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

Zheng He hurriedly said, "I'll arrange it right away."

After Zheng He left, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Concubine Zhang and said with some emotion: "Now that my sister is dead, there is no one to manage the harem. I, a grown man, cannot always manage this place, and let these useless people go to heaven."

"You too, if you feel wronged, can't you find someone to pass on a message to you? Are you still afraid of others now?"

Concubine Zhang was somewhat moved and choked up as she said, "Your Majesty, I am not afraid of anyone. I just don't want to cause trouble for you."

Zhu Yuanzhang was somewhat moved after hearing this. After thinking for a while, he took out a small porcelain bottle from his arms and said, "We'll give it to you."

"It was said to be some perfume. I was so busy these days that I forgot to give it to you."

"Wipe it on your body, try it."

Lady Zhang opened it with some suspicion, and a strong fragrance filled the air.

"It smells so good!"

Concubine Zhang's eyes glowed green, and she was obviously very happy. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I like it very much!"

She carefully applied some perfume on her neck, arms, etc.

"Your Majesty, smell it."

Zhu Yuanzhang leaned over and sniffed. Suddenly, he felt the urge of an old tree sprouting new buds, and his eyes gradually became fiery.

"Your Majesty?"

Lady Zhang called out in a low voice.

Looking at the still charming Miss Zhang, the old man suddenly became interested.

Ok.

……

It was drizzling in the sky.

Envoys from the Timurid Khanate rested in the Honglu Temple.

At the same time, the Ministry of Rites needed to count and store the tribute gifts brought by the Timurid Khanate.

This is not a top priority.

During this period, another important task that the Ministry of Rites needed to do was to ask the interpreters of Huitongguan to translate the Mongolian tribute books.

Because of the language barrier, the Ming Dynasty, a country that aspired to embrace the four barbarians, naturally trained a group of interpreters to translate the written languages ​​of some non-Sinicized countries such as Mongolia, Japan, Srivijaya, and Luzon.

Diplomacy is a complicated process, and the tribute process requires strict screening. First, the other party must prepare three copies of the document of investigation and peace, one for the border, one for the court, and one for themselves.
After the first tribute, the tribute trade system was based on the survey and peace documents. The next time the tribute was paid, it was necessary to fill in complex procedures such as tribute gifts, accompanying personnel, etc. on the survey and peace documents.

The imperial court will also grant them a three-day trading period, allowing them to open business in Huitongguan for three days. During these three days, the imperial court will designate merchants from the imperial court to trade with the other party's trade delegation.

If it is profitable, the country will consider whether to open trade at the border.

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly wanted to summon the envoy of Timurid Khanate the next day. With the old man's words, the Ministry of Rites and Huitongguan were extremely busy that night.

Finally, it was early morning of the next day when everything was ready and they were just waiting for Zhu Yuanzhang to summon them.

It rained three parts last night and it was very sunny this morning.

The morning glow tore through the dark sky, and a huge sun gradually rose from the east, shining on the land of China.

At two o'clock in the fifth watch, the big drum in the tower of Zhonghua Gate at Yingtian Main Gate began to announce the dawn to the whole city.

The passionate drumbeats spread out from the main gate of the palace in all directions like ripples. Then, the drum towers on the streets in the east, west, south and north started to sound one after another. The drumbeats were divided into five waves, and they were to be beaten a full eight hundred times. Amid the sound of bells and drums, the main gates of the palace and the imperial city were opened.
The city gates opened one after another.

woohoo~
Drums and trumpets began to be beaten in the palace. The trumpets were made of cowhide by the Mongols, and they sounded low and mournful, shocking people's hearts.

The sound of bells, drums and songs that were once enjoyed only by the arrogant Mongolian nobles has now become the death knell of their country and a piece of music that every Han person can hear.

The court's arrangement naturally expressed its contempt for the Mongols.

Every diplomatic move of the Ministry of Rites reflects the etiquette of our great country and its deterrence to foreign countries. There is no trivial matter in diplomacy, and every detail must be done well!

The envoys of Timurid Han Dynasty, headed by Grand Tutor Dielbisi, were kneeling on one knee outside the Huangji Wumen.

The Meridian Gate is open.

But it's just a side door.

The Central Gate was a treatment that foreigners were not qualified to have open and enjoy. The Wumen Gate of the Ming Dynasty would only be opened to the emperor during grand ceremonies such as sacrifices to mountains, rivers, ancestors and the country.

Following the inspiring trumpet sounds, all the soldiers of the Five Military Commandery stood upright outside the main hall, the Fengtian Hall.

Li Jinglong waved his hand, and thousands of soldiers from the Five Military Governor's Office dispersed and stood in two rows in the marble square with a solemn look.

Then, a group of strong men in brocade robes wearing vermilion flying fish costumes came in a line and surrounded the Fengtian Palace.

"Send the envoy to the emperor for an audience."

A sharp sound came from the Fengtian Hall.

Then, waves of overwhelming noise spread from the Fengtian Hall to the Meridian Gate several miles away.

Led by a doctor from the Ministry of Rites wearing a scarlet official robe, on his left and right were the interpreters from the Huitongguan, followed by the head of the Ministry of Rites who taught etiquette, and finally the five envoys from the Timurid Khanate.

They march in neat formation, with strict rules about how big each step should be.

After crossing the Meridian Gate.

In front of us is the endless inner square of the palace.

In the square, the soldiers of the Five Military Commandery stood upright, with dignified demeanor and solemn faces. Timur's Grand Master Dilibish and the four Mongols looked around silently.
When such a grand scene appeared in their eyes, the five of them were deeply shocked by everything in the Ming Dynasty!

The imperial palace here is majestic and magnificent, the economy here is stronger than any country they have conquered, and the population here is so large that they have to look up to it.

It is hard to imagine that a central city of an empire could have a population of nearly two million.

It is even more difficult to imagine that the Ming Dynasty’s imperial palace architecture and other buildings had such advanced craftsmanship.

The porcelain they were chasing was just decoration in the Ming Dynasty.

The gold they were chasing could be seen everywhere on the nails outside the Wumen Gate of the Ming Dynasty.

Dilibishi walked in the palace excitedly, with green light in his eyes.

If one day, I, the Great Khan Timur, could conquer this place... Thinking of this, Dilibisi's eyes were filled with infinite fascination.

In this diplomatic transaction with the Ming Dynasty, Timur Khan's strategic intention was to spy on the strength and weakness of the Ming Empire.

Unlike Western countries, to the west of the Timurid Empire, whether it was the Ottoman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, or the Persian Empire, they were all so close, except for the Ming Empire which was thousands of miles away.

They are not sure and dare not act rashly.

Therefore, in this diplomatic campaign, Timur's general direction to Dilibisi was to show weakness, to show weakness to the Ming Dynasty, and to pretend to be friendly!
At this time, Timur the Great had unilaterally detained the envoys of the Safavid Empire of Persia and unilaterally declared war on Persia. The empire's cavalry and muskets had begun to stir up trouble on the western battlefield!

Once Persia is conquered, control of the Middle East will completely change hands, and Timur will have a wider defensive and offensive territory, as well as trade interests on the Silk Road.

Timur set his sights on conquering the European continent first, then pushing the empire's cavalry to the eastern battlefield, taking down the Ming Empire in one fell swoop, and then achieving the goal of unifying the world!
This is the long-term military strategic plan of the Timurid Empire!

………………

In the Fengtian Palace.

Zhu Yuanzhang wore a jade crown and a black and red imperial robe. On the robe were nine flying dragons embroidered with gold thread, as if he was going to swallow up the world!

The old man is in his sixties this year, and when facing Timur's envoys, his condescending aura seems to become even stronger!

Zhu Yuanzhang is such an emperor. He becomes stronger when facing the weak and even stronger when facing the strong!

Civil and military officials stood on both sides of the hall, with arrogance and pride on their faces.

Five Timurid envoys, led by Timurid Grand Master Dilibishi, had already entered the Fengtian Hall under the chanting of the eunuchs.

The Minister of Rites stepped out and sang the ceremony loudly.

Dilibishi and five other envoys placed one hand on their chest and bent over to perform the Mongolian salute to Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Two obeisances!"

"Three thanks!"

Wait for the Ministry of Rites to finish guiding.

Dilibishi then shouted: "Foreign minister Dilibishi, the Grand Tutor of Timurid Khanate, pays homage to the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Long live the Emperor."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand majestically: "Stand up."

Dilibisi respectfully took out the letter of credence and read aloud: "The Great Emperor of the Ming Dynasty has received the mandate of Heaven, unified the four seas, and has spread his benevolence and kindness to the common people. All nations admire him."

"We all know that Heaven wishes to bring peace to the world, and has appointed the Emperor to assume the destiny and be the ruler of billions of people."

"The light is vast and bright, like a mirror in the sky, illuminating all, regardless of distance or proximity."

"Your Majesty, Timur, is a remote and secluded person. I have heard that your majesty is magnanimous and surpasses all the ancients. The emperor has all the blessings that have never been seen before. The emperor has conquered all the countries that have never been conquered."

"The distant and dark places will all be clear and bright. The old will all be happy, the young will all be successful, the good will all be blessed, and the evil will all be afraid."

"Now, we are also granting special favors to distant countries. All merchants who come to China can visit the capitals and cities. They are rich and magnificent. It is like emerging from darkness and suddenly seeing the sun. What a blessing it is!"

"He also received the imperial edict to comfort and comfort the people, so that the stations were connected and the roads were unblocked, so that people from distant countries could benefit from it."

"I look up to your Majesty's heart, which is like a cup that illuminates the world. The hearts of the envoys are suddenly bright. The tribes in my country hear your kindness and dance with joy. I have no way to repay your kindness, but I look up to the heavens and wish you a long life and happiness, as long as the heaven and earth are forever."

This extremely flattering letter immediately shocked the people in the court and the country.

Be it the military generals led by Lan Yu or the civil generals led by Zhan Hui, they all had proud smiles on their faces.

This is merit.

It is a country thousands of miles away that recognizes and is a vassal of the Ming Dynasty!

This represents their outstanding merits, the great achievements of Zhu Yuanzhang, and the eternal power of the Ming Dynasty!

however.

When Zhan Hui, Lan Yu and others looked at Zhu Yuanzhang.

Their hearts trembled.

The old man sitting on the throne had a mysterious look in his eyes, and there was no trace of joy on his face.

This is the exact opposite of yesterday's attitude!

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes, looked at Dilibishi of the Timurid Empire, and said in a deep voice: "Stand up."

"Since this is a diplomatic relationship between the two countries, I am very pleased that your country has come with gifts."

"Your Timurid Khanate is thousands of miles away. Is your country peaceful? Is there any war? Can your people live and work in peace?" Zhu Yuanzhang smiled with some amusement.

Dilibishi bowed and said, "Thank you, Emperor Ming, for your concern. Our small country is peaceful and our people are living and working in peace and contentment."

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Although the country is small, it is also possible to have the ambition to conquer the world."

When these words were spoken, all the officials were even more shocked.

What is the old man talking about?
You are the ruler of a country, how can you say such outrageous words?

Dilibishi hurriedly bent down and said, "Although our country is small, we aspire to peace."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said, "Yeah."

The court meeting to receive the envoys did not last long.

After retiring from court, Zhu Yuanzhang kept Lan Yu, Li Yuan and Zhan Hui.

The old man's expression remained solemn.

The envoys of the Timurid Empire were showing weakness. He could see that, as his eldest grandson had said, the Ming Dynasty would be blind and deaf to whatever happened in a country thousands of miles away!

Dilibisi said that the Timurid Khanate was peace-loving, which is nonsense!

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't believe it from the bottom of his heart.

In this way, the Timurid Khanate's mission to the Ming Dynasty seemed to have even more profound intentions.

"Sapphire."

"Chen is here!"

Lan Yu was also a little curious. He always felt that the old man was a little strange today.

"You organize a banquet to welcome the envoys tomorrow."

After a pause, Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Take our eldest grandson with you and go together!"

Take Zhu Xiongying with you!
The old man said these six simple words with great vigor.

Lan Yu and Zhan Hui were both stunned, but they soon understood and then both looked very happy.

The political implications of receiving foreign envoys are too obvious.

Because this is what the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty needs to do!

When envoys came before, they were all received by Crown Prince Zhu Biao!
now.

This was clearly meant to train Zhu Xiongying's diplomatic abilities and the courage that a qualified emperor should have!

However, their thinking this time was not entirely correct. The old man's purpose was not entirely this. He wanted Zhu Xiongying to make a judgment on the Timurid Empire.

Zhu Yuanzhang did not have the time to tell Lan Yu and others about the conversation between the grandfather and grandson.

This group of Northern Yuan people were not the Mongolian nobles who escaped from Buir Lake.

They have been developing in continental Europe for hundreds of years, and Zhu Yuanzhang has no idea how strong they are now.

Da Sun said, what if they want to invade Ming Dynasty?
Zhu Yuanzhang was stumped by the question.

Military books say that knowing both yourself and your enemy will ensure victory in every battle, but Zhu Yuanzhang was completely in the dark about the enemy's details.

The strategic defenses of the Ming Empire were all in the northern border, and no one had ever imagined that European countries thousands of miles away would one day take the initiative to attack the Ming.

This is too far away.

The ancient and unruly Ming people had forgotten that there was a section of the Silk Road that did not belong to the Ming Dynasty, but was controlled by Western countries!
Zhu Yuanzhang was by no means an emperor who was confident and conceited. Contempt in strategy and attention in battle were always the keys to Zhu Yuanzhang's success in foreign military operations.

Regardless of whether it was his grandson who said such words to him or not, if any ordinary citizen asked Zhu Yuanzhang the question, Zhu Yuanzhang would take it very seriously.

There is always a teacher among three people. Zhu Yuanzhang not only read a lot of knowledge in books, but also put it into practice in his own life.

While Lan Yu and Zhan Hui were somewhat excited, Li Yuan, the Minister of Rites, seemed to be full of questions.

What Zhu Xiongying knew, such as the siege of Shouzhou and anthracite, seemed to be related to His Royal Highness the Grandson of the Emperor.

But diplomacy!

This is a national event!

The old man lets him participate in diplomacy?
Now that Crown Prince Zhu Biao is still alive, why should the emperor's eldest grandson be allowed to participate?
Li Yuan's heart was filled with doubts, but seeing the old man's gloomy expression, Minister Li did not dare to cause trouble for him.

(End of this chapter)