Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 386 Another Expedition: The Speed ​​and Posture of Surrender!
The following day, the Siamese court issued the "Ayutthaya Proclamation Against Bago".

"People all know that good and evil are rewarded accordingly, and justice is evident."

"The evil deeds of Bago are numerous and arouse the wrath of both heaven and man. Our Kingdom of Ayutthaya, upholding justice, has specially raised a righteous army to punish their crimes."

"For a long time, the Bago warlords fought each other, and the country had no peace. The people in the country suffered unspeakably, and their lives were as fragile as candles in the wind, with no guarantee of survival from morning to evening."

"A king is ordained by Heaven and should bear the responsibility of protecting the territory and ensuring the safety of the people. However, he has become a puppet of warlords vying for power and profit, unable to quell the troubles within his territory, resulting in the desolation of the people's livelihood and the abandonment of fields. This is his great crime."

"In the past, the Bago Kingdom repeatedly invaded Ayutthaya, Siam. Our border people were massacred, their property was robbed, and their homes were destroyed. Their wolfish ambitions were obvious, and they committed heinous crimes. The blood debts are still vivid in our minds. How can our Kingdom of Ayutthaya and its people forget them? These are their two great crimes."

"Now, the Pegu Dynasty is actually harboring bandits, human traffickers and swindlers who have fled from the Ming Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty is an ally of my Ayutthaya Kingdom, with a deep friendship. Pegu's actions are undoubtedly a blatant provocation against our friendly relations with the Ming Dynasty and a disregard for diplomatic ethics. Such behavior is extremely shameless and constitutes its three major crimes."

"Our Kingdom of Ayutthaya, as an ally of the Great Ming, is blessed by the Buddha and supported by its people. We should eliminate demons and protect the righteous path."

"In order to uphold justice, protect our territory and people, and safeguard the alliance between Ayutthaya and the Ming Dynasty, we, Ayutthaya, are determined to attack Pegu and wipe out the many warlords within its territory."

"This is in accordance with the will of Heaven and the will of the people."

"A righteous army is invincible."

"Now that the proclamation has been issued, we urge the ruler and his ministers of Bogu to surrender quickly, and not to resist stubbornly, which will only increase casualties."

“All soldiers and good people must not attach themselves to such a wicked dynasty. They should recognize the situation and abandon darkness for light.”

"Otherwise, once the enemy's forces arrive, everything will be destroyed, and it will be too late to regret it."

After the proclamation was officially announced, the city of Ayutthaya was in an uproar.

From high-ranking princes and ministers to ordinary people in the streets and alleys, everyone was full of enthusiasm, eager to try their hand at the game.

The soldiers couldn't contain themselves and eagerly volunteered to go to the battlefield.

After all, in their hearts, with such a powerful ally as the Ming Dynasty fighting alongside them, victory in this war was undoubtedly assured.

They will surely sweep through the enemy lines with unstoppable momentum and win without lifting a finger.

They were filled with anticipation that once they successfully conquered the land of Pegu, the countless treasures of gold and silver, the herds of cattle and sheep, and the young and beautiful women would all be at their disposal.

In the minds of these barbarians, it is only natural for the victors of war to plunder the defeated.

In comparison, the so-called achievement and accomplishment became secondary matters.

Soon, Siam quickly regrouped and assembled a massive army of tens of thousands.

The Ming army, on the other hand, split into two groups.

A portion of them marched alongside the Siamese army, heading overland towards Bago and the territories of other separatist warlords.

Amidst the billowing dust, the imposing presence of the mighty army was on full display.

The other group boarded warships again and sailed away from the coast of Siam.

They will cross the Malacca Strait by sea to reach the coast of the Pegu Kingdom.

After careful consideration and discussion, Zhu Shou and Li Sicong made a decision. Zhu Shou, with his straightforward personality and bold and decisive style, was better suited to be stationed in Siam and command the army in battle.

Li Sicong, on the other hand, is meticulous, adept at social maneuvering, and excels in diplomatic circles.

Compared to Zhu Shou, a somewhat rough-around-the-edges general, Li Sicong was clearly more suited to take on the important task of going to sea with the ship.

After all, the voyage from Malacca Strait to the Pegu Kingdom also allowed for visits to many other countries along the way.

The Ming Dynasty navy's expedition was a difficult undertaking, requiring a great deal of manpower and resources.

Naturally, we should take this opportunity to engage in as many exchanges as possible with different countries and establish official connections.

Similarly, the many researchers accompanying them were also divided into two groups.

Half of them stayed in Siam to explore mineral resources, while the other half went on a ship with Li Sicong to other countries and regions.

The capital of the Pegu Dynasty, also known as Pegu City.

The fact that the country and the capital share the same name speaks volumes about the extraordinary status of this capital within the entire dynasty.

Bago was not only the political center of the Bago Dynasty.

It is also a cradle of culture and the heart of the economy, bringing together the wealth and trade of the entire nation.

In the hearts of millions of people, this place is a sacred site of faith, carrying their prayers for a better life and their spiritual sustenance.

In the still primitive and backward Pegu Kingdom, Pegu City was like a dazzling pearl, where almost the entire kingdom's essence was concentrated.

Two years ago, the brilliant and ambitious former king of Pegu, Dharmasiti, suddenly passed away.

His grandson, Binyaho, hastily ascended the throne.

Legend has it that when Binyaho was born, a thick black fog suddenly enveloped the city of Bago, obscuring the sky and the sun.

The priests in the city were terrified, interpreting the strange phenomenon as "royal power vanishing like smoke in an instant."

Yes, he was given the nickname "Huo," which carries an ominous connotation. In the local language, "Huo" means smoke or mist.

From a young age, Binjaho was fascinated by astrology and cockfighting.

Compared to his grandfather, Damoshiti, Binyaho can only be described as "incompetent and foolish".

After he ascended the throne, he neglected the affairs of the court, allowing his relatives to amass wealth at will. He even went so far as to scrape off the gold leaf from Buddhist temples to cast luxurious golden cages for cockfighting.

The people deeply resented his actions and privately called him the "Chicken King in the Cage".

In just two years, he threw the Pegu Dynasty's government into chaos and disorder.

When he learned that Siam had issued a proclamation declaring that it would join forces with the Ming army to conquer Pegu, Binyaho was so frightened that his face turned pale, his legs went weak, and he almost collapsed to the ground.

"What exactly happened? Didn't they send envoys here before, vowing to join forces with us to fight against the Ming Dynasty's expeditionary force? Why did they suddenly turn against us?"

In the imperial court, Binyaho's voice trembled as he repeatedly asked questions, his eyes filled with fear and confusion.

"Your Majesty, according to reliable intelligence we have received, Ayutthaya did indeed send out a large army to engage in a fierce battle with the Ming expeditionary force."

"But who could have imagined that Ayutthaya, with its numerical superiority of several times, would suffer such a crushing defeat?"

"The Ming army advanced with unstoppable momentum, reaching the outskirts of Ayutthaya. King Ramaputra II of Ayutthaya had no choice but to agree to the peace terms proposed by the Ming army."

A minister stepped forward and solemnly reported the news.

"The so-called Ming-Siam alliance is nothing more than Ayutthaya kneeling and surrendering to the Ming Dynasty."

"The Ayutthaya court made this sound grand and noble in order to save face, and described it as a great victory."

Another minister ruthlessly exposed this false facade.

Bago borders Siam, and the two countries have been at war for many years, with long-standing grievances.

Both sides had planted a large number of spies and secret agents in each other's capitals and even in the imperial court.

Therefore, compared to ordinary people, they naturally have access to more insider information that is unknown to others.

"In order to protect their own wealth and status, the officials of Ramaputra II and the Ayutthaya court did not hesitate to collude with the Ming army and sell out the interests of Ayutthaya in order to curry favor with the Ming Dynasty."

"Their attack on our country is also to show their loyalty to the Ming Dynasty."

Another minister spoke out indignantly.

"Hmph, compared to the cowardly and traitorous Ramaputra II, my Pegu army is the true force of justice."

"With our hearts set on Buddhism, we will surely receive Buddha's protection, and we will win this battle!"

A minister who looked like a military general patted his chest and shouted confidently.

This statement immediately drew strong opposition from another minister: "Absurd!"

“Ayutthaya has fought against our Pegu many times before. The two sides are evenly matched and have won and lost battles on both sides.” “But now they are fighting against the Ming expeditionary force and have been defeated in one battle.”

"This shows that the fighting strength of the Ming expeditionary force is far superior to that of Ayutthaya, probably more than ten times greater. Otherwise, Ayutthaya would not have been defeated so quickly." "Now that Ayutthaya has joined forces with the Ming to attack our Pegu, how can we possibly resist?"

Upon hearing this, Binyaho's expression grew even more grim, and he quickly said, "That makes sense."

“Ayutthaya and Pegu are evenly matched and have been locked in a stalemate for many years.”

"But the Ming army arrived and easily defeated Ayutthaya. So what can we use to fight against their allied forces?"

"My lords, what should we do?"

At this moment, a minister stepped forward and offered a suggestion: "Your Majesty, we cannot sit idly by and wait for our doom. Let's just fight them."

"The Ming army was on a long and arduous expedition, and they were bound to suffer from acclimatization problems, and they were also unfamiliar with our terrain."

"We can take advantage of the terrain to lure the Ming army into the jungle and slowly wear them down."

"If this goes on for too long, the Ming army will definitely not be able to hold out."

Upon hearing this, Binyaho's eyes widened in anger, and he shouted, "Foolish!"

"With the Ayutthaya army leading the way, how could the Ming army not be familiar with the terrain?"

"Given the Ming army's formidable fighting strength, how easy is it to hold them back? Let's stop talking about these unrealistic strategies!"

Upon hearing the king repeatedly and ruthlessly reject the suggestions of the pro-war ministers, some astute ministers in the court immediately discerned the deeper meaning behind it.

Your Majesty clearly desires peace, but is too proud to take the initiative to do so.

At that moment, a minister who was usually meticulous stepped forward and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, according to the news sent back by secret agents via carrier pigeon, the Ming army's muskets and cannons are incredibly powerful, almost capable of destroying the world, and are absolutely beyond human resistance."

"Ayutthaya sent out tens of thousands of elite troops, along with hundreds of majestic war elephants, but they were completely defeated by the Ming army without lifting a finger."

"With such divine power, who in this world could possibly stop it?"

“I, Bago, really cannot overestimate my abilities and try to stop a chariot with my bare hands.”

"Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, the best course of action is to negotiate peace with the Ming army."

His words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, immediately creating ripples.

Immediately, other ministers echoed, "That's absolutely right! The Ming army is far too powerful, far beyond what our army can match."

"The only way out is to negotiate peace with the Ming army."

"The Ming army has come here to ask us to capture the bandits, human traffickers, and swindlers from the Ming Dynasty, right? Then we will fully cooperate, meet the Ming army's requirements, arrest all those lawless criminals, and respectfully hand them over to the Ming army for disposal."

"Then release all the Ming people who are imprisoned as slaves, without leaving a single one. The Ming army's ambition was not to seize land. As long as they capture those despicable human traffickers and rescue the Ming people, they will naturally return to the capital."

“Once the Ming army withdraws, Ayutthaya’s army will definitely follow suit.”

"The crisis in Bogu will naturally be resolved."

As soon as these words were spoken, the faces of many ministers in the court instantly turned very ugly.

Compared to Siam, many officials of the Bago Dynasty had deeper entanglements with human traffickers from the Ming Dynasty, and their relationships were intricate and complex.

Now that all these human traffickers are to be handed over, the losses they have suffered are considerable, and they naturally feel extremely pained.

Binyaho, however, seemed to see a glimmer of hope in the darkness. His eyes lit up instantly, his face beaming with smiles, and he nodded repeatedly, saying, "This proposal is excellent. Let's do it this way. Someone come..."

"Your Majesty!" Before he could finish speaking, a minister interrupted him: "This matter probably needs careful consideration and long-term planning."

"What else is there to discuss?" The minister who had just advocated for peace immediately raised his voice and said loudly, "I know you are reluctant to part with the generous gifts from those human traffickers and the slaves in your homes."

"But don't you think about it? If the Ming army really attacks, you won't even be able to protect your lives and property. What use will all those material possessions be then?"

Upon hearing this, the officials in the court looked even more displeased.

But upon closer examination, I couldn't find any reason to refute it.

After all, these people were perfectly clear about which was more important, their lives or gifts, or slavery.

"I'm afraid the Ming army won't accept our peace agreement at all," a minister said with a worried expression. "And another thing is that the local forces below may not obey Your Majesty's orders and obediently release the slaves they have acquired."

It should be noted that the Pegu Dynasty is still in a state of chaos due to warlord conflicts, and the central dynasty only maintains nominal unity.

In reality, those local warlords were just like the military governors who held considerable power at the end of the Tang Dynasty. They firmly grasped military and political power and were not necessarily obedient to the orders of the central dynasty of Pegu.

When Dharmasiti was alive, he was able to barely suppress these warlords thanks to his prestige and ability.

But the current Binjaho clearly does not have that kind of strength and prestige.

"No problem!" A burly minister strode forward, his voice booming: "Anyone who dares not arrest human traffickers or release the people of the Ming Dynasty is openly making an enemy of the Ming Dynasty!"

His gaze swept across the court, a ruthless glint in his eyes: "We can use the Ming army as a sharp weapon to wipe out all those who disregard the imperial orders!"

Upon hearing this, Binyaho's previously gloomy face instantly lit up, his eyes shone, and he danced with excitement, as if he could already see the tragic scene of those warlords being reduced to ashes.

Compared to Siam and the Ming Dynasty, he hated warlords who disobeyed orders, carved out their own territories, and divided the country ten times more.

Now that he has the opportunity to uproot them, he is more than happy to accept it.

"Good idea! What are you waiting for? Go and give the order right away!" Binyaho waved his hand eagerly, impatient to start this great "suppression of the rebels" campaign.

However, as Binyaho's words were still echoing in the court, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside.

Immediately afterward, a messenger rushed in, looking flustered, and knelt on one knee to report: "Your Majesty, we have received urgent news. The governors in various places are busy arresting human traffickers from the Ming Dynasty and rescuing Ming people who have been imprisoned and enslaved. They are trying to curry favor with the Ming army in exchange for the Ming army not attacking them!"

"What?" Upon hearing this, Binyaho's face flushed red with anxiety, and veins bulged on his forehead.

He never expected that these local warlords, who usually outwardly obeyed but inwardly defied the imperial court's orders, would actually take action first this time.

Back then, it was these very people who went to great lengths to protect the human traffickers of the Ming Dynasty, who wantonly sold Ming citizens into slavery.

However, the officials directly under the Bago court were not deeply involved in these atrocities.

But now that the Ming army has arrived, these local governors have turned against them first, which is utterly despicable.

"What should we do?" Binyaho paced back and forth, extremely anxious.

The Pegu court was already a step too late; even if they urgently arrested and released people, they would find it difficult to catch up with the actions of those local forces.

That's not even the worst part.

He was even more worried that those people, in order to escape their crimes, would distort the truth in front of the Ming generals and "slander" the Pegu court.

“Your Majesty need not be too anxious. In my opinion, as long as we show sufficient sincerity, the Ming army will surely show us leniency,” an elderly minister stepped forward and said calmly.

Binyaho quickly pressed, "What brilliant idea do you have? Tell me quickly!"

The minister bowed slightly and said, "First, we must immediately intensify our efforts to arrest human traffickers and release all the people of the Ming Dynasty as quickly as possible to demonstrate our sincerity."

He paused, then cautiously looked at Binyaho: "Secondly, I'm afraid we can only trouble Your Majesty to follow the rules of the Ming Dynasty, to plead guilty with a bundle of thorns on your back, and to personally go to see the Ming army generals."

"The Great Ming Dynasty is a celestial empire, and has always been magnanimous. I believe it will not make things too difficult for Your Majesty."

Upon hearing these words, Binyaho's face instantly turned ashen, as if shrouded in dark clouds.

Making a king of a country go and apologize with thorns on his back would be a disgrace to him.

Normally, anyone who dared to make such a suggestion would have been dragged out and beheaded by Binyaho long ago.

But at this moment, thinking of the Ming army's terrifyingly powerful fighting force, and the fact that Siam surrendered so quickly, he was torn between his inner conflict and his own. Finally, he gritted his teeth and said fiercely, "Fine, I'll go!"

……

(End of this chapter)