The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

The army will set out on the tenth day of the first lunar month. This is a decision made by Zhu Youtang and Zhang Zhou, the emperor and his minister. It does not require the consent of the court ministers and the matter will be implemented.

What is very different from the past is that Zhang Zhou is now in charge of the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue. He can implement matters concerning the transfer of troops and grain by himself. It seems that he does not usually appear in the yamen, but the real power in his hands is very stable. As long as he is willing, it would not matter even if he has to transport all the grain in Taicang out.

The Ming Dynasty's court system had basically been abolished during this year. The ministers had not seen the emperor for a long time, and they seemed powerless in such major events that concerned the country's economy and people's livelihood.

Zhang Zhou was going to lead 3,000 troops into the grassland, but the news was not announced directly to the public. What the emperor announced through edict was that he was going to personally lead troops to Datong Town and he was going to tour Weininghai... As soon as this news came out, people in the court felt panic.

Because it was the New Year holiday, it was difficult for the court officials to gather together at this time. However, many censors gathered at the palace gate, as if they were determined to make their own suggestions until their death.

This can be considered as a traditional art performance of the so-called loyal ministers of the Ming Dynasty.

However, Zhang Zhou, the person involved, was still actively preparing for war. Even Zhu Youtang did not intend to kill those ministers who advised him against it. On the second day of the Lunar New Year, Zhu Youtang even went out of the city with Zhang Zhou to participate in a military review.

"Suddenly..."

On the parade grounds, military exercises no longer used ordinary flintlock guns, but Gatling-style machine guns.

Even with the water cooling mode, it is still difficult to withstand the high temperature.

With the help of the Gatling gun, the earth wall on the opposite side was riddled with holes, and Zhu Youtang stood on a high place and watched through a telescope. It was very exciting to watch, and he felt at ease in his heart.

After a simple demonstration, Zhu Youtang turned around and looked at Zhang Zhou and asked, "How much is this thing?"

"Four or five hundred." Zhang Zhou said, "We are still stepping up the production of fire bombs, this is the key. At the same time, when manufacturing, all the parts used are replacements, which is different from the previous overall structure. Even if the gun body is damaged, it can be replaced in the shortest time on the battlefield."

Zhu Youtang nodded and said, "If the Tartars knew we had this thing, I'm afraid no one would dare to come to the Ming Dynasty. In fact, think about it, if we use this thing and set it up anywhere, even if there are only a few people guarding it, I'm afraid it will be like one man blocking a pass with ten thousand men unable to get through."

Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "The number of fire bombs is the key. We also need to repair and maintain them, which is very difficult. There are several new weapons next, all of which are based on the modified fire bombs. Your Majesty, please move."

Zhu Youtang said excitedly: "Let's go."

Obviously, watching the demonstration of the new weapon has greatly boosted his confidence.

What Zhang Zhou brought was not just the traditional bulky machine gun, because its role in mobile warfare is always limited. The most amazing thing Zhang Zhou showed was, of course, the rifle that could be used for mobility, which already had the foundation for modern warfare.

With this thing, not to mention conquering the northern barbarians, even conquering the whole world would be a piece of cake.

……

……

Just when many middle and lower-level censors were gathering at the Zuoshun Gate of the Imperial Palace, Liu Jian, who was at home, learned the news and quickly asked someone to call Li Dongyang over.

"Go and tell them to disperse and not cause trouble." Liu Jian expressed his dissatisfaction with the actions of the middle and lower-level censors.

Li Dongyang said: "Putting pressure on His Majesty in this way is also a means. His Majesty's sudden tour may be the beginning of disaster for Ming Dynasty."

Liu Jian asked, "Is it the time when the Tatars invade? Have you ever thought about why His Majesty is determined to go to the northwest now?"

Li Dongyang shook his head.

In his opinion, or in the opinion of most traditional civil servants, the emperor's move was roughly similar to the situation before the Battle of Tumu, in which the emperor insisted on leading the army in person, and the result might very well be that he would be killed in the northwest.

Li Dongyang even wondered, Liu Jian, are you planning to use this method to eliminate the treacherous ministers and let Zhang Zhou become like Wang Zhen in the past, relying on foreign barbarians to make him die?
Liu Jian said helplessly: "There are some things you don't understand yet. Go."

Li Dongyang frowned and said, "What else do you not understand? Should we stop the ministers from making suggestions? Where is the dignity of the court?"

"Alas! Your Majesty is going to send Zhang Bingkuan to lead 3,000 soldiers to the grassland. This news was specially told to me by Eunuch Chen from the Imperial Household Department. What do you think is the purpose of Your Majesty leading troops to the northwest? It's just to show off your power."

Liu Jian finished speaking.

Li Dongyang seemed to understand Liu Jian's intention instantly.

As long as Zhang Zhou was willing to take the risk himself and lead three thousand soldiers into the grassland and die on the grassland, it would not be impossible for the emperor to help Zhang Zhou gain respect.

But if that's the case...the civil officials are a bit too despicable and shameless.

In order to eradicate the cancer Zhang Zhou, they were willing to let the emperor be the bait?

Liu Jian said: "Zhang Bingkuan is so confident, why not help him? Your Majesty will send troops sooner or later if he doesn't send troops today. A battle in the northwest is inevitable, and there is no need to stop it."

Now is not the time when treacherous ministers are in power in the traditional sense, so Liu Jian expressed his support for the emperor's move to lead the army in person.

This was something Li Dongyang had not expected.

But since Liu Jian said so, Li Dongyang could only persuade his colleagues outside Zuo Shunmen on behalf of the cabinet to accept reality.

……

……

After a military exercise, the three thousand soldiers are basically ready. All that remains is to spend a few days preparing and completing the final rehearsal.

After that, Zhu Youtang did not rush back to the palace, but met with Xie Zheng, the Shaoqing of the Dali Temple, in the parade ground outside the city.

Xie Zheng felt extremely honored to be able to meet the emperor. After all, judging from his official position and qualifications, he was able to become an official basically entirely with the help of Xie Qian. He did not ask for a high official position, but now it seemed as if he had become the emperor's confidant.

During this extraordinary period, everyone could see the emperor.

Even he himself felt that he was the son of a criminal and that his father was still suffering for the family.

"Mr. Xie, I heard that Mr. Zhang came to your house a few days ago to treat your daughter's illness?" Zhu Youtang asked.

Xie Zheng was startled and looked around, but did not see Zhang Zhou. At this time, Zhang Zhou was still completing some pre-war preparations and was not always with Zhu Youtang.

"Yes." Xie Zhengdao.

Zhu Youtang asked, "Is your father in good health now?"

"Not bad." Xie Zheng replied.

Zhu Youtang smiled and said, "I am planning to have your father accompany me when I send troops to the northwest. What do you think?"

Xie Zheng thought, this is a good thing.

But as a son, how could he agree to such a thing on behalf of his elderly father? He also vaguely felt that the emperor was only speaking half of his words, and his purpose was not simple.

Xie Zhengdao said: "Your Majesty, my father is old and frail and cannot stand the journey. It would be better for me to accompany you."

"Haha." Zhu Youtang smiled and said, "Do you know why I asked you to come?"

"I... don't know." Xie Zhengdao.

Zhu Youtang smiled and said, "I want to find a matchmaker for your daughter. Are you interested?"

"This……"

Xie Zheng didn't expect that the emperor's thinking was so eccentric that he could have such strange ideas.

Zhu Youtang said, "Your daughter's life was saved by Bingkuan, and Bingkuan is about to complete an unprecedented war for the Ming Dynasty. As the Junior Minister of the Dali Temple, I can also let you accompany Bingkuan and make plans for him. And your father, please follow me."

"Ah?" Xie Zheng was surprised.

Zhu Youtang said again: "This battle is related to the stability of the north for decades or even hundreds of years to come, and it is related to the fate of the Ming Dynasty. It is an honor for me to witness all of this in my lifetime. And your father is in this situation today because of the feud with Bingkuan."

Xie Zhengxin said, Your Majesty, you are very direct in your words.

Isn't it because of the fight between my father and Zhang Zhou that he has ended up like this? But my father has now reconciled with Zhang Zhou. "I will only feel relieved if your two families marry. Your father is old. After this battle, whether he continues to serve as an official or returns to his hometown to live out his days, it's up to him." Zhu Youtang said.

When Xie Zheng heard this, he thought it was a good idea.

Xie Zhengdao: "I am willing to marry."

Zhu Youtang smiled and said, "Did I tell you that? Who was it to?"

Xie Zhengdao: "It is with Duke Cai."

"There are so many people in Duke Cai's mansion, who are they following?" Zhu Youtang asked.

This really stumped Xie Zheng.

If the emperor was planning to arrange a matchmaking for Zhang Zhou's eldest son, Zhang Jun, it seemed a little too early. He could only marry his daughter to Zhang Zhou as a concubine...but considering his daughter's age, it seemed too unfair.

After all, Xie Junnu is still young. Although she is only fifteen years old, she is considered to be of age.

But Zhang Zhou is more than ten years older than his daughter after all.

Zhu Youtang said, "Go back and think about it. Bingkuan arranged the marriage before he left. Your daughter's health should not have recovered yet, right?"

"It has improved greatly." Xie Zheng said, "I can get out of bed now."

Zhu Youtang was surprised and asked, "So soon? I remember that the medicine should be taken on the last day of the New Year, right?"

"Yes, just two days." Xie Zhengdao.

Zhu Youtang exclaimed in amazement: "A miracle drug is a miracle drug. It will take effect in one or two days. It really has the effect of bringing the dead back to life. It seems that your daughter is not destined to die."

Speaking of this, Zhu Youtang also showed a smile on his face.

This means that from now on, his loved ones and friends will also be able to enjoy the benefits brought by this magical medicine.

"I am willing to accept it." Xie Zhengdao said.

Zhu Youtang smiled and said, "It's good that you are willing to accept it. Do you want to discuss it with your father?"

"This……"

Xie Zheng thought, if I let my old father know about this when I get back, will he be willing?

The eldest granddaughter of the Xie family is going to be someone's concubine. It's really... hard to say it out loud. If the traditional civil officials in the court knew about it, wouldn't they say that Xie Qian has no principles?

"Let's talk about it." Zhu Youtang said, "I never want to force anyone to do anything."

……

……

After Xie Zheng talked with Zhu Youtang, he was immediately allowed to return to the city and go home.

After he returned home, Xie Qian was walking with Xie Junnu in the yard. Because Xie Junnu had a serious illness, she was not supposed to go out normally. But because Zhang Zhou's doctor's advice asked her to go out more often to bask in the sun and breathe fresh air, the Xie family knew that Zhang Zhou was a miracle doctor, so they naturally obeyed his advice.

"Dajung, what's wrong?"

When Xie Qian saw his son coming back, he walked over and saw that his son was evasive. Based on his understanding as a father, he naturally asked a few more questions.

Xie Zhengdao: "I just received the imperial edict and went to see the emperor."

When Xie Qian heard this, the smile on his face faded, and he then called his son to his own room in the small courtyard.

The space inside is not big, just enough to fit a bed and a table. It is also where Xie Qian has lived during his return to Beijing.

"What's going on?" Xie Qian asked.

Xie Zhengdao: "His Majesty told me that he is going to lead the army in person."

"Oh." Xie Qian said, "Your Majesty has had this intention for many years. Before Zhang Bingkuan entered the court, Your Majesty had mentioned it privately, but at that time the military and political situation in the Ming Dynasty was in chaos and could not accommodate such a personal expedition, so there was no follow-up. Now... when are you going to set out?"

"In about ten days." Xie Zhengdao.

"It's a bit hasty." Xie Qian said, "Why should I ask you to talk about this?"

Xie Zhengdao: "Let me follow Zhang Butang and go to war with him, and also let you, father, accompany him."

"Well." Xie Qian said, "It's good to make up for one's crime and make meritorious service."

"Father, do you feel you are guilty?" Xie Zheng asked.

"This... is hard to say. My father was too persistent at the beginning. Sometimes party struggles happen imperceptibly. Now thinking about it, it's still a little ridiculous. If I did something wrong, I did something wrong. Even if I'm found guilty by Your Majesty, I have no regrets." Xie Qian said.

Xie Zhengdao: "Your Majesty also mentioned that he wanted Jun Nu to..."

"Your Majesty mentioned Junnu?" Xie Qian seemed confused.

"Yes, he said that he would grant the marriage to Junnu." Xie Zheng was too embarrassed to continue. It seemed that in his opinion, Xie Qian would definitely not be able to accept this.

Xie Qian said with a straight face, "Your Majesty wants to grant Junnu and Bingkuan a marriage, right?"

"Father, you..."

Xie Zheng seemed very surprised. Could his old father guess this?

Xie Qian said, "Your Majesty wants to use the marriage to win allies for Bingkuan and make others accept him. How could I not know this? Now that Bingkuan and I have reconciled, Your Majesty may still need me in the future. If I continue to be irreconcilable with Bingkuan after returning to the court, wouldn't that be a waste of Your Majesty's efforts?"

"Father, you mean..."

"Yes. I agree." Xie Qian said.

Xie Zheng hurriedly said: "But father, Jun Nu..."

Xie Qian said: "Junnu is a young girl, but she has a lot of ideas, but she is a child with her own opinions. You can ask her. As a grandfather, you can't sacrifice her for the benefit of the family. If you just ask for your father's opinion, I have no opinion... Bingkuan is kind by nature, and he will be an indispensable person in the future of the Ming Dynasty. I don't object to this marriage."

Xie Zheng thought about it and agreed.

Lin Han, as the Minister of Personnel, married his daughter, and you married your granddaughter...

In this case, our family has gotten the better deal.

"But the child is still young..." Xie Qian suddenly sighed again.

Xie Zhengdao said, "Your Majesty is saying that Zhang Butang is going to lead 3,000 soldiers into the grasslands with a powerful weapon and use himself as bait. The wedding will take place soon."

"How can this be possible? Junnu's body hasn't recovered yet..." Xie Qian said, "Even if she agrees, is this...appropriate?"

Xie Zheng sighed and said, "Maybe we can send the person to Zhang's house first and settle the matter."

Xie Qian suddenly smiled and said, "That's good. This way, I won't feel like I owe Bingkuan any great favor. Isn't it right for him to save his family?"

Xie Zheng almost wanted to roll his eyes.

I thought to myself, father, you really are willing to sacrifice nothing. In order to achieve this goal, you even let your granddaughter marry a powerful man who is ten years older than her.

Are you smart or stupid? Aren't you afraid that others will laugh at you if they find out? (End of this chapter)