Rule the Ming Dynasty Alone

The prairie in May looks lush and green.

The side wall of Datong stretches across this prairie. The excavated stones and fired city bricks form a section of the Great Wall that is more than 300 kilometers long, becoming the Ming Dynasty's strongest line of defense against the Mongols.

kill!

kill!

…

The vast prairie suddenly became murderous. Twenty thousand cavalry were like hungry wolves, holding Mongolian scimitars and riding towards the city wall of Datong.

Due to years of hunting and the ongoing battles among many Mongolian tribes, this group of battle-hardened Mongolian cavalry is filled with a chilling atmosphere.

What is very surprising is that the leader of the army turned out to be a strong young man. His eyes were full of murderous intent and he ran towards the city wall and said: Kill!

After years of erosion, the city wall, which is more than 300 kilometers long, has gradually begun to show gaps in some places, just like a gap in a dam.

Unfortunately, this kind of breach always appeared at an untimely time, and repairing it required a lot of effort and money, so it became a breakthrough point for the Mongolian cavalry.

what to do?

Although the soldiers of Datong had detected the movement in the grassland in advance, they couldn't help but panic when they saw the Mongolian cavalry rushing towards them.

Although they have had many battles with Mongolia in recent years, it is very rare to face such a large-scale invasion. Even if the Xuanfu army comes to support them, they are only on their way here.

what to do?

Zuo Yu, the governor of Datong, was an old man in his sixties. He was looking at the Mongolian cavalry rolling up smoke and dust with squinted eyes, and his hands could not help but tremble.

Although he has been an official for more than thirty years and has quelled local civil unrest, he has never faced the Mongolian cavalry alone, let alone such a large-scale cavalry raid.

If it is not handled properly, not only will his life be saved, but his family may also be affected.

Zuo Yu was originally greedy for power, but now the new monarch is a pragmatic monarch, and it is destined to be difficult for him to get important tasks. He can't help but regret why he didn't resign earlier and go back to his hometown in Shandong to enjoy his life.

Brothers, prepare to fight! Chen Jian, deputy commander-in-chief of Datong, said although he realized that the situation was very serious, he immediately organized Datong soldiers to defend.

At this moment, he wished that history could go back to the time when Wang Yue and Wang Zhi were in power.

At that time, Datong not only had two brave and shrewd coaches, but also had two thousand elites who had not been tricked to death by Cai Xin, the eunuch of the Datong Supervisory Army, and Xu Ning, the noble general of Datong, so they could be said to have a strong army.

With the configuration at that time, why should we be afraid of these Tatars?

Even if they in Datong really want to go to war with the Mongolian cavalry, they will be able to severely defeat the invading enemy. With the Ming Dynasty's wealth, they can even attack the Mongolian court directly.

It's just a twist of fate that the two most talented military commanders in Datong are serving in the southeast, while two thousand brave men have become dead souls.

Kill!

The 20,000 Mongolian cavalrymen were getting closer and closer to the broken wall, and the swords they held high flashed white, like an iron current rushing towards them.

Datong Governor Zuo Yu's mouth trembled, but he suddenly made a decision: Retreat, let's go back to the town, and then... deal with it again!

At this moment, he already felt scared, and the courage he had earlier had already disappeared without a trace.

He didn't have Wang Zhi's courage or Wang Yue's military talent. At this moment, he was just thinking about Cai Xin, who was greedy for life and afraid of death, but he knew that cracking in the town could save his life.

Sir Governor, we can take advantage of the geographical location here for defense. It is not advisable to rush back and damage our morale. Please think twice! Chen Jian, the deputy general of Datong, did not expect Zuo Yu to be so greedy for life and fear of death, so he stood up to dissuade him.

The terrain here is flat and there is no way to defend it. I, the lord, will return to the town to keep Datong safe. You are responsible for the defense here! Zuo Yu, the governor of Datong, saw that there was no advantageous mountain topography here, so he thought it was a good idea to run away. typical.

The two generals were Zuo Yu's confidants and were equally afraid of the Mongolian cavalry, so they happily escorted Zuo Yu back to the town. With the town's walls, they can be guaranteed to be safe.

Datong is okay?

Datong Deputy Commander-in-Chief Chen Jian couldn't help but have a bitter smile on his face when he saw that he couldn't stop Zuo Yu from leaving.

What Zuo Yu wanted to protect was actually Wu Sha Mao. He chose to station troops in Datong Town, so naturally he didn't have to worry about the Mongolian cavalry. With the strength of the Datong City Wall, it was impossible for the Mongolian cavalry to capture it.

Datong is safe means Datong town is safe, but the areas surrounding the Ming Dynasty cannot be spared and will surely be plundered by the Tatars again.

Chen Jian knew that the broken wall he was guarding could not be lost, so he held his sword and glared at the invading Mongolian cavalry, planning to fight to the death with the Tartars.

Not to mention all the hatreds forged earlier, just because of the blood debt four years ago, their Datong soldiers would be inseparable from the Tartar tribe.

Call!

Dayan Khan tightened the reins of his horse only a few hundred meters away from the city wall, and was looking eagerly at the hole in the wall, and at the same time looking at the Ming army soldiers as if they were facing a formidable enemy.

He was originally an orphan. Because he had the blood of the Golden Family, he was accepted by Mandulu's widow, Mandulu Haihatun. After marrying Mandu Haihatun, he inherited the throne at the age of seven.

From an unknown orphan to the most powerful Khan in Mongolia, this kind of encounter is simply like a dream.

In the early years, he was tied up by his wife Mandu Haihatun to fight behind his back, which made him very impressive in battle. Now he is a fourteen-year-old boy, so he has the ability to fight independently.

This time he personally led 20,000 cavalry, which was regarded as his true independent leadership of the battle, and the spearhead was pointed at this powerful Central Plains dynasty.

Brothers, drive away the barbarians and show off the prestige of our country!

When Chen Jian, the deputy commander-in-chief of Datong, saw Dayan Khan approaching the city, he immediately encouraged the soldiers and shouted loudly.

Drive out the barbarians and enhance the prestige of our country! Datong soldiers were not affected by Datong Governor Zuo Yu's retreat back to the town, and immediately responded one after another.

Born on this land, they were destined to become soldiers for generations, and they needed to fight the Mongols. After so many years of confrontation, a blood feud has already accumulated.

Fortunately, now that Kaizhongfa has been restored, they do not need to worry too much about military supplies. Now they actually have the ability to fight the Mongolian cavalry.

call out!

At this time, Dayan Khan sent a fast horse to gallop towards here. He immediately bent his bow and nocked an arrow at a distance, and shot an arrow into the sky.

As expected of a nation on horseback, the arrow landed on the city wall without any delay.

Chen Jian initially thought it was a signal for a large-scale Mongolian attack, but he soon noticed that the arrow carried something. When his subordinates delivered it, he realized that it was a brocade letter.

The brocade book is made of silk, and it is written in Chinese and Mongolian characters, and it even has a Yuan Yuan seal.

We are not here to invade the Ming Dynasty, but to ask for the exchange of tribute and trade between the two countries! Our Great Khan said that we will come back on June 15th and wait for the imperial edict from the Ming Emperor! A Mongolian leader looked very arrogant. Then he shouted to the city wall.

Chen Jian held the brocade book in his hand and said seriously: June 15th, this time is too hasty!

I am not here to discuss with you! On June 15th, it will be war or peace. Let's go after your Emperor Ming's reply! Dayan Khan raised his chin and looked arrogant.

Although they came with a full force of 20,000 cavalry this time, they mainly wanted to intimidate the Ming Emperor, forcing him to recognize his identity as the Yuan Emperor, and at the same time start a trade in tribute between the two countries.

Although he wanted to restore the glory of his ancestors and regain control of the Central Plains, the current situation simply did not allow it.

The first is inside Mongolia. Although he is a descendant of the Golden Family, he is also the one who eliminated the Grand Master of the same tribe, Jia Silan and Yisi Mayin, but like the lord with a different surname, Menkeli tribe has always opposed the unification of Mongolia.

Secondly, there are external issues. Although they learned that the two chief generals of Datong, Wang Yue and Wang Zhi, had been transferred out, Mandu Haihatun took the opportunity to send troops to invade. They just used the ten cavalry as bait to lure the stupid Ming army out of their ambush circle. After all, the Ming Dynasty had Wang Yue and Wang Zhi, and the Ming army's defensive strategy could only sack the villages around the city.

Finally, there is the issue of supplies. After so many Mongolian unification wars, their material consumption was very serious, so they needed to exchange horses for materials to tide over the difficulties.

Because of this, he and Mandu Haihatun hoped to focus on unifying the interior, forcing the Ming Dynasty to recognize their status as Tianyuan Great Khan, and at the same time complete material supplies through the Ming Dynasty.

Saying that, Dayan Khan ignored the reaction of Chen Jian, the deputy commander-in-chief of Datong, and returned north with 20,000 cavalry, seemingly in a hurry.

It's a pity that Zuo Yu, the frightened governor of Datong, didn't dare to stay here to fight. Instead, he hid like a tortoise back to the iron-walled Datong town.

Datong Town has a circumference of thirteen miles, a height of four feet and two feet, and a trench of four feet and five feet deep. It is surrounded by bricks and has four gates: Heyang in the east, Yongtai in the south, Qingyuan in the west, and Wuding in the north. Outside the four gates All have barbican cities.

Due to the large number of military households and border residents, this city has the dual characteristics of a city and an important border defense town, and the Datong Governor's Yamen is naturally located here.

Zuo Yu, the governor of Datong, was overjoyed when he learned of Dayan Khan's intention to come: Dayan Khan just wants to trade tribute and trade with the Ming Dynasty?

Sir Governor, he claims to be the Great Yuantian Khan. This is obviously to ask us, the Ming Dynasty, to recognize his identity as the Emperor of the Great Yuan Dynasty! Chen Jian frowned slightly and corrected him immediately.

Zuo Yu, the governor of Datong, held the brocade book as if he had found a treasure and said: This is not important! Report this good news to the court immediately. The little prince of the prairie will surrender to our Ming Dynasty!

Surrender?

Chen Jian couldn't help but be stunned. He always felt that this wording was very inappropriate.

Zuo Yu, the governor of Datong, didn't pay attention to these minutiae at all and immediately reported the news to the capital through Tangbao.

It was just that this time he was really frightened. After thinking about it again, he realized that Ming Dynasty might refuse to recognize Dayan Khan's identity as Emperor Yuan Dynasty, so he immediately decided to submit his resignation.

I have accumulated a lot of wealth over the years, and I can't afford to stay in this position and take the risk of losing my head. Now the best option is to retreat from the rapids.

May in Beijing is destined to be an eventful month.

Tong Gong? I think that little prince is harboring evil intentions and trying to find out the strength of our border troops!

We have always had thick and thin exchanges, and what Mongolia wants is nothing more than our tribute!

This kind of person is so ambitious after all. I think it's enough for me to just refuse without giving!

Yes, if we don't exchange tribute and trade with Mongolia, if they really want to fight, we will give up our writing and join the army!

…

As the news spread in the capital, Dayan Khan's request for tribute soon aroused discussion between the government and the public, but public opinion in the capital tended not to agree.

The Yi and Di people did not add anything to the teachings, and their hidden names came from their old ways. There is no premeditation in China. Although they are arrogant and arrogant, they have been commanding the army since ancient times. They are not rejected by me. The previous dynasties also gave me tolerance, and today Since he is waiting at the border, it is appropriate to send an edict to Datong's guardian to announce that his chief will pay tribute sincerely. Then, according to the names of those who should be sent by the little prince, please send important officials at home and abroad to welcome him. If he does not come, wait and see. I also listened to this and still kept my troops and cameras ready for battle.

Since ancient times, the way to control barbarians has always been to be gentle and gentle. Today, the little prince is grateful to the emperor's line and sends envoys to pay tribute. If he does not obey his feelings and makes them embrace, he will be ashamed and depressed. Externally, he is threatened by strong skin. , If you want to come, you will be unable to come, and if you want to go, you will be uneasy. Unless you join the bandit in a big way, you will have nothing to lose.

…

After all, the people in power in this era are not the vigorous scholars, but the important ministers and warriors who like to share the blessings of peace. However, many of them want to value peace and share the blessings of peace.

It is said that Wala has tens of thousands of elite soldiers. How could he not be interested in spying on China? The little prince's tribe is specially isolated from them. All communication must be false and then one can get in. If the imperial court can make peace with the little prince, if the Han Dynasty calls Han, the Tang Dynasty will gain advantage. The envoy is a foreign vassal. Although Wala is strong, how can it surpass the little prince and enter?

Nowadays, the rebels are called paying tribute to the outside world, but they are treacherous and plotting inside. I am afraid that if I translate the word General Officer to the captives, I will pay homage to the captives, and others will take their bribes and tell them about China's affairs. The harm will be very serious. I beg the Ministry of War for an edict.

…

Of course, there were some objections from the court to the Ming Dynasty paying tribute to Dayan Khan.

But no matter how Zhu Zhan and Zhu He quarrel, the one who really makes the decision now is Zhu Youtang. Zhu Youtang now has complete control of the court situation, especially after the incident in Jiangxi, Zhang Ying and Xu Pu have completely quieted down.

As the real decision-maker of the incident, Zhu Youtang also felt embarrassed when facing this matter.

He knew that as long as he agreed to Dayan Khan's request this time, because Dayan Khan needed to continue the cause of unifying Mongolia, he would not harass the Ming Dynasty in the next few years.

But there are hidden worries in the matter. After all, once Dayan Khan obtains the unification of Mongolia, not only will he frequently invade the border areas of the Ming Dynasty, but Mongolia will also become a cancer that the Ming Dynasty will always carry out.

It was the Ming Dynasty's concession that allowed Dayan Khan to successfully unify Mongolia, thereby ending the split of Mongolia, which led to Mongolia frequently going south to plunder border areas in the future.

What's more, they invaded Shanxi several times and even went to the city walls of Beijing to force Emperor Jiajing to agree to trade with each other. They then used the looted gold, silver and jewelry to buy daily necessities.

Zhu Youtang knew that he could not just focus on the immediate gains and losses, but should take a long-term view, so he wrote under the paper: Since ancient times, emperors have ruled the world, and they have always stayed in China to control the barbarians, and the barbarians have lived outside to serve China. Today, The little prince wants to become emperor and stand on his own, but he refuses to surrender. This is beyond my strength and wisdom. I can't bear it! God will order our Chinese people to protect our Chinese people. If the barbarians dare to offend my strength, they will be punished no matter how far away they are! Therefore, I would like to inform you.”