The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 477 Dare to come from here?
The imperial palace, inside the Qianqing Palace.

After the morning court that day, Zhu Youtang happily returned to the Qianqing Palace, where there were many boxes that had been transported from the south of the Yangtze River.

Xiao Jingli stood aside and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, these are the treasures obtained from the voyage to Nanyang sent by Tang Yin, the governor of the Bohai Sea. Many things cannot be seen in the Central Plains. There are many rare treasures and fragrant things. Wood, etc., can help you relax and concentrate, and there are also many local specialties.”

Zhu Youtang went up to take a look, with a smile on his face.

Li Rong followed in and asked, "Is there any fairy grass that can prolong life?"

"This one……"

Xiao Jing didn't know how to answer.

The emperor initially asked Zhang Zhou to send a ship out to sea. He seemed to have said that he wanted to find the elixir of immortality, but that was just a cover. Xiao Jing, as an original participant, knew that Zhang Zhou had not given the emperor anything. Promise, just say there are good things overseas.

Zhu Youtang raised his hand and did not let Xiao Jing answer the too difficult question, so he relieved Xiao Jing. He said: "How is the ship building now? We can go to the Nanyang, can we go to the West?"

Xiao Jing smiled again and said: "Back to Your Majesty, Tang Yin also mentioned in his memorial that two large ships designed by Cai Guogong have been built, and they are equipped with new cannons. They are much larger than the large ships of Fo Lang Jiren. We have already sent a ship out to sea in the middle of last month, heading to the West according to the chart given by Cai Guogong. I estimate that we will be able to return before the end of the year."

"Yes." Zhu Youtang nodded, "Bingkuan once said that the sea east of Guochao is called the Pacific Ocean. Although the sea is basically peaceful, there are strong winds in summer, so sailing must be started before summer. , otherwise it may encounter a hurricane and cause a shipwreck.”

As soon as these words came out, both Xiao Jing and Li Rong realized that the emperor knew a lot about great navigation and seemed to be more than just a layman looking for results.

"Alas! Bingkuan also said that if there are several crops in the Western Lands that can be brought back and widely planted in various parts of the Ming Dynasty, the yield will be very high, and the people of the Ming Dynasty will be able to eat enough. With prosperity, people’s lives can be greatly improved.”

Zhu Youtang also mentioned the pie that Zhang Zhou once drew for him.

Xiao Jing said: "Your Majesty, it seems that Cai Guogong is bent on ensuring the safety of Hu Guo."

Zhu Youtang glanced at him and said, "Do you still need to tell me? Ever since Bingkuan entered the court, what he did was not for this purpose?"

"Yes, yes." Xiao Jing quickly responded.

"It's a pity that others don't understand him. They always think that I favor him too much and call him a traitor. Are there such traitors since ancient times? Just because he has a Taoist background, can he be called a traitor? Even if he has a Taoist background, can he be called a traitor? Emperor Taizong still uses monks to help him govern the country, why can't I use Bingkuan?"

Zhu Youtang's tone was a bit annoyed.

Because Xiao Jing didn't attend the court meeting these days, he didn't know what happened in the court hall. He couldn't help but look at Li Rong beside him for verification.

Li Rong said: "Your Majesty, it's just because they don't know Mr. Zhang's layout and arrangements in the northwest."

Xiao Jing was even more surprised. Is there any arrangement for this?What's the arrangement?

Zhu Youtang still said angrily: "I think those officials, in order to show their uprightness, sometimes have lost their true intentions. I used Bingkuan and the people he recommended to fight, and then criticized the tactics and tactics for improper tactics, saying that he set up the Ming Dynasty The soldiers were in danger, saying that they should recuperate...Now that the veterans and generals in the court are used, they say that the current military department is irresponsible and does not care about the reserve soldiers on the side...As long as they are not happy with their feelings, they will be blamed. You can’t do it with a broad head.”

Xiao Jing understood now.

The emperor "got angry" again in the court.

Zhu Hui did not make any tactical progress in Hetao, and is still marching blindly. The government and the public began to criticize, saying that the Ministry of War did not provide tactical support for Zhu Hui's march.

It is tantamount to saying that Zhang Zhou, the Minister of War, is incompetent.

Xiao Jing gritted his teeth and said, "Your Majesty, if there are officials who insist on making slanderous remarks about court affairs, they should be corrected in time."

"What do you mean, you want me to send those who have criticism to prison and investigate?" Zhu Youtang frowned and looked at Xiao Jing.

I still don’t seem to understand why Xiao Jing is on my and Bingkuan’s side today?

Xiao Jing said: "Yes."

Zhu Youtang said: "Bingkuan and them already have a grudge. Others think that I am protecting Bingkuan. Wouldn't this make it more difficult for Bingkuan? I don't want to intensify the conflict. Let's see the results. "

When the emperor said this, Xiao Jing deliberately looked over to Li Rong and found that Li Rong was snickering in agreement.

That look made Xiao Jing feel extremely uneasy.

……

……

After Xiao Jing returned to the duty room of the Supervisor of Ceremonies.

Wei Bin hurriedly came over and said with a worried expression: "Eunuch Xiao, you are back. Now it has been verified that Ren Liang was indeed taken by the Jin Yiwei, and it is said that he has been tortured."

Xiao Jing said: "Just say hello, why are you in such a hurry?"

In Xiao Jing's view, the Jin Yiwei and several eunuchs in the Li Jian are not worth mentioning. As long as a random person here goes to say hello, the Jin Yiwei will definitely give him face. Even if the emperor wants to use torture, the Jin Yiwei will use some. Methods, such as fake hits, inflicting injuries, etc., will not cause any deviation.

Wei Bin sighed: "That's the problem. It doesn't work this time. Even Dongchang can't interfere. It's also said that... it may involve liaison with foreigners... I'm afraid that the matter will be further implicated."

"what?"

Xiao Jing frowned.

If it was ordinary corruption and perversion of the law, Jin Yiwei absolutely could not do anything to Ren Liang, or in other words, everything was within control.

But if you add the clause of having an affair with a foreign country, then whoever intercedes or says hello... It would be tantamount to telling others that you are involved in this matter without admitting it, and Wei Bin, as Ren Liang's backstage in name only, At this time, Wei Bin did not dare to interfere in this case at all.

Wei Bin asked: "Do you think that Cai Guogong deliberately led the matter in this direction?"

"What's the matter with Duke Cai?" Xiao Jing frowned.

"I also got the news from Fusi of Jinyiwei North Town. Guo Ang said that Mou Bin went to see Cai Guogong. In such a big case, if Dongchang is not involved, His Majesty cannot just let Mou Bin investigate it alone. If that doesn't work, should we... talk to Cai Guogong...?"

Wei Bin panicked.

He was Ren Liang's direct backer. If the emperor wanted to use Ren Liang as a trigger for the operation, he, Wei Bin, would definitely be the first to be investigated.

Xiao Jing said coldly: "It's just an investigation of Liaodong, what does it have to do with you? If someone has to put a shit basin on your head, then just let him do it!"

Wei Bin said: "This is His Majesty's wish."

"Your Majesty can't be unreasonable. If it's just money, Guanbao can settle it for you." Xiao Jing's implication is that if you want to resist, don't think about finding someone to accommodate you, and don't involve others. "You can remember Come on, don't show weakness unless you have to. If you show weakness, then Cai Guogong will become the second Li Guang, and our Chief of Ceremonies may also be in his hands in the future!"

Wei Bin was greatly surprised and said: "He is not...a palace man, how could he..."

It means that Li Guang is an eunuch, and he has a basis for threatening the authority of Zhu Pi, the Supervisor of Ceremonies. How can a normal minister like Zhang Zhou, who is not in the palace, control the power of the Supervisor of Ceremonies?

Xiao Jing said: "You are really confused. Do you think that if others want to take advantage of us, the Chief of Ceremonies, they need to grasp everything in their hands? As long as you know the big plans of the government's employment and affairs, what else can the Chief of Ceremonies do? Something autonomous and praiseworthy?”

"That... that too."

Wei Bin immediately understood what Xiao Jing meant.

If Zhang Zhou wants to control the Supervisor of Ceremonies, he does not need to be a eunuch or even have an informant. He only needs to convey his own wishes, and the Supervisor of Ceremonies will do it... That is equivalent to saying that Zhang Zhou becomes a subordinate of the emperor and is the Supervisor of Ceremonies. A powerful official above the prison.

"Didn't Li Guang also use these methods back then? We are all people who have experienced it, so we have to be careful." Xiao Jing said this, looking a little scared.

Wei Bin said: "But now... I have no idea. His Majesty has not even mentioned this to us. Have you ever asked Eunuch Li, where is he..."

"Don't ask, just pretend you don't know." Xiao Jing meant that he couldn't even directly ask Li Rong, the admiral of Dongchang, about the case of Ren Liang and Zhang Yu, let alone talk to Zhang Zhou.

……

...the land of the Loop.

Zhu Hui led his army to successfully pass through the red salt pond where Wang Yue defeated the Tatars, went north to Yierdusi, and continued to the Yellow River in the north of Hetao.

Zhu Hui was still marching that day. Suddenly, the front line reported that a war had begun. Zhu Hui was extremely excited. After entering the Hetao area, nearly ten days later, he finally encountered live Tatars. Then Zhu Hui dispatched There are a total of [-] cavalry in the three armies under his command, ready to fight.

Nothing is good.

The army had not advanced three miles when they were informed that the fighting had ceased.

"Why is it so fast?" Zhu Hui was riding on his horse. When he heard the messenger's announcement, he felt that he had not performed well yet. Why was it over now?
General Zhou Gui came over and concluded with him: "Master, we have found out clearly. It is just a small Tatar village. It was originally stationed in the west. It may be that they are migrating, and only a few slow-running Tatars are left behind." When the vanguard met the people who were carrying their belongings, they saw each other and galloped away, even losing their belongings. Finally, they caught up and killed four of them, including a woman and a child."

Zhu Hui was immediately angry when he heard this.

My army of [-] killed four Tatars?Two of them are women and children?
Cui Yuandao on the side said: "This can be regarded as a victory, and it will be a sacrificial flag."

Zhou Gui said: "There are two more, and they are both...old."

As a result, everyone who heard this was embarrassed.

The relationship lasted for a long time, and the four of them were all old, weak, women and children. But it is right to think about it. Those young and strong Tatars must have run fast when they heard that the Ming army was coming. Only old, weak, women and children could easily be caught up. This is probably the same as The migration of rats is almost the same, and the old, weak, women and children stay behind the team to block the gunfire.

"That's fine, that's fine." When Cui Yuan said this, he couldn't help but look at Zhu Hui.

Zhu Hui said: "Where are the livestock? If people run away, there should be livestock and baggage left behind, right?"

Mentioning this, Zhou Gui's face became more joyful and he said: "We have captured more than 300 animals, plus some valuables... Could you please tell me whether we should pursue them quickly?"

Cui Yuan almost blurted out: "Don't chase the poor bandits."

Zhu Hui glared at Cui Yuan and said: "How can a few remnants of the Tatars be called poor bandits? Even if they are allowed to resist stubbornly, I want to see how stubborn they can be!"

Zhou Gui said: "The general will understand, so I will order to continue the pursuit."

"Wait a minute." Zhu Hui then raised his hand and said, "I didn't say that I wanted to pursue them. It's better to be cautious and wait for the five groups of people to gather before engaging in a head-on battle with the Tatars. I don't know what happened to the other groups of people. well!"

Hearing this, even Cui Yuan, who had never been on the battlefield, seemed to understand.

No wonder Zhu Hui wanted to divide his troops into five groups and break them into parts. He already knew that fighting could not be fought in the Hetao area, so he dispersed his troops and horses in order to capture the lone Tatar tribe, especially those whose news was unusual. Or feel like you are running fast.

Five people formed a big net to catch fish, and their intention from the beginning was to catch small fish and shrimps.

Cui Yuan also felt depressed for a while, thinking to himself, it would be strange to be able to make achievements with such a coach, but if he had the opportunity to go to the battlefield, he couldn't ask for more.

……

……

Zhu Hui entered the grassland to complete the "first battle". Although he only killed four old, weak, women and children and obtained some livestock, it did not affect his victory to the court.

Moreover, he won the victory earlier than the rest of the group, which made him look awesome... Even though there were only four people, Wang Weining only had to fight dozens of people to win a big victory. Four people could win without a single blow. very good already.

This was the emperor's order to send troops, and a "good news" was needed to save the emperor's face.

When Zhu Hui's "good news" reached Yulinwei, the capital of Yansui Town, where the Trilateral General Assembly was stationed, a day later, Qin Hong felt very depressed when he received the good news.

That's it?

You are a shameless person for defending the country. You have the nerve to report it. I, the Trilateral General Assembly, am too embarrassed to mention it. You traveled thousands of miles to mobilize nearly [-] troops and spent so much on food and drink. The result is unknown. How could he kill four people, most likely "kill the good and take the credit", and then dare to claim victory?

Sure enough, thick-skinned people have different thoughts and methods.

"Sir, here is a secret order from the capital, which is for you." Just when Qin Hong was about to become a hands-off shopkeeper and ignore Zhu Hui's so-called good news, and let him cross the border and send it to the capital, his staff A secret decree from the capital was sent to him.

After he opened it and looked at it, he couldn't help but frown.

The staff member's name was Kang Heng, and he asked, "Sir, do you have any doubts?"

"It's nothing." Qin Hong never shied away from the people below him in court affairs. "This is your Majesty's personal decree. He mentioned that if the Ming Dynasty sends troops out of the border to fight, if the Tatars are unwilling to confront the Ming Dynasty, they may use Elite soldiers and horses are attacking my pass from the side."

Kang Heng said: "It is reasonable to be so worried. It's just that the passes of the Ming Dynasty are so long that even if the Tatars come, they will have no way to defend themselves."

Qin Hong said with a vague smile on his face: "Don't you know that the Ming Dynasty has Cai Guogong who can pinch and calculate? Besides, Wang Bo'an is now in Datong. It is expected that the Tatars will come from Datong, Pianguan, Xuanfu, etc. The possibility of being harassed everywhere is not great. The weakest areas of the Ming Dynasty are probably Ningxia and Yansui. Otherwise, why did your Majesty give me this secret decree?"

Kang Heng was even more hesitant and said: "Since you can do calculations, why don't you explain the location? It is difficult for us to cover all the places where we are stationed. If the Tatars come out in force..."

"It's not a big deal if they all come out." Qin Hong said, "I think there are tens of thousands of Baoguo Gong's elite troops. The possibility of the Tatars attacking from around Yansui is not high. If they come from the west of Ningxia last time, The possibility of an attack from the road may be greater. There is nothing wrong with strengthening your defenses."

"Yes." Kang Heng could only follow Qin Hong's instructions to deliver the order.

After Kang Heng retreated, Qin Hong picked up the secret decree again and said to himself: "Huamachi... is the border point between Ningxia and Yansui, where Ningxia's guard is located, and there are many guard fortresses. The Tatars really dare to come here." Attacked from anywhere?"

……

……

Inside the theater.

Zhang Zhou and Zhu Feng were sitting across the table from each other, with simple food and wine in front of them. The stage below was very lively, with a group of fans watching the newly edited version of "Farewell My Concubine".

Zhu Feng was a little careless, and obviously had something to worry about, which troubled the second-generation male who just wanted to be an idler.

"...Grandma has been urging me to get married as soon as possible. She also said that my brother has no children, and the Chengguo Palace may need me to support him in the future. My father lives in Nanjing. Originally, I wanted to live with my father. Talk about it, let him help me negotiate, but when I wrote to Nanjing, my father never paid attention to me..."

What Zhu Feng was worried about was his own marriage.

Marrying in order to have a son, Lao Zhu's family's purpose is also very clear.

Zhang Zhou said: "Is it so difficult for you to have a child?"

"Yes." Zhu Feng nodded directly.

Zhang Zhou didn't bother to comment on this kid. He always felt that this kid was just having some emotions. In terms of mental instability, Zhu Feng was definitely not the kind of strong-willed general. He was more like a child who could show off his temper at any time. young man.

"Recently, the Ministry of War has selected generals from various places. The Ministry of War has decided to ask you to lead naval forces around Nanjing to assist your father. It seems that you don't want to go either?" Zhang Zhou said.

When Zhu Feng heard this, he quickly said: "If I don't have to work as an errand when I go back to Nanjing, but just take a temporary job, I will be willing to go back."

Zhang Zhou shook his head and said: "Impossible."

Zhu Feng said: "There don't seem to be many navy soldiers in Nanjing. Do you need me to keep an eye on them?"

Zhang Zhou said: "That was in the past. Now there are shipyards around Nanjing, and a large number of Haining Guard soldiers have been trained. In the future, the tactics of ship warfare need to be improved, using artillery and firearms, especially to use weapons that have not been used for hundreds of years." All the islands I have lived on have moved south one by one, and they even had to prepare for Japanese attacks. Do you think the navy was just having fun?"

"Then... I'd better not go." Zhu Feng immediately retreated.

Zhang Zhou sighed: "Do you think this is a vegetable market where you can still bargain? If you don't want to lead the navy, you may have to lead troops in various parts of the northwest. You can choose the one that suits you in the nine-border town."

Zhu Feng looked aggrieved and said: "Should I stay in the capital? Although life is a little harder now, the capital is still a colorful world. If I go to the borderland... I will not be able to survive. It is best for me to resign. In a few years, I still want to travel around the Ming Dynasty and appreciate the local customs and customs."

(End of this chapter)