Echoes of My Heart Throughout the Court

Hearing this, the Mongol delegation looked utterly sorrowful. “Great Khan! The Jin barbarians have gone too far! They frequently launch attacks on the smaller tribes in our region. Whenever they start losing the fight, they immediately sue for peace. But as soon as our warriors leave to report the truce, they betray us and resume their aggression, swallowing up several of our tribes in the process.”

It was a tragic situation. Unless they could completely eliminate the Jin barbarians in one decisive move, they had no choice but to endure it. After all, would it be feasible to change policies and allow border generals the authority to independently decide whether to accept the surrender of enemy tribes?

[Huh?]

The old emperor was about to respond when Xu Yanmiao’s voice caught his attention, making him instinctively look up.

That rascal is back?

[Jin barbarians? Aren’t they the same group that hunted the old emperor near Shanhaiguan?]

[But come to think of it, it was thanks to them that the old emperor had the chance to connect with the former dynasty’s soldiers.]

The old emperor: “…”

Indeed, it was that rascal. Returning only to twist the knife in his heart. Would he even want this “connection” if it were offered?

The old emperor’s face darkened as he recalled his bizarre experience of having to impersonate the former dynasty’s emperor during that incident. “What exactly do you expect Us to do to help you?”

The Mongol delegation misunderstood the emperor’s dark expression, becoming even more cautious. The bold ambitions they had before arriving—plans to persuade Da Xia to cease trade with other border tribes and exclusively trade with the Mongols to control the barbarians—were shoved deep into the recesses of their minds.

“Respected Son of Heaven and Great Khan of Da Xia,” one of the envoys forced a smile, speaking in a careful tone to avoid seeming greedy, “we humbly request if Da Xia could open trade with us Mongols earlier than planned. Most of the tea from previous trade agreements has been seized by the Jin barbarians. Many in our tribes can’t even eat meat properly now.”

For the nomadic tribes, tea held a status equivalent to salt. Without tea, they would suffer from vitamin deficiencies, leading to muscle weakness. For a nomadic people, the inability to draw a bow or shoot arrows was a disastrous outcome.

The old emperor scrutinized them.

It wasn’t impossible to agree. Supporting the Mongols—albeit verbally or through trade rather than material aid—could encourage them to fight the Jin barbarians. Let them weaken each other. Once both sides were exhausted, Da Xia could step in and subdue both tribes effortlessly.

Seeing that the Son of Heaven had yet to respond, hope in the Mongol envoys’ eyes gradually dimmed, their faces turning ashen.

Desperation drove one of them to gamble. He suddenly dropped to his knees in front of Xu Yanmiao, crying out, “Lord Official! Please put in a good word for us!”

Startled, Xu Yanmiao leapt aside. “Don’t kneel to me!”

[I’m just a low-ranking official. What can I possibly do to help you?!]

The kneeling Mongol, however, was resolute in his decision. To him, regardless of this young man’s past status, anyone who could propose a strategic policy like using barbed wire to defend the nation was destined to rise in rank.

Moreover, he had noticed earlier that the Great Khan of Da Xia occasionally glanced at this young man.

This person must have an extraordinary identity!

He could be a prince!

Or even the crown prince! It’s worth asking for help just in case!

Xu Yanmiao glanced at the Minister of Personnel, who returned a helpless expression.

He looked at Prime Minister Dou, who offered a sympathetic look but deliberately avoided eye contact.

He then turned to the Minister of War, whose unwashed, pitch-black face practically screamed, “Better you than me!”

Xu Yanmiao studied the Minister of War’s face. As he thought about how to describe it, he looked up again and—

[…Why did it feel like the Minister of War’s face had grown even darker?]

Xu Yanmiao was perplexed.

[Strange, did I offend the Minister of War somehow? I don’t think so?]

[Why does his face look so dark?]

Xu Yanmiao pondered for a moment.

[Could it be that the news about his son being abducted by a barbarian chieftain’s wife and held for seven days and nights has finally reached his ears?]

[Wow, news travels fast! I only just found out about it myself!]

The Minister of War: “?”

I also just found out!!!

He quickly went through his thoughts. His eldest son was in the capital—definitely not him. His second son was visiting his father-in-law and hadn’t returned—couldn’t be him either. That left his youngest son: fair-skinned, with striking features, and as delicate as jade. He had, indeed, gone to the borderlands for a trip and even sent back a couple of poems not long ago!

Could it be—

The Minister of War’s pupils dilated in shock.

[…Wouldn’t this technically count as a political marriage?] Xu Yanmiao’s hesitant inner voice floated by.

[After all, that chieftain’s wife did publicly declare, “Spend a few days with me, and I’ll form an alliance with Da Xia.” Although the chieftain is still alive, it’s the wife who actually manages the tribe.]

The Minister of War’s hands were trembling.

Count as a marriage?! Absolutely not!

“Loyal—” The old emperor slapped his thigh, his expression full of emotion.

Loyalty! Pure, unadulterated loyalty!

The old emperor’s thoughts wandered. He couldn’t help but wonder if any of his other ministers had good-looking sons or nephews. There were still eight of the eighteen barbarian tribes yet to submit. If… theoretically…

It might not be a bad idea…

Feeling the emperor’s fiery gaze, the ministers were instantly gripped with terror.

No! Absolutely not!

There are no handsome young men in our families!

[Loyal to what?]

Only Xu Yanmiao was confused.

After a moment of silence, the old emperor slapped his thigh again. “It’s settled! I say it’s settled! Mongols, was it? Regarding the matter of trade, I approve. However, this still needs to be discussed with the ministers. For now, you may withdraw, and you’ll be informed of the decision later.”

The Mongolian envoy was overjoyed and quickly expressed their gratitude.

Meanwhile, Xu Yanmiao had a sudden realization: [Oh! It’s not “loyal” (忠), it’s “approved” (中)!]

[But still…]

[Is the old emperor originally from Henan? Why is he speaking with a Henan accent?]

Mini-Theater: Old Emperor: I could be.

The concertina wire is a military obstacle designed to hinder infantry movements. There are two main types: fixed and mobile.

• Fixed obstacles are constructed when there’s enough time, minimal enemy fire, favorable conditions for driving stakes into the ground, and concealed terrain. These primarily include barbed wire fences, branch entanglements, and bamboo stakes.
• Mobile obstacles are used in urgent situations, under direct enemy fire, or when the ground is too hard to drive stakes into. These include concertina wire, caltrops, and spiked barriers.

Concertina wire, shaped like a coiled snake, can be transported and deployed in various formations: single rows, double rows, triple rows, or in a “pyramid” configuration. Studies show that when set in a pyramid formation with three or more layers, it can entangle a tank’s drive wheels, rendering it immobile.

To enhance its effectiveness, concertina wire may include booby traps such as landmines or grenades. When triggered, these devices not only block enemy movements but also inflict casualties and instill psychological fear. Some setups include alarm systems that signal when the wire is disturbed, adding a layer of surveillance.

—Excerpt from Field Fortifications

Chainmail armor made from steel wire was historically crafted by the ancient Western Qiang people. The wire was shaped into large rings, roughly the size of a coin hole, interconnected like a woven chain. The final product resembled a tunic with a neckline for easy wear. This armor was highly resistant to arrows and spears.

—Excerpt from Military Strategies@@novelbin@@

To create needles, iron was hammered into thin strips, then passed through an iron gauge with small holes to draw the strips into fine wires. These wires were then cut to length and shaped into needles.

—Excerpt from The Exploitation of the Works of Nature

The annual iron tax quotas for various regions were recorded as follows:

• Total: 18,475,026 catties
  • Huguang: 6,752,927 catties
  • Guangdong: 1,896,641 catties
  • Beiping: 351,241 catties
  • Jiangxi: 3,260,000 catties
  • Shaanxi: 12,666 catties
  • Shandong: 3,152,187 catties
  • Sichuan: 468,089 catties
  • Henan: 718,336 catties
  • Zhejiang: 5,916,686 catties
  • Shanxi: 11,469,917 catties
  • Fujian: 1,243,336 catties

—Excerpt from Ming Hui Dian

The Ministry of Works reported:

“In the past three years, various regions have resumed smelting operations. As of now, the inner treasury has accumulated 37,430,000 catties of iron.”

The Emperor, observing the abundance of stored iron, decreed that regional smelting operations be suspended. Citizens were permitted to independently mine and smelt iron but were required to pay taxes, contributing 2/30 of their output annually.

—Excerpt from Ming Taizu Shilu

[In three years, 37,430,000 catties were stored, averaging 12,476,667 catties annually. This implies an annual iron consumption of approximately 5,998,359 catties.]

Xu Dong stated:

“A skilled commander always prepares for movement. Select 24 light and agile individuals; divide them into groups of three riders for each of the eight directions. Space them one li apart. During the day, they use flags; at night, they use drums. (In mountainous or densely forested terrain, drums are used even during the day to account for limited visibility.)

When the first scout spots the enemy, they raise their flag during the day. The second scout does the same, and the third rides back to deliver the report. At night, the drums serve the same purpose, though care must be taken as the sound may alert the enemy.”

—Excerpt from Hu Qian Jing

At the first bugle call, the front line, second line, and reserves begin advancing at a slow pace.

At the second call, the pace doubles to a brisk walk.

At the third call, the speed increases to a trot.

When the cavalry is 150–200 steps from the enemy, the front line transitions to a canter. At 70–80 steps, the buglers signal with a sharp and rapid call. The front line then accelerates to a gallop while maintaining control of the reins.

At around 20 steps, the reins are released entirely, and the cavalry charges full force.

—Excerpt from Cavalry Reviews

• San Yan Chong (Three-Barrel Gun)
• Wu Lei Shen Ji (Five Thunder God Machine)
• Xun Lei Chong (Swift Thunder Gun)
• Fo Lang Ji (Frankish Gun)

These weapons, used by the northern armies during the Ming Dynasty, prioritized rapid firing and wide coverage over sheer power. They were specifically designed to counter the Mongols.

[In the text, only Wu Lei Shen Ji and Xun Lei Chong are mentioned due to their suitable range for engagements near barbed wire defenses.]

San Yan Chong (Three-Barrel Gun):

Effective range: 50–60 steps, capable of penetrating armor.

—Excerpt from Shen Qi Pu

Details:

• Optimal use: Within 100 steps.
• Infantry range: 50–60 steps for armor penetration.
• Cavalry range: 20–30 steps for effective hits.
• Unique features: Fires three shots in succession, with a loud and continuous sound. Particularly effective in cold and windy northern climates where other firearms like bird guns struggled.

—Excerpt from Bing Lu

Wu Lei Shen Ji (Five Thunder God Machine):

Effective range: Approximately 120 steps.

Details:

• Barrel length: 1.5 feet.
• Weight: 5 catties.
• Ammunition: 2 qian of gunpowder and one lead ball per barrel.
• Design: Rotating barrels with a shared ignition port, allowing consecutive shots.

—Excerpt from Ming Wu Zhi

Xun Lei Chong (Swift Thunder Gun):

Effective range: 200 meters (approximately 125 steps), capable of piercing heavy armor.

Details:

• Configuration: Five barrels, each about 2 feet long.
• Weight: Over 10 catties.
• Mechanism: Barrels mounted on a wooden frame, rotated for firing. After firing, the barrels could be used as melee weapons.

—Excerpt from Shen Qi Pu

This is inspired by the Sui Emperor’s formal title “Great Sage Khan of the Sui.” The phrase carries a formal and dignified tone.

During the Longqing reign, Mongol tribes sought reconciliation, proposing horse markets and peace talks. At that time, Altan Khan’s wife, Lady Sanniangzi, was a key figure in tribal affairs.

Historical record:

“Cai Jian’an, a young and distinguished imperial official, caught Lady Sanniangzi’s attention during a banquet. She requested that Cai visit her camp to swear an alliance, but upon arrival, Cai was forcibly detained for several nights. Afterward, Cai was returned to the city, and border conflicts subsided for years.”

—Excerpt from Wanli Ye Huo Bian