prosperous age

“I’m also considering whether to have the Embroidered Uniform Guard inform her or have Zheng Luo contact her by letter.”

Wei Guangde spoke up.

"Zheng Luo, it would be appropriate for Madam Zhongshun to write a letter to Governor Zheng and have him reply."

Zhang Siwei said, "The Embroidered Uniform Guards have finally managed to climb up to their side, so it's best not to expose themselves."

Wei Guangde nodded slightly upon hearing this and said with a smile, "Then send a letter to Zheng Luo and tell him to tell Lady Zhongshun two options: one is that she, on his behalf, will not be impolite to propose to Dacheng Biji, and the other is that His Majesty will bestow a marriage upon her."

"His Majesty has bestowed a marriage upon us?"

Zhang Siwei looked at Wei Guangde with slight surprise.

"His Majesty summoned me this afternoon and mentioned the matter of Bansheng."

His Majesty also believes that the ownership of Bansheng City is of great importance to our Great Ming Dynasty, and it must not fall into the hands of the Prince of Shunyi.

Therefore, His Majesty said that a marriage could be granted to determine the ownership of Bansheng City.

Wei Guangde said to Zhang Siwei with a smile.

"It would be best not to let His Majesty bestow a marriage upon us. I am worried that this would displease the Prince of Shunyi and cause further complications."

Zhang Siwei frowned and said.

"That's natural. His Majesty's bestowal of a marriage would certainly displease the Prince of Shunyi. So this is only being considered after the Prince of Shunyi has clearly expressed his intentions, in order to gain moral authority."

Telling Lady Zhongshun would also reassure her and alleviate her concerns about the pressure exerted by Prince Shunyi.

Wei Guangde spoke up.

While they were talking, in the palace of Guihua City, Huang Taiji had just had a fierce argument with Lady Zhongshun.

Yes, Huang Taiji did not send Qia Taiji to Bansheng City, but news of the conflict between Qia Taiji and Lady Zhongshun's guards there eventually reached his ears.

"Send Ji Long back with his troops immediately. What are you planning to do? Are you going to forcibly take Bansheng City?"

Huang Taiji was still shouting to Lady Zhongshun. He had already heard the news that Lady Zhongshun had not only not restrained herself from causing a conflict with Qia Taiji outside Bansheng City, but had even sent her general Ji Long with troops to support Chebu.

"Your Majesty, I am worried that someone might take advantage of the misfortune that has befallen Bahannaji to forcibly marry Dachengbiji and seize his property."

Lady Chungshun did not back down and spoke immediately.

"This matter is entirely my responsibility, and it's no one else's place to interfere. You don't need to worry about this happening. Send your men back with their troops."

I will order Chataiji to lead his troops to garrison outside Bansheng City, and prohibit others from harassing Bansheng City.

As for Daisei Hikichi, she can make her own decisions.

Huang Taiji offered kind words of advice.

Huang Taiji already knew that his eldest son, Chelik, was interested in Banshengcheng and wanted to bring the strength left behind by Hannaji under his command.

Of course, he was the Khan, so he couldn't be too blatant in his behavior. Therefore, he thought he should first deceive the Third Lady and get her troops back to Huacheng.

As for Chelik, let him figure it out himself. If he's capable, he can persuade Da Cheng Biji to voluntarily serve him.

If someone tries to interfere, then he, the King of Han, can step in and suppress them.

He had only recently ascended to the throne and did not want to leave other tribal leaders with a bad impression of being greedy and insatiable.

"No, my troops must also be stationed in Bansheng City."

Third Sister did not back down. Even if she did not know Huang Taiji's true thoughts, she could guess them to some extent.

With such a large piece of fat lying there, she didn't believe Huang Taiji wouldn't be tempted.

That old scoundrel is wicked; he's definitely trying to help his son seize Banshengcheng.

“Madam, I can assure you that I did not send Chataiji; he acted on his own initiative.”

“Then you should recall Chataiji and give him orders. If he dares to disobey the Khan’s orders, my guards will go and wipe him out.”

Just now, because of Cha Taiji's actions, San Niangzi was filled with hostility towards Huang Taiji.

She believed that Huang Taiji had secretly ordered Qia Taiji to go to Bansheng City, and now he was trying to fool her like this.

Despite Huang Taiji's repeated explanations, she simply wouldn't believe him.

Moreover, it is unknown whether Chataiji intends to replace Bahannaji. Compared to his own tribe, Bansheng City is much more attractive.

Even if it wasn't Huang Taiji who ordered Qia Taiji to go, Third Sister is still going to stick to her story.

If we can force Huang Taiji to recall his troops, that would be ideal.

In any case, Third Sister had already made up her mind that no matter what Da Cheng Bi Ji chose, she was determined to have Ban Sheng Cheng and would take the opportunity to win over Ba Han Na Ji's followers.

Yes, even if Daisei Hikichi is lent to someone else, San Niangzi will try every means to weaken that power.

One way is to win over those followers.

Mongolia doesn't have ID cards; just because you're in a tribe doesn't mean you're a local.

As long as you move to a different place and join another tribe, it's possible, provided the other tribe is willing to take you in.

Although it will be condemned by others.

Conflicts over population control on the grasslands are countless.

However, all of this takes time, so she couldn't let Chebu and the others retreat under any circumstances.

Because of her special status on the grassland, San Niangzi is believed to be somewhat useful and should be able to gather a lot of the original followers who belonged to Bahannaji.

Next, the two argued repeatedly in the royal tent, neither of them willing to make the slightest concession.

The result was naturally that nothing came of it; all we can say is that everyone is still considering it.

In reality, Third Sister left the royal tent in a huff, pretending to be angry. Huang Taiji asked her to reconsider, but she ignored him.

Upon returning to her camp, Third Sister immediately sent a message to the camp outside the city, ordering them to select strong and capable men to accompany her eastward to Bansheng City.

She could sense that Huang Taiji had designs on Bansheng City. If he truly acted out of public interest, he should have recalled Huang Taiji's troops and allowed her own men to guard outside the city.

Alternatively, two separate groups could be stationed in the east and west respectively, without interfering with each other.

But Huang Taiji kept telling her to withdraw her troops, clearly wanting to get rid of her forces.

Will Third Sister do as Huang Taiji wishes?

of course not.

Not only would she not, she would also personally lead her troops to Bansheng City to see if Qiataiji would still dare to draw his sword or gun in front of her.

The gathering of elite troops was also intended to allow for a direct strike to eliminate Chataiji in the event of this situation.

When the old Khan was alive, Chataiji had many unpleasant disagreements with her over tribal affairs.

Third Sister also figured it out. Whether Qia Taiji wanted to go to Bansheng City on his own or was going on Huang Taiji's orders, she had to find a chance to get rid of him.

He relied on Anda Khan back then, and now whether he relies on Huang Taiji or wants to establish himself through Bansheng City, it's not what Third Sister wants to see.

Third Sister began mobilizing her troops, preparing to lead a large force to Bansheng City. She intended to personally oversee the operation, while Huang Taiji in the royal tent was also considering the matter. Having lost one of Qia Taiji, he naturally couldn't send more troops.

Otherwise, if word gets out, people will just say that he's after orphans and widows.

He summoned someone and instructed, "Go to Salin immediately and have Chelik hurry to Bansheng City to propose marriage. If we're late, someone else will beat us to it."

"As the Great Khan commands."

The subordinate hurriedly agreed and ran outside.

Huang Taiji certainly didn't just urge his son to go to Bansheng City. He also summoned a few people and asked them to quickly notify several obedient tribes in the surrounding area so that they could also gather their troops and rush to Bansheng City to support Qia Taiji.

Although Huang Taiji was unsure of Qia Taiji's intentions—whether he wanted to occupy Bansheng City or simply to displease San Niangzi—he had to find a way to support Qia Taiji at this moment.

Soon after, various forces on the grasslands began to stir around Bansheng City.

Troops continued to leave their respective tribes and head towards Bansheng City.

The situation naturally did not escape the eyes of the Embroidered Uniform Guard spies. Urgent intelligence reports were continuously sent to Xuanfu, and then copied into two copies, one sent to the capital and the other to the governor's headquarters.

Just two days later, the situation changed dramatically, becoming tense as expected.

In the morning, Zheng Luo went out of the city to see off the Xuanfu army led by Ma Gui, and in the afternoon he received news from the capital and the grasslands.

"Let him not be impolite enough to marry Da Cheng Bi Ji."

In the study, Zheng Luo clicked his tongue. To think that the imperial court could come up with such a ridiculous idea—to marry a child, especially one with a child in tow.

This meaning wouldn't be stated directly in the Ministry of War's documents, and it was also mentioned subtly in Wei Guangde's previous letter, but now it's a direct statement.

Thinking of the messenger who was still being kept at the post station, he was waiting for a response from the Ming government before returning to Guihua City with the letter.

But now intelligence reports that Lady Chungshun has led troops to Bansheng City. Thinking of this, Zheng Luo finally gritted his teeth, laid out the letter paper, picked up his pen and began to write.

Hannaji was only a commander of a thousand households in the Ming Dynasty, so it was impossible for the court to bestow a sacrificial altar upon him.

Zheng Luo quickly wrote a letter, but instead of sending it out directly, he took it and revised it several times.

He didn't even ask his advisor for help with this letter; he wrote it himself because he didn't want certain things to get out.

To be honest, the cabinet was somewhat taking advantage of the orphan and widow this time.

Hannah was once considered loyal to the Ming Dynasty, but unexpectedly, after his death, the Ming Dynasty began to scheme against his legacy.

Instead of helping his son inherit his power, he schemed against his followers and planned to support the Third Sister.

Okay, it's easier said than done.

However, Zheng Luo understood that supporting San Niangzi would be helpful to the Ming Dynasty's strategy on the grasslands, and San Niangzi was also able to position herself correctly as one of the few leaders on the grasslands.

Like I said, I can understand, but Zheng Luo felt somewhat ashamed to do it.

After writing the letter, sealing it in an envelope, and applying sealing wax, Zheng Luo considered the matter done.

He summoned his trusted confidants and gave them instructions, emphasizing that the letter must be delivered to the Third Sister personally. He also informed the Third Sister of her current location, which was to head directly to Bansheng City.

After giving his instructions, he then allowed his trusted confidant to leave.

They then produced intelligence sent by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, estimating that the Third Lady's troops numbered close to ten thousand, while Qia Taiji had two thousand. The Embroidered Uniform Guard also had records of the tribes that Huang Taiji had sent out to gather troops.

They could probably gather around ten thousand men, a force that surpassed that of Third Sister's army.

However, since Third Sister went to Bansheng City herself, and Huang Taiji could not leave Guihua City to go there, she had a slight advantage in terms of righteousness.

After all, Third Sister's status is much higher than others. Even if they lead troops to Bansheng City, they may not dare to actually send troops to attack Third Sister's followers.

Soon, Zheng Luo wrote another note and had it delivered to Mu Tianyu.

The note, of course, instructed the Imperial Guards to keep a close eye on Chelik.

Huang Taiji can't go to Ban Sheng Cheng, but Che Li Ke can.

The Imperial Guards already have intelligence that Chelik is considering proposing to Dacheng Biji.

If Chelik leads his troops to Bansheng City, then Third Sister will be in real trouble.

Although Xuan Dajun was there to support San Niangzi, Zheng Luo really didn't want to drag the Xi'an army into the war.

"Hopefully, the situation won't get to the worst possible outcome."

In the study, Zheng Luo sighed.

After thinking for a moment, he wrote another note, informing Ma Fang, who was stationed in Xuanfu, of the current situation surrounding Bansheng City, and asked him to send the message to the generals of Jizhou and Yansui in his capacity as general.

If things really get out of hand in Bansheng City, the Xuanda army will really need reinforcements from both towns.

In the capital, Zheng Luo also wrote a memorial to the throne.

Sending the message directly to the two towns was to let them know the situation and allow them to mobilize their troops in advance.

If troops really need to be dispatched, the Ministry of War must issue a formal document; otherwise, the troops cannot leave the pass.

In an instant, couriers galloped along the northern passes and post roads, creating a tense atmosphere in the towns near the border.

Although there has been no war for more than ten years, the people who experienced the ravages of war are still there. Under their teachings, the younger generation has naturally learned a lot of common sense about war, knowing that whenever they see a post horse galloping, it often indicates that something big is about to happen.

Even without news of war, the constant flow of couriers in and out of the city gates meant that the first people they noticed were the merchants near the gates, and the news gradually spread.

It wasn't as chaotic as it was during the Jiajing reign, but the common people were still asking around to see if there was another problem in the north.

The common people, of course, couldn't find out what was going on, but the officials in the capital had also received the news and knew that something had happened on the grasslands.

Apart from a few people in the Ministry of War, no one knew the truth of the matter.

Wei Guangde often said in his circle that the Ming Dynasty's court was like a sieve, and no news could be blocked.

In fact, everyone knows what's going on. Most people believe that a gentleman should be open and honest, and that the country should act openly and aboveboard. Who would still have any sense of secrecy?

Even military matters were treated like a storybook by a group of scholars, who found them incredibly simple.

This time, however, Zhang Ke was ruthless and issued a gag order to those who knew the inside story.

Although the news could not be kept secret in the end, at least it could not be leaked out of the Ministry of War.

It's unclear who first received the news, but although the Ministry of War didn't spread the word, it quickly spread among officials in the capital after the meeting.

Without a doubt, the news was most likely leaked from the cabinet or the palace.

However, the carefree officials in the capital only knew that a tribal chieftain on the grasslands, who had always been close to the court, had died in a horse-riding accident, and the court had made some preventative arrangements in response.

Most officials didn't take it seriously, but messengers from Zhang Siwei's residence continued to rush to Shanxi to deliver the latest news and countermeasures obtained by the court.

When Wei Guangde heard the news, he didn't think much of it.

His grassland chamber of commerce had also received the news from Zhang Ji. After all, it was information that could lead to a shortage of raw materials. If they didn't inform him as soon as possible and purchase a batch of wool to stockpile, how could they do business in the future?

The entire Ming Dynasty, from Liaodong in the east to Gansu in the west, was mobilized entirely by the orders of the Ministry of War.

Regardless of whether they had the strength to cross the border, the generals of each town began actively taking stock of their troops and strengthening their defenses. (End of Chapter)