Wanli Ming Emperor

Chapter 219: The Clouds Are Connected, the Flags Are Shining

The emperor's sudden affectation was obviously outside the parade procedure set by the ministry. After all, letting a foreign official lead the horse was somewhat humiliating.

The monarch is the master, and if a senior official in the court could hold the emperor's horse, it would be a blessing and honor. But foreign ministers are foreign ministers after all. As early as a dozen years ago, the two sides were still sworn enemies. To say that they respect him from the heart is to deceive themselves.

When Sanniang heard this, she was stunned at first, then fell silent, and her attendants on both sides were even more angry.

The atmosphere in front of Anding Gate was a little strange for a moment.

The Oirat people were gloating over the misfortune, while the Duman people were watching coldly. The chieftain frowned, while the Koreans were eager to try. The civil and military officials looked at each other, and were hesitant to speak.

Zhu Yijun looked at Sanniang with a smile, appearing very patient.

Aldan Khan is dying.

Although the specific condition of Altan Khan's illness could not be confirmed, he was after all 73 years old, a wanderer from the outside of the Great Wall, and had been on the battlefield for a long time. Once he was seriously ill, it would be difficult for him to get up again. Even if he could hang on to his life, he would not be able to live for more than two years.

In other words, Zhu Yijun was bullying a thirty-year-old widow-to-be.

It’s not that the emperor looks down on Sanniang.

Altan Khan was only seriously ill, but the right wing of the Mongols began to stir. His grandson Chelike Taiji - Taiji is the transliteration of prince, which was abused by the Mongols to make the Golden Family arrogant - took over the ruling position handed over by Tuman Khan; his adopted son Qia Taiji colluded with Dacheng Biji and had an unclear relationship with the White Lotus Sect, trying to monopolize Bansheng; Shi Maohua's appearance in Bansheng this time was probably tacitly approved by Altan Khan's eldest son Xinaihuang Taiji... It can be said that a group of demons were dancing wildly.

Now Tuman Khan is in his prime, dominating the left wing and eyeing the enemy covetously. If the right wing falls apart and becomes a loose sand after the death of Altan Khan, things will be troublesome.

And the only person who is qualified to carry the banner of the right wing at this time is none other than Sanniangzi.

Historically, this loyal lady, before the death of Altan Khan, when other tribes were not yet on guard, took prompt action to launch the "Battle of Bansheng", led her elite troops to quickly surround Bansheng, and brazenly attacked Qiataiji and Dachengbiji.

After learning about this, all the taijis went to mediate between the two families. However, Sanniangzi insisted on her own way and even ignored the mourning period of Altan Khan. She recruited more troops and fought for half a year, eventually killing Altan Khan's adopted son, Qia Taiji.

After the victory, Sanniangzi did not show any reluctance to leave. She immediately gave the prostitute Dachengbi, the grandson of Altan Khan, to Chelike, the eldest grandson of Altan Khan, to gain his support.

At this time, Sanniangzi had already gathered tens of thousands of cavalry and gained absolute dominance in the Mongolian right wing. Only then did this loyal and obedient wife calmly agree to the Ming court to marry Altan Khan's eldest son, Xinai Huang Taiji, and once again occupied the righteous position.

From this perspective, it was not that Sanniangzi became a family heirloom, but whoever Sanniangzi married would become the King of Shunyi. In the 35th year of Wanli, Bushitu, the eldest grandson of Altan Khan's eldest grandson, and Sunang Taiji, the grandson of Sanniangzi, competed for the throne by proposing to Sanniangzi at the same time, hoping that Sanniangzi would "transfer the royal seal to them."

Therefore, on the contrary, Zhu Yijun thought too highly of Sanniang!
It was for this reason that the Ming court began to exert pressure on Sanniang as soon as she arrived in Beijing. First, she was left on the bench, then she was invited to watch the military parade, and now she was humiliated in person - building up momentum was a privilege of the home court.

After all the effort, the goal was to sit down at the negotiation table and discuss the overall situation in the North with this loyal lady.

As for whether it would be too humiliating and provoke rebellion?

After Altan Khan fell seriously ill, Sanniangzi took great action. On the one hand, she maintained the trade and restrained her tribesmen, and "had a close relationship with the border officials to promote peace and harmony." On the other hand, she frequently submitted memorials, saying that "the descendants and the tribe will guard the border for the emperor for generations" and "they admire China deeply and feel grateful for the grace of heaven."

Such a smart person who is well versed in political tactics is best at seeking benefits and avoiding harm. When there is still room for negotiation, how could he provoke rebellion?
Their eyes met.

In my ears I could hear whispers from afar and the sound of clanging outside Anding Gate.

The emperor looked kind and the foreign officials kept bowing.

There was a long silence.

The gold-thread and turquoise pendant on Sanniang's earlobe shook, and she finally reacted.

"Your Majesty, according to the rules of the grassland, only warriors who can tame the Saker Falcon are qualified to hold the bow and reins for the Khan."

Sanniangzi learned Chinese from Zhao Quan since she was a child. After being granted the title of tribute, she followed Altan Khan and studied the Four Books and Five Classics in front of Chongwenguang. After that, she frequently discussed and learned with the Han border officials.

Now he was playing a game of charades with the emperor, not like the barbarians from outside the Great Wall at all.

Zhu Yijun said "oh" and asked nonchalantly, "Am I not as good as the Khan of the grassland?"

Since you have frequent contacts with border officials and even submitted memorials seeking support, don't say that you are out of reach.

After many years of trade, the imperial court's influence on the right wing may not be less than that of the Khan.

It's not justifiable to use this to lower the price.

The third lady held her crimson skirt tightly, making sure it was watertight: "The emperors who came to rule the Central Plains, whether in the Tang, Yuan, or this dynasty, are all Heavenly Khans, the Great Khans among the Great Khans."

As she spoke, she pushed her hair behind her ears and glanced at the emperor's reaction.

Zhu Yijun naturally had a blank expression on his face and did not comment.

The third lady could not tell from her expression, so she continued to explain tearfully, "It's just that I, an outsider, dare not call myself a warrior, let alone a warrior among warriors. I'm afraid... I am not qualified to tame Tuman Khan, this fierce horse, for Tian Khan."

Zhu Yijun couldn't help laughing when he heard this.

The vague object in the conversation between the two people is tacitly understood.

Zhu Yijun smiled and shook his head, saying, "Madam Zhongshun is in charge of the military and commands ten thousand cavalrymen. She is not only fierce by herself, but also has the strength of ten thousand people. Madam holds the reins of the fierce horse of Tuman Khan."

He paused, and finally wrote: "Just let the fierce horse be quiet, I will control it myself."

After hearing this, Sanniang's brows relaxed.

She was afraid that the emperor was greedy and would use the right wing as cannon fodder to drive away the wolves and devour the tigers.

This statement was finally within her expectations.

Thinking of this, the third lady took a deep breath, pulled up her skirt, bowed, and said respectfully, "I dare to lead the horse for His Majesty the Emperor."

After saying this, Sanniang walked forward calmly amid the different looks of the crowd.

The wild horse was snorting loudly, and a slender arm reached out, grasped the bridle, and the other hand stroked the mane behind the ear.

The snorting sound suddenly stopped.

Zhu Yijun looked down from above and watched the scene quietly.

He turned around and looked at the officials of the Cadre Institute and Honglu Temple, and finally nodded slightly: "Let's go."

As soon as he finished speaking, someone started cheering, and from the tall buildings along the street, there was a faint noise.

Suddenly, the cymbals and drums sounded again, covering up the noise.

The Andingmen city gate was wide open, and the Lu Bo troops in front were moving forward again.

"Our emperor has reviewed the military achievements, selected the troops, and strengthened the imperial capital."

"The dragon flag shines over the tiger and leopard camps, and the six divisions are armed with armor and bright armor."

"..."

As Anding Gate opened wide, drums and horns sounded on both sides of the Imperial Road, and a song called "Wucheng Song" followed.

The parade ground at Yuewu Gate is a barbican, which is right in front of you after you pass through Ding'an Gate, and is connected by the Imperial Road in the middle.

Qi Jiguang led the generals and officers, and the attendants lined up on both sides of the imperial road, kneeling in military uniforms to greet him.

As the music sounded, the emperor's procession slowly appeared.

The Jinyiwei who had organized the parade ground and the imperial road in advance swarmed over and divided themselves into 16 teams of cavalry, archers, and weapons, and sent them into the battle formation for protection along with the ceremonial guards. Each team was further divided into eight teams, leading the ceremonial guards in front and behind, with each team consisting of 50 people.

As the command flags fluttered, the formations changed and everyone performed their duties.

"Your Majesty, please come to the general platform and inspect it in person!"

Qi Jiguang took the lead, and the generals and assistant officers from various camps followed behind him. The sound of thunder and sea instantly drowned out the entire imperial road.

The guards of the imperial army on both sides bowed down in unison.

The drums sounded in the parade ground, welcoming the emperor to step onto the general's platform.

The people on the walls of Yuewu Gate stretched their heads down.

"What a royal demeanor!"

"Your Majesty is indeed as brave and heroic as a dragon and a tiger!"

"…The emperor is on his horse."

"Your Majesty is galloping across the land, looking down upon everything with an air of pride and awe!"

"..."

"Who's leading the horse?"

The curious people stretched their necks, wishing they could jump down and make themselves known to the emperor.

However, whether it is the stands or the city walls, once you are in position you cannot move around freely; this is the etiquette of the military parade.

During the military parade during the Longqing period, the Minister of Military Affairs and the Inspector General of the Imperial Department led the soldiers to prepare the training ground. Four generals led 2,000 cavalrymen to inspect the imperial road. Except for the guards wearing "ivory badges and hanging belts", no one was allowed to enter.

It is a rare opportunity that the Emperor has shown mercy and I am able to feast my eyes. If I dare to move around randomly, I will easily be killed by the swords of the imperial guards. I have to turn my neck flexibly to get a better look.

"Judging from their attire, they should be Tartars?"

"She is a woman. With her appearance, age, status and favor, she must be the Third Lady."

"I thought only Koreans were eager to do this kind of thing, but how come the Tartars are also so eager to do it?"

"The imperial court is keen on military affairs, so naturally its prestige and power are spread. The barbarians are shocked and bow their heads in praise of peace and prosperity~" These are the lyrics of "Song of Military Success", but it's a bit hard to sing.

"Alas, although this brother's singing voice is simple, I still can't help being moved when I hear it. When Altan Khan came to the capital, the imperial guards were driven out of the city gates, all of them wept and dared not move forward. Now at the grand review, it is Altan Khan's wife's turn to lead the horses for us..."

"Show off your power and inspire people!"

Not only the soldiers and civilians on the city walls and the stands, but also the court officials on both sides of the platform could not help but look sideways.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Sanniang's expression remained unchanged. Zhu Yijun looked around calmly, nodded, and silently thanked Xiqing and others for their hard work.

Unlike the military parades during the Longqing period, the emperor did not enter the inner palace, but set up a platform in the parade ground outside the city and selected his generals for the review.

So naturally there are only a few steps to go.

Zhu Yijun looked straight ahead and spoke idly, "Speaking of which, when Madam Zhongshun built Hancheng, she asked me to give it a name. I was overjoyed."

After the humiliation, we have to discuss the treatment and assign work.

But now the occasion is not right, so I can only talk about feelings and bonds first.

The third lady was a graceful woman walking in front. After hearing what was said, she thought for a moment before replying, "It was the Shunyi King who led the people to build the city out of gratitude for the late emperor's opening of the trade market. I, an outsider, dare not take credit for it."

She replied absentmindedly, with her head lowered. As she took steps, she frequently stepped on the imperial road with her toes, and the several golden rings on her waist jingled with her movements.

Upon seeing this, Zhu Yijun secretly praised his sharp insight.

He nodded to the assistant officers on both sides and asked Sanniang with his lips moving, "Madam Zhongshun, do you think this imperial road is different from others?"

The third lady frowned slightly and nodded without hesitation: "What kind of soil is this? It's so hard!"

It's hard not to notice that the streets within the inner city of Beijing are basically paved with blue bricks.

An imperial road like this usually has to be glued together with glutinous rice mortar, which is incredibly luxurious - well, that's how the palace I had built in Guihua City.

The imperial road in front of her was neither paved with blue bricks nor with cement like the official roads commonly used in the Ming Dynasty. Instead, it was so hard that it hurt her feet, which made her feel a little curious.

Zhu Yijun pretended to be indifferent and answered casually: "This imperial road is made of a one-foot thick cement base, an eight-inch thick crushed stone concrete paving, and a two-inch cement mortar surface. It is naturally very solid."

The third lady was startled and puzzled: "Crushed stone concrete? Cement mortar?"

After all, she was in charge of building a city, but this was the first time she heard of this thing.

Zhu Yijun simply explained: "A new type of mortar, made from volcanic ash, is not only extremely strong, but also waterproof and moisture-resistant, and very easy to use."

Just a few words, without explaining too much to Sanniang.

When the Huguang royal family was restructured, they took the initiative to improve the furnace in order to smelt iron. Last year, the official kiln learned from them and took advantage of the opportunity to upgrade the kiln.

As soon as the furnace temperature came up, Zhu Yijun immediately thought of making cement.

Of course, don't even think about bringing your own encyclopedia and writing down the process and formula on the spot. He has never worked in the industry and is completely clueless about this.

Fortunately, I had some common sense and remembered that volcanic ash could be used to make cement.

Although you have to climb the technology tree slowly, it does not prevent the tangible big hand from exerting a little force and providing some ideas.

So, there is the low-end version of the cement imperial road in front of us - compared with the cement in Zhu Yijun's memory, it is still quite inferior. Not only is the hardness worse, but the water resistance is also far behind. No one knows where the bottleneck lies.

Of course, this is enough to amaze the barbarians outside the Great Wall.

Zhu Yijun glanced at Sanniang and saw that she looked moved, which was not unexpected.

If Sanniangzi didn't yearn for life in the Central Plains, why would she build Guihua City and erect a large palace?
My deep admiration for Hua is not just something I say.

Zhu Yijun coughed lightly and deliberately said, "Madam Zhongshun wants it? Volcanic ash is limited, and cement output is very small. Currently, only the official kiln is firing it, and it is not sold to the public yet."

This is true. There is too little volcanic ash in the country. Places like Tengchong in Yunnan are remote and prone to robbery by local chieftains, so the transportation cost is enormous. It was only thanks to the opening of sea transportation in the past two years that we were able to use volcanic ash from Nanqiongshan and Linggao in Shanghai.

When Sanniang heard this, she looked a little jealous. It was obvious that the emperor was raising the price.

In the third year of Wanli, she ended her life of sleeping in the open air in a tent and moved into Guihua City, which was built to imitate the Han city. Only then did she feel that she had not wasted her best years of her twenties.

Unfortunately, with the constant coming and going of merchant caravans and frequent horse trampling, the roads are naturally difficult to maintain.

In just a few years, the rammed earth and gravel roads have become bumpy, and even the cement road has been repaired and maintained several times.

It would be a lie to say I wasn't moved by this flat, solid, waterproof imperial road before my eyes.

But in order to prevent the emperor from asking for too much, Sanniang gritted her teeth and said, "Your Majesty, the soil is too hard and not conducive to horse racing. Foreign officials don't need it."

As he said this, he couldn't help but linger for a few more glances.

This is true. A ground that is too hard will damage the horse's hooves and even affect its service life.

But this is a bit of an outright rejection of the idea. If you don't believe me, go ask the merchant caravans in Guihua City if they can bear to let the cattle and horses get a little tired in exchange for a smoother trade route and faster delivery of goods?

Zhu Yijun chuckled. It was not convenient to bargain at the moment, so he just said directly: "But, having said that..."

"I asked for a batch from the envoys of Ryukyu and Luzon a few years ago, and they will be sent as tribute after the new year. The production capacity should increase." Zhu Yijun smiled, "By then, I can give Madam Zhongshun a batch so that she can recruit laborers to build the trade road from Guihua City to Datong."

"If there is any surplus, we can expand Guihua City and pave roads."

It is not necessary to produce cement on a large scale, but expansion of production is definitely necessary. Only when the production capacity is increased can the technology be innovated.

As soon as she finished speaking, Sanniang turned around suddenly without paying attention to etiquette.

deliver!?

The cost of mining and transporting volcanic ash is probably very high, plus the auxiliary materials, firing, and labor, it is definitely not a cheap product.

Guihua City is more than 400 miles away from Datong, and it would cost at least 200,000 taels!

If I were to give it away as a gift, the price would be too high!
Zhu Yijun smiled but said nothing. Without waiting for her to reply, he briefly ended the appetizer: "I will discuss this with Madam Zhongshun in detail after reviewing the etiquette."

He was not in a hurry anyway. As long as Sanniang considered the business environment of Guihua City, he would not refuse.

It is a bit expensive - free things are the most expensive. What the tribes in Guihua City got was an exquisite city and the first cement official road in Mingmeng, but what they lost was the desire to migrate!
He didn't know whether the cement road would damage horse hooves by then, but the chariots of the seven chariot battalions of the Beijing Camp would definitely not mind some wear and tear and would drive straight to the gate of Guihua City.

It’s only two hundred thousand taels, I can just give it away.

The gift from fate will be secretly marked with a price.

Of course, Sanniangzi might be able to see it, but she might not care - how could a young woman living in a palace be interested in migration? What the spiritual Han people dream of is the life of the Han people.

Sanniangzi's conversation was interrupted by the emperor, and the more she thought about it, the more troubled she became.

But the stage was right in front of him, and he knew it was not the place to talk, so he had to be patient and shut his mouth.

Soon, the group walked two miles and the emperor's procession stopped steadily in front of the general's platform.

Yin Zhengmao, who was standing on both sides of the platform, stepped out from the crowd and bowed, "Minister of War Zhengmao, I request His Majesty to come on stage for the review!"

Zhu Yijun jumped off his horse without looking back.

"The Cabinet, the six ministries, the Governor's Office, and the second-rank officials of the vassal states are accompanying the emperor outside the tent."

After saying that, he climbed the stairs and walked onto the platform.

Shen Shixing, Wang Chonggu, Yin Zhengmao and others followed closely behind.

The third lady was at a loss as she led the horse. Cai Kexian, the deputy minister of the Ministry of Rites, came close and reminded her dryly, "Mrs. Zhongshun is a foreign minister of the first rank."

The former then came to his senses and followed the officials.

On the general's platform, all the ministers stood by with their heads bowed.

"Minister of War Zhengmao and General Assistant Military Affairs Jiguang request Your Majesty to order all camps to mobilize their troops!"

The eunuch opened the tent curtain and bowed to invite the emperor in.

Zhu Yijun turned his back to the tent and looked around the northern suburbs.

He took a deep breath and raised his right arm high towards the soldiers and civilians in the northern suburbs.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he shouted loudly: "Soldiers from all camps, prepare your troops and horses! Perform martial arts for me!"

The words fell to the ground.

Suddenly, the horn sounded solemnly and low, the yellow flags fluttered, and the orders were enforced.

The officers and soldiers who welcomed the ceremony below the stage returned to their camps and began to form into square formations, just like the rivers flowing into the sea.

boom!
boom!
boom!
The central army fired three cannon shots!

The soldiers of the three armies all shouted "Long live the emperor!", and the soldiers and civilians watching the ceremony responded in unison.

Inside and outside the entire Parade Gate, there was a thunderous cheer: "Long live! Long live! Long live!"

(End of this chapter)