The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 496 Can’t Make History

Zhu Youtang obviously struck first.

Let me report the victory first and tell you the situation in the northwest. I used Bingkuan to win another battle. Then I said that the northwest has a big problem. I asked the Minister of War to take the lead in completing the reform of the military and political affairs in the northwest. It will be completed immediately before the end of the year. It is so reasonable and reasonable. What do you do? refute?

Even Liu Jian, a visionary and powerful chief minister, seemed powerless in the face of such a "cunning" king.

Zhu Youtang struck while the iron was hot: "My dear friends, the use of troops in the north has always been the top priority of the country. It has always cost a lot. It has not increased in the past two years, but the war has been successful. All this still depends on Yu Bingkuan’s support for border affairs.”

Liu Jiandao: "Your Majesty, military and political affairs cannot be accomplished by one person."

Zhu Youtang shook his head slightly and said: "But it cannot be denied that Bingkuan contributed the most to these matters. In this battle of Ningxia, although the troops and generals were deployed, the Tatar marching route was predicted, but the border areas The land possesses varying numbers of artillery and muskets, and even two ambushes failed to capture the main Tatar force, and the results were still unsatisfactory."

The emperor actually took the initiative to say that the result of this battle was not good, which was unexpected by the minister.

The number of kills was more than 2000, which could be boasted at any time, even between the emperor and his ministers.

But now... the emperor actually took the initiative to take the credit.

There must be a conspiracy.

As expected, Zhu Youtang added: "Military expenditures have not increased because the Ming Dynasty opened mines in Xishan, Zhangjiakou, Yongping Mansion, etc., and Datong even opened a series of coal mines to supplement military expenditures. Even so, The Ming Dynasty still cannot have enough artillery everywhere to resist the Tatar invaders. Therefore, I believe that the number of mineral veins should be increased. We should not only focus on the north, but the south should also follow suit."

fought back.

Ma Wensheng glanced at Liu Jian, although he had proposed to Liu Jian today that he wanted to stop Zhang Zhou's mining operation.

But in fact, this matter has been carried out secretly for a long time. The emperor obviously has many news channels. It may be that there is a "traitor" inside. The news leaked before the matter was implemented, so that the emperor could do everything well in advance. Prejudgment, pick a northwest to report victory, specifically to silence the minister.

When Ma Wensheng saw that Liu Jian had chosen to remain silent this time, he could only move forward on his own. Ma Wensheng walked out, raised the wat board and said: "Your Majesty, mining is a waste of people and money, and it has caused people everywhere to stop production. There are even many The use of deserters from the army to engage in mining will cause the land to be abandoned, and there are many conflicts between the mining kilns and the local government, so it should not be promoted further."

Zhu Youtang said: "What the Ma Qing family said is just superficial. I don't think it should be an obstacle."

The emperor did not use any actual cases to refute, he only said, I will not listen to you.

Ma Wensheng wanted to say something else, but he saw the Secretary of the Ministry of Revenue, Zhong Zhong, come out and said: "Your Majesty, the ore produced by the mines last year was distributed without going through the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Revenue, or even having any contact with the local government. Contacting and arranging luck is like fishing in troubled waters, and many of them have enriched their own pockets..."

"Wait a minute." Zhu Youtang interrupted Zhong Zhong and asked curiously, "I ordered Bingkuan to open this mine, and he owns the proceeds. How he manages it is his own business. The so-called Lining one's own pockets is based on the imperial court's mining. If it is Bingkuan... he will naturally investigate, are you worried about him? "

When Zhong Zhong heard this, he became anxious and said quickly: "Your Majesty, the mine belongs to the Ming Dynasty and should not be deployed by one person."

Zhu Youtang said with a straight face: "The mine is also my mine, isn't it? Do you think I have no power to allocate it?"

"That's not what I meant." Zhong Zhong did not expect that the emperor would use the loopholes in his words to attack him.

"I have long said that if Bingkuan can find a mine and a coal kiln in the vast mountains, and use it to mine, the income can be allocated to him, and the court can obtain mineral taxes from it, and he can also use the income from these mines to To open up new mines, even to feed the people, build cannons, etc., the court will provide money to purchase them. This has been discussed in the court before. Do you want me to break my promise?"

Zhu Youtang's temper got worse.

I’m not going to say whether this is in line with old practice, but let’s talk about whether this matter was discussed with you in advance?
Who made you think at that time that no matter how awesome Zhang Zhou was, he would never be able to open up any mines and make a fortune by himself... It can only be said that your understanding of Zhang Bingkuan's abilities is still too shallow.

You promised well at that time. Now that Zhang Zhouzhen has opened the mines and has even become the mainstay of the Ming Dynasty's military expenditure, you think that these mines, smelters, etc. are not under the control of the imperial court, so let me take them back...

You guys are thick-skinned, but I still need to be thick-skinned.

When Zhu Youtang saw that the faces of the ministers present were ugly, he suddenly felt relieved. He glanced at Zhang Zhou, and his eyes instantly softened a lot.

"My dear friends, I don't necessarily rely on Bingkuan, but because he is indeed indispensable to the court. For several years, I finally no longer have to worry about the war in the north. I have someone to advise me on everything. , What I want is peace in the north, and long-term peace and stability of the country. You must understand me."

Zhu Youtang also wanted to find recognition in front of ministers.

But unfortunately, no matter what he says now, the ministers cannot give him enough support. This is because the monarch and his ministers are inherently "opposed". There is a gap between the monarch's power and the power of his ministers, and their ideas cannot be completely consistent.

Just when the ministers felt angry, Zhang Zhou also walked out from among the ministers.

Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, regarding the matter of mining, I believe that there is no need to expand to other places. The current number of mines is sufficient. As for the need for firearms in the border town that has not been met for the time being, I believe that it should be Give it some time, and I believe that within a few years, the Ming Dynasty’s border defenses will be impeccable.”

Zhang Zhou also took the initiative to give in?

Xie Qian came out and said: "Cai Guogong, are you not afraid that the Tatars will learn your skills? Don't say that the Tatars don't have enough iron. They can make swords, but why can't they make artillery? I don't believe it. No one else can learn the same thing."

Zhang Zhou smiled and ignored Xie Qian's question.

Zhu Youtang said: "Xie Qing's family, for the time being, you don't have to worry about what hasn't happened. When the Tatars invade again and even use firearms, I believe Bingkuan will be able to come up with a good response strategy. Today I That's not what I'm talking about. Do you have any other opinions about correcting the long-standing military malpractice in Border Town?"

Xie Qian said as if he was angry: "I believe that such a major matter should be reconsidered. The Ministry of War should not be responsible only. Everything should be done slowly and in accordance with the authority, and should not be generalized."

Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "Only when things are urgent must we obey power. Now we must both slow down and obey power... In other words, Mr. Xie Ge also knows that there are many long-standing shortcomings in border affairs, but he just feels that reform should not be done too hastily? Even for some long-standing shortcomings, it is necessary to Turn a blind eye?"

"I didn't say that." Xie Qian denied.

Zhang Zhou continued to smile, and his smile made people uncomfortable, as if he and the civil servant were the opposite.

Zhu Youtang said: "Since it is not appropriate for the Ministry of War to take the lead, let the Shangting Department take the lead. Bingkuan is responsible. As for the Chaozhong Yamen to coordinate this matter, Bingkuan will handle it... I know that doing this will offend a lot of people. Man, I also believe that Bingkuan can do this well."

Of course Xie Qian was not happy. He wanted to say something else, but was stopped by Li Dongyang's wink.

……

……

Next, the court was discussing rewards for the military exploits in the Battle of Shigou City.

Just like the victory in the previous battle of Huamachi, the common voice in the court was that we still have to wait for the Tatars to withdraw from the Ming Dynasty and this battle is completely over before making a comprehensive conclusion.

Later, Ma Wensheng and some people from the Ministry of War came out to state the Tatars' wolf ambitions, and stated that they should not focus on the small victory in front of them. He also suggested that the Tatars might plunder the territory of the Ming Dynasty before leaving. .

Everyone originally thought that Zhang Zhou would come out to discuss Ningxia's military affairs with Ma Wensheng, the former Minister of War.

As a result, Zhang Zhou didn't say a word after that.

Zhu Youtang didn't force it.

"My lords, I'll be here first today." Zhu Youtang didn't like arguing with ministers. Now he was so complacent that he just waited for the Tatars to retreat. He didn't even expect Yang Yiqing and others to achieve further military exploits. He thought These are enough. "I believe that the Baoguo Guild will lead reinforcements in time to force the Tatars back, and the purpose of this war will be achieved. The land of Hetao will be included in the control of the border army. This year I have no intention of launching another large-scale campaign." war unless the Tatars dare to invade."

The emperor's words were quite clear.

Now that the matter has come to this, I think it will take time to prepare to completely wipe out the Tatars.

As long as the Tatars don't take the initiative to invade, we can rest and recuperate until Bingkuan and I think we can pacify the grassland in one fell swoop, and the next battle can begin again.

"Let's retreat."

Zhu Youtang was about to leave, and without anyone else saying anything, he said in public, "Bingkuan, come to Qianqing Palace. I have something to discuss with you."

Summoning alone, not shying away from ministers, just telling everyone present that I only trust Bingkuan now, and you all should stand aside.

……

……

When Zhang Zhou and Zhu Youtang left Fengtian Palace, the ministers left with mixed emotions.

Walking out of the hall, at least there were still many people talking and laughing.

Before, I was worried about any accidents in the Northwest War. In the end, the Tatars took advantage of the situation and rushed to the vicinity of Gyeonggi, threatening their farmland outside the city, and even threatening their lives and property. Now there is no need to worry, the Tatars Being chased everywhere in Ningxia was still the direct descendant of the little Tatar prince in Batu Meng.

What do you have to worry about now?
When the battle is won, the emperor is happy, and so are we.

But this happiness is obviously limited to those "optimists". They have no interest entanglements with Zhang Zhou. They are even very close to Zhang Zhou. They have nothing to do with the so-called military and political reforms that Zhang Zhou is responsible for. association.

Laugh, that is truly smiling.

Some families are happy, and some are always sad.

Xie Qian obviously didn't understand afterwards why Liu Jian didn't stop the emperor from handing over such a big matter as reforming the military and political affairs directly to Zhang Zhou, because he knew that Zhang Zhou would probably use the topic as an excuse.

After leaving the Fengtian Hall, Liu Jian did not want to explain to anyone, but went directly to the British Duke Zhang Mao. Obviously he had something to say to Zhang Mao.

Xie Qian took two steps forward and wanted to interrupt, but was blocked by Li Dongyang.Li Dongyang just explained to Xie Qian in a nonchalant manner: "Things that are thankless will be the same to anyone."

Xie Qian said: "It can offend people and win people's hearts. In the past, it was just Xuanda and Liaodong. In the future, I'm afraid it will be the entire Governor's Mansion."

The two of them were not playing riddles, and their words were quite clear.

Although Zhang Zhou's reform of the military and political council may offend others, Zhang Zhou will also use this to firmly control the military and political system of the Ming Dynasty. The Minister of the Ministry of War was just a name at first, and people in the border towns still had different ideas, but as Liaodong was transformed into The people from the old school have conducted an investigation, and now Zhang Zhou is taking the lead in investigating the towns in the northwest...

Who is not Zhang Zhou’s party member in the future and is still qualified to take charge of northwest military affairs?
Liu Jian ignored Zhang Zhou's cultivation of party members. He seemed to want Zhang Zhou to offend the entire military and political system. If the backlash there was serious, they might not need to take action. They would just do things like assassination, frame-up, and partisanship. .

Originally, the people in the Governor's Mansion would not side with the cabinet, but if they saw Zhang Zhouliang's knife, they would be forced to side with the traditional civil servants.

……

……

"The British Lord, I heard that your grandson made great achievements in battle in Hetao, but he was injured, but I don't know if it is serious?"

Liu Jian and Zhang Mao walked together.

In words, he was expressing concern, but in fact, he was taking the opportunity to discuss things with Zhang Mao.

Zhang Mao said with emotion: "My grandson has been loyal to the Ming Dynasty. He discovered the traces of the Tatars in advance and reported them to the court, which is a great contribution. He has lived up to my earnest teachings to him."

Liu Jian glanced at Zhang Mao.

Xin said, looking at you like this, are you quite proud?What to pretend?
"Lingsun has no actual experience in leading troops, so why was he sent to the front line as the vanguard? Even if it is a night-time errand, he should not be responsible for it."

Liu Jian almost said that someone was behind the scenes and deliberately put your grandson in danger.

Zhang Mao continued to pretend to be confused and said: "Time is also destiny. Although my grandson has never been on the battlefield, he has received a lot of advice. There is nothing wrong with this arrangement. How can we get the opportunity to make military exploits without taking risks? ?”

Zhang Mao said: "Until now, Baoguo Gong has not appeared on the battlefield in Ningxia."

I won’t mention Zhang Zhou, but I will mention Zhu Hui directly to you. At the moment, you, Zhang Mao, are not wary of Zhu Hui?In other words, you don't plan to take advantage of Zhu Hui's poor performance to get rid of this potential competitor?
Zhang Mao nodded and said: "During this battle, Baoguo Gong's performance was indeed not good. I heard that many people have impeached him for his behavior in the incident. As an outsider, I don't know much about it. There are too many, so it’s hard to evaluate casually.”

Liu Jiandao: "Then what do you think about His Majesty's order to coordinate with the Ministry of War to investigate maladministration in the army?"

Zhang Mao's face was gloomy, and he said nothing this time.

As long as it involves Zhang Zhou, Zhang Mao also knows very well that he should avoid it because the relationship behind it is too great.

Liu Jian did not force him to tell the truth. Liu Jian said: "The British Lord is also a pillar of the Ming Dynasty army. In the past few decades, you have been highly respected by everyone in the army. You can also deal with troubles in the court." He is upright and upright, and can be said to be the mainstay. There are many disciples and old friends in the court, but it was only after something happened that I remembered that someone was deliberately causing trouble to the court."

Zhang Mao asked with a smile: "Are you talking about Bingkuan?"

Liu Jian did not answer, but said coldly: "Those who bring trouble to the imperial court must put their personal likes and dislikes first, and be good at exploiting the camp while neglecting the country. Not everyone can keep their true intentions like the British Lord. And above the imperial court, How many pillars and beams are there? Some of the so-called pillars and beams are just silverfish. They focus on the present or help the Ming Dynasty. In the long run, they will harm the country and the people."

"Haha." Zhang Mao smiled and waved his hands and said, "This is such a big deal. How can an old man like me, a warrior, understand this? If Mr. Liu Ge has any objections, just tell your majesty about it. Don't worry about it. .”

Liu Jian didn't say much.

It's enough to finish explaining the situation. There is no need to get Zhang Mao's statement right away. As long as Zhang Mao and the people in the army know that Zhang Zhou has more and more power now, the alliance that secretly competes with Zhang Zhou can Done without any covenant.

What is needed is a secret connection, so that we can deal with the "outside" unanimously without forming a party.

……

……

"Bingkuan, I asked you to rectify the military affairs. I didn't tell you in advance. I also know that this will make you offend many people. You won't blame me, right?"

Inside the Qianqing Palace.

After Zhu Youtang met with Zhang Zhou, he expressed his apology tactfully.

Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "I share your Majesty's worries, how can I be picky? What should be done must be done."

With Zhang Zhou's wisdom, when Zhu Youtang asked him to participate in the punishment of the Liaodong nest case, that is, to punish Zhang Yu, Ren Liang and others, he could see that the emperor had plans to rectify the military affairs.

This is something Zhu Youtang has wanted to buy for a long time, but has been suffering from no chance.

In the past, the rectification of military affairs was not of much significance. If one group of old people were replaced by another group of old people, the border affairs would remain the same and there would be no substantial change.

But now it's different.

With him, Zhang Zhou, rectifying military affairs means that he can replace a group of new talents who can level the grassland. This is very necessary for Zhu Youtang, who has the ambition to become "one emperor through the ages".

Zhu Youtang nodded and said: "If there is trouble, or who dares to set up a trap secretly, I will help you eliminate these troublesome people and troublesome things. I feel that after this incident, you can start with Zhu Hui. His war this time His behavior is so outrageous, and some of the people under his command who are close to him will be left to you to deal with."

Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, would it be too direct to directly accuse Duke Baoguo?"

Zhu Youtang looked at Xiao Jing and Li Rong who were standing aside. There were only a few insiders now, and he seemed to have no chance of letting these two eunuchs know about the matter.

"Bingkuan, do you think that when I issue an order, how many people in the court will obey it without hesitation and will not make irresponsible remarks?" Zhu Youtang asked.

This question was also very sharp and even Zhang Zhou couldn't answer it.

"You guys tell me." Zhu Youtang asked the question to Xiao Jing and Li Rong again.

Li Rong said cautiously: "Your Majesty is the most powerful person in the world, who dares not to listen?"

Zhu Youtang turned his attention to Xiao Jing again.

Xiao Jing then said: "Your Majesty must be thinking about the long term. If someone in the court questions, it will not cause any trouble, or someone will discuss it, or... it is not out of evil intentions."

Zhu Youtang said: "Even you think that there will still be opposition voices in the court, and even most people will think about what I have ordered. How unreasonable is it?"

"My slave made a mistake, and I hope your Majesty will forgive you." Xiao Jing did not answer, but admitted his mistake first.

"Bingkuan, it's okay if you say so." Zhu Youtang said.

Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, what you want is that there will be no objections when using troops in the northwest in the future, and that you can enforce orders and prohibitions, and that the three armies must be united as one?"

"Yes." Zhu Youtang nodded, "The biggest problem in the army before was that, as you said, my will could not be conveyed to the army and let the three armies march to the grassland. Look... what has it become like?"

Li Rong and Xiao Jing seemed to have the deepest understanding, and both lowered their heads.

Zhu Youtang said: "I admired Duke Baoguo a lot before. He came from a famous family, and his father was also a brave general. Now is the time when the frontier troops are strong and their horses are strong. However, when they march into a river, they are timid. I really don't dare to think about it." , what will happen if we expect them to flatten the grassland in the future, especially if they are counterattacked by the Tatars then, the pass will not be protected, and the people will suffer even more!"

Zhang Zhou nodded.

By sending troops, the emperor put down his words early and asked Baoguo Gong to perform well, and used this to purge his old ministers.

If Zhu Hui performed poorly, the emperor would have enough reasons to rectify it.

"Bingkuan, I also know that no one wants to do anything to offend others, but besides you, who else can share my worries? Everyone in the army is a group of mediocre people. After several adjustments, I I really couldn’t find any suitable candidate, so I chose Zhu Hui after many choices, and he has completely lost all my companies!”

"On the contrary, just a few people you randomly mention can make great achievements on the battlefield. From now on, I would rather leave military affairs to talented people than to so-called loyal ministers."

Zhu Youtang finished these words in a very emotional tone.

Zhang Zhou understood.

The biggest advantage of Zhu Hui and other old heroes is "loyalty". After all, they are "loyal and good" and have several generations of glory and wealth. They are not very willing to change dynasties because they know that even if they change dynasties, they will not get more than they have now. Good net worth and status.

So they will be relatively loyal to Ming Dynasty.

But history cannot be created with such a group of incompetent but loyal people. What the emperor wants is plain grassland, and he cannot select capable people from this group of old ministers, so he can only give up on them.

Zhu Youtang said with eyes full of trust: "Bingkuan, you don't need to tell me what you want to do. As long as everything is done to quell the border troubles in the north, I understand even if it means using the knife on the old ministers in the DPRK. And I understand I believe that as a person, you will not neglect public affairs for personal reasons, and you will definitely handle things with discretion."

Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty is so complimentary, I can only say that I will do my best."

Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "As long as you are willing to accept this job, it does not mean that you have to abandon the old and use the new. Yanwutang is your foundation. Whoever you choose to use, even if it is an exceptional promotion, it is just It’s just a matter of words. As for those old ministers who are incompetent, let them take off their armor and return to their fields as soon as possible. It will save them the trouble and save my eyesight."

(End of this chapter)