Daming Palace, Hanyuan Hall
As Zhao Mo, the Minister of Punishment, went out to report the situation, all the ministers in the palace also went out one after another to report the disadvantages of sending troops to Emperor Chongping.
From the six ministries of the cabinet to the official spokesperson of the Ministry of Science and Technology, there was a wave of opposition.
The reason is simply that the Han Dynasty had already suffered a major defeat, and it was inappropriate to continue to waste money and people and engage in military warfare. If there was another major defeat, social turmoil would be around the corner.
Of course, there were also civil servants who remained silent, such as Zhao Yi, Minister of the Ministry of Industry, with his brows furrowed and his face thoughtful.
Everyone in the Military Aircraft Department, headed by Shi Jie, the Minister of War, stood still, as if the matter had nothing to do with them.
If someone else came to propose troops, the entire Military Aircraft Department might object, but now it was Duke Wei who had previously predicted that the Nan'an County Prince would be defeated. How could he refute it?
On the contrary, Shi Jie felt that it was not unreasonable for Jia Heng to say that the Donglu and the Northwest Heshuote Mongols were united.
Of course, the premise of all this is that Duke Wei leads the army to conquer the northwest and achieves a complete victory.
If we can't win a big victory, it's really better not to send troops.
Emperor Chongping looked at Han Huang, the chief minister of the cabinet, and said, "Han Qing, why didn't you say a word just now?"
Since the imperial examination fraud case, the chief minister of the cabinet has become reticent, or in other words, cautious on some key issues.
Han Huang was named, and he walked out of the train with a calm face and said: "Your Majesty, I think it is not appropriate to send out troops again, and it is most prudent to rest and recuperate. Since Heshuote Mongolia is willing to stop fighting and make peace with our country, our country should go with the flow. , and then make plans after the national strength is accumulated."
At this point, with the statement of Han Huang, the chief minister of the cabinet, almost 99% of the civil servants except the Military Aircraft Department, regardless of the Qi and Zhejiang parties, believed that no more troops could be sent to the northwest.
In fact, if Heshuote Mongolia had not sent envoys to sue for peace, the Han court civil servants, who had no masters, would undoubtedly have let Jia Heng lead the troops to save the crisis in the northwest.
Now that Heshuote Mongolia has agreed not to send troops, Jia Heng's role in turning the tide has been weakened.
Emperor Chongping was silent for a moment, then turned his attention to King Wei and asked, "King Wei just said that he will not send troops. Liaodong and northwest will echo each other and jointly plan for the Han Dynasty. Can you please tell me in detail?"
When King Wei heard this, his heart was shaken, and he felt an indescribable excitement well up in his heart. His cheeks flushed slightly. After sorting out the conversation with Deng Wei last night, he said loudly: "My son still thinks that we should send troops to the northwest, otherwise , the Heshuote Mongols are powerful, and they have Jurchens as Austrian aid. It will be more difficult to pacify in the future, especially the defeat in the northwest, which has a lot to do with the Jurchens. This time is not a battle in Qinghai, but a battle between Han and Liaodong. Use the northwest to contain our dynasty."
Emperor Chongping turned his attention to the young man in the python suit and asked in a deep voice: "What do you think Ziyu?"
Jia Heng's face paused slightly and he said: "Back to the Holy Spirit, I think that we cannot negotiate peace with Heshuote Mongolia, so we should send troops to seize the northwest as early as possible. Although our dynasty suffered a major defeat before, the morale of the army was affected, but Heshuote Mongolia Compared with our dynasty, we are also tired for a long time. Once Heshuote Mongolia overcomes this difficulty, it will be even more difficult for our dynasty to quell the northwest border troubles."
At this time, Cen Weishan, the Minister of Punishment, snorted coldly and said loudly: "Your Majesty, I don't agree with the words of Duke Wei! I have already been defeated once, how can I send another large army to the northwest? Now there is a group of people in the capital camp. After a huge defeat, the entire city of Shenjing was filled with mourning, and every household was wailing. Now that we are still taking such a desperate move, I think it is extremely unwise!"
As soon as this statement came out, it aroused the echo of all the civil servants in the court.
Jia Heng sneered and said: "At that time, Jia asked to lead the army. The one who opposed Jia was you, Cen Shilang, and the one who supported Nan'an and others in leading the army to conquer the west was also your Cen Shilang. It shows that you don't know anything about military affairs. You should say less." Soldiers."
Cen Weishan couldn't help but his face darkened.
Jia Heng said: "Your Majesty, I would like to ask you to send troops to conquer the west."
The ministers in the palace had different thoughts after hearing this.
Duke Wei was not only talking about Cen Weishan, but also mentioned them. At the beginning, among the ministers who supported King Nan'an as the commander-in-chief's expedition to the west, there were many people present.
No, what Duke Wei has said now is conclusive, is there really any hope of winning?
Emperor Chongping nodded, glanced at the courtiers below, and said in a deep voice: "My lords, Heshuote Mongolia wants to exchange Nan'an for the Jurchen envoys in our sacred capital. It can be seen that the northwest and Liaodong have close exchanges. Once The war in the northwest was delayed for a long time, Liaodong and the northwest became allies, and the east and west responded. At that time, the situation became more complicated."
When the officials in the palace heard this, they were silent for a while.
Emperor Chongping was quiet for a moment and said loudly: "I am determined to listen to what Jia Ziyu said and send troops to the northwest!"
Heshuote Mongolia's peace talks just showed that Ziyu's previous conclusion was accurate. Heshuote Mongolia was conquering Tibet. He had just mistakenly used Nan'an and others.
The hall was quiet for a while, and then the discussion continued.
However, after Jia Heng's previous "refreshing of old scores", few people stood up to oppose it anymore. They just shook their heads secretly, and most of them were not optimistic about this war.
Han Huang frowned, feeling worried in his heart.
Not only are they worried about another big defeat, but they are also worried about Jia Heng's big victory.
Emperor Chongping nodded and said in a deep voice: "For Nan'an and others, the Jurchen mission can be exchanged with Heshuote Mongolia for release."
He now wants to ask Nan An and others how they led the troops, causing the entire army of 100,000 to be wiped out in one fell swoop.
As soon as these words came out, the expressions of the officials in the palace moved slightly, but no one said a word.
In other words, at this moment, the officials of the Han Dynasty were speechless because of Weng and his son-in-law who insisted on a second expedition to the northwest.
Seeing this, King Wei was relieved.
Mr. Deng really got what his father wanted. As for whether this expedition can achieve a complete victory, there is no doubt that the great victory in Ping'an Prefecture and the great defeat in the northwest are powerful proofs of the Han military power. Only Wei Guogong can be trusted. .
Emperor Chongping said angrily: "As for the matter of peace, I, a big man, will never make peace with the bandits!"
The officials in the palace looked stunned and responded in silence.
Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment and said: "The Cabinet and the Military Aircraft Department drafted a decree to appoint Jia Heng, the Duke of Wei, as the general marshal of Pingxi, to control the troops and horses in the towns in the northwest, and to preside over the conquest of Heshuote Mongolia. All civil and military officials in the northwest will You can all use the Emperor’s Sword to cut first and then play!”
Only in this way can the obstacles to Zi Yu's leadership be cleared, as countless facts in the past have proven.
Shi Jie was the first to leave the mission, cupping his hands towards Emperor Chongping and saying: "I obey the order."
Han Huang sighed secretly and came out to take the lead.
At this point, we can only pray that Duke Wei can achieve a great victory this time by sending troops.
Jia Heng also went out to receive the order, feeling a little helpless.
It must be said that it is quite ironic that the civil servants were shaken just by Heshuote Mongolia's request for peace.
Emperor Chongping then cast his calm gaze under his sword-shaped brows at King Wei, his face paused for a moment, and said: "The king of Wei will escort the army to escort the grain and fodder and go out with the army."
Since Chen Cheng was able to help the army in conquering the west to escort the grain and fodder before, it was not surprising that Wei Wang Chen Ran went to escort the grain and fodder.
In other words, as Emperor Chongping suffered from physical problems, the inspection and appointment of various vassals became urgent.
When the King of Wei heard this, his expression was startled at first, but then he was overjoyed and went out to play: "My son, I obey the decree."
"Your Majesty, please withdraw from the court." Emperor Chongping was also a little sleepy at the moment and said, "Duke Wei and the King of Wei are staying."
King Wei's heart skipped a beat, he took a deep breath and quickly calmed down his excitement.
When the ministers left the Hanyuan Hall, they came under the eaves of the corridor with heavy steps with complicated thoughts.
As they were talking, the ministers were standing in twos and threes on the white marble square. Suddenly, their hearts moved. They realized that at some point, when they raised their heads, the dense dark clouds on the vast sky gradually dispersed, and the sun suddenly shed thousands of golden rays of sunlight from the clouds, shining on the sky. On the ground, a rainbow appeared in the eastern sky and turned into a colorful bridge.
Han Huang, who originally looked gloomy, looked at the rainbow, his fair face moved slightly, and he felt incomprehensible.
Perhaps Duke Wei was right to send troops, and he could not allow the northwest invaders to unite with the Liaodong slaves.
A midday debate about sending troops to the northwest ended, and with the push of Emperor Chongping and Jia Heng, it was finally decided to send troops.
In other words, the officials of the Han court did not have many choices from the beginning, because Jia Heng, a minister of the Zhuguo State who rushed from the south to the sacred capital to turn the tide, immediately proposed a second expedition to the northwest.
If you don't follow his words, the northwest and Liaodong will really echo each other in the future. Who will be responsible?
After the ministers had dispersed, Emperor Chongping called Jia Heng and Wei Wang Chen Ran and walked along the corridor to the harem.
Jia Heng said: "Father, this time I sent troops to raid Qinghai Mongolia with cavalry in several directions. Now it is the time when Heshuote Mongolia is expedition to Tibet. The Heshuote Mongolian tribe has only 70,000 to 80,000 people. They have just experienced a war." In the great battle, my Han cavalry will divide its troops to attack the Mongolian tribesmen and bleed them continuously, so that we can take advantage of the contribution of the former Han Wei Huo, and this trip must be carried out by the ministers and the cavalry generals in the capital camp."
Emperor Chongping nodded and said, "As for the war, Ziyu can just come and prepare for it."
He can no longer touch these matters now, leaving it to Ziyu to save his worries and ensure a big victory.
The King of Wei also said: "Father, Ziyu is good at conquering and fighting, so he will definitely succeed immediately when he goes there."
Emperor Chongping warned: "You must not make any mistakes when managing the supply of grain and fodder at the rear."
Jia Heng said: "Father, there is no need to worry. I have also seen today that most civil servants in the DPRK hold peace talks. This is precisely because Qinghai and Shuote Mongolia know that they are unable to go to war with our DPRK."
This is implicitly telling Emperor Chongping that I can't stand in the court without you.
Emperor Chongping sighed and said: "After all, I thought about the northwest too simply."
Jia Heng said: "The military in the northwest, even if we use the high ground of the two rivers, Zhongping, or even if we send reinforcements to Fuyuan, General Jin Xuan dispatches to conquer the west, it will not lead to such a defeat. Only the people in Nan'an are eager to make achievements and rush forward with their troops. I am not criticizing out of personal grudges. The King of Wei is also here, so I still want to say that if the people in Nan'an didn't always think of suppressing me secretly, they might not have suffered this defeat."
King Wei looked solemn and said: "Wei Guo Gong is a public-spirited person, so there is no need to worry about me."
Jia Heng: "..."
No, His Highness the King of Wei has already reached this stage? Xian Ning was almost like his licking dog in the early days.
Emperor Chongping was silent for a moment and sighed.
So what he had thought before, that the Nan'an County Prince wanted to check Zi Yu on military affairs, might have been wrong?
Nan An and others are not talented enough!
Jia Heng said: "Father, there is no need to worry about the affairs in the northwest. All holy kings and wise kings in ancient times are not guaranteed to win every battle. Father, there is no need to blame yourself for this. I hope you can take care of your dragon body."
Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment, his thoughts became a little complicated and inexplicable, and he said: "What Zi Yu said is true."
In fact, in the history of later generations, Kangxi also suffered defeats. Even the Hongwu Dynasty also suffered defeats. It is not terrible to suffer defeats. The key is not to be defeated.
While Weng and his son-in-law were talking, they came to the harem. From time to time, pairs of swallows flew around the beams in front of the court.
Concubine Duanrong, surrounded by all the maids, said in a clear voice: "Your Majesty, Ziyu, you are back, and Ran'er is also here. Your eighth brother just came from school and was saying he wanted to play with you. "
King Wei smiled and said, "I have met Concubine Rong, and my eighth brother is here."
Jia Heng also came forward and bowed, seeing his mother-in-law.
At this time, a young boy ran over from not far away, stretched out his arms, and called with a smile: "Brother Wei Wang, brother-in-law, you are here."
With a sincere smile on his face, King Wei said, "Eighth brother."
With that said, he walked closer, took Chen Ze's hand, and said, "I haven't seen my eighth brother for a few days."
Concubine Duanrong said with concern in her clear eyes: "Your Majesty, I went to the imperial kitchen to cook some red date porridge to replenish qi and blood. Your Majesty, please go over and have some."
After all, it was a couple's relationship for many years. Although Concubine Duanrong usually had no desires or desires, she still had a lot of feelings for her and Emperor Chongping who gave birth to a son and a daughter together.
Emperor Chongping nodded and said, "It's hard for Concubine Rong."
Concubine Duanrong smiled and said with a mixture of anger and annoyance: "What are you talking about, Your Majesty? It seems that I have no fingers in the spring water."
The beauty smiled softly, her quiet and cold face, the charming charm between her brows and eyes, silently flowing out, like a beautiful red lotus on the iceberg.
Jia Heng took one look and didn't dare to look any further. This time, he really didn't dare to look any further.
Emperor Chongping greeted him and said: "Ziyu, tell me about the difficulties and measures of the Jiangnan New Deal. Concubine Rong, please call brothers Chen Ran and Chen Ze to come and listen."
Jia Heng nodded, glanced at the two brothers, and followed Emperor Chongping into the front hall of Funing Palace.
In the palace, Emperor Chongping said: "Zi Yu, who was responsible for the Changzhou Prefecture case investigated over there in the south of the Yangtze River?"
Jia Heng said: "Yan Mao, Minister of the Ministry of Industry, the files of the past few days should have been delivered to the capital together with the memorials."
Emperor Chongping's face paused slightly, and he said in a deep voice: "I previously asked Ziyu to strictly investigate the party members behind this case. Has Ziyu ever done so?"
Jia Heng said: "We have sent people to investigate, and we have some clues. However, now that it is passing through the northwest, it is difficult for Jiangnan to have another setback."
At this moment, King Wei was also sitting beside Chen Ze, listening quietly to their conversation.
Emperor Chongping was silent for a moment and said: "Things in the northwest have hindered the Jiangnan New Deal after all."
At that time, the strategy of countermeasures in the inner study room was to advance the New Deal with a great victory.
Jia Heng said: "Father, what is happening in the northwest is just a conflict between ourselves and the enemy. The New Deal in Jiangnan is an internal conflict. The latter is something that cannot be rushed."
Emperor Chongping said with emotion: "Yes."
The reason for all this was that he was impatient, so he wanted to achieve success in both the northwest and Jiangnan, so he sent Nan'an to the northwest and Ziyu to Jiangnan, but neither of them was completely accomplished.
It can be said that the emperor still couldn't let go during this period. Only after the great victory in the northwest could the joy of victory dilute this self-blame.
King Wei quietly watched the scene where the father-in-law and son-in-law were getting along, and his heart was a little complicated.
Compared with him, the queen's first son, Ziyu, the son-in-law with a foreign surname, was the most favored by his father.
Concubine Duanrong said softly: "Your Majesty, please use the medicinal porridge first."
Jia Heng also advised: "Father, use medicinal porridge first."
At this moment, there was actually a sense of a family enjoying themselves.
Nan'an County Prince's Mansion, in the Xuan Hall——
Concubine Nan'an and Princess Luo Shi were anxiously waiting for the news. At this time, a nun came over and reported, "Concubine, we have found out the news from outside."
Princess Nan'an was stroking her forehead with one hand. After hearing this, she suddenly sat up straight, with a look of panic in her eyes, and said, "What should I say?"
The nanny said: "I heard that the people in the northwest sent letters of credence for peace talks, saying that one of them is a returnee of the land they conquered, and the other is that as long as he makes peace with our court, he can get the prince back."
Naturally, this nanny was not an outsider. She obviously combined the two matters of marriage and hostage exchange.
Hearing this, Princess Nan'an's face paused slightly, she was startled, and said happily: "Ye'er is still alive?"
"Taifei, I heard that the prince and the husband of the Liu family were both captured by the people. Now if you want the prince or the daughter of the clan to get married, they can release the prince." The nanny said.
"It's really blessed by gods and Buddhas, thank God." Princess Nan'an kept chanting the Buddha's name and said repeatedly.
Liu Fang's mother, Mrs. Sun, looked thankful and said, "Yes."
Luo Shiliuye raised his eyebrows, his eyes flashed, and he whispered: "Fanren is asking for a marriage?"
Princess Nan'an had a light look on her face and whispered: "This is obviously because the people know that our Han Dynasty has vast territory, rich resources, and strong national power. They know that a single victory is just a drop of a tree, and now they want to make peace with the Han Dynasty."
Luo Shi frowned and said, "But this daughter of a duke, who has a duke of the right age?"
At this time, the nanny said: "Toffee, I heard that the Duke of Wei is still unwilling and said that he would lead troops to the northwest to fight."
When Princess Nan'an heard this, her fair face twitched, and she suddenly sneered and said, "That Jia Heng son just wants Ye'er's life to be lost in the northwest. His heart is really vicious!"
As he spoke, he said to Princess Luo Shi on the side: "The daughter of a duke? Isn't the Jia family a duke's family? There are many young girls in the Jia family. Can I get Ye'er back!"
Ye'er went to the northwest and suffered a big defeat. In the final analysis, it was Jia Heng's son who took away the Hongyi cannon, which made Ye'er suffer a defeat in the northwest.
Princess Nan'an ordered: "Come, go to Rongguo Mansion."
With that said, accompanied by Luo Shi, Liu Fang's mother Sun Shi and others went to Rongguo Mansion surrounded by a group of nuns.
Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall
Jia Mu is sitting on the Arhat bed, with Mrs. Wang, Aunt Xue and Mrs. Xing sitting on the embroidered pillars on both sides.
Jia Mu said: "Brother Heng, I don't know what's going on in the court? Should we continue the war in the northwest?"
When Jia Zheng left Rongguo Mansion and went to the palace, Jia's mother knew that today's noon meeting was discussing the northwest affairs. It was also the impact of Princess Nan'an and Sun Shi of Duke Liguo Mansion some time ago.
Lin Zhixiao's family said: "Old lady, the second master is back from the Yamen."
While talking, Jia Zheng entered the Rongqing Hall. After bowing, he looked at Jia Mu's questioning eyes and said, "Mother, the news in the palace has been decided. Ziyu will still send troops to the northwest in a few days."
Jia Mu sighed: "Brother Heng has just come back and is going to fight in the northwest again. It's really non-stop."
Jia Zheng, with both pride and worry on his face, said: "Now in the DPRK, thousands of horses are in silence. Only Ziyu can turn the tide."
Thinking of the opposition from all the ministers in Hanyuan Palace, I was the only one going upstream, even though there were tens of thousands of people, I was going!
Aunt Xue smiled and said, "Yes, Brother Heng is still indispensable in this court."
I thought that when the Northwest War came back, Bao Yatou's marriage and Mrs. Gaoming would be settled.
While everyone in the Jia family was talking, a nun came into the hall and said, "Old lady, the family of Princess Nan'an is here."
Jia Mu frowned, then relaxed her muscles and said, "I just don't feel well."
Suddenly, a nun entered the house and said anxiously: "The Nan'an Princess has broken in."
At this moment, Princess Nan'an, Liu Fang's mother Sun, and Shi Guangzhu's mother Guo entered the ceremony gate with their respective daughters-in-law, surrounded by a group of nannies.
The attack was fierce, and troops were raised to investigate.
Jia Mu's face didn't look very good, and she said, "There's no need to stop me. Baoyu's mother, please help me to greet you."
At this time, Princess Nan'an had already arrived with Liu Fang's mother Sun and Shi Guangzhu's mother Guo leading a large group of people.
(End of chapter)
