Ming politicians

The North Korean mission is actually divided into two parts. Li Xuanji is just a deputy envoy. In the eyes of the King of North Korea, the Ming Emperor is the real master. After so many years, Hou Jin stationed troops in Pyongyang, and Daming also The Pyongyang garrison, in fact, the king usually stays in Seoul. Because there is a garrison in Pyongyang, the king has to spend some time every year living in Pyongyang.

Daming is different from Houjin. It is a big country, magnanimous, not small-minded, and easy to fool, so after careful consideration, the king of Joseon finally made a decision. He formally asked the emperor of Daming to implore the Ming army to withdraw. After leaving Pyongyang, the king even thought of taking back Xuanzhou and other places if possible.

Regarding the return of Xuanzhou, the Emperor Ming directly refused. Xuanzhou was originally the territory of the Ming Dynasty, and there was no question of returning it. As for the withdrawal of troops, the Emperor Ming did not refuse. Withdrawing from North Korea, at least the burden will be much lighter. The tens of thousands of Ming troops eat and drink, and the Korean royal family still has to provide a lot of food.As for the properties obtained by the Ming army in Pyongyang, overtly and secretly, don’t worry about it. At least the Ming army strictly observed military discipline and did not harass the nearby people.

When the deputy envoy Li Xuanji arrived in Gaizhou, the North Korean mission had already entered the border of Northern Zhili, but arrived in the capital a few days later.

The envoys did not see the Emperor of Ming Dynasty, but the memorial was handed over. In addition to the gift of tribute to Ming Dynasty, there was also a request for the emperor to issue an order to let the Ming army withdraw from Pyongyang. As for Xuanzhou and other places, they did not mention it.

Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Yang Sichang led the cabinet ministers, all of whom were in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.Lu Shanji, Minister of the Ministry of War, also came to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. This time, the matter to be discussed is very important.

Zhu Youjian looked at many cabinet ministers, his mind was a little strange, there was still one person missing.That is Su Tiancheng. In the history of the Ming Dynasty, Su Tiancheng was the first and probably the last cabinet minister who led troops to fight. The Ming Dynasty has always emphasized civility over military affairs, and generals do not have much say in commanding operations. They are also civil servants, such as Hong Chengchou, Lu Xiangsheng and others.They all passed the imperial examinations to enter the imperial court, and then went to command operations. It is precisely because of this situation that it is almost impossible to imagine that cabinet ministers will command operations.

Zhu Youjian really wanted Su Tiancheng to return to the capital and stop being in charge of the Jiangning camp. Su Tiancheng who returned to the capital could enjoy the glory and wealth.The family and life can be preserved, but it is impossible to control power.

Put away your thoughts.Zhu Youjian spoke.

"My dear friends, North Korea's envoys have written a letter, imploring the troops stationed in North Korea to withdraw. I don't know what you think."

After Zhu Youjian finished speaking, he looked directly at Yang Sichang, he knew.The cabinet has already discussed this matter, and as long as Yang Sichang speaks up, it represents the cabinet's opinion, up to now.Zhu Youjian has basically mastered the decision-making power, and there is no need for Zhu Shenxuan to coordinate inside, and the power of eunuchs, Jinyiwei and Dongchang has gradually begun to grow stronger. These are Zhu Youjian's eyes and ears. It's like he has power.

Yang Sichang didn't hesitate either, and spoke directly.

"Your Majesty, I convened the cabinet to discuss this matter. I thought that North Korea was a bit capricious in this matter. Later Jin Tartars also sent troops to North Korea, but the North Korean royal family dared not say anything. Now the court has decided to station troops in Pyongyang. The North Korean royal family felt that it was unbearable. It was really unreasonable. The ministers thought that it was okay not to garrison troops in Pyongyang, but North Korea’s annual tribute was still indispensable. If any major event was decided, it needed to be reported in time. "

Zhu Youjian frowned slightly. In fact, his opinion was very clear. The army withdrew from North Korea. The dignified Ming Dynasty must have the demeanor of a big country. Bullying the weak is not what the Ming Dynasty should do. The Korean royal family made such a request. It's not a big deal, and I can agree to it. As for the matter of paying tribute, it was strongly suggested by Su Tiancheng, and Zhu Youjian also felt that it was not necessary. North Korea is only a big place, and the poor are dying. What good things can there be? .

After Yang Sichang finished speaking, Zhu Youjian looked at Zhu Shenxuan, but unexpectedly Zhu Shenxuan lowered his head and did not speak.

The rest of the cabinet ministers will certainly not say anything.

"Dear dear friends, North Korea has always been a vassal state of my Ming Dynasty. Over the years, because of many changes in my Ming Dynasty, many vassal states have fallen apart. North Korea has returned to my Ming Dynasty. This is a gratifying and congratulatory event. Take a look at the vassal state, my Ming Dynasty is still strong and powerful, as for the matter of the garrison, I think it will be withdrawn as soon as it is withdrawn, and my Ming Dynasty has never stationed troops in North Korea before."

The emperor's attitude was within everyone's expectations. In fact, when the cabinet was discussing, the opinions were very inconsistent. Yang Sichang did not agree to withdraw troops from North Korea, especially at this critical moment, Su Tiancheng led the Jiangning battalion and was attacking the post-Golden Tatars. Son, the main direction of attack is Haizhou. The stability of Fuzhou and Xuanzhou is very important. Zhang Fengyi leads the army and is stationed in Pyongyang to ensure the stability of Xuanzhou and other places. When necessary, troops can also be sent to assist the Jiangning camp. , but after the evacuation of Pyongyang, there will be more variables, and no one can predict what will happen in Xuanzhou and other places.

What's more, the royal family of Joseon also proposed to implore the court to return Xuanzhou and other places. State, that belongs to the imperial court.

But the emperor's attitude was very firm, and Yang Sichang had no choice but to obey.

There is no debate about the withdrawal of troops from North Korea, but the next thing is a bit subtle. Zhang Fengyi led an army of 3 troops to Pyongyang. After withdrawing from Pyongyang, where did the [-] people go? Directly to Gaizhou , obey Su Tiancheng's command, whether the Golden Tatars will return to Beizhili after the attack, this needs to be determined.

The emperor also had another thought. Both Yang Sichang and Zhu Shenxuan felt that it was inappropriate, that is, Zhang Fengyi led an army of [-] troops and stationed in Dengzhou and Laizhou. From Dengzhou, Laizhou and Qingzhou, there are still some soldiers from the Jiangning battalion. Zhang Fengyi led the army there. What is his status? Could it be that he took over Dengzhou, Laizhou and Qingzhou? Would it be possible to force Su Tiancheng to do something irrational by doing something like this later?

When the cabinet discussed this matter, they could not reach a consensus. Yang Sichang's opinion could allow Zhang Fengyi to be stationed in the Xuanzhou area to prevent anything from happening. However, Yang Sichang also believed that the army was only stationed in Xuanzhou temporarily.

Zhu Shenxuan's opinion is the most clear. The [-] army will directly participate in the attack on the Houjin Tartars, so that the number of troops will be larger, the strength will be stronger, and the rhythm of the attack will be accelerated.

Some agreed that Zhang Fengyi should be stationed in Dengzhou, and others suggested that Zhang Fengyi return to North Zhili.

Yang Sichang was a little worried, if the emperor asked where the army was stationed, it would be difficult for him to answer.

"My dear friends, Zhang Aiqing led the army and withdrew from Pyongyang. He must come back. I still have the same opinion. The [-] troops are temporarily stationed in the Dengzhou and Laizhou areas. If the time is right, participate in the conquest of the Golden Tartars... .”

The hall was very quiet. Everyone knew why the emperor made such an arrangement, but they didn't expect that making such a decision at such a critical moment would affect the battle of the Golden Tartars after the conquest.

After Zhu Youjian finished speaking, Yang Sichang bit the bullet and spoke up. He felt that he had to say that the most important thing for the court at present was the issue of the Golden Tartars after the conquest. Everyone in the court was concerned about the situation in Liaodong. The decision is not conducive to the conquest of Liaodong, it is a self-cutting arm.

"Your Majesty, I think it is more appropriate for the army to be temporarily stationed in Xuanzhou. First, it can control the situation in North Korea and prevent other incidents. Second, it can also assist Master Su and participate in the battle of the Golden Tartars after the conquest. "

Zhu Youjian's face was obviously a little ugly.

"Okay, I've already decided on this matter, so don't continue discussing it."

Yang Sichang's complexion was very ugly. As the chief minister of the cabinet, his main duty was to assist the emperor and make the Ming Dynasty stronger. Yang Sichang was absolutely loyal to the emperor, and he knew some worries of the emperor, but this kind of worry should be deeply rooted. Hidden in his heart, when the opportunity is right, take the necessary action instead of rushing for quick success. This may make things worse. Yang Sichang is more aware that Su Tiancheng's ability is extraordinary. Looking at Ming Dynasty, he can defeat the Empress Jin Tartars Yes, probably only Su Tiancheng, without Su Tiancheng, the plan to exterminate the Empress Golden Tartars would not be completed.From this aspect, the emperor is very contradictory.In fact, the emperor began to alienate Zhu Shenxuan, and Yang Sichang knew the secret.

When leaving the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Zhu Shenxuan walked in front with his head bowed. In the Hall of Mental Cultivation for more than an hour, Zhu Shenxuan did not speak, and there was no expression on his face. Yang Sichang wanted to say hello, and Zhu Shenxuan Xuan said a few words, but finally gave up. One thing, Yang Sichang is very clear, that is, Dongchang and Jinyiwei have begun to closely monitor Zhu Shenxuan. Who made this arrangement, then there is no need to guess, Yang Sichang I am very worried. I don't know when such a conflict will happen. As the chief minister of the cabinet, he will definitely support the emperor at that time.

Sometimes, Yang Sichang also thought about what the Ming Dynasty would look like if Su Tiancheng became the emperor, but he tried his best to suppress such thoughts and never let them come out. (to be continued..)