When faced with the issue of rewards in the northwest, even senior experts like Ma Wensheng remain silent.
Zhang Mao said: "Your Majesty, the matter of meritorious service may be postponed for a few more months until all inspections are completed..."
Zhu Youtang frowned and said: "Mr. British, do you mean to let me be dragged by them, so that such a great contribution can be reduced to nothing, or that the border soldiers will forget it?"
"Old minister, that's not what I meant."
Zhang Mao was also very anxious.
When did I say I wouldn’t give them rewards? By delaying the rewards, I mean I owe them first and then redeem them when the court has money?
Zhu Youtang said: "In the two battles of Pianguan and Ningyuan, many problems arose during the reward period, which have not yet been resolved. After the troops are deployed in the northwest, preparations must be made and money must be mobilized."
Li Dongyang asked for instructions: "Does your Majesty have any plan?"
Zhu Youtang took out Zhang Zhou's memorial and said: "Actually, before Bingkuan left, he mentioned the salt policy. I also plan to use salt as a reward for this meritorious service. It can also be regarded as a reward for the border troops." The meritorious soldiers should have an explanation. Alas!"
In the end, Zhu Youtang couldn't help but sigh.
Even Zhang Mao on the side frowned after hearing this.
Just now, Your Majesty, you lectured me and said that I had bad ideas. I think your Majesty's and Zhang Bingkuan's proposals are not much better.
When I say issuing IOUs, don’t you just mean using salt currency as a bad check? What is the difference between issuing salt currency indiscriminately and occupying a nest? Even if the grain is issued, the salt merchant will not be stupid enough to exchange it with the full amount, and finally pay back Isn’t it “making great achievements into small things”?
Zhu Youtang continued: "If there are any shortcomings, I would like to reward you with a military promotion to establish a rule."
Although he didn't explicitly say that he wanted to change the first merit theory system, he vaguely mentioned this point.
During the Chenghua and Hongzhi dynasties of the Ming Dynasty, when it came to rewarding military merit, they focused on material rewards rather than promotion of official positions. They were very cautious about the promotion of military positions, because the court knew that temporary rewards were more direct than promotions, because promotions In the future, it will bring continuous pressure to the imperial government's finances, and the reward will be a one-time deal.
But the disadvantage of doing this is that it requires a lot of money at once.
Until the Zhengde period, the Ming Dynasty was financially stretched. Zhu Houzhao began to consider the enfeoffment of close ministers, and promoted meritorious officers to official posts. In particular, the positions of Jinyiwei Qianhu and Baihu were greatly increased. At one time, the hereditary official positions of Jinyiwei were as many as Nearly 100,000 people...
Even though this seems to increase the financial pressure on the imperial court, as long as it is not fulfilled, the official salary is not a rare thing, but more of a reputation.
Even if we want to increase the salary, it will only harm the future for more than ten years or even decades. It is equivalent to using future finance to solve the current problem, which is better than taking money directly from the treasury, right? Maybe my descendants will solve the financial problem. Is it solved?
This is also very similar to the local finance of the Ming Dynasty.
They all want to do things right now.
But the result is... everything that can't be done is spending future money, leaving some shortfalls for the next person to fill, and the next person will blame it on the successor!
Zhu Youtang also means the same thing. We can't get so much money from the treasury now, so we can appoint more officials, give some guidance, and at most add some actual material compensation. This matter has been exposed first... If you have money We can’t just spend it all on rewarding past achievements, but we should also prepare for future wars, ladies and gentlemen, don’t you think so?
…
…
Several ministers present heard this, and although they felt aggrieved, they were right.
They also seemed to understand why the emperor called Zhou Jing, the minister of household affairs, to come over when discussing rewards for military merit.
In fact, it is to tell them that the biggest problem with military rewards is whether the Ministry of Revenue can sustain it.
Li Dongyang broke the silence and said: "Your Majesty, with such a decision, I am afraid that the army officers and generals will have opinions."
"Yes." Zhu Youtang nodded and said, "In the past, I wouldn't have known how to tell Lieutenant General Shiming, but now that Bingkuan is in charge of the army, it may be logical if he is responsible for executing it."
Okay.
Xie Qian and others were thinking, we are still thinking about how to suppress Zhang Zhou's achievements. As a result, now for the sake of military merit rewards, the monarchs and ministers have to rely on Zhang Zhou's prestige to make empty promises to the soldiers. If they are not appeased, Okay, Zhang Zhou, I'm afraid Zhang Zhou will take the lead in making trouble.
Then it’s really... unbearable.
Zhu Youtang said: "I have also thought about the meritorious ministers in this battle. I want to make Bingkuan the Duke of Lai, promote the censor of Zuodu, and promote the military affairs of Xuanda and the three sides. Do you have any opinions? ?”
There was no mention of promoting Zhang Zhou to the position of Minister of War, but following the precedent of Wang Yue, Zhang Zhou was asked to lead the army part-time as the censor of Zuodu, and he also shouldered the same civil and military duties. He was both the censor of Zuodu and the Duke of the country. , it seems that Zhang Zhou has the final say in the northwest.
Liu Jiandao: "To rashly place the position of official and general on one person, and to have government come from officials and generals come from orders, will be of no benefit to the stability of the northwest."
It would be difficult for Ma Wensheng and other ministers to oppose this kind of thing.
Only Liu Jian, the first assistant, was qualified to give the emperor some advice.
Just as they had discussed before the court meeting, regarding the reward to Zhang Zhou, they should not go against the emperor, but should be gentle and persuade him. Try to let Zhang Zhou choose the same before the civil and military positions, rather than letting Zhang Zhou have the power. , affecting the balance of power in the northwest and even the imperial court.
Zhu Youtang shook his head and said: "In extraordinary times, extraordinary things happen."
Liu Jiandao: "Your Majesty, if the northwest wants to raise troops for a long time, and Zhang Zhou is responsible for both civil and military duties, there will be no one to check and balance the northwest, and the balance of the country and the dynasty in using troops to run the army will also be broken. The veteran is not targeting one person, but It was for the long-term stability of the Ming Dynasty, and also for the morale of the army’s officers and men.”
Zhu Youtang frowned and said: "Ruling the army with Bingkuan will affect morale?"
Are you making trouble with me?
Zhang Zhou was in the northwest, and every soldier was as if he had been given a shot of chicken blood. I have never seen such morale among the soldiers in the northwest of the Ming Dynasty.
Xie Qian was not afraid of trouble. He came out and said: "If one person is in charge of military and political affairs, it is inevitable that the left and right hands will be stuck in one place, and no matter how good his fists and feet are, he will not be able to use them. Those who obey others will prosper, and those who go against others will not be able to gain a foothold." When he took charge of military affairs in the Xuanfu, he had issues with the governor of the Xuanfu and asked Your Majesty to consider the hidden concerns of the generals in the northwest towns."
Zhu Youtang was silent for a moment.
Although Zhang Zhou was in the northwest and could boost the morale of the army, in most cases he could calm the people and prepare for war.
But when Zhang Zhou protects Ma Yi and plays against Ma Zhongxi, it is indeed a bad start. This will make those veterans of the traditional factions, especially the old Confucian officials, have very different opinions about Zhang Zhou. big.
Zhu Youtang said: "My lords, I don't really want to highlight Bingkuan, but with his merits and presence, he can also intimidate the grassland Xiaoxiao, and he can use it to manage the army in the northwest. You should have no objection, right?"
This time even Xie Qian didn't speak.
Any other comments?
He, Zhang Bingkuan, is awesome. We have to admit this. He fought three unprecedented battles in half a year and won each of them so cleanly. He also brought out a group of awesome people from Yanwu Hall and established a foothold in the northwest like a tiger descending a mountain. Wang Shouren can do anything...
It’s okay not to accept it.
Seeing that no one objected, Zhu Youtang seemed to really make it clear: "If there is no objection, then Bingkuan will be appointed as the censor of Zuodu, leading the military affairs of Dapianguan and other departments, and regulating the military affairs of various places in the northwest. Although Qin Hong is still in charge of the trilateral administration, Bingkuan is given priority. As for the title of Duke Lai, it can be given to him after he returns to the court. What do you think?"
In this matter, Zhu Youtang seemed to be deliberately predicting the reaction of civil servants in advance.
Previously, I took a resolute attitude and wanted to promote Zhang Zhou to a higher position. I expected that you would come out to oppose it, so I will finish my words first, and then we will each take a step back.
Zhang Zhou continued to take overall control of the northwest military affairs, and even Qin Hong had to be controlled and dispatched by Zhang Zhou, so Zhang Zhou was only allowed to serve as a civil servant.
But the title of Wu Xun is no longer something to be "rewarded in the future", but is decided directly. Duke Lai Guo belongs to him. When does he leave the post of General Secretary of Xuanda and return to the capital, when will the title be given to him.
Xu Qiong asked for instructions: "Your Majesty, after he returns to the court, will he still retain his errands outside the Governor's Mansion?"
This question is very Buddhist.
So much so that everyone present could not help but take a look at Xu Qiong.
In fact, they also heard that Xu Qiong had "betrayed". If the emperor didn't say anything about this, we should pretend not to know. This would be the time when Zhang Zhou made the greatest contribution and the emperor relied heavily on him. If he were allowed to do so at this time, When the emperor comes to decide, it must be the civil servant Wu Xun who asked him to catch it.
Are you, Xu Qiong, simply reminding the emperor to settle matters once and for all?
Zhu Youtang said: "The compilation of "Huidian" has been basically completed. It only needs to be officially published. I will delay it for a few days, but the things decided before will not deviate. With Bingkuan's contribution to compiling the book, he will be promoted to The purpose of studying as a bachelor is so that he can better teach the prince in the future. As for his current position as the right minister of the Ministry of War, it is not necessary."
The emperor also made it clear.
Zhang Zhou's part-time job in the Sixth Department can be waived.
However, the position in the Hanlin Academy must be retained, and Duke Lai Guo must also give it to him. At that time, Zhang Zhou will no longer hold the position of governor and magistrate of the rear military governor's office, but will be directly given to the vacancy, and it will really become the Ming Dynasty. The representative figure who will enter the phase.
"I will also listen to his opinions more about the military rewards for this battle, how to prevent the Fire Sieve from invading the country, and the preparations for the battle on the Sujing Grassland. I also hope that all of you will not interfere too much, and the court will treat it as such. Harmony is the most precious thing."
Zhu Youtang also seemed to rely on the ministers present and reminded him.
As a result, even Zhang Mao felt very angry. Suddenly Zhang Zhou became a general. Before, he wanted to let this kid harm the civil servants, but now he doesn't even let Zhang Zhou off the governor's office... Fortunately, Zhang Zhou At present, he is only responsible for the northwest military affairs. It seems that he is still a little short of getting involved in the Beijing camp, but who knows what will happen in the future?
For the civil servants present, it was even more unpleasant.
Zhu Youtang's tone was calm, because the negotiation process was generally smooth. He said: "This matter has been settled. In the next ten months, or even half a year, the defense of the northwest will be the top priority of the imperial court. Seriously, we need to rely more on you all to work together as one, and we need to put aside our prejudices."
Come to this.
There is no one to object.
Originally, everyone still hoped that Liu Jian would come out and say a few words, but Liu Jian's look seemed to have "cleared the past feud" with Zhang Zhou, which probably let them know that Zhang Zhou's rise was unstoppable.
…
…
"how?"
Several ministers left the Qianqing Palace, and Xiao Jing was supposed to personally guide them out of the palace or back to their rooms.
But Xiao Jing also recognized the situation and gave them space to discuss on their own, and the person who led the way even lagged far behind.
The words were spoken by Xie Qianwen.
No one at the scene answered his question.
It cannot be said that everyone is speechless about Zhang Zhou's rise, or has no strategy, but all strategies must be based on "Zhang Zhou made mistakes". If Zhang Zhou continues to give credit to himself one by one, Even if he talks about the strategies against Zhang Zhou in garish words, the emperor will not fail to listen.
It's all in vain.
When the cabinet minister and the others were about to say goodbye and go to check in, Zhou Jing suddenly asked: "Will there be worries about the master who has achieved great success in the future?"
This raises a hypothesis.
Since Zhang Zhou's merits are steadily increasing one by one, why don't we find another way and not consider that he made mistakes, but consider that he has too many merits, which makes His Majesty worry about him and fear that he will rebel?
Such a guy can win the hearts and minds of the army and the people under the will of heaven, and can even control the wind and rain. Isn't your majesty worried that he has disobedient intentions?
Xie Qian said: "I don't know whether it's a shock or not, but I can't ride the horse very well. I can go back to my hometown early and have fun in the countryside with my children and grandchildren... It's the same with or without me."
This is a bit depressing.
But in fact, it also expresses the sentiments of many ministers who have opinions about Zhang Zhou.
Since Zhang Bingkuan is so powerful, how can His Majesty and those who admire him rely on him to handle court affairs? Why do you need us ministers?
We are in a hurry, so we will jointly submit a memorial to put pressure on His Majesty. Anyway, there will be me in the court without him, or Your Majesty will let him manage the affairs of the court alone, and we will resign together...
Xie Qian had this idea because he ranked third in the cabinet, and if he didn't take responsibility, he wouldn't have to take responsibility.
Li Dongyang reminded: "It's a troubled time in the court, and it also involves the use of troops in border towns. Don't engage in disputes of will!"
If you thank Yu Qiao, you are poor.
We know that you are not that enthusiastic about being an official, and you can quit at any time, but if you leave, who will come up? Can you ensure that it is ours? Especially if His Majesty wants Zhang Zhou to join the cabinet in the next step, no matter how unworthy it is, let your relatives If someone who likes Zhang Zhou joins the cabinet, it will really be a waste of money.
Strictly speaking, we cannot fully control people like Cheng Minzheng, Lin Han, and Wang Hao now. Instead, they are being pushed towards Zhang Zhou step by step.
…
…
The Great Victory at Weininghai.
Before the news of the withdrawal of troops and horses from Yanghekou reached the capital, the decree to promote Zhang Zhou to the position of censor of the Zuodu and right minister of the Ministry of War had already started from the capital. This matter had not even been discussed by the imperial court. It was just an inner court meeting. Decide.
Zhu Youtang was also eager to stabilize the situation.
Because from Zhu Youtang's point of view, what he fears most is that Huo Si takes the opportunity to retaliate. Zhang Zhou is driving the dog into the back alley, and Huo Si is either a mad dog or a mad dog.
You took away all the people's nests, killed and captured their soldiers and horses, and your tribe had more than 20,000 people.
How many possessions does the family have in total?
You are not giving people a way to survive.
Bingkuan, you also said that we are a little short of artillery and gunpowder. If the fire screen invades the country again at this time, will it bring back all the prestige it created before?
Just as the imperial commission letter was issued, Zhu Youtang received the news that Zhang Zhou had retreated into Yanghekou. At the same time, Zhang Zhou personally presented the report, which mentioned the news that made Zhu Youtang very happy... Huo Youtang Sisi led his troops to fight back, but after arriving at Maoerzhuang, he did not dare to move forward...
A mad dog sifted through fire becomes a dead dog.
"Your Majesty, from my perspective, this is all due to Mr. Zhang's heroic military strategy." Dai Yi flattered him in time.
Zhu Youtang didn't feel very comfortable listening to it. He seemed to have something he couldn't figure out now. He got up, paced back and forth in the Qianqing Palace, and asked a question that sounded very nonsensical: "If the fire sieves the entire clan and surrenders, , should this person be killed or should he be kept?"
Now Dai Yi and other eunuchs were confused.
Zhang Zhou did not say that Huo Si planned to submit to the Ming Dynasty.
Once the eagle on the grassland, a fierce general second only to Dayan Khan, or an honorary grand master appointed by Dayan Khan, was his feathers plucked out just like that?
A skinny camel is bigger than a horse. Even if Huo Si's people are captured, he can still rob people from other tribes, or take the remaining people to move elsewhere. The grassland is so big, there is always a place to live and settle down. Wouldn't the whole clan be sifted by fire in Weininghai?
Xiao Jing said: "Your Majesty, if the wolf's ambition is sifted by fire, if he really surrenders to the Ming Dynasty, he probably shouldn't stay! But it doesn't seem like he should be killed openly."
"Yeah." Zhu Youtang nodded.
Dai Yi got very angry after hearing this.
It's you, Xiao Jing, who comes to take over the conversation again. You are really "resourceful".
"Haha." Zhu Youtang suddenly smiled, "Am I overthinking it? If Huo Si really surrendered to the Ming Dynasty, it means that he was desperate. At that time, he was at the end of his rope. Did he still have to worry so much? And Bing Kuan should be the same. If you know how to deal with it well, even if you separate him from the tribesmen and turn them into herdsmen, you can still pull out their sharp claws."
"Yes, yes." Xiao Jing responded hurriedly.
Zhu Youtang said with emotion: "I didn't expect that this great victory would come so heartily. I didn't know how to plan the future layout of the border town. I thought that at the beginning of the year, I was still having trouble sleeping and eating because of the preparations for the northwest... It really feels like a lifetime ago.”
Several eunuchs present felt the same way.
In the first year and the beginning of the year, I was still worried about how to prevent the northwest, but now I am thinking about how to destroy the grassland. My inner situation is different.
Half a year ago, how much did you think? How could you have imagined that you would be so "suddenly enlightened" today?
Chen Kuan reminded: "Your Majesty, now that the troops and horses have returned and the battle achievements have been confirmed, Mr. Zhang's position as Duke may be slow. As for the promotion of other meritorious generals, should we also..."
This is to remind Zhu Youtang that Duke Lai of Zhangzhou has already discussed with the ministers.
The next step is to determine the rewards for the two heroes who were directly involved in the battle, Wang Shouren and Ma Yi, as well as the officers and soldiers accompanying the army, including Guan Jing, Sun Shangqi and others, as well as Zhu Hui who came to reinforce them. Zhang Heling, Tang Yin and others...
Zhang Zhou can report the details, but Zhang Zhou has no right to decide who will be knighted and who will not.
Zhu Youtang shook his head and said: "Bingkuan only mentioned using Ma Yi to atone for his sins, and Wang Shouren to be promoted to the imperial censor to patrol Datong. The matter of the title can be delayed, there is no rush."
Several eunuchs understood it at the same time.
As long as Zhang Zhou's military exploits are determined, the emperor will not care about the rest of them. They are nothing compared to Bing Kuan. It would be the same for others, and they would have to give titles to them one by one...
Do you really think that the title of the Ming Dynasty is a carrot, and do you really have to insert a carrot into any hole? If you really want to be a knight, you don't need a salary to support it, and you don't have to spend money? My reputation for frugality is not in vain.
