Zhang Zhou was already on his way back to Beijing.
The journey was not fast, and it seemed that he was not in a hurry to return to the capital to be appointed Minister of the Ministry of War. The edicts and book certificates regarding Cai Guogong's canonization were also on the way. Before Zhang Zhou returned to Beijing, Cai Guogong's title could be decided.
The Laiguo Duke's Mansion in the capital will have to change its plaque again in a few days.
After late October, the capital became much calmer. It was also because of the cold weather that all the officials wrapped themselves in winter clothes.
The emperor was also considerate of his ministers, and basically would not visit the court at Fengtian Gate. He would go to Fengtian Hall every time. Such changes were also made by the emperor to show his reliance on civil servants, which was regarded as a sign of goodwill.
The minister may not appreciate it either.
The government and the public were secretly discussing the dissatisfaction with Huo Sibei's invasion of the little Tatar prince, and Zhang Zhou's sending troops and ships to sea.
Zhu Youtang learned of these rumors through the factory guard's intelligence network, and would not mention them deliberately. As long as those ministers did not attack Zhang Zhou in the court, Zhu Youtang felt that the government and the opposition were still in harmony.
The sixth day of November.
On this day in Ningxia Town, after the Battle of Ningxia, the emperor finally issued an edict regarding rewards and punishments for the merits and demerits of Ningxia soldiers, involving all aspects of the military.
Most of them were material rewards, and they were made from local materials. The Ministry of Revenue would not allocate money to complete the rewards, and the emperor chose to turn a blind eye to the Ming Dynasty's losses in this battle.
Yang Yiqing continued to serve as governor of Ningxia, while Zhu Feng transferred the capital to other tasks, and the person who succeeded Zhu Fenglai as the commander-in-chief of Ningxia... The emperor appointed Zhu Hui, the protector of the country.
Zhu Feng did not receive a decent commendation. The emperor only gave him "verbal praise". After receiving the edict, Zhu Feng will return to Beijing.
Zhu Feng went to say goodbye to Yang Yiqing. Yang Yiqing specially prepared two drinks and dishes for him alone in the governor's office, and the Ningxia Civil and Military Group parted ways.
"It's time to leave again. It's a long journey to the capital. I don't know if I can go back in a month." When Zhu Feng came, it only took about half a month. It was almost a day and night ride.
But that was because Ningxia West Road was being invaded, so he had to do this.
But when I went back, there were no military missions and the time limit given was more generous.
Although Yang Yiqing looked down on Zhu Feng, he knew that the defeat and the losses of people and animals on the Ningxia front line were all because of Zhu Feng's presence, so he did not take the blame. Even so, he was still tired of dealing with the inspection censor.
"Marquis Anbian, what are your plans when you return to the capital this time?" Yang Yiqing asked seriously.
Zhu Feng said: "I will take the initiative to apologize."
Yang Yiqing almost wanted to beat this kid.
Haven't you forgotten this relationship yet?
"I have actually made a report before, and I have told you the specific situation. Ningxia has very few people that can be mobilized, and Yansui has not sent reinforcements. No matter it is Gansu, Guyuan, or anywhere in Guanzhong, no assistance has been provided. I have tried my best, but the Tatars came with a fierce attack, and I was afraid that the losses would be too great, so I truthfully reported the losses in several battles."
After Zhu Feng finished speaking, Yang Yiqing stood up and said, "You haven't missed anything? When did it happen?"
Zhu Feng said: "I wrote it early in the morning."
Yang Yiqing took a breath.
I thought the court didn't pursue the case this time because Zhu Feng didn't report it.
In other words, he always felt that Zhu Feng was using "application" as an excuse to negotiate and deal with him. As a result, this boy kept his promise and completed his apology early.
The emperor did not pursue the matter, perhaps because Zhu Feng was honest and honest and did not hide anything.
Zhu Feng said seriously: "I also mentioned that after Yang Zhongcheng arrived in Ningxia, he worked day and night on military affairs without any slack. Everyone in the army also admired him. With you in charge of Ningxia, the Tatars did not dare to come again for a while. .”
Yang Yiqing sat down, feeling a little ashamed.
It’s okay to accept Wang Shouren’s victory in the grassland. Now, does a humble Zhu Feng want to give him a favor?
I have fallen to this point. Does everyone have to pity myself?
If you think about it carefully, maybe this isn't pity, but it still feels strange... It's as if you are a fledgling official who always needs the protection of others to complete your mission, as if you are living in the shadow of others.
"Drink." Yang Yiqing tried his best to cover up the embarrassment on his face and raised his glass.
Zhu Feng said: "Yang Zhongcheng, I have actually seen the military situation in Ningxia. If you want to use Ningxia as the basis to attack the grassland, it will not be possible in terms of manpower or material resources."
Yang Yiqing nodded and said: "This is natural. Most of the reserves on the three sides are in Yansui, and most of the expenses in Yansui come from the Xuanfu. The northwest seems to be a whole, but only when there is a disaster or war, each of them will Talents need to be mobilized and complemented, otherwise Ningxia will still need to raise military rations on its own."
Zhu Feng asked: "But there are so many fields, why is no one cultivating them?"
"There are too many runaways." Yang Yiqing said.
Zhu Feng said: "I heard from Brother Zhang before. He said that there are several kinds of grains overseas. After cultivation, the yield is very large. It doesn't have to be too good and the weather can be good for people to eat. If they are planted here in the future, the soldiers may be full. "
Yang Yiqing frowned.
I think your brother Zhang is really omnipresent and omnipotent.
"Then did he say where this crop is?" Yang Yiqing asked.
Zhu Feng shook his head and said: "I don't know, he should be overseas. I heard that he has gone to Jiangnan to prepare for shipbuilding. It must be for this reason."
Yang Yiqing was quite surprised and said: "Duke Lai Guo went to the south to build ships in order to find food crops?"
This somewhat subverts Yang Yiqing's outlook on life.
Zhang Zhou went to the southeast coast to build ships. In the name of Jinghai, he secretly said that he wanted to trade with Nanyang. No one in the government or the public could understand what Zhang Zhou was trying to do. Only Zhu Feng had a rough understanding of Zhang Zhou's personality and had a deep talk with Zhang Zhou. It took some things to tell such a "secret".
"I don't know either." Zhu Feng was a little frustrated. "In the past, he always liked to take me with him when he had something to do, but recently he always doesn't follow the same path as me. But that's fine, I just want to go back to Nanjing."
Come again.
Yang Yiqing said: "Get some rest early and leave tomorrow. Since His Majesty asked you to return to Beijing early, you must have important errands to arrange. You don't have to worry about Ningxia's defense. All the passes and fortresses here can complete their defense."
Zhu Feng said: "Yang Zhongcheng, if you have a chance, go to the capital and visit Brother Zhang."
"What?" Yang Yiqing frowned.
Zhu Feng pursed his lips and looked a little shy and said: "I don't know why, but I think Yang Zhongcheng is very capable, but the method he used should be wrong. What your Majesty wants is for the Ming soldiers to be able to rush out. You don't necessarily need a large number of people. Maybe a few thousand people are enough. Because I have seen flint muskets and artillery... Oh, by the way, I heard that the 6,000 soldiers and horses of the Xinjian Bodai did not carry heavy artillery, but only used very light artillery. Then they beat the Tatars to pieces."
Yang Yiqing frowned deeply and said, "You want me to ask Duke Lai for strategic advice?"
"No." Zhu Feng said, "I hope to introduce Yang Zhongcheng to Brother Zhang."
Yang Yiqing knew as soon as he heard this that this kid was crazy.
He is from the traditional faction, and Zhu Feng actually wants to drag him into Zhang Zhou's new faction?
Do I, Yang Yingning, have no face?
I don’t care about my career prospects, and I’m not good at currying favor with others. Why do you think that I need to rely on the big tree of Zhang Zhou to gain a foothold in the government?
Zhu Feng said: "I have always felt that heroes must cherish heroes. Only capable people like Brother Zhang can make Yang Zhongcheng the mainstay of the Ming Dynasty. When the Ming Dynasty wants to level the grassland in the future, only those who know Brother Zhang's military tactics and strategies can lead the troops." Enter the grassland and make great contributions to make the Ming Dynasty rely on you. Yang Zhongcheng, if what I say is not pleasant to your ears, just think that I am talking drunkenly. I toast you three glasses as a thank you for your support over the past few days."
…
…
Zhu Feng's words did not stir up ripples in Yang Yiqing's heart at that time.
But after Zhu Feng left, Yang Yiqing himself drank a few more drinks. After returning to the bedroom, he recalled what Zhu Feng said and suddenly became filled with emotion.
He returned to the study, but it was not until midnight that he almost woke up from the wine, but he was still not sleepy at all.
"Master, do you still want to give me some sobering tea?"
The person who came this time was not a guest or an official, but a servant of the Yang family.
Yang Yiqing said: "No need to give it away, just bring me a cup of hot tea."
"Yes." The old servant pushed out.
After a long time, a man named Song Liyan from the governor's Yamen came in to deliver documents. He could have sent them directly to the clerk's room. Seeing that the lights were still on, he delivered them to the door himself.
Yang Yiqing opened the door and took the document. After reading it, he realized that it was Qin Hong who ordered Ningxia to make statistics on this year's autumn grain submissions, and to supplement Yansui's use. By the way, he also raised manpower for Yansui to build a fortress.
Yang Yiqing said in an irritated mood: "Ningxia has lost troops and generals in this battle, and the autumn grain collected is less than 80% of previous years. Just like this, instead of reporting it as a disaster year, we have to allocate more handymen and other things. In the past, Lifu even had to bring his own rations... What should people do if they starve to death?”
Song Liyan said: "Yang Zhongcheng can directly report to Mr. Qin and raise the current dilemma."
"Um."
Of course, Yang Yiqing would oppose Qin Hong's problems for Ningxia.
Song Liyan saw that Yang Yiqing wanted to write something to argue with Qin Hong, and knew that it was not suitable for him to stay. He quickly saluted and prepared to leave.
But Yang Yiqing didn't even take the pen, and suddenly changed his tone and said: "But if everyone on the three sides is transferred, but Ningxia is the only one who does not transfer manpower, money and food, it will appear that Ningxia is too special. After discussing it in the past two days, , send people over first."
Song Liyan was a little puzzled when he saw Yang Yiqing's change.
Just now, he was filled with righteous indignation and wanted to speak for the soldiers and people of Ningxia. How come he is ready to give in as soon as he turns his face?
"Go down." Yang Yiqing said.
Song Liyan was even more confused by Monk Zhang Er. When he went out, he was still thinking, could it be that Yang Zhongcheng mistook me for Qin Zitai and thought I was supervising him, so he deliberately didn't reveal it in front of me?
But Qin Zhitai and I don't know each other at all. Where did Yang Zhongcheng's defensiveness come from?
Yang Yiqing's change was difficult for Song Liyan to understand.
Yang Yiqing himself knew very well that it was already difficult for him to "establish himself" in the court.
He does not need to take the blame for the war in Ningxia, but the problem is that the emperor's praise puts him in a dilemma. If he wants to have a chance to rise to power in the court in the future, he must find a backer.
Either Zhang Zhou, Qin Hong, or someone in the court.
Qin Hong is a bit older, but Qin Hong still has some connections in the court...
He thought of what Zhu Feng said again... If Zhang Zhou wanted to lead troops into the grassland in the future, and he was not Zhang Zhou's man, would he have his own share in charging into battle and declaring merit and rewards?
Wang Shouren is already the chief executive of Xuan Da, how many years has he only been in the industry? How many years have you been in the officialdom?
It's rare that Zhu Feng, who is 250 years old, actually "appreciates" me and wants to introduce him to me, but I just reject his kindness?
No matter how capable you are, you still have to know how to "judge the situation."
…
…
Originally, Yang Yiqing had no intention of sending Zhu Feng off.
But because of what happened that night, Yang Yiqing went to see Zhu Feng in person early the next morning and even sent him out of the city.
Zhu Feng was very happy. The second young master of the Zhu family was a person who knew how to be "grateful". He felt that Yang Yiqing was a bit harsh on him when it came to running the army, but in his heart he felt that only a strict general could lead an awesome army. For example, Wang Shouren is a coach who emphasizes strict military discipline.
And now when he resigned, Yang Yiqing showed concern for himself, which showed that Yang Yiqing was not harsh on himself because of selfishness.
Then Yang Yiqing is a "good person" who distinguishes between public and private matters.
"Yang Zhongcheng, the mountains are long and the rivers are far away. I believe we will see each other again." Zhu Feng said with a smile.
Yang Yiqing originally wanted to discuss with Zhu Feng what he could learn from the "Martial Arts Hall" so that he could determine whether it was necessary to move closer to Zhang Zhou.
But Zhu Feng seemed to have forgotten that he mentioned this matter yesterday, and pretended to get on his horse and leave.
Zhu Feng didn't mention it, and Yang Yiqing was embarrassed to speak.
After Zhu Feng mounted his horse and walked for a while, he suddenly thought of something. He turned the horse's head and returned to Yang Yiqing. He dismounted and said, "Yang Zhongcheng, then I will tell Brother Zhang about your ability. I hope we can meet again next time." Let’s have the opportunity to make achievements together on the battlefield.”
Yang Yiqing said in his heart, am I here to agree directly?
In other words, am I such an unprincipled person?
But at this moment, he did not comment, which was equivalent to giving Zhu Feng an ambiguous answer.
Zhu Feng then mounted his horse again and left.
After everyone left, a group of people came up from Yang Yiqing's side. Someone asked, "Why did Marquis Anbian come back suddenly? Yang Zhongcheng, did I mention anything to you?"
"No." Yang Yiqing said, "With An Bianhou gone, Ningxia will lose a door god. You will have to work harder in the future."
The officials looked relaxed and happy.
The two battles in Pianguan and Ningyuan really made Zhu Feng "god-like". Even after that, Zhu Feng's performance was quite satisfactory, but the battle in Ningxia completely pulled Zhu Feng off the altar.
The most recognized goalkeeper of the Ming Dynasty, apart from Zhang Zhou, is naturally the current Xinjian Bo Wang Shouren.
Even in terms of the number of enemies killed, Wang Shouren was still ahead. Moreover, Wang Shouren was a Jinshi and came from a famous family, so he was more reliable than the careless Zhu Feng.
…
…
Zhang Zhouxing did not enter Shandong until mid-November.
This journey was not very smooth. It was mainly by land. In addition, the emperor sent people to inform him that King Ning might send people to harm him and Zhu Houzhao. They also could not travel overnight. In addition, there were some social activities along the way, so the journey north was not so smooth. .
After staying in the post house that day, everyone inside and outside the post house changed into Jin Yiwei's clothes.
Even the ingredients are purchased from scratch.
Yang Peng went to Zhang Zhou's room and sent an official letter to Zhang Zhou. When Zhang Zhou opened it, he found out that it was the Dongchang fanzi who had escorted King Zhu Jinzhui out of Jiangxi.
"Prince Ning was dissatisfied with this, but he did not intercede with Prince Zhongling. He also said that he would pursue the case according to law. However, it is said that he is uniting with several feudal lords to investigate Zhang Master for what you have done in the past. Matter of impeachment.”
Yang Peng said, "Of course you don't have to care, but for some things I'm afraid that a little will add up to a lot, and the accumulation will be ruined."
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "It would be great if you just say that three people become tigers."
Yang Peng asked: "Nowadays, there are more officials in Shandong and Jiangxi, so you should be more careful."
"It's okay." Zhang Zhou continued to laugh.
There are many officials from Jiangxi in Shandong, mainly because Li Shishi, the former governor of Shandong, was from Nanchang, Jiangxi. In the official circles of the Ming Dynasty, the township party was definitely a very powerful force.
Although Li Shishi would be the main planner of King Ning's rebellion in the future, when Li Shishi was an official, he had little contact with King Ning's faction. In addition, Zhu Chenhao had only been in office for a short period of time, and he did not have the opportunity to contact Li Shishi, who had already reached the Ministry of Justice. A high-ranking official in the DPRK at the level of Right Minister... In other words, Zhu Chenhao didn't dare to be so public.
Yang Peng said: "Dongchang heard about some limelight, but I don't know whether to talk about it or not."
"Say." Zhang Zhou said.
Yang Peng wondered: "It is said that Ning Fan has treasury in various places, and many of them are not in Jiangxi. However, this is just a rumor circulating, and it cannot be found yet."
Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "You don't want me to do the math for you, do you?"
"There is no such intention." Yang Peng said, "It's just that I don't know whether I should report this news to His Majesty."
Zhang Zhou said: "It's just a memorial. It's better to say something with evidence. But if something is rumored outside, it doesn't matter whether there is evidence or not."
"What do you mean..." Yang Peng looked puzzled.
Zhang Zhou said: "I'm not asking you to spread rumors. What I mean is that since there is the source of this rumor, it's better to inquire more. There are more people who know, or there really is such a treasury, who secretly guards the treasury." Will people cause trouble? Anyway... you can figure it out for yourself."
It doesn't matter whether King Ning has any rebellious intentions.
The most important thing is to let the world know that he, Prince Ning, has a rebellious intention. Only in this way will Prince Ning be in a state of fear and retreat.
Of course this is only an idealized state.
Just like in the future, before Zhu Chenhao really wanted to rebel, he actually did it. The whole world knew that King Ning was going to rebel, but Zhu Houzhao was the only one who realized it later... This was "thanks" to a group of people around Zhu Houzhao who deceived him. In the end, it took someone from Ning Wang's faction to dive into the water to make Zhu Houzhao wake up.
If Zhu Houzhao hadn't decided to move Zhu Chenhao early, and let Zhu Chenhao prepare for two years, it might have happened.
"Furthermore, tell the prince what you are saying, let him have a sense of the crisis, let him know that the people involved with Prince Ning are very dangerous to him, and let him return to the capital honestly and obediently."
"yes."
(End of chapter)
