Chapter 340: I personally attend the battle of kings, and all the blood of kings must end with the sword

Constantinople.

In the magnificent palace hall, the young Sultan sat on the throne, exuding imperial majesty as he glanced at the ministers in the hall.

The Grand Vizier of the Empire, equivalent to the Prime Minister of the Ming Dynasty, Khalil stood up and reported: “Your Majesty, Matthias has ascended the throne as the new King of the Kingdom of Hungary, and his father is Hunyadi.”

When the Sultan heard about Hunyadi, a cold light flashed in his eyes, and he sighed faintly: “What a pity, Hunyadi is dead. I wanted to defeat him personally, but he died of illness.”

Last time, he was defeated by Hunyadi and almost died on the battlefield, and he has been brooding over this ever since. He slowly stood up, and with a majestic look, he said, “I will personally lead an expedition to Belgrade again.”

“Your Majesty, please think twice.” Khalil hurriedly came out to dissuade him. “Hunyadi was the regent during his lifetime. He helped his son to form the Hungarian Black Army. Their fighting power should not be underestimated.”

The Sultan snorted coldly: “Would I be afraid of a child? Matthias is only a teenager, right?”

“Your Majesty, our current enemy is the Ming Dynasty in the east.” Khalil continued, “The Ming Dynasty has formed an alliance with Matthias. It is obvious that they will attack us at the same time.”

Imperial Marshal Zaganos Pasha continued his words, saying, “Yes, Your Majesty, the Ming Dynasty has been actively preparing for war. Their army has already moved towards our fortress in the east, Baghdad. The war is not far away.”

The Sultan on the throne sneered and said, “Okay, then I will go east to fight.”

“I am willing to follow Your Majesty to Baghdad,” Zaganos Pasha bowed, “Let Karajapaksa Pasha command the west. With him, the so-called Black Army of the Kingdom of Hungary will be vulnerable.”

The young Sultan’s confidence grew, and he waved his hand: “In ten days, I will go to war.”

All the ministers knelt and none of them objected, because they all knew that the Sultan loved war and often led the troops personally, and that he was the most outstanding commander in the empire.

……

Buda city.

In the huge palace hall, the young King Matthias I stood in front of the throne. He had followed his father Hunyadi in battles since he was a child and was a natural knight.

“This time I will personally lead the expedition to Varna, retake our city, and avenge my father.” His majestic voice fell.

No one among the ministers objected, and they all knelt down. Why did he have such prestige at such a young age? Because his father Hunyadi was the most powerful general in Europe, although he was dead.

Before his death, Hunyadi left him the most loyal Black Army.

After Matthias I ascended the throne, he personally led the Black Army to quell the internal noble rebellion. His military talent was recognized by the old generals, and they all supported him.

“Varna is a strategic fortress and our eastern gate.” Matthias I said in a deep voice, “So, we must take it back and hold the fortress. We can attack or defend.”

“Your Majesty.” The prime minister stood up and said with concern, “The Ottoman Empire is in its heyday. If we rashly go to war with it, the consequences will be unpredictable.”

Matthias I was extremely confident: “The Ottoman Empire will soon be overwhelmed by itself, and the powerful Ming Empire army will soon attack Baghdad. The main force of the Ottoman Empire will only be placed on their eastern front. This is a good opportunity for us.”

“The one guarding the western front is Karajapāsha. It was he who helped their Sultan capture the Byzantine capital, Constantinople.” The prime minister said, “Your Majesty, this man should not be underestimated.”

Matthias I was very much looking forward to it: “I want to fight with such a famous general! My dear ministers, our chance has come. This will be our time to shine.”

The ministers looked at the heroic young king and were excited.

……

Ming Dynasty, Beijing.

At the morning court, Zhu Qizhen suddenly announced that he would tour the west after listening to the reports of his ministers. The Ming Dynasty now had an unprecedentedly vast territory, with the addition of the Chagatai Province and the Timurid Province in the west.

He decided to inspect the two new provinces and go to the front lines himself to fight against the Ottoman Empire.

“I have heard that the way to govern the world is to maintain internal peace and resist external aggression, expand the territory, carry forward the aspirations of our ancestors, and glorify the power of our Ming Dynasty. Today, our territory is connected to the blue sea in the east, to the wilderness in the west, to the Baiyue in the south, and to the desert in the north. It is unprecedentedly vast. In particular, the incorporation of the two provinces of Chagatai and Timur is truly the fertile land bestowed upon our Ming Dynasty by God, and it is also the result of the bloody battles of our generals and soldiers.”

“However, although the territory is vast, it cannot be secured without defending it; although the border is far away, it cannot be respected without visiting it in person. I have made up my mind to tour the western border and go to the front line in person to observe the bravery of my soldiers and the stability of my border. Although the Ottoman Empire is far away in the west and has repeatedly invaded, why should I be afraid of the Ming cavalry? I want to set an example myself, advance and retreat with my soldiers, enhance my country’s prestige, dampen their enthusiasm, expand my territory, and permanently secure my border.”

“My lords, you are all the pillars of our Ming Dynasty. You should know that what I care about is not only the size of our territory, but also the safety of our country and the well-being of our people. During my western tour, I hope that you will perform your duties and stick to your posts to ensure the stability of the capital and help us win the victory on the front line. I and my soldiers will fight the enemy on the front line, and you will make plans in the rear. Together, we will build the Ming Empire.”

After he finished speaking, all the ministers were moved and shouted “Long live the emperor” with their voices shaking the palace.

No ministers stood up to express their opposition at the morning court session. However, at the small court session in the Qianqing Palace after the morning court session, the cabinet chief Xu Youzhen was the first to express his opposition.

“Your Majesty, I support your western tour, but you don’t have to go to the front in person.” He looked worried. “The Ming Dynasty has a strong army and sufficient food. Yang Guifang, one of the two pillars of the Ming Dynasty, is at the front. What are you worried about?”

Zhu Qizhen smiled and said, “According to the intelligence from the Royal Guards, the young emperor of the Ottoman Empire will go to the frontline in person. I will go there to see who is the world’s greatest emperor today.”

Shi Biao immediately agreed: “Not only the emperor of the Ottoman Empire, but also the King of Hungary, Matthias I, will rush to the western front of the Ottoman Empire.”

Zhu Qizhen suddenly felt proud: “In the war among the kings, how can I be left out?”

The ministers’ eyes sparkled, and they stopped trying to dissuade him. Xu Youzhen bowed and said, “Your Majesty, I am willing to follow you on your western tour.”

“Of course you have to stay in the capital.” Zhu Qizhen smiled, “That’s great, let’s discuss the arrangements after my western tour.”

……

Chaotian official.

This is where the imperial court forged weapons. On this day, Emperor Zhu Qizhen came in person. Shi Heng led the way in front, introducing excitedly as he walked: “Your Majesty, the sword made for you is made of rare meteorite iron from outer space. The descendants of the sword-making master Ou Yezi came out of the mountains to forge the sword for you.”

“I am looking forward to it.” Zhu Qizhen said.

As they spoke, they walked into the sword furnace.

Walking into the sword furnace, a blazing breath hit me. Inside the furnace, the flames shot up to the sky, and the fire was blazing, illuminating the surroundings in red.

An elderly swordsmith, holding a hammer, was concentrating on hammering the sword blank. Every strike seemed to contain endless power and rhythm.

Then he inserted the sword into the furnace.

Zhu Qizhen’s eyes were full of expectation. A good sword is not only a weapon, but also a symbol of identity and status. This sword made of meteorite iron and crafted by Ou Yezi’s descendants will undoubtedly become his sword, accompanying him in his conquests and making the world awe-inspiring. “Your Majesty, I, Ouyang Ji, pay my respects to you.” The young swordsmith bowed to Zhu Qizhen.

“Stand up.” Zhu Qizhen raised his hand.

Ouyang Ji was calm and said to Zhu Qizhen proudly: “I will surpass my ancestor and forge a true emperor’s sword for your majesty.”

“Oh?” Zhu Qizhen was very interested. “Swords are divided into three categories: common people’s swords, princes’ swords, and emperor’s swords. I am the emperor, and I just lack a real emperor’s sword.”

Ouyang Ji was slightly surprised: “It seems that Your Majesty has also read Zhuangzi’s Discussion on Swords.”

Zhu Qizhen laughed out loud and nodded. Zhuangzi’s “On Sword” quite pleased him.

The sword of the Son of Heaven has the Yanxi Stone City as its tip. Qi and Dai are its tip, Jin and Wei are its spine, Zhou and Song are its back, Han and Wei are its sides, it is surrounded by the four barbarians, wrapped by the four seasons, surrounded by the Bohai Sea, belted by Changshan, controlled by the five elements, discussed by punishment and virtue, opened by yin and yang, held by spring and summer, and moved by autumn and winter. This sword is straight and has no front, it has no top, it has no bottom, it has no side. It cuts through the clouds above and cuts off the earth below. Once this sword is used, the princes will be in harmony and the world will be subdued. This is the sword of the Son of Heaven!
The sword is made of wise and brave men as the front, honest and upright men as the back, virtuous and good men as the back, loyal and holy men as the back, and heroic and powerful men as the back. This sword is straight and has no front, raised and has no top, pressed and has no bottom, and moved and has no side. It follows the round sky to follow the three lights; it follows the square earth to follow the four seasons; it harmonizes the people’s will to bring peace to the four regions. Once this sword is used, it is like the thunder and lightning, and within the four borders, everyone will submit and obey the king’s orders. This is the sword of the princes!
The sword of the common people, with disheveled hair, hanging hats, long tassels, short clothes at the back, eyes closed and difficult to speak. When they hit each other in front, the neck will be cut off and the liver and lungs will be cut off. The sword of the common people is no different from a fighting cock. Once the life is gone, it is useless for state affairs.

“Your Majesty, even though the sword is double-edged, the key lies in the person holding the sword.” Ouyang Ji said, “Your Majesty, only you can control the Emperor’s Sword.”

As soon as the words fell, the sword furnace suddenly shook.

“Your Majesty, the sword is done!” Ouyang Ji said excitedly as he looked at the sword furnace.

A sword that shines with cold light and emits a sharp sword aura was finally produced.

Zhu Qizhen held the sword and swung it fiercely: “I will personally go to the battle among the kings and kill all the ordinary kings with the sword of the emperor.”

……

Ten days later.

Civil and military officials gathered at the city gate to see the emperor off on his western tour. Zhu Qizhen stood before the dragon chariot, and wherever he looked, officials knelt like a forest, and he said loudly:

“Gentlemen, please stand up. I am on this western tour with the intention of personally visiting the front lines, encouraging the soldiers, and expanding the territory. However, the most important thing for a country is to improve both internally and externally. Although the war is intense at the front, the rear must also be stable. Therefore, I have several things to entrust to you, and I hope you will do your best to carry them out.”

“The first thing to bear the brunt is the people’s livelihood. You must work diligently and care for the people, ensuring that the people live and work in peace and contentment without the worry of hunger and cold. Farming, industry and commerce must all be properly arranged to ensure that the country’s economic lifeline is unobstructed.”

“The second is security. Although the border is far away, the capital is the heart of the country, and security cannot be slackened in the slightest. You must strengthen patrols to prevent treacherous people from taking the opportunity to cause chaos, and ensure the peace of the capital and other places.”

“Furthermore, the matter of culture and education. The strength of a country lies in the prosperity of talents. You should attach importance to education, encourage scholars to study hard, and cultivate pillars of the country for future use.”

“I will also march forward bravely on the Western Front and live up to your expectations. My lords, wait for my triumphant return.”

The ministers bowed and watched the huge Western Tour Team gradually go away. Xu Youzhen frowned and said to Li Xian beside him: “Why do I feel that Your Majesty will stay in the Western Regions for a long time? He gave such detailed instructions.”

“Your Majesty is young after all.” Li Xian smiled, “Besides, we have encountered a powerful opponent, the Ottoman Empire. It will definitely not be defeated in a short time.”

Xu Youzhen looked strange: “So, Your Majesty brought Aisha with him?”

“Isn’t this good?” Li Xian said with a smile, “There is a woman who can serve Your Majesty on the road.”

“Why do I feel that your majesty has bad intentions?” Xu Youzhen laughed, “In the war, he brought the enemy’s stepmother with him.”

The two looked at each other and laughed evilly.

……

Malacca City.

In the magnificent palace, Shuangxi got up early in the morning and cooked by herself. When she was in the capital, the Queen was used to eating her cooking. When she came to the distant South Seas, she was even more unaccustomed to the local food, but she still ate her cooking.

The Queen also got up early. It was hot here and she couldn’t sleep. She got up early in the morning and watered the flowers in the yard. She was wearing a white gauze dress, which showed her beautiful curves. Her hair fluttered in the wind, and the elegance she inadvertently revealed was extremely beautiful.

“Madam, it’s time for dinner.” Shuangxi brought out the food and placed it on the table in the yard.

The demon queen washed her hands, sat down at the table, and sighed softly: “I really miss the pickles in the capital.”

“Madam, you are missing someone in the capital, right?” Shuangxi smiled.

“Girl.” The Demon Queen glared, “From now on, we will be the only ones together.”

Shuangxi blushed slightly and served her a bowl of soup. As they were eating, Qi Shu came in, waving a letter in her hand: “Master’s wife, there is a letter from the capital.”

“Give it to me quickly.” The Demon Queen put down her chopsticks and took the letter handed over by Qi Shu.

She opened it hastily, and scanned it carefully, her eyebrows slightly furrowed. “His Majesty is on a tour to the west. Is he going to fight? The ministers won’t stop him? Doesn’t he know how dangerous the front is? An emperor will only lead the army in person at a critical moment. Has he forgotten this?”

After a series of questions, Shuangxi on the side had a strange look on his face.

Qi Shu asked anxiously, “Master’s Wife, how is Xiaotian? Master didn’t… make things difficult for him, did he?”

“Oh, your master didn’t see him.” The Queen Demon’s expression flashed with sadness, “Humph, he doesn’t care about us anymore. He must know that it was Xiaotian who helped me escape from Daming, but he didn’t even ask.”

Qi Shu also smiled slyly: “Master’s Wife, do you hope that Master will find this place, or do you not want Master to find this place?”

“No hope… Qi Shu, you’ve become so bold. It’s time to cancel your title of Master’s Wife.” The Demon Queen glared.

“Master’s Wife, you are still very worried about Master.” Qi Shu said with a smile, “Master will be on a tour to the west this time. I guess he will be gone for a long time. I don’t know if he will forget Master’s Wife.”

The Demon Queen snorted, “He dares!”

After saying that, she became a little irritated again and waved her hand: “Forget it, don’t I come to Nanyang just to forget everything in the past? Let’s eat.”

“Master’s wife, there are many Western caravans coming to Malacca, and they will definitely bring news of the war with the Ottoman Empire.” Qi Shu blinked.

The Demon Queen raised her eyes sharply: “We need to send someone to collect the information.”

(End of this chapter)