Usurpation of Mongolia: My father-in-law is Genghis Khan

Chapter 218 The world is shaken, Jochi's choice!

Yongning Hall, Zhongdu Imperial Palace.

"Are you relieved now?" Hua Zheng looked at Suoerhahan with a smile.

Sorghaghthan is the only daughter of Ögedei Khan and the daughter of Empress Naimajin. She is seventeen years old this year.

Historical records indicate that Sorghahan married Naha, the grandson of the Prince Consort of Anchen. However, Sorghahan is still young and has not yet married.

Xuanzeng's journey from Lin'an caused quite a stir, and it took him four months to reach Zhongdu. How could Empress Naimazhen not know about it?

She immediately panicked and tried to send someone to persuade Zhao Shuo not to declare himself emperor for the sake of Genghis Khan, thus causing a split in Mongolia.

But who should be chosen as this envoy?

Ögedei Khan's plot to kill Tolui has been exposed. Zhao Shuo has enough power to rebel; who can persuade him not to take this crucial step?
In the end, it was the Right Chancellor, He Nian Chongshan, who gave Nai Mazhen a suggestion: instead of persuading Zhao Shuo, it would be better to persuade Hua Zheng.

Hua Zheng wouldn't be happy to see her husband and brother fight each other, would she? Zhao Shuo and Hua Zheng have a very deep relationship, so Hua Zheng could exert influence on Zhao Shuo.

Therefore, Naimazhen sent his daughter, Suerhahan, to Zhongdu.

Hua Zheng knew, of course, what Suoerhahan's purpose was in coming to Zhongdu. She had only ordered people to serve him well, but refused to meet him.

Only after Xuanzeng was executed by being cut in half at the waist did Huazheng persuade Erhahan to enter the palace.

Sorghahan quickly stood up, bowed, and said, "Thanks to my aunt's intervention and my uncle's understanding of the greater good, the division of Mongolia was prevented. On behalf of my father and mother, I thank my aunt and uncle!"

Hua Zheng shook her head slightly and said, "This matter has nothing to do with me. It's mainly because your uncle doesn't want Mongolia to be divided right now."

"Your father was too ruthless. He killed Tolui and his brother because they threatened his throne. And he didn't stop there. One minute he was trying to persuade Rukhteni to remarry Güyük, the next he was taking away the commanders of Tolui's troops. If he could treat Tolui like that, why couldn't he treat your uncle like that? And me and my children like that?"

"When you get back, if your father Khan wakes up, tell him that this will not happen again! If he makes any more moves, not only will your uncle be annihilated, but I will also be his sworn enemy, even if it causes the division of Mongolia!"

This is true; Hua Zheng certainly loves her younger brother.

However, her greatest love was still for her husband and children. Anyone who opposed Zhao Shuo was Hua Zheng's mortal enemy, even her own brother Ögedei.

By the last sentence, his tone had become sharp and stern.

"Yes! When I get back, I will tell Father Khan and Mother what my aunt said," Suerha Khan said obediently.

"In that case, you should hurry back to Karakorum! Your father is seriously ill, so I won't keep you any longer."

"Uh... yes."

After a slight hesitation, Suorhahan bowed slightly and withdrew from the hall.

Hua Zheng understood perfectly why Suo'erhahan hesitated.

Naimazhen sent Suoerhahan, partly to persuade Zhao Shuo not to declare himself emperor, and partly, probably to propose a marriage alliance between the two sides.

When Ögedei Khan fell seriously ill, the authority of the Mongol court plummeted, and Zhao Shuo again displayed strong hostility towards the Mongol court.

Naimazhen probably wanted Suerhahan to marry Zhao Shuo's eldest son, Zhao He. Zhao He was twenty-four years old this year, and although he had no shortage of women, he had not yet married a proper wife.

If Zhao He were to marry Suoerhahan, it would likely ease tensions between the two sides to the greatest extent possible.

If Hua Zheng were interested, she should have hinted at it to Suo'erhahan earlier. Her lack of response indicates she's not considering the marriage.

Hua Zheng would prefer to see Zhao He marry a woman from the Mongol royal family, thus strengthening family ties. Daughters of Jochi, Tolui, Ögedei, and Chagatai could all be considered.

However, Zhao Shuo told her that this was considered consanguineous marriage, which was detrimental to offspring, so Hua Zheng did not bring it up again.

"He'er is already twenty-four, and he should marry a proper wife. But whose daughter should he marry? Should he marry the daughter of a Mongol nobleman, or the daughter of a Han general? Yelü Chucai's daughter seems like a good choice. However, she is a Khitan, which may not suit Ashu's taste."

Watching Suoerhahan's departing figure, Hua Zheng frowned slightly, pondering to herself.

……

……

Southern Song Dynasty, Lin'an, the residence of the Duke of Wei.

At this time, the political center of the entire Song Kingdom was no longer the imperial palace in Lin'an, but the Wei State Duke's mansion.

Because after Xuan Zeng left Lin'an, Shi Miyuan's health deteriorated further. A stroke left him paralyzed on one side, with only his head, right hand, and right arm still able to move.

Nevertheless, Shi Miyuan still firmly held onto power in the Song state. He changed the place where he handled the daily affairs of the Song state from the Hall of State Affairs in the imperial palace to his own mansion, the Duke of Wei's residence.

Because he was far from the palace, Shi Miyuan had an even deeper grasp on the power of the Song Dynasty than before, and could almost make decisions on major national affairs with a single word.

"Let's settle this matter then! The way to manage generals is like raising hawks. When they are hungry, they rely on people; when they are full, they fly away. When Cao Bin went south of the Yangtze River, Emperor Taizu of Song did not agree to send an envoy to him. Moreover, the border defenses have not yet been withdrawn, and our Great Song Dynasty intends to pacify the South. If all the generals are given their due, they will become complacent and satisfied. If there is any emergency, who will be willing to die for them?"

Shi Miyuan lay on his couch and delivered his final verdict on the major issue that had been hotly debated in the court for more than four months.

After more than three years, the main force of the Song army captured Bianliang, presented half of the body of the Jin emperor Wanyan Shouxu to the Imperial Ancestral Temple, wiped out the remnants of the Jin state, and finally returned in triumph.

So how should we reward the soldiers?

One faction believes that such a great achievement should be generously rewarded to boost the morale of the soldiers and encourage them to make new contributions.

Another faction argued that the court had spent too much on military expenditures in recent years, and with the annual tribute paid to Zhao Shuo, it was truly strapped for cash. There were still many expenses to be incurred in the upcoming campaign against Annam! It was too painful to spend such a large sum of money to reward meritorious soldiers.

Besides, what merit did those stinking soldiers have? Their victory was only possible because of the strategic planning and logistical support of the court officials. Just give them some money and send them on their way.

Therefore, even though the soldiers who went north have been back for more than three months, not a single reward has been given.

Shi Miyuan finally made a decision today, supporting the opinion of the second faction and awarding a small reward to the soldiers on the northern expedition.

His reasoning was utterly absurd: the soldiers were like hawks and hounds; they were useful when hungry, but wouldn't work properly once they were well-fed.

However, Shi Miyuan was feeling quite good about himself at that moment.

He thought to himself: Of course those soldiers would be dissatisfied with the meager reward, but the Song Dynasty has its own laws and regulations. How could they possibly rebel?
Besides, isn't there still Annam?

Their northern expedition failed this time, but they can certainly count on the next southern expedition.

The Balu Camp, composed of Jurchen soldiers, with those regular troops providing support, was tasked with conquering Annam. Those soldiers who wanted wealth could go ahead and rob them!
In this way, the imperial court gained the land and people of Annam, and the soldiers gained wealth. Wouldn't that be a win-win situation?
With Annam over, the strength of my Song state will increase significantly.

After Zhao Shuo re-established himself as emperor, he clashed with the Mongol court, resulting in heavy losses for both sides. Wouldn't the Song Dynasty then become the most powerful nation in the world?

As the one who made the decision, I, Shi Miyuan, will be remembered for eternity!
Haha!

"The Duke of Wei is wise!"

"As it should be!"

"The imperial court's financial resources are insufficient, which the soldiers should understand. It's not too late to reward them generously once the country is at peace and the borders are secure!"

Liang Chengda, Zheng Qingzhi, and Qiao Xingjian chimed in. Liang Chengda, needless to say, would agree even if Shi Miyuan said excrement smelled good, since he'd downed three large bowls of it last night.

Although Zheng Qingzhi and Qiao Xingjian vaguely sensed something was amiss, the imperial treasury was in dire straits, and they couldn't conjure up any money.

Furthermore, they did not believe there was any need to treat the soldiers well at this time.

With the Jurchen-led Balu Camp and the main Song army forces, what trouble could possibly arise during the conquest of Annam?
Zhao Shuo's threat?
He should focus on dealing with Ögedei Khan now; what trouble could he possibly pose to the Song Dynasty?
However, at this moment—

Deng Deng Deng~~
With a series of hurried footsteps, a minor official rushed in and said, "Reporting to the Duke of Wei and all the ministers, something terrible has happened!"

Shi Miyuan frowned and said, "What is it? Could it be that Zhao Shuo refused to be persuaded to ascend the throne? It's nothing. Since ancient times, which emperor has not declined the throne three times? In a few days, he will fall into the trap."

"no!"

The minor official, his face filled with panic, said, "King Zhao Shuo believes that our Great Song's sending of an envoy to urge him to ascend the throne is actually an attempt to sow discord. He is furious and has already had Prime Minister Xuan cut in half at the waist outside the Meridian Gate and expelled everyone else from the country! This is an urgent official document sent by Deputy Envoy Sun Youwei. We urge the court to make a decision as soon as possible!"

As he spoke, he held up an official document high.

"What? Zhao Shuo executed Prime Minister Xuan?" Zheng Qingzhi's expression changed drastically. He took the official document, glanced at it, and quickly handed it to Shi Miyuan. He gritted his teeth slightly and said, "Zhao Shuo is truly a remarkable person! He actually managed to endure it! In that case, who would dare to persuade him to ascend the throne anytime soon? It seems that he really doesn't want to become emperor for the next few years!"

Liang Chengda said anxiously, "Let's not talk about Zhao Shuo for now. What's urgent now is what we should do? Zhao Shuo is so furious with our Song state. Is it over after he beheaded the Chancellor Xuan? We need to make preparations as soon as possible!"

The sudden turn of events left Qiao Xingjian somewhat bewildered. He asked, "Duke of Wei, what do you say?"

"me……"

Shi Miyuan felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head in the dead of winter, chilling him from head to toe!
Zhao Shuo's plan to refuse to be persuaded to ascend the throne and to incite internal strife within the Mongol Empire has completely failed.

Most importantly, Xuan Zeng was merely acting under orders; the true mastermind was Shi Miyuan. What if Zhao Shuo continued to send troops to punish the Song state?
Even if Zhao Shuo cannot do anything to him for the time being, what kind of situation will his descendants face when Zhao Shuo destroys the Song Dynasty one day?

His attempt to steal a chicken backfired, resulting in his own death and the extermination of his entire clan!
Finished!

It's all over!

puff!
Shi Miyuan became increasingly frustrated as he thought about it, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood!

"Duke of Wei, how are you?"

"Doctor! Quickly, get a doctor!"

"At this critical moment, the Duke of Wei must not fall!"

Zheng Qingzhi, Qiao Xingjian, and Liang Chengda exclaimed in surprise.

However, Shi Miyuan remained silent.

Zheng Qingzhi's heart sank, and he tentatively checked Shi Miyuan's breath with trembling fingers.

"what?"

Zheng Qingzhi's expression changed drastically, and his voice trembled slightly: "The Duke of Wei... he's dead!"

Yes, Shi Miyuan is dead.

He was already in poor health, suffering from a stroke, and this sudden bad news shocked him so much that he died instantly.

……

……

In the heart of the Kipchak Steppe, on the banks of the Ob River, lies the Jochi Royal Court.

"Father Khan, gather your troops! As soon as Uncle Zhao Shuo becomes emperor, we will immediately raise an army and swallow up Iraq first!"

"Yes, Ögedei killed his uncle Tolui, so what right does he have to be the Great Khan of the Mongols? What right do his descendants have to occupy the wealthy Iraq?"

"Your father is Genghis Khan's eldest son, and your uncle Tolui is Genghis Khan's youngest son! This throne should either belong to your uncle Tolui or to you, so why has it fallen into Ögedei's hands?"

"We joined forces with Uncle Zhao Shuo to destroy Ögedei Khan and make you, Father Khan, the Great Khan of all Mongolia!"

……

The news that Xuan Zeng was urging Zhao Shuo to ascend the throne naturally reached the Kipchak steppe as well.

Jochi's five adult sons, Orda, Batu, Berke, Bekdeer, and Shiban, urged him in the golden tent to gather troops and prepare for the impending war.

If history had unfolded normally, Jochi would have been gone six or seven years ago.

Zhao Shuo changed history, and Jochi felt much better. Although he is still alive, his health has inevitably deteriorated, and he probably won't live for another two or three years.

As the voices of his sons gradually subsided, he shook his head slightly and said, "Stop talking, none of you understand. It is impossible for Ashu to become emperor now."

"why?"

“It’s a very simple matter. Ashoka is my good sworn brother. If he were to make such a significant decision, wouldn’t he have consulted me first? Since Ashoka still hasn’t sent any messengers or letters, it means nothing serious has happened,” Jochi said confidently.

Despite this, Jochi's inner self was not as calm as he appeared on the surface.

Yes, he believes in his brotherhood with Zhao Shuo. But what if?
If Zhao Shuo really raises an army, how will Jochi deal with himself?
Deep down, Jochi was most loyal to Genghis Khan and truly did not want to see a civil war break out in Mongolia. He was old and in poor health, knew his days were numbered, and no longer so eager for the throne of Great Khan.

However, isn't this just too outrageous of Ögedei?

Who can guarantee that if Zhao Shuo hadn't been on high alert and shown his distrust of Ögedei, then Ögedei would have only killed Tolui?
What was wrong with Zhao Shuo declaring himself emperor and severing ties with the Mongol court?

"Never mind, if Asho really does become emperor, I will definitely raise an army in response and establish a new Khan for Mongolia. But, Asho, my good daimyo, the situation is not that bad yet, so please don't let me down!"

Jochi thought to himself.

Just then, a guard entered the tent and said, "Reporting to the Khan, Zhao Yan, the second son of Zhao Shuo Khan, has arrived outside the golden tent by urgent messenger!"

"Quickly! Invite Yan'er in!"

Zhao Shuo personally sent his second son, showing how seriously he took this matter. Jochi quickly ordered his men to bring Zhao Yan into the golden tent, but he was even more uneasy.

However, Jochi was overjoyed after reading the handwritten letter from Zhao Shuo brought by Zhao Yan.

"Good good!"

Jochi slapped the wooden table repeatedly with delight, saying, "Ashuo did a good job! He beheaded the Song envoy outside the Meridian Gate, upholding the unity of our Mongols! This is a true sworn brother of Jochi, a pillar of the Mongols! Guards!"

"exist!

"Prepare the caravan and horses! I'm going to Zhongdu myself to discuss the future of Mongolia with Ashu!"

(End of this chapter)