Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 495 Chen Cheng's Proposal!
As the eldest son of Beshbalik Khan, Shamichagan wielded considerable power and influence in both the army and the court.

In less than two days, he managed to collect six hundred sets of uniforms for the local soldiers.

Unlike the iron armor commonly worn by elite soldiers in the Central Plains, the soldiers of Beshbali mostly wore leather armor, which was light, flexible, and suitable for cavalry warfare on the grasslands.

Although military uniforms differ from those worn by ordinary people, there are no strict restrictions on their style, nor is it required to report or register them.

For the imperial court, leather armor for the army was nothing special and required no special supervision.

After these military uniforms were sealed and organized, they were sent to the Ming Dynasty delegation's residence. Accompanying them were several transfer orders written by Shamichagan himself, stamped with his seal. All the documents were complete, and with these, one could mobilize a portion of the army in Beshbalik, or at least deter the enemy.

At the same time, Chen Cheng, Huo Liancheng, and Li Boyue were also secretly carrying out their actions simultaneously.

They paved the way with huge sums of money, launching a silent "offensive" against lower and middle-level officials in Beshbali.

Bundles of Ming Dynasty banknotes and a dazzling array of rare and precious gifts rained down, attracting many greedy people to flock to them.

Under the influence of hefty bribes, the civil and military officials who had previously remained silent and observing became enthusiastic and competed to speak highly of the Ming delegation in front of the Khan's son.

At their suggestion, Hei De'er Huo Zhe nodded in agreement, indicating that when he received the Ming envoys, he would allow the delegation to send two hundred people to demonstrate the Ming army formation in the palace.

This was done to demonstrate the friendship between the Ming Dynasty and Beshbali.

This is a crucial step in Chen Cheng's plan.

The night before they were to enter the palace to meet the Black Fireman, four groups of people quietly left the mission's residence under the cover of darkness.

Hei De'er Huo Zhe wasn't stupid either; seeing so many people from the Ming Dynasty delegation, he still made preparations.

To prevent any unrest from the Ming delegation, Hei De'er Huo Zhe dispatched a full thousand soldiers to be stationed around the embassy, ​​closely monitoring their every move.

The Ming Dynasty delegation consisted of only six hundred men. Even with their superior fighting strength, it was impossible for them to silently annihilate a thousand elite soldiers.

As long as they issue a warning, the tens of thousands of troops in Beshbaliq can react quickly.

However, what the Black Fireman did not expect was that after Li Boyue sent out a large number of rare treasures and tens of thousands of strings of Ming Dynasty banknotes, the leading general had become the best friend of the Ming Dynasty delegation and turned a blind eye to all the delegation's actions.

After leaving the camp, the four teams quickly changed into the Beshbalik military uniforms prepared by Shamichagan.

In an instant, the Ming soldiers, who were originally dressed in foreign attire, transformed into the personal guards of Beshbaliq.

The guns were disassembled and packed into bags along with the bullets.

Disassembling and reassembling firearms was a mandatory course for every soldier of the Ming Dynasty after joining the army.

All the soldiers of the Ming Dynasty were thoroughly familiar with this skill.

Disassembly and reassembly can be completed in just a few moments.

This was originally intended to facilitate repairs in case the gun malfunctions.

But today it has a special usage.

With a gun slung over his shoulder, he pretended to carry a scimitar and bow and arrows on the outside, making him no different from the army in Beshbaliq.

Then, the four teams split into several groups and headed to their respective destinations.

The leader, possessing a handwritten order from Sami Chagan, rightfully took control of several important city gates and checkpoints.

Everything seemed calm on the surface, but undercurrents were brewing beneath.

The next day at dawn, as the first light of day appeared, Chen Cheng and Huo Liancheng led a full two hundred men into the palace in a grand manner.

The stated purpose of this trip was to pay homage to the Great Khan and demonstrate the Ming Dynasty's military formations before him and his princes and ministers.

According to regulations, it was perfectly reasonable and beyond reproach for them to bring firearms and ammunition into the palace.

Chen Cheng originally had some concerns, worried that something unexpected might happen along the way. After all, such a move was too bold, and any mistake at any stage could ruin everything.

Surprisingly, the entire operation proceeded smoothly without any unexpected incidents.

Two hundred men swaggered into the palace in Beshbali, carrying guns and bullets.

The reason for this, besides the fact that the future Khan, Shamichagan, was making connections, was primarily due to the use of paper money to pave the way.

Even the head of the palace guards received a lot of money.

Although they were allowed to bring guns and ammunition into the palace, they were still subject to strict checks.

For example, there is a limit to the number of bullets.

However, as the saying goes, "He who eats another's food is bound to do his bidding, and he who takes another's money is bound to do his bidding."

After receiving a large amount of money as bribes, and with the Khan's eldest son, Shamichagan, making requests on his behalf, the head of the guards turned a blind eye to the bulging things that were tied around the bodies of the delegation's escorts.

Chen Cheng and Huo Liancheng, leading two hundred soldiers, met the Black Fireman.

After exchanging greetings, Chen Cheng first unfolded the imperial edict given to him by Zhu Yunwen and began to read it aloud.

"The emperor is destined to be carried by heaven, and the edict says:"

"I have received the Mandate of Heaven and rule the entire world. My virtuous influence extends to every corner of the land."

"Since the Supreme Emperor drove out the barbarians and restored China, establishing a great dynasty, which has now been passed down to me, I have worked diligently and conscientiously to govern the millions of people. All those who are bathed in the sun and moon and moistened by frost and dew should be bathed in the king's rule and follow his example."

"I have recently heard that the Khan of Beshbaliq, Hei'erhuo, occupies the fertile lands of the Western Regions and commands a large army."

"I have observed that since Emperor Wu of Han opened up the territory and Emperor Taizong of Tang expanded the land, the Western Regions have been a bulwark of China for a thousand years. All the foreign kings have obeyed the mandate of Heaven and come to pay tribute."

"Your country now stands tall in the western frontier, controlling a vital point on the Silk Road. I have long heard that you are also well-versed in principles. Do you not know the principle that those who follow Heaven prosper, and those who defy Heaven perish?"

"Since the founding of our Great Ming Dynasty, our power has extended throughout the land. Countries from all directions have either sent their sons to serve as vassals or paid tribute annually. Vassal states such as Japan, Korea, and Pegu have long enjoyed the blessings of peace and prosperity."

"I cherish the virtue of loving life and do not wish to wage war against each other, causing suffering to the people."

"If you can repent and surrender to the Ming Dynasty, leading the people of Beshbali to submit to the Ming, I will treat you with special honors, grant you the title of king, and allow you to guard your land for generations to come, serving as the bulwark of the Ming Dynasty."

"Your people will also be able to share in the benevolence and virtue of the Great Ming Dynasty, engage in trade and commerce, live in peace and prosperity, and enjoy lasting happiness."

"If they remain obstinate and resist stubbornly, I will send a fierce army with thunderous fury to sweep across the Western Regions."

"Where the iron cavalry goes, it is unstoppable. How can your small territory possibly resist?"

"By then, everything will be destroyed, and it will be too late to regret it!"

"Your Majesty, consider this carefully, lest you regret it later. This is the imperial decree!"

This imperial edict, drafted by a minister of state, is elegant in its language, rigorous in its structure, and magnificent in its style, yet its content is subtly sharp.

When the author first heard the phrase "black fire," he was completely baffled, finding it too literary and giving him a headache.

It wasn't until a minister in the court who was fluent in Chinese quietly translated: "The meaning of this imperial edict from the Emperor of the Great Ming is that the Western Regions have always been the legitimate territory of the Central Plains. Now, we ask the Great Khan to bow down and submit to the might of the Great Ming."

"If the Great Khan agrees, the Emperor of the Great Ming will confer upon him the title of 'King of the Western Regions' and allow him to continue ruling the old lands."

“If you do not comply, the Ming Dynasty will launch a western expedition to punish Beshbaliq.” Upon hearing this, Hei’er Huo’s face changed drastically, and his expression turned ashen.

This is clearly a threat.

The mighty Beshbalik Khan, who ruled over thousands of miles of territory and commanded 100,000 soldiers, how could he allow others to act so arrogantly?

The Ming Dynasty dared to openly demand that he submit and become their vassal, which was tantamount to disregarding him!
Although he was furious inside, he still managed to restrain himself and did not immediately lash out.

He was well aware that the Ming Dynasty was growing stronger day by day.

Previously, there had been debates in the court about whether or not to bow down to the Ming Dynasty, but the time was not yet ripe. If we were to bow down rashly, it would be tantamount to disgracing our national prestige.

Even if negotiations are ultimately necessary, the conditions must be clearly stated to secure the greatest possible benefit.

When the strong yield, they must save face.

At that moment, the man with the dark hair narrowed his eyes, his tone as cold and sharp as a knife: "The Emperor of the Ming Dynasty is far too arrogant and conceited! The Western Regions are the territory of Beshbaliq, when did they become his vassal state of the Central Plains?"

He changed his tone and sneered, "Still talking about 'since ancient times'? Humph, I, Hei De'er Huo Zhe, won't listen to that kind of rhetoric!"

“Go back and tell your emperor,” he said, looking directly at Chen Cheng, his tone firm and subtly provocative, “that it is not entirely impossible for me to submit to the Ming Dynasty.”

"But the Ming Dynasty must show sufficient sincerity and give me, and my country, more tangible benefits!"

"If you want me to submit with just words, then don't even bother talking!"

Upon hearing this, the ministers immediately echoed the sentiments like a tidal wave, and the hall erupted in clamor.

"Yes, when did Beshbali become part of the Ming Dynasty's territory?"

"Since the Ming Dynasty wants us to submit, it should reward our dynasty handsomely!"

"This is the custom of all nations, and it has been the same throughout history!"

There was much discussion in the hall, and everyone's voices were reasonable.

In fact, this strategy was commonly used by successive dynasties in the Central Plains throughout history.

Any neighboring ethnic group that is willing to nominally submit and pay tribute will receive a generous reward from the imperial court.

The so-called "tribute" was merely a formality, while the rewards given by the Central Plains dynasties often far exceeded the value of the tribute items.

Some have increased tenfold, and others have increased dozens of times.

Many neighboring countries are willing to submit to the government because of this interest.

Those in power have long been aware of such political tactics that combine deception and reality, and naturally, they will not easily bow down without gaining any tangible benefits.

Therefore, the ministers in Beshbali mostly shared the same idea.

In particular, almost everyone in this hall accepted "generous gifts" from the Ming Dynasty delegation.

This "gift" was not only substantial, but also perfectly catered to their vanity and greed, making all the officials very satisfied.

As expected of the Ming Dynasty, which calls itself the "Celestial Empire," it is vast and rich in resources, and its wealth is so great that even a diplomatic mission can be so generous as to be astonishing.

Those brocades, paper money, spices, and jade artifacts were given away casually, as if they were poured out like water.

If a mere envoy is so extravagant, how generous must the emperor, the supreme ruler of the Ming Dynasty, be in bestowing such rich rewards?
Based on this idea, the ministers' hearts burned even brighter, and they hoped even more to gain more benefits and favors from the Ming Dynasty.

However, just before Chen Cheng and Huo Liancheng set off, Zhu Yunwen had specifically instructed that the Ming Dynasty would never engage in unprofitable transactions that only sought empty fame and did not yield any real benefit.

If Beshbali had any idea that he could exchange a piece of paper proclaiming "tribute" or a phrase proclaiming "submission" for a continuous stream of rewards from the Ming Dynasty, it would have been absolutely impossible.

The Ming Dynasty can offer benefits, but these must be based on fundamental integration and governance.

If Beshbali is willing to voluntarily submit, relinquish its state title, and be incorporated into the territory of the Ming Dynasty, with the court dispatching officials to manage it in a formalized manner, then the court will naturally invest heavily in gold, silver, and manpower to govern this desert, so that it may one day become as prosperous and wealthy as the counties in the Central Plains.

Otherwise, the Ming Dynasty wouldn't give them a single penny.

They only demanded that Beshbali pay tribute to the Ming Dynasty.

The reason for this is that it's like "throwing a meat bun to a dog"—you lose money and get nothing in return.

The other option is to "invest in one's own land," taking a long-term view and reaping lasting benefits.

Despite the fact that the Western Regions appear to be mostly desert, they actually possess abundant mineral resources.

First of all, the climate in the Western Regions is very suitable for growing cotton.

Once utilized, the cotton produced in the Western Regions alone could not only meet the needs of the entire Ming Dynasty, but also be continuously exported to all parts of the world, which would have an extremely important impact on the industrialization process of the Ming Dynasty.

Not to mention, the Western Regions also have jade, coal mines, and in the future, oil and natural gas, among other things.

This desolate land is actually a treasure trove.

Upon hearing their words, Chen Cheng spoke loudly and clearly, his voice booming and his tone resounding:
"If you merely nominally submit to the Ming Dynasty while actually establishing yourself as a king, hoping to gain more benefits and advantages from the so-called 'tribute,' then you are indulging in wishful thinking and daydreaming."

"There is absolutely no way this cannot be done."

He initially refused, then changed his tone:

"If you all truly desire more benefits from the Ming Dynasty, and if you truly wish to receive a generous reward from our court, then there is still a way to go."

"But the prerequisite is that Beshbali must voluntarily relinquish its national title and be incorporated into the territory of our Great Ming!"

"At that time, the Great Khan can enter Nanjing, enjoy wealth and honor, and become a 'carefree king'. From then on, he will not concern himself with the affairs of the Western Regions, ensuring a lifetime of peace and wealth. His descendants will also continue to be protected by the Ming Dynasty."

"As for the gentlemen present, each of you will also benefit."

"The Ming Dynasty's Ministry of Personnel will send an imperial envoy to screen and select the worthy for employment."

“Those who are capable will be appointed as officials of our Great Ming Dynasty, either stationed in the Western Regions or transferred to the interior. Their future is limitless.”

"Those who are not suitable for officialdom should not be discarded like worn-out shoes."

"The imperial court will provide generous compensation to ensure that he has enough to eat and wear, and that his descendants will also be protected and enjoy lasting blessings."

"In the Western Regions, the Ming Dynasty will continue to send more capable officials to take over your governance and ensure the stability and prosperity of the Western Regions."

“If you all agree to submit, the people of Beshbali will all become subjects of our dynasty in a single day.”

"Our Emperor of the Great Ming Dynasty is benevolent and kind, and cherishes his people like precious gems. He will never let them suffer."

"At that time, the Ming Dynasty will definitely invest huge sums of money to build water conservancy projects, develop commerce and trade, construct national highways, and rectify laws and regulations, so that the Western Regions will be freed from desolation and enter a state of prosperity and strength."

"You will not only preserve your own honor, wealth, and security, but also avoid the calamity of war and the danger to your lives. What do you think, gentlemen?"

……

(End of this chapter)