In the Qianqing Palace, the only eunuchs present were Dai Yi and Xiao Jing, who had led Zhang Zhoulai.
In addition, there are Liu Jian and Ma Wensheng.
Before Zhang Zhou arrived, the emperor seemed to have said nothing. So when Zhu Youtang told the news of Wang Yue's death in front of several people, Liu Jian and Ma Wensheng's faces were suddenly shrouded in gloom. There was not much blood on his face as if night had fallen, just like the current situation in the northwest.
Zhu Youtang said: "The death of Marquis Weining has been foreshadowed for a long time. In the past two months, he had had symptoms of chest pain and fell ill in front of people twice. So before leaving, he made a memorial and recommended some people to me. .”
Liu Jian looked sideways at Zhang Zhou.
Perhaps the emperor didn't tell him, but he also knew that among the people recommended by Wang Yue, Zhang Zhou must be Zhang Zhou, and he was probably the one recommended first.
Ma Wensheng further said: "Nowadays, Pianguan City Fortress is still damaged in many places. If you only use sky gunpowder to threaten it, it will be difficult to stop Di Yi's wolf ambition. The imperial court elected to transfer Pianguan Commander-in-Chief to replace Marquis Weining."
Ma Wensheng did not need to express some of his suggestions. As Minister of War, his suggestion was just a formality.
Zhu Youtang said: "Who do the three ministers think can take on this responsibility?"
There is no need to discuss whether to recommend or not, but who to recommend is a big question.
It is a damaged fortress with a long way to go to rebuild it. It is not just Piantou Pass that is in danger, but the entire northwest is unstable. The Tatars have invaded the territory one after another. Even though they suffered heavy losses at Piantou Pass and Ningyuan, there is still no danger. It means to give up.
Liu Jiandao: "It's better to go and protect the Duke."
There are too few famous generals available in the Ming Dynasty, and there are none who can rival Wang Yue...
Nowadays, it is no longer about who is worthy of the big job, but about who is better than the dwarfs and whoever is more capable goes.
Zhu Youtang shook his head and said: "Mr. Baoguo is unyielding in small things, but he will do big things... You three Qings, do you think it is feasible for Anbian Hou to go to Pianguan as the chief military officer?"
"Your Majesty, think twice." Liu Jian obviously disagreed.
But he couldn't give a specific reason for his objection.
Before recommending Zhu Hui, the protector of the country, Liu Jian naturally thought about Zhu Feng. Who else could best inherit Wang Yue's legacy besides Zhu Feng?
But Zhu Feng... is just a man who lives in the shadow of others. Whether it is Wang Yue or Zhang Zhou, they are enough to suppress Zhu Feng and let him take the lead alone... Don't say that the ministers are not optimistic about him, just ask him himself Do you think you are qualified?
Zhu Youtang looked at Zhang Zhou first, but Zhang Zhou didn't even express his opinion.
Zhu Youtang made a gesture, and then Dai Yi came out and said: "Guys, a month ago, Marquis Weining was in coma for the second time due to chest paralysis. After waking up, he made a memorial, asking Your Majesty to send Anbian Marquis Zhu Feng to the remote area. Guan, he is the deputy commander-in-chief and can be called upon at any time."
The implication is that the appointment of Zhu Feng was not a temporary decision of the emperor, but was recommended by Wang Yue.
"Alas! I originally had a plan to use Pingjiang Bo to transfer to Pianguan, but after thinking about it, it is still too difficult for Pingjiang Bo to guard the middle road. It is better to stay in Yansui and other places. Even if there is a war in Ningxia and other places, let him It is better to make it up temporarily than to transfer him to the towns of Pianguan and Datong."
The emperor finally analyzed the feasibility of another person.
Chen Rui.
The emperor almost said that this guy was too afraid of fire, so he should be left in Yansui to resist Dayan Khan, so as not to stay in Pianguan as his "Chen Erbai" and travel 200 miles a day and night.
Liu Jian suddenly looked at Zhang Zhou and asked, "I wonder if Mr. Zhang can recommend anyone?"
Zhang Zhou stood nearby and looked at Liu Jian after hearing this.
seems to be asking.
Mr. Liu Ge, are you serious? Do you actually want to listen to my opinion at this time? Or do you want me to take the blame?
What if the person I recommended cannot do the job, so that the responsibility can be shifted to me?
Zhu Youtang also looked at Zhang Zhou expectantly and said: "Bingkuan, I also want to hear your opinion."
Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, I believe that now it is not about who will serve as the commander-in-chief of Pianguan Pass, but who will be in charge of the military affairs of Xuanfu, Datong, Piantou Pass and other departments." Zhang Zhou also did not follow the instructions of the emperor and Liu Jian. Go with your ideas.
"Um."
Zhu Youtang nodded.
Wang Yue's people only need to set up governors everywhere in the Piantou Pass and Xuanda front lines. Wang Yue can do both civil service and military service. He is shoulder-to-shoulder. If there is a governor in Piantou Pass, he will be overpowered by Wang Yue. .
But now that Wang Yue is away, it is necessary to establish the Xuanda General System.
During the Hongzhi period of the Ming Dynasty, the position of governor was not permanent. Instead, there were always governors everywhere. However, after Wang Yue's death, one governor alone could no longer defend this dilapidated city. Even if Huo Si did not want to take revenge, The wolves in the prairie will also want to use this place as a breakthrough point.
Zhu Youtang thought for a while and asked: "Among the Qing family members, I don't know who should go there?"
The emperor directly agreed to Zhang Zhou's proposal and temporarily appointed Governor Xuanda to take over. This was equivalent to abandoning the previous Wuxun management system headed by Wang Yue and bringing Piantou Guan back to a situation headed by civilian officials.
This is obviously what Liu Jian and Ma Wensheng want to see.
Ma Wensheng said: "I recommend Liu Daxia, the former Minister of Household Affairs."
Ma Wensheng admired Liu Daxia very much. Now that Liu Daxia resigned and returned to his hometown, Ma Wensheng felt very sorry for this. He also told the emperor the benefits of Liu Daxia being the governor of Xuan Dynasty: "... When Liu Daxia was the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, he was the governor of Xuan Mansion. He is very familiar with the military affairs of the Datong Department of Xuan Mansion and uses it as the general system to ensure that the place is safe."
Zhu Youtang frowned and said: "But he seems to have no experience in directly leading troops in battle. Can he really intimidate the grassland with him shouldering a heavy burden at this time?"
The emperor was a little worried.
The person recommended by Ma Wensheng can be regarded as using his talents according to his ability. It is okay to be a conservative Governor of Xuanda, but let him preside over the war... Regardless of whether he is capable or not, just say that he is not majestic enough. This is a prairie people If you are not afraid, then the confidence of your own soldiers will be reduced by half in the fight.
Ma Wensheng also understood this, so he did not continue to fight.
At this time, Liu Jian glanced at Zhang Zhou again.
Zhang Zhou was also thinking, you, the chief and assistant minister, just say what you want and always look at me when you have nothing to do. Don’t you think that I am suitable to be the governor of Xuanda? In your eyes, I am afraid that I should be a side official. Governor, you have a big opinion!
Zhu Youtang said: "Are there any other candidates?"
Liu Jiandao: "Your Majesty, you might as well go to the court to discuss this matter."
Zhu Youtang immediately denied: "The situation is serious and urgent, and the news of Marquis Weining's death must be concealed from the government and the public until the replacement candidate arrives before being announced. If it is leaked in advance, there is no guarantee that there will be no changes in the next few days." "
Liu Jian actually didn't like this kind of inner court discussion. It was tantamount to breaking away from the rules of the court and becoming a small circle meeting. Even if he and Ma Wensheng were involved now, he would feel that this was the emperor's violation of the rules.
"Bingkuan, the battle at Pianguan started because of you. Now it's time for you to come out and say something." Zhu Youtang really couldn't wait any longer.
If we follow the previous model, in terms of seniority, when will it be Zhang Zhou’s turn to make suggestions?
What Zhu Youtang wanted to hear most was Zhang Zhou's opinion.
Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, I recommend Wang Qiong, a doctor in the household department, to be the governor of Piantou Pass!"
"oh?"
Zhu Youtang frowned.
Ma Wensheng, who was standing next to him, said: "Bingkuan, your Majesty has asked you to recommend the general commander of Xuanda Military Affairs."
Zhang Zhou said: "As for who will be in charge of the local military affairs in Xuanda, my ability is not enough to provide a candidate. But if Pianguan loses Weininghou and wants to deter the pack of wolves and beasts on the grassland, there must be someone who knows artillery." The only people I can recommend are those who know what I do under my command."
"It makes sense!" Zhu Youtang almost got angry.
Zhang Zhou had previously said that he would add a governor, Xuanda, and he immediately agreed to start discussing candidates.
Now Zhang Zhou asked Wang Qiong to be the governor of Piantou Pass, and he agreed without hesitation.
Because in the emperor's opinion, what Zhang Zhou said... was simply a wise saying.
The emperor also knew very well what role Wang Qiong played in the battle of Ningyuan. If Wang Qiong was not there, Zhu Feng, no matter how brave and fearless he was, would not be able to suppress the local snakes in Liaodong. Now at the critical moment, Wang Qiong should be appointed as the governor of Xuanda. , this hat is a bit big, and the ministers in the DPRK will not agree, and will say that the emperor is nepotistic.
But there is nothing wrong with Wang Qiong being the governor of Piantou Pass, right?
"Mr. Liu Ge, Mr. Ma, do you have any objections to the matters concerning Governor Wang Qiong's head?" The emperor first made sense, then asked for his opinion. He also told Ma Wensheng and Liu Jian clearly that you'd better agree, otherwise we This relationship is hopeless.
Liu Jian cupped his hands and said, "Old minister, I second the proposal."
There is nothing to object to.
Wang Qiong is already a doctor in the Ministry of Household Affairs. It stands to reason that the doctor in the Ministry of Household Affairs will be transferred to the left and right censors of the capital, and the deputy censors of the capital will oversee local military affairs. This is already custom-made. However, they usually "practice" with the governors in the interior first, which means that they will first use the left and right censors. The censor of Qiandu transferred Jiangxi, Huguang, Zhejiang and other places to guard certain places, pacify the bandits, and intimidate Xiaoxiao. After completing the experience, he transferred Jiubian as the governor as the censor of the left and right deputy capitals.
When the governor is done well, he will have the opportunity to be transferred to the capital to serve as Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of War, etc. If he is transferred to the northwest, he may be given the title of Minister or Minister to become the Governor.
Only when he returns to the court can he become the official minister of the six departments.
Because Wang Qiong already had military exploits in Liaodong, his official position was not promoted before, but his ability was still recognized. Now he has omitted the appointment of local governor and directly transferred Piantou Guan to be governor, and is responsible for presiding over artillery matters. It is reasonable. .
"Then the position of chief military officer should be given to Zhu Zhijie." Zhu Youtang said casually, it seemed that it was not a discussion, but a final decision.
When Liu Jian and Ma Wensheng heard the emperor directly address Zhu Feng as "Zhu Zhijie", they knew how much the emperor trusted Zhu Feng now.
There is no reason why the emperor favors that boy.
The key is that Zhu Feng's recent popularity in the army, second only to Wang Weining's, mainly relies on Zhang Zhou as his backer.
Both Liu Jian and Ma Wensheng were thinking, wouldn't the next step be to arrange Zhang Zhou to be the "General Director of Propaganda"?
Zhang Zhou said: "Your Majesty, I think it is acceptable for the Anbian Marquis to cooperate with Wang Langzhong. However, it is best for all dispatching matters to be handled by prestigious veterans in the court. Only then can the army feel at ease and Di Yi not worry. Dare to attack rashly."
Zhang Zhou almost said, Your Majesty, please don't consider me. I don't want to be the governor of Xuanda. We should leave this position to someone with high moral character.
"Who is suitable?" Zhu Youtang looked at Zhang Zhou.
Obviously, if Zhang Zhou hadn't come out and said this, he might have directly transferred the "Yanwutang" team to Xuanda University to serve as a shield for the Ming Dynasty to defend the Tatars.
Zhang Zhoudao: "I recommend Qin Hong, the former Minister of Household Affairs in Nanjing."
As soon as these words came out, the emperor frowned slightly, even Ma Wensheng and Liu Jian didn't expect it.
Obviously, the emperor wanted Zhang Zhou to be responsible for the military affairs of the Prime Minister, and to let Zhang Zhou take on the heavy burden of dealing with the fire sieve and even the grassland. However, Zhang Zhou did not seem to have the intention to take on the big responsibility and pushed the responsibility to others.
Liu Jian said in a calm tone: "Master Zhang, if you can take over temporarily, that's not impossible!"
"Liu Ge's old saying is funny, how can I be so virtuous and capable?"
Zhang Zhou smiled and declined.
Ma Wensheng looked at Liu Jian curiously.
At this time, you, Liu Jian, actually think that Zhang Zhou, who has just entered the officialdom, is suitable to be the governor of Xuanda? Aren’t we civil servants the most particular about seniority? According to the standards of traditional civil servants, Zhang Zhou is not qualified to be the leader!
Zhu Youtang was very satisfied with Liu Jian's recommendation and sighed: "Bingkuan, I actually think that it is most appropriate for you to go. The imperial court has already demonstrated your military exploits in the two battles of Pianguan and Ningyuan. If you hadn't insisted on it, It’s not impossible to stay in the Hanlin Academy and treat you as a marquis now! You can do the same thing that Marquis Weining can do, or even do it better than Marquis Weining. Marquis Weining can act as a deterrent. And your deterrence will be stronger."
These words made Ma Wensheng very uncomfortable.
But what the emperor said was always reasonable.
Although Zhang Zhou was just a lecturer in the Hanlin Academy, considering his military achievements, he was also the governor of the rear army governor's mansion, and he also had a hidden marquis who had not yet been awarded the title by the emperor.
Even though the civil servants were critical of Zhang Zhou, Wu Xun seemed to have more trust in Zhang Zhou.
If Zhang Zhou, as a civil servant, wanted to take charge of the military affairs of the Prime Minister, Wu Xun would probably support it with both hands.
Zhang Zhou said: "I have no actual experience in leading troops, so it is difficult to make a decision at a critical moment. It is better to go as a veteran commander in the court. I am afraid that I will betray your majesty's trust this time."
"Um."
Zhu Youtang still respects Zhang Zhou's decision.
Or maybe Zhang Zhou reasoned about something and felt that it was not appropriate for him to go?
Because in Zhu Youtang's heart, Zhang Zhou can achieve God's will. Zhu Youtang will treat many things that are difficult to explain as "God's will," and he will not be too demanding.
"Mr. Liu Ge, Mr. Ma, do you two have any objections to Qin Hong's selection?" Zhu Youtang asked.
Only then did I think of asking the two senior ministers for their opinions...
Liu Jian didn't mind either, he cupped his hands and said, "I second the proposal."
"Okay, let's arrange it like this." Zhu Youtang said, "Immediately send an order to the local government to transfer Qin Hong to Piantou Pass to take charge of military affairs. Wang Qiong and Zhu Feng immediately set off for Piantou Pass, bringing with them the heavy artillery they built earlier. It finally comes in handy at a critical moment.”
Although Wang Yue's death made the emperor a little worried, he soon cheered up.
I was originally worried that the ministers of the DPRK would think that Zhang Zhou was wasting people and money by casting "heavy artillery", but now it has no effect? A cannon that can be used is a good cannon.
Otherwise, always pinning your hopes on a certain border general... is still unreliable.
…
…
An inner court meeting almost ended with Zhang Zhou recommending all the people.
Ma Wensheng's opinion was greater than that of Liu Jian, because he found that Liu Jian had given in very much on the whole matter, and even uncharacteristically suggested that Zhang Zhou should go to the prime minister to announce military affairs. From the perspective of traditional civil servants, this was not consistent with As a joke?
The inner court meeting ended, and the emperor left Zhang Zhou to continue discussing the military situation. It seemed that there were still some details that could not be implemented.
Ma Wensheng and Liu Jian left the Qianqing Palace.
"Xixian, why do you suddenly value Bingkuan so much? Do you really want to entrust the military affairs to him alone?" Ma Wensheng called Liu Jian by his first name, which actually means that this is a private conversation. You can Tell me honestly what you think.
Liu Jiandao: "The "Huidian" is about to be completed. On the day it is completed, His Majesty will promote him to the rank of Bachelor of Attendance."
Liu Jian did not answer the question directly, but just mentioned a job promotion that the emperor had previously ordered.
Ma Wensheng couldn't help but smile bitterly.
In fact, he also wanted to ask, is your cabinet afraid that Zhang Zhou will break the rules by being promoted to bachelor so quickly, so why don't you transfer him to Piantou Guan and let him get some military honors and then follow the path of martial arts?
So, do you, a person from your cabinet or a government official, still regret leaving him in the Hanlin Academy as a civil servant?
Liu Jian added: "The temporary Xuanda General System can stabilize the morale of the military and is also helpful for stabilizing the situation at the border. It does not depend on what we think, but on what your Majesty thinks."
When Liu Jian said this, Ma Wensheng nodded in agreement.
If you don't support Zhang Zhou, you should also consider Zhang Zhou's prestige in the army. He is probably the only figure in the Ming army who can rival Wang Yue's reputation. Although Zhang Zhou has never been on the battlefield, there are legends about him. , has long been spread throughout the nine sides.
This was all thanks to the emperor helping Zhang Zhou brag behind his back.
In addition, Zhang Zhou is now the chief instructor of Yanwu Hall, who in the military does not want to go to Yanwu Hall for further studies?
Everyone in the army was rushing to become Zhang Zhou's student. In addition, the new gunpowder and artillery were made by Zhang Zhou. When the officers and soldiers heard that Zhang Zhou was the governor of Xuanda, why not die?
"Speaking of which, it is quite difficult to balance a good relationship with His Majesty. Xixian, as the Chief Minister, you have to shoulder a lot more burdens than we do. It is difficult for you!"
Ma Wensheng sighed with emotion.
This is also indirectly equivalent to saying, I can understand that in order to have a good relationship with the emperor, you catered to the holy will in using Zhang Zhou.
Regarding the rise of Zhang Zhou, everyone is trying to find a way to balance it.
Liu Jiandao: "Qin Shiying returns to the dynasty, but he doesn't know what the consequences will be?"
Qin Hong had outstanding achievements at the beginning, but he only entered the official position as the Minister of Household Affairs in Nanjing. However, Qin Hong was the same age as Wang Yue and Ma Wensheng, and they were Jinshi in the same discipline in the second year of Jingtai. The three of them also had a history of entanglement in the court.
Ma Wensheng sighed: "Shiying is an upright person and has a good reputation in the court. He should not be as good as Wang Shichang..."
Which way, he didn't know.
Apparently, he was saying that even if Qin Hong was recommended by Zhang Zhou to return to the dynasty, Qin Hong would not be like Wang Yue in fawning over Zhang Zhou.
This is a matter of principles. Qin Hong is my favorite, and he will definitely be different from Wang Yue.
