I saw that Xiao Han's reply this time was very brief.
"Don't worry, I will definitely live up to His Highness the Crown Prince's trust. Duan Liang will be dead within two months."
Zhu Biao:…
How is this... completely different from what I imagined.
Shuzhong.
Xiao Han and Mu Ying organized their troops and recruited a large number of Xia's surrendered soldiers.
He Wenhui was left with 20,000 Hanzhong garrison to suppress Shuzhong, while Xiao Han, Mu Ying, Lan Yu, and Zhu Wenzheng headed south directly with 100,000 Ming elites.
Squeak!
In the carriage, Xiao Han sat upright and looked towards the south with deep eyes.
He naturally understands what Zhu Biao means, but Xiao Han understands that at this time, it is even more important to be more aggressive. Yingtian Mansion is not short of these 100,000 people, and 100,000 people are not enough to deter those powerful families.
Returning now, in Xiao Han's opinion, it will make the powerful people of the aristocratic families feel that the Ming Dynasty is strong on the outside and weak and can be bullied. If he wants to make the powerful people of the aristocratic families feel awe of the Ming Dynasty from the bottom of their hearts, they can only strike hard.
At this time, all Xiaoxiao who dare to stroke the beard of the Ming Dynasty tiger should be severely crushed to make those with ulterior motives feel afraid.
"Fengxue, how are we going to fight next?"
Outside the carriage, Lan Yu asked Xiao Han on horseback.
"Just hit him."
Xiao Han spoke calmly, as a matter of course.
Sapphire:…
Hey!
A familiar recipe.
"Ahem!"
Xiao Han cast his gaze on the chessboard in front of him and slowly moved several chess pieces. For a moment, it seemed that his movements were a bit too big, and he couldn't help but cough twice.
Xiao Han's health was not in good shape to begin with, and even though he had been relying on imperial doctors to take care of him, there was not much improvement. Going from Qutang Gorge Fortress to Southern Xinjiang and fighting for thousands of miles put a heavy load on Xiao Han's body.
This was one of the reasons why Zhu Biao finally decided to let Xiao Han return. He was confident in Xiao Han's ability. He was not afraid that Xiao Han would not be able to defeat Duan and Liang Wang, but he was afraid that Xiao Han would not be able to bear the pressure of continuous fighting.
"It seems that we need to move a little faster, otherwise the fight will be too intense for a long time, and it will easily end in a final battle."
Xiao Han looked at the chessboard in front of him, smiled bitterly and shook his head.
Xiao Han still has a lot to do, a lot of policies, and a lot of strategies that have not been completed. He is not afraid of falling on the battlefield one day, but he doesn't want to fall here yet.
Suburbs of Dali.
Faced with pressure from the Ming Dynasty, Duan and Polo Timur were forced to go on strike and renegotiate.
"Prince Liang, do you want to tell me that you suspect that the group was bribed by the Ming Dynasty to attack my Duan family?"
Compared with the previous days, Duan Bao had obviously lost weight and looked quite haggard.
The originally prosperous Duan family in Dali has now, after the previous blows, only three or two big cats and kittens are left. Anyone who faces it will almost collapse.
"That's how it should be."
"The group of people who attacked you all committed suicide afterward, and their families all disappeared."
Polo Timur also looked tired and opened his mouth to explain.
"'Doubt', 'should'!"
"Prince Liang, after all, those people are still our people. Don't you even know whether they were bribed by Ming Dynasty?"
Duan Bao said sarcastically, if the Ming Dynasty hadn't wiped out the Xia Kingdom, they might have attacked at any time. Duan Bao really wanted to continue fighting to the death with Polo Timur.
The members of his Duan clan were about to be killed. As a result, this Liang Wang actually didn’t even know what happened to his men. The relevant murderers and their family members all disappeared, and there was no evidence to prove it!
No matter how you look at it, it looks like it was hidden by Polo Timur.
Thinking of this situation, Duan Bao couldn't help but clenched his hands and wanted to spit fire angrily.
"That's it. We have conducted the most thorough investigation. I hope that Mr. Duan can choose to trust me."
"After all, I can still endure slander even though thousands of my brothers have died. Let me give you an explanation."
"If I really want to lie to you, I can just say that the person who attacked your Duan family has nothing to do with us."
"Now the Ming Dynasty is our common threat. No matter what, I hope that you, Mr. Duan, can make a rational choice."
Polo Timur spoke calmly.
"I still need to consider this matter. Your Majesty, please go back first. I will give you a result in the end."
Duan Bao clenched his fists tightly and spoke coldly.
"good!"
"My side has left first, and I hope that Manager Duan can calmly consider it."
Polo Timur nodded, turned and left.
"I am sure that in order to survive, I will put aside my grudges and join forces with you, so are you confident?"
Duan Bao gritted his teeth, closed his eyes tightly, and veins popped up on his forehead.
"Brother..."
"We...really want to continue to join forces with that Liang Wang?"
Duan Bao's younger brother Duan Liang escaped from the disaster because he was on a mission at the time, but almost all his family members died in that massacre.
If he didn't have the last shred of reason in his heart, when he saw Polo Timur just now, he would have already raised his knife and slashed at King Liang.
"Join us! Join us!"
"What can we do if we don't join forces?"
"If we don't join forces, everyone will die!"
Duan Bao gritted his teeth and his eyes were bloodshot.
"Brother..."
"Actually, we have another way."
"It can not only defeat the Ming Dynasty's invasion, but also take the opportunity to capture Boluo Timur's territory and the old territory of Xia Kingdom."
Duan Liang narrowed his eyes slightly and spoke with hatred.
"oh?"
"Tell me more about it."
Duan Bao said coldly that he hated Polo Timur no less than Duan Liang. If the safety of the last members of the Duan family could be guaranteed, Polo Timur could still be killed. Duan Bao would never mind if he was cheated.
"It's very simple. The main force of the Ming army is in Xiadu. It is directly opposite the territory of Polo Timur. The Ming Dynasty only has one hundred thousand elites. If it launches an attack, it will definitely choose the entire army to take away most of the main force. .”
"On the surface, we have formed an alliance with Boluo Timur, but in fact, we can just send some civilians to make things happen. The real elite main force goes directly north and steals the retreat of the Ming army, allowing the Ming army and Boluo Timur to go first. Fighting to the death, when Boluo Timur is about to be defeated, the Ming army must also be quite exhausted. At that time, we can eliminate the two forces in one fell swoop, directly occupy the southern Xinjiang and Shu lands, and then join forces with the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty to attack the Ming Dynasty, forming a three-point The power of the world.”
"If possible, it would be best if we take over Guanzhong, let Meng Yuan take over the Central Plains and Shandong, and push the Ming Dynasty back to Jiangnan."
Duan Liang explained to Duan Bao.
Hearing Duan Liang's words, Duan Bao couldn't help but his eyes lit up. If Duan Liang's strategy can really be realized, then Dali will be able to grow into a major force that is not weaker than the Meng Yuan and Ming Dynasties.
At that time, he will directly surpass his ancestors, directly proclaim himself emperor, and control the vast land.
In particular, Guanzhong plus Shuzhong have been the foundation for becoming emperors since ancient times, and the Qin and Han Dynasties unified the world because of this.
In addition, they still have southern Xinjiang. In that situation, neither the Meng Yuan who occupied the Central Plains nor the Ming Dynasty who retreated to the south of the Yangtze River would be stronger than them.
"It's a good idea, but it's a little too taken for granted."
"What should we do if we cannot conquer Shuzhong quickly, or if Polo Timur is defeated too quickly?"
Duan Bao pinched his chin. Although he was very moved by the pie that Duan Liang drew, he still had the most basic sense.
"Brother, how can things in this world be absolutely safe? In any case, this is better than just using all our elites to help our enemy Polo Timur, right?"
"After all, if we go to help them, if we lose, we will all die together. If we win, they will get the Guizhou land, and we will have to divide Sichuan with them. There is a huge difference between the effort and the gain."
"There is no such truth in the world. We try our best and pay a little bit. The risks are the same, but the rewards are pitiful."
Duan Liang spoke angrily and continued to face Duan Bao with affection and reason.
"Hmph! Since it was Polo Timur who was unkind to us first, then no wonder our Duan family is unjust. In this case, just do as you say."
"If you lose, everyone will die together; if you win, the winner of our Duan family takes all!"
"Then, let Polo Timur and the Ming army fight dog-eat-dog first. The middle of Shu belongs to us!"
Duan Bao jumped up and did it! In this fight, the Duan family is fighting to the bitter end. They don't want to die if they don't win, but they want to win if they don't die!
As long as you can win, then you must take everything into your pocket and resolve all grudges.
Ying Tianfu.
Under Zhu Biao's insistence, the Spring Festival was held normally. There is no doubt that the Four Books and Five Classics are still the track for powerful families. The political outline and laws of the Ming Dynasty are equally divided between powerful families and wealthy businessmen.
After all, although the Four Books and Five Classics were previously reserved for powerful families, it is a new subject after all. Everyone has to start memorizing it again, and the time is still short, so no one can be ahead of the other in terms of mastery.
As for the Ming Dynasty Agricultural Science, as Zhu Biao expected, most of the participants were ambitious farmers' children. Compared with the children of powerful families and wealthy businessmen, these people seemed really shabby.
Those people with prominent status always gathered in front of them when they went out. They were accompanied by book boys. They were dressed in rich clothes and not stained by dust. They all criticized Fang Qiu in the examination room of the Four Books and Five Classics, the Political Outline and the Ming Dynasty Law.
The examination room for the Ming Dynasty Agricultural Science seemed to be in good condition, and the clothes could be considered complete, but they were all pudding, not good, and could even be said to be ragged and disheveled. Even Zhu Biao suspected that they had come here begging. of.
To be able to show up in Jinling City to take the exam would probably cost me half my life.
It's not surprising that these people are like this. After all, this is the only time that under Zhu Biao's strong insistence, there is an opportunity to go to spring instead of autumn. Whoever can rush over will take the exam.
If you can demonstrate your understanding of agriculture and catch Zhu Biao's eyes, you will reach the sky in one step.
And wait until next time, you must first participate in the Qiu Wei before you have a chance to have the chance to be in the Spring Wei. As for the examiners in the Qiu Wei, even if Zhu Biao arranges all the civilians who come up this time to be examiners, they will not be able to cover many state capitals at all.
As for those state capitals where powerful scholars from aristocratic families serve as examiners, although there is no malicious intention to swipe downwards, if you refuse to serve for the family you belong to and still want to continue, in most cases, it will not be easy.
Zhu Biao narrowed his eyes as he looked at the list of Gongsheng students who had passed the Chunwei Examination and were about to take part in the Palace Examination.
This time, although there is no qualification limit for taking the Ming Dynasty Agricultural Science as a reference, there are still not many people who pass this subject. It is only one-tenth of the traditional subject, and there are only about ten people in total.
Among them, half were scholars from aristocratic families who had personal farming experience and were already more interested in agriculture. There were only six real low-level civilian tribute scholars in total.
"well!"
Looking at this result, Zhu Biao couldn't help but let out a deep sigh. In order to insist on implementing the imperial examination reform, Ming Dynasty endured great pressure.
During the period before and after the meeting, Zhu Biao asked the Jin Yiwei and the Ming Dynasty soldiers to suppress three powerful family plots and seven incited peasant uprisings.
It sounds a little strange. Everything Ming Dynasty did was for the peasants at the bottom. Why would there be a peasant uprising? How many benefits did the powerful family give to them to achieve this step?
In fact, it's just the opposite. Not only do powerful families not need to give benefits, they even only need to add some exploitation, increase the pressure on the people to survive, and then create some public opinion so that the people can attribute all this to the court.
The whole process doesn't even cost much, and you can make a fortune painlessly.
Many times, people don’t care about what you do, they only care about what they think you did.
Those people who rebelled thought that they had fallen on the road to fighting for their rights until their death.
After paying so much, in the end, Ming Dynasty only got six civilian tributes. How could this not make Zhu Biao feel frustrated?
"Biao'er, I haven't seen you for a while, why are you sighing here?"
"This is not like our standard."
Squeak!
The door was pushed open, and Zhu Yuanzhang, dressed in ordinary coarse clothes, leaned against the door frame and smiled at Zhu Biao.
"father?"
"Didn't you go to your hometown in Fengyang?"
"Why didn't you say anything when you came back suddenly? I can make arrangements to welcome you here."
Looking at Zhu Yuanzhang who suddenly appeared, Zhu Biao couldn't help but be slightly surprised.
"hehe."
"We did go back, but I heard that recently, some people are very dissatisfied with our Ming Dynasty's reforms, and even started a peasant uprising."
"It's been too long. The world has forgotten what Zhu Yuanzhang does. If I don't come out, do they think I'm dead?"
"Let's come back now, Biao'er, you can continue to reform, and let's see how many people are causing trouble behind the scenes."
Zhu Yuanzhang sneered. During this period, the situation at the bottom of the Ming Dynasty changed dramatically.
At first, thanks to Zhu Biao's propaganda, the common people were quite optimistic about the Ming Dynasty's imperial examination reform. But later, as powerful families reacted, the trend began to change. Not long ago, when Zhu Yuanzhang paid a private visit to a tavern in Fengyang incognito, Some even got drunk and cursed Ming Dynasty in front of Zhu Yuanzhang.
At that moment, Zhu Yuanzhang understood that he had to come back.
"Dad, will you resume going to court tomorrow?"
Zhu Biao's eyes lit up. After all, Zhu Yuanzhang's prestige as the Hongwu Emperor was much greater than Zhu Biao. With Zhu Yuanzhang personally coming forward to continue presiding over the government, different voices would be much quieter.
"No, you will continue to be the main person and preside over the court, and we will pull up a small chair next to you."
Zhu Yuanzhang raised the corners of his mouth and spoke calmly.
Although he knew about the reform of the imperial examination, he did not know the details and it was not convenient for him to take over it directly.
Therefore, it is most appropriate to let Zhu Biao continue to host and Zhu Yuanzhang personally appear on the stage.
Southern border.
"Fengxue, Boluo Timur mobilized all the 180,000 troops that Liang Guo could mobilize to the front line. The Duan family of Dali also mobilized a hundred thousand troops to support Boluo Timur."
"However, according to the observations and reports of the Jinyiwei spies who penetrated the front line, the quality of the 100,000 troops sent by the Duan family is extremely poor. Not only is the armor armor rate almost non-existent, but even the weapons are wooden sticks. They are just like civilians who have weapons against their opponents."
Mu Ying took a secret letter, sat opposite Xiao Han and said.
"oh?"
"Duan Bao is so perfunctory, doesn't Polo Timur say anything?"
Xiao Han's eyes narrowed slightly, with a hint of smile in his eyes.
"We didn't find out about this, but it seems that after the people sent by the Duan family arrived, they sent an envoy. In the end, neither party seemed very happy."
Mu Ying shook her head and told the information she had.
"It's strange to be happy. It's just that Polo Timur asked Duan Bao why he sent civilians to deal with it, and Duan Bao used the excuse that he didn't have any elite troops."
Xiao Han chuckled, not surprised at all.
"Doesn't Duan Bao know that his lips are dying and his teeth are cold? If Polo Timur is killed directly by us, he will have no way to survive."
Mu Ying frowned slightly, seemingly puzzled by Duan Bao's behavior.
"Haha, they haven't solved the game I made at the beginning. The reason why they have renewed the truce and united against me, the Ming Dynasty, is just because of the situation."
"In this case, if the Duan family sends troops to help their enemy Liang Guo, the risk is still defeat or destruction, but the harvest is almost nothing. In this case, how can Duan Bao be willing to send troops to Liang Guo."
Xiao Han laughed, with a rather disdainful tone.
"Is it possible that he really dares to let us destroy Polo Timur?"
Mu Ying was shocked and spoke. He couldn't believe this kind of thing.
"Of course not. Don't forget, the Duan clan borders the western part of Shu."
Xiao Han pointed to the sand table in front of him.
"You mean, the Duan family will choose to risk everything to invade Shu before we destroy Boluo Timur?"
Mu Ying was shocked and said, this kind of strategy can be called a gamble.
"In this case, wouldn't it be very dangerous for the Shu region at this time? I will divide my troops and go back to support He Wenhui!"
Mu Ying suddenly stood up and exclaimed.
"No need."
"Since I dare to make a promise to destroy both Duan and Liang in two months, I am sure. Brother He Wenhui, I have already made arrangements. Mu Shuai can just continue to lead the army to attack King Liang."
Xiao Han stretched out a hand and shook his head.
Summer capital.
"The Duan family indeed chose to take a desperate risk and attack Shu."
"Everything is as expected by Feng Xue."
He Wenhui looked at the brochure in his hand, and a hint of wonder appeared in his eyes. All of this was already explained clearly in the brochure left to him by Xiao Han before sending out troops.
(End of chapter)
