Chapter 300: Timur Empire

In the sixteenth year of Hongwu, the ninth day of the third month.

Yingtian Prefecture, spring deepening.

The willows lining the palace road have sprouted tender green buds, swaying gently in the breeze.

A few sparrows hop on the branches, chattering nonstop.

Zhu Yong had just returned from the Ministry of Works; before he could change clothes, a eunuch stopped him at the Wu Gate.

"Prince Wu, His Majesty asks you to go to Qianqing Palace; the Crown Prince is also there."

Zhu Yong nodded, turned, and headed for Qianqing Palace.

But his mind was still pondering.

At this hour, Father and elder brother summoned him together; it must be about something.

Entering Qianqing Palace, he indeed saw Zhu Yuanzhang seated behind the imperial desk, his expression not very pleasant.

Zhu Biao stood nearby, holding a stack of documents, his brows also furrowed.

"Yong Er, you're here, sit," Zhu Yuanzhang said, pointing to the chair beside him.

Zhu Yong sat down, said nothing, and waited for Father to speak.

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, then tossed a document from his hand to him.

"Take a look, it's from the Timur Empire."

Zhu Yong took it and opened it.

Timur Empire.

That great nation in the western part of Central Asia has maintained contacts with Great Ming over the years.

Around the tenth year of Hongwu, Tie Mu Er had even sent envoys to Yingtian Prefecture, bringing many gifts—jewels, spices, fine horses—stacked onto several large carts.

Zhu Yuanzhang was quite pleased then, reciprocating with silk, porcelain, tea, and even granting Tie Mu Er some title, though Zhu Yong couldn't recall exactly.

In any case, since then the two sides have kept envoy exchanges.

But these past years…

Zhu Yong skimmed the document quickly and understood.

The Timur Empire's envoys have not come for three years.

Not one or two years, but three.

According to protocol, vassal states must pay tribute each year, a rule set in the first year of Hongwu.

Failure to come is a breach of etiquette.

Failure to come signals ulterior motives.

Zhu Yong lifted his head, looking at Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Father, is something happening over at Tie Mu Er's side?"

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted and said, "If there's trouble, we think they're the ones trying to stir up trouble."

He stood, hands clasped behind his back, pacing within the hall.

"Around the tenth year of Hongwu, Tie Mu Er sent envoys, very deferential, with many gifts; we even thought Tie Mu Er was a sensible man back then."

"But in recent years, three consecutive years of silence; last year we sent someone to inquire, and they claimed bandits on the road had robbed the envoys.

This year, they didn't even offer an excuse, simply stopped sending letters."

Zhu Biao added, "Second brother, it's not just the lack of tribute; we have reports from the border that the Timur Empire has been expanding in recent years, annexing many small states.

The few western kingdoms that once traded with us are now silent."

Zhu Yong listened, his mind racing.

Timur Empire.

In the annals of past history, it truly was a great power.

Tie Mu Er himself was a fierce man, conquering across, subduing Central Asia, Persia, and India.

But later he died on an eastern campaign, and the empire gradually fragmented.

In this life, because Great Ming rose early, Northern Yuan, Western Regions, Goryeo, and Wa Country were all dealt with, while Tie Mu Er's side remained untouched.

But now, this fellow has started to be dishonest?

Zhu Yuanzhang halted, looking at Zhu Yong.

"Yong Er, we called you here just to ask your opinion."

Zhu Yong thought and said, "Father, Tie Mu Er hasn't paid tribute these years; whatever the reason, we must send someone to inquire.

Once clarified, those who must be struck will be struck, those who must be punished will be punished; we cannot let them think Great Ming is easy to fool."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, then looked at Zhu Biao.

Zhu Biao said, "Your son, I share this view, but who to send, and how, still needs discussion."

Zhu Yong felt something stir inside, already guessing a few points.

Sure enough, Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Yong Er, we want you to make a trip."

Zhu Yong was startled, then nodded.

"Fine, if Father sends me, I'll go."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at him, his eyes somewhat complicated.

"Yong Er, do you know where Tie Mu Er is?"

Zhu Yong thought and said, "I know, in the west, farther than the Western Regions."

"Indeed, very far; this journey will take at least a year and a half, and we don't know what we may encounter on the road," Zhu Yuanzhang sighed.

Zhu Yong gave a simple smile and said, "Father, I'm not afraid of distance nor of trouble; if Tie Mu Er dares to move against me, I'll let them see what Great Ming's hammer is."

Zhu Yuanzhang was made to laugh, but as he laughed, his eyes grew a bit red.

"Good, good, our son should have this daring."

He walked back to the imperial desk, sat down, and looked at his two sons.

"Biao Er, Yong Er, remember, the Tie Mu Er matter is not just about tribute; it's a matter of face. Great Ming has been founded for sixteen years, and no one has dared to insult us like this."

"Tie Mu Er daring to do this means either there is a rogue inside their ranks who cannot attend to us, or they think their wings have hardened and want to test Great Ming's strength."

Zhu Biao nodded and said, "Imperial Father is wise; your son minister also thinks so."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Yong and said, "Yong Er, this time you go not only to question Tie Mu Er, but also to survey the situation over there. Find out how many soldiers they have, how many horses, how many cities—know it all."

"If they are honest, they will pay tribute when they should and atone when they should. If they are not honest…"

He paused, and a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes.

"Then let them know that Great Ming's blade is long enough."

Zhu Yong stood up, clasped his fists and said, "Father, rest assured; I have it clear in my heart."

…

Leaving Qianqing Palace, it was already noon.

Zhu Biao and Zhu Yong walked side by side along the palace corridor, sunlight filtering through willow branches, dappled and uneven.

"Second brother, are you really going?" Zhu Biao suddenly asked.

Zhu Yong looked at him and laughed, "Elder brother, you've already sent me, why ask?"

Zhu Biao also smiled, but his smile held a hint of bitterness.

"I wanted someone else to go, but if someone else goes, Imperial Father won't be at ease."

Zhu Yong nodded.

He knew his elder brother was speaking the truth.

The Timur Empire is so far; sending an ordinary envoy, if anything happens, even the messenger might not return.

Sending a great general, they might think it's for war, which would backfire.

Only he going is most suitable.

Wu Wang, Grand Marshal of the Nation, Great Ming's legitimate second son.

That status carries enough weight.

"Elder brother, rest assured, I will go and be back; it's a matter of a year and a half." Zhu Yong patted Zhu Biao's shoulder.

Zhu Biao looked at him, was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Second brother, you think, over at Tie Mu Er's side, might they really intend to clash with us?"

Zhu Yong thought for a moment and shook his head.

"I don't know; we have to go see to know. But elder brother, I think even if Tie Mu Er wants to act, they lack the guts.

Our Great Ming is so vast, they don't know? How many soldiers we have, they don't know? If they dare to act, they'd be courting death."

Zhu Biao nodded and said nothing more.

The two walked to Fengtian Gate, and Zhu Biao stopped.

"Second brother, be careful on the way; if anything happens, send a message back."

"Hmm."