Neither Zhu Qiyu nor Yang Hong had ever looked down upon this person.
Compared with his fighting ability, what is more terrifying about him is actually his resourcefulness.
Wala Ziyexian rose to prominence when his father Tuohuan was in power, but he truly reached his peak after Yexian became the Grand Master.
In just ten years, he first completely eliminated Tuo Tuo Bu Hua, making the other party a puppet in his hands, and then controlled most of the tribes on the grassland through different methods.
Subsequently, on the one hand, he surrendered to the Ming Dynasty and sent tribute envoys in the name of sending tribute envoys, but in fact he defrauded property and constantly tested the bottom line of the Ming Dynasty. On the other hand, he captured Hami to the northwest, and continued to draw in and put pressure on the Seven Guards of Kansai, forcing
The Seven Guards of Kansai retreat step by step.
At the same time, he also went east to attack Wuliangha, plundered the Jurchens, and forced these tribes that originally belonged to the Ming Dynasty to serve him.
It can be said that under the leadership of Yexian, Wala's power was connected from east to west and was almost unrivaled on the grassland.
Being able to achieve such a situation requires more than just bravery.
It can be seen from the civil war alone that Ye Xian is a man of many tricks. Especially after he captured Zhu Qizhen, his repeated negotiations with Ming Dynasty were very gentle and cruel. If he is not careful, he can easily...
Fall into his trap.
From this perspective, it is not unreasonable for Ye Xian to always have ambitions and want to recreate the glory of Dayuan.
Therefore, it is not unusual for the Tatars to take the initiative to move the trouble eastward and lead it to the Ming Dynasty when the Tatars were in civil strife.
However, the fact that he was able to take action so quickly showed that he must have already known the specific details of the Tatar civil strife.
Combined with the news that Yang Jie has arrived at the Torgut tribe, it can almost be concluded that Bodu told Ye Xian the inside story.
This almost means that Yang Jie's plan has failed.
Therefore, in many cases, conspiracy is a very dangerous thing.
What Yang Jie did on the grassland was a bet with his own life at every step, but he had successfully plotted against everyone before.
But now, he obviously underestimated Bodu's loyalty to Yexian. This small mistake may put his life in danger.
Looking at Yang Hong's worried eyes, Zhu Qiyu sighed, took out Yang Jie's letter that he had originally received and had put it in a new envelope, ordered someone to hand it to Yang Hong, and then said.
"Marquis Yang should be able to tell that the report I showed you was not written by Yang Jie himself. What he really sent was this letter."
Yang Hong naturally recognized his son's calligraphy.
Therefore, from the moment he saw the report, Yang Hong's heart was always worried, but he didn't show it.
It was only at this moment, when he saw the letter in front of him, that he felt relieved.
Without any time to say more, Yang Hong opened the letter and started reading it. However, as he read it, he also discovered something was wrong. He couldn't help but raise his head in confusion and looked at the emperor.
At this time, Zhu Qiyu told him everything and said.
"This letter is a disguise. The real news was brought back by the sender's dictation."
"In addition to the news I just showed you, Yang Jie asked me for two things."
"First, Yang Jie promised the Tumut tribe to stop the burning of wasteland in Ningxia, allowed its herdsmen to graze on pastures within a hundred miles of the Ming Dynasty border, and officially named the leader of the Tumut tribe as King Zhongshun."
"In exchange, the Tumut tribe will send the eldest son of its leader to the capital to study at Zongxue. At the same time, he will temporarily lead the cavalry and obey all Yang Jie's orders."
"What?"
Hearing these words, Yang Hong didn't even care about the disgrace before him and subconsciously exclaimed.
He had already vaguely sensed that there must be a lot of hidden secrets behind what Yang Jie did on the grassland.
However, he did not expect that Yang Jie would be so courageous.
You must know that the Tumut tribe is one of the five major tribes of Tatar, and there are also several large tribes in the entire Mongolia.
The surrender of this kind of tribe was a big event for the Ming Dynasty!
As for the conditions and treatment of surrender, they need to be discussed carefully. However, Yang Jie, a mere town governor, dared to decide such a big matter rashly.
This is no longer a matter of courage, this is an overstep of authority!
The measure of burning wasteland has always been an important means for the Ming Dynasty to defend the grassland tribes. To put it bluntly, it means burning all the grasslands near the Ming Dynasty border. In this way, it can not only broaden the field of vision, make it easier to detect the enemy's situation, but also effectively block the cavalry.
of tightness.
After all, the most important thing for cavalry is horses, and horses need fodder. If the pastures are not burned, the opponent's horses can use the materials locally, which will greatly reduce the pressure on logistics.
Now, Yang Jie has not only agreed to annex the Tumote Department, but also decided without authorization to cancel the measures to burn wasteland in Ningxia.
To say that this kind of decision is ultra vires is an understatement.
Even if the emperor wanted to do this, he would have to go through court consultation, let alone Yang Jie?
That's not all, Yang Hong soon realized a more terrifying problem.
According to the news from Yang Jie, after the civil strife in Tatar, it was the Tumote Department who protected him from leaving Tatar.
This means that Yang Jie is very likely not just a promise.
Even if he is the legitimate son of the Yang family and the emperor's special envoy, how can the other party risk offending all the ministries to help him on such a major matter before the dust has settled?
Raising his head, Yang Hong happened to meet the Emperor's eyes full of meaning, so Yang Hong immediately knelt down on the ground and said.
"Your Majesty, I am reckless and good at making decisions. I apologize to Your Majesty on my behalf!"
The atmosphere in the palace was heavy and depressing.
Yang Hong was also in a state of confusion. He had some vague guesses in his mind, but he did not dare to say them out.
If this matter is not revealed, there is still room for change. If it is revealed, everything will be over.
It wasn't until the emperor's voice sounded after a while that Yang Hong finally felt a little calmer.
"On this matter, Yang Jie mentioned to me before going to Beijing that if the grassland tribes really intend to annex, it is not impossible to suspend the burning of wasteland."
"Although Yang Jie's move is a bit reckless, the situation in the grassland is chaotic and it is not impossible to adapt to the situation."
"Now that Yang Jie is still in the grassland, in order to protect his life, I will issue a secret order and order someone to send him there to agree to the surrender of the Tumote tribe."
These words are both a favor and a reminder.
Although the emperor said that Yang Jie had reported this matter before, if you think about it carefully, you can find the loopholes in it.
You must know that Yang Jie's original goal when he went here was only Agador Ji. He instigated the various Tatar tribes to attack each other. This was a temporary change of mind after arriving in the grassland.
If he did not receive a secret summons during this period, then the emperor's words now are obviously somewhat inconsistent.
Moreover, Yang Hong was not a fool. When the matter of the Tumote tribe was mentioned, he naturally thought of Yang Jie's incitement to Agadoerji and other Tatar tribes.
As the saying goes, anyone who can become a tribe leader is not a fool.
Yang Jie was able to convince them not only by relying on his own identity, but also by showing some "certificates" that could convince them!
By the same token, since it is a temporary decision, where does this ‘voucher’ come from?
Yang Hong knew the answer well, and presumably the emperor also knew it well.
After thinking this, Yang Hong breathed a sigh of relief, and at the same time understood the seriousness of the matter, he kowtowed to the ground again, Yang Hong said.
“Your Majesty’s heavenly kindness will never be repaid by my own death!”
Seeing this situation, Zhu Qiyu also sighed and said.
"Don't be too happy, Marquis Yang. I can issue this secret decree, but in the end, whether the Tumote tribe can surrender or not must be decided by the court."
"If it fails to pass the court meeting..."
"I understand!"
Be obedient, Yang Hong is not an ignorant person.
He knew very well that if what he guessed was true, then what Yang Jie had done on the grassland was enough to confiscate the Yang family and exterminate them.
However, the emperor didn't care about it and was willing to turn lies into reality and try his best to ensure Yang Jie's safety. This is already a great sign of emperor's favor.
If you continue to expect the emperor to go against the ministers of the court, you are not knowing what is good and what is evil.
"Your Majesty, don't worry. Regardless of whether the Tumote tribe can surrender or not, everyone in the Yang family will do their best for your Majesty. We will only obey your Majesty's orders!"
After hearing this, the emperor's expression was a little complicated, and after a moment, he said.
"Let's not mention this matter for now. In addition to this matter, Yang Jie also asked me for a second will."
"The situation in Wala is complicated now. Yang Jie should know this very well. Therefore, he hopes that I can give him another order to act cheaply."
After the words fell, Yang Hong was stunned.
Immediately, he realized that Yang Jie must have other plans and did not put all his bets on Bodu.
only……
"This is also the reason why I kept Yang Hou!"
"To be fair, although Yang Jie went here a little recklessly, what he did exceeded my expectations. For Ming Dynasty, his merits outweighed his faults."
"Now he is trapped in Oala, facing dangers every step of the way, and his life is always in danger. Although he has his own plans, he is the only legitimate son of the Yang family after all. If something goes wrong, I will be uneasy."
"So, if this decree cannot be made, I will ask Marquis Yang what you think."
Facing the emperor's gaze, Yang Hong fell silent.
The situation is now very clear. Yang Jie must have other plans in Wala.
However, with the lessons learned from the past, no matter what he plans, it will be extremely difficult.
Moreover, it is also more cunning and ruthless than Tuotuobuhua.
Therefore, once this decree is issued, it is really uncertain whether Yang Jie's life can be saved.
At this time, the emperor pondered and spoke again.
"There are no other people here. Marquis Yang doesn't have to hold back. Just tell me directly. I still say the same thing. Yang Jie has done enough for the Ming Dynasty. I can think of other ways to do the rest."
"The Yang family has been loyal to the country for generations. If Marquis Yang makes a decision, I can issue another decree and send a delegation to the grassland in the name of the Ming Dynasty. I will also order him to be released immediately."
"Now that Wala's strength has not been restored, and chaos has arisen in the grassland, although Yang Jie has offended Ye Xian, he is only an envoy after all. It is difficult to use it to threaten the Ming Dynasty, and he cannot pose a great threat to Ye Xian.
"
"In order not to offend Ming Dynasty, I dare not not let him go even if I think about it!"
After hearing the emperor's words, Yang Hong's expression was complicated.
Thunder, rain, and dew are all gifts from God.
Although the emperor's tone was gentle, Yang Hong knew very well that there was a price to pay for the choice the emperor gave him.
Yang Jie's return now means that the imperial court will have to clean up the remaining mess.
This is of course not impossible, as the Emperor said, the Ming Dynasty is so big that it cannot cope with the current situation.
However, once the entire court is involved, the attitude of the civil and military officials must be considered.
As the instigator, even if the emperor is protecting him, the pressure Yang Jie faces will not be small.
It is even possible that from now on, the Yang family will be completely marginalized in the court, and this is the best choice the emperor can give to the Yang family. At least, based on past achievements, the Yang family can keep the honor of the Marquis Mansion.
, Yang Jie can also keep his life safe.
However, if you decide to take the risk.
Well, first of all, Yang Jie's life is difficult to guarantee, and secondly, there are dangers and ever-changing situations on the grassland, so he may not be able to succeed.
Once it fails, the pressure will also come to the Yang family.
Advance? Or retreat?
This is related to Yang Jie's life and the Yang family's future status in the court.
Because of this, the emperor let him choose.
Taking a deep breath, Yang Hong frowned, but he did not hesitate, but cupped his hands.
"I know that Your Majesty is very considerate, but the Yang family has been guarding the border for generations, for the sake of peace on the border and stability of the country."
"My son is in Wala now. Although there are dangers everywhere, since he has made a plan in his mind, he should be confident."
"With His Majesty and all the civil and military officials in the imperial court, it is natural that the chaos on the grassland can be properly resolved. However, the price paid must not be small."
"In this case, how can a child's life be worth comparing with the interests of the country?"
"I ask Your Majesty to order me to cut off my son with my camera. If I don't kill him, I will do it first. I swear not to return to the capital!"
Yang Hong said these words categorically, but Zhu Qiyu looked hesitant and said.
"Yang Hou, Wala and Tatar are different. Now that Yang Jie's plan has been discovered, it will be more difficult to succeed. You don't have to..."
"His Majesty!"
Sensing the emperor's conflicting mood, Yang Hong's tone became even firmer.
After pondering for a moment, Yang Hong's mood became a little low and he said.
"I'm not just saying something, nor am I forced to do it because of the so-called righteousness."
"When my son left the capital and went to Yibei, he once said something to his nephew Yang Xin when he left Xuanfu. Later, Yang Xin relayed this sentence to me through a letter from home. I still remember this sentence freshly.
.”
As he spoke, Yang Hong raised his head, with pride on his old face, and said.
"Xiao'er said that he is also a descendant of the Yang family!"
"The Yang family has defended the country's borders for generations. They have fought bloody battles for generations, wrapped their bodies in horse leather, and died on the battlefield. This is the destination of the Yang family, and it is a supreme honor."
"Jie'er was born weak and unable to practice martial arts, but his loyalty to the emperor and the country was never inferior to anyone's."
"Now that he has the opportunity to serve the country and restore peace to the Ming Dynasty's border for a hundred years, even if there is only a glimmer of hope, he will definitely be willing to sacrifice his life for it."
"As Jie'er's father, I feel that it is a blessing for our family to have such a son. Therefore, I implore Your Majesty to grant Jie'er's request and let him complete his mission as a descendant of the Yang family!"
Seeing Yang Hong's determined look, Zhu Qiyu sighed, and at the end, he nodded slightly.
"In that case, I'm sure."
Yang Hong breathed a sigh of relief, but did not get up, but continued to speak.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I have another unkind request. I hope Your Majesty will grant it!"
…………
After a long time, Yang Hong walked out of the palace, walking very slowly step by step, but with his back as straight as a green pine.
The bleak autumn wind swirled the withered yellow leaves in the sky, but it could not move the people standing in the wind.
Zhu Qiyu stood at the door of the palace, looking at this veteran who had fought bloody battles for many years with a complicated expression.
On the other side, Yu Shiyue, who was called back, looked worriedly at the edict he had just written in his hand, hesitated again and again, and couldn't help but ask in a low voice.
"Your Majesty, for such a big matter, do you really not need to wait for the morning meeting to discuss it before issuing an order?"
"No need!"
Seeing Yang Hong's back gradually disappearing, Zhu Qiyu turned around, looked far away, and said calmly.
"Just think of it as...the reward I give to the Yang family for their loyalty!"