Jingming

Chapter 498 Enemies on all sides

In many days that followed, Zhu Zaichi remembered that his excitement about going to Japan to become the leader of the country began to change from that night.

The twenty-third year of Jiajing, that is, the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth lunar month in AD 2385.

That night, his father was still teaching him and his two brothers how to govern the country. Finally, the military intelligence was urgently reported to the palace, which made his father's expression become solemn.

Not long after, the Prime Minister and State Minister Yang Shen, as well as the state ministers, the new Chief of Military Staff Mao Bowen, Guo Xun, Lu Bing, Cui Yuan, Yu Chengye and other important ministers all entered the palace.

And he and his brothers were not ordered to leave first. Instead, they sat on chairs on the side of the main hall of Qianqing Palace and listened to their father and the ministers discussing military and state affairs.

There was a charcoal fire burning in the main hall, which was very warm.

But Zhu Zaiqi's heart felt a little cold.

Ten years later, the northern invaders invaded the border area.

Starting from Yinshan Pass in Hetao in the west to Dashawo in Xuanning in the east, there were three armies of the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty with nearly 50,000 riders.

"This is a country without conquests! The centipede has broken off but has not been defeated, and the northern trouble has not been eliminated. Now the Tatars are waiting for the king's army to penetrate deep into Japan, and the food road is blocked and long. I'm afraid this is just the beginning!"

The current Prime Minister and Minister of State suddenly became emotionally unstable and could not help but complain.

Zhu Zaichi glanced at his father.

The Tatars who were just driven away shouldn't be so nervous, right? Now in the Eastern Expedition, only the Jiliao border army, Jingying camp, and naval division are active. The Hetao and Xuning border armies are fully staffed.

However, the military general staff officer said solemnly: "I also believe that this must be just the beginning. I have been dormant for more than ten years, and now I suddenly send out troops. The border army sentries and the external inspection factory did not notice it, which shows that the planning is thorough. Not only the northern border, Man Su'er passed away recently, and his son Shahan was not a smart and stable master!"

"The news of the death of the North Korean Li family has spread throughout the vassals for more than a year." Huang Zuo also said, "I'm afraid, this time I have colluded with many vassals to live together. Chaos. After the signing of the treaty, a few years will come in a blink of an eye. Can we establish diplomatic relations with China, and what will be our future destiny... If I answer with a eloquent tongue, maybe someone will not take risks."

Zhu Zaichi finally understood something now: It turned out that he was taking advantage of the Ming Dynasty's Eastern Expedition to incite many vassal states to cause trouble together. Do you want the Ming Dynasty to continue like this?

Yang Shen said categorically: "Although the Ming Dynasty is rich and powerful, it will never be able to start wars on several fronts! With the current situation, the expedition to Japan has made some gains, and the most it can capture is the Kyushu Island. We should be prepared to suppress the vassals, and Japan will slowly make plans. !”

Outside Qianqing Palace, there was the sound of wind and snow.

Zhu Houcong never spoke.

This is not surprising. From a strategic point of view, since Ming Dynasty has begun an expedition, this is naturally the best opportunity.

No matter how prosperous and powerful a country is, it is difficult to cope with the difficulties on several fronts.

What's more, looking at the posture of Anda's more than 40,000 troops divided into three groups, it is obvious that they are not prepared to really defeat the Ming Dynasty, and are only trying to contain and consume them.

It's more like I'm ready. If you advance, I'll retreat, and if you defend, I'll disturb you.

If we really want to contain consumption, I'm afraid Anda will be more likely to consume himself to death under normal circumstances. But what if Ming Dynasty still has to deal with the military supplies of the Eastern Expedition, and there are fires on all sides?

Regardless of the name, the Lee Dynasty of North Korea was finally destroyed, and the new king's surname was Zhu. Although the Ryukyu Kingdom was destroyed by Japan, the current leader of the country is also named Zhu. So what would the other vassals think?

"Preach this to all the world."

Zhu Houcong finally spoke: "First of all, guard the border forts, and don't pursue them greedily. Let them clearly pass on the current situation and let them know that the court needs to wait and see what happens among the vassals before making a decision."

Mao Bowen frowned: "Your Majesty, if this is the case, I'm afraid some generals will really start a provocation. When the war starts, military supplies cannot be cut off."

Yang Shen only felt a little dizzy, but he chose not to speak yet, but looked at the emperor.

Zhu Houcong just looked at Guo Xun and the other five important ministers: "How effective the military reform is, and whether it can be enforced and prohibited. This time is a test for the current generals. It won't take long. Now that there is movement, if it is really secretly I have persuaded many allies, so we should take action one after another."

"I would like to ask your Majesty to order generals, and allow ministers and others to go to the border areas to stabilize the overall situation!" Guo Xun immediately expressed his stance, even though he was already very old.

At this time, the generals immediately asked for orders.

This kind of posture is like suppressing the general below and not moving lightly, but just holding on first?

Will he become a wild horse if he goes there?

Zhu Houcong nodded: "Okay! Except for the southeast direction, the right governors of the four prefectures will each lead 500 Beijing camp pacesetters to the border areas."

"Your Majesty!" Yang Shen felt that he had to speak, so he left his seat and knelt down, "Your Majesty must give clear orders to all parties! It is not that you must not pursue meritoriously, and you do not make decisions based on the movements of the vassals! Before the Eastern Campaign is over, the imperial court must not make any further moves. Which side!"

Zhu Houcong shook his head: "Otherwise! The previous discussion was about how to lure the snake out of its hole and look for opportunities to eradicate the North's troubles. Now I think there is an opportunity, which is just right! After North Korea and Japan have established a firm foothold, they will complete a batch of military supplies next year. Later on, we can support ourselves through war first. Do you want to worry about financial planning?"

"Food cannot be produced! If all the vassals really move together, border trade will be greatly reduced, and the people and businessmen will probably be in chaos. Has Your Majesty forgotten the affairs of Duke Cheng, Marquis of Xianning and others?"

Yang Shen returned to his earnest and sincere appearance, hoping that Zhu Houcong would consider it carefully.

After all, listening to the emperor's wishes now, he actually wanted to use his plan.

Zhu Zaichi listened at a loss: If this is really the case, could it be that the eastward expedition to Japan could only be completed by a small amount?

If the Ming Dynasty wanted to deal with its old enemies on land and other vassal states, it would indeed have to support itself on both sides.

"The Japanese bandits have no conscience, and the northern bandits are also obsessed with the fertile land of the Central Plains! Both of them are enemies that China must eliminate!" Zhu Houcong said extremely firmly, "What we need to do now is to identify the new situation and discuss how to turn the crisis into an opportunity. ! The Ming Dynasty is no longer the Ming Dynasty of the past. If the Ming Dynasty is in a state of turmoil and they are fighting each other, it would be better to let the Chinese people know that if the Ming Dynasty had not been rich and powerful, how many enemies would have wanted to divide it and eat it!"

"Your Majesty, if things are like a few years ago, all the vassals will not be in danger!"

Zhu Houcong's eyes were wrong now and he was staring at Yang Shen.

The atmosphere in Qianqing Palace became depressed.

Although Yang Shen has always been famous for his courage in admonishing, these words are questioning the general direction that the emperor has adhered to over the years.

The emperor always seemed to tolerate him, but at this point, would that still be the case?

Indeed, with the strength of the Ming Dynasty, if we don't consider plotting against the vassals now, we will go down safely. Border trade and diplomatic relations, with the Chinese Empire in the middle and all the vassals surrendering, the Ming Dynasty will have peace for tens or even hundreds of years, right?

Yan Song, who had never spoken before, spoke at this time: "Your Majesty, the Chief Assistant is responsible for national affairs, and he has been working diligently and never slackened off for many years. Now that the danger has suddenly appeared, the Chief Assistant is not because of the current difficulties, lest the Ming Dynasty will be affected by the war. As a result, the great and prosperous times have ended in a militancy. Chief Assistant, Your Majesty has far-reaching and ambitious plans for the country. Haven't these issues been discussed over and over again over the years? Why should we be agitated by side sentiments now? This sentimental word?"

Yan Song acted like a peacemaker between the emperor and his de facto prime minister. On the one hand, he reminded the emperor that the chief assistant was also excellent; on the other hand, he reminded the prime minister that the reason behind this had been discussed long ago? Don't lose your temper.

But as a "prime minister", can he lose his temper so easily in front of the emperor?

He said that the prosperous times ended in belligerence. Didn't he secretly accuse Yang Shen of being slandering His Majesty's belligerence?

Huang Zuo couldn't help but look at Yan Song: This old guy...does he think that the position of general assistant is close at hand?

Zhu Houcong withdrew his gaze from Yang Shen's face and sat on the throne without saying a word.

Even if they are deeply influenced by his "new ideas", these important ministers who are most familiar with him are not able to fully understand the necessity of many of his decisions, at least they do not understand the necessity of some decisions.

His son was sitting not far away. Zhu Houcong could not hope that he, his son and grandson would be able to accomplish something consistently in the future.

For example, Japan.

This time, although the Japanese bandits committed the massacre of Ryukyu, they have not yet shown their covetousness and strength towards China.

That was before they were weak and far away.

Even if they claim to be the "Emperor", in the real dynasty, the officials and gentry are just joking about being crowned emperor.

However, the failure of the arrogant Mongolian Yuan Dynasty in the Eastern Expedition has actually fostered their pride, making them think that the powerful clans on the mainland are actually nothing more than this.

It's okay to say that Yelang is arrogant. But after they eliminated some "heroes" from the "Warring States" era, they really had the ambition to seize North Korea first and then China, and they put it into practice.

Although the Ming Dynasty still failed to gain any benefits when it showed its exhaustion, the seeds were planted and will remain in the hearts of those noble families ever since.

In fact, these cannot be evidence that Zhu Houcong has completely "convinced" Yang Shen and others. After all, it has not happened yet.

Even the Western "powerful countries" that Zhu Houcong used as examples were defeated by the Ming Dynasty, didn't they? Zhu Houcong remained silent. After Yan Song finished speaking, the Qianqing Palace became even more depressed.

"Everyone."

At this time, Cui Yuan spoke.

His qualifications are too old. He has been active around the emperor since His Majesty's reign.

He is still there today.

Cui Yuan met everyone's gaze, but looked at the emperor himself.

"His Majesty has been in office for more than 20 years. He has been diligent in state affairs and dedicated to the people. How many kings and emperors in the past and present can compare with him? In the past 20 years, how many major mistakes have been made in knowledge, national policies, and employment?"

This is the knowledge of his speech. When he speaks, he reminds everyone of the emperor's wisdom.

Cui Yuan finally looked at his colleagues: "The monarch and his ministers have discussed state affairs together for many years. Don't you still understand? There are some things that we look at for five years, ten years, or at most one generation, but your Majesty looks at it for a hundred years." , for generations to come. His Majesty once said that if there is infamy, he will bear it. He only hopes to be worthy of the inheritance of his ancestors and worthy of his descendants. Your Majesty is not a militaristic king. He also had ten years to recuperate after the Northern Expedition. The situation now is unclear. , why bother to get anxious first?"

Yang Shen let out a long sigh and bent down: "I am really worried about the rising smoke. It is difficult to change from extravagance to frugality. If we continue to fight every year, I am afraid that we will end up with internal and external troubles."

Zhu Houcong finally spoke again: "If you had been so forward-thinking back then, you wouldn't have rolled up your trousers and gone to the countryside!"

Yang Shen's reckless behavior at that time was mentioned again by Zhu Houcong, as if it was a joke.

Yang Shen smiled bitterly and did not reply.

Zhu Houcong looked at Cui Yuan first, then at Yan Song, and then said: "I have always prepared for the worst, so I have considered it as the other vassals did."

This sentence made Yang Shen's heart beat again, and the corners of his mouth could not help but tremble.

"Even if all the vassals are restless next, the Eastern Expedition will not stop!" Zhu Houcong stood up, "What does my answer mean? Sooner or later I will be good at singing and dancing. In the new foundation that I want to lay for future generations of China, there will be more coal. The grassland of Dotie is just one of the geographical advantages to be obtained.”

As soon as he stood, the prince, king and ministers also stood up.

"If it is true that all the vassals are in chaos, then make good use of the "Ming Pao" and the local sages who have laid the foundation, and tell the people something real!"

"I value practical learning and practical benefits!"

"Japanese Japanese thieves are crazy, and the powerful women of Japan become the wives of the people of the Ming Dynasty!"

"With the Ming Dynasty's culture, education and good governance in Korea and Ryukyu, the people are living better than before."

"People of all countries and races who admire Chinese culture and education and live and work contentedly under the good governance of the Ming Dynasty are one family and brothers!"

"Good governance will not change, and people of all ethnic groups will praise and look forward to it. Those who levy and harass the Ming Dynasty because of the selfishness of authority are the thieves of the people!"

"If the dignitaries of the vassals do not hesitate to harass the Ming Dynasty and hinder our great cause of the great unification of China because of their selfish interests in power and position, will the people of the Ming Dynasty agree? Will the people of the foreign vassals be willing?"

"In ancient times, Chu, Jiangnan, and Lingnan were all barren mountains and rivers. So what happens now? What will happen to the poor Mobei, Western Regions, Northeast, and Yunnan and Tibet in the future?"

"In terms of military force, they can't defeat them! In terms of governing the country, security, culture, education, and diplomacy, they can't compare to them either! Therefore, there is nothing to be afraid of!"

"Disturbing my border and cutting off my border trade? I am just afraid that the border generals will take credit and spoil the overall plan. I am not afraid of the dissatisfaction of the people and businessmen. I have given them the opportunity to move forward. Do you think that I will not put the interests of the country before the personal interests of one company?" Can you reach the upper class by going up?"

"Let Ming Pao speak to the people, and let the local sages speak to the people and businessmen!"

Zhu Houcong looked around at the crowd and said resolutely: "After this battle is over, there will be no enemy of China in the world! China will enjoy the benefits of the whole world!"

Crown Prince Zhu Zaicheng, the eldest son of the emperor Zhu Zaicheng, the king of Yue, the fourth son of the emperor and Wang Zhu Zaicheng looked at their father's profile, their young eyes full of admiration.

The Eastern Expedition was in full swing, with enemies on all sides, but their father looked down upon the world.

Zhu Zai'an waited until the child had grown up before he returned to Beijing to let his father see him. He originally thought it was a reunion Spring Festival.

But now he knows that not only the fourth child, but also the eldest Yue Wang Feng Guo, it is probably clearer at last: the father's will is firmer than anyone else!

Yan Song was the first to prostrate himself in front of the palace. I don't know if he was trying to make up for his "eagerness" just now.

Zhu Houcong waved his hand: "I called you here first, not because I am impatient, but because I know that you will be unstable because of this. I am afraid that this will be the last and biggest difficulty for me. The monarch and his ministers are of the same mind and will still follow the agreed strategy. Let’s go. They are plotting what they want, and we are attacking ours. To be honest, I am happy, but I am worried that more people will not jump out and give me a chance to use retreat to advance.”

Yan Song's heart moved: "Your Majesty means..."

Zhu Houcong finally showed his first smile tonight, and his eyes were even a little evil: "Don't worry, wait a little longer and see what I have planned in the past few years."

During the Longevity Ceremony in the 19th year of Jiajing, the Ming Dynasty sent out a set of new standard measuring utensils. At the same time, it arranged to inspect people's livelihood and make a public convention in the coming year, announcing the Ming Dynasty's intention to re-clarify the relationship between sects and vassals.

In the next few years, Anda helped Mansuer rebuild Chagatai from the Western Regions and returned to Mobei.

The year before last, there were changes in North Korea; early last year, the Ming army entered North Korea; this year, the Ming Dynasty went on an expedition to Japan.

On these matters, the vassals have enough time to exchange opinions with each other and discuss countermeasures.

The Emperor of Heaven has been on the throne for more than twenty years, and now he is showing off his talents. There have been two cases of the Zhu family clan dividing vassals into various vassals. What should others do?

In the north, the Hetao and Xuanning border areas are facing the pressure from the Antarctic border in the new era.

The situation seems to have returned to more than 20 years ago. The good news is that the battle line is further north and has not affected the people on the nine sides in the past.

The bad news is that there is no Great Wall here, and the Tatar cavalry who have been fighting in the Western Regions for many years seem to be more elite.

During this Spring Festival, people are still discussing Japanese maids and powerful women, while the emperors and ministers of the Ming Dynasty have been waiting for more news.

On the fourth day of the first lunar month, military information came from the Jiliao border area and North Korea's Ping'an Road. The remaining Korean soldiers and the Jurchens took advantage of the time when the soldiers and civilians of Jiliao were slacking off in celebrating the Spring Festival to attack Liaodong, with the intention of cutting off the land route to North Korea.

On the twelfth day of the first lunar month, the military situation in the Qinghai-Gansu border region was revealed. Shah Khan, the new leader of Chagatai, marched eastward and joined the Tubo troops in the west and south of Qinghai.

On the 19th day of the first lunar month, the Guizhou State Gazette came. Burma Taungoo took advantage of the rainy season to invade 800 Dadian Lanna from the east. Mengyang and Mubang were ready to move again.

On the twenty-seventh day of the first lunar month, Guangxi urgently reported that North and South Jiaozhi had become allies, and troops from the east and west were sent to Beisanfu and Catba Island, which had returned to the Ming Dynasty.

In the Forbidden City, Zhu Houcong was really impressed.

"How can Anda stretch his hand so far? How does he lobby for foreign affairs in Yunnan and Jiaozhi?"

This became a mystery in his mind that he did not know until many years later.

But at this moment, Yang Shen was finally scratching his head in anxiety.

There is a saying that His Majesty seems to have a crow's mouth. This is really the worst case scenario!

How could it be that all the vassals were fighting against each other, with enemies on all sides?

(End of this chapter)