I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

Deshengbao Tea House, second floor tea room.

Shen Nian and the Third Sister sat facing each other.

After withdrawing her previous charming demeanor, Third Sister's entire aura became cold and aloof.

This is a ruthless woman who can lead tens of thousands of cavalrymen to charge and kill.

"Grand Secretary Shen, do you think that my involvement in the Deshengbao horse market and spreading the news that the Ming and Meng would close the market due to the Cold War was just to help my clan make a fortune before apologizing and seeking peace?"

"Isn't that right?" Shen Nian retorted.

"Making money is real, but whether you can make me apologize and seek peace depends on the sincerity of the Ming Dynasty. If you are talking to me to force me to marry Huang Taiji in order to resolve the internal strife of the Tumet tribe, then there is no need for us to talk!"

This statement reveals that Third Sister's disgust for Huang Taiji had reached its extreme.

She married Anda when she was a teenager because she had no say in the matter. Now, she would absolutely not want to jump into a deep pit again.

Shen Nian picked up his teacup, took a sip of tea, and said, "Initially, I thought that respecting the customs of the Tumed tribe and having the queen remarry Huang Taiji was the best way to solve the problem. However, when I learned that the queen was in her prime while Huang Taiji was over sixty, I rejected the idea. If my trip to the border only resulted in a marriage that was destined to be disharmonious, I would be ridiculed when I returned to the capital!"

Hearing this, Third Sister felt a warmth in her heart.

Only after confirming that the other party can accept that she will not remarry Huang Taiji can they continue to talk.

"I wonder what kind of sincerity the Princess Consort needs from the court?" Shen Nian asked.

Third Sister said bluntly: "First, I will bestow upon my son, Bu Tashi, the title of the second Prince of Shunyi; second, the Ming Dynasty will send troops disguised as my men to help me deal with Huang Taiji and his followers."

"As long as Grand Secretary Shen can promise these two things, we can maintain the friendly relations established after the Longqing Peace Treaty. The Tumed tribe has guarded the borders for the Ming Emperor for generations. If any tribe in the north dares to lead troops to plunder the Ming, I will punish them severely and give the Ming an explanation!"

Upon hearing these two conditions, Shen Nian couldn't help but smile.

He shook his head slightly.

"I apologize, but I cannot agree to either of these conditions!"

"First, the bestowal of the title of Prince Shunyi depends on whether this Prince Shunyi can represent the Tumed tribe and whether he is willing to pay tribute to the Ming Dynasty. Neither you nor your son currently have this ability. Second, the Ming Dynasty will not interfere in the Tumed tribe's internal war!"

Third Sister suddenly became a little anxious.

"As long as you help me deal with Huang Taiji, I can represent the Tumed tribe. I have always been inclined to pay tribute to the Ming Dynasty!"

Shen Nian shook her head again: "Only after the Princess Consort has dealt with Huang Taiji can we discuss the issue of bestowing titles. Let's not reverse the order!"

"Then...then...how can we even talk? Are you planning to watch me and Huang Taiji fight each other, and then support whoever wins?"

"Yes!"

Shen Nian nodded seriously, and then, feeling a little smug, added, "However, I still lean a little more towards the Princess!"

Third Sister was so angry that her chest trembled, and she couldn't help but cross her arms in front of her chest.

"I...I...I am willing to negotiate, hoping that the Ming Dynasty can help me. If you don't help me, my son will not be able to become the new leader of the Tumed tribe. Once the Tumed tribe splits, it will also affect the border trade of the Ming Dynasty!"

Shen Nian remained calm and said, "Your Highness, I believe you have the ability to make your son the new leader of the Tumed tribe!"

"You...you...are you really going to stand by and watch?" Third Sister was so angry that her eyes turned red, and she clenched her teeth as she looked at Shen Nian.

Unexpectedly, Shen Nian's attitude was firm, and she refused to help at all.

Shen Nian thought about it.

"How about this? Today, Your Highness will first apologize on behalf of the Tumed tribe, declare severe punishment for the eighteen tribesmen who started the trouble, and show your unwavering loyalty to the Ming Dynasty. Then I will petition the court to bestow upon you the title of First-Rank Loyal and Obedient Lady. In this way, all the Tumed tribes will know that you are close to the Ming Dynasty, and that the Ming Dynasty is your patron. What do you think?"

The title of First-Rank Loyal and Obedient Lady was an honor bestowed upon Third Lady as the wife of Shunyi King Anda.

If the new Prince of Shunyi is not her son, but Huang Taiji, then as long as she does not marry Huang Taiji, Huang Taiji will have the right to request the Ming court to abolish her title of First-Rank Lady Zhongshun.

However, being blocked right now still has some use.

After pausing for a moment, the Third Madam looked at Shen Nian again and said, "If I deal with Huang Taiji, can you bestow upon my son the title of Prince of Shunyi?"

The title of Prince Shunyi is particularly important.

Without the Ming Dynasty's bestowal of titles, the Tumed tribe's trade on the border would be greatly affected, and surrounding tribes might also cause trouble.

Shen Nian thought for a moment and said, "I can apply for an official title for him a year from now!"

Upon hearing this, Third Sister slightly pursed her lips and said, "Grand Secretary Shen, I really can't gain any advantage over you at all!"

Shen Nian smiled and said, "Your Highness, I am very generous. The eight cartloads of discounted silk from Yaodong Trading Company are my way of showing my sincerity. Isn't that enough?"

Third Sister rolled her eyes at Shen Nian.

When it comes to cunning, she is no match for Mingren, let alone a genius among Mingren.

"Then... after my son becomes the chieftain of the Tumet tribe, could you open a few more markets on the border?"

“That’s a good idea. Trade in the northern border of our Great Ming is becoming increasingly prosperous, and we need more trading partners. As long as they are friends, the more the better!” Shen Nian said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Third Sister slowly stood up.

Just when Shen Nian thought the peace talks were about to end smoothly, Third Sister suddenly walked up to him, only half a step away.

Just as Shen Nian was about to stand up, San Niangzi suddenly pressed down on his shoulder with one of her hands.

After that, Shen Nian only saw a flash of white light.

Swish!
With her other hand, Third Sister drew a curved knife from her waist and placed it against his neck.

"It's really hard to get an advantage from you. Believe me, I'll tie you up right now, demand one million taels of silver from the Ming Dynasty, and then I'll take the money and head deep into the grasslands to live a carefree life!"

Shen Nian remained calm and said, "I don't believe it! The princess has her own people in her heart and knows the price of killing me. You would never allow your people to be caught up in war and have the Guihua City that you personally built turned into ruins."

Upon hearing this, Third Sister smiled.

Swish!
The scimitar was sheathed.

"You really can't be scared!" Third Sister suddenly reached out and hooked Shen Nian's chin, saying, "I've suddenly taken a liking to you. Why don't you give yourself to me, and I'll make you the king of the grasslands, how about that?"

After saying that, Third Sister's face moved closer to Shen Nian.

When their noses were only a fist's distance apart, Shen Nian, who was sitting in the chair, wanted to back away, but there was no room left.

Shen Nian's face flushed slightly, feeling as if he was about to be sexually assaulted, but he knew he was no match for Third Sister.

Just as he was about to shout "Indecent assault," the third lady took a few steps back and said triumphantly, "Hmph, you little man, you can even blush sometimes!"

She felt she had finally gotten the better of Shen Nian.

Then, the Third Sister walked towards the door without turning her head and said, "Within a month, I will make my son the new chieftain of the Tumet tribe and control the surrounding tribes, ensuring they will not cause trouble. As for the apology, let's do it tomorrow at noon!"

After saying that, Third Sister opened the door and left the room.

Soon, Bai Dachun, Zhang Jingxiu, and Qi Hu rushed to Shen Nian's side.

Shen Nian stood up, smiled slightly, and said to Qi Hu, "Qi Hu, immediately notify Zheng Dutang and General Guo, and have them take those eighteen Mongol prisoners and set off overnight. They must arrive at Deshengbao Horse Market before noon tomorrow to accept Third Madam's apology and peace talks!"

"Yes!" Qi Hu replied excitedly, immediately instructing the Imperial Guards outside the door to go and inform them.

……

The following day at noon, at Deshengbao Horse Market.

On the Jade Emperor Pavilion, Minister of War Shen Nian, Governor-General of the Three Border Regions Zheng Luo, and General Guo Hu of Datong Town accepted a document from the Third Lady apologizing to the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The Emperor promised to severely punish the eighteen Mongols involved.

at the same time.

Third Sister solemnly promised that as long as she was in the Tumed tribe, the Tumed tribe would abide by the agreement of the Longqing Peace Treaty, fulfill the tribute contract, and guard the border for the Ming Emperor together with the border soldiers.

……

After the two parties signed the supplementary agreement, San Niangzi left Deshengbao Horse Market and headed straight for the Tumed tribe's headquarters, Guihua City.

She gained the approval of the Ming Dynasty.

Then she would be the head of the Tumed tribe, and those who opposed the Longqing peace treaty were opposed to the Ming Dynasty, so she had the right to severely punish them.

She knew that the Ming Dynasty would not take action, but the tribes of the Tumet tribe did not know that Third Sister could use her soon-to-be-granted title of "First-Rank Loyal and Obedient Lady" as a pretext to swallow up Huang Taiji's power.

Her power was already greater than Huang Taiji's, but she lacked a legitimate reason to launch her campaign. Now, the Ming Dynasty has given her a title.

……

at the same time.

Shen Nian also informed Zheng Luo, Guo Hu, and others of the specific details of the peace talks.

The Ming Dynasty doesn't need to pay any price; it can simply wait for Third Sister to replace Huang Taiji.

Shen Nian believed that Third Sister could do it.

However, he had already secretly sent spies to Guihua City. If Third Sister failed, the Ming border army would be mobilized to help her become the true leader of the Tumo tribe. But the Ming border army would certainly demand some reward for their involvement.

While Zheng Luo, Guo Hu, and others were reporting to the imperial court.

News of Third Sister's apology and the peace talks spread throughout Deshengbao Horse Market.

This instantly excited the merchants of the Ming Dynasty.

The apology and negotiations mean that the market in Tak Shing Fort will not have to close a month later, and that they can continue doing business.

Soon, commodity prices not only returned to normal, but even rose slightly.

……

March 12th, early in the morning.

Shen Nian left Deshengbao Market and began to tour other markets in the surrounding area.

Third Sister promised to resolve Huang Taiji's problem within a month and make his eldest son the new leader of the Tumed tribe. Shen Nian had to wait for Third Sister's reply before he could leave Datong Town.

Shen Nian calculated the time it would take to send a message from Guihua City to Datong Town.

If Third Sister completes the task in exactly one month, then Shen Nian can leave Datong Town after April 20th and return to the capital to report back.

If the task is not completed within the time limit or cannot be completed, Shen Nian will need to resolve the matter before returning to Beijing.

……

In early March, three major events occurred in the capital.

Firstly, the selection of nine concubines by the eunuchs was successfully completed.

Emperor Wanli announced the list of nine concubines to be selected in the Hall of Supreme Harmony: Zhou was appointed as Concubine Duan, Zheng as Concubine Shu, Wang as Concubine An, Shao as Concubine Jing, Li as Concubine De, Liang as Concubine He, Li as Concubine Rong, Zhang as Concubine Shun, and Wei as Concubine Shen.
Secondly, the palace maid, Lady Wang, whom Emperor Wanli had an affair with at the end of last year, is pregnant.

After the imperial physicians confirmed that Lady Wang was pregnant, Empress Dowager Li immediately moved her to a better palace. Regardless of whether she gave birth to a boy or a girl, she would become a concubine of the young Wanli Emperor.

The investiture ceremony will be held after the pregnancy has stabilized somewhat.

If they could produce an eldest son, the entire Wang family would rise to high positions.

Thirdly, after requesting a month's leave in early February, Zhang Juzheng requested another month's leave.

At this time, he had already undergone surgery to remove his hemorrhoids and was applying medicine to heal his wounds. Currently, he was weak in his limbs, his blood and energy were severely depleted, and he was lying on the bed and unable to get up at all.

Officials in the capital flocked to the temple to pray for him.

Some people even performed Buddhist rituals and set up ceremonies, praying that Zhang Juzheng's health would recover quickly.

Emperor Wanli sent eunuchs to Zhang Juzheng's residence multiple times to inquire about his condition, showering him with gifts and offering prayers in the palace, hoping that Zhang Juzheng could return to the cabinet soon.

……

April 5th, early morning.

About 350 li north of Datong Town, on the sunny side of Daqing Mountain, stands a magnificent city.

This city was modeled after the Yuan Dynasty capital, Dadu, and its outer perimeter was entirely made of blue bricks. The Ming Dynasty bestowed upon it the name Guihua City, also known as San Niangzi City.

The locals also gave it a Mongolian name: Kukuhetun, which means blue city.

Some people also translate it as: Hohhot.

As the first rays of dawn shone on the city walls of Guihua City, a weary-looking Third Sister walked up to the city tower.

She looked back at Guihua City and murmured, "This city was built by me, so it should naturally belong to me."

It lasted for more than 20 days.

Using her wisdom, her understanding of Guihua City, and her knowledge of the entire Tumed tribe, Third Sister finally defeated Huang Taiji.

Instead of killing Huang Taiji, she imprisoned him. Huang Taiji, who was over sixty years old, clearly did not have many years left to live.

Today, her eldest son, the seventh son of Altan Khan, Buta Shili, will become the chieftain of the Tumed tribe, and she will become the true leader of the Tumed tribe.

"I will definitely turn Kuku and Tun into a city that can rival the capital!" Third Sister murmured.

For her, the next step is to vigorously develop commerce, otherwise the gap between the rich and poor in the Ming Dynasty will only widen.

……

April 9th, afternoon.

Shen Nian first received a message from the secret agents in Guihua City, and then received a message from the Third Sister's messenger.

The chieftain of the Tumet tribe has become the eldest son of the Third Sister, which is impolite of him.

Shen Nian was overjoyed.

He has already requested a title for the Third Lady, and next he plans to request a title for him for not being impolite.

It is not his fault that he was originally a Commander-in-Chief (a third-rank official) appointed by the Ming Dynasty. It is impossible to appoint him as the Prince of Shunyi, but it is not a problem to appoint him as a General of the Cavalry (a second-rank official).

Judging from the current situation, as long as Third Sister guards Guihua City, there will be no war in the northern border.

Within ten years, as long as there is no war in the northern border, Shen Nian will have plenty of opportunities to deal with the Jurchens in Liaodong who keep showing their provocations.

……

On April 12, Shen Nian and his party left Datong Town and began their return to Beijing.

Shen Nian and Zhang Jingxiu both knew that Zhang Juzheng's condition was serious and showing signs of worsening, so they had to rush back. (End of Chapter)