Daming: Brother, there is no future for monks, let's rebel

General Li clasped his fists and accepted the order: "Yes, sir. I will deploy it immediately."

Zhu Han turned to Mr. Wang and instructed, "Mr. Wang, you need to organize people to record in detail the information brought back by the reconnaissance team, including the customs and habits of the Zufar people, the geographical features of the islands, and potential trade resources, so that we can report to the court after returning home."

Mr. Wang nodded and agreed: "I will obey your order and record it in detail to live up to your trust."

As General Li and Mr. Wang left, Zhu Han stood alone on the deck, gazing at the new world in the distance that was about to be explored - the Juffair Islands.

Soon, Mr. Wang and several staff members hurried back with a detailed report in their hands. They gathered around Zhu Han and began to report in detail the further information brought back by the reconnaissance team about the terrain of the Zufar area.

"Your Highness, just as General Li said, the terrain of the Zufar area is indeed diverse." Mr. Wang spoke first, pointing to the mark on the nautical chart. "The northwest is a series of mountains with steep mountains and lush forests, which provide the area with rich timber resources and hunting grounds. The southeast is a vast plain that extends to the coastline. The soil is fertile and suitable for farming and fishing."

A young staff member added: "In addition, we also learned that there are many hot springs and streams hidden in these mountains, which provide valuable water resources for local residents and also promote the development of local agriculture and animal husbandry."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, his eyes flashing with thought: "Such terrain features not only endow Zufar with rich natural resources, but also provide the basis for its diverse ecosystem. This is undoubtedly a huge advantage for our future cooperation."

Another staff member took over the topic, his tone full of expectation: "Indeed, Your Majesty. Especially in those plains, if we can introduce the farming technology of the Ming Dynasty and combine it with the excellent local natural conditions, I believe that we can greatly increase the yield of crops and promote trade between the two sides."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and looked at the aide approvingly: "Your idea is very insightful. The exchange of farming technology can not only help Zufar improve its self-sufficiency, but also open up new markets and resource sources for our Ming Dynasty."

With a deeper understanding of the natural resources and ecological environment of the Djufar area, Zhu Han had more expectations for this diplomatic visit. He decided to go to the Djufar Islands in person to have a more in-depth exchange with the chiefs and residents there.

A few days later, the Ming fleet slowly sailed into the main port of the Zufar Islands. At the port, the Zufar people had already lined up to welcome the Ming envoys with the highest etiquette.

Zhu Han, dressed in gorgeous court robes, stood at the bow of the ship, waving to the residents on the shore with a friendly smile on his face.

As the ship approached the shore, Zhu Han, accompanied by Mr. Wang and General Li, set foot on the land of Zufar. They were led to an elegantly decorated palace where the leader and several elders of Zufar had been waiting for a long time.

"Respected Ming envoy, welcome." The chief stepped forward and saluted Zhu Han in fluent Chinese. "I am the chief of Zufar. On behalf of all the residents, I would like to express my sincerest welcome to you."

Zhu Han smiled and replied, "Thank you for your hospitality, Chief. I am Zhu Han, the envoy of the Ming Dynasty. The purpose of this trip is to establish friendly diplomatic relations with your country and explore the possibility of cooperation between the two sides."

Under the guidance of the leader, Zhu Han and his party were led into the palace. The palace was decorated solemnly yet warmly, with paintings depicting the natural scenery of Zufar hanging on the walls, and the air was filled with the faint fragrance of frankincense and rose dew, which made people feel relaxed and happy.

After the guests and hosts sat down, a friendly exchange began. Zhu Han first expressed Daming's appreciation for Zufar's rich natural resources and diverse culture.

As the guests and hosts took their seats, the atmosphere in the palace became warm and harmonious. Zhu Han smiled and expressed his appreciation to Chief Zufar for the rich products and natural scenery of Zufar.

"My lord leader, on my way here, I have heard that your country is extremely rich in resources, and I was full of curiosity. Today I see that it is indeed as it is said. Your country has a wide variety of crops, which is breathtaking." Zhu Han's words were full of sincere admiration.

Upon hearing this, the leader smiled proudly and said, "Ming Dynasty envoy, you are too kind. Although my ancestral land is remote, thanks to the gift of nature, we do have a wide variety of crops. Take grains for example. We have golden millet, plump wheat, and beans with a mellow taste, such as soybeans and mung beans, which are common guests on the tables of the people. These grains not only nourish our bodies, but are also important materials for us to communicate with the outside world."

Mr. Wang added: "I heard that your country's melons and eggplants are also excellent. Is that true?"

The leader nodded and smiled, "Mr. Wang is right. We have many varieties of melons, including sweet and juicy watermelons, sweet and delicious melons, and refreshing cucumbers. Eggplant is a delicacy in our cooking. Whether it is steamed or braised, it can make a delicious dish that will leave you with an endless aftertaste."

Zhu Han's eyes flashed with interest when he heard this: "Master Chief, your country is not only so rich in grains and vegetables, I heard that livestock and poultry are also available?"

The chief proudly replied, "Indeed. We Zufar people know the importance of self-sufficiency, so raising livestock and poultry is also a part of our life. Cows plow our fields and pull our carts, horses help us quickly travel through the mountains and forests, and sheep and donkeys provide us with abundant milk and labor. As for chickens and ducks, they are not only delicacies on the table during festivals, but their eggs are also an indispensable source of nutrition in our daily diet."

General Li asked curiously, "I also heard that your country even keeps cats and dogs as pets, which is quite rare in our Ming Dynasty."

The chief smiled and explained, "General, what you said is true. In our Zufar, cats and dogs are not only good helpers for guarding the house, but also loyal companions in our lives. They accompany us through countless days and nights, giving us warmth and comfort." Zhu Han changed the topic and mentioned another specialty of Zufar - frankincense: "Master Chief, when talking about the products of your country, I have to mention the famous frankincense. I have read about its various magical effects in books. I am lucky to see its origin with my own eyes today."

The leader smiled and nodded, "The Ming envoy is really well-informed. Frankincense is indeed a treasure of my ancestors. It comes from a unique frankincense tree. Whenever the tree is injured, it will ooze out a kind of resin. After being naturally dried, it becomes precious frankincense. This frankincense not only has a unique fragrance, but also has many medicinal values ​​such as calming the nerves and relieving pain. Therefore, it is deeply loved by merchants from the East and the West."

Mr. Wang then asked, "In addition to frankincense, I also heard that your country also produces spices such as red sandalwood and rose water. Is this true?"

The leader nodded in confirmation, "Indeed. Rosewood is known for its hardness, density, and deep color, and is an excellent material for making high-end furniture and handicrafts. Rose dew is carefully extracted from rose petals, and has a fragrant aroma. It is a must-have for ladies when dressing up."

As the conversation deepened, Zhu Han gained a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of Zufar's products. He thought to himself that these rich products not only brought economic prosperity to Zufar, but also provided broad space for future cooperation between the two sides.

"My Lord Chief, the richness of your country's resources is unprecedented to me. Through the joint efforts of both sides, we will surely be able to carry out in-depth cooperation in many fields such as trade and culture, and jointly promote the prosperity and development of our two countries." Zhu Han's words were full of expectation and confidence.

Upon hearing this, the leader's eyes sparkled with excitement: "The proposal of the Ming envoy is exactly what I want. We, Zufaer, have always been eager to establish closer ties with the outside world and learn advanced culture and technology. If we can cooperate with the Ming Dynasty, it will undoubtedly be a great blessing for us."

Zhu Han's eyes revealed a deep respect for Zufar culture. He asked gently, "My Lord, I deeply feel that your country's devout belief in Islam has not only shaped a unique national spirit, but also deeply influenced all aspects of the lives of residents. Could you please share more so that we can have a deeper understanding of how this belief is reflected in daily life?"

The leader smiled and nodded, his voice carrying a peaceful and solemn power: "Ming Dynasty envoy, what you said is very true. In Zulfar, Islam is not only our belief, it is a part of our life and integrated into our daily life. For example, every Friday, the whole community will be immersed in a special atmosphere. In the early morning, no matter rich or poor, every household will start to get busy and prepare for the upcoming gathering."

At this time, an elderly resident, dressed in neat traditional clothes, came forward and added: "Yes, Ming messenger. Every morning, we bathe in cool well water to wash away the dust of the week. Some families also gently apply rose water or agarwood oil to their bodies. The fragrance seems to purify the soul and bring us closer to God."

Mr. Wang asked curiously, "Using rose water and agarwood oil, is this also a ritual tradition unique to your country?"

The leader nodded and explained, "Indeed, these spices not only cleanse our bodies, but also symbolize the purity of our hearts. Afterwards, we will change into the most appropriate clothes, and men, women, young and old, without exception, will go to the mosque with awe in our hearts."

General Li was interested in Zufar's architectural style: "My Lord, I noticed that the mosques in your country are unique in architecture. Can you tell me about their characteristics?"

The leader smiled and led everyone to look at a magnificent building not far away: "General Daming is really thoughtful. Our mosque is not only a center of faith, but also a treasure of art. The building combines Arabic and local styles. The towering minaret and exquisite decorations all reflect our piety to Allah and our pursuit of beauty."

At this time, a middle-aged man who looked like a craftsman joined the conversation. He proudly showed a piece of gold and silver in his hand: "Ming envoy, in addition to faith and architecture, our Zufaer's handicrafts are also unique. You see, each of these gold and silver wares is carefully carved by our craftsmen. The patterns are complex and delicate, representing our ultimate pursuit of craftsmanship."

Zhu Han took the vessel, examined it carefully, and couldn't help but exclaim: "It's really a work of art that is beyond compare! This kind of craftsmanship is not only a creation of beauty, but also an expression of faith, right?"

The craftsman nodded with a gleam in his eyes: "That's right. Every piece of work contains our fear of Allah and our love for life. We believe that through our hands, we can create works close to perfection to praise Allah and enrich our lives."

Zhu Han smiled and put down the gold and silver utensils in his hands, his eyes sparkling with appreciation and admiration for Zufar's craftsmanship. "My Lord, your country's craftsmanship is truly amazing. Although we in the Ming Dynasty also have our own exquisite craftsmanship, your country's pursuit of details and unique understanding of beauty are really worth learning from."

The chief smiled modestly and said, "Your Excellency the Great Ming Envoy is overly flattering. Our Zufaer handicraft is nothing more than a skill passed down from generation to generation. It is an honor to be recognized by the Great Ming. If the Great Ming Envoy is interested, we are very willing to share these skills and promote cultural exchanges between the two countries."

Zhu Han heard this, and a trace of joy flashed in his eyes: "The chief's proposal is exactly what I want. This trip we not only hope to establish diplomatic and trade relations with your country, but also hope to have in-depth exchanges and cooperation in many aspects such as culture and skills. I think we can send some craftsmen to your country to learn your handicrafts, and at the same time give your craftsmen the opportunity to understand the skills of the Ming Dynasty. How about it?"

Upon hearing this, the chief's eyes sparkled with excitement: "The idea of ​​the Ming envoy is really great! We very much welcome the craftsmen of the Ming Dynasty to come and exchange and learn. Such cooperation can not only enhance our friendship, but also promote the common prosperity of the cultures of the two countries."

Mr. Wang added, "Your Majesty is right. In addition to handicrafts, we can also cooperate in many fields such as agriculture and medicine. The Ming Dynasty has rich farming experience and advanced medical knowledge, which may be able to bring some help to your country."

The leader nodded in agreement. "We have long heard of the achievements of the Ming Dynasty in agriculture and medicine. If we can get help from the Ming Dynasty, it will undoubtedly be a great blessing for our Zufar. We are very much looking forward to in-depth cooperation with the Ming Dynasty in these fields."

At this time, General Li also put forward his own suggestions: "In addition to the exchange of skills and knowledge, I think we can also give your country some guidance in military defense. Zufar is located on an island, and coastal defense security is particularly important. We can share some experience in coastal defense construction and help your country enhance its own defense capabilities." (End of this chapter)