golden scales

People's hearts have been the most difficult thing to grasp since ancient times. When the king of Qi won Su Qin, and the king of Chu met Zhang Yi, which one didn't think that he had won a virtuous talent?In the end, I learned that Su Qin only came to "weak Qi" for the sake of King Yan, and that Zhang Yi tricked King Chu into losing his land and moving his capital. At that time, it would be useless to regret it.

"Could it be that your highness knows how to match people?" Xu Dun still looked calm and composed: "I can tell that your highness is definitely not a person who has lost his bow and bow."

Zhu Cihong was amused, his face softened slightly, and he let go of his words: "Your surname is unruly, you show your sharpness, and you don't want to be weaker than others, where can you be placed? Do you really think that you can do it by yourself? Finish everything?"

"Your Highness, please give me a few literate subordinates who are able to read, and copy me any news that is convenient. In time, I will definitely give Your Highness an explanation." Xu Dun said: "With His Highness's wisdom, Dun I really don't know how anyone in the world can deceive Lang Dui."

"You flatter me so badly," Zhu Cihong said with a smile, "but I can still support a few people. Come tomorrow, and I'll give you five secretaries. If you don't think it's suitable, you can replace them yourself." Candidates, just make a report."

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Xu Dun saluted generously and retreated.

Zhu Cilang took a sip from the cup of tea on the desk, moistened his lips, and immediately pulled the rope hanging beside the desk.This rope is connected to Liu Ruoyu's office, as long as Zhu Cihong pulls on one side, it will drive the bronze bell on the other end, making a jingle sound.This also allowed Liu Ruoyu to have time to deal with some things without having to wait all the time.

Now this Liu Bandang has done his part to become the chief secretary of His Highness the Crown Prince, and there is nothing he cannot see in all his dealings.However, Zhu Cihong's methods of appointing secretaries were significantly higher than those of previous emperors, and the documents submitted were all based on evidence. The list was cleared every five days, and it was clear at a glance whether it was privately suppressed or not.

After briefing Liu Ruoyu about Xu Dun's affairs, Zhu Cihong said, "This matter can be handled earlier, and tomorrow I will start copying an extra report to him."

"Your Highness, is this person really trustworthy?" Liu Ruoyu knew that His Highness the Crown Prince was against the aristocratic family, so he couldn't help worrying for the Prince.

"Even if he clearly says that he belongs to Ding Guogong, I still have to use him." Zhu Cihong patted the book on the table: "Politics is nothing more than trade-offs. They gave a sweet date and a killing stick. I Wouldn’t it be cowardly if you don’t continue? I’ll be bullied by those people even more in the future! I’m worried about him now so I can’t use it, so I need to pay more attention.”

"Your Highness, the relationship with the East Palace is confidential, is it alright to let him know?" Liu Ruoyu was still worried.

"Of course I have to go through the trial first." Zhu Cihong tapped the script lightly: "However, there are some things, even if they can be hidden from people's eyes, they can't be hidden from people's hearts. Just like Cheng Guogong, they certainly see You can’t know the truth, but you can always guess. Otherwise, why should the British government get involved?”

"Your Highness, I'm afraid it will be difficult to do this." Liu Ruoyu said regretfully.

Just by killing a Cheng Guogong, the East Palace has an extra million taels of silver. How relaxing and comfortable is this?Therefore, even if it is kidnapping and extortion, people with a high starting point are different from ordinary grassroots bandits.

"This matter is a one-shot deal." Zhu Cihong sneered: "If we really want to fight in the capital, we may not be able to gain much advantage. Once His Majesty father is alarmed, the truth will be difficult to cover up."

This is also the reason Liu Ruoyu heard.His mind suddenly turned, and he was just about to say: Can he be charged with possession of ordnance.It suddenly occurred to me that those dukes were already protected by pacesetters and royal guards, not only could they wear armor, even if they used bows, crossbows and firearms, it would not be a big crime.

"Take it when you see it." Zhu Cihong stood up and rubbed his hands excitedly: "I didn't expect that the three major battalions could get it, but it was a surprise. You go and prepare, tomorrow all the officers above the hundred generals will come to become the Duke of the State." In addition, the palace should be arranged in advance, and the money that should be spent should not be wasted. Nowadays, people like Wang Zhixin and Wang Chengen still have some influence on the father."

"Old minister understands." Liu Ruoyu responded.He understood His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's desire for military power. He had to spend a lot of energy for a guard battalion, but now that he has picked up a three-strong battalion, there is absolutely no reason why he should not take it into his pocket.However, those dukes cooperated so much that it made people feel a little guilty.

However, Zhu Cihong knew that the current situation was a typical example of beating a wolf with a stick and being afraid at both ends.

The princes are all wealthy people, and they definitely don't have the courage to compete fiercely with a young man.Even if the princes of the Ming Dynasty committed unforgivable crimes such as conspiracy to usurp, they were only banned by high walls, let alone such appalling things as abolishing the prince.Even if the emperor imposed heavy punishment on the prince and sent him to Fengyang for confinement, it would not be worth the lives of hundreds of people in his family!

What's more, the crown prince is the emperor's own son. Even if he is imprisoned, he will probably be released within a few days. Is it true that the crown prince is imprisoned until he dies?

What Zhu Cihong was afraid of was that time was running out.

Now Zhang Xianzhong conquered Wuchang in May.Li Zicheng established Xinshun in Xiangyang in March and proclaimed himself King of Xinshun.The east side was better, because Zhu Cihong knew that Huang Taiji was going to die within this year, but he didn't know the exact date of his death.In comparison, the Regent Dorgon was far inferior to the Emperor Taizong Wen, which meant that God had helped Daming accept an enemy.

As long as an army can be mastered as soon as possible and a stable base can be established, the situation in Ming Dynasty will be completely reversed.

Zhu Cihong took down a map from the bookshelf, which clearly showed the topography of the Ming Dynasty.

This map is the "Map of Huangming Zhifang" revised by the Zhifang Secretary a few years ago. It not only uses Western techniques, but also marks the dangerous and important towns guarded by the garrison in various parts of the Huangming. It is a rare and comprehensive map. [***] Matter maps.

But speaking of the whole country, it is limited to the two capitals and thirteen provinces. As for the Western Regions and Uzang, they are not marked in detail.The terrain and topography of Liaodong and Liaoxi also used documents from decades ago.

Facing the map, Zhu Cihong sorted out his thoughts on building an army in his mind.

To maintain an army, at least three elements are required: generals, soldiers, and food and salaries.

Generals can be selected through training, teaching, and fire tests, but the recruitment methods of the three major battalions are almost paralyzed, because the military household system has basically collapsed at present, and it is difficult to select suitable soldiers to charge into the battle.As for food and salaries, the three major battalions have always been maintained by the emperor's internal money, and Zhu Cihong knew the depth of the internal money very clearly, so he had no hope at all.

Even if he had millions of taels of real money by his side, it would be very difficult to support a large army.Because silver cannot be eaten, it must be replaced with grain, meat, and poultry eggs, which again involves the issue of the productivity of the entire society.Otherwise, not only will it be difficult to make full use of the silver, but it may even cause localized inflation.

If you have a base area you can control, you can pull the land and the people into the chariot, even if there is only one province, you can turn the tables.It's just that according to the current situation, the Gyeonggi area is not a good choice.

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