Ming Dynasty: A hundred-year-old immortal cultivator, Zhu Yuanzhang’s biological father

Zhu Xiongying shook his head and whispered: "Why would they come to pay tribute? This is not right!"

Zhu Xiongying's face didn't look good and his heartbeat was accelerating.

If he remembered correctly, his master had told him the story of this country.

The Timurid Khanate and the Ming Empire were destined enemies, and they were also the two most similar countries on the planet in the fifteenth century.

It is said that two years after the old man established the Ming Dynasty, the Timurid Khanate was founded by the seventh-generation grandson of Genghis Khan, the lame Timur.

That’s not the magic.

The magic is behind this. After Timur died, he passed the throne to his eldest grandson, Pir?
Mahmud, and his grandson's fourth uncle, Timur's fourth son Shah Rukh eventually rebelled and usurped the throne.

Looking at the development of the Timurid Khanate's regime, it was almost the same as that of the Ming Dynasty.

In the same case, the eldest grandson succeeded to the throne, and in the same case, the fourth son usurped the throne.

What’s more similar is that these two powerful empires were founded two years apart, but their strengths are so similar!

To be honest, Zhu Huai was not sure who was stronger.

At that time, there were four superpowers in Eurasia, namely the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire, the Timurid Empire and the Ming Empire.

At this time, the Byzantine Empire was on the decline, while the Ottoman Empire in the west was entering its heyday. Just two years ago, the Ottoman Empire defeated the coalition forces of Serbia, Bulgaria and Hungary. This victory shocked the rulers of European countries.

However, the Ottoman Empire has not stopped its expansion into Europe. Before long, it will defeat the Hungarian, French and German coalition forces and control the Asia Minor region in one fell swoop.

However, such a powerful Ottoman Empire is nothing but rubbish in front of the lame Timur!

Ten years later, the Timurid Empire swiftly defeated the European overlord the Ottoman Empire with lightning speed. In just a few days, it mobilized tens of thousands of cavalry and captured the "Sultan" of the Ottoman Empire alive.

In this battle, Timur completely conquered all Western countries! He was also worshipped by Western countries as the Western God of War and the undefeated myth!
Some even believe that Timur is even more ferocious than Genghis Khan!

According to the time calculation, Timur will conquer Persia this year.

It was at this time that Timur's strategic focus was on the Ottoman Empire in the west and the Ming Dynasty in the east.

Fortunately, his final strategic decision was to conquer the Ottoman Empire to the west first, and then conquer the Ming Dynasty to the east!
This time, Timur sent envoys to the Ming Dynasty, definitely not just to pay tribute and become a vassal to Zhu Yuanzhang!

This was clearly an attempt to test the strength of the Ming Empire.

Historically, Timur died suddenly when he was on an expedition to the Ming Dynasty. Otherwise, if this war of the century had broken out, it would have been a tough call whether the Timurid Empire would have won or the Ming Empire would have been victorious.

Hard to say!
At least, Zhu Xiongying is not sure at the moment!

Although historical records say that Timur died of illness during the Eastern Expedition, this war of the century ultimately did not break out.

If Timur really led his troops to invade the Ming Empire ten years later, could the Ming Dynasty break Timur's myth of invincibility?

"Grandson, what are you thinking about?"

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and walked in front of Zhu Xiongying.

Zhu Xiongying tried to calm down and asked the old man: "Grandpa, what do you think of Timurid coming to pay tribute this time?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said suspiciously: "What do you think? What's so good about this? These Mongolian nobles have been conquered by our Ming Dynasty. They come to pay tribute to us and show respect. What else can we do?"

Due to the lack of information, the Ming court, including Zhu Yuanzhang, thought that the Timurid Empire was the remnant of the Northern Yuan Dynasty.

Zhu Xiongying shook his head: "They are not the Yuan people from the Middle-earth back then."

"What?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was a little curious.

Zhu Xiongying said: "It is recorded in the history of the Yuan Dynasty that when Genghis Khan conquered the West, he left a group of Mongolian nobles in the Western Continent."

"The Timurid Khanate and the Yuan Dynasty that ruled the Central Plains are not the same thing!"

"They are the Mongolian nobles who stayed in Europe to rule under Genghis Khan!"

Ok?
Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes and asked, "When have you ever read the History of Yuan Dynasty?"

But the old man didn't seem to pay attention to this little thing.

If what Zhu Xiongying said was true, if the so-called Timurid Khanate was not the fleeing Northern Yuan nobles...

Zhu Yuanzhang smacked his lips, looked at Zhu Xiongying and said, "Grandson, what do you think they can do in our Ming Dynasty?"

Zhu Xiongying smiled and said: "If they are not of my race, their hearts must be different. Anyway, it won't be a good thing."

This……

There was no way to let the old man know that this ambitious empire actually had the ambition to swallow up the Ming Dynasty!

Europe is in chaos now. The Ottoman Empire is expanding madly, and the Timurid Empire is also expanding madly.

In ten years at most, Timur will be the hegemon of Europe. At that time, looking across the Eurasian continent, Timur will have no rival except the Ming Empire.

They will definitely declare war on the Ming Dynasty!
for sure!
If history had really changed, if Timur had not died, the collision between the two superpowers in Asia and Europe would not be an exaggeration to say that it was like Mars hitting the Earth!

Zhu Xiongying looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and said worriedly: "Grandpa, although we have repeatedly won great victories against the remnants of the Northern Yuan Dynasty outside the northern border, we cannot be blinded by victory. We are blind to what is happening thousands of miles away."

"So, what if one day, they suddenly march eastward to attack the Ming Dynasty?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned. He looked at Zhu Xiongying and said, "What are you talking about? I don't believe anyone is stupid enough to launch a surprise attack. Every military plan will be carefully planned and laid out!"

"What's more, this is a war between countries?"

"Tell me, if he wants to conquer the Ming Dynasty, what should we do?"

Zhu Xiongying was silent for a moment, then said, "The best strategy is diplomacy, espionage, and bribery. If things don't go well, the middle strategy is to first seize the Wala and Tatar in the northern border of the Ming court and wait for reinforcements. If things still don't go well, the worst strategy is to control the Hexi Corridor, seize the Guanzhong area, and wait for reinforcements."

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes and said, "This means that this diplomatic move is probably the best strategy for Timur to invade the Ming Dynasty, and it is also the first strategy?"

Zhu Xiongying nodded: "I was just imagining things, but they are not Han Chinese after all, so we still need to be on guard."

Zhu Yuanzhang hummed, not knowing what he was thinking.

The spring rain in the courtyard was crackling and getting heavier.

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes were dark and unclear, and no one knew what he was thinking.

However, he did not continue to dwell on this topic.

No matter how strong the opponent is, our Ming Dynasty is not afraid of anyone.

He was a little curious and asked: "You know a lot, where did you get these Yuan Dynasty historical materials?"

Zhu Xiongying was stunned for a moment, then he casually smiled and explained: "Didn't Mr. Jie stay in the Hanlin Academy for a while before?"

"When he's free, he'll give me two books to read."

"That's all I saw."

Anyway, Xie Jin is thousands of miles away now. When he really comes back, grandpa won’t have the time to worry about these things.

So Zhu Xiongying used Xie Jin as an excuse.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said, "So that's it."

As he said that, he looked at Zhu Xiongying with satisfaction: "You kid, you have done a lot of homework every day, so don't be too tired. Pay attention to rest properly, okay?"

Zhu Xiongying nodded: "I understand."

As if remembering something, Zhu Xiongying said to Zhu Yuanzhang: "By the way, Grandpa, early this morning, I went to see Prince Ning off to Daningdusi."

“He talked to me a lot.”

Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned for a moment, and his heart suddenly tightened: "What did I tell you?"

Zhu Xiongying thought for a moment and said, "What they say is that a dragon swimming in shallow water is still a dragon... Do you think there is something wrong with this kid?"

Zhu Xiongying pointed to his head. Zhu Yuanzhang laughed out loud: "How can a prince of the Ming Dynasty make up a story like you?"

Zhu Xiongying shrugged: "Anyway, this guy is always out of tune, and his words are quite unreliable, weird, and I don't know what he means."

"Oh, by the way, he also asked me to help his mother when necessary. He said he couldn't let her go."

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Well, his biological mother passed away early, and the child grew up with Concubine Zhang."

The old man looked at Zhu Xiongying and said with a smile: "Maybe he feels that he is about the same age as you, so he can empathize with you."

Zhu Xiongying nodded: "Yes."

The grandfather and grandson chatted idly while the rain outside gradually got heavier.

Zhu Xiongying originally wanted to keep the old man and have lunch at Zhu’s house before leaving.

But after listening to Zhu Xiongying's words about the Timurid Khanate, Zhu Yuanzhang still felt a little uneasy. He waved goodbye to Zhu Xiongying while holding an umbrella.

Return to the palace.

Zhu Yuanzhang could not wait to ask Zheng He to go to the History Museum of the Hanlin Academy to get the History of Yuan Dynasty, and he also called an editor of the Hanlin Academy in the History Museum to the Jinshen Hall.

When the old man saw the old editor of the Hanlin Academy, he asked anxiously: "Let me ask you, which countries did Genghis Khan conquer during his western expedition?"

The old Hanlin didn't know why the emperor asked this, nor did he know why the old man suddenly paid attention to the history of the Yuan Dynasty, so he stammered and replied: "Your Majesty, Genghis Khan's marching route should have conquered Khwarezm, Persia, and the Ilkhanate..."

These places are thousands of miles away from the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Yuanzhang continued to ask: "How was it governed after the conquest?"

The old Hanlin replied: "One is to maintain diplomatic relations between the two countries by paying tribute to the foreign countries, and the other is to leave some descendants in the local area, build an army, and personally manage the local area. For example, west of the Western Chagatai Khanate, many countries were managed by the descendants of Genghis Khan at that time."

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's face became somewhat gloomy and his heartbeat suddenly quickened.

What Da Sun said is indeed right!

This group of Mongolian envoys was indeed not the same group of Northern Yuan nobles who escaped from Buir Lake.

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and let the old Hanlin leave, with a sharp look in his eyes.

The visitor is evil?
Kind of!

"Go and call Li Yuan."

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes and said to Zheng He beside him.

Shortly after.

Li Yuan appeared in Jinshen Hall.

"Wei Chen has met the emperor."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Li Yuan and said in a deep voice: "Tell the Timurid envoys that we will meet them tomorrow morning."

"Yes!"

……

into the night.

The rain subsided a little, and the palace fell into peace and tranquility.

Zhu Yuanzhang thought about it, picked up a small bottle from the table, and walked towards the harem with his hands behind his back.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty!" Concubine Zhang in the palace.

A young maid, with a puffy little round face and cheeks full of excitement, rushed to Concubine Zhang's bedroom in a hurry.

Lady Zhang was somewhat displeased.

However, she had a good temper and was gentle to the maids and servants in the palace.

"You are so distraught and have no rules. Do you want me to send you to the Etiquette Bureau?"

When the Etiquette Bureau was mentioned, the chubby-faced little maid felt her scalp tingling and her whole body trembling.

"My Lady, please spare my life!"

Lady Zhang snorted coldly, "Tell me, what's the matter? I'm tired, please tell me quickly."

The chubby-faced maid excitedly said, "Your Highness! The Emperor is here! He is coming to our side palace. From what I can see, he seems to want to stay the night in our palace."

Lady Zhang shuddered, her eyes suddenly widened, and she asked happily: "Really?!"

The chubby-faced maid nodded excitedly: "Really!" Lady Zhang said anxiously: "Quick, go and welcome the emperor!"

She was so excited that her heart was filled with joy, but as if she remembered something, Concubine Zhang was startled again.

The emperor's sudden visit to the side palace was definitely not because he remembered that he hadn't favored her for a long time.

The only possibility... is Zhu Xiongying!

It was the old man Zhu Huaihe who mentioned himself.

Miss Zhang was both moved and disappointed.

She was moved that the old man finally remembered her, but sad that she had served the old man for nearly twenty years, but twenty years of affection could not defeat a word from his own grandson!

Just like the Ning Wang’s mother, Concubine Yang, it was because of a word from Zhu Yuanzhang’s own son that Concubine Yang became favored. Otherwise, how could Ning Wang be born!

Whether it is the current Crown Prince Zhu Biao or the current emperor's grandson Zhu Huai, only these are the old man's real relatives.

Others...Ah!

Lady Zhang was somewhat emotional, but she had no other choice but to feel envious and jealous.
While she was thinking, Zhu Yuanzhang had already walked into the palace courtyard with his hands behind his back.

Lady Zhang was delighted.

The eunuchs and servants in the palace all knelt down respectfully.

"This servant greets His Majesty!"

Lady Zhang also bowed and said excitedly: "Your Majesty, I greet you."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and waved his hand to let the palace maids and eunuchs go away.

He glanced at Lady Zhang, and walked forward with his hands behind his back: "I haven't been to your place for a long time. I'm busy with the affairs of the outer court, and I have a lot of things to deal with. Don't take it personally."

Concubine Zhang hurriedly said: "I dare not, I understand the emperor."

Zhu Yuanzhang entered the central hall.

The layout of the central hall is also simple, no different from that of an ordinary home, and the furnishings are simple and plain, but clean and tidy.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said: "It's still a bit cold at the end of spring, why don't you burn some anthracite in the house?"

Concubine Zhang hesitated for a moment, then smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I am not afraid of the cold, and it would be a waste to burn it."

While Concubine Zhang was hesitating, Zhu Yuanzhang realized something. Zheng He went out quickly and came back quickly.

With just one look from Zhu Yuanzhang, Zheng He knew what the old man wanted to hear.

"Your Majesty, the eunuch Xixinsi gave Madam Zhang less anthracite."

Zhu Yuanzhang uttered an "oh" and said expressionlessly: "They are all our family members, our wives. Do these rootless bastards think they are the masters of the harem?"

"Take all the eunuchs from Xixinsi out and chop them off, and replace them with another group!"

Lady Zhang's heart skipped a beat. (End of this chapter)