Di Ming

Chapter 267 Wild Boar Skin Brother and Little Tiger Brother
Upon learning that Nurhaci had come to visit, Zhu Yin immediately ordered, "Play music! Prepare a banquet!"

Then he led a group of people to personally greet them, with even Xiao Hei following behind.

...

Outside the gate of the Zhu mansion, three burly men with rugged features and strong builds were marveling at the tall and magnificent Zhu gate, their faces full of envy. They were speaking in Jurchen, praising the grandeur of the Zhu mansion.

"This mansion is much more impressive than the Prince's mansion."

"Yes, this is what the noble families in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms looked like."

"I really admire Prince Beile; he's a nobleman of the Ming Dynasty, living in such a grand mansion, tsk tsk..."

The three men were dressed in brand-new Ming Dynasty red official robes, and judging from their insignia, they were at least fifth-rank officers, holding the rank of a thousand-household commander. At first glance, they were no different from Han Chinese military officers.

But upon closer inspection, they noticed that their official hats had no sideburns under the brim, the area around them was completely bald, and they even had earrings hanging from their ears.

This person is clearly not Han Chinese.

Furthermore, according to etiquette, one should not wear official robes when visiting someone's home unless it involves official business.

Nowadays in the capital, officials, whether civil or military, no longer ride horses; they all travel by sedan chair. This is not only because sedan chairs are comfortable, but also because they represent prestige and dignity.

These three men actually came to visit in their official robes, and on horseback no less. They didn't even present their visiting cards or gift boxes, clearly showing they weren't very familiar with the etiquette of the Ming Dynasty officialdom.

The man in the lead had large ears, a hooked nose, a long face, thick eyebrows, and a pair of slender eyes with slightly upturned corners that shone brightly, exuding a heroic aura and a sense of authority.

This person is none other than Nurhaci, the current Dragon and Tiger General, Vice Commander-in-Chief, and Beile Beile of the Ming Dynasty!
When Nurhaci personally led the Jianzhou delegation to Beijing to pay tribute for the first time, he was truly amazed by the magnificent imperial capital and the prosperity of the era.

Especially after witnessing the Ming army's great victory in the Northwest and the presentation of prisoners at the Meridian Gate, with Mongol nobles prostrating themselves on the ground, I couldn't help but feel even greater awe for the Ming Dynasty.

Nurhaci originally wanted to meet with Zhu Yin immediately, but he was a cautious and meticulous person and knew that he could not let the court know that he had a good relationship with his younger brother, Little Tiger.

Therefore, he first visited other court officials, presenting them with some inexpensive local specialties from beyond the Great Wall. Then he visited Zhu Yin, bringing gifts of ginseng, deer antlers, sable fur, and other mountain products.

Besides meeting with Zhu Yin and catching up, the purpose of this visit to the Zhu residence was also to see if Zhu Yin could persuade the emperor to agree to send troops.

I heard that Japan, a country overflowing with wealth in the East China Sea, actually took the initiative to invade Korea. Who would have thought that Korea would be so incompetent, losing its three capitals and collapsing its eight provinces in just over a month.

Nurhaci, who had long wanted to plunder gold and silver from Japan, immediately wrote to the Ming emperor, saying that he had "30,000 to 40,000 cavalry and 40,000 to 50,000 infantry" and requested to go to Korea to fight against the Japanese pirates.

But he knew better than anyone that this was just an exaggeration, a way to gain the emperor's attention and get him to be sent on a campaign.

Where did he actually get so many soldiers?

He has not yet fully unified the Jianzhou region. The population under his rule is only a few hundred thousand, and the army is at most twenty or thirty thousand, of which only ten thousand are cavalry. The number of armored soldiers is only a little over five thousand.

He hoped to gain the emperor's reward and trust by fighting in Korea, seize Japanese armor, weapons, gold, silver, and food, and preferably capture some Japanese as slaves.

If he could lead his army to Korea to fight against the Japanese pirates, he would have an excuse to ask the court for armor, and his armored soldiers could be greatly increased.

Moreover, if the emperor agrees to let him go to Korea, then in order to maintain balance, he will definitely issue an edict to allow the powerful Haixi Jurchen to send more troops to Korea.

He could then use the power of the imperial court to mobilize the troops of the Yehe and other Haixi Jurchens, thereby reducing the pressure on the Jianzhou tribe from the Haixi Jurchens.

But to everyone's surprise, the Korean royal court opposed his military expedition, telling the emperor that he harbored wolfish ambitions and was using the pretext of aiding Korea against the Japanese invaders to plunder and occupy Korea.

After listening to the King of Joseon's words, the emperor did not agree to send troops.

As a result, it becomes very difficult to gain benefits from North Korea.

How abominable!

Of course, Nurhaci didn't have high hopes that Zhu Yin could persuade the emperor, because he had also learned that Zhu Yin was the tutor of the eldest prince, and the emperor disliked the eldest prince. The Zheng family, who had the greatest influence on the emperor, happened to be Zhu Yin's political enemy.

He also learned that the Korean envoy bribed the Zheng family, a powerful family, to persuade the emperor to refuse to conscript Jianzhou soldiers to fight in Korea.

With Consort Zheng interfering, even the little tiger brother would find it difficult to persuade the emperor.

Thinking of Zhu Yin's current reputation and military achievements, Nurhaci couldn't help but say with a touch of emotion:

"If I had known that Brother Little Tiger was a person blessed by Lord Cuohazhan, he would have had the wisdom of a flying crane, the ambition of a gyrfalcon, the courage of a wula, the keenness of a deer, the perseverance of a rock, and the bravery of a tiger. No wonder he has become a great figure known to all."

"If he wasn't Abkanduri's knife, or the blade of the gods, how could he be as extraordinary as Mergen's arrow?"

Eidu's expression was also respectful. "I like the idea that the Beile is a reincarnated deity in the hearts of the Han people. He is a person with a living shrine. Many people have built temples for him and worship him devoutly."

Feiyangu also said, "In that case, I like Beller to be Sule-Mergen (a perfect man of both wisdom and courage), a Tatanda (chief hunter) praised by all."

The Zhu family guards at the gate couldn't understand what the three Jurchen barbarians were saying, but they could tell that the guests held the Zhu family in high esteem.

Just then, the main gate of the Zhu residence suddenly swung open, and a young man led a group of people out, beaming with smiles. They bowed respectfully and said in Jurchen:

"The magpie has been calling for days, and some people have been waiting for years. Finally, Brother Wild Boar Skin has arrived!"

'Brother Wild Boar Skin, you've finally arrived!'

"Little Tiger Brother!" Nurhaci was overjoyed to see Zhu Yin.

He cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, a customary practice among Han Chinese, and then quickly stepped forward.

Zhu Yin also stepped forward. The two first touched their left shoulders, then their right shoulders, and then opened their arms to embrace each other, performing a Jurchen waist-hugging salute.

They then let go together and burst into laughter.

"So tall and strong!" Nurhaci patted Zhu Yin on the shoulder. "Little Tiger, I saw you at the Meridian Gate captive presentation ceremony. Although I recognized you at a glance, I still couldn't quite believe it."

"It's so nice to see you today."

It's clear that Nurhaci was genuinely happy.

Zhu Yin also punched Nurhaci, saying, "Brother Wild Boar Skin is even more majestic now, healthy and vigorous, and he's even become a Dragon and Tiger General. I'm so happy to see him."

"Let's go inside and talk!"

Zhu Yin smiled brightly, as if he were genuinely happy about a joyous occasion.

A group of servants immediately stepped forward and led Nurhaci and the others' horses into the courtyard.

As Nurhaci walked out, he laughed and said:
“How can I, a mere second-rank official, compare to you, the Vice Minister of War and Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince? I’ve heard that you are the most capable young genius in the Central Plains for the past thousand years.”

"I'm so happy to hear that you have such a great reputation in the Central Plains."

Zhu Yin also said, "I heard that Brother Wild Boar Skin is about to unify Jianzhou. There are only two tribes left to conquer in Changbai Mountain. He has become the strongest hero among the Jurchens. I am very happy for Brother Wild Boar Skin."

Nurhaci's smile was somewhat bitter. "What kind of greatest hero am I among the Jurchens? The Beile of the Yehe and Hada tribes, who isn't more powerful than me? At best, I'm only ranked third among the Jurchen tribes."

After saying that, he pointed to the little black dog behind Zhu Yin and said, "Is this Black Tiger? It's so strong and powerful. It's a good dog, just like a tiger or leopard."

Little Black wagged its tail enthusiastically. It still remembered Nurhaci's presence.

Just as everyone walked past the outer courtyard, a cute, childlike voice rang out:
"Is that Brother Wild Boar Skin? What a rare guest!"

The group looked and saw a beautiful young woman, dressed in fine clothes and with delicate makeup, walking out of the ceremonial gate with her short legs.

"Is this Princess Qingchen?" Nurhaci was very pleased. "She was just a baby back then, and now she's so grown up."

He reached out his large hand, patted Ning Qingchen's head, and laughed, "She doesn't look like her sister, but they're both like fairies, each beautiful in their own way." As he spoke, he took out a pearl the size of a longan and placed it in Ning Qingchen's hand.

"Hey, where's Lady Caiwei?"

Nurhaci then realized that he had not seen Ning Caiwei.

Zhu Yin smiled and said, "She went to Qin Liangyu's mansion, preparing to get married from there..."

Nurhaci shook his head and said, "You guys are really troublesome. Just get married directly. Why make such a fuss? But then again, you are a Han nobleman, so it's really not right to disregard etiquette."

As Nurhaci and the other two talked, they looked around at the Zhu family's exquisite and magnificent pavilions and towers, finally witnessing the wealth and power of the Central Plains' elite families.

Soon, Zhu Yin led several people to Xia'er Tower, where they were entertaining distinguished guests. The air was filled with the melodious sounds of string and wind instruments, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

Elegantly dressed maids, flitting among the tables like butterflies, carried tableware. In the flower-lined hall and corridors, musicians played instruments in unison, while a group of singing girls danced gracefully.

An overwhelming aura of wealth and luxury immediately enveloped us.

Nurhaci and his followers had never enjoyed such a scene and treatment outside the Great Wall.

"Brother Wild Boar Skin, please take a seat!" Zhu Yin took Nurhaci's hand and invited him to sit down.

Nurhaci didn't stand on ceremony and sat down directly. Generals Eidu and Feiyanggu also sat down.

Zhu Yin and Ning Qingchen sat in the main seats.

Zhu Yin then sent four Jurchen women—Lancha, Galuo, Meihe, and Niman—to accompany the guests.

With all of them being old acquaintances from Liaodong, Nurhaci and the other two became even more relaxed.

The tableware, including cups, plates, bowls, and dishes, served at the banquet were either gold or jade, or exquisite pieces from the top imperial kilns of Jingdezhen.

The dishes are all the most famous imperial dishes today, exquisite and precious, such as Panlong Cai, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, Zu'an Shark Fin, Three Treasures of the Sea, Roasted Deer and Clams, Eight Treasure Gourd Duck, Pickled Fish, Dingsheng Cake, and Poria Cake.

Zhu Yin knew that Nurhaci and others were fond of wine and had a high alcohol tolerance, so there were several kinds of wines on the table, including some of the top imperial wines of the time, such as Taixi Bai and Jinjing Lu.

These imperial wines were supposedly only supplied to the imperial palace, but how could that be? Anyone with status and money could buy them.

There are also wines from the Western Regions, and Spanish sherry, Dutch gin, German beer, and French brandy from the Western Regions.

There were about ten kinds of fine wines, none of which Nurhaci and his men had ever tasted.

Nurhaci and the others were overwhelmed by the sights and couldn't name any of them.

The group was deeply moved. It was the first time they had felt treated with courtesy and respect by Zhu Yin, and they felt like they were being treated as brothers.

Previously, when they visited other officials' homes, the officials were indifferent and perfunctory, not even offering them food, and completely looked down on them, the Jurchens.

Nurhaci and the others felt no restraint and acted as if they were family, immediately picking up their wine and drinking, and eating their food.

"Little tiger brother, I won't be polite with you."

"I like Baylor, you're welcome, brother."

Zhu Yin chuckled and said, "What kind of relationship do we have? If you're going to be so polite with me, you'll hurt my feelings. Brother Wild Boar Skin, I've been looking forward to this reunion every day for so many years. Now that we've finally met, I'm afraid I'll neglect my brother and disappoint you."

Zhu Yin's tone was very affectionate, which brought tears to the eyes of Nurhaci and the others.

“Little Tiger Brother,” Nurhaci put down his empty wine cup, “we also think of you, remember your kindness and your friendship. In these past few years, you have helped Jianzhou a lot, and you have helped me a lot, and I, Tong, remember it all. To be frank, I don’t know how to repay you.”

Zhu Yin said seriously, "That's because we're destined to meet! If you talk about repaying me now, wouldn't that be creating distance between us? Even the shaman would laugh at me. Just eat and drink today, and if you get drunk, you can stay here."

Zhu Yin ordered the maid to pour wine, but he poured himself German beer, which had the lowest alcohol content.

The wine served to Nurhaci and others was all strong liquor.

This shows that Zhu Yin was very hospitable.

Zhu Yin raised his glass first and said, "Brother Wild Boar Skin, Brother Eidu, Brother Feiyanggu, although you are not outsiders, I still can't be too casual. At today's banquet, everyone should just drink to their heart's content, as if we were still in Jianzhou. This glass is to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey..."

Nurhaci and the others raised their wine cups together and drank them down in one gulp.

"This is truly excellent wine! We are fortunate to have such fine wine to drink!"

"Haha, we came to the right place this time."

Nurhaci raised his cup and said, "Little Tiger Brother, I wish you promotion and high rank, and may your descendants be dukes and marquises for generations to come."

Zhu Yin raised his glass and said, "I also wish Brother Wild Boar Skin a promotion and a long life."

After several people offered toasts, the atmosphere at the banquet became even more harmonious and joyful.

After everyone had drunk a few cups of wine and reminisced about the past, Nurhaci said:

"Little Tiger Brother, the Korean envoys are bribing high-ranking officials all over the capital. Have they come here yet?"

Zhu Yin laughed and said, "I've only been back for two or three days. They haven't arrived yet, but I guess they'll be here soon. Hehe, their country is about to perish; even their king has fled to Liaodong."

Nurhaci said, "Korea deserves it. They are extremely rude to us Jurchens. When our Jianzhou ginseng gatherers go to the border to gather ginseng, they are often shot, beheaded, or even skinned alive by Korean soldiers. They are even more vicious than the evil god Ayata in the Black Forest!"

"Is that so?" Zhu Yin's expression was furious. "The Jurchens are also subjects of the Ming Dynasty. The Goryeo people have always been bullies who prey on the weak and fear the strong, and they think they are superior. I never expected them to be so audacious! Your Majesty should not have saved them! They should have been taught a lesson by the Japanese pirates! Humph, I am a Jianzhou prince, and I am also one of the Jianzhou people. The Goryeo people have done this. I will seek justice for them sooner or later!"

“Who says otherwise!” Nurhaci slapped his thigh. “Little Tiger is right. We’ll get justice sooner or later.”

Eidu and Feiyanggu both clapped their hands in agreement.

Lancha, who had spent five years in the Central Plains and could already speak Chinese, said to Zhu Yin:
"Eh Zhen, if this gets out and the ministers in the court find out, I'm afraid someone will impeach our lord. After all, the Emperor cares a lot about the King of Joseon..."

Zhu Yin said, "Everyone here is one of us, brothers. How could this get out? Even if it did, I would still speak up for Jianzhou in the imperial court! Whoever touches Jianzhou, I will touch them."

The three were deeply moved, feeling that the little tiger brothers were indeed their own people, the auspicious ones of Jianzhou, and the beloved princes favored by Master Cuohazhan and Mother Foduo.

Nurhaci drank a cup of the Golden Stem Dew, a tribute to the imperial court, ate a bite of duck meat, and said:

“Last month, in Yongping Prefecture, I encountered an envoy from the Joseon Kingdom. I said that your border soldiers have repeatedly shot, beheaded, and skinned Jianzhou ginseng merchants and hunters. I am going to the capital this time to file a complaint with the Ministry of Rites. But they are fearless and say that the court trusts them more than us Jurchens.”

Zhu Yin knew that Nurhaci was telling the truth. Historically, the Jianzhou delegation and the Korean delegation did indeed encounter each other at the Yongping post station, and a dispute did occur between them. As a result, the Korean envoy complained to the emperor after arriving in the capital.

Zhu Yin snorted coldly and said, "Despicable, cowardly, and arrogant Koreans, Nimeku (evil spirit) has bewitched them, making them, people whose country is about to perish, still so rude. Brother Wild Boar Skin, you don't need to lower yourself to the level of these Korean bastards. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future to let them know that a sheep's horns cannot withstand the teeth of a tiger and wolf."

Nurhaci asked, puzzled, "Little Tiger Brother, what does 'Goryeo stick' mean?"

Zhu Yin couldn't explain it well, so he could only smile and say perfunctorily, "It means they are like a wooden stick, which looks straight and hard, but can be broken with a single cut. They have a big temper but little ability."

"Haha!" Nurhaci laughed. "The term 'little tiger brother' is very interesting and makes a lot of sense. He really is a Korean bastard."

Nurhaci continued, “Little Tiger Brother, I want to serve the court and lead troops to Korea to fight against the Japanese pirates, but the emperor did not agree. I heard that it was the Korean envoy who persuaded Lady Jeong to refuse.”

"Do you have any way to get the Emperor to agree to let us send troops?"

Zhu Yin chuckled inwardly, but sighed aloud, "This matter is difficult!"

P.S.: That's all for today. Thank you to all my readers for your support. Goodnight!

(End of this chapter)