Chapter 575: Developing the Northern Yuan Dynasty into a Mercenary Empire
Could it be that Beiyuan didn't want to better control the grassland?
No, it's that they simply can't do it.
Even when Meng Yuan moved into the Central Plains, the grassland in Bei Yuan is now in chaos.
You must know that here in the grassland, there are a large number of tribes. Rather than saying that they are the Northern Yuan Dynasty, it would be more accurate to call them the Northern Yuan Tribal Alliance.
The various tribes below, like the warlords who once separated themselves from the Central Plains, completely listened to the instructions of the Northern Yuan Dynasty and refused to listen to the announcement.
If you really don't like something, just run away.
This is also a major feature of the grassland. Without a fixed residence, Beiyuan itself does not dare to put too much pressure on most tribes.
Naturally, if one or two small tribes are disobedient, they can still be punished casually.
For example, the large tribe of Guilichi is not particularly obedient in many aspects. Even Beiyuan is currently difficult to say to start directly, for fear of causing greater conflicts.
It's not that Beiyuan doesn't want to, it's just that he can't do it.
Zhu Ying showed his hands and said: "There is nothing that can't be done. To put it simply, the Chamber of Commerce at the Ming border will conduct a registration."
"This registered number is the specific cargo details. You can send enough cavalry to protect the caravan and be responsible for the safety of the caravan on the road."
"In this way, we can kill two birds with one stone."
"As for the escorting troops, they can be given a part of the commission for each escort. It is not a wasted trip. I believe many people are quite willing. They can also walk their horses often. What a good thing."
What Zhu Ying meant was that he directly treated Beiyuan's army as a bodyguard agency, which was equivalent to an official escort.
If it can really be achieved, it will definitely be a huge breakthrough for the grassland area.
This method really shocked the jaws of all the officials of the Northern Yuan Dynasty, including Elbek. Even those officials of the Han Dynasty of the Northern Yuan Dynasty fell into deep thinking.
In the field of business, it seems that no one can keep up with Zhu Ying's pace.
From this perspective, all of Zhu Ying's current arrangements are sincere and sufficient preparations for the development of Beiyuan.
Such a good and complete strategy is definitely not something that can be thought of in a single thought.
Elbek was really touched at this moment.
He felt that these things must have been personally explained by His Majesty the Ming Dynasty, for the sake of the friendship back then.
Beiyuan discussed for a long time, and after a lively incense stick, Ou Anmin, a veteran Han minister below, as a representative, nodded to Elbek and felt that this method was completely feasible.
In fact, the development of this model is based on the situation where the two countries coexist peacefully. Once a war breaks out, it will be completely invalidated.
But now Beiyuan has no other choice. The embargo has caused too much damage to them.
If it really needs to be banned for a few more years, it is estimated that Beiyuan will either undergo a large-scale migration or be overthrown and change ownership.
Once the direction is set, it is considered as agreed.
However, specific matters still require more in-depth exchanges and detailed discussions. These matters do not need to be agreed by Elbek and Zhu Ying, but are handled through consultation by the ministers of both parties.
It just may take a day or two for all the articles of association to be negotiated, and then Elbek and Zhu Ying will stamp them, which will be considered a complete completion of the negotiations.
Elbek felt that it was a bit boring here, so he invited Zhu Ying to go out for a walk.
Zhu Ying has nothing to be afraid of. With his personal force, Elbek is the one to worry about.
If you were to attack hard, it wouldn't take too much effort to kill him directly. Those Elbek guards seemed to be extremely tough, but in Zhu Ying's eyes, they just took a few more breaths.
effort.
Elbek looked at Zhu Ying's Xuanjia Guard and said with a smile: "The grandson's horse is really good. It must be raised with the most plump fresh grass."
Zhu Ying explained with a smile: "Khan didn't know something. Now there is a new crop in our Ming Dynasty called corn, but I have heard about it."
Elbek nodded and said: "I have heard of this, not only corn, but also sweet potatoes and sweet potatoes."
"It is said that you have a huge yield and are relatively easy to plant. You have solved the problem of feeding many people and played a great role in the development of today's Ming Dynasty."
Speaking of this, Elbek sighed a little.
If there were such high-yielding crops during the Mongol and Yuan Dynasties, then the current Central Plains must still be in the Mongol and Yuan Dynasties.
Zhu Yingdao; "Corn is a crop, but its stalks are richer in nutrients than pasture, especially for livestock, and are like an extremely delicious meal."
"There is a huge difference between concentrated feed and long-term feeding. It will grow stronger and stronger."
"The yield of corn is extremely high. Corn cobs can be eaten by ordinary people, and corn stalks can be eaten by livestock. It is a very good treasure."
Elbek took it seriously as soon as he heard it, and immediately asked: "This corn is in the Ming Dynasty's trade list with me, Beiyuan."
Zhu Ying nodded and said, "Of course it is. The current planting area is not large. As the planting area increases, more grassland can be supplied in the future."
Hearing this, Elbek was silent for a while, and then asked seriously: "Grandson, I think you also understand that the growth of the grassland is not good for the Central Plains."
"But why do you support the grassland so much?"
"I'm very surprised. It was you who proposed the embargo in the first place, and now it's you who are supporting the grassland. Aren't you afraid that when the Northern Yuan Dynasty rises again, we will invade the Central Plains?"
"There are some things. Even if I am the Emperor of Beiyuan, I may not be able to decide everything."
Elbek's words can be said to have truly expressed all his thoughts.
From the emperor's point of view, Beiyuan had enough benefits this time. He felt that although King Zhu Di of Yan was very important, it was not worth it when he had conflicts with the Ming Dynasty Taisun.
Everyone is very clear about the character of the nomadic people. Once they rise, they will inevitably invade the Central Plains.
I really don’t understand what the Ming Taisun’s purpose was for doing this.
Zhu Ying did not answer directly, but looked into the distance and asked in a leisurely voice: "Khan, look, is this grassland big?"
Elbek didn't know what kind of medicine was sold in the gourd of the Ming Dynasty, so he could only answer: "Big, big, you can't see the side at a glance."
Zhu Ying smiled: "In my opinion, it is very small. It is as small as one or two million people per Beiyuan, so it is a bit too big to fit in."
"The territory that Genghis Khan had back then was considered large enough. Today's Oara, the Eastern Chagatai Khanate, the Golden Horde, and today's Timur. If we look further ahead, there are even more vast territories.
"
"With the strength of the grassland and the strength of the Ming Dynasty, the territory should not only be this small."
"Khan, tell me, if the Mongol and Yuan dynasties were as prosperous as the Ming Dynasty today, would it be possible for them to be as grand as Genghis Khan?"
Elbek didn't understand what Zhu Ying wanted to express, so he followed the words and said: "If this is really the case, I think it is very likely."
In fact, Elbek did not say that in his mind, the grandson of the Ming Dynasty in front of him was a being similar to Genghis Khan.
Zhu Ying continued; "Today's negotiation is extremely beneficial to Beiyuan, and I know it very well."
"But what I want is the cooperation between Daming and Beiyuan."
"Today's Ming Dynasty is the most prosperous country in the world. No matter in terms of military, politics, system, or people's lives, no other country can compare with it."
"The most powerful thing about Beiyuan is the cavalry, but as my Ming Dynasty's firecrackers continue to improve, it will not be an easy task for the prairie cavalry to enter the pass in the future."
"If I don't mention it in the future, at least after I ascend the throne, this possibility will no longer be possible."
After hearing this, Elbek also expressed his acquiescence. Although he did not want to admit it, Zhu Ying's words were indeed true.
Zhu Ying continued, "The current population on the grassland has actually completely exceeded the capacity of the grassland. I already discovered this when I was still working at the Qunying Chamber of Commerce."
"If I want to drag Bei Yuan to death, it only takes five years to impose an embargo. Then Bei Yuan will surely endure civil strife, which will lead to subversion."
"It's just that the chaotic grassland doesn't mean much to the Ming Dynasty, not to mention that Khan, I and my grandfather are very familiar with each other."
"Overseas, in the Japanese country, in Annan, Champa, places that Kublai Khan could not capture in the past, now the Ming Dynasty has achieved great success. Maybe as long as I send an order, they can easily change hands.
Submit to the Ming Dynasty."
"The grasslands cost too much troops for the Ming Dynasty. Almost a quarter of the country's troops were guarding the grasslands at the borders. This caused a great obstacle to the Ming Dynasty's outward development."
"If Beiyuan can really cooperate with Ming Dynasty, then Ming Dynasty can mobilize more troops to expand to the south, and Bei Yuan can also go north and west to conquer more territories."
"My Ming Dynasty can't defeat it, how can you, Bei Yuan, be able to defeat it?"
"Why should our two countries waste time at each other's expense?"
Zhu Ying's meaning is already very obvious.
But of course he can't say anything about the black earth now.
When it comes to black soil, we can only stabilize Beiyuan first and then try our best to conceal it.
We will naturally know it later, but by that time, there should be no possibility of Beiyuan turning against him.
Not just on the black soil, Zhu Ying actually has a longer-term plan.
It's just that Elbek doesn't seem to understand Zhu Ying's thoughts.
After a moment of silence, Elbek asked: "I really can't think of any good way to cooperate with Bei Yuan now."
"The main reason is that we cannot have stable control at the moment. If there is any good way, please give me your advice."
After finishing speaking, Elbek bowed and bowed.
Even when facing the grandson of the Ming Dynasty, who was one generation younger than himself and even younger, Elbek behaved very modestly.
In today's world, no one in the countries close to the Ming Dynasty knows that the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty was created by the grandson in front of him who had just reached his prime.
The existence of the Qunying Chamber of Commerce is already a legend in itself, and the current Ming Dynasty is even more legendary among legends.
Looking through the past dynasties, the comprehensive national strength of the Ming Dynasty is now probably at the forefront.
However, upon careful reflection, we find that such changes only occurred in a few short years after the Ming Dynasty was canonized.
Such a terrifying natural king still controls the most powerful dynasty in the world. To fight against him is to seek death.
Now that I think about it, Elbek was still a little scared. If his minister, the Minister of War, had not caught the King of Yan, Zhu Di, in a few years, the Northern Yuan Dynasty would have fallen apart under the plan of the Ming Taisun.
In the past half year or so, Elbek has felt exhausted both physically and mentally, struggling to survive.
Fortunately, the current grandson of the Ming Dynasty has the intention to cooperate. This is probably the best news that Elbek has received since he came to the throne.
Zhu Ying thought for a while and said, "I know the situation in Beiyuan relatively well."
"In fact, for Beiyuan, the biggest problem is that it limits the population and economic development in all aspects."
"To put it simply, what looks like a huge grassland is actually like a bird in a cage."
"To the north is a bitter and cold land. Life is even more miserable than it is now. There is no room for development at all."
"It goes without saying that going to the south, my current soldiers at the border of Ming Dynasty, I think Khan knows very well how much price they have to pay. Even those who fight against the autumn wind, few of them dare to get close now."
"Going to West Wara and East Chagatai Khanate, the two forces are intertwined. Although Beiyuan is stronger than any of them now, once it passes, it will definitely be surrounded and suppressed by the two."
"The land of Liaodong to the east is a land of barren mountains and harsh waters, and there are even Jurchen tribes. Although they are few in number, they are extremely tough, and fighting them will not be of much use."
"Looking at it this way, the southeast, northwest, and four directions are like barriers, locking the seemingly powerful Bei Yuan here."
"Khan, what I said is right."
Upon hearing this question, Elbek could only nod helplessly.
This is Beiyuan’s biggest dilemma right now.
The grassland itself cannot nurture the powerful Bei Yuan, and the Bei Yuan, which is in decline, is even more unable to conquer other forces. It is a mess internally.
Zhu Ying turned her head slightly, looked at Elbek seriously, and said slowly: "The Ming Dynasty has money, and the Northern Yuan Dynasty has soldiers."
"If I say that I am willing to spend money to ask Beiyuan to send troops to help me conquer the world, what does the Khan want?"
At this point, Zhu Ying finally revealed his purpose.
That's right, he just wants to develop Beiyuan into a country similar to mercenaries.
Judging from the current situation, this is possible.
If this can be achieved, then Beiyuan will not be a threat to the Ming Dynasty.
After gradual penetration, Beiyuan will slowly integrate into the Ming Dynasty's system.
In the development of civilization, the advanced civilization will have an extremely strong attraction to the backward civilization.
There is no comparison in some things. When the two parties compare, various aspects such as benefits, treatment, living environment, etc. will have a huge impact on the weaker party.
To put it simply, would the cavalry on the grassland be willing to return to the grassland after experiencing the prosperity of following the Ming Dynasty?
Come to think of it, most of them don't want to.
Among them, there is a very critical point, that is, the Mongolian culture is very weak and does not have much advantages in itself. Together with the current Northern Yuan, it is the former Mongolian Yuan.
In today's Northern Yuan Dynasty, many Mongolians have been missing their former lives in the Central Plains.
Even the children born later on the grasslands will listen to their father or mother talk about the beautiful memories of life in the Central Plains.
The difference between barbarism and civilization is really like a chasm in today's world.
Elbek frowned. He did not expect that Zhu Ying actually wanted to borrow troops from Beiyuan.
Is the Ming Dynasty short of soldiers?
The Ming Dynasty had two million soldiers, how could it think highly of his more than 100,000 cavalry?
If a large number of cavalry were loaned out, wouldn't Beiyuan be in danger?
The tribe here is already ready to make a move, how can we suppress it in the future?
"I don't quite understand what Taisun means. Could you please explain it in detail?"
After hesitating for a moment, Elbek did not directly deny it, but asked again.
Zhu Ying nodded and said: "Bei Yuan now has many tribes and their troops are in chaos."
"Although our Ming Dynasty has enough troops, the territory it guards is too vast, and it is extremely difficult to expand to the outside world."
"I intend to form a joint team of Beiyuan and Ming Dynasty. The cavalry of Beiyuan, coupled with the infantry and firearms of Ming Dynasty, will be almost crushing for many small countries."
"I also know Khan's worries, but Khan has forgotten one thing. When it is profitable, there is no need to send troops by himself. Those tribes will naturally choose to seek a way out, as long as Khan can guarantee them that in their youth
After Zhuang goes out, he can protect the safety of the tribe."
"At the same time, the Khan can also collect an appropriate part of the tax from those tribal cavalry who go out to fight and receive rewards. In this way, it will not only better maintain the stability of the Northern Yuan Dynasty, but also give the tribe a new way out."
"For most tribes, they are more concerned about how to live. I can promise the Khan that as long as the tribe is willing to send troops, we can advance a part of the money and food in advance and settle the settlement when we return."
"The cavalry who died in battle also received generous pensions."
Hearing these words, Elbek was greatly moved.
What he has always been most worried about is the impact of various tribes on Bei Yuan.
As the former overlord of the grasslands, Beiyuan actually had a strong acclimatization after being launched from the Central Plains.
Beiyuan, which seems to be a huge force, is actually riddled with holes in the lower-level institutions.
And Elbek himself was not much of a hero, and he only felt overwhelmed by the many annoying things.
Now that there is such a good way in front of you, there is nothing worth hesitating about.
"Okay, this is a good method. They will definitely be willing to borrow troops. By then, I, Beiyuan, will be able to stabilize."
"As long as Taisun can do this and solve the problem of food for our people in the Northern Yuan Dynasty, we in the Northern Yuan Dynasty can also be friends with the Qin and Jin Dynasties forever in the Ming Dynasty."
Elbek laughed heartily and said in a very comfortable mood.
This can be considered as a solution to his urgent need. Moreover, if he follows this path, Beiyuan will have real dominance over the grassland.
Of course, he also knew that Ming Dynasty was going to use his Beiyuan cavalry to charge, but what did it matter?
Could the situation get any worse than it is now?
As for the aspects of civilized assimilation planned by Zhu Ying, they have basically touched upon Elbek’s intellectual blind spots.
Let alone Elbek, even in today's world, no matter how talented and learned the Ming Dynasty is, there is no concept of civilized assimilation. The export of Chinese culture in the past was not an active spread, but the passive spread of the surrounding small countries.
Just absorb it.
Seeing Elbek's excitement, Zhu Ying immediately struck while the iron was hot and said: "To be honest with the Khan, I have a small request here. I wonder if the Khan can agree to it."
Elbek smiled and said, "My grandson, please speak frankly."
Zhu Yingdao: "In the Northern Yuan Dynasty, there are many Han ministers. I know that they do not respect the Khan. Many of them have close contacts with Prince Hal and have conflicts with the position of the Khan."
"The Mongolian nobles are dissatisfied with the fact that the Han ministers occupy high positions. Can the Khan hand over all these Han ministers to me for disposal?"
Elbek frowned suddenly and said: "This is not good. Although they have some problems in various aspects, in any case, they have all served me Beiyuan, and most of them have made many achievements.
Credit.”
"If you say something like this, wouldn't it chill people's hearts?"
Zhu Ying nodded slightly.
Of course he knew that Elbek would not do this. He just raised a relatively high-level question first so that he could discuss the subsequent issues more easily.
"I was rude, but I can't stand these Han ministers."
"In this way, if I use some means to target them, if they ask the Khan to resign on their own, please ask the Khan to let them come over, and don't stop them by force."
He had refused once before, but now Zhu Ying had to settle for the next best thing. It seemed rude to refuse again.
After all, from the beginning of the negotiation to the present, Zhu Yingke has given Beiyuan a lot of benefits. On a deeper level, it has helped Beiyuan consolidate its dominance.
Elbek himself did not like those Han officials. The main reason was that they were not completely loyal to him, but more loyal to his younger brother Khaltaj. This made Elbek's heart
I have always been very unhappy.
Just for the sake of Beiyuan's overall situation, we can't touch them.
Now that we have the help of the great grandson of the Ming Dynasty, there is no need to care about them.
"Okay, if they leave on their own, of course I won't care."
"Thank you Khan."
The two looked at each other and smiled, extremely satisfied with the current negotiation.
As the negotiations progressed, the details were gradually finalized.
The two parties, who were once at war with each other, immediately became very good friends after this round of negotiations.
Among them, Han officials like Ou Anmin were the most embarrassed.
When the two forces are no longer hostile, their identities become somewhat eye-catching.
Moreover, after Zhu Ying's previous satire on them, some of the respect Qi Tai and others had for Ou Anmin was gone.
The results of the negotiations quickly spread between Ming Dynasty and Bei Yuan Dynasty.
Before that, Zhu Ying naturally guided the public opinion in the Di newspaper and publicized that the grassland in the future would not become a threat to the Ming Dynasty.
The Di Bao is a powerful weapon that allows people to hear what they want to say.
Easily control public opinion.
Otherwise, such behavior, driven by thoughtful people, could easily have a big impact on Zhu Ying's reputation.
Although the Ming Dynasty is considered to be a peaceful country and the people are at peace, in fact, the internal affairs are much smaller. They will seize any opportunity to slander the Ming Dynasty.
This is extremely unavoidable no matter what time or era it is.
If you want more than 160 million people in the Ming Dynasty to be united, you will know that it is completely impossible.
To use Zhu Ying's idea, that is to unite the majority of people and eliminate a small number of people.
As long as the general trend is there, a few storms are nothing.
After the negotiations, King Yan Zhu Di was quickly released, which was also the first sincerity expressed by Beiyuan.
After all, it is a negotiation between major powers. As the grandson of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Ying's credibility is still very high. There is no need for Elbek to make both sides unhappy just for this little time.
Zhu Ying did not leave Beiyuan immediately after the negotiation.
Instead, he personally took charge of the border and established the Border Trade Department.
This point can be said to show the sincerity of Ming Dynasty to a great extent.
The establishment of the Border Trade Department started with the determination of grassland commodity prices. The official procurement prices, plus part of the transportation costs, were almost the purchasing prices in the Jiangnan area.
This price is quite friendly for the grassland.
Previously, the value of the same supplies for the prairie people had increased by three or four times.
The same fur could once be exchanged for one stone of food, but now it can be exchanged for more than three stone.
The rise in prices will have a huge impact on smugglers like border customs.
When smuggling is not so profitable, who would be willing to take huge risks to do this business.
The foundation of rampant smuggling is itself based on huge profits.
In the border areas, in order to express sincerity, Beiyuan specially dispatched 10,000 cavalry as bodyguards to protect the trade routes. Any lawbreakers on the prescribed routes would be subject to their jurisdiction.
The discipline of the Mongolian cavalry was very poor, so the people responsible for controlling them were the hundreds of households sent by the Ming Dynasty.
These hundreds of households never dreamed that one day they would become the generals of Beiyuan.
You must know that their current status is tantamount to dual appointments. They have also been canonized by Bei Yuan and have powers equivalent to those of Bei Yuan generals.
This made the Mongolian cavalry also have to obey their orders.
Because of cultural differences, the laws were basically formulated with reference to the Ming Dynasty. Those Han officials seemed to have caught some wind and became much more low-key during the negotiation process.
In less than half a month, with the cooperation of Beiyuan and Daming, mutual markets were established on the grassland.
A large number of grassland tribes came here to trade, and Elbek's reputation suddenly resounded throughout the Northern Yuan Dynasty.
Whether it is the people of the Ming Dynasty or the herdsmen of the Northern Yuan Dynasty, for them, it is not very important who is under their rule. What is important is who can keep them fed. This is the most important thing.
What kind of national justice, for people who don’t even have enough to eat, who would care about this, let alone if they don’t receive education, they won’t understand it.
The worst offenders here are probably Shanxi merchants.
After the Qunying Chamber of Commerce broke away, Shanxi Shanxi merchants rose up, filling the previous gaps and completely monopolizing the smuggling industry.
And because of the embargo, they even drove up prices and made a lot of money.
Now that everything has been liberalized, the herdsmen are not fools, so there is no need to buy their expensive supplies.
Even for luxury goods such as snowflake salt and porcelain that are in demand by nobles, the Ming Dynasty Chamber of Commerce can also provide them.
Some of the smarter Mongolian herdsmen even made large purchases.
Because the Ming Dynasty's goods are cheap, they can earn more profits. After starting from the Ming Dynasty, they can sell them to Oara and the Eastern Chagatai Khanate, thereby earning more.
In the current northwest region, a large amount of corn has begun to be planted. After Zhu Ying's promotion, corn stalks have become a necessity for grassland herdsmen.
The originally thin cattle and sheep, after being fed corn feed, completely changed their appearance in just half a month. This is an effect that even the most delicious forage cannot achieve.
In less than a month, corn feed has become the best-selling product here on the grassland.
Herdsmen can simply feed their cattle and sheep and sell them to Daming at a good price.
Even the milk produced by the cows will become much sweeter and richer.
A month later, Zhu Ying began to make arrangements for Hanchen of the Northern Yuan Dynasty.
Because of this month of getting along, the hostility between the two countries has become much less. Even in the Beiyuan court camp, many Ming businessmen can be seen.
Through Jin Yiwei's inquiries and the help of Elbek, Zhu Ying controlled almost all the information about Hanchen in the Northern Yuan Dynasty.
Immediately afterwards, the clans of these Han officials were investigated within the Ming Dynasty.
The key point among them is Ou Anmin.
After all, he now has a great influence on Beiyuan Hanchen. As long as he is the first to capture him, the rest of the matter will become much simpler.
Ou surnames are widely distributed, with Guangdong and Hunan accounting for 60% of the population.
However, Ou Anmin's clan is located in Xinzheng, Henan.
After all, Ou Anmin is relatively famous, and you can easily find out after a little research.
After receiving the news, the team led by Song Zhong immediately went to Xinzheng, Henan.
Xinzheng County, Henan Province.
Here, Ou Anmin's family is considered to be an extremely high-ranking landowning gentry.
The rise of the Ou family in Xinzheng is naturally inseparable from Ou Anmin. After all, at the end of the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty, Ou Anmin was a second-rank Han minister.
At that time, of course he took great care of his family.
Even though Zhu Yuanzhang swept the world, Xinzheng Ou family did not suffer much impact.
Although Henan has the word "nan", it actually belongs to the northern region, that is, the northern Han people. As a battleground for military strategists in the world, the people here are always strong and fierce.
Because of the relationship between the Mongolian and Yuan Dynasties, the unattached aristocratic families suffered heavy losses, and the Xinzheng Ou family gradually grew up in the late Mongolian and Yuan Dynasties.
Xinzheng Ou family is naturally willing to spend a lot of money on education, so basically all the family members, young and old, have attended private schools.
This also led to the fact that in addition to Ou'anmin, there were also many tribesmen who developed in official careers.
For example, the current magistrate of Xinzheng County is from the Ou clan.
Song Zhong was already familiar with this information before arriving in Xinzheng, so the first step was to go directly to the magistrate's office.
The magistrate's office in Xinzheng is extremely impressive. As Xinzheng in Zhongxian County, it is even more impressive than the general magistrate's office in upper counties.
When Song Zhong arrived with his people, no news was received from the Xinzheng County Magistrate's Office.
The yamen servant of the prefecture's yamen looked at the sudden appearance of dozens of Tiqi in front of him with a confused look on his face, and had not yet reacted.
After seeing the Jin Yiwei's token, the city gate guards had no time to notify them.
"You are?"
One of the government officials asked bravely, with a bit of trembling in his tone.
Everyone can see that the identity under this brocade garment must be extraordinary.
"Jin Yiwei is doing something, get out of here."
Without waiting for Song Zhongshi's words, Qianhu, the Jin Yiwei guard next to him, went up and scolded him.
The two government officials didn't dare to say anything, so they immediately got out of the way.
Dozens of people got off their horses and went straight to the yamen.
At this time, Ou Shuzhong, the magistrate of Xinzheng County, was taking a lunch break in the background.
Immediately he was awakened by the noise, and he yelled somewhat unpleasantly: "Who is making such a loud noise here to disturb my rest?"
The turbulent Jin Yiwei didn't give the government servants any time to react.
Rush all the way and enter the backyard.
Song Zhong looked at the magistrate in front of him who was wearing plain clothes and with disheveled hair. He took out the token from his waist and said: "Song Zhong, the envoy of Jinyi Guards in the capital, was ordered by the Taisun to interrogate Xinzheng Ou's collusion with Bei Yuan in treason.
.”
"Let's go to your yamen and explain everything to me."
Mr. Song said with a sneer. At the same time, Qian Hu next to him immediately took out Taisun's decree.
The prescribed regulations still need to be followed.
Ou Shuzhong suddenly felt like a bolt from the blue. He took the order tremblingly and looked at the above content. It was exactly the same as what Song Zhong said. The Taisun's seal below was clear and there was no falsehood at all.
"It's an injustice. It's such a huge injustice."
"That Ou Anmin disappeared thirty years ago and has never had any contact with the family. This must be framed by some villain."
"I, the Ou clan, work hard in Xinzheng and have never committed any treason."
Song Zhong sneered and said, "Don't shout about injustice. Do you know why you are suddenly being investigated for Ou's family?"
"This is what His Highness Taisun saw with his own eyes at the frontline border. Ou Anmin is an important minister of the Northern Yuan Dynasty at the moment, and he has many plans secretly."
"As members of his tribe, you received his favor during the Mongolian and Yuan Dynasties, so you still have reasons that you don't know about."
"Don't let me use force. You can be considered a scholar. Just follow me honestly."
Ou Shuzhong seemed to have been drained of all his energy, and his whole body was crumbling.
Since the royal guards of the capital are here in person, this must be a serious case.
So I could only follow him to the Yamen lobby.
This lobby has always been the place where he handled official business, but now it has become the place where he interrogates himself.
Song Zhong sat at the top, where Ou Shuzhong once sat, and was not in a hurry to handle the case.
Drinking tea leisurely, as if waiting for someone to arrive.
Ou Shuzhong was kneeling on the ground in white clothes and did not dare to speak first.
After about two sticks of incense, there was a burst of noise outside.
Ou Shuzhong didn't feel anything at first, but when the sound got closer, his eyes widened instantly.
He heard familiar voices, they were all members of the Ou clan.
This also means that the Jin Yiwei in front of them may have captured all the members of the Ou family.
It's just that at this time, Ou Shuzhong was already like a clay bodhisattva who couldn't protect himself when crossing the river. How could he still have the ability to protect his people?
As the door opened, Ou Shuzhong turned around and saw that everyone, old and young, had been arrested.
The leader was the commander of the garrison station near Xinzheng. Apparently, in order to arrest the Ou family, they directly bypassed the military forces in Xinzheng County and directly dispatched the garrison troops.
"Wang Lingte, the commander of Guideweidu, is here to return his orders."
"According to the investigation, the Ou family tree has a total of 486 people, 19 of whom are working as officials, 34 of whom are studying abroad, and 25 of whom are absent due to business. Except for Ou Shuzhong and five other people in the county government,
The remaining four hundred and three were arrested and brought to justice."
Song Zhong nodded and said: "Put it in."
Following the order from Wang Ling, the commander of Guide Guards, the sergeants outside pressed more than 400 members of the Ou family into the county government office.
Fortunately, the county government office is big enough, otherwise it would not be able to fit in it.
There was a large area of people kneeling on the ground, filling up the county government lobby and the corner of the front yard.
All the old, weak, women and children, including the children who were a few months old, were brought here directly.
The Jinyiwei of the Ming Dynasty pays attention to being clean and tidy when doing things. Even if they were born yesterday, they have to be carried today.
Song Zhong did not take the lead in interrogating Ou Shuzhong, but slowly raised his hand to the capital commander, and then asked: "Commander Wang, did you find the name of the treacherous minister Ou Anmin in the genealogy?"
Wang Ling clasped his fists and replied: "Reporting to the Governor of Song Dynasty, the humble position is not listed in the genealogy. I am looking for the name of the traitor."
Song Zhong snorted coldly, glanced at the Ou family members who were kneeling outside, and turned to Ou Shuzhong: "It seems that you have been prepared for it. You probably want to use the name of the genealogy to say that Ou Anmin has been expelled from the clan a long time ago."
Your status and actions have nothing to do with you, right?"
"In my opinion, this is a guilty conscience. If you don't know the whereabouts of Ou Anmin, why bother to go to all the trouble to remove his name from the family tree? Everyone knows that Ou Anmin is the imperial censor of the Yushitai of the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty.
, you are so proud of the second-grade official rank of Xinzheng Ou Family."
"Playing such a trick now is enough to show that there is something evil in your heart."
"It seems that the secret collusion with Bei Yuan was indeed His Highness Taisun's keen eye. The evidence is conclusive now, do you have anything else to say?"
"Let me tell you first. The Jinyi Guards are doing things. They kill first and report later. With the imperial authority and the decree from His Highness Taisun, today I am going to kill everyone in your Ou family. It's just a thought for me."
"I advise you to think carefully and don't say anything unjust to me."
After Song Zhong finished speaking, before Ou Shuzhong could reply, the yamen was already bursting into tears.
After hearing the words "The whole family was executed," all the Ou family members, women, young men, clan elders, etc., all expressed their grievances.
It makes people upset when they hear it.
Song Zhong immediately waved his hand, and then more than ten Jinyi guards came out, shouting and being silent.
Those who were disobedient would be slapped with a slap in the face, and for those who were more serious, they would be slapped in the face with the scabbard of the sword, causing blood to splash everywhere.
They didn't care about the old people, women or children in the crowd, they just beat them up.
Soon, the yamen immediately became quiet.
Even though she was sobbing, she covered her mouth tightly, for fear of being angry and getting beaten.
In the current situation, killing him would be considered a death in vain.
Seeing this scene, Ou Shuzhong knew that sophistry had no effect.
He gritted his teeth and said, "Reporting to Mr. Song, the traitor Ou Anmin has indeed had correspondence with my family."
"After he joined Beiyuan, he wanted to get help from my family and persuaded the clan members to go to Beiyuan to serve, but my family never agreed to this."
"The sword thief once said in his letter that when he becomes old and weak, he would like to return to his roots and remain anonymous to his family for retirement."
"But my family has never agreed to these things. There are some young people in the family who have not been able to achieve fame and are bewitched by them and go to Bei Yuan Youzhi."
"The former clan leader found out about this and immediately expelled him from the clan. That's why it was not included in the family tree."
"Everything I said is true, Lord Song, please take a closer look."
After Ou Shuzhong finished speaking, he kowtowed to Song Zhong repeatedly. The ground made a thumping sound, and when he raised his head, his forehead was covered in blood and flesh.
It's a pity that things like selling people out are of no use in front of cruel officials like Song Zhong.
Song Zhong sneered and said, "How can I determine that you are not colluding? What evidence is there for what you said?"
"Can I still retain the traitor's letter?"
Ou Shuzhong replied bitterly: "I have no reservations."
Song Zhong chuckled and said, "There is no evidence, so just because you talk nonsense, I have to listen to your nonsense?"
At this point, Song Zhong suddenly changed his tone and said: "In fact, it is not that there is no way to prove it."
"His Royal Highness Taisun personally told me that if the Ou'an people are willing to abandon Beitou Ming and suddenly wake up, then it can be regarded as a meritorious deed, and they will no longer be held accountable to your Xinzheng Ou family."
"Do you have any relatives of Ou Anmin in your clan? Please tell me honestly. Don't try to hide them. If you really want to be found out by me, I know you won't be able to speak so easily."
How could Ou Shuzhong dare to hide anything at this moment? Compared with the more than 400 members of his clan, Ou Anmin naturally became humble.
There was indeed some care in the beginning, but that was all thirty years ago. Now thirty years have passed, except for a few people, the affection has long faded.
"Yes, sir."
"In the clan, there are two sons, one daughter and four grandchildren."
"They themselves don't know that their father is Ou Anmin, and in name, he has been adopted by his brothers in the clan."
"It's his biological brother."
Ou Shuzhong explained everything completely intermittently.
If other people came to investigate these matters, they might be able to hide a few things, but Jin Yiwei's methods were too ruthless.
When Ou Shuzhong went to the capital to report on his duties, he heard about the majesty of the Jinyiwei. That was the time when Zhu Yuanzhang was most ruthless in killing officials.
Ou Shuzhong was left with many ambiguities. Those high-ranking officials in the capital were simply sentenced to death one by one.
In fact, it was not his turn to be the magistrate of Xinzheng County earlier.
However, the previous magistrates were executed by Zhu Yuanzhang one after another, so it was Ou Shuzhong's turn to become the magistrate.
After finishing speaking, an old man from the Ou family who was kneeling in the front yard stood up shakily and walked into the lobby.
"Ou Anfang, the old man, is the brother of the traitor, and his children will be adopted under the name of the old man."
Ou Anfang is also in his late seventies, and his face and hair are all white, but he seems to be in good spirits.
In the face of family justice, it is the tradition of most families to sacrifice the small family to protect everyone.
Faced with the crime of collaborating with the enemy and treason, they did not dare to hide anything. Any concealment would only make things worse.
Song Zhong chuckled lightly and told Qian Hu next to him: "I will serve you with pen and ink and ask him to write down the names of his children and grandchildren."
"I forgive them that they don't have the guts to deceive me."
Qianhu next to him brought a pen and paper. After Ou Anfang took it, he lay on the ground and wrote his name clearly.
Among the crowd, there was a middle-aged man, a woman, and two teenagers with pale faces.
They are the descendants of Ou Anmin.
Although no one in the family has ever mentioned this, it is not a big secret.
The rest are either serving as officials abroad or studying abroad and are not here.
After everything was ready, Song Zhong took it, looked at it, put it on the desk, and said: "In accordance with the decree of His Majesty Taisun, all officials of the Ou family in Xinzheng are temporarily suspended from their duties."
"All clan members will be temporarily taken to the local security bureaus and will be punished according to the crime."
After saying this, Song Zhong paused slightly and continued: "I will give you a chance for now. You can choose three people and write three family letters, and I will pass them to Beiyuan."
"If he is willing to turn around, he will not be blamed for your current situation, and the official will be reinstated, and the students will not be deprived of their honors and status."
"If you persist in your stubbornness, then the entire clan will be punished as treason and treason, removed from all official positions, and punished with hard labor."
"I finally figured out how to write the letter."
After Song Zhong finished speaking, he said no more and turned to leave.
And these Ou family members will all be sent to the jail of the Department of Public Security, and they will be waiting in the jail until there is a letter.
Whether he should be released or punished depends on how Ou Anmin in Beiyuan chooses.
Situations like this are not limited to Song Zhong.
The general situation of all the other Han ministers who served in the Northern Yuan Dynasty and their families in the Ming Dynasty was similar to that of the Ou family today.
This is no joke. If you really don't choose to return to the Ming Dynasty, then you will do whatever you want.
In today's world, there are not as many holy mothers as there will be in later generations, and guilt by association is also an extremely common crime.
If one person makes a mistake, the entire clan will suffer. To put it simply, the family must have the responsibility to educate every clan member.
Forget it in general, there is no need to talk about kindness when working for other countries to target the Ming Dynasty.
What Zhu Ying did was to let all scholars in the world understand that in the future, you can serve other countries and become ministers.
But when this country is hostile to Ming Dynasty, if it wants you to come back, you must come back.
Even if you are alone and have no worries, you will still be infamous in history for thousands of years.
Soon, with the urgency of all parties, a large number of family letters were delivered to Beiyuan.