prosperous age

Chapter 548 Chapter 547 The Worst Situation

"Governor Ji Liao?"

Zhang Juzheng was shocked when he heard Wei Guangde asking about this matter.

"I heard it's still undecided. Why, Shandai is recommended by someone?"

Zhang Juzheng asked without knowing it.

Wei Guangde laughed loudly and said, "Can I recommend a second-rank official?"

"You are the censor, the imperial court didn't say how to recommend talents, how high the quality of the recommenders must be."

Zhang Juzheng stroked his beard and smiled, but he also heard from the words that Wei Guangde had no intention of interfering in this matter.

Perhaps, it was really a temporary idea, just asking casually.

"Lord Liu was transferred back to the capital from the governorship of Guangdong, Guangxi and Fujian. In all aspects, he is not as eye-catching as Governor Jiang, who has made many military exploits this time. I'm afraid he won't be able to compete."

Wei Guangde smiled faintly.

"Lord Liu also made countless achievements in suppressing the Japanese in the southeast, and in the battle against Zhang Lian's anti-thief.

This time I was transferred back to the capital, the teacher actually had to do it as a last resort. "

Of course Zhang Juzheng knew that under the current situation, Liu Tao and Jiang Dong competed for the position of governor of Jiliao, and they really lacked confidence.

However, the relationship between Liu Tao and Xu Jie is there. They are old friends for many years, so naturally they don't want to let him spend time at home.

Liu Tao, styled Renfu, nicknamed Daichuan, was born in Liu Xinzhuang, Cangzhou, Zhili Province. He was a Jinshi in the 17th year of Jiajing.

He has successively served as a Tuiguan in the Jinan Prefecture, the head of the Ministry of War, and a Shaanxi official. He is good at riding and archery, masters military strategies, and has repeatedly made military exploits.

It was the 29th year of Jiajing’s reign in the Ministry of War. When foreign soldiers invaded the capital, Liu Tao, who wanted to return to his hometown to observe his filial piety, was seized and participated in the Weiwu operation. He didn’t ask to return to his hometown until the end of the war.

After his reinstatement, he filled the vacancy of the deputy envoy of the Suzhou Army, and his family suffered another misfortune. He was in the southeast of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and Japanese pirates were rampant.

Afterwards, he was promoted all the way to the deputy envoy of Hangjiahu and the inspector, to stabilize Lingnan, and also the governor of the military affairs of Guangdong and Guangxi. Japanese pirates were rampant, and he was also the governor of Fujian.

It can be said that after he was promoted from the Jinan government, Liu Tao's talents as frontier guards were discovered. After that, all the positions were military and civilian officials, and he did very well.

However, such an outstanding commander-in-chief is still inevitably impeached.

During Liu Tao’s battle against the Japanese pirates, all the Japanese pirates fled and fled, and it was difficult to fight for the front. Although he had also done stubborn resistance, such as entangled with more Japanese pirates, but these were all defeated by the experienced Liu Tao, and Liu Tao went all the way. promotion.

However, not everything went smoothly. It was okay to pacify Lingnan, but Liu Tao was criticized a lot in the process of suppressing the Japanese.

For example, the response to the harassment of a very small number and small groups of Japanese pirates was not timely, and the army rebelled, etc. Although the mutiny and rebellion were easily resolved, he did not escape the jealousy and slander of his "colleagues" who said he was raising pirates. self-respect.

The Japanese pirate rebellion in the Jiajing Dynasty was originally caused by the court's improper strategy, and it intensified.

Before there is any change at all, the scourge of the Japanese pirates is like a grassroots. The wildfire will never burn out, and the spring breeze will regenerate, and it will always be stubborn and repeated.

The self-respect of raising bandits is not only the capital for many Ming Dynasty officials to accumulate credit, but also the source of their final decline.

In the face of successive impeachments, Xu Jie could only take measures to protect him, which was to arrange for Liu Tao to be transferred.

In fact, from the deaths of Zhang Jing and Yang Xuan, it can be seen that Emperor Jiajing was eager for quick success, and he only hoped to complete the errands he had given him as soon as possible, without much patience.

When his patience is exhausted, he often kills the donkey.

The death of Zhang Jing is not so much that he was murdered by Yan Song and others. It is better to say that Emperor Jiajing underestimated the seriousness of the Japanese plague. Do not ask.

As for Yang Xuan, it was because he knew that there were only ten thousand Tartars in the invaders, but he was unable to advance and suppress them as quickly as possible, and even lost several battles.

"Actually, in my opinion, it may be safer to let Mr. Liu governor Ji Liao and Baoding."

Wei Guangde also followed suit.

"Oh, what's your opinion on good loans?"

Zhang Juzheng was also a little curious when he heard that Wei Guangde supported Liu Tao, so he asked.

"Elder Xu Ge and Yang Shangshu both have good friends with Prince Yu's Mansion, so I can look at the candidate for governor of Jiliao more impartially."

Wei Guangde said with a smile: "I also heard that Mr. Liu is good at riding and shooting, and he has a good command of strategy. When he was serving in the Shaanxi capital, he led his army to fight against the Tartars who invaded Shaanxi and shot and killed the thief chief Mili'a. Zi also has a hand.

And in the south of the Yangtze River, he participated in the siege and suppression of Japanese pirates and the pacification of Lingnan many times. It can be said that the military exploits are shining, and the prestige is enough to deter the entire army.

As for Mr. Jiang Dongjiang, he should be on par with Mr. Liu in terms of strategy, but he is short of fine riding and archery.

Governor Ji Liao is defending the capital, if he dare not even go to the battlefield, he will only plan strategies in the rear, fearing that it will be difficult to motivate the soldiers to use their lives.

Yang Xuan is a good example. It is clear at a glance whether the Tartars go north and he goes south, compared with Master Liu shooting and killing the bandit chiefs. "

"To be honest, your majesty, the teacher must have something to say, but the biggest problem now is that Yang Bo intends to let Jiang Dong succeed Ji Liao. What he means is that Mr. Liu has just returned, and he is probably a little unfamiliar with the Tartars. Patrol first, get used to it for a while and then make arrangements.”

Zhang Juzheng said.

"Mr. Xu Ge can't convince Yang Shangshu. You might as well add King Yu. I think if both sides support Mr. Liu to be the governor of Jiliao, Yang Shangshu should think about it."

Wei Guangde still said with a smile on his face.

"Is there a way for Shandai to get King Yu to express his opinion?"

Zhang Juzheng asked suspiciously, then cupped his hands and said, "To tell you the truth, I have mentioned this matter to King Yu in private, but King Yu is just as you said, Mr. Xu Ge and Yang Shangshu are all helping King Yu's mansion. I don’t think it’s appropriate to support anyone.”

"So King Yu rejected your request?"

Wei Guangde answered and asked.

"exactly."

Zhang Juzheng didn't hide anything, he nodded immediately and said.

"At that time, I will ask King Yu to talk about this matter, and see if there is room for change."

Wei Guangde said immediately.

"Then Lao Shan Loan will help."

Although Zhang Juzheng had already guessed in his heart that Wei Guangde did this, it must be for no benefit, but now he doesn't know the real reason for Wei Guangde's doing so, naturally he should treat each other with courtesy.

It's hard to say that the conflict between Wei Guangde and Jiang Dong is enough for him to deal with it with shame.

At the very least, Zhang Juzheng really didn't know why Wei Guangde had an affair with Jiangdong.

Without knowing the reason, it is naturally impossible to make an accurate judgment.

"By the way, I have one more thing to do today, and I want to hear Brother Uncle's opinion."

Wei Guangde changed the subject.

"What's the matter?"

Zhang Juzheng wondered.

"This matter is of great importance, please keep it secret, Brother Uncle."

Therefore, Wei Guangde told Zhang Juzheng that after Ma Fang led his troops back to Xuanfu, he planned to attack the northern beach of Mongolia.

"What you mean is that Ma Fang received a secret report that I Da Khan's big tent is set up on the North Beach?"

Zhang Juzheng asked with a frown.

"It should be that he said that this sneak attack was intended to severely injure Altan Khan's main force. If he was not in Beishatan, how could he seriously injure him?"

Wei Guangde replied seriously.

"If the news is true, with Ma Zongbing's talent, as long as he arranges carefully, he can definitely win a big victory."

Zhang Juzheng rubbed his hands and said, but seeing Wei Guangde's serious expression, he asked strangely: "Shan Loan, this is a good thing, why are you frowning?"

"When I first knew about it, I was just like you."

Wei Guangde lowered his head while talking, then raised his head to look at Zhang Juzheng and said: "But this time the sneak attack, the tartar Huang Taiji just entered the capital, and he rushed to the North Beach non-stop, I always feel a little uneasy."

"Why?"

Zhang Juzheng was still suspicious, he didn't understand what Wei Guangde had to worry about.

"I checked the imperial court's documents about Altan Khan and found that he was very strategic, especially in the battles of defeating Wuliangha and conquering Qinghai. He showed amazing ability to predict.

Even if he intimidated the capital more than ten years ago, he didn't do it casually, it should be an astonishing move after careful consideration. "

Wei Guangde shook his head, "I feel like I've lifted him too high, but this person does have some merits, otherwise he would never be able to dominate the prairie, which is really a serious problem for Daming.

Therefore, I am worried that Huang Taiji's turnaround in the final stage of this battle will alert him that the combat power of Xuanda Town, the official army of the Ming Dynasty, is improving. "

In the past, the harmony between the Mongolian tribes was only shown, but it was actually in a state of disintegration, so every time they went south, they did not gather their full strength.

Before Alta Khan showed his head, his elder brother Ji Nang had only [-] households, so he dared to ravage Xuanfu, Datong, Liangzhou and other places, and he had to guard against tribes such as Yibusha and Bu'erhai.

But now, the surrounding tribes have surrendered to Altan Khan. He can be said to have huge power and can mobilize huge Mongolian troops.

Raids like Ma Fang's often don't gather a large army, but only take away more than ten thousand elites, so that they can quickly advance and carry out a surprise attack.

Don't look at Ma Fang's troops being smaller than Al Da Khan's, but if he commands properly, he can take advantage of the chaos of the enemy to take advantage of the situation and make an indelible contribution.

However, such sneak attacks also have huge risks, that is, if they are detected or predicted by the enemy, they are often trapped and it is difficult to escape.

What Wei Guangde was afraid of was that Al Da Khan had become vigilant from the battle at Huang Taiji's side. If so, he would ambush Ma Fang halfway, and the outcome would be unpredictable.

"The ones who made great contributions this time are the Xuanda people. Now that the two departments are returning to the base together, will the Jiang Yingxiong Department of Datong also participate in this sneak attack?"

Zhang Juzheng suddenly interrupted and asked.

"No, if you contact the Datong Army, there may be a risk of news leaking.

The Xuanfu army has been under his command for many years, and he has completely controlled it, so he naturally knows what to do to keep it secret.

The Datong Army didn't understand it at all, and it was difficult to command it to move. Ma Fang would never join forces with Datong to march. "

Wei Guangde shook his head directly.

"Then what do you mean? Want to stop or"

Zhang Juzheng was still very strange, he didn't understand Wei Guangde's real intention.

"Ma Fang's side, if my guess is correct, I'm afraid he has already led his troops to the foot of the Xuanfu Great Wall by this time, and will sneak out of the pass at any time."

Wei Guangde knew that the most important thing for such a plan to be implemented was what was going on outside the Xuanfu Great Wall.

If there are Tartar scouts, Ma Fang may also directly cancel the plan to enter the army.

In other words, Ma Fang will only consider the feasibility, but whether to implement it in the end depends on the situation and the specific situation.

However, there is no need to talk about these details to Zhang Juzheng.

"Since you can't control it, why don't you find a way to remedy it?"

Zhang Juzheng said at this time.

"What? Remedy?"

Wei Guangde wondered.

"Since Zongbing Ma has already dispatched troops, and Shandai is worried, it is better to think of a way to see if Zongbing Ma is really defeated, how to save the defeat, such as sending generals to lead troops into Xuanfu in the name of patrolling the border, to inquire about news If something goes wrong, troops will be sent to rescue immediately.”

Zhang Juzheng said, "It depends on Shandai's opinion, if Ma Zongbing's dispatch of troops is really detected by Al Dahan, what possible situations will arise, we can also prescribe the right medicine and find a solution."

"Ma Fang will lead the attack. In the past, he always took the lead when going out."

Speaking of this, Wei Guangde suddenly realized a problem, that is, Dong Yikui took over the defense of the Xuanfu temporarily after Ma Fang left the fortress, but now Dong Yikui has been transferred to Shanxi to serve as the general soldier, and he did not know that after Ma Fang left the Xuanfu this time, How is the rear arranged.

However, it doesn't matter.

Because Wei Guangde had already thought of Zhang Juzheng's suggestion just now, a thought circled in Wei Guangde's mind.

Let Dong Yikui, as the general soldier of Shanxi, bring the soldiers and horses of Shanxi Town to patrol the Xuanfu. If Ma Fang's troops are really in trouble, let Dong Yikui lead his troops to rescue them, and if they succeed, he will be responsible for their return.

But at this time, Zhang Juzheng said to himself: "If Ma Fang's tribe is detected by Al Da Khan, there are three possible ways.

One is to lead the troops to flee directly, but the probability of this is extremely small; the other is to set up an ambush with the intention of severely injuring or even wipe out Ma Fang's troops; the third is "

"Then what?"

Wei Guangde asked.

"Bypassing the sharp edge of Ma Fang's department, sneak attack on the empty Xuan Mansion."

Zhang Juzheng said.

"hiss"

Wei Guangde gasped, if Al Dahan adopted the third method Zhang Juzheng said, he could not only plunder countless supplies, but also drive Ma Fang to a dead end.

Just kidding, the emperor asked you to guard the Xuanfu, but you lost your lair.

No way, the knife was not swung down by Al Da Khan, but by Emperor Jiajing.

"Which one do you choose?"

Zhang Juzheng asked suddenly.

"third."

Wei Guangde replied subconsciously.

"So, let's think of a way to supplement the lack of troops in the Xuan Mansion. Ma Fang took away the elite of the Xuan Mansion. Once the Tartars suddenly arrive, I'm afraid they won't even be able to draw out the rescue troops.

At that time, the entire Xuanfu will be full of loopholes and passive, and there is a possibility of being swallowed up by the Tartars. This is what will really kill Ma Fang. "

Zhang Juzheng stroked his beautiful beard and said, but there was a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes.

Wei Guangde had never seen this look in Zhang Juzheng's eyes before.

For the first time, Wei Guangde looked at him a little bit with admiration, and he seemed scary even when he was ruthless.

Moreover, Wei Guangde also heard from Zhang Juzheng's words just now that Zhang Juzheng is actually very thoughtful.

Perhaps, for the military, he is just not interested.

That's right, the path that Xu Jie arranged for him was not to be a military civil servant, but to support him towards the throne of chief assistant.

Thinking about it, Wei Guangde sat here for a while, checking the time, and asked the servant to go in and ask about King Yu's situation.

(End of this chapter)