The Second Master of the Red Chamber

A few days later.

A message, delivered by urgent courier, traveled 600 li (approximately 300 kilometers) from Liaodong back to the capital.

Taking advantage of the warm spring weather, the Japanese invaders launched a large-scale invasion of Korea.

The King of Joseon was defeated and sent envoys to the upper kingdom for help.

The envoy seeking help is already on his way to the capital.

In the Southern Study, the three ministers in charge of administration, along with four other cabinet ministers and several ministers from the Ministry of War, were arguing endlessly about this matter.

Some say that troops must be sent.

Since the reign of King Mujong, Korea has been a tributary state of my country. Now that it has been invaded by Japanese invaders, as the suzerain state, we must send troops to its aid to demonstrate our superior power.

Some say it was done perfunctorily.

Although Korea is nominally a vassal state, it is in reality a foreign land.

They are not of one mind at all.

Last year, the Jurchens rebelled, and the court ordered them to send troops to help, but the King of Joseon made all sorts of excuses.

Furthermore, although the court has had a year to recover, it is now more financially secure than it was last year.

I'm afraid it wouldn't be able to support such a long-distance, cross-border war...

A dozen or so decision-makers from the empire offered their perspectives from various angles.

Every now and then, they would glance into the inner room of the South Study.

Because they all knew that at this very moment, Emperor Ningkang was inside, listening to their political discussions.

"The Duke of Rongguo has arrived."

The young and valiant general entered the hall, immediately attracting the attention of a group of veteran officials.

When Jia Lian saw that almost all the important figures in the hall had arrived, he was somewhat surprised. He cupped his hands and said, "May I ask what brings you gentlemen here?"

As the Grand Secretary and Prime Minister, Zhao Dongsheng explained the situation to Jia Lian on behalf of the court.

Finally, he said, "Prince Bei Jing said that you have done a lot of research on this Japanese country in the East, and you have also led troops to pacify Jianzhou and had contact with the Korean country. Therefore, we invited you here to ask for your opinion."

Should we save North Korea or not?

If we need to save them, how should we do it?

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian first glanced at the two eunuchs standing in front of the curtain leading to the inner room of the South Study, then smiled and said:

"Since you gentlemen have asked me, I will not hide the truth."

In my opinion, sending troops is a must.

Even if it weren't for saving Korea, but even for the long-term stability of our Great Wei, we must send troops this time.

Seeing that no one spoke, but only raised their eyebrows slightly, they were obviously waiting for his explanation.

Jia Lian took out a map he had prepared beforehand from his bosom and unfolded it on Emperor Ningkang's dragon desk.

"Gentlemen, please take a look. This is a map of the East."

The four islands here are the Wa (Japan), also known as Fusang.

It's easy to see from the map that, apart from this Japanese kingdom, there is no other country of significant size in the entire Orient.

Upon seeing the map, those unfamiliar with it followed Jia Lian's instructions, while others who had done their homework didn't take it seriously.

Jia Lian continued, "In other words, in this vast Eastern Ocean, the only country that can pose a threat to us is Japan."

Just now, Prince Bei Jing said that I have done a lot of research on Japan, but actually I can't say that.

However, I do know that Japan has an innate wolfish ambition.

Since the reign of Emperor Taizu, they have continuously harassed the people along the southeastern coast, and were called Japanese pirates by the people.

Now that they dare to openly invade Korea, they must have grown to a certain level of strength; otherwise, they would never have dared to wage this cross-sea war.

If we turn a blind eye, we will watch North Korea perish.

Then the Japanese will inevitably continue to grow stronger.

Once the Japanese become too powerful and use the Korean Peninsula as a springboard to invade Liaodong, Liaodong will never have peace again.

"At that time, if we want to quell this Japanese pirate threat, the cost will likely be far greater than if we were to send troops now."

Upon hearing Jia Lian's words, everyone's expressions turned solemn.

They all remembered that these Japanese slaves were the same group of people who had ravaged the southeastern coast a few years ago.

Some have even come to the conclusion that it's no wonder the Japanese pirates along the southeastern coast have quieted down in the past two years.

This must have been preparation for invading Korea.

If Jia Lian is not mistaken, Japan truly harbors wolfish ambitions.

Once they occupy the Korean Peninsula, Liaodong will likely never have a peaceful day again.

The newly appointed Minister of Revenue said, "If we send troops to rescue Korea, I'm afraid the imperial court will not be able to bear such a huge burden..."

Seeing that everyone was still hesitant, Jia Lian gave Princess Zhaoyang a look.

Princess Zhaoyang received the message, but did not react immediately. Instead, she looked at Jia Lian hesitantly.

Only after Jia Lian repeatedly gestured to her did she take a deep breath and burst out laughing.

The ministers were surprised and all looked over.

Princess Zhaoyang smiled and said, "Once war breaks out, countless amounts of money and provisions will be needed."

That statement was originally correct.

But it seems you gentlemen have forgotten the battle of Liaodong last year.

"Last year's battle in Liaodong lasted for half a year. The court spent a lot of money and grain, and in the end, Rong Gong brought back a lot of wealth for the court. After settling the accounts, I believe that all of you gentlemen know whether the court made a profit or a loss."

Upon hearing Princess Zhaoyang's words, everyone seemed to understand.

But some people still hesitated: "Things cannot be generalized."

Last year's Liaodong War was only possible because the Duke of Rong drove the Jurchens out of Jianzhou and took the opportunity to plunder all the wealth of Jianzhou, thus ensuring that the imperial court did not suffer a loss...

If troops are dispatched this time, it is to rescue the vassal state, not to wage war.

Even if successful, it's likely there will be no profit to be made.

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian said calmly, "Although Korea is a vassal state, we have traveled thousands of miles to send troops to its aid."

It is only right that the King of Joseon pay our soldiers some compensation for their hard work.

Kong Si, the cabinet minister and Minister of Rites, understood the meaning behind Jia Lian's words and was somewhat displeased: "Sending troops to rescue the vassal state is a righteous act."

Rong Gong, however, said that the so-called hardship fee was nothing short of taking advantage of someone's misfortune.
How is this any different from the actions of a robber?

Jia Lian glanced at him with his nostrils down, completely ignoring him.

He had good reason to suspect that Emperor Ningkang had put this fellow into the cabinet as a foil.

Zhao Dongsheng asked, "If we are to send troops, how many should the court send, and who should lead them?"

As the head of all officials, Zhao Dongsheng's words largely represented the court's intentions.

When a vassal state is invaded, the imperial court should provide assistance, both morally and logically.

In fact, most people present also felt that a rescue should be carried out.

However, there were concerns about the cost of a major war, and also the fact that North Korea was remote and mountainous, making it difficult to afford such a war.

This is also why they summoned Jia Lian to the palace for discussions.

Jia Lian's battle in Liaodong set a precedent for troop transport by sea and naval warfare.

If troops were to be sent from Liaodong to save Korea, the mountains are high and the roads are long, and the soldiers would likely be lost by the time they reached Korea.

However, if we could emulate the Battle of Liaodong and launch an attack from the sea, we could probably minimize our losses.

Jia Lian said, "If I were the commander, all the court needs to do is give me 50,000 troops, and I'm sure those Japanese devils will never return."

"fifty thousand?"

Some people are puzzled: "When Rong Gong established Jianzhou last year, he only needed 20,000 soldiers."

Why is it that rescuing North Korea now requires 50,000 troops?
Are the Jurchens really inferior to Korea?

Jia Lian replied matter-of-factly, “Korea’s strength is naturally inferior to that of the Jurchens, otherwise they wouldn’t have been bullied by the Jurchens and wouldn’t have dared to step out of the peninsula.”

However, the situation with the Japanese is another matter entirely.

To ensure victory, I personally believe that at least 50,000 troops are needed. Otherwise, the imperial court would be better off not sending troops at all.

"We just need to wait for the Japanese to occupy Korea, then they can confront us in Liaodong."

Some people thought 50,000 troops was too many, but Zhao Dongsheng thought it was alright.

He came from the Ministry of Revenue and knew the government's finances.

Last year, Emperor Ningkang confiscated so many property, recovered some of the money and grain embezzled by civil and military officials and relatives, and even reduced or halted the construction of the retired emperor's mausoleum and other gardens.

Therefore, the imperial court still has some assets.

Zhao Dongsheng then asked, "If the imperial court sends 50,000 troops, are you confident that it will take to end the war?"

"It could take as little as six months or as long as a year. It depends on how determined those Japanese are to occupy Korea."

Six months to a year?

Zhao Dongsheng and the others exchanged glances, all of them able to discern each other's thoughts.

Before the Liaodong War, they might not have trusted Jia Lian's words so much.

However, in the battle of Liaodong, Jia Lian won too cleanly and decisively.

With fewer than a few thousand casualties, they not only beheaded tens of thousands of Jurchens, but also drove the notoriously barbaric and cruel Jurchens out of Jianzhou and recovered thousands of miles of land!

Even if they only exert half their strength, it shouldn't be difficult for Korea to help defeat the Japanese invaders who have crossed the sea.

With the decision to send troops made, naturally some people wanted to vie for the position of commander-in-chief.

But in the end, there's nothing to argue about.

Everyone knows what Jia Lian said: that with 50,000 troops, the outcome of the battle would be decided within a year, which would definitely require the use of a large number of new warships from the Tianjin naval force.

Otherwise, simply transferring troops to Korea would probably take half a year.

As for transporting troops out to sea by warship, no one could compete with Jia Lian if he was willing to lead the troops.

Dai Quan then came out to deliver the imperial edict:
"His Majesty already knows the intentions of the officials. Now that the decision has been made to send troops, I request the officials of the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War to go down and make preparations as soon as possible."

The troops must be dispatched as soon as the Korean envoy arrives.

Furthermore, the Emperor invited the Duke of Rongguo to speak in the inner palace.

Upon hearing this, everyone exclaimed "Long live Your Majesty!" and then left the Southern Study.

Jia Lian then followed Dai Quan into the inner room.

The inner room of the South Study was not large, containing only a screen, a bed, and a tea table.

At this moment, Emperor Ningkang, wearing a heavy cloak, sat quietly at the tea table.

There was no wind indoors, yet it stirred the emperor's graying temples.

"Your subject Jia Lian pays his respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor!"

"Be flat."

The low, slow enunciation revealed that the speaker was trying hard to control his tone.

Jia Lian stood up and looked at Emperor Ningkang, who appeared increasingly thin, with some concern.

Upon seeing this, Emperor Ningkang's eyes revealed displeasure.

In the end, he did not reprimand Jia Lian again, but only asked, "Should we send troops?"

"We should send troops."

"It has to be 50,000?"

Jia Lian glanced at Emperor Ningkang, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Perhaps 20,000 would be enough."

Emperor Ningkang raised an eyebrow but remained silent, clearly listening to the explanation.

"Your Majesty, I wish to bring the Korean Peninsula into the territory of our Great Wei."

Jia Lian said calmly.

There was no specific intelligence from the Koreans regarding the strength of the Japanese troops; they were only told that the Japanese were ferocious and had been advancing relentlessly.

However, according to Jia Lian...

When the Japanese invaders invaded Korea, they had to cross the sea by boat.

Given the overall strength of the Japanese, under such circumstances, the number of troops that could land in Korea would be at most tens of thousands.

Their overall combat strength was certainly inferior to that of the Jurchens.

After all, the Jurchens were a nomadic people, and every male they had was a soldier.

Based on this, if the goal was simply to help Korea defeat the Japanese invaders, then 20,000 elite troops would be sufficient.

Jia Lian's purpose in demanding 50,000 troops was certainly not so simple.

Emperor Ningkang smiled upon hearing this and cursed, "What a clever scheme of using a pretext to conquer Guo! Aren't you afraid that the history books will say you're a treacherous and opportunistic villain?"

Jia Lian replied, "Of course I am not afraid."

I remember telling Your Majesty that if our dynasty wants to go to sea and compete with the many powerful Western nations, we must first use Japan as a springboard.

Therefore, a war with Japan was inevitable sooner or later.

The Korean Peninsula sits above the four islands of Japan; to control Korea is to control Japan by the throat.

Therefore, Korea must not only not be occupied by the Japanese, but must also be controlled by our dynasty.

Therefore, once our dynasty has defeated the Tatars in the north, we can then conquer Japan in the east, and the entire world will become our fishing grounds.

Emperor Ningkang was listening and nodding in approval when Jia Lian continued:
"Besides, I am Your Majesty's subject. Even if history were to condemn me, Your Majesty would be the first to be condemned..."

Emperor Ningkang swore that if he weren't currently unable to walk properly, he would definitely stand up and kick Jia Lian hard.

Ultimately, considering that Jia Lian's words were for the sake of the eternal foundation of the Great Wei, he decided to spare him.

After a while, he asked, "The war is dangerous and the fighting is fierce. Could we change the commander-in-chief for this battle?"

Although Jia Lian's abilities have been tested over the years and through numerous practical experiences.

He felt at ease letting Jia Lian take command.

But as the saying goes, even generals are not immune to death on the battlefield.

He was also afraid that if Jia Lian led the troops into battle and something unexpected happened, it would affect his subsequent plans.

Jia Lian seemed to sense his concern, thought about it carefully, and shook his head, saying, "In this battle, it is most appropriate for me to lead the troops."

Your Majesty need not worry about me; I cherish my life most of all.

Moreover, this expedition is also a battle between a large country and a small state.

Even if I cannot achieve great things, my safety will certainly be assured.

Your Majesty, I assure you.

If things become impossible, I will prioritize my own safety and the safety of my fifty thousand soldiers.

Seeing that Jia Lian was determined, Emperor Ningkang said nothing more.

They didn't even intend to inquire about Jia Lian's specific plans.

By handing over most of the troops in the capital to Jia Lian and Princess Zhaoyang, he was essentially handing over power to them.

He believed in his children's abilities and thought they would do a good job.

"Tomorrow is the Empress's birthday. Have you prepared the gift I asked you to prepare?"

When Emperor Ningkang suddenly asked about this matter, Jia Lian was puzzled.

It's just preparing a birthday gift, why does it require Emperor Ningkang to give such repeated instructions?
However, Jia Lian still replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, I have made all the preparations and will personally present them to Your Majesty on Your Majesty's birthday tomorrow."

Emperor Ningkang nodded: "Hmm. If there's nothing else, you may go and make your preparations."

"Yes, I will retire."

As he stepped out of the Southern Study, Princess Zhaoyang was indeed still waiting for him.

"you……"

Jia Lian raised his hand to stop her from speaking, saying, "This is not the place to talk."

Princess Zhaoyang nodded and walked out of the palace with Jia Lian, soon arriving at the Xihua Gate.

Since Princess Zhaoyang became the commander of the Imperial Guards, the four gates of the entire palace have been under her control.

It could be said that if Jia Lian could persuade Princess Zhaoyang, he would have room to maneuver even if he wanted to become emperor. (End of Chapter)