Zhu Xiongying was blocked and speechless.

"The Han and Tang Dynasties had controlled the Western Region for a long time and had many exchanges with countries in the far west. The vassal countries in the Western Region once donated lions."

While he was reminiscing with his relatives and friends, there were three people on the city gate tower looking towards them with binoculars.

This time Xu Miaojin didn't say any more militaristic words, but nodded in support.

Xu Miaojin said in surprise: "Is there any lion bigger than this?"

However, it is relatively small and does not have much mane on its neck, which is typical of Asian lions.

Jiang Wei came back and stood respectfully, and couldn't help but wonder what they were going to say.

Chen Jingke glanced at Jiang Wei.

Xu Miaojin then said apologetically: "I see, I misunderstood my grandson."

"It is indeed a lion, but a smaller one among the lions."

Chen Jingke explained: "New information came from Beiyuan. After the robbery southward failed, Yesudier led the tribe to retreat deep into Mobei."

"Obviously he also knew that Daming would launch a counterattack and made preparations in advance."

"If he deliberately avoided fighting, it would be impossible for King Jin's army to find him."

"If the King of Jin goes deep into Mobei alone, he will easily cut off the food route and then concentrate his superior forces to attack."

"Wei Guogong and Liang Guogong suffered such a loss back then. Fortunately, Cao Guogong was brave and did not cause a catastrophe."

He was talking about the second Northern Expedition in the fifth year of Hongwu. At that time, the Ming Dynasty launched a three-pronged attack, preparing to annihilate the main force of the Northern Yuan Dynasty in one fell swoop.

They are Feng Sheng's West Route Army, Xu Da and Lan Yu's main Middle Route Army, and Li Wenzhong's East Route Army.

It can be said that the Ming Dynasty brought out all its elites, and at that time the whole country believed that this battle would be won.

The original plan was for the Central Route Army and the East Route Army to advance hand in hand and support each other to avoid being defeated by Bei Yuan one by one.

However, Xu Da and Lan Yu fell into Wang Baobao's plan to fake defeat and accelerated their march without notifying Li Wenzhong.

In the end, the lone army was deeply surrounded by the main force of Beiyuan.

After fighting hard, they managed to break through, but suffered heavy losses. The main force of the Central Army lost its combat effectiveness.

Li Wenzhong's Eastern Route Army continued to move northward and continuously defeated the main force of Bei Yuan. However, because it was alone and unable to expand its results, it had to withdraw.

The West Route Army led by Feng Sheng captured the Hexi Corridor with overwhelming force.

However, due to the turmoil in the late Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, the Guiyi Army, which represented the Han people in Hexi, could not be supplemented and gradually weakened.

Finally, he was destroyed by Xixia Li Yuanhao.

At this point, the Han people in Hexi completely declined and gradually disappeared.

By the time Feng Sheng came over, there were only a thousand Han households in Hexi.

Such a small population cannot maintain the Ming Dynasty's long-term military garrison.

Feng Sheng could only lead his troops to retreat.

However, he did not completely withdraw from Hexi, but built Jiayuguan to guard the gateway to Hexi, leaving the initiative in the hands of Ming Dynasty.

And Chen Jingke's purpose this time is to completely capture Hexi.

"When the population structure was adjusted a few years ago, the Ming Dynasty moved thousands of households to Hexi."

"Many people also migrated spontaneously in order to make a living."

"Coupled with the original local population, it has exceeded 10,000 households."

"It is enough to support the Ming Dynasty to station an army in Hexi."

"With the protection of the army, we can continue to move more people there."

"In a few years, the Hexi Corridor will be back in the hands of the Ming Dynasty again."

"With the Hexi Corridor under control, the Western Regions and even Kangzang are nothing more than a piece of cake."

Zhu Xiongying thought: "So, you want your third uncle to go to Hexi? It's not impossible." "It's just that before the Ming Dynasty, five Mongolian princes were appointed as the leaders of the Guanxi Guards. If we attack them now, I'm afraid it will arouse the fear of the princes of Kangzang." ”

Now the Ming Dynasty adopts the restraint system for Kangzang and the west of Jiayuguan.

In Kangzang, the Tibetan prince was canonized as the leader of the guard, while in Kansai, the Mongolian prince was canonized as the leader.

In name, they followed the orders of the Ming Dynasty, but in fact they were separatist forces.

But no matter what, these people surrendered to the Ming Dynasty and were canonized by the emperor.

If we rush to send troops to attack them now, we will be breaking our promise.

Once the court breaks its trust, the consequences will be serious.

Especially it will make Prince Kangzang feel like his lips are dying and his teeth are cold.

If you dare to break your alliance and attack Kansai today, will you come to attack us tomorrow?
If they rebel by then, what will Ming do?
Send people to attack them on the plateau?

Stop making trouble, there is no development value for Daming at the moment, as long as the nominal ownership is maintained, it is enough.

Sending troops to fight will result in more losses than gains.

It will become easier to shoot when firearms mature in the future.

Chen Jingke naturally considered this and said:

"There are seven Mongolian princes in Guanxi, five of them have surrendered, and there are two kings, King Hami and King Bin, who have not surrendered."

"Let the King of Jin send out his troops to attack them both."

"At the same time, send a large army out of Jiayuguan and cooperate with the King of Jin to attack from inside and outside to frighten the five guards in Kansai."

"The Five Guards of Guanxi are the subjects of the Ming Dynasty, and the Hexi Corridor is also the territory of the Ming Dynasty."

"It is completely in line with etiquette and law for the imperial court to send officials to govern."

"Furthermore, the Ming Dynasty has abolished the guard system, and the Five Guards of Kansai should also be abolished in accordance with the imperial decree."

"If they cooperate, we can give them a happy ending."

"If they don't cooperate... wouldn't it be easy to collect evidence of their collusion with Mongolia?"

There is no need to forge at all. As a Mongolian prince, although he surrendered to the Ming Dynasty, he still maintained contact with the Northern Yuan Dynasty.

Trade exchanges between the two sides are even more frequent.

If the court does not investigate, nothing will happen. If investigated, these will be evidence of colluding with the enemy.

In the past, Ming Dynasty had no ability to pursue the case and could only turn a blind eye.

Now that I have the ability, I can take care of them at any time.

Jiang Wei was shocked. He didn't expect that what they were going to discuss was such a major matter.

Moreover, they are the great-grandson and the great-grandson's companions, so they can already decide such a big thing.

Thinking of this, his waist couldn't help but bend a little more.

Niu Erhu was accustomed to it, and he knew the real situation better.

It was Chen Bandu who really made the decision on such a big matter, and Taisun was just participating and giving his opinions.

Zhu Xiongying said: "What I'm worried about is Prince Kangzang. The imperial court has sealed three guard posts on the plateau."

Chen Jingke said confidently: "As long as the teacher is famous, it won't be a big problem."

"They will definitely be frightened and just need to send someone to calm them down."

"Just tell them that the imperial court has abolished the guard system, and theirs will be abolished as well."

"However, considering their loyalty to the court, they will not be deprived of their power, but will be given the title of chieftain."

"But we must also warn them not to be half-hearted and not to be friends with the enemies of the Ming Dynasty."

"Since you have been granted the title of chieftain, you must completely follow the chieftain system."

"The Ming Dynasty will send propaganda envoys to the plateau, and all ministries must cooperate with their work, otherwise it will be regarded as rebellion."

Zhu Xiongying nodded repeatedly and said: "This is a good method. With such kindness and power, the princes on the plateau will not dare to cause trouble."

Chen Jingke changed the subject and said: "It doesn't matter even if they cause trouble, the plateau today is not the same as the Tang Dynasty."

During the Tang Dynasty, the climate was warmer, and the permafrost on the plateau melted, allowing more food to be grown and more livestock to be raised.

The population also increased significantly.

Coupled with the emergence of heroes and capable ministers, there was a powerful Tubo.

As the Little Ice Age approached, the plateau was more affected, and both agriculture and animal husbandry suffered a major blow.

Coupled with the civil strife of the decadent ruling class, the political turmoil caused eventually led to the demise of Tibet, and the plateau once again fell into pieces.

Until now, the plateau is still divided.

The three guard stations established by the Ming Dynasty were the three relatively large princely forces.

Besides these three, there are many other forces that have always wanted to take their place.

"If they really dare to rebel, there will be no need for the Ming Dynasty to send troops. People from other tribes will take action to destroy them."

"Then take their heads to claim credit from the Ming Dynasty, hoping to take their place."

Having said that, the big policy and strategy have been determined.

The rest is left to specific people to do.

Afterwards, they watched the excitement on the tower. After all, they were bringing Xu Miaojin out to play today, so they couldn't ruin her interest.

It wasn't until the envoys returned to the city that they left with unfinished business.

Then we started touring the city again.

After a year of development, the population of Luoyang City has reached 400,000, officially surpassing Yingtian.

But there is no sense of crowding in Yingtian City.

Except for some densely populated areas, most local people still seem a little deserted.

But this is normal, after all, the scale of millions of people is not that easy to fill.

And the population increases more slowly as time goes by.

The reason is simple. Initially, in order to quickly fill the population, the immigration standards were very low.

As long as you have a clean net worth and a skill, you can come here.

When the population reaches a certain number, the standards will be raised.

The further you get to the back, the harder it is to settle here.

Chen Jingke said: "As a capital, it must be a place where the population gathers. A permanent population of five to six million is enough."

“Leave enough space for the floating population.”

Xu Miaojin said: "With more than 400,000 redundant people, is there that much floating population?"

Zhu Xiongying said confidently: "Just wait and see, in at least twenty years, Luoyang's total population will exceed one million."

"At that time we will have to worry about how to accommodate more people."

Chen Jingke nodded and said: "A population of one million is the limit of Luoyang City, not the limit of the capital of Ming Dynasty."

"But fortunately, this issue was already considered when building Luoyang City."

"A large area of ​​open space has been reserved around it. If necessary, an acropolis can be built at any time to divert the population."

Zhu Xiongying said: "This is called advance, and the plan is directly implemented fifty years later..."

Xu Miaojin said with admiration: "Teacher's far-sightedness is admirable."

Zhu Xiongying curled his lips, he would have known better not to mention this issue.

After wandering outside for a long time, the three of them returned to the palace.

Xu Miaojin went to Kunning Palace, while Chen Jingke and Zhu Xiongying went to Qianqing Palace to discuss adjusting strategies with Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao.

(End of this chapter)