prosperous age

Chapter 1048 1139 Different Paths of Civil and Military Affairs

"Myanmar King Mang Yinglong was so bold as to launch a surprise attack on Mubang. He is now gathering troops to besiege Mengyang and has also sent a large army to block traffic at the border of our Ming Dynasty."

Tan Lun introduced, "This is an urgent report from Yunnan. Wang Ning also sent the news to Li Chengliang. I think the army should have entered Yunnan."

When Wei Guangde heard that it was about Yunnan, he immediately breathed a sigh of relief, but he still said with a serious face: "After all, the court has already predicted it. With Li Chengliang and Mu Changzuo over there, I think the situation will not be too bad."

"Since the Burmese king has done this, the court still needs to question him and ask Li Chengliang to lead the southwest troops to participate in suppressing the rebellion as soon as possible and end the war as soon as possible."

Zhang Juzheng said, then turned to look at Wei Guangde and said: "I remember that Shandai had intended to let the South China Sea Navy pass through Mancijia to threaten Myanmar from the south.

Now that the situation has developed as previously speculated, I think it is better to give orders to Yu Dayou as soon as possible, ordering him to lead his troops to Jiugang as soon as possible, and after receiving the remnants of Zhang Lian, take them west to Burma to establish meritorious service and wash away the charges against them. "

“The surrendered soldiers under Lin Feng can also be brought along and allowed to fight for the court.

You can't do something wrong and then forget about it just because you surrender."

Wei Guangde continued, "At this time, the Ministry of War should send a letter to the two ministries as soon as possible."

At this time, Zhang Juzheng had quickly read the urgent report from Yunnan Governor Wang Ning, which was almost the same as what Tan Lun said.

After reading the memorial, Zhang Juzheng handed it to Wei Guangde and asked him to take a look at it as well, and then submit a draft.

"Okay, then I'll go to the department right away and have someone draft the document."

Tan Lun agreed and was about to go out.

He rushed back this time because he received an urgent report from the Ministry of War, so he hurried back again.

"and many more."

Just when Tan Lun was about to step out of the house, Wei Guangde suddenly called him back.

"What's wrong, Shandai?"

Tan Lun stopped, turned around and asked in confusion.

"Li Chengliang is the left commander-in-chief, and Yunnan also has a governor, Wang Ning. In addition, the Duke of Qian and Yunnan's general Mu Changzuo also holds the seal of the General of the Southern Expedition. With three people in Yunnan, who is in charge of whom?"

Wei Guangde also suddenly remembered this matter. When he planned to use military force against Myanmar in order to open up the Ming Dynasty's western seaport, he only thought of using Li Chengliang, but forgot that there were many constraints when he arrived at the local area.

Yes, this is actually what the upper echelons often fail to take into account when planning national policies.

In their thinking, things will naturally be done according to their ideas, but they ignore the fact that local governments often have their own demands.

Then, good policies go awry when they are implemented locally, and eventually turn into bad policies. Not only do they fail to achieve good results, but they make the situation worse.

On the military level, there are naturally three giants at the local level, who are in charge of whom and who makes the final decision.

Undoubtedly, under normal circumstances, Yunnan Governor Wang Ning had the greatest power.

Even though he is a governor and not a governor-general, he is not supposed to be in charge of military affairs.

But the civil servants of the Ming Dynasty were just like this. Just ask yourself, which local governor does not make the military leaders obey you?

In fact, this situation is also something the court would like to see.

However, at this point, Wei Guangde was more concerned about the smooth implementation of the military plan. He was not a pure civil servant by nature, so he naturally would not ignore the problem of civil servants suppressing military generals.

In his eyes, what he pursues is victory, not who has made the greater contribution.

"this."

Tan Lun hesitated for a moment before saying, "We should still follow Governor Wang Ning's opinion."

"If the war goes badly, who will be held responsible?"

Wei Guangde asked directly.

"Of course it's Li Chengliang and Mu Changzuo.

One of them is the governor of the Right Army, and the other is the general commander of Yunnan. If the war does not go well, it will naturally be their responsibility."

Tan Lun spoke very naturally.

This is the current principle of the Ming Dynasty officialdom. The civil officials must have the greatest power, and once there is a military failure, the blame will be placed on the military generals.

It can be imagined that if that time really comes, the one who will be unlucky will not be Duke of Qian Mu Changzuo, but the Left General Li Chengliang.

It's because he has no background that he becomes a scapegoat.

But Wei Guangde was not looking for a scapegoat, he wanted to achieve his own goals.

Since the command power was not in the hands of Li Chengliang, it was naturally impossible to test Li Chengliang's character.

Wei Guangde was naturally unwilling to hand over the command of the war to Wang Ning.

So Wei Guangde looked at Zhang Juzheng and said, "Brother Uncle, do you think Governor Wang is suitable for this job?"

Wei Guangde originally wanted to move him away, but later Zhang Juzheng came forward to guarantee him, so he continued to stay in Yunnan and wait for an opportunity to transfer him away.

It has been delayed until now, and the war is about to break out.

It is certainly inappropriate to change generals at this time, but it is certainly inappropriate for Wang Ning, the head of Yunnan officials, to take over the command.

Zhang Juzheng knew what Wei Guangde meant, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "Wang Ning is only a governor, and he shouldn't interfere in military affairs.

The Cabinet and the Ministry of War jointly issued a letter to remind him to fulfill his duties and mainly lead the military preparation department to ensure the food and supplies of the army, and not to interfere in other matters. "

Upon hearing this, Wei Guangde nodded with satisfaction and said with a smile: "Shandai also thinks that this is the way it should be.

Li Chengliang and Mu Changzuo were both brave generals on the battlefield. Although they could not easily defeat the Burmese army, they were more than capable of doing so.

Let Li Chengliang be the main commander, leading the attack, and Mu Changzuo be the deputy commander, responsible for ensuring border security and transporting food and fodder for the army. What do you think, brother Zili?"

Wei Guangde directly pushed Li Chengliang to power to preside over this military operation against Myanmar.

If he wins, he will be granted a title of nobility and appointed as prime minister. If he loses, the Li family will be completely exterminated from the Ming Dynasty.

After listening to Wei Guangde's words, Tan Lun understood that he was going to push for another military commander.

Previously, Wei Guangde promoted Ma Fang. Because of the praise of Emperor Jiajing, Ma Fang's status in the border town was consolidated and improved.

Next came Yu Dayou, and then Qi Jiguang.

Tan Lun was actually familiar with these two people.

After all, Tan Lun had dealt with them when the Japanese were suppressed in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, especially Qi Jiguang, who had been suppressing the Japanese in Zhejiang for many years. The two of them had close contact, and Qi Jiguang was actually his subordinate most of the time.

It was because of their familiarity that he valued him more. After arriving in the capital, Qi Jiguang found him and told him about his difficulties in the capital. Tan Lun brought him to Wei Guangde without saying a word.

Now that I think about it, Ma Fang is already living in Datong in retirement. She is old and time is not forgiving.

  And what about Yu Dayou?

Although I can still jump around for a few more years, I can’t help but get old.

Many people may like Huo Qubing because he is the youngest god of war in Chinese history.

At the age of 17, Huo Qubing was appointed by Emperor Wu of Han as the commander of the cavalry to attack the Huns in the north. He led 800 cavalrymen and drove more than 2000 miles south of the desert, killing more than Huns. He was named Marquis of Guanjun.

At the age of 19, Huo Qubing was appointed General of Cavalry and once again conquered the two tribes of King Hunxie and King Xiutu, killing more than 4 enemies in total. From then on, the Han Dynasty controlled the Hexi region.

In 119 BC, when Huo Qubing was 22 years old, he once again led his army north for more than 2000 miles, annihilated more than 7 people of the Xiongnu Zuoxian King's tribe, and flattened the Xiongnu's sacred place, Langjuxu Mountain, along the way. He also held a ceremony to worship the sky and seal the throne at Langjuxu Mountain. From then on, the Xiongnu fled to the north of the desert, and there was no royal court in the south of the desert.

The impression given is that the younger the general is, the better, because such people are energetic and dare to fight.

But in fact, the imperial court would never consider this when selecting generals under normal circumstances.

When selecting generals, middle-aged generals are usually chosen. Such people are experienced and generally will not act rashly.

Whether it was Ma Fang, Yu Dayou, Qi Jiguang, or Li Chengliang, they all began to truly prosper in middle age.

Because the previous war experience has become experience, so that they can calmly deal with different war situations and do it with ease. Okay, I'm getting off topic.

Compared with Ma Fang and Yu Dayou, Qi Jiguang and Li Chengliang appear to be younger.

In fact, to be honest, Yu Dayou is ten years older than Ma Fang.

However, due to years of fighting in the northern border and suffering in his childhood, Ma Fang's physical functions have declined more, so the two of them look similar when together.

Whether it is Yu Dayou or Ma Fang, they can barely fight again, but there is not much time left.

It is time for the Ming Dynasty to create a new god of war between the North and the South.

Obviously, Wei Guangde intended to keep Qi Jiguang in the north and send Li Chengliang to the south, and Tan Lun naturally would not stop him.

The Ming Dynasty had a vast territory, with huge differences between the north and the south.

Although the threat is mainly concentrated in the north, don't forget that Li Chengliang is a native of Liaodong. Even if he goes to the south, he will not be unfamiliar with this place.

If necessary, it can be called back at any time.

Tan Lun's guess was actually what Wei Guangde thought.

The reason why Wei Guangde chose to let Li Chengliang go to the south was mainly because Li Chengliang had enough sons. He could send two to the mountains and two to the sea. Anyway, the Ming Dynasty was now expanding outward and needed manpower.

The son of a general, this is not just a casual remark, in fact, it makes sense.

Although the nine sons of the dragon are all different, most of those who come from generals' families are proud and have a spirit of not admitting defeat, making them the most suitable for military service.

With the family's teaching and example, I can learn faster than others.

Wei Guangde didn't want Li Chengliang to go to the north because he was afraid that if Nurhaci disappeared, some other Haci would appear, so he moved him to the south early.

However, what he didn't know was that Nurhaci was still living well in Liaodong at this time and was not killed by the Ming army at all. His grandfather and father were still there and were loyal to the Ming Dynasty at this time.

At least for now, Nurhaci had no intention of opposing the Ming Dynasty.

Because his family relied on the Ming Dynasty in many places.

Zhang Juzheng did not object to Wei Guangde's proposal. He saw that Wei Guangde was using Burma to test his sword and to see the quality of this former Liaodong general and whether he could be used freely.

Zhang Juzheng and Wei Guangde were very similar. Both of them came from military families, so naturally they did not have many prejudices against military generals.

As long as it can be used to fight wars and protect the country and the people, he is willing to use it.

Unlike other civil officials, he looked down on military generals.

"By the way, isn't Qi Jimei the general commander of Guizhou? The Ministry of War can also send an order to have him go to the Burmese battlefield to give it a try."

Wei Guangde suggested again.

The Qi family was a military family. People in later generations only knew that there was a Qi Jiguang, but in fact he also had a brother named Qi Jimei, who, with the help of Qi Jiguang, became the general of Guizhou.

This may also be the reason why Qi Jiguang was ultimately not granted a title of nobility. His contributions were shared among his family, who all enjoyed his influence.

They are all Left Generals, and there is no higher position to be promoted. They can only benefit their families.

The title of nobility is not given so casually.

If there's no one from above to help you, basically you can forget about getting it.

Wei Guangde proposed using Qi Jimei because he also wanted to see whether the Qi brothers were all capable.

Where did Qi Jiguang's previous glory go? Look at what kind of people his brothers are.

"it is good."

Tan Lun didn't care, it was just a transfer of a general.

"That's all I can think of. Uncle, please see if there is anything else I need to pay attention to."

Wei Guangde thought about it again and felt that there was nothing more to add, so he looked at Zhang Juzheng and asked.

"I have nothing to emphasize. The rest is up to the Ministry of War to plan."

Zhang Juzheng said.

"Then I will go to the government office first, and then I will send the drafted document to the cabinet."

Tan Lun immediately said goodbye and left the cabinet.

As soon as Tan Lun left, Wei Guangde also stood up and said goodbye.

"Sir, Minister Wang of the Ministry of Revenue has arrived."

Just as he was about to go out, he saw Wang Guoguang from the Ministry of Revenue standing at the door.

Wei Guangde bowed to him, and Wang Guoguang immediately returned the greeting.

Wang Guoguang was called by Zhang Juzheng to arrange the tax increase in Yuegang.

Although the idea was proposed by Wei Guangde, he didn't want to get too involved in it, so he didn't stay and went straight back to his duty room to work.

However, Wei Guangde did not know that after he left, Wang Guoguang learned that the cabinet was planning to increase taxes in Yuegang, and that the tax would be increased by 30% based on the value of the goods. He immediately frowned.

"Why, Ruguan, is this difficult to do?"

Seeing Wang Guoguang's reaction, Zhang Juzheng asked.

"Uncle, you may not know the ratio of Yuegang's tax distribution. If the tax is really increased in this way, whether it can be collected or not is not the point, but for the Ministry of Revenue, the income will not increase much.

Big head, they have all entered the palace."

In fact, when Wang Guoguang heard about the tax increase, he had already calculated in his mind how much it would increase.

But he was very upset because the money could not flow into the Ministry of Revenue.

"Uncle, I think we should discuss with Eunuch Feng and change the distribution of the silver."

Wang Guoguang suggested.

“At first the palace took half, and the Ministry of Revenue and local governments shared the other half. This was decided by Shandai in order to prevent the opening of Yuegang from being aborted halfway.

In the early years, the tax collection was only tens of thousands of taels each year. If it had been proposed at that time, it might have been feasible.

But according to the current tax rate, I’m afraid the palace will not agree.”

Zhang Juzheng felt a little headache, but then he said: "Although a large amount of tax silver will not flow into the Ministry of Revenue, but correspondingly, the inner court has such a large amount of silver income, this year the Ministry of Revenue can allocate less silver to the inner court.

Not to mention the more, three or five hundred thousand taels is always enough.

With the money in and out, the Ministry of Revenue will still earn more than one million taels of silver."

Zhang Juzheng explained.

"That's what I said"

No one would complain about having too much silver. Zhang Juzheng's words made sense, but Wang Guoguang still wanted to fight for it.

However, Zhang Juzheng did not give him a chance, but interrupted him and said, "I'll tell you the truth. This is actually why Shandai divided the members in this way.

At that time, several of us in the cabinet agreed to it. Apart from the income of the palace, the shortfall would be made up by the Ministry of Revenue.

As long as there is more money in the inner court, the hole that the Ministry of Revenue needs to fill will be smaller. "

By saying this, Zhang Juzheng was also clearly telling Wang Guoguang that it was impossible to adjust the tax silver distribution in Yuegang, and told him to give up the idea.

"Well, that's the only way."

Having said that, he had nothing to say.