The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 297 Incoming and Outgoing
Faced with the issue of rewards in the Northwest, even senior experts like Ma Wensheng were silent.

Zhang Maodao: "Your Majesty, for meritorious deeds, it may be postponed for now. After all the inspections are over, it will continue for several months..."

Zhu Youtang frowned and said, "Mr. Yingying, do you mean to let me drag them down, so that such a great contribution can be made into a small one, or that the frontier soldiers will forget it?"

"This is not the old minister's intention."

Zhang Mao was also very anxious.

When did I say no to rewarding them?To delay the award means to owe it first, and then redeem it when the court has money?

Zhu Youtang said: "In the two battles of Pianguan and Ningyuan, there have been many problems in the rewards, and they have not been resolved until now. After the deployment of troops in the Northwest, we have to make preparations and mobilize money."

Li Dongyang asked for instructions: "Does Your Majesty have a plan?"

Zhu Youtang took out Zhang Zhou's previous memorial and said: "Actually, Bingkuan mentioned the matter of Yanzheng before he left. I also plan to use Yanyin as a reward for this meritorious service. The meritorious soldiers should have an explanation. Alas!"

In the end, Zhu Youtang could not help but sigh.

Even Zhang Mao on the side frowned.

Just now, Your Majesty taught me a lesson, saying that I came up with a bad idea. I don't think your Majesty and Zhang Bingkuan's proposal is much better.

When I say IOUs, don't you mean to use Yanyin as a bad check?What is the difference between spamming and occupying a nest?Even if the grain distribution is changed, the salt merchants will not be stupid enough to exchange the full amount, and in the end, isn't it "great work turned small"?
Zhu Youtang continued: "If there are any deficiencies, I would like to reward them with a military rank promotion, so as to form a rule."

Although he didn't explicitly say that he wanted to change the first meritorious service system, Ying Yingchao was just mentioning this point.

In the Chenghua and Hongzhi dynasties of the Ming Dynasty, when rewarding military merits, they emphasized material rewards rather than promotion of official positions. They were cautious about the promotion of military positions, because the court knew that temporary rewards were more direct than promotions. After that, it will bring continuous pressure to the court's finances, and the reward is a one-shot deal.

But the disadvantage of doing so is that you need to spend a lot of money for a while.

Until the time of Zhengde, the Ming Dynasty’s finances were stretched. Zhu Houzhao began to look at the distribution of close friends, and promoted meritorious officers and men to Jilu officials, especially the positions of thousands of families and hundreds of Jinyiwei. Nearly 10 people...

Don't look at it as if doing so has deepened the pressure on the court's finances, but as long as it is not honored, Jiluguan is not a rare thing, it is more of a reputation.

Even if you want to pay more salary, it will be more than ten years or even decades later. It is tantamount to using future finances to solve the current problems, which is better than taking money directly from the treasury?Maybe my descendants will solve the financial problem?

This is also very similar to the local finances of Daming.

They all want to do things now.

But the result is... what can't be done is spending future money, pulling some shortfalls for the next generation to make up for, and the next generation will push it to the successor!
Zhu Youtang also meant the same thing. We can’t get so much money out of the national treasury now, so we should seal up more officials, give some salt, and at most add some actual material compensation. This matter will be exposed first... If you have money It can't be spent all on rewarding past achievements, but also preparing for future wars, gentlemen, don't you think so?
……

……

After hearing this, several ministers present felt aggrieved, but they were right.

They also seemed to understand why the emperor had to call the Minister of the Household Department, Zhou Jing, over to discuss rewards for military merit.

In fact, it is to tell them that the biggest problem with military merit rewards lies in whether the household department can sustain it.

Li Dongyang broke the silence and said: "Your Majesty, if you make such a decision, I'm afraid it will make the generals in the army disagree."

"En." Zhu Youtang nodded and said, "In the past, I didn't know how to tell the lieutenant generals, but now that Bing Kuan governs the army, it might be logical for him to execute it."

Okay.

Xie Qian and the others were thinking, we are still thinking about how to suppress Zhang Zhou's credit, but now for military merit rewards, the monarchs and ministers have to rely heavily on Zhang Zhou's prestige to make empty promises to those soldiers, if they don't appease Well, Zhang Zhou, I'm afraid Zhang Zhou will take the lead in making trouble.

That's really...unbearable.

Zhu Youtang said: "I have also thought about the ministers who have made great contributions to this battle. I want to use Bingkuan as the Duke of Lai, promote Zuodu Yushi, and promote Xuanda and the military affairs of the three sides. What do you guys think? ?”

He didn’t say that Zhang Zhou should be promoted to Minister of the Ministry of War, but he wanted to use Wang Yue’s precedent to let Zhang Zhou lead the army with the part-time position of the Zuodu Censor, and he also had the civil and military position on his shoulders. He was both Zuodu Censor and Duke of the State. , it seems that Zhang Zhou has the final say in Northwest China.

Liu Jiandao: "Take the position of official and general rashly and entrust it to one person. The government is based on the official and the general is based on orders. It is useless for stability in the Northwest."

It is not easy for Ma Wensheng and other ministers to come out and object to this kind of thing.

Only Liu Jian, the chief assistant, is qualified to give some advice to the emperor.

Just as they had discussed before the court meeting, regarding rewarding Zhang Zhou, don’t go against the emperor, but persuade gently, try to let Zhang Zhou choose before the civil and military positions, instead of letting Zhang Zhou hold the power , affecting the balance of power in the Northwest and even the imperial court.

Zhu Youtang shook his head and said, "In extraordinary times, there must be extraordinary things."

Liu Jian said: "Your Majesty, if the Northwest wants to raise funds for the use of troops for a long time, if Zhang Zhouyi is a civil and military officer, there will be no checks and balances in the Northwest. It is for the long-term stability of Ming Dynasty, and it is also for the morale of the soldiers in the army."

Zhu Youtang frowned and said, "Will the morale of the army be affected if you govern the army with broad-mindedness?"

Are you making trouble with me?

Zhang Zhou was in the northwest, and each soldier was as if he had been beaten with chicken blood. I have never seen this kind of morale among the soldiers in the Northwest of Ming Dynasty at any time.

Xie Qian was not afraid of things, he came out and said: "If one person is in charge of military and political affairs, it will inevitably cause the left and right hands to stick together, and no matter how good the fists are, they will not be able to use them. Those who follow others will prosper, and those who oppose others will not be able to gain a foothold. When he was in charge of military affairs in the Xuanfu, he had a feud with the governor of the Xuanfu, and I ask your majesty to consider the hidden worries of the generals in the northwest towns."

Zhu Youtang was silent for a while.

Although Zhang Zhou is in the northwest and can boost the morale of the army, in most cases, he can calm the people and prepare for war.

But Zhang Zhou Bao Ma Yi and Ma Zhongxi sang against each other, it was indeed a bad start, which would make those veterans of the traditional faction, especially the old Confucian officials, have a very bad opinion of Zhang Zhou. big.

Zhu Youtang said: "My dear family, I don't really want to highlight Bingkuan, but he has merits and presence, and he can also deter grassland Xiaoxiao. Because of his affairs in governing the army in the northwest, my dear family Shouldn't you have any opinion?"

Even Xie Qian didn't speak this time.

What else can I say?

He, Zhang Bingkuan, is awesome. We have to admit this. He fought three great battles in half a year, and he won each of them so simply. Even Wang Shouren can use tricks...

I can't accept it.

Seeing that no one objected, Zhu Youtang seemed to be really clear and said: "Since there is no objection, then use Bingkuan as the censor of the left capital, lead the announcement of military affairs at Dabianguan and other places, and regulate the military affairs of various places in the northwest. Although the trilateral system is still Qin Hong, Bingkuan is the priority. As for the title of Duke Lai, it can be given after he returns to court, what do you think?"

In this matter, Zhu Youtang seems to be deliberately predicting the civil servant's reaction in advance.

Earlier, I took a firm attitude and wanted to add officials and promote Zhang Zhou, and I expected that you would come out to oppose it, so I will speak up first, and then we will each take a step back.

Zhang Zhou continued to take charge of military affairs in the Northwest, and even Qin Hong had to be dispatched by Zhang Zhou, so only Zhang Zhou was appointed as a civil servant.

But the title of Wu Xun is no longer a "remember to reward it later", but it is decided directly. The Duke of Lai belongs to him.

Xu Qiong asked for instructions: "Your Majesty, after he returns to the court, will he still retain his errands outside the Dudu's Mansion?"

This question is very Buddhist.

So much so that everyone present couldn't help but glance at Xu Qiong.

In fact, they also heard that Xu Qiong has "rebelled". If the emperor doesn't talk about this kind of thing, we should pretend not to know. If the emperor decides, it must be Wenchen Wuxun who let him catch it.

You, Xu Qiong, are not simply reminding the emperor to let the emperor settle the matter once?

Zhu Youtang said: "The compilation of the "Hui Dian" has been basically completed, and it is only a matter of official publication. I will delay it for a few days, but the previous decision will not be biased. With the merit of compiling the book, I will be promoted to It is also for the convenience that he can better teach the prince in the future, as for his current position as the right servant of the Ministry of War, it is optional."

The emperor also made it clear.

Zhang Zhou's part-time job in the sixth department can be waived.

However, the position of the Hanlin Academy must be retained, and the Duke of Lai Guo must also be given it. At that time, Zhang Zhou will not be concurrently the position of the governor of the military governor's mansion, but will be given the real vacancy directly. The representative figure who will be photographed.

"I will also listen to his opinions on the military rewards for this battle, how to prevent Huosai from invading the country, and how to prepare for the Sujing Grassland. I also hope that you gentlemen will not interfere too much. Peace is precious."

Zhu Youtang also seemed to rely on the ministers present, and reminded him.

As a result, even Zhang Mao felt very annoyed, and suddenly Zhang Zhou came out of the picture. Before, he wanted to let this kid harm civil servants, but now even Zhang Zhou in the Governor's Mansion will not let him go... Fortunately, Zhang Zhou At present, he is only in charge of military affairs in the Northwest. It seems that he is not close to getting involved in the Beijing camp, but who knows what will happen in the future?

For the civil servants present, it was even more unpleasant.

Zhu Youtang's tone was quite calm, and it was also because the negotiation process was generally smooth. He said: "This matter is settled in this way. In the next ten months, or even half a year, the defense of the Northwest will also be the top priority of the imperial court." Seriously, we need to rely more on the concerted efforts of the Qing family, and let go of prejudice."

to this.

There is no one to object to.

Originally, everyone still expected Liu Jian to come out and say a few words, but Liu Jian's expression seemed to have "cleared the suspicion" with Zhang Zhou, which probably let them know that Zhang Zhou's rise was unstoppable.

……

……

"how?"

Several ministers left the Qianqing Palace, Xiao Jing originally wanted to personally lead the way to send them out of the palace or back to the value room.

But Xiao Jing is also sensible, giving them space to discuss on their own, the guides are even far behind.

The words were spoken by Xie Qianwen.

There was no one at the scene who picked up his words.

It cannot be said that everyone is speechless about Zhang Zhou's rise, or has no strategy, but all strategies must be based on "Zhang Zhou made mistakes". If Zhang Zhou continues to give credit to himself one by one With the cover on his body, even if he talked about the strategy against Zhang Zhou, the emperor would not listen to it.

All that is useless.

When the cabinet ministers and the rest of the people were about to say goodbye and go to check the house, Zhou Jing suddenly asked, "Will there be any worries about the master of high meritorious service in the future?"

This raises a hypothesis.

Since Zhang Zhou's contributions are steadily increasing one by one, why don't we find another way, instead of considering that he made a mistake, but consider that he has made too many contributions, so that His Majesty will worry about him and fear that he will rebel?

Such a guy, who understands the will of heaven and wins the hearts of the army and the people, can even call the wind and call the rain. Isn't His Majesty worried that he has the heart of disobedience?

Xie Qian said: "I don't know if it's the earthquake owner or not, but I can't ride the horse steadily anymore, so I can go back to my hometown early to have fun with my children and grandchildren circling their knees in the countryside...it doesn't matter if I'm there or not."

This is a bit depressing.

But in fact, it also expressed the aspirations of many ministers who had opinions on Zhang Zhou.

Since Zhang Bingkuan is so powerful, can His Majesty and those who admire him count on him to handle court affairs?Why do you want us ministers?
We were in a hurry, so we jointly signed a petition to put pressure on His Majesty. Anyway, there is me in the court, or His Majesty will let him manage the court affairs alone, and we will resign together...

Xie Qian had this idea because he was ranked third in the cabinet, so he didn't have to take responsibility if he didn't take responsibility.

Li Dongyang reminded: "It's an eventful autumn in the court, and it even involves the use of troops in border towns, so don't engage in a battle of spirits!"

You are poor thanks to Yu Qiao.

We know that you are not that keen on becoming an official, and you can withdraw at any time, but if you are gone, who will come up?Can you make sure it's ours?Don't let His Majesty want Zhang Zhou to join the cabinet in the next step, no matter how unworthy it is, let people who are close to Zhang Zhou join the cabinet, then it will really be a steal.

Strictly speaking, people like Cheng Minzheng, Lin Han, and Wang Jia cannot be fully controlled now, but they are being pushed towards Zhang Zhoufang step by step.

……

……

Great victory in Weining.

Before the news of the soldiers and horses withdrawing from Yanghekou was sent back to the capital, the decree to promote Zhang Zhou as the censor of the left capital and the right servant of the Ministry of War had already set off from the capital. This matter had not even been discussed by the court. Decide.

Zhu Youtang is also eager to stabilize the situation.

Because from Zhu Youtang's point of view, what he is most afraid of is that Huozhai will take the opportunity to retaliate. Zhang Zhou is driving a dog into a poor alley. If Huozhai is not a mad dog, he must be a mad dog.

You took all the people's lairs, killed more than 2 soldiers and horses, and more than [-] people.

How many belongings does the family have in total?
You are not giving people a way to live.

Bingkuan, you also said that our artillery and gunpowder are a bit insufficient. If the fire screen violates the border again at this time, will it ruin all the prestige it has achieved before?
As soon as the imperial commission was sent out, Zhu Youtang got the news that Zhang Zhou withdrew and entered Yanghekou, and at the same time Zhang Zhou personally played, which mentioned the news that made Zhu Youtang very happy... Huo Sie rushed back with his troops, but he dared not enter Maoerzhuang...

The fire sifted mad dog turned into a dead dog.

"Your Majesty, from the perspective of this servant, it all depends on Mr. Zhang's military strategy." Dai Yi flattered at the right time.

Zhu Youtang didn't feel very comfortable listening to it. He seemed to have something he couldn't figure out now. He got up, and after pacing back and forth in the Qianqing Palace, he asked a question that sounded nonsensical: "If Huozhai raises his family to surrender , should this person be killed, or should he be kept?"

Now Dai Yi and the eunuchs couldn't figure it out.

Zhang Zhou also didn't say that Huo Zai planned to submit to Daming.

The eagle on the prairie, second only to Dayan Khan's fierce general, or the honorary grand master appointed by Dayan Khan, was plucked out of his feathers like this?

A skinny camel is bigger than a horse. Even if the tribe is captured by the fire sieve, he can still rob the people of other tribes, or take the rest of the tribe to move to another place. The grassland is so big, there is always a place to live and work Doesn't it mean that the whole clan is in Weininghai?

Xiao Jingdao: "Your Majesty, the ambition of a wolf is sifted by fire. If he really submits to Daming, he probably shouldn't stay! But it seems that he shouldn't be killed openly."

"En." Zhu Youtang nodded.

Dai Yi got angry when he heard this.

It was you Xiao Jing who came out to steal the word again, you are really "resourceful".

"Hehe." Zhu Youtang suddenly smiled, "Is it because I'm thinking too much? If Huozhai really surrenders to Daming, it means that he has nowhere to go. At that time, he has nowhere to go, so why worry so much? Bingkuan should also He will be dealt with well, even if he is separated from the tribe, and his tribe is still a herdsman, his sharp claws can be removed."

"Yes, yes." Xiao Jing hurriedly responded.

Zhu Youtang said with emotion: "I didn't expect that this great victory would come so smoothly. I don't know how to plan the future layout of the border town. I think that at the beginning of the year, I was still sleepless because of the preparations for the Northwest... It’s really like a lifetime away.”

All the eunuchs present felt the same way.

In the first year and the beginning of the year, I was still worrying about how to defend the Northwest, but now I am thinking about how to destroy the grassland, and the inner structure is different.

Half a year ago, how much experience did you have, would you have imagined that you would be so "suddenly enlightened" today?
Chen Kuan reminded: "Your Majesty, now that the soldiers and horses have returned and the military achievements have been determined, Mr. Zhang's title of duke may be eased. As for the promotion of other meritorious generals, should we also..."

This is to remind Zhu Youtang that Zhang Zhou's Lai Guogong has already discussed with the minister.

The next step is to determine the rewards for Wang Shouren and Ma Yi, the two heroes who directly participated in this battle, as well as the soldiers accompanying the army, including Guan Jing, Sun Shangqi, etc. Zhang Heling, Tang Yin and others...

The details can be reported by Zhang Zhou, but Zhang Zhou has no right to decide who is knighted and who is not.

Zhu Youtang shook his head and said: "Bingkuan only mentioned Ma Yi's meritorious service to atone for his sins, and Wang Shouren's promotion to the capital and governor of Datong. The matter of being knighted can also be delayed, there is no rush."

Several eunuchs understood at the same time.

As long as Zhang Zhou's military exploits are determined, the rest... the emperor doesn't have the heart to talk to them, they are nothing compared to Bing Kuan?It's the same for others, and they have to give Cijue one by one...

If Daming's title is really a radish, is it really necessary to insert a radish into any hole?It's true that you don't need a salary to be a knight, and you don't need to spend money?My reputation for thrift is not in vain.

(End of this chapter)