Daming Palace, Hanyuan Hall
This is neither the main court nor the noon court, but an emergency imperial meeting.
Reflected on the floor of the Hanyuan Hall of the Daming Palace are the civil and military officials of the Five Prefectures, Six Ministries, Nine Ministers, Six Sections, and the Censor. In addition, there are three vassal kings, King Qi, King Chu, and King Wei, standing aside. Sit back and watch politics.
Today is a court meeting to discuss side matters.
Emperor Chongping sat behind the imperial desk with a calm expression on his face. There seemed to be a hint of violence on his gloomy face, and his eyes wandered over the cabinet and military ministers below.
The civil and military officials of the Han Dynasty also looked solemn, silent, and filled with shock and anger.
If it had not been in the past, the civil and military ministers of the Manchu Dynasty might not have been in such an uproar, but after the Han Dynasty's continuous battles and victories in the past two years, and frequent great victories in the northern war and the southern war, a psychological dependence on victory has been formed.
Emperor Chongping said coldly: "My lords, the Mongolian Tatars in the northwest are rampant in their arrogance. They are killing our officers and soldiers and occupying our territory. How do you think we should respond?"
A group of civil servants below were whispering to each other and discussing in private.
"Your Majesty, I think it is necessary to send heavenly troops to Qinghai early to deal with border troubles quickly!" At this time, Pang Shilang, the left minister of the Ministry of Personnel, said loudly.
Jia Heng was the first to come out of the crowd and took the initiative to invite Ying and said: "Back to the Holy Lord, I would like to lead troops to the northwest to conquer Heshuote Mongolia!"
As soon as this statement came out, the courtiers present were unhappy and worried, and even frowned secretly.
How can we still allow Duke Wei to go to the northwest? Now that he has achieved great success, is he still going to be promoted to a noble title?
If he makes further contributions to the Shangdonglu in the future, he will be unable to be sealed. This will be more of a disaster than a blessing for the country!
Xu Lu glanced at the young man who was standing in the front row, and there was a hint of worry in his eyes under his brows.
Xining was defeated, and Duke Wei Guo was right again!
The day before yesterday, it was mentioned that after Jin Xiaoyu led the army to the expedition, he might suffer a huge defeat. Sure enough, in just one day, the report of Xining's defeat had been delivered.
It is not an exaggeration to say that one can tell things like a god.
But even more so, the military affairs of the Han Dynasty cannot be left to one person.
It can be said at this moment that the thoughts of loyal ministers like Xu Lu are also the thoughts of some civil servants in the palace.
At this moment, an eunuch quickly ran over and reported to Emperor Chongping: "Your Majesty, the Prince of Nan'an County and other military aircraft have entered the palace to report something."
While he was talking, Nan'an County Prince Yan Ye, Liu Fang, Shi Guangzhu and others entered the palace in a mighty manner. After saluting, the voices of shouts of "Long Live the Mountain" could be heard one after another.
Emperor Chongping looked at Yan Ye and said, "Yan Qing is in peace."
While speaking, Yan Ye, Liu Fang, Shi Guangzhu, Ma Shang, Chen Ruiwen and others stood up one after another.
Emperor Chongping asked: "Did Yan Qing ever know about the defeat in Qinghai? Jin Xiaoyu led 30,000 troops to fight against the enemy, and all 30,000 troops and horses died in Haiyan."
Just the day before yesterday, when Xining delivered the good news, these people in front of them kept saying that Xining would win. As a result, it turned out that Jin Xiaoyu led the troops to attack Haiyan, which was an outright military adventure.
Yan Ye looked solemn and cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, I thought that we should send troops to rescue immediately. The guards and horses of Xining Prefecture are ineffective and were defeated by the Mongolian Tatars. Once they become bigger and connect with the Hu people in Qinghai, they may raise troops to threaten them." Xining, if this happens, I am afraid that I will be like Xixia in the Northern Song Dynasty, and the northwest will really never have peace."
As he spoke, he put on a facelift and calmed down his expression, and said: "Wei Chen is willing to lead the troops to fight for the Holy One to quell the northwest frontier troubles."
Liu Fang said: "Your Majesty, I am also willing to go to the northwest to join the expedition!"
Shi Guangzhu and others also came out and said: "We are willing to go to the northwest to join the expedition!"
Just like the enthusiastic invitations to fight on the wedding day, Nan'an County Prince Yan Ye, Liu Fang, Shi Guangzhu and other founding heroes also took the initiative to apply for military service.
Emperor Chongping was silent for a moment and asked: "Now that Duke Wei and Prince Nan'an are both leading troops to go on an expedition, what do you think?"
At this moment, the emperor was obviously hesitant in his heart. In other words, Jia Heng's mention yesterday that Prince Nan'an and others might be defeated had some impact on the emperor.
Because Jia Heng said so many things right, even Jin Xiaoyu's defeat was accurately predicted by Jia Heng.
At this time, Cen Weishan, the Minister of Punishment, held an ivory jade wat in his hand, and went out to announce: "Your Majesty, I think that Duke Wei will not return until after the battle. The imperial court is out of pity for the meritorious officials, so it is not appropriate to work hard anymore."
Zhao Mo, the Secretary of the Ministry of Punishment, listened on the sidelines and moved his lips, but did not speak after all.
This former cabinet minister, who was just deeply involved in the imperial examination fraud case, has been dormant in the court affairs recently.
Jia Heng argued with reason and said: "Master Cen, I don't think it's hard to travel around. Besides, sharing the worries of the imperial military affairs, why should I say it's hard?"
At this time, Yao Yu, the Minister of Civil Affairs, raised his hand and said: "Your Majesty, I think that we need to rest and recuperate after the battle in the capital camp. We can no longer send troops and horses. It is better to recuperate and recuperate."
At this time, the Li Ke officials told Hu Yi, "What Mr. Yao said is true. Duke Wei has just got married. The court wants to show respect to the meritorious officials and cannot send them to conquer him many times."
Chen Duan, the censor of Jiangnan Road, said: "Your Majesty, my great Han Dynasty has just fought a battle with the Eastern captives in the spring. The soldiers and horses have just made a triumphant return and are heading to the northwest again. The soldiers are tired of fighting."
Yan Ye, the king of Nan'an County, said: "Before the expedition, there are still tens of thousands of soldiers and horses left in the Beijing camp. They can be raised for thousands of days and used for a while. I will lead these soldiers and horses, and then bring the Hongyi cannon."
Jia Heng frowned, his heart filled with a haze.
Nan'an can be defeated, but the Hongyi cannon cannot be allowed to be taken away by them, otherwise once it falls into the hands of the Mongols or Jurchens, the Han's firepower advantage will be lost in the future.
But now not only did the emperor not want him to lead the army, but even the civil servants present did not want him to lead the army to Qinghai.
Even if he doesn't want to admit it anymore, he has a great victory over the Jurchens, and after he is worthy of the princess and the princess, he should keep a low profile and bide his time.
Sure enough, Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment, glanced at the ministers below, and asked, "What does Mr. Li Ge think?"
Li Zan said: "There has been a big war in the capital camp, and the ministers think it is not appropriate to start a national war again. Is it feasible to mobilize an elite force from the capital to integrate the soldiers and horses of Ningxia and Xining to expel the Qinghai Mongolian Heshuote tribe?"
As soon as this was said, the officials and officials all said to the matter: "Your Majesty, I think that Li Ge Lao's plan is feasible. Compared with the Jurchens, who are our confidants, the Mongolians in Qinghai, who are suffering from scabies, and the two towns of Ningxia and Gansu. The more than 100,000 soldiers who went to Xining, combined with the Jing camp, are enough to pacify them."
"Who do you think is better to lead the army?" Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment and asked.
Li Zan hesitated for a moment and did not answer.
Although he still prefers Duke Wei to lead troops to the northwest, the military affairs of a country cannot be justified by just one person.
In fact, not only Chen and Han, but also any dynasty, if only one person is used, he will gradually dominate the power, and eventually the power will fall away, without exception.
The more famous generals gather, the less risk there will be of military generals seeking to usurp the throne.
At this time, Han Huang, the chief minister of the cabinet, held an ivory and jade wat, and said loudly: "Your Majesty, I think that the prince of Nan'an County, Laocheng, can lead his troops there to seek for the country."
Nowadays, one family dominates the military affairs of the imperial court, which is not good for the country.
"Wei Chen seconded the proposal." Xu Lu held an ivory jade wat and said with cupped hands.
A flash of understanding appeared in Qi Kun's eyes, he raised his hands and said, "Wei Chen seconded the proposal."
The abolition of the two reforms and the reform of the Yuan Dynasty also need to be managed by Duke Wei. What happened in the northwest is just a scabies disease. The Nan'an County Prince, a veteran who has been on the battlefield for a long time, should not be a serious problem.
"Wei Chen seconded the proposal."
"Wei Chen seconded the proposal."
At this moment, the imperial censors of Kedao also came out to agree. It can be said that the consensus of letting Duke Wei take a break has long been reached in the hearts of the Han Dynasty ministers.
Jia Heng looked at this scene, his eyes darkened a bit, and he felt some emotion in his heart.
For so many years since the founding of the country, Chen Han has also followed the unspoken rule of not delegating all military affairs to one person. This is evidenced by the emergence of a number of new Wuhou in several wars during the Taizong and Longzhi years.
It can be said that this was the tacit political understanding between Chen Hanjun and his ministers.
But you have to fight when you should.
It’s just that the Miaotang Gonggun princes really thought that they could defeat Heshuote Mongolia with the help of Nan’an County Prince and others?
But such words are not suitable to be said in public. Since the emperor has already chosen someone, saying such words would be a slap in the emperor's face.
The Prince of Nan'an County felt inexplicably excited when he heard the response in the palace.
The child doesn't know the importance and wants to take all the credit for himself. Now the courtiers are indeed wary. He is still too young.
Emperor Chongping said: "Ziyu, you just got married and are going to Jiangnan to clean up the pirates. This time, you will leave it to Yan Qing and others."
No matter how easy it is to use, you can't just use Ziyu. You must have martial arts that can compete with you in military affairs. The military of the Han Dynasty cannot walk on one leg.
This cannot be regarded as suppression. Ziyu went to Jiangnan to help implement the New Deal, wipe out the pirates, and made great achievements. If he should be promoted to an official position, he could still be promoted to an official position.
Jia Heng's expression did not change, he cupped his hands and said, "I will obey the imperial edict."
At this point, he can only let the Han monarchs and ministers have their own wishful thinking, and he can be considered as benevolent and righteous.
In fact, if the five counter-encirclement and suppression campaigns had not failed, there would not have been a certain meeting.
When Prince Nan'an, Liu Fang and others heard the young man's voice, they felt a surge of relief in their hearts.
Have you ever seen a child so deflated? What a pleasure!
No matter how good you are at fighting, the emperor and the courtiers don't use you, so what can you do?
Moreover, are the rulers and ministers jealous?
Prince Nan'an's eyes flashed and he sneered in his heart.
Once the monarch and his subjects are suspicious of each other, it is only a matter of time before they turn against each other.
Emperor Chongping said loudly: "Ziyu has also been packing up and heading to the south of the Yangtze River in the past few days. Wang Shuirong of Beijing and Gao Zhongping, the governor of Liangjiang, have urged him many times. The urgent matters in the south of the Yangtze River and the southeast coast are not under the northwest border affairs."
Jia Heng cupped his hands and said, "I obey the order."
With that said, he slowly returned to the morning class.
King Wei Chen Ran looked at the young man in python suit who stood as tall as a green pine tree and sighed slightly in his heart.
If it were him, he would definitely trust Zi Yu with all his heart. In fact, his father was still suspicious of Zi Yu deep down in his heart.
Emperor Chongping pondered and said: "The leader of the army has been finalized. Please discuss when and how many troops to send out. Where will the food, grass and baggage be transferred?"
Jia Heng looked silent at this time. He was not the person in charge at this moment, so he should remain silent.
The king of Nan'an County said: "Your Majesty, the Xining army is in urgent need of a spark. I think we should choose the cavalry from the Beijing camp to send troops quickly. If the Yong camp is the elite cavalry from the Beijing camp, I will mobilize the soldiers and horses from this battalion, led by Liu Fang, who can be the vanguard."
When Jia Heng heard this, he sneered in his heart. The Prince of Nan'an County had bad intentions in his heart. If his Guoyong camp was mobilized, it would be used as cannon fodder, and then he could manipulate his generals at will.
But this matter does not require him to argue or defend.
Liu Fang's cheeks were flushed at this moment, and she clasped her fists and said: "Your Majesty, I am willing to be the vanguard of the army, opening roads in the mountains and building bridges in the water."
Emperor Chongping did not comment, but looked at Li Zan and asked: "Li Qing, Shi Qing, what do you think?"
Li Zan frowned and said: "Wei Chen believes that the last time the Beijing camp mobilized the Guoyong camp and the Fenwu camp had just gone through a big battle, it was just when the troops were exhausted and needed to rest. If they mobilized troops and horses, they could mobilize the troops. The troops and horses left behind in the capital for the first time can be regarded as a rotation for the battle."
Shi Jie, the minister of the Ministry of War, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I think this is also the case. Last time the Jurchens invaded, all the soldiers and horses left behind in Shenjing City were elites in the capital. This western expedition can also help those generals to kill the enemy and serve the country." , the heart of fist and fist to achieve great achievements."
Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment and said: "The two beloved ministers are right. The Beijing camp is not a march of troops and horses, and the troops and horses that went out to northern Xinjiang last time have to rest this time."
When Prince Nan'an heard this, he was disappointed, but he couldn't say much else.
Fortunately, there are more than 200,000 soldiers and horses in the Beijing camp, and there are other soldiers and horses that can be deployed.
"How many troops should be sent this time?" Emperor Chongping asked immediately.
"Your Majesty, I will need at least 100,000 soldiers and horses to defeat Qinghai Mongolia and pacify the Western Region this time. At the same time, the Hongyi cannon should also be pulled up." Prince Nan'an said loudly.
Before the other ministers could say anything, Emperor Chongping had already spoken: "This time, the main purpose is to contain the Qinghai Mongols, and to recover the Western Regions, we need to start a full-scale war with the Heshuote Mongols and Zhungeer. We, the Han Dynasty, are currently at the time of internal military affairs, so it is not appropriate to start the country right away. war."
When the Prince of Nan'an County heard this, he held his hands in greeting and said, "I think it's my fault."
Li Zan said: "Your Majesty, since we are uniting the troops of Ningxia, Gansu, Xining and other places, the imperial court should not send too many troops, otherwise the supplies of military equipment and supplies will not be enough. I think 50,000 or 60,000 will be enough to help."
"Fifty to sixty thousand." Emperor Chongping thought for a moment, nodded and said, "Fifty to sixty thousand are enough to unite the troops and horses of Ningxia, Gansu, and Xining, and more than two hundred thousand are enough."
The two towns of Ningxia and Gansu originally had 120,000 to 30,000 soldiers and horses stationed there. If we add the more than 100,000 soldiers and horses in Xining, the force is indeed sufficient.
Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment and said, "Who will take care of the military supplies?"
At this time, Qi Kun, the Minister of Household Affairs, stretched out his hand and a man with a plump figure shook his head three times. He cupped his hands and said, "Father, I am willing to help the army escort the grain and fodder."
Emperor Chongping looked at Chen Cheng, who had a chubby face and a look of relief, and said, "You?"
"Last time in Taiyuan, I escorted the grain and fodder, and now I am familiar with it." Chen Cheng took the opportunity to greet me with a simple and honest smile on his fat face.
Emperor Chongping was silent for a moment and said, "Then King Chen Cheng of Qi will escort the grain."
King Qi did not make any mistakes last time.
King Chu's eyes flashed at this moment, and after thinking about it, he didn't give up the job after all.
Judging from Duke Wei's intentions, it seems that he is not optimistic about the Nan'an County Prince leading the army. Should he wait?
By the way, it wasn't Ziyu who wanted to fight the pirates with the King of Beijing in the south. He could just meddle in that matter and still get credit.
"The Military Aircraft Department drafted a decree to appoint Yan Ye, the king of Nan'an County, as the general to conquer the west. He will hold the golden seal and control the troops in Ningxia, Gansu, Xining and other military towns. He will lead 60,000 troops to Xining, order all the generals, and select a day to set off for the northwest expedition." Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment and said: "Let Chen Cheng, the minister of warehouse, be the transporter of grain and fodder to supply military supplies to the large army."
When Yan Ye heard this, his heart was agitated, his cheeks flushed, he bowed his hands and said: "I will live up to the trust of the Holy One and defeat the Qinghai Hufan for the Holy One."
Liu Fang, Shi Guangzhu and others also responded.
At this point, this is settled.
Emperor Chongping looked at the young man in python suit with a calm face again, and comforted him: "Ziyu also packed up and went to Jiangnan to supervise military affairs, customs, new policies in Jiangsu and Henan, and preparations for the establishment of the naval division. These are all It needs Ziyu to take care of it."
Jia Heng cupped his hands and said, "I obey the order."
The court discussion gradually dispersed.
Almost like a whirlwind, the news spread quickly throughout the entire Shenjing City. Yan Ye, the king of Nan'an County, led 60,000 troops to Xining to conquer Qinghai Mongolia.
Jia Heng left Hanyuan Palace and walked quickly towards Ningguo Palace along the palace road with high vermilion palace walls, feeling a little worried.
I don’t know how many innocent generals’ lives this battle will cost.
The Prince of Nan'an County stayed in the inner study at this moment, being taught by Emperor Chongping.
Liu Fang, Shi Guangzhu, Ma Shang, and Chen Ruiwen followed the civil and military officials in twos and threes toward the outside of the palace.
Seeing the young man walking quickly not far ahead, Liu Fang deliberately said loudly: "Now the prince will go to Qinghai, destroy the Qinghai Mongolia, and then regain the Western Region. This is the achievement of opening up the frontier, not those who rely on fire." It can be compared to those who are lucky enough to win with a sharp weapon."
Everyone in Ma Shang was talking and laughing, but most of their eyes were focused on the young man in python suit walking proudly in front of him.
Jia Heng glanced at Liu Fang, his eyes flashing coldly, and then he shook his head secretly.
It's just a dead person, no need to talk nonsense.
"Duke Wei, stay." At this moment, a clear and loud voice from behind called Jia Heng.
Jia Heng's face paused slightly, turned around, and stared at the person who came. He had a handsome face and an impressive body. He cupped his hands and said, "His Royal Highness the King of Chu."
King Chu smiled and said: "Gong Wei, the little king just asked his father for a job. In a while, he will go to the Jiangnan Military Headquarters to inspect the weapons. At the same time, he also went to see the princess. The princess will be there for another three or four months. It’s time to give birth.”
Because of Jia Heng's original battle, not only did Qi King Chen Cheng reap the dividends and was promoted from a county king to a prince, but the King of Chu also praised Emperor Chongping many times for his diligence. It can be said that he is very proud of himself recently.
Moreover, there is another thing that makes King Chu feel happy. Princess Wei's stomach has not moved yet. The Song family in the palace has decided to take a concubine for King Wei.
After saying that, King Chu seemed to be trying to close the relationship, and smiled and said: "I heard that Mrs. Wei Guo is also pregnant?"
Jia Heng said: "Yes, it was there at the beginning of the year, and now the fetus is four or five months old."
The King of Chu seemed to be joking or trying to say: "What a coincidence, it's just one or two months apart. If the princess and Madam give birth to a boy and a girl respectively, how can Duke Wei and I still be together?" We have a son and a daughter and a family."
Jia Heng: "???"
What did King Chu say?
How is this possible? Both children are his, how can they get married? This is simply a human tragedy.
Seeing Jia Heng stunned, the King of Chu also felt that this was possible, and said with a smile: "What do you think, Duke Wei? Our two families might as well arrange a marriage."
Jia Heng quickly regained his composure and said: "The prince is joking, how can the marriage of the noble family Tianhuang be decided hastily? Besides, the princess may not like it either."
If Zhen Qing knew about this, she would probably be so angry that she would kill him with a millstone.
When the King of Chu heard this, although he was a little disappointed, his expression did not show anything, and the smile on his handsome face did not diminish. He said: "Duke Wei, the princess may not allow it, but after going south this time, I hope that Duke Wei will do more." Take care of the Zhen family."
Jia Heng said: "Your Majesty, you're welcome."
"Gong Wei, Concubine Liu heard that the two sisters of the Zhen family were at the house, so she wanted to invite the two sisters of the Zhen family to have a meal with her at the house. Can Duke Wei please honor her?" King Chu took the opportunity to invite them.
Jia Heng said: "This matter..."
King Chu said: "It happens to be for Duke Wei. Duke Wei took the lead. There are some ordnance supervisors here. The little king happens to have a letter that can be forwarded to the princess by Duke Wei."
Obviously worried that Jia Heng would not allow it, King Chu found an excuse to send the letter.
King Chen Ran of Wei was walking not far away at the moment. When he saw Jia Heng talking to King Chu, he frowned and felt a little unhappy.
Zhou Tingji, the Minister of Rites at the side, observed the words, smiled and asked: "Your Highness, King Wei, is there anything wrong?"
"It's nothing." Wei Wang Chen Ran's eyes were deep and he whispered: "Master Zhou, continue."
Zhou Tingji said: "Your Highness, this new imperial examination is to be presided over by Mr. Liu according to His Majesty's wishes. Does Your Highness have any ideas?"
The empress Yuanzi in front of me is a courteous and virtuous person who treats people like a spring breeze. She is truly worthy of being a noble person in the world.
Chen Ran, the king of Wei, pondered for a moment and said: "Master Liu is knowledgeable and has high moral standards. If he presides over the imperial examination, he can also learn something by helping him alone."
This Liu Zheng is the father-in-law of the brother of the King of Chu. He was not involved in the previous imperial examination fraud case. He was promoted to the Ministry of Rites because of his uprightness. With his status as a clear stream, there is no guarantee that he will join the cabinet in the future.
Jia Heng chatted with the King of Chu, and accepted the banquet invited by him. Then he walked towards the palace gate. When he got out of the palace gate, he got on his horse and said, "Your Highness, King Chu, I take my leave."
"Mr. Wei, go slowly." King Chu Chen Qin smiled, and then got on the sedan accompanied by his servants. He glanced at King Wei not far away and sneered coldly.
He just showed it to King Wei on purpose.
(End of chapter)
