Chapter 1,259 Will the Ming Dynasty be finally prosperous?
On the ship, Hu Zongxian was reading "Cao Hai Tu Bian".
After he became the governor of Zhejiang's military affairs, in order to completely eliminate Japanese pirates, he ordered his staff to collect relevant information on coastal defense and compile it into this coastal military atlas.
Historically, this book was born in the 41st year of Jiajing reign, but now it has been published several years earlier. The book has a total of thirteen volumes and 173 pictures, including "Complete Map of Yudi", "Coastal Mountain and Sand Map", "Coastal County Map"
"County Map", "Japanese Island Barbarian Invasion Map", etc., all have detailed discussions on the coastal geography, weapons facilities, and coastal defense strategies of the Ming Dynasty.
The most critical thing among them is not the collection of data, but the strategic vision. For example, the chapter on controlling the sea explains the importance of sea control to a country. "Coastal defense must be defended at sea." It advocates "sentinel for thieves in the distant ocean and attack thieves at the near ocean."
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These are not empty words. They contain a large number of tactical tips. Even judging from the experience of later anti-landing wars, they are all practical. Hu Zongxian couldn't put it down since he wrote the book, and he even annotated many of his practical insights.
It used to be defense, but now it's more about offense.
The Ming army actually disagreed with the expedition to Japan, including Yu Dayou, Qi Jiguang and Tan Lun, who all believed that this move was too bold.
Since the Tumubao Incident more than a hundred years ago, Ming Dynasty's military strength has declined sharply. By the Jiajing Dynasty, the accumulated shortcomings in the army were almost difficult to solve. Even if generals like Yu Qi emerged, there would be no problem in mopping up the invading Japanese pirates and expeditions to enemy countries.
It's ultimately difficult to do.
If he really had that ability, he would have come out of the Great Wall to attack An Dahan long ago, and it would not be the Japanese country's turn...
And there are lessons learned from the past. In the Yuan Dynasty, Kublai Khan sent a large army twice to attack the Japanese country across the sea, but both ended in failure and suffered heavy losses. The third time was also brewing, but in the end he did not take action. Otherwise,
It seems a bit like Yang Guang's three conquests of Goguryeo.
There are many reasons for the failure of the Yuan Army's Eastern Expedition. Later generations tend to only focus on the two typhoons. However, in fact, if we carefully study the entire war process, we can find that the Yuan Army successfully landed and fought, but was resisted desperately by the Japanese army. They were very tenacious, and the Yuan Army
There were many Goryeo troops inside. The troops who surrendered in the Southern Song Dynasty had no morale and insufficient combat power. They really didn't take any advantage.
Just as Yang Guang failed to conquer Goguryeo first, and Li Shimin later conquered Goguryeo himself, the comprehensive national strength of a big country is naturally much stronger than that of small neighboring countries. However, it is naive to say that a strong country can definitely destroy a weak country. There are many people who are trapped in the quagmire of war. However,
There is more than one Yang Guang.
Therefore, there were many opponents in the Ming army, and they all came forward with excellent strategic vision.
Hu Zongxian never thought that wiping out the Japanese pirates would go so far as to counterattack the enemy's base camp, until Tianshi proposed it.
Although that person had never specifically participated in political affairs, Hu Zongxian felt an inexplicable sense of conviction. He knew that the other party was acting in such a way, so he must be sure of it, and he listened a lot before finally writing the letter.
Now that the road is calm, it is a good sign. Then Ma Ningyuan comes to the side to report, which means that the supplies of the army are in place: "Budang, North Korea has sent an envoy."
Hu Zongxian asked: "Who is coming?"
Ma Ningyuan said: "Cui Hongyi, who is on the left to discuss government affairs."
Hu Zongxian nodded slightly.
The official positions in North Korea are also divided into grades. The most powerful one is Zheng Yipin Ling Yi Zheng, commonly known as Ling Xiang, who is equivalent to the prime minister of the Middle-earth Dynasty. Below them are Zuo Yi Zheng and You Yi Zheng, both of whom are first grade officials, equivalent to assistant prime ministers and three Yi Zheng Commanders.
Officials, handling government affairs of all sizes, will not leave the capital lightly.
Being able to send Zuo Yizheng to meet the army, at least in terms of posture, North Korea has done enough.
However, Hu Zongxian not only looked at attitude, but also focused on facts: "In terms of food and grass, how prepared is North Korea?"
Although the number of the Ming army's expedition was not large, not even 100,000, not to mention Yang Guang's army of millions, but food and grass support was still a big problem. After the vigorous development of the Ming army's navy in the past few years, it still could not have a perfect
The logistics line naturally requires the support of the Joseon Dynasty.
Ma Ningyuan smiled and took out something and offered it: "That Cui Yizheng had known that the ministry would ask questions, so he had already prepared a document with detailed explanations."
Hu Zongxian took it, looked through it carefully, and his brows gradually relaxed.
The assistant prime minister did not do everything, but also suffered a lot. Because North Korea suffered a famine last year and the current food was really not enough, he also mobilized grain reserves from various places and tried his best to transport them to assist the Ming army. He also followed the instructions.
A simplified map of the terrain of Japan was made.
Hu Zongxian was not surprised by North Korea's interest.
The Ming Dynasty and North Korea were founded almost at the same time. Zhu Yuanzhang drove the Mongols back to the grasslands, and Li Chenggui replaced Goryeo and established the country. After the founding of the country, he paid tribute to the Ming Dynasty. After that, he paid tribute three times a year, on the "Holy Day" of the emperor's birthday.
Festival", the prince's birthday "Qianqiu Festival" and the first day of the first lunar month "Zhengdan Festival".
Three tributes a year were so frequent that they became an absolute exception among the vassal states of the Ming Dynasty. What's more, in addition to the three regular tributes, North Korea also used envoys to thank envoys, send envoys to invite envoys, offer incense to convey envoys, offer congratulations to envoys, present envoys, and escort
They paid tribute in the name of envoys and made great contributions to virgins and eunuchs, and of course the rewards they received were extremely generous.
In history, during the Wanli period, Japan launched the Imjin Japanese Rebellion and invaded North Korea. The Ming Dynasty aided North Korea in resisting Japan, defeated the invading army, and helped North Korea recover. It was praised as "the grace of reconstruction." Later, during the Battle of Sarhu, North Korea
After sending troops to help the Ming Dynasty fight, the Ming army was defeated and the North Korean army commander was also captured. Later Jin hoped that North Korea would surrender and jointly fight against the Ming Dynasty, but North Korea still refused.
It can be said that in terms of being a vassal, North Korea was much more loyal to the Ming Dynasty than Silla was to the Tang Dynasty.
Nowadays, the North Korean monarchs and ministers do not dare to fool the Ming army, but Hu Zongxian is still ready to add fuel to the fire: "I will check again and find out that the North Korean generals who are most hostile to Japan will give them a chance after landing on the island..."
Ma Ningyuan was shocked.
Two neighboring countries will basically never live in peace with each other. Friction is common, especially in small countries.
A considerable part of the Japanese pirates in the Ming Dynasty were merchants who opposed the maritime ban, but in the Korean peninsula, they were warriors who had wandered over for years, burning, killing, looting, and committing all kinds of evil. The two countries have long had private grudges, and there are many more in Korea.
Hatred of the existence of Japanese people.
It is completely conceivable what would happen if North Korean generals were allowed to land on the island. How could a Confucian scholar who had been taught by a saint do this?
Hu Zongxian looked at the student whose smile disappeared and became silent: "Can't bear it? Still feel that what the teacher did is completely inconsistent with the words of the saint who once taught you?"
Ma Ningyuan knew that this teacher had used poison to deal with Japanese pirates, and he had no taboos. He was very different from ordinary civil servants, but the string in his heart really couldn't be bent for a while, and he whispered: "The teacher does not agree with the words of the saint."
,students know..."
Hu Zongxian said calmly: "It's not that I don't agree. The books of saints are used for learning. To really do practical things, we must act according to the times."
"I know you are worried. Once our troops successfully land, handing over the butcher knife to North Korea will be beneficial to the subsequent control of the Japanese people, but in the long run, it may not be a good strategy and there are many hidden dangers..."
"It has to be like this!"
After saying that, he sighed softly.
Listening to the teacher's sigh, Ma Ningyuan was startled for a moment, then woke up.
If the Ming Dynasty was strong and invincible, Hu Zongxian would not use North Korea as a sword. It would only create future troubles.
But with the current strength of the Ming army, they really can't think too long-term. What the saints said in the book is useless.
Looking at the teacher's hard-working and thin face, Ma Ningyuan didn't know what to feel for a while, and blurted out one sentence: "We must eventually strengthen the army! Strengthen the country!"
Hu Zongxian's eyes lit up: "With these words, that's enough! Go!"
Ma Ningyuan saluted, turned around and went to do his business.
Watching the student leave, Hu Zongxian showed a look of relief. He was very optimistic about this student's talent, but unfortunately he was a bit pedantic and would inevitably be exploited. If he could correct this, he would be able to entrust him with important tasks.
While he was thinking about it, a slovenly scribe walked towards this side, it was Xu Wei.
Hu Zongxian's complexion changed slightly.
This great genius has been observing the astronomical phenomena recently, and the news he brings may not be good.
Sure enough, Xu Wei came to the front and said directly: "There may be strong winds in the past few days!"
Hu Zongxian's face darkened. The strong wind was a typhoon. The quality of the Ming army's ships was already worrying. Nearly 20% of the ships were scrapped during this period. Once a typhoon was encountered, the entire army would be annihilated. It was almost an inevitable outcome...
The right time, place and people are favorable, and the latter two can often be reversed. Only the right time can only be avoided, but where can we avoid it on the sea?
Xu Wei's expression was quite relaxed: "Brother Ruzhen, don't be anxious. Since the Heavenly Master wants to destroy the Japanese, he must make arrangements. I'm afraid the Taoist disciples have already arrived to protect my army and reach the outer island safely!"
Hu Zongxian quickly calmed down and just nodded.
He greatly admired the Celestial Master, but he was wary of the power of the Shinto.
To be fair, even if the Ming army was weak, Hu Zongxian did not want to rely on the power of practitioners. He always felt that it would be a wild horse that was unbridled and difficult to control.
Unfortunately, at this juncture, we can only hope that the Taoist sect will send people to come and cast spells to see if the fleet can move away from the center of the typhoon as soon as possible and safely sail to the Falklands.
Or...
Hu Zongxian suddenly thought that before leaving, that person had indeed asked him to pay homage to the Dragon Lord during this trip, and immediately ordered his surroundings: "Go and prepare, I want to pay homage to the Dragon God."
Xu Wei liked to practice and went there with great interest, but the other staff and sergeants were a little surprised.
China's faith and worship has always been pragmatic. Over the past hundreds of years, worshiping Mazu, the dragon king, and the earth and mountain gods have not received any response. They have gradually become less concerned about the gods, and the sea festival has become more perfunctory every year.
Fortunately, the earth and mountain gods gradually recovered and the incense became strong again. Although the Dragon King Mazu did not appear directly, it also gave believers more expectations. Now that they are suddenly worshiping, is the Dragon King Grandpa about to appear?
This turmoil caused Yu Dayou and Qi Jiguang to arrive soon together.
Qi Jiguang was modest and cautious, and just when he was about to ask tactfully, Yu Dayou's upright voice had already sounded: "In the ministry, there is insufficient ship equipment and food, and the morale of the army is unstable. The act of sacrificing to the Dragon God only increases the burden and has no real benefit!"
Obviously, the general believed that Hu Zongxian's instigation of sacrifices at this time was a very ill-considered act, and he bluntly remonstrated with him.
Hu Zongxian looked at this general and thought that if he did not have the protection of his superiors, he would probably end up in a terrible situation. He said calmly: "If the aspirations of the three armies are shaken by such trivial matters, entering the island will also be a dangerous situation!"
Yu Dayou frowned and continued to speak bluntly: "The last general has already said that our army is not fully prepared to defend the southeast coast. Now we have a small army and simple generals to expedition to the Japanese country. The weather and the place are not favorable. We may lose more than we win!"
Hu Zongxian said calmly: "Have you finished talking? Now that you've finished talking, let's go and stabilize the morale of the army!"
As expected, Yu Dayou stopped talking and clasped his fists heavily: "I will retire at the end of the day!"
Qi Jiguang smiled bitterly and stepped forward to report the military affairs in a calm and humble manner before retreating.
When Hu Zongxian was alone again, he was not angry at all. The corners of his mouth were slightly raised, but he smiled with satisfaction.
There are so many talents, but Yan Song has been completely defeated. If he can really be the first assistant of a country and revive the country, it will be a great blessing!
Leaving aside the future, the crisis is approaching unceremoniously.
In just one day, the waves became rough and turbulent. After half a day, black clouds clearly appeared at the end of the sea and sky in the distance, and lightning and thunder appeared slowly, but in fact they were approaching rapidly.
Hu Zongxian stood on the bow of the ship and said slowly: "This is not a normal celestial phenomenon. It seems that the Japanese are using evil methods to fight against each other..."
Xu Wei could no longer hold his breath, his body rose and fell with the hull of the ship, and his face turned pale: "What about my Taoist priest from the Ming Dynasty? What spell can I use quickly?"
The atmosphere of despair spread among the army. Without Yu Qi's ability to manage the army, I am afraid that it would have collapsed long ago. It is entirely possible that he would jump into the sea in a panic...
Fortunately, at this moment, the Dragon God's tablet that had been worshipped suddenly emitted bright light. Before everyone could scream, they only heard a crash, and a white dragon broke through the waves and soared into the sky.
The dragon's body hovers, covering half of the sky. Its scales are sparkling under the light of the bright sun. A pair of dragon horn branches are crisscrossed, and its five claws are stretched out. It is full of divine power, but also has a graceful posture.
The dragon's mouth opened, and a clearly visible breath was exhaled. Suddenly, there was a bright light in the sky, and thousands of thunders roared, almost shaking the sky and tearing apart the heaven and the earth.
When everyone closed their eyes subconsciously and couldn't help but try to open them out of curiosity, they saw that the black clouds not far away had disappeared, and the typhoon that was enough to kill tens of thousands of Ming troops subsided and turned into a smooth road.
And the white dragon snaked up to the sky, looking down, the majestic female voice began to echo: "I am the Zhaoling Peize Puyou Dragon God. In response to the order of the Heavenly Master, I have been sacrificed by you to protect the Ming army. The Ming Dynasty will win!"
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Only then did some generals remember that this was indeed the Dragon God enshrined by the Ming Dynasty. However, after being brought into the capital by the Heavenly Master, he had rarely appeared. People went to the Dragon Temple to worship and petition, but no apparition appeared, so some people secretly
I wonder if it is an illusion disguised to deceive the king...
At this time, it was finally clear. The Ming army was silent at first, and then cheered. Finally, under the guidance of Hu Zongxian, it turned into a unified voice, soaring into the sky: "The power of the Dragon King!! The Ming Dynasty will win!!"