Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 475 Hunting Down the Ming Dynasty Envoy!

"Chen Cheng..."

Zhu Su murmured softly, her voice seemingly squeezed out from her throat, trembling slightly.

This unremarkable name once again stirred up his past memories.

Back then, he secretly colluded with Zhu Gaochi to plot the overthrow of Zhu Yunwen's rule, attempting to change the world.

However, it ended in failure. He fled in panic, bearing the name of a traitor, and became a notorious sinner known throughout the world.

Everyone thought he would sail down the river and escape overseas.

After all, Nanjing is adjacent to the Yangtze River, with convenient waterways and a constant flow of boats.

Escaping by boat is relatively easy.

Even if you abandon the waterway and take the land route to reach the coast, it's not very far.

Zhu Yunwen was vigorously promoting ocean shipping and trade, and the ports were bustling day and night. People were going to sea like fish crossing a river, and it was extremely easy to escape the Ming Dynasty by blending in with them.

Once overseas, the Ming Dynasty court was powerless to catch him and could no longer bring him back.

However, Zhu Su did not choose this seemingly easy path of escape.

He was unwilling to accept defeat and his ambition remained undiminished, so he decided to head north and return to his old home, Kaifeng.

This was once Zhu Su's fiefdom, where he had deep roots and still held considerable prestige.

Zhu Su secretly plotted that if he could return to Kaifeng, he might be able to incite the people and rise up in rebellion again by relying on his old connections.

Even if this path is blocked, Kaifeng can be used as a bargaining chip to make the court hesitant to act, forcing the court to reduce his punishment in order to protect local stability.

The imperial court will always be lenient towards someone of "value".

Just as the imperial court would not let go of ordinary murderers, but would let go of rebel leaders who had killed tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions of people, but had tens of thousands of troops under their command.

Instead of investigating his crimes, they granted him official titles and honors and offered him amnesty.

The reason why ordinary murderers are worthless is that "rebel leaders" have the power to shake the regime, and therefore have the value of being won over.

With this in mind, Zhu Su, under the protection of several loyal confidants, fled north by hiding during the day and traveling by night.

It must be said that Zhu Yunwen's lenient policies, which allowed people to migrate freely and encouraged merchants to trade in all directions, were a double-edged sword.

The city was bustling with people and merchants, making it difficult for the imperial court to strictly control those who traveled around.

Despite being a serious criminal, Zhu Su managed to blend in with the crowds and escape back to the north unnoticed.

Of course, there is one more thing.

That was because he had spent a lot of effort learning the art of disguise in order to train Shang Xingyu, who was Empress Ma's stand-in.

The escape was used on himself, which allowed him to successfully evade the imperial court's pursuit.

However, the Ming Dynasty was not entirely unprepared for this.

Zhu Su quickly realized that the imperial messengers were much faster than he was.

Kaifeng was heavily guarded, with its gates impenetrable and spies everywhere.

If he were to force his way into the city, it would be tantamount to walking into a trap.

What chilled him even more was that, despite the government's lax control over the people, the eyes and ears of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Intelligence Bureau were everywhere, following him like a shadow.

Wherever he went, he always felt as if countless eyes were watching from the shadows, and a chill ran down his spine and straight to his heart.

Day after day, he was restless and anxious, seeing threats everywhere. The composure and calmness he once had as a prince had long since vanished.

Exhausted, Zhu Su had no choice but to temporarily leave for the Western Regions, escaping into this vast, uninhabited desert, hoping to find a glimmer of hope in the desolation, or perhaps to live out the rest of his life in anonymity.

In order to establish himself in this unfamiliar Western Region, Zhu Su had to rely on his medical skills, which he had honed in his early years, to make a living by treating patients.

The Western Regions are located in a harsh and cold region with a severe environment, and people who understand medicine are extremely rare.

Moreover, Zhu Su had devoted himself to the study of medicine for many years. He was not only familiar with ancient medical books, but also read the special issue of "Medicine" under the "Science" journal. He integrated his knowledge and skills, and his medical expertise was so profound that he could be regarded as a leading doctor even in the Central Plains.

In this remote western region, his medical skills shine like a bright pearl.

Soon, Zhu Su's reputation as a doctor spread like wildfire, and patients from far and near flocked to him seeking medical treatment and medicine.

His clinic is often bustling with people.

With his superb medical skills, Zhu Su gradually amassed a considerable fortune.

Life also changed from being extremely difficult to becoming more stable and decent.

Although it was nothing like the life of a prince, living in luxury and having servants at his beck and call, it was a world of difference from the miserable state he was in during the early days of his exile, when he was starving and dressed in rags.

As life gradually settled down, Zhu Su's inner turmoil slowly subsided.

He often sat alone in his simple dwelling, gazing out the window at the endless yellow sand, his thoughts drifting.

Perhaps, this desolate land will be my final resting place.

He had imagined countless times what fate awaited him if he were captured by the imperial court one day.

People generally say that the current Ming emperor, Zhu Yunwen, is benevolent and kind, unlike the Taizu Emperor, who was quick to wield the butcher's knife and was decisive in killing, causing fear throughout the court and the country.

However, Zhu Su had a clear sense of judgment in his heart.

Zhu Yunwen did not refrain from killing; he simply did not find pleasure in killing.

If he believes that killing will not solve the problem, he will choose to be lenient and give the other side.

But once he decides that only killing can clear away obstacles, his decisions will be swift and merciless.

Zhu Su knew very well that his rebellious "uncle" would not be lenient.

Once I fall into Zhu Yunwen's hands, I'm afraid I won't be able to escape death.

Zhu Su had countless sleepless nights, tossing and turning, his mind repeatedly filled with the image of the cold imperial prison and the chilling glint of swords.

Fortunately, the Western Regions are remote, and the Ming Dynasty's influence has not yet reached there, thus building an invisible barrier for him.

He had carefully studied Zhu Yunwen's strategies for governing the country and his goals for foreign conquests.

It was discovered that almost every move Zhu Yunwen made revolved around one core principle—"profit."

Whether it was building water conservancy projects, reclaiming wasteland, or launching military expeditions, the ultimate goal was to accumulate wealth and enrich the national treasury.

Throughout history, emperors of all dynasties have expanded their territories by targeting neighboring land countries, leading their armies north and south to broaden their borders.

However, Zhu Yunwen took a different approach and turned his attention to the vast and boundless sea.

He was clearly eyeing the endless stream of wealth from maritime trade.

Although Zhu Yunwen had also sent troops to conquer the Northern Yuan and the Jurchen tribes, and pointed his spears directly at the enemy on the border of the Ming Dynasty, he meticulously planned every battle and never made a losing deal.

It must be admitted that Zhu Yunwen was extremely skilled in governing the country, and with his strategic planning, he was always able to turn every investment into a rich return.

Northern Yuan boasts vast pastures, teeming with cattle and sheep, and echoing with the neighing of horses.

The three Jurchen tribes possessed primeval forests and fertile plains, with lush vegetation and abundant resources on the black soil.

And what about the Western Regions? As far as the eye can see, there is only endless yellow sand and desolation. Even if Zhu Yunwen possessed extraordinary abilities, he would absolutely find it difficult to turn stone into gold in this barren land.

The conquest of the Western Regions was destined to be an undertaking where the investment outweighed the return.

Some emperors in history who liked to boast and show off their achievements might have made this unprofitable deal in order to gain fame for expanding their territories.

However, given Zhu Yunwen's consistently calculating nature, he would never easily venture into this desolate place of little value.

However, Zhu Su never expected that the Ming Dynasty would actually send an envoy to the Western Regions!
It is said that the mission was large in scale and carried a dazzling array of treasures, which it generously presented to Beshbali as gifts.

This made Zhu Su immediately realize that something was wrong.

Based on his understanding of Zhu Yunwen, this emperor was by no means a foolish ruler who was fond of grand achievements and would squander the national treasury and bestow excessive rewards in order to win false praise from foreign countries.

Zhu Yunwen's every action was driven by practical interests; he never did anything foolish that was merely for show.

This move was by no means a simple gesture of goodwill; it was more likely intended to subjugate Beshbaliq and bring this remote western desert into the territory of the Ming Dynasty.

The arrival of the mission was merely a probe from the outpost, and may even have been an attempt to persuade them to surrender.

The Ming Dynasty is now at its zenith, and its prestige is widespread.

Zhu Yunwen, perhaps relying on the strength of his nation, sought to subdue his enemies without fighting. He used the eloquent tongue of the mission to persuade Beshbaliq of the advantages and disadvantages, thus inducing Beshbaliq to submit.

What made Zhu Su even more uneasy was that the leader of the delegation was none other than Chen Cheng.

This person once served in the Ministry of Personnel, where he was in charge of proclaiming imperial edicts to all directions.

As early as when Zhu Yuanzhang was in power, he was ordered to convey imperial edicts to Zhu Su on several occasions.

Now, this "old friend" has come again, but he no longer brings the imperial edict of his father's love for his son, but the thunderous pressure of the Ming Empire.

Once the Western Regions are conquered by the Ming Dynasty, he will most likely no longer be able to hide there.

Thinking of this, Zhu Su's gaze darkened.

He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white, as if he wanted to crush the invisible fear and anger.

why?
Why is it that even though I have fled to the Western Regions, to this foreign desert thousands of miles away from the Ming Dynasty, I still cannot escape Zhu Yunwen's invisible pursuit?

"Your Highness!"

Just as Zhu Su was on the verge of losing control of his emotions, a deep and urgent voice broke the deathly silence in the room.

Those were his trusted followers who had followed him into exile in the Western Regions.

This trusted confidant, who had just been calming the agitated patients outside the door due to Zhu Su's sudden departure, rushed back now, eager to check on his master's condition.

"What should we do? What should we do?"

Before his confidant could speak, Zhu Su had already lost his composure, his voice trembling with despair.

He staggered forward, his eyes flashing with panic: "The Ming delegation is about to arrive in Beshbaliq. Zhu Yunwen must be planning to subjugate this place!"

“Once Beshbali surrenders to the Ming Dynasty, we will have nowhere to hide.”

"If I am captured by the court's henchmen, Zhu Yunwen will show me no mercy!"

As he spoke, his hands moved involuntarily, as if he were absent-minded.

Zhu Su, once a prince, has long lost his former majesty and is now nothing but a soul consumed by fear.

The sounds of discontent from the crowd and the howling of the wind and sand outside seemed to mock his incompetence.

"Your Highness, calm down!" A trusted aide rushed forward and whispered words of comfort. Although he tried his best to remain calm, he could not hide the turmoil in his heart.

As a former subordinate who had followed Zhu Su for many years, he was well aware that he too was now in dire straits.

Zhu Su was, after all, the son of the founding emperor and the uncle of the current emperor. Even if he were captured, he might be spared his life by chance because of blood ties or because Zhu Yunwen was unwilling to bear the infamy of patricide. He might only be imprisoned for life.

But what about him?
Once captured, a nobody who had followed Zhu Su in his rebellion would surely face the cruel punishment of being slowly sliced ​​to death.

Fear gnawed at his heart like a venomous snake, but he had nowhere else to go, otherwise he would not have followed Zhu Su into exile in this desolate place.

“Beshbali will never surrender to the Ming Dynasty easily.” The confidant suppressed his inner panic and said, “Even if they do submit to the Ming Dynasty, the court’s spies may not be able to find our trace in this vast desert.”

"No!" Zhu Su shook his head violently, his voice trembling slightly with excitement: "You don't understand, Zhu Yunwen's scheming is unfathomable, he will never let me go!"

A deep fear was evident in his eyes, as if the emperor far away in the Central Plains had become an invisible shadow, constantly looming over his head.

Or perhaps they sit high in the heavens, looking down upon the world, searching for their own traces.

In reality, this was just Zhu Su's imagination.

He overestimated his importance in Zhu Yunwen's heart.

In the eyes of that ambitious and talented emperor, Zhu Su was nothing more than a deposed king who had failed in his rebellion and fled in panic.

Even when he was a prince, holding a large army and having the title of the emperor's uncle, he was still unable to shake the foundation of the Ming Dynasty.

Now that he has lost power and his troops have scattered, what waves can he stir up?
For Zhu Yunwen, issuing an arrest warrant for Zhu Su was merely a routine matter.

On the imperial notice, his name was no different from that of other fugitives.

Zhu Yunwen did not even give specific instructions to the Ministry of Justice to do everything in their power to pursue and capture him.

Make sure the secret agents of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Intelligence Bureau find his hiding place.

Is it worth it for a fallen rebel king to mobilize a large army and waste resources on his people?

It's clearly not worth it.

In Zhu Yunwen's view, spending manpower and resources to extensively search for Zhu Su would not only be of no benefit, but would also inadvertently elevate Zhu Su's status and arouse much discussion throughout the country.

How could he do something so unwise?
Zhu Yunwen's mind was calm and pragmatic.

He regarded Zhu Su as just an ordinary fugitive; he had escaped, so be it, and there was no need to cause trouble for the world because of him.

However, Zhu Su judged others by his own standards and became deeply entrenched in his own delusions.

He always believed that as the emperor's uncle, he must be an indispensable figure in Zhu Yunwen's heart.

If I were in his shoes, and I were on the throne, facing a rebellious and fleeing uncle, I would spare no effort to search the entire land and bring him back to the capital to eliminate him completely.

His gaze was filled with obsession; he was trapped by this self-righteous idea, unable to extricate himself.

"We absolutely cannot sit idly by and wait to die!" Zhu Su suddenly raised his head, a fierce glint of almost madness flashing across his face.

"What are Your Highness's plans?" the confidant asked hastily.

His years of following him had given him a deep understanding of Zhu Su's temperament.

This down-on-his-luck prince still retained a trace of unyielding pride deep down.

"Go and seek an audience with Huda!" Zhu Su said in a deep voice. "This man once escorted the Khan of Beshbalik, Heirhu, through more than ten years of exile in the chaotic world, enduring hardships and dangers, and finally helped him ascend to the throne."

"In the hearts of the Blackfire people, Huda's importance is unparalleled."

"As long as we can persuade him to send his elite troops to quietly eliminate the Ming delegation, there will be absolutely no chance that Beshbali will voluntarily surrender to the Ming!"

……

(End of this chapter)