Chapter 33 three

When Batu initially proposed to convene the Kuliltai Conference, it was indeed met with firm opposition from some members of the Okudei family and the Chagatai family. Powerful people with prestige——After the Meng brothers were sent, their voices of opposition became lower and lower, and finally they had to send their own representatives. Soon, the representatives attending the meeting arrived one after another. Batu will be located on the shore of Issyk-Kul Lake at the western foot of the Tianshan Mountains. It's midsummer, but the two sides of Issyk-Kul Lake are breezy and the climate is pleasant.Batu's choice of the venue for the Khan Election Conference here was indeed carefully considered. He hoped that the dusty kings and nobles could enjoy the beautiful scenery of this Central Asian "Atami" during the breaks of the meeting.He believed that the blooming flowers on the meadow by the lake, flocks of wild ducks, flying swans and the exotic atmosphere within sight would definitely make the delegates attending the meeting relax their tense nerves.

The yurts built in order by the lake, with their elegant tones, are integrated with the rolling or relaxing clouds in the sky and the snow-white sheep on the ground, outlining the quiet picture of Issyk-Kul Lake.The yurts scattered on the grassland like pearls, like stars arching the moon, surround a brand new blue and white tent that can accommodate hundreds of people. This is the venue for the election of the new Khan.In the days to come, people will elect the new Khan of the Mongol Empire here to determine the future and destiny of the Mongol Empire. Batu, who holds a heavy army and is powerful in all directions, relies on his status as a descendant of the eldest branch and the qualification of the Great Khan of the Golden Horde with the largest territory among the three khanates. It is reasonable and authoritative to hold such an important meeting. Therefore, most princes and nobles are still willing to obey Batu's arrangement.In the end, Lian Hai lost his prestige intimidated by Batu, and sent his special envoy, Al Chidai.Only Nahu and Hucha turned back on the way to meet Batu, and they felt that Batu would choose a successor among them anyway, because among Guiyu Khan's biological sons, only these two were the most qualified to succeed his father. bit.

The meeting was officially held after worshiping Genghis Khan. In the huge Mongolian tent, Batu sat in the master's seat, and other princes and nobles chose their seats according to their relatives, forming interesting small groups. Kuoduan, the second son of Wokuotai Khan, took the initiative to sit with the Meng brothers.Among the kings of the Wokuotai lineage, apart from the deceased Kuochu, only Kuoduan has always maintained a good relationship with the Mengge brothers.On the one hand, this is because he is estranged from his own brother, and on the other hand, it is because of his gratitude to Mrs. Su Ru.

As the second son of Wokuotai Khan, Kuoduan was discriminated against and excluded by his brothers since he was a child because his biological mother's status was inferior to his father's other concubines, and his mother died young. He didn't have much status in his family and his father's heart, let alone Can compete with the third brother Kuochu or the elder brother Guiyou.But Kuo Duan is a broad-minded and sharp-minded prince with amazing administrative management and military command skills. When he grew up, his father saw his potential and let him be alone. Back then, after his father, Okuotai Khan, died of illness in Tuolei Danayan, in order to further weaken the strength of the Tuolei clan, he assigned some of the former Tuolei clan's subjects to his subordinates.When he was ordered to receive new members, Mrs. Su Ru received him calmly.At that moment, facing Mrs. Su Ru's intelligent eyes that seemed to be able to see everything, he couldn't help but apologize for his father Khan's actions.Mrs. Su Ru smiled and told him resolutely: The Mongol Empire belonged to Ogedai Khan, and everyone in the Tuolei family also belonged to Ogedai Khan. Since they are all the subjects of the Great Khan, the Great Khan has Rights dictate where they belong.Not only that, Mrs. Su Ru earnestly warned the departing tribe to obey the arrangement of the Great Khan and continue to be loyal to the new master.Thanks to Mrs. Su Ru's tolerance and understanding, Kuo Duan accepted the new tribe very smoothly.Afterwards, deep in Kuo Duan's heart, his reverence for Mrs. Su Ru gradually turned into a nostalgia for his mother. Kuo Duan, who lost his mother since childhood, revered a woman's broad mind, and missed his long-lost love. maternal love.

The atmosphere in the venue was a bit oppressive. Since people couldn't figure out other people's minds, they could only try to hide their own hearts as much as possible. Batu suggested that everyone should drink three glasses of French wine first.The first cup, I wish the Mongolian Empire prosperity and prosperity.The second cup is to pay homage to the spirits of the ancestors in heaven.For the third cup, I wish the success of the new Mongolian Khan.After three glasses of wine, everyone's nervousness relaxed a lot, and they began to taste all kinds of mellow fruit wine, wine, kumiss and various Central Asian fruits and vegetables with attractive colors on the long table. The buzzing sound spread rapidly, like countless bees being locked in a stone niche.

Birgo led Ziniranza to the tent door and guarded both sides of the tent door. People noticed this unusual behavior and slowly stopped talking. Batu glanced at the crowd calmly, and made a gesture to start. Ale Chidai stood up first.He is the envoy of the Lost Queen of the Sea, and on such occasions he himself represents the Queen who is regent. "On behalf of the Lost Queen of the Sea, I would like to thank Batu Khan for initiating this Kuliltai Conference for the future of the Mongolian Empire. I hope that all of you here will not forget the oath you made back then: as long as the Ogodei lineage survives, He will not be regarded as the master. Now, although Guiyou Khan died of illness, his descendants and Ogedei Khan’s descendants are still alive, and the wise one among them should become our new king.”

"Is it Guiyouhan's two ignorant children? One hangs around with shamans all day long, doing nothing and not doing business; It’s these two brothers, I would rather learn from our old leader Sahamu and go back to the mountains.” "That's right. Since the Queen Lost in the Sea was regent, she and her two sons have each had their own mansions, and the government orders are often changed day and night, making officials at all levels at a loss. It is a good country, but the three of them are forced to govern it to pieces. It is riddled with holes. If one of them has to be chosen as the new Khan, I think there is really no hope for our country.”

The voice of rebuttal first came from the queens of Genghis Khan's brothers.Then, there was a burst of echoing jeers from the crowd. The expression on Ale Chidai's face was a little stiff, and after a while, he said loudly: "I'm not talking about the two little princes Naohu and Hucha, I'm talking about Ogedai Khan's favorite miss. Lord of Liemen, who of you here don’t know that Wokuotai Khan once identified Shiliemen as his successor, now, it should be a matter of course for Wukuotai Khan to inherit the position of Khan?” Ale Chidai is indeed very smart.Before he came to Lake Issyk-Kul, he had repeatedly discussed various situations that might arise at the meeting with Lost Sea.Both he and Hai Mizuo knew that although Naohu and Hucha were Khans, their behavior had always been unpopular, and the possibility of them being established as Khan's heirs was very slim.In order to ensure that the position of Khan does not fall into the Shuchi or Tuolei clan, in addition to winning over the kings of the Chagatai clan, only by recommending Shiliemen as a candidate for the Wokuotai clan can he win more support for himself.Once he loses his successor, Hai loses his confidence that he can still manipulate this young, uninitiated prince.

Sure enough, after Ale Chidai finished speaking, many people fell silent. In this awkward and delicate silence, a strange voice sounded calmly, and some people couldn't identify who it was speaking for a moment. "Then, who was the first to destroy Ogedai Khan's will?" There was no hint of mockery in the voice, but it was full of calm reasoning. Ale Chidai was speechless for a moment. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Kublai Khan calmly walked to the center of the big tent, so that more people could hear every word he said clearly. "It's Empress Naimashin and Guiyu Khan himself."

Like a pebble thrown into the water, the water ripples and then returns to calm again. Kublai Khan continued, his voice unhurried: "According to Okudei Khan's wishes during his lifetime, Guiyou does not have the prerequisites to inherit the position of the Great Khan, otherwise, as the eldest son of the Great Khan, the Great Khan will not easily The land rejected him early as the successor of the Khan. However, when the Khan's position was suspended for five years, the regency of Empress Naimazhen caused many disadvantages. With the acquiescence of Batu Khan, Guiyu finally defeated the Lost Martial Gate and ascended to the supreme throne. Five years ago, many of us just watched The Mongolian Empire, which was once full of dragons and tigers, was dragged step by step into the abyss of disasters that deviated from order. After Guiyu Khan came to the throne, although he made some efforts, he re-appointed the minister who was unreasonably dismissed by his mother, Empress Dowager Mazhen, and restored the status quo. Ogedai Khan adopted many policies that were beneficial to the national economy and the people's livelihood, but his behavior was still constrained by the empress dowager, so that he died of depression after only three years in office. I am indeed not qualified to guess that Ogedai Khan would I don’t want to comment on the right or wrong of this agreement. I just want to remind everyone here that Genghis Khan’s establishment of the Khan’s position was based on the overall situation, and he hoped that the Mongolian Empire would last forever. He did not He chose the eldest son, and did not choose his most sympathetic youngest son. Instead, he passed on the position of Khan to the third son, Wokuotai, who was praised by the people of all ethnic groups for his generosity and loyalty. Facts have proved that Genghis Khan’s choice made The business he founded has been carried forward. During the thirteen years of Ogodei Khan's reign, Mongolia's territory expanded unprecedentedly. From Lake Baikal to the Yangtze River, from the Sea of ​​Japan to the Adriatic Sea, Ogodei Khan used his wisdom to maintain us. The unity and prosperity of this emerging nation. However, from the Khan struggle between Guiyou and Lost Gate after the death of Ogedei Khan, to the successive regents of Empress Dowager Naimazhen and Queen Hailost, the past ten years Even if I don’t say much about Mongolia’s political situation, everyone here must have seen it. It can be seen that everything is in line with the words that the sage Yelu Chucai often said: The world is the world of the world, and only the virtuous live In other words, today’s Mongolia is the common homeland of Mongolians, and only Genghis Khan’s descendants with both talents and virtues are qualified to be successors. Therefore, for the cause of our ancestors and the future of Mongolia, shouldn’t we abandon our prejudices? , let the most capable and wisest among us become the co-owners of the grassland, and lead us to develop a greater cause?"

This impassioned speech obviously had more meaning, and in Alechi's angry silence, Kublai gave a deep salute tactfully, and returned to his seat. The truth in Kublai Khan's words was obvious, and many people nodded secretly. Living in seclusion, keeping a low profile, taking pleasure in making friends with learned and capable people from various ethnic groups, especially the Han nationality, and taking care of the national economy and people's livelihood as his own responsibility, all these made Kublai Khan unique and different from his many disciples. brother.At this moment, the young prince's unhurried refutation and careful analysis seem to have cleared the fog in some people's minds, and made people look at him with admiration. Of course, there is another reason. Among the many descendants of Genghis Khan, only Kublai Khan reproduced his grandfather's peerless demeanor in both spirit and form.Facing Kublai Khan is like facing Genghis Khan in his youth. This will inevitably arouse many cordial associations and warm trust in the hearts of many heroes and generals. Even if Kublai Khan is not Genghis Khan! Ale Chidai was distraught.He secretly complained about his ignorance, inattention, and failure to attend the conference, which made the Wokuotai group look lonely, and he also complained that Buli, who had always been at odds with Batu, didn't say a word, making a person who was never attractive The eye-catching Kublai Khan took the lead.Complaints belong to complaints, and he is also very clear that even if the three self-righteous princes are really present, they may not be able to help each other.Once there is a quarrel over the position of the brain suddenly, suddenly, and suddenly, it will be even more chilling. Meng Ge winked at Mang Gesa, and Mang Gesa understood, and shouted in his characteristic loud voice: "Lord Kublai Khan is right, we should choose a wise co-lord for our Mongolian Empire." I have a suggestion. Among us, Batu Khan has experienced many battles and made outstanding achievements. I am afraid that no one will raise any objections. Am I right?" His voice was really loud enough, The eardrums of the princes around him were "buzzing". "Yes! That's right! We agree to recommend Batu Khan." More than half of the princes and nobles present immediately agreed and raised their glasses to Batu Khan.In fact, they had already secretly favored Batu before that, and Mangesa's proposal was exactly what they wanted. "Let's toast to Batu Khan's health!" Meng Ge took the lead in drinking the wine in his glass. "I wish Batu Khan good health!" Kuo Duan responded positively. The atmosphere in the big tent became active, except for a few people who were still unwilling, the rest of the people were all overjoyed. Ale Chidai cast a helpful glance at Buli. Buri pretended not to see it.He is very clear that today's Batu is unmatched in terms of prestige and strength, and such a result has long been expected by him.What's more, Buli still has his own unspeakable secrets.Since the death of the ancestor Khan Chagatai, the influence of the Chagatai family has been greatly reduced, and the strength of the Chagatai Khanate is far inferior to the Golden Horde Khanate and the Tuolei family that control the lifeline of the Mongolian Empire.Back then, during the Western Expedition, there were fierce conflicts between Buri, Guiyou and Batu. Afterwards, although Mengge concealed Buri's innocence, Okuotai Khan still found out about it.Before going to Poland and Hungary, Okuotai Khan wanted to convict Buli after depriving Guiyu of his subordinates as punishment. Taiwan Khan still kept Buli in the army, thus saving face for Buli.This incident made Buri indebted to Batu all the time.Although he was reluctant to push Batu to the Khan position at this time, in fact he had no reason to object.Besides, he looked down on Hucha, Naohu, and Shiliemen from the bottom of his heart, and Hai Milo was a greedy woman. Instead of letting these people ascend to the Khan throne and mess up the good Mongolian Empire, how about It is better to hand over the country to Batu... Seeing that he couldn't get any support, Ale Chidai scratched his head anxiously, and beads of sweat the size of beans appeared on his forehead. Batu glanced at him and waved his hand calmly. His resonant and penetrating voice instantly suppressed the slight noise in the big tent. "I thank you all for your trust in me. However, I am not suitable to be the Great Khan of Mongolia. I think that a person who can become a Great Khan of Mongolia must have one quality, that is, great wisdom and generosity, like my ancestors. Khan Genghis Khan, not only must have outstanding military talent, but also must have the qualities of a statesman who is far-sighted and strategic. To tell you the truth, I have been seriously considering this matter since I proposed to hold this Kuliltai Congress. Now , I would like to propose a candidate." At this point, he paused for a while, seeing that everyone was nervously or anxiously waiting for the next article, he continued calmly: "This man has been with Genghis Khan all year round, and he has heard and witnessed Genghis Khan's Zhasa and edicts. His experience has equipped him with the talents and talents necessary for a great khan. Not only that, he has also seen the good and the evil in the world, tasted the joys and sorrows of all things, and led the army to fight in various places more than once. He is a great man. In the hearts of Ogedai Khan, generals and soldiers, he received the fullest respect. This man is Mengge. According to the Mongolian custom, the father's family business is inherited by the youngest son, and Meng Brother is the son of Tuo Lei, the youngest son of Genghis Khan. It can be said that Meng Ge has all the prerequisites for ascending to the Datong. For the present plan, to revive the prestige of the Mongolian Empire, Meng Ge must be the Great Khan!" Perhaps unexpectedly, there was an intriguing silence in the big tent again. What does this silence mean? Maybe it took a long time, maybe it was just a moment, Meng Ge stood up, and all eyes focused on him in an instant. Meng Ge said calmly: "If Batu Khan refuses to inherit the Khan position, who can sit in this position safely? My qualifications and military exploits are not comparable to Batu Khan, although Batu Khan recommended me, I dare not take on this great responsibility." "Brother Meng, why do you need to be humble? Everyone knows what your ability is and whether you can take on this important task. Batu Khan elected you as Khan, and there must be a reason for him to elect you as Khan. Besides, I I personally think that you are the most suitable candidate." Urdo calmly persuaded Meng Ge. "Yes, for the sake of our common cause, don't insist on resigning, and don't chill the trust of us people in you." Kuo Duan woke up from the shock, and expressed his views with sincere joy. Bedar also said: "Brother Meng, we have been together during the Western Expedition, and we can be regarded as comrades-in-arms through life and death. At that time, Zhengqincha and Pinwoluosi, the few battles you commanded convinced me. What's more, if you didn't take care of the overall situation at that time, the Western Expeditionary Army would very likely return in vain because of some people's unrestraint, and I will obey you just based on this." Brother Meng still wanted to decline, but Batu didn't allow him to say anything else. He stood up and said to the crowd, "If everyone agrees with my proposal, please applaud it." Since Batu has no intention of sweating, people from the Jochi, Chagatai, and Wokuotai clans support Mengge so much, and Mengge's talent and courage are well known to everyone, so everyone no longer expresses opposition, so applause The cheers sounded at the same time, one after another, for a long time. Buli couldn't sit still anymore, and when the enthusiasm of the people in the big tent subsided a little, he stood up and asked coldly: "The throne must belong to the Wokuotai lineage. Batu Khan, I want to ask you, what do you have?" The right to transfer the position of Khan to others without authorization?" Batu smiled indifferently: "I have already explained this just now. The reason why I supported Meng Ge was not because of a momentary impulse, but because I thought that to rule the Mongolian Empire with such a vast territory, it was by no means the one left by Guiyu Khan. What the few ignorant children can take on, including the lost martyrs, do not have such foresight, only Meng Ge can take on this important task." "You blatantly violated the will of Ogedai Khan and transferred the position of Khan to others. You people will be punished by Changshengtian." Alechi roared hoarsely. "Please make it clear, what do you mean by 'transfer' to others, special envoy of Al Chi? Isn't Mengge the grandson of Genghis Khan? Among the descendants of Genghis Khan, you can find Genghis Khan's approval and trust more than Mengge Is it a person whom you value and love? If even Brother Meng is not qualified to inherit the position of Khan, and the position of Khan can only belong to the Naohu, Hucha, and Lost Martyrs who have no qualifications to inherit the position of Khan, then, let me ask you, Where do you want to lead our Mongolian Empire? What is your intention behind such persistence?" Batu glanced at the red-faced Ale Chidai, and asked calmly. "You must say that Naohu, Hucha, and Lost Lie are not qualified, so there is no one else in the Wokuotai family? The prince Kuoduan is the second son of Wokuotai Khan, and his talent is no less than that of Meng Ge. Why? Can't he be the Khan's heir?" There was a wry smile on Kuo Duan's face: "Thanks to Special Envoy Ale Chi for thinking of me at this time. If I guessed right, I'm afraid the Special Envoy never thought of me before that, right? Yes, I am Wo Kuotai Khan’s second son is true. However, I still know myself. I don’t think I have the wisdom to lead a great empire across Eurasia. I didn’t have it before, and I don’t have it now. As for my talents, I often think, if I can And one half of the Mungo Brothers, I'd be proud of that too." Ale was so angry that he couldn't find any suitable words to refute. Buri still wanted to make a final effort: "Uncle Baidar, have you forgotten how Chagatai Khan was loyal to Ogedai Khan back then? He and Ogedai Khan had a deep and righteous relationship, and he was the only Khan who followed him all his life. We are all his children and grandchildren, how can we go against his old man's wishes?" "Loving your father and being loyal to the country are not contradictory. Back then, the reason why my father used his life to protect Okudei Khan was not simply out of brotherhood, but more because Okudetai Khan represented the country. I think, I What I need to learn from my father is that he has never been greedy for power and position throughout his life. Although I am a rough man who knows how to fight, I can still see right from wrong, just because I am the son of Jaghatai Khan, I That way I won’t regret my decision, and I won’t go back on my word!” Buri looked helplessly at Ale Chidai, and he told Ale Chidai with his eyes that he was powerless to what had happened. Ale Chidai left the meeting angrily.As soon as he reached the tent door, Ziniranza blocked his way with his long sword. Ale Chidai didn't expect that someone dared to stop him, and he said angrily: "You! What are you going to do!" "Without Batu Khan's permission, no one is allowed to leave the meeting place!" Ziniranza said with neither humble nor overbearing expression on his face. "Bastard! I am the special envoy of the Lost Queen of the Sea, you little guard, how dare you stop me! I think you are impatient!" "Sorry, here, we only follow the orders of Batu Khan. If you insist on leaving, you must leave one thing behind." "what?" "Head on the item." Ale was so angry that he punched Zinilanza violently. The punch hit Zinilanza's cheek, and Zinilanza's face suddenly swelled up, and a stream of blood flowed down the corner of his mouth. .There was a sound of "hush" in the big tent, but Ziniranza didn't move, still standing with his sword, his eyes like torches like lightning. Ale Chidai turned his head, and was about to accuse Batu, but found that everyone was staring at him with contempt, and had to swallow the words when they came to his lips.He wanted to leave the big tent and see how the young guards looked, fearing that if he insisted on going his own way, Batu would really make an example of him.If he returned to his seat, he felt that he couldn't save face, and after thinking about it, he was in a dilemma. Bie Erge suppressed his anger, walked over and patted Al Chidai on the shoulder.Ale Chidai shivered involuntarily.Everyone on the grassland knows that Brother Bie Er is a murderous demon king, and Ale Chidai is more afraid of him than Batu. "Okay, Ale Chidai, stop being childish. If you want to make it easier, I'll let Tsini Lanza take you there." He said almost mockingly. "No need! I'll wait until the meeting is over!" Alechi replied angrily, finding a step for himself, and returned to his seat dejectedly. No matter what kind of thoughts they have in their hearts, this small episode made everyone understand the role they should play.The ensuing discussion went smoothly, and the participants unanimously agreed that the Kuliltai Conference will be held on the bank of the Kelulun River in the spring of the following year, so as to formally confirm the Issyk-Kul agreement with the presence of all the kings of various families. Lightly hugged Meng Ge to the Khan position.Batu watched the participating princes and nobles sign agreements one after another, including Buri and Al Chidai, who were forced to accept the Issyk-Kul agreement, and then slowly and clearly instructed Bie Erge and Zini Lanza: "Bergie, the banquet is about to begin. You go back to your seat and enjoy the wine in front of you with everyone. You have to drink a few more glasses for Meng Ge. Zini Lanza, the safety of the big tent is very important. I leave it to you. When the meeting is over, Berger and Shaipan will be responsible for sending our future Great Khan Mengge back to his camp safely." "twitter!" Batu looked at Meng Ge and raised his glass.Meng Ge's face was always serious, which coincided with Batu's own mood.Baba knew very well that despite his ardent support, Meng Ge's ascension to the throne would still encounter resistance from all sides.But Batu never gave up.Mengge is the only Khan candidate in his mind who can lead the Mongolian Empire to prosperity. In order to ensure that Mengge ascends the Khan throne, even if he is forced to use force at that time, he will not hesitate. Queen Bing Ji clapped her hands, and a group of carefully selected qipcha dancers filed in. The banquet has begun. Accompanied by flowers and wine, the beautiful scenery of Lake Issyk-Kul makes people intoxicated.A few days later, the people who participated in the meeting returned to the station one after another.Batu and Meng Ge brothers bid farewell. In order to ensure Mengge's safety, Batu sent Beerge and Xiban to lead the army to escort the Mengge brothers to the vicinity of Hala Horin, so that in the coming year, with the participation of all the Zongwangs, Mengge would be surrounded by the Great Khan in a dignified way. throne.For the Tuo Lei family, it is a happy event to be associated with Khan, but Kublai Khan also had another surprise: on the morning when he was about to leave, he found that there was a handle of powder in his pocket at some point. Folding fan on blue paper, on which is inscribed Yuan Haowen's "Continued Little Niang Song".This is the treasure he has been yearning for for a long time. Could it be that it was bestowed on him by the Longevity God? It wasn't until Meng Ge and his party returned that Hai Lost Queen and her two sons realized the seriousness of the situation. They immediately sent envoys to Batu and said: "We do not agree to elect Khans other than the Ogodei lineage, Issyk-Kul. The agreement is an invalid agreement." Batu laughed and ignored it. However, as Batu and Mengge expected in advance, although the kings made an agreement, Mengge's accession to the throne still encountered a lot of resistance.The interference of the Lost Queen of Hai, and the resolute resistance of some people in the Wokuotai and Chagatai factions cast an unprecedented haze on the originally bright future. Hai Milo was unwilling to be reconciled to his own failure, and he and others from the Chagatai Clan continued to send people to question Batu, and their reason was nothing more than: "The throne should belong to the Wokuotai Clan, how can you decide to transfer it to someone else without authorization? "As for the questioning, Batu still responded with what he said at the Issyk-Kul Kuliltai Conference: "I have already said something, and I must never take it back. The reason why I support Meng Ge is not a momentary impulse, but Considering that to lead the Mongolian Empire with such a vast territory, it is not something that the few ignorant children left behind by Guiyou Khan can take on, only Mengge can take on this important task." This year was spent in quarrels, and the Kuliltai Conference could not be held as scheduled. Time flies, and it is another year in a blink of an eye.The Mongolian kings still failed to reach an agreement, and Batu urged a meeting many times, but the date of the meeting was still unable to be determined. Could it be that the Issyk-Kul agreement will eventually become a dead letter?