The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

The Tatar cavalry has been completely defeated, but unlike the remaining troops on the north bank who fled in panic, the Tatar troops on the south bank can maintain their basic organization. This will make Yang Yiqing and his [-] Ningxia frontier troops seem unable to do what they want in pursuit.

I want to swallow the enemy whole, but I don't have enough strength.

Yang Yiqing's goal is also very clear, and his orders to Guo Jun, Gao Pi and others also reveal this utilitarian tone: "No matter what, we cannot let the Tatars find another opportunity to cross the river!"

His proposition is also more in line with the current strength of this group of people and the expectations of his generals.

Originally, Yang Yiqing was almost unable to control his troops. After this battle, the bullets and artillery shells of his troops had basically been exhausted. If he continued to fight with the Tatars, it would only be close to hand-to-hand combat. It would be a real fight. The battle loss ratio of [-] is good.

The soldiers had already won military honors and did not want to fight. Now they were tired and could not fight anymore.

As long as the Tatars did not cross the river to rob the fields, people, livestock and goods around Zhongtunwei in Ningxia, for the soldiers, the current situation was enough. With limited strength, they could only give up when the situation was good.

At this point, Yang Yiqing still didn't understand why the Tatars wanted to retreat.

When the soldiers and horses were advancing towards the river bank, Zhang Xun was still guessing: "Could it be that reinforcements from the Ningxia Guard are coming? Or is Baoguo Gong's men detouring behind enemy lines?"

Yang Yiqing didn't want to answer this question.

With doubts, Yang Yiqing took people to the river bank. When he saw the situation on the other side of the river, the situation of the war suddenly became clear.

"Sir, I learned from the Tatar prisoners that Cui Prince Consort led the troops to the other side. It seems that there were only 1000 people. They blocked the Tatars from crossing the river and made them retreat to the south bank in a hurry. The Tatars saw that there was no hope of crossing the river. That’s why I chose to escape downstream along the river.”

Gao Pi said this with some reverence.

In the military, those who have strength will be respected by others.

In the previous battle, the most respected person was Yang Yiqing, the governor of Ningxia.

But from this moment on, this person seems to have changed. He should have become Cui Yuan. Who knows that this kid has already proved his power with two lifeless battles?

Zhang Xu said: "He is a brave general, but he does not rely on the deterrence of firearms? If we hadn't restrained most of the Tatar troops on the south bank, what could he have done on the other side of the river? Does Yang Junmen think so?"

Yang Yiqing still looked at the other side, shook his head and said: "If you can win a battle, you will not rush to take the credit after winning, but lead the troops to pursue and prevent the Tatars from crossing the river. Cui Prince Consort is highly respected by His Majesty, and it seems that he is protecting the country. I don’t know how to recognize people. If Bao Guo Gong could listen to this person’s advice, he wouldn’t have..."

He said half of his words but didn't say any more.

It seems that Yang Yiqing has understood that the battle of the Hetao initiated by the Ming Dynasty is basically coming to an end.

If Zhu Hui had a chance to "exchange his merits" before, now, Zhu Hui has been nailed to the pillar of shame.

Zhang Xun smiled and said: "Didn't Duke Baoguo come here yet? Maybe he is already waiting to intercept us on the road ahead?"

Yang Yiqing still didn't answer the question.

Based on his understanding of Zhu Hui, Zhu Hui did not choose to take the initiative to fight the Tatars from the beginning. Now even if Zhu Hui attacks with all his strength, there will no longer be a chance. The Tatars will pay attention to the movements of Zhu Hui's troops and will not Give the Ming army any chance to gain victory from them.

Yang Yiqing said to Gao Pi: "Give me the order. Just chase but not fight. Don't take the initiative to fight the Tatars. Don't use all your strength to stop them when they reach the pass. Then send a group of people to the other side to assist Cui Yuan in blocking the Tatars on the north bank."

Zhang Xun was surprised and said: "Did you go over to grab credit? If not, it would be equivalent to giving credit to Consort Cui."

What he doesn't understand is, Yang Yiqing, you actually took the initiative to send troops to Cui Yuan?
Yang Yiqing said: "The Yellow River turns north and crosses the Loop all the way. The Tatars always have to cross the river. The terrain on this loess is complicated. We must guard against the Tatars crossing the river within the pass. This is not the time to care about military achievements. We must put the war situation first.”

Zhang Xeng said: "Yang Junmen is really... selfless."

He was still a little angry as he spoke, but he would not argue with Yang Yiqing. At this time, Zhang Xu knew very well that Yang Yiqing was a great hero like Cui Yuan and would definitely be rewarded afterwards. There was no benefit in confronting Yang Yiqing now.

……

……

The Tatars went downstream along the Yellow River. They had to leave the customs before they could cross the Yellow River.

Zhu Hui's troops are now nearly [-] miles away from the bank of the Yellow River. Considering the speed of their advance, it is too late to intercept the Tatars before they leave the border.

The war situation on the bank of the Yellow River reached Zhu Hui's ears three hours later. It was just about sunset. Zhu Hui was not in a hurry to prepare for the army to be stationed, so he learned about Cui Yuan and Yang Yiqing. News of the Allied Forces' "big defeat of Di Yi" on the banks of the Yellow River.

"what?"

Zhu Hui picked up a lottery tube on the table and threw it to the ground.

"My lord, please calm down." The servant next to him quickly persuaded him.

Zhu Hui said angrily: "Is this crazy? He is actually named Cui? How can he be so virtuous? Is Li Wei crazy? Handing over the troops and horses to someone named Cui? Believe it or not, this commander is not obeying his orders. Are they going to be punished? How many of them have enough heads to chop off?"

No one around said a word.

The problem facing them now is huge, and it is not something Cui Yuan and Li Wei can help them solve. The biggest problem now is that the war has advanced to this point. As the most elite army of the Ming Dynasty, they have the most cavalry in the border towns of the Ming Dynasty. As well as the largest number of firearms, artillery shells, bullets, etc., but until now, they can only fight with Tatar stragglers.

On the contrary, the Ningxia garrison, which they had looked down upon before, and the two groups of vanguards sent out, were already doing well.

"Commander, you sent Prince Consort Cui out as well. It's your share of the credit. It's because you had the foresight." Someone was flattering.

"Ah."

Although Zhu Hui nodded in agreement, he knew very well that it was useless to just compliment him on this matter.

It depends on how the court determines it.

If the emperor said that you missed the opportunity because you were afraid of fighting, then he didn't run away.

"Everyone, stand down!" Zhu Hui said, "Wait a minute, we won't rest tonight, we will go northeast and chase the Tatars! Now everyone is staring!"

The generals under his command were all thinking, what were they doing so early?They say it's never too late to make up for it, but is it too late for you?
How can we chase after hundreds of miles?
……

……

After the generals retreated, Zhu Hui left behind his trusted staff and ministers who were close to him, intending to discuss how to deal with this incident.

Zhu Hui's current confidant, Anyuanhou Liu Jing, who is in charge of the Three Thousand Battalions in Beijing, approached and said: "For the present plan, we must quickly establish a good relationship with Cai Guogong."

Liu Jing was not originally on Zhu Hui's side, but was one of the other four groups sent out. Later, after he joined forces with Zhu Hui, he was afraid of fighting and did not dare to rush forward. Now Liu Jing and Zhu Hui are on the same rope. grasshopper.

Zhu Hui nodded and said: "Yes, yes, Zhang Zhou is a discerning person. He should know my commander's dispatching effect in this battle. He himself likes to mobilize behind the scenes. Cui Yuan was sent out by this commander."

When he thought that Zhang Zhou might support him, Zhu Hui immediately felt confident.

A civil servant on the side asked: "Will Duke Cai help us at this time?"

"Why not?" Zhu Hui said, "I am a member of the Shangting Department. I have been on duty and have discussed military affairs with him. My status is not below him. Although in Yanwu Hall, I only teach, but I’m also the chief instructor, can he not give me this face?”

When he said this, Zhu Hui suddenly felt a little weak again.

Liu Jingdu couldn't help but remind him: "Mr. Bao Guo, you don't have much contact with Cai Guo Gong, especially it's not like some people... often give him... gifts or something. I heard that others, in order to curry favor with him, use alcohol, sex and wealth. All of them were given away, and even the grandsons of British princes worshiped him as their husband."

This is a reminder to Zhu Hui, are you unaware?

When you were in the capital, although your relationship with Zhang Zhou was not bad, it wasn't much better either?
It's just a matter of courtesy, why would someone help you?

After Zhu Hui was reminded, he hurriedly called his servants over and said: "Hurry up and take my message back to the capital. Select the girls from my Zhu family who have not yet left the court, and deliver them to Cai Guogong's house, saying that they will be used as maids." of."

"Master? This...this..." The people in Duke Baoguo's mansion were also confused.

We shouldn't be so embarrassed, right?We are all princes, why should we be so humble?Is my young lady working as a girl for others?
Zhu Hui said: "You are ignorant, haven't you heard that Wang Weining does this? All his granddaughters are married, and it is the marriage given by His Majesty! This kind of thing is to be done sooner rather than later!"

These words were simply a reminder to the people around him who were close to him that if they wanted to keep their current status in the army, they had to give gifts as early as possible. After passing this village, there might really be no such store.

Liu Jingdao: "If you are willing to give it away now, he may not be willing to accept it. You still have to... have new ideas that can be accepted by him... It is said that His Majesty is also determined to clean up the old guys like us in the Governor's Mansion. If you don't take the master Once the relationship is clarified, I'm afraid it will be useless to give anything."

In the past few years, Liu Jing has been running up and down relationships for the sake of regaining his title, and he can be considered to have mastered the rules.

gift?

If the gift works, my Liu family will not almost go bankrupt. It will not be until I am too old to walk that I can get my lost title back. This was given by the Emperor for the sake of the Empress Dowager.

You, Zhu Hui, have always accepted gifts from others, and you have always done nothing for them. Why do you think that if you give out your gifts, others will do something for you?

Or at such a sensitive time?
"Then what do you think we should do?" Zhu Hui was also annoyed, "Old Liu, you were the one who said you wanted to have a good relationship with Zhang Bingkuan before, but now you are the one who told me that giving gifts is useless. What are you going to do? "

Liu Jing looked around at the people around him, looking very embarrassed, which meant that there were some things he couldn't say clearly.

Zhu Hui said: "Speak directly if you have something to say!" Liu Jing sighed: "To put it bluntly, the matter we have in front of us may be simple if we say it is simple, or it may be complex if we say it is complicated. It all depends on His Majesty's mood. If it is not good...it is a crime of dereliction of duty. For now, in addition to reporting the good news as soon as possible and keeping the tone steady, we want to let Duke Cai know that we will take him as the leader in the future. Under this premise, giving gifts is useful..."

Zhu Hui said coldly: "How to make him believe it?"

Liu Jingdao: "I don't know, I really don't know. If I had said this earlier, it would have been useful. If I say it now that it's so urgent, I'm afraid he won't believe it and will add insult to injury. Even if he doesn't add insult to injury, those who get close to him will. To do so depends on how many people in the DPRK are willing to speak for us."

Zhu Hui seemed to have mastered the trick.

"Okay, I'm going to make some connections in the capital now, and you all should put your hearts back in your stomachs. Cui Yuan is my man, and he will listen to whatever I say. This time he gets the credit, which means we get the credit." Credit! We will reach the pass within two days. We must catch up with the Tatars! They have been awake for many days, so they don’t believe that we are recharging our energy and strength. Still can’t catch up with them? Can’t defeat them?”

……

……

Zhu Hui's troops began to march rapidly. This time they had to travel on a starry night, but the Tatars would not wait where they were.

With Yang Yiqing having no intention of launching the next blocking battle, there was not much time left for Zhu Hui.

At this time in the capital, the focus of the imperial court was no longer on Ningxia. It seemed that after the Tatars experienced the defeats in Huamachi and Shigoucheng, no one thought that the Tatars would do anything else. Thinking that the Tatars would withdraw their troops directly, few people could clearly see the Tatars' further intentions.

The focus of the court's attention became the upcoming purge of officials in the northwest. This seemed to be the emperor using Zhang Zhou's hand to attack the northwest, and the emperor wanted to personally control the military power in the northwest.

That night, Zhang Zhou received a guest in the theater, who was now Wang Chun, the Marquis of Weining.

The emperor was very optimistic about Wang Chun, even though Wang Chun had no actual experience in leading troops, and could be said to have done nothing in the governor's palace. He did not even have the authority to lead the Beijing camp or the northwest military affairs. He was just an empty authority. Ninghou, but this does not affect Zhu Youtang to regard Wang Chun as Zhang Zhou's direct descendant and prepare to entrust him with important tasks.

"Mr. Zhang, I don't have much insight into military matters. I'm afraid I can't teach others how to march and manage the army in the Yanwu Hall. But I don't know how to serve the imperial court?"

Wang Chun briefly entered the Yanwu Hall, but only as a student. He also participated in the school competition, but Wang Chun did not perform well.

The main reason is that when Wang Chun was in his prime, Wang Yue was idle at home due to a conviction. Wang Chun lacked the opportunity to practice with his father on the battlefield, and Wang Yue's rise was only short-lived. He just got the title and passed away in the new year. Nor did it pave the way for Wang Chun to enter politics.

Now it is said that Wang Chun can only rely on Zhang Zhou in the court.

Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Your Majesty means that you are going to take over the authority of the commander-in-chief of the territory and assist in running the army and other matters."

Wang Chun seemed confused: "I'm afraid of betraying His Majesty's trust."

While Wang Chun wants to get a chance to perform, he is naturally also afraid that due to poor performance, the title he received from the Wang family will fly away from his hands. Now the Wang family wants to maintain success. No fault is merit, which is what the entire Wang family embraces. idea.

After all, everyone knows that it is impossible to recreate the second Wang Weining. Wang Yue is such a heroic figure. He spent his whole life and only obtained the title he has today with the help of a "noble man" like Zhang Zhou. My father doesn't even have [-]% of his abilities. It would be a small thing to embarrass the Wang family if he goes to the battlefield, but it would be sad to lose what my father has worked hard for all his life.

Zhang Zhou said: "We are currently preparing for you to go to Datong Town."

"Datong?"

When Wang Chun heard this, he was somewhat excited.

The position of Commander-in-Chief of Datong is coveted by everyone. Wang Chun was also mentioned in the previous candidates for Commander-in-Chief of Datong. Wang Chun even had experience with the army, but he did not make any military exploits, but if he followed Wang Shouren... this can be said is the easiest errand.

Zhang Zhou nodded and said: "Uncle Xin Xin is in Datong. He is the governor of Datong and also serves as the general secretary of Xuanda. Obviously, he cannot handle the matter of raising troops and horses. Being a general under him has both opportunities and pressures. Although he He is young but has a lot of personality when it comes to running the army. He has a dictatorial side, and ordinary ministers may not be able to accept his style."

The implication is that this is not necessarily a free opportunity for you.

In fact, this is more of a challenge for you.

After Wang Chun thought about it, he didn't answer.

The news Zhang Zhou brought to him was somewhat difficult for him to digest for a while.

Zhang Zhou continued: "In the land of Xuanda, there will definitely be wars involving the invasion of the grasslands in the year and year after. There will be relatively more opportunities for performance. Moreover, with your prestige in the army, all the soldiers on the front line of Xuanda admire him. You are a good person, and your father has many old subordinates. Letting you go is also to win over people's hearts."

"Understood."

Wang Chun somewhat understood the intention of the emperor's decision.

It is not necessarily to respect him, but more to regard him as a "connection figure". Since the military and political affairs in the northwest are to be rectified, the old Xun faction or some old and experienced generals cannot be beaten to death with a stick. If Zhang Zhou directly sent some new elites there, which was bound to cause a backlash from the local military circles.

To put it bluntly, if you want to send people to clean up the place, they will set up barriers for you and cause trouble.

But sending someone like Wang Chun, who has little qualifications himself, but also has the background of Wang Yue's son, will make the northwest generals and officials relax their vigilance, and it will also make it easier for Zhang Zhou to implement some "both kindness and power" methods.

Zhang Zhou said: "If you, Marquis Weining, have no objection, then I will mention it to Your Majesty again. Your appointment will probably be announced in the court in the next few days. You may have to work hard."

Wang Chun stood up and said very respectfully: "In order to serve the imperial court, you must have a loyal heart and dare not forget your roots."

"Okay." Zhang Zhou saw that it was almost time and stood up and said, "Don't bother me. If you want to watch the show, just stay or send someone to take you back. Make preparations in advance."

"Don't bother Mr. Cai Guo." Wang Chun said he was respectful to Zhang Zhouke.

……

……

Zhang Zhou got up and saw Wang Chun off, and some servants from the Wang family came to greet him. As Wang Chun left in a carriage, Wang Mingshan also came out from the side.

"Your uncle is going to be the commander-in-chief. Does your father have any intention of joining the army?"

Zhang Zhou stood in the night and looked at Wang Mingshan with a smile.

Wang Mingshan thought for a while and shook her head, as if the family affairs had little to do with her.

She usually only cares about how to serve as a guard for Zhang Zhou, and to save some clothes, jewelry, etc. She doesn't know why she is interested in those things. Normally, a wet nurse is responsible for taking care of her son. She is by Zhang Zhou's side. After following up, she seemed to have forgotten why she wanted to enter the Zhang family in the first place.

"never mind."

Zhang Zhou knew that Wang Mingshan's brain was not that complicated, so he didn't tease her.

Before he could turn around and enter the theater, Guo Ang, the governor of Fusi Town in Jinyiwei North Town, brought someone over and stood in front of Zhang Zhou to salute him.

"My lord, there are memorials from the northwest that have been sent from the palace for you to read first."

Guo Ang came to send Zhang Zhou a report on the northwest war.

Zhang Zhou introduced Guo Ang into the theater, and then only entered the first floor of the theater. Then Zhang Zhou waved his hand, and the play on the stage was immediately stopped, and soon there were only a few people left on the first floor.

Zhang Zhou received the memorial and read the above content. It was Yang Yiqing's report about the pursuit of the Tatars. It was still one day's journey from the Yellow River. Yang Yiqing directly analyzed that the Tatars were preparing to cross the river and continue to plunder people and livestock in northern Ningxia. , so he wanted to desperately prevent the Tatars from crossing the river and heading north.

"Eunuch Li was unable to come in person because of something else, but he wanted me to go back and report your opinion after knowing it. I think he will report it to His Majesty."

Guo Ang told him his purpose.

In fact, Li Rong was ordered to ask Zhang Zhou's opinion, but he couldn't come in person, so Guo Ang was asked to do the errands.

Zhang Zhou said: "That's good. I won't have to go to the palace in person tomorrow."

Guo Ang was quite ashamed after hearing this.

Others were proud to be able to enter the court and participate in the court meetings, but Zhang Zhou regarded this as a huge burden and tried every means to avoid attending the court meetings. However, the emperor actually condoned it, giving people the impression that the court had abandoned Zhang Zhou. No, I just have to rely on the feeling that he must be an official.

"In my opinion, the opinions of the governor of Ningxia are in line with my expectations. The focus of this battle is to prevent the Tatars from going north and not allowing them to cross the river. But the key to the war is whether the Tatars' ambitions can be stifled. ."

Zhang Zhou expressed his opinion.

Guo Ang was confused.

"My lord, I don't understand what I heard. I want to stifle Di Yi's ambition. You mean..." Guo Ang would definitely be annoyed if ordinary people fooled Guo Ang like this.

Without mentioning specific strategies, I only mentioned a general concept, which is so unrealistic... Are you kidding me?
Zhang Zhou said: "It would be difficult for me to go there. Who made Bao Guo Gong fail to arrive in time? I didn't expect that it would be like this."

I know that it is a bit difficult for Yang Yiqing to cut off the Tatars' way north, and the risk is still a bit high. If it doesn't work, there will always be someone who takes the blame. This person is naturally Zhu Hui. You can't let me, Zhang, take the blame, right?
I planned the battles at Huamachi and Shigoucheng. You said my plan was not thorough and I didn’t expect the Tatars to go north to cross the river?

Who would have thought that Zhu Hui would stretch his hips like this on the battlefield?

Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "The morale of the Tatars has dropped sharply after being defeated in two wars. Moreover, I have sent people to inform Ningxia and told them to make preparations. As long as the boats along the river are burned in time, the Tatars will not be able to cross the river." The conditions will not be met, and even if they forcefully cross the river, as long as the local soldiers and horses in Ningxia are pursuing them, the Tatars will not be able to cross the river smoothly."

"So your Majesty and Eunuch Li can rest assured that there will be no major mistakes in this battle." (End of Chapter)