The prosperity of the empire cannot be reflected in the vast territory of the empire.

The Ming Dynasty was thousands of miles away and had nine borders. Under the Great Wall, there were hundreds of thousands of frontier soldiers. They could not bathe in the glory before the empire's heyday, nor could they feel the warmth of the extremely rich material in Yingtian City of the capital.

In Ningxia Prefecture, Shaanxi Province, three thousand miles away from the capital, the ground is also covered with white snow at this moment, and the eyes are boundless.

As one of the nine important towns in the Ming Dynasty, controlling the west side of the Yellow River and sitting on the Helan Mountain, Ningxia Prefecture has numerous fortifications and military camps on the northwest bank of the Yellow River.

This ancient capital of the Western Xia Dynasty is known as the land of fish and rice in the south of the Yangtze River. The Yellow River has changed its course due to constant flooding, so Ningxia Prefecture has a rare and rich water system in this land north of the Great Wall.

It's just that at this time of year, the rivers are frozen, the mountains are covered with snow, and there are few people outside the city and fortress.

In the northernmost part of Ningxia Prefecture, where the northernmost part of Helan Mountain meets the Yellow River, Zhenyuan Pass guards the gate to the northern part of Shanxi Road.

Zhenyuan Pass is located at the closest point between the mountains and the Yellow River. The Great Wall is built with rocks quarried on the spot and resists the invasion of enemies from the north.

It's just that nowadays, the Ming Dynasty is at its peak, and the area outside the pass to the north of the Hetao is the border between the Tatar tribe and the Oara tribe. In recent years, there have been few major wars breaking out here.

But even so, it could not make the court feel relieved, and it did not dare to relax even a moment.

The Zhenyuan Army, numbering up to three thousand, is stationed at Zhenyuan Pass all year round.

In previous years, Zhenyuan Pass can be said to be a bitterly cold place among the nine bitter colds.

It's just that this year is a little different.

There was no other reason than that the imperial court sent the Yi official who had negotiated mutual trade with the Oara tribe in the early stage. As an imperial envoy, he not only brought officials from Honglu Temple and the Ministry of Rites, but also brought pro-army soldiers and horses and a large amount of supplies.

Heavy snow covered the mountains.

But behind the border wall of Zhenyuan Pass, there is smoke curling up.

The aroma of food can be smelled everywhere at this pass.

Opposite the Yamen of the Guarding General is the Yamen of Zhenyuan Pass.

The Guarding General's Yamen is responsible for commanding the three thousand border troops at Zhenyuan Pass, and is in charge of a third-rank commander sent by the Ningxia Guard.

The chief officer of the Guansuo Yamen is only an eighth-grade governor. But he is in charge of all matters in Zhenyuan Pass except military matters.

But now, due to the arrival of the imperial envoy, the Guansuo Yamen has been vacated.

Hu Yongning, the governor of Zhenyuan Pass, wearing a green robe, was carrying a bamboo basket covered with indigo floral cloth, but it could not cover the exposed fish tail.

Holding a bamboo basket in one hand and an official robe in the other, Hu Yongning carefully walked into the customs office from the south, all the way to the gate of the customs office.

The imperial envoy guarding the yamen gate accompanied the officers and soldiers. They just looked at the governor indifferently and let him pass freely.

Entered the Yamen.

Hu Yongning continued to walk inside.

Not long after, they passed through the main hall in front and arrived at the back office, which had little decoration and only a few rare fir trees planted there.

In the corner of the courtyard, a greenhouse was built, with a charcoal stove lit and windows on the wall. It was also a good place to enjoy the scenery.

Hu Yongning arrived all the way to the greenhouse, with a natural smile on his face.

"Fan Shaoqing, the big carp from the Yellow River that Xiaguan just ordered people to dig out the river and fish out is a good ingredient for cooking pots and wine. It was specially sent to Fan Shaoqing."

Hu Yongning introduced with a smile as he walked into the greenhouse carrying a bamboo basket.

I only saw the greenhouse.

Fan Chong, the first foreigner in the Ming Dynasty to be awarded an imperial official position, was wearing a green robe with rolled-up sleeves. He held bamboo chopsticks in his hands and sat at the table, scooping out the cooked mutton soup from the pot on the table.

Tofu.

right.

Fan Chong has now been promoted.

In order to facilitate the discussion of mutual trade with the Oara tribe, he was promoted to the official position of Shaoqing of Honglu Temple. This time, he came to Zhenyuan Pass to discuss various matters with the envoy of the Oara tribe, Mahamu.

As a fifth-rank young minister of Honglu Temple, Fan Chong looked quite impressive now when he put on the green robe.

He looked at Hu Yongning who came in with a basket, and gently put down the chopsticks in his hand with a faint smile on his face.

"Thank you, Governor Hu. I have been here for a long time, and Governor Hu has been taking care of me, which makes me ashamed."

As a person in the Ming Dynasty and in the officialdom, Fan Chong consciously learned the Ming Dynasty's practices in the officialdom.

With a smile on his face, Hu Yongning carefully placed the bamboo basket on the edge of the table. While he was busy taking out the big fish that had been cleaned long ago, he cut it into small pieces in front of Fan Chong.

Put the chunks into the mutton soup and tofu pot.

He said diligently: "What are you talking about, Fan Shaoqing? Shaoqing is an imperial envoy by decree. Those who come to our Zhenyuan Pass are all imperial envoys, and they don't know how to do other things besides being an official. Naturally,

We can only take good care of Shaoqing and never dare to cause any trouble to Shaoqing's body in Zhenyuan Pass."

Fan Chong saw that Hu Yongning had already put half of the fish into the pot, and also sprinkled a piece of his favorite coriander into the pot, so he picked up his chopsticks and nodded at the stool that had been left beside him: "Brother Hu

Please take a seat quickly, it would be boring for me to drink here without you."

Obviously, this is not the first time that the two of them drank and ate like this.

Fan Chong looked at Hu Yongning's face and poured him a glass of wine.

Hu Yongning was half sitting on the stool as usual, holding the wine glass in both hands.

"I respect you, your Majesty."

Fan Chong waved his hand: "Drink together."

After the two drank a glass of wine, Fan Chong picked up a spoon and scooped another bowl of mutton and tofu soup into the bowl for Hu Yongning.

"Eat some warm soup first to warm your stomach."

Hu Yongning did as he was told. After a bowl of mutton and tofu soup, along with a glass of wine, he immediately felt comfortable all over.

Wait until this time.

Hu Yongning straightened his back, approached Fan Chong, and whispered: "Shaoqing, there is news from Shanxi Road."

A flash of light flashed in Fan Chong's eyes: "But do you have any news about our noble Crown Prince?"

The corners of Hu Yongning's eyes twitched.

This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! This foreign Ming official Fan Shaoqing is similar to Ming people in everything, except when he mentions his grandson, his flattery and disgust are not concealed at all.

, without any obvious implication.

But Hu Yongning still nodded and introduced: "His Royal Highness is determined by heaven and earth. In one fell swoop, we will sweep away the rebels in Taiyuan City on Shanxi Road and track down the officials of the Third Division of Shanxi Road. It can be said to be a thunderous method."

As Hu Yongning spoke, his eyes revealed a look of yearning.

However, he also knew that people like him who were serving as officials at the border would probably never see His Highness the Emperor's Grandson in this life.

However, Fan Chong had a gloomy look on his face and said in a low voice: "Your Highness has solved the Shanxi Road matter, and now it will be our turn to deal with the matter at the pass."

Hu Yongning thought about the majesty of these Beijing officials, but he kept saying: "It should be so, but it is just before the New Year, and the winter is covered with heavy snow. His Highness will probably spend this winter in Taiyuan City before arriving.

Guankouwai and Ourabu have finalized the final details of the mutual trading."

"Then we have to sort out everything before His Highness arrives!"

Fan Chong spoke plausibly and deliberately took out the fish tail from the pot and put it into Hu Yongning's bowl.

On the wine table, we send each other fishtails, which is the meaning of entrusting us with important tasks.

Hu Yongning glanced at Fan Chong, but he was not sure whether Fan Shaoqing knew what was said at the Zhongyuan dinner table.

But he still put a piece of fish tail meat into his mouth, and then sneered: "With Fan Shaoqing presiding over the mutual market, Mahamu is now like an ant on a frying pan. At most, it will only last for a long time. He

They will agree to it in the end.”

Fan Chong also showed a smile: "Then let him dry out for a while. We must not put him back without squeezing out the last drop of blood from the Walabu."

"With Fan Shaoqing sitting here like a mainstay, that Mahamu is only qualified to bow down to me, the Ming Dynasty."

Hu Yongning immediately presented a small horse.

He then added: "As long as this mutual trade is concluded, Fan Shaoqing will probably have to change the green robe he wears."

Throughout the ages, officials who presided over peace negotiations and exchanges with foreign countries would generally be promoted after the matter was over.

This is customary.

Fan Chong obviously didn't know much about this aspect, and couldn't help but express doubts: "Huh?"

Hoping to establish a good relationship with this Beijing official and looking forward to the opportunity to serve as an official in Yingtian City in the future, Hu Yongning immediately explained in a low voice: "Young Master, I'm afraid you still don't know. Now our Ming Dynasty is here at the border."

We have always tried to win over one faction and suppress the other."

But Fan Chong nodded and said: "The imperial court is now going to clear out the Tatar tribe in the east."

There was a little surprise in Hu Yongning's eyes, but he continued: "It is true that as Shaoqing said, the imperial court has been mainly attacking the Tatar tribe in the east in these years. Therefore, this time, if Shaoqing can win over the Oara tribe in the west for the imperial court,

, or even recruit them to surrender to my Ming Dynasty..."

Hu Yongning paused deliberately.

His face does not change when he sees an insect.

He smiled faintly: "At that time, I can't guarantee that Shaoqing will be able to join the ministry, but he will definitely be able to wear a big red robe!"
To be continued...