golden scales

Standing in front of Wu Tong, Zhu Cihong looked down and said, "Mister, why don't you finish your sentence? Although Shanxi can hold on for a while, it will eventually be in a state of depletion. At that time, if there is no Mr., how can we be alone?" place?"

Wu Xuan's selfishness is actually harmless, and since the Warring States Period, all counselors who made ominous predictions did not end well.If you say bluntly that "Shanxi can't hold it", you will undoubtedly not be able to chat.

The reason why Zhu Cihong broke this selfishness was because he had made up his mind to solicit.Even if he knows the final direction of history, if he cannot figure out the succession of each event, he still cannot change the general trend of the world.If you want to really grasp every link, you can only rely on the help of resourceful people.

What he said before made Zhu Cihong sure that Wu Tong was such a resourceful man, and he really deserved to be able to stand out from thousands of civil servants.

Now, it is time to show some of your own insights in order to win people's hearts.

"Back then, we wanted to defend against the Mongols, so the Datong line was built like an iron barrel. Now the Donglu enters from Datong every now and then. Since the sixth year of Chongzhen, every time the government and army suppressed the bandits, they have achieved some results, and order can be restored soon. Donglu They want to intervene. The officers and soldiers had no choice but to withdraw to guard against the captives, so that the bandits escaped from the dead and revived." Zhu Cihong said: "Therefore, relying on the Jin army to contain the bandits is also stretched.

"As for the Jianghuai garrison, let's talk about Zuo Liangyu." Zhu Cihong said with a smile, "Yang Sichang made nine calls in those days, but he didn't move. Ding Qirui urged him again and again, but he still ignored it. Hou Xun had the kindness of promotion and understanding with him, and he also paid lip service. Asking prices all over the place. How can such a military town expect to pinch the Huguang thieves? I remember that my husband once said that Zuo Liangyu was domineering?"

Wu Sheng's strategy was based on the pincer attack between the northwest and the southeast. However, in fact, the Jin army in the northwest wanted to guard against the captives in the east, and the four towns in the southeast refused to obey their orders.

"Those words just now," Zhu Cihong said still with a smile, "I will pass it on to the Holy Majesty, and as a courtier, after all, the right way is to let the emperor be at ease."

—You can use it to fool the emperor, but don't expect to fool me.

Zhu Cihong looked down at Wu Tong, who couldn't even raise his head.

"Shanshan and Shanxi are all abandoned lands." Zhu Cihuang said in a vibrating voice: "Lonely people look at the Five Elements Chronicles of the past dynasties, but since Chongzhen, natural disasters have continued, locusts and droughts have alternated, and even the land of Guangdong and Hainan has snow falling three feet, freezing to death. He also ordered the Lingtai to survey the hundreds of years of giant tree growth rings, assess its experience of cold and heat, and found that all these changes in the sky are due to the colder weather."

The scholar-bureaucrats of the Ming Dynasty had a solid foundation in miscellaneous studies. Wu Sheng was not only a politician, but also a famous doctor in the world, and he had a deep understanding of the study of grass and trees.The climate characteristics of the year can be seen from the annual rings of the trees. This is a statement he agrees with, but he did not expect His Royal Highness to agree with it in the same way, and he felt a sense of closeness.

"Because the weather has turned cold and the climate has been dry, there have been years of drought. Because of the drought, the locust eggs hatched in large numbers without being flooded, resulting in a plague of locusts." Zhu Cihong said: "This kind of catastrophe that has never been encountered in thousands of years, how can it be Manpower can resist? What's more, since the founding of our country, the political abuses accumulated by generations of ancestors have reached the point where it is hard to recover. If we want to occupy the northwest again, it is really a dream."

"Your Highness is knowledgeable." Wu Yan sincerely said: "My emperor Ming said that the southeast is the silver field, and Huguang is the grain field. Since the temple, it has been clearly stated that the national policy of 'southeast grain nourishes the soldiers of the northwest'. Today, Guanzhong and Shanxi rely on the southeast. It has reached the point where it cannot be further increased, no matter who occupies these two important places, there is a danger of being trapped and killed."

"That's what makes sense." Zhu Cilang smiled and stretched out his hand to help Wu Shengxu up, and said, "As the crown prince, how can I be short-sighted for a while? Since I want to ask Mr. to praise the painting, I might as well tell you bluntly: the so-called thief, the east Captives are nothing more than ringworm and scabies. The real confidant’s trouble is the grammar of Emperor Ming’s regime.”

Wu Xuan stood up, and happened to be at the same level as Zhu Cihong.Since ancient times, Huaxia has regarded eye contact as a rude and provocative act, but at this time he couldn't care less, he just wanted to see what the prince was thinking from these bright eyes.

If he didn't have the experience accumulated in more than ten years of travel, and the knowledge gained through the sharpening of the ministry, even he himself would not know that the disadvantage of the Ming Dynasty lies in the grammar of the government.Don't talk about this prince who is still in his prime, let's ask Chen Yan, the current chief assistant, has he seen through this?

"So, I want to train troops and fight wars is just a means, the real purpose is to forge a piece of royal land, and finally let Huangming Longqi regain the infinite glory of the second ancestor." Zhu Cihong's voice was firm, sonorous and powerful, revealing a strong confidence.

Wu Tong saw a frenzy in Zhu Cihong's eyes, and even his own blood boiled.He tremblingly said: "Where does Your Highness plan to draw this imperial picture?"

Zhu Cihong shook his head slightly: "With limited experience, it is really difficult to make a decision."

Zhu Cihong's understanding of the details of Chinese geography must be much higher than that of Wu Sheng.Not only did he take geography classes in high school, but he also took advantage of opportunities such as company travel and business trips to visit all the places of interest in China, including many important border military towns.However, what we see and hear with the mentality of traveling, and when we examine these geographical features from a political and military perspective, we see completely two different scenes.

From this point of view, Wu Tong in turn has a greater advantage over Zhu Cihong.When he went to those places, it was purely out of military and political considerations.Even when he reads ancient and modern geographical maps and books, he reads them under the guidance of the military and government, and will never be distracted by such boring things as local food and beautiful scenery.

"Your Highness, have you heard of the world chess game?" Wu Zhen asked.

"Slightly heard."

Wu Xuan felt relieved when he heard the words, and said with a smile: "This is also the sinful minister's hard thinking and meditation. I have gained a little, and I would like to offer it to Your Highness."

This means that what you know is not what I want to say.What I want to say is the exclusive secret book.

Zhu Cihong really likes this kind of self-confident person, and the world chess game he knows is nothing more than a synonym for layout and hegemony, and the real national policy of Longzhong's level needs to be guided by senior talents.

"Chess players have a saying that there are golden corners and silver borders and a grass belly." Wu Chen really opened the chess game, saying to himself: "Because of what I have seen and heard over the years, I think my emperor will have four sides and four corners, and a grass belly."

"Grass belly is naturally the heartland of the Central Plains that people can't avoid, dare to ask around." It is indeed the first time Zhu Cihong has heard this kind of statement, and it is quite novel.

"What Your Highness said is true." Wu Tong took a step back, freed his hands, made a point in the void, turned from left to right and then down, finally drew a square, and explained at the same time: "Guanzhong, Gyeonggi, Jiangnan, Sichuan .These are the four corners of the world. Between these four corners are Shanxi, Shandong, Huguang, and Hanzhong."

Shanxi is located between Guanzhong and Gyeonggi, Shandong is located between Gyeonggi and Jiangnan, the two lakes are between Jiangnan and Sichuan, and Hanzhong is between Sichuan and Guanzhong.Although it is not very regular, but what Wu Tong said really organized China's mountains and rivers.

"Including the heartland of Henan, there are a total of nine chess grids. Each grid has a pass that can be defended, and a tunnel to pass through. Therefore, the chaos in China is only in these nine places." Wu Zhen did have the desire to simplify complex issues. ability.The two capitals of the Ming Dynasty and the thirteen provinces, if one wants to judge each other based on strategically important locations, who can express it so vividly in just a few words like Wu Yan.

Zhu Cihong was quite satisfied, so he simply sat on the embroidered pier and watched Wu Sheng's speech.

"I am divided in this way, the most important thing is the mountains and rivers. The most important thing for the mountains is to block them, and they are expensive because they have holes to pass through, such as the Eight Paths of the Taihang and the Qinba Plank Road; Meng and Puzhijin; Guazhou on the river, and the crossing of quarrying; and Yingkou, Wokou, and Sikou on the Huaihe River." After Wu Yan finished giving examples, he secretly watched the prince's reaction.Seeing that Zhu Cihong didn't show doubts, on the contrary, he seemed to agree, so he was relieved to speak.

"If there are dangerous mountains and places, you can rely on them to gain a foothold in the chaos and accumulate strength; if there are waterways flowing, you can expand and expand, and you can intervene in the overall situation according to the trend of the sky. This is the case with the four corners and four corners of the minister." Wu Sheng said: "First Let’s talk about Guanzhong. Guanzhong is the land where the ancestors and dragons prospered, surrounded by mountains and rivers. There are Qinling Mountains in the south, Longshan Mountains in the west, Red and Dry Mountains in the north, Huashan Mountains, Confucian Mountains and Shanxi Mountains in the east, and the Yellow River. It can be said to be surrounded by mountains and rivers, and the momentum is reunited. In terms of terrain, Guanzhong has the potential to dominate the Kanto land. The soldiers are as powerful as water, so the ancients said that "the one who wins Guanzhong wins the world."

"Now that the people's livelihood in Guanzhong is dying, I'm afraid it's useless to take it." Zhu Cihong said.

"Indeed," Wu Tong said, "Natural disasters are the worst in Guanzhong, where there has been a ten-year drought and no crops. The local area is mostly military settlements, and the amount of desertion is staggering. Thieves and thieves are all from Guanzhong, and they are not without exception. because."

Zhu Cihong nodded and said, "Continue."

"Gingji is the land of ancient Yanzhao, and there are many generous people. Its terrain is surrounded by mountains and seas, surrounded by mountains and seas on three sides, and the Central Plains in the south. With Yanshan as a barrier, it covers Hebei and even the entire Central Plains. Juyongguan, Shanhaiguan, Songtingguan, and Gubeikou , Lengkou, Xifengkou and other passes, guarding the traffic passages through the Yanshan Mountains, one man is in charge of the pass, and ten thousand people are not allowed to open it. The Taihang Mountains are the right-wing barrier of Hebei, guarded by Zijing Pass, Daoma Pass, Jingxing Pass, Fukou and other passes Wasn't it a coincidence that Yanzhao was able to fight against Qin in the past?" Wu Yan suddenly turned into a hero of generosity and elegy, and said loudly.

"If you can hold on, you really can't bear to give up." Zhu Cihong said.

Wu Xuan shook his head: "Hebei's powerful clan set up a fortress, and the government's orders did not reach the people. Since the Jisi Revolution, they have been slaughtered and plundered by Eastern captives. The hearts of the people have been scattered, and their vitality has been greatly injured. It is definitely not a place where His Royal Highness can rely on Zhongxing."

Zhu Cihong has never been out of Beijing, but since Ling Chi and Yuan Chonghuan, everyone around the capital wanted to buy his meat, which shows how serious the massacre was.

"Where's Jiangnan?"

"There are rivers and natural moats in the south of the Yangtze River, and fortifications along the river can ensure partial security." Wu Sheng said: "In the future, the Northern Expedition can also be connected to the four corners of the world through the Yangtze River. If Qin and Zhao win in the mountains, then the south of the Yangtze River will win in the water. It will also benefit from maritime trade. If you manage to get Jiangnan, you don’t have to worry about money and food for raising soldiers.” Wu Tong paused, then said cautiously: “The country has a second capital, isn’t it just for the purpose of consolidating Jiangnan?”

"Sir, do you mean that I should go to Nanjing to supervise the country?" Zhu Cihong frowned slightly.

Wu Xuan quickly shook his head and said, "I think Nanjing can be peaceful, but it only lasts for a hundred years. If you want to rejuvenate Huangming, you can't go to Jiangnan."

"Why?"

"Shijia." Wu Tong simply replied two words, and then said: "Jiangnan has never been robbed by Eastern captives and rogue bandits. There are no swords and soldiers. The family has multiplied, and now on the imperial list, it is all occupied by southerners. If it was in the Qin and Jin Dynasties, a Juren would already be a great figure in the locality, but in the south of the Yangtze River, the Jinshi memorial archway is continuously covered, which shows its strength .”

Zhu Cihong pondered for a while, and said: "The public can't beat the powerful family?"

"The Shijia is already deeply ingrained. If nothing else, if the officials of the prefectures and counties don't use the Shijiazi, who can they use?" Wu Sheng is from Jiangbei, and although he is also in the category of "Southern", he doesn't have a good impression of Jiangnan.Especially his old rival Zhou Yanru is the leader of the Jiangnan Party, and his own death will drag him down.

"It's come to this point..." Zhu Cihong was also helpless.Although the culture is booming in today's world, those who are able to study are still the children of the Shijia, or the well-off people who are inextricably linked with the Shijia.If it is against the powerful family, it is very likely that even the grassroots officials will not be fully equipped.

Or maybe they can match the officials, but these officials are obedient and obedient, and refuse to follow the rules of the East Palace. This is even more helpless.

"Besides, the south of the Yangtze River is really a safe place, and it can't bear the wear and tear, and eventually it became the situation in the Southern Song Dynasty." Wu Sheng said.

"Among the four corners, there is only Sichuan." Zhu Cihong said.

"Sichuan is located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, surrounded by mountains and mountains, and its protection is not comparable to other regions. The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River is the channel between it and the east, and the Jialing River and its tributary valleys are the channels between it and the north. Two channels Both are extremely dangerous. The east is mostly a waterway, which runs along the river road; the north is a land road, which goes along a plank road. These two directions belong to Chengdu and Yucheng respectively. From the east of Yucheng, through Wushan through the Three Gorges, you can enter Hubei, probably With Kuizhou as the gateway, Hautang Pass is here; from Chengdu to the north, Jinniu Road and Micang Road can enter Hanzhong, and Yinping Road can lead to Longshang, with Jiange as the gateway, Jianmen Pass That’s right here. There are grain, salt, and brocade weaving interests in the middle of Shu, and it’s really a place of great shape just by looking at the topography!” Wu Shen stretched out his finger and pointed, as if facing a detailed map, and he responded The terrain of mountains and rivers is all in the chest.

"However, it was also defeated by Renhe." Wu Yan suddenly changed his subject and said: "Since Li Bing ruled Dujiangyan, the land of Bashu has become a paradise. However, because of its isolation, it is difficult for Hakka and the people to get along. Originally The excellent form was consumed in this internal strife. Except for the Northern Expeditions during the Shu Han period, when they entered the Central Plains, most of the other regimes dominated one side and were self-sufficient, and there was never a hero from the middle of Shu.” (To be continued.)