King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 504 Celebration Banquet

After the morning inspection, Zhu Jinghong returned to the official office, and Sun Shaozu, who was responsible for commanding the various Tibetan ministries, also followed him.

"Commander, the war at Anxi Xingdusi has not stopped yet. I am willing to lead my army to support!"

In the inner courtyard of the government office, armors were placed on shelves in the courtyard, and several eunuchs were carefully maintaining them.

There was a chair on the steps. Zhu Jinghong sat here and watched the eunuchs busy. Sun Shaozu stood at the foot of the steps with his waist bent.

Of the three rebel countries in the northwest, only the Tushetu Khanate has been pacified. Therefore, Zhu Jinghong intended to send troops eastward to cooperate with Prince Teng in winter to suppress the rebels in Zhasak and Bria.

This matter has been discussed by the senior officials of the Governor's Office, and the matter has only been initially decided. The matter of which troops to send and who will lead them has not yet been discussed in detail.

Sun Shaozu heard the news, so he came to ask for a fight.

As the commander-in-chief of the front army, he could only issue orders solely because of Zhu Jinghong's support, and there was no official appointment from the court.

Strictly speaking, he is just a small commander of the Jingwei and is not qualified to command the army at all.

Therefore, he urgently needs military glory, so he is most eager for war.

Zhu Jinghong took the initiative to spread the news about sending troops to support Anxi Xingdusi, but only Sun Shaozu came to ask for a fight.

It can be seen that for other generals, the desire for military glory is not that strong.

"Which army do you think is appropriate to send to support?" Zhu Jinghong did not express his position, but asked a new question.

Sun Shaozu was not in a hurry, and after thinking for a while he replied: "I think the Jurchen tribes are the most suitable!"

"These people dare to fight, fight hard, and are not afraid of death. They can do anything for military glory!"

The original intention of the Jurchen army that came to join the war was to gain benefits.

It’s just a matter of earning military pay from fighting. Military merit can also be exchanged for silver and food. This is much faster than earning money from herding, fishing and hunting.

This time, they tasted the sweetness. The Jurchens were extremely brave, and their fighting enthusiasm was unusually high.

There is no way, the Jurchen people are really afraid of poverty, and they will not let go of the opportunity to gain benefits now.

Sun Shaozu's words coincided with Zhu Jinghong's thoughts. At this time, he felt that it would be a good idea to let this guy go.

Although Sun Shaozu's character was not very good, he still had two skills in fighting. The most important thing was that he had a thorough understanding of the northwest and could often grasp the key points when formulating strategies.

"What are your thoughts on pacifying Zasak and Bria?"

Sun Shaozu had considered this issue carefully, and he came prepared today.

"Reporting to the commander-in-chief, I think we should concentrate our forces and destroy the eastern part of Zhasak first. This is their main pastoral area..."

Zhu Jinghong sat on the chair and listened quietly to Sun Shaozu's explanation, thinking about his words in his mind.

The guy talked for two moments before stopping. Zhu Jinghong agreed with most of his explanations, and he made up his mind.

Picking up the tea cup, Zhu Jinghong said quietly: "It's not impossible to let you go, but you have to do things beautifully!"

"Thank you so much for your trust, Marshal!" Sun Shaozu was extremely happy.

"Go down and think up a strategy and present it to the Governor's Office when they discuss this matter!"

"Yes!"

"Go!"

"I resign!"

After Sun Shaozu left, Zhu Jinghong said to Yu Hai again: "Where should I go, Qing?"

Yu Hai replied: "Replying to the prince, the news was spread a month ago. It has been more than 20 days since they left, and I am afraid they have already entered Shaanxi!"

It was bitterly cold outside the Great Wall, so Zhu Jinghong did not let Qin Keqing follow him, and later even asked her to go back first.

Now he was leaving to return to Beijing, so he asked about his itinerary.

"I'm afraid that in a few days, they will arrive in Beijing!" Zhu Jinghong said after guessing.

At this moment, I saw a eunuch hurried in from outside the door and announced: "Your Majesty, Wang Changshi is here!"

Perhaps because it had been too long, Zhu Jinghong took several seconds to react before he realized who the eunuch was talking about.

"Invite him in!"

A few minutes later, Wang Peian walked in wearing official uniform, and Zhu Jinghong almost didn't recognize him.

Compared with before, Wang Pei'an was not only thinner but also darker. The force of wind and frost made him look much older.

In fact, even Zhu Jinghong, who had taken good care of himself, was much thinner than before, and the queen still felt distressed when he returned to Beijing.

Wang Pei'an was about to salute, but Zhu Jinghong stepped forward to support him, and then asked: "Sir, long time no see, how are you doing lately?"

Zhu Jinghong has always respected people with integrity like Wang Pei'an. After all, there are few such people in the world.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. Everything is fine!"

"His Highness deserves the greatest credit for conquering Hami and ending the war ahead of schedule. It is truly a blessing to the court and the people!"

Others said that Zhu Jinghong would not take this seriously, but it was completely different when it came out of Wang Peian's mouth.

"Sir, you are overly complimentary!"

"If it weren't for Mr. Supervising from the rear, the supply of food and grass would not be so smooth. He is also a man of outstanding merit!"

What Zhu Jinghong said was true. With Wang Pei'an watching from behind, the local officials did not dare to shirk the blame, and the efficiency of transporting grain and grass was greatly improved.

Everyone is afraid of making this man unhappy and bringing up those old cases again, which will have disastrous consequences.

"Your Highness, I have something to report this time, which involves a certain general of Your Highness!"

Instructing Yu Hai to move a stool for Wang Pei'an, Zhu Jinghong then said: "Sir, sit down and talk!"

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

After sitting down, Wang Pei'an reported: "I think your Highness still remembers that the Holy One arranged an errand for me that day, and ordered me to thoroughly investigate the affairs of Anxi's capital trip, especially what happened after the Battle of Kushu Castle!"

"Yes!" Zhu Jinghong nodded, of course he knew about this.

Moreover, he also knew that at that time, Sun Shaozu was still serving in Anxi Xingdu Division, and Kushu Fort was the area under his jurisdiction.

So at this time, Zhu Jinghong had already guessed that the so-called involved general in Wang Peian's mouth was, not surprisingly, Sun Shaozu.

"I personally went to Kushu Castle and found some herdsmen in the surrounding area, and asked them about the situation at that time!"

Since the war started, the herdsmen around Kushu Castle have long since fled, so it is indeed not easy to find these people, and it also involves certain risks.

It has to be said that Wang Pei'an's behavior really surprised Zhu Jinghong again.

"Sir, continue!"

"According to my investigation, after the Battle of Kushu Castle, in order to cover up their inability to respond to the battle, the Yongning Guards massacred herdsmen around Kushu Castle as a reward for their military exploits... and the commander of the Yongning Guards that day was His Highness. My beloved general Sun Shaozu!"

In fact, Wang Pei'an was wrong here. At that time, Sun Shaozu did not want to kill good people and gain merit, but to make the battle losses look good, so he would kill herdsmen on a large scale as military merit.

The situation at that time was that all the Ming troops guarding Kushu Fort were killed, but the enemy army did not leave a few corpses. If this was spread, Anxi Xingdusi would definitely be ridiculed.

Therefore, Wu Changhui, the then commander of the capital, instructed his subordinates to handle this matter.

"Is this happening?" Zhu Jinghong pretended to be surprised.

In the army of this era, it is not uncommon to kill good people and take credit for their merits. Those with low limits will even kill their own citizens.

"Following this matter, I continued to investigate for some time, and found out that Anxi Xingdusi is within its jurisdiction. There are numerous similar incidents... Therefore, it has caused public resentment!"

"The rebellion of Zhasak and other three countries must be said to be closely related to this matter!"

"Sir, what you said makes sense!" Zhu Jinghong replied calmly.

"This matter involves a lot, sir, do you plan to investigate further?"

After experiencing the turmoil of the last investigation, although Wang Pei'an became famous, he also offended many people in the officialdom. It doesn't matter if the civil servants are dissatisfied with him. If he investigates this matter further, he will offend the military heroes to death.

"After experiencing the last incident, I also understood some truth. Those who know the current affairs are heroes... Now I understand a little bit!" Wang Pei'an smiled.

Zhu Jinghong's jaw almost dropped when Wang Pei'an said the words "Knowing the current affairs and becoming a hero".

He knows that Wang Pei'an has evolved and will no longer run rampant. He will understand and apply the rules more carefully, and then crack down on those who run rampant.

"So, sir, are you here for this trip?" Zhu Jinghong was particularly confused.

Wang Pei'an then replied: "After careful investigation, Sun Shaozu and his ministers concluded that this person has evil intentions and is treacherous and cunning..."

"Every day the military reports are carefully read by the ministers, and they realize that His Highness relies heavily on Sun Shaozu, so he made a special trip to remind him!"

So this person traveled thousands of miles just to remind himself to be careful about Sun Shaozu.

Looking at Wang Pei'an's vicissitudes of life, Zhu Jinghong couldn't help but feel a little moved, but he quickly suppressed it.

"Excuse me for coming so far, sir. Thank you for reminding me!"

After thanking him, Zhu Jinghong continued: "When marching and fighting, I only look at the talents of generals and ignore their personal ethics. This is indeed an oversight!"

"I just remind your highness not to be fooled by Sun Shaozu. I really admire your highness for commanding the battle, and I have no intention of criticizing him!" Wang Pei'an also explained quickly.

Even if this matter was over, Zhu Jinghong took a sip from the tea cup and planned to change the topic and continue the conversation.

However, Wang Pei'an spoke first and said: "Your Highness, I have one more thing to do when I come here this time!"

"Sir, just tell me!"

"There are accounts for the transportation of grain and fodder out of the warehouse and out of customs. I plan to check the receiving accounts again!"

Wang Pei'an made it complicated. In fact, he wanted to check the accounts of the various guards and the Northwest Governor's Office. I have to say that this matter is indeed quite embarrassing.

So is this person here to remind me to be careful, or is he here to check the accounts? Or maybe both?

The princess is greedy for money, but I am not greedy for money. This person will not suspect that I am greedy for money, right? Zhu Jinghong had an extremely ridiculous idea.

In fact, his idea was not absurd at all. After all, his good brother Rui Wang and even the prince were not less filial in private.

As for his concubine brothers, there were even more illegal things in private. Wang Pei'an knew this very well.

Of course, Wang Pei'an knew Zhu Jinghong's character, and he did not doubt Zhu Jinghong's greed for money.

After a few breaths of silence, Zhu Jinghong said with a smile: "Sir, you have been tired all the way, so you should rest for a few days and recover before checking again!"

At the moment, all the ministries are busy celebrating their victory. It would be uncomfortable to check the accounts at this time, and Zhu Jinghong didn't want this teacher to attract too much hatred.

"Come here, send Wang Changshi to rest!" Zhu Jinghong said in a deep voice.

By now, Wang Pei'an knew that Zhu Jinghong was a person with ideas, and since he wanted to see off the guest, he no longer forced him to stay.

After Wang Pei'an left, Zhu Jinghong looked at Yu Hai and asked, "Sun Shaozu, what do you think of this person...?"

Although Yu Hai is a very smart man, he just looks honest and dull, and he doesn't compete for his responsibilities, so Zhu Jinghong keeps him by his side.

Deng An and Zhang Pingan fought in various ways for the position of the first eunuch of the palace, but in fact they both knew that the one Zhu Jinghong trusted the most was Yu Hai.

"This person is indeed ruthless and cunning, and I think the prince should be wary of this person!" Yu Hai said solemnly.

…………

Soon another two days passed, and it was September 29th.

In these two days, the military merits of each ministry and guard were sorted out. After verification and joint seal by the Governor-General's Office, they were sent directly to the court.

Of course, the list of three hundred meritorious deeds has also been selected and will be publicly commended today at the camp in the south of the city.

I have to say here that eunuch Huang Qing was still thoughtful enough, and the medal mentioned by Zhu Jinghong was obtained by this guy.

The blacksmiths in Hami City were found by Huang Qing. He asked these people to make templates for the medals, and then used them to make several intaglio plates, and then they could be mass-produced.

The abandoned cannons on the city wall were collected and melted by this guy, and the molten iron obtained was the material for pouring the medal.

Three hundred medals were rushed out in less than a day, and now they appeared in Zhu Jinghong's hands.

The medal is about five centimeters in diameter. There is a small hole drilled in it, and a red string is passed through it. The medal can be tied to the belt.

It seemed a bit funny to have the medal hanging on his waist, but Zhu Jinghong couldn't help but think that this thing was not meant to be pinned to his chest.

The front of the medal is engraved with the words "Warriors of the Battle of Hami" and the back is engraved with the words "Twelve Years of Orthodoxy".

This is the main part of the medal. In addition to these words, there are some patterns around it, which looks simple, simple and detailed.

"Huang Qing, you did a good job on this job, really good!"

As a military eunuch, strictly speaking Huang Qing could supervise Zhu Jinghong, but he was a slave from beginning to end.

"Your Majesty is right, so I can help you share your worries. This is your blessing!" Huang Qing said flatteringly.

Zhu Jinghong said with a smile: "You are so mature and prudent. It is really unfair to stay in the imperial prison. I think you are qualified to be in the ceremonial prison!"

"Your Majesty really praises his slaves. Compared to Eunuch Lu, these tricks are insignificant!"

After the two of them chatted for a while, a group of generals also rushed over, all coming to check out these "medals."

Soon the ceremony officially began. The first thing was to praise the emperor's virtue. This matter was of course handled by Liang Qian.

After ten minutes of eloquence, Liu Fang read out the military merit statistics of each guard. This was what the generals present were most concerned about.

After reading the military newspaper, Huang Qing read out the list of three hundred warriors, which also pushed the atmosphere to the highest climax.

The sergeants whose names were called followed the instructions from the side seats to the center of the venue and lined up. After a while, Zhu Jinghong will award them with medals and a new sword tied with a red ribbon.

The people present at the scene, except for the generals above the command level, were these soldiers who had basically no rank. The composition of the crowd could be said to be extremely fragmented.

In the past, these soldiers would not have dared to raise their heads under the gaze of all the generals, but today they all held their heads high.

The workload of awarding medals and swords to 300 people is not small at all, but Zhu Jinghong decided to do it himself.

After everyone stood still, they heard Huang Qing read loudly: "Your Highness, Prince Xiang, respectfully invites you to present the medal and sword!"

Under the gaze of everyone, Zhu Jinghong stood up from his position, walked to the front, looked at the people lined up below, and said with a smile: "I'm afraid you have been waiting for a long time for this moment!"

"I've always liked warriors. I naturally keep my word. I'll have a drink with you later!"

"You are His Majesty's loyal ministers and heroes of the Ming Dynasty... You deserve this king's glass of wine!"

There wasn't too much nonsense. Zhu Jinghong's words were concise and concise, which was essentially an affirmation of everyone present.

And this kind of affirmation that transcends identity restrictions is enough for these people to remember this day for a long time, or even for a lifetime.

After a few brief words, Zhu Jinghong walked to the audience and received the medal and sword that the eunuch was about to award.

"good……"

"very good……"

Every time he came in front of someone, Zhu Jinghong would give a simple compliment before handing something over to him.

The entire awarding process took almost half an hour. These soldiers were still extremely excited and eager to return to the military camp and show their medals and sabers to Pao Ze.

After the awarding was completed, the celebration banquet officially began, and the ingredients and drinks were already prepared.

It has to be said here that Huang Qing really thought everything through. He even found a group of women from the city to add color to the live dance.

This celebration banquet was undoubtedly a test for Zhu Jinghong. He had to drink with hundreds of people by himself.

Although it was difficult for him, he still enjoyed this moment of victory very much. Taking Hami City really gave him a sense of accomplishment.

First the generals and then the soldiers, Zhu Jinghong walked down the stairs several times, went to the latrine five or six times, and became drunk.

"Your Majesty, please drink less!" Yu Hai, who was standing by his side, warned carefully.

Holding the wine bowl, Zhu Jinghong said with a smile: "I'm not drunk. I want two shots tonight?"

(End of this chapter)