In Qianqing Palace, attend a meeting at the Listening Office.
Li Rong, as the chief eunuch of the Bureau of Ceremonies, also officially became a member of the Shangting Department. The identities of Li Dongyang, Ma Wensheng, and Zhang Mao remained unchanged, but this time the Shangshu Zhou Jing was added to the Shangting Department.
At a glance, you can tell that the emperor wants to use the victory of the war to dispatch military supplies and supplies to the northwest. In fact, it is equivalent to showing the courtiers that the members of the Shangting Department are not like the cabinet who work for a lifetime and can be changed at any time. In general, Come to think of it...depending on my mood, whoever I let in will come in.
If the cabinet has always existed as advisors to the emperor, but after the middle of the Ming Dynasty, the real power of the cabinet increased, and it was unable to satisfy the emperor in terms of advisory duties.
The cabinet only focused on taking charge of the civil servants, and regarded themselves as leaders of civil servants even if they were not prime ministers. Obviously, the cabinet did not have the smooth and convenient access to the hearing.
"... Bingkuan has rarely been in the capital in the past year. In fact, I have no definite idea about the arrangements for iron cavalry and gunpowder. Instead, I think that another batch of military rations and ironware should be stored in Xuanfu and Datong. There is no need to put all money, food and other things in Taicang."
The vague meaning of Zhu Youtang's words was to establish a small court in the northwest.
Everything was dispatched by the Ministry of Revenue and Taicang, which made the northwest passive in running the army. The northwest had to apply to the court for any needs. The emperor had to argue with the ministers every time. When there was a shortage, he said he would make up for it later. , but for things like money and food allocation, even the imperial court knew that there were deficiencies everywhere, and it was impossible to make up for it.
Li Dongyang said: "Your Majesty, the Xuanfu's money and food are already sufficient, there is no need to add any more."
Zhu Youtang said coldly: "I know that it is enough to survive the winter, but in recent years, the northwest farmland has been abandoned many times. I have mentioned it many times before that the method of silver color cannot completely replace grain Kaizhong." , I asked Bingkuan to go south. In fact, I also inspected the grain storage of the Nanjing Ministry of Household Affairs, investigated the canal channels and transportation, and made a proper plan for future expenses in the northwest. "
Zhou Jingdao: "Your Majesty, the Ministry of Household Affairs' financial and food arrangements involve Yingtian Mansion, Jiangnan and other places, and the Ministry of War should not be involved."
Zhu Youtang asked back: "Bingkuan is nominally the Minister of the Southern Ministry of War, but in fact, don't you know his role? For the sake of northwest military affairs, I ordered him to conduct an inspection, and it was entirely for the sake of smooth border affairs. I can It’s not all about selfishness.”
It's not entirely selfish, which means there is still selfishness. The emperor himself admitted this.
"I have sent people to Xishan to investigate. The iron smelting there is going very smoothly. It is said that the iron ore mines opened in Yongping Prefecture are already full of mines. Due to the lack of manpower, the coal mines and iron ore mines opened cannot be harvested. To make use of it, the 10,000 soldiers and horses I previously transferred to Jizhou were sent to Yongping Mansion on the spot to assist with the affairs of the mine."
Zhu Youtang's words were somewhat incomprehensible to several members of the Listening Department present.
Li Rong asked for instructions: "Your Majesty, are you asking the 10,000 soldiers in the capital camp to help transport ore and pig iron?"
Zhu Youtang said: "That's all a trivial matter. From now on, these ten thousand people will be dispatched to the mine."
"But Your Majesty." Li Dongyang was quick-thinking and immediately realized that the emperor was going to make trouble again. He immediately objected, "There are many disadvantages in occupying the Beijing camp. If the soldiers of the Beijing camp cannot return to the camp, their errands will not be completed. , I am afraid that being lazy will lead to gaps in the capital's defense."
Zhu Youtang narrowed his eyes and said: "Why do I think that casting all the iron into cannons and grinding all the ores into gunpowder powder will be more beneficial to the defense of the capital? When did the Ming Dynasty only rely on these 10,000 troops to defend the capital? Really? If something goes wrong in the military and political affairs of the northwest, the capital will be in crisis at any time. Do you still want me to explain what is more serious?"
Li Dongyang felt helpless in his heart.
In the past, even if the emperor had his own personality, he at least followed the rules set by the civil servants and never broke the rules.
But now it seems that the emperor has no intention of abiding by the previous rules, and even takes pride in being "unconventional". He will do some extra work when he has nothing to do. First, he allowed Zhang Zhou to open the mine, and now he wants to mobilize 10,000 soldiers from the Beijing camp to coordinate the mine.
Doesn’t that mean that these 10,000 soldiers became Zhang Zhou’s soldiers?
Zhou Jingdao: "Your Majesty, when the mine was opened to the public in Lai State, Your Majesty had already made a promise. He was personally responsible for the affairs of the mine, and the court did not ask about the deployment of manpower. He even used the money and grain from the Ministry of Households to purchase the charcoal and iron tools he made. Now with the capital, The officers and soldiers of the battalion are under his command, but he doesn’t know whether the mine affairs should be brought under the jurisdiction of the imperial court or..."
"My golden words, do you want me to break my words?" Zhu Youtang said.
Not only was Zhou Jing speechless, but the people around him, including Li Rong and Zhang Mao, who seemed to be watching from afar, couldn't stand listening.
The use of official weapons for private use was indeed the specialty of Emperor Hongzhi. In the past, the soldiers from the Beijing camp were used to do some hard work for those who built palaces and temples. They were simply used as free labor, and they were sent wherever needed. Where to go.
Now it's more direct.
The soldiers in the Beijing camp no longer work for the imperial court, nor simply for the royal family, but directly for "private individuals", and the boss behind them is Zhang Zhou, who runs the mine.
Zhu Youtang said: "I know what you are thinking. You think that this mine belongs to Bingkuan, and the income from his mining has not been fully handed over to the court, but have you forgotten that he had previously folded his salary? In the past year, have you ever been in debt with your salary? Isn’t this all due to the output of the mine?”
What the emperor means is that Bingkuan is already paying your wages for me, why do you still not understand him so much?
"Other than Bingkuan, who else knows how to smelt iron? Who else knows how to forge cannons? Can you make cannons and blunderbuss that are farther away, more powerful, or lighter and more effective in combat? I will give you this job. If it is left to him, there is really no one who can take on the responsibility. Now, not only the officials in the capital, but also the local officials from various places are benefiting from the mining tax."
"If I allocate some manpower to Bingkuan to help him succeed, it will also cast more cannons for the imperial court and contribute more bricks and mortar to the country. If you all object to it, I don't know what your intentions are."
Zhu Youtang's words were a bit unpleasant to hear.
That's roughly what it means.
Only I and Bingkuan are dedicated to the Ming Dynasty. As for you, do you have very bad intentions, or are you all spies planted by the Tatars within the Ming Dynasty?
If not, then why do you think that every time you advocate something that goes against what I think is Pingyuan’s plan? Do you dare to say that you are not supporting the Tatars?
Zhu Youtang was probably also angry. After his anger subsided a little, his tone became much softer and he became reasonable and said: "I have also thought about the fact that these ten thousand soldiers and horses have neglected to train. In fact, it is quite possible. Don't worry, because Bingkuan is already on duty in the Governor's Mansion. He has mobilized these 10,000 soldiers and horses to complete daily artillery and musket training. Even if they go to the battlefield, these 10,000 people are still the elite of our Daming Shenji Battalion. "
They say they are family soldiers, but they are really family soldiers.
The imperial court gave Zhang Zhou a salary to work for, but now Zhang Zhou is responsible for daily training. Does this mean that all these 10,000 soldiers and horses are under Zhang Zhou's control?
Then if these ten thousand soldiers and horses come in disorder and affect the safety of Ming Dynasty...
Ma Wensheng couldn't bear to listen, so he raised his hands and said: "Your Majesty, it is completely undesirable to train soldiers with civil servants. Even if you are a martial artist, you cannot train a battalion of soldiers alone, and it is not in the capital."
Zhu Youtang said: "I don't understand. If the civil servants and Wu Xun cannot train soldiers, then wouldn't it mean that the governors and general soldiers in the northwest are all a bunch of mediocre people who don't know how to fight? You just think that I let Bingkuan Let him use the mines in Xishan and Yongping Prefecture... as well as Datong and Zhangjiakou as a basis to garrison the capital camp! Is this no problem?"
"The Ming Dynasty's mines in these places are the most important for the long-term peace and stability of the Ming Dynasty in the future. If Tatars or bandits occupy these important places, the national destiny of the Ming Dynasty will be threatened! I am dispatching these ten thousand people as Let’s go see the mines!”
He just changed his statement, and the members present seemed to be unable to find any reason to refute.
…
…
The matter of 10,000 soldiers from the Beijing camp to assist in the mining was decided in such a "friendly" manner.
Instead of discussing it with the superior, it would just make the decision at the meeting of the superior hearing department, and not even mention it to the superior after the meeting... This is equivalent to saying that the superior hearing department not only exists as an advisory authority, but also has direct authority. The power to make decisions on the highest affairs of the Ming Dynasty.
In the past, most matters were proposed by ministers. After the emperor asked the ministers to discuss it, he would then decide whether to adopt it based on the pros and cons.
But now it is changed directly to the emperor's proposal in the inner court, which is equivalent to informing the few people listening, and then the decision can be made.
As for why the emperor suddenly became so assertive... everyone in the court knew that Zhang Zhou was behind it, but the problem was that many things knew where the source was, but there was nothing they could do about it...
"It's difficult!"
After leaving the Qianqing Palace, everyone walked out, and Zhang Mao, who always pretended to be a guest, expressed such emotion.
Zhou Jing asked: "Mr. British, are you lamenting that there are not enough people in the capital camp?"
"Haha." Zhang Mao said with a smile, "The Beijing Camp is still short of those 10,000 people, but as to whether there will be another Beijing Camp in the future...it's not certain."
Zhang Mao also felt that the emperor was gradually decentralizing the authority to defend the capital.
This was the reason why Zhang Mao followed Tu Fu and others to impeach Zhang Zhou before, but later Zhang Mao also saw that Wu Xun was just a rough guy in the eyes of civil servants, and civil servants did not want to bring Wu Xun to play with him in politics. Since he was on guard Without Zhang Zhou's rise, there would be no need to be at odds with Zhang Zhou.
Moreover...Zhang Zhou is also someone Zhang Mao cannot afford to offend.
Ma Wensheng looked at Zhou Jing on the side and said: "After the spring of next year, how much grain will be transferred from Jingcang to Xuanda and the three sides?"
Zhou Jing was surprised and said: "You don't know, Master Ma? Your Majesty has not told the Ministry of Household Affairs separately that the expenses will be increased."
Ma Wensheng said: "Your Majesty didn't mean it like this before, but you still said..."
Some words were left unfinished.
You are probably saying that His Majesty is not pleased with your Zhou Jing and is planning to talk to your successor, that is, Zhong Zhong, instead of talking to you?
Even though Zhou Jing was in the position of Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, his successor had already been decided. The emperor had already named Zhong Zhong to take over. However, Zhong Zhong waited for a long time and still could not wait for Zhou Jing. I think Ni Yue, who had only been the official minister for a few days, was ordered to become an official.
The world is so wonderful.
Zhou Jingdao: "Perhaps Your Majesty has no plans to launch a major war in the northwest next year? However, Your Majesty has often asked about the shipbuilding of the Bohai Sea Governor recently."
Li Dongyang frowned and said, "His Majesty asked you?"
Zhou Jing glanced at Li Rong who was leading the way in front of him. Li Rong was getting older after all. He seemed to have dim eyesight and was unsteady when walking. He was also a bit deaf and couldn't hear anything. But Li Rong was a ruthless character. .
This group of civil servants have all seen this before.
Zhou Jing sighed: "Maybe."
To say it is possible is actually a definite answer.
Li Dongyang and Ma Wensheng looked at each other, as if they could read something in each other's eyes.
Zhang Bingkuan's next plan seems to no longer be about how to torment the northwest... Or, before the Ming Dynasty can forge enough artillery and firecrackers to flatten the grassland, his plan will shift to shipbuilding and Jinghai?
What is he planning?
…
…
"What, shipbuilding?" The cabinet clerk said.
After Liu Jian learned the news that Zhou Jing accidentally leaked from Li Dongyang, he didn't think about it.
Xie Qian looked disapproving and said: "Tang Bohu did not serve as governor of the Bohai Sea for only a day or two. He had already gone to Jiangnan to raise money for shipbuilding. You two, don't make a fuss, right?"
Li Dongyang looked back and said, "Well, Yu Qiao, tell me, what is the main purpose of His Majesty sending Zhang Bingkuan to Jiangnan?"
"Well……"
Xie Qian thought for a moment and asked, "Cultivating the crown prince?"
This answer made Li Dongyang somewhat speechless.
If the ordinary ministers in the court still thought that Zhang Zhou ran away from Zhu Houzhao, how could they, who were ministers, not know that the prince actually "ran away from home"?
And even if Zhu Youtang trusted Zhang Zhou again, he would not be able to let Zhang Zhou take the prince to the south of the Yangtze River. He also considered accompanying the prince to go out for fun and experience as the main purpose of Zhang Zhou's trip south.
"Perhaps Zhang Bingkuan left the capital and went south just to avoid the disaster. He wanted to take advantage of the disaster and give His Majesty a reason to stop us from criticizing him for the disaster. There is really no need to think too much about it," Xie Qian said. .
Li Dongyang said: "Speaking of which, I got news a few days ago that Yang Peng, the admiral of Dongchang, has sent people to Jiangxi many times."
Liu Jiandao: "Bin, have you ever thought about why?"
"Maybe it has something to do with Ning Fan." Li Dongyang said, "Ning Fan has been restless in the past few decades, and has repeatedly requested to resume the guard but failed. Ning Fan's ambitions are obvious, and His Majesty has never had a reason to take action against him. Moreover, the Ming Dynasty vassal matter is very serious, so your Majesty may intend to let Zhang Bingkuan handle the matter."
Liu Jian shook his head and said: "Your Majesty knows that Zhang Bingkuan has offended too many people in the court. Logically speaking, he will not be allowed to do such things."
Xie Qian smiled and said: "Then let's build ships. It seems more reasonable."
If you can’t guess why Zhang Zhou went to Nanjing, then think in a more straightforward direction.
Liu Jian asked: "Has His Majesty issued an order to summon him back to Beijing?"
Li Dongyang shook his head and said: "Because His Majesty has not finalized his errands after returning to Beijing, even if he is called back, it may be done in secret. But it stands to reason that His Majesty has already let the news go, and he will send someone there immediately. "
Liu Jiandao: "Zhang Bingkuan's purpose of going south has not been clearly thought out, so why did your Majesty call him back this time?"
For a moment, both Li Dongyang and Xie Qian were confused.
If Zhang Zhou had his own mission when he went south, was it necessary for the emperor to summon Zhang Zhou back in such a hurry if he had not completed it? Just because the emperor felt that Zhang Zhou was indispensable as a counselor, so he had to rush to see him?
Liu Jian continued: "Your Majesty has not said to whom the errand of the Minister of War in Nanjing will be handed over. Could it be that your Majesty will return this errand to someone other than Zhang Bingkuan?"
"You mean," Li Dongyang said, "His Majesty will choose the next candidate to be the Minister of War in Nanjing from among the people around Zhang Bingkuan?"
Liu Jiandao: "It doesn't have to be an existing person, but the recommendation must be made possible by Zhang Bingkuan. But do you know who he is going to recommend?"
This brought Li Dongyang and Xie Qian to question again.
The emperor first asked Zhang Zhou to be the Minister of the Ministry of War in Nanjing and replaced Ni Yue, which seemed "reasonable". After all, Ni Yue was the "highly promoted" Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and Zhang Zhou had a high reputation in the Ming army, and Zhang Zhou was Being sent south is completely in line with the interests of traditional Beijing officials.
But then Ni Yue was ordered to retire, and Zhang Zhou was transferred back...
This will make Liu Jian feel.
The emperor used a roundabout counterattack to take the position of Minister of War in Nanjing and gave it to Zhang Zhou.
After Zhang Zhou left, he recommended someone to come forward and occupy the Nanjing Ministry of War Minister. Zhang Zhou was equivalent to occupying half of the military and political power in the south of the Yangtze River.
Xie Qian smiled bitterly and said: "Who could it be? Tang Bohu? Or Wang Dehua? It can't be Wang Bo'an, right? Two new scholars became ministers of the Ming Dynasty in one fell swoop? Ministers of the two capitals of the north and the south? Liu Zhongtang, are you too big? Are you worried?"
Li Dongyang lamented: "Whether His Majesty did it deliberately, I still don't know. But before the peace of the grassland, the Ming Dynasty, from the Ministry of War to the Governor's Mansion, to the Governors in the northwest, I am afraid that His Majesty will no longer be able to trust anyone other than Zhang Bingkuan. "
These words made Xie Qian sigh.
Li Dongyang was not complaining.
Just telling a fact.
Since the emperor is determined to level the grassland, he must complete the related supporting tasks. Zhang Zhou will be the Minister of War, and the Minister of War in Nanjing will definitely use someone who Zhang Zhou thinks can stabilize the area. After all, when the Ming Dynasty was pacifying the north, the south It is equally important to ensure the stability of the country and prevent anyone from taking the opportunity to cause chaos.
As for the northwest, from the Trilateral General System to the Xuanda General System, and then to Jizhou, Liaodong and other places, Zhang Zhou's people will gradually be replaced.
But who it is, it’s hard to say.
Li Dongyang said: "Zhang Bingkuan has not followed the old principles in employing people in the past two years, but every time he recommended the people he recommended, he could do his job independently. On the contrary, Yang Yingning, the governor of Ningxia, was used later, but no results were achieved. It is not because Yang Yingning is not capable, we will see. It’s not because the DPRK and China have not cooperated.”
"Why is that?" Xie Qian asked eagerly.
Li Dongyang frowned and said: "It's because of His Majesty's expectations for the military and political affairs in the northwest. People who are not recommended by Zhang Bingkuan cannot be fully familiar with it. Just like the battle in Ningxia, there was no surprise attack on the grassland by Wang Bo'an, and Yang Yingning sent troops to Ningxia alone. , what results will it have?”
Xie Qian said: "Maybe that's not the case. Do you think if Yang Yingning was replaced by Wang Bo'an, would the results be very different?"
Liu Jian raised his hand to interrupt the conversation between the two and said: "Don't make groundless speculations about things that haven't happened yet. The great victory in the northwest is a good deed for the Ming Dynasty to stabilize the country. Regarding the northwest, let's take it one step at a time."
The subtext is to remind Li Dongyang and Xie Qian.
We can't beat Zhang Zhou, so we should compromise.
Let that kid take over, do as he pleases.
(End of chapter)
