Ye Yongjia decisively submitted a memorial letter. Niu Yuan didn't expect this. He thought it would be delayed for a few days, but now he could only deal with it hastily.
Liu Zhennian summoned him and asked him if he had any opinions on this matter. Niu Yuan replied: "The reform of the Ministry of War was proposed by the lower officials. I didn't expect that Shi Lang Ye would be so determined and submitted the memorial so early. I I have always believed that military affairs are the foundation of a country. If even the most elite frontier troops are in such a state of decline, how can they deter thieves and maintain peace and stability in the world? This is not only related to foreign affairs, but also closely related to domestic affairs."
Liu Zhennian twisted his eyebrows and turned the hilt of the sword around his waist with his left hand.
"This is just a matter of your words. Even the lower officials can't make the decision..." Niu Yuan was already hinting to him that it was time to make a decision as soon as possible.
But Liu Zhennian remained silent at this time. He relied on these warriors to ascend to the throne. The border guards were all close to him, and they were the most important link of the Liu Party. If you use a knife on them, it will be like cutting out the flesh on the body.
But when he opened his eyes and saw the shocking "defeats in more than thirty battles" in the memorial, he hesitated again - such a stubborn disease that penetrated into the bone marrow seemed to have no other way than to cut off a strong man's wrist.
With some worries, Liu Zhennian finally agreed reluctantly: "Then I will allow you to carry out this reform. Even so, remember not to be too impatient. Once the court discussion gets out of control, even I will be powerless."
Niu Yuan kowtowed and said: "Since ancient times, there has been great resistance to reform. I have accepted Liu Gong's kindness and vowed to go through fire and water. I must have this awareness!"
"This is best. Tell me, what did you want to do at first?" Liu Zhennian had not yet come out of his depression and had no intention of listening to his words anymore.
"When I went to visit the Ministry of War, Mr. Jie didn't quite agree with the reform. His reasoning is just that I didn't witness it, so how can I say it? Therefore, the only way to stop the ministers is to go to the border in person and investigate the facts. .”
"You're not going to go by yourself, are you?"
"No, I already have a candidate in my mind," Niu Yuan said, pointing his finger at the memorial. "He can take on the important task of going on a tour to promote reform on behalf of someone."
"Ye Yongjia..." Liu Zhennian's eyes gradually became serious.
Under Liu Zhennian's order, Zhongshu Sheng began to discuss the so-called "sending officials to patrol the border". Ye Yongjia's move caused an uproar in the government and the public. Although it was authorized by the prime minister of the government, everyone could not calm down their anger. They gathered around the meeting hall and loudly remonstrated with the ministers who came and went, saying deeply, "It is useless to patrol the border. It is a waste of national money, and Ye Yongjia's evil words confuse the public and cannot be trusted.' Yan Wen received a mountain of petitions in just one day, but he didn't take it seriously. He told Hong Lizhen and others: "No matter who has the manuscript, all will be handed over to the East Palace for the prince's review."
The prince smiled with joy after reading the memorial delivered by Zhongshu, wishing that his party would kill each other. After asking the mastermind Lan Yuan, he issued a verbal order to order all officials to stop fighting and listen to Zhongshu Sheng's instructions.
Even the prince who oversees the country has spoken, and everyone no longer has the confidence to cause trouble. Due to pressure from many parties, they had to temporarily cease all activities and allow Yan Wen and others to discuss in peace. Approval of Ye Yongjia's memorial is a definite matter. The next step is the size of the patrol, and everyone has not yet reached a consensus. Most of the provincial ministers and the border generals are on the inside and outside of each other. For the sake of their own safety, even if they cannot disobey the prime minister, they still have to make some obstacles in it.
Niu Yuan realized everyone's intentions, so he invited officials from the six ministries to come and discuss the matter on the grounds that it concerned various ministries. Because the Ministry of Revenue often had to pay for border military expenditures, they naturally did not want to be cowardly by the border troops anymore, so they suggested that a patrol team of more than thirty people should be prepared. The Ministry of Personnel had a close relationship with Ye Yongjia, so they agreed with the opinion of the Ministry of Revenue. Although there are still a majority of opponents, the weight of the words of the Hu and Li departments is like a stone, which can suppress all opposition voices. Yan Wen was irritated by the long meeting. At this moment, he could finally slam the table and announce that he would send officials out of Beijing within a few days.
The specific number of people sent to patrol the border was thirty-seven, namely: one minister of the Ministry of War (Ye Yongjia), one person in charge of the Ministry of War (Cai Xianqing), two foreign ministers of the Ministry of War, six eunuchs, ten guards, and other miscellaneous people, etc., set off together. .
Ye Yongjia first knelt in obedience to the imperial edict, and then went to Niuyuan to say goodbye. Niu Yuan sat on the Grand Master's chair, bowed and taught: "Master Ye, this tour is a major event related to the future of the country, and should not be taken lightly. If you meet someone with authority, you should not be timid, you must reason. Fight hard, and have the ambition to break bones. I am of the same mind as you, and I hope that Minister Ye will not let me down!" Ye Yongjia thanked him and left with a group of people.
"How's it going?" Cai Xianqing, who had just led the horse, walked up to Ye Yongjia, "Do you feel... that I have a lot of support from you?"
Seeing that the people accompanying him were busy packing their luggage, Ye Yongjia and Cai Xianqing walked to the corner wall and said, "Junior just entered the room. He only said a bunch of empty words. Although they were all meant to be encouraging, they were always uncomfortable."
"It's probably because you don't trust others," Cai Xianqing comforted. "After all, Niu Yuan is the only one who supports Tinglong in reforming. If we don't unite this force, who else can we rely on?"
"You are right, but you must be wary of others." Ye Yongjia touched the horse's bridle, "If he wants to use this to seek benefits for himself instead of sincerely seeking change, it will be difficult in the future. If you are controlled by him, If we don’t make our own name, reform will only be superficial.”
Xianqing nodded. He looked up and saw that it was not too late, and said: "Xiang Liu urged us urgently, so it is best to set off as soon as possible. When we get to the border, I will accompany you step by step."
Ye Yongjia then led the horse out. Seeing that everyone was almost ready, he clapped his hands a few times in front of Niu Yuan's mansion and shouted: "Everyone, it's time to set off!"
Looking down from the rolling hills, Xuanhua City's defenses are clearly visible. Except for a few scattered fortresses, the strongest one is the long snake-like city wall, which runs straight or horizontally through the mountain peaks and surrounds the entire town on three sides. Connected by high and low and beacon fire, it looks like a natural iron wall.
But the defenders here are not easy. The Yi people in the north have carved many unknown paths with their blood, climbed up the city walls from the spacious flat ground, and attacked the officers and soldiers. Xuanhua, which may be exposed in front of the enemy at any time, became in danger.
The guard here, Shi Yiyi, was almost powerless. He moved his official office to a place far away from the battlefield, but he was still thinking of ways to deduct official salary. While he was drinking and having fun in the camp, a soldier suddenly rushed in and reported: "General, someone from the imperial court is here."
Shi Yiyi looked hesitant and replied softly: "I'll see you."
