Chapter 581: Sacrificing the Outer Shell of Flesh

No one objected, so the matter was basically settled. As for the specific details, those would have to be discussed after returning.

For now it was only a general direction, but that was enough to make many people happy. Whether it was Zhang Muhe or Wukeshan, both wore expressions of joy they could not conceal.

The hereditary noble title was very important to them—it could guarantee the legitimacy of their internal rule. If anyone tried to rebel, they could come cling to the Great Ming's thigh for support. This was something your Great Ming had promised.

The reason the Great Ming could implement the tusi system in places like Yunnan was, frankly, most importantly this kind of hereditary inheritance system. If you guaranteed their family's inheritance and power for generations, they would be willing to support you.

In this matter, Zhu Youxiao's approach was hardly surprising, and neither was the Mongols' agreement.

Although their tribes had persisted all these years, internal power struggles were fierce. Add to that Ligdan Khan eyeing them covetously, having the Great Ming's guarantee was also good. And since the Great Ming itself was also eyeing them, being able to make such a promise was enough to set their minds at ease.

Everyone originally thought that since they had already obtained their benefits and the Great Ming Emperor had already agreed, these two should now return.

That was Zhang Muhe's thinking. He shifted his feet, just about to leave, when he discovered that Wukeshan showed no sign of going. His heart gave a lurch, and he had a bad premonition.

The business was done; returning was the correct choice. But Wukeshan actually wasn't leaving?

If he wasn't leaving, that could only mean one thing—he was going to stir something up.

Zhang Muhe stared nervously at Wukeshan, having no idea what Wukeshan intended to do, his heart full of worry.

Wukeshan didn't look at anyone else. He stepped forward directly and said respectfully, "I report to Your Majesty—your servant still has one matter he wishes to raise."

Zhu Youxiao hadn't expected Wukeshan to still have something to say and wondered what he wanted to speak of.

But at this point, whatever Wukeshan said no longer mattered. The earlier matters were already settled; Zhu Youxiao didn't believe they would turn hostile.

Zhu Youxiao said with a smile, "If my beloved minister has something to say, speak freely."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Wukeshan quickly acknowledged, then continued, "Since Your Majesty is willing to enfeoff us as nobles of the Great Ming, your servant begs Your Majesty to bestow surnames upon us. We wish to have a Great Ming name and surname. I beg Your Majesty to grant this."

As soon as these words came out, everyone present was stunned.

No one had expected Wukeshan to take things this far, actually hoping to have a Great Ming name and surname.

Not only had no one else expected this, even Zhu Youxiao himself hadn't seen it coming.

Giving Mongols Chinese names—even in later ages this hadn't happened. But taking a Han Chinese name was no big deal; in later ages this was standard practice.

There were even people with English names who had never left the country in their entire lives, who never even had a chance to use their English names, because their everyday environment was all Chinese people.

Zhu Youxiao had originally planned to do this anyway; he just hadn't expected Wukeshan to raise it in such a setting.

But this was a good thing. A surname bestowed by the Great Ming Emperor—that was truly impressive!

Under such circumstances, Zhu Youxiao would normally bestow the surname Zhu upon them.

But thinking it over, he dropped the idea. The Great Ming had no precedent for this. And if he gave them the imperial surname, what would others do? How would the people of the Great Ming see it?

That wouldn't be good.

This was a good thing, that much was true.

Zhu Youxiao said with a smile, "That's certainly no problem. As for the specific surname, you can go back and choose one you like yourselves. I'll issue the imperial edict later."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Wukeshan quickly bowed and retreated back.

Zhang Muhe's expression was very ugly. In fact, he should have followed Wukeshan's lead and stepped forward as well. If he shrank back at this moment, it would make them look inadequate.

But the problem was, this step—he truly couldn't follow along.

After all, in this matter, he had no way either. He was only a representative, not one of those who made the decisions among the five tribes.

Moreover, this matter required all five tribes to discuss together—it wasn't something he alone could decide. If he dared to say such words at this time, he would definitely be punished upon returning. No matter whether the five tribes ultimately believed him or not, he would surely be finished.

But even if he said nothing as he was doing now, he might still be blamed upon returning. There was no way around it—Zhang Muhe could only tough it out and deal with it after going back.

In any case, Zhang Muhe had already fallen behind in this matter.

He shot Wukeshan a vicious glare.

This fellow truly had no bottom line, and such nerve—daring to do anything. Are you sure that when you go back, your father won't discipline you for this?

But Wukeshan looked completely unconcerned. With his sister's support now, he feared no one.

Under these circumstances, Wukeshan had his own reasons. As long as the Great Ming supported him, he could surely gain a higher position within the tribe. When that time came, anyone who tried to compete with him for status would all be killed. As long as the Great Ming propped him up, no one could contend with him.

So Wukeshan was full of confidence. After glaring back at Zhang Muhe, he sat back down.

You can't do anything to me anyway—so what if you're angry?

Just watch. What else would you dare to do?

Zhu Youxiao also witnessed this scene, his eyes narrowing slightly.

He reached out and pulled Bumbutai beside him, saying, "I hear your elder sister has already arrived in Shenyang? She is said to be a rare beauty of the grasslands—is that true?"

Hearing these words, Bumbutai was startled. Her expression shifted, her gaze sweeping over her brother and Zhang Muhe, a glimmer of understanding flashing in her eyes.

She roughly understood what was going on. Her brother had gained an advantage this time—this was a very good thing.

Originally, the Great Ming Emperor had already decided not to take her sister; they had already received word of this.

They had sent word over, telling them to suppress the matter—neither side would mention it, and then it would be as if it never happened, lest they be mocked or do something rash, which wouldn't be good.

But for the Great Ming Emperor to bring this up now—the meaning behind it was different. Clearly, this Great Ming Emperor was dissatisfied with what Zhang Muhe and the others had just done.

Wukeshan had already set an example for you, yet you didn't follow?

This kind of behavior doesn't please me at all. Since I'm displeased, what should be done?

Then I'll make you displeased too. Wukeshan did so well, so I'll praise him, give him more benefits, treat him more warmly, and make you anxious as well. It's plainly telling you—if you don't follow along, you might very well be finished.

In fact, Bumbutai's thoughts matched Zhu Youxiao's. Her thinking was truly broad-minded; in the original history, she was a very intelligent woman with political wisdom.

In recent years, Bumbutai had been mingling in Daning city, dealing with Great Ming officials, taught by all sorts of teachers. Her progress could be said to be tremendous, especially her understanding of the Great Ming—very, very deep.

Moreover, she had been studying this Great Ming Emperor for several years now, and could more or less grasp something about him.

Now she had found the thread. She believed the Great Ming Emperor was about to set a trap for someone.

And the most direct way to express closeness was to take a wife—that had never changed. Whether it was marriage alliances or kinship ties, it was all the same.

She herself was destined to marry into the capital; everyone knew this, so she couldn't be moved.

But what if her elder sister Ha Lan Zhu was added to the equation?

The entire Mongol tribes were sending women this way, yet the Great Ming Emperor had accepted none of them. If he took her elder sister Ha Lan Zhu at this time, then both sisters of the Khorchin tribe would have married him—such favor was beyond what ordinary people could compare with.

Bumbutai understood in her heart. After thinking for a moment, she said, "My elder sister is indeed a beauty rarely seen on the grasslands."

In truth, although no one had ever ranked the most beautiful women on the grasslands, Hailanzhu could definitely make the list—especially that temperament of hers, which was hard to forget.

Although Hailanzhu was not as famous as that old Yehe woman, she was still very beautiful, and there had been no shortage of suitors over the years. If not for her father holding out for a better price, she would have been married off long ago.

Zhu Youxiao nodded with satisfaction, reached out and took Bumbutai's hand, saying, "Then bring your sister along when you return. I hear she has arrived in Shenyang—it's a good chance for me to meet her."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Bumbutai said with a smile on her face.

With her elder sister by the side of this Great Ming Emperor, she could indeed breathe a little easier. Two people were ultimately better positioned than one—this was something Bumbutai had always known.

Zhu Youxiao nodded, said nothing more, and instead picked up his wine cup and took a sip.

Bumbutai had already guessed every thought in his mind.

Originally, for the sake of Great Ming's interests, he had refused Hailanzhu and extinguished the thoughts in his heart about the sisters. But now, equally for Great Ming, he could make sacrifices.

As the Emperor of Great Ming, sacrificing a bit of his flesh was something he could endure. Though hard to accept, this sense of responsibility allowed him not to dare the slightest slack.

For this country, for the people of this country, for the peace of Great Ming's northern lands, he could still offer himself up.

Thinking about it all, Zhu Youxiao was nearly moved by himself.

Picking up his wine cup and taking a drink, gazing up at the sky at a forty-five degree angle—he truly was a good Emperor, exhausting his mind and sacrificing his looks and body for this country.

So difficult, really.

Perhaps he should just hold the grand wedding in Shenyang, letting the two sisters marry him together.

Returning to the capital for the wedding didn't seem quite appropriate—it would take too long, and their family wouldn't be able to attend.