Wanli Emperor did not summon Nurhaci immediately, deliberately delaying for a day and sending word to Nurhaci to present himself in the inner court through the Meridian Gate during the morning audience the following day.
Several people speculated that Nurhaci would take advantage of the curfew to inspect the temples, and if not for one night, then certainly for two.
Ji Xiang, meanwhile, asked Old Zhang for the spells to subdue demons with firearms.
"There are still a few days left. I'll first tell my senior brother the incantation for the Great Dipper Divine Spell. Once my matters here are concluded, I will explain it to him in detail personally. Although firearm magic is a newly emerging method in this era, it contains many profound mysteries."
As Old Zhang spoke of this, a smile spread across his face, clearly indicating that he himself found great joy in learning the art of subduing demons with firearms. He then inquired about the progress of the little fox's cultivation. Ji Xiang smiled and replied:
"The Golden Light Spell is copied two hundred and fifty times daily."
Old Zhang was immediately delighted: "Excellent, excellent! A strict master produces a high-caliber disciple! Little Ten, this is your opportunity, do not slack off, copy it diligently!"
"Ying ying."
Only the little fox suffered in this completed world, but this was also something every student should do.
...
Wanli Emperor received Nurhaci and inquired about the temples.
However, a strange thing occurred.
Nurhaci attended the court and paid tribute as usual, appearing in the Ministry of Rites during the day, seen by many, with no attempt to conceal his movements. According to the intelligence gathered by surveillance, he had essentially not left his residence at night.
On the fourth night, Wanli Emperor ordered someone to find an excuse, claiming to be searching for demonic creatures and conducting an inspection. After the Northern Commandery of the Imperial Guard presented their warrant, the officials from the Ministry of Rites, who had been clamoring about human rights violations, were instantly silenced.
But Nurhaci remained in his guesthouse. When the Northern Commandery of the Imperial Guard entered the guesthouse, he was just waking up.
Everything was as usual; his younger brother, Shurhaci, was also present. Out of caution, he took a headcount, and the result confirmed that no one was missing.
This situation caused Wanli Emperor to scratch his head in bewilderment.
"Could it be that this fellow has no rebellious intentions, and I have made a mistake?"
"No, no, no, someone without a father, like An Lushan, would never be as loyal as he appears on the surface."
"Could it be that this scoundrel was truly frightened by the news of Li Chengliang recalling him to Liaodong?"
Wanli Emperor couldn't figure out what this fellow was doing. Four days had passed with no movement. Was he still waiting?
Nurhaci made no move, but Shurhaci, before leaving, quietly found a eunuch in the palace and expressed that he had news to convey to Wanli Emperor.
"Your humble servant Shurhaci, greets the Great Ming Emperor. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!"
Shurhaci finally seized an opportunity and found a way to meet Wanli Emperor. Of course, he was also surprised that Wanli Emperor had directly summoned him and granted him a direct audience.
This was only his second time meeting Wanli Emperor, but at this moment, Shurhaci noticed that compared to the last time, Wanli Emperor's spirits had clearly improved. His back was straight, his posture was upright, and he even held a treasured sword, appearing quite imposing.
Shurhaci couldn't help but mutter to himself, "This Ming Emperor is just posing with a sword. Has he ever ridden a horse into battle?"
"Showing off?"
"Never mind, you are the Emperor, whatever you like is fine."
"Reporting to Your Majesty, I have come this time because..."
"Because Nurhaci is planning to rebel?"
"Yes... Ah, no, no, it's not that!?"
Shurhaci was startled, his tongue twisted as he explained, "He hasn't rebelled yet, no, no, I shouldn't say rebel, it's just... he has some thoughts."
Wanli Emperor glanced at him: "What benefits do you wish to obtain from me? You have come to see me specifically for your brother's thoughts. Speak, I prefer directness, not beating around the bush."
"Also, if the intelligence you provide is useful, I will grant you the title of Commander of the Jianzhou Right Guard."
Shurhaci was stunned on the spot.
Happiness came too suddenly and too directly. Although he had intended to express his sincerity and become a dog of the Great Ming, Wanli Emperor's direct offer... made him somewhat overwhelmed.
So the Emperor liked things to be direct?
It was as simple and crude as that!
The Jianzhou Right Guard currently had no leader and had declined, falling under the command of the Left Guard. This was mainly because the position of Commander of the Right Guard had been seized by someone, who then rebelled. Subsequently, Li Chengliang had beaten them so severely that they were almost disbanded, but the establishment of the Right Guard had not been abolished.
Shurhaci was overjoyed. This was an opportunity to stand against his elder brother, wasn't it!
Immediately, he poured out the story of Nurhaci's "beautiful dream" to Wanli Emperor, accurately stating the term "Li Shanhe"!
Wanli Emperor was overjoyed on the spot!
"You did well! You backstabbed well! You reported well! You acted against your own kin for righteousness! Your elder brother is truly not a good person!"
Shurhaci hadn't expected that the three words "Li Shanhe" would have such a significant impact on Wanli Emperor. He couldn't help but ponder, it seemed the Ming Emperor also knew of Li Shanhe, and judging by his reaction, they had a past grievance?
Then this was simply perfect. If his elder brother allied with Li Shanhe, and he allied with the Great Ming, wouldn't that solidify his own position!
From now on, I, Shurhaci, wouldn't have to work for my elder brother anymore. Relying on the state when going out, if my elder brother is killed, I will be the successor Dragon Tiger General!
"However, to arrest someone based on a dream is still a bit hasty... What if he flatly denies it and claims he was just talking nonsense? I would have no good recourse, as we need evidence to make an arrest."
"Your Majesty, evidence can be fabricated. Mo Xu You..."
"Bold! Am I the kind of incompetent ruler who would convict someone based on 'Mo Xu You'!"
Wanli Emperor slammed his hand on the table and rose!
Do not mention any operations related to the Song Dynasty to me! Especially 'Mo Xu You'!
Shurhaci quickly knelt and kowtowed. Wanli Emperor waved his hand: "You may go. Keep a close eye on your brother. I will find a way to have someone relay messages to you. If he makes any small moves, report them to me immediately!"
So he said...
However.
They waited until the fifth day.
Nurhaci did make a move on this day, but it was to submit a memorial requesting to dispatch troops to support the Korean battlefield, hoping for the Great Ming's approval. This matter had just been reported when, less than an hour later, the Korean envoy from the Ministry of Rites, Old Liang, arrived at the Forbidden City in tears.
He pleaded, "Your Majesty, you cannot do this! To dispatch the Tatars to kill the Japanese is to add another devil. Our small nation hears of this and is filled with dread. How can we possibly agree!"
To put it plainly, the Jurchens lacked military discipline. Although their combat strength was formidable, they would plunder after battles, which was no different from the Japanese pirates.
Nurhaci paid no mind to the rejection of his request to participate in the war, and seemed to have subsided. He continued to enter and exit the Ministry of Rites as usual, often seen by many.