Ming: I am fake, walking on thin ice

Chapter 204 The Demon Queen opens her mouth: Stinky man, I will help you

Northwest, Dunhuang City.

The Zhengtong Emperor was summoning a distinguished guest, the envoy from the Timurid Empire, Sean. Sean had been here for a while, and through the communication during this period, the Zhengtong Emperor had basically understood the situation in the Western Regions and beyond.

After the death of Shah Rukh, the third emperor of the Timurid Empire, the empire fell into civil strife. This Shah Rukh was the fourth son of Timur, the founding emperor of the Timurid Empire. In the eyes of the orthodox emperors, this was the Western Region version of Emperor Taizong.

Because Timur passed the throne to his grandson before his death, and later Shah Rukh ascended the throne after he quelled the rebellion. The current emperor of the Timurid Empire is Timur's grandson, named Abu Said Mirza, who is wise and powerful and has unified Timur again, so he set his sights on Chagatai in the east.

Before this, the Timurid Empire had formed an alliance with the Black Sheep Dynasty to strengthen its own power, because there was another powerful enemy to the west of the empire, that is, the Ottoman Empire.

The Ottoman Empire is now expanding westwards vigorously, and is temporarily at peace with the Timurid Empire. However, both sides know that sooner or later there will be a war.

In order to prepare for the unprecedented decisive battle between the two empires, they were actively expanding their own strength. Therefore, Timur came to Dunhuang, formed an alliance with the western part of Guanxi, and attacked Chagatai together.

"Your Majesty, we have divided up Chagatai," Sean said, "and in the future, if you want to lead your troops south to retake the capital, our empire can also send troops."

The orthodox emperor waved his hand: "No need!"

He understood that it was easier to invite a god than to send him away. He also saw that Timur was ambitious. Not only the Timurid Empire, but in his opinion, all the dynasties in the west were very warlike, such as the Ottoman Empire. From the information currently available, their national policy was to conquer, expand continuously, and occupy the land of other countries.

"What the hell is this habit?" he complained in his mind.

At this time, Yuan Bin walked in and bowed to the Zhengtong Emperor: "Your Majesty, the army has begun to enter the city."

The Zhengtong Emperor stood up and said to Sean, "Come on, follow me to see our army in Guanxi."

"That's great." Sean smiled.

The legend about the true and false emperor of the Ming Dynasty had spread to the Western Regions. It was after the Timurid Empire learned that there was a Ming emperor in Dunhuang that it finally decided to send envoys to form an alliance.

Before Sean left for the mission, the emperor summoned him and explained a lot to him personally. The emperor valued Dunhuang, the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, very much and used an allusion from the Central Plains, called "holding the emperor hostage to command the princes." Sean admired the emperor very much and had made such a far-reaching plan.

Not long after, the Zhengtong Emperor took Sean to the top of the Dunhuang city wall.

Outside the city, a mighty army surged in, like a torrent, unstoppable. The battle flags fluttered in the wind, embroidered with various totems, colorful. The sound of horse hooves, the clatter of armor, and the soldiers' deep and powerful marching steps echoed between heaven and earth.

Looking from a high place, one can see crowds of people and flashing armor. The Zhengtong Emperor was overwhelmed with emotion. After two years of operation, the western part of the pass finally obeyed his orders. This 100,000-man army was a good start.

Sean was not too surprised by the 100,000-man army, but he also felt the momentum. Although the number of people was definitely too small compared to the Timurid Empire's army, they were enough to contain Chagatai.

"Mr. Yuan," the Zhengtong Emperor said to Yuan Bin, "I will leave this army to you!"

"As you command!" Yuan Bin bowed, "I will not let your majesty down!"

……

Beijing.

Unlike the northwest, this place seems to be immersed in peace.

A grand banquet was being held in Wuying Palace, Zhu Qizhen personally entertained the river officials and hundreds of village elders who came with them. He was very happy that the river officials could bring the village elders to Beijing this time.

These village elders came to thank the emperor for his grace. It is because of the emperor's dedication to river management that the Yellow River is now calm and they can live and work in peace and contentment.

This reminded Zhu Qizhen of the Thousand Old Men Banquet held by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, the purpose of which was of course to win over his subjects. And this time the old man from the village took the initiative to go to Beijing to thank the emperor, so why didn't he take advantage of the opportunity?

If it is managed well, it will surely spread throughout the world in the future. The emperor and his people will all know his benevolence, and it may even be recorded in history.

"Come on, everyone, raise your glasses." Zhu Qizhen raised his glass.

The ministers below, as well as the hundreds of village elders, all stood respectfully, holding their wine glasses, their eyes all fixed on the emperor. Zhu Qizhen glanced over and said in a deep voice:

"This first bowl of wine is for the ancestors of the Ming Dynasty. It is only because of the blessings of our ancestors that we can sit in the Dragon Palace and enjoy this prosperous era. The virtues of our ancestors are as bright as the sun, shining on our descendants. I will remember them in my heart and will never forget my roots."

After saying that, he drank it all.

Everyone in the hall followed suit and drank it all.

Zhu Qizhen picked up the second bowl of wine, glanced at the ministers, and said loudly:
"The second bowl of wine is for the ministers present here. You have worked hard and made great contributions to river management, which has resulted in the Yellow River being calm and the people living in peace. This is your contribution and also a blessing for the Ming Dynasty. I am deeply impressed. This wine is for you. I hope you will continue to work hard and build the glory of the Ming Dynasty together."

The sincere words touched the ministers, especially the river officials, some of whom had tears in their eyes. They had been carrying a huge pressure for the past few years, and at this moment, they finally felt a lot more relaxed.

Zhu Qizhen picked up the third bowl of wine, looked at the old people in the village, and said with a smile:

"This third bowl of wine is for the people of the world. The people are the foundation of the country. Without the people, how can there be a country? We should take the people as our heart and the world as our responsibility. This wine is for the people of the world. May the people live and work in peace and happiness, and may the Ming Dynasty last forever."

The words were so sincere and heartfelt that the elderly people in the village were moved to tears of gratitude.

After three bowls of wine, the banquet officially began.

……

Outside Wuying Hall.

Gao Gu, the Minister of Works, came to see the emperor, but was stopped by Cao Jixiang, the chief eunuch, who said, "Mr. Gao, His Majesty is chatting with the old people in the village at the moment, so don't disturb him. If you want to drink, you can go in and have a few drinks."

"I have something urgent." Gao Gu looked inside and saw that His Majesty was chatting with an old man from the village, laughing from time to time.

He decided to wait outside and go to see His Majesty after the banquet was over. After a while, Yu Qian, the Prince's Guardian, also came to report to His Majesty, but was also blocked by Cao Jixiang.

Both of them squatted outside the hall waiting. Cao Jixiang asked them to go in for a few drinks, but they both refused.

"Lao Gao, why are you in such a hurry to see His Majesty?" Yu Qian asked.

"Two hundred ships have been built. I'm here to report to your majesty." Gao Gu said, "Your majesty wants to form a fleet to go to the sea. What...America, Oceania."

Yu Qian nodded to show that he understood: "Your Majesty said that America is full of silver and gold."

"Master Yu, I'm just confused." Gao Gu spread his hands, "How did your Majesty know that there were silver and gold in those places? Who told you that? Is it reliable? Don't end up with nothing and waste so much money."

Yu Qian remembered what the Duke of England said, that His Majesty came from the future. Of course, he would not tell Gao Gu about this, and besides, it was still unknown whether this was true or not, and it was possible that the Duke of England had made it up.

"Your Majesty, you started the great voyage not only for silver and gold, which are nothing." Yu Qian's eyes were full of longing, "Your Majesty wants to build an unprecedented Ming Empire. Discovering new continents, those places have endless wealth and resources, do you understand?"

Gao Gu shook his head: "I don't understand! The territory of Ming Dynasty is already vast enough!"

Yu Qian frowned and said, "I didn't understand it before, but now I understand it a little. His Majesty said that in the future, the whole world, including the South Seas and the West, will usher in unprecedented changes because of the great voyages. If we don't change, then we will be beaten in the future..."

The two of them squatted under the pillar and chatted, and Gao Gu seemed to understand something.

...Dusk, Kunning Palace.

The Queen stood in front of the window, looking towards the direction of Wuying Palace. She wanted to go and take a look, but finally gave up. Shuangxi came in hurriedly and bowed: "Your Majesty, His Majesty offered three bowls of wine at the banquet..."

Shuangxi repeated in detail what Zhu Qizhen said in the Wuying Palace over the three bowls of wine, as well as the reactions of the ministers and the elders in the village. After hearing this, the demon queen had a complicated expression:

"He is becoming more and more like an emperor! These three bowls of wine will surely spread throughout the world, and people will think that the current emperor does not forget his ancestors, values ​​his officials, and cares for the people."

Shuangxi nodded in agreement: "Some officials and village elders were so moved that they cried."

"This is the mature method of an emperor." The Demon Queen sighed, "One grand banquet will win him over."

At this moment, she remembered what Yu Qian said last time, which was also said by the Pseudo-Emperor: in the face of absolute strength, everything is nothing.

"Shuangxi, if we poison the emperor one day, would we also be... sinners?" she asked softly.

"I don't know. I always listen to your majesty." Shuangxi lowered her head.

The Demon Queen was silent for a long time, sighed softly, and waved her hand: "Let everyone go and rest, you just stay and serve."

Shuangxi nodded and stepped back.

The demon queen sat down on the soft mat, picked up a book and began to read. Before she knew it, it was dark and the candlelight in the hall was swaying. At this time, footsteps were heard. It was the fake emperor coming.

"Is the party over?" she asked, looking up.

She held her chin lightly with one hand, and a faint smile appeared on her beautiful face, which was both playful and full of tenderness. Her eyes, as gentle as water, blinked gently, gazing at him with full of charm, and her brows were filled with thousands of charms.

"Well, it's over, but I have a slight headache." The false emperor walked slowly closer.

The demon queen looked lazy, raised her arms slightly, and stretched gracefully. In an instant, her graceful figure was fully exposed, with amazing curves that were fascinating, and her slender waist that could be held in one hand. What was particularly eye-catching was that the slender waist was supported by a heavy fruit, which really made the pseudo-emperor worry that her slender waist would not be able to bear the weight of her stretching.

He actually wanted to lend a hand to the Demon Queen.

"Shall I rub it for you?" The Demon Queen stood up.

The false emperor held her in his arms, and the demon queen hooked her arms around his neck, and the two kissed skillfully. The false emperor's hands began to play tricks, and the demon queen did not stop him.

After a while, they let go. A blush appeared on the mature and charming face of the Queen, as if she had put on rouge, making her look even more charming. The tenderness revealed between her brows was so attractive that people could sink into it.

"I can't help it anymore." The fake emperor whispered softly in her ear.

"Who told you to reach out?" The Demon Queen glared and snorted, "If I don't stop you, you will go even further."

The fake emperor looked very uncomfortable, and said aggrievedly: "Who made you so beautiful? Hey, if this goes on, I will get sick sooner or later."

puff~
The Queen grabbed his hand that was about to do something naughty and glared at him: "Stop talking nonsense. There are so many beauties in the harem, how can you be so depressed that you get sick... Hmm..."

The fake emperor didn't wait for her to finish and bit it aggressively.

After a long time, the lips opened.

The Demon Queen looked at the red-faced Pseudo-Emperor and blinked: "How about I help you?"

"How can we help?" the false emperor asked anxiously.

The Demon Queen smiled like a seasoned veteran and stretched out her hands.

……

"Smelly man!"

After a long time, the Demon Queen glared and hurried to the back hall.

The fake emperor lay in the chair with satisfaction, complaining in his heart that the demon queen was indeed a veteran and knew everything. Take it slow and see what else she could do in the future.

After a while, the witch queen changed into a long dress, with a graceful and proud figure. She came to the pseudo-emperor like an obedient little wife, with a hint of coquettishness in her eyes. Thinking of the prank just now, her beautiful face flushed.

"You haven't eaten yet? Can I have something with you?" asked the fake emperor.

The Demon Queen sniffed her hand and seemed to smell a fishy smell. She shook her head and said, "No, I'll eat later. Just eat it yourself. Don't be hungry while reviewing documents at night."

"The virtuous concubine will make soup for me," said the fake emperor.

"Oh." The Demon Queen's eyes dropped.

The fake emperor smiled and raised his eyebrows: "Are you jealous?"

The demon queen shook her head repeatedly, and the emperor held her beautiful face in his hands, smacked her, and said, "I'm leaving now. I have to go to the Ministry of War. Yu Qian and the others are planning the Northern Expedition."

"Do you want me to prepare some soup for you?" asked the Queen.

"No need!" The fake emperor said as he walked away, "I am the only one who can drink your soup."

He just said these words casually. When the Demon Queen heard them, her heart moved and she stared at his receding back in a daze.

The fake emperor did not go to look for Yu Qian, but returned to the Qianqing Palace first. The commander of the Jinyiwei, Shi Biao, was standing there waiting. When he saw him coming, he stepped forward and bowed: "Your Majesty, someone asked Shunfeng Escort Agency to escort the goods."

"Isn't it normal for the escort agency to escort goods?" Zhu Qizhen said.

"The goods are shipped to the northwest." said Shi Biao.

Zhu Qizhen suddenly stopped and asked, "Whose goods are these? What are they?"

Shi Biao nodded and replied, "It is the caravan of the Qi family in the capital. The Qi family can be said to be a wealthy merchant, but they were suppressed by the Ning family before and have been forbearing. The goods to be escorted are also some ordinary things, such as porcelain, silk, etc. However, I always feel that something is not right. Why did they find Shunfeng Escort Agency?"

"I guess Chao Xiaotian is very proud of himself?" Zhu Qizhen asked with a smile.

"Your Majesty, that guy is quite capable. He made some flyers and distributed them all over the capital." Shi Biao spread his hands. "He doesn't have much work at Shunfeng Escort Agency, but he has become famous."

Zhu Qizhen pondered for a moment and said, "You can send the Jinyiwei secret guards to sneak into the escort agency and help with this shipment."

……

Ps: Double monthly tickets, I’m just begging for some.

(End of this chapter)