The Xia Kingdom's declaration of war shook the land of Japan and made people panic.
After all, just over a year ago, Japan was defeated miserably at the hands of Xia Guo.
The power of the Xia Kingdom is unforgettable to the Japanese people.
What the next fate will be, every Japanese is full of worry.
On the contrary, Tokugawa Iemitsu was calmer.
As a hero, the matter has come to this, and apart from dealing with it appropriately, he no longer has any illusions.
Even though Sakai Tadakatsu came back with very bad news.
None of the western daimyo obeyed the shogunate's order and came to Edo Kamiro to have an audience. Instead, they all looked for excuses and sat idly by.
Obviously, these are people who are at both ends of the spectrum.
Not only did they hope that the Xia Kingdom could severely damage the shogunate, allowing them to break free from their shackles and make a comeback, but they also did not want to follow the shogunate and cause disaster to Chiyu and be attacked by the Xia Kingdom.
"They have forgotten their identity and abandoned their country and nation. After they have dealt with Xia's attack, the most severe punishment will surely be waiting for them."
In front of the shogunate, Tokugawa Iemitsu sentenced those daimyo to death.
This approach makes many people very satisfied and have begun to plan how to benefit from it.
Once those famous names in the west are wiped out, how the spare rich land should be distributed will inevitably make everyone extremely jealous.
"Send the order and summon the troops and horses. Weapons, food and grass must be properly prepared, and all places must be strictly guarded to guard the checkpoints, and the Xia Kingdom must not be allowed to take advantage of it."
Even if the Western Daimyo stood aside, Tokugawa Iemitsu was still confident.
Because in addition to foreign daimyo, there are also pro-vassal daimyo and genealogical daimyo who are firmly on the side of the shogunate.
These famous names alone can dispatch enough soldiers and horses to assist in the battle.
Tokugawa Iemitsu's only worry was that Japan's maritime power was seriously insufficient and it would be difficult to restrict the movement of the Xia Kingdom's navy.
As an island country, Japan has flaws everywhere, and it is afraid that the Xia Navy will find an opportunity.
One point is broken, and the whole game is lost.
"General, do you want the general to withdraw?"
Doi Toshikatsu was a very conscientious military strategist, and he thought of what Tokugawa Iemitsu had neglected.
Matsudaira Nobutsuna was dispatched by the shogunate to Kyushu Island to suppress the Shimabara uprising.
And around Matsudaira Nobutsuna were all the troops of the Western Daimyos.
Since the positions of these western daimyo are unstable, it is likely that something unexpected will happen to Matsudaira Nobutsuna.
At this time, letting Matsudaira Nobutsuna retreat is the best solution.
Tokugawa Iemitsu suddenly understood and said hurriedly: "Then send the order."
Making up for the omission very well, Toi Toi took the opportunity to strengthen his voice.
"The Xia Kingdom is separated from Japan by an ocean. Even though they have troops stationed in North Korea, it is still complicated to attack across the sea. As expected, it requires at least three months of preparation. In this way, the shogunate can calmly make arrangements and step up war preparations. Increase your chances of winning."
His prediction was recognized by everyone.
After all, just a few decades ago, Toyotomi Hideyoshi had just completed his invasion of North Korea.
All the preparations before the war were well known to those present.
Judging from this, Xia Jun's attack must be the same.
It's a pity that the Tokugawa shogunate didn't understand the Xia army's fighting methods at all, and they were destined to suffer a big loss.
"Your Majesty, there is an urgent report from the governor of Fujian. The Zheng family has decided to go to war with the Xia bandits. Now they are all moving, and the outcome is close at hand. Zheng family implores the court to take action, support each other, and wipe out the Xia bandits in one fell swoop. "
Zhang Zhifa, the chief minister of the cabinet, was a little flustered and frightened in the face of major events.
The Human Emperor above him is not easy to serve. He has changed many cabinet ministers in the past eleven years.
Zhang Zhi felt that his talents were limited and he might not be able to stay in this position for a long time. Just think about fooling around and don't make any mistakes.
Therefore, he didn't care that Yang Sichang, a rising star, dominated the court and enjoyed great glory.
But now he had to stand up and report Fujian Zheng's actions to Chongzhen.
"Oh, did Zheng really take action?"
Chongzhen was surprised and happy to hear that Zheng was going to war with Xia.
When Zheng Zhilong was conferred the title of Marquis of Jingnan, he had the intention of driving away tigers and devouring wolves. Now that the day has finally arrived, Chongzhen can't help but gear up.
"Your Majesty, if the situation is true, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The imperial court should take advantage of this opportunity to march overland and wipe out the Xia thieves in one fell swoop. Clear up the inner world and make the north and south unimpeded."
Yang Sichang jumped out and quickly made suggestions.
And his thoughts just hit Chongzhen's heart.
"That's how it should be."
But Chongzhen immediately thought of something.
"But the imperial army is far away in the northwest and Huguang. They are busy exterminating the bandits and it is hard to distract themselves!"
Chongzhen felt very regretful that he had no soldiers to use in front of the God-given opportunity.
Since Yang Sichang made the suggestion, how could there be no follow-up?
"Your Majesty is aware that Li Zicheng, the leader of the bandits, has disappeared and is in ruins. His demise is just around the corner. Zhang Xianzhong of Huguang is also afraid of Wang Shi's power and has long been willing to surrender. How can he appease him and order him to serve in the army to increase his momentum. So. As soon as this happened, hundreds of thousands of troops took advantage of the situation and marched eastward, attacking the Zheng family by land and water, and annihilating the Xia thieves was easy."
Yang Sichang is different from the original history.
In the original history, he strongly opposed the recruitment of Zhang Xianzhong.
He felt that these bandits had surrendered and rebelled again and again, and they had no intention of repenting. It is better to eliminate them completely to avoid future troubles.
As a result, Xiong Wencan and the eunuch Liu Wenbin persuaded Chongzhen to bypass him and recruit Zhang Xianzhong.
Sure enough, Zhang Xianzhong rebelled again not long after, and in cooperation with Li Zicheng, who came back from the army, he got out of control and completely destroyed the Ming Dynasty.
But now, compared to Zhang Xianzhong, Xia State, which was a greater threat to the Ming Dynasty, had the opportunity to be eliminated. Yang Sichang immediately changed his view.
Chongzhen greatly appreciated his strategy and immediately ordered the frontline officials to follow it.
The surprising result is that this time it was the frontline officials' turn to oppose the recruitment.
Hong Chengchou, the governor of the three sides, Lu Xiangsheng, the governor of Xuanda, and Sun Chuanting, the governor of Shaanxi, spoke the most vehemently. They were all worried that their appeasement would lead to endless troubles.
Even Xiong Wencan, the prime minister of the five provinces, spoke eloquently, thinking that the recruitment should be done slowly rather than urgently.
Seeing the fierce opposition from the people below, Chongzhen and Yang Sichang had to inform the court of their plans one by one.
It's fine if I don't mention this. But once I mention it, Hong Chengchou and others have even greater objections.
Hong Chengchou said categorically that he must not go to war with the Xia Kingdom, otherwise he would be defeated but not victorious.
Lu Xiangsheng even stated in his memorial that the Xia army was far more powerful than the official army. After a war, the Ming Dynasty might not be able to protect itself.
"Your Majesty, Hong Bingxian, Lu Bingxian and others have always been in trouble with the Xia thieves, and they have repeatedly achieved special honors with the help of the Xia thieves. I am afraid that if people's hearts are not ancient, disaster will arise."
Yang Sichang was self-willed, reserved and contented. When he saw that his plan was opposed, he immediately resented Hong Chengchou, Lu Xiangsheng and others, and began to stir up trouble in front of Chongzhen.
Chongzhen was not good at anything else. When he talked about power and strategy, he was immediately scratched.
"I have made up my mind and immediately issue an order to have all armies march eastward quickly. Anyone who dares to delay will be severely punished."
Chongzhen, encouraged by Yang Sichang, put aside all objections.
At this time, he was full of fantasies about annihilating the Xia Kingdom, completing the unification, and reviving the Ming Dynasty.
