Jingnan Strategy

Chapter 504 Everyone has their own agenda
"Second brother, you do better than me..."

At the Fengtian Gate, Zhu Di was holding the parapet with one hand and holding a wine glass in the other, sighing in his tone.

In front of him were more than 20,000 officials, envoys, eunuchs, and soldiers in Fengtian Square.

Behind him was Zhu Gaoxu, who was silent and drinking heavily from a wine glass.

Zhu Di's sigh was heard by Zhu Gaoxu, and he couldn't hide his pride in his heart.

He used his actual actions to prove that he was more suitable to be the emperor than any of them, and Zhu Di also used his own and Zhu Gaoxu's two generations to prove that his lineage was more suitable to be the emperor than Zhu Biao's.

At this moment, any character beside them seemed eclipsed.

There are not too many words, and there is no need for too much praise. The prosperous scene in front of them is enough to illustrate their achievements.

On this night, not only the Forbidden City, but the entire capital revealed a prosperous atmosphere of festival celebrations.

This father and son are blessed by all nations, and all nations look up to them.

"These people are called conservatives within the Ming Dynasty. This name also shows that they hinder the progress of the Ming Dynasty."

"Hmph, it seems that the Great Khan does not have the far-sightedness that the world boasts of."

"Although they receive new education, they still follow the rules deep down."

Ashikaga Yoshitsune, as the eldest son of Ashikaga Yoshitsugu, his mother was a woman whom Ashikaga Yoshitsugu married in the Ming Dynasty.

Relying on them, the strength of all countries can be greatly improved.

Ulugh Beg had a sense of superior pride in his heart, and even he himself was unaware of this pride.

Even when facing his brothers, he always maintained a condescending attitude, which made Ibra and others very unhappy with him.

His words made Ibra frown and look around. He saw envoys from various countries around him drinking and having fun together in small groups. Except for not daring to look away from the direction of the emperor, the rest of their words and deeds expressed their happiness.

He has many brothers, but all of them only know how to destroy and have not inherited his father's economic vision at all.

Confucianism is not necessarily good at cultivating other things, but it is good at cultivating kings to rule the people and cultivating the king's arrogant sense of pride.

Since this group of people were so resistant to the Ming Dynasty's culture, he could secretly develop in his own territory and catch them all after his father passed away.

Although the scene was lively and complicated, the eyes of all countries followed these two closely.

"They may not be of much use to the Ming Dynasty, but they are of great use to us. If you don't believe me, look around..."

Although Confucian scholars are a relatively conservative group in the current system, for their countries, they are already a relatively radical reform group.

In a corner of the square, Ashikaga Yoshitsugu glanced greedily at everything in front of him, wishing that this prosperous scene existed because of him.

If Shaharul were not still alive, Ibla and the others might have united to deal with Ulugh Beg first.

In the eyes of Ulugh Beg, the world is like a stone. The Ming Dynasty has six dou, the other countries each have three dou, and the Timurid Empire has one dou.

Except for the Ming Dynasty, other countries were nothing to the Timurid Empire.

Although he couldn't see Zhu Gaoxu on the tower, he was still afraid.

Standing next to him, Ulugh Beg said: "Although they are just Confucian students, are they not gentlemen who were forced to study for five years in primary school?"

In his view, if Timur's empire can be made strong, then the so-called dignity and doctrine are nothing.

Education has been popularized in the Ming Dynasty for many years, and all countries are naturally aware of this news.

Are the Confucian scholars of the Ming Dynasty not the teachers they long for?

Yibula was holding a silver wine glass, and his expression was not good-looking.

Even Ulugh Beg's teacher often instilled in him a kind of thinking of "the kingdom of heaven".

Only myself, I not only surpassed my father, I can even surpass my grandfather.

"Yi Huai, you see, this is the strength of the Celestial Dynasty."

Ulugh Beg also knew what his brothers were thinking, but even so, he still did not take these people seriously.

This kind of thinking conflicts with Yibula who does not like Han culture, but Ulugh Beg does not take it seriously.

"Sending them to various countries will not only improve the internal environment of Ming Dynasty, but also use their rules to influence various countries."

Yibula was very proud and believed that sending Confucian scholars was undoubtedly Zhu Gaoxu's mistake. However, his words were rejected by Ulugh Bo.

If there was no Ming Dynasty, the cavalry under his command could defeat everything.

"I don't understand, what's the use of having some Confucian scholars!"

He told the young man next to him. Although he was only twelve or thirteen years old, the young man was taller than the rest of the Japanese team around him except Ashikaga Yoshitsugu.

"Look at the appearance of the countries in Southeast Asia. Maybe in a few decades, they will wear tall crowns and wide robes with big sleeves."

After a long period of education, Ulugh Beg no longer valued religion so much. Instead, he studied Confucian ethics, learned many allusions from Han history books, and understood many things.

Because Zhu Gaoxu sent Zheng He to bombard Khurumos and captured one-third of the Persian area, forcing Shaharul to pay tribute to the Ming Dynasty, Shaharul continued to learn the culture of the Ming Dynasty after he came to the throne, and even hired some enlightened people. Confucian scholars came to teach Ulugh Bo.

Thinking of this, Ulugh Bo narrowed his eyes and took a sip from his wine glass.

"No!" Ulugh Beg shook his head, his eyes filled with fear.

It is precisely because of this that he appears humble in front of the Ming Dynasty's monarchs and superiors when facing other countries.

This sense of pride is the sense of pride in thinking oneself is civilized and looking down on others as stupid and barbaric.

Although Ashikaga Yoshitsugu has been called a little giant in Japan, in the Ming Dynasty, his stature is still short.

Because of this, he found a strong woman close to five feet six inches (180cm) in Ming Dynasty as his wife.

Although Ashikaga Yoshihuai's mother is very tall, she is not tall, but strong and burly, and her appearance is not at all beautiful.

Perhaps he should be grateful that his father found his mother, which allowed him to have the height that his retainers called a "little giant" at the age of thirteen.

Today, at 151 feet inches (cm), he is definitely expected to surpass his father's figure before reaching his height, so he was often proud and complacent in Japan.

It's a pity that all his pride was shattered when he followed his father to pay tribute to the Ming Dynasty.

In the Ming Dynasty, even the children of common people of the same age as him were usually similar in stature to his father, let alone the children of ministers and officials.

Standing in Fengtian Square, Ashikaga Yoshihuai felt inferior. Especially when facing the descendants of Emperor Hongxi, he was as humble as the dust and inconspicuous.

Now he understood why his father was so fanatical about the Ming Dynasty, because even he would be fanatical about such a prosperous Ming Dynasty and wished he could bring all this prosperity back to Japan.

"Yihuai, we have to make Japan strong, do you understand?"

Ashikaga Yoshitsugu looked at the formerly proud Ashikaga Yoshikai with his head lowered and remained silent, and he couldn't help but nodded with satisfaction and explained to him.

"I understand, Father."

Ashikaga Yoshihuai nodded, and his eyes gradually moved closer to his father. The unabashed greed almost occupied his whole person.

"Father, why did you do that just now?"

Not far from the Japanese mission, the North Korean prince Li Jue looked at his father in confusion. He didn't understand why his father wanted to cater to the Ming emperor in such a humble manner.

"Asshole, do you know what you're talking about?"

Seeing Li Jue offending his majesty, Li Chen suddenly remembered his majesty as a king.

Li Jue, who was still a young man, did not understand his father's intentions. He only felt that North Korea should not be so groveling.

Although he had seen the Ming Dynasty's powerful army during the day, he still stubbornly believed that the North Korean army was not bad at all.

"It seems that I usually dote on you too much. After this time is over, you can go to Ping An Road to study by yourself!"

Li Di looked at his son with disappointment. He was unlikely to say that North Korea was far inferior to the Ming Dynasty, but as long as he had seen the military parade during the day, I believe any North Korean minister could understand how big the gap between North Korea and the Ming Dynasty was.

As the only country bordering the Ming Dynasty on land in the northeast, if North Korea does not show humility, then they will face destruction like the Weiman North Korea that once lived on this land.

His son couldn't understand such a simple truth. How could he not be disappointed?

"Your Majesty, calm down..."

"What kind of king am I?"

A minister stood up and bowed to dissuade him, but Li Fen asked angrily: "Your Majesty has not agreed that I am the king, so what kind of king am I now?"

"This... this..." The minister was speechless after hearing this. Li Jue also said angrily: "Why do they have to approve it?"

Without thinking, Li Chen subconsciously slapped Li Jue on the face.

Li Jue was stunned on the spot in disbelief. When he came to his senses and looked at his father, he saw his father looking at him sinisterly, as if he was going to tear him apart in the next second.

"This slap is to wake you up. When you come back from Ping An Road, you can tell me what you think!"

After the words fell, he no longer looked at Li Jue, turned around, took the wine glass, and started drinking with a smile and a smile with the kings of Siam, Gan Pozhi and other countries not far away.

Not to mention anything else, the speed of changing faces alone is enough for Li Jue to learn for many years.

The farce within North Korea was naturally seen by other countries. In the eyes of other countries, Li Sun's performance did not seem to be wrong.

Although they were not able to hear the content of the quarrel between the father and son, the father taught his son and the king did not need any reason to teach the crown prince. On the contrary, it was Li Chen's Qi-nurturing Kung Fu and Face-Changing Kung Fu that made everyone more impressed with him.

Li Chen traveled between Kampuschi, Siam, Manchuria, Champa and other countries.

Since the interests of the land of Kunlun Continent are rich enough, and a single country in Nanyang cannot compete with North Korea and Japan, these countries, despite their deep hatred, still chose to unite in the face of huge interests.

The Nanyang Alliance is dominated by Siam, followed by Kambolchi, and Majapahit again. There are still more than ten small countries such as Champa, Managa, Sulu, Bo Ni, Sumatra, and Dingalu to join. .

They may be able to fight alone, but when they join forces, they form a powerful alliance with a population of tens of millions and a strength of more than 200,000.

Although the serious historical conflicts between the countries forced them to leave sufficient troops on their homeland, their military strength in Kunlun Continent still reached nearly 10,000.

Sixteen private companies of the Nanyang Alliance, Japan, Korea, and the Ming Dynasty, as well as the Mugudushu Qianhusuo and Kunlun Xuanwei Division of the Sixth Army Governor's Mansion.

These five forces are currently the main forces in central and southern Kunlun. Although there are also merchants from some countries, most of them are dependent on the first four companies that mainly engage in resource plunder. As for the Kunlun Xuanwei Division under the Navy Governor's Office, they are mainly engaged in government-run business selling "anti-malarial powder", grain, and iron materials.

Looking at them, Yang Zhan, who had only returned to the Ming Dynasty in May, stood beside Zhu Zhanhe with Wang Zuo and Hu Ji, watching them through the crowd.

Zhu Zhanhe held a wine glass in one hand and looked at Li Chen who was traveling through the Nanyang Alliance with the other hand, with a dull expression.

Yang Zhan stood aside, took a sip of wine and said, "This time I went to Xiaoxiyang Capital to inspect the navy, and I also figured out some things by the way."

Zhu Zhanhe turned his head when he heard the words, waiting for Yang Zhan's next words.

"The wealth gained by the four forces in Kunlun Continent is not small. Judging from the sorted out Manlajia customs duties, the apparent wealth plundered from Kunlun Continent every year has reached at least three million yuan. Counting my role in Mugu Dushu and Ma Lindi know that it should be no less than four million strings."

Four million yuan of wealth is an indispensable financial source even for the Ming Dynasty, let alone these forces.

Under the Ming Dynasty, they received safe shipping lanes and protection, but were also restricted to trade in the Kunlun Continent and Xiaoxiyang areas.

At Kunlun Cape, the Kunlun Xuanwei Division prohibited all ships except Ming Dynasty official ships from crossing this sea area.

In the East, the Manchurian Customs and the Nanyang, Dongyang and other fleets that are always combating maritime smuggling trade are constantly patrolling.

Their space is limited to Kunlun Continent, which is a good thing for them now, but as their strength continues to expand, they are destined to fight for more interests with the Ming Dynasty. This is why this military parade was organized.

The effect of the grand military parade is very good, at least the ambitions of these countries can be suppressed for ten or even twenty years.

More than ten or twenty years later, if Zhu Gaoxu is still alive, it will be enough to organize another military parade and still maintain the military lead.

If Zhu Gaoxu was not alive, then Zhu Zhanhe himself would have to think more about how to deal with the problems of these small countries.

After taking a sip of wine, Zhu Zhanhe placed the wine glass on the tray held by the eunuch beside him, turned around and left the place.

Under the glamorous banquet, there are countless people and countries hiding their petty interests. It is unrealistic for an individual to govern such a huge country and vassal system alone.

After the experience in Longchuan, Zhu Zhanhe clearly realized a problem.

Except for the Zhu blood flowing in his body, he does not have any talents that are far beyond the multiple times of ordinary people.

With his brain alone, he would never be able to govern the entire Ming Dynasty, let alone the vassal system under the Ming Dynasty.

Under such circumstances, he must form a team of his own to solve problems he may need to face in the future.

In just a few steps, he thought of Jiang Huai, Zhang Bohai, Gao Guan, and Lu Yu, whom he had followed in school.

These people are young enough to accompany and help themselves for a long time, especially JAC.

To be honest, after experience, Zhu Zhanhe admires people like Jiang Huai.

He is honest and capable, knows how to be a philistine without being a philistine, and more importantly, he has the courage to do things.

In comparison, Zhang Bohai, Gao Guan and others are inferior.

With JAC's help, he can save a lot of things...

"Xia Shangshu!"

Suddenly, Zhu Zhanhe stopped because he found the person he was looking for.

"Your Highness..."

Xia Yuanji, the Minister of Personnel, was sitting on a chair. When he saw Zhu Zhanhe saluting, he immediately stood up and returned the salute.

"You are an elder, just sit back and listen."

"Although he is an elder, he is also a minister. If Your Highness doesn't want me to stand around for too long, you'd better tell the matter quickly."

Zhu Zhanhe performed a show of politeness to the corporal, but Xia Yuanji did not accept this trick.

He could tell from Zhu Zhanhe's words and deeds that Zhu Zhanhe was here for something, so he let him go straight to the topic.

"I heard that my father promoted a group of officials, and I would like to transfer some of them to serve in my East Palace Zhanshi Mansion."

"I cannot make a decision on this matter. Please ask Your Majesty."

Without any room for negotiation, Xia Yuanji directly chose to refuse.

The expression on Zhu Zhanhe's face froze, but he still responded humbly and respectfully, then turned around and left the place.

As he left, an official behind Xia Yuanji showed concern on his face: "Is there something wrong with Shangshu rejecting the East Palace like this?"

"Rules are rules. I'm sixty years old, why do I still need to worry about this?"

After Xia Yuanji said that, he sat back on his chair and continued to watch the excitement in the square.

At the same time, Zhu Di and Zhu Gaoxu also walked down the city wall, and happened to meet Hu Lun who came to report the matter.

Hu Lun bowed to Zhu Di first and then to Zhu Gaoxu. This was his cleverness. He knew that His Majesty respected the Supreme Emperor, so he would not care about these details. The Supreme Emperor would be slightly happy because of his move. .

"His Majesty……"

Hu Lun stepped forward and explained what had just happened in the square, and Zhu Di listened without interrupting.

In one word, Hu Lun explained clearly the performance of the envoys from various countries and the performance of Zhu Zhanhe. After hearing this, Zhu Gaoxu nodded and said:
"I understand, just continue to supervise..."

After the words fell, Zhu Gaoxu continued to walk towards the square, and Zhu Di stood side by side with him, admiring the orchid dance music of the Western Regions and Central Asia, and the geisha and music girls of the East and South Asia.

Time passed, and soon it was time to leave.

The juggling troupes from various countries left Fengtian Square first, and then the envoys from various countries lined up in order under the arrangement of the Ministry of Rites.

The kings and envoys of more than seventy countries came forward, and Zhu Gaoxu stood on the steps in front of Fengtian Hall and raised his wine glass.

"It is a regular event here that it will be held every ten years. We hope that all the heads of state and envoys from all over the world will come to the event, so as not to miss the date."

"I obey the decree, and may your Majesty live forever..."

When Zhu Gaoxu's voice fell, the heads of state and envoys from various countries knelt down one after another and kowtowed five times and three times at Zhu Gaoxu's feet.

"Although I cannot live forever, the Ming Dynasty can stabilize the world and ensure peace for you and others!"

After raising his glass and drinking deeply, Zhu Gaoxu placed the wine glass on the tray in Yishiha's hand next to him, and walked back and forth on the high platform in front of the ministers.

They knelt on the ground and felt the emperor passing by on the high platform in front of them.

Zhu Gaoxu put his hands behind his back and walked back and forth with satisfaction before turning around and leaving towards Fengtian Hall.

"Congratulations to Your Majesty!!"

I don't know who spoke, but envoys from various countries began to sing salutes one after another, and Zhu Di and others followed Zhu Gaoxu and left.

After they had gone far, the minister of Honglu Temple announced that the class was dismissed.

Envoys and ministers from various countries began to leave the Forbidden City, but they did not intend to go back to rest. Therefore, Beijing could play all night long for three days, so they just wanted to have a good time.

Compared to them, Zhu Gaoxu was a little busy.

After the state banquet, the big family went to the Huagai Hall.

Since Zhu Di is about to go on an expedition, they will also hold a three-day family banquet here.

Most of the people were already full at the state banquet just now, but Zhu Gaochi was still able to pick up his chopsticks and eat happily after he came to the Huagai Hall and sat down.

Zhu Di was too lazy to talk about his fat son. He just sat in the main seat and looked at Zhu Gaoxu and said:

"I am at my peak in the Spring and Autumn Period, and this Northern Expedition will return as scheduled. Today Fengtian is prosperous and prosperous. I think you have all seen it."

"My plan for the Northern Expedition has been decided, no one can persuade me..."

When Zhu Di said this, his eyes turned to Zhu Gaochi. Fortunately, Zhu Gaochi stopped his chopsticks when Zhu Di spoke, otherwise he would probably have to be scolded again.

He looked at Zhu Di's condition these days and found that he was indeed in good condition, and he couldn't persuade him, so he gave up.

Apart from praying to God and worshiping Buddha for Zhu Di, he seemed unable to do anything.

"In this Northern Expedition, I plan to take the crown prince, grandson, and Zhan Ji with me."

"You two brothers are waiting for my good news in Beijing. I will be back before winter...that's right."

Zhu Di looked at Zhu Gaoxu and told him: "Control your elder brother, don't let him eat all the trouble, let him see what he looks like!"

He didn't directly reprimand Zhu Gaochi, but Zhu Gaochi was sitting in front of him, so his words were a bit strange.

If it were Zhu Gaosui and the others, their faces would probably have turned red, but Zhu Gaochi still looked as normal, and even took a piece of meat and stuffed it into his mouth when Zhu Di wasn't paying attention.

"My son, I remember..."

Zhu Gaoxu looked at Zhu Gaochi sitting next to him with a meaningful smile, which instantly made the meat in Zhu Gaochi's mouth no longer smell good.

"Okay, you can eat here, I'll go back to Daming Palace first."

Zhu Di didn't want to stay in the Forbidden City any longer. When Zhu Gaoxu saw this, he stood up and said, "Eldest brother and third brother can have dinner here. I'll just take father to Xihua Gate."

After all, he was the emperor. As soon as he spoke, the others could only sit in their seats and watch the two of them leave together with Yi Shiha, Wang Yan, and Zheng He.

Taking a carriage, the two father and son soon arrived at Xihua Gate.

Before getting on the carriage, Zhu Di looked back at Zhu Gaoxu, but said nothing, but his eyes showed satisfaction and smile.

On the contrary, when Zhu Di looked away and was about to get in the car, Zhu Gaoxu's voice sounded behind him:

"Dad, remember what I told you. If you feel uncomfortable or can't find the enemy's main force, then come back first."

"The imperial court now has enough money and food. As long as you take good care of your health, everything can be done slowly..."

Faced with these words, Zhu Di suddenly laughed and walked into the car without looking back: "I know."

Not long after he finished speaking, the carriage Zhu Di was riding in, escorted by hundreds of Yanshan Guards cavalry from the Daming Palace, drove towards the long road of the imperial city and gradually disappeared under the bright night sky with fireworks...

(End of this chapter)