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

Upon hearing this, Lord Zhao immediately understood Zhu Han's intention. He said, "Your Majesty, I think we can select some exquisite porcelain, silk, and rare teas that are unique to the Ming Dynasty as gifts for the envoys from Coconut Island. These gifts not only represent the culture and craftsmanship of the Ming Dynasty, but also allow the envoys from Coconut Island to feel the warmth and friendliness of the Ming Dynasty."

After hearing this, Zhu Han smiled and said, "What Lord Zhao has in mind is exactly what I want. You should quickly discuss with the officials of the Ministry of Rites and make sure to select the most appropriate gift so that the envoys from Coconut Island can feel our sincerity."

After receiving the order, Lord Zhao hurriedly left the study and went to the Ministry of Rites to discuss the selection of gifts with officials. After careful selection and preparation, they finally selected a set of exquisite porcelain, several pieces of fine silk and several boxes of rare tea as gifts for the envoys from Coconut Island.

A few days later, the Coconut Island envoys arrived at the Daming Palace. Zhu Han stood in front of the palace gate, wearing gorgeous princely attire. The sun shone on his shoulders, giving him a golden glow. His eyes were bright, looking forward to the arrival of the Coconut Island envoys.

Not far away, a team dressed in exotic costumes and holding strange gifts slowly walked over. They were the messengers of the Coconut Island Tribe.

"Master Zhao, is everything ready?" Zhu Han asked softly. Master Zhao beside him immediately bowed and replied, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. Everything has been arranged properly according to your instructions."

As the Coconut Island envoy approached, Zhu Han stepped forward with a smile and greeted him in fluent Chinese mixed with Coconut Island dialect: "Dear Coconut Island envoy, welcome to the Ming Dynasty. I am Prince Zhu Han, and on behalf of my brother Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang and Crown Prince Zhu Biao, I extend a warm welcome to you."

An older man among the Coconut Island envoys stepped forward, bowed, and answered in slightly stiff Chinese: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your hospitality. Our Coconut Island people's admiration for the Ming Dynasty is as deep as the ocean. I hope that the friendship between the two tribes will last forever during this visit."

Zhu Han nodded and led the Coconut Island envoys into the palace. Along the way, the envoys were deeply attracted by the magnificent architecture and exquisite decorations of the palace, and they exclaimed in admiration from time to time.

The banquet unfolded elegantly in the depths of the Imperial Garden, where the fragrance of flowers and delicacies intertwined, and colorful butterflies fluttered among the gorgeous flowers, adding a touch of liveliness to the feast.

Exquisite tables and chairs are neatly arranged in the heart of the garden. The table is filled with a variety of colorful delicacies, and the wine sways gently in the glass, reflecting the bright lights around.

Zhu Han, dressed in luxurious brocade robes, led the envoys from Coconut Island into this dreamlike scene with steady steps, while he sat firmly in the main seat, looking gently at the envoys sitting opposite him.

"It is an honor for our Ming Dynasty that you have come from afar. Please allow me to express our sincere welcome with the wine in this glass. I hope these carefully prepared dishes will bring surprises to your taste buds." He raised the glass lightly with a smile.

An envoy from Coconut Island, with curiosity and joy on his face, raised his glass in return, "Your Highness, your hospitality is touching. This 'Dragon and Phoenix' has an alluring color. I wonder what kind of skilled cook it is?" He asked, pointing to a dish with intricate carvings and a fragrant aroma.

Zhu Han smiled but said nothing. He turned and made a slight gesture to the eunuch standing beside him. The eunuch immediately stepped forward and explained: "This is a secret recipe of the imperial kitchen. It uses the finest ingredients and a special sauce, and is stewed over a slow fire. It symbolizes the everlasting friendship between the two countries and the harmony of the dragon and the phoenix."

The topic started from here, and the Coconut Island envoys asked questions about the ingredients and cooking techniques of the dishes. Zhu Han either answered them himself or asked the waiter to explain them. The atmosphere at the table was warm and harmonious.

"Your Highness, I have heard that the science and culture of the Ming Dynasty is extensive and profound, and its papermaking and printing technologies are world-renowned. We have longed to see them for a long time." An elderly Coconut Island envoy said with admiration in his eyes.

Zhu Han smiled modestly, "This is the wisdom of our ancestors, and we should inherit and carry it forward. If the Coconut Island people are interested, our Ming Dynasty is willing to send craftsmen to participate in the cultural exchange."

"That's great!" the young Coconut Island envoy said excitedly, "Our Coconut Island also has unique weaving skills and ocean legends. We look forward to sharing them with the people of Daming."

"That's right. Cultural exchange is a bridge to promote friendship between the two countries." Zhu Han nodded in agreement, his eyes flashing with expectations for the future.

Just as they were talking happily, a melodious music sounded, and a group of dancers in colorful clothes and wearing pearls and jade on their heads walked in lightly, with colorful fans in their hands flying like colorful butterflies. The Coconut Island envoys involuntarily put down their chopsticks and were attracted by this visual feast.

"This is our Daming Palace dance 'Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Coat'. I hope it will add some elegance to you." Zhu Han introduced softly, his face filled with pride.

As the dance of "Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Coat" came to an end, warm applause and praise rang out in the Imperial Garden. The envoys from Coconut Island were all fascinated by the dance of the Ming Dynasty court.

"Dear envoys, our Ming Dynasty not only has a profound and extensive culture, but also extraordinary martial arts. I wonder if you are interested in watching a martial arts performance?" There was a hint of mystery in Zhu Han's words, which aroused the curiosity of the Coconut Island envoys.

A young Coconut Island envoy responded excitedly: "Your Highness, although our Coconut Island warriors are good at water, they have also made achievements in martial arts. It would be a great honor to watch the martial arts performance of the Ming Dynasty."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han immediately winked at the eunuch beside him. The eunuch understood and hurried away. Soon he led a team of warriors in armor and armed with weapons into the imperial garden.

As soon as the warriors entered the arena, they immediately attracted everyone's attention. They were all strong and vigorous, and were obviously elites who had undergone rigorous training.

"Everyone, these are the royal guards of my Ming Dynasty. They will perform a wonderful martial arts show for us." Zhu Han introduced and nodded to the warriors.

The warriors received the instructions and immediately began to perform. They danced with swords, knives, or shot arrows with skillful and powerful movements, showing the bravery and might of the Ming warriors. The Coconut Island envoys were stunned and applauded.

After the performance, Zhu Han looked at the Coconut Island envoy and said with a smile: "What do you think of my Ming martial arts?"

An elderly Coconut Island envoy exclaimed: "Your Highness, the martial arts of the Ming warriors are indeed well-deserved. Although our Coconut Island warriors are the best on the water, I'm afraid they are hard to match on land."

Zhu Han smiled modestly: "The way of martial arts is to improve, not to judge a hero by victory or defeat. If our dynasty and Coconut Island can form an alliance and study martial arts together, we will definitely be able to learn from each other's strengths and make up for each other's weaknesses and improve together."

"Messengers, today's banquet is both a welcome and a warm-up. I have an idea to establish a deeper connection with Coconut Island. What do you think?" Zhu Han's voice was gentle but powerful, instantly attracting everyone's attention. A Coconut Island envoy, young and energetic, spoke first: "Your Highness, we are here to deepen the friendship between the two tribes. If you have a good plan, I would like to hear about it."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and looked at Mr. Wang beside him. The latter understood, stepped forward and said slowly: "We propose that in addition to the conventional trade and cultural exchanges, we can set up the 'Coconut Island-Daming Friendship College' to select young talents from Coconut Island to study in Beijing. At the same time, scholars from the Ming Dynasty can also go to Coconut Island to teach skills and jointly promote the progress of civilization."

Upon hearing this, the envoys from Coconut Island were delighted and nodded in agreement. At this time, Zhu Biao coughed lightly and joined the discussion: "In addition, I think that in terms of military affairs, we can further refine the cooperation plan.

For example, we set up joint naval patrols to jointly maintain maritime security, and regularly conduct maritime rescue and anti-terrorism drills to enhance our ability to respond to emergencies.”

General Li added, "Your Highness is right. I also suggest that the two armies send generals to each other to learn each other's tactics and enhance their ability to work together. In this way, no matter what challenges we face in the future, we can fight side by side and overcome difficulties together."

The older man among the Coconut Island envoys stood up again and bowed deeply to Zhu Han and everyone present, his tone filled with undisguised excitement:
“Your Highness, Your Highness, and all the nobles of the Ming Dynasty, your enthusiasm and sincerity are deeply felt by all of us in the Coconut Island Clan.

The establishment of the 'Coconut Island-Daming Friendship College' and the proposal for a joint naval patrol will undoubtedly add a more solid foundation to our friendship."

Everyone responded, raised their glasses and drank together, and the atmosphere at the banquet reached a climax.

After three rounds of drinks, Zhu Biao suddenly proposed: "I think, since we have decided to deepen exchanges and cooperation, we might as well strike while the iron is hot and preliminarily agree on some specific cooperation matters during this visit. For example, the location of the Friendship College, the staffing of teachers, and the specific operation of the joint naval patrol team, etc."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement and looked at Mr. Wang: "Mr. Wang, how about letting you coordinate this matter? You are experienced and will be able to arrange it properly."

Mr. Wang bowed and accepted the order: "I will live up to your trust and immediately prepare for the relevant matters to ensure the smooth progress of the cooperation between the two sides."

Among the Coconut Island envoys, a middle-aged man who looked gentle and refined spoke up: “Your Highness, Your Highness, I have some preliminary ideas about the Friendship College.

We hope to establish branches in both Coconut Island and Daming, which will not only make it convenient for our students to study in Daming, but also allow Daming scholars to impart knowledge in Coconut Island, thus achieving true two-way communication. "

Zhu Biao heard this, and a hint of appreciation flashed in his eyes: "This plan is very good. It not only reflects the equality and respect of both parties, but also facilitates the sharing and utilization of resources. I fully support this proposal."

General Lee also chimed in, “As for the joint naval patrols, I think we can first develop a detailed patrol plan, including patrol routes, times, and emergency response plans. At the same time, in order to strengthen communication and cooperation between the two militaries, I suggest holding joint military exercises regularly so that the soldiers of both sides have the opportunity to train together and enhance understanding.”

The envoys from Coconut Island nodded in agreement. A young envoy said excitedly: "We also hope that in addition to military and cultural exchanges, we can learn some advanced agricultural technology and handicrafts from Ming Dynasty to improve the productivity of our Coconut Island."

Zhu Han smiled and responded: "This is a piece of cake. Daming has a long history and rich experience in agriculture and handicrafts, and we are very happy to share it with Coconut Island. After the Friendship College is established, we can arrange special courses and invite experienced craftsmen and agricultural masters to teach."

As the night deepened, the lights in the Imperial Garden became brighter, illuminating faces full of enthusiasm and expectation. The atmosphere of the banquet reached an unprecedented height in the in-depth exchanges and cooperation discussions.

Zhu Han gently raised his glass and gestured to the Coconut Island envoys, his voice gentle but firm: "My envoys, today's meeting is not only a happy gathering, but also the starting point for the future cooperation and prosperity of the two tribes."

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, looked at everyone, and said, "Everyone, I have an idea. Since we have decided to set up branches of Friendship College in Coconut Island and Daming, can we consider setting up a joint academic committee to plan course content, supervise teaching quality, and ensure that both parties can benefit from it?"

Upon hearing this, Mr. Wang nodded in agreement: "Your Highness, this is a great idea. The joint academic committee can not only ensure the quality of teaching, but also promote in-depth exchanges and cooperation between scholars of the two ethnic groups, and jointly promote academic progress."

General Lee also chimed in, “In terms of military cooperation, we can also set up a joint command organization to coordinate the actions of the two militaries and ensure that the joint naval patrols can operate efficiently. At the same time, this organization can also be responsible for the planning and execution of joint military exercises to enhance the coordinated combat capabilities of the two militaries.”

The older man among the Coconut Island envoys stood up again and saluted Zhu Han and everyone present: "Your Highness, Your Highness, and the nobles of the Ming Dynasty, your foresight is admirable. We, the Coconut Island people, are willing to fully cooperate and jointly promote the implementation of these cooperation projects."

Zhu Han nodded with satisfaction and looked at Zhu Biao: "Your Highness, regarding the specific matters of cooperation, why don't we discuss them in detail tomorrow and work out a detailed cooperation plan. At the same time, we can also arrange for the Coconut Island envoys to visit the cultural sites of Daming and experience the customs and practices of Daming."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Uncle Huang is right. Tomorrow we will split up and discuss the cooperation plan while arranging the itinerary for the Coconut Island envoys to visit."

In the study, Zhu Biao had been waiting for a long time. Beside him were several officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Military Affairs. They were holding various documents in their hands, and it was obvious that they had made full preparations for today's discussion.

"Uncle, you're here." Zhu Biao stood up to greet him with a gentle smile.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting." Zhu Han returned the greeting and then sat down opposite Zhu Biao. He glanced at the officials present and nodded secretly in his heart.

"At the banquet yesterday, we had a preliminary discussion on the cooperation framework with the Coconut Island Tribe. Today we need to refine the plans." Zhu Biao went straight to the point.

"That's right." Zhu Han took over the conversation, "Regarding the establishment of Friendship College, I think the location and faculty should be determined as soon as possible. Mr. Wang, what suggestions do you have for this?" (End of this chapter)