Li Er of the Tang Dynasty: Ancestor Xie is here!

Chapter 183 The Change of Tumu Fort

The old man wanted to educate future generations. Of course, Li Qing would satisfy such a simple wish.

In fact, even if Lao Zhu didn't say anything, Li Qing was still going to take him to have a look.

The main reason was not to lower Lao Zhu's blood pressure. He also felt itchy and wanted to beat Zhu Qizhen violently.

But this time, Li Qing told Lao Zhu in advance not to go to Zhengtong for the 14th year by himself. It was best to bring more carts of breadmen.

Of course Lao Zhu had no objection. He realized that there might be a fierce battle.

So, together with Zhu Di of Yongle Dynasty, with Xu Da as commander and Fu Youde and Feng Sheng as deputy, he gathered the best of the 20,000 elites and marched towards Zhengtong Dynasty.

……

August 13th, the 14th year of Orthodoxy.

Nearly a month has passed since Emperor Zhu Qi ordered all his troops to go out for battle.

He also invaded the Ming Dynasty first, but it was not without warning. Regarding the Mongolian tribes, the Ming court always suppressed the strong and supported the weak Mongolian tribes through tribute and mutual trade, and used this to win over some Mongolian tribes to be used by the Ming Dynasty. Since Zhu Di, the tribute market from both sides has become customized. The Ming Dynasty also gave a large number of valuables to the Oara feudal lords in the name of rewards to restrain Mongolia.

Since the Ming Dynasty often adhered to the "thick exchanges and thin exchanges" that have been used to save face since ancient times, this kind of tribute trade became a means of survival for the Mongolian tribes to make fortunes. Through tribute trade, not only can a large amount of money be obtained, but the tribe's strength can also be strengthened.

But as the Mongolian tribes gradually unified, their greed gradually became apparent. Since the Ming Dynasty rewarded people according to the number of people in the mission, more and more people participated in the mission at first, and in the end they simply started to falsely report the number of people.

Just tell me whether you want to give it or not. Your Ming family has a great cause and you still care about giving me three melons and two dates?

This kind of tribute trade gradually overwhelmed the Ming Dynasty's finances, and during the Zhengtong years, it gradually became a means to blackmail the Ming Dynasty. In the 14th year of Zhengtong, Wala once again sent envoys to pay tribute, and again falsely reported the number of envoys. After Wang Zhen learned of this situation, he was furious and ordered rewards based on the actual number of people.

Yes, Wala falsely reported the number of people five times. Wang Zhen thought to himself that I am not fucking blind. You pointed at fifty people and said one hundred and I tolerated it. You pointed at fifty people and said this was two hundred and fifty. , you are purely treating me as two hundred and five.

It was precisely because of this incident that Ye Xian became angry. At the beginning of July, Ye Xian led all his ministries to invade the interior in four groups. On the east route, Tuotuo Buhua and Uliangha attacked Liaodong; on the west route, they attacked Ganzhou (today's Zhangye, Gansu Province); on the middle route, they were the focus of the attack and were divided into two branches, one of which was commanded by Achi Zhiyuan. Attacking Xuanfu and Chicheng, another force led by Yu Ye personally attacked Datong first.

You can't say that Wang Zhen did something wrong in this matter. In fact, pole vaulting in a latrine in Wala is too much.

But shameless people definitely don’t see it that way. Li Shimin once made a sharp comment: Yi Di are like animals, fearing power but not being moral. Those who have always been good at getting cheap things also think that this is what they should do. Now if you don't give it, it is equivalent to breaking ground on my head, and I must send you to the grave.

First of all, this situation is like a little fairy. You are used to buying her bags and skin care products, but suddenly one day you don't buy them, and she feels that you owe her.

On July 11, the Ming Dynasty Datong right-hand general Wu Hao fought against Lao Xiannye Xian at Maoerzhuang, but the army was defeated and died; Datong governor Song Ying, Prince-in-law Duwei Jingyuan, chief military officer Zhu Mian, and left-hand general The four generals of the governor Shi Heng each led 10,000 troops to Yanghe for defense. Subsequently, Xining Marquis Song Ying, Wu Jin Bo Zhu Mian, Zuo Shengjiang Shi Heng and others led the Ming army to fight against Wala in Yanghe.

However, due to the obstruction of the eunuch Guo Jing, the Ming army was defeated and the entire army was destroyed. Song Ying and Zhu Mian died in battle, Shi Heng fled back to Datong City on horseback, and Guo Jing escaped by hiding in the grass.

Hiding in the bushes really helps, folks.

Castles outside the Great Wall fell one after another, and reports of defeats on the front line were reported frequently. As a result, Zhu Qizhen was not only not afraid, but even enthusiastically prepared to conquer it himself.

A little bit of the young man's ten thousand pockets, and the Tumubao's 200,000 yuan was given away.

Among the sixteen emperors of the Ming Dynasty, there were moderates like Zhu Yuanzhang who often had heart-to-heart conversations with ministers, hard-working people like Zhu Di who would go to the grasslands to argue their interests with the Mongols when nothing happened, and there were also people like Zhu Yuanzhang who liked big things. My sister's Zhu Jianshen is a young person... But if we sum up Zhu Qizhen in terms of behavior, then he probably belongs to the abstract school.

Just when Zhu Qizhen was full of ambition and prepared to lead his army and He Ye to have a try first, Wang Zhi, the Minister of Personnel, and others put forward different opinions.

They believed that "the despicable things on the border have existed since ancient times" and as long as "the officers and soldiers used their lives, they will surely win". The imperial court should focus on defense and advised the Yingzong to "do not need to personally guard the six divisions, but to attack the fortress".

The last time the "Six Imperial Divisions" went out and lost their entire army, it dates back to 2,000 years ago when King Zhou Zhao Ji Xia took Zong Liu Division into the river to feed fish - but it wasn't that they lost the battle, it was just because There was an earthquake while crossing the river.

However, Zhu Qizhen didn't listen at all. He was carried away by his passion and thought that he would be the first to do it. Without knowing the direction of the main force of Wala, he ordered the troops to be quickly assembled and sent out troops to attack within two days. Also first.

As we all know, even if the emperor does not conduct the expedition himself, the expedition must be carefully prepared. However, Zhu Qizhen was as if he was bewitched by a succubus. He wouldn't listen to anyone's opinions, so I had to send him off.

So, amidst the opposition from the Manchu Dynasty, Zhu Qizhen insisted on going his own way, and with the hastily assembled army, he set off.

When we arrived at Longhu Terrace in the suburbs of Beijing the day after departure, we already had an early warning. Due to the hasty gathering, and most of the soldiers had never experienced actual combat, they almost bombed the camp at night. Fortunately, the misunderstanding was clarified in time to avoid causing a catastrophe.

Logically speaking, as soon as this incident came out, everyone should be able to see that it was not appropriate to proceed with the personal expedition. However, Zhu Qizhen moved forward resolutely as if he had been struck by a weight.

After eight days of march, the army arrived at Jiming Mountain. At this time, it was the rainy season in the north. It had been windy and rainy for days, and the roads were very muddy. Before the army reached Datong, soldiers had already died of starvation and frostbite.

Not only the soldiers, but also Kuang Ye, Minister of War, fell off his horse accidentally and was seriously injured. It's a pity that he is old and can barely support himself to follow the troops.

Kuang Ye, the Minister of the Ministry of War, and Wang Zuo, the Minister of the Ministry of Household, repeatedly petitioned the commander to return to the court. Wang Zhen not only objected, but even ordered them to kneel on the grass until dark before being helped up.

Even Peng Deqing, Wang Zhen's close confidant who accompanied the army, said to Wang Zhen: "The celestial phenomena warn us that we can't go any further, otherwise we will trap the saint in the wilderness. Who will be responsible?"

However, Zhu Qizhen and Wang Zhen still insisted on going their own way and moving forward.

This way, heading west towards Datong, the army was frightened by the corpses strewn on the road. After arriving in Datong on August 1, the guarding eunuch Guo Jing informed Wang Zhen the next day, and the army was defeated by Bei Yuan in Datong. The army suffered a disastrous defeat. Suddenly heavy rain fell again, causing people to panic. So under Wang Zhen's half persuasion and half intimidation, Zhu Qizhen ordered the withdrawal from Datong.

According to the original plan, the Ming army's retreat direction should be from Datong to Yuzhou through Zijin Pass and back to the capital. Because Wang Zhen's hometown is in Weizhou, he adheres to the view that "wealth and honor will not return to his hometown, as if he walks at night in brocade clothes", he plans to show off his prestige with the elders in his hometown. But now his original good mood was ruined, and he began to worry that the march of the army would trample the crops and cause losses to the food that was about to be harvested.

Therefore, regardless of the fatigue of the division's veterans, who had already marched forty miles south, he persuaded Zhu Qizhen to turn back to the northeast and move toward Xuanfu again.

The officials were not stupid either. Of course they knew that this order was nothing but child's play. They jointly signed a letter to dissuade Zhu Qizhen from changing his mind. However, Zhu Qizhen didn't listen at all. In short, it was just Wang Zhen who did whatever he said and highlighted a traitor. psychology. However, the military reports at this time also showed that the Oara army was approaching Xuanfu. Unfortunately, the two top decision-makers of this army did not listen at all.

The journey back and forth was delayed for several days, and it was not until August 10 that we arrived at Xuanfu.

After so many days, even if it was a pig first, Zhu Qizhen could be driven out.

On the day when the Ming army entered Xuanfu, the Oara army also arrived at Jiming Mountain.

After hearing the news, Zhu Qizhen could no longer sit still and quickly urged his troops to move forward, hoping to break out of the encirclement and escape back to the capital when Wala completed a complete encirclement on him.

He ordered his obedient brother Wu Kezhong to cut off the rear, but they were severely defeated. More than half of the soldiers were injured and both brothers died in the battle. He also ordered Cheng Guo Gong Zhu Yong to lead 30,000 cavalry to support. As a result, he plunged into the encirclement of Oala. Not only was the entire army wiped out, but even the second generation Cheng Guo Gong Zhu Yong also died with the army.

On August 13, a panicked Zhu Qizhen arrived at Tumubao. It was still early at this time, and it was only more than twenty miles away from Huailai, which had complete defense facilities.

At this time, Zhu Qizhen was sitting in the tent, enjoying Wang Zhen personally cleaning his face.

"My dear friend, I always feel a little weak in my heart." Zhu Qizhen muttered as he let Wang Zhen wipe his face.

Wang Zhen handed the handkerchief to his godson beside him and said with a smile: "The emperor and the good people have their own destiny. How can a mere clown make things happen? Don't scare yourself. The ancestors of the Ming Dynasty have spirits in the sky, and they will definitely do it." Bless your Majesty."

Although he said this, Wang Zhen didn't have much confidence in his heart.

He was not worried about the Wala cavalry, but worried about the belongings and baggage of his more than a thousand carts.

"Well, after a short rest, let's set off for Huailai after a short rest. Let's set off for Huailai." Zhu Qizhen stretched his arms and said to Wang Zhen: "There has been no news from Duke Cheng Guo for a long time. I always feel that my heart is pounding. …”

Unexpectedly, Wang Zhen suddenly said: "Your Majesty, you must not do this..."

Although he was always quick-witted, he was not familiar with military strategy, and for a while he could not think of any suitable excuse to stop Zhu Qizhen from moving forward.

He could only tell the truth: "Your Majesty, my servant's luggage is still behind me. If our army abandons this luggage, won't it be an advantage for the Walas people?"

The truth has to be told, but it also depends on how you say it. If you say that you can't bear it, then you definitely can't; but if you say that you can't leave it to the Wala people, then it seems that you can live with it just to save your face.

Hey, as an official, the most important thing is to live up to your expectations, and leave the rest to the leader.

Zhu Qizhen was not harsh on Wang Zhen, on the contrary, he was very indulgent. He pointed at Wang Zhen and said with a smile: "You old dog, if you don't want to part with your property, just say so, as if I can do anything to you."

"Your Majesty, Shengming Zhuzhao..." Wang Zhen immediately flattered him.

"In your opinion, what should we do?" Zhu Qizhen asked.

"Anyway, there are many of us, so we don't have to worry about it. Why don't we stay overnight in the Tumu Fort, and at dawn tomorrow, we can march to Huailai City." Wang Zhen began to talk about his bright idea.

Zhu Qizhen pondered for a long time, thinking that what Wang Zhen said made sense. After all, he had many people, and even if he had 200,000 pigs, he would not be able to catch them all in three days. So he smiled and said to Wang Zhen: "Just follow what the big companion said, go and deliver the order, and rest in Tumubao today."

"Yes!" Wang Zhen got the order and went happily.

Although Zhu Qizhen agreed, he still felt that something was wrong.

But he knew clearly that what was wrong was definitely not because of those tiles.

In his opinion, Wala is just a bunch of clowns. Even if his winning rate has encountered a temporary decline, as long as he enters Huailai City, he will see a slight but appropriate increase.

How did you say that? If you hold on firmly, there will be a solution!

If it’s not Wala, then who is it?

Zhu Qizhen has an advantage that is not an advantage, that is, he never thinks too much about things he doesn't understand.

He took the noodle soup served by Wang Zhengqian's son, scooped it up with a spoon and put it to his mouth. As soon as he took a sip, there was a noise outside.

He put down the soup in displeasure and looked in the direction of the sound.

After a while, he saw the ministers rushing in.

There were Kuang Ye, the Minister of the Ministry of War, Wang Zuo, the Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, Zhang Fu, the British Duke, Cao Nai, the cabinet scholar, and others. Almost all officials of fifth rank or above were present.

"Your Majesty!" Kuang Ye knelt on the ground and said sadly: "Please take back your order and lead the army into Huailai City immediately after the army has finished cooking. Otherwise, there may be a danger of being trapped when the Oara army arrives... "

If he hadn't talked about the problem with the Wala army, perhaps Zhu Qizhen would have accepted it.

But Zhu Qizhen is obviously in the rebellious stage of adolescence now. Once this energy comes up, in his eyes, Wala is just a chicken and a dog.

"I have 200,000 elite soldiers, so why should I be afraid of a mere idiot?" Zhu Qizhen said displeasedly, "What's more, I have the blessings of my ancestors. How can a mere clown hurt me?"

All the ministers looked at each other and cursed in their hearts.

What the hell are you elite soldiers? Don’t you know what these improvised soldiers under your command are like?

Do you still dare to mention your ancestors? As long as our ancestors see your current virtue and don't beat the shit out of you, we will all take your surname Zhu!

But naturally they couldn't say that, so they turned their attention to Zhang Fu.

Military matters need to be handled by professional people. Let him analyze it from a professional perspective. Maybe the emperor will change his mind.

(End of this chapter)