Daming talker

Chapter 734: A History Beyond Recognition (Monthly Ticket Request!)

The Guisi Beijing Inspection in the 21st year of Wanli's reign ended with Gu Xiancheng's roar.

Gu Xiancheng's unwilling roar directly ruined his political future, and he left the court with the other members of the Gu family.

On the surface, it seems that there is not much difference from the original historical time and space, but the connotation is very different.

In the original time and space, the members of the Gu family were known for being fearless, upright and outspoken, and were dismissed or resigned after gaining reputation.

After returning to their hometown, they took advantage of their great reputation and formed the Donglin Party within a few years.

In this time and space, they were driven back to their hometown by the court due to their careless behavior and lack of talent.

They suddenly become the target of precise attacks and have no chance to show their integrity, let alone reputation.

The topic of "Why did Lin Jiuyuan deliberately target the Gu family" was hot for two days, but it soon passed.
There are so many things that can happen in Beijing, and there are always new hot topics emerging.

After the imperial inspection, the court's operations returned to normal, and official business was handled on an assembly line.

Japan's request for peace talks was sent to the court. Between the two most common instructions, "I understand" and "Submit this to the higher authorities for discussion", Emperor Wanli chose "Submit this to the higher authorities for discussion".

The ministry here is naturally the Ministry of War, and the Ministry of War should be asked for advice on whether to go to war or to make peace.

In the eyes of normal people, this ministerial meeting was just a formality. It’s not like they can’t win, so how could they negotiate for peace?

Therefore, the Minister of War Ye Mengxiong did not take it too seriously and casually convened the left and right vice ministers and officials of various departments to hold a formalistic meeting.

Right Vice Minister Song Yingchang said with a smile: "When the Japanese pirates are defeated, they should seek peace. Just treat it as a delaying tactic!"

However, when it was the turn of the Left Assistant Minister Shi Xing to speak, something unexpected happened. He only heard Shi Shao Sima say: "We can consider peace talks."

The other officials in the hall looked at Shi Xing as if he were an idiot.

Although Minister Shi was at odds with Lin Tailai and was extremely marginalized in the Ministry of War, he couldn't just act blindly.

At least we should speak based on facts and not always oppose them.

The situation was clearly overwhelming. As long as Lin Tailai did not deliberately keep his troops in place, a decisive victory could be achieved within a few days after the battle.

In this situation, there is absolutely no reason to negotiate peace.

Shi Xing ignored the looks from others and said seriously, "The Japanese pirates have retreated to the southern coast of Korea. This place is full of mountains and tidal flats, and our cavalry, artillery and vehicles are all inconvenient to use.

Furthermore, the Japanese pirates will certainly build fortifications and defend themselves to the death, making them difficult to defeat, and a forceful attack will surely result in huge casualties.

As for the attitude of the Joseon Kingdom, I heard that the king and ministers of the Joseon Dynasty in Kuandian Fort both advocated peace talks, so it is not a bad idea for the guest to follow the host’s wishes.”

In the eyes of others, Minister Shi's performance became increasingly poor.

Just for the sake of opposing Lin, they even made up so many untenable excuses. What else could they do with their energy?
Ye Mengxiong, the Grand Marshal of the Ministry of War, could no longer bear to hear this and ended the discussion. "Shi Zuotang, stop talking nonsense! There is no need to negotiate peace! Just repeat it like this!"

At the regular meeting of the Renewal Society, Ye Mengxiong told Shi Xing's violent peace talks to his comrades as a joke.

Everyone burst into laughter and said that Shi Xing had lost his mind, or in Lin Jiuyuan's words, he had been possessed by a demon.

Only Secretary-General Zhou Yingqiu said expressionlessly: "Jiu Yuanjun pointed out in his speech on August 3 last year that every seemingly absurd appearance must have deeper logical support.

Otherwise, you laugh at others for being too crazy, and they laugh at you for not seeing through them, which is often fatal in politics."

Someone asked: "In your opinion, why did Shi Xing propose peace talks?"

Zhou Yingqiu explained: "Although we all know that Jiu Yuan Gong is invincible in battle and invincible in attack, not everyone expects to see this.

Shi Xing made a speech about peace, and in his heart he hoped that Jiuyuan Stallion would stumble and suffer a setback.

If so, he is prescient, and uniquely prescient, and has restored a certain voice in difficult situations. "

Someone else asked, "What if Lin Jiuyuan continues to be invincible?"

Zhou Yingqiu explained in more detail: "Shi Xing, who advocated peace talks, has been treated as a joke. Even if Jiu Yuan Gong continues to win, who will care about what Shi Xing said?
Anyway, Shi Xing's proposal was ridiculous and was not adopted, so he is not responsible.

Therefore, for the marginalized Shi Xing, proposing peace talks is a speculation that will not cause any loss. At least there is a possibility for him to turn things around, so why not do it? "

After Zhou Yingqiu's interpretation, everyone suddenly realized who had said "Shi Xing's heart is really dirty!"

Then someone else thought silently, maybe Zhou Yingqiu's heart is even dirtier, otherwise how could he see through Shi Xing?

In the original history, Shi Xing had already become the Minister of War at this time, in charge of anti-Japanese affairs.

Between the Imjin War and the Dingyou War, Shi Xing strongly advocated peace talks, but was ultimately deceived by Shen Weijing, the peace talks failed, and he was imprisoned and died.

The edict refusing peace talks was sent from the capital to Jiuliancheng, and then from Jiuliancheng to the Kingdom of Korea.

Recently, because the logistics of the Eastern Expedition Heavenly Army has become tense again, Liaodong Governor Hao Jie is stationed in Jiuliancheng.

The imperial edict refusing to negotiate peace did not cause any ripples in Governor Hao's heart. What he was now carefully studying was an official document sent by Lin Jinglue.

In this application, Lin Jinglüe requested Liaodong to prepare 300 large wind cabinets and 1,000 oil lamps as soon as possible and send them to Hamgyong Province of Korea as quickly as possible.

Looking at the demand for materials such as large bellows and oil lamps, Governor Hao could finally conclude that Marshal Lin was really mining.

The wind cabinet is used for ventilation and the oil lamp is used for lighting. Apart from mining, where else does it need both ventilation and lighting?
If it were a pedantic official, he might have complained that Marshal Lin was not doing his job properly, but Hao Jie was a pragmatic official.

He could see that the mine that made Marshal Lin spare no effort to mine it in addition to fighting must be some lucrative rich mine.

It can increase the court's income and make up for military expenses. It is a good thing and should be strongly supported.

At this time, Tong Yangzheng, the deputy general of Kuandian Fort, who was not far away, came to Jiuliancheng and asked to see the governor.

Governor Hao asked Tong Yangzheng, "Why are you here when you are not at Kuandian Fort looking after the ruler and his ministers of Korea?"

Tong Yangzheng had a lot of grievances to pour out, complaining: "This job is getting harder and harder. Yesterday, a Korean minister shouted that he would die for his country and commit suicide!"

Governor Hao smiled bitterly and said, "How can you say you died for your country? Why did you go to this extent?"

Tong Yangzheng said: "Originally, after the royal capital Seoul was recovered, the king and his ministers of Joseon could no longer hold back and had been clamoring to return to the capital.

Then a few days ago, the imperial edict to enfeoff Shunhe Jun in the three northern regions was delivered. It was like an explosion, and dozens of the king and his ministers burst into tears in front of the steps.

It was even more outrageous yesterday. The King of Korea actually came to me with a picture album of the Eight Provinces and said that he would entrust me to present it to the Ming Dynasty.

I didn’t dare to accept it, so I quickly hid away, but this is not a solution. I really don’t know what to do! I am terrified every day, afraid that something will go wrong and I will be blamed for nothing.”

Deputy General Tong is really scared now. What if the King of Korea commits suicide one day? What will he do as the person in charge of his care?
Then he pleaded again, "At night I can hear someone shouting in the courtyard over there. Why should the Qiang flute blame the willows? The spring breeze does not reach the Yalu River! The floating clouds always block the sun, and I am sad that I can't see the capital!"
I am frightened every day. My heart cannot bear it any longer. I beg the governor to give me a way out. "

Governor Hao: “.”

He could empathize with Deputy General Tong's neurasthenia.

At the same time, he also knew that Marshal Lin's actions, including dividing the land and enfeoffment, were clearly bullying the Kingdom of Korea.

Like Deputy General Tong, he was embarrassed to face the king and his ministers of the Joseon Kingdom.
After sighing, Governor Hao said, "Lin Jinglue issued a strict order to imprison the king and his ministers of Korea in Liaodong. What can we do about it?"

Deputy General Tong pleaded, "Please tell the governor to tell Lin Jinglue not to imprison the king and his ministers anymore, or something bad will happen!"

Governor Hao thought for a moment and said, "Imprisoning the king and his ministers of Korea is nothing more than not wanting to interfere with the overall situation.

Now that the decree to enthrone Sunhwa-kun has been issued, it is estimated that once the dust has settled, Lin Jinglie will allow the Korean monarch and his ministers to return to their country.

I think this time won’t be long.”

At Kaesong Sungkyunkwan, the shogunate headquarters, Lin Tianshuai also received the imperial decree to confer the title of Lelang Duke on Sunhwa-gun, and informed Kim Sunbin of the good news.

With tears in her eyes, Jin Shunbin paid a great tribute to Lin Tianshuai, who accepted it calmly.

Then Lin Tianshuai picked up his pen and wrote: "The envoy of the appointment is on the way, and Shunhe Jun will soon come to the fore.

At this time, the illicit relationship between you and me is a hidden danger."

Jin Sunbin asked, "What does Tianshuai want?"

Lin Tianshuai replied: "Only the dead are the safest."

Jin Sunbin was stunned for a long while, her face turned pale, and many scenes of court struggles and death sentences flashed through her mind.

Then Jin Sunbin burst into tears and fell to the ground, complaining: "My life is worthless, I just beg you to take care of my son."

Lin Tianshuai smiled and said, "You think too much. What I meant was to find an opportunity to report a false death to the outside world."

Jin Sunbin: “.”

Damn it! Was it intentional? It must be intentional, right?

Lin Tianshuai laughed a few times, and then made another arrangement: "From now on, Duke Lelang will live in Pyongyang. You must immediately tell Yin Zhuoran to prepare for the enthronement ceremony. Once the angel arrives, everything will be settled immediately."

Just as the two were about to take further action, Cui Wukui suddenly came to report: There was a man named Zheng Che, who claimed to be the Left Prime Minister of Joseon, and was asking for a meeting outside the gate.

Lin Tianshuai said in surprise: "Isn't the Left Councillor of Korea the leader of the Western Party, Yin Dousu? He has been killed by Yin Zhuoran on the Yalu River."

Cui Wukui replied, "After Yun Doosu was killed by Yun Zhuoran, the Joseon Dynasty appointed Zheng Chu as the Left State Councillor, who also belonged to the Western Party."

Lin Tailai was still confused. "Then how did he cross the Yalu River? Did the garrison fail in their duty and let him go?"

Cui Wukui replied: "Zheng Che was originally exiled to the northern mountains and has been in the border of Korea. He has never followed the small court to Liaodong."

Lin Tianshuai said impatiently: "There's nothing to see! You can meet him for me. If this person speaks rudely, just beat him to death."

Cui Wukui quickly advised: "No, no! This Zheng Che is the most famous poet in the Joseon Dynasty! His famous work "Guandong Farewell Song" is known as the Li Sao of Joseon.

There is really no need to kill such a cultural celebrity, lest his reputation be ruined. If the Marshal is free, he should try to meet him. "

So Lin Tianshuai showed respect for scholars and invited Zheng Che to come in and meet him.

"Why are you here?" Lin Tianshuai was impatient with the small talk and asked directly.

Zheng Che replied, "It is against the rules of propriety for the upper state to hastily confer the title of Lord Shunhe and divide our northern territory."

Lin Tianshuai didn't waste any words and asked his men to carry a large box and put it in front of Zheng Che.

"Open it and see for yourself." Lin Tianshuai said calmly.

Zheng Che opened the lid of the box suspiciously, only to see piles of papers inside. Taking a quick look, he saw that each piece of paper was covered with names and handprints.

"What is this?" Zheng Che asked in confusion.

Lin Tianshuai replied calmly, "These are three letters from the people of the north! Ten thousand signatures on each letter, three letters and thirty thousand people!

There is only one purpose for all these people's opinions, which is to jointly request that the three provinces be made into counties of the Ming Dynasty!"

Zheng Che: “.”

Have the northern regions already become so disloyal to the Li Dynasty? Or was it Lin Tianshuai who forced them to sign the pledge?
Lin Tianshuai slammed the table and shouted: "Explain to me what is etiquette? In my opinion, the people's will is the greatest etiquette!

Instead of directly establishing counties, we enfeoffed the Korean prince as Duke of Lelang and used the three provinces as vassal states. This has been the greatest restraint of our Ming Dynasty!
Originally, your Joseon Dynasty looked down on the northern regions and ruled the north by restricting the northwest. After the Japanese pirates’ rebellion, you have completely lost the support of the people!
So you were the ones who committed suicide first, and then I, the Ming Dynasty, helped to clean up the mess!"

Zheng Che: “.”

I have never seen such a person who is so good at quibbling!

After thinking for a while, Zheng Che responded: "After all, the North was conquered by our ancestors who fought through difficulties. How can we divide it up without the king's permission?"

Lin Tailai confidently said: "Since ancient times, 2,600 years ago, Jizi established his capital in Pyongyang!
Even in the early years of the Ming Dynasty, our Ming Dynasty also set up garrisons in the north! Since we can retreat temporarily, we can naturally come back!

Regardless of whether it is from the perspective of popular support or ancient legal principles, why can't the Ming Dynasty divide the north?"

Zheng Che felt that he was quite knowledgeable, but today he was a little at a loss for words and didn't know how to gain the upper hand in his argument.

Lin Tailai pointed at Zheng Che and said, "Actually, I know why you came here. You are here to sound me out on behalf of your king!
You can convey my words back! The main contents are three points, the three books to the people, the Joseon Dynasty's abandonment of the North first, and the legal principles since ancient times!

The sooner you accept reality, the sooner you can return to Wangjing!"

Zheng Che hung his head helplessly. How could he have the strength to continue the debate?

Even the possibility of the small court returning to the capital could be used as a bargaining chip to threaten the enemy, and their side had absolutely no power to turn the situation around.

Watching Zheng Che leave and thinking about the enthronement ceremony, Lin Tianshuai finally felt intuitively that history had changed drastically in his hands and was completely unrecognizable.

(End of this chapter)