Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 494 The Western Regions Version of the Xuanwu Gate Incident!
Shamichagan looked up upon hearing the voice and saw that the person who came was none other than Chen Cheng, the envoy of the Ming Dynasty.

He frowned, let out a long sigh, and his tone revealed an unconcealable weariness and frustration: "You wouldn't understand... You can't help me with this."

Chen Cheng simply smiled slightly, his expression calm and his tone indifferent, and said, "It's nothing more than rumors about you plotting to frame your brother Mahama."

"Why are you so angry about such baseless rumors?"

“You are the eldest son of Beshbaliq Khan, the rightful heir, and should rightfully inherit the Khanate.”

"How could mere rumors shake your foundations?"

Shamichagan remained silent for a long time, then tilted his head back and gulped down a glass of strong liquor, his face gloomy.

He was a little puzzled. Chen Cheng had only been in the city for a short time, so how did this news get to his ears?
After all, although these rumors had spread like wildfire and were known throughout the city, normally no one would mention such "scandals" to an outsider, especially one who was an envoy of the Ming Dynasty!
However, Shamichagan ultimately did not ask any further questions.

After all, since the Ming delegation had come to Beshbali, it was only natural for them to secretly inquire about some information.

“You don’t understand!” Shamichagan said in a low voice, his tone filled with barely suppressed resentment and helplessness: “Father Khan has never truly trusted me. Otherwise, how could Mahama have dared to openly compete with me for the right to inherit the Khanate?”

He gritted his teeth, his voice growing cold: "If it weren't for Father Khan's favoritism, Mahama would just be a son of a concubine. What right does he have to compete with me? What makes him so special?"

When his younger brother Mahama was mentioned, a look of disdain and anger flashed in Samichagan's eyes. He slammed his hand on the table and downed another glass of wine, as if he wanted to use the alcohol to suppress the anger in his heart.

“I am the eldest son of my father, the rightful heir to the Great Khan of Beshbaliq. This position should rightfully be mine.” He spoke with conviction, but quickly changed his tone: “But my father…”

Shamichagan slowly closed his eyes, as if unwilling to face the suffocating reality.

“Now that Mahama is dead, rumors are flying all over the city, all saying that I set him up!” He said, his voice growing lower and lower, with a slight tremor: “If Father Khan believes these rumors, will he still pass the throne to me?”

"Will they blame me?"

“He has more than one son.”

“Even if Mahama dies, there are still other brothers eyeing him covetously.”

"If they add fuel to the fire and stir up trouble in front of Father Khan, they will push me into an abyss of no return."

Shamichagan gripped the wine glass tightly, his knuckles turning white, as if that tiny vessel were the throat of fate, and he could not truly crush it.

Shamichagan knew very well that although his other brothers were on the surface harmonious and often put on a show of brotherly affection, they were not immune to the disease.

But they did not step forward to vie for the throne of the Great Khan simply because they had no opportunity.

Now that they have the opportunity, wouldn't they seize it?

That's the position of the Great Khan!

Who could resist such temptation?
Chen Cheng listened quietly, without interrupting or saying a word.

He nodded slightly, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

“What’s so difficult about that?” Chen Cheng said, his tone firm: “Just as you said, you are the eldest son of the Great Khan, and the future Khanate of Beshbalik is rightfully yours.”

He looked directly at Shamichagan: "As for your brothers, they are nothing but illegitimate children. In terms of lineage, seniority, instinct, and ability, in what way can they compare to you? What makes them think they can compete with you?"

"As you know, we Han people have always followed the Confucian way, emphasizing patriarchal ethics and the order of hierarchy."

"The eldest son is supreme; this is an unchanging principle of nature."

Chen Cheng leaned forward slightly, his expression becoming even more solemn: "In the eyes of us Ming people, only you are worthy of inheriting the position of Great Khan."

“Anyone who dares to try to take advantage of this is a true traitor and rebel.”

His tone softened: "I once said that you are not only my most trusted friend, but also the best ally of the Ming Dynasty in the northern desert."

"If you are willing, our Great Ming Dynasty is willing to lend you a hand and help you become the Khan of Beshbaliq."

Shamichagan shook his head gently with a wry smile: "My best friend, I know you mean well."

"But the struggle for the Khanate is a matter of fundamental importance to the entire Beshbaliq."

"The key is the will of the Khan. Even if you are an envoy of the Ming Dynasty, he may not be willing to listen to you."

Chen Cheng looked up and laughed, his tone mocking: "This is something that rightfully belongs to you. Do you expect others to offer it to you?"

"If you are so cowardly, even fate will abandon you."

Sami Chagan's expression hardened, a hint of shock flashing in his eyes, and he pressed, "What do you mean by that?"

Chen Cheng did not answer immediately, but instead scanned his surroundings with his eyes.

Samichagan understood immediately and waved his hand, ordering the servants to leave. A moment later, only the two of them remained in the room.

At this moment, Chen Cheng said in a deep voice, "The Great Khan is old and his energy is failing. He is often confused."

“The Beshbaliq now needs a new Khan who is young, strong, wise and great to lead them.”

Upon hearing this, Shamichagan's heart suddenly raced, his chest heaved violently, and his breathing became rapid, as if his blood had boiled over by those words.

But in an instant, a hint of fear suddenly appeared on his face.

Shamitchagan shook his head repeatedly, muttering, "No... He is my father Khan, the true ruler of Beshbaliq, with 100,000 troops under his command. How can I contend with him?"

Chen Cheng smiled calmly and patted Shamichagan on the shoulder: "Those who achieve great things never care about having a large number of people."

"When Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, launched the Xuanwu Gate Incident, there were only a mere eight hundred people."

"But what was the result?"

"He successfully seized the throne, ushered in the prosperous Zhenguan era, and achieved a great feat that will last for thousands of years."

His voice was deep, yet every word was like thunder: "The key is not the number of troops, but whether the plan is thorough and the timing is right."

Samichagan's expression shifted constantly, sometimes showing eagerness, sometimes revealing hesitation.

After a moment of silence, he finally spoke with difficulty: "Even so... eight hundred people is no easy task."

"Human hearts are unpredictable. Once someone wavers and leaks information, they will be doomed."

Shamichagan's words clearly indicate that he is already tempted, but he is still somewhat afraid and worried.

Chen Cheng immediately followed up by asking, "What do you think of the combat strength of the guards of my Ming Dynasty delegation?"

Shamichagan was slightly taken aback.

Before he could answer, Chen Cheng continued, "Back then, even with two thousand elite troops, Mahama was unable to break through the defensive formation of my mission's guard."

"I'm not bragging, but the guards of my Ming Dynasty delegation are at least as good as a thousand elite soldiers."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Moreover, the members of the delegation are all citizens of our Great Ming Dynasty and have no connection with any faction within Beshbaliq."

“They belong to you, are not loyal to your brothers, and cannot be bought by anyone else.”

"They are only loyal to the Ming Dynasty, so you don't need to worry about the news leaking out."

"As long as you make up your mind, my Great Ming Guard will be your strongest support." Chen Cheng's tone was firm and resolute.

"Is this really true?" A hint of undisguised joy flashed in Shamichagan's eyes, and his voice lowered slightly.

Chen Cheng raised his hand and patted his chest heavily, laughing, "If I don't help you, who else can I help?"

“You are my closest friend in Beshbali. I am new to this place and have no relatives or friends. You are the only one I can confide in.”

"Now that you need help, how can I stand idly by?"

Shamichagan nodded slightly; that was indeed the case. Chen Cheng only had a close relationship with him here.

At least it's impossible for him to be framed for the sake of others.

But he wasn't one to easily believe everything.

After a moment of contemplation, he finally asked the most crucial question: "So what do you want?"

Although Chen Cheng kept referring to his "closest friend," his words sounded better than his singing.

But Shamichagan was no fool. He knew very well that if it weren't for his own interests, who would be willing to take such a risk in such a major matter involving the struggle for the Khanate?

Is there any kind of support in the world that comes without a reason?
So-called friendship is nothing more than a disguise for self-interest.

If he could figure this out, how could Chen Cheng not see it?
Chen Cheng smiled slightly, his previous ease vanishing, and his tone became serious and sincere: "I don't ask for much. I only ask that you establish a friendly alliance with my Great Ming Dynasty. From then on, you must nominally submit to the Emperor of my Great Ming Dynasty, and the Emperor of my Great Ming Dynasty will bestow upon you the title of King of the Western Regions, granting you eternal rule over the Western Regions."

"Beshbali has maintained friendly relations with the Ming Dynasty for generations and will never invade the territory of the Ming Dynasty."

"Our Great Ming has no intention of expansion, nor does it wish to wage war; it only seeks peace and prosperity."

"I hope that after you ascend the throne, you will protect the Ming merchants on the Silk Road and ensure their safe passage without being bullied."

"Furthermore, no additional taxes shall be levied on merchants and travelers in transit."

"Clear out the bandits within our borders and ensure the safety of trade routes."

"As for the supplies and wealth you need, you can obtain them through legitimate trade. Why resort to violence?"

"Peaceful trade is the true path to national strength."

"Although such an agreement could be reached with your father, in my opinion, he would not seriously implement it."

"If I'm not mistaken, a considerable number of the bandits who specialize in robbing merchants in the Western Regions were probably deliberately tolerated by him."

A hint of embarrassment immediately appeared on Shamichagan's face.

The local government in Beshbali has been arbitrarily and indiscriminately levying taxes on passing merchants for quite some time now.

This was, of course, caused by the deliberate indulgence of those who harbored evil intentions.

The tax rate in Beshbali itself is very low, so if taxes are levied on passing merchants and travelers according to regulations, the amount would be far too small.

The Black-hearted Fire-Burning One was certainly not satisfied with this.

Even robbers who commit robberies from time to time cannot do without the protection of the authorities.

Otherwise, why would they only plunder merchants and travelers, but not the small groups of villagers scattered in the desert oases?

The reason for this is that many of the "robbers" were actually villagers in disguise.

The officials in Beshbali are well aware of this, but they turn a blind eye as long as the behavior isn't too outrageous.

Since it's all about fleecing passing merchants and travelers anyway, it doesn't matter who's fleecing whom.
After these people were robbed, they would eventually fall into the hands of the nobles of Beshbali through various channels.

Compared to helping him ascend to the throne of the Great Khan, these demands were not excessive and were very easy to fulfill.

Moreover, Chen Cheng's reasons seemed very convincing, leaving Shamichagan no choice but to believe them.

As for pledging allegiance, it's just a "nominal" thing anyway, so he doesn't really care.

"Alright, I promise you. I'll go find Hudada now and discuss this with him."

"No!" Chen Cheng immediately raised his hand to stop him, his expression turning serious: "You must not tell Hu Dai about this."

He took a step closer, quickened his pace, and spoke in a low but clear voice: "Khudaida is the Zaisan of Beshbaliq, and has always enjoyed the deep trust of your father Khan."

"Don't be fooled by his previous support for you; it was just a choice among your many brothers because you are the eldest son."

"But have you ever thought carefully about how much difference it makes to him whether the Khanate falls to you or your father continues to rule?"

"He is now second only to the emperor, holding a highly respected position."

"After you ascend the throne, do you really intend to relinquish the Khanate to him?"

"If he can't, why should he risk his life with you?"

"How could someone who has gained nothing be willing to participate in such an important matter?"

Chen Cheng's tone grew increasingly serious, full of reminders and warnings: "If you go to him now, I'm afraid he will turn around and report your plan to your father in its entirety."

"At that time, you will no longer be the future Khan of Beshbaliq, but a traitor."

Upon hearing Chen Cheng's words, Shamichagan was stunned. His lips parted slightly, and he seemed to have been struck by lightning, unable to speak for a long time.

Everything Chen Cheng said was true, and every word hit the nail on the head, leaving him no room for rebuttal.

Between him and his brothers, Khudad would undoubtedly support Shamichagan.

Because he was the eldest son and the most favored rightful heir.

From both a practical and legal perspective, supporting him is the right thing to do and perfectly reasonable.

As the prime minister, Huda was already in a high position, so he would not do something foolish like choosing the difficult path over the easy one.

That's why he stood on Shamichagan's side.

However, if the comparison is changed from the younger brother to Shamichagan's father, the situation is completely different.

Huda and Hei'erhuozhe were like brothers, having fought side by side in their early years. Their bond of life and death had long surpassed the ordinary relationship between ruler and subject.

Otherwise, why would the Black Fire Lord entrust such a vast place as Beshbali to him, appointing him as the Prime Minister and giving him control over military and political power?

Thinking of this, Shamichagan's heart sank, and his face turned pale.

"Then... what should I do?" His voice was strained, and his eyes showed an unprecedented panic.

At that moment, he realized for the first time how utterly alone and powerless he was.

More than half of his troops were under the control of Khuda.

If he loses Zaisang's support, what will he have left to rely on?
Seeing that Shamichagan was wavering, Chen Cheng immediately said, "Don't be afraid, I'm here."

He patted his chest and said, "You just need to secretly transfer six hundred sets of soldiers' uniforms and let my Ming warriors put them on and disguise themselves as the city defense troops of Beshbali."

"Then you will personally write a few letters ordering us to take over the defense of the city gates and key roads."

“Then,” he lowered his voice and whispered in Shamicagan’s ear, “we will secretly deploy two hundred men to lie in ambush near the palace gates, waiting for the right moment to strike.”

Chen Cheng's voice grew increasingly low as he spoke in Shamichagan's ear, explaining every step of the plan clearly and meticulously, even considering the smallest details.

Shami Chagan listened quietly, nodding frequently as he listened.

His gaze gradually shifted from wavering to resolute, and the initial fear between his brows slowly dissipated, replaced by a determined eagerness to try.

After Chen Cheng finished speaking, he slammed his hand on the table and gritted his teeth, saying, "Fine, we'll do it your way!"

……

P.S.: Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Dragon Boat Festival!

(End of this chapter)