I, Jiajing, successfully cultivated immortality

Chapter 758 is inspiring!

Jiajing's idea was to gradually bring the clan and nobles into the court through the temporary establishment of a military aircraft office.

The reason why Jiajing emphasized that the Military Aircraft Department was temporarily established was to minimize the resistance to implementation. Anyway, it was up to him, the emperor, to decide whether and when to abolish it.

After the civil and military officials in the DPRK gradually became familiar with the existence of the Military Aircraft Department, there was no need to abolish the Military Aircraft Department.

Although the Military Aircraft Department is currently only responsible for delivering frontline battle reports, as time goes by, there will always be new powers and responsibilities that can be added to the Military Aircraft Department.

Those clans and nobles who were supported by Jiajing also urgently needed such a platform to prove themselves, and took this as an opportunity to gradually gain a foothold in the court.

After that, Jiajing calmed down, turned around, looked in the direction of Lu Fang, and said: "Lü Fang, go to the British Duke's residence in person, call the British Duke, and tell me I have something important to discuss with him!"

When Lu Fang, who was waiting on the side, heard Jiajing's words, he immediately lowered his head and responded respectfully: "As you command, Your Majesty!"

……

Shortly after Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng returned to the cabinet through the Qianqing Palace, the cabinet soon announced the news about the great victory on the front line and the Ming army's annihilation of 31,000 enemies.

As soon as this news came out, it instantly shocked the government and the public. After all, the Gengxu Revolution that occurred in the 29th year of Jiajing was a loud slap in the face of Ming Dynasty.

Since the Ming Dynasty adopted a strategy of going south first and then north, and placed its strategic focus on the Japanese pirates along the southeast coast, when facing the Tatar invasion from the north, it usually chose a passive defense strategy.

Now, the Ming Dynasty finally found its place on the battlefield. Not only did it annihilate 31,692 Tartars in one fell swoop, but it also captured more than 8,000 war horses, as well as countless swords, armor and other trophies.

Let me ask, how can news like this not make people feel excited?
Even though it was duty time, the bulletin board near the cabinet was still crowded with officials who came to inquire about the news.

"In this battle, we wiped out 30,000 Tartars who invaded the borders of our Ming Dynasty in one fell swoop, and strengthened our Ming Dynasty's power. How happy, how happy!"

"Okay, I didn't expect that I would be able to see this day in my lifetime. How happy I am!"

"According to this situation, the army of the imperial court should be able to attack Anda Khan's lair soon. When Anda Khan is captured, he must be skinned and cramped, and executed in a hurry to comfort the souls of those soldiers and civilians who were killed or injured!"

"If I had been a few years younger, I might have followed the imperial army into battle and killed the enemy. I would have killed this group of Tartars until they were so frightened that they would never dare to invade our Ming border again!"

While many officials present were filled with enthusiasm and enthusiasm, some officials discovered a blind spot.

"It seems that Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, who have made such great contributions, were recommended to His Majesty by Mr. Hu Ge personally, right?"

As soon as these words came out, many officials present couldn't help but take a breath, and then sighed with emotion.

"Hey, Mr. Hu Ge's eyes are really vicious!"

"Don't forget, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou are powerful generals who assisted Mr. Hu Ge in wiping out the Japanese pirates on the southeast coast. As their immediate superior, Mr. Hu Ge naturally knows their abilities well. Otherwise, he would not personally report to them. His Majesty recommended it!"

"With such great achievements, and with Mr. Hu Ge, the official minister, taking care of and supporting them, the future career of these two people can be said to be smooth sailing!"

"It's not just Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou who performed brilliantly in this battle. Duke Cheng Guo also refused to give in. You see, it's clearly written on it..."

……

At the same time, in the capital, the British government.

Ever since Cheng Guo Gong Zhu Xizhong commanded the Shenji Battalion and went out with the army, a group of clans and nobles led by British Duke Zhang Rong have been paying attention to the battle reports sent from the front line.

After all, this battle is related to the fate of millions of clans and nobles in the Ming Dynasty.

At this time, in the room, British Duke Zhang Rong was seen pacing back and forth in the room with his hands behind his back, with a restless look on his face.

"The housekeeper has been gone for so long, why hasn't he come back yet? Could it be that something happened on the way and delayed him?"

"Or is it that the war situation coming from the front line is not optimistic?"

Just as Zhang Rong's thoughts were racing, he heard a rush of footsteps coming from outside the door.

Not long after, I saw the housekeeper who had been sent by Zhang Rong to find out the news, running into the room panting.

Zhang Rong saw the expression on the butler's face and asked eagerly: "How is the situation?"

After hearing Zhang Rong's words, the housekeeper took a breath and responded intermittently: "Old... Master, we won... we won, the front line won a great victory, and good news came from the front line not long ago..."

Because he was too excited, Zhang Rong did not hear the rest of his words clearly.

At this moment, Zhang Rong felt a sense of relief all over his body, and his tense nerves relaxed at this moment.

"We won, good, haha. Duke Cheng Guo will be proud of us clan members and nobles this time!"

When Zhang Rong said this, he couldn't help but have a look of regret on his face. He lowered his head and said to himself: "If I had known it, if I had the shamelessness to beg Your Majesty, I might be able to go to the battlefield..."

After the mood gradually calmed down, Zhang Rong was seen sitting in the main seat, looking in the direction of the butler and giving instructions: "Tell me the specific situation!"

Naturally, the housekeeper did not dare to violate Zhang Rong's words in the slightest. After recalling for a moment, he informed him of all the information he had found out.

"Sir, in the recent battle with Amada Khan, the imperial court won a great victory. A total of 31,692 enemies were wiped out, and 8,653 horses were captured, as well as all kinds of swords and armor, not counting Countless!"

"Another 3,632 enemy soldiers were captured. In addition, a senior enemy general named Buren was killed!"

"Our army suffered various casualties in this battle, totaling 5,326. In this battle, not only Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, but also Duke Cheng Guo made great contributions..."

After listening to the butler's narration, Zhang Rong's face became even more excited.

Because Duke Cheng Guo performed brilliantly in this battle, the emperor also had more excuses to support the clan and nobles.

And taking this as an opportunity, step by step, the clan and nobles who had been silent for a long time were brought into the court.

In Zhang Rong's view at this time, the goal of restoring the clan, nobles, and past glory seemed to be within reach.

Immediately, Zhang Rong came back to his senses, glanced at the housekeeper, and ordered in a deep voice: "Without further delay, go and invite Ding Guo Gong and others to the house immediately, and say that we have something important to discuss with you." !”

"Yes, sir!"

When the housekeeper heard this, his expression immediately became serious and he responded in a deep voice.

He had just taken a few steps when he saw a servant entering the room with extremely eager steps.

After the servant entered the room, he immediately looked in the direction of the British Duke Zhang Rong, leaned down, and reported respectfully: "Old... Master, Eunuch Lu from the palace is outside asking for an audience, saying that he is following His Majesty's order!"

After learning the news from the slave, Zhang Rong's face was full of surprise that could not be concealed.

Zhang Rong knew very well that as the person closest to the emperor, Lu Fang's sudden visit must have something extremely important.

"Is it possible that His Majesty came to me just to discuss the matter of sending the clan and nobles to the court?"

Suddenly, an idea suddenly appeared in Zhang Rong's mind.

Immediately, he came back to his senses, looked in the direction of the housekeeper, and ordered in a deep voice: "Go and invite Eunuch Lu to the hall!"

"Yes, sir!"

The butler bowed to Zhang Rong and left immediately.

……

Soon after, under the guidance of the butler, Lu Fang walked silently into the hall of the British government residence where guests were entertained.

At this time, Lu Fang's face was filled with a warm smile. After entering the hall, she looked in the direction of Zhang Rong and said respectfully: "I have met the British Duke!"

"Eunuch Lu, there is no need to be so polite, sit down!"

After Zhang Rong heard what Lu Fang said, he waved his hand and pointed to the empty seat beside him.

When Lu Fang heard this, she didn't refuse at all and sat down on the empty seat beside her.

Not long after they sat down, a servant came forward and brought a bowl of steaming tea for Lu Fang and the British Duke Zhang Rong.

Immediately, Zhang Rong picked up the tea cup, looked in the direction of Lu Fang, smiled and said: "Eunuch Lu, this is the new tea that has just arrived. Please try it."

"Well, then our family would like to thank the British father for his kindness!"

After Lu Fang finished speaking, she picked up the teacup and took a sip.

"Well, this tea has endless aftertaste. It's really a good tea!"

Afterwards, Lu Fang put down the tea cup in her hand, looked in the direction of Zhang Rong, and praised him sincerely.

"Since Eunuch Lu likes this tea, can I have someone send you some later?"

"Well, then I'll have to trouble the British public!"

After that, the two sides chatted for a while. Soon, after Zhang Rong thought for a long time, he looked in the direction of Lu Fang and asked cautiously: "Eunuch Lu, may I ask your Majesty this time..."

Lu Fang took in the expression on Zhang Rong's face, shook her head incomprehensibly, and then said: "Young Lord, to be honest, your Majesty did not explain in detail what happened."

When Lu Fang said this, he paused and added: "You can rest assured that the British University will not be a bad thing anyway."

Zhang Rong couldn't help but breathed a sigh of relief when he heard Lu Fang's words. Before that, he had some related conjectures.

At present, the front line is victorious, and Duke Cheng Guo has also made great achievements. How could there be no action from His Majesty's side? Maybe Lu Fang was asked to come here this time just to discuss relevant matters with him. And now, these conjectures in my mind have been confirmed by Lu Fang, the person closest to the emperor. How can this not make people feel reassured?

Then, Zhang Rong suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in his mind, looked in the direction of Lu Fang, and suggested: "Eunuch Lu, without further delay, let's set off now!"

"Ah."

After that, the British Duke Zhang Rong got on the prepared sedan, and under the leadership of Lu Fang, embarked on the journey to Qianqing Palace.

……

Forbidden City, inside the Qianqing Palace.

Lu Fang turned her attention to Jiajing, who was sitting on the dragon chair, leaned down and reported respectfully.

"Your Majesty, the British Duke has arrived!"

"Ah."

After doing this, Lu Fang returned to stand beside Jiajing, like a sculpture.

Zhang Rong, who was standing behind Lu Fang, couldn't hide the excitement in his heart. He immediately knelt down on the ground with a thump and said in a deep voice: "I bow to your majesty, long live my emperor!"

"British Sir, didn't I say before, you don't need to be so polite to me!"

Seeing this situation, Jiajing had a look of blame on his face, got up from the dragon chair, stepped forward personally, and helped Zhang Rong up from the ground.

"Come here, give the British Duke a seat!"

As soon as Jiajing finished speaking, a eunuch came forward, prepared a seat for Zhang Rong, and laid a soft cushion on the seat.

When Zhang Rong saw this, his face showed panic. He immediately lowered his head, bowed to Jiajing and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness!"

After that, Jiajing looked away from Zhang Rong, waved his hand, and said: "Sit down, Mr. British!"

"As you command, Your Majesty!"

After Zhang Rong heard Jiajing's words, he sat down on the chair without making any excuse.

Afterwards, Jiajing sat back on the dragon chair, gently stroking the carved dragon head with his hand. After looking Zhang Rong up and down, he asked: "British Sir, I plan to set up a new organization called Military Aircraft Department."

"The tentative duty of the Military Aircraft Department is to submit battle reports from the front to me. What do you think?"

When Jiajing finished speaking, Zhang Rong's breathing inevitably became rapid.

After all, if the emperor just wants to establish a new institution, there is no need to discuss it with himself as a clan member and noble.

In other words, the establishment of the Military Aircraft Department is closely related to the clan and nobles!
The emperor's previous mention of the word "tentative" means that the powers and responsibilities of the Military Aircraft Department will definitely be more than these in the future.

"Could it be that His Majesty wants to use this as an opportunity to let the clan and nobles enter the military aircraft office?"

The more Zhang Rong thought about it, the more likely it was that he felt it was possible. Then, he plucked up the courage, raised his head and looked in the direction of Jiajing, and asked: "Your Majesty...Does your Majesty want to let the clan and nobles... "

Seeing that the British Duke Zhang Rong understood what he meant, Jiajing nodded and said in agreement: "Well, the British Duke guessed it right, that's what I planned!"

"The Military Aircraft Department has the post of Minister of Military Aircraft, with a rank of 5th grade. In addition to the Minister of Military Aircraft, there are also several military aircraft counselors, with a rank of 7th grade."

"At that time, I plan to let Duke Cheng Guo serve as the Minister of Military Aircraft. As for the position of Military Aircraft Counselor, I plan to let those descendants of the clan and distinguished nobles who have passed the examination and experienced in Bozhou to take the position. The British public thinks that I What’s the idea?”

Hearing Jiajing's words, Zhang Rong's face was full of excitement. He immediately stood up from his seat, leaned down, and responded in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, Duke Cheng Guo will serve as Minister of Military and Aircraft. It couldn’t be more appropriate!”

Due to being too excited, British Duke Zhang Rong's body trembled uncontrollably.

Everything in front of him was too dreamy for the British public Zhang Rong.

These clans and nobles have been dreaming of restoring their past glory and returning to the court, which will soon be realized.

……

Although the rank of the Minister of Military Aircraft is only the fifth rank, it symbolizes a good start, a beginning for the clan and nobles to return to the court!
After calming down, Zhang Rong quickly realized a problem.

Then, he was seen looking in the direction of Jiajing with a worried look on his face, and asked: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, let the clan and nobles enter the military aircraft. Will the ministers in the court..."

Jiajing saw the worried look on Zhang Rong's face, waved his hand, and said nonchalantly: "It doesn't matter, Cheng Guogong has made such great achievements this time, no one can choose him to serve as the Minister of Military Aircraft. Something is wrong!"

"Besides, it only needs to be announced to the outside world that the Military Aircraft Department is temporarily established. Sir, if I were you, would you be worried about a temporary organization?"

After listening to Jiajing's explanation, a look of sudden realization appeared on Zhang Rong's face, he lowered his head and murmured to himself: "I see, I understand!"

In Zhang Rong's opinion, the emperor's move was not unwise.

First, it was announced to the public that the Military Aircraft Department was a temporary organization, which allowed the ministers in the DPRK and China to relax their vigilance, and at the same time, it was able to minimize the resistance to the entire matter.

When both the government and the public get used to the existence of the Military Aircraft Department, there will be no need to abolish the Military Aircraft Department.

In this process, more powers and responsibilities will continue to be added to the Military Aircraft Department.

In this way, when the ministers in the court discovered that something was wrong, it was already too late.

After thinking about all this, Zhang Rong calmed down and sighed secretly: "Your Majesty is indeed talented, decisive and wise!"

At this moment, Jiajing's voice sounded in Zhang Rong's ears, bringing him back to reality: "If the British Lord thinks there is no problem, then this matter will be settled!"

"As you command, Your Majesty!"

After hearing what Jiajing said, Zhang Rong immediately stood up from his seat, with a stern look on his face, and responded without thinking.

When Jiajing heard this, he glanced at Zhang Rong quite indifferently, nodded slightly, and then gave instructions.

"Okay, now that the matter has been settled, let's get here first today!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will resign now!"

After that, Zhang Rong bowed to Jiajing and left Qianqing Palace.

After returning to the British Palace from Qianqing Palace, Zhang Rong immediately summoned all the people from the Duke of Dingguo, the Marquis of Wuqing, the Marquis of Xincheng, and the Duke of Guizhou to the British Palace.

In the hall, facing everyone's curious gazes, Zhang Rong organized the words in his mind, faced everyone, and slowly narrated the ins and outs of the matter.

"To be honest, not long ago, His Majesty called me to Qianqing Palace and said that he wanted to set up a military aircraft office..."

……

Night falls, in the capital, in Yan's study room.

On the same day, after they were off duty, Yan Song, Yan Shifan and his son took a sedan chair and went straight back to Yan's Mansion.

At this time, in the study room.

Yan Shifan was sitting not far from Yan Song. At this moment, his face was full of regret that could not be concealed.

Yan Shifan's face was full of envy when he thought of the jade Ruyi and jade pens that the emperor had given to Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng respectively.

After all, if he had not changed with Zhang Juzheng before, he would definitely have been rewarded.

Then, Yan Shifan suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, looked in the direction of Yan Song, and said slowly: "Father, if I had known this would happen, my child would not have changed with Zhang Juzheng!"

After listening to Yan Shifan's complaint, Yan Song looked away from the book in front of him, shook his head, and said slowly: "The matter has come to this, no matter how much regret is in vain, it is better to focus on the current matter!"

When Yan Song said this, he paused for a moment, glanced at Yan Shifan, and asked: "By the way, how is the progress of the materials for building the 'Gongchen Pavilion'?"

When Yan Shifan heard this, he immediately responded without thinking: "Father, my son has sent people out. The stone materials in Yunnan are fine, but the wood in Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan is difficult to handle. They can only be transported by sea." !”

When Yan Shifan said this, he couldn't help but feel a lot of emotion: "It would be great if one day a road could be built directly to the Yunnan-Gui River. In this case, it would be much easier to transport the wood from there in the future. Can save a lot of costs!”

After listening to Yan Shifan's emotion, Yan Song thought for a moment and put forward his own idea: "Just to transport the wood from the Yunnan-Guizhou River, we need to build a road. The terrain there is rugged and it is extremely difficult to build the road." big."

"Besides, the human cost involved is unimaginable. In calculation, the gains outweigh the losses."

When Yan Song said this, he immediately added: "Unless there are people who can be commanded to death for free, it will be difficult to build this road."

After hearing Yan Song's words, Yan Shifan seemed to suddenly remember something, and then said: "By the way, father, when I said this, the child suddenly remembered that when the Rakshasa mission visited our country last year, there was It was mentioned that they had a trade route.”

When talking about this, Yan Shifan ordered someone to take a world map he had copied earlier from his room to the study.

After the map was spread out, Yan Shifan pointed his finger at the direction of Europe on the world map, and then said.

"Father, you see, the trade route mentioned by the Rakshasa mission was to start here with goods, then pass through this place called the Cape of Good Hope, exchange slaves here, and then send the slaves in exchange to It is sold here and eventually sold into gold and silver and shipped back to the country.”

Under Yan Shifan's description, Yan Song finally understood the purpose of this route.

Then, Yan Song frowned and said, "Isn't this just selling people, and it's a hugely profitable deal?"

After hearing Yan Song's words, Yan Shifan nodded and said in agreement: "Father, you are right. I am thinking, how about just using these slaves to build roads?"

(End of this chapter)