When the Japanese army was struggling with whether to retreat, the Ming army praised Yuan Huangzheng and was dismissed because he was implicated in the Beijing police. Yuan Huang was secretly sad when he learned the news in the army.
Yuan Huang was one of the rare talents in the Xin School who had some actual achievements and could participate in military affairs. He studied under Wang Ji and was regarded as a second disciple of Wang Yangming - this Mr. Wang Ji was the founder of the "Zhongzhong School" among the seven schools of the Wang School. people.
Judging from this kind of inheritance, Yuan Huang's official career should be smooth. However, contrary to expectations, his path in the imperial examination and official career has always been bumpy and difficult. This man was born in the twelfth year of Jiajing, and now he is in his sixtieth year. However, he has only served as the chief of the Ministry of War's Staff Department. This time he entered the court and served as a military praise painter.
Why is it so miserable? First of all, he was too old when he first took part in the examination. It was the fifth year of Longqing, and he was already thirty-nine years old (a virtual age). Gao Gong was already in power that year, and Yuan Huang's articles were in a style of writing. Obviously he would not be liked by the examiner, so he failed the exam directly.
The second time I participated in the examination was in the fifth year of Wanli. At this time, not only was Gao Gong still in office, but the examiner this year was still Zhang Siwei, not to mention the results. Although the room master of his room at that time was an official of the Xin School, he was very satisfied with Yuan Huang's article and even ranked it as the first in his room. Unexpectedly, the article was sent to Zhang Siwei, who immediately dismissed him after reading it. So Yuan Huang failed again.
Let me add that Zhang Siwei was dismissed based on the article, not the name, because the name could not be seen, and even the handwriting of the examinee could not be seen - according to regulations, the handwriting seen by the examiner was copied by a special person. Yes, the test papers written by the candidates themselves will not be given to the examiners, lest the examiners happen to recognize their handwriting and affect the fairness of the selection process. Therefore, it can only be said that the two sides are completely at odds with each other in terms of their knowledge and political opinions. When he failed this time, Yuan Huang was already forty-five years old.
Yuan Huang's third examination was even later, delayed to the fourteenth year of Wanli. At this time, it had been two subjects and six years since Gao Jingshi got the top prize in six titles, so that Yuan Huang's Jinshi qualifications were lower than those of Gao Jingshi's three disciples - because Li Tingji, Ye Xianggao, Fang The three people from Congzhe were all Jinshi in the eleventh year of Wanli.
Fortunately, this time Yuan Huang finally got his wish. Shen Shixing, who had secured his position as chief assistant, finally kept him on the gold list. Unfortunately, Yuan Huang was already fifty-five years old at this time.
Due to his rich experience, these years of study tours have made Yuan Huang more reliable than many of the rhetoricians in the Xin School. Therefore, although he was older, he was given important responsibilities and was soon forced into the Ministry of War, which was within the sphere of influence of the Practical School. Most of them hold office, and this time they send troops to aid Korea, they are rare figures from the Xin School who can show their faces on the battlefield.
However, the Ministry of War is by no means a place where the Xin School can mix in sand if they want, so Yuan Huang has become one of the main targets of the Beijing Police. However, this was not all of his "crime". There was also a more direct point: he had seen the discord between Li Rusong and Song Yingchang before, and secretly had the idea to provoke internal conflicts within the Shi School. Therefore, Shangshu impeached Li Rusong.
Unexpectedly, as soon as Gao Pragmatic's letter arrived, the relationship between Song Yingchang and Li Rusong was restored. Li Rusong impeached Yuan Huang without saying a word and listed ten crimes against him. So Yuan Huang was so sad that he was dismissed from office immediately for "two crimes and two crimes".
However, since he still spoke from Song Yingchang's standpoint when he impeached Li Rusong, Song Yingchang also persuaded him after he was dismissed from office, and asked another admirer, Liu Huangshang, to send Yuan Huang to Liaodong in person.
Liu Huangshang is from Runing Prefecture, Henan Province. He is considered a highly pragmatic person from this province. It is naturally very honorable to ask him to see Yuan Huang off. Moreover, this matter can also prevent Yuan Huang from being harshly treated on his way back to his hometown after leaving office. Song Yingchang's behavior can be said to be the most benevolent and righteous.
After finishing this business, it happened that Liu Chenglong, the envoy of all three Koreas, asked to see Song Yingchang, and Song Yingchang invited him to talk to him in the inner room. Liu Chenglong said: "Jingtai, the foreign minister is really ashamed. When the fire attacked Yongshan, the Japanese army had already been prepared. They had already guessed the surprise attack route and blocked it, so the Yongshan granary was not burned down."
Song Yingchang already knew about this. After hearing this, he just looked worried and sighed: "If this happens, the Japanese army will definitely transfer Yongshan's military supplies to other places, or strictly defend them, and it will be extremely difficult to attack again."
However, Liu Chenglong said categorically: "Don't worry when passing through Taiwan. Yongsan's military supplies may not be transferred, and even if they are transferred, Gyeonggi Province spies will be able to explore the location again. We, North Korea, are guilty of this failure, and we will do our best to If you go, your merits will be replaced by your sins. I will make plans again after I return, and I will cut off the enemy's food and grass so that the heavenly troops can regain Wang Jing. Please be sure to give permission when passing through Taiwan."
Song Yingchang said calmly: "Even if I don't allow it, I think the envoys will still make preparations on their own. Anyway, the envoys will make plans, and I will help if necessary." Although Liu Chenglong blushed, it was related to the future of North Korea. Still, I could only thank him shamelessly, and then gallop out of the camp to join the Korean troops.
What happened next surprised the Ming army: the Japanese army sent a message to discuss the matter.
After Shen Weijing looked at it, he told Song Yingchang that this meant that the Japanese pirates would beg to surrender. Song Yingchang asked why he was sure? Shen Weijing replied: "Our heavenly soldiers are oppressive, the fighting force is fierce, and there are surprise attacks to cut off food. Longshan and other places are burning with flames. The Japanese pirates are exhausted and the garrison is difficult. It is not surprising that we have this intention."
Song Yingchang said with a smile: "You seem to know the Japanese pirates very well and know what they are thinking. However, the Japanese pirates are cunning, and I expect this is just a delaying tactic."
Shen Weijing advised: "Since the Japanese pirates have sent a letter, why not take the opportunity to go to the lower officials to find out the truth? The lower officials will find out the truth and order them to surrender and withdraw their troops. We will see how the Japanese pirates react, and it will not be too late to repay them."
This statement made Song Yingchang a little excited. After all, it didn't hurt to give it a try, and there would be no loss anyway. At most, Shen Weijing was killed by a sheep in a tiger's mouth, but he was not a real Ming general, and his life and death were just his own. choice, so Song Yingchang finally agreed.
So Shen Weijing and Governor Konishi started another meeting. Shen Weijing wanted to take the lead and said proudly: "The heavenly soldiers are so powerful that they are powerful in all directions. You must all know how powerful they are. To seize Pyongyang and close the four roads is like a strong wind. Bokuto Pavilion is so small that it is so powerful." The enemy is not at a disadvantage, but now they are intimidating and attacking in all directions, making you exhausted and exposed. Now you are trapped in the capital and waiting for death. It is better to withdraw to the mainland and save your life."
President Konishi made a sad face and sighed: "But leaving Hanyang and returning to the mainland is really difficult to negotiate."
Shen Weijing looked at him sideways and asked, "The military rations are already insufficient anyway, so what's the use of hanging on in Hanyang? We're just waiting to die."
Governor Konishi ignored this statement and asked instead: "If our army returns to the mainland, can North Korea cede the Lower Three Territories to Japan?"
Shen Weijing shook his head and replied: "I can't answer this matter now. Only His Majesty the Emperor can sanction such a big matter. However, I can guarantee that I will send the edict of your lord as the King of Japan and allow you to directly carry out trade with the Ming Dynasty. This is already This is a great blessing from heaven, and you should keep it in your heart. As for the cession of territory in Korea, we still need to ask the imperial edict."
President Konishi was extremely displeased: "How is this possible? Do you think we have been fighting to the death in Korea just to get these rewards?"
Shen Weijing rebuked coldly: "It's better than the whole army being annihilated!" President Konishi was furious. The two men's meeting froze for a while, and the surrounding Japanese soldiers gradually solidified their murderous intent, looking like they wanted to eat Shen Weijing alive.
This time is no different than last time. Tomorrow, the two sides have fought several bloody battles, and both sides have become angry. Shen Weijing also began to worry that he might be killed. After thinking for a moment, he slowly said: "Things are difficult to handle in Jinan, so why don't we be honest with each other. To be honest, I don’t want to continue the war. Even if I wipe out all of you, it will only return the land of Korea to the king of Korea in the end. I, the Ming Dynasty, have nothing to gain except Korea’s gratitude and some food supplies, so why fight? beneficial?
As far as I know, your situation is also very difficult. There is not much food and grass left, it is difficult to gather troops, and the troops stationed in various places are harassed and exhausted. If this impossible-to-win war was forced by your lord, then it would be even more important to stop right here and return home intact. "
Governor Konishi sighed deeply without knowing whether it was true or not: "Thank you General Shen for your candid statement. I am not afraid to tell the truth. I myself also want to return home with the sergeants as soon as possible, but if I return with nothing, I will be beheaded by the master." . Now that you and I both want a truce, we should leave each other a way to survive."
Shen Weijing thought for a moment and said, "What do you think? You and I each send envoys to state our surrender. However, this matter is of great importance. We must not send people who are ordered by our country, but people who obey your and my orders and pretend to be our country." Special envoy. Your envoy asked me, Emperor Ming, to surrender and withdraw our troops, and to request for canonization and tribute trade."
Governor Konishi was moved in his heart and answered: "And your envoy asked our Highness Taikaku for peace, agreeing to reciprocal trade between the two countries, and ceding the south of the Han River to Japan?"
Shen Weijing nodded in agreement, but President Konishi laughed and said, "Will anyone believe such childish play? Besides, once discovered, neither you nor I will be able to grow a second head."
Shen Weijing was extremely confident and replied with a smile: "Except for you and me, all the monarchs and ministers of the three countries are kept in the dark about this matter. As long as we arrange it properly and prepare carefully, all parties in the three countries will believe it. In my opinion, when the matter is revealed, Before discovery, the troops of both countries had already withdrawn from their own countries. Even if they were discovered by then, they would only need to argue that the other party had breached the contract first.
By that time, the army had already withdrawn, and it would not be easy to restart the war. There are still many government affairs in our Ming Dynasty. The emperor has many things to deal with every day, and he will no longer be willing to talk about weapons lightly. The Ming Dynasty wants to gain prestige because of the constant coming of dynasties from all over the world. However, your Taige has also doubled its prestige due to being canonized by the king, paying tributary trade, and owning the south of the Han River. How can you compare every penny and penny? "
This statement seemed whimsical at first, but Governor Konishi thought it over and over again and found it feasible. He muttered: "Then let's implement it like this. Our troops will guard the Lower Third Road until the negotiation is completed, and what you and I talked about today must be taken to the grave. No one is allowed to reveal anything.”
Shen Weijing said happily: "That's natural, that's natural! But to show your sincerity, please release the two North Korean princes who were captured by you."
Governor Konishi said firmly: "Yes! But to show our sincerity, when our army withdraws from Hanyang, we ask the Ming Dynasty and North Korea not to pursue us. In the future, our army will not attack northward until the agreement is reached. At that time, please The Ming army retreated to Liaodong." The two sides reached an agreement.
After the incident, Governor Konishi and Shen Weijing each reported to their respective commanders. Governor Konishi told Ukita Hideo: "I have reached an agreement with Ming envoy Shen Weijing to release the prince, withdraw from Hanyang, and retreat to Xiasandao, and request for canonization. and trade, ceding Korea south of the Han River to Japan.
Judging from Shen Weijing's performance, the Ming Dynasty seemed eager to cease the war and had agreed that the Ming and Korean troops would not pursue them. Ming envoy Shen Weijing has also written a memorial, waiting for confirmation of the Ming Emperor's decree. "
Ishida Mitsunari was a little disbelieving and asked: "The Ming army is eager to cease the war? Do you know the reason?"
Governor Konishi replied: "It is understood that the Battle of Bokutokwan had a much greater impact on the Ming army than expected. The Ming army's fighting spirit faded after the war and they only had a long-term confrontation with our army. Seeing that I was fully prepared, There is no opportunity to take advantage of, hard fighting is in vain, and victory cannot be won. There are great disputes in the army and at home because of the war, so they are eager to stop the war and negotiate peace.”
Kuroda Kanbei also didn't believe it. Even after President Konishi said this, he still asked: "It's unbelievable that Mingguo would agree to such a request. Is there any fraud in this?"
Governor Konishi replied: "Regardless of whether it is a scam or not, it is always better for us to insist on being prepared. As long as we make more arrangements when retreating, I suggest that the divisions cooperate with each other, and then the fourth division, seventh division, and ninth division The response should ensure the safety of the southward retreat.
I told Shen Weijing that before the agreement was finalized, our troops would be stationed in Xiasandao as a precaution. As long as our army can safely withdraw to Haasamdao, as you said, we will have room to advance and retreat. At that time, we will take the opportunity to concentrate the army to conquer Jinju in one fell swoop, and then seize Jeolla Province. This will not only ensure sufficient military supplies, but also take advantage of the situation to capture the North Korean waters. All military strongholds were established to ensure the safety of sea routes. Then rely on the dangers of Jeolla, Chungcheong, and Gyeongsang to become invincible.
If the peace negotiation is false, our army can immediately counterattack after rest and recuperation; if the peace negotiation is true, His Highness Taige will order the army to return to Japan immediately. At that time, we will only have to wait for the delivery. "
These analyzes were proactive, both offensive and defensive, and were foolproof no matter what. After hearing this, Ukita Hideie felt relieved and said that he could immediately prepare to evacuate Hanyang.
At the same time, Shen Weijing reported back to Song Yingchang: "The Japanese army has been struggling in Hanyang for a long time due to lack of food supplies. The sergeants are sallow and thin. I have seen a lot during this trip. Although the Japanese army has superior strength, it is difficult to move forward because it is frightened by our army. He did not dare to move lightly due to his fighting strength. He was unable to hold on, so he had to beg for surrender, requesting the imperial court to grant him a title and allow tribute trade.
The subordinate ordered him to withdraw from the capital immediately, release the captured prince, and wait for the order. The Japanese army is also willing to withdraw south to Xiasandao and wait for the emperor's order. However, the key point is that our army and North Korea cannot pursue them when they withdraw. Otherwise, the Japanese army will be panicked and think that we have betrayed the Ming Dynasty, and then they will have to fight to the end.
In my opinion, since the Japanese pirates have asked to surrender, they can immediately report to the court. At the same time, in order to prevent the Japanese pirates from committing fraud, the Japanese army should also take more precautions to avoid being ambushed by the enemy when entering Wangjing, which would be as disadvantageous as when Zu Fu Rong first entered Pyongyang. situation. "
Although Shen Weijing's words were conclusive, Song Yingchang still couldn't believe the words and deeds of the Japanese army and remained silent for a long time. In fact, Song Yingchang only wanted to annihilate the Japanese army and regain the entire territory of Korea personally. Although he was satisfied with the Japanese army's withdrawal from Hanyang, his satisfaction was due to the satisfaction that "soldiers never tire of deceit". Now that Shen Weijing has linked it to the credibility of the Ming Dynasty, he feels a little dissatisfied. I was happy, but I didn’t dare to agree easily.
Therefore, after much thought, Song Yingchang chose to refuse and said to Shen Weijing: "I think the Japanese pirates' request for surrender should not be taken lightly. We should pursue the Japanese pirates immediately when they withdraw from Hanyang, and then call for reinforcements, and unite with North Korea to outflank the Japanese pirates through Jeolla Road, and attack from both front and rear. Annihilate the enemy in Korea and let the Japanese pirates know that since Korea is our Ming Dynasty vassal state, it is not a place where they can come and go as they please."
Shen Weijing was shocked and hurriedly advised: "The Japanese army has promised to release the two Korean princes to show their sincerity. The Japanese soldiers have regained the Korean capital and Gyeonggi Road without bloodshed. This is a great achievement! The art of war is clear, and the bandits are poor." Don't chase, if the enemy forces a desperate counterattack, we may suffer heavy casualties even with the strength of our army!
Now that the Japanese army has sufficient strength, it will be difficult for them to lose their vitality even if they encounter setbacks in the first battle. If they make a crazy counterattack later, they will be in trouble until our reinforcements arrive. However, the combat power of the Korean army is far inferior to that of the Japanese pirates. If you pursue it alone, you will be defeated, but if you fight together, you will be incompetent. And if the two princes are implicated in the Japanese pirates and be killed, the Korean monarch, ministers, soldiers and people will definitely be angry with you. Why bear this stigma?
According to my humble opinion, you can take charge of the overall situation through Taiwan and have foresight. You can sit on the Han River, defend by danger, reorganize your armaments, and wait for reinforcements. At the same time, the Japanese pirates' intention to surrender and fight the enemy again can be reported to the imperial court, which will be decided by the emperor. Before the imperial decree arrives, the army will be stationed along the Han River to guard against Japanese pirates' betrayal. Wouldn't this get the best of both worlds? "
This suggestion seemed quite reasonable. Song Yingchang was particularly satisfied with his judgment that if the two princes of North Korea were killed as a result, North Korea would be angry with him. After all, judging from North Korea's various performances these days, it is very annoying that it is incompetent but always able to anger others.
If such a thing really happened, North Korea would definitely not think that the root of the problem was North Korea's own loss of two princes, but would blame Song Yingchang and Song Jinglue for all the blame. That would be too unfair. People are disgusting.
Therefore, Song Yingchang also agreed with Shen Weijing's intention and wrote another note stating the reasons why the war should continue and sent it to the capital. However, Song Yingchang was very embarrassed about the matter of repaying the victory for regaining Wangjing of Korea.
According to Song Yingchang's thinking, if he truthfully reported that the Japanese pirates retreated because they ran out of food, even though they could be regarded as subjugating the enemy without fighting, the officials in the court would criticize them for their inaction and delaying the war until now, but they have not fulfilled their full merits.
Moreover, since Pyongyang and Kaesong, our army has rarely achieved results due to various reasons. Although Byukjeokwan was outnumbered and the number of enemies it wiped out was far greater than its own losses, judging from the situation at that time, it was just a fight to the death. What's more, Li Rusong's losses were all the best among the best. I'm afraid one of his deaths would be more heartbreaking than ten Japanese deaths.
Apart from this, the rest of the troop dispatches are not worth mentioning. The praise painting of the Xin School has just been carried out, but the final result of this Beijing inspection is that the emperor has maintained the authority of the chief assistant of the Xin School. The situation in the DPRK is quite obscure and unclear. It's unclear, so once the official gets into trouble, is there anyone willing to defend me?
Although Mr. Gao Ge should support me in theory, he has led his own troops and won every battle. However, this time I have reached a stalemate in aiding the DPRK. In this situation, is he willing to put his reputation on the line? Supporting me seems not so accurate. In this case, one should not take the risk of digging one's own grave and ruining one's reputation.
So Song Yingchang reported to the cabinet. In his book, he roughly said: The Japanese slaves lived in a foreign country and relied only on food and wages. Thirteen warehouses were piled up in Bilong Mountain, and Admiral Li was ordered to send soldiers with bright rockets to burn them. On the 20th, I went there and burned them all with arrows, leaving no Japanese slaves behind. Although they were divided into camps, no one dared to come to rescue...
On April 18, all Japanese military units evacuated Hanyang as agreed and went down three roads. Liu Chenglong quickly asked for pursuit, but Song Yingchang thanked his guests behind closed doors. Since Li Rusong had not received military orders, he naturally refused to send troops, so as not to damage his relationship with Song Yingchang again.
Liu Chenglong had no choice but to summon generals such as Jin Mingyuan, Quanli, and Li Gao to pursue them, but they were stopped by the Ming army. Li Rusong ordered Zu Chengxun to force the North Korean generals to stay at the banquet, so the North Korean army could not be mobilized.
Finally, after all the Japanese troops withdrew from Gyeonggi Province, the Ming and Korean troops invaded Hanyang and regained Gyeonggi Province. However, the Joseon royal family did not know the reason and thought that the Japanese army could no longer maintain it, so they announced the return of the capital to Wangjing.
----------
Thanks to book friend "Cao Mianzi" for your reward and support, thank you!
Thanks to book friends "Cao Mianzi" and "lyle" for their monthly support, thank you!
