East Palace.
Zhu Houzhao had no classes that morning...or in other words, he was waiting for Zhang Zhou to come to teach him, and he was listening to Liu Jin Tumo Xingzi Hengfei telling what he knew about the course of the First World War in Liaodong.
"...cannonballs fell from the sky and could hit three or four miles away. After they hit the ground, they exploded in a large area. The Tatar cavalry had no place to hide. Some of them died without knowing how. That was compared to the mighty gunpowder. They are all powerful. The mighty gunpowder is just buried on the ground, waiting for the Tatars to step on it, but Master Zhang's cannons are meant to hit wherever they go..."
Liu Jin spoke very energetically.
Among the audience, Zhu Houzhao was also very excited.
Only Gao Feng and others who were listening by the side disagreed. You, Liu, really regard Zhang Zhou as your backer now. Did you forget how to target Zhang Zhou before? Now I wish I could boast Zhang Zhou to the heights of heaven and earth. Do you still want to show off?
Zhu Houzhao laughed and said: "I know that with Mr. Zhang here, everything can be solved. In the future, when I go to the battlefield, let him build an artillery that can shoot twenty miles, and then use a cannon that can see When I reach the telescope a hundred miles away, I will hit whoever I want to see who still has the ability to go against me!"
Now Gao Feng and others were ashamed again.
I thought Liu Jin had gone too far in bragging about Zhang Zhou, but I didn't expect that the little prince's respect for Zhang Zhou seemed to be even higher.
This pair of strange masters and servants... The Tatars haven't regarded Zhang Zhou as a god, but you have made Zhang Zhou a god first! ?
Gu Dayong walked over and reminded: "Your Highness, the artillery can only hit one or two miles away at most. Mr. Zhang's cannon is certainly powerful, but it is also because the Hulu are unprepared. After this battle, they can easily I don’t dare to go near the gates of Ming Dynasty anymore.”
Zhu Houzhao frowned and looked at Gu Dayong and said, "Are you questioning the power of the artillery?"
"Uh... I don't dare." Gu Dayong immediately realized that he had said the wrong thing.
Nowadays, even those who say relatively neutral and fair remarks will be looked down upon by the prince, let alone those who are unfavorable to Zhang Zhou.
This pair of master and servant, as well as this pair of father and son... are fascinated!
Zhu Houzhao said: "The first time I use this kind of cannon, I can shoot two or three miles. In the future, I can shoot four, five miles or even ten miles. Is it too much? Besides, if the Tatars don't even dare to attack the city gates of the Ming Dynasty, If we get closer, will there be any wars in the northwest of the Ming Dynasty in the future? The Ming Dynasty’s army can also push artillery out of the city, and then the Tatars won’t be able to flee?”
Gu Dayong originally wanted to say, Your Highness, you are too optimistic.
But after thinking about it carefully, it sounds quite reasonable, right?
If this artillery is so powerful, why worry about the Tatars? Wherever the artillery is, the Tatars dare not be there. If the Ming Dynasty places a few more artillery pieces in every place, won't it ensure peace and security?
Zhu Houzhao said excitedly: "Where is Mr. Zhang? Let him come, let him come."
Now, Zhu Houzhao has been taking classes with Zhang Zhou for a few days, and he has already regarded Zhang Zhou as a teacher. It's not that he is really serious about learning, but that he wants to curry favor with Zhang Zhou... so that he can realize what he can do in the future. The ambition of leading troops to conquer the grassland.
If he couldn't curry favor with Zhang Zhou and Zhang Zhou didn't provide him with powerful weapons, his dream of conquering the grassland might never come true.
The meaning of life in the next few decades is tied to Zhang Zhou. How can we not pay attention to this?
Liu Jin smiled and said: "Your Highness, don't worry, Master Zhang is in Fengtian Palace now. Today is the day to discuss his merits and reward him. I heard that he might be given a marquis or something."
"Marquis? Not high." Zhu Houzhao didn't seem satisfied with this level.
Liu Jin said: "His Royal Highness, the Marquis is already very high. Wang Weining has made so many military exploits in the northwest, and he is just a Marquis of Weining. Moreover, Master Zhang is just trying his best. In the future, he will assist His Highness to pacify the grassland..."
"Hahaha, yes, yes, why are you in a hurry? My father has no ambitions to conquer the grassland. I am different from him. How talented and resourceful I am? This means that my father and I are both defeated when they play checkers. .Liu Jin, learn from Mr. Zhang well in the future, and I will ask you to serve me by my side when I go to the grassland."
Zhu Houzhao is now happily looking forward to the scene of stepping onto the grassland in the future.
Liu Jinzhi was so proud that he glanced at the eunuchs around him and said, "I will definitely learn from you."
"Then it also depends on whether Mr. Zhang is willing to teach you. Your attitude must be sincere. You don't have to learn everything. If you have learned it, what else can I do? But there are some complicated military techniques and so on. It's up to you to learn them. I don’t want to memorize those obscure military art essentials, it gives me a headache just listening to them..."
Now Gao Feng and others felt chills running down their spines.
This naughty boy, the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty and the future emperor of the Ming Dynasty, seems to be too similar to the rumored emperor named Men. He all wants to rely on a eunuch to go into battle?
But this one seems to be doing better, at least there is the awesome Zhang Bingkuan here.
"Go!" Zhu Houzhao said, "Go to Fengtian Palace and watch. If it's over there, come back early and inform me. I'm waiting to learn artillery warfare from him."
You Qiu Ju came out and reminded: "His Royal Highness, have you forgotten that His Majesty does not allow you to send people to watch outside?"
Zhu Houzhao frowned and said: "I am determined to learn, but my father doesn't support me? I don't have any discernment. You all should learn from Liu Jin! Don't always cause trouble for me!"
"yes."
Qiu Ju also looked sad.
Zhu Houzhao liked to ask him about military and political matters before, especially when it came to cavalry operations. Because he had learned some related content before.
But now Liu Jin is not only able to take care of the prince's entertainment, but also wants to get involved in leading soldiers to fight. This has gradually reduced the living space of the remaining eunuchs in the East Palace.
The sense of crisis runs through every eunuch present, including Liu Jin.
…
…
Inside Fengtian Hall.
Xiao Jing reported a further summary of the battle situation in Liaodong. Because the end of the war was approaching two days ago and the news was sent out after the troops returned, it was almost possible to count all the results.
But what makes Zhu Youtang a little regretful is that in the final statistics, the number of deaths of the three Duoyan Guards cavalry still did not exceed a thousand.
Nine hundred and seventy people...
Whether it is over a thousand or not, it seems that there is a big difference in merit, especially this time not only Zhu Feng and Zhang Yanling will be rewarded, but Zhang Zhou will also be rewarded.
You must know that in the last battle at Piantou Pass, in the end, only a marquis or an earl was promoted. If the promotion is too much this time, there will be a "precedent" issue that the civil servant group has always been concerned about. Civil servants do things The key to following rules is to use established examples as an introduction. If the credit last time was just like that, this time it should be gentler.
Fortunately, it seems that Marquis Zhang Zhousheng is no longer troubled this time.
"...I originally wanted to give Zhang Qing the position of Marquis Yongning, but he repeatedly declined, so some changes were made to the matter."
Yongningbo was the title of Tan Guang, a famous general who guarded the Xuanfu in the Ming Dynasty and repeatedly defeated the Tatars. However, Tan Guang did not obtain a world certificate during his lifetime, so he did not pass on the title of Yongningbo. He was only posthumously granted the title of Marquis of Yongning.
In history, the title of Yongning Bo was conferred to Wang Tianrui, the father of Queen Wang, after Zhu Changluo of Mingguangzong ascended the throne.
This time, Zhu Youtang intentionally gave Zhang Zhou the title of "Marquis of Yongning". This was not only to take Yongning in the northwest, but also seemed to reflect the deeds of Zhang Zhou and Tan Guang. After all, Zhang Zhou also contributed to the defeat of the Tatars.
Zhu Youtang added: "I am not saying that I will not award the title of Marquis of Yongning. For the time being, I will note that this is his contribution to helping the Ming Dynasty defeat the enemy on all sides. I want to promote him to the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Rear Army Governor's Mansion. As we know, he was attached to the arsenal of the Ministry of War and the Qing Li Si Langzhong supervised the construction of artillery. He stayed in the Hanlin Academy to serve as a lecturer for the Hanlin Academy and often attended the Sutra and Banquet Day lectures. He was given a son of Yinjin Yiwei to command the general affairs, and a son of Yinjinyiwei to guard thousands of households... The rest, I will reward you at my discretion."
There are too many official positions given.
When Zhu Youtang finished speaking, all the ministers present stared with big eyes.
Wu Xun finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Although Zhang Zhou held the post of Governor's Office, he was still a civil official in name. After all, the emperor had said that Zhang Zhou's daily errands were the business of the Hanlin Academy.
The civil servants were all wondering, Zhang Zhou was both a civil servant and a military officer. Is he a civil servant or a military general? What will be his position in the court in the future? Without a title, can he directly take the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Rear Army Governor's Mansion?
What does it mean to write down his title first?
Since ancient times, those who have a title have been rewarded everything they deserve. Even if they refuse, then they will not be rewarded in the future? Why even write it down?
Seeing that the people present were silent, Zhu Youtang said coldly: "What do you think?"
The ministers present were in a difficult position.
Herein lies the trouble.
It is not easy to object.
Zhang Zhou was awarded the title due to his meritorious service. He had not hired any civil servants. The emperor made a note for him and only asked him to receive a false post in the Governor's Office and continue to work in the Hanlin Academy. What happened to being appointed as a minister? As for the position of the doctor in the Ministry of War... the emperor also said that it was only for his convenience to supervise the construction of artillery and did not need to be responsible for the affairs within the yamen.
It seems that the only way to protest is to directly promote Zhang Zhou to the Imperial Academy.
He had only been in the Hanlin Academy for half a month and was promoted to lecturer?
Is that a mistake?
Even if he has outstanding military achievements, what does his civilian job have to do with him?
Then a bunch of people waited for the three cabinet elders, or the Minister of Personnel and the Minister of Rites to come out to object... and then they fell silent.
"If there is no opinion, then the matter will be settled." Zhu Youtang said.
Still no one said anything.
"Staff." Zhu Youtang said.
"I'm here."
Tu Fu came out.
Zhu Youtang said: "The Ministry of Civil Affairs will confirm his official position and other matters, and the governor's affairs will be settled for him. In addition... I will send some more royal guards to protect him. Now that he is related to the stability of the Ming Dynasty, I will also explain it. , if there is no important matter, he will basically not leave the city, and no one will visit him for no reason in the future, and then give him a mansion."
Zhang Zhou was still listening casually.
After all, what was said before was all agreed in advance. He also knew that the emperor and the civil servants had reached an agreement, and now they were just announcing the results.
When he heard that he was going to be given a house, he immediately stared.
The ministers present really have no right to object to the matter of granting a house to someone. To whom does the emperor want to give a house? That is the emperor's own business. Does it also require ministers to come out and give their opinions casually and say if it is inconvenient to give it?
"Is there a courtyard in Beijing suitable for Bingkuan to live in?" Zhu Youtang asked Dai Yi in front of the ministers.
Dai Yi first looked up at Zhang Zhou and said with a smile: "Back to Your Majesty, Li Guang once built a mansion in Beijing. It is located in the north of the city. The feng shui is excellent. Maybe it can be given to Mr. Zhang."
"Yes." Zhu Youtang nodded with satisfaction, "That's it."
Good guy.
The ministers present were all shouting secretly.
I originally thought Zhang Zhou looked like Li Guang, but now the emperor doesn't hide it anymore. That's right, I regard him as Li Guang No. 2, and an enhanced version of Li Guang.
Do you have any objections to Li Guang's house being given to him?
Zhu Youtang also added: "If there is something inappropriate in terms of Feng Shui, the Zhang Qing family can make changes on their own. As long as it does not exceed the king's rules, everything should be in compliance with it."
"Yes." Dai Yi responded with a smile.
have a look.
There is no harm without comparison.
Previously, Li Guang introduced water from Yuquan Mountain to his house to form a small artificial river. A lot of people criticized it and said that it ruined the Feng Shui of the Ming Dynasty. But now the emperor explained that if this does not satisfy Zhang Zhou, it can still be done. Let him continue to strengthen. In short, everything is for Zhang Zhou to live comfortably.
…
…
Zhang Zhou stood there.
Being rewarded with a house was something to be happy about. Moreover, he had been to Li Guang's house on the day of the raid, so he was indeed very envious.
That big house can accommodate hundreds of people. It is a wealthy and prosperous place within the capital, not a house outside the city, so it is naturally valuable.
It was really given to me by the emperor.
Zhang Zhou was about to think about the strange looks from the people around him.
But thinking about it again, these people have long equated themselves with Li Guang. Do I need to care what they think? As long as you care about what the emperor thinks now, and what the prince thinks in the future, that will be enough!
"Your Majesty." Ma Wensheng came out and said, "Now that the First World War in Liaodong is over, I don't know who should continue to take charge of military affairs in Liaodong? I don't know how to deal with Zhang Yu, the former censor of Youqiandu? As well as military affairs in Liaodong and other matters related to People in Ningyuan should also make decisions."
That's roughly what it means.
The war in Ningyuan is over. A bunch of "powerful dragons" were sent to suppress the "local snakes". It should be over.
If Zhu Feng and the others are left in Ningyuan, I am afraid that the next step will be a fight between the Beijing faction and the local faction over military rewards. If it gets too big, there may be a mutiny.
The main credit goes to Zhu Feng, and it was Zhu Feng and his friends who were promoted to high positions. However, the war was done by local soldiers. Even though Ren Liang and the others knew that they had not contributed much, they saw others increase their contribution when asking for rewards. How can you be mentally balanced when you are promoted to a noble position but receive very few rewards?
Zhu Youtang said: "I should have mentioned the merits of Uncle Anbian, Uncle Jianchang and Uncle Jiangping."
We talked for a long time before, all of them mentioning Zhang Zhou’s contribution.
Now the emperor seems to have remembered that the main executors of this war are these three.
Originally, the credit also belonged to the three of them.
But why... today, even we ourselves feel that Zhang Bingkuan should be rewarded first?
"Uncle Anbian led the troops on the expedition. He was brave and resourceful. He implemented the opinions of the Zhang Qing family very thoroughly. He made great contributions in this battle. I am going to make him the Marquis of Anbian and give him a world certificate."
"As for Ping Jiangbo, he personally led the troops in pursuit and gained a lot. However, he was at fault during the battle at Piantou Pass. It can be considered that the merits and demerits were balanced, so the Lord did not move. He increased his salary to 1,400 dan and transferred it to He went to Yansui and succeeded Duke Cheng Guo as the chief military officer of Yansui."
At this time, Zhu Youtang seemed to finally see that Zhu Fu, the Duke of Chengguo, was just a loser without Zhang Zhouer's help.
In the eyes of the emperor, Zhu Fu was not even as good as his son Zhu Feng.
So this time after Chen Rui proved himself in Liaodong, the emperor immediately transferred him to Yansui to replace Zhu Fu, who had been criticized a lot recently.
Chen Rui... proved his worth with his military exploits and regained his prestige in the army. Even if it was just an increase in salary, he would be able to feel proud in the army in the future.
But the name "Chen Liangjiu" will probably not be erased for a while, unless... Wang Weining burps early, otherwise with Wang Weining around, whether it is "Chen Liangjiu" or "Zhu Shuotou", they will live in the shadow of others inside.
Wang Yue was also the only one of the Ming Dynasty's generals in the northwest who had the ability to break away from Zhang Zhou and establish his own branch, and he could also intimidate the grasslands.
Wang Yue is also very knowledgeable. Although he can break away from Zhang Zhou, he prefers to be bound to Zhang Zhou. This is called enlightenment.
"As for Uncle Jianchang."
Zhu Youtang finally talked about the deeds of a person who was of concern to the civil servants and Wu Xun present.
When the emperor rewarded Zhang Zhou, no one came out to object because they felt that they could not object.
But now if the emperor wants to easily promote the second son of the Zhang family to an official position... let's see if we don't involve him to death! We clearly remember that this bastard went to the northwest with Dai Zui and was later transferred to Liaodong.
It’s okay if you don’t punish him for his meritorious service, but you still want to reward him?
"... Jianchang Bo also proved that he is not a coward in this battle. He has the courage to make meritorious deeds for the Ming Dynasty. He even killed an enemy invader with his own hands, which makes me admire him with admiration."
"But his previous sins for causing trouble to the place were huge. This time, let's consider his sins reduced by half."
What?
When the ministers present heard this, something was wrong.
Has the emperor changed his gender today?
Halve the guilt? That means... half of his sins are still retained, right? Not only will they not be rewarded, but they will continue to bear the guilt?
Even if you can be exempted from guilt, you can be rewarded for your merits or not. It seems that your majesty only has Zhang Bingkuan in your heart at the moment. Even your beloved Zhang family brothers have now fallen out of favor and been relegated to the cold palace?
If that's the case, then why send the second son of the Zhang family to Liaodong to look for trouble? Wouldn't it be better for someone else to take the credit?
"I am planning to go to Yansui with Uncle Jianchang and Pingjiangbo to help guard the place." Zhu Youtang said, "Do you have any objections?"
It was not easy for Zhang Zhou to object before.
This time the big guy still didn't object because... he didn't want to object.
Your Majesty's move is very wise, and the ministers fully agree with it.
Xie Qian came out and smiled. Before he could say anything, others were thinking, why are you, Xie Yuqiao, coming out to object at this time? Go back, go back!
Xie Qian was not speaking for Zhang Yanling. He smiled and said: "Your Majesty, Uncle Pingjiang and Uncle Jianchang have already received rewards. I wonder how Uncle Anbian should dispatch them?"
Zhu Youtang said: "He is now the Marquis of Anbian! Transfer him back to the capital, and I will be able to use him again."
(End of chapter)
