Guangzong Yaoming

Chapter 371: Changsheng Tianhan
Now standing before the emperor was: Boshoktu, the Borjigin of the Jinong and Ordos tribes, the lord of the right wing of the Tatar Khanate.

There was also Borjigin Bushitu, the King of Shunyi appointed by the Ming Dynasty and leader of the Tumed tribe.

The Emperor of the Ming Dynasty finally arrived in Tongliao and met him in the imperial palace. Zhu Changluo listened to his self-introduction and the translation of the interpreter, and then he realized something was wrong.

"You two... have the same name or surname?"

That’s right, Boshoketu was also called Bushitu in the Ming Dynasty, and the reason why there is one character difference between it and Bushitu is just for the purpose of distinguishing them.

"That's right..." Boshoketu said expectantly, "This is the gift I prepared for you. It's a sacred object that I treasure."

This thing is a treasure in itself. Looking at the Buddhist scripture decorated with gems, gold and silver, Zhu Changluo smiled and said, "You are thoughtful. The Imperial Grandmother is also a devout Buddhist. She will definitely be pleased with this. After returning to Beijing, I will give it to her as a birthday gift this year. You won't be unhappy, will you?"

"Of course not! I am just happy!"

Boshektu was no longer as powerful as his ancestors Barsborot and Gunbirik. Although Altan Khan was getting stronger and stronger, he still respected his brother Gunbirik. However, Gunbirik knew that the situation was too bad to be reversed in his later years, so he indulged in alcohol and sex. The power of the right wing was actually in Altan Khan's hands at that time.

That is to say, starting from Boshektu's grandfather, the Ordos tribe gradually split into more and more branches. Today, the 42 branches of the Ordos tribe are independent of each other, and Boshektu can hardly control most of them.

It cannot be said that he did not have ambition. When he was young, he fought against the Ming Dynasty twice. However, not only was he injured, but his daughter was also captured. Later, he just believed in Buddhism to numb himself.

During these ten years, he first learned that the Ming Dynasty had expelled the branch of the Tumed tribe that migrated to Qinghai during the reign of Altan Khan through the Battle of the Greater and Lesser Song Mountains, and now he knew that the Ming Dynasty was sweeping across the northern border.

The Tumed tribe had already obtained the Xilin Gol grassland south of the Xilamulun River by betraying the Khanate. Boshoketu wanted to get the support of the Ming Dynasty both internally and externally. He wanted to avoid being targeted by the Ming Dynasty and the Tumed tribe, and also tried to get a chance to integrate the Ordos tribe.

This time the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty was kind and seeing them was like seeing old friends.

Especially Lindan Batur.

"No need to do that!" Zhu Changluo stepped down from the throne, pulled him up, held his arms, looked at him deeply, and then said, "I know you are thinking about the captured Chahar people, but this time I came to meet you, not to threaten you, but to really establish friendship with you and become friends. As the saying goes, there is no acquaintance without fighting. Your ancestors, my ancestors, the Ming Dynasty and your tribes had grievances before, and last year's battle was enough."

After that, he looked at the others and said, "There are many bold men on the grassland, and I won't beat around the bush. After a fight, we will know who is stronger and who is weaker, and we will know how to deal with each other. But the Ming Dynasty will not be aggressive. Even if I will review the border troops during the alliance and let you see the strength of the Ming Dynasty again, it is not to bully you. I just want you to know that putting aside your thoughts and making friends with the Ming Dynasty is for your own benefit and your tribe."

He said this, but no one knew what the Tatar Mongolian tribes, the Jurchen tribes, and the Korean envoys thought. But in Tongliao, they just smiled at each other and nodded.

"So I can't take your golden sword!" Zhu Changluo even hugged Lindan Batur and patted him on the back, saying, "Although you were confused for a moment and led your troops south to attack the Ming border, you did it for the tribe. Now you are willing to call yourself the father of the country, and you want to give me the golden sword as a gift. I know you are also doing it for the tribe. I am happy for your people to have you as the Khan of the Left Wing. You are still young, and your prestige has been greatly reduced this time. I accept your gift and I will give it to you again!"

It turns out that when he said no, he really meant no.

He took the golden knife from Lindan Batur, stood in front of him and handed it to him, saying solemnly: "I hope you can lead your people to a more stable life and establish real prestige!"

The heroism of the Ming Emperor was undoubtedly revealed, but more importantly, this seemed like an enthronement, a granting of authority to him.

But the official enthronement will not be now, but later.

The first day was just a meeting and chatting, and there was a dinner at night. The next day, the Ming emperor reviewed the border troops and opened the Tongliao Grand Prix. The Ming emperor and his ministers and envoys from various departments watched the ceremony and the game together.

The enthronement will only be carried out on the day of the Wanshou Saint Festival.

At night, a bonfire was lit in the open space outside the hall.

Wrestling, singing and dancing, wine and meat... In the firelight, Zhu Changluo continued to drink with the foreign leaders who came to him.

This is his attitude, he is not afraid of getting drunk today.

As you get drunk, it is best to say something to appear more sincere.

"Come on, everyone gather together."

Zhu Changluo waved his hand and someone moved the small tables over and placed a small brazier in the middle.

Holding a lamp in one hand, Zhu Changluo patted the table in front of him with the other hand: "It's cold in the north! Although it's only early autumn, we have to light a good fire at night. I'm driving you all further north. I know you're not happy!"

Lindan Batur lowered his head, Chaohua heard these words faintly from a distance, gritted his teeth and clenched his fists.

"But there is no other way! If we don't fight this war, you will definitely not listen to me. Suffer first and then enjoy, I can only resort to this last resort!" Zhu Changluo patted his chest again, "I tell you today that I will never sit idly by and watch you suffer from cold and hunger in the future! As for this border trade, I will no longer ban the salt, tea, silk cloth, and iron pots you want! The price must be fair, and if anyone cheats you, just report it and the Ming Dynasty will punish you severely!"

After a pause, he said, "Even if there really is a year of heavy snowstorms, and you want to move south to avoid it, I will definitely order the border towns to prepare food, fodder, and winter clothes to help you survive the winter!"

Everyone looked at Zhu Changluo in astonishment.

The Emperor of the Ming Dynasty spoke with a red face and passion, as if he were just drunk.

But Zhu Changluo had already made up his mind.

What was supposed to be next was the end of the Ming Dynasty, with climate change and more disasters.

The Ming Dynasty was probably under greater pressure internally, but why did Zhu Changluo promise them in advance that they could get relief by getting closer to the Ming border?

Because this is also a unique opportunity.

In the final analysis, it is all about survival and development. Then, the desire for power fuels the flames.

During the Little Ice Age, which was much talked about in later generations, life on the grasslands would certainly become increasingly difficult. In the end, I am afraid that they had to move south to survive the snowstorm.

Isn't this the best time to win people's hearts and integrate different ethnic groups?
Zhu Changluo had neither the need nor the desire to expand endlessly to the north at this time. If he wanted to establish a foothold in the future, it would be best to establish the rule and tradition that all the vassal states were appointed by the Ming Dynasty. When the technical conditions were mature in the future, future generations would naturally incorporate them into their territory.

What's more, there will be an external enemy to create opportunities for them.

Further northwest, there should have been Cossack cavalry marching eastward.

If nothing changes, they will appear in the sight of the Oirat and Tatars in a while.

After Jianzhou conquered the world, it signed a treaty with them in Nerchinsk because it had to first solve the problem of the Dzungars, the descendants of the Oirat. From then on, the Northeast could no longer be intact.

But now it is different. Zhu Changluo is not prepared to set foot further north when the climate conditions are more severe, so it will be their turn to face Tsarist Russia first. Chahar, Khalkha, Khorchin... they are in the northernmost part, can they resist Tsarist Russia?
I'm afraid not.

By then, the Ming Dynasty will have done them a favor and, at the right time, will be able to help them drive Tsarist Russia to the west of the Ural Mountains. That would be the true way to build a perfect territory for the future.

So this time, there will indeed be no more aggression, only goodwill.

"This time, you can take all the captured tribesmen back!" Zhu Changluo and Lindan Batur said after drinking a cup of wine, "Buyanggu, you have no objection, right?"

Buyanggu was sitting not far away. He was stunned when he heard the words, and then he quickly said: "Although I have made some small contributions, it was all the heavenly troops who broke through the Laoha River. I am only temporarily in charge on behalf of the Ming Dynasty, so I will naturally obey your majesty's orders..."

"Then it's settled!" Zhu Changluo patted Lindan Batur on the shoulder. "They have indeed suffered some hardships since last year, but this is the price of war. I will give you this favor! Take all the people back, and all the past hatreds will be written off. Of course, I also have to give an explanation to my subjects and the Lingnan Jurchens. In this way, every year in the future, you will still find some coal, iron and copper like this year. Calculate the total number, and it will not be a burden for you. The Ming Dynasty can buy more. As for the Lingnan Jurchens, just give them a batch of cattle, sheep and horses."

It turned out that it was still an exchange, but the price Zhu Changluo mentioned later was definitely not as expensive as Lindan Batur thought, and it could be paid back slowly over ten years.

But in short, he is now allowed to bring all the people back at once.

Although Lindan Batur felt bitter, he finally achieved what he wanted. He should express his attitude: "Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your grace..." "You too!" Zhu Changluo looked at Manggusi and the others again, "This time, the original intention was to clean up the east of the Greater Khingan Range and the south of the Lesser Khingan Range. Although you had made a secret alliance with Nurhaci first, and were unwilling to be defeated and wanted to make a comeback, but fortunately you pulled back from the brink, asked for peace in time, and your attitude was very humble. Then you are still allowed to reproduce and thrive in the east of Qingzhou and north of the Liaohe River. However, you can no longer collude with the Jurchens in the future. The remnants of Jianzhou are not allowed, and the other Jurchens are not allowed!"

"The Emperor means..."

"The crime of colluding with Jianzhou Jurchens to commit crimes against the Ming Dynasty will be exposed by your releasing the Qi Yeren Jurchens and Beishan Jurchen tribes." Zhu Changluo looked at Bohabu, "From now on, from west to east, the Ordos Hetao King, Fengzhoutan Zhongshun Duke, Xilin Gol Shunyi King, Lingnan Jurchen Ningshun King, and the Chahar Yuanshun King, Khorchin Xing'an King, Bohai Jurchen Bohai King in the north, can all live in harmony, and share the protection of the Ming Dynasty, and enjoy stability and prosperity! Apart from the Tumed, the rest of the leaders in your vassal states, you can report to them later and make them dukes!"

Flames danced on the brazier as the Ming Emperor established a new order after the war.

From then on, Tatar and Mongolia actually became four countries, and Jurchen became two countries.

This was expected by everyone except Korchin, who did not expect that the Ming Dynasty would ask them to withdraw their control over the Wild Jurchens and the Northern Mountain Jurchens.

They were still hesitating, but it was Lindan Batur, who had received Zhu Changluo's "great favor" before, who spoke first: "Your Majesty is like an eagle in the sky, caring for the tribes like the Eternal Heaven cares for His people. I was arrogant before and almost made a big mistake. Your Majesty is merciful and understanding of the crime of invading my father's country, and I am sincerely convinced. I am willing to offer the title of Khan to Your Majesty and be the common leader of all our tribes!"

He would do anything as long as it allowed him to smoothly bring back his people who were still trapped in the hands of other tribes.

You have already "begged for surrender", do you still care about these?

Buyanggu also immediately agreed. Bu Shitu needed the Ming Dynasty to continue to suppress Chahar to prevent them from crossing the Xilamulun River and driving them back to the west of Dashawo.

What about Bohabu? His heartbeat has accelerated for the three words "King of Bohai".

Yuan Keli watched this scene with a smile.

What's so strange about this? In the early Tang Dynasty, Emperor Taizong was a mighty and powerful man with many good ministers and brave generals under his command. After the Turks were defeated, some fled and some surrendered. In the fourth year of Zhenguan, the rulers of the four barbarians came to the palace to ask Emperor Taizong to be the Heavenly Khan, and all the ministers and the four barbarians shouted "Long live the emperor".

Now, Yuan Keli is actually very clear that His Majesty's attitude towards foreign races is probably more open-minded than his.

However, the emperor of the Ming Dynasty is not as powerful as he was at the beginning of the country. The Ming Dynasty has been established for more than 200 years. It is not easy for foreigners to believe that the emperor of the Ming Dynasty has completely changed his mind about them. There is no room for foreign talents to shine in the Ming Dynasty.

We can only look to the future.

But at least at this moment, it is easy to establish a name first.

Now, unlike the friendly ethnic groups who call the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty "Khan", that is basically just a literal translation of the imperial title and reign name.

To be honest, only Emperor Taizong of Tang's Heavenly Khan is a proper Khan title. It can be called Dengli Khan, Tengri Khan, Tenggis Khan, or Genghis Khan, which all mean "Great Khan Given by Heaven" or "Heavenly Khan".

In Chinese, it is naturally equivalent to the Son of Heaven.

This situation also existed in the later Qing Dynasty. Only the Bogda Chechen Khan, who was appointed by Huang Taiji, was established according to the rules of the grassland. The others were just a literal translation of his reign title and then a back translation. In the Khan title of Bogda Chechen Khan, only Bogda means sacred, and Chechen is also a literal translation of Huang Taiji's Tiancong reign title.

So under the current situation, what can the various tribes do if they want to offer the title of Khan to Zhu Changluo according to the rules of the grassland?
"Mongke Tengri Khan?" Zhu Changluo asked in surprise.

"Your Majesty, it means the Eternal Heavenly Khan." Fang Congzhe, who had done his homework, explained, "I congratulate Your Majesty! The leaders of various tribes are willing to respect Your Majesty as the Eternal Heavenly Khan, which shows their sincerity."

"...Okay."

There was a hint of sarcasm in Zhu Changluo's tone, but his overall tone was still happy.

It turns out that the well-known Mongke and Tengri have this meaning, one means immortality and the other means heaven.

At the dinner, the Ming Emperor first announced that he wanted to enthrone the kings and dukes of the northern border. Then the leaders of each tribe knelt down and offered the title of Khan, Eternal Heaven, to show their respect and submission to the powerful Ming and the Han emperor.

The officials of the Ministry of Rites praised loudly, and first the civil and military officials and generals of the Ming Dynasty praised in unison, and then the envoys from various departments joined in the praise with mixed feelings.

"Eternal Heavenly Khan!"

"Eternal Heavenly Khan!"

"Eternal Heavenly Khan!"

Zhu Changluo listened to the shouts from near and far, slowly stood up and looked at Lindan Batur who was kneeling on the grass.

In order to revive the Ming Dynasty and give them a chance to recuperate, Lindan Batur offered him the title of Khan.

You must know that he must be very clear that once he has such a title of Khan, he will be regarded as a god in the eyes of the grassland people who firmly believe in Changshengtian.

But he still did it.

So either you are really ready to never be his enemy again, or you are just leaving your hopes in the distant future.

After all, didn’t the Tang Dynasty under the rule of the previous Heavenly Khan eventually disappear into thin air?

However, Zhu Changluo didn't care. He just wanted the various ethnic groups in the northern border to at least submit in name at this stage.

Name is very important. Many things will be much easier if you have a name.

"I am the Son of Heaven, and I care about all the people in the nine provinces!" Zhu Changluo raised his wine cup, "Now that I am respected by all tribes as the Eternal Heavenly Khan, I clearly tell the people of the world: I came to this world for the people to live and work in peace and contentment, no matter they are Han people or people of all tribes! Tonight by the Liao River, the stars in the sky are my witness: I wish to seek the well-being of all people, so that they can have enough food and warmth to live in peace and contentment, without the disaster of war!"

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, is wise! Long live the Khan! Long live the Khan! Long, long live the Khan!"

"Come, sacrifice, and swear an oath of blood!" Zhu Changluo said solemnly, "I swear to heaven today: the peace alliance has been concluded, from now on, no tribe will offend the Ming Dynasty, and the Ming Dynasty will never offend any tribe! From the Yinshan Mountains in the west to the coast in the east, the south and north of the desert will be as close as one family from now on, looking after each other and helping each other, and seeking stability and prosperity together!"

The so-called blood oath does not mean cutting out one's own blood.

There must be a special sacrificial animal, and its blood must be smeared on the lips to show sincerity.

Now Zhu Changluo swore an oath to heaven, and was considered very sincere in the eyes of all the tribes.

Since the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty had clearly stated that there would be no more wars from now on, some tribes that had been worried about this matter were certainly relieved.

It was just a spur of the moment idea after they presented the Khan's title, but the tone of the alliance was set.

Zhu Changluo laughed loudly: "Tonight we will sing and dance, and we will not go home until we are drunk! If you still want to compete in the future, replace it with a big competition! Heroes from all races will come on stage and show off their bravery in the competition! Those who rank at the top will be awarded the title of warriors by me, the Khan of Eternal Life. The top three in each event will be awarded gold, silver and bronze rings!"

Baturu, Bater, and Batu all mean the same thing, that is, warrior.

From then on, in the northern tribes and khanate circles whose leaders continued to be called "Khan", this was the first cross-border cultural exchange project: sports competition.

This is a good thing. It can be used as a platform for competition and communication.

The Ming Dynasty was well prepared for the first Tongliao Grand Prix.

The people from various tribes were destined to see many new things in Tongliao...

(End of this chapter)