Fu felt as if he had been struck by a freezing spell. Feeling the warmth on the back of his hand, it took him a long moment to squeeze out a sentence: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."
Zhu Ci let go of his hand, thinking to himself that he would have to ask the doctor from the Marquis of Huating's estate later; if possible, it would be best not to let Fu drink medicine for a long time.
Medicine is one-third poison, it is also bad for the stomach.
Just as he was thinking about this, the macaw in the cage suddenly spread its wings, shifted two steps on the perch, let out two perfectly articulated words: "Help! Help!"
Zhu Ci's attention was drawn back to it. It had to be said, the Macaw's voice was truly loud, its tone was somewhat raspy; its cries were incredibly noisy.
The Macaw seemed to have caught Zhu Ci's gaze and shouted "help" a couple more times.
Zhu Ci said with ill intent, "Keep screaming; no one is coming to save you, even if you scream your throat raw."
The Macaw clearly didn't understand the sentence, merely tilting its head to observe Zhu Ci.
Fu came to his senses and asked, "Does His Majesty know what it is saying?"
“Mhm, it means 'save me,'" Zhu Ci said. "A pity, though, that it cannot be released."
This kind of macaw is native to South America. If it were released, it would either be captured as a rare curiosity or die because it couldn't adapt to the environment; either way, it wouldn't have much of a chance at survival.
He turned his head toward Fu and asked, "Where did this thing come from? Don't bring it again next time."
The climate here and in the Americas must be quite different, being half a globe apart. It's a miracle if a Macaw native to the Americas can even survive being brought to Great Ming.
Even so, Zhu Ci didn't know if this Macaw could even survive.
After all, no one here knew how to raise it; Zhu Ci only knew of this kind of Macaw.
Fu said, "It wasn't brought here on purpose; the smuggling team rescued it halfway through the voyage."
Hmm, this Macaw was the only survivor of the entire smuggling fleet; the others were either dead or thrown into the sea, but there was no need to mention such things to His Majesty.
Zhu Ci clicked his tongue after hearing this. Smuggling was a common occurrence, it would not be easy to ban it completely unless the customs were strictly guarded.
Unfortunately, technology is not advanced enough right now, so even with strict surveillance, it might not be possible to detect everything.
It could only be set aside for now. As for this macaw.. it was likely brought here by someone who thought its beautiful appearance made it a valuable commodity.
However, he asked curiously, "Are there already fleets capable of traveling to the Americas?"
Fu Weiwei was stunned. "What?"
Zhu Ci immediately said, "Oh, you mean South America, the native habitat of this kind of macaw is South America."
Fu shook his head and said, "No, the fleet didn't go that way. This Macaw.. was also looted by that smuggling fleet."
Zhu Ci..
The Age of Discovery is truly bloody; it feels as if the sea is like a primitive coliseum.
He instructed someone to take careful care of the Macaw and was about to take Fu to Dashan Hall when he received news that the mission to the Mongols had returned.
Zhu Ci was somewhat surprised. "They are quite fast. Let's go, let's go meet them."
Such speed usually leads to one of two outcomes: either everything goes very smoothly, or the other party refuses quite decisively.
The one who came to report was Vice Minister of Rites Cao Xue. He was originally the Minister of Rites under Emperor Zhu Yujian, but after surrendering, he became the Vice Minister of Rites. Although his official rank appeared to have decreased, his superior was Prince of Ning, Zhu Ci, so it was not considered a grievance for him.
Zhu Ci arrived at Jinshin Hall; he usually received officials who were not close to him here, as he typically held his audiences in this hall.
At this time, Cao Xue was already waiting in the hall and immediately performed a formal salute when Zhu Ci entered.
When he stood up, he heard the Emperor say with great concern, "Minister Cao has grown much thinner and darker; it is clear you have been working hard."
Cao Xue did not expect the Emperor's first words upon seeing him to be this. He froze for a moment before bowing and saying, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am ashamed that I have failed to share your burdens."
Zhu Ci guessed that was the case, he was not surprised. He simply asked, "Is Heduoheqin refusing, or is he dissatisfied with the terms?"
Cao Xue said, "Batur Khunbul Khos has some requirements."
Zhu Ci felt significantly more relieved after hearing this. The fact that they were making demands showed that the other party was very interested in the cooperation, which was only natural, since the mission arranged by Zhu Ci had specifically brought Single-shot Rocket Launchers to demonstrate to them.
The Single-shot Rocket Launcher was basically no longer used in the current Great Ming Firearms Camp; this thing was just like the bullets for a Birdlock Gun, completely impossible to recover and reuse, leaving one with no choice but to find a way to sell it.
Although this thing is of little use to Great Ming, it is certainly a valuable item for the Mongol.
It is also quite normal for the other party to propose other conditions; after all, in any trade, there must be a give and take, whether both sides can get more depends on how the final balance is struck.
Zhu Ci said in a gentle voice, "Since Heduoheqin is interested in trading, then your mission has achieved its purpose. Men, present the rewards!"
On his way to Jinshin Hall, Zhu Ci had already ordered the preparations for the rewards, which consisted of nothing more than bonuses, cloth, grain, money.
Bonuses and money are two different things; bonuses are part of the Standard Gold, carrying symbolic meaning that cannot be liquidated, whereas money is meant for spending. As for the cloth and grain, they are, naturally, primarily for practical use.
Zhu Ci's rewards had always been so down-to-earth.
Cao Xue did not expect there to be a reward for this. He hurriedly knelt to express his gratitude, but Zhu Ci waved him off, signaling him to rise, said, "Tell me, what conditions does Heduoheqin have?"
Cao Xue said, "Batur Khunbul Khos demands that the Great Ming recognize the status of the Mongol state, to engage in equal dialogue with the Mongol state, also.."
He paused for a moment before saying, "Batur Khunbul Khos hopes to form a marriage alliance with His Majesty; he is willing to marry his princess to His Majesty as Empress."
Before Zhu Ci could speak, Fu's expression instantly turned cold, he said decisively, "Tell him not to even dream of it."
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Author's Note: Zhu Ci: I refuse your triple-tap likes, even though I'm doing business now, I'm still going to beat you all up in the future. A kitty stands up and looks toward the North. jpg
Next update tomorrow morning at six o'clock~
Chapter 199
Zhu Ci's gaze turned toward Fu. Sensing that his tone seemed a bit harsh, Fu could only turn his head and say, "Your Majesty, the position of Empress must never be given to someone of foreign descent."
The mother of the next generation of emperors certainly could not be of foreign descent.
Zhu Ci looked at his serious expression and couldn't help but smile soothingly, "What are you in such a hurry for? I haven't planned on agreeing, let alone the Empress—there is no place for a Mongol princess in the imperial harem."
Good heavens, trying to become his father-in-law without doing anything at all. He didn't believe Heduoheqin didn't know what being his father-in-law would mean.
The Mongols want to become the suzerain of the Great Ming; they claim to want equal diplomatic relations, but in reality, they want to suppress the Great Ming.
Zhu Ci looked at Cao Xue and asked, "Aside from this, does he have no other demands?"
Cao Xue said, "In addition to this, the Mongol tribes also demand the opening of border markets, in these markets, the Great Ming must sell grain to them."
Zhu Ci gave a cold snort. "He's dreaming. Did he mention where he wants the border market to be held?"
The border market could certainly be held, but the problem was that they currently had no borders with Great Ming; those areas were either in the hands of the Qing Army or in the hands of other Mongol tribes. Who would the market be held for?
Cao Xue said, "Heduoheqin said he hopes the Great Ming can find a way to secure a location."
Zhu Ci clicked his tongue. Fortunately, having been Emperor for several years, he had seen all sorts of shameless people, so he wouldn't get angry over the demands of rogues like Heduoheqin.
He thought for a moment and said, "Is there anything else?"
Cao Xue hurriedly said, "That is all."
Zhu Ci nodded and said, "Minister Cao, you have worked hard on this journey; go and rest for now."
Cao Xue tactfully took his leave. This diplomatic mission's results were neither good nor bad; half of the objectives had been achieved, at the very least, Heduoheqin's true intentions had been tested.
What surprised him was the Little Emperor's attitude; in the past, Cao Xue and the Little Emperor had not met often, so they naturally had little contact, he had only heard rumors that the Emperor had a violent temper and might resort to mass killings at the slightest disagreement.
However, after interacting with him, he felt somewhat confused: His Majesty's temperament is actually quite good.
He shows great concern for his subjects, the gifts he bestows are very thoughtful; in addition to food and necessities, there are also some restorative medicines, all made from the finest medicinal ingredients.
As expected, one cannot rely on mere hearsay.
After Cao Xue left, Zhu Ci stood up and said, "Summon the Censorate, the Six Ministries, the Nine Ministers, the Six Censors to the Wuying Hall for a meeting."
The eunuch immediately took his orders and left.
Actually, Zhu Ci had thoughts regarding the Mongols, he even felt that Fu would agree with his ideas; however, when it came to governing a country, it could not be his sole domain; one always had to listen to the opinions of others.
This was essentially an impromptu small imperial court meeting. All the officials had arrived very quickly; they had guessed this would happen as soon as they heard the mission was returning to the capital.
On the way there, many people discussed in small groups what kind of conditions the Mongols would propose.
However, even with all the speculation, when they heard that the Mongols demanded a princess be married off for a political alliance, specifically demanded the position of Empress, some people still cursed a few words.
Well, the Censors were the most vocal in their cursing; being cultured people, they cursed without using even a single vulgar word.
Zhu Ci stared speechlessly at these people, who were even more excited than he was, for a moment, he failed to react.
He subconsciously glanced at Fu, Fu gave him a subtle smile.
The two exchanged looks, Zhu Ci vaguely understood why everyone was so excited; some among them had been seeking the position of Empress for a long time.
However, Zhu Ci had always used the excuse of not having reclaimed lost territories to refuse to take a wife. The people below were seeking the position of Empress in the hope that their families could advance further, but since the Emperor would not marry girls from their families, they would not be affected, so they could only temporarily cease their efforts.
Now, a Mongol Jala E Zhen has suddenly emerged, demanding a marriage alliance and wanting to become the Empress; who could possibly tolerate this?
Compared to that, the other demands weren't actually that much, everyone felt it was quite normal for the weapons to be marked down in price.
Seeing everyone so indignant, Zhu Ci could only clear his throat lightly to halt this one-sided outburst.
Honestly, if you're so capable, go ahead and curse at Heduoheqin; in reality, you wouldn't dare actually do it.
I will never agree to this. Let us first discuss the remaining few items.
Your Majesty, we cannot sell them grain either. The Mongols are insatiable; if we give them grain now, they will dare to demand weapons later.
Zhu Ci watched him silently.
The one speaking was the Vice Minister of War; during the days when the Minister of War, Liu Zhaoji, was away on a campaign, he had been the one in control of the Ministry of War.
Meeting the Emperor's gaze, he realized belatedly that they were originally planning to sell weapons to the Mongols anyway, so.. then it didn't matter.
Looking at it this way, it seemed that the demands of the Mongols were not that unacceptable.
In essence, the other party was also asking for an exorbitant price, they likely didn't expect the Great Ming to agree directly.
Then.. it seems there is nothing left to discuss.
Looking at it this way, there was absolutely no need for the Emperor to make such a grand fuss over such a minor small court meeting.
Zhu Ci watched them looking at each other in confusion and couldn't help but laugh inwardly. Why make them come all this way? It was to notify them and then reach a consensus.
Lest these people spend all day claiming he was biased toward the Grand Secretary. Honestly, he had only kept Fu around a few extra times and summoned him to the palace for reports from time to time, but in their mouths, it turned into the Emperor having eyes only for the Grand Secretary.
If these people had even a little less selfishness and were as devoted to the country as Fu, were a bit more reliable, would he have to consult Fu about everything?