Huangming

Chapter 225 Deploying Troops, the Ming Navy

On the high platform of the West Garden Training Ground.

Zhu Youxiao wore a black casual robe, the hem of which fluttered in the summer breeze.

He slowly rose, his gilded sash reflecting a dazzling light in the sunlight, making the young emperor's face appear even more majestic.

"I have witnessed your martial arts skills today; this trip has not been in vain!"

His voice wasn't loud, but it instantly silenced the entire training ground.

His gaze swept over the fierce-looking border generals, and a slight smile appeared on his lips:

"Zhao Qing's arrow pierced the willow tree, Zu Qing fought like a tiger, Huang Qing's spear pierced through three armies... Good! Good! Good!"

He said "good" three times in a row, each time louder than the last.

As the final sound rang out, Zhao Shuaijiao and the others knelt down in unison, the clanging of their armor like a thunderclap.

"To serve Your Majesty to the death is our duty!"

These valiant generals, who were promoted exceptionally, had their foreheads touching the ground, their voices roughened by the battlefield.

They knew that it was this emperor who had defied public opinion to summon them from the border town; it was this young emperor who had defied the criticism of the court to increase their pay and bestow armor upon them.

His Majesty bestowed upon them an honor that ordinary people could not give. They are not ungrateful people; in their hearts, they already regard the Emperor as the most ardent sun.

Zhu Youxiao stood with his hands behind his back and said to Wei Chaonian beside him:
"By imperial decree! Zhao Shuaijiao and the other twelve generals shall each be granted fifty taels of silver and a fine horse from Ferghana!"

As soon as the emperor finished speaking, the eunuch Fang Zhenghua brought out twelve fine horses.

"Wow!"

The noble sons on the edge of the drill ground immediately stirred.

Zhang Zhiji, the son of the Duke of England, stared at the several pure white jade lions, his eyes almost popping out of their sockets.

These fine horses from the Western Regions are something that even hereditary nobles would beg for!

Now His Majesty has actually bestowed it upon these generals of the capital garrison.

I'm jealous!
Many of these sons of noble families were so envious that their faces contorted with envy.

The emperor naturally noticed the expressions on these people's faces.

His gaze slowly swept over the sons of noble families, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Soldiers of the Noble Camp, you need not be discouraged."

"Your defeat to the border general today is to be expected."

Fine beads of sweat had already formed on the forehead of Zhang Zhiji, the heir apparent of the Duke of England, but the emperor continued:
"They fought bloody battles on the border every day, and every move they made was a killing technique honed in the face of life and death."

"And you?"

Zhu Youxiao suddenly raised his hand, pointed to the row of brand-new weapon racks at the edge of the training ground, and his voice grew louder and louder:
"You will practice the most elaborate techniques in the best-equipped training grounds in the capital, using the finest weapons."

These words were like a slap in the face, leaving the nobles blushing with embarrassment.

But then, the emperor's tone softened:
"However, I remember Emperor Chengzu saying that nobles are the pillars of the nation. Since they are the pillars of the nation, they must demonstrate the abilities of those pillars. Under my rule, there will be no nobles who simply loaf around and wait to die!"

Upon hearing this, the sons of noble families swallowed hard.

"Ten years of martial arts training in the capital is not as good as fighting a battle in Liaodong."

Zhu Youxiao turned and walked towards the center of the command platform.

"This battle in Liaodong is crucial to the fate of the Ming Dynasty!"

"It concerns the success or failure of my new policies!"

"It concerns you more: whether you continue to be pampered playboys in fine clothes and belts, or truly become pillars of the Ming Dynasty!"

The Liaodong Campaign was far more than just a battle on the battlefield.

Undercurrents were surging within the imperial court.

Although no one in the court dared to openly advocate for peace talks, memorials poured into the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs every day like snowflakes:

"The Liaodong military expenditure is enormous; please postpone the additional levy."

"Xiong Tingbi is stubborn and self-willed; he is unlikely to be a good general."

"Arrogant border generals should be guarded against as a threat from regional military governors."

These memorials, on the surface, express concern for the country and its people, but between the lines they conceal a sharp edge.

They were not opposed to the war in Liaodong, but to the emperor's new policies!
Zhu Youxiao sneered; how could he not know his own predicament?

At this moment, he looks just like Emperor Wu of Han!
During the Jianyuan era, when the young Liu Che wanted to conquer Minyue, the old nobles, led by Empress Dowager Dou, did everything they could to obstruct him.

It wasn't until Wei Qing emerged and won a great victory at Longcheng that the criticism from the world was silenced.

And now.
The Battle of Liaodong was his best way to break the deadlock.

Zhu Youxiao knew perfectly well:
If the Battle of Liaodong is won:

His decision to appoint Xiong Tingbi to a high position was a stroke of genius.

Sun Chengzong's strategy of advancing through fortifications was a mature and shrewd approach to governing the country.

The new policies, such as surveying land and reorganizing the Beijing garrison, will advance with unstoppable momentum.

But if the Battle of Liaodong is lost:
Accusations that "His Majesty is not good at choosing people" will flood the court.

The promotion of drought-resistant crops was criticized as 'a waste of manpower and resources'.

The entire Apocalyptic New Deal system will collapse.

Therefore, the Liaodong campaign absolutely cannot afford any mistakes.

Victory is the only option; defeat is not an option!
Just as Nurhaci treated every battle as a life-or-death struggle, Zhu Youxiao felt the same way at this moment.

Faced with the Ming Dynasty's dilapidated ship, leaking from all sides and on the verge of sinking, if the situation is not quickly turned around, and natural disasters follow one after another, the people at home will be forced to rebel, and those mutinous soldiers will drive him to the brink of despair.

He doesn't want to die young.

"Do you dare to fight for the Ming Dynasty?"

The emperor said this.

The drill ground was deathly silent.

bang bang bang~
Zhang Zhiji kowtowed heavily, the armor blade striking the ground with a dull thud.

"Your subject is willing to go to Liaodong! To fight for the Ming Dynasty!"

Like a powder keg ignited, the sons of noble families banged their heads on the ground, their roars raising dust high above the training ground.
"We are willing to go!!!"

Zhu Youxiao looked around at everyone and continued, "The Liaodong War has begun. This is a war that will determine the fate of the nation, and it is also a crucial battle for the implementation of my new policies!"

Zhu Youxiao made no attempt to conceal the importance of the Liaodong campaign from everyone.

"I am very pleased that you have this intention."

"Over the next month, I will select capable individuals from the Noble Camp to go to Liaodong for training. If they succeed, they will become my trusted lieutenants!"

After the emperor finished speaking, even the sons of these nobles couldn't help but breathe rapidly.

Becoming a key figure in the emperor's court is vastly different from being an ordinary nobleman.

That was the temptation of holding great power and the legacy of a hundred years!

Especially some of the lower-ranking nobles, their eyes lit up, and their hands unconsciously clenched into fists. They had to seize this opportunity to rise above their station!
Seeing that the fighting spirit of these noble sons in the noble camp had been stirred up, Zhu Youxiao turned to look at the generals of the Beijing garrison and said:
"My beloved ministers, the war in Liaodong has begun. This war concerns the fate of the nation, and I must be cautious!"

He paused slightly, his voice growing increasingly serious:

"If the war is resolved quickly, we can still hold out; however, the Jurchens are cunning. If they avoid battle and prolong the confrontation with our army, the loss of logistics and supplies will likely become a major threat to our Great Ming!"

A summer breeze swept across the drill ground, causing the banners to flutter in the wind, as if echoing the emperor's anxieties.

Zhu Youxiao raised his hand and pointed northeast, continuing:
"Liaodong is a thousand miles away from the capital. Transporting grain and fodder by land is exhausting for the laborers. Mules and horses die by the roadside. For every shi (a unit of dry measure) of rice transported to the front lines, more than ten shi are wasted. If this continues, the national treasury will be empty, the people will be impoverished, and the country will collapse before the battle even begins!"

He turned abruptly, his dark robes billowing like ink clouds, his tone suddenly sharp:

"Therefore, I have decided to open up sea routes! The navy can transport grain, saving the cost of land transport; with warships moving freely, we can launch surprise attacks on the Jurchen heartland and cut off their retreat! If we need to conquer Korea or raid enemy rear areas in the future, the navy will be the sharpest weapon in my hands!"

The generals held their breath, their eyes burning with fighting spirit.

Seeing this, Zhu Youxiao took the opportunity to mention the Tianjin strategy:

"Tianjin is the throat of maritime transport. I have promoted Chen Qiyu to reorganize the Three Guards, but local powerful families are entrenched and the guard posts are corrupt. Only swift and decisive measures can eliminate them!"

He sneered, his five fingers slowly closing as if to crush the invisible shackles:
"If appeasement fails, then we will use iron and blood to wipe them out! I intend to send elite troops and generals to assist Chen Qiyu in rebuilding the navy—this is no ordinary assignment, but an opportunity for you all to make your mark!"

Before the words were even finished, Zhao Shuaijiao and the others knelt down with a thud, their armor clanging like thunder: "Your Majesty, we are willing to pacify Tianjin and give our lives for you!"

Zhu Youxiao laughed loudly and immediately issued an edict:

"Zhao Shuaijiao, Lieutenant General of the Shenji Battalion; Zu Dashou, Lieutenant General of the Shenshu Battalion; and Huang Degong, Lieutenant General of the Shenwu Battalion! Your three units have achieved excellent training and are worthy of being called a fierce and powerful army. Proceed to Tianjin immediately to clear land for farming and train the navy, and await my command!"

The three readily accepted the order, and Zhu Youxiao said meaningfully:
"The flames of war rage in Liaodong, and undercurrents surge in Tianjin. All of you, my lords, are fulfilling your duties. When the day comes to reward those who have fought and bled, I will certainly not fail those who have done so!"

Then, Zhu Youxiao turned to He Gang, Ma Shilong, and others, and gave the order:

"He Gang, the adjutant of the Divine Machine Battalion; Ma Shilong, the adjutant of the Five Armies Battalion; and Man Gui, the adjutant of the Three Thousand Battalion. You are all my trusted ministers, and you have served in the Beijing Garrison for a longer period than Zhao Shuaijiao, Zu Dashou, and Huang Degong."

The soldiers under his command have trained for many years, are skilled in archery and horsemanship, and possess excellent firearms, making them the elite force of our Great Ming Dynasty.

"Immediately depart for Liaoyang and place yourself under the command of the Liaodong Military Governor's Office! On this journey to Liaodong, you shall wipe out the Jurchens for me and uphold the prestige of my Great Ming Dynasty!"

We really have to go and attack Liaodong.

The soldiers around the drill ground held their breath in unison.

They knew what this brief military order meant.

The Liaodong battlefield was a bloody battlefield, an opportunity to make a name for oneself, and also the possibility of dying on the battlefield.

But at this moment, the three generals only showed excitement and eagerness.

He Gang even unconsciously rubbed the sword at his waist, as if he could see himself charging into battle on the Liaodong battlefield.

Zhu Youxiao took in the reactions of the three people, and a barely perceptible smile appeared on his lips.

As he turned, his black cloak traced a sharp arc, but his voice suddenly softened: "My three beloved ministers, I am in the capital, awaiting your report of victory."

He Gang, Ma Shilong, and Man Gui immediately stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, we will certainly live up to your trust!"

Your Majesty, what about us?
When Cao Wenzhao and Cao Wenyao saw that everyone had been appointed, they wondered why His Majesty had forgotten to give some of them to others.

"Your Majesty, your humble brother and I are willing to be the vanguard!"

Unable to contain himself, Cao Wenzhao immediately stepped forward to request permission to fight.

His younger brother, Cao Wenyao, followed closely behind, kneeling on one knee:

"Your Majesty, please grant us a chance to kill the enemy!"

Zhu Youxiao chuckled upon hearing this and said:

"How could I forget the Cao family's elite troops? I have entrusted you with a great responsibility."

The emperor slowly said:

"The Marquis of Dingyuan has recruited 7,000 brave men in Shandong and they will arrive soon. The troops recruited by the Marquises of Yongkang and Fengcheng are also on their way."

"Hong Chengchou surveyed land in Beizhili, while Yang Lian reorganized the canal transport system."

"These are all more important than killing a few Jurchens!"

Cao Wenzhao tightened his grip on the sword and then loosened it.

He naturally understood His Majesty's deeper meaning:
New recruits need to be trained by valiant generals.

A thorough survey of farmland requires a skilled garrison.

The rectification of the Grand Canal is of vital importance to the nation's future.

But the burning passion in my chest was ultimately hard to quell!
Doing any of those things is not as satisfying as killing the Jurchens.

"This humble general."

Cao Wenyao was about to volunteer for the battle again, but was stopped by a look from his elder brother.

"Your Majesty, we obey your command and will certainly train elite troops for you!"

However, although Cao Wenzhao's voice was loud, it could not hide his resentment.

Zhu Youxiao took everything in view, and suddenly said meaningfully:
"Don't worry, your time to fight the enemy will come."

"Until the new army is fully formed—"

"I want you to be a sharp sword that pierces straight into Hetu Ala!"

After hearing this, Cao Wenzhao and his brothers had no more complaints.

He immediately knelt down and said, "Your subject obeys!"

In fact, Zhu Youxiao had his own plans in not sending all the elite troops under Zhao Lüjiao, Zu Dashou, Huang Degong, Cao Wenzhao, and Cao Wenyao to Liaodong.

On the one hand, the elite troops under Zhao Shuaijiao, Zu Dashou, and Huang Degong were sent to Tianjin, which would allow for a faster reorganization of Tianjin, the formation of a navy, and the commencement of maritime transport of grain and troops.

On the other hand, too many people going to Liaodong will increase logistical pressure.

It's not true that the more people you have, the better in a war.

If that were true, then when Guangshen launched his three campaigns against Goguryeo, he wouldn't have ended up in such a sorry state.

In war, the battles are fought on tactics, on the soldiers' willingness to fight, and on logistics.
It's not about having more people.

As long as Liaodong wins, his subsequent new policies can continue to be implemented.

This battle must be won, and we must win!
As dusk fell, Zhu Youxiao hosted a banquet for his generals at the inner training ground.

During the banquet, Zhu Youxiao was noticeably more relaxed.

After all, he had done everything he could.

Next, it will be up to Xiong Tingbi and Sun Chengzong.

On the side.

Wei Chao saw that the emperor was in a good mood, and his little eyes darted around.

He bent slightly, took small steps forward, a fawning smile plastered on his face, and his narrow eyes squinted into slits.

"Your Majesty, the Korean envoy is already waiting at the reception hall, and has specially presented two Silla beauties..."

He paused deliberately, stealing a glance at the emperor's expression, and seeing Zhu Youxiao raise an eyebrow slightly, he immediately pressed his advantage:
"It is said that she has skin as white as snow, is skilled in singing and dancing, and is well-versed in Han poetry and prose. Your Majesty is busy with countless affairs of state, perhaps..."

(End of this chapter)