In the Yamen, Chang Yu looked solemn and was discussing with Chunxiang the official business of inspecting Jiubian. The so-called Jiubian refers to the nine important border towns of the Ming Dynasty. Starting from the east, Liaodong Town, Jizhou Town, Xuanfu Town, Datong Town, Shanxi Town, Yansui Town (Yulin Town), Ningxia Town, Guyuan Town (Shaanxi Town), and Gansu Town are also the nine gates of the Ming Dynasty. However, there are only four towns left in the hands of the Ming Dynasty at this time. Liaodong is in the hands of the Tatars, Yulin, Ningxia, Shaanxi and Gansu are both in the hands of thieves.
There is no need to go into details about the importance of border passes. Military affairs, military discipline, and military preparedness are of fundamental importance to the country and cannot be compromised. However, at the end of the Ming Dynasty, not only the border armaments were abandoned, but the gate towns and cities were also in disrepair.
It wasn't that Emperor Chongzhen didn't want to rectify it, or that he didn't want to repair it, but he just didn't dare to rectify it. If he struck too hard, he was afraid that the guard would be forced to rebel. It was of no use to treat the symptoms rather than the root cause by stepping in and scratching the itch, and he didn't have the right people to rectify it.
As for repairing the city walls, they are even more powerless.
Not to mention anything else, let’s just talk about Xuanfu Town. After Lu Xiangsheng’s on-the-spot investigation, he made a calculation for Emperor Chongzhen: “Don’t talk about the 1,300-mile boundary of Xuanfu Town, that is, the area behind the mausoleum. From the Flame Mountain to the mouth of the Hehe River in the west, it is more than 220 miles away. To raise the funds, each side wall is built one foot, although it is very economical, it requires about fifty taels of silver for labor, food, rice, etc.
There may be old walls and rocks and earthen walls that can be solidified. Calculated accordingly, thirty taels of silver are required for every foot. For a total of three hundred miles, the total amount of silver should be 1.6 million taels. Adding one pier for three miles and one platform for five miles, the total is 100 piers and 60 platforms. The piers are made of earth, costing about 200 gold each; the platforms are mainly made of masonry, costing about 600 gold each; and the piers, platforms, and other tools for guarding them, and the trenches and other equipment cost more than 100,000 taels. "
It easily cost millions of taels, and Emperor Chongzhen couldn't even afford it even if he was used as underwear. And this was just a town in Xuanfu. If he wanted to repair the Nine Passes, the number of soldiers would be astronomical. The imperial court finally squeezed out 15,000 yuan to repair a few small places that could not survive.
Now, if you ask the court to spend millions to repair the city, you still won't be able to get that much, but if you want to send people to rectify military affairs, you will have the manpower.
When Chang Yu was ordered to go to Taiyuan with his salary, he was just a young eunuch who had just taken office and had no power in his hands. He dared to take action in Xuanda, not to mention that he was now at the peak of his power.
Of course, Chang Yu breaks into a sweat every time he thinks about the time when he was a newborn calf who was not afraid of tigers. He was too impulsive, adventurous and ignorant. At that time, if his momentum could not be suppressed even a little bit, he would not be who he is now.
The border generals are the most domineering, because the court dare not touch them easily. They have chips in their hands. If you kill me if you investigate urgently, then I will naturally rebel.
At that time, the situation was such that if you said you were going against it, you would be going against it. If you were going to go against it, you could only watch.
But now, whoever tries the opposite, Chang Yu will immediately dispatch troops and horses to overthrow you. Although the main force has gone to the west, Tangtong in Jizhou and Gaodi in Shanhaiguan are both available. No matter what, there are still There are tens of thousands of people in the Beijing camp and personal guards.
Now that I don’t dare to rebel, what should I do if the superiors come to investigate? Since I confess, I will be lenient. Chang Yu can guess that at noon tomorrow at most, the news that he will patrol Jiubian will spread to all the towns, and those generals will start Everyone is worried about how to deal with him.
As for Chang Yu, who holds Shang Fang's sword, will he go on a killing spree to warn others?
Won't!
Is it because you are afraid of the same fate as Yuan Chonghuan?
Of course not. The current situation in the Ming Dynasty is different from that of Yuan Chonghuan's time. The reason why he was betrayed by Emperor Chongzhen was because Emperor Chongzhen needed someone to take the blame.
Chang Yu was too useful to Emperor Chongzhen. Not to mention beheading a governor, he just beheaded Zhou Yuji, Wu Sangui, Tang Tong and others. Emperor Chongzhen would not even touch him at this time. As for whether he would settle accounts in the future is another matter. One thing to say.
The reason why he didn't have to go on a killing spree was because after more than half a year of training, Chang Yu had matured a lot and was much smoother and more considerate in his work. Of course, it was inevitable to kill chickens to scare monkeys, and to arrest a group of people and send them to jail.
The two were discussing matters in the lobby, and the attendants and fans outside were extremely lively. The emperor presided over the wedding of Wuzhong and the Song family brother and sister, which attracted the envy of countless people. Because of the tight time, the entire yamen was moved and united. Working together to handle this matter, for example, when Li Muxian calculated the auspicious day early in the morning, Dongchang Fanzi's eight hundred mile urgent message was sent to Qingzhou Prefecture.
On the other hand, Li Muxian quickly arranged for Song Luoshu to go to Qingzhou to meet his bride. It was a long distance and he had to lead his troops there, firstly to protect his safety on the way, and secondly, to save face.
Therefore, Ji Jike and Hao Yaoqi volunteered to go with him. The Third Battalion of Dongchang also wanted to go, but Song Luoshu declined, because Chang Yu was about to leave Beijing and might need to mobilize manpower. Song Luoyu originally wanted to go with him, but Li Muchian dragged him away. Come on, are you kidding? You are also the bride, hurry up and get ready for your own affairs.
Song Luoyu didn't worry about himself. He was more worried about his brother. In the future, his sister-in-law would be the princess of the royal palace, and he had to make the scene more beautiful so as not to lose his position. Suddenly, he thought of something and hurried to the front door. The Daming Bank outside took out all the more than two hundred taels of silver he had saved and sent it to Li Muchian: "Taoist Master, my brother hasn't bought the house yet... Will it be enough including the cost of organizing the wedding? If it's not enough, I'll borrow it first. some……"
"Luo Yu, you have worked so hard to save all this money. Why don't you keep some for yourself? The government can pay for the wedding expenses, and leave some for your brother to buy a house. You can keep the rest for yourself..." Li Muchian said slightly. Touched, Song Luoyu shook her head: "No, it must be spent. I can't lose the face of the Song family. I can still make money after the money is gone..."
On the other hand, Wuzhong is both excited and embarrassed. He is about to get married and is very happy. However, money is too tight. His salary is quite high, but he is usually a lavish spender and likes to gamble money. In addition, he always gets into trouble and is punished with deductions and fines. He still owes the debt. .
But she is getting married soon. Not to mention the wedding expenses, she doesn’t even have a house now... After thinking for a long time, she gritted her teeth and rushed into the lobby: "Master Governor, I have something to ask for in my humble position."
Chang Yu, who was talking to Chunxiang, raised his head and glanced at him: "You are not so serious on weekdays. It seems that you have something serious. Tell me."
"I want to borrow some money from my humble position..." Wuzhong said in embarrassment. Chang Yu's face suddenly darkened: "Did you lose the bet again?"
"No, no, no," Wuzhong waved his hands hurriedly: "I haven't played much since I came back from the south..."
"Then why did you borrow the money?" Chang Yu raised his eyebrows.
"I'm not getting married right now. Ahem, I want to buy a house..."
Oops, Chang Yu slapped his head: "Why did I forget about you two? I want to borrow money from p, but I won't lend it!"
Ah, Wu Zhong didn't expect to refuse directly, and the embarrassment on his face became stronger. Unexpectedly, Chang Yu's next words made him want to cry: "When you take a job in Dongchang, all the wedding expenses will be borne by Dongchang." Reimbursement, as for the house, the governor has told Luo Yu before that each house must be connected... I have been so busy recently that I forgot about it, and Luo Yu didn't remind me, Luo Yu, Luo Yu, Come here..." Chang Yu yelled.
Song Luoyu walked in from the outside with a blushing face. Chang Yu rushed over and pointed at her forehead: "You, you, what money do you want to pay? Didn't I say that the house is ready? Go and pay for it now. I bought it today." !”
"The Governor..." Song Luoyu's eyes flashed with tears: "You have already given me a lot, how can I let you spend more..."
"It's a joke." Chang Yu interrupted: "You and Luo Shu are both under the governor's powerful command and have made great contributions to the north and south with the governor. Now why do you spend a little money to marry the governor? Besides, this is the reward you deserve." Yin, do you know how much military merit your brother has earned?"
Song Luoyu suddenly became excited: "My brother is now..."
"General Mingwei of the fourth rank, hereditary to thousands of households."
"Ah, my brother is a general." Song Luoyu suddenly squatted on the ground and cried loudly. After hearing the sound, all the relatives and attendants came to the outside of the lobby to watch, and they all understood her mood.
Of course, everyone also knows that Song Luoshu's military achievements are not enough to receive these rewards. This is what Chang Yu wants from the court.
Wuzhong patted Song Luoyu and comforted him a few words, then hugged Chang Yu: "The Governor's great kindness will never be forgotten..." Before he finished speaking, Chang Yu rolled his eyes: "Don't do it to your own face. The house is a gift to Luo Yu, and it is also for Luo Yu’s face. By the way, when you get married and receive the gift, remember to pay back the money you owe the governor..."
The guards laughed endlessly, and Song Luoyu couldn't help but burst into laughter. She was grateful to Chang Yu for bowing and clasping her fists. Wuzhong touched his head in embarrassment: "Can the Governor please give me some military honors for my humble position? I, I'm out too. It’s a lot of effort…”
"Please, the court refused to acknowledge me until I came down, so I rewarded him with a few taels of silver." Chang Yu shook his head, and everyone burst into laughter. Wuzhong hid his face and said, "Why don't I accept the invitation like this?"
"Come on." Li Muchian punched him: "The red tasseled sword on your body and the privilege of walking in front of the emperor have made many people envious."
Wuzhong and Li Muxian have always been in love with each other, and if they would rarely quarrel with each other on weekdays, today they unexpectedly bowed to Li Muxian and said, "I have been busy with Taoist priest these days."
"It's better if you don't scold the poor Taoist..." Li Muchian stroked his beard. Everyone joked and went away to do their work. Wuzhong took the opportunity to tell Chang Yu about running into Monk Haihong outside the city.
Chang Yu chuckled and smiled while holding the tea cup: "Do you know what the monk's alms are also called?"
Mr. Wu shook his head: "I don't know much about monks and Taoist priests, and I don't like their pretentious appearance."
"Freeloaders are also called empty-handed wolves. The great monk Haihong is like this. He doesn't want to contribute to the governor but wants to get some benefits. How can I be a better person?" Chang Yu chuckled.
"I heard that there was a monk beside Emperor Chengzu who was very powerful. Could it be that Monk Haihong disliked the small temple of Du Gong?" Wuzhong's casual remark made Chang Yu burst into laughter: "The current emperor is not Emperor Chengzu, so he doesn't need one." With the monk around, Monk Haihong is not as capable as Yao Guangxiao. He cannot be a black-robed prime minister. At most, he can be a protector next to the governor."
"But what does it mean if this monk wants to leave or stay?"
"It's just a matter of bargaining for the governor." Chang Yu sighed helplessly: "Li Muxian is much more straightforward than him in this regard. He will do things after negotiating the price. This monk is both upright and upright." He said to Chunxiang beside him: "Whether I am in the capital or not, if he enters the yamen, he will still pay the same price. Fifty orphans will be selected from the refugees and let him keep the Shaolin stunts for a year, as well as the personal attendants who will be on duty in the capital in the future. He is responsible for training the martial arts in the yamen and taking advantage of the strengths of each family to carry forward the martial arts skills."
