prosperous age

With the cabinet urging them on, the Ministry of Rites acted swiftly this time; the imperial edict was issued from the cabinet within half an hour of Feng Bao leaving.

The Ministry of Rites had already received the news, since the Ministry of War had already spread it, and all the government offices in the capital city knew about it.

They had made some preparations, but they did not expect the imperial court to react so quickly this time.

Fortunately, the so-called preparations were just a pretext. There were many items in the Ministry of Rites' warehouse, which could be picked out, loaded onto carts, and taken away.

As for the mission to the grasslands, the Ministry of Rites quickly selected a candidate after consultation, and the list was reported to the cabinet before the end of the yamen that evening.

"Take a look at the list from the Ministry of Rites. If there are no objections, submit the draft to the palace."

At this time, the cabinet ministers were still in Zhang Juzheng's office. They talked about the memorials they had seen that day. Since there was nothing of great importance, the atmosphere was very relaxed.

As for Anda Khan's matter, they really didn't take it seriously.

Wei Guangde reached out and took the memorial handed to him by Zhang Juzheng. He glanced at it and realized that this was just a formality and there was no need to take it seriously.

There were no noteworthy names, so Wei Guangde quickly handed the memorial to Shen Shixing, who was assisting him, so that he could take a look as well.

The memorial was then circulated among the four cabinet members, and since no one raised any objections, it was naturally approved.

Zhang Juzheng directly drafted a proposal and ordered it to be sent to the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs immediately.

A few days later, in the southern part of Xuanfu, an imperial envoy from the capital arrived with several carts of gifts.

Perhaps only these rewards could prevent the officials in the capital from losing their wealth, as it was considered very unlucky.

Of course, not all the items on the carriage were offerings for Altan Khan. Half of them were gifts bestowed by the emperor upon Lady Zhongjin, including two bright red and five-colored silk robes, six layers of colored satin, twenty bolts of cotton cloth, and even a complete set of headdress and clothing for a first-rank noblewoman.

These were all prepared by the Imperial Household Department at the behest of the Wanli Emperor, who accepted the advice of the Grand Secretariat.

Although Third Sister usually appears in traditional Mongolian clothing, intelligence from the Embroidered Uniform Guard indicates that she secretly loves Han women's clothing and often wears Han clothing and styles her hair in Han women's buns when entering and leaving the camp.

Catering to someone's preferences is naturally a good way to enhance their perception of the Ming Dynasty.

Since they had chosen to gamble on Third Sister's sincere loyalty to the court, they naturally used every means at their disposal to win her favor and, in turn, make the Han and Mongol forces stand more firmly on the side of the Ming Dynasty.

Wei Guangde went to great lengths behind the scenes, but it all seems to have been worthwhile.

According to the information sent back by the secret agents, when the Third Sister, who was staying in Xuanfu City, led Huang Taiji and Bahannaji to receive the imperial edict, she appeared very excited and showed no signs of grief for her husband's death.

It is said that the first thing she did upon returning to her residence was to change into the full crown and hat of a first-rank imperial consort of the Ming Dynasty.

It should be noted that this complete set of crowns and ornaments is extremely valuable. It was prepared by the palace as a reward for nobles and was a royal gift. Nobles who were eligible to receive such a reward could only do so once in their lifetime.

This kind of clothing, even though it's just one set, is usually stored in a large wardrobe, not just piled up randomly.

"The imperial envoy has left the pass?"

After reading the message sent back by the Embroidered Uniform Guard in his duty room, Wei Guangde looked at Liu Shouyou and asked a question.

"The main force left Xuanfu yesterday and headed for Guihua City. They should arrive in five or six days."

Liu Shouyou lowered his head and replied, "In addition, the entourage of Sonam Gyatso, the Yellow Sect's protector of the nation, has already passed through Shaanxi and is rushing towards the grasslands."

Previously, when Sonam Gyatso was overseeing the construction of temples in western Sichuan, Wei Guangde hinted to the Sichuan governor to provide assistance, which naturally greatly accelerated the construction speed.

With the sponsorship of local chieftains from Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan, the entire project was financially secure and proceeded smoothly, completing the temple construction ahead of schedule.

After finishing, Sonam Gyatso immediately rushed to the grassland.

Although Sonam Gyatso left the grasslands, he maintained contact with Altan Khan. Moreover, the Sichuan governor would often inadvertently reveal information to him, letting him know that Altan Khan was probably doomed.

At the time of the change of regime on the grasslands, he naturally had to be present, not only to complete the final rituals for his believer, but also to ensure that the Mongol forces he had worked so hard to win over would continue to support the Gelugpa sect and help them return to power on the Tibetan Plateau.

Sonam Gyatso left Tibet and traveled extensively, from Qinghai to the grasslands, and then back to western Sichuan. In fact, he had already gained a general understanding of the current situation of the Ming Dynasty, Mongolia, and Tibet.

The idea of ​​a three-way balance of power is an overestimation of their abilities, but Sonam Gyatso has realized that the Ming Dynasty is using the Yellow Sect to help it spread on the grasslands, probably because of their large-scale recruitment of followers.

The court continuously elevated his status, not only by currying favor with Altan Khan, but also by elevating his position.

The purpose is self-evident: to enhance the imperial court's influence in Tibet.

The Ming Dynasty court not only wanted to influence the grasslands, but also Tibet.

For him, a wandering religious leader who had lost control of Tibet, this was simply a matter of mutual benefit.

If the Ming Dynasty is willing to support him in regaining control of Tibet, he would not mind providing conveniences to the Ming Dynasty and helping it strengthen its influence in the Tibetan region.

This is actually a win-win situation. With support from outside the region, the Gelug school's rule in Tibet will only become more stable.

As for the concepts of countries and territories, they did not exist for Sonam Gyatso. His only responsibility was to promote Buddhism and spread the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The Ming Dynasty had already fulfilled this requirement for him and even built a large-scale Gelug temple in the capital to help spread the teachings.

In addition, he was holding the golden seal "Dorje Chang" bestowed by the Ming emperor, which almost clearly established his status as a Vajra in Tibetan Buddhism.

Therefore, he was satisfied and knew that he should demonstrate his value.

During the power transition in Mongolia, it firmly stood on the side of the Ming Dynasty and maintained peace between the Ming and Mongolia.

Of course, if the conflict between the Ming Dynasty and the Mongols had become so great that it was irreconcilable, he would decisively withdraw.

The reason is simple: he needs the help of both sides, and if he becomes enemies with them, even if only one side is dissatisfied, it will affect his plans.

The Mongols could go to Tibet and help him regain power, but the Ming Dynasty could not.

It is difficult for Han Chinese to exert their fighting power in Tibet, as history has proven. Even powerful dynasties like the Han and Tang did not dare to cross the line.

However, without the support of the Ming Dynasty, it would be difficult for the Mongols to fully assist him.

Without the support of the Ming Dynasty, it was absolutely impossible for Mongolia to mobilize a large number of troops to return to Tibet with him, leaving its vast grasslands to the Ming Dynasty.

Moreover, although the Ming army could not fight on the plateau, the Ming Dynasty possessed enormous financial and material resources, which were exactly what it and the Mongols needed.

The Mongols sent troops, and the Ming Dynasty provided funds and provisions—this was Sonam Gyatso's final demand.

Everything else is unimportant.

To obtain these things, one needs to demonstrate his value, making him worthy of the support of both the Mongols and the Ming Dynasty.

Rushing back to the grasslands was to demonstrate his status as the Mongol national advisor to the Ming Dynasty, even though he had already given hints to the Ming government while in western Sichuan.

This is also why Wei Guangde paid attention to Sonam Gyatso.

It wasn't just San Niangzi who suppressed Huang Taiji and maintained peaceful relations between the Ming Dynasty and the Mongols; it was also Altan Khan's national advisor friend, whose disciples, many of whom came from Mongol princely families, had already established a certain influence on the grasslands.

In the cabinet office, Wei Guangde listened to Liu Shouyou's report, nodded slightly, and smiled, "With him here, Huang Taiji will be even less likely to act rashly in the future."

How is the construction of those temples on the grassland going?

Wei Guangde asked.

"Two temples have been completed, and seven more are under construction."

Liu Shouyou replied.

"Have all the materials that the Ming Dynasty promised to provide been prepared?"

Wei Guangde nodded and then asked, "Part of it has been delivered, and about half of the materials are still being prepared. We're sending people over on time."

Liu Shouyou hurriedly replied.

"The Imperial Guards should keep a close eye on this matter and prevent any trouble from arising in the border town."

"Just imagine, once those temples are built, they can accommodate thousands of Mongol believers, which is equivalent to our Ming Dynasty annihilating thousands of enemy cavalry in one fell swoop."

Wei Guangde was in high spirits and smiled at Liu Shouyou, saying, "It's just a little expense; this deal is too good to pass up."

Upon hearing Wei Guangde's words, Liu Shouyou couldn't help but look up and think to himself that the Vice Minister could speak so casually, treating national affairs like a business transaction.

"You don't understand. Do you think it's just a few thousand enemy cavalry?"
"Heh, these thousands of people still need to be supported by the Mongols. They'll lose at least two ten-thousand-household units."

Wei Guangde continued.

He was very pleased with himself; sending only some materials for building a temple was such a good deal.

The military strategy of "subduing the enemy without fighting" probably refers to this level of achievement.

“The Jinyiwei must keep a close watch on those people on the grassland and the monk Sonam Gyatso. There must be no mistakes.”

Wei Guangde gave the instructions.

"Yes, this subordinate has made all the arrangements."

Liu Shouyou hurriedly replied, and then, as if remembering something, he added, "The delegation that visited Europe should have entered the city today."

The mission arrived in Tianjin two days ago, but it took three days longer than expected because it encountered a typhoon off the coast of Shandong. As a result, the ships were closed to the sea and the mission was delayed.

"The Ministry of Rites has already made arrangements for this matter. They will be allowed to rest for two days before entering the palace to meet the Emperor."

Wei Guangde waved his hand, showing little interest in the delegation, only in the books and items they brought back.

Diplomatic relations with European countries are too far apart; as long as they're manageable, that's fine.

Relatively speaking, the level of European technology was what he was most concerned about at this time, which was also the reason for sending a second mission a few years later.

The Ming Dynasty needs to keep a close eye on the advancements in European science and technology.

Promoting scientific research in the Ming Dynasty seemed very difficult. It was hard to get a group of old scholars who were good at classical Chinese to lower themselves to study strange and ingenious techniques. Therefore, Wei Guangde chose to adopt what was available.

Of course, he wouldn't stop interested people from researching it; the Agricultural Affairs Office was a government office prepared for these people.

The idea of ​​directly establishing the Great Ming Academy of Sciences is just wishful thinking; don't take it too seriously.

The funeral held on the grassland had little to do with Wei Guangde; he only needed to listen to the reports from the Embroidered Uniform Guard. A few days later, his attention was drawn to the European creation.

"Is this the moving wooden figure you were talking about?"

In the main hall of the Qianqing Palace, the hall was filled with boxes of various sizes. One of them had been opened, and a wooden doll with a blank expression was taken out.

At this time, it was the day the emperor summoned the visiting delegation. After the ceremony was completed in the Huangji Hall, the emperor took the cabinet, the six ministries and nine ministers and other important officials to the Qianqing Palace to see the European artifacts brought back by the delegation.

Outside the main hall, there were more than ten boxes of books.

It must be said that the movable type printing technology invented by the Chinese greatly improved the dissemination of knowledge in Europe. Through the use of alphabetic writing, European printing technology was greatly improved, and books circulated widely.

However, these books are not their focus today; rather, it is said that the Holy Roman Emperor presented them with a movable doll.

To say that the mission was offering tribute was a bit of an exaggeration; it was really just a gift.

They presented gifts "bestowed" by the Ming emperor, and these were the gifts the recipients returned.

In Wei Guangde's view, after an official in the delegation turned the clockwork, the puppet began to walk around in the hall, swinging its right arm in front of its chest, raising a small wooden cross in its left hand, and could also turn its head, nod, roll its eyes, and open and close its lips as if chanting scriptures, and occasionally put the cross to its lips to kiss it.

"This cross can be replaced with a rosary or other sacrificial item; it's movable."

The official was still explaining next to the doll.

"Truly a masterpiece."

Emperor Wanli had already risen from his seat and stepped forward, looking around the puppet from all sides.

The puppet was only half a meter tall, but the little emperor still bent over to examine it carefully.

At this moment, Zhang Juzheng, Wei Guangde, and others had also stepped forward to watch.

Just as everyone was marveling at it, Wei Guangde suddenly laughed and said, "Isn't this just a small clock? You all have them in your homes, the kind that chirps and makes a racket when the time comes."

I reckon there's something like a silk disc inside the wooden shell, making the puppet perform these actions.

Last year, when the emperor got married, European envoys brought a lot of things. Most of them were given to the emperor and his officials, while a small amount was sold at high prices in the capital and won by wealthy merchants.

European watches are among the most sought-after, and they are indeed exquisitely crafted.

Zhang Juzheng, Wei Guangde, and the young emperor were all wearing pocket watches given to them by Europeans.

As for grandfather clocks, or self-ringing clocks, they also exist.

When Wei Guangde first heard that he had a moving puppet, he thought it was some kind of advanced technology. But then robots appeared.

It's easy to see at a glance that it's actually the same kind of thing as a grandfather clock.

"It's exquisite, but it's just a gadget."

After Wei Guangde finished speaking, someone in the delegation echoed, "Indeed, as Grand Secretary Wei said, it's similar to a clock; there are wooden boards here that can be disassembled for repair."

As he spoke, the man removed the flap, which was indeed similar to the clock in their house.

"Your Majesty's assessment is accurate; it is indeed a masterpiece."

Wei Guangde laughed, not forgetting to flatter the young emperor.

As for the other items, they were all very exquisite; otherwise, the mission would never have brought them back from distant Europe.

However, when a long, rectangular box was opened and a long gun was taken out, Wei Guangde asked, "Is this the latest flintlock musket from Europe?"

"Grand Secretary Wei, this is called a rotary flintlock musket. The musket's mechanism is a rotary wheel, which can be wound up like a clockwork mechanism to fire continuously."

The problem with flintlock muskets is their low firing rate. Due to material limitations, sometimes it takes several attempts to fire successfully.

However, flintlock muskets are actually products of the late 16th century, while revolver muskets have an even earlier history.

However, the revolver musket had a disadvantage: it was very expensive to manufacture. The flintlock musket was essentially a budget version of the musket.

“The things made by the barbarians are indeed very ingenious.”

After examining all the European creations, the Wanli Emperor remarked with admiration.

"The biggest takeaway from this trip was the books on navigation and architecture."

Wei Guangde thought to himself... (End of Chapter)