In the Wenhua Palace.
After coming to this conclusion, many of the ministers present could not help but look very emotional.
You know, just over two years ago, in this Wenhua Palace, the army reported to Beijing, the Supreme Emperor was captured, all the civil and military ministers were killed and injured, hundreds of thousands of troops were completely destroyed, and everything was in ruins, and the arrogance was so arrogant that it threatened to shake the country. To the point of forcing the capital city.
But now, in less than three years, the Ming Dynasty's national power has gradually increased, its politics are clear, its kings are wise and its ministers are wise, but the grassland has long since fallen apart.
Although it is said that Yang Jie is responsible for this, strictly speaking, what Yang Jie did was more likely to act as a catalyst.
After all, the grudge between Tuo Tuo Bu Hua and Yexian existed for a long time, and Aga Dorji had long coveted the throne of Khan. There were always conflicts between various grassland tribes.
Although it is still unclear what exactly happened in Wala, but if Ye Xian's death is true, then in all likelihood, he was betrayed by others. In other words, there is no stability within Wala.
Many ministers in this palace, quite a few of them, were not in favor of opening up mutual markets at the beginning. After all, since Renxuan, the Ming Dynasty has been implementing a conservative strategy of full-line defense.
This kind of conservatism is not just about people not offending me, but me not offending others.
Since the Sanyang era, Ming Dynasty has completely turned all its energy to internal affairs. The most important border defense strategy of Ming Dynasty has completely become to rely on fortified cities to defend and never take the initiative to attack.
Whether this strategy is right or wrong has been debated in court for a long time, but its disadvantages are obvious.
Since there is no need to take the initiative, everything that happens on the grassland has nothing to do with Ming Dynasty.
This directly led to the fact that many civil servants in the Ming Dynasty, including some important ministers, were completely ignorant of side affairs.
Just like now, when it comes to wisdom and planning, Fan Guang is far behind anyone present.
However, when it comes to judging the border situation, he is the most accurate of all.
This is not a matter of personal ability, but a matter of poor information. Fan Guang was born on the border. Over the years, there have been constant frictions between the Mongolian tribes and the Ming Dynasty. Therefore, for Fan Guang, the better he understands the Mongolian tribes, the more likely his soldiers will survive. The bigger.
Even though he has now entered Beijing as an official, he still retains this habit. He always checks various news and military reports from the Ministry of War regularly, so at this time, he can make an immediate judgment.
In contrast, these many civil servants, under the strategy of conservative defense, even if there is friction at the border, it is only a small fight. Therefore, there are only a few who are really willing to sink their minds to study the border situation and the situation of various grassland departments. Not much.
At best, these ministers have used their limited energy on more important internal affairs, but to put it bluntly, these ministers have the arrogance in their hearts that makes them unwilling to understand this at all.
Not only do they not want to understand, but they also hope that Ming Dynasty can completely cut off contact with these grassland tribes.
To sum it up, these barbarians can do whatever they like. As long as they don't have anything to do, they can fight however they like.
Because of this, when the emperor wanted to open up mutual markets, many courtiers resisted from the bottom of their hearts.
Perhaps they themselves are not aware of this, and saying that their ancestors established the law and that they are suspected of supporting the enemy are just excuses. What they really think in their hearts is that it is not necessary at all.
Everyone is minding their own business, why bother to cause so much trouble and take the risk that the grassland tribes will become powerful.
Many ministers in this palace actually had this idea vaguely at that time.
However, the emperor was very clever, and he used coercion and inducement (bushi) in the court. After some pulling and pulling, the officials finally had to hold their noses and agree.
However, deep down, many ministers' thoughts have not changed, and they feel that the emperor is acting nonsense.
However, this letter from Tuo Gu Si Meng Ke made them realize that their previous thoughts seemed a bit naive.
You know, there have been many civil strife in the grasslands. There are so many tribes, all kinds of conflicts, feuds, fighting for pastures in order to survive. The war almost never stops, especially when the Khan's throne changes, every time it is accompanied by Bloody and chaotic killings.
However, regardless of the civil strife on the grassland, these grassland tribes almost never thought of asking the Ming Dynasty for help, even though many tribes had already sworn surrender to the Ming Dynasty.
But in fact, for them, surrender is not true surrender, it is just a way to recuperate, maintain peace, and even defraud materials.
Perhaps during the Hongwu and Yongle periods, the Ming Dynasty's tribute system could still be regarded as truly powerful, but now, many ministers understand that this tribute system has essentially ceased to exist in name only.
In the final analysis, with the adjustment of the Ming Dynasty's border defense strategy, the pattern of prosperous civilization and weak military gradually emerged, as well as a series of other reasons. The final result was that the Ming Dynasty was no longer able to protect these vassal tribes and countries.
As a suzerain country, it cannot fulfill its obligations as a suzerain country. Naturally, it is difficult to gain true respect and surrender.
Nowadays, many tribes and countries still maintain nominal tributary relations with the Ming Dynasty. First, because most countries are relatively peaceful and can suppress chaos with their own strength without asking the Ming Dynasty for help. Therefore, in the past, Hongwu , the legacy and reputation left by Yongle can still be maintained.
In addition, grassland tribes such as the Oara and Tatar have already realized this. Therefore, although their surrender is nominally a tribute, in fact, it has become more of an equal exchange of interests.
It is not that no one in the court is aware of this situation. Although it is rare, there are still some. However, even if they are aware of it, there is nothing they can do about it.
But now, when this letter from Togusi was placed in front of them, some of them finally realized that they could achieve the same effect not only by relying on war, but also by other means.
During the reign of Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong, the situation in the grassland was controlled by strong military power, but now that the emperor has reopened mutual markets, he can achieve the same effect.
It would be no exaggeration to say that what Yang Jie did on the grassland this time was audacious, but he was still able to escape unscathed.
This is not only achieved by resourcefulness and luck, but more importantly, he has the giant Ming Dynasty behind him.
Perhaps, today's Ming Dynasty is no longer willing to start a war lightly, but with the weapon of mutual trading in hand, the grassland tribes have to weigh and weigh whether they can afford the price if they want to take action against Yang Jie.
Although Togusi is not the Great Khan of Mongolia now, but is just one of the candidates who may succeed him, the letter he wrote actually expresses that the Ming Dynasty hopes to indirectly control the grassland situation through mutual trade. Initial results.
The ministers present did not have enough information about the grassland situation, so they did not make quick enough judgments. However, after listening to Fan Guang's explanation just now, they immediately understood the stakes involved.
So, they looked at each other, and Wang Ao, the chief minister of the cabinet, took the lead to step forward and said.
"Your Majesty, I think I can agree to Tuogusi Mengke's request. There are many tribes in the grassland, and civil strife occurs from time to time, but they will eventually subside. After the civil strife subsides and they recuperate, they will inevitably covet our Ming Dynasty again."
"Now that Tuogusi Meng is willing to seek help from the Ming Dynasty, the imperial court can take this opportunity to make good friends with him and let him occupy the orthodox status. In this way, those who oppose him will inevitably intensify the conflict with him. Once the two sides go to war, It must be a lose-lose situation."
"When the time comes, whether it is to secure the throne or to win over the hearts of the major tribes, Tuogusi will continue to be respectful to me, the Ming Dynasty. This is a good opportunity to ensure the stability of the border and cannot be missed."
Tougusi's move was obviously to use the Ming Dynasty's hand to suppress the Chahar tribe and win over other tribes that were still trading with the Ming Dynasty.
Therefore, it is indeed a good idea to follow the trend.
However, there are supporters and opponents. After hearing these words, Chen Yi shook his head and said.
"Your Majesty, bastard
The original dispute had nothing to do with the Ming Dynasty, so rash intervention may cause dissatisfaction among other tribes. "
"Yang Jie's actions on the grassland this time have made many grassland tribes hostile to the Ming Dynasty. If at this time, the Ming Dynasty interferes with the succession of the Khan, and if it is used by someone with ulterior motives, it is very likely that the conflicts in the grassland will be transferred to me again. On the contrary, Daming is not beautiful."
"Besides, Ming Dynasty has the dominant position in the mutual market, so no matter what the final outcome of the grassland is, the court can adapt accordingly, so there is no need to be so anxious."
Although Chen Yi is said to be the leader of the imperial court, he tends to be conservative in many political matters in the court.
Especially in border military affairs, he has always advocated giving priority to defense.
Coincidentally, Chen Xun also held the same view as Chen Yi.
"Your Majesty, I also feel that there is no need to rush this matter."
"The situation in the grassland is uncertain now. If I, the Ming Dynasty, take action to help Tuo Gusi ascend to the throne of Khan, he will be unstoppable and unify the grassland, but he will be vulnerable to harm."
"Even without the intervention of the imperial court, civil strife in Tatar has already begun. If the civil strife in Oara is also true, then at least for decades, the various tribes in the steppe will continue to fight."
"So I think it's better to wait and see what happens."
Both Chen and Chen expressed their objections, which made Lao Wang, the first assistant, look slightly unhappy. However, he soon received support.
"fallacy!"
A cold snort sounded, still in a familiar tone. When everyone looked up, they saw Wang Wen with a dark face.
To a certain extent, Wang Wen and Wang Ao are very compatible. This is related to their experiences. Wang Ao once supervised military affairs at the border and personally defended the city with his sword. He could not help but be tainted with some martial habits. As for Wang Wen, It is a naturally tough character.
At the same time, in many government affairs, this Lord Tianguan is also relatively radical.
With a slight scolding, Wang Wen stepped forward and cupped his hands.
"Your Majesty, I think what Mr. Chief Assistant said is reasonable. There are turmoils on the grassland from time to time, but the opportunity for the Ming Dynasty to intervene in them is rare."
"When His Majesty opened the mutual trade, one was to fulfill his promise, and the other was to use the mutual trade to control the grassland tribes. Now the Tatars are in civil strife, and Oara is also uneasy. This is certainly a good thing for the Ming Dynasty."
"However, I believe that chaos should be moderated. It is said that heroes are created in troubled times. A limited amount of chaos is internal friction, but if there is total chaos, it is easy to produce heroic people with great talents and strategies."
"If another Genghis Khan emerges from the grassland, it will be a bad thing for the Ming Dynasty."
"Therefore, the more this time comes, the less I think I can sit back and watch its arbitrary development. Tuo Gusi Meng can get this letter. It is a great opportunity to intervene in the situation on the grassland. You must not give up just yet."
As Wang Wen spoke, two opinions suddenly formed in the palace.
Seeing this situation, Zhu Qiyu pondered for a moment and asked Chen Yi beside him.
"Qing Shen, the mutual market and the Ministry of Household Affairs are closely related. You should know the pros and cons best. What do you think is more appropriate?"
Well……
Shen Shangshu was watching the show on the sidelines, but unexpectedly his name was suddenly called.
Feeling the eyes of Er Chen and Shuang Wang coming at him at the same time, he immediately straightened his expression and said thoughtfully.
"Your Majesty, I believe that what these gentlemen have said makes sense."
"Since the opening of the mutual market, the national treasury has indeed become richer. However, I don't know much about the relationship between the various ministries. Therefore, I dare not speak nonsense when it comes to the grassland situation."
This old cunning guy...
The elders silently withdrew their gazes and cursed in their hearts. Among the people in the court, the one who was most capable of playing both sides and not offending both sides was none other than Chen Yi.
However, what they didn't expect was that after saying these words, Shen Yi hesitated for a moment and spoke again.
"Although I dare not make false claims about the situation in the grassland, as far as the mutual trade is concerned, I think it should be continued. After all, the mutual trade is now one of the financial resources of the national treasury."
This is a bit interesting to say.
Although
Still did not express his attitude directly, but he implicitly supported Wang Wen and others' statement.
After all, if the various ministries fight against each other, it will definitely affect the transactions in the mutual market. Maybe they dare not make decisions about Ming Dynasty, but it is always inevitable to stumble each other and ambush each other.
Therefore, if we want to restore normal mutual market relations, we still need relative stability on the grassland.
After the words fell, the emperor's brows also wrinkled. After hesitating for a moment, the emperor asked Hu Hui beside him.
"What do you think, Uncle Zong?"
"I will listen to the Holy Judgment!"
Mr. Hu did not feel sleepy this time, but listened very seriously. However, in the end, he did not express any opinions, but dealt with it with such a simple sentence.
So, Zhu Qiyu thought for a moment and quickly made a decision, saying.
"I sent the decree to Jin Lian, saying that Tuo Gu Si Meng Ke is Tuo Tuo Buhua's designated successor to the throne. Since he intends to have good relations with the Ming Dynasty, I have no reason not to allow it."
"In addition, I asked him to reply to Tuogusi Mengke on my behalf, talking about mutual trade. I still said the same thing. As long as the tribes of the Ming Dynasty are willing to surrender, I can allow them to participate in the tribute trade."
"The Ming Dynasty has always valued harmony and embraced all rivers. If Marco Guerjisi wants to study in the capital, I can also allow him to study in the Imperial College."
this……
The ministers present were a little hesitant after hearing this, but in the end, they still did not express their objections.
After all, for them, as long as the emperor does not move troops, everything else is easy to talk about. Therefore, after just a slight hesitation, all the ministers handed over their hands.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty!"
