The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 282 Success is due to him, defeat is due to me

Ma Zhongxi had no choice but to object to the dispatch of troops, and it was decided by Zhang Zhou at this corridor meeting.

When Ma Zhongxi returned to the governor's yamen, his people had already moved out all the big and small boxes. He knew that he wanted to free up the office for Zhang Zhou to live in, and there was still the unfinished work on his desk. The melodies of begging the old to return to the fields.

"Zhongcheng, it's going to be dark soon, if you can't finish writing today, you won't be able to send it out in time."

The subordinate officials saw that Ma Zhongxi was very resolute in resigning. When they saw Ma Zhongxi coming back, they felt that Ma Zhongxi's attitude and behavior had changed.

Officials who can achieve the level of governor of the Xuanfu are almost second only to civil officials at the level of ministers in the Ming Dynasty. What this governor Ma thinks in his heart is not something that can be figured out by officials.

Ma Zhongxi picked up the pen, somewhat hesitant.

But he still moved his pen like flying, and wrote the resignation.

"Send it to the capital overnight."

Ma Zhongxi also seemed to understand.

The subordinate officer asked: "Have you greeted that Zhang Zhitai? If you resign rashly, he may deliberately make things difficult."

The subordinate officials feel that it is necessary to remind.

If you resign like this, you can say that you are tired of the officialdom, but Zhang Zhou can sue you for running away, and he can also find various excuses to mess with you.

There are many ways for superiors to engage subordinates.

Ma Zhongxi's face was old-fashioned, and his attitude was extremely firm: "This old man is sitting upright and has a clear conscience. No matter what he wants to do, this old man will never mess around with him again!"

The subordinate officer looked embarrassed, and he almost asked, what else can that Zhang Zhitai do?
Didn't they come to show artillery, soldiers, and mines?Does he have other errands?

……

……

Zhang Zhou braved the rain and moved into the governor's office that night.

There were many houses, but they were still not enough for the people Zhang Zhou brought to live. Many Jinyiwei could only squeeze into the temporarily set up bunk rooms. A hundred cash is used as a daily subsidy.

But after the inspection, he went back to his big room, lying on the soft pillow of the high bed, recalling the comfortable life at home in the capital.

"It's a pity, there are no female relatives around, it's hard to live."

Zhang Zhou obviously belongs to the type of person who just wants to think about something when he is full and has nothing to do.

Immediately, Liu Gui came to announce at the door: "Master, Master Tang is here."

Only then did Zhang Zhou calm down, and when he arrived in the back hall, he met Tang Yin who looked hesitant and even a little panicked.

"Junior brother, why are you here? I didn't say you wanted to live here. The place is too small, so I didn't arrange a room for you." Zhang Zhou said with regret.

Tang Yin said: "It's good for me to live in the post house."

Zhang Zhou nodded.

Have awareness.

Tang Yin asked: "When you mentioned that you were going to send troops earlier, do you have any plans for me to cooperate with Deputy Commander Ma to send troops?"

Only then did Zhang Zhou know why Tang Yin had such an expression. Maybe it was because he felt that his retreat made Zhang Zhou have to temporarily dispatch others to coordinate the dispatch of troops, and it was most appropriate for him to dispatch troops.

"Bohu, tell the truth, do you want to go?"

It doesn't matter how old Tang Yin is than Zhang Zhounian, but in terms of seniority, Zhang Zhou, as a senior, can show the style of a teacher.

Tang Yindao: "I'm not good at archery, or I'm not used to riding horses for long distances. I want to ask, who is Zhang Zhitai going to go with?"

"Wang Bo'an, don't you know that he has the heart to make contributions?" Zhang Zhou was still puzzled.

How can Tang Yin and Wang Shouren go to Piantouguan together? Although the purpose of the two people going to Pianguan is different, but how can you say that the two are also Jinshi in the same year, and they work together in the Yanwu Hall? Does Tang Yin have no ambitions for Wang Shouren? know?
"He is not……"

"You want to say that he went to the Daming Mansion to attend the funeral for Wang Weining? The errands can be changed at any time. Besides, there are so many nobles and generals under the command of the Yanwutang, and they are all in the northwest. Why is he the only one to do some things?" A matter that is not painful or itchy? With his enthusiasm for the military and government, it is naturally best for him to coordinate the dispatch of troops."

"What if he doesn't want to go?"

Tang Yin asked a question that deeply troubled him.

Zhang Zhou said with a smile: "If he doesn't go, you go, who made you my junior brother?"

Tang Yin seemed to get the answer he wanted in an instant. He was only vaguely anxious before, but now he seemed to burst out this anxiety.

Zhang Zhou got up and said with a mocking look: "Don't worry, if you don't want to go, I will find someone else. Not everyone has the opportunity to make contributions like this. You and I are brothers in the same school. We have a good chance. I still want to leave it to you, so don't embarrass me here!"

"understood."

Tang Yin was so ashamed.

But he really didn't dare to follow the expeditionary cavalry to raid Weining Sea, this seemed to exceed his expectations, and he didn't think he had such ability.

……

……

The whole army was going on that night.

Ma Yi will select some soldiers to cooperate with the people in the Beijing camp. At the same time, Zhang Zhou will also send Sun Shangqi and Liu Gui to follow them...their purpose is to be "supervisors".

It is said that Ma Yi is at ease, but there should be some supervision.

On the same day, Zhang Zhou also immediately wrote the prelude, and sent it to the capital overnight, so that Zhu Youtang could know the detailed plan of the battle.

In the morning of the next day, the plan was placed in front of Zhu Youtang.

Dai Yi, Xiao Jing and the others were all silent, because they didn't know in advance that Zhang Zhou was going to raid Wei Ninghai, and they didn't know whether the emperor knew about it.

But they also understand that the emperor will fully support Zhang Zhou's proposition, even if it is to complete this kind of raid that travels nearly a thousand miles back and forth.

"Your Majesty, along with it, there is also the report of Ma Zhongxi, the Governor of the Xuan Mansion, who said that he is too old and too old to bear the burden of running the Xuan Mansion, and that his health has been deteriorating in recent years..."

When Dai Yi said this, he was also waiting for the emperor to show his power.

Zhang Zhou said that he was going to fight, but Ma Zhongxi, as Zhang Zhou's number one subordinate, actually said that he would resign.

Such a non-cooperative matter, isn't it asking for trouble?
Sure enough, after hearing the words, Zhu Youtang sternly reprimanded: "The war is imminent, but he wants to get out of it? Could it be that the so-called justice in his heart is more important than the stability of the border of Ming Dynasty? If he leaves at this time, Who will replace him and manage logistics, military pay and other affairs?"

Dai Yi said: "Mr. Zhang may also have capable people around him."

"Are you talking about Tang Yin and others? They are a little tender, unless Wang Qiong is allowed to go, but the guards at the side pass must not be relaxed in the slightest."

Zhu Youtang swiped his pen, "Let him not think about resigning for the time being. After this battle is over, no matter whether he wins or loses, he will go wherever he wants. I will never stop him!"

Just as he was talking, a little eunuch came in at the door.

Xiao Jing went over to meet him, and when he came back, he said: "Your Majesty, the three elders, Ma Shangshu, and British Duke are waiting outside the hall."

There is going to be a war in the northwest, Zhu Youtang is not like his father, he still wants to ask the opinions of the orthodox civil officials of the court and China more often, and he does not want to make the relationship with the ministers of the court and China too tense.

……

……

Inside the Qianqing Palace.

Zhang Zhou's detailed troop plan was circulated among Liu Jian, Li Dongyang, Xie Qian, Ma Wensheng, and Zhang Mao. Zhu Youtang looked calm and was not in a hurry to ask them to give their opinions.

According to Zhu Youtang's estimate, except for Zhang Mao, this group of people would probably oppose it.

However, after several people circulated the comments, Ma Wensheng's first comments did not follow Zhu Youtang's expectations.

Ma Wensheng said: "If the Huozhai Zhongzhang is indeed in the north of Weining Sea, it is all right to send troops from Xinghe around Daqing Mountain. But with only [-] cavalry in a surprise attack, there may be a possibility of falling into a heavy siege. There are not only Manchus around Weining Sea In the past, when the Marquis of Weining dispatched his troops, he also took advantage of the wind and snow and went out at night, and arrived within [-] days after sneaking within [-] miles."

Zhu Youtang frowned and said, "Ma Qing's family, do you think that Bingkuan's plan to send troops is too ostentatious, and it is easy to leak the news in advance?"

Ma Wensheng didn't expect the emperor to be so direct, but that's what he meant.

Wang Yue made a surprise attack on Weininghai, hid during the day and acted at night, sent troops from Datong Town to Weininghai for more than 20 days, but you wanted to send troops from Xuanfu, walked two hundred miles longer but wanted to arrive in three to five days, so I've never seen you attack like this.

Are you afraid that others will not know?
Zhang Maodao: "Your Majesty, as far as the old minister knows, there is no sign of Di Yi's activities on the Daqing Mountain line, or it can really be done without anyone noticing."

Xie Qian said with a smile: "My lord, the terrain of the grassland is different from that of Ming Dynasty. Many places can be seen within dozens of miles. It is too ideal to send troops with great fanfare and want to cover the enemy's rear."

Here, the court started to fight first.

Originally Dai Yi wanted to say a few words, but was interrupted by Zhu Youtang stretching out his hand.

"Your family, if Bing Kuan's calculations are accurate, and Huoshai's Chinese military camp is indeed in Weining Sea, then in your opinion, his plan to send troops should be feasible. It's just that the details need to be deliberated. Is that what you mean?"

Zhu Youtang actually didn't want to discuss the feasibility with these people.

He is more of a routine note, telling you about the matter, and letting you know in advance, to show that I rely on you, rather than saying that I have to listen to your opinions and stop this matter.

The military affairs in the Northwest are more determined by the generals based on the actual situation, just like Wang Yue's expedition to Weininghai, he only discussed it with Wang Zhi, and even his fellow Baoguo Gong Zhu Yong and others did not participate together, so why should the emperor do anything? Do you want to discuss with the minister?

Liu Jian and others looked at Ma Wensheng.

Even the cabinet doesn't seem to have much say in such key dispatches of troops. It depends on how the Ministry of War will characterize this expedition.

Ma Wensheng said: "Return to Your Majesty, it is true."

"That's fine." Zhu Youtang said, "Before Bingkuan left, I mentioned to me that if we send troops to the grassland, there are two options."

When Ma Wensheng and the others heard this, my good fellow, Your Majesty, you have already discussed with Zhang Bingkuan in advance, yet you are still pretending to discuss with us?

Zhu Youtang continued: "Either fight steadily, hundreds of thousands of soldiers and horses will be divided into several groups, and the daily journey will not exceed forty or fifty li, step by step to press the grassland, and drive the Tatars out of Hetao."

"Besides that, it's necessary to be unexpected, or like Wang Weining, stay day and night and spend ten days or even dozens of days to plan a surprise attack and kill suddenly."

"Or it's a long-distance raid, arriving at the place of engagement within three or two days, even if the opponent has learned the news in advance, as long as the raid is fast and decisive, it can still be successful in one battle."

The emperor's voice fell, and the Qianqing palace fell into silence.

The three cabinet ministers present, Ma Wensheng and Zhang Mao could all hear that Zhang Zhou had predicted their prediction.

Zhang Zhou calculated that they would drive straight for four hundred miles, but they still wanted to travel day and night, and they would be too public, so that the Tatars would make preparations and complete the encirclement and other things to talk about.

Zhang Zhou just told the emperor and asked the emperor to tell them, not to say that if the news leaked in advance, the effect of surprise attack would definitely not be achieved.

More importantly, it depends on whether the enemy has time to react.

After Zhu Youtang finished speaking, seeing that few people were silent, he pointed to Dai Yi who was beside him, and Dai Yi came out and added: "Mr. Meng Ke, the tribal leaders such as Huo Sha and Yi Bu La, are joining forces on the front line of Fengzhou, and then the place where the two sides meet may be in Chi'er Mountain, which is more than [-] miles away from Weining Sea."

Li Dongyang couldn't help but came out and questioned: "Huosai and other departments, why did they expose their backs completely? It is not the way of Tatars to use troops so lightly."

Dai Yi said: "Because it involves the annexation of the grassland, it cannot be speculated with common sense."

Zhu Youtang interrupted Dai Yi and said, "Just explain what Bingkuan means."

Let you explain Zhang Zhou's meaning to them. You are still mixing your own opinions there. Who do you think you are?You, a eunuch, still want to participate in the most direct plan for sending troops to the grassland?
After listening to the emperor's words, Dai Yi was somewhat disappointed.

As an eunuch in charge of ceremonies, he was oppressed by civil servants before, and now he is oppressed by Zhang Zhou. Below him, there are Xiao Jing and others who are eyeing his position. The emperor doesn't seem to be optimistic about himself... I am a sounding board, emotional planning, etc. Big things have nothing to do with me, right?

"Mr. Zhang mentioned that even after the dispatch of troops, Huozhai and other ministries responded, they would move as far west as possible under the situation of front and rear attack. As long as the troops were dispatched quickly enough, they could catch up within a day or two. After all, the grasslands There are many livestock, old and weak women and children around the tribal tents, and they cannot run fast."

Dai Yi finally finished speaking.

Zhang Mao said with a smile: "This Mr. Zhang really likes to hide things, but he didn't realize that he was going to do this before he went to the Northwest. He also made two copies of Shangzuo."

Zhu Youtang said: "Prince Yingying, do you have an opinion?"

"Returning to Your Majesty, the old minister has no objection to Zhang Zhitai's dispatch of troops. The old minister is very supportive of this kind of military use. It can show the power of the Ming court and demonstrate the strength of our soldiers on three fronts."

Zhang Mao said so, but he couldn't help but glance at Liu Jian and the others.

How could Liu Jian and the others fail to see the anxiety in old man Zhang's heart?
Don't you, Zhang Mao, like to think about things from the standpoint of that kid Zhang Zhou?Now he has secretly launched a surprise attack on Wei Ninghai, and if he succeeds, the title will almost be guaranteed to fall on him, and then there will be no need to wait for your next generation. It is estimated that you old man Zhang will hand over the responsibility of the admiral of the Beijing camp in his later years up.

If you, Mr. Zhang, only now know what it means to keep tigers infested, you are also belatedly aware.

On the matter of preventing Zhang Zhou's rise, we should be of one mind. Only you Wu Xun were still stubborn at the beginning.

"The vanguard will send troops, probably tonight." Zhu Youtang said another news that was somewhat unacceptable to the people present, "Three thousand cavalry, one man and two horses, without guns, each with a blunderbuss, and bows and arrows." And armor, etc. After three days and four nights, a surprise attack was launched on the Weining Sea at dawn. This is to prevent the Ming soldiers from being unfamiliar with the terrain, and it is appropriate to make a surprise attack during the day. As for the soldiers and horses of the Chinese army, they were led by Bing Kuan himself. Let’s set off tonight and go out of the fortress early tomorrow morning..."

Zhu Youtang's words made Liu Jian and others fully understand that this was just a routine notice.

Liu Jian cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, are you going to mention this matter in court these two days?"

"Before nothing comes to fruition, I don't want to be known by too many people." Zhu Youtang said, "Even Bingkuan's departure in the name of going to the fortress is all about performing artillery and training troops. With the progress of his dispatching troops, there is no sign of a surprise attack. Paralyzed by the grassland tribes."

"Hehe." Xie Qian smiled.

This way of laughing out loud also made the atmosphere of the scene a little weird.

Of course the people around knew why Xie Qian was laughing. He felt that Zhang Zhou was playing tricks, and they all felt that if he sent troops to the grassland, he must be led by Zhang Zhou, whether it was the generals of the Ming court, the people of the world, or even the grasslands. People also feel that only Zhang Zhou is qualified to lead troops to raid the grassland.

But Zhang Zhou did the opposite. Zhu Hui, the commander-in-chief he brought, and Zhang Heling, the deputy commander-in-chief, all followed him out to shoot rabbits, and slowly went out to perform soldiers along the way.

As a result, it covered up the fact that Ma Yi led troops to raid Weininghai.

Xie Qian's smile was more of a joke that Zhang Zhou's behavior was too "idealized".

If it were so easy to raid the Weining Sea, Wang Weining would not have to walk more than 200 miles for more than 20 days. Do you want to win a battle or a quick victory?

How can there be such a cheap thing in the world?

Zhu Youtang said: "My expectation for Bingkuan was originally to let him establish the prestige of the Ming Dynasty, drive away all the Hulu around the Xuanfu, mine and smelt iron and cast guns, and strengthen the frontier preparations. This battle is his judging the situation. In the decision made later, I will not demand that he will definitely win, but such a dispatch of troops is also what I hope to see. The success lies with him, and the defeat lies with me."

After hearing this, several people in the room felt uncomfortable.

The emperor still said the old saying, if Zhang Zhou wins, I will double the reward; but if the army goes wrong, I will not hold him accountable.

Such a cover-up, Your Majesty!

Li Dongyang asked: "Who will lead the army when we send troops to Weininghai?"

"Vice Chief, Ma Yi." Zhu Youtang said.

These words seem to explain why Zhang Zhou protected Ma Yi as soon as he arrived in Xuanfu, and he did not hesitate to fight against Ma Zhongxi, the governor of Xuanfu.

"By the way, it still rained in Xuanfu." Zhu Youtang said, "Bingkuan prayed for the success of the rain in front of the common people, and let the soldiers and civilians know where God's will is on."

Li Dongyang wanted to say, I don't think it's to let the people know which side God's will is on.

It was to make the soldiers feel that Zhang Zhou was awesome, so Zhang Zhou proposed a strategy to surprise Weininghai, and those frontier soldiers who were afraid of death would follow him.

He did this to stand up.

"I don't know, Your Majesty, the civil servants and the middle officials, who will send troops together?" Li Dongyang continued to ask.

Zhu Youtang said: "Cao Shun, the middle officer guarding Xuanfu, and Wang Shouren, the head of the Ministry of War."

"This……"

When Li Dongyang heard Wang Shouren's name, he still couldn't understand it.

Zhang Zhou actually used the children of their traditional civil servant faction?Wang Shouren... From Li Dongyang's point of view, this is definitely not something Zhang Zhou can handle.

(End of this chapter)