Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 469 A New Wave of Frenzy! An Encounter at the Border!

The devastating news that the Chang family's fleet had been annihilated by a violent storm had already spread like wildfire throughout Nanjing, with everyone in the streets and alleys discussing it.

Chang Sheng was the emperor's brother-in-law, a special status. Although he was a playboy who loved eating, drinking, and having fun, he was famous for his wide circle of friends and his ability to navigate social situations.

He was especially popular among the纨绔子弟 (sons of wealthy families) in Nanjing, where he thrived and was highly sought after, making him a leader in social circles.

However, the Chang family suffered huge losses from the capsizing of the fleet and also had to pay compensation and funeral expenses for the crew members who died on board. This expense was considerable, and it almost made Chang Sheng vomit blood.

He always thought he wanted to enjoy his life to the fullest and squander it all.

This is almost enough to bankrupt the Chang family!

I wish I hadn't formed a mercenary group to go to sea in the first place.

As long as he doesn't cause trouble or start a business, no matter how much he eats and drinks, or goes on cockfighting and dog walking, he can't spend all of the Chang family's money!
Chang Sheng traveled around, telling everyone he met about the tragic situation at home. His words were full of frustration and helplessness, which made others either sigh or feel alarmed.

The reactions of ordinary people who heard about this varied.

Some people sighed inwardly, lamenting that even a prominent family like the Chang family had fallen into such a predicament, a testament to the unpredictability of life.

Some people took this as a warning and privately discussed, "Look, the risks of going out to sea are too great. We should just stay put and not get involved in this mess."

However, when the news spread that Daming Insurance Group had fully compensated the Chang family for their losses, public opinion suddenly reversed.

"The Chang family is truly favored by the Emperor. His Majesty personally stepped in to cover their enormous losses!" In the teahouse, an old man shook his head, his tone full of emotion.

“Is there any need to ask? Chang Sheng is His Majesty’s maternal uncle, a blood relative. How could His Majesty not take care of him?” another person chimed in.

In the city, rumors spread like wildfire, and people gathered in twos and threes, discussing the matter endlessly.

"I heard that the insurance company paid out more money than the Chang family lost! Not only did the Chang family not lose money, they probably even made a small profit!" A man in plain clothes lowered his voice, his tone filled with amazement.

"His Majesty bestowed such a large reward upon the Chang family?" someone asked with envy.

"Don't talk nonsense! This money didn't come from His Majesty's pocket. His Majesty only purchased an insurance policy for the Chang family; the compensation all came from the insurance company." A well-informed merchant waved his hand and clarified with certainty, "I've inquired; the insurance company said that all merchants, mercenaries, and even ordinary sailors who go to sea can take out insurance with them. In the event of an accident, the insurance company will provide full compensation and will never go back on its word!"

"Really? Then we'll have an extra layer of protection when we go on sea adventures in the future!" A young man asked, his eyes wide.

"But where does this insurance group's money come from?" someone frowned, puzzled.

"Where else could it come from? Isn't it just the money we pay when we buy insurance? It's just that the risk is shared by everyone." A middle-aged man slowly sipped his tea, his tone revealing a calm acceptance of the world.

"So, with the backing of an insurance group, wouldn't the dangers of going to sea be greatly reduced?" Another man next to him excitedly slapped his thigh.

"It can't be said that there are no risks at all." Someone calmly poured cold water on the idea: "If a crew member unfortunately loses his life, no matter how much money the insurance company has, it can't bring him back to life. It's just a sum of money for the widow and orphans."

"That's enough!" a man in a coarse cloth shirt interjected, his tone impassioned. "We common folk are as cheap as grass. If we can get some compensation, even if we die, our families will still be able to live comfortably. What are we afraid of? It's worth it to take the plunge!"

“That makes perfect sense!” another person chimed in, their voice booming. “If we’re lucky and come back safely, we might make a fortune; even if we’re unlucky, we’ll leave behind a pension, and our families can live a good life. Either way, we’re not at a loss!”

"Looks like I need to find an insured company and go out to sea with the fleet to take a gamble!"

……

The compensation paid by Daming Insurance Group to the Chang family was a staggering sum that would leave many people speechless.

Even considering only the death compensation paid to the families of the deceased crew members, mercenaries, and ship's craftsmen, the amount far exceeds ordinary funeral expenses and the usual death compensation standards in the private sector, demonstrating the insurance group's strong financial resources and generous commitment.

More importantly, this money is distributed based on the protection mechanism derived from the novel concept of insurance.

The concept of insurance was still a new thing in the Ming Dynasty, little known to the public, let alone widespread.

Many meritorious officials and nobles, even those who assembled fleets to venture overseas, mostly scoffed at the idea of ​​insurance, regarding it as a pointless expense.

However, the Chang family fleet case was like a thunderclap, completely changing people's perceptions.

From then on, in Jinling City, whether they were wealthy families or ordinary merchants, everyone rushed to purchase insurance from insurance companies in order to add a layer of protection to their fleets and people.

As a result, the insurance group's various businesses spread rapidly like wildfire, and the bustling scene of people applying for insurance made the insurance group's doors crowded with customers.

With insurance as a backing, the enthusiasm of ordinary people to go overseas was completely ignited and pushed to an unprecedented peak.

Meanwhile, on the western border of the Ming Dynasty, an unprecedented war was in full swing.

Under Zhu Yunwen's command, several brigades of the new army were transferred to Sichuan, Yunnan and other places.

These troops were well-trained and well-equipped, far superior to the imperial guards or constables of the local government that the government relied on in the past.

Soon, Changdu and Ganmu fell into the control of the Ming army.

Only in Jinchuan, due to its treacherous terrain and the enemy's stubborn resistance, did they encounter a minor setback.

Meanwhile, a large delegation led by Chen Cheng and Huo Liancheng was preparing to cross the border of the Ming Dynasty for a "friendly and cordial visit" to the Eastern Chagatai Khanate.

Jiayuguan, a fortified pass known as "the First Pass Under Heaven," was first built in the fifth year of the Hongwu reign (1378). Despite the vicissitudes of time, it still stands majestically.

Since Zhu Yunwen came to power, the Ming army swept across the northern deserts, pacified the grasslands, and incorporated the vast Mongolian Plateau into the Ming territory, thus rendering the Great Wall defense line military meaningless.

Zhu Yunwen further ordered a strict ban on any further repairs to the Great Wall, demonstrating his ambition to unify the empire.

Thus, although Jiayuguan has retained its original appearance, its city gates are open day and night, just like those of Nanjing. The former military stronghold has now transformed into a bustling market town where merchants gather.

The Inland Revenue Department set up a checkpoint here, and merchants and travelers came and went in an endless stream. The sound of camel bells and the cries of vendors intertwined to create a magnificent symphony.

Inside and outside the city gate, shops lined the streets, displaying a dazzling array of goods.

Silk, porcelain, tea, iron pots, and various handicrafts from the Central Plains, as well as sheepskin, wool, horses, and camels from the grasslands, are all sold here.

When Chen Cheng and Huo Liancheng led their delegation to Jiayuguan, they were stunned by the sight before them, their awe palpable.

The market was bustling and prosperous; where was there even a trace of the desolation of a frontier?
Looking at the magnificent scene before him, Chen Cheng exclaimed in disbelief, "I thought the Northwest frontier was a desolate land with endless yellow sand, but I never expected it to be so prosperous, just like a bustling city in the Central Plains!"

Huo Liancheng held an exquisite musket in his hand, casually stroking the barrel. Hearing this, he stopped, looked around, and a look of reminiscence flashed in his eyes. "Back then, I was just an unknown ordinary soldier who once served as a soldier stationed here."

"At that time, Jiayuguan was a military stronghold in the northwest, heavily guarded by troops to prevent the nomadic cavalry from invading the Central Plains. The atmosphere inside and outside the pass was desolate and bleak, with few merchants and travelers, and only the wind and sand for company."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the bustling streets, a hint of wistfulness in his voice, "Who could have imagined that in just a few years, this once important border town would be completely transformed, becoming a thriving commercial hub!"

After saying that, he suddenly frowned slightly, as if he had noticed something amiss, and asked in confusion, "It's just strange that we only see constables and yamen runners patrolling the streets and alleys, but we don't see any soldiers stationed there?"

"This place is a strategic frontier, after all. How can we be so lax?"

As the two were talking, a group of people came towards them from the front.

The leader was dressed in official robes and had a calm demeanor, followed by several yamen runners.

Upon seeing the two men, he immediately stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said loudly, "You two must be the envoys sent by the imperial court to the Eastern Chagatai Khanate!"

"This humble official, Li Boyue, Magistrate of Jiayu County, respectfully welcomes the two esteemed officials!"

His voice was loud and respectful, yet subtly carried the resilience characteristic of frontier officials.

"Li Boyue?" Chen Cheng was slightly taken aback upon hearing this. His gaze lingered on the other man's face for a moment before he tentatively asked, "Is he the former head of the bullet factory, Director Li?"

A moment of surprise flashed across Li Boyue's eyes, as if he hadn't expected the other party to recognize him.

Immediately, his expression returned to normal, a faint smile appearing on his lips, and he said lightly, "Those are all old stories. Now I am the magistrate of Jiayu County, and I only wish to do my best to guard this northwestern gateway for the imperial court. Let bygones be bygones."

His tone was calm, with a touch of detached detachment, as if he had let go of the past.

When Zhu Gaochi rebelled, the bullet factory managed by Li Boyue was unfortunately caught up in the turmoil.

Although the bullet factory played a crucial role in resisting the rebel offensive and preserving vital military supplies, it could not escape responsibility for its past supply of ammunition to the rebels.

After the rebellion was quelled, the court rewarded those who had contributed to the victory and also severely punished those who had committed crimes. As a result, Li Boyue was dismissed from his post and sentenced to prison.

When the case file was presented to the Emperor, Zhu Yunwen read it and, remembering how Zhu Yunwen had turned the tide in a time of crisis and saved the bullet factory, which was a great achievement, he showed special leniency and spared Zhu Yunwen's punishment, only demoting him to a post in the frontier to observe his future performance.

The frontier was shrouded in sandstorms, and the people suffered from poverty. Most scholars were unwilling to go there to serve as officials. However, Li Boyue was not discouraged by this. Instead, he took root in the frontier, worked diligently and personally, and won the respect of the local people through his hard work.

Not long after, the term of the former magistrate of Jiayu County expired, and he was reassigned to another position. After careful consideration, the government office believed that Li Boyue had performed outstandingly and was already familiar with frontier affairs, so he was promoted again to magistrate of Jiayu County.

At this moment, Li Boyue stood before Chen Cheng and Huo Liancheng. The former demeanor of the factory supervisor had long faded, replaced by a composure and resilience honed through trials and tribulations.

Chen Cheng had previously served in the Ministry of Personnel, where he was in charge of issuing imperial edicts and other duties. He had been in the court for a long time and was well-versed in all matters, both inside and outside the court.

The case of Zhu Gaochi's rebellion shocked the court and the public, and can be described as a major case of earth-shattering significance.

He had been ordered to read imperial edicts to those involved in the case on numerous occasions, and was fully aware of the details of the case.

Upon hearing the name Li Boyue, the floodgates of memory opened instantly, and he immediately recalled the eunuch director who had once caused endless debates among many princes and ministers in the imperial court.

Although Huo Liancheng had heard of this person, his impression of him was somewhat vague because he had never had any in-depth contact with him.

Only after Chen Cheng mentioned it did he realize, a look of understanding flashing in his eyes.

Li Boyue's life can be described as full of ups and downs.

From an unknown student at the Imperial Academy to a sudden promotion to a fifth-rank factory supervisor, it was a meteoric rise to power, a moment of immense glory.

However, he was caught up in the vortex of Zhu Gaochi's rebellion, and his merits and demerits canceled each other out, so he was demoted to the frontier.

Now, he has regained control of the region as the magistrate of Jiayu County.

Such a dramatic life trajectory, full of ups and downs, is like a magnificent drama, leaving people sighing with emotion.

When others talk about such a person, they can't help but feel curious, mixed with a bit of pity and admiration, which brings them closer together.

Chen Cheng stared at Li Boyue, his tone sincere and solemn: "Magistrate Li has been stationed on the frontier for a long time, and he must have a clear understanding of the situation of the Hu people."

"We are here on His Majesty's orders to serve as envoys to the Eastern Chagatai Khanate. We bear a heavy responsibility and hope that the magistrate will be kind enough to offer us guidance and help us understand the path ahead."

This statement is not unfounded.

Before his mission, Yang Rong, the official who recommended Chen Cheng, solemnly instructed him that after arriving at the frontier, he must humbly learn from local officials, clerks, and even ordinary people, and thoroughly investigate the internal affairs of the Eastern Chagatai Khanate so that he could have a clear understanding of the situation.

Although the intelligence bureau and military intelligence department had collected a vast amount of information and analyzed it in great detail, the northwestern border was thousands of miles away from Nanjing, and the transmission of information was inevitably delayed. Moreover, the situation was constantly changing, and any oversight or unforeseen changes could affect the overall situation.

Only by going there in person and seeking advice from locals who are well-versed in the border region can the missing pieces of the puzzle be completed.

Li Boyue smiled slightly and said, "You flatter me, sir. This is my duty."

"The imperial edict has already been delivered. Upon learning of the impending arrival of the two envoys, I began preparations in advance."

"Come, gentlemen, please follow me to the county office. I have prepared some wine; let us drink and talk, and discuss the details."

Chen Cheng and Huo Liancheng exchanged a glance, neither of them refusing, and readily agreed to go to the county government office with Li Boyue.

As the last major town within the territory of the Ming Dynasty, Jiayuguan held a crucial position, serving as a vital hub for the mission's resupply and rest.

Beyond this formidable pass lie vast grasslands and boundless deserts, nominally still part of the Ming Dynasty's territory, but mostly inhabited by nomadic peoples.

Although these tribes have submitted to the imperial court and accepted the rule of the Ming Dynasty, their submission has only been short-lived, and no one dares to say for sure how loyal they truly are.

They all kept in mind the ancient saying, "Those who are not of our kind will surely have different hearts."

Only by thoroughly inquiring about the situation beyond the Great Wall from Li Boyue, a fellow scholar from the Central Plains, could they increase their chances of success on the journey ahead.

……

(End of this chapter)