The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Ning Tong doesn’t want to be a caged bird?

It also depends on whether it is a gold cage or an iron cage. If it is a splendid cage like the palace, and you can become a royal concubine after entering, it is really not just for anyone who wants to go.

Zhang Zhou didn't take Zhu Feng's words seriously, but he still felt very fresh about the way this couple got along. It's rare for a man to understand women in this era. Although this "understanding" is actually based on extraordinary on the basis of relationship.

Probably because of the deep friendship between besties.

Zhang Lushui and Xiao Changjin came up to serve tea, and Zhang Zhou didn't give any instructions. Before they could leave, there was movement at the door, and Liu Guili gave Zhang Zhou a wink at the door.

Zhang Zhou said: "Zhijie, you see I may have guests to receive, so I won't stay with you any longer. You two go down as well."

It seems that Zhang Lushui originally prepared a "program", or rather, after finally meeting Zhang Zhou once recently, he always wanted to develop his ability of "beauties are a disaster" and try to get Zhang Zhou to accept her and give her a chance to get involved in the troupe. power outside.

pity……

"It's okay, I'll eat first." Zhu Feng said, "Brother Zhang, don't worry about me. If you don't come back after I finish eating, I'll leave first."

Zhang Zhou smiled.

Zhu Feng is still self-aware, and he is not a dog-skin plaster, but this makes him feel a little unfair to his friends.

But Zhang Zhou took a closer look at Zhu Feng and said in his heart that although Zhu Feng led the way to his own fortune, they were mutually beneficial and reciprocal. There was no question of anyone owing anyone. The only way to get along with each other was to be as comfortable as possible. coming.

Perhaps Zhu Feng himself didn't like so many red tapes that restricted people.

……

……

In a special private room on the second floor of the theater, Li Rong was smiling, followed by Mou Bin.

The two leaders Dongchang and Jinyiwei appeared in front of Zhang Zhou at the same time, which also made Zhang Zhou understand that the matter should not be too small.

"Two things." Li Rong made the opening remarks, "Your Majesty convicted Ren Liang and Zhang Yu who were in Liaodong. Ren Liang was sent to Jiangnan, and Zhang Yu was executed! The two accomplices, depending on the seriousness of their crimes, or He was dismissed from his post to serve the people, his house was ransacked, he was demoted, and he was not corrected."

The Liaodong case, which has been pending for a long time, has come to an end for the time being.

Zhang Zhou didn't pay much attention to it, so he didn't have any special opinions on how the emperor should punish these people.

Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "Eunuch Li will also be involved in this case now?"

According to Zhang Zhou, this case previously involved Wei Bin and even others from the Supervisor of Ceremonies. You were one of the people who avoided it. But now that the case has come to an end, you have jumped out. Is it because this punishment is regarded as "from the punishment"? "It's easy to deal with it." You have already given an explanation to Wei Bin and the others?

Li Rongdao: "We are just here to send a message to you about the case decided by the emperor. You can be considered a great reward for your hard work in investigating this case."

"I don't dare to take it seriously." Zhang Zhou said, "We didn't do much. Aren't they all the Jin Yiwei people investigating?"

Mou Bin just cupped his fists and raised his hands without saying anything.

Li Rong immediately changed his smile and said: "The second thing involves the northwest war. The war in Shigou City has already concluded."

"Really?" Zhang Zhou said, "Something happened? Why didn't you just come up and tell us?"

The implication is that you should talk about such a big matter before the Liaodong case. How can you put it later?

Li Rong hurriedly said: "Sir, you have misunderstood. It is precisely because of the great results of the battle that I will mention it later. If there is any major deviation, why don't we ask you for advice? Sir, there is no need to worry too much. Your Majesty has not said anything today. As for summoning you, I can tell you tomorrow morning... in court."

Li Rong then took out the memorials given to him by Zhu Youtang and handed over to Zhang Zhou, divided into two sections, Ningxia and Shaanxi.

The first is Yang Yiqing's memorial document, as well as supporting documents from Shi Han, the censor of Shaanxi Province, and Wang Xun, who had just been transferred from Shandong Right Chief Envoy to Shaanxi Left Chief Envoy. A rough summary.

Li Rongdao: "We killed more than a thousand enemies. Including the previous battle at Huamachi, we have already exceeded two thousand. This battle can be said to be a complete victory."

Zhang Zhou frowned and said, "It's still not satisfactory."

Li Rong smiled awkwardly.

At the critical moment, you still have to brag for the emperor. Even if you only kill two thousand, it is something worthy of special mention. It can turn "Xiao Zong" into "Wudi", but when it comes to you... …Unsatisfactory would be an understatement.

Since you're not satisfied, why don't you do it yourself?
Li Rong was cursing in his belly and said with a smile: "Of course it is not as good as Mr. Zhang and Uncle Xin Xin. This time we can only say that the conditions are limited. Your Majesty learned that the Baoguo Office has been delayed and missed the opportunity to expand the results of the war. , is also very angry, and if he hadn’t cared about the ongoing war, he might have resigned from his position as Duke Baoguo.”

Zhang Zhou said: "Didn't Lord Baoguo come to the memorial?"

"Haha, no." Li Rong answered directly.

Zhu Hui originally had close to [-] troops from all walks of life. This battle should be led by Zhu Hui. As a result, after the two battles, Zhu Hui was an outsider. Even Li Rong knew that Zhu Hui would not be able to survive in the future. .

"By the way, sir, the Prince Consort Cui of Princess Yongkang's Mansion was highly praised by Yang Zhongcheng this time. He led an army of [-] soldiers to kill nearly [-] Tatars and captured hundreds of heads. He is so powerful. He is comparable to the champion of that year, how could it be said that you, sir, have a sharp eye and picked him up at a glance?"

When Li Rong mentioned this, he felt like he was breathing a sigh of relief for Zhang Zhou.

Because when Zhang Zhou went to Qingning Palace the day before yesterday, Li Rong and Xiao Jing both stood aside, heard the conversation at that time, and knew that Princess Yongkang was causing trouble.

No need to bother anymore...

If Cui Yuan wants to join the army in the future, shouldn't he have to look at Zhang Zhou's face?

Now you have made a contribution, and the fighter plane was given to you by Zhang Zhou. If you are just a shrimp soldier and crab general, you don't have to care whether Zhang Zhou gives you resources, but in the future you still want to be a marquis and a general, or even become a prominent figure in the Ming army. Then Zhang Zhou must support him.

He can train you to be a good person even if you are a rotten fish or a shrimp. You are even praised as compared to Huo Qubing. Without Zhang Zhou's support, you are nothing.

Zhang Zhou said: "Maybe the Tatars are eager to withdraw their troops, so Prince Consort Cui and Uncle Xiangcheng took advantage."

Li Rong smiled and said: "How can you say that? Everything was arranged well by you, sir. After His Majesty learned about this, he was so happy that he slapped the table and said, even if you don't believe anyone in this world, you must believe in you, sir." Needless to say, the few people used this time can be regarded as supporting the spirit of the soldiers of the Ming Dynasty. In the future, more and more people can be used in each border town."

Zhang Zhou quickly waved his hand and said: "I just mentioned it, Your Majesty still appoints people on their merits."

"Then don't we need you, sir, to discover them first?" Li Rong said, "Let's just say that Cui Prince Consort, without you...he...no matter how capable he is, he can't get ahead. Also, as long as you give me some advice, Yes, even an ordinary good horse can become a thousand-mile horse. You can really be called the Bole of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhang Zhou said: "Eunuch Li, you are praising me to the sky, don't dare to accept it."

Li Rong continued to smile. He didn't feel like he was flattering him at all, but he was very happy about it.

That's also because he was on the right side from the beginning, and he didn't have to worry about being squeezed out by Zhang Zhou or falling out of favor with the emperor like Xiao Jing.

"Originally, Your Majesty wanted to reward Sir with something, but it's still the same. This battle is not over yet. The Tatars have just withdrawn. Or as Sir said, it is not completely satisfactory. Maybe there will be wars in the future. Until then When you... gain some more merit, Your Majesty will definitely reward you."

Li Rong also made peace with the emperor.

Zhang Zhou said: "Rewards and other things are all external things. I am a Han Confucian. It has only been a long time now and I am here today. I still want to express my gratitude to Your Majesty for your support."

Li Rong smiled and said: "So, in this world, there must be a talented person like your Majesty before you can find a talented person like Sir. If Your Majesty makes good use of Sir, and if Sir controls the generals of the army, there will be no success on the battlefield." And it’s not good.”

This sounds good, but Zhang Zhou feels that this is reminding me to be careful and not to take power in the future?

If it were Xiao Jing who said this, Zhang Zhou would definitely think this way.

But if it was Li Rong, Zhang Zhou wouldn't have so many concerns, mainly because Li Rong's age was there, and Li Rong had been cautious since he returned to the palace as an official. Li Rong hadn't looked at it yet. There was no sign of deliberately targeting him.

Although morally speaking, these eunuchs basically side with the emperor, don't expect them to be sincere towards a civil servant.

"Sir, we are just here to mention these two things."

Seeing that it was almost time, Li Rong was about to say goodbye and go back, "Tomorrow morning, before the Meridian Gate, our family will personally introduce you to the palace, and we will also send a car to drive you over. You will be summoned after tomorrow morning. If anything happens to you, please let me know first." Give it a push.”

"En." Zhang Zhou nodded.

The war has passed another stage. The Battle of Shigou City was just like the Battle of Huamachi. It was a moderate victory. Before, it would have been an absolute great achievement. But now it is different from before. No matter it is Either the emperor or the ministers have higher expectations for victory.

Zhang Zhou knew that Zhu Youtang would definitely ask him about the development of the war situation in the future.

……

……

Li Rong went back first, but Mou Bin left in no hurry.

Mou Bin came over, mainly to bring the files of the Liaodong case to Zhang Zhou. In name, Zhang Zhou could preside over the case, but in fact it was the factory guards who were in charge. Zhang Zhou finally looked at the files, and at most he kept it in his heart. There are several.

Zhang Zhou said: "I am not in the Three Laws Division. It is beyond my power to intervene in such matters."

Mou Bin said respectfully: "Sir, you are the Minister of the Ministry of War, and you are in a high-ranking position. The military affairs in Liaodong are related to the stability of the Ming army. If you don't ask, who is suitable?" Mou Bin is sensible.

Even though Jin Yiwei was very good throughout the Ming Dynasty, in the Hongzhi Dynasty, Jin Yiwei really had to a certain extent to behave with his tail between his legs, not because of anything else, but because Zhu Youtang did not rely too much on the factory guard system, and also Because Zhu Youtang is so easy to talk to, he has always had a good relationship with the ministers and has an easy-going personality.

This increased the arrogance of civil servants to directly remonstrate and even contradict the emperor.

But this does not mean that factory guards are just decorations.

Now that there was a rift between the emperor and the civil servants, the factory guards finally had a place to play, and smart people like Mou Bin naturally understood that the Jin Yiwei regained attention, which completely took advantage of the emperor's reliance on Zhang Zhou.

If the emperor hadn't sided with Zhang Zhou and created a estrangement with the civil servants, and needed to use factory guards to suppress the power of the civil servants, then their Jin Yiwei would probably still be drinking from the northwest wind.

"There's a lot of money involved in this case, right?" Zhang Zhou asked casually.

Mou Bin said: "From Zhang Yu, Ren Liang, and some local generals, the treasures seized are equivalent to more than 15 taels of silver."

Zhang Zhou thought about it for a while. In the middle of the Ming Dynasty, before the large inflow of American silver, 15 taels of silver was indeed a lot. After all, the purchasing power of silver was still very strong during the Hongzhi period, but it would take another few decades... ...Corrupt officials only steal a dozen or two hundred thousand taels, so they are probably too embarrassed to come out and see people.

This is a complete case, that's all.

"This batch has been replenished to Liaodong military supplies." Mou Bin said, "This is His Majesty's order."

Zhang Zhou said: "Don't tell me, I don't care about the household affairs."

Mou Bin added: "His Majesty has not said hello to the Ministry of Revenue about this matter. There are also several criminals. Some of them have been imprisoned for questioning. Whether they will be pardoned still has to wait for His Majesty's decree. As for the family members of the criminal Zhang Yu, Sent into exile."

"Ah."

Zhang Zhou nodded.

He understood that Mou Bin told him this because he actually wanted him to report the case to the emperor when he summoned him privately. Jin Yiwei must have used many shady methods in the investigation, including accepting bribes or secretly engaging in conspiracy. There must be many lawless ones.

As the commander of the Jinyi Guards, Mou Bin could not prevent his subordinates from taking advantage of such cases even if he restrained them.

He and Zhang Yu had no grievances, so naturally he would not think of doing anything to eradicate the problem.

Zhang Zhou was thinking again that if Zhu Hui fell into his hands, Zhu Hui would definitely look good.

Zhu Hui is not going to talk about the death penalty, but if Zhu Hui does not perform well in this battle, the title may be over for his generation. At such a time of survival of the fittest, the emperor has discovered military leaders one after another, and Those so-called veterans who stay in the army relying on their ancestors' military achievements will only be eliminated.

These people will also be given certain opportunities, but if they fail to seize the opportunity and show off their hips like Zhu Hui did, it will be considered a light thing to get rid of them.

……

……

Ningxia.

Lingzhou Sobei Xiajiabao is less than thirty miles away from the Yellow River. When Yang Yiqing led his troops to Xiajiabao, they saw that the fortress was in devastation. The Tatars used thunder to defeat the Ming Dynasty defenders in the fort. Forced to retreat, they did not occupy Xiajiabao, but continued north to prepare to forcefully cross the Yellow River.

It was already after three days and three nights of continuous marching. Even though the only people following were cavalry, horses or chariots, the soldiers were already exhausted.

Guo Jun personally came to Yang Yiqing to complain: "Sir, wherever the river can be crossed, the boats have been burned long ago. Logically speaking, the Tatars cannot force the crossing. Although it is not the spring flood of the Yellow River, there is a lot of water in the river as summer approaches."

Yang Yiqing asked: "What if the Tatars build a pontoon bridge or use a sheepskin raft?"

The guard eunuch who followed, Zhang He, with red eyes, reminded: "Yang Junmen, let's be realistic. No matter how fierce the Tatars are, they can't stop the river, right? If they rely on rafts, there are tens of thousands of them. Man, when will it be shipped?"

"After crossing the river, is there any way to stop it?" Yang Yiqing asked the question.

Guo Jun said: "Although the Ningxia Guard is close to the north, all the troops and horses that can be brought out have been mobilized before. There are not many men and horses left in each guard post. Even in the town, there are only two or three thousand people left behind, and most of them are They are infantry, if they are used to intercept them..."

Yang Yiqing interrupted Guo Jun and said: "So far, we have achieved some results, but if we let the Tatars retreat like this, what is the difference between letting them retreat unscathed? You won't be satisfied with the results in front of you, right? ?”

Guo Jun was speechless.

The Tatars have at least 2000 cavalry, but so far they can only kill more than [-], and only get [-] heads.

The Tatars withdrew from the territory of the Ming Dynasty with one-tenth of their battle losses, which was equivalent to wreaking havoc in the territory of the Ming Dynasty. It seems that the results of the Ming Dynasty were not bad, but if it is based on the results achieved by Wang Shouren on the grassland before, Said, this achievement... is simply not worth mentioning.

Zhang Xeng said: "That is a little Tatar prince. He is unusual. Yang Junmen should not force the soldiers. Why not stay in Xia Family Fort to rest for the night? It will not be too late to pursue him tomorrow."

"Report!"

Just as he was talking, a messenger arrived.

After Yang Yiqing made a gesture, the messenger shouted loudly: "Uncle Xiangcheng sent someone to inform you that he has been stationed eight miles northwest and can advance troops at any time to block the Tatars from crossing the Yellow River north."

Yang Yiqing looked at Guo Jun and some generals who were not very talkative, and said: "Did you hear that? Even Uncle Xiangcheng has led his troops to follow. Needless to say, Marquis Wu'an must be following him. Now we Even worse than them?"

Zhang Xu said: "We have gone through several battles. The march was longer than theirs, and the soldiers are more tired. Since before the battle between Shigouyi and the Tatars, the soldiers have not had any rest. If the battle continues like this, something will happen."

Yang Yiqing said stubbornly: "If we don't fight, something will happen to us all."

"This...why don't you listen?" Zhang Xun felt that his mission had been completed and there was no need to take risks anymore.

Since the Tatars want to cross the river and go north, let them go. Even if they are still the territory of the Ming Dynasty after crossing, the worst is to continue to exert pressure and make them retreat.

Why should we risk our lives with the Tatars?
Zhang Xudao continued: "Don't chase after the poor bandits. They will fight to the death. We can't fight anymore. Mr. Baoguo is still missing."

Originally, he and Yang Yiqing had discussed that they would wait for Zhu Hui to arrive, and then all the armies would cooperate to encircle the Tatars.

As a result, Zhang Yanling's troops did not keep up, nor did Zhu Hui and several other troops who set off for the Hetao expedition. Chen Rui failed to keep up. Even Yang Yiqing's own infantry did not keep up. Only Li Wei and Zheng Ying's troops did not keep up. Two groups of men and horses followed, and now Zhang Xun knew that the two groups of men and horses only had [-] riders each.

This is a decisive battle with the Tatars, and the situation is worse than Shigoucheng.

After all, the number of firearms here is already very small, which means that they are going to have a hand-to-hand battle with the Tatars, but the Tatar side has very little loss of crossbows, or the Tatars have not had a chance to fire them yet.

Even in close combat, compared with swords, guns, swords and halberds, the Ming soldiers obviously did not have an advantage.

Yang Yiqing said: "It is too hasty to burn the ships. We should send a group to cross the river from the upper reaches and attack the Tatars before they have a stable foothold across the river! Then our Chinese army will advance behind them and we will definitely win."

Zhang Xu said: "If we still have [-] cannons, and each cannon has enough shells, then what Yang Junmen said is still possible. But where can we still have them now?"

Yang Yiqing asked sharply: "Then watch the Tatars cross the Yellow River north and fly away? Now that they don't go to the Hetao, it will mean that this will be the last chance to stop them. After here, what else is there? Can they block their way north? Can we rely on passes to defend them from the inside?"

Zhang Xun didn't answer.

Yang Yiqing continued to question: "What is their purpose of crossing the Yellow River north, can't you see it? From here, it will be the most fertile land in Zhongtun, Zhongtun, Ningxia. The people have not been properly resettled, and there are many cattle, sheep, and livestock. Is it possible? Let them rob people, animals and property and take this route to the north, leaving us beyond our reach?"

Guo Jun clenched his fists and said, "Tatars are really dangerous!"

Zhang He glared at Guo Jun and said to himself, "Aren't you here to persuade us to stop the war?"Why do you seem so angry now?
Then Zhang Xun suddenly came over.

As the commander-in-chief of Ningxia, Guo Jun, like the surrounding generals, has property in Ningxia. The family members, relatives, friends, and even the land and tribes of these military households are basically all around the Ningxia Guard, that is, they are all on the Yellow River. North Shore.

The situation described by Yang Yiqing is exactly what the local soldiers least want to see.

Only when their own vital interests are threatened, can they change their minds. At this time when they can fight or not, they are determined to follow Yang Yiqing and complete this seemingly difficult encounter.

Zhang Xeng said: "Whether they attack like this or block them from the other side, the Tatars are fighting with their backs against the wall. They will fight to the death and have no way to retreat. Yang Junmen, you should think twice. With your achievements in the first two battles, you You have a bright future, don't worry about your future, don't risk your life here."

Yang Yiqing said: "Since I have been ordered by the emperor to patrol the land of Ningxia, I must take on the responsibility of guarding a territory. Not to mention that our army has been victorious in consecutive battles. Even if we are at the end of the road, there is no reason to expect the people of the Ming Dynasty." You will retreat. Everyone, let’s fight tonight! No matter whether it succeeds or not, you will not be worthy of the uniform you are wearing!”

……

……

Yang Yiqing immediately ordered the troops to continue advancing.

Before they had gone far, they received news that a special envoy from Li Nuo's army next door had come to discuss the invasion of troops.

"At this time..." Yang Yiqing obviously didn't like to be influenced by others.

You, Li Hao, are so ambitious. You lead 2000 people, but you want to command seven or eight thousand cavalry under my command?I am still the governor of Ningxia, who are you?
Wu Xun still wants to compete with the civil servants of the Ming Dynasty for battlefield command?
"Sir, this is Prince Consort Cui." When his subordinates reported the name of the visitor, Yang Yiqing instantly became interested.

"Ah."

Yang Yiqing reined in the horse, asked someone to hand over a torch, and then said: "He has the courage to come here all night long. Let him come close and talk while riding the horse." (End of this chapter)