The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 258
In the Qianqing Palace, only Dai Yi and Xiao Jing, who led Zhang Zhoulai, were present as the eunuchs in charge of ceremonies.

In addition to Liu Jian and Ma Wensheng.

Before Zhang Zhou arrived, the emperor didn't seem to have said anything, so when Zhu Youtang told the news of Wang Yue's death in front of several people, Liu Jian and Ma Wensheng's faces were suddenly covered with gloom. It was as if night fell on the face without much blood, just like the current situation in the northwest.

Zhu Youtang said: "Marquis Weining's death has been foreshadowed for a long time. In the past two months, he had had symptoms of chest pain and fell ill twice in front of others. So before leaving, he made a memorial and recommended some people to me. .”

Liu Jian looked sideways at Zhang Zhou.

Perhaps the emperor didn't say anything, but he also knew that among the people recommended by Wang Yue in the emperor's mouth, there must be Zhang Zhou, and he was probably the one recommended first.

Ma Wensheng said: "The fortress of Pianguan is still damaged in many places. If we only use sky gunpowder as a threat, it may be difficult to stop Di Yi's wolfish ambition. The imperial court was elected to transfer the general officer of Pianguan to replace Marquis Weining."

There are some suggestions that Ma Wensheng does not need to say. As the Minister of the Ministry of War, his words are just passing the show.

Zhu Youtang said: "Who do the three Qing family think can take on this responsibility?"

Whether to recommend or not is not negotiable, but who to recommend is a big question.

A dilapidated fortress, rebuilding is still far away, and it's not just the Piantou Pass that is in danger, but the entire northwest is unstable, and the Tatars have committed crimes one after another. The meaning of closing.

Liu Jian said: "It's better to go with the Duke of Baoguo."

There are too few famous generals available to Daming, and there are none that can rival Wang Yue.

Now it is no longer who is worthy of great use, but whoever is relatively capable will go.

Zhu Youtang shook his head and said: "Mr. Baoguo is unyielding in small things, but he does big things...Three Qings, do you think it is feasible for Marquis Anbian to go to Pianguan as the commander-in-chief?"

"Think twice, Your Majesty." Liu Jian obviously disagreed.

But he could not give a specific reason for his opposition.

Before recommending Zhu Hui, Duke of Baoguo, Liu Jian naturally thought about Zhu Feng's problem. If there is someone else who can best inherit Wang Yue's will, besides Zhu Feng?

But Zhu Feng... After all, he is just a man living under the shadow of others. Whether it is Wang Yue or Zhang Zhou, they are enough to suppress Zhu Feng and let him take the lead alone...Don't say that the ministers don't like him, just ask him himself Think you can do it?

Zhu Youtang looked at Zhang Zhou first, and even Zhang Zhou didn't say anything about it.

Zhu Youtang made a gesture, and then Dai Yi came out and said: "Several, a month ago, Marquis Wei Ning fell into a coma for the second time due to chest pain, and after waking up, he gave a performance. Please send Marquis Anbian Zhu Feng to the side Guan, use him as the deputy commander, and call him at any time."

The implication is that the use of Zhu Feng was not the emperor's temporary idea, but even Wang Yue's recommendation.

"Hey! I originally planned to use Uncle Pingjiang to adjust the side pass, but after much deliberation, it is still too difficult for Uncle Pingjiang to guard the middle road. It is better to stay in Yansui and other places. Even if there is a war in Ningxia and other places, let him It’s better to make up for it temporarily than to transfer him away from Guan and Datong.”

The emperor analyzed the feasibility of another person again.

Chen Rui.

The emperor almost said that this guy is too afraid of fire, so he should stay in Yansui to resist Dayan Khan, so as not to stay in Pianguan as his "Chen Erbai", running two hundred miles a day and night.

Liu Jian suddenly looked at Zhang Zhou and asked, "I wonder if Minister Zhang has anyone to recommend him?"

Zhang Zhou stood beside him, and looked at Liu Jian after hearing the words.

It seems to be asking.

Mr. Liu Ge, are you serious?At this time, you actually want to hear my opinion?Or do you want me to come out and take the blame?
In the end, the person I recommended can't stand up, so that the responsibility can be pushed on me?

Zhu Youtang also looked at Zhang Zhou expectantly and said, "Bingkuan, I also want to hear your opinion."

Zhang Zhoudao: "Your Majesty, I believe that it is not about who will be the commander-in-chief of Pianguan, but who is in charge of the military affairs of Xuanfu, Datong, and Piantouguan." Zhang Zhou did not follow the emperor's and Liu Jian's instructions. Thinking to go.

"Ah."

Zhu Youtang nodded.

The people of Wang Yue are in Biantouguan, and it is enough to set up a governor everywhere in the front line of Xuanda. Wang Yue alone can be a civil servant, and can also be a martial artist. .

But now that Wang Yue is away, it is necessary to establish a Xuanda general system.

During the reign of Emperor Hongzhi of the Ming Dynasty, the post of governor was not established permanently. On the contrary, there were always governors everywhere. However, after Wang Yue's death, a governor alone could no longer hold this dilapidated city. Even if Huozhai didn't want revenge, The prairie wolves will also want to use this place as a breakthrough.

Zhu Youtang thought for a while and asked: "Several Qing families, I don't know who is suitable to go?"

The emperor said that he directly agreed with Zhang Zhou's proposal, and temporarily appointed Governor Xuan Da to take over, which meant that he gave up the previous Wu Xun management system headed by Wang Yue, and brought the Piantouguan back to the situation headed by civil servants.

This is obviously what Liu Jian and Ma Wensheng hope to see.

Ma Wensheng said: "The minister recommends Liu Daxia, the former servant of the household department."

Ma Wensheng admired Liu Daxia very much. Now that Liu Daxia resigned and returned to his hometown, Ma Wensheng was very sorry for this. He also told the emperor Chen Ming that Liu Daxia was the governor of Xuanda: "...When Liu Daxia was the servant of the household department, the governor was in the Xuanfu. He is very familiar with the military affairs of the Xuanfu Datong and other departments, and using it as the general system can keep the place safe."

Zhu Youtang frowned and said, "But he doesn't seem to have the experience of directly leading troops in battle. At this moment, if he shoulders the heavy burden, can he really deter the grassland?"

The emperor was a little worried.

The person recommended by Ma Wensheng can be used according to his ability. It is okay to be a conservative Xuanda Governor, let him preside over the war... It doesn’t matter whether his ability is high or not, let’s say that his majesty is not enough. This is a prairie man. If you are not afraid, the confidence of the soldiers on your side will be cut in half first.

Ma Wensheng also understood this, so he didn't continue to fight.

But at this time Liu Jian took another look at Zhang Zhou.

Zhang Zhou was also thinking, if you have something to say, the chief minister, you can always look at me when you have nothing to do, don't you think I am suitable to be the governor of Xuanda?In your eyes, I am afraid that if you let me be the governor of the remote customs, your opinion is too big!
Zhu Youtang said: "Is there any other candidates?"

Liu Jian said: "Your Majesty, you might as well push this matter to the court."

Zhu Youtang immediately denied: "The situation is serious and there is no need to delay, and the news of Wei Ninghou's death must be kept from the government and the public, and released after the arrival of the successor. If it is leaked out in advance, there is no guarantee that there will be no changes in the next few days. "

In fact, Liu Jian didn't like this kind of inner court discussion. It was tantamount to breaking away from the rules of the court and becoming a meeting of a small circle. Even if he and Ma Wensheng participated now, he would feel that it was the emperor's violation of the rules.

"Bingkuan, the battle of Pianguan started because of you, now it's time for you to come out and say something." Zhu Youtang couldn't wait any longer.

If the previous model is followed, when is it Zhang Zhou's turn to make suggestions in terms of seniority?

And what Zhu Youtang wanted to hear most was Zhang Zhou's opinion.

Zhang Zhoudao: "Your Majesty, I recommend Wang Qiong, a doctor in the household department, to be the governor!"

"Oh?"

Zhu Youtang frowned.

Ma Wensheng next to him said, "Bingkuan, what Your Majesty asked you to recommend is the General Xuanda Military Affairs."

Zhang Zhoudao: "As for who will preside over Xuanda's local military affairs, my ability is not enough to provide candidates, but if Weiguan loses Wei Ninghou, if he wants to deter the wolves and beasts in the grassland, he must have someone who understands artillery. People, the ones I can recommend are those who know how to do it.”

"It makes sense!" Zhu Youtang almost jumped up.

Previously Zhang Zhou said that he wanted to add a Xuanda governor, and he immediately agreed to start discussing candidates.

Now Zhang Zhou asked Wang Qiong to be the governor of Piantouguan, and he agreed without hesitation.

Because in the eyes of the emperor, what Zhang Zhou said...was simply a wise saying.

The emperor also knew very well what role Wang Qiong played in the battle of Ningyuan. If Wang Qiong was not there, no matter how brave and fearless Zhu Feng was, he would not be able to restrain the local snakes in Liaodong. , this hat is a bit big, and the ministers in the court will not agree, and they will say that the emperor is nepotism.

But with Wang Qiong as the governor of Piantouguan, there is nothing wrong with it, right?
"Mr. Liu Ge, Ma Shangshu, do you have any objections to Governor Wang Qiong's top priority?" The emperor first said that it made sense, and then asked for opinions, and told Ma Wensheng and Liu Jian clearly that you had better agree, otherwise we This relationship is out of order.

Liu Jian cupped his hands and said, "The old minister seconded the proposal."

Nothing to object to.

Wang Qiong is already a doctor of the household department. It is reasonable to say that it is customary for the doctor of the household department to transfer the left and right censors and deputy censors to governors of local military affairs. The censor of Qiandu transferred Jiangxi, Huguang, Zhejiang and other places to guard the places, quelled bandits, and deterred Xiaoxiao.

When the governor is done, he will have the opportunity to be transferred to the capital as the Minister of the Ministry of Households, the Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of War. If he is transferred to the Northwest, he may be given the title of Minister and Minister to be the governor.

Only when you return to the court can you become the six official ministers.

Because Wang Qiong already has military merits in Liaodong, his official position was not promoted before, but his ability has been affirmed. Now he omits the transfer of local governor, and directly transfers Touguan as governor, and is in charge of artillery matters, which is also reasonable. .

"The post of commander-in-chief should be given to Zhu Zhijie." Zhu Youtang said casually, as if it was not a discussion, but a final decision.

Liu Jian and Ma Wensheng knew how much the emperor trusted Zhu Feng now when they heard the emperor directly address Zhu Feng as "Zhu Zhijie".

The emperor couldn't help but trust that kid.

The key point is that Zhu Feng's recent popularity in the army, second only to Wang Weining, mainly relies on Zhang Zhou as his backer.

Both Liu Jian and Ma Wensheng were thinking, wouldn't the next step be to arrange Zhang Zhou as the "General Propaganda General System"?
Zhang Zhoudao: "Your Majesty, I think it is acceptable for the Marquis of Anbian to cooperate with Wang Langzhong, but it is best that all dispatching matters should be undertaken by a prestigious veteran in the court, so that the army can feel at ease and Di Yi can't be bothered." Dare to commit crimes rashly."

Zhang Zhou almost said, Your Majesty, don't think about me. I don't want to be the governor of Xuanda. Let's leave this position to someone with high morals and respect.

"Who is suitable?" Zhu Youtang looked at Zhang Zhou.

Obviously, if Zhang Zhou hadn't come out to say this, he might have directly transferred the team of "Yanwutang" to Xuanda, and used it as Daming's shield to defend against the Tatars.

Zhang Zhoudao: "The minister recommends Qin Hong, the former Shangshu of the Nanjing Household Department."

As soon as this remark came out, the emperor frowned slightly, and even Ma Wensheng and Liu Jian didn't expect it.

Obviously, the emperor wanted Zhang Zhou to take charge of the prime minister's military affairs, and let Zhang Zhou come to take on the heavy burden of dealing with Huosai and even the grassland, but Zhang Zhou didn't seem to want to take on the big responsibility, and pushed the responsibility outside.

Liu Jian said in a calm tone: "Master Zhang, if you are to take over temporarily, it's not impossible!"

"Liu Ge's old saying is just a joke, what can I do next?"

Zhang Zhou declined with a smile.

Ma Wensheng looked at Liu Jian curiously.

At this time, you Liu Jian actually think that Zhang Zhou, who has just entered the officialdom, is suitable to be the governor of Xuanda?Aren't our civil servants the most particular about seniority?From the standard of traditional civil servants, Zhang Zhou did not meet the standard of leading the way!
Zhu Youtang was very satisfied with Liu Jian's recommendation, and sighed: "Bingkuan, I actually think that it is most suitable for you to go. The court has already demonstrated your military exploits in the two battles of Pianguan and Ningyuan. If you didn't insist Staying in the Hanlin Academy, it is not impossible to make you a Marquis now! You can do the same things that Marquis Wei Ning can do, or you can do better than Marquis Wei Ning. Marquis Wei Ning can act as a deterrent, And your deterrence will be stronger."

This remark made Ma Wensheng very uncomfortable.

But what the emperor said was always right.

Don't think that Zhang Zhou is just an imperial servant, but in terms of military merits, he is also the commander of the post-military governor's mansion, and he also hides a marquis who has not yet been rewarded by the emperor.

Don't look at the civil servants who are picky about Zhang Zhou, but Wu Xun seems to trust Zhang Zhou more.

If Zhang Zhou went to the prime minister's military affairs in his capacity as a civil servant, Wu Xun probably agreed with both hands.

Zhang Zhoudao: "I don't have actual experience in leading troops. It's difficult to make a decision at a critical moment. It's better to go with a senior commander in the court. I'm afraid I will betray your majesty's trust this time."

"Ah."

Zhu Youtang still respected Zhang Zhou's decision.

Or did Zhang Zhou figure out something that made him feel that it was not suitable for him to go?

Because in Zhu Youtang's heart, Zhang Zhou can express God's will, and Zhu Youtang will treat many things that are not easy to explain as "God's will is so", so he will not be too demanding.

"Mr. Liu Ge and Ma Shangshu, do you have any objections to Qin Hong's selection?" Zhu Youtang asked.

Only then did I remember to ask the opinions of the two veteran ministers...

Liu Jian didn't mind either, he cupped his hands and said, "My minister seconded the proposal."

"Okay, then arrange it like this." Zhu Youzhang said, "Immediately send an order to transfer Qin Hong to Piantou Pass to take charge of military affairs. Wang Qiong and Zhu Feng immediately set off for Piantou Pass, bringing the heavy artillery built earlier, It finally came in handy at the critical moment.”

Although Wang Yue's death made the emperor a little worried, he soon cheered up.

At first, I was afraid that the ministers of the DPRK and China would think that Zhang Zhou's casting of "heavy artillery" was a waste of people and money, but now the effect has come?A good gun is a gun that can be used.

Otherwise, it is still unreliable to pin your hopes on a certain frontier general...

……

……

A meeting of the inner court almost ended with Zhang Zhou alone recommending all the people.

Ma Wensheng's opinion was greater than that of Liu Jian, because he found that Liu Jian had made a huge concession on the whole matter, and even uncharacteristically suggested that Zhang Zhou should go to the prime minister to announce military affairs. In the eyes of traditional civil officials, this was not consistent with Just kidding?
At the end of the inner court meeting, the emperor left Zhang Zhou to continue discussing the military situation. It seems that there are still some details that cannot be implemented.

Ma Wensheng and Liu Jian left the Qianqing Palace.

"Xixian, why do you value Bingkuan so much all of a sudden? Do you really want to rely on him alone for military affairs?" Ma Wensheng called Liu Jian's name, which actually means that this is a private conversation, you can Be honest and tell me what you think.

Liu Jiandao: ""Hui Dian" is about to be completed. On the day when the book is completed, His Majesty will promote him to a bachelor's degree with his merits."

Liu Jian didn't answer the question directly, but just mentioned a job promotion that the emperor had ordered before.

Ma Wensheng couldn't help but smile wryly.

In fact, he also wanted to ask, is your cabinet afraid that Zhang Zhou will be promoted to a bachelor's degree so quickly and break the rules, so you don't care about transferring him to Bitouguan, let him get some military merits, and then follow the path of martial arts?
So, do you still regret leaving him in the Imperial Academy as a civil servant if you are a member of the cabinet or a member of the cabinet?

Liu Jian added: "The temporary announcement of the general system can stabilize the morale of the army, and it will also help the stability of the border situation. It is not what we think, but what your Majesty thinks."

When Liu Jian said that, Ma Wensheng nodded in agreement.

If you don't support Zhang Zhou, you should also consider Zhang Zhou's prestige in the army. This is probably the only figure in the Ming army who can rival Wang Yue's reputation. Although Zhang Zhou has never been on the battlefield, there are still legends about him. , It has long been spread all over the Nine Sides.

This is also thanks to the emperor bragging behind Zhang Zhou's back.

In addition, Zhang Zhou is now the chief instructor of the Yanwu Hall, who in the army does not want to go to the Yanwu Hall for further studies?
Everyone in the army rushed to become a student of Zhang Zhou, and the new gunpowder and artillery were all made by Zhang Zhou. When the generals heard that Zhang Zhou was the governor-general, wouldn't that be fatal?
"Speaking of which, it is quite difficult to balance the relationship with His Majesty. Xixian, as the chief minister, you have to bear a lot more burden than us, so it's hard for you!"

Ma Wensheng sighed with emotion.

This is also indirectly equivalent to saying, I can understand that in order to improve your relationship with the emperor, you cater to the holy will in using Zhang Zhou.

Everyone is trying to find a way to balance Zhang Zhou's rise.

Liu Jian said: "Qin Shiying returned to the court, but I don't know what the result will be?"

Qin Hong made outstanding achievements at the beginning, but he only became an official as the Minister of the Nanjing Household Department. Qin Hong was the same age as Wang Yue and Ma Wensheng, and they were also Jinshi in the same discipline in the second year of Jingtai. The three of them also had a history of entanglement in the court.

Ma Wensheng sighed: "Shiying is an upright person and has a high reputation in the court. It is unlikely that he will be like Wang Shichang..."

What, he did not say clearly.

Obviously, even if Qin Hong was recommended by Zhang Zhou to return to the court, Qin Hong would not try to curry favor with Zhang Zhou like Wang Yue did.

This is a matter of human principles, Qin Hong is my favorite, he will definitely be different from Wang Yue.

(End of this chapter)