Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 470 Border Conspiracy, Western Region Murder Scheme!

Although the county government building is simple and unadorned, it occupies a vast area and exudes a rugged and magnificent aura.

Compared to the exquisite craftsmanship of the Central Plains, this place lacks some of the elaborate elegance, but possesses more of the boldness and resilience unique to the frontier.

This county government office was originally the headquarters of the border army. After the army withdrew, it was converted into a county government office. The architectural style still retains the solemnity and rigidity of the former military camp, just like a veteran general who has been through many battles, silent yet dignified.

As expected, Li Boyue only prepared a few cups of wine and some local specialties, making it an extremely simple banquet.

In his early years, Chen Cheng served in the Ministry of Personnel. When he delivered imperial edicts to the four regions, local officials would entertain him with lavish banquets, displaying extravagance amidst the clinking of glasses.

Now, facing Li Boyue's simple and unpretentious banquet, he felt that this county magistrate had a unique character.

Huo Liancheng was preoccupied with planning how to use this mission to realize his ambitions and achieve great things; other trivial matters did not concern him.

Neither of them felt the slightest resentment at the other's simple hospitality, and after a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually warmed up.

After drinking a cup of wine, Huo Liancheng put down the cup and asked, "Jiayu Pass is a border fortress. When I was stationed here in the past, the military camps stretched as far as the eye could see, the banners covered the sun, and there was a sense of impending doom everywhere."

"But today, as I walk through the streets and alleys, all I see are constables and yamen runners patrolling. There is not a single soldier on the city wall."

"Why is this?"

Li Boyue smiled gently and said with leisurely confidence, "Envoy Huo may not know, but the border is now at peace. Although Jiayu Pass is a formidable pass, there is no longer any war or disturbance."

"His Majesty has long since promulgated the policy of separating military and political affairs, with the army solely responsible for garrison duties and having no right to interfere in local government affairs."

"Today, Jiayu Pass has transformed into the most prosperous commercial market within a radius of hundreds of miles. Merchants gather here, and the market is bustling with activity. It is no longer the place where there were swords and horses in the past."

"As for the garrison, the imperial court, in accordance with regulations, placed them in a large camp more than ten miles outside the county seat, and strictly ordered them not to leave without an imperial edict, and even less to disturb the people."

“The daily management of Jiayu Pass is entirely handled by this county. The only exception is the tax collection and inspection station set up at the pass by the tax commissioner, which is directly under their jurisdiction. This county is only responsible for assisting and has no authority over it.”

Huo Liancheng frowned slightly, seemingly puzzled, and asked, "So, Jiayu Pass is completely undefended?"

"What if the barbarian cavalry take advantage of the situation and march south to plunder at will?"

Li Boyue said confidently, "Envoy Huo is overthinking it."

"The barbarians have long been intimidated by the imperial army and have submitted to our Great Ming. How could they dare to go south and cause trouble?"

"Moreover, the Inspector General of Taxation has an elite force of soldiers, all equipped with modern firearms, whose combat strength should not be underestimated."

"Even the county's constables and yamen runners are all equipped with firearms and are well-trained."

"The Hu people still rely on scimitars and bows and arrows, and are far behind us."

"If an enemy were to invade, the two sides could join forces and resist them to some extent."

"The imperial army should arrive in no time."

After listening to Li Boyue's explanation, Chen Cheng and Huo Liancheng suddenly understood.

With the Ming Dynasty's growing power and formidable military strength, it had long established an unshakeable deterrent against the nomadic peoples, and naturally had no need to fear border troubles.

Huo Liancheng was filled with excitement and a surge of heroic spirit. He raised his wine cup, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp. The clear sound of the wine cup at the bottom of the cup revealed the forthright spirit of a man.

Chen Cheng put down his wine cup and asked with some inquiry, "The customs of the Hu people and the Han people are very different, and their habits are quite different. It is inevitable that there will be constant frictions when the two sides gather at the market in Jiayu Pass to trade."

“Magistrate Li is stationed here to maintain order, which must be quite a lot of work for him.”

Li Boyue gently stroked his long beard and smiled, "What Envoy Chen said is absolutely right."

"Initially, the market was indeed chaotic."

"The Hu people have lived in the borderlands for a long time and are unfamiliar with the trade rules of the Central Plains. They often engage in forced buying and selling and bullying others by abusing their power, which is a common occurrence."

“They have lived in tribal communities for generations, acting as a group and moving forward and backward as a whole, which is very different from the people of the Central Plains. Even people from the same village or clan often set up their own households, operate independently, and go their own way.”

"Therefore, once a conflict arises, the Hu people often have more people and more power, and the merchants from the Central Plains are often at a disadvantage and suffer a lot of hidden losses."

He paused slightly, took a breath, and continued, "In order to quell the chaos, the county can only increase the number of yamen runners patrolling the market, be on high alert, and intervene quickly to mediate at the first sign of trouble."

"Those who engage in fights and cause trouble will be met with absolutely no leniency."

“This county has long established strict rules that anyone who beats a Central Plains citizen without cause shall be punished with twenty strokes of the cane without leniency.”

"If the victim's injuries are serious, the perpetrator shall be punished with equal or more severe caning."

"In addition, this county petitioned the imperial court and was granted a special decree that if any barbarian maliciously beats a commoner from the Central Plains, causing his death, the barbarian's life must be used as compensation."

Li Boyue said in a calm tone: "Under such severe punishment, the Hu people gradually learned to be respectful and dared not cause trouble easily."

"The market is now well-organized, and merchants and travelers can come and go safely."

Upon hearing this, Huo Liancheng slammed his hand on the table and stood up, praising, "Magistrate Li governs with strictness and impartiality, protecting our Han people from humiliation. He is truly a pillar of the border!"

"Such a sense of responsibility is truly admirable! Let me offer a toast to the magistrate to express my respect!"

After saying this, he raised his glass boldly and poured the wine down in one gulp.

Li Boyue quickly waved his hand and said modestly, "Envoy Huo is too kind. I was just doing my duty and dare not accept such high praise."

As they talked, they raised their glasses in accompaniment.

During the meal, glasses clinked and everyone drank several more cups, making the atmosphere even more harmonious.

Chen Cheng asked Li Boyue, "Jiayu Pass is bustling with merchants, and there must be many travelers from the Eastern Chagatai Khanate."

"Magistrate Li has been stationed at the border for a long time. Could you please give us a detailed account of the situation in this country?"

“If Lord Chen doesn’t speak, then I should introduce the two envoys.” Li Boyue smiled slightly and spoke eloquently: “The so-called Eastern Chagatai Khanate is a name bestowed by His Majesty. They call themselves the ‘Beshbaliq Kingdom’ because their capital is located in Beshbaliq.”

"From Jiayu Pass westward, one must travel more than three thousand li, crossing mountains and ridges, to reach its capital."

"This land has been plagued by frequent wars for decades, with the various tribes of the Western Regions constantly fighting and turning their swords against each other, making it difficult to find peace."

"Until more than ten years ago, with the assistance of Huda, Hei'erhuozhe ascended to the throne of Khan. Through force and wisdom, he finally reunited the various tribes of the Western Regions and restored some peace."

He spoke like a wise man familiar with the situation on the border, explaining the situation in the Western Regions in detail: "This Huda is a powerful figure in the Western Regions, second only to Hei'erhuo in power, and he is his right-hand man."

"Hei De Er Huo Zhe has more than ten sons, among whom two princes are the most prominent: one is Shami Chagan, and the other is Mahama. Both of them hold great power and are ambitious."

"Your Excellencies must keep a close eye on these two men during your trip to Beshbali."

After Li Boyue solemnly explained, he added, "Although Beshbalik has a vast territory and numerous tribes, and is nominally under the Khan's control, there are undercurrents within it, and the tribes are disloyal and far from truly loyal."

"To help the mission travel smoothly, I have contacted several people familiar with the route, including several foreign merchants from Beshbaliq and nearly ten Han Chinese who have traveled there many times for business."

"They are well-versed in the customs, geography, and culture of the Western Regions and can guide the delegation, ensuring your safe journey."

"If you two gentlemen have any questions, you may consult them for details." Upon hearing this, Chen Cheng and Huo Liancheng couldn't help but show their delight.

Unexpectedly, Li Boyue made such meticulous arrangements.

Chen Cheng cupped his hands in a respectful gesture and said sincerely, "Magistrate Li is thoughtful and far-sighted, and has done a great deal of work for the delegation. We are extremely grateful!"

Huo Liancheng laughed heartily, raised his cup and said, "I am deeply grateful for the magistrate's thoughtfulness. Come, let us toast Magistrate Li again!"

Li Boyue quickly drank a cup with him.

The group toasted each other, gradually becoming tipsy.

The wine from Jiayuguan is a wine brought from the Western Regions. It is mellow and sweet, like fruit juice. It is gentle and mild at first taste, but as the wine slowly rises, you will feel its long-lasting power, making you unconsciously intoxicated.

Li Boyue waved his hand to dismiss the attendants, and the hall instantly became quiet, leaving only the three of them sitting facing each other.

He smiled slightly, his gaze deep, and his tone gentle yet meaningful: "The two envoys have traveled all the way to Beshbaliq, probably not only to pay homage to the Great Khan of the Eastern Chagatai Khanate. His Majesty must have other important responsibilities entrusted to you two envoys, right?"

Chen Cheng's expression changed slightly, and a hint of vigilance flashed in his eyes.

Huo Liancheng's hand, which was holding a glass, froze in mid-air, a look of astonishment on his face, the wine cup hovering there without falling.

The two exchanged a glance, neither speaking, and the atmosphere suddenly became heavy.

Li Boyue, however, seemed oblivious to their expressions and continued calmly, "I have been stationed on the frontier for a long time and have heard some rumors."

"Recently, elite cavalry from various tribes of the steppe have frequently gathered on the northern border of the Eastern Chagatai Khanate. Banners cover the fields and warhorses neigh, suggesting a large-scale military campaign."

"Although I am a civil official and am not familiar with military affairs, I know that the grassland tribes now follow the lead of the Ming Dynasty. Their large-scale military operations must be in accordance with the imperial decree."

"If I am not mistaken, the Ming Dynasty must have a powerful army secretly cooperating to exert tremendous pressure on the Eastern Chagatai Khanate."

"The fact that the two envoys are leading a delegation to Beshbaliq at this time is no ordinary audience. They are probably trying to persuade the Great Khan of the Black-blooded Khan to submit to our Great Ming and submit to our rule."

Upon hearing this, Chen Cheng and Huo Liancheng were greatly shocked. They looked at each other, their eyes filled with astonishment and wariness.

Although their trip was publicly announced as an envoy and carried out with great fanfare, their true mission was a top secret of the imperial court, known only to a few high-ranking officials involved in the arrangements, and even many members of the delegation were kept in the dark.

Unexpectedly, Li Boyue saw through this extremely secretive intention in a single sentence.

Right.

The Ming Dynasty separated military and political affairs.

As long as the news is kept secret, troop movements are just a normal occurrence and do not attract attention.

Moreover, the Ming Dynasty's new army was known for its elite troops, but each brigade was not large in number, so it would not attract much attention.

But the grassland tribes are different.

They were a nation of soldiers, and their military campaigns were not as strictly secretive as those in the Central Plains.

There are many merchants traveling to and from the grasslands through Jiayuguan, so it's not surprising that news of this has come.

Seeing the expressions on their faces, Li Boyue waved his hand and smiled gently: "My lords need not worry. Although I am of low rank and position, I know the importance of things. I will keep this matter to myself and will not let it slip out."

Chen Cheng breathed a slight sigh of relief, but his face still betrayed his worry.

The Eastern Chagatai Khanate was rife with factions, and the attitude of the Black people was ambiguous and unclear.

If the intention to persuade them to surrender is leaked in advance, it is very likely to anger some tribal leaders, who will lead their troops to intercept them halfway.

The mission may not be able to reach Beshbali safely.

Moreover, every country has its share of passionate patriots.

They absolutely refused to see their country bow down to foreign powers.

They would rather die than surrender!

Even worse, some may deliberately create trouble for their own selfish interests, provoking war between the two countries.

Although the Ming Dynasty had a strong and well-equipped army, it was unwilling to be needlessly drawn into the flames of war, which would only increase the uncertainty of the situation.

Therefore, before arriving in Beshbali and meeting the Black Fire Lord, the true purpose of this journey must be kept completely secret.

However, before they even crossed the border, Li Boyue had already discerned the truth.

Did the tribal chief of the Eastern Chagatai Khanate also begin to have doubts?

Will their mission actually be able to reach Beshbaliq as they wish?
Huo Liancheng stared at Li Boyue with a scrutinizing look in his eyes, and said in a deep voice, "Magistrate Li, you can keep those words to yourself. Why did you have to say them out loud?"

"Magistrate Li deliberately pointed this out; perhaps there's a deeper meaning behind it?"

A hint of admiration flashed in Li Boyue's eyes, and he bowed deeply, saying, "Although Envoy Huo comes from a military background and is as bold as the northern wind, he is also meticulous and thoughtful, and his rough exterior is actually quite impressive!"

"To be frank with you two envoys, I have some humble opinions to offer, and I also have another request."

Huo Liancheng nodded slightly: "Magistrate Li, please speak freely."

Li Boyue cupped his hands again and said, "Since that's the case, I will speak frankly."

After a brief pause, he said, "In my opinion, the delegations led by the two gentlemen are slightly understaffed and may not be able to cope with the hardships of this journey."

"The journey to Bieshibali is long and arduous, and bandits and thieves roam freely along the way."

"Those desperados may not dare to run wild in Jiayuguan, but it is common for them to rob caravans along the way."

"Even if the delegation flies under the banner of the imperial court, those bandits may not be too afraid."

Upon hearing this, Huo Liancheng curled his lips into a disdainful sneer and said, "Magistrate Li is overthinking it! I, Huo, have ridden across the grasslands, and even the elite cavalry of the Hu people were routed before our army, let alone mere bandits and outlaws?"

"Although we are few in number, we have brought excellent firearms and ample ammunition."

"If the bandits know what's good for them, then so be it. But if they dare to defy the imperial authority, I will make sure they never return, their corpses lying strewn across the wilderness!"

Li Boyue shook his head slightly and said, "Envoy Huo is certainly brave and skilled, but I believe that even if the delegation can intimidate the bandits with force and successfully reach Beshbaliq, how can such a weak force control the situation in that foreign land?"

At this point, a sly glint appeared in his eyes: "In my humble opinion, it would be better to use the name of the mission to send more people and more supplies, and to announce to the outside world that it is a generous gift from the Ming Dynasty to the Eastern Chagatai Khanate."

"At the same time, elite soldiers were ordered to disguise themselves as members of the mission and blend in among them."

He lowered his voice, a hint of excitement in his tone: "Once the delegation arrives in Beshbaliq, if the situation changes, we can emulate the great deeds of Ban Chao of the Eastern Han Dynasty, seize control of the entire situation with thunderous force, and establish an immortal legacy!"

……

(End of this chapter)