Great Ming Dynasty Wen Chao Gong

Chapter 182 Dong Qichang returns to seclusion

"Speaking of the Battle of Shenhebei, I also don't understand. It stands to reason that in the Battle of Shenhebei, the Tuoba clan annihilated all the elite soldiers and generals of the Yan State. Why did Murongchui, an old man and seriously ill, annihilate Why did Emperor Daowu of the Northern Wei Dynasty avoid the emperor's attack, and even fled to the grasslands, not even staying in Pingcheng?" Nurhaci asked.

"Great Khan, although Murong Chui was already old at the time, he was still the number one general at that time. Even Huan Wen of the Eastern Jin Dynasty was defeated miserably at his hands. If it weren't for Wang Meng's golden sword trick, Murong Chui was forced to defect to Fu Jian , it was impossible for Fu Jian to destroy the former Yan. Later, Murong Chui took advantage of the defeat of Feishui in the former Qin to raise troops to revive the Yan State again at the age of nearly sixty. He also won every battle, and no hero in the world dared to do so. "

"And although the Yan State suffered a disastrous defeat at the Battle of Shenhepi, its foundation was still there after all. Not long after Tuoba Gui returned to the country, Dai Di was not a fertile land. At that time, there was a shortage of soldiers, horses, money and food, and the ruler The population was not large, so after winning the Battle of Shenhepi, Tuoba Gui originally wanted to let the Yan captives go, but later he was worried about letting the tiger return to the mountains and killing all the Yan captives, because he could not afford to support so many people behind him. The personal expedition also took a dangerous route, captured Pingcheng, and killed the defender Tuoba Qian and 30,000 Northern Wei defenders. This shows that Murong Chui's sword is still young. If Murong Chui had not seen the tragic scene of Shenhebei battlefield when he returned home, he would have died of anger. The outcome is yet to be determined. If Murong Chui is given another ten years, I am afraid that the Northern Wei Dynasty will turn from prosperity to decline, and may even be destroyed by the Yan State. After all, the Dai State established by the Tuoba family was once destroyed by Fu Jian. It's not unusual to be destroyed once. It's just that Murong Chui's descendants failed to live up to expectations and lost the beautiful rivers and mountains of the Central Plains to the Tuoba family," Gong Zhenglu explained.

"But I think Emperor Daowu of the Northern Wei Dynasty was afraid of Murong Chui alone. Without Murong Chui in the First Battle of Hebei, tens of thousands of the elites of the Yan Kingdom were wiped out by Tuoba Gui. From this point of view, Emperor Daowu was considered one of the top soldiers at that time. Let’s be human.”

"That's not necessarily true. There was also a strong general in the south who could compete with Emperor Daowu. That was Liu Yu, the later Emperor Wu of the Song Dynasty. However, the two did not fight directly. Later generations can only guess who was stronger. ”

"Emperor Wu of the Song Dynasty was indeed a man who knew how to fight. He was able to defeat the cavalry with infantry and chariots, which shocked the world. However, it was not a holiday, and he died of illness before he could launch an expedition against the Northern Wei Dynasty. Otherwise, who would have fought against the Wei and Song Dynasties? It’s hard to say who will win,” Nurhachi said with emotion.

"This is a story from thousands of years ago. As a descendant, it is just a daydream. When Taizong of the Tang Dynasty passed by Murong Chui's tomb, Murong Chui wrote a poem to Taizong, saying that I was better than you in the past, and you are better than me now. . There is no need to pursue glory in different generations. Since ancient times, heroes have always cherished each other." Gong Zhenglu also sighed.

"Mr. Gong, actually I still have something to ask. At that time, Murong Bao personally conquered. At the beginning, he fought and won consecutively, and even Pingcheng was captured. Why was he ambushed when he withdrew later, and the Yan army was so unable to fight? "?" Nurhachi asked.

"Great Khan, in fact, war depends on people's hearts. Murong Chui was a hero, but his prince Murong Bao was only mediocre in talent and had no prestige in the army. Murong Chui was already seriously ill at that time, so the Northern Wei Dynasty spread rumors about Murong Chui. The news of his death definitely made the Yan army's morale panic, and the clan members of the Yan state, such as Murong Lin, really wanted to usurp power. Murong Bao returned home in a hurry, but the military formation was not strict and the morale of the army was scattered. He was defeated by the 20,000 elite cavalry of the Northern Wei Dynasty. It is also normal to defeat him. Just like when the powerful official of the Western Jin Dynasty, Sima Yue, King of Donghai, died of illness, his 100,000 troops and horses were regarded as traitors by the court, and they were forced to hurriedly withdraw from Luoyang East to Donghai Kingdom. On the way, they were killed by Shi Le's 10,000 light cavalry. An army of 100,000 people can be defeated easily. If the army loses its fighting spirit, the more people there are, the faster it will be defeated."

"It doesn't matter, Mr. Gong, just take a good look at it, understand it carefully and tell me." Nurhachi said.

"Great Khan, the reason why the Six Towns Rebellion broke out in the Northern Wei Dynasty is also recorded in historical biographies. It is not that simple. At that time, Emperor Xiaowen wanted to move the capital to Luoyang, and there were many people in the court who disagreed with it. Later, Emperor Xiaowen used In the name of the Southern Expedition, they reluctantly succeeded in moving the capital. After the Northern Wei Dynasty moved the capital, they failed to gain much advantage because the six towns in the north were far away from the imperial court, and the military pay and supplies were low, so they felt resentful. There was a rebellion. But at that time, the Northern Wei Dynasty was already full of wars. There were also rebellions in Chang'an City, and the imperial army in Luoyang was also clamoring to kill ministers. It was not only the border troops who rebelled, but after the capital was moved, the Northern Wei Dynasty could not control the troops in northern Xinjiang. There is no problem. Now that the imperial court has established its capital in the capital, and there are elite guards from all over the border, it is considered as stable as a rock."

"Mr. Gong, these eight-part essays are not as good as history books and military books, nor are they comparable to The Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Our Jurchen tribe relies on force and strategy, and these eight-part essays are completely useless to us. I also I have a question: Why did Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty move the capital to Luoyang and change to the Han system, but within a few years there was a rebellion in the six towns? Shouldn't it be changed to the Han system? "

"Mr. Gong, this time I came back from the capital and brought back all the official histories of the past dynasties. Has Mr. Gong read "Jin History"? If so, can you tell me about it?"

"Brother Minglue, this is an illustration you asked me to draw before. Although I listened to your description, I still feel that the drawing is not good. I wonder if I can make an illustration for your "Assassin's Creed" novel. I also had a chat with Matteo Ricci, who said that Westerners have oil painting methods that are very good at depicting scenes. Dong has never been to the West, and there are people who paint scenes in the Middle East. I don’t know if it’s suitable, Mr. Zhang, you might as well look for people who are good at painting from the people of the West, I’m afraid the paintings will be better,” Dong Qichang said.

"I also have this "The Complete Biography of Shuo Yue" sent by Zhang Xiao. It's good to read, but it's not as good as "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". I also turned a few pages of "The History of the Jin Dynasty" and it's not very interesting to read. There is Lao Gong. Sir told me."

Although Zhang Xiao had ordered not to accept visits in principle these days, when Dong Qichang's greeting card was sent, Zhang Xiao still had to give this old colleague some face. After all, everyone was giving lessons to the prince.

"It's good that Brother Xian is satisfied. But I may not be able to draw pictures for Brother Xian in the future."

"Back then, the Jin Kingdom raised its troops from Baishan and Heishui. It first destroyed the Liao Kingdom and then the Northern Song Dynasty. It was unstoppable. Later, it took control of the Central Plains and implemented the Han system. Within a few decades, it was defeated by Genghis Khan. I also want to know the reason for this. "

"Brother Dong, you're welcome. Brother Dong's calligraphy and painting are all top-notch. I don't know how much I have taken advantage of Brother Dong with the retouching fee. These paintings are very good. Zhang is very satisfied."

"Since the Great Khan gave the order, Gong will naturally do it. But although Gong has heard the story of Yue Fei's resistance to the Jin Dynasty, I have never read "History of the Jin Dynasty". And if you want to understand the history of the Jin Kingdom, just read "History of Jin" is not enough. We also need to read "History of Liao", "History of Song" and even "History of Yuan" compiled by Ming Dynasty to see it all. I hope the Great Khan can give it some time." Gong Zhenglu. Agree.

"I haven't really read "Jin Shi". If the Great Khan has an idea, Gong is willing to read it carefully and then tell the Great Khan about it."

"Mr. Gong, you said it well. How come a talented and learned person like you only has the reputation of being a scholar in the Ming Dynasty, and the imperial court did not appoint you as a high official."

"Great Khan, Gong's academic skills are mediocre, and these history books and strategies are just miscellaneous books. If you want to take the imperial examination, you still need to read the Four Books and Five Classics, and write eight-legged articles well. Gong's writing is mediocre, and he is not deep in classics. How can he be a scholar? Fame is already a blessing. There are countless talented people in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and some of them have much higher literary names than Gong, and they have not yet received the title of scholar. "

It was useless to talk about history that was too long ago, so Zhang Xiao decided to start with the Spanish land recovery movement, and also talked about the fortune of the Habsburg family. Because at this point in time, Portugal had lost its independent status, Zhang Xiao incidentally listed the history of the opening of new shipping routes, and then focused on the colonial expansion of Spain and Portugal around the world. As for recent history, Zhang Xiao plans to focus on the War of the Three Kings that led to the severance of the Portuguese monarchy, several wars between Britain and Spain, and the Dutch War of Independence. Zhang Xiao can't remember things that are too detailed. Fortunately, Zhang Xiao can still find some relevant historical materials and information from various channels. Zhang Xiao also plans to blur the less clear historical details.

"Why does the Great Khan want to read "Jin History"?" Gong Zhenglu was a little confused.

In the capital, Zhang Xiao was writing a book at home. After finally getting some free time, Zhang Xiao could calm down and put together the framework of Fo Langji.

"Brother Dong, why did you come to visit today?" Zhang Xiao asked.

"Is the polishing fee low? Or is Brother Dong too busy? I'm really sorry for causing trouble to Brother Dong. I will prepare some thank you gifts for Brother Dong."

"No, no, the polish given by your wise brother Minglue is already quite high. I am also writing and painting, and there is no need to say whether I am tired or not. It's just that Dong is about to resign and return home."

"Oh, Brother Dong has done a good job in the Hanlin Academy, why are you thinking of retiring?" "Dong feels that his talent is shallow, that is, his writing is more beautiful, and he is not enough to teach the prince the study of saints. Minglue Dear brother, you are well versed in the affairs of the past and present, both at home and abroad, so you are the right person to assist Prince Bi. I will go back to my hometown to pick chrysanthemums and enjoy peace and happiness."

"Brother Dong's home is in Songjiang Mansion."

"Yes, the wise brother Minglue has the universe deep in his heart, and he still remembers Dong's birthplace, so he took the trouble to do so. Dong's home is in Huating County, Songjiang Prefecture, which is the same Huating as Huating."

"Huating is a good place. In the future, when all the nations of the Ming Dynasty come to visit, Huating will definitely be a place where business and travel will converge and all industries will prosper. Brother Dong, please be friendly to your neighbors and be harmonious to make money."

"Then thank you for your kind words, my dear brother. There is still some thin land in Dong's home. If my dear brother travels to Songjiang in the future, Dong will definitely sweep up the bed to welcome him. I will leave it to my dear brother to assist the Crown Prince."

"Brother Dong, you are serious. I am just teaching the two princes a lesson. I cannot bear such a big responsibility in the world."

Dong Qichang wanted to say something else, but he still didn't say it. After talking about it for this reason, the two of them just exchanged a few polite words, and Dong Qichang took his leave.

"I didn't expect that Dong Shijiao would become an official like this." Lu Zhang said with emotion.

"Everyone has his or her own ambitions. I don't know how long I will have to sit in this position. But if I want to become an official, I'm afraid it won't be that easy."

"My boss, you are still so young and you are thinking about becoming an official?"

"It's okay if you think about it. However, Bai Letian also said back then that he would hide away from the court. His Majesty has taken enough care of me now. I'll stay well in the capital." Zhang Xiao said.

Zhang Xiao took a few sips of tea and looked at some paintings left by Dong Qichang.

Although everyone in the officialdom is just playing along, it's good that the old Dong is still willing to help him. Zhang Xiao kindly reminded him a few words. Zhang Xiao had no control over whether Brother Dong would listen or not.

Putting aside those random thoughts, Zhang Xiao stood up, took a few paintings and went out to find Boss Ding.

"Shopkeeper Ding, these are the illustrations for the Assassin's Creed novel. You can see which ones are more useful and use them," Zhang Xiao said.

"These paintings, with their handiwork, must have been by Mr. Dong." Shopkeeper Ding said.

"Yes. But Shopkeeper Ding, you also need to help find talents for painting."

"Ah? Is it because the lintel of the bookstore is too low, and Mr. Dong is unwilling to paint?"

"That's not the case. Shi Dong said he would retire to his countryside."

"Ah? Mr. Dong has also been to the bookstore, and I have met him. He was in the prime of life, and he just retired like this?" Shopkeeper Ding was a little surprised.

"Yes, everyone has his or her own ambitions. Shi Dong said that from now on he will retire to the countryside, enjoy flowers and drink dew, so as not to disturb other people's enjoyment. I'm also looking for someone to paint."

"Mr. Zhang, Ding has one more thing to ask for. Is Mr. Zhang interested in telling the story of the Chinese assassin?"

"Shopkeeper Ding, it's not that I haven't thought about it, but it's okay to write about overseas assassins. It's always difficult to write about assassins in China. There are so many official histories, that is, "Historical Records" and "Biographies of Assassins" , there will be no biographies of assassins in all the official histories. Well, if I think of any good stories, I will tell you about them in the next one. "

"Of course that's great. Mr. Zhang, which foreign story do you plan to write?"

"Write a story in Italy. This story is closer to the knight errant. The Altaïr in this story is too cold now, and the protagonist in the next story will be more affectionate and gentle."

"Then Ding is waiting for Mr. Zhang's masterpiece."

"It's not a masterpiece, it's just picking up people's wits. But now I have more official duties, and I don't know when I can write this book. Shopkeeper Ding, you can print whatever book you want. You don't have to wait for me for the time being. My new book won’t come out so quickly,” Zhang Xiao explained.

(End of this chapter)