Jingnan Strategy

Chapter 556 An old heart never grows old

"Li Jiujiang is gone too..."

On the Gobi Desert, with a sigh, Zhu Di slowly put away the expedited letter sent from Beijing.

At this moment, he was riding on a horse, and in front of him was a plain desert and a series of steep earthen hills.

The landform here is in the form of wind erosion and is covered with gravel, crushed stone and quicksand, and the stone desert is vast.

This place is vast, empty and boundless, like a boundless ocean, so it was called the "Great Sand Sea" by the Tang people in the Tang Dynasty.

This place was the closest road between ancient Dunhuang and Gaochang (Hami) and Cheshi (Turpan), so this road is also called the Great Sea Road.

The opening and use of the Dahaidao began in the Han Dynasty. After the Tang Dynasty, it stopped being used due to the continuous deterioration of the climate. As a result, it gradually faded out of people's sight and became an ancient Silk Road that remained in historical memory.

Zhu Di came here just to see the passage of the former Silk Road.

"Six hundred years ago, I heard that there was a spring here with water, but the taste was slightly bitter and salty. But now there is not even a bitter spring, only a vast stone desert..."

Zhu Di sat on horseback, discussing the former prosperity of this place with Zhu Zhanqi and Zhu Qiyue behind him in a sighing tone.

It seemed that as he grew older, Zhu Di began to enjoy watching these scenes in history, from their emergence to prosperity, decline, and finally disappearance from history books.

"Let's go..."

Turning the horses around, Zhu Di gave instructions to everyone and then headed east.

An hour later, they walked out of the Dahaidao, but all they saw was still the endless Gobi Desert.

The environment in the Western Regions during this era was the worst, whether compared with any previous or later period.

For more than ten miles along the way, they saw almost no vegetation until they could vaguely hear the sound of a whistle and a hint of green appeared on the horizon.

They quickened their pace, and in front of them appeared rows of grass grids and sand-proof trees used to prevent and fix sand.

These trees have been planted for many years and continue to advance into the Gobi Desert every year.

Grass grids were used to fix sand, and anti-sand trees were planted. After a year, the anti-sand trees grew taller, and local people were hired by the government to continue planting trees and arranging grass grids.

If they encounter a Gobi Desert, there is no need to arrange grass squares, but this also means that they cannot go any further.

They passed through the several-mile-long sand-proof area, watched the trees grow from short to tall, felt the sand on their faces gradually disappear, and finally what appeared before them were pieces of reclaimed, cultivated and irrigated farmland.

Pumps were humming in the distance, pumping the snow water from the Tianshan Mountains that the local government had collected in reservoirs, underground canals and karez into the canals.

The canals pass through wheat fields, ensuring the water they need to survive.

The endless wheat fields seem large, but due to limited output, Hami has not yet achieved self-sufficiency and still needs supplies to be sent here from Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Northern Zhili and other places.

Of course, although the local area cannot be self-sufficient, with the continuous deployment of water pumps and the gradual increase in per mu yield due to the promotion of chemical fertilizers, it will one day be able to achieve self-sufficiency.

Perhaps it was precisely because they were unable to be self-sufficient that the demand for supplies increased when thousands of people including Zhu Di suddenly appeared here.

Before they arrived, the imperial court only needed to dispatch one month's supplies from Ganzhou, Wuwei and other places, which would be enough for the local military and civilians for two years.

With the arrival of more than 3,000 people, the court had to mobilize trains for another half a month to transport supplies to Hami.

Hundreds of cavalrymen guarded Zhu Di. After entering the farming area, the road in front of them turned into a two-meter-wide cement road.

The team rushed to Hami City in the east. After walking for more than ten miles, they arrived at the west of Hami City in the afternoon.

Looking from a distance of several hundred steps, Hami City, with a circumference of eight miles, is actually not very big.

Although there were a large number of people farming in the farming area outside the city, all the people in sight were strong peasant women, with only a small number of farmers.

This is because most of the people who can farm here are relatives of soldiers guarding the border, while the criminals who were once exiled here are building railways in the west and reclaiming wasteland and farming in the north separated from the Tianshan Mountains.

As for the already developed Hami, it became military farm distributed to the relatives of local soldiers guarding the border.

There are more than 2,400 residential houses in Hami City, representing 2,000 border guards and more than 400 officials.

In addition to these 2,000 soldiers, there were another 2,000 soldiers and more than 400 officials in the two counties of Yiwu and Yizhou that were under construction in the north, as well as more than 1,000 troops and more than 100 officials supervising the railway in the west.

There are now 5,000 soldiers and more than 900 officials in the entire Hami Prefecture, in addition to more than 20,000 relatives and more than 20,000 exiled criminals, a total of less than 50,000 people.

Although there were only so few people, this was the result of more than ten years of hard work by the Ming Dynasty using pumps and trains.

You have to know that during the Ankh Temur period, the entire Hami had only one or two thousand people.

"Xu..."

He reined in his horse and looked down the street; it was as empty as ever.

Except for a small number of people who had already watered their fields and returned home, the rest of the people were basically still watering their fields outside the city or working at home.

The people in the city were very wary of the other men who were not wearing the Ming army's mandarin duck battle jackets. The customs of the entire city tended to be conservative and serious.

Perhaps only the people who live in such a place that needs military protection can understand why they are so wary of outsiders.

"Although Yilibali is honest, they had a lot of conflicts with our railway construction team a few days ago. It seems that the people have a bad attitude towards them."

Zhu Zhanqi shook the reins and followed Zhu Di. Zhu Di nodded and continued to shake the reins and walked forward.

Finally they arrived at a makeshift concrete-style palace.

It is called a palace, but in fact it is just a slightly larger courtyard.

After all, in Hami, there is not enough wood to build a traditional Chinese building.

"I heard that Waisihan in Yilibali is seriously ill. I don't know if he can make it."

"If they can't make it, they will inevitably split internally, and then the imperial court will have a chance."

"But I still have to think of an excuse. The current conflict is a good opportunity..."

What Zhu Qiyue was concerned about was the condition of Great Khan Yilibali. If Waisi Khan was seriously ill, then given Yilibali's current situation, there would definitely be a split within the party.

As long as they split up, the Ming Dynasty would have a chance to recover the Western Regions.

Of course, in order not to cause panic, the Ming Dynasty had to come up with some excuses that would convince its vassal states.

Building railways would constantly touch upon Yilibali's nerves and eventually cause border conflicts, which would be an excuse that the Ming Dynasty could use.

Facts have proved that the conflict between the two sides has obviously intensified as the Daming Railway continued to move westward, especially last month when there was even an unpleasant incident in which soldiers from both sides were injured.

The conflict of the incident continued to intensify, which was more favorable for the Ming Dynasty to declare war on Yilibali.

"Why should I care about him?"

Zhu Zhanqi interrupted Zhu Qiyue's thoughts and said directly: "With the strength of the court, we only need to dispatch 20,000 cavalry to pacify the entire Western Region at any time!"

Zhu Zhanqi is very arrogant, but this is because he has sufficient confidence.

The total number of soldiers and horses in Yilibali was no more than 50,000 or 60,000, and all the males added up to only about 200,000.

The 20,000 Ming cavalry equipped with flintlock rifles and well-supplied could indeed easily defeat them.

Of course, the premise is that the generals do not make any mistakes.

"Okay, an excuse is still necessary."

Zhu Di interrupted Zhu Zhanqi and did not think that Zhu Zhanqi's way of thinking was acceptable.

This kind of thinking is fine for dealing with some remote tribes and small countries, but Yilibali has connections with many vassal states of the Ming Dynasty. Once they are destroyed, it will inevitably arouse the vigilance of the Khanate of Timur, Yuejibie and others.

Although the Ming Dynasty did not care about their vigilance, it would cause problems in the atmosphere on the border and increase unnecessary military expenditures.

The Ming Dynasty is now mainly focusing on the economy. Recovering territory is important, but inland expeditions are unnecessary.

It was precisely because of this that Zhu Gaoxu delayed launching the battle against Yilibali.

He had to wait until the railway was built close enough before sending troops to the west, so every day of delay meant that the Ming Dynasty's railway would advance by dozens of steps.

Yilibali would definitely take action against the Ming army, because they would not allow them to watch the Ming army build the railway to Turpan.

Fortunately, Waisi Khan in Yilibali was still clear-headed and he had been suppressing his subordinates from getting into conflict with the Ming army.

However, his life is coming to an end, and the friction between Daming and Yilibali is intensifying.

When he completely extinguishes the flame of life, it will be the time for the Ming army to fight with Yilibali...

"It's a pity that Wang Tao was called back to Beijing by Grandpa, otherwise he could have been allowed to go to the front line to take a look."

Zhu Qiyue sighed slightly, and Zhu Di also chuckled and said, "Why, do you like that eunuch so much?"

"That's not true, great grandfather." Zhu Qiyue said with a smile:

"After all, he's been with me for so long, it's no wonder I miss him."

"It's better to be on guard." Zhu Di instructed Zhu Qiyue, who nodded without objection.

Seeing him like this, Zhu Di also looked at Zhu Zhanqi and said, "Send a few capable men to check out the situation on the railway front."

"Yes!" Zhu Zhanhe bowed in response. After a while, the grandfather, grandson and his two companions dismounted and went to the palace to rest.

While they were resting, Zhu Gaoxu also paid special attention to the changes in the Western Regions.

At this moment, he was holding the latest intelligence brought by the Western Factory, which included the physical condition of Waisi Khan, the fight between his two sons, and the undercurrents among his nobles.

"What do you think?"

Zhu Gaoxu put down the memorial and asked Wang Tao who was standing next to him without raising his head.

Wang Tao bowed and said, "I think that once Waisi Khan dies, Yilibali will surely split."

"The court has already built a railway that is 200 miles from Hami, and the railway from Hami to Turpan is about 600 miles."

"If this Waisi Khan can live for another half a year, the imperial court can advance another 150 miles."

"If he dies now, Yilibali will be caught up in internal strife and will have no time to hinder the imperial court from building the railway."

"I have read the memorial from the Ministry of Works. It will take at most two years to build the railway to Turpan. By then, once the railway is completed, it will be easy for Turpan to surrender to the imperial court."

Wang Tao only gave analysis and did not make any suggestions. This was the cleverness he learned from being around Zhu Qiyue.

Zhu Qiyue and Zhu Gaoxu were very similar, both of them were very opinionated, and in major matters, they both asked questions with answers in mind. Therefore, during the time when he was with Zhu Gaoxu, Wang Tao basically did not take the initiative to suggest anything, unless Zhu Gaoxu asked him for advice, he would give an answer.

"You have a good brain. If I don't transfer you back, you can just check the situation on the Hami front for me."

Zhu Gaoxu stroked his moustache and then asked, "How much grain is left in the Changping warehouses in Gansu, Shanxi, and Shaanxi?"

"Your Majesty, please wait a moment..." Wang Tao bowed in return, then turned around and began to search on the bookshelf.

Soon he found the documents of the three governors, and after a brief glance, he gave the answer: "They are respectively more than 246,000, more than 543,000, and more than 1,246,000, totaling about 2 million shi."

“In addition, there are about 300,000 stones of bean materials stored in the three places.”

After Wang Tao finished his report, he put the document on the table. Seeing Zhu Gaoxu frowning slightly, he put the document away.

Seeing his actions, Zhu Gaoxu hesitated for a moment before speaking: "Tell the Ministry of Revenue to transfer 1 million shi of grain and 300,000 shi of soybeans to Hami for storage."

"Yes," Wang Tao bowed and responded.

After he agreed, Zhu Gaoxu stood up and looked at the map, and Wang Tao also took the initiative to stand next to the ropes that were pulling the map.

The current Ming Dynasty not only inherited far more territories than those in Central China, but also controlled large territories overseas.

Logically speaking, the emperor should be satisfied.

But based on the emperor's attitude just now and the incomplete corner of the northwest part of the map, Wang Tao put down the map of the Western Regions after Zhu Gaoxu's gaze stayed on it for a moment.

This map depicting the topography of the Western Regions was mainly drawn by Zhu Gaoxu himself, and then the cities were marked on it by the strong men who explored the Western Regions from the Western Factory and the court painters.

There are nineteen important cities in Yilibali, with a population of more than 600,000. There are no more than 200,000 adult males, and no more than 60,000 soldiers who can wear armor and fight.

What was even more fatal was that these 60,000 troops were divided into three parts by the Tianshan Mountains and the neighboring areas, so Zhu Zhanqi dared to say that 20,000 cavalry could conquer the Western Regions.

For the Ming Dynasty, the only problem in attacking the Western Regions was supply.

As long as the supply problem can be solved, the rest of the problems will not be a problem.

Given the Ming army's combat effectiveness and the quality of its generals, it would not be difficult to defeat Yilibali.

"It's 2,300 miles from Turpan to Hasihar (Kashgar). If we want to take this place, we have to send out at least three guards and horses. Just for supplies, we need ten times the manpower."

"Even if animal power can be used as a substitute, five times the human power is still needed."

Zhu Gaoxu used a slender command pole to point to Turpan and Hasihar, and finally withdrew the command pole and pointed it from Turpan to the Ili River Valley in later generations.

The distance between the two is very close, only about 1,400 miles, but it requires crossing the Tianshan Mountains, and it also requires five times the manpower and animal power to solve the logistical problems.

If the Ming Dynasty sent 30,000 troops to attack the Western Regions, it would need at least 150,000 draft horses and 150,000 civilian laborers.

If we take into account the riding horses, military horses, and draft horses of the 30,000 soldiers, that would be at least 240,000 horses and 180,000 men.

At least 120,000 shi of beans and 90,000 shi of grain are needed per month.

If the losses on the road are taken into account, the consumption may double.

Taking the journey as an example, it would take at least four months to destroy Yilibali, so it would require nearly one million shi of beans and more than 700,000 shi of grain.

Now he has transferred one million grains and 300,000 tons of bean fodder to Hami, and he needs to collect at least 700,000 stones of bean fodder to meet the standard for going to war.

Thinking of this, Zhu Gaoxu instructed Wang Tao: "Look through the situation in Northeast China, Mobei, and Northern Zhili, and calculate how much bean material there is."

"Yes," Wang Tao received the order, and then quickly searched the bookshelf.

After a while, he stopped what he was doing, did some mental calculations, and gave the answer: "About 1.6 million shi."

"Transfer 700,000 dan to Hami." Zhu Gaoxu spoke without hesitation, and then continued to order:
"Tell Hu Ji to keep a close eye on Yilibali. If Waisi Khan dies and a civil war breaks out between his two sons, notify me immediately."

"In addition, Zhu Neng and Chen Mao will be transferred to Gansu for training, and the Governor's Office will mobilize enough supplies to fight for half a year to Hami."

"Yes," Wang Tao said respectfully, as if he always had only one answer.

However, his performance was exactly what Zhu Gaoxu needed.

Yishiha had an average relationship with him, so he could give suggestions, but for other eunuchs, they just needed to obey and do their jobs.

"How's the war going in the south?"

Zhu Gaoxu picked up the teacup and took a sip to moisten his throat while waiting for Wang Tao to answer.

"The fleet has arrived at Palembang and will soon attack Majapahit."

"In this war, all the countries in Southeast Asia supported the imperial court. They were not as resistant as the court officials had expected."

After Wang Tao finished speaking, Zhu Gaoxu did not speak immediately, but picked up the memorials one by one and read and processed them.

Seeing this, Wang Tao made another cup of tea for Zhu Gaoxu and placed it carefully on his desk.

In the silence between master and servant, time passed little by little until July.

The third issue of the Da Ming Daily in the 14th year of Hongxi was published, which included most of the contents of the Xinhai Economic Reform.

Of course, it is impossible for the newspaper to report in great detail, but the specific direction is given.

For a time, people cheered for the upcoming large-scale infrastructure.

Not only that, the imperial court also made changes to the road permits, relaxing the standards for people to travel to and from various regions.

The purpose of doing this is to allow poor people to work outside for a few more years and return to their hometowns after becoming wealthy.

After the policy was promulgated for various parts of the Ming Dynasty, a wave of migrant workers emerged in all places.

Urban residents chose to quit their jobs and work at government-run construction sites, and many merchants had no choice but to adjust their wages.

Even people in rural areas are preparing to go to construction sites to work after the autumn harvest.

The wealth confiscated from the sixteen merchant gangs in Jiangnan and their protectors was redistributed by Emperor Zhu Gaoxu and continued to flow into the people.

During this period, many poems emerged, most of which praised the court and the emperor, followed by the compilation of various personal notes.

Within a few months, the entire Ming Dynasty became lively, but Zhu Gaoxu's eyes were always on the Western Regions.

While he was keeping a close eye on the Western Regions, on the ninth day of the ninth month in the fourteenth year of Hongxi, Chen Xuan, Marquis of Pingjiang, Zheng Jun, Marquis of Bohai, and Cui Jun, Marquis of Donghai, led 30,000 combat and auxiliary troops to attack Manzhe Boyi.

Majapahit, which had no strategic depth, was defeated by the sea attack of 30,000 Ming troops. Queen Suhida disappeared, and the 30,000-strong army was defeated in Majapahit City. City-states in various places surrendered one after another.

On the eve of the winter solstice, the Ming army pacified Majapahit, and Zhu Gaoxu set up four prefectures under the jurisdiction of the Three Departments of Nanyang.

At the same time, the news of Kunlun Island was sent to Beijing. After a brief review, Zhu Gaoxu decided to auction the mature Shangbang mines and set up Kunlun Guards and Penglai Guards in Kunlun Island.

Time passed little by little, and on the eve of New Year's Eve, Zhu Di returned to Beijing with Zhu Zhanqi and Zhu Qiyue, which was four months later than expected.

As in previous years, Zhu Gaoxu brought his family to the Daming Palace to pay homage to Zhu Di and held a family dinner in the Daming Palace.

"After the Lantern Festival, most of your sons will be gone."

Zhu Di sat in the main seat, looking at Zhu Zhanqi and others with a slightly reluctant look.

Zhu Gaoxu nodded when he heard this: "The court must always have power overseas to check and balance the three departments."

"The three-way balance of power between the Dusi, the Governor's Office, and the Censor's Office may seem stable, but in reality it is just a struggle between the civil and military officials."

"If the vassal kings were to become vassal kings, that would be the true three-legged tripod, and only then would it last forever."

"Hmm..." Zhu Di expressed his approval and looked at the thirteen-year-old Zhu Qiyue. The more he looked at him, the more he liked him.

At the same time, hurried footsteps were heard outside the hall.

Wang Tao walked in from outside the Changshou Palace, came to Zhu Gaoxu's side and bowed, saying:
"News came from the Western Factory that Waisi Khan passed away on October 24th. His son Yesenbuhua kept the news a secret. When his other son Yunusi found out, he tried to establish himself as Khan. The two are fighting fiercely in Yiliba."

"Good!" Hearing this good news on New Year's Eve made Zhu Gaoxu smile.

“Have all the soybeans and grains been shipped to Hami?”

"Most of it has been shipped, and the remaining half will probably have to wait until April next year."

Zhu Gaoxu asked, and Wang Tao answered. Zhu Di heard the conversation between the master and the servant. Zhu Di rolled his eyes and coughed, "Second brother..."

"Hmm?" Zhu Gaoxu turned to look at Zhu Di, who coughed a few times and said, "Recently, the imperial physician said that I need to move around. Although I just came back from Hami, there are many sights there that I have not seen yet. This time I want to set off in early spring."

"But the war will soon break out in Hami. At your age..."

Zhu Gaoxu frowned, not very willing to let Zhu Di go to Hami at the age of 73.

Of course, he was more worried about Zhu Di's use of troops in Hami.

"At my age, is it possible that I can still seize the military power?"

Zhu Di looked bitter and sighed, "It's okay. If you don't want me to go, then I won't go."

"Anyway, with my current health, I can only ride in a carriage. I can't even ride a horse. I guess in a few years, I'll have to go see your mother..."

Zhu Di mentioned Empress Xu, and implied that he was not interested in military affairs. He also raised his hand to let Zhu Gaoxu look at his arms, which had become much thinner due to his age.

Seeing this, Zhu Gaoxu hesitated for a while before nodding and saying:
"You can go to Hami to have a look, but this time I would like to send Xia Yuanji and Yue'er to accompany you."

Zhu Gaoxu could not look after Zhu Di, but Xia Yuanji could, so letting Xia Yuanji accompany Zhu Di could also be considered as supervision.

If Zhu Di was unwilling, it would mean that he had other intentions, and I would naturally not let him go.

"Natsuhara Yoshi? That's fine too..."

Zhu Di nodded and sighed, "I don't have many years left in my life. After seeing the spring scenery in Hami, I want to go to the south to see how the Wudang Mountain is being repaired."

"We will be heading to Wudang Mountain in late autumn. Please remember to ask someone to make arrangements then."

"Okay." Seeing that Zhu Di was still thinking about Wudang Mountain, Zhu Gaoxu didn't think that he would want to go to war. After all, if a war really broke out, it would not be possible without several months or even half a year.

It is unlikely that Zhu Di would let himself make arrangements in Wudang Mountain and then go to the Western Regions to fight.

Seeing that Zhu Gaoxu agreed, Zhu Di immediately smiled and picked up the wine glass to signal Zhu Gaoxu.

"Second brother, you are more like me..."

(End of this chapter)