Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 512 Abandoning the Child and Returning Home, A Scheme to Provoke the Enemy!

The same applies to state power.

Even 10 percent of the opponents, when converted into a specific number, is still a huge and astonishing figure.

But for emperors, it was something they didn't need to care about too much.

Zhu Su was just one of the many “opponents”.

For Zhu Yunwen, whether there was one more Zhu Su or one less Zhu Su in the world was of no importance.

The Ming Dynasty did not expend much effort in pursuing Zhu Su.

He secretly fled to the Western Regions, changed his name and identity, and even changed his appearance and voice with his superb disguise skills.

Therefore, even though Beshbali underwent a complete dynastic change, transforming from a separatist kingdom into the Western Regions Province established by the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Su continued to work as his "doctor" without incident.

This low-key and ordinary identity has become the safest talisman.

The fear and worry that had followed me all along now seem to have been completely unnecessary.

Even though he had gone to Huda's residence to lobby and try to incite him to oppose the Ming Dynasty and become enemies with it.

But now, with the sudden death of Huda, those schemes and words have long since vanished, as if they had never existed.

Logically speaking, Zhu Su should have breathed a sigh of relief.

He successfully escaped capture, saved his life, and did not expose his identity; everything seemed to be on a "good" track.

However, Zhu Su did not feel happy because of this; instead, he felt increasingly empty and lost.

It's like a string in my heart has been quietly snapped.

He originally thought he was "the most important fugitive in the Ming Dynasty".

He was once a prince, the current emperor's uncle, of noble birth and prestigious lineage, and should have been a "wanted criminal" attracting worldwide attention.

Even if one were to flee to the ends of the earth, there should be countless spies searching for them, causing the entire court to be shaken and filled with unease.

But reality is not like this.

Zhu Su gradually realized that he had been completely ignored by the world.

He was neither a "big shot" in the eyes of others nor a "major threat" in the eyes of the imperial court, but just an ordinary doctor in this vast desert.

Even though Beshbaliq was now entirely under the control of the Ming Dynasty, and even though the Ming's iron hooves had crushed everything in the old kingdom, no one mentioned him anymore.

It was as if his existence had never been important.

Upon realizing this, Zhu Su nearly suffered a mental breakdown.

He had once been on the run, suffering from hunger and cold, living hand to mouth, but those hard times did not break him.

But now, in this quiet and peaceful life, Zhu Su felt an unprecedented sense of desolation.

A sense of loneliness and powerlessness, as if abandoned by the whole world.

He was no longer a high-ranking prince, but just an unknown doctor in the streets of Beshbali.

He was not some "great figure" who influenced the world, but rather an insignificant being.

Zhu Su felt nothing but disappointment.

A profound, almost suffocating sense of loss!

He couldn't accept this fact.

Zhu Su even considered going to see his father, the Emperor.
Since the Emperor is still alive and has appeared in Beshbali, as long as he bows his head, admits his mistakes, and begs for forgiveness, he might be able to save his life and even have a chance to regain his princely status and enjoy honor again.

However, the thought only lingered in his mind before being swiftly extinguished by a familiar fear.

He was terrified of Lao Zhu.

From childhood to adulthood, his father was very strict with him.

Even after being made the Queen of Zhou, he was demoted to Yunnan for making a "small" mistake, where he suffered greatly for two years.

After returning to the capital, Zhu asked him about the mountains, rivers, geography, local customs, and other information of the places he had passed through. Because he was terrified in front of Zhu, he was too scared to say anything. Zhu angrily rebuked him, saying, "There has never been anyone so foolish throughout history!"

That reprimand, like a blade, remains deeply etched in his heart to this day.

The oppressive aura that had accumulated over the years had long since seeped into Zhu Su's very bones.

His fear of Zhu Yuanzhang, and of his supreme father, had become an instinct.

That was a sense of unease and trembling etched deep into my soul from childhood to adulthood.

Moreover, he is now burdened with the serious crime of "treason."
If I were to rashly go to see him now, would my hot-tempered father be so angry that he beat me to death in court?
Zhu Su imagined Old Zhu's stern and imposing face, and his heart tightened instantly, a chill running from the soles of his feet straight up his spine.

He dared not go to see them!
But what if I stay at the clinic?

He spent his days among the medicine stove and herbs, working as a folk doctor, living a life without hope in the morning or support in the evening.

His life was like that of a walking corpse, as empty as a living coffin.

The resentment, humiliation, emptiness, and bitterness accumulated in his heart, gradually intertwining into a burning flame.

Finally, a bold idea quietly grew in his mind and gradually took shape.

He wants to go back!

He returned to the Ming Dynasty, to the place that had once left him battered and bruised, yet haunted his dreams.

He wanted to prove to the world with his actions that he, Zhu Su, was not a forgotten pawn, but still an "important figure" who had once been a prince with a prestigious status!
Just as he was mentally contemplating this desperate journey home, a man dressed in tight-fitting clothes entered the backyard of the clinic.

"You must be Cao Zhu? The Khan invites you in."

Zhu Su's heart suddenly tightened.

Although Beshbaliq had long been transferred to the Ming Dynasty and became the Western Regions Province, Shamichagan was still respectfully addressed as "Great Khan".

Why would the mighty "Great Khan" suddenly summon him?

Could it be that his advice to Hudada and his instigation of conflict with the Ming Dynasty have finally been exposed?
The thought had barely crossed his mind when Zhu Su immediately dismissed it.

If the truth had truly come out, why would they have simply sent one person to deliver the message?
If the truth were to come out, he would probably be met by a squad of armored soldiers with halberds right now, who would have already pinned him to the ground.

He forced himself to remain calm, composed himself, and silently followed the man through the streets and alleys, finally entering Shamichagan's mansion.

"Cao Zhu, I've heard you're a renowned doctor with superb medical skills, and you've cured many difficult and complicated diseases." After exchanging greetings, Shami Chagan greeted him with a warm smile.

Zhu Su quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. I am only slightly knowledgeable in traditional Chinese medicine and dare not accept the title of 'divine physician.' I am extremely humbled by this praise."

“No need for modesty, your reputation has already reached my ears.” Shamichagan said with a faint smile, “I have summoned you here today to ask you to do something.” “I have long heard that the Emperor of the Great Ming is wise and mighty, and his literary and military talents are the best in the world, and no man in the world can surpass him.”

“My two younger sisters have admired him since childhood. Although they live in a foreign land, they often ask others to inquire about him.”

"Their greatest wish is to marry such a person one day."

"Even if I can't become an empress, I would be content to be just a maidservant."

"Although I am extremely reluctant to see my two younger sisters marry far away, as you Central Plains people say, 'a daughter is not meant to stay at home once she grows up.'"

Samichagan's tone was tinged with helplessness, but his eyes revealed a resolute determination.

"Since they admire the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty so much and have vowed to marry no one but His Majesty the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty in this life, how can I, as their elder brother, bear to go against their wishes?"

"Originally, I planned to personally lead a group of men to escort them to Jinling to pay homage to His Majesty the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, as a way of fulfilling my responsibility as an elder brother."

“But the situation in Beshbali is not yet stable, and I am busy with many matters. If I leave, it may cause trouble.”

"The Supreme Emperor also hopes that I will stay and pacify the area at this time. If I insist on leaving, it would be impolite."

He paused, his expression turning slightly somber, and then said, "But the marriages of my sisters cannot be delayed."

After much deliberation, the only option is to send another team of trusted men to escort them into the Ming Dynasty and deliver them to His Majesty the Emperor.

"If they are fortunate enough to be favored by the emperor and brought into the palace to serve, even if they are just maids serving him, it would be a blessing they have earned in three lifetimes, and an unparalleled honor for our family."

At this point, he turned his gaze to Zhu Su.

"However, the journey to the Ming Dynasty is long and arduous, requiring a long and arduous trip."

“My two younger sisters have been pampered since childhood and have never traveled far from home. Moreover, girls are naturally more delicate, and if they suffer from acclimatization issues or catch a cold during their journey, they are more likely to fall ill.”

"It would be bad if we really got sick."

“Not only are my sisters’ lives in danger, but His Majesty the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty may also be left waiting in vain. If that happens, my sin will be immense.”

"Cao Zhu, you are a renowned physician in Beshbali, proficient in the medical principles and properties of both the Central Plains and the Western Regions. You possess both benevolence and skill, which are the essence of a physician."

"I would like to ask you to accompany the group and help them along the way."

"If the journey goes smoothly and the sisters are safe and sound, then everyone will be happy."

"If I do get sick, with you, a miracle doctor, by my side, I can handle it calmly."

Zhu Su understood immediately upon hearing this.

Shamichagan has many younger brothers and sisters, but the two sisters he mentioned are naturally the two beauties of the Western Regions, known for their stunning looks and fame throughout the region: Gulizaba and Dinaruoya!

Both of them were exceptionally beautiful, with stunning looks and unparalleled elegance!
Gulizaba had previously been betrothed to Huda, but the engagement was only formal and they never actually married.

Now that Hu Dada is dead, the marriage agreement is naturally null and void.

Shami Chagan clearly intended to "offer" the two beautiful sisters to the Ming emperor in order to win Zhu Yunwen's favor.

As for the claims that "they admired His Majesty the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty since childhood and were willing to enter the palace as maids," or "they vowed to marry no one but His Majesty the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty," these are merely high-sounding pretexts!

After all, to make the story of one's younger sister "voluntarily sending herself into the palace" sound respectable, it always needs to be presented in a glamorous way.

Otherwise, even in this Western Region, one would inevitably be ridiculed.

He was, after all, a great Khan
Ultimately, people still need to save face.

However, when Zhu Su heard Shamichagan's words, he felt a wave of hypocrisy wash over him, and he couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

He offered his two younger sisters to Zhu Yunwen and then pretended to "respect their wishes"?
How can a person be so shameless?

The Khan of Beshbaliq, a true descendant of the Golden Family, has committed such a despicable act; it is truly contemptible!

Zhu Su was filled with contempt and sarcasm. This man's skin was as thick as the walls of Beshbaliq!
However, Shamichagan's actions were exactly what he wanted.

He was just worried about not finding a suitable opportunity to return to the Ming Dynasty, but now he had a legitimate reason and a valid identity to travel back.

Gulizaba and Dinaruoya were both exceptionally beautiful women, with unparalleled beauty, and their fame had long been known in the Western Regions.

Given Zhu Yunwen's lustful nature, he would find it impossible to resist them upon seeing them.

At that time, he could take advantage of his identity as a doctor to sneak in and get close to Zhu Yunwen.

If there is even the slightest chance, we will find a way to poison him to avenge the grudge of that year!
A sinister glint flashed in Zhu Su's eyes.

This is not only for revenge, but also to tell the world that Zhu Su is not some forgotten good-for-nothing!
He was once a prince of the Ming Dynasty. Although he is now in distress and exile, he can still stir up the winds and clouds and unleash thunder!
Even if he dies after doing this, he wants to die a spectacular and glorious death, rather than quietly disappearing into the long river of history like a speck of dust.

Thinking of this, Zhu Su's eyes flashed with a divine light, and he immediately bowed and said, "The Khan has given his order, and this humble subject will obey."

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will do my utmost to escort the two beggars safely to Jinling so that they may meet the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty."

Shamichagan laughed and waved his hand, saying, "There's no need to travel all the way to Jinling!"

"Not long ago, Beshbali received a telegram from Nanjing reporting to the Supreme Emperor."

"His Majesty the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty has left the capital for a northern tour to inspect disaster relief efforts in the Yellow River disaster area."

"You can use telegraph machines in various places along the way to find out His Majesty the Emperor's whereabouts at any time."

"My mission will be accomplished simply by delivering my two younger sisters to His Majesty's side."

At this point, his tone shifted, revealing a hint of smugness: "Although His Majesty has a few concubines accompanying him on this northern tour, it is still not as numerous as the beauties in the deep palace."

"If my two younger sisters could take this opportunity to accompany him and serve him closely, they would have more chances to get close to His Majesty the Emperor, and it would also relieve their long-standing longing."

"Hahaha!"

Shamichagan laughed heartily, his face full of smug satisfaction.

Zhu Yunwen left the capital for a northern tour?
Zhu Su was slightly startled, and his eyes brightened instantly.

He had seen advertisements in the newspapers about the "telegraph machine," which was described as a divine artifact personally supervised by the Ming emperor, capable of transmitting messages from thousands of miles away in an instant, much like a god.

Zhu Su was deeply shocked at that time.

Who would have thought that Zhu Yunwen could actually create such a marvelous object?

Now, even Beshbalik in the Western Regions has been connected by cables and telegraph machines, allowing for the exchange of information and connecting it to the Central Plains as if by a single thread. Zhu Su was deeply shocked.

The Ming Dynasty under Zhu Yunwen's rule had become so powerful!
Shamichagan is really good at scheming.

The Khan of the Western Regions deliberately chose to send away his two beautiful younger sisters just as Zhu Yunwen was leaving the capital, clearly in order to avoid the vortex of concubines vying for his favor.

Once Gulizaba and Dinaruoya have captivated Zhu Yunwen with their beauty, and returned to the palace with him, their positions will be secure, and they will have no fear of the other concubines in the harem.

However, Zhu Yunwen's trip to the north from the palace was a golden opportunity to strike at him!
(End of this chapter)