"Today the Ming Dynasty restored the meritorious service of the French army of Qin. You have received military honors, and the Ming Dynasty has the confidence to crown you the king."
For no reason, the words of His Royal Highness the Emperor Taisun in the stands of the Xicheng Football Stadium that day came to mind among the meritorious generals present.
Li Jinglong, Duke of Cao State, had been in charge of the Japanese state for many years, and this year he was responsible for destroying the country. After that, he was responsible for suppressing possible unrest in Yingzhou before the imperial court completely established the various government offices in Yingzhou.
Since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, no one in the entire dynasty has accomplished such feats alone.
wrong!
Today, the founder of the country, Chang Sheng, who is still far away on Jiaozhi Road and west of Zhancheng Road, can also be regarded as the next one.
Even if we want to be granted the title of king, the founder of the country, Chang Sheng, is far more deserving of the title than Cao Guogong, Li Jinglong.
After all, due to emotion and reason, Chang Sheng was also responsible for destroying the country. He even conquered the two countries and now continues to conquer vast new territories for the Ming Dynasty.
Most civil servants have mixed feelings in their hearts at this moment.
The Ming Dynasty resumed the Qin Dynasty's military meritorious service. Since the restoration of the governor's office, the imperial court has also established a method for military merit examination.
It's just that it's easy for military generals to get success, but the road is narrow for civil servants like them. We can't let the civil servants in the court go into battle to kill the enemy with swords and guns.
Zhu Yunxi wanted to talk about the rewards for the Eastern Expedition army.
The civil and military people present had different thoughts.
Cao Zhen, the Marquis of Jingchuan, was the first to speak: "If we are talking about the merit test and rewards for the Eastern Expedition Army, should we also discuss it with the Southern Expedition General?"
After finishing speaking, Cao Zhen looked at the people around him with a pure expression.
The Duke of Wei, Li Jinglong, contributed to the destruction of the country, and the founding Duke Chang Sheng also contributed to the destruction of the country.
If the Duke of Wei can be crowned king, then the Founding Duke can even be crowned king.
Will the Ming Dynasty grant two kings in one day?
After Cao Zhen interrupted, everyone finally reacted.
Although there was still silence in Wenyuan Pavilion, everyone's breathing became heavier, regardless of whether they were civil or military.
At this moment, it was not the early years of Hongwu, when the emperor, in order to stabilize the world, made a large number of clans. In the Ming Dynasty for more than 20 years, it was rare for anyone without the surname Zhu to be granted a king. Even if there were two kings, King Wuning of Zhongshan and King Zhongwu of Kaiping, that was too.
After the two of them passed away, the imperial court granted them posthumous titles.
Will the Ming Dynasty have two living kings with different surnames?
When did the imperial court become so generous?
Xu Yungong suppressed the thought in his heart of asking for an outside leader to lead the troops. He cupped his hands and walked out sideways: "Your Highness, if the merits of the Eastern Expedition Army are discussed, the Southern Expedition Army should also be discussed together today, so as to show the fairness of the court."
, don’t chill the hearts of the frontline soldiers.”
After finishing speaking, Xu Yungong felt a little regretful and regretful.
I think back then, the Zhongshan Palace was ahead of the Kaiping Palace. Now, because Chang Sheng led the army in the southern expedition, he had the opportunity to be crowned king, but the Zhongshan Palace could only talk about its past glory.
As for his current status as cabinet minister?
The Prince of Zhongshan was the founding father of the Ming Dynasty, and he followed the path of a general. No matter how much power the cabinet ministers have, it is not as important as a prince who has retired from the country.
Although such a king is granted the title of king, he will not attack his descendants.
But a living prince is obviously more important to the Xu family than a cabinet minister.
"The general who conquered the south destroyed Annan, captured the city, and marched the army westward. After several years of military service, he led the troops outside and made great contributions."
Gao Yangzhi's voice sounded in Wenyuan Pavilion.
Before returning to Beijing, he was the youngest feudal official in the Ming Dynasty, and the first official in the Ming Dynasty to personally witness the establishment of an additional province.
Regarding the contribution of the Southern Expedition Army and the founding father Chang Sheng, only Gao Yangzhi in the court had the most say.
As a cabinet minister, Gao Yangzhi naturally attracted everyone's attention when he opened his mouth.
The youngest border official and the youngest cabinet minister in the dynasty could attract the attention of countless people just by standing there.
And within the foreseeable time, this young Gaoge elder will always stand at the center of power in the Ming Dynasty.
No one dares to despise his words.
Gao Yangzhi continued to speak: "Jiaozhi Road and other places are full of miasma and poisonous insects. Our people from the Central Plains went south, and it was very inconvenient because they were not accustomed to the acclimatization. In the twenty-fifth year of Hongwu, the imperial court decided on the southern expedition. The founding father commanded the three armies, and the emperor's grandson came in person.
battlefield.
Determined by the first battle, our Ming Dynasty added a new land, and the annual income increased. The southern expedition army had been in the south for a long time, and then conquered the city, and the Ming Dynasty added another land.
Today, the army is already west of Champa City and has been fighting for several years. Although the territory is thousands of miles away and the local situation is complicated, no new Taoist government has been established. However, our territory is expanding by hundreds of miles every day.
The army expands the territory, the country's annual income increases, and everything in the four seas returns to heaven.
This is the merit of the southern army and the great general of the southern expedition.
As the second son of King Zhongwu of Kaiping, the general could have enjoyed peace and prosperity, but he practiced martial arts diligently, read military books every day, drilled the three armies, and led troops to conquer.
King Zhongwu of Kaiping maintained his legacy and was a model of national merit.
When it comes to merit, I believe that the founder of the country is often promoted, and his merits are sufficient."
At the end of the sentence, Gao Yangzhi was already upright with his hands clasped in his fists, and he slowly bowed towards Zhu Yunxi, expressing his affirmation of Chang Sheng's military achievements.
But what if the founding father Chang Sheng’s merits are enough?
The eyes of everyone present turned. Gao Chunfeng seemed to have not finished what he said, but he had already finished it.
The founder of the country, Chang Sheng's merits were enough to make him a king.
Everyone couldn't help but look at Gao Yangzhi's back, making all kinds of speculations.
As we all know, Gao Yangzhi was the first chief envoy of Jiaozhi Road. When he was on Jiaozhi Road, the southern expedition army must have had many contacts with Jiaozhi Road.
Calculated in this way, the personal relationship between the founding father Chang Sheng and Gao Yangzhi must have been profound.
So at this time, it seems reasonable for Gao Yangzhi, as a cabinet minister, to take credit for Chang Sheng, the founder of the country.
As for saying that Gao Yangzhi and the founding father Chang Sheng were each other's internal and external allies, or were allies above the court, even if they were serious, it was not an important matter.
After all, even the emperor knew very well that there was no real solitary minister in the court.
Just when everyone thought that this was Gao Yangzhi's request for credit in order to gain the friendship of a prince in the court in the future.
However, Gao Yangzhi's tone suddenly changed: "The Southern Expedition Army has made great contributions, and General Chang Sheng has contributed twice to destroying the country and increasing the territory. According to the method of this dynasty's first military meritorious service, General Chang Sheng's contribution is enough to win the title.
King!"
"Isn't Mr. Gao Ge going to ask for credit for the founding father?"
Cao Zhen couldn't sit still anymore and immediately opened his mouth to ask the thoughts of everyone present.
The surrounding officials and meritorious generals also cast unexpected glances.
Gao Yangzhi had said so much before, and when everyone thought he was going to pray for the founding of the country, Chang Sheng, to be crowned king, the little Gao Ge elder suddenly changed his mind and changed the topic.
Gao Yangzhi just glanced sideways at Cao Zhen, Marquis of Jingchuan, and then continued to face Zhu Yunxi and said: "Your Highness, I think that the king of the country should not be awarded easily. If everyone destroys the country and can be crowned king, I am afraid that the country will resort to militarism.
Suspicion!
Even worse, the generals outside the country will be tempted by the prince to do whatever they want to do, and will not follow the court's orders and privately lead troops to conquer outside the territory.
By then, the Ming Dynasty's military state and society will all be encumbered by the external armies. If things continue like this, when will the Ming Dynasty be able to rest and recuperate?
War is not war. War is to promote peace in the country.
If you use war to win the king's title, then this war cannot be fought. If you use war to make the country strong, then you must not lose every battle."
Yeah.
This is what I want to say!
Gao Chunfeng is his confidant!
The chief minister of the cabinet, Ren Hengtai, who was originally not prepared to express his opinion on these matters, suddenly raised his head and stared at Gao Yangzhi who was talking about fighting or not fighting, with admiration in his eyes.
Gao Chunfeng said everything he wanted to say!
At this moment, Ren Hengtai couldn't wait to take Gao Yangzhi and go to Nancheng to find a wine shop where he could drink and talk happily without returning drunk.
Ren Hengtai had never felt that the youngest minister in the cabinet in front of him had such close ideas and political views to himself.
Involuntarily, Ren Hengtai glanced at Jie Jin, who was sitting peacefully opposite, with a trace of sullenness flashing across his face.
Chunfeng shouldn’t have such a gentleman!
Such a good student should have a better husband...
Xu Yungong, who was on the side, frowned. He was a little surprised. Gao Chunfeng should not have raised objections at this time, at least he should not have expressed his objections to His Highness in front of so many people.
But soon, the corners of Xu Yungong's mouth moved slightly, and his brows quietly calmed down.
On the other hand, Cao Zhen, the Marquis of Jingchuan, was greatly puzzled and shouted anxiously: "You are so good, Gao Chunfeng! You were still an official in Jiaozhi Road back then. Have you forgotten how difficult it is there? If not
The general deployed troops and horses on Jiaozhi Road, and he was about to be killed by those rogue people at any time!
Now that I have returned to Beijing and entered the cabinet, I am so hypocritical! I keep saying that the general deserves credit for his hard work and that the credit of the general lies in the country, but he goes too far and denies all the credit to the general?
Why do all the foreign armies follow suit? Do you, Gao Chunfeng, think that the armies of the Ming Dynasty are all disloyal and unjust? Or do you, Gao Chunfeng, think that the millions of troops of the Ming Dynasty are all people who do not respect the emperor's orders?
What exactly do you, Gao Chunfeng, want to do!"
In anger, Cao Zhen cursed angrily, and it can be said that he wanted to scold Gao Yangzhi as the biggest treacherous official in the Ming Dynasty.
Even Huixian Bo Sangjing who was beside him couldn't help but pull him away.
"pass!"
Sang Jing was a little worried, as the usual discussion of merit had become such a big fuss.
If the trouble continues, I'm afraid it will all involve civil and military matters.
Xie Jin coughed lightly, looked at the people present, and spoke softly with a smile on his face: "If we talk about military merit, whether it is the southern expedition or the eastern expedition, it has contributed to the destruction of the country, and it can be promoted to the king according to the military merit law. It is just the country
It is true that the title of king should not be given lightly. If Chang Sheng cannot be promoted to the title of king, then Li Jinglong, Duke of Cao during the Eastern Expedition, cannot be promoted alone. The fairness of the court cannot be compromised."
After finishing speaking, Xie Jin's eyes searched the crowd.
Xia Yuanji's brows twitched. He didn't know how to explain why the gentleman was targeting him.
He frowned slightly and thought about it carefully.
Finally, he looked at Xie Jin again.
Xia Yuanji Jingjin nodded silently to him, then sighed silently and walked to the front behind the officials.
"Your Highness, I have a report from Xia Yuanji, the left minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs."
Cao Zhen saw that no matter whether it was a southern expedition or an eastern expedition, he might not be able to be crowned king. Although the object of the agreement was not himself, he felt resentful in his heart.
He spoke again: "Your Highness..."
Zhu Yunxi immediately raised his head, glared slightly, and stopped Cao Zhen's words. Then he turned the ring on his hand, shook his head, and looked at Xie Jin beside him.
He chuckled softly: "Do you have anything to say, Minister Xia, about the negotiation of military merits?"
Xia Yuanji nodded, his face a little solemn.
Mr. Xie didn't want to be a bad guy, but he wanted to be a traitor among the civil servants.
Xia Yuanji knew it from the moment Mr. Jie looked at him.
Master Xie and Gao Chunfeng, the two masters and disciples, just didn't want to be seen as villains. They made the two of them lose points with the civil servants because of their meritorious deeds.
Otherwise, he would not have said anything to the noble gentry. Chang Sheng's military exploits would have allowed him to be promoted to a royal title.
What is Jin Feng?
That's because Chang Sheng was originally the founding Duke of the Ming Dynasty. Now that he has sufficient military merit, he has only been promoted from Duke to Prince.
Xia Yuanji's face was a little solemn, and he said in a deep voice: "We think that the imperial court's concerns are just that the generals in the outside world will covet military achievements and become kings in the future, and do their own thing, starting conquests and killings without authorization. As long as the imperial court makes up for this,
The millions of troops are all following the imperial decree, so this concern can be solved."
There is a traitor in our ranks!
As soon as Xia Yuanji's words came out of his mouth, countless eyes that could swallow him were immediately projected towards him.
Zhu Yunxi laughed: "How to crack it?"
Xia Yuan Ji Rumang was holding his back, but even after he had said the words, he could only bite the bullet and said: "The court only needs to decide that only the four conquerors can be crowned kings due to their merits. At that time, the concerns of Bachelor and Gao will be solved
, and naturally it disappeared.”
Throughout the dynasties of the Central Plains, there was a practice of setting up generals for four expeditions and four expeditions. Generally, large armies were sent out and the leading generals were awarded the position.
Xia Yuanji's proposal directly restricted the conditions for obtaining the opportunity to be crowned king to the extreme, but it was also reasonable.
It is naturally impossible for ordinary soldiers to reach the sky in one step and become king in one battle.
Even ordinary military generals, even if they have merit, still have a long way to go.
Only when you become a conquering general who can lead an army alone can you have the opportunity to create unparalleled military exploits and gain the opportunity to be crowned king.
Zhu Yunxi finally showed a touch of satisfaction in his eyes. He looked sideways at the chief assistant who had not spoken for a long time: "Mr. Ren Ge, do you think this is appropriate for Xia Shilang to say? Although Gu Gu absolutely trusts our soldiers and will never leave alone.
It happened, but imposing such restrictions will also comply with the rules in the future."
Ren Hengtai felt helpless.
Things have reached this stage, and it is impossible for me to be a villain and really forcefully stop Duke Founding and Duke Cao from becoming kings.
Ren Hengtai slowly bowed and clasped his fists: "What Minister Xia said is of course excellent and very appropriate."
Zhu Yunxi clapped his hands and said: "In this case, we can proceed to discuss the kingship of Duke Founder and Duke Cao."