The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Cui Yuan came here to discuss tactics with Yang Yiqing on behalf of Li Wei.

Different from before, Cui Yuan now is more like the leader of Li Er's group. Even Wu'an Hou Zheng Ying is willing to be at his disposal, for no other reason... It's because Cui Yuan fought too bravely in the previous battle. To become a role model for the entire army, in Zheng Ying's opinion, since they are all vanguards sent by Zhu Hui, it is better to hang out with Cui Yuan than to work alone.

When looking back to calculate the merits, Zheng Ying and his two thousand soldiers may still get more benefits.

"Governor Yang, I believe that the current plan is to prevent the Tatars from crossing the Yellow River from the north. We should set up an ambush on the north bank and attack them from the front. The Tatars can only retreat along the Yellow River from the south bank to the northeast, and then try to rely on the protection. The Duke and other people from all walks of life surrounded him..."

Cui Yuan showed Yang Yiqing his "ambitions" as soon as he came up.

After Yang Yiqing heard this, he was naturally unhappy. I commended you for your military exploits in the battle of Shigou City, but it does not mean that I agree with your tactics, let alone listen to your orders.

Zhang He was an old fox on the side. When he saw this posture, he smiled and interjected: "Cui Prince Consort, it's easy to say. Now it's not easy for us to cross the river. The water of the Yellow River has risen now, and there are no troops to be sent to stop it. , you don’t want to send a group of people to cross the river first, do you? Who is going? Are you going?"

Cui Yuandao: "Eunuch Zhang, I don't need too many people crossing the river. As long as you take out a few artillery and bombard the river, the Tatars will not dare to cross the river. Even if there are people crossing the river, as long as they use some powerful weapons to If the gunpowder explodes at a few points, they will even retreat to the south bank.”

"Are you taking it too much for granted?" Zhang Xun was a little annoyed.

When I met an idealistic leader, I thought you were a hero, but my feelings were due to your ignorance and fearlessness.

Yang Yiqing was very interested in Cui Yuan's words. He said, "Cui Prince Consort, do you mean to set up an ambush?"

Cui Yuandao: "I heard that the Tatars crossed the Yellow River from the north of the Hetao. They used their cavalry to attack the pass and plunder. It was impossible for them to carry the baggage across the river. It was also impossible for them to move the boats upstream from the north of the Hetao. Then they This time when crossing the river, there must not be much baggage, and they all rely on floating rafts and other items. In addition, the river is very fast, and just a little confusion can cause chaos."

"It makes sense." Yang Yiqing nodded in agreement.

Zhang He looked at Yang Yiqing, his eyes seemed to be questioning, do you still think he is reasonable?
Yang Yiqing then analyzed: "The Tatars are now like frightened birds. The slightest disturbance will make them distracted. If they want to forcefully cross the river under our siege, I am afraid that there will be objections among their troops."

Cui Yuan thought he had received recognition from Yang Yiqing, and said with a smile: "That's exactly what I meant."

Yang Yiqing then said with a straight face: "The truth is correct, but the number of artillery that can be used today is small. Now it is not easy for the Ming Dynasty's troops on the south bank to cross the river. There are not enough troops on the north bank. What advice does Cui Prince Consort have?"

When these words came out, Cui Yuan was a little unexpected.

He thought that Yang Yiqing would be like him, starting to formulate strategies without hesitation on such a major matter, but who knew that now he would actually come to ask for his opinion.

This kind of words... were exactly the same as Zhang Xun's previous question about him, and it also made Cui Yuan realize that he was regarded as an outsider.

Cui Yuandao said: "If Governor Yang thinks it is feasible, I am willing to lead a group of soldiers and horses to cross the river, just upstream, and force the river to be crossed tonight, even if it is done in a light boat."

Yang Yiqing said: "With a light boat and a raft, the horses can't get through."

Cui Yuan nodded and said: "That's okay. As long as people go over and transport some more cannons, then try to find if there are any larger ships and how many can be transported."

Zhang He asked: "If you go upstream, can you stop the Tatars from crossing the river in time? If you go there, why do you think you can fight with the Tatars' cavalry crossing the river?"

"Eunuch Zhang, you can't say that." Yang Yiqing immediately stopped Zhang He, "Cui Prince Consort has such courage, which can be regarded as a model for the generals of the Ming Dynasty. I should also cooperate. In this way, wherever there are ships in the upper reaches of Ningxia that can be temporarily seconded, they can Let me know, but there is no delay, this battle may start before noon tomorrow."

"Well." Cui Yuandao, "Maybe it won't take that long. There may be a war tonight."

Yang Yiqing said: "This battle is dangerous. The soldiers crossing the river can be said to be taking a risk. If there are not enough horses, there will not even be a chance to withdraw the troops. Cui Prince Consort must think clearly."

"it is good."

Cui Yuan nodded, probably making up his mind.

……

……

Cui Yuan led his men and rode away.

After the people left, Yang Yiqing's troops also stopped for a short rest.

Even if they march for days and nights, the soldiers can go without sleep, but they cannot go without eating.

Moreover, as the Tatars and horses got closer and closer, a war might break out at any time, and Yang Yiqing had to let the soldiers take a rest.

After Yang Yiqing dismounted and arrived in front of the bonfire, Zhang Xun came over and said, "Yang Junmen, does this mean that we can stay put tonight and wait for Uncle Xiangcheng and Marquis Wu'an to lead their troops across the river to set up an ambush?"

Yang Yiqing asked: "Do you think what Consort Cui said is feasible?"

"Ah?" Zhang Xu was surprised, "Isn't it feasible? That's..."

Yang Yiqing asked someone to scoop out a bowl of soup from the pot on the campfire, but it was too hot and needed to be put aside first. He said: "I just want the Tatars to think that our goal is to prevent them from crossing the river. "

Zhang Xu smiled bitterly and said: "You are really far-sighted, and our family is not as good as you."

Now Zhang Xun didn't want to ask Yang Yiqing what his next plan was. He seemed to feel that Yang Yiqing was also quite crazy.

Not long after, Guo Jun came over with a messenger and said: "Your Excellency, Eunuch Zhang, I have just received the news that Cui's consort has returned to his army. I heard that he is preparing to walk four or five miles upriver, so he is ready to go Cross the river, and the Tatars are already sending scouts this way. The Tatars have been resting on the river bank, and they are likely to... cover them up at any time."

Zhang He asked impatiently: "Did the Tatars forcefully cross the river?"

Guo Jun wondered: "The road ahead is blocked by the Tatars. There are thousands of square formations. It is impossible to know the situation on the river bank just by staying at night, unless we wait until after dawn. At present, it seems... …haven’t crossed the river yet.”

Yang Yiqing said: "There is no need to think about checking the situation on the river bank. Even if we check it, it may be a conspiracy of the Tatars."

"This..." Zhang He said, "Now we are in a life-and-death situation with the Tatars. We don't have enough men and horses, so I'm afraid that the Tatars' next goal is to swallow us up and avenge the Huamachi and Shigou Station." , or we should retreat thirty miles first and wait for reinforcements to arrive."

Yang Yiqing seemed to want to understand the matter and said: "There is no need to retreat now, but we must assess the situation before advancing, and we must first understand the movements of the Tatars. Unfortunately, His Majesty does not seem to have made any arrangements for this battle, but I don't know Why."

"Your Majesty...arrangements?" Zhang He and Guo Jun were both a little confused after hearing this.

Now, as the coach in front of the battle, you are still thinking about the emperor who is two thousand miles away giving you an order to help you mobilize your troops?

Are you, Yang Yiqing, such a spineless and incompetent mediocrity?
It doesn't fit your personality.

Yang Yiqing said: "Whether it is Huamachi or Shigou City, His Majesty has conveyed detailed instructions. Even though Shigou City did not mention how to coordinate the use of troops, he accurately stated the next movements of the Tatars, which is equivalent to He said he had a pair of eyes and knew every move of the Tatars before the war."

"Haha." Zhang He said with a bitter smile, "This is not His Majesty, it should be... Cai Guogong, right?"

Yang Yiqing nodded, obviously he couldn't refute this statement.

"But since the battle of Shigou City, I have been unable to learn about the further movements of the Tatars. In other words, now it is all up to me to respond on the spot." Yang Yiqing sighed, "Our infantry still needs a lot of time. It will take more days to arrive, and the rest of the people will not be able to arrive until about this time. In other words, before nightfall tomorrow, if the Tatars are not interested in crossing the river, they will definitely want to fight us on the south bank of the Yellow River in a back-to-back battle. They We want to avenge our shame, and we will pursue the victory."

Zhang Xun said: "Then we won't withdraw our troops? We only have six or seven thousand cavalry here, plus the 4000 troops of Uncle Xiangcheng and Marquis Wu'an... barely over [-]. By the way, you also asked Cui Prince Consort to lead the troops through. He...he...we don't have enough firearms. If we fight ten thousand against thirty thousand, we will lose. Then what are we going to do? Don't chase us from the beginning, why don't we end it?"

Yang Yiqing added a piece of firewood to the fire and said: "If we don't chase from the beginning, or withdraw our troops now, it means that we will let the Tatars wreak havoc in the Ming Dynasty. They can cross the river without hindrance, and Ningxia Zhongtun They can plunder the people and animals wherever they want and then march away. By then, they have lost two to three thousand soldiers, but they may take away thousands of our Ming Dynasty's people and livestock. Our previous victory , can you make up for it?"

"what?"

Zhang Xingchu was there, unable to say a word.

Yang Yiqing said: "If you want to blame it, you can only blame Baoguo Gong for his inability to send reinforcements. The [-] Tatar soldiers and horses rely on our local Ningxia soldiers and horses, so they can only do things around. Only Baoguo Gong's [-] soldiers and horses can help A chance to win. But now Baoguo Gong is afraid of fighting and leaves the main battle to us!"

Zhang He felt the same and sighed: "That's right. Duke Baoguo has countless artillery, blunderbuss and gunpowder, but he doesn't dare to fight the Tatars head-on. What does he think?"

Yang Yiqing said: "I dare to say that after this battle, regardless of the victory or defeat of our Ming Dynasty border army, Duke Baoguo will definitely be held accountable by His Majesty. Otherwise, it will be connivance and cover-up. I believe that with today's heroic military strategy and Cai Guogong is too wise to allow a moth like Bao Guogong to stay in the army and cause harm to the Ming Dynasty soldiers."

"Well said." Zhang Xun said, "Mr. Yang, I didn't realize it before. It turns out that you not only know the situation in Ningxia very well, but also the situation in the DPRK and China. This time you have received Cai Guogong's advice and obtained such military merit. If We can escape this battle unscathed, and our future prospects are limitless, so don’t forget to support our family when the time comes.”

Yang Yiqing looked over and did not put on a arrogant air. Instead, he said in a sincere tone: "This battle requires Eunuch Zhang's full cooperation."

Zhang Xun smiled, and he seemed to understand why Yang Yiqing told him this.

Now it is necessary to use three groups of about [-] troops to fight the Tatars in a desperate battle. If there are still discordant voices in the team, the chances of winning this battle will be greatly reduced.

As the guarding eunuch, Zhang Xun is the "disharmonious voice" that can influence the outcome of the battle. So now Yang Yiqing urgently needs to stand on the same ground as Zhang Xun. Now he wants to win over Zhang Xun and connect him with the future prospects. Together, we will no longer mention retreating troops or avoiding war.

"Okay." Zhang Xun understood the reason and knew there was no way to retreat.

In this case, if you can work with Yang Yiqing, a rising military figure in the Ming Dynasty, to support and support each other, what else can you say?

You have to do it even if you risk your life.

……

……

The Royal Palace, early in the morning, before the court meeting.

The ministers had arrived early, and it was not yet time to enter the Meridian Gate. The officials were still waiting, and there was someone on Liu Jian's side who was discussing matters with him that day, Ma Wensheng, the Minister of Personnel.

Next to Liu Jianjian, there was another person standing who was silently listening to his opinions. It was Li Dongyang. "... According to local reports, Zhang Bingkuan's annual income from minerals alone is no less than 20 taels of silver. Even if part of it is paid to the court through mining taxes, the local government relies on and contributes to gain the protection of the court, and then open mountains and mines. There are so many of them, they have had a profound impact on the local area, causing the land to become desolate and the people to migrate, and many other disadvantages..."

What Ma Wensheng reported to Liu Jian was to unite some people and cancel Zhang Zhou's authority to mine.

They even stopped mining operations in various places.

For Zhang Zhou and Zhu Youtang, mining was for mining coal, smelting iron, and making firearms, and it was beneficial to the country and the people.

But for the officials of this era, they did not think so. In the eyes of Confucian officials, any behavior that did not engage in farming was "disaster for the country and the people." Even the court did see some benefits from the previous mining, but this matter seemed There are more and more negative news, and Zhang Zhou was indeed monolithic before and was not easy to criticize. This is also a rare opportunity.

Li Dongyang said: "Didn't most of Zhang Bingkuan's mining income be turned over to the court? As a result, the inner government also received a lot of money and grain for border town affairs."

Ma Wensheng glanced at Li Dongyang but didn't answer.

Liu Jiandao: "What needs to be changed is that one person occupies the mountains and rivers of the Ming Dynasty. If everything is done based on his personal likes and dislikes to dispose of the court's wealth, it will be tantamount to using public weapons for private use, corruption and perversion of the law."

Li Dongyang said with emotion: "If Zhang Bingkuan hadn't gone to mine, I'm afraid those places would have been deserted. Judging from the current situation, to build cannon, pig iron and coal are needed, and the court cannot provide them."

Even Liu Jian didn't expect it this time.

It seems that Li Dongyang prefers Zhang Zhou when it comes to mining.

"Bin Zhi, if you don't want to mention this matter, then find someone to mention it." Liu Jian didn't want to ruin the unity among civil servants because of Li Dongyang's petty emotions.

Now the chief minister of the cabinet and the minister of civil affairs are trying to seize Zhang Zhou's power to open the mine.

Li Dongyang said: "At this time, I'm afraid your majesty won't listen. Many of the mentions in the past have not been adopted. Why bring up the old things again when the war in the northwest is not over?"

In Li Dongyang's opinion, it is too inappropriate for you to mention this matter.

At least after Zhang Zhou's defeat, or after the end of the Ming Dynasty's military-first policy, it would not be surprising to be scolded by the emperor if he insisted on mentioning it when the emperor was extremely enthusiastic about military affairs.

"Haha." Ma Wensheng smiled.

He also looked at Liu Jian, as if asking, can't your cabinet reach a unified opinion on some matters now?

Liu Jiandao: "Since the local government has repeatedly reported the disadvantages of mining, it is time to talk to the government. Seeing that the summer grain will be collected, based on current calculations, this year's disaster will not be as severe as last year, but the summer grain harvest will be reduced." If there are too few, it is time for more people to return to farming and mulberry farming. There are too many people gathered in Xishan, and the corvee should return to the right path."

Obviously Liu Jian also felt that Zhang Zhou's mining operation had messed up the Ming Dynasty.

Transform a group of peasants into "workers", and even use the corvee labor that the Ming Dynasty originally used for city defense construction and other matters in unrealistic mining and artillery building.

To limit the military-first policy of Zhu Youtang and Zhang Zhou, we still need to start with resources so that you have nothing to worry about. Then why not put everything under our control and return to what we think is the "right track"? ?
……

……

All the ministers entered the palace.

But Zhang Zhou did not come, although he had agreed to come together to participate in the court meeting and enjoy the glory of victory.

But Zhang Zhou didn't say that he must come on time. He became the only person in the entire Ming Dynasty court system who could be late... and he was late with confidence.

For no other reason... he just can't abide by the law in everything. If he is a civil servant who abides by the rules and follows the rules like the civil servant, and the civil servant cannot find such small mistakes to attack him, then he will use them to make big things happen. to attack him.

This is called selling a flaw.

Moreover, it was the emperor's permission for him not to enter the court. If he came late and was criticized by the people of Honglu Temple, it would be fine for him. At worst, he would be fined a salary or something. In fact, the emperor never punished him in this way. Instead, he felt that he He worked hard and did so many things for the court every day, making him the busiest person in the Ming Dynasty.

By the time Zhang Zhou arrived at the palace gate, the officials had already entered and made Li Rong, who was waiting in front of the Meridian Gate, extremely anxious.

"Sir, you're here. Don't delay the court's important events because of your lateness." Li Rong looked back at the crowd who had long since disappeared, but he was still urging.

Zhang Zhou said: "I got up a little late because I wanted to cope with His Majesty's summons to study in detail the possible evacuation route of the Tatars and make some plans in advance. If the Tatars continue to disturb the border, we should take precautions in advance, right?"

"You are really thoughtful." Li Rongke didn't care so much and hurriedly led Zhang Zhou to the door. It was no longer a step, but a trot.

Li Rong was already old, and he was already out of breath before he could even jog a few steps.

After walking forward for a while, Li Rong was indeed tired. He slowed down and reminded: "Mr. Zhang, we would like to remind you that there are people who have objections to your mining recently. It is estimated that someone will be here today." Let’s bring up old matters again. But I think I’ll do something good today, so I’ll put this matter down.”

"En." Zhang Zhou nodded.

Compared with whether or not to open a mine, what attracted the most attention that day was definitely the result of the battle in Shigou City.

But the emperor suppressed this matter very hard, and the courtiers probably still don't know the outcome.

Li Rong said with emotion: "The purpose of mining is to enrich the people and strengthen the army. Our family has not understood it. Why should they oppose it? Sir, he has really done good things, but he has also been misunderstood by others. This matter... Your Majesty, why should they oppose it?" Our family fully understands you."

This reflects Li Rong's method of taking sides.

Spare no effort to tell Zhang Zhou that we are on the same team. As long as I take power one day, I will help you solve the embarrassing problems of mining. You can rest assured to leave these matters to me.

You see, as the owner of Dongchang Factory, if I know anything, I will inform you in advance, discuss with you how to deal with it, and even help you secretly deal with some troublemakers. Just ask you, am I sincere?

Do you use me or who else?

Zhang Zhou said: "Don't say Eunuch Li can't understand it, I can't understand it either."

He said this, but Zhang Zhou was thinking in his heart that there are many things in this world that he cannot understand. The so-called traditions and stereotypes are really not something I can change alone.

It's something that probably won't change for hundreds of years.

Is it good to open a mine? It's best to ask the future Emperor Wanli, who felt the most.

……

……

Inside Fengtian Temple.

The court meeting began, and Zhang Zhou was the last one to arrive. As soon as Zhang Zhou stood still, Zhu Youtang arrived with brisk steps.

After the court ceremony, Zhu Youtang couldn't wait to make the good news about the northwest victory known to the public. On the courtiers' side, the proposal to change the mining tax and other matters prepared by the Engineering Department to Shi Zhong were already on the horizon.

Zhu Youtang finally took the initiative, and with a wave of his hand, Xiao Jing came out to announce the good news.

"Ningxia has just achieved victory."

Xiao Jing came up to characterize this matter.

win a victory……

Winning the battle is the most important thing. As for the outcome of the victory, let me tell you slowly. If you have other matters to report, please step aside.

Sure enough, there was no sound for an instant.

Xiao Jing then read out the details of Yang Yiqing and others' memorial in front of everyone. The "danger" of the battle in Shigou City also caught the officials present unexpectedly. In order to show that he and Zhang Zhou were of the same mind, Xiao Jing now There were also special instructions from the emperor, and he also specifically mentioned the strategic importance of Shigou City. In fact, Zhang Zhou had warned him a long time ago.

This point was obviously not reflected in the performance of Yang Yiqing and others.

After Xiao Jing finished reading Yang Yiqing's copy, Zhu Youtang took over and said: "Huamachi and Shigouyi, two consecutive battles, beheading more than [-] Di Yi, this is a rare victory. Everything is possible. None of it was within my original expectations...I originally thought that all of this would happen in the Hetao."

This remark was very targeted, it was almost as if he just named Zhu Hui by name and then pointed at his nose and scolded him.

Liu Jiandao: "Yang Yiqing, the governor of Ningxia, has made great contributions."

Zhu Youtang nodded and said: "Speaking of which, Yang Qing's family has indeed made contributions, but the greater contribution should be made by Bingkuan. All of this was accomplished with his exhaustive plan. What does Mr. Liu Ge think? "

This time, instead of directly asking all the officials present, I asked Liu Jian by name.

Liu Jian cupped his hands and did not answer the question directly.

In fact, it is not easy to answer.

"I have thought about it and found that there are still many things that can be improved in the northwest military affairs, especially the elimination of redundant personnel and accumulated shortcomings. I am planning to have the Ministry of War take the lead to complete this matter before the end of the year. Do you have any opinions?"

This time I asked everyone.

But as if it was an ultimatum, the rebel generals and civil servants did not give them a chance to discuss. (End of chapter)