"If it weren't for Mr. Yuan Ge's analysis, I would still be confused."
The conversation between the emperor and Bi Ziyan made Sun Chengzong and Yuan Keli a little confused.
Looking at the doubts of the two people, Bi Ziyan continued: "Two cabinet elders, I am inspecting Denglai and Dongjiang this time, and I have a secret mission, which is to secretly enter North Korea and meet the North Korean King Li Zhu."
Without waiting for the two to ask, Bi Ziyan continued: "The main purpose of meeting Li Zhu was to test North Korea's attitude towards the Ming Dynasty, Jiannu, and Mao Wenlong.
As you all know, Korea is a vassal state of the Ming Dynasty. It has always called the Ming Dynasty its suzerain state and belongs to the alliance.
However, in recent years, Jiannu captured Shenyang, Liaoyang and other places, cutting off the land connection between Ming Dynasty and North Korea.
The Ming Dynasty was weak and its slaves repeatedly attacked North Korea, but the Ming Dynasty never provided assistance.
Last year, Jiannu Amin led a large army to raid North Korea, conquering the border towns of Yiju, Tieshan, Dingzhou, and Guoshan, and finally reached Pyongyang, forcing North Korea to negotiate peace with Jiannu.
The conditions were that North Korea would give Jiannu three thousand shi of grain every year, open a market in Zhongjiang, and cut off relations with Mao Wenlong.
In order to regain Uiju, North Korea agreed. This war was called the Dinmao Rebellion.
I went to North Korea this time to meet with the North Korean King Li Zhu and several ministers. North Korea's attitude was extremely ambiguous. On the one hand, it professed its vassalage to me, the Ming Dynasty, and on the other hand, it reconciled with Hou Jin.
Moreover, during Ding Mao's chaos, Mao Wenlong, who was stationed on Pi Island, gave up Tieshan after only a brief resistance and did not provide any help to North Korea. This made North Korea even more dissatisfied. "
Hearing this, Sun Chengzong and Yuan Keli looked thoughtful in their eyes. Combined with the emperor's idea of Jiannu's retreat, they understood the emperor's intention.
If Jiannu retreats to North Korea, the Ming army can only pursue it but cannot stop it. With Jiannu's combat power, even if it is defeated, North Korea cannot stop it. This has a lot to do with the strength of the army and the confidence of North Korean soldiers and civilians.
If Jiannu and North Korea colluded with each other and joined forces to resist, then the Ming army would not be able to completely exterminate Jiannu.
The Jiannu took advantage of North Korea's geographical advantages to recuperate and make a comeback, so the threat always existed.
If the Ming Dynasty wanted to completely exterminate the Jiannu, it would have to pursue and intercept the Jiannu. The pursuit was easy, but how to block it depended on North Korea and Mao Wenlong.
The navy of the Ming Army could set out from Dengzhou, use warships to reach the coast of the Dongjiang River in North Korea, enter North Korea, and block the Jiannu in Yizhou.
In other words, let Mao Wenlong's Dongjiang Army attack.
The question is whether North Korea will allow the Ming army to land and use Yizhou to block it, or whether Mao Wenlong will listen to orders and attack Jiannu, thereby delaying the opportunity for war.
What's even more frightening is whether Mao Wenlong will directly cut off the Ming army's land pursuit.
For a moment, all three people in Dongnuan Pavilion, except Chongzhen, were silent.
This is almost unexplainable. If Mao Wenlong is transferred back to Beijing or to serve elsewhere, everything on Dongjiang Island will be exposed.
Under the impeachment of various censors, ke, and Taoists, if they did not kill him, it would be a provocation to the entire Ming Dynasty officialdom.
It's hard to say whether Dongjiang Island will riot if he is killed.
Without transferring him, the imperial court would not be able to completely control Dongjiang Island, which would add an uncontrollable factor to the complete extermination of Jiannu in the future.
When they came to their senses, their eyes were instantly filled with shock, especially Sun Chengzong.
When Bi Ziyan went to Denglai, the emperor had just ascended the throne and the government was still in chaos. At that time, he had already thought about the next move in a few years.
Where did the emperor get his confidence?
If you don't plan for one area, you won't be able to plan for the overall situation. The emperor's 'chess' is simply appalling.
"I think it doesn't matter much to North Korea. If we subdue the Mongolian tribes and press the army towards Shenyang,
With such a great shame and humiliation as Ding Mao's indiscretion, North Korea will fall to us as long as it is not stupid.
Otherwise, once we join forces with Jiannu, we may be occupied by Jiannu before we attack. The only thing we are worried about now is Mao Wenlong in Dongjiang. "
After Bi Ziyan concluded, he continued: "I think we can give Elder Yuan Ge's proposal a try to divide Dongjiang. Even if he changes sides in the future, part of it is in our hands, so we won't be defenseless!"
Chongzhen nodded, and after thinking for a moment, he looked at the three of them: "I will arrange for people to do the work for the godsons and grandsons of Liu Xingzuo and Mao Wenlong.
As for supplies and military pay, they will no longer be reviewed by Ningyuan from now on. Instead, they will be reviewed by the Ministry of Household Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of War, and then shipped out from Denglai.
Bi Aiqing, you are the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and you went to inspect Dongjiang Island. You have to control it so that it can meet Dongjiang's needs without giving them the opportunity to reserve. The most important thing is to maintain it.
Finally, it is time to rectify the Denglai Navy and Coastal Defense Station. Dengzhou controls the island barbarians in the east, Liaozuo in the north, Wuhui in the south, and Yanyun in the west. Wherever the ship can reach, it can relieve the throat.
When attacking the Liao Dynasty from the outside, it serves as a barrier and blocks the Central Plains internally. It also acts as a gateway, the gateway between the north and the south. It is particularly important. It is related to the strategy of the imperial court. Do you have a suitable candidate for Denglai Commander-in-Chief? "
Listening to the emperor's questions, the three of them fell silent, and they all remained silent in a tacit understanding.
Even if they have suitable candidates for this strategic layout, they cannot recommend it.
They are dedicated to the Ming Dynasty, but they still have to avoid suspicion when it is time to avoid it. This is the way of a courtier.
After waiting for a while, Chongzhen could only say calmly: "Let me mention someone, Yang Zhaoji. What do you think?"
"Former Governor of the Three Borders Yang Zhaoji?"
Yuan Keli's eyes lit up: "I think it's okay. Yang Zhaoji is hereditary. He has served as the commander-in-chief of the three towns of Zhengdongping, Xifang and Japan. He was promoted to the commander of Yizhou Weizheng. After many promotions, he was appointed the commander-in-chief of Datong.
In the second year of Tianqi, the White Lotus Sect rebelled and several armies were wiped out. When the officers and soldiers were at their wits' end, Yang Zhaoji served as the commander-in-chief of Shandong and went on a campaign. After more than 20 battles, he successfully suppressed the White Lotus Sect... Ding You should be at home now. "
"The most important thing is that he once served as the commander-in-chief in Denglai. Although it was only for more than a month, it is better than transferring an unfamiliar person.
And he is now in Yizhou City, which is also close to Dengzhou. I think Yang Zhaoji can do it! "
Sun Chengzong and Yuan Keli had the resume of the former governor of the three sides at their fingertips.
Regardless of his military exploits, family background, or qualifications, Yang Zhaoji is the most suitable candidate.
Yang Zhaoji, one of the civil servants and generals selected by Jinyiwei who could be reused after investigating the entire Ming Dynasty, was finally put to use now.
"Since the three of them have no objections, I will resume my original position and go to Dengzhou to serve as the commander-in-chief of Denglai to reorganize the Denglai navy and coastal defense station. The cabinet has drafted an order and sent it out today.
At the same time, an order was sent to Sun Guozhen, the governor of Denglai, to fully cooperate with Yang Zhaoji. "
"Today's conversation in Dongnuan Pavilion is related to whether the slaves can be completely eliminated in the future. It must be kept strictly confidential!"
"I obey the order!"
After the three people saluted, they slowly exited Dongnuan Pavilion.
Chongzhen also followed him to the door and waved in the distance: "My dear friend, send word that Li Ruolian is here to see me!"
