Chongzhen revived the Ming Dynasty

No one knows what the reaction will be when Sun Chuanting's memorial is uploaded to the court.

But after Yuan Shu helped him do this, the relationship between the two quickly became closer.

As the governor of the northwest town, Yuan Shu not only had to establish the Shaanxi Weiwei Office, but also shouldered the important task of coordinating the relationship between the army and local governments. He needed to have a good relationship with the governor Sun Chuanting.

Sun Chuanting also attached great importance to Yuan Shu and knew that his father Yuan Keli was an important minister of the current emperor. The reason why Yuan Shu came to Shaanxi was to control the situation. He used his status as the son of the Minister of War to supervise the execution of military orders.

As a governor with military responsibilities, Sun Chuanting must be polite when facing the son of the Minister of War.

And in his opinion, although Yuan Shu did not obtain any fame, his knowledge was pretty good. Whether it is civil and military affairs, poetry, calligraphy or painting, they can all be discussed with me.

What is even more commendable is that as the son of the Minister of War and shouldering important responsibilities at a young age, Yuan Shu does not have any arrogance in him. Unlike those sons of eunuch ministers who relied on the power of their fathers to do whatever they wanted.

When he was the county magistrate, he once executed the sons of eunuch officials who acted recklessly in the county, and therefore became enemies with the eunuchs. When Wei Zhongxian was in power, he decisively abandoned his official position and returned to his hometown.

After this experience, Sun Chuanting didn't like the young masters of the minister's family very much.

However, Yuan Shu prevented him from feeling any ill feelings, thinking that although the other party had no fame, he could still be called a scholar-official.

In addition, Sun Chuanting once served as the county magistrate in Shangqiu, and belonged to the same Guide Prefecture as Yuan Shu's hometown of Suizhou. The two were able to get on with each other, and now they were in Shaanxi together. They hugged each other to keep each other warm, and their relationship quickly improved.

On this day, after Yuan Shu received the news that the court was going to hold a martial arts conference, he came to find Sun Chuanting and asked him for an idea.

Although Jin Yiwei is in charge of the martial arts conference, it requires local cooperation. Now many Jinyi guards in Shaanxi were sent out to search for information. The Zhenfu Department and the Weiwei Department were just empty frames. Yuan Shu had no choice but to ask Sun Chuanting for help.

When he first heard about this, Sun Chuanting didn't care much and said:
"Brother Yuan can imitate the martial arts exam and remove the written requirements."

"I will ask the officials in the prefecture and county to cooperate with Brother Yuan."

Yuan Shu smiled bitterly when he heard this and said:
"If only it were that simple!"

"In addition to the formal edict, His Majesty also specially ordered the Jinyiwei here in Shaanxi to lower the standards for recruitment."

"Anyone who can break a 200-pound stone, pull an 80-pound bow and arrow, or wield an 80-pound sword will be recruited."

“I don’t know how many such people there are in Shaanxi, how can we recruit them?”

"What's more, His Majesty also asked us to be responsible for the travel expenses of these people to the capital to participate in the martial arts conference."

"Even if we spend all the money and food from Shaanxi Jinyiwei, we can't afford this."

Yuan Shu thought the emperor's order was whimsical. It would be easy to say that if three conditions are met at the same time, there should be very few people like that. If only one condition is met, it will be easy to find——

Most people can lift a two hundred kilogram stone as long as they are healthy and practice for a while.

The emperor's request was really too low.

However, after Sun Chuanting heard this, he was thoughtful and said to Yuan Shu:

"This is not selecting brave men, this is selecting soldiers!"

"Taizu of the former Song Dynasty once said: The only thing that can benefit hundreds of generations is to raise soldiers. If there is a bad year and a hungry year, there will be rebels against the people but no rebel soldiers; if it is unfortunate and the happy years change, there will be rebel soldiers but no rebel soldiers."

"Therefore, although there were frequent civil and military rebellions in the former Song Dynasty, major disturbances rarely occurred."

"Your Majesty wants to follow the example of the former Song Dynasty and recruit those who are good at fighting among the hungry people in the name of martial arts conference."

Although the requirement for breaking two hundred kilograms of stone is not high, it still depends on who is right.

Based on Sun Chuanting's experience in Shaanxi, he believed that those who could meet this requirement were strong men who had enough to eat and drink and were in good health.

Those hungry victims cannot meet this requirement.

After these strong men are mobilized, what else can the remaining victims do?

Even if they want to rebel, no one will be the main force.

Therefore, Sun Chuanting, who had been thinking about how to pacify the Shaanxi bandits, quickly understood the brilliance of this strategy.

Under his guidance, Yuan Shu was also suddenly enlightened and said with great joy:

"So that's the intention. No wonder this order is a bit strange."

"But why doesn't the imperial court just say it's recruiting troops instead of holding a martial arts conference?"

Sun Chuanting laughed at this and said:

"Brother, I have never been in the military, so I don't know the status of a military household."

"In today's world, even hereditary families like mine have to pass the Jinshi examination to become officials, let alone ordinary soldiers!"

"If the imperial court says it wants to recruit troops, those who are capable will simply not apply."

"It's far better to use the name of the martial arts conference to recruit more talents."

Pointing to the document sent by the court, Sun Chuanting said:
"Although His Majesty said that the winners of the martial arts competition are not directly awarded officials, but are sent to martial arts to study."

"But in the edict, officers below the rank of General Assistant are allowed to participate."

"This means that as long as they can achieve good results in the martial arts competition, officers below the assistant general level may be promoted."

"Compared to the martial arts examination, it is even more beneficial!"

The Ming Dynasty's rewards for military jinshi were usually two-level promotions or the title of Qianbaihu, which were still some distance away from officers who commanded a battalion such as assisting generals and guerrilla generals.

The imperial court allowed generals below the level of the general to participate, which meant that by winning the first place in the martial arts competition, it was possible to be promoted to the general level. For generals, this is more beneficial than taking the exam to become the top scholar in martial arts.

Not to mention the title of No. 1 in the World is very attractive to martial artists.

Using the name of a martial arts conference to recruit brave warriors from the private sector is far better than recruiting soldiers directly.

The brave people among the people will take the initiative to participate in the meeting and seek to gain a new life.

Thinking of the bandits in Shaanxi, Sun Chuanting made up his mind to use this event to solve the problem and said:
"The matters in the edict should be made clear when issuing official documents."

"You must have someone explain it and explain the rewards from the imperial court."

"Let's just say that the one who wins the first place in the martial arts competition will be awarded the title of General Assistant to command a battalion."

"As long as they have not committed the crime of killing an official and rebelling, all those who have achieved the rank will be pardoned."

"Encourage those bandit leaders who are armed to participate and let them lead people to join the army."

Somewhat cautious about this, Yuan Shu said:

"Isn't this inappropriate?"

"The imperial court only said that those below the rank of general of assisting attack were allowed to participate, but it did not say that the first general of assisting attack was awarded."

"Brother Sun's promise may not be fulfilled by the court." Sun Chuanting laughed when he heard this, pointed at Yuan Shu and said:

"If the imperial court can't honor it, why can't you still honor it?"

"With you as the Master of the Ministry of War, can the Ministry of War not allow a general to assist in attacking?"

"Not only the first place, but also the second, third and other places must be rewarded, allowing them to command hundreds of troops."

"Based on what I've seen along the way, many of the mountain villages in Shaanxi are built to protect themselves."

"As long as you give them a way out, they will accept recruitment."

"Train these people and they will become a military force, and then let them take the lead in fighting against the stubborn bandits."

Listening to Sun Chuanting's strategy, Yuan Shu sweated.

At this time, he had already heard that Sun Chuanting did not want to send these people to the court, but wanted to use the name of the martial arts conference to recruit the bandits.

For this, he even included his own identity in it. He wanted to take advantage of his father's position as Minister of the Ministry of War to offer recruitment conditions.

Indeed, although General Zuoji can command a battalion, he is already a mid- to high-level officer in the eyes of military generals. But in the imperial court, they were not even qualified to be discussed, so the Military Selection Department of the Ministry of War could appoint them.

As the son of the Minister of War, it was easy for Yuan Shu to ask for a few officer positions from the Ministry of War.

Sun Chuanting's plan is very likely to come true.

When he became an official for the first time, Yuan Shu was still a little reluctant to let go. He didn't know if he could do such a thing. It was Sun Chuanting who persuaded them again and again and pointed out that the emperor's mission in sending them to Shaanxi was to quell the bandits, before they finally agreed.

The two wrote an official document according to the imperial edict, and after specifying the reward, it was distributed throughout Shaanxi.

Because the yamen hosting the martial arts conference is Jinyiwei, this official document was signed by the Shaanxi Weiwei Office. However, the Weiwei Office was a new government office. Sun Chuanting was worried that the people would not recognize him, so he asked the Shaanxi Third Division to stamp his seal.

In this way, this official document is not only valid in the jurisdiction of the governor of Shaanxi, but also in the entire Shaanxi. Sun Chuanting also asked Yuan Shu to write to Yansui, the governors of Ningxia and Gansu, and the governors of the three sides to ask them to cooperate.

The newly established Northwest Xingtaipu Temple, which was responsible for the northwest Mazheng Post, was also asked by Yuan Shu to cooperate with this matter.

Taipu Temple is the yamen under the supervision of the Ministry of War. How dare the officials of Taipu Temple in the northwest not give face to the Minister of War? No matter how busy we are with the establishment of a new yamen, we still have to make arrangements for various inns to coordinate with the martial arts conference.

In order to recruit as many warriors as possible, Sun Chuanting asked various post stations to provide convenience. In this way, it will naturally cost a lot of money and food. Although various yamen in Xi'an pooled some money together, it was far from enough to support this matter.

After much deliberation, Sun Chuanting thought of King Qin and asked him to support this matter.

The Qin vassal was a large vassal with luxuriant branches and leaves that even Zhu Youjian did not dare to touch.

But Sun Chuanting was very courageous and directly approached the King of Qin Zhu Cunshu and asked him to support the holding of the martial arts conference.

However, the vassal kings of the Ming Dynasty no longer had local power. The King of Qin, Zhu Cunshu, just wanted to enjoy his wealth and wealth, and did not want to get involved in this kind of thing——

The first place in the Shaanxi Martial Arts Conference is going to be awarded to the General of Assistance. How can he, a vassal king, have the courage to participate?
However, Sun Chuanting had an idea. Pointing to the Cuju event at the martial arts conference, he said:
"Taizu once ordered that officials and soldiers cannot play Cuju."

"So this is a game, and His Highness can participate."

"You can host Cuju competitions, form a round club, and even compete in skills."

This was Sun Chuanting's idea, and it was also the breakthrough he found.

He didn't know why the court listed Cuju in the martial arts conference, and he hadn't even figured out how to hold it.

When seeking support from the King of Qin, he decided to take up the project and let the vassal kings and wealthy businessmen of Shaanxi handle it.

Then use the proceeds from Cuju to support other projects.

Cuju was quite popular in the Ming Dynasty, and there were many people who were keen on it. Zhu Cunshu became a little interested in this, and was coaxed by Sun Chuanting, saying that King Su, King Qing, King Han, and King Rui were all considering participating in this matter and supporting the emperor in holding a martial arts conference.

As the host, King Qin naturally had to be more active. In Cuju, you can't lag behind others.

With this reason, and thinking that Sun Chuanting could probably get the support of those vassal kings, Qin King Zhu Cunshu didn't have so many scruples and decided to spend some money and food for fun.

As a vassal king, he didn't have money and food, but his daily behavior was watched by officials, and he was restricted even if he wanted to spend money. Now that the governor requested it and other vassal princes shared the responsibility, he decided to participate in the matter and have fun openly.

After defeating Qin King Zhu Cunshu, Sun Chuanting asked the Qin vassal princes and generals to also provide support. Then he used the people's justice of King Qin to call on wealthy businessmen to support him.

Then, Yuan Shu was asked to send Jin Yiwei to King Su, King Qing, King Han, and King Rui to seek their support. And allowed the four princes to send representatives to Xi'an to participate in the conference.

After struggling like this, I finally collected enough money and food. The martial arts conference in Shaanxi was held with great fanfare.

Soon, word spread that the first place in the Shaanxi Martial Arts Conference was awarded to the Assistant Attack General and commanded a battalion.

The public was also extremely excited because of this news, and many brave warriors who had courage and wanted to know their origins actively participated.

Because Shaanxi is far away from Beijing, you need to go there in advance. Sun Chuanting and Yuan Shu decided to hold a competition in early February. After confirming the list, they would go to Beijing to compete together.

Therefore, during the Chinese New Year, this matter spread a lot, and people who were interested in participating in the competition went to Xi'an one after another.

Yan'an Prefecture, Mizhi, Yinchuanyi.

Li Zicheng, who was working as a postman and learned the news from the post station, quickly decided to participate in the martial arts conference.

He was born in Li Jiqian's village, and is said to be a descendant of Li Jiqian, Taizu of the Western Xia Dynasty. He liked guns, horses and sticks since he was a child, was good at riding and shooting, and was very rogue in fighting.

Now that I saw the opportunity to become an official by force, I immediately thought about it. He planned to stand out in the martial arts competition and make a fortune for himself.

However, he didn't have much confidence in his own force, so he went to his uncle Gao Yingxiang and said:

"The imperial court held a martial arts competition, and the first place was awarded the title of Assistant Attack General."

"My uncle is good at riding and shooting, and has extraordinary physical strength. Why not make a fortune instead of selling horses?"

Gao Yingxiang also became interested when he heard this. His business as a horse dealer sounds nice, but in fact he is also a horse thief. It can be said that he fights for his life and does not make much money.

Now that I have the opportunity to become an official, I certainly don't want to miss it.

Especially after asking about the situation and learning that he could join the army with his men, Gao Yingxiang became even more interested.

With his strength, even if he can't win the first place in Shaanxi, he should be in the top ten. The brothers under his command can join the army with him and make achievements together.

Therefore, the two quickly decided to go to Xi'an to participate in the martial arts conference. Brothers and clansmen who were willing to join the army also followed them.

On the way, they also met many people who were participating in the martial arts conference. Zhang Xianzhong, who once served as a police officer in Yan'an Prefecture and a frontier army officer in Yansui Town, is one of them.

When Zhang Xianzhong was in the army in Yansui Town, he was executed for violating the law. Fortunately, the general interceded and only had to beat him with a hundred military sticks. Then he was dismissed from the border army and lived in the countryside.

Now seeing that the martial arts conference required that as long as they were not guilty of killing officials and rebelling, they would be pardoned, Zhang Xianzhong immediately thought about it and felt that this was a good opportunity. Not only is it possible to continue joining the army, but it is also possible to directly become an official.

Therefore, although he is long and thin, he plans to gain wealth for himself through his bravery.

There are many people like them in various parts of Shaanxi. For example, Lantian blacksmith Liu Zongmin, the soldiers who surrendered outside the Great Wall were as fierce as tigers, and Hu Dawei. These brave men, tempted by official positions such as assisting generals, went to Xi'an one after another to participate in martial arts conferences. (End of chapter)