Wanli Ming Emperor

Chapter 220: Snow has cleared and the wind is warm, frost has melted and the sun is warm

The red flag was raised in front of the stand and three cannon salutes were fired in the air.

The general military and political officer, commander, deputy military advisor, and other officers will return to their respective units.

Soon, the sound of armor colliding could be heard. The infantrymen of each camp responded to the sound of the artillery and raised their guards three times and marched to the front of the camp.

There were also horses wrapped in heavy armor, which passed by in the ground, leaving behind only rocks and dust flying all over the sky.

Amid the clanging of metal, cavalry and footsteps merged alternately, and in the blink of an eye, the battle array was formed - no matter in ancient or modern times, or even hundreds of years to come, military parades will always feature different types of troops, arranged in battle formations, appearing one after another.

"Perform a formation!"

Different from modern battle formations, the cavalry and infantry formations had to be practiced on the spot, with the command of flag signals and drum beats, the formations in echelons and corners, and the changing formations of cruising and encirclement.

The drum beats suddenly became more frequent and the war banners were raised.

The infantrymen in each camp held spears and lined up like an iron wall, advancing and retreating like the tide.

The elite cavalry rushed out, encircling the two wings and moving continuously, galloping and patrolling, coordinating with the infantry formation like controlling one's own arms.

Sometimes they surrounded each other, sometimes they split into teams.

Five men form a squad, ten men form a squad, fifty men form a team, two hundred and fifty men form a company. Together there are ten combat camps with over ten thousand soldiers and horses, all of whom are young and strong, with majestic physiques and well-versed in martial arts.

The rattan shields at the front, the swords and spears on the flanks, the sabers of the iron cavalry, and the long spears of the light cavalry, all performed a mixed performance of stabbing with wolf-whips, holding the enemy with halberds and maces, and sweeping the ground with hooks and sickles, and several camps were set up.

The sight of mercury pouring on the ground and dark clouds covering the city attracted the attention, and the sound of metal clashing and shouting filled the ears.

Tens of thousands of infantrymen were like ink, splashed outside the Parade Gate, dull and black.

A sense of military evil came towards me.

……

"What a great military appearance! The Yanyue Wuhua formation and the Sifang Pingding formation they just performed were well-controlled, and their advances and retreats were like the tide. They gradually showed the demeanor of tigers and wolves!"

"This is actually the Beijing Camp? Unbelievable!"

"It's a military performance in front of the emperor, so it looks good. I heard that Qi Jiguang used the southern soldiers as the backbone, distributed them to various camps, and established them as teachers. He specially trained them for several months for the military review, so that they can look decent. As for whether they can fight, I'm afraid they still have to be taken out for a walk."

The drill teachers are appointed during the grand review ceremony.

Generally, the best candidates are selected from the three camps and taught the rhythm of drums and gongs, the degree of advance and retreat, and the techniques of archery.

After Qi Jiguang became the governor of the Beijing camp, he selected many of his guards to be teachers to train the camps.

"Even so, we can get a glimpse of the leopard. They also practiced specially. Whether it was the military review of Emperor Xianzong or the grand sacrifice of Emperor Sejong in the southern suburbs, which one was not specially prepared? When they were in front of them, they couldn't even save face. Either the soldiers were drunk and lost their composure, or they disobeyed orders and didn't come. They couldn't even show their appearance."

Just like the notice of surprise inspection, the so-called review is to see how well the subordinates perform under the circumstances of attaching great importance to it.

If everything is prepared in advance and it's still a mess, then it's obvious that the combat effectiveness has been completely lost.

In the ninth year of Chenghua, during the military parade in the Western Garden, hundreds of carefully selected soldiers were "weak and listless, running hurriedly and losing their pace", and even "could not draw their bows and shoot arrows" and "dropped their bows to the ground".

In the seventh year of the Jiajing reign, Emperor Shizong held a grand sacrifice ceremony in the southern suburbs, attempting to "test the capabilities of the generals" and ordered the generals of the Beijing camp to accompany him. As a result, "most of the generals and soldiers in the camp did not show up."

The Beijing army had been weak for many years, which led to the Gengxu Rebellion, when the Mongols had fought their way outside the capital and crowded the soldiers at the city gates, wailing.

The Beijing garrison, with its lax military discipline and lazy soldiers, was able to perform tolerably well in the grand review. It is no exaggeration to praise it as a new look.

"General Qi is a good commander of the army! Zhang Lu, the military officer, reported that the state's military orders were strict and austere, but due to the long period of peace, the commanders of the camps were accustomed to leniency and tried to gain a reputation for leniency. This habit has been passed down from generation to generation, and they have developed a habit of arrogance and laziness. Now that General Qi has taken charge of the Beijing Camp, he has re-enforced military law and swept away the trend of leniency. It is really exciting!"

"I do know this. During drills, Qi Jiguang always mentioned military law. If someone was arrogant and lazy, he would be tied up and beaten on the spot, with his skin torn and flesh exposed. If someone contradicted the instructor, his ears would be pierced and cut off. If anyone disobeyed military orders, he would even behead them as a punishment. Only then did the Beijing troops gradually understand what military orders meant."

As soon as he finished speaking, he heard a cold snort.

"You are a country bumpkin from the south, right? The military parade in the third year of Longqing's reign had already begun to take shape for the Beijing camp. They have been following the rules for many years, and the current military appearance can be said to be a natural result. It all came to be the credit of Qi Jiguang? Could it be that the eight years of Zhenyuan Marquis's efforts to organize the Beijing camp were not as good as the few months of the southerners?"

Given Qi Jiguang's reputation among the people, some people immediately changed their expressions after hearing this and wanted to speak out to argue.

Wherever people gather, there are bound to be arguments.

Seeing that a quarrel was about to break out in the stands, the imperial guards on duty looked at each other in bewilderment. They wanted to scold them, but they were afraid that these military and civilian representatives, this year's Jinshi candidates, and the three generations of people in red robes would bear a grudge against them, so they were in a dilemma.

Fortunately, there were many kind and honest elders in the stands who came out to smooth things over at the right time.

"According to the procedure, one group after another naturally came. Since Longqing, there have been Zhang Taiyue, Ding'an Bo, Tan Xiangmin, Zhenyuan Hou, Governor Qi... They have rectified the military preparations and devoted themselves to military affairs. The Beijing camp was able to restore such a momentum in just over ten years. Who can be blamed for the credit and effort?"

"Besides, if we talk about the merits, it was the Holy Lord who was in power, providing guidance and protection. Who dares to take credit for it?"

The old man is often good at calming things down.

As soon as these words were spoken, the dispute stopped immediately - the emperor had been brought up, and if anyone said anything inappropriate again, the imperial guards would not sit idly by.

There was a brief silence.

Someone suddenly sighed.

"It's easy to say that we should follow the routine... This is not the beginning of the country anymore. Two hundred years after the founding of the country, we can still follow the routine. It's like a river flowing against the current!"

It has been two hundred years since the founding of the Ming Dynasty. Even if we count from the Civil War during the Jingnan Campaign, it has been one hundred and seventy years.

The imperial court at this age was already in decline.

Difficulty in collecting taxes, local alienation, assassination of monarchs, and rebellion by vassal states should be common occurrences.

Now everything is still going according to plan and making progress day by day. Even the Beijing garrison, which has been abandoned for a long time, has a new look. How rare is that?
After hearing these words, everyone was moved to tears.

At this time, the grand parade was in full swing outside the Yuewu Gate.

War chariots, thunder and lightning chariots, victory chariots, gun-hiding chariots, torch siege chariots... the chariot chariots of each battalion followed closely behind the cavalry and infantry formations, baring their fangs and claws, roaring and passing in front of the Parade Gate.

Everyone leaned on the railing and looked into the distance, their hearts fascinated and their thoughts flew to who knows where.

……

Depending on where you stand, you often see very different things.

"Alas, when the late emperor reviewed the troops, it was because the barbarian threat was getting worse and worse, and there was no peace in the northern border, so he used the majesty of heaven to boost morale and scare off the barbarians."

"Since the surrender of Duoyan Guard, the three borders have been peaceful without any disturbance. The people on the border have put down their weapons and picked up hoes, and the beacons of the city have been extinguished and people can sleep peacefully. This is a good situation. Why should we waste people's money and energy just to show off our power and provoke the bandits for no reason?"

"If you don't practice benevolence and justice, and only pursue martial arts, I'm afraid there will be no long-term rule!"

After Yan Sishen expressed his indignation, he glanced at Yin Gao inconspicuously.

Seeing that the latter had no expression on his face and did not respond to his satire of the court, he could not help but sneer in his heart.

Yin Shidan's son is a typical snob.

During the Longqing period, after his father was exiled and returned home, he slandered the court in front of his friends all day long. When Yin Shidan was reinstated as the Governor-General of Salt Administration in the second year of the Wanli period, Yin Gao once again put on a stern face and spoke in official clichés.

One wave and two folds are not enough.

Since last year, the imperial court has started to measure the land. Upon hearing the news, Yin Gao immediately went to find the governor Yu Youding, hoping that Governor Yu would turn a blind eye to his teacher's family - there was no other way, the mansion of dozens of acres in Jinan Tongleyuan (now Wanzhuyuan) and the thousands of acres of land around it were all reserved for Yin Gao, the legitimate son.

As a result, Yu Youding mentioned the strict order of the court on the left, the reputation of the teacher on the right, and added two more sentences about the conscience of heaven and earth and the concern of the people. It was a completely non-stick pan. Yin Gao was speechless and left in anger.

From then on, the second generation of Yin became distressed about the imperial court again. He said to Yu Youding that there were corrupt officials around who blinded the emperor's wisdom, that the cabinet was selfish and disregarded public opinion, and that even local officials were busy with political achievements and undermined national policies.

In this way, at least I can find common ground with my old friends again.

At the same time, Cao Yao watched the military review below and began to fiddle with the cannon. He quickly covered his ears and sighed, "Back then, Emperor Xuanzong dismissed the Western treasure ships, collected the garrison in Jiaozhi, stopped the war in the northern border, reduced heavy taxes, and exempted arrears of rent to give the people a rest. Only then did the Renzong and Xuanzong reign. But now the emperor is so different, always rebelling against Emperor Xuanzong..."

boom!
boom!
Outside the Yuewu Gate, the sound of gunfire and cannon fire exploded continuously, blurring Cao Yao's whispers.

After the incident with the Nanzhili Salt Administration, Cao Bangfu landed safely and lived a happy life at home, and even passed away four years ago. There was no shortage of gratitude from the people, and the local gentry erected a monument for him, leaving him with a good reputation.

But the second generation is not so comfortable.

Cao Yao was born in the same batch as Yin Gao in the third year of Longqing, and was the second generation who benefited from the enthronement of the crown prince.

Yin Shidan is still a powerful figure in officialdom, Yin Gao can serve as a prefect, Cao Bangfu retired in the first year of the Wanli period, and Cao Yao can only be a rich man now.

As the land and households are about to be cleared, even rich men have a hard time.

Cao Yao's resentment towards the court was growing day by day.

Hearing this, Meng Yanpu snorted coldly: "Reforming the old and establishing the new, reforming the law is reasonable, and they even claim to be 'making great plans to defend the country from foreign aggression and to establish a long-term strategy to govern the country and protect the country'."

"The first emperor was the first to impose heavy taxes and show off his military power."

Several of them are from Shandong.

They are either children of high-ranking officials or from a family of saints, and they have a tacit understanding in their words.

At this time, Yin Gao also reacted.

He glared at the Emperor's military tent with disgust and said in a cold voice: "The ruler who maintains the status quo and inherits the skills of his ancestors rarely makes mistakes. The successors in later generations often try to be clever and mess up the old rules, and eventually they fall into decline and cannot be saved. This can be a warning to you."

If he had followed the established ways of Emperor Xuanzong, practiced benevolence and justice, and given the people rest, he could have been a ruler who maintained the status quo.

If someone were to act cleverly, disregard the tacit understanding, and disrupt the old order, the world would probably immediately fall into decline.

Of course, this is not directed at anyone, it is just a review of the teachings of Emperor Xuanzong.

Yan Sishen lowered his head, sighed, and said in a voice as husky as a mosquito: "After all, he is a successor of a branch of the family. It is easy for a vassal king to go astray if he neglects to educate him. As a result, three generations of his family have not learned what it means to restrain military affairs and be benevolent and love the people."

Several people followed Yin Gao's gaze and shook their heads at the same time.

……

Zhu Yijun held his face with his hands and looked up at the stands on both sides with a sense of realization.

However, although the tent allowed one side to be seen through, the view was not very clear.

But I can imagine that many people are looking this way.

The military and civilian representatives watching the ceremony now are almost all representatives of the interests of all social classes.

The second generation of bureaucratic capitalists, the scholars of feudal bureaucracy, the gentry of feudal landlords, the wealthy merchants of emerging capital, and the social group wanderers of the petty bourgeoisie...

Among them, there were countless people who hated the emperor so much that they wished they could be killed in the emperor's military tent.

Look, look.

The so-called courtesy before force, the emperor sits in the military tent, selects 120,000 soldiers, is full of murderous intent, and chooses anyone to devour. Isn't it just for people like you to see?
"…Our emperor restored the ancient ways during the reign of the emperor, and when the world was at peace, he still organized his troops."

The tent blocks the view of the outside world, but it cannot cover up the flattering voices.

Zhu Yijun turned his head and took a look.

Well, the military parade is naturally also for the foreign vassal states to watch.

The Korean envoy Li Zeng continued to chatter away, beaming with joy as he spoke to the imperial tent: "Your Majesty has been on the throne for eight years. You have reformed the old ways and established new ones, and you have sharpened your military and political power. You are truly a ruler who has revived the country!"

Li Zeng's words were full of passion and came from the bottom of his heart, he was almost dancing.

He is just like a genuine Han Chinese, showing off his pride!

Even the courtiers who were worshipped by foreign vassals, while holding their heads high and chests puffed out, could not help but have a slightly strange look on their faces.

Zhu Yijun was too lazy to pay attention to this guy.

ZTE?

It would be fine if the filial sons and grandsons of North Korea just flatter him, but as the one at the helm, he still needs to know the current status of his own industry.

The Toungoo Dynasty in the south was expanding, and the Ming-Myanmar War was about to break out in just two or three years. A war quagmire involving an army of 300,000 and lasting for twenty years would inevitably involve countless manpower and financial resources.

The Tuman Khan in the north gathered tens of thousands of elite cavalrymen and was obsessed with the former Yuan Dynasty. He could march south at any time. In history, in October of the seventh year of the Wanli reign, he led 40,000 cavalrymen to attack Liaodong. This continued until October of the ninth year of the Wanli reign, when he had gathered more than 100,000 people and launched a war.

Although it has not arrived yet, the smell of gunpowder has already spread across the north.

Add to that the fact that Toyotomi Hideyoshi of Japan was about to unify Japan, the plot to use Korea as a stepping stone to invade the Central Plains was about to be exposed, the hidden Tusi undercurrent in the Bozhou Rebellion, the hidden dangers of the Duman highlighted by the She'an Rebellion, the inevitable resurgence of the Jurchens, and the collusion and rebellion of the Ningxia military leaders...

It is said that the Han Dynasty fell because of its strength, and the Ming Dynasty's conquests in the south and the north were no less severe.

If we don't completely conquer the four seas and eight wildernesses now, how can we claim to be a revivalist?
Just as I was thinking this, the sound of the horn and the flute rang out again and the yellow flag fluttered.

Through the tent curtain, one could see the chariots, horses, and infantry formations moving in response to the command, like rivers returning to the sea and retreating to their camps like the tide.

"Your Majesty, I, the Minister of War, Zhengmao, request that Your Majesty review the archery!"

In addition to military formations, archery is an indispensable part of the grand review ceremony.

As Yin Zhengmao knelt forward to make a report, Zhang Hong and other eunuchs held their armor in their hands and bowed from the side to enter the tent.

There was a rustling sound inside the tent.

The civil officials from various halls, the six departments, the thirteen seal-bearing officials, as well as the officials from the rites department, the military department, the Ministry of Rites Ceremonial Department, the Ministry of War, the four departments, the Imperial Censor of Correcting Ceremonies and Archery, the military officials of the Honglu Temple, the officials from the Jinyiwei hall and the Southern Pacification Department, all dressed in bright red casual clothes and stood in two shifts under the stage, with little expression on their faces.

After a while, the rustling sounds in the military tent gradually stopped.

The eunuchs Zhang Hong and Li Jin from the Imperial Household Department opened the tent curtains on the left and right.

The emperor's voice of virtue then rang out.

"The captains and their subordinates, as well as the household soldiers, will compete in archery and test their guns in the east and west halls."

"Chief Military Officer Qi Jiguang and his followers, including the Deputy Assistant Military Officer, the Head of the Camp, and the Captain of the Central Army, will review their archery skills on horseback in the drill ground."

"Dukes, marquises, prince consorts, earls, Jinyiwei and other officials, come and compete in archery!"

"Each horseman will shoot three arrows, and each footman will shoot six arrows. If anyone hits the target, we will beat the drum to report it, and the whole process will be passed through the military parade gate!"

The vassal states and foreign officials looked in the direction of the sound, their eyes fixed on the military tent.

A figure appeared. The emperor of Shangbang was wearing armor, carrying a bow and a sword, and stepped out calmly from the tent.

Looks good!
When Sanniang saw this, she couldn't help but secretly praise it in her heart.

The people from the Central Plains always have their own unique styles. Cai Kexian, who had just led the way for her, was suave and fair-skinned like a god; Wang Chonggu, who was over 60 years old, was steady and mellow, with extraordinary demeanor; the emperor in front of them was of supreme status, handsome in armor, domineering, and had a unique flavor.

A group of foreign officials were secretly sizing up the emperor, and the emperor happened to turn his head and looked over here: "Come here! Give each of my ministers an arrow to join in the celebration!"

As soon as the words fell, Sanniang's heart skipped a beat, and the Wala barbarian lost his composure on the spot and staggered back.

It was not until the eunuchs came closer with an arrow each in their hands that the vassal officials realized that the literal meaning was "each one is given an arrow."

The North Korean envoy, who had been staring with eyes wide open just now, was now embarrassed.

He refused again and again: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, I am a civil official, not good at archery."

Li Zeng was the Minister of Rites of Joseon, equivalent to the six ministers of the Ming Dynasty, and a second-rank civil official.

Zhu Yijun chuckled and said, "If Li Canpan is hit by an arrow, I will open a seaport in Laizhou, Shandong to trade with you. How about that?"

Li Zeng looked up in astonishment, at a loss. Zhu Yijun asked what happened, but he didn't wait for Li Zeng to respond. He finished his words and walked away.

A group of court officials and attendants followed him.

Li Zeng still hadn't come back to his senses.

Laizhou Trade... How can you watch a military parade and get a free lunch?

Even though North Korea has been a filial and virtuous nation for 200 years, it still faces considerable restrictions in trade.

Not to mention tribute and purchase, the so-called mutual trade often refers to trade between officials and civilians.

Official trade is different from border smuggling. According to the regulations, the opening dates of trade for filial sons and grandsons such as Korea and Ryukyu are not restricted. The "not restricted" here means "subject to arrangements."

In terms of location, North Korea only allowed "open market" trade in Huitong Hall in Beijing and Huaiyuan Hall in Liaodong.

In terms of time, after the Korean envoys received their rewards, they would usually open a market for three to five days in Huitongguan.

It is even unclear whether it can be opened or not.

The Ministry of Rites will decide whether to allow North Korea to open its markets based on its performance.

These characteristics determined that the so-called mutual trade was often the Korean delegation smuggling contraband goods into Beijing for trade. The people of Liaodong complained every year that the Korean delegation had too much supplies and the burden of transportation such as vehicles was too heavy.

For example, during the New Year's celebration, Li Zeng smuggled more than a hundred pieces of cloth to exchange for medicinal materials.

But this is strictly illegal.

According to Korean law, envoys were forbidden to bring anything except tribute, travel expenses, and clothing and luggage. Otherwise, their property would be confiscated. According to the regulations of the Ming Dynasty's Ministry of Rites, the cloth items they carried could not exceed the luggage limit.

But everyone does this, and wealthy Korean merchants flock to it every year, fighting tooth and nail for a spot on the envoy's entourage.

Under such circumstances, the emperor said he would open a trade market in Laizhou! ?

What’s the difference between this and gold falling from the sky!
Don't say there is any inconvenience in crossing the sea. Before the Ming court moved its capital, Korea paid tribute by sea, from the port of Kaesong and Yeseong River, through the Black Water Ocean and the Yellow Water Ocean, to Taicang Port on the south bank of the Yangtze River.

Even for a long time afterwards, they took the sea route through Lushun and Dengzhou.

North Korea does not have a maritime ban.

In other words, as long as the Ming court agreed to trade, Li Zeng could go back and organize a fleet, bring ramie cloth, silk, cattle and horses, and make more than a dozen trips to Laizhou Port a year!

Li Zeng raised his head and glanced at the emperor who was walking down the stairs from the platform.

He gritted his teeth, suddenly grabbed the arrow feather, and followed in a panic and hastily.

……

"Jinyiwei Commander Dingguo Duke Xu Wenbi, six arrows hit three!"

"Xu Congcheng, the son-in-law of the emperor, shot five out of six arrows!"

"Pang Chengyu, the guerrilla general of the Fifth Army Camp, immediately hit three out of three arrows!"

Two censors and two officers from the Ministry of War kept a diligent watch.

Two officials from the Ministry of Rites and two eunuchs called out the names of the officials openly.

Zhu Yijun stopped to read, sometimes nodding in approval, sometimes making comments.

"Pang Chengyu was trained as a garrison commander in Wan'an, Jiangxi, and was promoted to the deputy garrison commander of the Zhongdu Garrison Office for his military achievements. Last year, the system was changed. Before Governor-General Gu retired, he recommended him as a guerrilla commander of the Five Army Camps. I personally tested him and found that he was good at archery and martial arts."

"Hu Shouren, the right deputy commander of the Shenji Battalion, was appointed by me personally. Among the several battalions in the Shenji Battalion, their battalion is the most diligent in training."

"Xiao Ruxun is the son of Xiao Wenkui, the governor-general. His father sent him to the Beijing Guards Martial Arts School in the first year of the Wanli reign. He has practiced martial arts with me for many years. He made meritorious contributions during the conquest of the Duoyan Guards a few years ago. Governor Qi promoted him to the position of the head of the camp, which was not a disgrace to the family."

"Jiao Ze... the deputy general of the Marquis of Zhenyuan. He has been with us through thick and thin for many years, and you all know him well. In my opinion, if he can continue to be a general in a few more years, he will surely become a great general who can defend a region."

The ministers followed the emperor.

At this moment, listening to the emperor talking about all the generals of the Beijing camp in detail, he felt very uneasy.

Power is gained through management, and personnel power is absolute control.

The eight years since he ascended the throne have been silent and gentle, and finally he has developed such a majestic figure.

The emperor is now so familiar with the Beijing camp that the only difference between him and the emperor on horseback is probably a few victories!

Even if Emperor Wuzong decided to supervise the war on a whim, his control might not be comparable to that of the current emperor.

With such a heroic character, why did Emperor Yingzong of the Ming Dynasty have to be forced by the Oirat Mongols to study in the frontier for several years?
"Ugh."

The emperor stopped, put his hands behind his back, shook his head and sighed.

Shen Shixing stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty is making plans in the tent, and the military camps are looking brand new. Why are you sighing?"

Zhu Yijun shook his head and said nothing. After a moment of silence, he said with emotion: "I am just feeling emotional for a moment."

"There has never been a lack of famous generals in our dynasty, such as Qi Jiguang, Yu Dayou, Li Chengliang... and there are too many to count."

He raised his hand and pointed at Yu Dayou who was shooting arrows on horseback.

Then he turned to Pang Chengyu and others and said, "There are also many officers in our dynasty who are dedicated to their work, brave and resourceful. The ones in front of you are all picked up by me at random."

"As for the soldiers, they have only been trained for a few months and have already achieved such a good appearance. I really can't find fault with them."

Zhu Yijun looked around at the civil and military officials who were following him and said, "Tell me, how come the military discipline has been so lax and messed up over the years? Even when Prince Shunyi came to the capital, they are still crying and wailing?"

The court officials all had different expressions, some smiling with shame, some lowering their heads in shame and anger, and some lost in thought.

There were also people who secretly glanced at Sanniang.

The latter had a blank expression on her face and did not feel embarrassed. Instead, her eyes became more solemn. The emperor was so frighteningly calm that it only reminded her of a saying - only by knowing shame can one become braver.

"Duke Dingguo, you speak."

The emperor began to call out names, and Xu Wenbi, who had just returned from the shooting competition, was unfortunately chosen by the emperor.

Duke Dingguo, who had hit three out of six arrows and performed poorly, felt that serving the emperor was like serving a tiger, and bowed earnestly: "I am guilty, and it is all because of my lack of strict training!"

Zhu Yijun shook his head, too lazy to even sneer.

He turned to look at Qi Jiguang and said, "Qi Qing, in the first year of Longqing, you were ordered to return to the capital to assist in military affairs. Why did you run away at that time?"

Upon hearing this, Qi Jiguang froze involuntarily, and his thick eyebrows and big eyes were filled with helplessness.

It took him a while to come back to his senses, and he reluctantly replied: "Your Majesty, I am not talented enough. I only have the talent of a general but not a commander. Although I am familiar with border affairs, I am not good at central military affairs. The late emperor knew how to appoint people well..."

Halfway through the sentence.

Zhu Yijun interrupted him in public: "I know that you complained to Tan Lun in private that there are so many children of dignitaries in the Beijing camp that you are restricted and it is difficult to get justice."

Qi Jiguang's forehead was slightly sweaty.

Gu Huan and other nobles looked terrified.

Zhu Yijun did not continue to embarrass anyone. He paced back and forth while continuing to speak to himself: "I have been concerned about the Beijing camp for a long time. Recently, I have been wearing armor and traveling to various camps frequently."

"As for the son of a noble family, of course I know him. He is my aunt's son, Li Chengen."

"Their family opened a business. Even after becoming a lieutenant, they could not forget that they were the owner of the business, so they used soldiers as private soldiers, either to deliver goods for their business or to do plastering work. There were even projects that were not completed for two or three years."

"The salary was not paid, and the wages were only one or two coins a month. The rations sold were not enough to eat. The soldiers were so desperate that they simply ran away, leaving behind a bunch of old and weak people who were paid for nothing."

"Outsiders want to control him, but they are afraid that this will offend his cousin, that is, me."

"As a last resort, I had no choice but to personally step in and remove him from office."

When the unspoken rules were made known, naturally many court officials looked unhappy.

The emperor was talking about Li Chengen, but it was not just Li Chengen.

It was very common for high-ranking officials to use soldiers to do business. "When the government troops were in the capital, they were only used for work; when they were on the border, they were only used for private service by the generals and to provide food and clothing."

Escorting, working, workshops, woodcutting, herb collecting, water transport, escort... it can be said to be a large mercenary center.

"Just like what Ma Wensheng said, dukes, marquises, governors, and commanders only know about the management of their families, the accumulation of gold and silk, and the living expenses of fine furs and fat horses, but they know nothing about military strategies."

Zhu Yijun walked to the target and looked forward: "On the occasion of this grand review, I personally came forward to send all the 'noble businessmen' back to their homes, so that the 'mercenaries' can have a break and practice daily."

"But I have a lot of things to do. I can't always keep an eye on the Beijing camp and make everyone look decent."

Having said that, it would be tactless if I don't apologize.

All the officials bowed down and said, "We are guilty!"

The foreign officials felt embarrassed and had to follow the crowd and bow down together.

Zhu Yijun shook his head, drew his bow and arrow, and stared intently: "Now that I have made a statement, you all go back and tell your noble sons..."

"The soldiers in the Beijing camp are only responsible for military affairs and are not allowed to engage in business!"

"If you continue to use private forces, you will be punished for arbitrarily mobilizing the imperial guards!"

The arrow left the string and hit the center of the target.

There was a moment of silence on the field, with only the lingering sound of the bowstring being heard.

Prohibitions are often only on paper, but with the emperor's current control over the Beijing camp, no one will question whether he can enforce his words.

As for the border troops?

The emperor knew better than to ask, and his subjects also tacitly refrained from asking further questions.

Zhu Yijun hit the target with one arrow. He did not dwell on this topic for too long. He turned around and handed the bow to Zhang Hong, and ordered: "Da Ban, take the other ministers to try it."

When the vassal states were shooting arrows, they naturally had to stay away from the emperor. Otherwise, if they tried to scratch an itch, they would be considered suspicious by the imperial guards and be killed on the spot, which was not a good thing.

Li Zeng fell behind the others and flattered the emperor again before leaving with the eunuch.

After Li Zeng left, Zhu Yijun and Zhang Hong lowered their voices and said, "If this guy from North Korea wants to bribe you, just accept it."

Zhang Hong understood what the emperor meant, glanced at him, and took his leave.

"Madam Zhongshun, why don't you follow me to the East and West Halls to take a look."

Zhu Yijun called out to Sanniang who was about to follow him.

The latter knew that the emperor wanted to discuss serious matters with him, so he stopped silently.

Zhu Yijun waved his hand to ask the attendants to follow further away, and led several second-rank officials and the third lady, walking towards the city wall inside the Review Gate.

Naturally, there will be some small talk along the way.

"...Speaking of this matter, who didn't know that 'the success of the tribute was actually due to the Third Lady's intention'?"

"Madam, you admire Hua very much, much more than Xin loves Huang Taiji, Chelike and the like. I see it all."

"It's a pity that I'm a girl. I wish I could never be crowned a king!"

After all, Sanniangzi was a herdsman from outside the Great Wall. She could handle some riddles occasionally, but she really couldn't stand these nonsense words.

She was used to being superior, and while she was complaining in her heart, she subconsciously turned around and glared at the emperor.

Then he realized that it was inappropriate and quickly changed it into a flattering smile.

Zhu Yijun was in no mood to appreciate the exotic customs. He just felt awkward.

Fortunately, the emperor has been in power for so many years that his skin is as thick as a city wall.

He walked in front and stepped into the military review gate, and said to the third lady, "Let's talk business."

"When will Altan Khan die?"

Sanniang paused when she heard this, obviously startled by the emperor's sudden bluntness.

But she quickly regained her composure, pretending to look at the structure inside the Parade Gate, and carefully considered her words: "I've survived this winter, so I won't die for the time being."

"If Your Majesty can help the foreign ministers to subdue Qia Taiji, Xin'ai Huang Taiji, Chelike and other tribes, it doesn't matter when the King of Shunyi dies."

She was forced to marry an old man when she was only nine years old. It would be ridiculous to say that there was any deep affection between them.

At the moment, we still need to rely on Altan Khan's authority to command the various tribes, and we will naturally do our best to provide rescue efforts.

When the medicine was no longer effective and he stopped taking it, Altan Khan just kicked his legs.

Zhu Yijun nodded and said slowly: "After Altan Khan's death, Madam Zhongshun must keep the right wing in her hands. If not to enforce the orders, at least she must restrain the tribesmen and not disturb the trade."

"I will also take care of General Xuan."

The trade situation in Xuanda is different from that in Duoyanwei.

The Duoyan Guard was defeated, the situation was simple, and the trade was right under the nose of Jizhen. The Kuanhe Trade, which was opened in the third year of Wanli, is now open all year round.

Xuanda was different. Various tribes lived together, Han and Mongolian lived together, and the situation in Datong Town was unstable. It rebelled twice during the Jiajing period. The situation was more complicated. The trade was only opened for a few days a year by random agreement, and people were on high alert.

Even so, there are always tribes that act as thieves, rob passing merchants, and even invade the trade market, creating a unstable business environment.

Even this was the result of Altan Khan's strenuous efforts to control the situation.

From now on, this responsibility will be handed over to Sanniang.

Upon hearing this, Sanniang agreed in her heart without hesitation.

It was she who suggested Altan Khan pay tribute, and she was the one who maintained the bilateral trade over the years. She also strongly refuted Huang Taiji's previous attempt to overturn the tribute system - "The Celestial Empire treats us very well. We have tribute trade every year, and we enjoy all the benefits without any worries. How can we compare to braving arrows and stones, risking a thousand deaths, and having no idea what we will get?"

What the emperor proposed was the basis for cooperation between the two sides, and it was not even a condition.

As for the support implicit in his words, Sanniang naturally heard it.

The support from the Ming court was certainly of great importance, otherwise the border officials of Datong would not have said that she had been "increasingly favored by the emperor and bringing glory to all the tribes" over the years.

The only concern is that I don’t know how much the emperor will ask for this time.

She hesitated for a moment, then asked directly, "Your Majesty is so gracious and gracious, how dare I, a minister, do you dare to serve me?"

Zhu Yijun did not answer for a moment. Instead, he turned his head with a slightly hesitant look and looked at the important ministers beside him.

Wang Chonggu nodded silently.

The Minister of Rites Wang Zongyi gave him an encouraging look.

Zhu Yijun turned around and looked directly at the third lady who was frowning and pondering something.

He took a deep breath and slowly said, "Madam Zhongshun, please be my adopted daughter!"

(End of this chapter)