Emperor Chongzhen was too extreme.

Chapter 130: Deceiving
Although he was initially a little confused, Huang Taiji quickly came to his senses.

He knew the other person was trying to disrupt his rhythm by bringing up this topic, thereby taking control of the conversation.

Huang Taiji became extremely wary.

He knew very well that the best course of action at this time was to remain unchanged in the face of all changes.

His fundamental purpose in meeting with the Ming emperor was to probe his background.

If we let the other party lead us by the nose, then what's the point of trying to get to the bottom of things?
Therefore, in response to Zhu Youjian's words, Huang Taiji merely snorted:
"Between you and me, there's no need for such useless nonsense."

"Let's talk about the Ming Dynasty's attack on my Later Jin stronghold a couple of days ago."

"Is the Ming Dynasty trying to start a large-scale war with our Later Jin?!"

Done.

Huang Taiji narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Zhu Youjian's expression.

If Zhu Youjian showed even the slightest sign of something amiss, he would immediately notice and continue his psychological manipulation.

However, what Huang Taiji did not expect was...

Zhu Youjian did not reply, but a hint of disappointment was revealed deep in his eyes.

This perfectly timed disappointment seemed extremely sincere.

of course.

This sincerity was acted out by Zhu Youjian.

The main purpose of Zhu Youjian's visit was to deceive Huang Taiji.

They first throw out a huge incentive, but then fail to explain what it is.

Once the other person's curiosity is piqued, they are then dragged into a trap they have set in advance.

Perhaps it won't be long before the other party realizes that this whole thing was a lie from beginning to end.

But by then, none of that mattered anymore.

Because North Korea has already had valuable time to develop.

as predicted.

Zhu Youjian's actions made Huang Taiji think deeply.

There is no other reason.

If the other party's behavior just now was a sigh, or some other more significant movement.

Huang Taiji could immediately tell that the other party was acting.

The rest is self-explanatory.

Since it's all an act, the purpose is definitely to buy time, so he doesn't have to wait until he's gathered enough intelligence before taking action.

They'll send a large army to the border; let's attack first and see what happens.

But it was precisely this deep disappointment in his eyes that left Huang Taiji momentarily bewildered.

Because the Ming emperor gave him the feeling that the Later Jin and the Ming Dynasty could truly become brotherly states.

However, it was put on hold due to certain events, which the Ming emperor greatly regretted.

"Is he acting out my character?!"

This was the question that Huang Taiji most wanted to understand at that moment.

His intuition told him that the other person might be acting, but reality at that moment told him that it was unlikely that the other person was acting.

Because Huang Taiji, who had seen countless people, could tell that the disappointment in the other party's eyes was a genuine expression of emotion.

He found it hard to believe that a seventeen-year-old could control his emotions to such an extent.

People often assume that emperors are incapable of showing their emotions.

But Huang Taiji knew.

With the exception of a few people.

Most people in positions of power are actually very expressive of their emotions – because they don't need to hide their feelings on a daily basis.

Zhu Youjian did not answer, and Huang Taiji did not press further, but simply continued to stare at the other party silently.

that's it.

The meeting fell silent for a moment.

The Later Jin generals and the Ming generals on both sides watched this scene.

Although they still do not know what their own emperor (the Great Khan) said.

But different emotions arose in an instant.

Mao Wenlong and the others were somewhat nervous because they knew that His Majesty's meeting with Huang Taiji was merely a way to buy time.

What's going on with the two sides suddenly falling silent?

Could it be that the negotiations reached a stalemate as soon as they met? Or did Huang Taiji sense something?
If that's the case, what should North Korea do next?
After all, the Ming Dynasty's existing military strength was not enough to withstand the Later Jin's attack.

Under the pressure, Mao Wenlong and the others couldn't help but feel a little anxious.

Fan Wencheng and the other Later Jin generals were delighted to see this.

From a distance, it appeared that the Ming emperor was stumped by his Khan's few words and didn't know how to reply.

Fan Wencheng exchanged a glance with the Jin generals on his left and right, and immediately made a judgment in his mind:

The Ming army was indeed bluffing!

In that case, if they directly send troops into Korea, Korea will immediately become theirs.
but.

At this moment, Huang Taiji, who was at the very center of the stage, was not as dramatic as the others.

He was already inclined to believe that the Ming emperor was not acting.

Therefore, he really wanted to figure out what the other party meant by "brotherly country".

Because between nations, there is only self-interest.

If the benefits were sufficient, let alone the Later Jin and the Ming Dynasty becoming brother states.

It wouldn't be impossible for him to make Huang Taiji call the Ming emperor "father".

Of course, all of this is on the premise that there is sufficient benefit.

The current situation is.

If the Later Jin could truly form a brotherly alliance with the Ming Dynasty, it would mean that this would be extremely beneficial to the Later Jin.

Alliances often mean that the two countries will open their markets to each other.

Trade between the two sides was something Huang Taiji had always pursued.

Once the trade was established, the Later Jin dynasty would no longer need to spend silver at several times the market price to buy various goods.

The amount of silver saved each year would be an astronomical figure.

This benefit was indeed enough to tempt Huang Taiji.

just.

Just as Huang Taiji was pondering how to break the deadlock, regain the initiative, and extract more useful information from the other side,

But then they suddenly heard Zhu Youjian say calmly, "Since that's the case, then there's nothing to talk about."

Done.

Zhu Youjian did not linger and turned his horse away.

He acted without hesitation, because he knew that Huang Taiji would definitely ask him to clarify what he had just said.

to be honest.

Although Huang Taiji wanted to play psychological warfare with him, he was still a bit too inexperienced.

as predicted.

As Huang Taiji watched Zhu Youjian's decisive departure, he subconsciously called out to him, "Wait!"

As soon as Huang Taiji finished speaking, he realized that he had been too hasty.

In negotiations, whoever speaks first loses the initiative.

However, since things had come to this point, Huang Taiji no longer hesitated.

It's better to see what the other party is really up to before taking any action.

After stopping Zhu Youjian, Huang Taiji asked very directly:

"What do you mean by the brotherly country you just mentioned?"

Zhu Youjian looked at the other party and said, "The Ming Dynasty and the Later Jin Dynasty can open up trade."

In just a few words, he struck a nerve with Huang Taiji.

However, this also made Huang Taiji more cautious.

Now that we've covered the benefits, what about the costs?

You can't expect me to believe you just because you say the two countries have trade relations, can you?
Moreover, what benefit would it bring to your Ming Dynasty if we were to trade with my Later Jin?
Or, to put it another way, what do you want to get from my Later Jin?
Huang Taiji did not believe that there was any such thing as a free lunch.

Zhu Youjian naturally understood what the other party was thinking, and he continued, following Huang Taiji's train of thought:

"Of course, the Ming Dynasty would not open trade with the Later Jin for nothing. The Later Jin would need to return the cities it occupied in Liaodong."

"At the same time, the Later Jin should not interfere in the affairs of Korea. As for those prisoners, the Ming Dynasty will release them back to the Later Jin after the alliance between the two countries is confirmed."

Hearing this, Huang Taiji steadied himself.

His face showed a serious expression, but he also probed with extreme cunning:

"The Liaodong region has been managed by our Later Jin for many years. It is no exaggeration to say that it is already our Later Jin territory. Even I cannot simply cede it to them."

"Therefore, the Later Jin would never give up the cities in the Liaodong region."

As he spoke, Huang Taiji's gaze remained fixed on Zhu Youjian's face.

If the other party readily agrees to his request at this point, it means that he is not genuinely interested in discussing trade matters.

The trade system was inherently disadvantageous for the Ming Dynasty.

If the Ming Dynasty were to abandon those cities and still agree to trade, wouldn't that confirm that there's something fishy going on?

Zhu Youjian glanced at Huang Taiji and instantly understood what Huang Taiji was thinking. He said calmly, "The cities in Liaodong are not necessary for our Great Ming."

A glint of light flashed in Huang Taiji's eyes.

"However," Huang Taiji said, his tone shifting, and he perked up again.

"The Later Jin must join forces with our Great Ming, and together we will send troops to pacify the Hetao Mongols next year and wipe out all the Mongol tribes."

"At that time, the territory of the Hetao region will belong to my Great Ming on the left and to your Later Jin on the right."

After he finished speaking, Huang Taiji fell silent.

If it's about the territory of Mongolia, plus the vast territory of North Korea.

The Ming Dynasty certainly had sufficient motivation to negotiate trade with the Later Jin.

He looked at Zhu Youjian, trying to find some flaw in the other's face, but ultimately failed.

finally.

Huang Taiji rubbed his fingers together and looked at Zhu Youjian:

"I have to admit, the conditions you offered are very tempting."

"But if I agree to your conditions, when will the Ming Dynasty sign the Later Jin Treaty with my Later Jin and actually implement it?"

Zhu Youjian: "One month later."

After a pause, Zhu Youjian continued, seemingly unintentionally:
"There are still some things to deal with in North Korea. After I finish dealing with North Korean affairs and return to Beijing, the two countries will begin to discuss trade matters."

Huang Taiji's face showed solemnity, but he couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

The Ming emperors eventually revealed their weaknesses.

He revealed that he was about to leave North Korea.

Although this is common knowledge, the other party completely revealed the time of their departure.

This finally put Huang Taiji's mind at ease.

Because from his perspective and considering the information gap.

It's only been a month.

Even if the Later Jin dynasty doesn't send troops to North Korea during this period, how much change can occur in North Korea?

Could it be that the Ming Dynasty emperor could build an impregnable border with Korea in just one month?

Once the Ming emperor leaves Korea, Korea will already be in the hands of the Later Jin.

of course.

Tempted by the enormous profits of the trade, the Later Jin dynasty would not rashly take action against North Korea.

However, this can be used as a leverage point, turning North Korea into a bargaining chip.

As long as the Ming Dynasty makes any move to delay trade, he will immediately send troops to Korea, thus profiting from both sides.

As for the Ming emperor's plan to get the Later Jin to help send troops to pacify the Hetao Mongols.

Huang Taiji, however, would never allow them to succeed.

Once the two countries actually open their markets to each other.

Then, in just one or two years, the Later Jin will become even stronger.

Why would they want to divide the territory with the Ming Dynasty when they could easily conquer the Hetao region on their own?

Anyway, we'll just find ways to keep delaying it.

Furthermore.

Huang Taiji also knew this.

Even if the Later Jin and the Ming Dynasty formed an alliance and traded, it could only bring about a short-term peace. In the end, the two sides would still have to fight to the death.

So how could he possibly help the Ming Dynasty seize territory and maintain border stability?!
Huang Taiji finally understood why the Ming emperor had acted so sincerely earlier.

Because the other party genuinely wanted to form an alliance and trade with the Later Jin.

However, the other side's real purpose in doing this was to give the Ming Dynasty a few years to catch its breath and develop.

The other party wanted to take the opportunity to strengthen its power, and Huang Taiji also had the same goal.

Huang Taiji glanced at Zhu Youjian again.

Honestly.

He genuinely admired and even felt a sense of respect for the young man in front of him.

At a young age, he was able to accomplish the feat of conquering a country and also knew how to navigate complex political situations, using the sacrifice of core interests to gain room for development.

His methods truly make him a peerless genius.

Even at my age, I couldn't have done this.

If the other party is a Jurchen, he will do everything he can to pass the Khanate of the Later Jin to this young man.

Unfortunately, the other party was a Han Chinese.

He was still a Han Chinese who could never be used by himself.

Therefore, even if they deeply admired each other, Huang Taiji would not hesitate to scheme against the other party.

In Han Chinese parlance, this is called "sharing a golden cup with you, yet showing no mercy with a bare blade!"
He took a deep breath and looked at Zhu Youjian, saying, "If what you say is true, the Later Jin and the Ming Dynasty can indeed become brotherly states."

"I can promise you that I will no longer interfere in Korean affairs, but the prisoners that you have taken from my Later Jin these past few days must be released before our two countries sign a trade treaty."

Zhu Youjian nodded: "No problem."

Huang Taiji: "In that case, let's sign a letter of credence here tomorrow, and formally conclude an alliance a month later."

Zhu Youjian: "Okay."

"Where should the specific location be set for signing the alliance treaty?" Huang Taiji asked the last question.

At this point, Zhu Youjian recalled the name of a person whose entire family would be exterminated in the near future—Yuan Chonghuan.

He said calmly, "Outside Ningyuan City."

Huang Taiji was overjoyed, but he suppressed all his emotions and said calmly, "Good!"

This brief meeting has now come to a complete end.

Huang Taiji nodded to Zhu Youjian, then turned and rode away.

Then, both the Jin and Ming armies were overjoyed to see their respective rulers return: the mission was accomplished!
Huang Taiji returned to the group and told everyone what had just happened.

Upon hearing this, everyone was initially shocked, but then filled with joy.

Although the situation is somewhat different from what everyone initially guessed, it is clearly developing in a better direction.

As for that one month?

Just give it to him!
The Ming emperors could not stay in Korea indefinitely.

So even if you give him another month, what trouble can he possibly cause?!

He might be able to trick the gates of the North Korean capital into opening within a few days, but he could never win North Korea's complete allegiance within a month.

As long as North Korea cannot win over its heart.

Even if the worst-case scenario occurs:

The Ming emperor's so-called trade alliance was purely a delaying tactic; he himself intended to stay in the capital with his troops and defend it to the death.

That's nothing to be afraid of.

At that time, the Later Jin only needs to occupy the easily attackable areas of Korea first, and then slowly wear them down.

Anyway, this territory is their home ground, and they have plenty of time and energy to slowly wear down the Ming Dynasty.

If they can handle even the worst-case scenario with ease, then what is there to worry about?
And the other side.

The Ming Dynasty generals were delighted to hear His Majesty's explanation.

A month?

That's enough to do a lot of things.

His Majesty has already given the instructions:

After Chen Jisheng brought back silver from Japan, he first paid a sum of money to the soldiers in the capital and sent them to guard the border cities.

Although a generous reward will surely attract brave men.

But with Your Majesty's strategic acumen, how could you not have foreseen that money alone would not be enough to win these people's complete loyalty?
So those nearly two thousand Later Jin prisoners came in handy at this time.

Their heads will be the best testament to their loyalty.

After they have pledged their allegiance, we will send these people to sweep through the Later Jin strongholds.

Then, even if they wanted to, they wouldn't be able to resist the Jin.

This way.

The Later Jin dynasty could not even set foot in Korea and attack the capital.

They couldn't even easily breach the cities on the outermost border.

Because winter is just around the corner.

The only thing to consider now is when Chen Jisheng will be able to bring the money back.

Or, to put it another way, will Chen Jisheng be able to successfully bring back such a huge sum of money?

Mao Wenlong wanted to ask a question.

But looking at the desolate wilderness before him, he ultimately decided to wait until he entered the city before asking any questions.

After a brief exchange, the two groups retreated in the direction they had come from.

now.

Zhu Youjian and Huang Taiji looked at each other's somewhat ethereal figures and nodded to each other.

Regarding the outcome of the negotiations just now.

Both sides were clearly very satisfied.

(End of this chapter)