Back to Daming to be a genius

Chapter 274
Celebrate the New Year at home on the [-]th night, kowtow to the parents and give the son lucky money, enter the palace on the first day of the new year to pay New Year's greetings to the emperor and queen, go to Wei Ran Hutong on the second day to pay New Year's greetings to Wei Zhongxian, and on the third day to give New Year's greetings to the cabinet chief assistant and official minister Zhang Ruitu He and Wang Zhijian and other four masters paid New Year's greetings. On the fourth day, he paid New Year's greetings to the five tigers of the eunuch party. On the fifth day, he paid New Year's greetings to the five eunuchs of the eunuch party. Greetings to the elders of the important members of the Gou Shao Party....After a lot of busy work, Young Master Zhang was so tired that he was dizzy and exhausted. On the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, when Young Master Zhang was about to pay New Year greetings to Zhang Weixian, Zhu Chunchen and other Dukes of Ming Dynasty, a sudden change happened, and he had already sat in the lobby of Zhang Weixian's mansion Young Master Zhang was also picked up by Wei Zhongxian, and brought directly into the Qianqing Palace. He held an imperial meeting with the cabinet members and members of the ceremonial supervisor who had gathered in the palace urgently to discuss the urgent military situation that had just arrived in the capital. The Shaanxi military situation in the story of Master Zhang Crow's Mouth.

"Hong Chengchou, governor of Shaanxi, rushed to report six hundred miles away. On the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month in the eighth year of the apocalypse, Mr. Sun Chengzong, the governor of Shaanxi and Gansu, led an army of 3000 to chase the rebel Zhang Xianzhong's troops. Unfortunately, he fell in Liupan Mountain, Pingliang Prefecture." Wei Zhongxian's tone was extremely heavy, and he said solemnly: "In the end, less than [-] of the [-] officers and soldiers could break out of the bandit's ambush circle. Mr. Sun was injured by an arrow and was forced to return to Pingliang City to stand by for help. Gao Yingxiang's troops attacked Jingzhou City again and succeeded. Two days later, Li Zicheng, the bandit of Gao Yingxiang, captured Yilu Town (now Changwu County), and Luo Rucai captured Longzhou, completely cutting off the connection between Pingliang Prefecture, Fengxiang and Xi'an. Afterwards, the rebels encircled Pingliang City with heavy troops, and the attack was very fierce. It is currently unknown whether Mr. Sun is alive or dead."

"How did this happen? Didn't the thieves get hit hard by Xuan Da's army? How did they become so powerful again?" The six ministers and the Li supervisors were all taken aback.Ming Xizong shouted nervously: "Zhongxian, what about Hong Chengchou? Why didn't he send troops to rescue Mr. Sun? Mr. Sun is my teacher, so don't let him have an accident."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty, Hong Chengchou said in the memorial that he has sent troops to rescue Mr. Sun, and I believe news will come soon." Wei Zhongxian replied with a bow.Hearing this answer, Ming Xizong heaved a sigh of relief, but Young Master Zhang's face changed drastically, and he shouted: "What? Hong Chengchou left Xi'an City? Then who is guarding Xi'an City? How many defenders are there?"

"Hong Chengchou didn't explain it in the memorial." Wei Zhongxian shook his head.Young Master Zhang cried out, "It's bad! I understand Hong Chengchou's military habits. He likes to concentrate his forces and go out with all his strength. He emphasizes the power of the front and neglects the defense of the rear. As long as the rebels seize his weakness, the situation in Shaanxi will be in danger."

"Focus on the power of the front and despise the defense of the rear? What do you mean?" Ming Xizong asked Wei Zhongxian and others together.Wang Yongguang, Shangshu of the Ministry of War, explained: "Tanhualang is talking about a term in military books, which means to concentrate the main soldiers in the front and maintain a frontal advantage over the enemy, but the defense in the back is weak, and it is easy to be copied by the enemy after detours. Road. In layman's terms, this is a typical anticlimactic, copper-headed tofu waist."

"What Wang Tangguan said is very true, that's the truth." Young Master Zhang nodded, and then said shockingly: "And according to my minister, Hong Chengchou doesn't need to save Mr. Sun Ge at all! ... Your Majesty, don't get angry, my minister didn't Sit back and watch Elder Sun Ge get trapped and not rescue, but Elder Sun Ge will definitely be safe and sound. Your Majesty, can you recall, since Elder Sun Ge led the army for the first time in the second year of Tianqi, has he lost a city or fortress? This is enough to prove Sun Ge is best at defending the city. After the battle of Liupanshan, he had Pingliang City to rely on, and there was a certain amount of food and grass supplies in the city. There was absolutely no problem in defending Pingliang. A siege weapon is bound to be short-lived, and if it persists in attacking Pingliang for a long time, it will surely dissipate on its own, so for Hong Chengchou, it is undoubtedly the best choice not to save Pingliang and stick to Xi'an."

Although Young Master Zhang's words were a bit arbitrary, but Young Master Zhang's illustrious military exploits are here, Ming Xizong, who doesn't understand military affairs, and the cabinet members present did not strongly refute, and Wei Zhongxian also stood up to excuse Young Master Zhang: "Your Majesty, slave is a monkey Although the cub's words are a bit harsh, but he has been on the battlefield for a long time and understands the enemy's situation, so what he said still makes sense, and if there is a slip of the tongue, the servant will apologize to the emperor on behalf of the monkey cub." Then, Wei Zhongxian gave Young Master Zhang a vicious wink , telling Young Master Zhang to be more careful when speaking, don't forget Ming Xizong's nostalgic temper, and speak carefully and strategically about Sun Chengzong, so as not to touch Ming Xizong's rebellious scales.

"My godfather is right. With Sun Chengzong, the governor of Shaanxi and Gansu, it is a little troublesome for me, the governor of the five provinces, to take command." It was rare for Ming Xizong to glare at him. Young Master Zhang couldn't help but admire Wei Zhongxian's foresight. For a subordinate of the emperor's teacher like Sun Chengzong, it is difficult for the boss to do things and speak as he wants.Fortunately, Zhang Ruitu, the teacher of Young Master Zhang, also stood up to change the subject, and asked Young Master Zhang, "Master Zhang, since you think it is a risky move for Hong Chengchou to leave Xi'an without authorization, in your opinion, what kind of dangerous consequences will it lead to?" ?”

"At least it will give the rebels a chance to sneak into Xi'an Mansion. If the situation is worse, Xi'an will fall and Tongguan will be in a hurry." Young Master Zhang said honestly: "If I were the leader of the rebellion, I would definitely not stop Hong Chengchou's army head-on. , but to fight and retreat to lure Hong Chengchou away from Xi'an, wait for an opportunity to detour to the rear of Hong Chengchou, directly enter the territory of Xi'an Prefecture, attack the cities of Xi'an, and plunder supplies on the spot in the relatively affluent Xi'an territory to strengthen his strength. Hong Chengchou rescued Sun Ge When I was old, it would be too late to go back to Xi'an. The thieves and thieves who had obtained food and grass supplies could attack Tongguan and enter the Central Plains, retreat back to their old nest in Yan'an, or turn west to enter Fengxiang, where the officers and soldiers are relatively weak. , and continued to lead Hong Chengchou's army around Shaanxi, dragging Hong Chengchou down, and even dragging him to death."

As soon as Young Master Zhang said this, the whole hall was dumbfounded. Officials like Wang Yongguang who knew a little about military affairs also began to doubt Sun Chengzong's intentions - defending Xi'an can block the rebels in the hinterland of Shaanxi, why take risks? To attack, to give the thieves a chance to flee?Only Feng Quan sneered and said, "Tanhua Lang is too worrying about the sky, isn't he? If the rebels had the ability to use troops like you, wouldn't they have already attacked the city of Beijing?"

Master Zhang heard the provocative meaning in Feng Quan's words, and immediately retorted unceremoniously: "If the rebels have the military vision of Tangguan Feng, then Mr. Sun Ge would have wiped out the rebels in Shaanxi long ago. It's clean."

"Monkey boy, this is a matter for the imperial court, so don't be presumptuous." Wei Zhongxian also heard that Feng Quan was implying that Young Master Zhang had made great achievements, so he reprimanded Young Master Zhang hypocritically, and said coldly: "And Mr. Feng Ge, Please also note that Houzizi is thinking about the emperor's country and the people of Daming in Xi'an, so he reminds everyone to be prepared. If Mr. Feng Ge thinks what Houzizi said is wrong, something will happen to the Xi'an government. Are you in charge?" Feng Quan's face turned pale, and he quickly retracted his head.

"Tanhualang, since you think that thieves may sneak into the Xi'an mansion, how should the court guard against it?" Li Yongzhen, the second eunuch of the Silijian, asked.Young Master Zhang glanced at Wei Zhongxian first, and seeing Wei Zhongxian nodding, Young Master Zhang said in a deep voice: "Xi'an is too far away from the capital, and now it's too late to go to Wen to order Hong Chengchou to withdraw troops. The only way now is to let the governor of Henan Yang Zuoji defended Tongguan to the core. No matter what, the thugs should not be allowed to enter the Central Plains. The minister would also order Zhang Weishi, the magistrate of Pingyang, to hoard the main force in Puzhou and prepare to cross the river to reinforce Tongguan at any time. The army goes south to fill the gap left by the Pingyang army as a backup. Otherwise, once the rebels enter the Central Plains, it will be much more troublesome to calm down."

"Monkey boy, what if the thieves go south to Hanzhong? Hanzhong is also a relatively rich place." Wei Zhongxian asked.Young Master Zhang smiled and replied: "Father, don't worry, if the rebels dare to enter Hanzhong, they will die! Because the rebels went south from Xi'an to Hanzhong, they had to pass through the Qinling Mountains, which were high and dangerous and had no food and grass supplies. With Shizhu commander Qin Liangyu's white pole army sitting in the town, it is not a problem to block the road of the thieves entering Sichuan. If the officers and soldiers of the Ming Dynasty block the exit at the northern end of the Qinling Mountains, no matter how many thieves enter, there is no way for one of them to escape alive. Therefore, Haier believes that as long as Tongguan is well guarded, the rebels can only go north to Fugu or west to Fengxiang, but no matter which route they take, it will be of great benefit to the imperial court to completely wipe out the rebels."

"Monkey boy, it's easy to say, how to completely wipe out the thieves depends on you." Wei Zhongxian scolded with a smile, then turned to Ming Xizong and asked: "Your Majesty, this servant thinks what Monkey Boy said is quite reasonable, but I don't know what the emperor thinks. How about next?"

"I also think it's good. Zhang Aiqing is always the most at ease when fighting a war." Ming Xizong nodded, and said: "Then let's do this. Tomorrow, I will formally announce to the world that Zhang Aiqing will be named the governor of the five provinces, and he will be given the title of Minister of the Ministry of War. Assuming office on the [-]st, Governor Xuanda, Shanxi, Gansu, Shaanxi, Sichuan and other military affairs are also responsible for food and payment, and are fully responsible for chasing down the rebels in Shaanxi."

"My humble minister, Zhang Haogu, thank the emperor for his grace." Young Master Zhang, who had long been looking forward to leaving Beijing to escape the political whirlpool, was overjoyed, and hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed.Ming Xizong also warned: "Zhang Aiqing, I have nothing else to say about your promotion to the governor of the five provinces this time. The only thing is that you must respect my teacher, Mr. Sun, and don't think that you are a senior official and belong to Mr. Sun." Boss, that's too presumptuous. Also, you must guarantee the safety of Mr. Sun."

"My minister obeys the decree, and must bear in mind the emperor's instructions, and treat the old man with the respect of his father's generation." Young Master Zhang, who has always been used to authoritarianism, agreed with a sad face.Wei Zhongxian smiled slightly, and said in his heart: "Monkey boy, do you know how well our family treats you now? You also know why our family is eager for old man Sun to die soon, right?" Is your little dog going to be miserable next time? Old man Sun’s Baoding stubborn donkey temper is not much worse than your little dog’s father-in-law’s bear temper.”

"By the way, Zhang Aiqing, where do you plan to set up the yamen of the governors of the five provinces?" Ming Xizong suddenly remembered something, and asked casually: "You are the first governor of the five provinces since I ascended the throne. You can't be too casual. I let you Father will allocate another 5000 taels of silver to you from the internal treasury, which will be specially used to build a more dignified yamen."

"Returning to the emperor, I want to set up the yamen of the governors of the five provinces in Xi'an." Young Master Zhang, who had already made up his mind, quickly replied.As soon as this remark came out, Mandian was shocked again. Feng Quan couldn't help but asked with a smile: "Tanhualang, didn't you just say that after Hong Chengchou left Xi'an lightly, Xi'an might be in danger? If you fall into the hands of the thieves, then you can go to the lair of the thieves to act as an agent?"

"It's too simple." Young Master Zhang replied confidently: "If that's the case, why don't I take Xi'an back as the emperor and the court?"

"Take it back?" Feng Quan was dumbfounded.Zhang Ruitu, who was next to him, laughed loudly and said, "Well said, Tanhualang, you are truly a unparalleled national scholar! I believe that Tanhualang has such ambitions, and the day when Shaanxi rebellion is settled is just around the corner!" Wei Zhongxian also smiled and praised : "What a monkey boy, just because of your arrogance, it is worthwhile for the emperor to promote you!"

Ever since, amidst the congratulatory voices of jealousy or envy from all the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty, on the ninth day of the first month of the ninth year of the Great Ming Dynasty, Young Master Zhang accepted the canonization of the imperial court and officially became the first governor of the five provinces of the Tianqi Dynasty. The title, Enmeng's hereditary Jinyiwei Qianhu, Zhang Xiantai's honorific title, has also become Zhang Butang.Young Master Zhang, who was eager to get out of the dispute between emperor and heir, did not hesitate. After accepting the canonization on the ninth day of the first lunar month, he said goodbye to his parents, wife and children urgently on the tenth day of the first lunar month, using the excuse of the military situation, and led the slave slaughter army from the capital to the northwest to take up his post.On the same day, Song Xiance, who had completed his meritorious deeds in Chahanhot, also returned to the capital of Daming, and declined the imperial court's official reward, and offered to stay in the shogunate of Young Master Zhang, and accompanied Young Master Zhang to the northwest to take office without stopping.

Before departure, Young Master Zhang bid farewell to the palace, and reported his itinerary to Ming Xizong and Wei Zhongxian, and the marching route proposed by Young Master Zhang surprised Ming Xizong and Wei Zhongxian—Master Zhang refused to take the shortcut of Xuanfu Datong, It is necessary to go south from the capital to Henan, then turn west at Baoshui, Henan, enter Sanqin via Tongguan west, and go around a circle to Xi'an to take office.Young Master Zhang explained: "Your Majesty, Eunuch Wei, I took this road mainly to prevent in case Xi'an really falls and the thieves enter Tongguan east. I can reinforce the Henan army on the spot to defend Tongguan and attack the army. At the same time, the recruits recruited by Zhang Dapao, a subordinate of Weichen, in Yiwu can also join forces with Weichen's army in Handan, and replenish the soldiers lost by the slaughtering slave army after several battles."

"Oh, it's still Zhang Aiqing who is thoughtful." Ming Xizong understood and quickly ordered: "Zhongxian, you ask the cabinet and the supervisor of ceremonies to draft a decree for Zhang Aiqing, and let the state capitals along the way provide food, grass and military supplies for Zhang Aiqing's army. You can use the stored grain, and the grain and fodder you consume will be supplemented from the canal grain. Also, I feel a little uncomfortable today, Zhongxian, please send Zhang Aiqing off for me."

Wei Zhongxian respectfully agreed, and led Young Master Zhang to the Wenhua Palace to issue the official document for the massacre of the slave army. The young master sees you off.When parting, Wei Zhongxian told Young Master Zhang to take care of himself and calm down the thieves as soon as possible. After returning to Beijing for reunion as soon as possible, he couldn't help asking Young Master Zhang: "Monkey boy, our family has wanted to ask you for a long time. In the past few days, you Why is the monkey boy always so preoccupied? What happened? If anything goes wrong, tell our family, and our family will decide for you. "

"No...it's nothing." It took a while for the distraught Young Master Zhang to come back to his senses, and he quickly shook his head in denial.Of course Wei Zhongxian didn't believe it. He stared at Young Master Zhang and asked, "Monkey boy, you must have something on your mind. Tell father, is it because you have been separated from your family for too long, and you will be separated from your wife and children within a few days after returning to Beijing, and you can't bear them? If that's the case , after you settle down in Xi'an, our family can send your wives, concubines and children to Xi'an."

"Father..." Young Master Zhang was a little moved, his nose was a little sore, and he couldn't help but said: "Father, in fact, my child is a little bit reluctant to part with you, and I'm afraid that after I go this time..."

"Hehe, monkey boy, it's a lie, our family is not the beauty you like, will you be reluctant to part with our family?" Wei Zhongxian laughed loudly, "Besides, our family is in good health, and we will definitely be able to wait until your monkey boy comes back to reunite with the family ..." Speaking of this, Wei Zhongxian was suddenly surprised to find that there were tears in the eyes of Young Master Zhang. Wei Zhongxian couldn't help but said in surprise: "Monkey boy, what's wrong with you? You're not like this in the past, why are you crying today? gone?"

"Because I have to say goodbye to my father, I don't know when we will meet again, so my heart is sad." Young Master Zhang wiped his tears, and after hesitating for a long time, Young Master Zhang finally leaned into Wei Zhongxian's ear in a strange way, and said softly: "Father, When the baby is far away from the capital, don't do big things. If the baby is not by your side, no one can protect you at critical moments."

Wei Zhongxian was startled at first, but when he came to his senses, Wei Zhongxian couldn't help being moved, his voice choked up, and he patted Young Master Zhang on the head and said in a low voice: "Monkey boy, our family understands, don't worry, you are not by our side At that time, our family will not take risks. When you come back, we will work together again, and we will share the prosperity and wealth in the future, and the beautiful country will be beautiful."

"Oh, I finally couldn't help but intervene." At the same time as Wei Zhongxian said goodbye with tears, Young Master Zhang sighed in his heart: "If Wei Zhongxian couldn't wait to kill the fake prince and make his great-grandson the prince when I was not in the capital, Then the royalist party who holds the three major battalions of the capital will definitely kill traitors from the side of the Qing emperor, and Wei Zhongxian's head is likely to fall to the ground. I remind Wei Zhongxian that he will definitely wait for me to come back, and he is fully sure to suppress the royalist party. , At that time, what should I do? What should I do?"

(End of this chapter)