The howling north wind blew by, like a knife, causing pain on people's faces.
On the vast grassland, patches of withered yellow grass fell to the ground.
This was not Zhu Jian's first mission to Oara, but he was still surprised when faced with such a harsh environment.
In the past few years, cold weather has come earlier and earlier.
It's only September now, but it's already like early winter on the grasslands. Except for the fact that there's no snow, the weather in the morning and evening has already forced people to wear cotton-padded clothes.
The long convoy of missionaries moved forward slowly, with Zhu Jian and others riding on their horses.
Looking up at the sun in the sky, deputy envoy Li Shi turned sideways to Yuan Bin and asked: "General Yuan, can we reach Wala Lao Camp before sunset?"
Since the Battle of Tumu, Yuan Bin traveled from Oara to Datong, delivering messages to various parts of the Xuan Mansion for the Supreme Emperor. He may be more familiar with this round-trip route than many tribes in Oara.
He also raised his eyes to look at the sky, and Yuan Bin said: "Don't worry, Mr. Li. According to our footsteps, it won't take sunset. At most, it will take two hours, and it will be almost done."
The motorcade continued to move forward, and after about an hour, a group of black spots could be seen in the distance ahead.
According to Yuan Bin, that is the Wala Lao Camp.
However, before everyone had time to be happy, there was a sound of horse hoofbeats, and forty or fifty Wala soldiers sprang out not far away.
These people had scimitars on their waists and open crossbows in their hands. The leader was obviously of extraordinary status, holding a long sword with patterns, carrying a long bow on his back, and dressed in the garb of a noble noble.
"Whoever comes, put down your weapons immediately!"
The voice arrived before anyone arrived, and a rough voice sounded along with the sound of reining in the horse. In an instant, the mission was surrounded.
Amidst a burst of roaring, this arrogant team surrounded the convoy.
Seeing this situation, the accompanying guards of the mission immediately became alert, drew out their long swords, and gathered around Zhu Jian and others in unison.
When the Wala noble came closer, everyone saw clearly that there was a ferocious scar on his face, which looked very scary.
Before Zhu Jian and others spoke, Yuan Bin on the side was a little excited and said.
"Your Excellency King Bodu, we meet again."
At the same time, Naha, who was returning with the group, saw the person coming clearly, got off his horse, performed a standard Mongolian etiquette, and said.
"Your Excellency, I was sent as an envoy to the Ming Dynasty on the order of the Grand Master, and I have received the credentials of the Ming Emperor. These people are the envoys sent by the Ming Emperor."
The scar-faced man was obviously a little surprised, but immediately a hint of joy appeared on his face, and he waved his hand to signal his men to put down their crossbows. Then he got off his horse, walked up to Yuan Bin, and said.
"Captain Yuan, you are finally back. His Majesty the Emperor missed you very much during your absence these days. Do you want to take His Majesty the Emperor back to Ming Dynasty when you come here this time?"
Yuan Bin nodded, then took two steps back, exposing Zhu Jian and the other three, and said.
"Your Majesty King Bodu, this person you should know is Lord Zhu Jian who was on an envoy last time. These two are Lord Li Shi, the Minister of Rites, and Lord Luo Qi, the Young Minister of Dali Temple."
"According to the decree of His Majesty, I have come to discuss with the Grand Master the matter of welcoming back the Supreme Emperor."
Zhu Jian and the others also got off their horses, came to King Bodu, and bowed their hands in ceremony.
Apparently, King Bodu still remembered Zhu Jian and asked directly.
"Are you coming this time to welcome His Majesty the Supreme Emperor back to Beijing to take up his throne?"
Zhu Jian's expression froze, but only for a moment, and then he smiled and said.
"Your Excellency, we are here to negotiate with Wala on behalf of the Ming Dynasty. I carry with me a personal letter from His Majesty. It is getting late. Could you please introduce me to the Grand Master first? How about it?"
King Bodu was still immersed in the excitement of seeing Yuan Bin. He didn't realize that Zhu Jian was changing the subject. He raised his head and glanced at the sky and said.
"Okay, I just happened to be hunting today and caught an antelope. I can treat you well tonight."
So, the mission set out again, but this time, dozens of Wala soldiers followed behind to escort them.
King Bodu accompanied Yuan Bin, constantly asking about the scenery of the Ming Dynasty. Yuan Bin also took the opportunity to inquire about the current situation of the Supreme Emperor.
After about half an hour, the outline of the Wala Camp could be clearly seen.
Not long after walking forward, a group of hundreds of cavalrymen came out of the camp. The leader was decorated with gold and jade and looked very imposing, but his left sleeve was empty.
So, the motorcade slowly stopped, and King Bodu took the lead with his men to greet them, kneeling down and saying.
"I've met the Grand Master!"
Immediately afterwards, Naha Deya also got off his horse and knelt down on the ground.
Seeing this situation, Zhu Jian's eyes flashed and he didn't know what he was thinking.
The person who came is also the first!
Compared to how defensive he was when he first met King Bodu, perhaps because he had already received the news, he was very polite at first.
Behind him were dozens of Wala nobles.
When they came a few dozen steps in front of the convoy, they got off their horses and walked to greet them. They didn't even care about King Bodu who was kneeling on the ground, and greeted him enthusiastically, saying.
"Envoy of the Ming Dynasty, we meet again!"
Zhu Jian dismounted with Li Shi and others, and said with a smile on his face, he cupped his hands.
"I haven't seen you for many days, but the Grand Master is still as elegant and majestic as ever."
Ye Xian's expression was dull, but he didn't say much. He smiled and exchanged a few words before introducing Zhu Jian and others into the camp.
However, after entering the camp, it didn't take long for him to leave with some excuses. At the same time, he took Naha away, leaving King Bodu to send a message.
"The Grand Master didn't know that you have arrived at the camp today and there are still matters to be dealt with. Please envoys to settle down for the day. The Grand Master will host a banquet tomorrow to formally welcome you."
Having said that, King Bodu didn't say much, bowed and left with a bow.
However, he was stopped by Zhu Jian.
"Your Excellency, please wait."
King Bodu turned around and looked at Zhu Jian doubtfully.
But he saw Zhu Jian pointing at Yuan Bin beside him, then cupping his hands.
"Your Excellency, the Grand Master came in a hurry just now. This envoy did not mention it. We are envoys and there is no need to settle down for two days. However, General Yuan is the Emperor's personal attendant. Although he has accompanied me back to the court for a while, it is still for two people.
Party peace talks.”
"The Emperor is lonely and helpless in your camp. He must miss General Yuan very much. Now that General Yuan has followed me to the camp, can you send General Yuan back to the Emperor's residence to continue serving?"
This shouldn't be a difficult task, but after Zhu Jian finished speaking, he saw that King Bodu looked a little hesitant.
After pondering for a moment, he finally said: "This matter needs to be consulted by the Grand Master. Please wait a moment."
Zhu Jian didn't say much, and nodded to indicate that it was okay.
So, King Bodu left in a hurry. After a while, Fang turned back and said.
"Your envoy has been waiting for a long time. The Grand Master has something to say. The Supreme Emperor is my distinguished guest in Wala. General Yuan, as a close official of the Supreme Emperor, can walk around the camp as he pleases."
"General Yuan, please follow me. I will take you to see the Supreme Emperor."
Listening to King Bodu's slightly excited tone, Zhu Jian felt more confident and nodded towards Yuan Bin.
So, Yuan Bin bowed his hand and left with King Bodu...
This chapter has been completed!