Great Ming Dynasty Wen Chao Gong

Chapter 21 The Emperor’s Critical Comment on Cortez
  In the royal study, the emperor and Wang Xijue faced each other. The emperor still held a report in his hand, and Wang Xijue stood with a serious face.

"Zhang Xiao and the others are marching very fast now. It is estimated that they will reach Ningxia Town in a few days. As soon as the three thousand elites of the Li Rusong brothers arrive, with the reputation of Li Chengliang from Liaodong, the soldier who wants to cause trouble must also be there. No one dares to jump out again," the emperor said.

"Your Majesty is wise, but this time it was really too hasty. Wei Shangshu of the Ministry of War worked hard to collect all the needs for the three thousand troops without wasting time." Wang Xijue said.

"I'm really a little anxious. Logically speaking, I have to discuss it with Shen Shoufu and your cabinet, but what Zhang Xiao said is too serious. If nothing happens in the end, it's just a long-distance exercise in Beijing. But if Ningxia If something happens, it means the northwest is shaking." The emperor said.

"Your Majesty is wise," Wang Xijue said.

"Actually, Zhang Xiao said something else. He said that Kuai Bai was a military attache appointed to the imperial court, but he was like a chieftain. Moreover, Kuai Bai was related to the Mongolian tribes, so it was not suitable to stay in Ningxia for a long time. Dang Xin had an impatient temper. There is another act of corruption. Once the soldiers are dissatisfied, Dang Xin has no reliable force to maintain the court. There are things happening in the northwest now. This time Li Rusong and the other two went to sort out the border affairs in the west for me. Once the Japanese invaders really offend. The internal vassal of Korea must be a national war for the Japanese country, and it is safe to use elite soldiers from all nine sides of the court." The emperor said.

"There are 200,000 people coming to this Japanese country? I didn't expect that the Japanese country is located on the sea and there are so many people." Wang Xijue said with emotion.

"The Japanese country has a population of tens of millions, and there is a group of so-called samurai who specialize in war. It is not far from North Korea. It is not impossible to send 200,000 people across the sea. The cabinet still needs to draw up regulations on how to raise supplies and weapons. "said the emperor.

"I will discuss this with Prime Minister Shen carefully before reporting back to Your Majesty." Wang Xijue said.

"This is the manuscript that Zhang Xiao wrote on the march. I have two copies here. You should get one first. Zhang Xiao is not here. You also want to find good information for him and help him make an outline for the books he plans to write. And reference books. I also told Shen Xiang that it’s been a few days and he should be back tomorrow. He has written so many memorials about the establishment of the crown prince. I already know when the canonization ceremony will be held. Of course I know it. Don't report it again, otherwise I will really lose face." The emperor said.

"I will deliver your Majesty's oral instructions to Prime Minister Shen." Wang Xijue took a manuscript and left in a hurry.

The emperor and Chen Ju were the only ones left in the imperial study room again.

"Chen Ju, what do you think of the "Conquest of Mexico" written by Zhang Xiao this time?" the emperor asked.

"The writing is really like immersing yourself in the situation. Zhang Xiao should have a basis for what he wrote, but even so, it is rare. It shows that Zhang Xiao is really familiar with the classics of the Folangji Kingdom. Look at these chapters, how the Folangji Kingdom annexed The process of a large piece of land like the Americas is very clear. But since there are changes in the Japanese country, Zhang Xiao should write the story of the Fuso Kingdom first," Chen Ju said.

"It's my will that he can use as he pleases. Now that he is on a business trip abroad, he can write whenever he wants. How can he be allowed to write books as he likes in the capital? But he can write so many words these days, and I really can't. Unexpectedly, he was still marching during the day, so I guess he also wrote the manuscript during his rest time at night," the emperor said. "Your Majesty is considerate of his ministers and is truly a benevolent king." Chen Ju said.

"That's all, just sending people so far away, Zhang Xiao is fine if he doesn't complain about me. Chen Ju, look at this book, what do you think about these so-called conquerors, Columbus, Velazquez, Cortez, what do you think?" the emperor asked.

"Columbus pioneered the trend, and also had the ability to expand the territory and make money. He was already a role model for the adventurous warriors of the Franco Kingdom. It cannot be overestimated. Velasquez captured the island of Cuba with a few hundred men and became governor in one fell swoop. , can be regarded as a hero. However, he hindered his subordinates from exploring the cause. He just felt that he was afraid of taking risks and could not benefit from it. His loyalty to the emperor was low, his selfishness was too strong, and it would be difficult to make achievements in the future. "

"The story of Cortez is only mentioned in the book now, but it can also be seen that this man was ambitious, brave, cunning, and daring. Such a person is also quite dangerous. It is hard to say how loyal he is to the emperor. However, it is difficult to say. Since he is the protagonist in the book, he was able to conquer such a large piece of land in Mexico with the help of hundreds of people he recruited. His achievements are no less than and probably better than those of Ban Chao who restored the Protectorate of the Western Regions." Chen Ju concluded.

"Yes, if this Cortez brings more people, I'm afraid he will split the earth and become king and dominate one area. I did think it was simple before. Mining overseas is very difficult, and most of those who are willing to go overseas are These are bold and lawless people. This Cortez pretended to be the governor's military order, acted recklessly in such a large area of ​​Mexico, and was only willing to give 20% of the harvest to King Franji. This is already very ambitious. How can he be like Cide, who was controlled by the Lord? Being exiled means that you are willing to stay in the position of minister and put the overall situation first," the emperor said.

"Indeed, Cide has the virtues of a gentleman. Columbus, Velazquez, and Cortez are all ambitious people, and Cortez is actually a rebel." Chen Ju said.

"Looking at Cortez's deeds, I must admit that I have underestimated the martial arts in the world. This Kuaibai really needs to be dealt with properly. Zhang Xiao said before that Kuaibai does not want to rebel, but if he really wants to rebel, he will He thinks that with the support of his fellow Mongolians, he can separate one side from another. Another example is Yang Yinglong, who has lived among the mountains for thousands of years, in a key location, has a strong family, has no respect for the Ming Dynasty, and has delusions of separatist rule in the southwest. But why is this Zhang Xiao thinks so highly of Nurhaci, and he also said that he knows that our dynasty has a detailed military, or is it a compliant minister, and once there is a change, it will be a disaster for the world? At present, even among the Jurchen tribes, the Jianzhou Department is not the most powerful, and it has been Li Chengliang has cleaned up so many times, and now he is the most respectful Shunyi. He has not invaded the border and has not colluded with Mongolia and North Korea." The emperor murmured.

"The minister dare not speak nonsense, but if His Majesty needs it, the minister will send more factory guards to keep an eye on the Jianzhou Department to share His Majesty's worries." Chen Ju replied.

"Just take care of this little thing. It's just that Zhang Xiao traveled thousands of miles to deliver the manuscript. Do you want to give him something as a reward?" the emperor asked.

"I think you can prepare some high-quality pens, inks, paper and inkstones and give them to Zhang Xiao together with the imperial edict," Chen Ju said.

"Okay, as you said." The emperor said.

(End of this chapter)