The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Datong Town.

At the gate of the city, Wang Shouren arranged a group of soldiers to prepare to greet Zhang Mao who was passing by and heading to Piantou Pass. It was said that he would arrive at noon, but until it was almost sunset, there was still no trace of Zhang Mao and his party.

As the general manager of Xuanda, Wang Shouren gave Zhang Mao enough face this time, but Zhang Mao still didn't appreciate it, which also made him a little annoyed.

"Sir." Ma Yi, the newly-appointed Datong Commander-in-Chief, came on horseback and explained the situation to Wang Shouren, "The troops led by the British father-in-law were stationed twenty-five miles away from the city gate. They said they wanted to pass through the palace without entering. This is the rule of the army. I have asked him to come to Datong Town to speak out, but he still refuses to come."

Ma Yi made her fortune following Wang Shouren.

In the past two years, Ma Yi has been assigned to work as a general in Jiangnan Shipyard, and he has made some achievements in Jiangnan. Later, he asked for instructions several times to be transferred to Guangdong and Guangxi as a general soldier, but he still failed to transport overseas goods to Beijing recently. He was transferred to Datong as the chief soldier and continued to work for Wang Shouren.

This also shows that the emperor planned to make a difference in the northwest, so he transferred Ma Yi back. Even the emperor knew that Ma Yi had many misdeeds of corruption and bending the law.

Wang Shouren said: "I have to discuss military matters with him, but he is so stubborn, so that's fine!"

Ma Yi said: "Sir, how about you..."

I didn’t say it clearly, but I actually wanted to remind Wang Shouren, why don’t you go pay a visit to the British Duke.

It's not far anyway, two hours is enough for a round trip. We can discuss anything, especially since everyone knows that Uncle Xin Xin is preparing to be transferred back to the capital in the future.

Such opportunities to curry favor with the chief minister are rare.

As soon as Wang Shouren waved his hand, his personal guards had already started to go into the city. He himself jumped on his horse and said: "There is no need to discuss it with him. He will lead his troops and I will lay out my plan. What do we have to do with each other?" But since his people are more important than Datong, we can’t ignore him, so if he sends someone to send some laborers, it should be regarded as a courtesy!”

"Yes."

Ma Yi could see that Wang Shouren was angry.

He was thinking about it himself.

Couldn't this British man see that this new uncle is a very powerful figure in the Ming Dynasty? What are you trying to do?

We originally came here to meet each other and have some face-to-face communication with each other, so that we can get along easily in the future, but in the end, we insisted on putting on airs. Now even Uncle Xin Xin was angry... No matter how awesome you British guy is, try it on the ground of Xuanda University. It’s up to you how you can win without the help of Xuan Da General System!

……

……

Zhang Mao in the military camp.

He has been waiting for Wang Shouren to visit him in person, so that he can teach Wang Shouren a lesson as a senior.

Unexpectedly, until dark, Wang Shouren was nowhere to be seen. He only heard that some meat, grain and other items were sent from the city, which also surprised Zhang Mao.

Liu Jing, the Marquis of Anyuan who came with the army, appeared in front of Zhang Mao while coughing, and said with a depressed look on his face: "My lord, I just asked and said that he came to deliver gifts, but Uncle Xinjian did not come to deliver anything." The people left the carriage and left, and said that if there is any need here again, they can just send someone to say hello to the people in the backcountry, and there is nothing Datong can do to help!"

"boom!"

Zhang Mao angrily pulled the helmet on the table to the ground and said angrily, "Listen, are these human words?"

Liu Jingdao: "I also find it strange. Logically speaking, this uncle Xinjian waited at the city gate for a long time in order to wait for you to arrive. However, I just heard that you didn't enter the city. Just like that... I'm slandering you. That's really shameful." ...It shouldn’t be.”

Liu Jing wanted to criticize Wang Shouren, but he thought that Wang Shouren was now a trilateral leader, a civil servant and a military officer, and his status was higher than that of Liu Jing.

From now on, Liu Jing will probably have to look up to others. Even if he just says this in front of Zhang Mao alone, he still has to restrain himself.

Zhang Mao said angrily: "They were all taught by Zhang Bingkuan. They all have a donkey temper. I was ordered to lead the troops to Pianguan. How could I casually enter Datong City on the way? But he said that a junior like him also doesn't understand etiquette. Not as good as his father!”

Liu Jing asked with a smile: "It seems that your father-in-law is very familiar with Wang Hanlin, so why don't you send someone to deliver another letter? If there is any inconvenience for you, my father-in-law, I would like to take this letter with you and do something about it." communicate."

Zhang Mao was silent for a moment.

He also seemed to be wondering whether, as an elder and a senior at that, he should depreciate himself and send someone to establish a communication channel with Wang Shouren.

In the end, he still endured and said: "Then I will write a letter and you will take it to the city overnight. If I want to win the battle, or if I really need his help, there is no need to make the relationship too tense!"

"it is good."

Liu Jing seemed willing to accept such an errand.

……

……

As a result, when Zhang Mao got up early the next day and prepared to lead his troops to continue westward, he saw Liu Jing coming back dragging his tired body.

"Just returned?" Zhang Mao asked.

When Liu Jing saw Zhang Mao, he cried sadly and said: "My lord, I have insulted your mission. Not to mention that you went into the city to deliver a letter to Uncle Xinjian. You didn't even enter the city gate! Ma Yi, the general of Datong, came to follow me. He said that all marching matters are subject to the orders of the imperial court. The Duke’s dispatch of troops this time has nothing to do with the local defense of Datong, and there is no reporting relationship, so it is just... some courtesy and thoughtfulness, and there is no need to discuss the military situation. "

"what?"

Zhang Mao was furious now.

Originally, I wanted to give Wang Shouren a boost and let Wang Shouren know who was in charge. Originally, everything was going well, and Wang Shouren even put up a posture to wait for him.

I also heard that Wang Shouren's stature was very low, so he Zhang Mao would push his nose and face, but...

Just because he considered one more step on the chessboard, Wang Shouren seemed to be angry with him. Now the person who doesn't give face has become Wang Shouren.

"Cough cough cough..."

Liu Jing coughed violently and said, "My lord, I've tried my best! I've been feeling... very unwell recently. I've informed His Majesty, requesting you to stay in Datong to recuperate. You see..."

Zhang Mao glanced at Liu Jing and said: "Old Liu, your body is not strong enough. When I was in the capital before, I thought you died in the northwest. Who knew you were still alive and came back? This time you actually took the initiative to run away. Come out, you tricked someone with the surname Zhu once before, you won’t trick me with the surname Zhang this time, right? Are you here to lead the troops, or are you here to cause trouble?"

"..." Liu Jing was speechless for a moment.

You old man Zhang really doesn't know how to give face to others. Why do you speak so unpleasantly?

But it was hard for Liu Jing to refute.

After all, Liu Jing did get closer to Zhu Hui before. If Zhu Hui hadn't fallen, maybe Liu Jing wouldn't have moved closer to Zhang Mao at all.

Moreover, Liu Jing did not perform well when he sent troops to Hetao before.

It was only because the emperor punished Zhu Hui, the chief culprit, and Liu Jingyou, the Queen Mother Zhou, came forward to protect him, that he was able to save Juelu. He even had the opportunity to go out with the army this time, but his body could not bear it anymore.

"Wang Bo'an, this kid, has learned bad things! Don't expect me to help him in the slightest in the future. This old man has taken note of this! Just wait and see!"

…    …

Because Liu Jing's condition worsened, he could only stay in Datong temporarily.

According to his tone, he said that he wanted to be a lobbyist for Zhang Mao, so that he could communicate with Wang Shouren in Datong easily, so that Zhang Mao could inform him of anything, and he would try to tell Wang Shouren... But in fact, it was because of him Physically ill.

Then Liu Jing took only a few people to Datong and recuperated in the city.

Zhang Mao took 3,000 troops from the capital camp and continued westward to Piantou Pass. It was not until late September that Zhang Mao arrived at Piantou Pass.

Because Zhang Mao himself was not the governor of Pianguan or the commander-in-chief of the army, he only came temporarily to lead the troops on the expedition. In fact, he could only come to order troops, and even had to communicate with the local officials.

The governor of Pianguan is currently vacant, and the commander-in-chief of Pianguan is a figure that Zhang Mao would never have imagined.

"Tell me again, who is it?" Zhang Mao got mad at his son Zhang Rui who came to deliver the message.

Zhang Rui said: "It is said to be Cui Prince Consort. I don't know why it is him. It was said that he was transferred back to Beijing before, but I don't know why he appeared here. He was probably transferred here temporarily. There are also rumors that recently, The new governor of Shanxi Town will be transferred here today, but no one knows the details."

"hehe!"

Zhang Mao's face was very ugly, and his smile was very forced. "The northwest is really chaotic. Hasn't Cui Maoren been left in Ningxia all the time? Even Qin Shiying ran away from Pianguan. I thought it was more normal. How could it be him? Such a fledgling boy dares to serve as the commander-in-chief in a remote area? Does he have what it takes?"

Zhang Mao was angry.

He was not angry at what Cui Yuan had done to him, but angry that an incompetent relative like Cui Yuan could climb to his current position.

And he, Zhang Maoze, seems to be incomparable to Cui Yuan.

Zhang Rui asked anxiously: "Then father, how should I discuss military matters with Prince Consort Cui tomorrow? Your Majesty said that he would allocate 50,000 troops and horses for you, but in fact, the number of troops and horses may not even be 30,000. Now the military affairs Military information and other matters need to be reported to you somewhere else, but until now... you haven't had much contact with the local government. This seems to be... a taboo among military strategists."

Zhang Maodao: "You don't want to remind my father to take good care of the group of people cultivated by Zhang Bingkuan, right? Don't you want to be a pioneer officer for my father? Should you be the pioneer, or should they be the pioneer?"

Zhang Rui said helplessly: "Father, these seem to be two different things."

"What I said is exactly the same thing!" Zhang Mao said, "Do you think I will do nothing like Zhu Hui? Now that I'm here, I want to fight, and I will fight as many people as I can. If Zhang Bingkuan dares to fool me on military affairs, , let’s see if I don’t take him to my grandma’s house! At worst, I’ll send troops from a remote pass, it doesn’t matter how far they go! The Tatars haven’t made any big moves recently! I can scare them away!”

Zhang Mao seemed very strong.

If Zhang Zhou doesn't provide it, he can solve it himself.

If the local government didn't help him, he didn't need help either. He had to fight this battle all by himself.

Zhang Rui said: "Father, it's understandable that you don't see Uncle Xin Xin, but if you don't work with Prince Consort Cui, this battle may go wrong. I'd like to go to the city to see him!"

"Why do your words feel so familiar to my father?"

Zhang Mao frowned.

I thought, hey, isn't this what Liu Jing told him before? But that time Liu Jing went to see Wang Shouren.

Moreover, Liu Jing was rejected by Wang Shouren.

Now that my son is going to see Cui Yuan, he won't be rejected by Cui Yuan again, right?

"My father has finally figured it out. They are not giving me face! They want to help Zhang Bingkuan so that I can do nothing in the northwest. When I get back, I will carry Zhang Bingkuan's shoes for him... Humph! I just can't let them despise me. ! No one needs to go! I don’t believe it, Cui Maoren dares to avoid seeing you this time! Just wait!"

……

……

Zhang Mao's temper got worse, leaving Zhang Rui speechless.

Zhang Rui was even thinking, who is his father fighting against? Cui Yuan? Wang Shouren? Or Zhang Zhou who is far away in the capital? Or the emperor?

But on the next day, someone from the city sent a message saying that Cui Yuan had set off to the east. This really shocked Zhang Mao and his son who heard the news.

"What's going on?" Zhang Mao was almost shocked.

Yesterday Cui Yuan was still the commander-in-chief of Pianguan, but not today? !

Is this a joke?

Zhang Rui said: "The decree has not yet been issued, but from the feedback from Cui Prince Consort, he only temporarily served as the commander-in-chief of Pianguan for more than ten days when he passed through Pianguan. After your arrival, father, the military affairs of Pianguan will be left to you. Come and take over, as for my father's deployment of troops and other matters, it can be done by Pianguan. "

Zhang Mao frowned and said: "But there was a battle report before, saying that the Tatars were mainly attacking Ningxia, which is too far away from Pianguan."

Zhang Mao suddenly felt as if he had been tricked by someone.

He thought he was here to adjust military affairs in the northwest, but he was only halfway there. When he arrived at Pianguan, he said he was here to mobilize some troops, but he was assigned to be the commander-in-chief of Pianguan?

Even though there is currently no governor in Pianguan, and the military affairs of the entire Pianguan can be said to be controlled by the general, Zhang Mao is still reluctant to stay in the northwest.

Zhang Rui said: "Perhaps your Majesty's intention is to ask you, father, to mobilize troops from Pianguan to go on an expedition, rather than going to Ningxia."

"This……"

Zhang Mao really had no experience in marching and fighting, so he was a little panicked at this time.

Zhang Rui said: "Father, you may wish to think that the previous people who regulated military affairs in the northwest made their own choices no matter where they sent troops. Just like the famous Wang Weining, when he sent troops in the northwest, he also judged the situation. Even if His Majesty just I will leave the military affairs and troops of Pianguan to you, but I think His Majesty’s intention is to let you act according to the opportunity.”

Zhang Mao frowned and said: "Pianguan is far away from Ningxia. It can even be said to be beyond reach. Could it be that if something happens to Ningxia, should my father lead troops from here to rush to rescue? If we don't hurry up, we might be killed. How to discuss!”

Zhang Rui reminded: "Father, in fact, during the previous battle in Ningxia, Duke Baoguo's situation seemed to be no better than that of his father."

"Ok?"

Zhang Mao continued to frown deeply.

Then he seemed to understand something and said in surprise: "Zhu Hui has been tricked. Even if he is not timid, can he really make it in time when he returns from Hetao?"

Zhang Rui said: "It's hard to say."

Zhang Mao suddenly became nervous, grabbed a memorial on the table and said: "Hurry up, go into the city, mobilize your troops quickly, even if you kill all the soldiers and horses in the side pass, I can't move on foot." Zhu Hui’s footsteps! My son, you don’t want our British Duke to become the next Duke Bao, right?”

"Father, you are worrying too much. You should hurry up and take over the defense and settle the situation first."

Zhang Rui suddenly felt that his father was making a fuss.

You weren't nervous before, but now you're so scared considering that the emperor might be setting a trap?

The emperor really wanted to trick you, why did he trick you like this?

There are a hundred ways to kill you!

Don't be too sentimental! (End of chapter)