prosperous age

"If Daning is restored, the northern defense will indeed become stronger."

At this time, the map of Daning and its vicinity had been spread out in front of Wei Guangde. Wei Guangde stared at Daning for a long time and finally came to this conclusion.

Daning is located in the wide area between the Great Wall and the desert. Before the Ming Dynasty shrank, the connection between Guannei and Liaodong was not what it is now. It was only connected by the Liaoxi Corridor, but there was an area of ​​hundreds of miles.

By occupying Daning, we can prevent nomadic peoples from appearing from time to time near the Jizhen Great Wall, and naturally the capital will be stable.

However, in order to defend this area, we really have to increase the military strength of several garrisons, and at least 20,000 to 30,000 people must be stationed there permanently to stabilize the situation.

In the early Ming Dynasty, the safety of Daning was guaranteed with the protection of the Three Guards who surrendered to the country.

"Daning is located more than 100 miles north of Zunhua, along the Shanhai Pass to Xuanfu Dushikou, and everything outside the wall belongs to it.

Dushikou, Shanhaiguan, and Daning are all 700 miles away from the capital, so the three major vassal towns of Gu, Ning, and Liao were built at the beginning of the country to protect the northeast. "

Tan Lun's fingers kept sliding on the map, pointing out the outermost defense points of the capital, namely Dushikou, Shanhaiguan and Daning.

As for the relocation of Daning to Baoding after Yongle, needless to say, it involved the emperor of the previous dynasty.

"During the Gengxu Rebellion in the 29th year of the Jiajing reign, Altan Khan led the Tumed tribe to break into the Great Wall through the territory of Daning."

Wei Guangde said in a low voice.

This is exactly what happened back then. If the Ming army in Daning had not withdrawn, Altan Khan would never have been able to lead his troops from Datong to attack the border via Gubeikou.

When crossing the mountains, they would be intercepted by the Daning defenders. Even if they were really defeated, they could still gain several days of advance warning time for the capital.

Looking at the map, Wei Guangde couldn't help but think of the late Ming Dynasty. The Jianzhou Jurchens might have taken a detour from here to avoid the Ningjin Defense Line. Zunhua was the first Ming city captured by the Jurchens when they invaded.

"hehe."

Suddenly, Wei Guangde laughed softly.

"Why is Shandai laughing?"

Tan Lun frowned and asked in a low voice.

"I have probably figured out Emperor Taizong's intention to abandon Daning. No wonder the three guards dare not garrison here."

Wei Guangde smiled.

In the "History of Ming Dynasty", Zhu Di's reduction of the feudal lords and withdrawal from Daning were always described as a reward for borrowing the soldiers of the three guards of Doyan.

However, Wei Guangde also remembered seeing records that although Daning withdrew, the Three Guards did not dare to enter the area until Zhu Di's death.

In fact, the reason is very simple. Although Emperor Yongle gave up Daning and Kaiping, seemingly giving up a piece of land, this place is very close to the Great Wall, and the Ming army can send troops to sweep this place at any time.

Rather than giving the Mongols a piece of land, it was more of a bait.

It was because the Ming army's combat effectiveness declined sharply that this bait eventually became the death warrant of the Ming Dynasty.

However, at that time, when the Ming Dynasty was strong, Zhu Di could never have imagined that it would lead to the final serious consequences.

“The Ministry of War can make a plan to see how many troops the court will need to send to restore Da Ning.

Just by looking at the map, we cannot be sure how much the court will have to pay for this, and it is difficult to get the support of the Prime Minister at the cabinet meeting."

Wei Guangde said: "As for this time, it is not necessary. If the court really wants to recover Daning, it can do so at any time. As long as Liaodong, Jizhen and Xuanfu work together, it can be easily accomplished.

The primary purpose of Ma Fang's troops' eastward advance this time was to give Huang Taiji a warning, and there was no need to create unnecessary trouble for the time being.

Be careful not to displease Altan Khan in Qinghai, as that would be more trouble than gain."

Although Wei Guangde was very interested in taking back Daning and strengthening the northern defense, he knew that this place was now actually the territory of the Mongols.

If the Ming Dynasty really stayed here and refused to leave, it would likely make Altan Khan unhappy, and thus affect the eased relations that had finally emerged.

"Okay, then the Ministry of War will go back and forth to carefully plan this matter, and report the results to the Cabinet."

Upon hearing this, Tan Lun had no choice but to say.

"The Ministry of War should still focus on Jinxi, which is the top priority. Don't be careless."

Wei Guangde said.

"Lord Wei, there is news from the cabinet that the Prime Minister has summoned Lord Wei back to the cabinet to discuss important matters."

At this time, an official from the Ministry of War came in to report.

"Oh, I know."

Wei Guangde replied calmly.

To be honest, he had been hiding in the Ministry of War these days just to avoid the trouble in the cabinet, but he didn't expect that Zhang Juzheng would find him anyway.

Tan Lun glanced at him and could only curl his lips.

"Haha, it doesn't matter. If I can't avoid it, then I can't avoid it. I'll go back and see what's going on."

Although Wei Guangde did not go to the cabinet these days, the news continued to reach his ears.

Lu Bu was his nail in the cabinet, who would always pay attention to important memorials and then pass on the news to him.

Although many memorials have been received in the past few days, there are not many that are truly weighty.

At the very least, Wei Guangde thought that the force opposing the banned academy did not seem as strong as imagined.

Perhaps, the treatment of Shi Guanmin was still useful and served as a warning to others.

After sitting for a while, Wei Guangde stood up and said goodbye, left the Ministry of War and went straight to the Cabinet.

"Good loan, sit down."

When Wei Guangde walked into Zhang Juzheng's duty room, he saw that he was the only one in the room and he did not call Zhang Siwei over.

"Brother Uncle, what happened to the Cabinet? I have been thinking about Jinxi's affairs in the Ministry of War these days, and I have neglected my duties. I am sorry."

Wei Guangde said, bowing.

"There isn't really anything major happening in the country right now. Relatively speaking, the Jinxi war is the most important thing right now.

The main reason I called you back today is to find out whether Huang Taiji is really in charge of the Mongol invasion this time."

After Wei Guangde sat down, Zhang Juzheng asked directly.

"The Ministry of War speculated that the person who could mobilize the 40,000 Tumed troops was none other than Huang Taiji.

Altan Khan could do it, but he is still in Qinghai and has not returned to the grassland.

Moreover, the secret report from the Royal Guards also confirmed this, that it was Huang Taiji who was behind this.”

Wei Guangde said slowly.

"If it is confirmed, what should the court do to Prince Shunyi?"

But unexpectedly, Zhang Juzheng asked directly back.

"hiss"

Well, before in the Ministry of War, Wei Guangde and Tan Lun were both talking about Aldan Khan and Huang Taiji, forgetting that Aldan Khan also had the title of "King of Shunyi" conferred by the court.

"The battle of Jinxi is inevitable?"

Zhang Juzheng asked again.

Wei Guangde thought about it and shook his head, saying with a wry smile: "Based on the current situation, it is almost impossible to avoid it."

"Shan Dai, when you return to the Ministry of War, tell them not to include Huang Taiji's name in any documents or records. Just call him Lu Kou.

This matter cannot be linked to the Prince of Shunyi, otherwise the results of the 'Longqing Peace Talks' may be lost. "

Zhang Juzheng heard this and said to Wei Guangde decisively, "Brother Uncle, what you mean is to take Huang Taiji out of this and save Altan Khan's face."

Wei Guangde asked hesitantly.

"Yes, as long as Altan Khan does not rebel, the court should give him the face he deserves. If things go back to the old days of the Jiajing and Longqing dynasties, the entire north will be in ruins, and all the efforts of the court over the years will be wasted."

Zhang Juzheng spoke with great concern.

Hearing this, Wei Guangde remained silent and lowered his head to think.

If the imperial court really announced that the person being attacked was Huang Taiji, then what would be the place of the King of Shunyi?

Wei Guangde had never thought of this statement at first.

If not handled properly, it might actually force the King of Shunyi to rebel.

In any case, Huang Taiji, as the eldest son of King Shunyi, is currently the first choice to succeed Altan Khan.

Wei Guangde only considered killing the ambition of this heir so that he would not dare to covet the Ming Dynasty after he came to power in the future, but he forgot that there was Altan Khan and how he would react.

The imperial court had been planning for Mongolia for so long, it was really not worth taking the risk just for Huang Taiji.

Nodding slightly, Wei Guangde looked at Zhang Juzheng and said, "Brother Uncle is right to remind me, I actually overlooked this matter.

I only wanted to severely intimidate Huang Taiji so that even if Aldan Khan was no longer around in the future, he would not dare to underestimate the Ming Dynasty, and would not cause trouble for the Ming Dynasty for no reason. However, I ignored the possible reaction of Aldan Khan.

I will ask the Ministry of War to revise the relevant documents and treat the Mongolian Tartars who invade the border as nomadic tribes.

Even if we beat them hard, Altan Khan will not lose face."

"That's exactly what I meant. This is the best way to deal with it."

Zhang Juzheng nodded, and then began to ask the Ministry of War about the arrangements for the battle of Jinxi.

Wei Guangde knew everything about this and informed Zhang Juzheng in detail of the Ming's troop deployment, including the Liaodong Army's 40,000 troops and the Jizhen Army's 30,000 troops heading north for support. He also ordered Xuanfu Ma Fang's troops, about 20,000 in number, to march eastward to seek an opportunity to inflict another heavy blow on the Tumed tribe. He told Zhang Juzheng everything in detail.

Finally, Wei Guangde thought of what Tan Lun had said, so he asked again: "Brother Uncle, the Ministry of War intends to restore Daning, but it is roughly estimated that at least 20,000 to 30,000 soldiers will be deployed to the garrison. If their families are included, I am afraid that more than 100,000 people will be involved."

"Da Ning?"

Upon hearing this place name, Zhang Juzheng's brows, which had just relaxed, frowned again.

"Daning is the barrier between the capital and the Liaoxi Corridor. If Daning was still there, Altan Khan would never have gone to Gubeikou to raid the border and shocked the court."

Wei Guangde reminded.

This battle happened only thirty years ago, and Zhang Juzheng was actually an eyewitness, so naturally his expression changed slightly.

"Because of money and food?"

Zhang Juzheng immediately asked.

“Yes, with so many people going there, even if they work on their own, the court will need to provide a large amount of money and food in the short term.

The key point is that this place borders the Mongolian tribe, especially the north, which directly faces the Three Guards and Tuman tribes. I am afraid that there will be no less wars in the future than in Liaodong.

Although the restoration of Da Ning by the government army could quickly drive out the local Mongolian forces, long-term stability would be the most difficult to achieve. "

Wei Guangde sighed.

"Plan first, this matter is not urgent."

Zhang Juzheng felt overwhelmed at the thought of wasting money and grain, so he thought of delaying the process.

This point coincides with Wei Guangde's opinion.

"That's what I meant. Although Daning's importance is unquestionable, there is really no rush.

Even if the imperial court really wants to recapture Daning, in my opinion, it needs to wait until Altan Khan dies, and then take advantage of the power struggle on the grassland to suddenly send troops to achieve the desired effect.

If we rush in at this time, the relationship between the imperial court and the grasslands may be completely broken. "

Wei Guangde said.

On the way back to the cabinet, Wei Guangde thought about it and believed that if the government army really wanted to recapture Daning, it would be best to take action after the death of Altan Khan when the various forces on the grassland were fighting for the Khan position.

First, the Great Khan had just died, and it was difficult for all parties on the grassland to act in a unified manner. Second, after Aldan Khan's death, who would succeed him as the King of Shunyi?

This was conferred by the imperial court, and this can be used to determine who the Ming Dynasty supports.

At this critical juncture, it seems that several strong contenders for the Khanate will have to consider their relationship with the Ming Dynasty.

Regarding the Ming Dynasty's military expedition to Daning, they would naturally adopt a conciliatory attitude and would not intensify the relationship between the two sides.

Hearing the timetable given by Wei Guangde, Zhang Juzheng looked serious and thought for a while before nodding slightly.

There is a few years of buffer time, and the internal affairs of the Ming Dynasty, especially the land survey, will be settled by then. When the imperial court has abundant grain taxes, as long as Daning's consumption is not too great, it is possible to give it a try.

Next, Zhang Juzheng asked about the military situation in Myanmar.

Now that Burma has been completely controlled by Li Chengliang, the Burmese King Mang Yinglong and other prisoners of war will arrive in Beijing soon. Zhang Juzheng is not sure whether to mobilize a large army to hold a prisoner surrender ceremony.

"The Ministry of Rites said that they have found a group of people who are willing to go to Burma to educate the people. However, no one in the Ministry of Personnel is willing to serve there, which is a bit troublesome."

Zhang Juzheng said after listening.

“There is no rush now. If no one is willing to go in a short period of time, we can imitate the past in Liaodong and set up a Burmese military governor to implement military control.

I believe that after the noodle king is stabilized, the candidates can be appointed as officials and go to Myanmar first to build the prefecture and county structure.

By then, I think some people will be willing to become officials.”

The same thing happened when the Ming army occupied Liaodong. No one was willing to go to that bitter and cold place outside the Great Wall.

However, the Ming army had been stationed there for a long time, and everyone saw that Liaodong had stabilized, so governors, provincial governors, and inspectors of various prefectures and counties were gradually sent out. There was a process of gradual acceptance.

"Well, that's true."

Zhang Juzheng nodded, and then said to Wei Guangde in a serious tone: "Shandai, the expansion to the south has come to an end, and we cannot continue to expand.

Nowadays, not only Burma, but also Old Port, Luzon and Ryukyu, no civil servants are willing to go there, and the court can only send censors from the Censorate to inspect there every year, which is not conducive to the court's supervision of the local areas. "

Wei Guangde certainly knew what the Jinshi scholars were thinking. They all wanted to stay in Beijing or go to the wealthy areas of Jiangnan. No one wanted to go to the frontier, especially to the newly annexed areas to serve as an official.

Because it's dangerous.

After going through so much trouble to become a Jinshi and an official, it would not be worth it if you lose your life because of it.

In fact, even a scholar would not be willing to go to such a place unless forced by life.

It's hard to achieve success, wouldn't it be better to stay in the country?

"Now with Luzon, Old Port and Myanmar, the entire Nanyang has been enclosed within the sphere of influence of our Ming Dynasty.

Although there are still Mancijia and Luzon in the West, they cannot cause any big waves.

The entire Nanyang vassal state should be closely aligned with the Ming Dynasty.

Even if we want to expand, we can’t find a place.”

Wei Guangde said cheerfully.

In fact, he had already mentioned this when he was chatting with Tan Lun earlier. As long as these three places were in hand, it would be equivalent to holding the entire Nanyang in hand, and the South China Sea would become the inland sea of ​​the Ming Dynasty.

"After the Jinxi War, the East China Sea Navy must also speed up its preparations. A year later, the Western countries will come to our Ming Dynasty, and we must not lose face."

Zhang Juzheng is now concerned about the construction of the navy. The emperor's wedding day is approaching. If the construction of the East China Sea navy is not completed as soon as possible, the situation of Ming Dynasty's strong appearance but weak interior will be exposed, which will definitely damage the reputation of Ming Dynasty.

"I will go to the Ministry of War to discuss this matter this afternoon."

Wei Guangde nodded and agreed. (End of this chapter)