The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Three Tun Camps.

Liu Yu had already known in advance that Zhu Feng and Cui Yuan would arrive the next morning, and Liu Yu would order the troops to complete the expedition.

Just when Liu Yu took great pains to welcome these two people, he was planning to take an early rest that day and go out of the city to greet them the next morning. The guest of the curtain rushed to him in a hurry and told him a piece of news that made him drop the tea cup in his hand: "Military Gate, Cai Guogong coming."

"Who?"

Liu Yu was in a hurry and quickly straightened his front. When the teacup fell to the ground, there was tea all over him.

The guest also looked very anxious and said: "It is indeed Cai Guogong. He has entered the city and asked to see you by name. He is now in the post house in the city. You'd better go and have a look."

"Go and see, go and see...wait, what is he here to do? Could it be..."

Liu Yu was frightened.

He seemed to be doing everything well in Jizhou Town, but in fact he was still doing a lot of corruption and bending the law secretly. This time Zhang Zhou suddenly came to the city without even sending any news in advance, just in case he came to find him. Troublesome, if you go like this, wouldn't it be tantamount to throwing yourself into a trap?

The curtainman said: "What do you have to worry about? Besides, since Cai Guogong has entered the city, Cui Prince Consort and Anbian Hou's troops must be nearby. Otherwise, why didn't they enter the city overnight, but stayed dozens of times outside the city? Will we be stationed there until tomorrow?"

"That makes sense."

Liu Yu also lost his temper completely.

He couldn't beat him again and again, and it was basically impossible for Zhang Zhou to come here to settle a score with him. Now he still had to rely on Zhang Zhou to become famous in the court. Even Cui Yuan and Zhu Feng, he was thinking about how to curry favor with him. Zhang Zhou wanted to show humility and respect, and he also wanted to do everything in his power.

"Take out all the gifts I prepared earlier. If no one else gives them to you, just give them to Cai Guogong. In addition, I heard that Cai Guogong likes to listen to operas, so I have prepared the Nan Opera troupe I bought before. Today If you want to talk to him in the evening, or just watch a movie and talk at the same time..."

……

……

Inside the post house.

When Liu Yu arrived, he saw Qianhu Sun Shangqi, a member of the Jinyi Guards, guarding the downstairs of the post house.

After Liu Yu came in, he quickly went up to salute Sun Shangqi.

Sun Shangqi and Liu Yu had met several times, and he also bowed respectfully and said: "Master Zhongcheng, my father-in-law is not in the post house right now, but in the nearest teahouse. Please move."

"Why not here? Could it be that... the greeting was not good enough?" Liu Yu asked hurriedly.

"My father-in-law is very approachable. He is not used to living in a post house. He just eats tea and meets guests at a nearby place and lets his humble position guide you."

Sun Shangqi walked in front and led Liu Yu to a teahouse a street away.

But seeing that the teahouse was very ordinary, it was already dark, and the lights were still dimly lit. Liu Yu looked around at the door and said to himself, if someone hadn't told me that Cai Guogong was here, who would have thought that there was a big shot here?

Liu Yu hurried upstairs, but saw a woman hiding behind the screen, while Zhang Zhou was sitting at the table, with the tea in front of him seemingly untouched.

"Your Majesty Liu Yu, I have met Zhang Butang." Liu Yu hurriedly stepped forward to greet him.

Zhang Zhou stood up with a smile and said: "Liu Zhongcheng, you're welcome. I came from the capital without even saying hello. I hope it won't disrupt your plan to dispatch troops. It's really because of the emperor's orders that I have to Keeping such a low profile.”

"You are joking. Zhang Butang, you are the Minister of War of the Ming Dynasty. All military affairs in the court are handled by you. Now that you are here, you will naturally take over the matter of dispatching troops and generals. I will serve you as an official." You should obey orders." Liu Yu knew very well.

The moment Zhang Zhou appeared, no matter what dissatisfaction he had in his heart, he should quickly step aside and give the right to speak to Zhang Zhou.

Only in this way will he not arouse Zhang Zhou's suspicion, and even be regarded as a trustworthy person by Zhang Zhou.

Zhang Zhou said: "You have misunderstood. Regarding the deployment of troops, it should be done as it should be. This time I am not coming as the Minister of the Ministry of War, nor as the general of the Dudu Mansion. I am coming as the special envoy of the imperial court to welcome foreign guests." Come."

Liu Yu was startled.

Aren't you here to mobilize troops?

Who are you lying to?

Now the emperor has ordered troops to be sent from Jizhou to fight a war. How could your appearance here have nothing to do with this war?

Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "Sit down and talk."

Liu Yu hesitated for a moment and sat down next to him, but he lowered his head and did not look at Zhang Zhou. Then someone served tea.

……

……

The two sat across the table.

Zhang Zhou said: "Jingshan Bo and Anbian Hou will send troops from Jizhou. This is the decree from the imperial court. Has Liu Zhongcheng received it?"

"Yes." Liu Yu responded.

Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "But there is a reason that even His Majesty has not made clear. In fact, this time His Majesty wants to rely on the three guards of Duoyan to defect to the Ming Dynasty. They will cooperate with the tribes such as Huoshii to send troops to conquer the little Tatar prince and trigger civil strife in the grasslands. And the purpose of my coming here is to add fuel to the flames.”

"what?"

Liu Yu obviously did not expect that the purpose of Zhang Zhou's stationing in Jizhou Town was not to fight, but to be a diplomat.

Then Zhang Zhou wasn't fooling him just now.

Zhang Zhou said: "Liu Zhongcheng, do you think this Tatar cannot be trusted?"

"Yes." Liu Yu hurriedly followed Zhang Zhou's words and said, "The Tatars are treacherous and have different ideas. Moreover, they are all complicit. They say they are surrendering to the Ming Dynasty, but in fact they cannot put the interests of the Ming Dynasty first. They clearly surrender. , or turn around and join the little Tartar prince."

Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "That was in the past, when the tribes on the grassland could still maintain a delicate balance. This is not the case now."

"Why is this?" Of course Liu Yu had to show that he was not very good. This was to show Zhang Zhou's wisdom.

As an official, Liu Yu knew very well that he could not act smarter than Zhang Zhou.

Zhang Zhoudao: "Before Weining Hou's victory at Piantou Pass, the Tatar army had been very strong for several years, and their internal annexations had already occurred. In the past two years, even though the Ming Dynasty had military advantages everywhere, the Tatars The ambition of the little prince Tartar to annex various tribes has not been eliminated, and he even took advantage of them to rob them."

"That's true..." Liu Yu thought for a while, and it made sense.

The rise of Batu Meng, known as Dayan Khan, wanted to reunify the entire grassland. Everything was going smoothly at first. Unexpectedly, at this time, Zhang Zhou, Wang Shouren and others suddenly appeared in the Ming army, and with the help of powerful firearms As it advances, the living space of the grassland is further reduced.

But the annexation battle of Batu Monk has been provoked, and the Chahar tribe, the main Tatar tribe, can no longer gain the complete trust of other tribes.

Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "I also know that the grassland people have their own set of logic when it comes to dividing and reuniting. It is not something we can deduce using common sense."

"Yes, Zhang Butang, think about it, those Tatars are not my race, how can they be on the same page as the Ming Dynasty?" Liu Yu is very good at climbing up the pole.

Even if Zhang Zhou says something and agrees with it, he doesn't tend to add his own opinions. Of course, Zhang Zhou understands the character of this kind of person. He is good at flattering and looks capable. But in fact, his greatest ability lies in how to win over people's hearts, and how to use the power in his hands to consolidate his own power. The method of using power to suppress others is very important. Within the reach of ordinary people.

Zhang Zhou said: "Then we must use both kindness and power to cooperate with the Ming Dynasty. Our government can provide some assistance and let them send troops to attack the little Tartar prince. If they do not obey, or even seek refuge with the little Tartar prince, then their own tribal territories, people and animals will be in danger." , property, etc., our Ming Dynasty will accept it."

Liu Yu showed an astonished look and said: "This is very clever. I seem to understand why His Majesty asked Zhang Butang to come in person. Only if you talk to the Ulangha tribe in person will they know about the Ming Dynasty." You must be determined and don't dare to change your mind. As long as you sit in Ji Town, you are stabbing a sword behind them and can take their lives at any time. How dare they not try their best?"

Zhang Zhou smiled.

This may sound like bullshit, but the general truth is that it is true.

That is, Zhang Zhoulai must intimidate the three guards of Duoyan, or the three guards of Wuliangha. Only in this way will the men of these three guards, plus some small and medium-sized tribes around them, stand firmly on the side of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhang Zhou said: "It's not enough for me to be in charge. I also need soldiers and horses to respond. I won't hide it from you. Xin Xin Bo's troops will send troops from Weininghai, plus Jingshan Bo and Anbian Hou who sent troops from Jizhen, as well as Yansui. Wang Qiong, the commander-in-chief of the three sides who sent troops, and the British Duke sent troops from Pianguan... With the response of people from all walks of life, there is no reason why Huo Si and the three guards of Duoyan have different intentions. "

After listening to this, Liu Yu pretended to be very excited and praised: "Such a grand troop dispatch plan only uses a small number of soldiers, horses, grain and grass, and can also cause chaos within the grassland. In fact, only His Majesty and Zhang Bu You are the only one who can come up with such a clever plan, I am so impressed that I am so impressed."

"Really? This depends on your full cooperation, Liu Zhongcheng. After all, Liaodong will not send troops this time, and Jizhen's troops will be crucial." Zhang Zhou said.

Liu Yu said: "It is a great honor for Xianguan that he can contribute a small amount to such a grand war. Sir, if you have any orders, just send them."

"Yeah." Zhang Zhou nodded.

If you use Liu Yu, don't be polite.

If you are polite to him, maybe Liu Yu will still wonder if he did something wrong, or if he didn't do it well, or even have some dissatisfaction... With such an official who is good at flattering, just treat him like an ox and a horse. .

"Master Zhang, I have also prepared some small shows. There are two plays to be performed tonight. Would you like to go and have a look? Otherwise, the evil gentry in Yongping Prefecture who had been corrupt and violated the law had their houses confiscated in the city. The residence is vacant now, you might as well move over to stay and show your courtesy as a landlord."

"Why is this so embarrassing?"

"It's okay, it's all for the convenience of the imperial court to send troops to Jizhou Town. I will not violate the etiquette. I will only provide some simple entertainment. I hope you will not find it objectionable."

Zhang Zhou smiled.

He knew very well that for a person like Liu Yu, it was impossible to provide simple entertainment. He must provide all kinds of thoughtful services that would make people happy and forget to leave.

"Thank you." Zhang Zhou said, "It just so happens that we haven't found a place to stay tonight, so I can only bother you, Liu Zhongcheng."

"It's an honor to be a lower-ranking official. Please do." Liu Yu felt as if he had become Zhang Zhou's leader, and he excitedly led the way.

……

……

Forty-five miles west of Santun camp.

After Cui Yuan and Zhu Feng's troops were stationed, they also gathered in the Chinese army tent to wait for Zhang Zhou's latest instructions.

The priority relationship has been established. Cui Yuan will serve as the commander-in-chief of the army this time, and Zhu Feng will serve as the deputy commander. As for the issue of high title and low status in the military, it would be a big deal in the eyes of others, but Zhu Feng does not seem to be interested. Don't care.

It seems that in Zhu Feng's view, whoever becomes the coach will have to bear more, and he just doesn't like to take responsibility.

"Brother Zhang came to the city, saying he was going to discuss things with Liu Junmen, but I'm afraid he would encounter some trouble in the city. He didn't bring many people with him when he entered the city. If Liu Junmen has other ideas, then he Isn’t it dangerous?”

Zhu Feng was worried about Zhang Zhou's safety in front of Cui Yuan.

Cui Yuan frowned and said: "Marquis Anbian, I dare to ask, did Cai Guogong come to the city to reduce the position of Governor Liu? Or to check his background?"

"Of course not." Zhu Feng hurriedly denied.

"Since it's not the case, why are you still worried that a governor will be detrimental to the Minister of War of the Ming Dynasty? If this is the case, then we probably don't need to leave the capital. Even the border passes in the Ming Dynasty are so dangerous, how can you and I have the power to use them? Land?" Cui Yuan obviously didn't know much about his political stance.

Zhu Feng asked curiously: "Haven't you heard about some of Governor Liu's previous bad deeds?"

"What's up with him?"

Cui Yuan really hasn’t heard of it.

Although Cui Yuan has a strong sense of justice, he knows very little about matters other than military affairs. As a prince-in-law, his previous job was to eat and wait for death.

Zhu Feng said: "It's okay if I haven't heard about it. In fact, I can't confirm it if I say it. It's like a secret slander. This time we still need to count on him to help us send troops."

This made Cui Yuan speechless.

You stopped talking mid-sentence and deliberately made a riddle, right?

Just as he was talking, a messenger came in at the door and sent back a letter: "My two lords, this is a letter from the Duke to you two from the city. It was sent by Jin Yiwei himself. Please read it."

"bring here."

Zhu Feng took the letter directly.

Just when Zhu Feng was about to open it, Cui Yuanxian waved his hand and turned away the person who sent the letter, and asked curiously: "What kind of matter requires such a personal letter?"

Zhu Feng opened the letter and said: "If you have an errand for us, just listen. Brother Zhang's footprints are all over the world. It is said that he has traveled all over the world before... I don't know whether it is true or not. Anyway, his knowledge must be extensive. Listen He's absolutely right."

"..." Cui Yuan was speechless again.

Originally, Cui Yuan was not very clear about the relationship between Zhu Feng and Zhang Zhou.

But seeing Zhu Feng's high regard for Zhang Zhou, he was also thinking that he finally understood why others said that Cheng Guogong's house was a dog of Cai Guogong's family.

Are you serving the imperial court or Duke Cai?

"Brother Zhang, everything is fine in the city, so we don't have to worry about it. We will continue to set off early tomorrow morning without entering the city. He will coordinate the troops and horses with Liu Junmen and give us 6,000 troops and horses by then, plus some The artillery will wait, and we can go straight into battle."

"Six thousand? Is it...a little less?" Cui Yuan asked.

"It's quite a lot." Zhu Feng said curiously, "Brother Cui, I heard that you brought hundreds of troops and horses before, and you dared to fight with the Tatars. Now I give you six thousand, what are you worried about?"

Cui Yuan felt a little ashamed and said, "At that time, a newborn calf was not afraid of tigers."

Zhu Feng asked with a smile: "Then you are afraid now?"

Cui Yuan smiled bitterly. Faced with such an aggressive question, he really couldn't answer it.

With meritorious service, of course I don’t want to take big risks, I still want to fight a steady and steady war.

But I knew in my heart that the Tatars would not give any chance to a steady and steady war, and now they could only win by chance. (End of chapter)