prosperous age

News of the great battle that broke out in Bansheng City spread rapidly across the grasslands and was also delivered to Xuanfu by messengers.

Zheng Luo did not expect Lady Zhongshun to be so reckless, leading her troops directly to Bansheng City and engaging in a fierce battle with the forces sent by Huang Taiji, resulting in a melee involving more than 10,000 people.

Zheng Luo was quite satisfied with how Ma Gui was dealt with.

Although it seems like the problem has been passed on, Zheng Luo knows in his heart that if this matter is handled well, it will undoubtedly add to his political achievements and lay the foundation for his future transfer to the central government.

Therefore, Zheng Luo immediately wrote a memorial to the emperor at great expense and sent it to the capital by express courier. At the same time, he also wrote to Prince Shunyi, Huang Taiji, to inquire about his opinion on how to handle the matter.

If the Ming Dynasty had previously been secretive about its attitude toward Bansheng City, with the appearance of Ma Gui's army there was no longer any need to hide it.

The letter to Huang Taiji was actually intended to convene discussions with all parties involved.

Of course, Zheng Luo's letter to Lady Chungshun was not forgotten either, but the letter emphasized the need to persuade Banshengcheng Dacheng Biji.

The Ming Dynasty had no way to force orphans and widows to remarry, as this was a taboo of the Ming court.

Otherwise, the Ministry of Rites wouldn't report on so-called chaste and virtuous women every year, and erect chastity arches for women who have remained widows for many years in various places.

If it goes against the rules of etiquette, it cannot be done in public.

When Zheng Luo's memorial was submitted to the cabinet and handed to Wei Guangde, he merely frowned slightly.

The ferocity of the power struggle among various factions on the grasslands was somewhat beyond his expectations.

They started fighting so directly, and it was a massive melee of tens of thousands of people right from the start.

Although he had previously resolved to resolve the grassland issue even at the cost of force, Wei Guangde still hesitated when the time came.

"Lu Bu, send someone to the Ministry of War to invite Vice Minister Zhang over, and then invite the two Grand Secretaries to my room for a discussion."

Wei Guangde didn't want to be seen as autocratic in the court, so he consulted with others to share the burden of external criticism.

Before long, Lu Bu went out to deliver a message, and then Zhang Siwei and Shen Shixing both put down their work and rushed over.

"Take a look, both of you. This is an urgent report from Bansheng City."

After Wei Guangde and the other two arrived, they directly handed Zheng Luo's memorial to them.

"The situation in Bansheng City is somewhat beyond my expectations. I didn't expect a conflict to break out so easily, and it involved tens of thousands of people fighting each other."

Fortunately, Zheng Luo dispatched Ma Gui with troops to arrive in time and stop the fighting; otherwise, the conflict might have escalated, and the grasslands might already be in chaos.

Wei Guangde also explained why he invited them.

"Is force really the only solution?"

The memorial was still in Zhang Siwei's hands, but Shen Shixing said with some concern.

Although Wei Guangde had previously said he would support San Niangzi's annexation of Bansheng City even at the cost of force, causing war to break out on the grasslands was ultimately not in the interests of the Ming Dynasty.

After reading the memorial, Zhang Siwei handed it to Shen Shixing.

He didn't speak immediately, but lowered his head and thought for a moment before saying to Wei Guangde, "Lord Wei, it seems that Huang Taiji has finally made up his mind to fight for Bansheng City."

Given the current situation, he'll probably have to get involved himself.

Previously, the Imperial Guards had reported that Chelik intended to propose to Dacheng Biji.

"If his wish is granted, how will the people of the grasslands view our Great Ming Dynasty?"

Wei Guangde suddenly asked.

"Hiss, it's hard to judge at this point."

General Ma has now led his troops to Bansheng City. If our army does not appear, there is still room for maneuver.

Now, it's likely that this will only make the tribal leaders of the grasslands look down on the imperial court even more.

Zhang Siwei thought for a moment before answering.

"Yes, by then, if anyone were to suggest going south to herd sheep again, I'm afraid even Lady Zhongshun would find it difficult to stop them."

Wei Guangde spoke up.

"Even if the Xuanfu army hadn't appeared outside Bansheng City this time, the outcome would have been the same: Huang Taiji would have personally gone to Bansheng City to intimidate Lady Zhongshun into submission and then propose marriage to Chelike."

Shen Shixing had already quickly finished reading the memorial from Xuanfu and then spoke.

"It seems we are in agreement."

Regardless of whether the Xuanfu army appears there or not, the outcome will be the same, which will be extremely detrimental to our Great Ming.

Therefore, it's better to take a gamble.

If successful, it will deter the grassland people from underestimating our Great Ming.

Even if we fail, it's just the worst-case scenario we anticipated.

Wei Guangde spoke up.

"If Huang Taiji goes to Bansheng, the royal guards and accompanying bodyguards will probably exceed 10,000 people, plus Qia Taiji and other troops he has gathered, which will probably be around 30,000 people."

The government troops there number about 20,000, plus the Third Sister's commander of ten thousand, so they are evenly matched.

Zhang Siwei began to calculate the troop strength that the two sides might deploy in Bansheng City; this was the deterrent.

Whoever has more troops has more say in a place.

While this won't determine the final outcome, it will at least influence Huang Taiji's ultimate decision.

"I remember reading intelligence about the Embroidered Uniform Guard before, which said that Huang Taiji was ambitious but somewhat indecisive."

Shen Shixing suddenly reminded him.

"If Zheng Luo leads more troops to Bansheng City, I wonder if..."

Zhang Siwei echoed, his words unfinished but his meaning clear.

"When Zhang Ke arrives, if his views align with ours, then we will send the two battalions of cavalry from Jizhou to Bansheng City, and then have Qi Jiguang lead the Liaodong Group westward into the grasslands to sweep away the Tuman tribes."

If a real battle breaks out, rush to the main force immediately.

Qi Jiguang was undoubtedly the sharpest blade in Wei Guangde's hands at this time, and the "Qi Family Army" in Liaodong was also the strongest fighting force on the land of the Ming Dynasty at this time, so he would not forget it.

"Won't sweeping away the Tuman tribes cause unforeseen complications?"

Zhang Siwei hesitated before speaking.

"If the Liaodong Group leaves and moves west to Bansheng City, Zhang Gong believes that the Tuman tribe will not take the opportunity to cause trouble and launch a surprise attack on the Liaodong fortresses."

"Why not seize this opportunity, strike first, sweep them away, and drive the Tuman tribe northward?"

Wei Guangde made a decisive decision.

While the two were debating whether Qi Jiguang should lead his troops to wipe out the Tumans, Zhang Ke had already received the news and rushed to the cabinet.

When I came in, I overheard the two elders arguing that if it weren't for the sweeping down of the Tuman tribe...

Zhang Ke was puzzled, thinking that something had happened in Liaodong.

You should know that if something happens in Liaodong, he, as the Vice Minister of War, should be the first to know.

If anyone could get the news before him, it would probably only be Liu Shou.

But Liu Shouyou was not seen inside the house.

Soon, Zheng Luo's memorial was handed to him, and then he heard Shen Shixing explain the argument that had just taken place, and he realized why it had involved Liaodong.

Zhang Ke pondered for a moment. Although he was somewhat worried about the large number of Ming troops gathered outside Bansheng City, he knew that he could not retreat at this moment. Otherwise, the prestige that the Ming Dynasty had painstakingly built up on the grasslands would not only be completely lost, but it might also embolden the Mongol pro-war faction.

As for ordering Qi Jiguang to lead troops to wipe out the Tuman tribes, Zhang Ke did not object.

In fact, the Ministry of War had been discussing this matter with Liaodong, hoping to find an opportunity to inflict another heavy blow on the Tuman tribe.

Although the Battle of Hongtubao caused some losses to the Tuman tribe, it did not cripple them.

With the situation stabilizing in the past two years, its strength has recovered to some extent.

In particular, the strength of the Tuman tribe has recovered significantly after it annexed the weakest Fuyu tribe at the end of last year.

This is because the Doyan and Taining tribes were closer to the Ming Dynasty's border walls, while the Fuyu tribe was closer to Liaodong, near the sphere of influence of the Tuman tribe.

The annexation of power on the grasslands was essentially the annexation of tribes, taking over their populations and livestock.

The Fuyu tribe was not capable of fighting against the Tuman tribe at this time. Even though they were once the so-called Uriyangkha Three Guards, they were now fighting on their own. Doyan and Taining would not easily stand up for him and fight against the Tuman tribe.

"Jinqing, what do you think?"

Wei Guangde then looked at him and asked.

"Whether a real battle will break out in Bansheng City is still unknown. If Qi Jiguang leads his troops into the grasslands, attacking the Tuman tribe first would be a way to protect Liaodong."

As long as we can severely damage the Tuman, even if a major war breaks out with the Tumet, the rear of Liaodong will not be threatened by the Tuman.

After all, with the main force of the Liaodong army stationed elsewhere, their biggest concern should be the Tuman tribe's surprise attack and plunder of Liaodong.

Zhang Ke immediately expressed his support for sweeping away the Tuman tribe first, saying, "This may also be an opportunity. In the past two years, the Tuman tribe has been plundering the surrounding Mongol tribes to restore its strength, and the Ministry of War has long planned to launch another attack."

By now, they probably knew everything that had happened in Bansheng City, and they certainly didn't expect that our Great Ming would suddenly attack them.

Does Liaodong have sufficient military reserves?

Upon hearing Zhang Ke's words, Wei Guangde realized that Zhang Ke and Qi Jiguang had long harbored the idea of ​​sweeping away the Tuman barbarians, so he hurriedly asked.

"It's slightly lacking, but we can sustain ourselves through war."

Zhang Ke looked at Wei Guangde and smiled.

The practice of using war to sustain war has existed for a long time, but government troops generally wouldn't do it, as it would be considered improper.

Of course, once you enter the grasslands, you can be flexible in many situations.

After all, the tribes on the grasslands have no shortage of cattle and sheep.

Cattle and sheep are also important supplies to supplement the army's food and fodder shortage.

The Ming Dynasty never lacked military equipment, but food supplies were always troublesome to collect and transport, requiring a large number of laborers to be mobilized from the local areas. This was the main reason why ancient wars required time to prepare.

The key to this expedition is speed; we must launch a surprise attack and defeat the Tuman tribe, then await news of Bansheng City.

If things don't go well, the Liaodong army will have to penetrate deep into the grasslands and fight all the way to Bansheng City.

"It takes two days to send a message from 800 li to Guangning. Can Qi Jiguang send troops out within three days?"

Wei Guangde suddenly asked Zhang Kedao.

"It's a bit tight, but the cavalry and vehicle battalions should be able to get there in time, while the infantry battalions will need time to assemble."

Zhang Ke thought for a moment before speaking.

The most important military stronghold of the Ming Dynasty in Liaodong was actually Guangning, west of the Liao River, rather than Liaoyang and Shenyang in the east. From there, it was easy to enter the grasslands, so most of the Ming army in Liaodong was stationed there.

"The troops from the Three Garrisons Camp have marched to Xuanfu."

Wei Guangde muttered to himself, but his mind was racing with calculations of the march, the time it would take to get from Xuanfu to Bansheng City, and the time it would take for the Liaodong army to sweep through the Tuman tribes. He also had to consider the time when Huang Taiji would find out about the Liaodong army's entry into the grasslands.

"Qi Jiguang's troops in Liaodong need at least ten days to complete the surprise attack plan. Zheng Luo will meet Huang Taiji in Bansheng City ten days later, where Zheng Luo will represent the court to mediate."

Meanwhile, two cavalry battalions from the Jizhou garrison were transferred to Xuanfu to accompany Governor Zheng out of the pass to Bansheng City.

Finally, Wei Guangde made his decision and looked at Zhang Ke after speaking.

After all, he is now in charge of the Ministry of War, and whether he can achieve his goals depends on the attitude of this current official.

At this point, Zhang Siwei had stopped talking. Wei Guangde and Zhang Ke's attitudes were clear, and Shen Shixing certainly wouldn't support him either, so it was best to just remain silent.

"In addition, all the towns in Yansui have also mobilized elite cavalry, ready to provide support at any time."

After a moment's calculation, Zhang Ke approved Wei Guangde's plan and added that more troops from the border towns could be transferred to participate in the preparations.

"Do any of you gentlemen have anything else to add?"

With the tone set, Wei Guangde then asked Zhang Siwei and Shen Shixing.

Zhang Siwei had crammed on military knowledge, while Shen Shixing didn't know much about it. Since Zhang Siwei didn't speak, Shen Shixing naturally wouldn't object either.

"Jinqing, immediately return to the Ministry of War and make arrangements to send out military orders overnight via express courier, including to Zheng Luo, so that he can find a way to delay the Prince of Shunyi and prevent the fighting from starting as soon as he arrives."

Wei Guangde said.

"I know, I'll go back and make arrangements right away, hopefully in time."

Zhang Ke simply said something, immediately bowed to the others, then lifted his robe and quickly went out to return to the yamen.

Meanwhile, outside the Guihua City camp, shouts and neighing of horses could be heard. As news of Bansheng City spread, the Shunyi King had already ordered the three guards protecting the Great Khan to prepare to depart, as he intended to personally go to Bansheng City.

Well, he couldn't tolerate that San Niangzi and Qia Taiji had actually mobilized tens of thousands of people to fight, resulting in heavy casualties.

He hoped that Chataiji could restrain San Niangzi, but he didn't let them start fighting directly.

Now, he has become a laughing stock. With so many men under his command fighting each other, how can he ever face anyone again?

In fact, the grassland people are a nomadic people, and migrating with the water and grass is their tradition.

However, once cities were built on the grasslands, this way of life was undoubtedly disrupted.

Whether it's Anda Khan or the current Huang Taiji, they are becoming increasingly accustomed to a comfortable life.

Therefore, the tradition of being able to set off within a day after the order was given now requires two or three days to prepare for departure, just like when the Ming Dynasty sent out troops.

However, such preparations will soon be suspended, as Zheng Luo's messenger is already dozens of miles away from Guihua City and will soon deliver his letter to Huang Taiji.

Then, Huang Taiji would be conflicted, and then he would exchange letters to convey his opinions.

However, Wei Guangde planned to have Zheng Luo lure Huang Taiji to Bansheng City in ten days, so that Huang Taiji wouldn't stay in Guihua City and make an unwise decision based on news from Liaodong.

In Banshengcheng, at least Zheng Luo could step in to appease them.

Meanwhile, outside Honnoji Temple in Kyoto, Japan, a large army was quietly crossing the Katsura River and approaching the area.

This Japanese army, numbering over ten thousand, was led by Akechi Mitsuhide. He was supposed to be ordered by Oda Nobunaga to travel from Tanba-Kameyama Castle to Takamatsu to support Hashiba Hideyoshi and prepare for the attack on the Mori clan.

However, this time Akechi Mitsuhide's target was not the Mori clan, but their lord, Oda Nobunaga.

As a senior retainer of the Oda clan, he had already decided to rebel against Oda Nobunaga.

At this time, Oda Nobunaga gave him an opportunity at Honnoji Temple: if he sent troops to block Oda Nobutada's reinforcements from Kyoto, he could kill Oda Nobunaga first and establish himself as emperor.

There were many reasons for the breakdown in the relationship between Akechi Mitsuhide and Oda Nobunaga, but at this point Akechi Mitsuhide had already made up his mind.

He dispatched his generals to lead the main force to block reinforcements on the road connecting Kyoto and Honnoji, while he led his trusted generals and troops straight to Honnoji.

The strategy of "capture the king to capture the thief" is also readily employed by Japanese generals who are well-versed in the essence of Chinese military strategy. (End of Chapter)