Zhang Huaichang shook his head, raised his index finger, and tapped lightly on the armrest of the official chair, "How can you tell them clearly? Prince Yi Zhong may or may not know, but Miao Changqi has probably figured it out. A little taste came, but his attitude should not be counterproductive.
"Is that so?" Feng Ziying pondered, "So, it seems that Tang Miu and others do not agree with the existence of the three towns in Jiangnan?" Before Zhang Huaichang could answer, Sun Chengzong had already asked, "Ziying, do you think if Tang Mi Miu enters the cabinet. From the perspective of the imperial court, are they likely to agree with the three towns in Jiangnan?"
Feng Ziying categorically shook her head: "Of course it is impossible to agree. The three towns in Jiangnan are redundant. There is no need for them in Jiangnan. They are just a waste of food! All internal and external troubles are in the north. Jiangnan is not a good place to raise soldiers. The soldiers they raise are all charming. It's dark and weak, even if the border soldiers are left in Jiangnan for a long time, they will still become unusable."
"In this case, Tang and Mu should agree with us to solve the three towns in the south of the Yangtze River." Sun Chengzong said calmly, "The total number of troops in the three towns is close to 300,000. The imperial court cannot afford to support such a large army. If we do, , then the northern border towns must be reduced, even if Jiangnan taxes are successfully handed over, and the existence of the three Jiangnan towns determines that there will definitely be various troubles and obstacles in the payment of Jiangnan taxes. "
"I agree with Brother Zhisheng. If Tang and Mu join the cabinet and have the overall interests of society in mind, they will not oppose or obstruct us from solving the three towns in Jiangnan. The key is to let Tang and Mu untie their knots. , this point must be made since the two prime ministers Ye Fang and Tang Mi have a heart-to-heart relationship." Feng Ziying wiped her chin, "The longer the existence of the three towns in Jiangnan is delayed, the greater the trouble and the greater the cost will be in solving them in the future. If it were me, I'd rather start earlier." The three of them exchanged knowing glances, but neither of them spoke. Zhang and Sun were both trying to figure out the meaning of Feng Ziying's words. Could it be that he was going to bypass the cabinet? How can this be? But it has to be said that this is a bold and risky move that will bring huge benefits.
If we can raid Yangzhou, this should be when the handover of the three towns in the south of the Yangtze River has not been completed. Chen Jixian still fantasizes about going south to Suzhou and Hangzhou, while Wang Ziteng's troops are still in Fengyang and the main force is still in Jiujiang. This idea can't help but make people's hearts beat. .
Once this thought emerged, it could no longer be suppressed. Feng Ziying's thoughts were racing and she had already begun to think about how to act.
To raid Yangzhou, his father's Northwest Army would definitely not be able to do it. Niu Jizong, Sun Shaozuhe and Wang Ziteng's troops were still confronting his father's army from Fengyang to Hongze Lake. If the army was mobilized, they would definitely not be able to hide it.
Then the only option is to mobilize troops from other directions.
Xiong Tingbi's Jingxiang Town should be able to free up his hands, but it is too far away. Even if he boarded the ship from Wuchang and disembarked eastward, he would have to face the interception of Wang Ziteng's troops in Jiujiang, which was not feasible.
Then it can only be Denglai Town.
It can be divided into two parts. One part goes to Dagu first, and then takes a boat from Dagu directly to Yangzhou. The other part goes directly to the Yangtze River Estuary by sea, and can land from Nantong Prefecture or Jiangdu, or even directly to Baoshan Suo or Jinling.
Thinking of this, Feng Ziying's heart couldn't help but beat fiercely. She raised her eyes and saw the same flames beating in the eyes of Zhang Huaichang and Sun Chengzong. Obviously, the two of them also saw this.
It's not like I never thought about landing a surprise attack from the mouth of the Yangtze River, but first Chen Jixian's army was stationed in Yangzhou, and secondly Wang Ziteng's army was stationed in Jiujiang. The imperial court had no mobile troops at all except the Northwest Army, but it was different now. Xindenglai Town was freed up. Here, at least 10,000 to 20,000 people can be put to use. Another one is available in Liaodong. Mao Wenlong's unit also has 20,000 to 30,000 people available. If not, some of them can be taken from Jizhen and go south from Yuguan. Even 10,000 or 20,000 people can be moved. Anyway, it is impossible for the Jurchens in Jianzhou to move out now, and the momentum of the Chahar people to invade the border has declined.
The only dangerous variable was the White Lotus Sect, but Feng Ziying felt that if he acted quickly and caught Jiangnan off guard, he could solve Jiangnan's affairs before the White Lotus Sect's rebellion broke out.
There was a strange silence in the public house. The three of them all knew what the other was thinking, but none of them revealed their intentions for a while. They were all still thinking wildly, thinking about the greatest possibilities and variables of all this.
Feng Ziying took the lead in picking up the tea cup and took a sip.
This means that he finished thinking first. Both Zhang and Sun looked over, and it was Zhang Huaichang who said, "Ziying, do you have any ideas?"
"Hey, sitting here, after listening to what you and Brother Zhisheng said, can you have no ideas? If you don't have any ideas, you don't deserve to sit here." Feng Ziying said calmly: "Not only do they exist, but they are also very big."
"How big?" Zhang Huaichang and Sun Chengzong looked at each other and smiled, "How big is it?"
"Solve the Jiangnan issue in one fell swoop, not just one part of it." Feng Ziying said firmly, "Solve Chen Jixian and capture Jinling City."
These are two things. Chen Jixian is in Yangzhou, and Jinling City is under the protection of Niu Sunwang's three troops. Of course, it is another thing to go up the Yangtze River from the mouth of the Yangtze River.
Sun Chengzong hesitated and frowned, "I'm afraid there are insufficient troops. If the Northwest Army does not move, the Denglai Army or Mao Wenlong's Department alone will not be enough." "Jizhen can allocate one." Zhang Huaichang continued.
"It's still not enough." Feng Ziying silently calculated, "I'm worried that if we ship into the Yangtze River and go up the river, we won't be able to reach Jinling, and we will be blocked by Prince Teng's troops coming down from Jiujiang, so we have to consider shipping from Baoshan, Nantong Prefecture, and We will land in Jiangyin, Dantu and other places, so that even if Wang Ziteng’s tribe goes east and reaches Jinling first, we won’t be afraid. In addition, there is another key point, which is logistical support.”
"We can think of some logistical solutions. Jiangnan is not monolithic, and it would be better if Tang Mi and others were ambiguous. In addition, Ziying, you have quite a network and influence among the merchants in Jiangnan. You can also do this in this regard. Think of a way, Navy, Ziying, are you sure?" Zhang Huaichang said thoughtfully: "Denglai Navy, Zhisheng said there is no problem, but it is definitely not enough, especially what we want to do is to build a stronghold in Yangzhou and Jinling. , Suzhou, and Huzhou are all going to be launched. My idea is to use the Fujian Navy to maximize the deterrence of those who are ready to take action." "It should be no problem." Feng Ziying nodded decisively.
Shen Yourong has a great influence on the Fujian Navy and has always been in contact. He also specifically stated that he must hold the Fujian Navy to be impartial, and the Fujian Navy has basically done so. Now the situation has become clear, and the Fujian Navy There is no telling which side the teacher is on.
"Okay, basically we have discussed the tactical issues. Now it's time to make strategic decisions." Zhang Huaichang smiled bitterly, "Can we do it? When will we do it? How do we communicate with the cabinet and convince them?"
This question is difficult to answer.
Whether it can be done or not, the three of us must think that we can do it. Otherwise, what else is there to discuss? It also matters when to do it.
Feng Ziying's view is that it should be launched before Prince Yi Zhong ascends the throne. Since Prince Yi Zhong has an explanation, but you have not ascended the throne, the cabinet decision does not need to be reported to you, and you do not need to take responsibility. Either way is justified, and this should also be the case of the Jiangnan Three When the town is most relaxed.
The specific time before ascending the throne needs to be discussed carefully. The biggest problem is how to convince the cabinet.
You can ignore Tang and Mu before they join the cabinet. After the matter is launched, we will discuss with Tang and Mu. It will be nothing more than understanding the reason and tempting them with benefits. I believe that the two of them can only accept it, or even just the Jiangnan side. Cooperate with all aspects that can be affected.
But how to convince Ye Fang, Qi and Li.
Such a battle is definitely risky. We should not only see the fruits after victory, but also the huge impact if it fails. This battle also requires financial support from the Ministry of Accounts, so the Ministry of Accounts also needs financial support. This is also a hurdle that cannot be bypassed.
"Mr. Huaichang, I can persuade Master Qi, but it will be quite difficult for Ye Fang and Li." Feng Ziying considered.
"Ziying, you and I have different views. I think Ye Fang is easy to convince. It's hard for Qi and Li to talk." Zhang Huaichang shook his head, with a smile on his face, but his words were cold and gloomy, "They can't possibly Taking informed risks, or in other words, this is an unauthorized decision made by our Ministry of War to deceive the cabinet. If things go through, we will not fall behind. If we don’t pay back, we will have to be punished. If things don’t go through, you and I will be the scapegoats. We will be questioned in prison. It’s possible to kill him.”
Feng Ziying coughed dryly and laughed, "It's possible to go to jail, but Wen Zhan won't. Well, the most likely possibility is that all three of us will be dismissed from our posts and will never be used again. But Duke Huaichang, you are already close to your ears, so it doesn't matter if you return home after becoming an official. , Brother Zhisheng, you also know your destiny. Go back to the countryside, make wine with pine flowers, and make tea with spring water.
, how free? But I'm only in my early twenties and I still have a bright future. What should I do if I just go home dejected? I still have several beautiful wives and concubines to support. If I lose my livelihood, wouldn’t it mean that my wife and children will be separated? "
Zhang Huaichang and Sun Chengzong were both amused by Feng Ziying's joking words, and the originally tense atmosphere relaxed.
Sun Chengzong thought for a while and then said slowly: "Master Shangshu, Ziying, why don't we report it privately. If Ye Fang, Qi, Li and others ignore it, it will be a serious matter, so we will prepare secretly. , if they interfere, then the matter will be dropped."
Feng Ziying also raised her head and thought for a while, "I'll go and fan myself over to Mr. Mingqi from the Ministry of Revenue. I guess he hates the three towns in Jiangnan the most now. Let's find out the truth and then ask him to complain to the ministers in the cabinet." Maybe it will help strengthen the determination of the cabinet members. Anyway, in the end something did go wrong, and the blame fell on us, and they had nothing to do with it."
Zhang Huaichang and Sun Chengzong exchanged glances and nodded slowly. Huang Ruliang was still trustworthy.
