First Minister of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 523 Veteran Zhang Jin
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After listening to Gao Chong's rhetorical analysis, Li Shimin decisively adopted Gao Chong's strategy, personally wrote a letter, and added many unspeakable words under Gao Chong's embellished pen.

In the letter, Li Shimin solemnly promised that if Yuan Junzhang donated the land to him, he would make the officials worship the governor, make him the Duke of the state, and give him iron coupons.

On the original trajectory, Yuan Junzhang saw that all the tribes in the grassland rebelled against Jieli Khan one after another. Jieli was tired of suppressing the rebellion and the state affairs were in chaos. Yuan Junkuo took the initiative to vote for the Tang Dynasty.

Although Yuan Junzhang didn't know much about literature, he has been in the frontier for many years and has his own set of administrative methods.

During his tenure, he had quite a few political achievements. For example, Yuan Junzhang, who was brave and skilled in dealing with corrupt officials, was never lenient. For a time, the officials in the area under his jurisdiction were clear and bright, and the people praised him.

In the first half of his life, Yuan Junzhang traveled freely between the Turks and the Tang Dynasty, and was always in a semi-independent state. In the second half of his life, Yuan Junzhang guarded one side, benefited the people, and became a good minister praised by the people. Wonderful.

Moreover, Yuan Junzhang’s family education was very strict. He himself did not understand literature and history, and he was not good at writing, but he strictly educated his three sons and hired famous teachers to teach them. In the end, the three sons achieved their own achievements.

The eldest son, Yuan Xiaozheng, succeeded Jue Rui Guogong, and was quite well-known in literature; the second son, Yuan Xiaowen, worshiped General Zuo Wuwei, and was named Duke of Wuwei County;

Since then, the descendants of grandson Yuanwen, great-grandson Yuancao, and great-great-grandson Yuantao have also left their names in history, and their official ranks are above the fifth rank.

After ordering someone to send out the letter of appeal, Li Shimin took the map of Daizhou and spread it on the desk, pointing to a mountain range on the left side of Daizhou, and said in a deep voice: "This mountain is called Shiling, which lies on Daishuo. In the meantime, I intend to station troops here, what do you think?"

Gao Chong's eyes lit up, he nodded in praise and said, "Very good, this can block Dai Shuo's connection, and also give Yuan Bi a warning.

Take [-] steps back, even if Yuan Bi insists on attaching himself to the Turks and wants to harm our army, the defenders can still go down the Shiling and retreat into the territory of Bingzhou."

Yuan Bi, courtesy name Junzhang.

Hearing Gao Chong's words, Li Shimin shook his head, "I can't retreat. Even if Yuan Bi sends troops, Shiling must not be lost. Once he retreats to Bingzhou, it will not only damage the morale of our army, but also boost Yuan Bi's prestige."

Gao Chong's face was a little heavy, he didn't understand why Li Shimin was so decisive, so he could only persuade him patiently.

"If it is necessary to defend Shiling, this task is quite difficult. Shiling has at most [-] troops stationed there. Although the Turks are not good at attacking fortifications, they cannot stand up to the enemy. Moreover, we are not familiar with the local terrain, the mountains, and the terrain. Water source, I really dare not make rash decisions.”

Li Shimin nodded when he heard this, and said in relief: "Don't worry, I will not make a hasty decision. I know someone who is familiar with the local terrain and terrain. He is calm and prudent. He has a good command of military strategy and can hold on to Shiling."

Gao Chong was a little surprised, "I don't know who? His Highness praised him so much?"

"Habayashi General Zhang Jin", Li Shimin said slowly.

"Zhang Gongjin?" Gao Chong was taken aback when he heard the words, and looked away from the map, a little surprised.

"He is not General Zuo Wuhou who has just been promoted. When did he move to General Habayashi, and His Highness is about to ascend the throne. Zhang Hongshen is in charge of the chariots and camp guards. At this time, he will leave Beijing..." .

Li Shimin shook his head and laughed, "I knew you'd misheard. It's Zhang Jin, not Zhang Gongjin. I'm talking about the former left guard general, veteran Zhang Jin."

Gao Chong paused, then slapped his head when he thought about it carefully, and said with a wry smile: "Old General Zhang is really low-key, I didn't realize it for a while."

Not to mention Gao Chong, who is full of civil and military affairs, and there are only a handful of people who are familiar with Zhang Jin.

Zhang Jin was over [-] years old, and he was a native of Daizhou. In the former Sui Dynasty, he was an official of Zuowei General.

At that time, General Zuowei was Xu Guogong Yu Wenshu, and Yu Wenshu was powerful. Every time Zhang Jin made a comment, if it was not what Yu Wenshu wanted, Yu Wenshu would disregard his face, Zhang Mu scolded him, and Zhang Jin had to leave in fear. Become honest and responsible, and dare not make comments.

Perhaps it was depressing to work under Yu Wenshu's command. Zhang Jin gradually developed a cautious character. He followed Yang Guang in the conquest of Goguryeo. Bring Zhang Jin.

Zhang Jin stayed in Luoyang, the eastern capital, until Wang Shichong usurped the throne and proclaimed himself emperor, and the Luoyang Sui Army became "Zheng Jun". Jin was still unknown, playing the role of a transparent person in the army, without any performance.

After Li Shimin pacified Luoyang, Zhang Jin followed the general trend and followed Wang Shichong to surrender to Datang.

Zhang Jin, who is cautious and prudent, has been in the army for decades, has no outstanding achievements, and is unknown. He had no chance to shine, but his luck is really good.

When Li Yuan was in the former Sui Dynasty, he put down the Wuduaner rebellion in Longmen, and was promoted to General You Xiaowei because of his meritorious service. He was on the same level as Zhang Jin, who was then General Zuowei.

At that time, Li Yuan was also cautious and treated Yang Guang with a smile when he laughed at him for his "grandmother's face".

Seeing that Zhang Jin was among the surrendered generals in Luoyang, Li Yuan, who always cared about the old friendship, immediately reused him.

When discussing rewards for meritorious deeds, Zhang Jin, who was unknown and ordinary, even directly paid homage to General Zuowei. Li Yuan said to him: "Yu Wenshu sat in this seat back then, and now you can also sit in this seat...".

Zuo Wei was in charge of the Palace Guard, and there was only one general, who was ranked in the third rank and had a high position and weight.

Take Wang Junkuo as an example. From the time of Wang Shichong's conquest, Wang Junkuo captured Luokou, cut off Luoyang's grain road, defeated the false Zheng general Wei Yin, captured Guancheng, etc. Later, Dou Jiande rushed to help Wang Shichong, and Wang Junkuo led Qingqi to detour across the river and cut off the Xia army's water supply. Dao, captured the puppet Xia general Zhang Qingte alive and so on.

Such a great achievement, after the war, it was rated as the first letter, but it was only promoted to General Youwuwei, ranking fourth.

Until the end of last year, Li Yuan felt sorry for Zhang Jin's old age, and said to him: "The public is good at strength, and if you work too hard, it is nothing but hard work. I don't hesitate to be an official, but I am afraid of hurting each other."

Zhang Jin bowed and said: "I am lucky to meet Ming Shi, and I would like to be with you."

Listen to this, how concerned, I am not stingy with the official position, I am just worried that you are exhausted.

Li Yuan was greatly relieved, and changed the title of Zhang Jin to General Yulin, in charge of the emperor's guard of honor, accompanying the left and right sides, no longer in charge of the left guard military, and his powers were reduced, but the honor and favor remained the same.

I have to say that Li Yuan treated his old friends really well, such as Qiao Guogong Xu Shao.

Li Yuan's father, Li Yan, once paid homage to the governor of Anzhou. Anzhou is Anlu. Xu's family is a prominent family in Anzhou. Li Yuan and Xu Shao were classmates in the state school for a while. He was a high-ranking official with a generous salary, and he was granted the title of Duke of the State. Later, all four sons were reused, and all of them were awarded the title of Duke of the County.

Of course, the disciples of the Xu family are equally capable, especially Xu Shao's youngest son Xu Yushi.

"Old General Zhang has been in the army for many years. He has never made mistakes and has rich experience. It should be safe to garrison Shiling." Gao Chong nodded slowly, but said hesitantly: "It's just his age...".

In fact, another meaning of Gao Chong is that Zhang Jin has been in the army for many years, he is cautious, has no outstanding record at all, and has never made any mistakes. That is because he has been keeping a low profile for decades and has never led the army alone.

"There is no need to worry about this. Zhang Jin can still eat Doumi, draw a strong bow, and be physically strong." Li Shimin shook his head and smiled, waving his hands indifferently and said.

Gao Chong hesitated to speak, but seeing Li Shimin's resolute attitude, he had no choice but to hold back what was on his mind.

To put it bluntly, Zhang Jin is such a transparent person who has been insignificant and developed all his life. Now it is dangerous for him to lead the army alone and face the Turkic soldiers.

The dignified General Zuowei of the third rank has been a vegetarian for many years, and his name can hardly be found in the history books.

In "Old Tang Book·Gao Zu Benji", he was even mistaken for Zhang Gongjin, and "Sui Shu", "Old Tang Book" and "New Tang Book" did not give him a biography, which shows how amazing this person is. Without a sense of existence, Gao Chong felt inexplicably absurd for such a person to take such a big responsibility rashly.

Seeing that Gao Chong's expression was a little worried, Li Shimin's expression was normal, but he just said indifferently: "Youzhi, do you think it is enough to garrison Shiling?"

Gao Chong raised his head abruptly when he heard the words, "It's not enough."

The corners of Li Shimin's lips turned upward, and he poured tea for Gao Chong himself, "Tell me what you think."

"The purpose of stationing troops in Shiling is only to cut off the connection between Dai Shuo and prevent Yuan Bi from colluding with the Turks."

Gao Chong said directly: "However, in response to the Turkic invasion of the south, additional measures must be taken. Once the Turkic soldiers and horses cross Shiling, they will surely come to Bingzhou. The land of Longxing in Bingzhou must not be lost. You can order the general to rush to help Bingzhou. On the left and right sides of Bingzhou, set up additional soldiers and horses, just in case of unforeseen circumstances."

Li Shimin's eyes lit up, "Who do you think is suitable?"

"I believe His Highness will make his own decision," Gao Chong said with his head bowed.

In any case, what Zhang Anan said to him was very reasonable. When there was a difference between the emperor and his ministers, Gao Chong believed that he could only give advice as a counselor, and it was really inconvenient for him to speak out about specific personnel appointments.

"Okay, Gao Youzhi", Li Shimin laughed loudly when he saw this, "Now I'm still here to meet with you, no matter what, I won't force you."

After finishing speaking, Li Shimin pondered for a long time, and said slowly: "The enthronement ceremony cannot be changed, and everything must be safe. You can't leave the capital, so you can only choose generals. What do you think of Li Jing and Li Shiji?"

Since Gao Chong was asking for opinions, Gao Chong could naturally make an analysis, and immediately nodded and said: "With these two people here, we can definitely resist the Turks."

If Li Jing and Li Shiji couldn't resist the Turks, then God would not bless the Tang Dynasty. Although there was no national power to support Er Li's conquest of the Turks, Gao Chong believed that with Er Li's ability, it would definitely not be a problem to hold on to the frontier.

Li Shimin was also very satisfied when he saw this, and immediately ordered Shi Lijing, the governor of Yangzhou, to be the governor of Lingzhou, and Li Shiji, the governor of Qizhou, to be the governor of Bingzhou to lead the troops to resist the Turks.

Gao Chong finally felt relieved. If he only relied on the low-key old general Zhang Jin, Gao Chong really felt that it was unreliable, but Er Li was transferred to Northern Xinjiang, so he could resist the Turkic bandit soldiers. agree.

After Gao Chong left, Li Shimin sat alone for a long time. In the afternoon, the East Palace issued another order: ordered Ren Guibing, the governor of Tongzhou, to go out of the Taihang Mountains to support Bingzhou; , Wen Yanbo, the servant of Zhongshu, and others have their own dispatches.

After Gao Chong returned home, he found Gao Junya immediately, and directly expressed the doubts in his heart, but he was still puzzled.

"Aye, why did the crown prince suddenly become interested in Zhang Jin, a veteran? He still firmly believes that Zhang Jin can stick to Shiling.

Although I don't know much about Zhang Jin, a veteran in his 70s has spent decades of low-level deployment and has never had the experience of leading an army alone. I always feel that it is unreliable to let him face the Turkic front directly."

After listening to Gao Junya, a flash of surprise flashed in his eyes, and he said lightly: "Isn't there other arrangements for this, don't worry."

"That's right, if the crown prince hadn't been transferred to Erli to the border area later, I would have suspected that he was in a daze," Gao Chong muttered.

"Speak carefully", Gao Junya said with a stare.

Gao Chong nodded. Although the study room is tightly closed, we must be careful not to have ears on the partition wall.

"Go and invite Gao Feng to come to the banquet tonight," Gao Junya said directly.

Gao Chong was taken aback, "Why did you call Brother Ji Fu over to the banquet? Is there any happy event?"

"Go as soon as I tell you, I have my own plans for my father," Gao Junya said with a stare.

Gao Chong responded.

Gao Junya glanced at Gao Chong who was frowning and said nothing, and said slowly, intentionally or unintentionally: "Sometimes military deployment is not just a simple military action. You might as well think outside of military thinking, don't limit yourself, and look at this matter again."

Gao Chong was taken aback when he heard the words, "jump out of military thinking...".

"If you only analyze Zhang Jin's garrison in Shiling from the perspective of military thinking, it will be wrong in every way." Gao Junya looked a little inexplicable, and sighed quietly: "Our prince is not simple. He is not only good at military affairs, but also good at war. Political strategies are equally profound."

"Politics..." Gao Chong was completely stunned, and then suddenly realized, "Yes, Zhang Jin is the confidant of a saint, deeply favored...".

As soon as he thought of this, Gao Chong completely understood, and at the same time, a trace of fear rose in his heart towards Li Shimin.

This is politics, which is often more tragic than military affairs, killing people invisible.

In military combat, you are mostly faced with marching formations, and you are facing swords, lights and swords, but political struggles are hard to guard against.

"That Shiling..." Gao Chong exclaimed suddenly, "Aren't the soldiers in Shiling in danger?"

Gao Junya's expression was cold, and she glanced at Gao Chong lightly, "Don't worry, the prince is not at this point yet."

Then he got up and walked to the window, feeling the cold wind blowing outside the window, his tone was a little erratic.

"It's just that Shiling can't be defended after all, but it must be guarded. It's really clever for the prince to let Zhang Jin guard Shiling."

This is the second time Gao Junya has praised Li Shimin today.

Gao Chong took a deep breath, tried his best to calm down, and after thinking about it carefully, he was relieved. At the same time, he expressed his deep admiration for Li Shimin's move.

Shiling guards the front line of Daishuo, and its geographical location is prominent. Naturally, it cannot be abandoned. However, if Shiling is stationed, Shiling can at most have more than [-] troops stationed. Backstab anytime.

Zhang Jin seemed to be the best candidate.

"Aye, you still see clearly." Gao Chong sighed in admiration: "If it wasn't for your guidance, I still don't know that there are such twists and turns in it."

Gao Junya shook her head and smiled, and said with her hands behind her back: "Didn't you already notice something was wrong? Believe it or not, when the news spread, many people would even think that Zhang Jin would also enter the palace to thank the prince for his kindness and reuse of veterans.

From your point of view, everything is inappropriate, but to outsiders, it may have a different meaning, it is nothing more than a different standpoint on this matter.”

(End of this chapter)