Tang He passed away peacefully with a smile on his face.

He had been struggling to survive in recent years, and today he drank more than half a pound of strong liquor, and finally passed away quietly in his sleep.

Zhu Yuanzhang was drunk, and Zhu Ying, who heard the news, rushed over and took him back.

The next day.

After Zhu Yuanzhang woke up, he announced a three-day suspension of court and issued an edict to posthumously confer the title of King of Dong'ou on Tang He, with the posthumous title of Xiangwu. His portrait was hung in the Temple of Meritorious Officials, and he was also enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

Tang He's death dealt a heavy blow to Zhu Yuanzhang.

After all, Tang He was only two years older than Zhu Yuanzhang, which made Zhu Yuanzhang feel that his time was almost up.

The Ming Dynasty was at its peak of prosperity, but he himself was already old.

Zhu Ying felt very distressed. In just less than two days, the old man's face looked as if he had aged several years, and his figure became even more hunched.

Even when he went to court on the fourth day, he seemed depressed.

Just when Zhu Ying felt the situation was very difficult, a piece of news came that made Zhu Yuanzhang furious.

Last year, the envoys sent by the Ming Dynasty to Timur were directly detained. Not only the Ming Dynasty, but also the envoys from the more distant Ottoman Empire and other countries were all detained by Timur.

While detaining them, they also declared war on all outsiders.

This news made Zhu Yuanzhang, who was already in a depressed mood, immediately fly into a rage during the morning court session.

Zhu Yuanzhang felt that he had been greatly deceived.

Although the eldest grandson had reminded him before that Timur had ulterior motives and was only submissive to the Ming Dynasty on the surface, he actually had ulterior motives.

Zhu Yuanzhang said verbally that he knew it, but he didn't care much in his heart. After all, as far as the entire West was concerned, Timur had given him enough face as the founding emperor, calling himself a subject to express his submission.

In fact, even if Timur was unwilling to surrender, it would not matter to Zhu Yuanzhang. However, the detention of the Ming envoy was a completely different matter.

He even declared war on the Ming Dynasty, which was really unreasonable. Zhu Yuanzhang felt that his trust had been wasted and was furious.

As he roared, all the officials in the Fengtian Palace were trembling with fear, fearing that His Majesty would kill someone as a sacrifice at this time.

Only Zhu Ying had a blank expression on his face, and there was even a hint of joy in the depths of his eyes.

Seeing the originally depressed old man suddenly become energetic, Zhu Ying was of course happy in his heart. Otherwise, if he continued in the original state, he could not forget how much burden it would have caused to the old man's body.

Now everything is fine, basically everything can be said to have been resolved.

As for Timur's matter, Zhu Ying really didn't take it seriously. Detaining the envoy would only embarrass the Ming Dynasty, and going to war would be impossible.

If two major powers want to go to war, the first problem they face is distance.

Judging from the map, the Western Regions and Timur's territory are connected, and it seems that they can really fight each other.

In fact, the part that is connected, whether it is the Ming Dynasty or Timur's side, is a marginal area, and most of it is desert. To say that the two countries are bordering is only in name.

No matter whose army wants to cross this place, the first thing they will face is a long march, losses in the desert, and no subsequent supplies.

Even if we bring enough food, how can we start a national war if the number of troops is small?

When two countries go to war, the starting scale is at least 500,000 troops. The food and grass supply for 500,000 troops is such a huge scale. If the front fails to capture cities smoothly, it is very likely to be destroyed.

Who can take such a big risk?

So it is hard to say whether this war will start.

Timur was just being arrogant.

At this time, the Minister of War Ru Yan stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I have something to report."

Zhu Yuanzhang was angry and said indifferently, "Speak."

Seeing Ru Hong coming forward, the ministers behind him were all worried for him.

At this time, keeping silent is the best choice. We must understand that words can cause trouble. If we don't say a word or fail to meet His Majesty's wishes,

Not to mention the black sand on the top of the head, even your life might be lost.

Ru Hong was calm, not panicking at all. He bowed and said, "Your Majesty, this Timur has evil ambitions and wants to bring disgrace to the Ming Dynasty and get rid of his former status as a vassal of the Ming Dynasty."

"It is precisely this behavior that makes me feel that he is a coward, a pure barbarian. If there is a civilized country, why would it detain envoys? Not only in my Central Plains Dynasty, but also in several major countries in the world, there is a rule not to kill envoys. This Timur has broken the rules of the world."

"I think the Ming Dynasty is far behind Timur. If we lead a large army, the logistics will be difficult to supply and many unexpected events will occur."

"I have heard about the situation on the grasslands. The Golden Horde, which was established by Genghis Khan's descendants, is being attacked by Timur. Therefore, I suggest sending envoys to the grasslands to contact the monarchs of the Northern Yuan Dynasty, the Oirat Khanate, the Golden Horde, and even the Eastern Chagatai Khanate, so that they can jointly conquer Timur in the name of our Ming Dynasty."

After saying this, the Minister of War Ru Heng bowed deeply to indicate that he had finished speaking.

These remarks made even Zhu Ying, who was standing in the Golden Throne Hall, look at them with great surprise.

As expected, to be able to hold the position of Shangshu, especially the current Shangshu of War, one must have extensive knowledge in all aspects and a very long-term vision.

In fact, Zhu Ying didn’t think so much about Timur.

Of course, it is impossible to leave the Ming envoys to suffer there.

After receiving the news, Zhu Ying prepared to send a message to the Qun Ying Chamber of Commerce and contact Pirma Heima through the previous channels.

Detaining an envoy is not a good behavior in itself. Pirmahema is still somewhat famous in Samarkand and is highly valued by Timur.

Just bring a message over. Even if the Ming envoy is not released, at least his life can be saved.

However, the suggestion of the Minister of War Ru Rong was to form alliances in the name of a great power, which put great pressure on Timur's eastern border.

No matter how stubborn Timur was, he would never fight against the four former Mongolian vassal states: the Golden Horde, the Eastern Chagatai Khanate, the Oirat, and the Northern Yuan Dynasty.

You have to know that although there are some differences among the five fiefdoms of Genghis Khan, in terms of territory, the difference is not that big.

It is true that Timur is the most powerful now, but the pressure in his heart is completely different when he thinks about facing the four Khanates.

Not to mention that there is the Ming Dynasty behind the scenes to mediate between the various parties.

To the west of Timur is the currently extremely powerful Ottoman Empire.

It takes courage to start a war across the country.

The move made by the Minister of War Ru Heng hit the snake directly at its weakest point.

"Good, that's a good idea."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes lit up and he immediately understood Ru Hong's idea and gave his approval immediately.

After thinking for a while, he said, "The Crown Prince is familiar with the affairs of the grassland. As for the selection of personnel and strategy, the Crown Prince and the Minister of War Ru Heng will be in charge this time."

To be honest, the ministers of the Ming Dynasty were completely unfamiliar with the grassland and even Timur who was further away.

Of Genghis Khan's five khanates, only one name is known.

In the past two years, Zhu Ying has continuously published some information about the customs and practices outside the Ming Dynasty in the Beijing Gazette, which has allowed many people to have some understanding.

Zhu Ying has spared no effort in popularizing world knowledge.

Only in this way can more people become interested in overseas markets, thus warming up for future external expansion.

After all, the Ming Dynasty was a civilized and courteous country, and it would not work with barbarians like Timur. Simply ordering the Ming army to go to war on foreign countries in the capacity of emperor would easily damage the internal reputation, leading to national unrest and passive fighting.

This simple layout concerns the morale of the entire country.

Just like Ru Rong today, if she didn't have enough knowledge about the grassland, she wouldn't be able to say such words.

It was Ru Rong's words today that made Zhu Ying realize a problem.

Before this, he had never taken the Ming Dynasty officials seriously in his heart. He thought they were just people who came to do nothing, reading the Four Books and Five Classics and taking the imperial examinations. Their knowledge was greatly limited, and they were best at engaging in internal struggles.

It was only then that I discovered that they actually have very high IQs and, as long as they are well guided, they are also very good at external struggles.

After the court meeting, in the Huagai Palace.

Zhu Ying smiled and said, "Minister Ru's words today really impressed me. I didn't expect that Minister Ru also had such profound insights on diplomacy."

Ru Rong bowed quickly and said, "I just had an occasional inspiration, I don't deserve your praise, Your Highness."

At this moment, Ru Hong suddenly felt very regretful.

He hadn't noticed it before, but now he thought of a problem, which was about the selection of the delegation to the grassland.

If His Royal Highness the Crown Prince thinks it would be best for him to go, then he would be really digging a hole for himself.

He is already close to 50 years old. If he continues to travel for a long time, he will lose half his life.

Sure enough, Zhu Ying asked immediately afterwards, "Regarding the candidates to join the various forces, does Minister Ru have any recommendations?"

"The person who goes there must have some understanding of the various forces, or at least be good at speaking. The Northern Yuan Dynasty is much easier, so I don't think there will be any problems. The Golden Horde and the Eastern Chagatai Khanate have been invaded by Timur for a long time, so this is also what Timur wants."

"The only problem is the Oirat. They live deep in the grasslands and occupy an important position. If we can't convince them to cause trouble in the back, Minister Ru's plan will be in vain."

After all, Zhu Ying had been in the Western Regions for many years, so he was very clear about the situation in all aspects of the grassland. He analyzed the matter in just a few words.

Unfortunately, Ruhong was sweating on her back at this time.

It seemed to him that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was clearly asking him to let him pass.

If His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is really sure about me, there will be no reason for me to refuse.

Hesitating in his heart, should he take command directly or wait for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to speak first?

If he were to take command directly, he would definitely win the favor of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

With a ruthless heart, Ru Hong was ready to speak.

But it was Zhu Ying who spoke first.

"As for the Wala side, I actually have a candidate in my mind." Zhu Ying's tone was a little hesitant.

Speaking of forming alliances and making coalitions, is there any other black-robed prime minister in history who is as proficient in this as Yao Guangxiao?

However, Yao Guangxiao is currently serving as the imperial teacher in Goryeo. If he goes to Wala, it is unknown whether it will have any impact on Goryeo.

Ru Hong breathed a sigh of relief at this moment.

It was obvious that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was not talking about me. It seemed that I was just making things worse.

Subconsciously, he asked, "I wonder who your Highness is talking about. Do I know him?"

Zhu Ying said: "I don't know if you know this person, but the one I'm talking about is Master Daoyan, who once served the King of Yan and is now the national teacher of Goryeo."

Ru Hong was surprised and said, "It turned out to be him. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince really has a good eye for people."

Zhu Ying exclaimed: "Minister Ru is also familiar with it?"

Ru Hong nodded and said, "Of course I am familiar with him. Ministers in the court should have had more or less contact with him."

"Master Daoyan is very famous in Tianjie Temple. He is well versed in the classics of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. I have had in-depth conversations with him many times and was impressed by his talent and learning."

After hearing these words, Zhu Ying finally realized the ability of Yao Guangxiao.

Fortunately, I was the first one to take action against him and made him leave Zhu Di's side, otherwise we might still be in the fight now.

No wonder he was called the Prime Minister in Black. He must have a very powerful network of contacts in the capital. Even a Shangshu like Ru Hong couldn't help but show admiration on his face when he mentioned him.

As the saying goes, there are three religions and nine classes. Now that we are familiar with the three religions, the nine classes are not far behind us.

In history, Zhu Di was able to successfully obtain the throne, and the contribution of Yao Guangxiao was probably immeasurable. No wonder he was known as the first meritorious minister in the Jingnan Campaign.

"Okay, since Minister Ru also thinks it's okay, then let Daoyan be in charge of Wala affairs. As for other candidates, Minister Ru, if you have any, you can recommend them directly." Zhu Ying made the decision.

Ru Hong was a little worried and said, "Daoyan is now the imperial teacher of Goryeo. I'm afraid he won't be too willing to be sent as an envoy to Wala."

Ru Hong didn't know what happened between Daoyan and Zhu Ying, nor did she know the specific situation inside Goryeo, so it was normal for her to have such doubts.

After all, Ren Daoyan is already the national teacher of Goryeo. Even though he is the crown prince of Ming Dynasty, he cannot be made to run around and work hard with just a few words.

Zhu Ying smiled nonchalantly and said, "It's okay. Daoyan and I are very familiar with each other. After he knows the news, he will definitely go."

Zhu Ying didn't know much about Yao Guangxiao's character, but he could be very sure that greed for power had nothing to do with Yao Guangxiao.

Historically, after Yao Guangxiao helped Zhu Di seize the throne, he escaped unscathed.

He distributed all the gold as a reward to his clansmen and villagers, wore court robes when attending court and monk's robes when leaving court, and refused to return to secular life as arranged by Zhu Di.

He didn't want any luxurious mansion or beautiful palace maids, and still lived in the temple, leading a life of simple meals.

How could such a person be greedy for the power of the small Goryeo national teacher?

Being able to realize his ambitions is what Yao Guangxiao is most interested in.