Rebirth of Zhu Di's son

Chapter 201 Another expedition to the north

After dark.

Chunhe Palace.

Yuehua Pavilion.

Chunhe Palace was the East Palace in the early Ming Dynasty. The front yard of the palace is the main hall, which is called Chunhe Palace. It is three rooms wide and contains a throne and a dragon couch with colorful carvings. There are many plum trees planted in the courtyard in front of the palace.

After Zhu Gaoxu moved in, he planted osmanthus trees, chrysanthemums, peonies, etc.

The palace complex in the backyard of Chunhe Palace has five courtyards on the left and right, with three palaces in each courtyard, six wing rooms on the left and right, and two kitchens.

After the six daughters Li Yao, Wang Qihong, Quan Shuying, Zhang Yuerong, Sheng Hongyu and Princess Yuhai married into the East Palace, they all had a separate courtyard.

These courtyards originally had no names. Even if they did, they would have their plaques removed due to the departure of their old owners and become nameless courtyards.

As the daughters got married one after another, Zhu Gaoxu gave their residences special names.

The residence of Crown Princess Li Yao is called Yaoguang Pavilion, the residence of the talented Wang Qihong is called Hongxia Pavilion, the residence of Shuying, the elected attendant, is called Yingbao Pavilion, and the residences of Princess Sheng Hongyu, Zhang Yuerong and Yuhai are called Yuyang Pavilion and Yuehua respectively. Pavilion, Yuhai Pavilion.

After Zhang Yuerong learned that her father Zhang Yu had died in the battle, she cried very sadly and did not eat or drink from morning until after dark.

After Zhu Gaoxu found out, he personally carried two dishes, one soup and a bowl of rice on a tray to Zhang Yuerong's residence.

"Yue Rong, you'd better eat something while it's hot. It's cold now. If you don't eat, you'll easily freeze."

Zhu Gaoxu placed the tray on the table in front of Zhang Yuerong and said softly.

Zhang Yuerong was stunned and motionless, his face full of tears.

"If you don't eat, General Zhang (Zhang Yu) will be worried."

Zhu Gaoxu sat down opposite Zhang Yuerong and continued to persuade.

Zhang Yuerong still didn't say a word, sitting blankly, seeming to be an empty shell.

"If you eat your food, the old general will feel at ease!"

Zhu Gaoxu sighed and said slowly.

Hearing this, Zhang Yuerong's eyes gradually became brighter.

She picked up her chopsticks and took a mouthful of rice, but she couldn't help but shed tears again. She choked and said: "When I was still living in Beiping Mansion, my father would occasionally cook by himself. As long as it was cooked by my father. I can eat a big bowl of rice in one sitting. My father wouldn’t eat, so he watched me eat. When I finished eating, he started to use his chopsticks. Today, I want to eat a big bowl too.”

Zhu Gaoxu took the opportunity to comfort him and said: "Although the old general is gone, his spirit is still there. He will watch us in the sky, and he will always protect the descendants of the Zhang family."

Zhang Yuerong raised his arms and wiped his tears, and said while eating: "Your Highness personally served the food to me. I must eat it, and eat it to show it to Your Highness and to my father, so that he can feel at ease."

"Yue Rong, eat slowly and drink the hot soup."

Zhu Gaoxu picked up the bowl of egg soup and handed it to Zhang Yuerong.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Zhang Yuerong thanked me first, and then said: "It is a sin for me to worry Your Highness."

"It's okay." Zhu Gaoxu looked at Zhang Yuerong with concern.

After a while.

When Zhu Gaoxu came out of Yuehua Pavilion, he saw Li Xing, who had been waiting outside the courtyard gate for a long time, and Kang Ping, who had been guarding the door when he came to Yuehua Pavilion with him just now.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty has summoned you." Li Xing bowed and saluted.

Zhu Gaoxu asked: "But is there an urgent military situation?"

"Your Highness is very knowledgeable about the matter. Just now, the Ministry of War received an urgent report from the northern border. His Majesty has summoned the relevant civil and military ministers to discuss matters at Wuying Hall."

Li Xing responded respectfully.

Zhu Gaoxu asked again: "Prairie people went south to invade the border?"

"I don't know, slave." Li Xing replied honestly.

"Kang Ping, hurry up and drive to Wuying Palace."

Zhu Gaoxu pinched the large sleeve pockets on his left and right sides, lifted up his robe, opened his legs, and walked quickly.

A quarter of an hour later.

Hall of Martial Arts.

Zhu Di sat behind the imperial table, and Zhu Gaoxu stood in front of the left side of the imperial table. The ministers and generals in Beijing and senior officials such as the Six Ministries and Nine Ministers were on both sides.

"Alutai, the chief culprit in the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty, also supported Benya Shili as the tribal khan. I sent the governor to command Jintab and Guo Ji as an envoy to deal with the incident. He wrote a letter to appease him and showed his kindness. But Benya Shili You and Arutai actually killed my envoy in Helin, and now they have gathered their troops to invade our borders, kill our soldiers and civilians, and plunder our property. Is this tolerable, but who is intolerable?"

Zhu Di saw that senior civil and military officials and some of the clan kings had arrived, so he loudly said: "I am determined to send troops to conquer and completely eradicate these two traitors!"

When Guilichi succeeded to the throne, the Northern Yuan forces split into two major camps: "Tatar" and "Ora".

The Oara Tribe is a western Oirat Mongolia group mainly descended from the Alibuge people, and they live in the areas of the Kobdo River, Irtysh River Basin, and Junggar Basin in later generations.

The Tatar tribe is a Mongolian people with the core of the tribes directly under the Great Khan of the Northern Yuan Dynasty of Kublai Khan and the tribes descendants of the kings of the East. They live in the Onen River, Kerulun River, Lake Baikal, and Hulunbuir in the eastern part of the Mongolian Plateau. .

The long-term struggle between these two camps for the dominance of the Mongolian Plateau plunged the Northern Yuan regime into chaos.

The internal chaos in the Northern Yuan Dynasty was a good time for the Ming Dynasty to send troops to annihilate the Northern Yuan Dynasty. However, at that time, Zhu Di, Zhu Gaoxu and other monarchs and ministers had already begun to plan and conquer the Western Regions, and military supplies had also been mobilized to the northwest. At the same time, Annan had just been pacified, and the court needed to make great efforts. Governance.

In response to this realistic situation, Zhu Di had to temporarily adopt a soft policy and took the initiative to send envoys to the Northern Yuan Dynasty to express his good relations with him.

He sent a letter in the name of congratulating Guilichi on becoming the Great Khan. The letter said: "I have heard that the northern region has recommended the Khan to be crowned the Great Khan. I have sent Duo'er only, Shuran and others to express my wishes with the four ends of the gold and silk embroidery. Today Dading, people from all over Bohai and beyond come to pay tribute. Isn’t it wonderful that the Khan can send envoys to communicate with each other and become one family, so that the border areas are thousands of miles away, the beacons and fortresses are free of police, and each other is prosperous and enjoys the blessing of peace? "

At the same time, he also wrote to the important ministers of the Northern Yuan Dynasty, Ma'erhaza, Yesuntai, and Alutai, saying: "I would like to send envoys back and forth."

However, at that time, Guilichi and Arutai were leading their troops to fight fiercely with Mahamu of the Wala tribe and had no time to take care of this matter.

On the other hand, at Zhu Gaoxu's suggestion, Zhu Di issued an order to appease the old Mongolian tribes that had surrendered to the imperial court, and to be on guard against the invasion of the Northern Yuan people at any time.

In other words, in the past two years, Ming Dynasty has adopted two strategies against Beiyuan.

Soon after Guilichi obtained the throne of Khan with the help of Arutai, the leader of the Asut tribe, Arutai and Guilichi and his old ministers Taishi Right Prime Minister Ma'erhaza and Taifu Zuo Prime Minister Yesuntai Major conflicts arose.

In the end, Ma'erhazan abandoned his master and sneaked back to his hometown of Wala, and Yesuntai was killed by Arutai.Arutai and Guilichi moved to Hailar River (now Hailar River, Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia), and eastern Mongolia restored their homeland.

In June of last year, Benya Shili, a Yuan descendant, with the support of the army sent by Kudada, personally led the army to conquer Guilichi to revive the Northern Yuan Dynasty.

However, before the army arrived, the conflict between Guilichi and Arutai intensified, and Guilichi was killed by Arutai.

When the Northern Yuan Khanate had no owner, Arutai supported Benya Shili as the Great Khan of the Northern Yuan Dynasty in October last year, and he himself served as the Grand Master.

At this point, Benya Shili and Arutai became the new rulers of the Northern Yuan Dynasty.

Although Benya Shili was relatively weak at the time, he received strong support from various grassland ministries because he was a "descendant of the Yuan Dynasty".

Moreover, at that time, Benyashili's good friend Hudada took control of the Yili Khanate, so Benyashili and Arutai's ambitions grew, and they did not take the Ming Dynasty's envoys seriously.

"Your Majesty, you are wise! Those former Yuan barbarians only recognize the fire blunderbuss of the Shenji camp, but not the good letters. We must send troops to cripple them!"

Xu Huizu, Duke of Wei, said loudly.

Zhu Gaoxu said: "Father, Holy Ming, if our Ming Dynasty blindly builds the Great Wall and sets up fortresses for defense, we will hand over the initiative on the battlefield to the grassland enemies who are good at riding and shooting. The only way is to follow the strategy of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty and take the initiative to attack and find the enemy." Only by destroying its main force in one fell swoop can it be settled once and for all.”

Zhu Di looked at everyone in the palace and asked loudly: "In the past, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty had Wei Qing and Huo Qubing. Now in the Yongle Dynasty, who can lead my troops to put down the rebellion?"

Xu Huizu took the initiative to ask Ying and said: "At the end of the day, I will be granted the title of Duke of Wei, and I will receive a salary from the imperial court. I cannot live for free. I am willing to go into battle to capture thieves and repay the emperor's kindness."

"Your Majesty, my brother is willing to lead the army to go out to avenge the Ming Dynasty and make contributions to the fourth brother!" King Ning Zhu Quan answered.

Fang Xiaoru bowed and said: "Your Majesty, the Duke of Wei is brave and good at fighting. If he leads the troops in the northern expedition, he will surely succeed." "Your Majesty, I am willing to lead the troops!" Xu Huizu said respectfully.

Ning Wang Zhu Quan argued: "In terms of wisdom, courage and strategy, my brother is better than the Duke of Wei. Please give me your permission."

"Father, Duke Wei has fought many battles with the founding fathers. He has made many meritorious deeds and his reputation has spread far and wide. He will definitely succeed in one battle. In a few days, Uncle Seventeen will go to sea to join the vassal, shouldering the important task of establishing the vassal state. And soon The established Ning State is located in the southeast of the Peacock Peninsula and has many contacts with overseas countries, so it can be said to be the gateway to trade."

When Zhu Gaoxu saw Ning King Zhu Quan rushing to command the army, he naturally would not let him get his wish. He immediately turned around and reported to Zhu Di: "The vassals changed their feudal status to establish overseas countries. The establishment of the Ning Kingdom is of great significance, and its influence is far greater than that of the Northern Expedition. I The Ming Dynasty has many soldiers and generals. When they go to Mobei, if Wei Guogong takes the command, they will surely triumph. The Seventeenth Uncle cannot ignore going to sea to build a country. He will lose a big thing because of a small thing, regardless of the importance."

Ning Wang Zhu Quan once again argued: "Your Majesty, leading troops in battle is exactly what I am good at. In terms of strategy, I will not necessarily lose to the Duke of Wei. The imperial court sent troops to the north. Since the Duke of Wei can go, why can't I go? ?”

Xu Huizu didn't want to quarrel with Prince Ning, so he just responded in a low voice: "Your Majesty, His Majesty Prince Ning's martial arts skills are far superior to those of the ministers. I am willing to serve as the vanguard for His Majesty Prince Ning."

"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is far-sighted and thoughtful. It is really safe for Duke Wei to be in command. Please give your Majesty's judgment."

Fang Xiaoru bowed and saluted.

"Okay, let's stop arguing. Why should I provoke you to such a violent fight and quarrel with each other if you are just a rebel? You can't do that!"

Zhu Di waved his hand, his eyes fell on Xu Huizu, and said: "Xu Huizu, take command immediately and prepare to go out."

"The minister leads the order."

Xu Huizu bowed and accepted the order.

Zhu Di looked at Xia Yuanji and said: "Old Minister Yu is unable to manage the affairs of state due to illness. I have asked you, Xia Yuanji, to take charge of the household affairs for the time being. Now that the imperial court is marching to the north, you must immediately prepare military pay and food for the northern campaign."

"I have something I want to ask Your Majesty to clarify."

Xia Yuanji bowed and bowed.

"Say." Zhu Di said.

Xia Yuanji said respectfully: "The rebels in Mobei must be eradicated, but we have to prepare silver and grain, but I have a hard time taking care of it. The matter of conquering the west has not yet been decided, so let's not talk about it for now. Can we stop the construction of the new capital in advance? Stop and wait until General Xu’s victory and the imperial court’s financial pressure are relieved before continuing to build a new capital?”

"No!" Zhu Di said without hesitation.

He paused and explained slowly: "You only know that you are in a dilemma when spending money, but you have not seen through it. If I were to take charge of the northern capital at this time, how could Arutai dare to act rashly? The construction of the new capital must not only not be stopped, but also accelerated. ! Build me a new capital as quickly as possible, do you understand?"

"The minister obeys the order."

Xia Yuanji had no choice but to bow and accept the order.

After half an hour.

Xia Yuanji returned home and told his wife: "Madam, find me some sets of clothes. His Majesty has sent a new errand. I'm afraid I won't be back until ten days and a half."

"Okay, I'll get ready now." Xia's wife responded cheerfully.

Xia Yuanji added: "Bring those two cupping cans with you."

three days later.

at night.

Household deployment Yamen.

The chiefs and doctors are working overtime to calculate grain, grass and military supplies.

Zhuo Jing, the Minister of Household Affairs, came over and asked, "Is it settled?"

"Okay." A head of household department replied.

Zhuo Jing said: "Okay, give me the account book."

At this time, Xia Yuanji's upper body was bare, lying on the couch with his abdomen supporting his body, holding two bamboo cupping pots on his back, holding a ledger in his left hand, and fiddling with an abacus in his right hand.

Beside the couch, there was a pile of charcoal burning in the stove, releasing heat.

"Shaojian Kang."

An official saw Kang Ping walking into the office carrying a lantern, so he stood up and greeted him.

Then, Zhu Gaoxu walked in.

"I'm waiting to see His Royal Highness the Prince."

When all the officials saw Zhu Gaoxu, they immediately stood up and gathered together. They lined up in a row headed by the minister Zhuo Jing and bowed in salute.

Zhu Gaoxu raised his hand to signal everyone to excuse themselves.

"Thank you, Your Highness," the officials said.

Zhu Gaoxu waved his hand and said, "You all go and get busy."

"Yes." The officials immediately dispersed.

When Xia Yuanji heard the sound, he prepared to get up from the couch and salute the Crown Prince Zhu Gaoxu.

However, Zhu Gaoxu walked to the couch first, put his hand on Xia Yuanji's left shoulder, and said, "Xia Yuanji, how are the preparations for the Northern Expedition's provisions?"

"It's not enough. We are still short of [-]%, but there is no need for your Highness to worry about it. For the great cause of the Northern Expedition, no matter how difficult it is, I must gather all the food and grass." Xia Yuanji said respectfully.

Zhu Gaoxu put on Xia Yuanji's coat, took the account book from Xia Yuanji's hand, flipped it through, and asked, "How many days have you not been home?"

"I can't remember clearly, it was either two days or three days."

Xia Yuanji replied awkwardly.

"I'll remember it for you! It's been three days!"

Zhu Gaoxu said: "Let's go home and take a look tomorrow!"

"Thank you, Your Royal Highness."

Xia Yuanji said respectfully.

The next day.

morning.

When Xia Yuanji returned home, he found that the yard was filled with tables, chairs and furniture. It seemed that they were going to move or sell off.

"Butler? Come out!"

Xia Yuanji shouted loudly into the yard.

"The master is back!" The butler immediately ran out and greeted Xia Yuanji.

Xia Yuanji saw his mother walking out of the room after hearing the sound, so he shouted: "Mom!"

"Weizhe, you're back!" Xia's mother said.

Xia Yuanji asked: "Mom, what are you doing?"

Xia's mother said: "You are too busy, we are moving."

"Master, it was the younger one who lied. The younger one lied to the old lady and said that it was you who agreed to move."

The butler immediately knelt down and said.

Xia Yuanji said with surprise on his face: "What house are you moving to?"

(End of this chapter)