My father Zhu Gaoxu

Chapter 482: Striking a balance?
The news that Arutai intended to go south was actually deliberately released by Zhu Zhanhe in order to attract Zhu Di's attention. However, he did not expect that Zhu Di would now come to ask Zhu Zhanhe for his opinion.

This made Zhu Zhanhe secretly amused, but on the surface he made a pensive expression and said: "Grandpa Huang, as the saying goes, there is no storm without fire. Since there is news of Alutai going south, there must be a reason behind it. I think it is best to Send someone to investigate the news carefully!"

"I think so too, so I have ordered Jin Yiwei to pay attention to this information. It is estimated that there will be accurate news soon."

Zhu Di nodded. He had just prepared to march north when news came out that Arutai was going south. This made him feel it was such a coincidence, and he even wondered if there was some conspiracy?
"Grandpa Huang, if Arutai really goes south, where do you think he will use his troops?"

Zhu Zhanhe suddenly asked Zhu Di out of curiosity.

"It's hard to say this. Our border with the grassland is too long. There are places such as Hami and Hetao in the distance. If it is closer, there are also places such as Datong and Xinghe. All of them may become the targets of Arutai's attack."

Zhu Di looked at the map and pondered for a moment, and then said with some uncertainty.

In the past, whether it was Oara or Tatar, although they occasionally went south, they usually only chose some areas that were not defended by strong cities, and they did not dare to go deep. They would only loot at the border and then escape.

But this time it is different. It is rumored that Arutai has gathered an army and may even attack the Ming Dynasty's fortified city. You must know that behind the fortified city, there are usually relatively wealthy and populous places. If a certain city is broken, The impact is definitely very bad.

"Grandpa Huang, I once studied Arutai. He was defeated by Grandpa Huang. When he was desperate, he surrendered to Grandpa Huang and accepted the canonization of the Ming Dynasty. But Arutai is a very arrogant person. He has always been ashamed of your canonization, Grandpa Huang. He has been secretly accumulating strength over the years to avenge his past."

Zhu Zhanhe paused for a moment before continuing his analysis.

"Since he wants revenge, I guess what he desires most in his heart is to break through the city of Beijing and kill directly in front of you, Grandpa Huang. But he doesn't dare because he knows that he doesn't have such ability, so I think he is likely to Choose a place close to Beijing as a breakthrough point to demonstrate to Grandpa Huang!"

"Makes sense!"

When Zhu Di heard this, he clapped his hands in admiration. Based on his understanding of Arutai, the other party was indeed likely to do this.

"So, the other party is likely to look for targets from around the capital, that is, Datong, Xinghe, and Kaiping. It seems that I have to ask them to be more alert!"

"Your Majesty is wise. Maybe it won't take long for the Jin Yiwei to find out the exact movements of Alutai. By then, if the enemy has an opportunity, they may be able to wait for work and annihilate Alutai in one fell swoop!"

Zhu Zhanhe immediately flattered him, which made Zhu Di burst out laughing.

After leaving Wuying Hall, Zhu Zhanhe was about to go back, but he didn't expect that he was suddenly stopped not far after he walked out.

"Shizi stay!"

Xia Yuanji quickly stepped forward from the side and stood in front of Zhu Zhanhe.

"What's wrong with Xia Shangshu?"

Zhu Zhanhe asked knowingly. Xia Yuanji stopped him at this time. He knew without asking that it must be about the Northern Expedition. "Your Majesty, you know the situation in the court now. Why don't you persuade His Majesty to temporarily stop the Northern Expedition? Instead, you obey His Majesty's wishes and encourage His Majesty to send troops?"

Xia Yuanji asked Zhu Zhanhe with an unkind expression.

Zhu Zhanhe visited the palace frequently in the past few days, and often discussed sending troops with Zhu Di, which was noticed by many people. This has aroused the dissatisfaction of many ministers. For example, Xia Yuanji was the most annoyed. In his opinion, Zhu Zhanhe knew the situation in Ming Dynasty very well, so he should stand on their side.

"Xia Shangshu, you have followed my grandpa Huang for so many years and you should know his temper very well. Do you think that even if I join you and oppose the Northern Expedition, grandpa Huang will listen to our suggestions?"

Zhu Zhanhe asked back with a smile.

"This……"

Xia Yuanji was at a loss for words. Everyone knew that Zhu Di had a donkey temper. Only Yao Guangxiao could advise him when he was alive. Sometimes Jin Zhong might also play a role, but now both of them are gone, so the world has No one can change Zhu Di's mind.

However, Xia Yuanji, who had been an official for many years, quickly came to his senses and retorted: "Your Majesty's words are wrong. Even if you cannot change His Majesty's mind, as a minister, you must stick to your position. What's more, the risk of sending troops at this time is huge. If anything happens, If you make a mistake, the consequences may be disastrous!"

"Xia Shangshu, you only see the risks, but not the benefits. Now Arutai's power on the grassland is growing rapidly. If you don't interrupt his rise now, it is very likely that he will unify the grassland, and then he will appear again. If a new Meng Yuan wants to destroy them, it will be difficult to reach the sky!"

Zhu Zhanhe explained helplessly.

"This is not necessarily true. In addition to Arutai, there are also Oara people on the grassland. They are mortal enemies of Arutai and will never sit back and watch Arutai unify the grassland. We only need to secretly support the Oara people to contain Arutai. power."

Xia Yuanji retorted again.

Xia Yuanji was really good at financial management, and he even looked ahead and established a bank in cooperation with Zhu Zhanhe.

But in terms of military affairs, his vision is much different, far from being compared with the original Jin Zhong. For example, he has always opposed the direct use of troops in response to the situation on the grasslands, but wants to use diplomatic means to negotiate between Oara and Tatar. balance.

But Xia Yuanji forgot that if he wanted to achieve a balance, his own strength must also be strong, otherwise if one person does not play well, it is likely to cause backlash.

Zhu Zhanhe was also well aware of Xia Yuanji's shortcomings, so when faced with his rebuttal, he could only smile bitterly. In the end, he could only deal with a few words, and then found an opportunity to say goodbye and leave. An angry Xia Yuanji stomped his feet behind him.

After leaving the imperial city, Zhu Zhanhe also shook his head. Zhu Gaochi, Xia Yuanji, and even the Minister of War Fang Bin and others did not want to use troops on the grassland. Although their ideas were reasonable, if they really used their methods, they would only They would sit back and watch a certain force on the grassland become stronger. The Tumubao Incident a few decades later was a direct result of this strategy.

After returning to the palace, Zhu Zhanhe did not rest. Instead, he sent someone to find Liu Ke. After Liu Mian and others left, Liu Ke was not implicated. He was even promoted to commander and commander, holding real power in his hands. Now Zhu Zhanhe needs Liu Ke to do something for him.

　Sorry, my hand slipped when I uploaded it and I turned two chapters upside down. I have contacted the editor to make corrections. It may take a while.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)