Ming Dynasty: He was ordered to give lectures in prison, but Lao Zhu eavesdropped and made people nu

Chapter 705: Jurchen envoys arrive for in-depth negotiations
In the early spring of the 20th year of Hongwu, the snow on the official road outside Nanjing City began to melt. A group of knights dressed in mink fur coats slowly approached. The man in the lead was about 40 years old, with a pair of eagle eyes under thick eyebrows. He was Wanyan Hada, the leader of the Wanyan tribe of the Jurchens.

"Sir, the city of Nanjing is ahead." The deputy beside him pointed to the towering city wall ahead.

Wanyan Hada pulled the reins and squinted his eyes. In the morning mist, Nanjing City was like a sleeping beast, with walls towering into the clouds and carriages and horses flowing through the city gates. He couldn't help but touch the surrender document in his arms, which was stamped with the seals of the leaders of the Jurchen tribes, and his palms were slightly sweaty.

"Pass the order down, straighten your appearance and cheer up." Wanyan Hada said in a deep voice, "We represent the face of the entire Jurchen people."

The delegation stopped in front of the city gate. The soldiers guarding the city had already received the notice. A captain of the Jinyiwei came forward and said, "Are you the Jurchen envoys? His Majesty has ordered the Ministry of Rites to prepare accommodation for you in Huitong Hall. Please follow me."

Entering Nanjing, Wanyan Hada was overwhelmed. The wide streets were lined with shops, pedestrians were dressed in fancy clothes, and various hawking sounds were heard one after another. The members of the Jurchen delegation had never seen such a prosperous scene before, and they stared with wide eyes, and even breathed cautiously.

"Sir, the city of Nanjing is ten times more prosperous than the rumors say." The deputy sighed softly.

Wanyan Hada did not answer, but clenched his fists secretly. He thought of the old people and children in the tribe who were shivering in the cold winter, and the tribesmen who were emaciated due to hunger. If they could get the protection of the Ming Dynasty, perhaps the Jurchens would no longer have to live in such a precarious life.

In Huitong Hall, officials from the Ministry of Rites had already prepared hot water and food. As soon as Wanyan Hada settled down, a eunuch came to announce the decree: "Your Majesty has ordered that the Jurchen envoys will be received in Fengtian Hall at noon tomorrow."

Wanyan Hada tossed and turned that night. He repeatedly pondered every word and every move he would make when he met the emperor tomorrow. The future of the Jurchens depended on this trip.
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The next morning, Wanyan Hada, wearing the most solemn dress of the Jurchen people, led the main members of the delegation to the palace. After passing through the palace gates, the civil and military officials were lined up according to their ranks in the square in front of the Fengtian Hall. The Jinwu Guards stood with their halberds, their armor shining in the sun, and a murderous aura was overwhelming.

"Announce the Jurchen envoys to meet with the emperor!"

Following the eunuch's shrill voice, Wanyan Hada took a deep breath and stepped onto the white marble steps. In the hall, Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne, his eyes were as sharp as torches under the crown. The crown prince Zhu Biao stood on the left, and on the right stood a heroic young prince - none other than the Prince of Yan Zhu Di.

"Your Majesty, Wanyan Hada, the leader of the Wanyan tribe of the Jurchens, kowtows to His Majesty the Great Ming Emperor. Long live the Ming Emperor!" Wanyan Hada performed the ceremony of three kneelings and nine kowtows in a loud voice.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly and said, "Stand up. I heard that the Jurchens are willing to surrender. Is this true?"

Wanyan Hada stood up and presented the document of surrender with both hands: "Your Majesty, after several months of discussion, the various Jurchen tribes have unanimously decided to surrender to the Ming Dynasty and become its subjects forever. This is the document of surrender signed jointly by the leaders of each tribe. Please take a look, Your Majesty."

The eunuch took the document and presented it to Zhu Yuanzhang. Zhu Yuanzhang unfolded it and read it carefully, and a smile gradually appeared on his face. However, at this moment, the Minister of War Ru Yan came out and said, "Your Majesty, the Jurchens have always been fickle. They surrendered today, but I am afraid they will have other intentions in the future. I ask your Majesty to think twice!"

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly tensed. Wanyan Hada's heart tightened, but Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and said, "My dear minister, you worry too much. Since the Jurchens are sincere in their return, I will treat them with sincerity." After saying this, he turned to Wanyan Hada and said, "The Jurchens have lived in a bitter and cold land for a long time, and their lives are difficult. After they return, I will make sure to properly settle them."

Wanyan Hada knelt down again: "Your Majesty is wise! We, the Jurchen people, are willing to guard the border for the Ming Dynasty and resist the invasion of Mongolia. I only ask Your Majesty to grant the right to trade so that our people can have enough food and clothing."

Zhu Yuanzhang was about to speak, but he saw the crown prince Zhu Biao coughed lightly: "Father, I think the Jurchens' request for trade needs to be considered in the long run. If border trade is opened, there may be unscrupulous merchants who take the opportunity to smuggle weapons and cause trouble." Wanyan Hada's heart sank, and he was about to explain, but suddenly he heard a clear voice: "Father, I have a different opinion."

Everyone looked over and saw that it was none other than Prince of Yan, Zhu Di. He stepped forward, clasped his hands and said, "What the Jurchens want is nothing more than survival. Rather than defending the border to death, it is better to open up border trade and use economic benefits to win their hearts. Moreover, the Jurchen warriors are brave and good at fighting. If they can sincerely submit to the Ming, they will be a great northern barrier."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked between the two princes for a moment, and suddenly smiled and said, "Di'er's words are very much in line with my wishes. How about this, the matter of the Jurchens' surrender will be handed over to the Prince of Yan for full responsibility. From military deployment to trade arrangements, Di'er can discuss in detail with the Jurchen envoys and report to me."

Zhu Di bowed and accepted the order, while Crown Prince Zhu Biao's face changed slightly, but he quickly returned to normal. Wanyan Hada saw all of this and had already made up his mind.

After the court session, Wanyan Hada was led into a side hall to have a detailed discussion with Zhu Di. Zhu Di ordered tea to be served and said straight to the point: "Leader Wanyan, I'm sure you saw something in the court just now. I'll be frank with you. The prince's family is wary of the Jurchens. If we want the trade to proceed smoothly, we need your sincere cooperation."

Wanyan Hada did not expect Zhu Di to be so straightforward. After a moment's hesitation, he replied, "Your Highness Prince of Yan is a man of quick words, and I admire you. We Jurchens only want a glimmer of hope for survival, and we have no second thoughts. If Your Highness has any instructions, please speak frankly."

Zhu Di's eyes flashed with admiration: "Okay! Then let's start with the most important thing. How many soldiers do the Jurchen tribes have now?"
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In the next half month, Zhu Di and Wanyan Hada met almost every day. From military deployment to trade locations, from tax rates to dispute resolution, everything was discussed one by one. Zhu Di showed amazing political talent and pragmatism, and Wanyan Hada gradually let down his guard and treated him sincerely.

On this day, the negotiations were almost over. Zhu Di hosted a banquet for the Jurchen envoys at the Prince of Yan's Mansion. After three rounds of drinks, Wanyan Hada raised his glass and said, "Your Highness, Prince of Yan, I will never forget your care for you in the past half month. The envoys will leave tomorrow and I have a gift for you before they leave."

After that, he ordered someone to bring up a mahogany box. When he opened it, he found a complete Siberian tiger skin inside, with golden fur and distinct black stripes, looking very majestic.

"This is a tiger hunted by our warriors in Changbai Mountain. We present it to Your Highness as a token of respect." Wanyan Hada said solemnly.

Zhu Di stroked the tiger skin and exclaimed in admiration: "What a beautiful tiger skin! I have a gift for you as well." He clapped his hands, and his attendant brought a brocade box.

Inside the box was a set of exquisite "Complete Book of Agricultural Administration" and several farm tools made of fine iron. Zhu Di explained: "This book is the essence of agriculture in our Ming Dynasty, and these farm tools are more practical than those used by the Jurchens now. I hope the Jurchens can live and work in peace and contentment in the frontier."

Wanyan Hada took the gift with his hands trembling slightly. He understood that this was not just a gift, but also a promise from the Ming Dynasty to the future life of the Jurchens.

The next morning, outside Nanjing, Wanyan Hada and his entourage were preparing to set off. Zhu Di came to see them off in person, and the two walked side by side, exchanging their final intimate words.

"Your Highness, there is something I want to say but I am not sure whether I should say it or not." Wanyan Hada lowered his voice.

(End of this chapter)