The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 234
On the morning of the first day of April, there was a court meeting at the Meridian Gate.

Zhu Youtang was sitting there, and his mind didn't seem to be on what the minister said. From his point of view, the First Battle of Ningyuan had not yet broken out, but everything had been expected by Zhang Zhou, although he now also felt that Zhu Feng The combination of Zhang Yanling, Zhang Yanling and Chen Rui is a bit unreliable, but at least it is still full of expectations.

Even if you lose, don't lose too ugly, right?
"...In the past two years, water transportation has cost a lot of money, especially the transfer of money and grain to the northwest. The price of food has doubled, and the number of refugees from the border areas has increased. The local government has done nothing about it..."

Hubu Shangshu Zhou Jing is listing the difficulties encountered in farming in the northwest today.

This is already a commonplace question.

Changed from Liangkaizhong to Yinkaizhong, that is, after the color-folding method, the commercial villages in the northwest basically disappeared, and it was unprofitable to grow grain in the northwest. The defense focus of the frontier army changed from Anmin to defending the city. , ordinary people who can stand it?

At first, the common people thought that when they planted grain, they would be protected by officers and soldiers, and they could retreat to the fortress when the Tatars came. But when they came out of the fortress, they found that their seedlings had been destroyed, and they couldn’t even replant them. As time passed, no one wanted to plant them. food.

The problem in the northwest is not only the result of negligence in governance, but also the result of changes in the grassland situation. Natural disasters and man-made disasters have caused a lot of trouble, and the land in the northwest has been abandoned year after year. Gradually, everything can only be transported from various places in the capital. multiplied.

Zhu Youtang was not in the mood to listen to these.

Now it is only talking about the results of the problem, not the solution, and blaming everything on the Northwest local government for not stopping the migration of refugees?This pot is a bit dark and a bit big, right?
Just when the court meeting was halfway through, Zhu Youtang wanted to suspend the court meeting at any time.

From outside the Meridian Gate, Xiao Jing came hurriedly with two young eunuchs, when Xiao Jing passed by Zhou Jing, Zhou Jing also had to stop his long speech, Xiao Jing had already brought something like a battle report, It was presented to Zhu Youtang.

"it is good!"

Zhu Youtang was still drowsy at first, and the ministers at the scene were not very energetic.

The emperor let out a roar, and everyone present seemed to be in high spirits, and they didn't know what the emperor was anymore.

But seeing that Zhu Youtang stood up and clenched his fists and waved his arms as if he had been beaten with chicken blood, as if he had forgotten that he was an emperor who was discussing court affairs with his courtiers, Zhu Youtang said excitedly: "You should be promoted!" He is An Bianhou!"

After hearing this, many people's first impression was that it was broken and something happened.

This kind of "accident" does not lie in any threat to Ming's frontiers, but in the fact that some things are beyond their control.

Liu Jian came out and said, "Your Majesty, has the Battle of Ningyuan progressed?"

It was only then that Zhu Youtang remembered that there were still a bunch of ministers in front of him who were bewildered watching him dance, but he also ignored Liu Jian's question and asked instead, "Where's Bingkuan?"

really.

Many ministers realized that this incident was a bit big.

Xiao Jing smiled and said: "Your Majesty, Mr. Zhang is taking a rest today, and he did not go to court."

Hugh?He will not come to court even if he does not stop bathing!Isn't he compiled by the History Museum of the Imperial Academy?How much does Shang Dynasty have to do with him?Is there anything he needs to discuss?

"Send someone to invite him into the palace." Zhu Youtang said.

"Yes." Xiao Jing took the order and stepped back immediately, but he didn't go to ask for it himself, but sent someone to go.

Liu Jianli looked awkward there.

I, the chief assistant, came out to ask questions, and His Majesty just ignored me like this?

At this time, Zhu Youtang also seemed to remember to explain to the minister, he said: "Yesterday, that is, on the 29th, there was a fierce battle at the west gate of Ningyuan City in the morning, and the victory report was sent back at noon yesterday. Uncle Anbian and Jianchang Uncle and Uncle Pingjiang dispatched a bombardment of the Diyi cavalry from far away from the top of the city, smashed Diyi, and then sent six groups of soldiers and horses to pursue them... According to preliminary calculations, there are at least six or seven hundred enemy leaders!"

In the past, this kind of thing would cause an uproar in the audience.

But this time when the emperor finished speaking, the group of civil servants present were completely silent.

I was shocked before.

It's been...

Numb.

Liu Jian took a few quick breaths to calm himself down as much as possible, as if he wanted to suppress the anger in his heart, and asked, "Your Majesty, I don't know what kind of long-range gun it is. What is the range? How powerful is it?"

Of course, he didn't feel that it was such an infuriating thing for the Ming Frontier Army to win, but he felt that he seemed to be being teased.

artillery?

It turns out that Zhang Zhou "had nothing to comment" at that time, and was supported by Zhang Mao, saying that it could defeat the enemy?
Zhu Youtang pointed to Xiao Jing who had just dispatched manpower to invite Zhang Zhou and came back to him, and said, "Say it."

Xiao Jingdao: "Mr. Zhang previously cast twelve cannons, and let Uncle An Bian and others take them to Ningyuan. This cannon has a range of two miles on flat ground. If it is erected on the top of the city, the range will be even longer, and the shells will bloom after they hit the ground. , there is almost no grass within a hundred steps around!"

"what!"

The civil servants present no matter how much they endured, they didn't want to express their emotions, so as not to overwhelm others' ambitions and destroy their own prestige.

But after hearing Xiao Jing's words, their jaws almost dropped in shock.

Seeing that the effect was achieved, Xiao Jing continued: "During this battle, Uncle An Bian deliberately stayed within the fortress to attract the Hulu to approach and set up camp, and formed an array of cavalry outside the west gate of the city. At last, in a vain attempt to force the generals of Ningyuan back with bows and crossbows, when the Hulu cavalry rushed halfway, the twelve letter Shenwei cannons fired in unison, and fired five consecutive salvos, blowing up the Hulu cavalry formation with [-] flower bombs. , and then Uncle An Bian and other generals personally led the troops into battle, and started to chase and fight...Uncle Jianchang himself personally killed a Hulu captain in this battle..."

Hear Xiao Jing's words.

The civil servants present couldn't stand anymore, and a group of people were discussing in private.

Why does this tone look like a replica of the First Battle of Piantouguan?

He is also an inconspicuous general who is underestimated by them. The last time it was Zhu Feng, this time it was Zhang Yanling. How could they personally capture the enemy on the battlefield with their own hands?
How smooth is this, that Zhang Yanling can go into battle and kill the enemy?
Does that mean that anyone who can ride a horse can go into battle and kill the enemy?
Zhu Youtang was in a good mood at this time, looked up at the Meridian Gate and said: "I never thought that this battle would be so smooth, and the first contribution should be on Bingkuan. Since he speculated that Di Yi would further invade, He also suggested that I send troops and generals to make arrangements, and he personally made the Shenwei Yuancannon, this battle can be said to be another monument of the frontier army's display of the Di Yi's supernatural power."

"Congratulations, Your Majesty."

Last time it was Xu Qiong who came out to congratulate first, but this time it was Xie Qian who came out to congratulate first.

Xie Qian took the lead, and the rest of the ministers were all acquainted, and they all came to congratulate Zhu Youtang, which can be regarded as flattering the emperor.

The emperor said before that heroes are judged by results. Now even if the results are questionable, for example, the results of the follow-up pursuit battle have not yet been released, and there may be false reports of military achievements... But is there any point in worrying about these details now?Guess Zhu Feng and the others wouldn't dare to risk the disgrace of the world and falsely report their military exploits, right?
If this credit was reported by local generals such as Ren Liang, the water injection would be very important.

But Zhu Feng and others were sent by the emperor himself, and Ning Yuan is not far from the capital. If the report is a great victory, how could the court not send someone to investigate?
"Gentlemen, what I have always been emphasizing is to employ people without doubt, and I hope you can understand more in the future."

At the critical moment, the emperor became humble instead.

These words seemed to be an explanation for him using Zhu Feng and Zhang Yanling, but to the minister's ears, it was more to pave the way for him to listen to Zhang Zhou.

You see, on the Nine Sides issue, I listened to Zhang Zhou twice, and won both, right?

It doesn't matter what weapon someone uses, as long as he wins, it's just that you have nothing to criticize him, is it meaningful?

Li Dongyang came out and said, "Your Majesty, I don't know what is the further trend of Liaodong? But you want to use Liaodong as a breakthrough point to send troops to the grassland?"

"I haven't made up my mind yet." Zhu Youtang didn't give these civil servants a guarantee, just as he listened to Zhang Zhou's everything now. If Zhang Zhou said that it was suitable to send troops to the grassland, then he could almost send troops there without hesitation. Also do not make this kind of "layman" proposal.

Li Dongyang couldn't help but glanced at Liu Jian next to him, it seemed that now he understood Liu Jian's previous move of nominating Zhang Zhou as the champion.

If the enemy can't stop it... then it's still "collusion".

……

……

Zhu Youtang did not ask the minister to wait for Zhang Zhou with him.

Even if he wants to show his merits for Zhang Zhou, he is also planning to give a decent reward in front of civil servants, military officials, princes and nobles in the coming Fengtian Palace to let others know how right it is for him to use Zhang Zhou.

When Zhang Zhou entered the palace, all the ministers had left scattered, and Zhang Zhou only needed to go to Qianqing Palace to meet Zhu Youtang.

"Bingkuan, Zhijie lives up to your expectations, and also to mine."

Zhu Youtang didn't wait in his seat, but stood in the Qianqing Palace, waiting for Zhang Zhou to arrive, then grabbed Zhang Zhou's arm when he came up, and spoke to Zhang Zhou with excited words.

Zhang Zhou first lowered the fire on Zhu Youtang, he said: "Your Majesty, the big result has not come out, don't forget the overall strategy because of the temporary strategic advancement."

"exactly."

Zhu Youtang nodded, "It's better for you to be considerate, Bingkuan, come here, and quickly show Bingkuan the strategic plan."

The map is spread out in front of the assembled table.

The map was drawn by Zhang Zhou himself. Zhang Zhou thought it was redundant. Did the emperor mean to let him analyze the war situation here?
Fortunately, Xiao Jing's arrival made the emperor's head cool down again: "Your Majesty, Mr. Liu Ge and the British Duke are here."

"Let them in."

Zhu Youtang doesn't use the word "please" anymore, maybe he thinks it's unnecessary.

Then Zhang Mao, Ma Wensheng, Liu Jian, Li Dongyang, Xie Qian and Zhou Jing appeared in the Qianqing Palace.

When they entered the hall and saw two tables in the middle of the hall with maps on them, and Zhang Zhou standing almost side by side with the emperor, they wondered "this kid doesn't understand the rules", but then they After thinking about it, what happened to Zhang Zhou cannot be inferred by common sense.

"The Qing family came just in time. Bingkuan was about to analyze the current situation in Liaodong with me, so you all came over and listened together! There is no need to salute."

With Zhang Zhou here, the courtesy of the monarch and his ministers can be avoided.

Several people moved forward.

When they see that map, they will feel dizzy. Those who have never studied geography will feel like a bible when they first see this kind of thing.

Then Zhang Zhou pointed out several areas on it, and made a little comment on the distance comparison and other things, and all the six ministers present became "understandable in seconds".

"Ningyuan's terrain is very special. If you chase out from here, you will only encounter mountains and so on, and you have to retreat." Zhang Zhou said, "It seems that most of the results of the battle occurred under the city of Ningyuan. I want to do it again. Enterprising, unless it is leading troops to attack the grassland."

Li Dongyang asked the previous question again: "In your opinion, should we let the Ming frontier army recover the grassland?"

Zhang Zhou knew that he was testing himself when he heard it, he smiled and said, "It's not impossible!"

Li Dongyang glared at him.

It seems to be saying, you boy, if you give you a pole, you can climb up, right?

Zhu Youtang asked seriously, "Bingkuan, what do you think is the chance of winning if you send troops into the grassland right now?"

"Your Majesty..." Liu Jian wanted to cool down the emperor's mind again.

Zhang Zhoudao: "Your Majesty, the so-called odds of winning should be limited to one moment and one place, not the overall situation of the battle. At present, entering the grassland is still doing more harm than good, and our three armies are currently equipped with fewer new guns. The next step is to take The new weapons that come out are still under development and cannot be used yet.”

"That's right, that's how it should be."

Zhu Youtang seemed to be full of expectations for sending troops to the grassland before, but after hearing Zhang Zhou's words, he suddenly felt that not sending troops was the right thing to do.

Several ministers looked at each other.

They all seemed to see that the current emperor seemed to have no idea, and was completely led by the nose by Zhang Zhou.

But the problem is...they haven't been able to remind the emperor that it's wrong to do this, even they themselves feel... Zhang Bingkuan is really a bit evil, it's fine if you have Wang Weining in the first battle, you won't call it a skill if you use a famous general , but Ning Yuan used a group of shrimp soldiers and crab generals, and he was able to achieve a great victory?

Zhu Youtang said: "What I mean is that I am going to allocate money and food, and supervise the construction of more powerful and far-reaching cannons. What do you think?"

Liu Jian said: "Your Majesty, should such matters be discussed in court?"

Zhang Mao said with a smile: "Is there anyone in the court or the inner court who will object to something that benefits the country and the people?"

This left Liu Jian speechless.

Regardless of the cost of building the cannon, judging from the effectiveness of the cannon in the First World War in Ningyuan, it must be built, and it depends on how much it is built. This depends not only on the surplus financial resources of Ming Dynasty, but also on Zhang Zhou's design. The ability and level of the division, if it did not provide technical support last week, it would be impossible to talk about artillery.

Zhu Youtang didn't plan to have a detailed discussion with the minister about this, he said that he wanted to create a real one.

As Zhang Mao said, do your ministers have to find reasons to oppose this kind of thing?

"What I mean is that Bingkuan will be responsible for building new cannons. The imperial court will not interfere with how he builds them. According to the cost, the imperial court can buy them from him." Zhu Youtang put forward his own opinion.

"His Majesty……"

Now even Zhang Mao felt that the emperor was giving Zhang Zhou both power and money.

The rest of the civil servants naturally wanted to oppose it together.

Dai Yi explained from the side: "The craftsmen used are also members of the imperial court. Mr. Zhang will arrange how to make them, and the cost will naturally be calculated. Mr. Zhang has no intention of using the cannon for other purposes. The craftsmen are all If you don't leave the capital, if the imperial court doesn't use Mr. Zhang...no one in the court can complete the casting of steel alone."

Xie Qian said with a smile: "It means that in this world, except for Zhang Zhuangyuan, no one else can complete it? Even with his teaching?"

Zhu Youtang said: "Xie Qing's family, do you object to this?"

"I...don't dare."

Xie Qian originally wanted to continue to question a few sentences.

But the tone of the emperor was wrong, so he accepted it as soon as he saw it.

"From the mighty sky gunpowder to the Shenweiyuan cannon, they are all made by Zhang Qing's family. His role in the two battles of Pianguan and Ningyuan is irreplaceable. I will give the merits of the first battle of Pianguan to He remembered, if I want to grant him a title now, do the Qing family have any objection?"

Zhu Youtang was also unambiguous.

You still feel that Wang Weining contributed more to his tactical use in the Battle of Biantouguan, and Zhang Zhou was only a supporting role.

In addition, Zhang Zhou was just a juren at that time, and he didn't participate too much in the big discussion of that battle, so you still don't trust him.

Now that he is already a Jinshi, with two consecutive meritorious service, it is not too much to confer a title, right?
"The minister seconded the proposal." Zhang Maoxian expressed his opinion.

But no matter how you listen, Zhang Mao's tone is sour.

Before he wanted to form an alliance with Zhang Zhou, he felt that there was no conflict of interest between him and Zhang Zhou. There would be no conflict if a civil servant and a martial artist each took what they needed, but if Zhang Zhou also won the title, the result might be It's different.

But in this situation, Zhang Mao had to stand by Zhang Zhou's side.

At a critical moment, Ma Wensheng chose to remain silent.

Because he has no reason to object.

Liu Jian said: "Your Majesty, matters of meritorious deeds should have been discussed in the court, and no matter how much Zhang Zhou contributed to this battle, he never led his troops to fight hard against the enemy, nor did he make any meritorious service before the battle. This is the first of its kind Opened……"

"Is Liu Qing's family going to object?" Zhu Youtang's face was displeased.

Why do you target whoever I want to use?
Liu Jian said helplessly, "We need to discuss it again."

"Hehe." Zhu Youtang sneered, "I understand what you mean. The results of Ningyuan's battle have to wait for further reports, and we have to send people to check to see if there is any false report. Zhu Zhijie probably won't be able to do it."

This point was also agreed by several civil servants present.

The things that kill the good and pretend to be meritorious are usually done by the local veterans.

The local military generals have been in business for many years, and they are sure that no one will report them, they have high safety performance, and they can find a scapegoat to do this kind of thing.

If it is said that Zhu Feng has made great contributions, he still runs to kill others to pretend to be meritorious service... unless Zhu Feng is tired of work.

It seems that Zhu Feng is a fool, so he wouldn't do such a thing.

Zhu Youtang said: "The pursuit of Ningyuan in the first battle is of little value. Before tomorrow morning, all the results of the battle should be reported. At that time, I will give rewards for meritorious deeds. I will first make Zhu Zhijie the Marquis of Anbian. Bing Kuan discusses the merits, you gentlemen should have no objections, right?"

Now even Liu Jian and Li Dongyang were silent.

Even if it's just the achievements of killing and capturing six or seven hundred Yan Sanwei cavalry, it's enough to give Zhu Feng a Marquis, not to mention that there may be supplements in the future.

As for Zhang Zhou... It's not whether there is a precedent for Zhang Zhou's meritorious service award, but the emperor insisted on setting this precedent.

The emperor insisted on rewarding someone, but the ministers really couldn't stop him.

(End of this chapter)