Liu Jian, Li Dongyang, and Xie Qian had arranged the night shift. Because the northwest war had not happened yet, they did not know how long they would be on duty, so the three of them looked a little gloomy.
At their age, ordinary people would have been waiting to take care of themselves until old age. But now, in addition to their daily work, they also have to work night shifts. That feeling is very bad, and it's a bit embarrassing at first glance.
It means there is no end.
"His Majesty did not mention the candidate to take charge of the trilateral military affairs before, but now it seems that there is a high possibility that His Majesty will choose Zhang Bingkuan."
After he has arranged his errands, Xie Qian will inevitably mention it one more time.
Li Dongyang said: "Your Majesty wants to use Qin Shiying to take the lead. There are many ministers in the court and he has no objection. But if Zhang Bingkuan is used, it will be a big deal. Your Majesty should also know what kind of situation he will face. Now it seems that Qin Shiying will be in charge of trilateral military affairs."
, or it may be more pragmatic than the general declaration of military affairs.”
Qin Hong is a person with no choice.
There were too few famous generals in the court who could rival Wang Yue.
Among those who are still alive today, Wang Shu is obviously the number one, but Wang Shu is already eighty-four years old, how can he go into battle to kill the enemy?
Even Wang Yue and Qin Hong are both seventy-four years old.
Liu Jian is the oldest in the cabinet, only sixty-seven.
Liu Jian sighed: "Perhaps as Binzhi said, if Qin Shiying comes to the three sides, he may be able to supervise the military affairs in the northwest to prevent major deviations, but if he is a suitable candidate..."
Liu Jian doesn't support Qin Hong's comeback either.
Just like the discussion in the eleventh year of Hongzhi about who should return to the trilateral military affairs under the overall control, because the famous northwest generals have been out of office in the past twenty years, who should be chosen as the trilateral governor, not to mention deterring the wolves on the grassland, even within the Ming Dynasty will
I feel that none of them are qualified enough.
With Wang Yue's treasure in front, even Ma Wensheng dared not take the initiative to go to the northwest. Ma Wensheng recommended Liu Daxia, who was considered a good candidate, but was directly rejected by the emperor. Now how can he do it without Qin Hong?
Who to use?
Xie Qian laughed and said: "Qin Shiying is known for his integrity and is never good at currying favor with powerful sycophants. How confident is Zhang Bingkuan that he recommends Qin Shiying? Could it be that he thinks that Qin Shiying can be the same as Wang Shichang and follow him everywhere? In my opinion
Come on, this is your Majesty's way of bringing order to chaos."
Liu Jian and Li Dongyang both looked at Xie Qian.
I'm all thinking that you, Xie Yuqiao, are really confident.
Li Dongyang said: "Then what is righteousness and what is chaos?"
Xie Qian smiled and said, "Do you still need me to tell you?"
Li Dongyang shook his head: "The integrity and chaos in your mind may be different from what His Majesty has in mind. No matter how famous Qin Shiying was in the past, how does it compare to Wang Shichang? In my opinion, if Qin Shiying went to the northwest and completely disobeyed the Holy Will,
Just relying on Wang Dehua, Zhu Zhijie and others can make them useless in the northwest. Doesn’t the attitude of the people in the Dudu Mansion after the dissolution of the dynasty explain the problem? "
Li Dongyang's knowledge is at a higher level than Xie Qian's.
After Xie Qian heard this, he couldn't help but sigh.
He was obviously convinced by Li Dongyang.
Qin Hong went to the northwest. If it was just to "rectify chaos", everything was done for the benefit of the Ministry of War or civil servants. His past reputation would not be able to influence the current military affairs in the northwest.
You, Qin Hong, are contrary to the emperor's intentions. Why should you let Wang Qiong and Zhu Feng, who are almost direct descendants of the emperor, listen to you? Could it be that Ping Jiangbo and Chen Rui would listen? Chen Rui doesn't know whose side he is on when assessing the situation?
According to Li Dongyang's intention, after Qin Hong arrived in the northwest, even if he still wanted to "rectify chaos", he would have to succumb to the situation. And it was very likely that Qin Hong had not done much in the northwest, or if his strategic intentions could not satisfy the emperor, the emperor would He will be replaced.
Li Dongyang added: "But as long as Qin Shiying does not side with Zhang Bingkuan, it will be enough."
"Um."
This time not only Xie Qian, but also Liu Jian nodded.
…
…
Inside the Qianqing Palace.
When Zhu Youtang discussed in detail with Zhang Zhou the use of troops in the northwest, he mentioned two things.
One is that he wanted to lead the expedition in person, which was the same as Zhu Youtang's choice in history when facing the grassland situation.
At this point, Zhang Zhou must block it back first.
"...Your Majesty, the current situation in the northwest has not reached the point where Your Majesty personally takes part. It is of greater significance to stabilize your intentions and even stabilize the situation." What Zhang Zhou said was just a commonplace reason.
But after hearing this, Zhu Youtang felt that it made sense.
Now if Zhang Zhou asks him to go, he will go. If Zhang Zhou doesn't let him go... he will also listen.
Maybe Zhu Youtang also saw that if he, the emperor, wanted to make military progress during the Hongzhi dynasty, he had to have Zhang Zhou's help. If Zhang Zhou only made suggestions, he might have made his own decisions in some matters. But Zhang Zhou has heaven's will... This is awesome. Zhang Zhou won't let him go. Could it be that he wants to go against heaven?
Then Zhu Youtang mentioned the second thing, which also involved the question of who Qin Hong was interested in.
"Bingkuan, I know Qin Shiying. When the Empress Dowager put pressure on him to release him, he refused to accept it. The imperial court confiscated his family property. All the valuable belongings in his family were just some rags. There are too few people in the court who are as honest and self-reliant as him."
Zhu Youtang seemed to be aware of it. If he wanted to make civil servants listen to Zhang Zhou immediately, he must like to build relationships and not be too upright.
What civilian officials admire is absolute integrity and integrity, and the emperor admires the same kind of honest officials in front of his ministers.
But when it comes to the king controlling his ministers and employing people, the emperor would keep a respectful distance from upright officials. Such people can do anything for the sake of reputation. How can someone like Wang Yue be easy to control?
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Your Majesty is worried that he will not be able to implement the strategy he formulated?"
Zhu Youtang nodded and said: "I have doubts in this regard. When I look for someone to replace Marquis Weining, I want to be more defensive than offensive. In the past, Qin Hong was not very strategic in using troops and was too defensive, and he will have a lot of trouble with foreign troops." However, I am afraid that the strategy we set in the capital will be out of shape in the northwest, and if we change people temporarily, we will experience some twists and turns, which will delay the use of troops."
Xiao Jing, who was standing next to him, also reminded: "According to Dongchang's investigation, Qin Hong's life was still difficult when he was in his hometown, but he received help from others but never received it, and he never received condolences from local officials."
Indirectly, he was helping the emperor ask Zhang Zhou.
Bingkuan, did we choose the wrong person?
Zhang Zhou looked very confident and said: "Your Majesty, Qin Shiying is a famous general in the world. If we don't use him, who else can we use?"
"Bingkuan, with your merits in the army, if I want you to take charge of the Xuanfu and Datong to handle military affairs, I believe there will be no problem, and you don't have to go to the northwest for many years, you can come back in half a year at most. "Zhu Youtang looked eager.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "I am more suitable to be at the rear, giving advice to the soldiers on the front line, and researching more powerful firearms."
"Yeah." Zhu Youtang nodded, "But do you have anything to do with Qin Shiying?"
"It all depends on human effort." Zhang Zhou said.
"Okay." Zhu Youtang saw the confidence on Zhang Zhou's face. Although he didn't know what Zhang Zhou could do to make the stubborn Qin Hong obey his orders, he still had high expectations for Zhang Zhou, " The order to transfer him to the northwest was sent to Shandong four days ago, and I asked him to pass through the capital before going to Pianguan."
If you go from Shandong to Piantou Pass and take the northern road, you will indeed pass through the capital. Let Qin Hong come to the capital along the way, and the emperor did not delay Qin Hong's appointment.
"Your Majesty means..."
"What I mean is that in addition to letting him come to meet me and entrust him with important tasks in person, I will also let him meet with you alone. Whether you can let him implement your strategy depends on you. If you think he It’s really difficult to dispatch him. If I take back his life again, it’s not impossible to let him return to his hometown..."
Zhang Zhou cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty is overly worried. You should have no doubts about the people you employ. I will do my best to make him feel my sincerity."
…
…
Zhang Zhou went to the East Palace under the guidance of Xiao Jing.
That day Zhang Zhou was going to teach the prince, and the emperor asked Xiao Jing to accompany him. It was more to ask Xiao Jing to cooperate with Zhang Zhou. If it was not convenient for Zhang Zhou to do it by himself, then let Dongchang come to the school, even if he had a bad reputation. Go to Dongchang and carry it.
"Mr. Zhang, are you sure that Qin Hong will do things according to His Majesty and your wishes? If we don't pour cold water on this person, this kind of person is like a stone in the pit. He is smelly and hard. His Majesty once followed him for the matter of Anyuan Hou. He vented his anger and did not give His Majesty any face...On the contrary, when he was imprisoned for investigation later, he might still be resentful. It is said that after seeing the edict, he still did not want to obey it..."
Xiao Jing was embarrassed to say it.
Who are you recommending?
It was just that he had trouble with the emperor and the empress dowager because of the matter of Marquis Anyuan. The emperor also sent him to prison for questioning. In the end, he was released after finding out that there was no evidence to prove it. Finally, he was ordered to serve as an official and return to his hometown. Later, he was even given a death sentence. Qin Hong left the position of Minister of Household Affairs in Nanjing because of illness. After returning home, he would rather eat rice bran than accept any financial support from local officials.
This time the emperor called him back and entrusted him with important tasks, but he was also upset and didn't want to go back...
Do you actually think you can control this kind of person?
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "As a minister, since I have been ordered to come to the capital, why should I think about what he has done before?"
Xiao Jing smiled bitterly and said: "Forget it for others, Qin Hong... you can't do it even if you don't want to. Even if you don't want to, Your Majesty will still think about it, will he serve the court wholeheartedly? And... He treats His Majesty's closest ministers... Prejudice. Alas!"
Finally, Xiao Jing sighed heavily.
Just say that you want to get along well with Qin Hong, but he never intends to see you.
Want him to listen to you? Still want to impress him with sincerity?
Stop dreaming about spring and autumn.
When he was about to arrive at the Wenhua Palace, Xiao Jing made a final conclusion: "Mr. Zhang, if it doesn't work, don't force it. Your Majesty will use troops in the Hetao. If he really can't do it, he will listen to your Majesty and replace him. The use of troops in the northwest of the Ming Dynasty cannot return to the past. …”
"Haha. Okay." Zhang Zhou agreed with a smile.
"You are busy first. We are waiting here and will take you to Neifu Jiaziku later..."
…
…
"How was it? How was it? Did it start a fight? What was the result?"
Zhang Zhou appeared in the Wenhua Hall, and Zhu Houzhao finally seized the opportunity and rushed over to ask Zhang Zhou about the war in the northwest.
Wang Hao and others came to give the prince his first lesson. They had not left yet. Seeing that the way Zhu Houzhao and Zhang Zhou got along was completely different from them, they couldn't help but take a second look.
Zhang Zhou ignored Zhu Houzhao.
He first went over to say goodbye to Wang Hao and others, but Wang Hao just nodded and reminded before leaving: "Please pay more attention to the collation of Hanyuan."
"yes."
Zhang Zhou is very busy now.
In the Hanlin Academy, the proofreading of "Da Ming Huidian" is still in progress. As the imperial-appointed chief officer, Zhang Zhou almost never appears in the Hanlin Academy. This is not to say that he is slacking off in his official duties, but that he has already completed the work before delivering it.
After the most basic proofreading, if there were any errors or omissions, he would not be able to tell them himself.
Isolated evidence does not stand up, and errors and omissions in the book will naturally have to be found by others.
But until now, no one from the Hanlin Academy has found major flaws in the book he compiled. At most, there are minor details that are unclear and simple additions and changes have been made.
And in Zhang Zhou's opinion, such additions and changes are often just trouble-making.
After sending Wang Hao and the others away, Zhang Zhou looked back at Zhu Houzhao.
Zhu Houzhao said eagerly: "Did you win the battle?"
Zhang Zhou said: "Prince, what's wrong with you?"
"What?" Zhu Houzhao has never heard anyone talk to him like this, not even his father would comment on him like this.
When the eunuchs nearby heard this, they all smiled bitterly, then turned their heads to one side, pretending not to hear.
Zhang Zhou said angrily: "Marquis Anbian and the others have only been in Pianguan for two or three days. They have just sent out the mourning of Marquis Weining, and the Hulu have not immediately committed any crimes. Let's put it this way, now the grassland
Those wolves are preparing to kill each other, do you think they have that much energy to invade our realm of the Ming Dynasty?"
Zhu Houzhao frowned, and his little nose and eyes wrinkled together: "Mr. Zhang, I don't understand this. Pianguan is not so critical. Why should Wang Weining die without mourning in secret? You can transfer Zhu Feng and the others there.
, does it have any practical significance?”
Zhu Houzhao also protested against Zhang Zhou.
Why do you always treat me like a child?
Zhang Zhoudao: "Whether it is critical or not does not depend on whether it occurs, but on the potential danger. Doesn't the prince understand this?"
"Uh..." Zhu Houzhao thought for a moment, "You mean, you can't repay a lucky chance?"
"Yes." Zhang Zhou nodded.
Zhu Houzhao sighed: "That would be boring. If Zhu Feng and the others were to go there, they would still stick to the situation. Is that any different from before? After the fortress of Pianguan is repaired, it will be difficult to fight again."
Zhang Zhou said: "The prince has thought too much. Now the little Tatar prince Batu Meng has moved the camps of the Chinese military tribes to Ordos."
"Where?" Zhu Houzhao still knew a lot about the border areas of the Ming Dynasty, but he had not yet learned the geography of the hinterland such as Hetao, so he did not fully understand the strategic significance.
Zhang Zhou explained: "The general meaning is that Batu Munch moved to the territory of the Mongolian right wing, close to the Huoshi Division, but also directly threatened Yansui, Pianguan, and Datong."
Zhu Houzhao slapped the table and said: "There is going to be a war inside the grassland!"
Several eunuchs were shocked again.
What are you doing in this sudden surprise?
Zhang Zhou said: "At this time, the opinion of the ministers is to sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight. What do the princes think?"
"Damn it, why are you sitting on the mountain watching a tiger fight at this time? The snipe and the clam are fighting for the fisherman's profit. He should be beaten. The grassland is destroyed and the wolf is banished. How can we wait until now? Hahahaha..."
Zhu Houzhao changed his previous decadence and became excited, his little eyes shining, as if he was about to lead his troops to conquer the grassland.
Zhang Zhou said with an unkind look on his face: "Prince, don't be too excited. The use of troops in the northwest is not as simple as what you say."
Zhu Houzhao asked in confusion: "What do you mean? Why don't you take advantage of such a good opportunity?"
"Fight? Why fight? How many troops and horses to use? Where to attack? Are there enough artillery? How to transport the artillery out of the city? What will happen if the Tatar tribes form a line after the war? If there is a natural disaster, as follows
Rain, strong wind, etc., how to ensure that the strategy can be promoted? Is it something you can just talk about?"
What Zhang Zhou wanted to teach Zhu Houzhao was not to just talk in vain.
What does it mean to just talk about whether to fight or not to fight?
Just like Yingzong, when he talks about fighting, he executes it very quickly. The army sets off in three attacks, five in five and two out of two. But when he goes to the northwest, he realizes that it is just talk on paper. If the war is just about dispatching troops and horses, the army goes out to fight, and when it encounters the enemy, it will start a war. China and the northern nomads
The grudges will not last for more than two thousand years.
"Isn't fighting something that frontline generals should worry about? As a king, why should we worry about how to fight?" Zhu Houzhao looked disapproving.
Zhang Zhoudao: "It seems that the prince wants to be a talkative person who only makes decisions and lets others work hard. He wants others to decide whether to win or lose?"
Zhu Houzhao frowned and said: "Stop mocking me, who said I am that kind of person?"
Zhang Zhou pointed to the sand table that had been placed not far away and said: "Then I will give the prince assignments. Tonight, the prince will use the sand table as a basis to formulate a detailed strategy for dispatching troops, including the use of troops, the use of artillery, and the marching.
Plans can be made on the direction and military strategy, and can also deduce the progress of the war, make various preparations, and fully consider the issues of favorable weather, location, and people..."
"Remember, when entering the Loop, the geographical advantage is no longer on our side. The two sides are at most evenly divided. No one has an absolute advantage in terms of troops, horses, forage, and baggage. Even if they have artillery and other firearms,
Most of the time, it is difficult to defend against the enemy head-on. Instead, we may be in a situation where we are unable to advance or retreat. Prince, do you think you can formulate such a strategy?"
After hearing this, Zhu Houzhao asked excitedly: "If this palace formulates it well, will my father adopt it?"
Zhang Zhou shook his head: "I don't know whether your Majesty will adopt it or not, but if your suggestion in some aspects makes me think it has merit, I will use it in actual combat."
"Just wait, I'll go right away..."
Zhu Houzhao had never felt that his military knowledge could have such a great influence.
Suddenly, I felt an excitement of "I want to go to heaven" and I was about to make plans immediately.
Zhang Zhoudao: "Any strategy must be based on factors such as the right time and place. Talking about war on paper is not a good strategy. All strategies should also cater to changes in the current situation. If the prince rashly formulates such a strategy, do you think there is any merit?"
"If the plan doesn't work out tonight, it will work tomorrow... The day after tomorrow, Qin Hong will arrive in Beijing to announce the general plan. It's still too late for you to hand in your homework before then!"
