The ninth day of March.
In the land of the capital, spring has come and flowers are blooming. Zhu Youtang visited the back garden of the palace that day, and even brought Queen Zhang with him, which seemed like a very loving couple.
Zhu Youtang was originally worried that he was going to have a concubine soon, which would cause discord between Empress Zhang and his husband. However, he never thought that just because he was about to have a concubine, Empress Zhang had been very obedient to him recently, which made him really appreciate it. What does a "real man" mean?
"His Majesty."
Xiao Jing came over with the battle report and greeted Zhu Youtang from a distance.
Zhu Youtang lowered his head and said a few words to Queen Zhang. Then Queen Zhang bowed respectfully and left the palace houyuan with the entourage from Kunning Palace.
Only then did Zhu Youtang talk to Xiao Jing on the temporary throne.
"How is it? Is there any result?" Zhu Youtang asked.
Xiao Jing said: "Your Majesty, the outcome of the battle in Liaodong has not yet been decided, but Mr. Zhang has left Shanhaiguan."
"Is it coming out now?" Zhu Youtang was also surprised.
It has been more than two months since Zhang Zhou left the capital. According to Zhu Youtang's impression, let alone the Jianzhou and Haixi Jurchens, even if Zhang Zhou was asked to level the entire grassland, it would probably be enough. Is it done?
As a result, now... Zhang Zhou just left Shanhaiguan?
Xiao Jing said: "However, Uncle Xinjian's march on the ground in Jianzhou went very smoothly. In the past ten days, he has successively captured forty or fifty Jurchen strongholds, and also captured six or seven cities."
"Uncle Xinxin? Very good."
Zhu Youtang is still very satisfied with "Confucian generals" like Wang Shouren.
He knew how to fight, spoke sincerely and respectfully, and had a majestic appearance. The most important thing was that he was a capable person recommended to the court by Zhang Zhou.
Although Zhu Feng also had Zhu Youtang's trust, even Zhu Youtang felt that he should not rely too much on Zhu Feng to complete any big plan, because Zhu Feng was a bit cynical and lacked experience.
On the other hand, Wang Shouren seems to be born without any experience, and can do great things right away.
"Has Jianzhou Acropolis been captured?" Zhu Youtang asked.
Xiao Jing respectfully replied: "We haven't taken it yet. Xinjian Bo's memorial shows that the local Jurchen tribe in Jianzhou is heavily guarded against the Jianzhou Guards, and all tribes are also cooperating in the defense, so he bypassed the Jianzhou Guards." , it is said that it is also in accordance with Mr. Zhang’s wishes, nibbling away little by little, never in a hurry.”
"Haha... cannibalizing, well, the previous several campaigns against the Jurchens have suffered from being too hasty. Even if they were defeated each time, they could not be managed for a long time." Zhu Youtang discussed with Zhang Zhou the strategy of managing the border residents. Naturally, you understand the essentials.
Xiao Jing said: "It's just that a minister in the court recently asked about the post-war governance of the Jurchen tribes. Should we still use native officials from Jianzhou?"
Zhu Youtang shook his head and said: "Actually, last year, I was discussing side affairs with Bingkuan, and Bingkuan mentioned to me that he wanted to change his position and return to his hometown."
"ah?"
Xiao Jing was startled.
This was the first time he heard this term from Zhu Youtang.
Although it was just a noun, he knew what it meant literally.
"The hidden dangers to the imperial court from the border areas are increasing day by day, not only from Liaodong, but also from the Tatars in the grasslands and the tribes in the southwest. They have had a great impact on the stability of the imperial border in the past few decades. In the past, the Ming Dynasty In order to change the situation and return to the current situation, the biggest resistance we encounter comes from the stability of the border areas. With Bingkuan, I think we can have no worries."
Taking away the power of native officials and replacing them with new officials will lead to rebellion among the native officials.
In the past, the Ming Dynasty did not have the ability to change the system for the sake of border stability. Even though it knew that the native official system had many drawbacks, it still tolerated it.
But now Zhu Youtang feels that with Zhang Zhou here, he can confidently go ahead and do it.
Xiao Jing said: "But Your Majesty, isn't the focus of the Ming Dynasty's military affairs now placed in the north?"
"So, let's start with Liaodong." Zhu Youtang seemed to take it for granted. "This is to set a model for the Southwest. So what if they are as fierce as the Jurchens? We still have to accept the changes in the Ming system. The Jurchens will also be moved inward, so that Their tribe has merged with the Ming Dynasty and no longer has the power of a small court outside the imperial court, let alone its own army."
"I also want to change the situation where the native officials of the tribes in the southwest respond to hundreds of responses. It can be said that the people on the southwest border only know that there are native officials but do not know that there is a court. How can the Ming Dynasty's borders achieve long-term peace and stability?"
Zhu Youtang looked high-spirited.
Xiao Jing had mixed feelings in his heart.
"What, now you are thinking about those civil servants and want me to know in advance how the ministers of the DPRK and China will tell me when they learn about this matter?" Zhu Youtang asked in a cold tone.
Xiao Jing said hurriedly: "I don't dare."
Zhu Youtang said: "You need to know what is right. Although I rarely check the memorials recently, I know that most of the proposals have been adopted. I am also afraid that in the future, the whole court will not know about me, only the cabinet."
"This slave deserves to die." When Xiao Jing heard this, he knew that the emperor was blaming him. As the eunuch in charge of the ceremony, he basically followed the cabinet's opinions in Zhu's comments. In the emperor's view, this was almost a kind of disloyalty.
"stand up."
Zhu Youtang's tone became calmer and he said, "Bingkuan is not in the court, so I have become a little lazy about court affairs. Perhaps like the prince, I need Bingkuan's advice before I can be more dedicated to taking care of the court affairs."
Xiao Jingxin said.
When Zhang Bingkuan was in the government, you had no intention of taking care of the government affairs. Maybe you wanted to leave all the affairs of the government to Zhang Bingkuan, right?
"Urge Bingkuan to hurry up. I want him to come back early. We are going to fight one cottage after another... until how long?" Zhu Youtang's mood was waning. He seemed to have no interest in seeing the scenery anymore and wanted to go back to rest.
Xiao Jing said: "Your Majesty, the troops from Liaodong have been sent out. The troops are led by Lu Wan, the governor of Liaodong himself."
Zhu Youtang said: "Also try to ask Bingkuan for his opinion. If there is really no need to continue the fight, let him return to Beijing as soon as possible. I have been feeling weak recently, and I want him to come back for treatment."
…
…
Wang Shouren was on the ground in Jianzhou, attacking the cottages one by one.
It seems that he has forgotten his original goal of Hetuala, and also forgot about Dubi City to rush to help Tang Yin. It seems that it is not important anymore, his task is to gradually level up.
What they do every day, besides marching and fighting, is to study a reasonable attack plan based on the terrain of the nearby village.
Because of the presence of yellow gunpowder and artillery, it will be twice the result with half the effort when capturing a mountain stronghold, especially when blowing up wooden fences and earthen cities, the effect is more obvious. Therefore, what Wang Shouren is worried about is not whether he can defeat it, but how to calculate how many Fight quickly, save money, and it is best to end the battle without any losses on Ming's side.
"Young General, there is a request for help from Mr. Tang from Duobi City."
The tenth day of March.
Wang Shouren had just captured a small stronghold, but he still divided his troops to fight. Four thousand soldiers and horses were divided into two groups, and the other group was still attacking another small stronghold.
He got a letter asking for help written by Tang Yin from Li Ling.
Wang Shouren smiled and said: "Being able to send messages outside means that the pressure has been reduced a lot. It is estimated that in ten days and a half, he will be able to lead his troops out of Duobi City. What kind of support can he ask for?"
At first Wang Shouren also felt that Tang Yin should be saved from fire and water.
But as time went by, when he found that this method of leveling was very easy except for being slower in efficiency, he no longer resisted and rejected it, and concentrated on enjoying this steady and steady combat style, building up his skills step by step. The hinterland advance of the state guard.
For Wang Shouren, what Hetuala is no longer an obsession, but a dispensable embellishment.
Anyway, we don't want to attack the Jianzhou Guard's lair, so we just let the Jianzhou Guard brats worry.
…
…
As Wang Shouren fought more and more smoothly within the boundaries of Jianzhou Weidi.
Lu Wan personally led 20,000 soldiers and horses, and also attacked the Tarum Guards' acropolis from another direction, that is, to the northwest of Jianzhou Guards.
Zhu Kongge, the leader of the Tarum Guards, hurriedly took the generals in the city out of the city and went to Lu Wanjun in person to "apologise". As a member of the Yehe tribe, Zhu Kongge was different from his father who had harassed the border. He was devoted to Ming, so he did not dare to be an enemy of Ming.
In addition, the Ming Dynasty directly sent 20,000 troops and horses this time. Zhu Kong Ge knew that he was not capable of fighting the Ming Dynasty, so he surrendered faster than others.
Lu Wan personally met with Zhu Kongge, and after the interview, he asked Zhu Kongge to go into the city and take all the soldiers out of the city, so that the Ming army could take over the city.
"Why did it fall?"
Zhang Yong did not go to meet Zhu Kongge. After hearing the news, he specially ran from the rear army to the front line. After walking more than ten miles on the mountain road, Zhang Yong was also a little tired.
Lu Wandao: "Not all tribes dare to turn against the Ming Dynasty. Maybe they think that as long as they surrender, they can continue to rule here as before."
Zhang Yong said in surprise: "Didn't Lu Zhongcheng tell him when he got it that he and his people would be moved inland in the future?"
"Inward relocation?" Lu Wan asked, "Where did the news about Eunuch Zhang come from?"
"Isn't it?"
Zhang Yong was surprised.
Lu Wandao: "How can there be so much land in the Ming Dynasty to settle so many border people? At most, the upper-class people from some tribes who have broken their bones and sucked their marrow will be moved to the Ming Dynasty and taken care of them. As for these ethnic groups, they still live in large numbers. Here, the Ming Dynasty will re-recruit the army, complete the garrison change, and then kill those who are disobedient to serve as a warning."
Zhang Yongxin said, in terms of ruthlessness, you are still ruthless.
Zhang Yong asked: "Does your Majesty have any relevant decrees to convey?"
Lu Wan looked a little unkind and shook his head. It seemed that the emperor did not trust him in governing Liaodong for a long time in the future.
He, Lu Wan, was more like a governor who was temporarily transferred to be responsible for fighting the war, rather than to govern one party.
Lu Wan sighed: "Actually, His Majesty has no intention of letting me govern these foreigners. I have written to Duke Lai before asking for his opinion."
Zhang Yong asked: "Isn't it inappropriate for Lu Zhongcheng to write a letter to Mr. Zhang alone?"
"What's wrong with asking about military strategy?" Lu Wan asked.
Zhang Yong was angry.
He began to realize that the concerns of the civil servants in the court were justified.
Judging from the rise of Zhang Zhou, in a short period of time, Ming Dynasty has received huge benefits. After winning battles on the border, Ming Dynasty is no longer a sleeping army, but more like a tiger descending from the mountain.
But in the long run, because of Zhang Zhou's great achievements, both the generals in the capital and the generals and governors in various places have gradually become accustomed to asking Zhang Zhou for advice. If this continues... Zhang Zhou will become more powerful. Under control, the imperial court will gradually become isolated...
If Zhang Zhou had a close relationship with the emperor, or Zhang Zhou could always gain the emperor's trust, then everything would be fine.
But I am afraid that there will also be discord between the monarch and his ministers.
"What Duke Lai Guo means seems to be that there is a person with such ability who will stay in Liaodong to govern the border people and give him a strategy for governance. I don't know who he is specifically," Lu Wan said with a sigh.
"Who could it be?"
Zhang Yong directly stated the questions in his heart.
Lu Wan just shook his head.
Those who fight belong to those who fight, and those who govern the people belong to those who govern the people. Lu Wan feels very confused about his personal future. He does not even dare to say that he is a direct descendant of Zhang Zhou.
It was precisely because of his estranged relationship with Zhang Zhou that he felt uncertain that he paid more attention to establishing a good personal relationship with Zhang Zhou.
This is also due to Lu Wan's character.
…
…
Tang Yin, who is in Duobi City, has been living a pretty good life recently.
Before the fifth day of March, the soldiers in the city were dying day by day, and the North Koreans had slaughtered their horses early for meat and soup, but later it was discovered that... there were fewer and fewer enemy troops stationed outside the city.
Several attempts were made and good results were achieved.
Although they could only behead a single-digit number of people at most each time, and the Jurchens besieging the city were not completely driven away, at least it was guaranteed that the defenders in the city would have nothing to do when they went out to "beat their teeth".
As the situation in the city became less severe, my originally hungry stomach seemed not to be so hungry anymore.
Although the food that was originally not enough was not taken back much, it seemed that no one could starve to death.
It also surprised Tang Yin... He had been staying in this ghost place for two months, and no one had starved to death... In addition to eating some wild vegetables, he didn't even go to the extent of chewing tree bark or eating soil.
It seems that I can still survive.
"Bohu, should we make a plan and push the soldiers and horses out? We don't have any food if we keep hanging like this." In the past two months, Xu Jing's face had obviously lost weight due to hunger, making him look skinny.
But because of this, his eyes look more energetic.
Tang Yin said: "The reinforcements haven't arrived yet."
"Still waiting? When?" Xu Jing was also worried, "Otherwise, we will take our troops and horses, open a gap from the southeast, and walk towards North Korea. We can reach North Korea in less than ten days. We can then Turn back to Daming..."
Tang Yin asked: "Do you want to be a deserter?"
Xu Jing was speechless.
Originally, he looked down upon this old friend and felt that Tang Yin's achievements were incomparable to those of Zhang Zhou and Wang Shouren, but this time he saw what "a nest of snakes and rats" meant.
They all have the same character, and I don’t know where they learned their stubbornness, but they actually refuse to leave Duobi City?
…
…
After several days of combat operations, the effects were obvious.
The morale of the North Korean soldiers also improved.
Park Yuanzong found Tang Yin and told his pain: "Mr. Tang, there is nothing we can do. Our coach Li Kejun has mentioned to the people below many times that as long as he returns to North Korea, he will kill me. I am I can’t go back to North Korea.”
Tang Yin said: "You want to live in exile in the Ming Dynasty?"
"Yes." Pu Yuanzong said, "I can take these five thousand soldiers and horses to join the Ming Dynasty, as long as you give the order."
"What about your relatives?"
Tang Yin narrowed his eyes and looked at Pu Yuanzong.
For the sake of your own life, do you even care about your family and tribe?
Pu Yuanzong said: "If I defected to the Ming Dynasty and had the Ming Dynasty reward me, the monarch of North Korea would not dare to do anything to my people. Besides, my brother is also a hero of North Korea. He is no longer here, and there are many of my people... …How can it affect them just because of me?”
"I want to ask His Majesty for instructions on this matter, at least to Duke Lai. As far as I know, he will be in Shenyang in the next few days." Tang Yin said.
Park Yuanzong said in surprise: "You can already know the news from the outside world?"
"Yes." Tang Yin answered simply, "Although it's not much, I know that the Jianzhou Jurchens have been tortured a lot by Xinjian Bo, and the Haixi Jurchen tribes have no intention of fighting with the Ming Dynasty. If Lai Guo Gong comes in person at this time, it will be An ultimatum, no one dares to be an enemy of Ming Dynasty anymore.”
"Yeah yeah."
Park Yuanzong was very excited when he heard about it, "If Duke Lai Guo comes in person, I hope to go and see him. I admire him very much."
Tang Yin thought to himself.
Do you admire Duke Lai? Is it because I have to admire him to save my life?
Tang Yin said: "Actually, in the past few days, I have sent a copy of your situation, together with the battle report, to Shenyang. It may take a few days to arrive, and I don't know whether it will go smoothly on the way. You don't have to worry, people who work for the Ming Dynasty , even if you return to North Korea, you will still be recognized and affirmed by your monarch."
"No, no, no, Tang Shangchao, you don't know that our monarch is too arbitrary and willful. He only believes in the words of those close to him, and he is sinister..."
Park Yuanzong said it well.
Tang Yin didn't like hearing it very much.
Because he felt that Park Yuanzong was slandering his monarch and was no different from a traitor.
Where can a traitor go to get better? Does Daming dare to believe this kind of person?
…
…
Zhang Zhou finally arrived at Zhongwei City in Shenyang on March 16th.
Zhang Heling, who was left behind, came out to greet him. At the same time, there were many local generals. Because the news was not leaked in advance, the soldiers and civilians in the city did not know about it.
After Zhang Heling took Zhang Zhou into the city, he did not go to the Yamen, but to his house.
"I'll show you something good."
Zhang Heling rushed over to pull Zhang Zhou's sleeves, but Zhang Zhou stretched out his hand to stop him.
Zhang Heling smiled and said: "North Korea just sent someone. They said they knew Mr. Zhang was coming and sent ten beauties. I have seen them, and they are all... very good."
Zhang Zhou frowned.
Is this what you, Hou Ning, care about? Have you seen it? Or have you used it?
Zhang Zhou said: "I came to Shenyang after all the hard work for the purpose of going on an expedition. But I have to postpone it for two days. I'm too tired!"
"You're not in a hurry, are you? I knew it." Zhang Heling smiled.
Zhang Zhou said he was coming, and the slogan was kept for nearly three months. The talent finally arrived, and it felt like he had been waiting for him for a long time.
If you have to take a rest before coming, you are not taking this battle seriously.
Zhang Zhou said: "Now you can send orders to all parts of Liaodong, saying that I, Mr. Zhang, have arrived in Shenyang. The next step is to wipe out the Jurchen tribes. Unless they surrender and accept the new canonization and relocation of the Ming Dynasty, otherwise... we will see you on the battlefield!" "
(End of chapter)
