The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 460
As the news spread, the ministers of various families in the capital, especially the group of people who had been vying to enter the martial arts hall for further training, began to try their best to fight to lead the army in the northwest.

You don't need to be the commander-in-chief, but follow to be the deputy commander-in-chief, or even the general of the army, it seems to be gilded once.

Just as Zhang Zhou, Wang Shouren and the others had made a good start, they only needed to pick up ready-made fruits. Everyone seemed to think that this battle was very easy, similar to a patrol outside, and they would take their troops with them when they left Hetao. Soldiers return, bring the same number of new guns, etc., will the Tatars be stupid enough to take the initiative to fight?

Qingning Palace.

When Zhu Youtang went to greet the Empress Dowager Zhou, she was caught by the old lady and questioned about sending troops.

"...Since you, the emperor, attach great importance to this battle, why don't you let Bing Kuan lead the army in person? Or let his people show that you are serious about this battle."

The Empress Dowager Zhou wanted to fight for the unworthy descendants of the Zhou family and let them go with her.

But he was worried about Zhu Hui, Duke of Baoguo. If he went with Zhang Zhou or Wang Shouren, he would be more likely to win. If he just followed Zhu Hui... Who knows what kind of moths these traditional martial arts will make?

Zhu Youtang said: "If you go back to the emperor's grandmother, the grandson did this to balance the relationship between Bingkuan and the old martial arts in the court. You can't use Bingkuan or the people he recommends every time there is a war. Wu Xun is not fair, if you have good artillery and firecrackers, you should give others a chance."

"Yes." The Queen Mother Zhou nodded, "Emperor, you are quite thoughtful."

Zhu Youtang added: "Now that Bingkuan is Minister of the Ministry of War, most of the strategic matters are still from him, and there will be no major deviations in the overall strategy. So the emperor's grandmother does not need to worry too much."

Empress Dowager Zhou said: "Then you have already decided on the chief soldier, the deputy chief soldier, and the generals accompanying the army?"

"Still thinking about it." Zhu Youtang lowered his head. He knew that the Queen Mother Zhou might mention the descendants of the Zhou family in the next step. After all, Zhou Tang and Zhou Ying are both studying in the Yanwu Hall. , in Zhu Youtang's view, they don't have much ability, and giving them a chance to practice is purely for the old lady's face.

The Empress Dowager Zhou smiled and said: "Aijia thinks, if you want to balance the relationship between Bingkuan and the Duke of the old family, you must remember the British Duke's family. You can definitely let the British Duke be the commander in chief."

"he?"

Zhu Youtang was worried when he heard the British Duke.

Not to mention that Zhang Mao was going to lead the army, even if he was asked to go out to inspect a military camp, he would complain endlessly.

"The grandson's idea is that even if people from the British government are allowed to go, he should go to Zhang Rui, the son of the British prince, or Zhang Rui and Zhang Lun and his son will go together, and he will ask the British prince what he thinks later. After all, let the father and son at the same time. Two people lead the army together, which also violates the principles of benevolence, filial piety and etiquette."

What Zhu Youtang meant was that if something unexpected happened in this battle, it would be fine if the whole army was wiped out in the end, but don't let Zhang Rui and Zhang Lun's father and son die together on the battlefield.

At that time, old man Zhang must have hated Zhang Zhou to the bottom of his heart. Although in terms of the results of the battle, the main responsibility lay with Zhu Hui, who actually led the army, but he couldn't help others thinking that sending Zhang Zhou could avoid these things. Want to find someone who has no skills to lead the army?
"Okay, Emperor, you can decide for yourself. The Ai family will not ask any more questions."

The Empress Dowager Zhou understood her grandson's heart, and knew that if she proposed to let the Zhou family go to the battlefield with her, it would definitely appear that she was clinging to her old age and not knowing how to advance or retreat. She said so much, but she didn't mention it in the end, which was actually equivalent to mentioning it.

It depends on whether the grandson can really understand her "one heart".

……

……

Zhu Youtang came out from Qingning Palace.

Xiao Jing came over and presented the memorial to him.

"What's the matter, tell me." Zhu Youtang didn't want to see it in person, or he was not feeling well and wanted to find a place to rest.

Seeing the old lady is both physical and mental work for him.

Xiao Jingdao: "Every family in the city asks for nobles to accompany the army. There are dozens of families. Some recommend themselves, and some recommend each other. They were delivered separately, and the servants were sorted out and made a list."

Zhu Youtang raised his hand and said, "Since there are so many people wanting to go, it's fine not to choose one."

"This……"

Xiao Jing looked very embarrassed.

It was obvious that he wanted to give those old ministers a chance, but now that the situation is imminent, why not choose?

Zhu Youtang looked a little annoyed and said: "Who I want to lead the army is not up to me to decide, nor to discuss with the courtiers. Is it the turn of each family to recommend it? Have they even forgotten the rules of the court?" ?”

Xiao Jing's face was reserved, he probably sensed that those ministers fighting for their heads had touched Zhu Youtang's back.

What annoys the emperor the most is that the people below are fighting to lead the army, or to fight for military power. No matter what slogans this group of people are shouting, from the fact that you are fighting to lead the army, you have bad intentions.

When the Tatars were in full swing, why didn't people rush to go to the northwest?

Now that the Tatars have lost their vigor, you think the Tatars are soft persimmons, and you want to squeeze them?
Don't you all ask yourself what level you are!
"The matter of employing people, as long as it involves entrustment, we will ignore it." Zhu Youtang said, "Whoever is hired, not only depends on whether the person is willing to serve the court, but also whether he is really capable. Duke Bao, I don’t have to use him!”

Xiao Jing understood as soon as he heard it.

The emperor basically has a candidate. It is very likely that a large number of imperial relatives, son-in-laws, uncles, and close sycophants all want to squeeze into the army. It is enough for the emperor to arrange these people. There is still a lot of spare time. The position is for those ministers who have volunteered to recommend themselves?
Stop dreaming.

……

……

The artillery field outside the city of Yanwutang.

When Zhang Zhou came out to check this day, Wang Qiong, the left servant of the household department, came with him. Wang Qiong mainly wanted to discuss with him the distribution of grain, grass and supplies for the dispatch of troops two months later.

Arriving at the high viewing platform of the artillery field, a new round of artillery demonstrations is taking place below.

Zhu Feng who came with him just glanced at it from a distance, then felt something was wrong, shook his head and said, "It's not very good."

Even Zhu Feng can see that this group of people is not good, so it can only be said... this group of people is really bad.

Duke Bao Zhu Hui came over, smiled and handed over to several people. At this time, Zhu Hui looked very energetic, and beside Zhu Hui stood Liu Jin, the eunuch of the Yanwu Hall, and Liu Jin was also full of joy at this time.

Zhu Hui smiled and said: "Cai Guogong came at the right time. Look at these royal family and nobles. How have they experienced this before? After knowing or having the opportunity to practice in the martial arts hall, they personally lead the army to the battlefield. Everyone is full of loyalty. The heart to serve the country is really lamentable."

The reason why this group of people can't do it is because this group of people are relatives of the emperor who rely on their in-law relationship.

Zhu Feng said: "Is that the Marquis of Shouning?"

What Zhu Feng was referring to was a person who was showing his teeth and claws around the cannon field, and Zhang Heling could be seen from a distance.

As the first relatives of the emperor to study martial arts, the Zhang family brothers directly asked them to teach the "junior" this time. They obviously don't have the potential to be instructors. Fortunately, they are not responsible for firing guns and other things personally, otherwise If so... I really can't tell where the shell will fall.

Zhu Hui invited Zhang Zhou to the side, and asked, "Zhang Shangshu, I wonder if I could ask, how was the decision to send troops to Yansui in March? I just heard about it, and I'm not sure, so I want to ask about the situation."

Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "I don't know much."

"You don't know?" Zhu Hui was curious.

If you, Zhang Bingkuan, don't know, then who can know?

Zhang Zhoudao: "Sending troops to Hetao is not necessarily to confront the Tatars head-on, but more to demonstrate Ming's control over Hetao. In fact, like Duke Bao, I only know temporarily. What is the result of the battle that His Majesty wants to pursue, this can only be asked to His Majesty."

Zhu Hui said with emotion: "Your Majesty didn't make it too clear."

For a traditional martial artist like Zhu Hui, this was really embarrassing for him, as if the emperor had a problem, and the problem was not even clear.

He is not the kind of coach who knows how to respond on the spot.

Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "Aren't the matter of using troops, especially when it comes to the strategy of using troops, something that the leader of the army should worry about? Is the Baoguo Guild worrying too much?"

Zhu Hui said: "Your Majesty said that Xu Jin, the governor of Shanxi Town, who was guarding the remote pass, was to be the leader of the imperial censor. The old man wanted to negotiate with him, but he couldn't do it. His Majesty also stated that he wanted the Ministry of War to come up with a big plan." , so the old man can only..."

Zhang Zhou shrugged and didn't answer, probably meaning that you asked the wrong person.

Just as he was talking, Wang Qiong came over and said: "Zhang Butang, it's not good to continue like this. This group of people didn't concentrate on their studies. Instructing them to fire guns and other things is a waste of shells. We should ask His Majesty to replace them!"

Wang Qiong is very upright when it comes to court affairs.

Obviously a group of people with no skills learned how to fire cannons below, and the cannons were very lively, but they were all just dawdling. Wang Qiong felt that this was a waste of time and energy.

Zhu Hui said with a smile: "Dehua, you should take it easy. Many of them are expected by His Majesty, just like Marquis Shouning and Uncle Jianchang. They are likely to go out with the army this time."

"No way?"

Wang Qiong frowned and looked at Zhu Hui.

That look was somewhat disrespectful.

Having you as the coach is enough to add to the chaos. If your left and right hands are still like the Zhang family brothers, then this battle may not even be fought. It is best to pray that the Tatars will open their eyes and not send troops to fight if they are not as knowledgeable as you. Otherwise, there will be chaos after the war.

Zhu Hui saw that Wang Qiong somewhat looked down on him, but he still said with emotion: "If you can lead the army, Dehua, as the imperial censor this time, then this battle will definitely be successful immediately. If you want to go over and watch the cannonball show, the old man will also choose capable people from it."

……

……

Zhu Huiming knew that he was doing useless work, but he still enjoyed it.

Wang Qiongdao: "Zhang Butang, dare to ask, does His Majesty really intend to use this group of people to charge into battle?"

Zhang Zhou flattened his mouth and shook his head.

It probably means that the emperor is not a fool, can he not see that this group of people has limited abilities?The emperor didn't want to use it, but sometimes he might have to.

It's like giving the Zhang family brothers opportunities many times before, can't the emperor see that the Zhang family brothers are not on the stage?
Wang Qiong said again: "There is also Duke Bao. Although he has gone to the northwest to guard one side many times, he is only a successful general at best. Since he is leading the army outside, I am afraid that there will be big troubles."

"Not really."

Zhang Zhou smiled.

He is not as "pessimistic" as Wang Qiong.

Because Zhang Zhou knew that in the 14th year of Hongzhi in history, the emperor also used Xu Jin and Zhu Hui to lead the army. Progress, but at least the result did not cause major disturbances.

Wang Qiong said: "What's the point of using them?"

Zhang Zhou walked ahead, but Wang Qiong was still very persistent, which meant that we couldn't give this group of people a chance.

This also made Zhang Zhou realize that Wang Qiong attaches great importance to factional disputes, and sees the enemy and ourselves as distinct.

Perhaps in Wang Qiong's view, since we are in power now, we should not think about giving traditional martial arts a chance. We should beat traditional martial arts to the point where we can't hold our heads up. This is the ultimate goal.

Zhang Zhoudao: "Your Majesty has his own way of using people. If they encounter trouble in Hetao and want to send troops to help, you may have the opportunity of Wang Shilang. Or Wang Shilang can also fight for it, and you will lead the troops there."

Wang Qiong shook his head and said, "If you go with Baoguo Gong as the commander-in-chief, I'd rather not go."

Although Wang Qiong wanted to lead the army to prove himself, he looked down on people like Zhu Hui, especially when he knew that the emperor might choose people from the emperor's relatives to assist him.

……

……

The training in the martial arts arena has ended.

Zhang Heling and Zhang Yanling were high-spirited and led a group of people up. Although the two brothers were overwhelmed in front of traditional martial arts, they were more able to pretend in front of this group of royal relatives. ... The two of us brothers have personally been on the battlefield in the past two years, and even killed the enemy by ourselves.

"They're all here?"

As soon as Zhang Heling came up, he seemed very happy, and then introduced a man in his early 20s who looked very elegant in Confucian uniforms to Zhang Zhou: "Mr. Zhang, let me introduce someone to you. He's the brother-in-law of my second child."

Zhang Zhouyi had heard about Cui Yuan's reputation a long time ago.

This very sad son-in-law of Ming Dynasty had to wait until 20 years later to really enter the power class because the eldest son of the Yingxing Palace came to Beijing to succeed him, which is very sad to say.

The same is true of Daming's son-in-law, who is not of high birth, and in Daming is nothing more than a foil for power.

"Student Cui Yuan, I met Mr. Zhang." Cui Yuan was very polite to Zhang Zhou.

As a scholar, of course he knew the importance of a bachelor's degree in the Imperial Academy, and also knew Zhang Zhou's reputation for compiling "Daming Huidian" and "Xinxue Classics". Cui Yuan's respect for Zhang Zhou was more like academic respect.

Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "Okay."

Zhang Heling said: "If you have free time, can you find a place to have a drink or two? How about letting the Marquis be the host? Can you give me some face?"

Zhu Hui said with a smile: "You young people's affairs, you are old, and you still have errands to deal with. Today's cannonball show is not over yet..."

"We're done." Zhang Heling said without hesitation, "Anyone who cares about acting in the future will act. I want to find a place to have a quick drink or two. Second child, you go too?"

"Ah."

Zhang Yanling looked weak, as if he hadn't had a good rest.

Zhang Zhou looked at the bags under the eyes of this group of imperial relatives, and knew that this group of people had a rich night life, and it seemed that it was quite embarrassing for such a group of people to come here as students to learn how to fight.

(End of this chapter)