Mao Gui's statement indeed exceeded everyone's expectations, including Zhang Ximeng.
After all, how can the leader of a province with hundreds of thousands of troops be casually discarded?
It is possible to surrender, but it is extremely difficult to completely give up power, but he has finally taken this step. Among the heroes of the world, he should be one of the few!
Can be picked up and put down.
This is a real man!
Zhang Ximeng had a smile on his face, but he hesitated a little. It was rare for Mao Gui to make such a choice, but the court could not just take away his power. There had to be an explanation.
Zhang Ximeng thought for a while, then turned his attention to Liu Bowen, "Sir, go and prepare some good dishes and let the chefs of the Confucius family cook them. They are good at their craftsmanship. I want to have a good talk with Mao Pingzhang."
Liu Bowen was so smart. He didn't know Zhang Ximeng's intention and agreed immediately.
After he left, only two people were left.
Zhang Ximeng smiled and said, "General Mao, first of all, your actions are deeply righteous and have helped the court a lot. I will definitely ask my lord for a decree and a commendation. Don't refuse this."
Mao Gui lowered his head and seemed to want to refuse, but when Zhang Ximeng said this, he couldn't say much, but his hands were still intertwined, and his mood was complicated.
Zhang Ximeng added: "General Mao, the second point I want to make is that Shandong Red Scarf has made great contributions to the fight against the Yuan Dynasty. This time, it also made great contributions in coordinating the decisive battle in the Central Plains. No one can ignore this. If you want to resign, take over
I want to hear your opinion on what to do with the Shandong Red Scarf."
Mao Gui was startled. He never expected that Zhang Ximeng would be so direct.
"Prime Minister Zhang, I, I'd better not say anything. If everything can be organized according to the official and military arrangements, I will be very satisfied."
In one sentence, Mao Gui's heart was exposed after all.
From Mao Gui's point of view, he had long realized that the road between Han and Song Dynasties could not go on. As the Shandong Red Turbans of the East Route Army between Han and Song Dynasties, they also needed to be completely reformed, reborn, change their minds, and start over.
But the problem is that the people below don’t think that way.
In fact, many people are still unconvinced, or unwilling.
They even wanted to occupy Shandong and rule the country as king, nominally listening to Zhu Yuanzhang, but actually making the decision themselves.
There are even some people who hope to welcome King Xiao Ming to Shandong and rebuild the Song Dynasty...
Not to mention Mao Gui who couldn't agree to this kind of proposal, even Han Lin'er didn't dare to accept it.
It's hard to think of yourself as an ordinary person, and if you fall into it again, you will really be dead.
Mao Gui knew these things well, and he knew even more clearly that if things went on like this, something would happen. Not only himself, but also Shandong Red Scarf, would become rebels in the Ming Dynasty. By then, everyone would be destroyed, the sky would collapse, and no one would be safe.
end.
It would be better for him to simply withdraw and retreat, and then ruthlessly hand over these people to the court and let Zhang Ximeng have full authority to deal with them. He will not care about anything, just out of sight and out of mind.
But having said that, after all, they are old brothers who have been through life and death, so how can we truly let go of them?
When asked by Zhang Ximeng, he still spoke his mind.
Then Mao Gui said bluntly, "Prime Minister Zhang, I know that based on the current situation, there are many red scarf generals in Shandong who are not qualified to be included in the imperial army. But there are also many who do not want to leave the army.
, there is nothing else but fighting. There are also some people who are simply stubborn and dismissed them hastily, causing endless troubles. I, I am also in a very difficult position."
Zhang Ximeng nodded and said with a smile: "General Mao, if you don't say this, it may be better for your future."
Mao Gui smiled helplessly and was about to speak, but Zhang Ximeng added: "If I didn't say this, I wouldn't be Mao Gui."
Hearing this, Mao Gui was extremely moved. The most valuable thing in a person is knowing one's heart. Prime Minister Zhang indeed has the mind of a prime minister, has insight into people's hearts, and can think about others. The ancient gentlemen were nothing more than that.
"Prime Minister Zhang, I would like to know what you are going to do with these hundreds of thousands of Shandong red scarves?"
Zhang Ximeng said: "Shandong Red Scarf will definitely be downsized. This is beyond doubt. Fifty-eight thousand elites will be selected from them, and Zhu Wenzheng will be appointed as the deputy governor of the former military governor's office, under his command."
Mao Gui's eyes lit up. Currently, the Ming Army has five military governors. Among them, in addition to Zhu Ying, Xu Da, Hu Dahai, Chang Yuchun, and Feng Guoyong are all famous generals in the world. They are impeccable in terms of military exploits and qualifications.
.
Belonging to the first echelon of Ming army generals.
And who can take a step forward and become the second echelon next is worth pondering.
Among the veteran generals, Wu Zhen, Hua Yun, Tang Shengzong and others all have hope. Among the generals who later joined him, Deng Yu, Fu Youde, and Ding Pulang each have their own merits.
But it’s hard to say who can take it to the next level.
But Zhang Ximeng gave the answer, this person is Zhu Wenzheng!
Moreover, the soldiers and horses he is about to command are adapted from Shandong Red Scarf.
It can be said that this arrangement is very subtle. There is no doubt that even if the Shandong Legion is properly adapted, it will not be as good as those old legions.
But it must be shown that we attach great importance to it. The Shandong Army Corps will have special value in the future Northern Expedition.
After considering all aspects, promoting Zhu Wenzheng, who has made great achievements in Shaanxi Province, became the best choice. He is young and fits the position of the Shandong Army. He also commanded the adapted Mongolian soldiers before him. He has rich experience and is definitely qualified in terms of ability.
In addition, he was Zhu Yuanzhang's only nephew and had a special status, which showed that he attached great importance to the Shandong Army.
It's hard to find a second choice.
Of course, Zhang Ximeng would not directly ask Lao Zhu to appoint Zhu Wenzheng. Normally, he would recommend three to five and then let Lao Zhu choose.
After careful consideration by the emperor, he selected the most suitable candidate, which fully reflected the emperor's wisdom...perfect!
He usually wouldn't share this little trick with others, but Mao Gui's situation was special and he had to be reassured, so Zhang Ximeng simply gave it to Di'er to reassure him.
"After selecting these soldiers, the remaining ones who are willing to return to their hometowns to cultivate fields can be granted twice as much land as the imperial officers. Cattle, seeds, houses, and even wives will be found to ensure that they can get married and start a business after they return.
, live in peace and happiness.”
Mao Gui quickly thanked him, "Xiang Zhang is kind and I'm very grateful. However, there are still some people..."
Zhang Ximeng smiled and said: "I know, in fact, these are the people you are worried about. They are not many in number, but they are the backbone of the army. They all hold some power, are senior, and have a stubborn temper. They were difficult to manipulate... In the past
, we reorganized our troops, and these people were either thrown into prison camps or given to Katcha. Are you afraid that we will treat them like this?"
Mao Gui looked ugly and could only say: "Xiang Zhang, to be fair, if you investigate carefully among these people, there must be crimes and reasons for killing. It's just that they were born in troubled times and unfortunately fell into the army.
, they are not the Yuan army after all!"
Zhang Ximeng nodded slightly, "Although the merits and demerits cannot be offset, there are some situations that cannot be ignored... This is exactly what I want to say, General Mao, what do you think of sending these people to Goryeo?"
"Goryeo?" Mao Gui didn't know why.
Zhang Ximeng said with a smile: "Just leave it to Guan Duo and let them continue to fight against the Yuan Dynasty in Goryeo."
This time, Mao Gui was shocked, "Xiang Zhang, these people are unruly and unruly. They are still restrained in Shandong. If they go to Goryeo, they will do whatever they want!"
"Why, are you worried that Guan Duo can't control them?"
Mao Gui hurriedly shook his head and said with a smile: "Guan Duo is much more ruthless than me, how could he not be able to control me? I'm just afraid that he won't want to take action."
Zhang Ximeng chuckled, "Whether he wants it or not, that's his business. We can't control it anyway, right?"
Mao Gui was surprised again. He looked at Zhang Ximeng stupidly. Wasn't this just bringing disaster to Goryeo?
Prime Minister Zhang is not that honest!
Zhang Ximeng laughed and said, "General Mao, don't forget that the Yuan Dynasty set up the Zhengdong Province in Goryeo. In recent years, Goryeo has sent many concubines and eunuchs to the Yuan Court. They were responsible for the disasters in the Central Plains. Dozens of people lost their lives back then.
Among the tens of thousands of troops, there are tens of thousands of Korean soldiers and horses. They are very loyal to Dayuan!"
Mao Gui took a deep breath. Of course he knew these things, but Mao Gui was still puzzled. "Xiang Zhang, if you just do this, you will be in trouble in the future. If people become uncontrollable and resent the Ming Dynasty, won't it damage the reputation of the country?"
?”
Zhang Ximeng couldn't help laughing, "General Mao, you are such an honest man, and you really should go to school."
Mao Gui's face turned red after being criticized, and he said embarrassedly: "Xiang Zhang, I, I know that my knowledge is shallow, and I made Xiang Zhang laugh."
Zhang Ximeng said: "General Mao, don't worry about it. There is a saying that when we meet brothers, we can overcome all tribulations. We can forget our grudges with a smile when we meet. Naturally, I regard Gao Li as a brother, and I am willing to meet them and forget all grievances with a smile. But we must first overcome all tribulations."
Bo, let's settle the accounts that need to be settled. I've been a helper of the tiger over the years and done so many bad things. Not only have I not been punished, but I can just live in peace. No matter what, it can't be justified, right?"
Mao Gui nodded repeatedly, almost in awe.
What is a scholar and what is a scholar?
This excuse... Bah, what kind of excuse is that?
This time Mao Gui was completely relieved... Among these soldiers, those who were loyal, brave and reliable could still join the army to serve the country and conquer the Yuan Dynasty in the north.
Those who are willing to go home and farm can do so with proper arrangements.
Finally, even the thorny head has a place to go, and he can go to Korea to torment.
As expected, it was clearly arranged.
It's just that Gao Li suffered a lot, first Zhang Dingbian and Chen Li, and now Shandong Red Scarf... I don't know what will happen next!
But don't blame Zhang Xiang for concocting them. Who asked these guys to follow Yuan Ting and do so many evil things? This can be regarded as evil retribution.
Mao Gui was in a good mood. When he came out of Zhang Ximeng's place, he was humming a little tune.
…
"Let's go! It's time for the exam!"
Mao Gui took his three children, each with a bamboo basket with pens and ink inside, and a stack of pancakes each, and walked to the examination room.
"You have to take the exam well and don't embarrass your father!"
Several children looked around and saw a dense crowd of people, all of whom were young people. Many of them had patches on their bodies and were very poor. However, they did not lose their enthusiasm and came to take the exam one after another.
The children suddenly became worried, "Dad, our brothers have been studying very hard in the past few years. We all know clearly what Prime Minister Zhang stands for. There should be no problems in this exam... But you, sir, must take care...
It’ll be okay in the end, but if you fail, you’ll have to be our apprentice.”