Women were more resistant to the temptation of achieving great achievements and leaving their names in the annals of history. Yang Ling's flowery words would have made an overjoyed ruler, but Yin Qi had a wary look on her face. Seeing this, Yang Ling also became nervous.
Political marriages were common in ancient times and even in modern times, whether in China or abroad, and the people involved rarely found it strange. In fact, in the era when ordinary families first entered the bridal chamber and then fell in love, this kind of marriage was more stable and happy. In the era when family interests were above all else, as a symbol of the two forces, the marriage was covered with a sacred veil.
Objectively speaking, even if the identity of the two sides and the long-term benefits of the marriage were ignored, Yang Ling and Yin Qi's personal conditions could be regarded as a match made in heaven. In fact, Yin Qi also fell in love with 'Yang Ying'.
If 'Yang Ying' was just an ordinary herdsman who was skilled in archery and horse riding, as the leader of the tribe, would Yin Qi agree to marry him so easily?
However, Yang Ling was not used to this kind of marriage. He felt that it was unfair to Yin Qi and himself. To marry in this way, Yang Ling always felt that it was a blasphemy against his feelings, and he instinctively rejected it. However, he was now forced into a corner. Now that the husband of the other party had suddenly become his wife, how could this matter be resolved with just a few words of explanation?
Moreover, whether it was going to be a showdown with the emperor, asking for permission to expand the territory, or going north with the Mongolian tribes to conquer the large and small Tartar Khaganates in the north, they all needed the cooperation of the Duoyan tribe, who had now become the ruler of the grasslands.
If the interests of the two forces were not combined through marriage, so that the two families could advance and retreat together, Yin Qi, who was ashamed and angry at the matchmaker's daughter for disguising herself as a man and using her, would still be willing to believe Yang Ling's words? Would she still help Yang Ling put pressure on the imperial court? Would they still obey his wishes, give up the land in Liaodong, move to the Onan River, spare no effort to cooperate with him in building an industrial base in Liaodong, building a granary in the Great Northern Wilderness, stabilizing the steppe, cooperate with him in building an army skilled in warfare to conquer the north, and occupy Siberia before the Ross Duchy's eastward expedition?
Everything was now tied to a marriage. The significance was not in the marriage itself, but in the fact that it allowed both parties to see each other's interests as their own and act accordingly. The current Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain, the leader of the largest political group in Europe, was born from a political marriage between two generations of his father and grandfather. The sudden rise of the Ross Principality from a third-rate country in Europe was all thanks to Ivan III marrying Princess Sophia, who had the purest royal blood in Europe. Yang Ling's Ming Destiny Northward Expansion seemed to have no choice but to take this step.
However, what was more absurd was that the alliance of those forces was clearly to make the weak strong, to annex and expand, and to join hands to fight others. And Yang Ling's idea for Yin Qi was to strengthen his own bargaining chips and put pressure on Ming Destiny, who was preparing to fight for the expansion of his territory. He was first to unite with outsiders to solve internal problems, and then to expand outward for internal problems.
What else could he do? Without enough arbitrary power, it was impossible to expand in a place far away from Ming Destiny. The court was content with the status quo, and the only thing they needed to do was rest. There were too many officials in China who did not want to be tired. To persuade these rotten scholars to take the initiative to start a war was as difficult as reaching the heavens. On top of that, the strength of imperial power … Without the help of external forces, it was extremely difficult to realize this dream.
Yang Ling had used all kinds of methods to find common interests with different forces to form an alliance. The internal court, the external court, the local forces, and the aristocrats of Jiangnan. Now, he had to use this special method to seek an alliance with the tribes outside the pass.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Yang Ling laughed bitterly in his heart. I am changing this world, isn't this world also changing me?
Yang Ling slowly opened his mouth and said, "The first thing is relatively simple."
"What is it?" Yin Qi's two eyes were like copper bells, her two small hands clenched into fists, her back arched nervously, and her body slightly leaned forward.
"There are at least 12 Bansheng cities on the Tatar plains. The big ones have more than 30,000 people, and the small ones have four to five thousand. Most of them are Han slaves, managed by a few Tatar and Han leaders. They are allowed to open up land and plant crops along the river. These people add up to more than 100,000 people, and they are all Han people who have been bullied and humiliated.
Now that the Bansheng city masters see that the Tartars have lost their power, they will definitely submit to the Queen, hoping to get your protection. My first condition is that you first stabilize them and prevent them from taking advantage of the loss of control of the plains and absconding with their wealth. When your army enters the Tatar plains and takes over the rule, you have to capture all of these traitors and hand them over to Ming Destiny's border army! "
If the invaders deserved to die, then the traitors who helped the invaders harm their own people deserved to die ten thousand times! Whether in ancient times or modern times, these kinds of animals that were worse than pigs and dogs were the most hated. Yang Ling had not forgotten about them, and he would not watch them change and rely on a new master to continue enjoying the flesh and blood of their own people.
"That's easy, I promise you." Yin Qi let out a sigh of relief and immediately agreed.
"I haven't finished yet. From now on, those Han people cannot be treated as slaves. If they are willing to return to the pass, let them go. If they are willing to stay, the land they open up will be given to them as their personal property. Of course, they are civilians under your rule. You have the right to collect food from them as taxes."
"Okay!" Yin Qi's lips curled into a relaxed smile. Not only is he not bad looking, but he is also not bad at heart. Hmm … he was the same family as my Brother Yang Ying 500 years ago.
"The second thing. You should know that the Ming Destiny's territory stretches for thousands of miles from the capital to Nu 'er Gan, but it is separated by the Three Duoyan Guards and the Jurchen tribes. They cannot coordinate with each other. In terms of military affairs, there is no geographical advantage to speak of. Many of the relay stations are set up in the territory of the Three Duoyan Guards and the Jurchen tribes. Transportation and transportation are extremely inconvenient.
The land under your jurisdiction was given to you by Emperor Yongle because of your meritorious service during the Jingnan period. It is also a barrier for Ming Destiny. Now that you have replaced the Tartars as the king of the plains, you no longer have the responsibility of the Duoyan, Fuyu, and Taining Ming Destiny's territories. Therefore, these three territories should be returned to their original owners. "
"Hand over the territory of the Three Duoyan Guards?" Yin Qi was taken aback. Her face changed slightly, and the relaxed smile disappeared.
"Don't be nervous." Yang Ling picked up the teacup and gently stirred the tea. He smiled as if nothing had happened. "The Three Duoyan Guards are just a small place. Look to the west, across the Zhuo 'er River, the sky is high, and the horizon is wide. The grassland is dozens of times larger than the Three Duoyan Guards. With such a large piece of land, shouldn't you return it to the Three Duoyan Guards?
Moreover, since you have become the king of the grassland, how can you govern the thousands of tribes under your rule if you stay in the territory of Ming Destiny? Hehe, I am very fair. Yin Qi, you see, the Hetao Plain originally belonged to our Ming Destiny. We will take it back. As for the land of the Three Duoyan Guards of Liaodong, now that you have been promoted to the Khan of the grassland and no longer bear the responsibility of the Ming Destiny Guards, I will take it back. I have not taken advantage of you at all, don't you think so? "
Yin Qi snorted and did not argue with him. She carefully considered the conditions of both sides. Looking at the powerful firepower he showed just now, at least in terms of positional warfare, it would be difficult to resist the force of Ming Destiny's army. If Ming Destiny supported Wala, then Wala would occupy more land than what was proposed now. Being able to conquer the grassland did not mean that she could rule it. If she wanted to rule the Tartar grassland, she still needed the support and cooperation of Ming Destiny in politics, military, and economy.
What's more, the left, right, and rear were all Ming Destiny's Guards, so it could not be the Khan's station. Once her army retreated, this place would actually become Ming Destiny's sphere of influence. Instead of that, it was better to show generosity. It would be more beneficial for the future cooperation between both sides.
The economy of the grassland was mainly nomadic, and the concept of fixed territory was extremely weak. Once the water and grass dried up in a place, they would abandon it without hesitation and move to another place. The most valuable thing in the eyes of the tribes who lived in the water and grass was the grassland. The Dutch could exchange a few glass beads for Manhattan Island from the Indians. It was not that the Indians were stupid, but in the eyes of these tribes who lived by hunting, the most valuable thing was not the land itself.
The grasslands of the three Duoyan Guards could not be compared to the territory of the Tartars, be it the size or the fertility of the grasslands. Obtaining the entire grasslands of the Tartars was like a poor man with only two silver coins suddenly finding a pouch full of gold coins. Of course, the small amount of wealth that he had originally regarded as his eyeballs was no longer important to him.
Yin Qi frowned her delicate eyebrows and carefully calculated for a long time. She felt that this business was still very cost-effective, so she nodded very seriously and said, "Okay, I also promise you this."
Yin Qi then smiled slyly, tilted her head, and squinted at him. She said, "But … I want you to fulfill the conditions you promised me first. When my city is built, I will lead the whole tribe to migrate. We also have to discuss the location of the city and decide together. "
"Of course, if you don't marry me, there is no need to build this city. I will go back to Beijing to be a duke. If you marry me, your city will be my city. Of course, you, as the hostess, must be satisfied. "Yang Ling felt that he was very evil, a little like a strange uncle who coaxed a little girl to see the goldfish.
He laughed and said, "No problem, I will follow the Queen's will."
"Well!" Yin Qi nodded with satisfaction. She suddenly realized that she was not small anymore. At least, she did not suffer any losses in negotiating with this cunning Duke Ming Destiny.
She quietly straightened her back and tried her best to puff out her chest. Looking at the beautiful curves of her chest, she suddenly realized that her chest was actually not that small. She confidently said, "Tell me, what is the third condition of the High Duke?"
This time it was Yang Ling who was nervous. He sneaked a glance outside. Cheng Qiyun and Hong Niangzi had not arrived yet. Yang Ling had no choice but to bite the bullet and say, "Uh … This third condition is a personal matter of mine. When the Wala messenger came to see me, he brought a few beautiful dancers from the Western Regions, Persia, and India. But … one who has seen the ocean cannot see the water. I didn't fancy any of those beauties, but I only liked a beautiful girl from the Duoyan tribe. I want … cough cough, to ask the Queen for a woman. "
Yin Qi's pretty face suddenly turned red. She was still an unmarried girl. This Duke Yang … just praised him and he showed his true colors. There were really not many good men!
Yin Qi blushed and bashfully for a while. Then, she mustered up her courage and said, "This … Duke Yang is outstanding and has a high position. I think the girl you like will also be very happy to have the opportunity to serve you. If Duke Yang likes it, I am naturally willing to do it. But I wonder which girl does Duke like? "
Yang Ling laughed dryly and said, "Although the Han Mongols do not forbid marriage, but … this girl has a special identity. If the Queen does not agree, it will be difficult for this good thing to happen."
Yin Qi became curious, "Which girl in my tribe is favored by Duke Yang? Moreover, marriage is common. With Duke Yang's identity, he can marry any girl he wants. Why do you need my permission? "
Yang Ling let out an awkward laugh, sweat faintly appearing on his forehead. "Uh, because this person is a member of the Queen's Residence." He sneaked a glance outside, but Hong Niang and Cheng Qiyun still hadn't shown themselves.
"My residence? Is it a dancer from my residence or … "Yin Qi suddenly thought of someone and was shocked," Could it be her? Last time, when he invited Duke Wei, she offered Hada and wine to Yang Ling. In Duo Yan City, probably only she, Aruna, was qualified to be the most seductive and alluring beauty.
Before Father got Serimuzhuo 'er, he doted on her the most among his 40 wives and concubines. She is only 21 years old now and is young and beautiful. No wonder Duke Yang likes her. She is my father's concubine. If he wants to betroth her to someone, of course I have to agree. But … but Uncle Wuliang Ha …? "
Yin Qi was in a dilemma. According to the custom of her tribe, when a man died, his wife could be adopted by a brother of the same generation or a son could take in a concubine other than the mother. This custom was no exception in the mansions of the nobles. After Genghis Khan's death, his two sons asked to marry one of his most favored beauties.
But in their customs, they did not have the custom of the Han officials or nobles, even if it was because of a drinking contest or a poetry discussion, or because they were on the same wavelength, they would give concubines or borrow concubines. Although it was not impossible to give concubines in private, Hua Dang's status was different. In the Great Ming side, he was a prince conferred by the royal family, his wife and concubines were noblewomen. In the Mongolian side, his wife and concubines could be married to her husband's brother or son, but there was no reason to give them to outsiders. Moreover, Wuliang Ha was a strong supporter of Yin Qi in the Duoyan tribe. She did not want to hurt her uncle's feelings.
Yin Qi asked carefully, "You … you don't want to be my father's concubine, right?"
Yang Ling was stunned. He laughed and said, "Of course not."
Yin Qi was immediately relieved. She laughed and said, "Good! As long as it is not my father's concubine, it is easy. As long as you say it, you can have any woman in my residence. "
Yang Ling heard this and opened his eyes. He said, "Is the Queen's words true?"
Yin Qi said proudly, "Although I am a woman, I am a man of my words!"
"If that's the case …" Yang Ling stood up from his seat and said shamelessly, "Yang Ling thanks my wife."
"Hahaha … no need to be so polite … Eh? What did you say? " Yin Qi saw him bowing and quickly got up to help him. When she heard the second half of Yang Ling's sentence, she was shocked and staggered. Instead, she asked Yang Ling to help her.
Yin Qi shook off Yang Ling's hand. She blushed and suppressed her anger. "Duke, please behave yourself. I … I am already married to the King of Northern Ying. Don't you know?"
Yang Ling laughed bitterly. "Of course I know. Yin Qi, there are other secrets. I will tell you in detail later. I just want to know, if there is no Yang Ying in this world, do you think I am worthy of you? "
Yin Qi's eyes flickered and became a little strange.
Yang Ling took a step forward and launched a gentle attack. He said in a low voice, "Ever since we met on the White Mountain, your intelligence and beauty have left a deep impression on Yang. This trip to the Northern Frontier …"
With a 'qiang' sound, the dagger in Yin Qi's hand was unsheathed. That dagger was the token that Red Lady and Yin Qi exchanged for. The sharp sword pressed against Yang Ling's shoulder. Yang Ling could not help but be stunned. He cried out involuntarily, "What are you doing? Even if you don't agree, you don't have to kill me, right? "
"I understand." Yin Qi gritted her teeth. "Tacitly allowing us to form an alliance with the White Coat Army is just a delaying tactic! Now that the enemy, Bayan Meng, has been eliminated, the cunning rabbit is dead and the hound is cooked, you are sweet talking me and want me to help you deal with Yang Ying gege, right? "
When she asked if he was right, the tip of her sword pressed down. Yang Ling took a step back. He laughed bitterly. "You are mistaken. It is not what you think …"
Ai! This future wife seemed to be more loyal to the other wife. She was not afraid of falling out and attacked right in front of him. Yang Ling did not know whether to laugh or cry.
Because Yang Ling's discussion was not suitable for others to hear, he had already sent his attendants away. No one was willing to help him. Yin Qi laughed coldly. "I said you won the battle and did not leave! I said you offered such good conditions! Tell me, what do you mean by there is no Yang Ying in this world? "
Thinking of Yang Ling's methods, if he really wanted to get rid of the White Coat Army and Yang Ying, he would have already set up many evil plots against Yang Ying. Yin Qi's voice trembled.
Only now did Yang Ling know where the problem was. He did not know how to explain and dispel Yin Qi's misunderstanding. Suddenly, two screams came from the door. Someone shouted, "Yin Qi, stop!"
Yin Qi turned around and saw the Yang siblings. She said happily, "Yang Ying gege, you are here. He … he wants to incite me to deal with your White Coat Army."
Red Madame didn't know how the two of them talked, but she didn't have the time to ask now. That shining sword on Yang Ling's neck really made one's heart palpitate. She hastily said: "You put down the sword first, we can talk slowly."
Yin Qi stamped her feet. "Why don't you believe me? This is his military camp. If we let him go, he will give an order and we will all be trapped here. "
Hong Niang smiled gently. She looked at Yang Ling and said softly, "Let go of Duke. He will not hurt you. He will not hurt you. Believe me, Yin Qi!"
Yin Qi stared at her for a moment. Gradually, she was calmed down by her calm eyes. She slowly withdrew her sword and took two steps back. She asked doubtfully, "What happened? You … are you hiding something from me?"
Her woman's intuition told her that there seemed to be an unusual relationship between 'Yang Ying', Yang Ling, and Cheng Qiyun from the three people's expressions.
"Yinqi, we're completely focused on dealing with Bayan Meng, this ambitious wolf of the grassland. That's why we've long since decided to use the bandits as a cover and fish in troubled waters. We've never been targeting you from the start. The White Coat Army is the army of the imperial court.
When we heard that you held the Damu Conference, we just wanted to help you unify the three guards. We wanted to suppress Bai Yin's ambition internally to avoid division. We also wanted to resist Boyan Meng and pacify the grassland externally. As for your marriage … we did not think of it in advance. Everything is a freak accident! Yin Qi, there is no such person as Yang Ying in this world! "
After hearing Yang Ling's words, Yin Qi suddenly turned to Yang Ying. She widened her eyes and said with surprise and pity, "The White Coat Army is the army of Ming Destiny's imperial court? You … you are not Xiangma or Yang Ying. Then who are you? " She still had a fantasy in her heart. Even if he was not Xiangma or Yang Ying, it did not matter. He was still here.
Red Madame softly sighed. This was a family of three bullying a lonely and destitute little girl. She took a step forward and said softly, "Yin Qi, I … I am not Yang Ying. I am Cui Ying 'er. I am … his woman."
Her watery eyes drifted to Yang Ling. Hong Niang raised her hand above her head and took off her scarf. Immediately, her face was filled with charm and her beautiful hair fell down.
Yin Qi cried out. Her heart, along with the sword in her hand, fell to the ground with a 'clang'.
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