Emperor Ming: Your Majesty, you have caused me so much suffering.

Chapter 99 The Ming Dynasty Must Stand Tough!

Inside the Wuying Hall, Fan Guang was left to guard the Desheng Gate, while Yu Qian, Shi Heng, and others hurriedly returned to the city to discuss matters.

Zhu Qiyu summoned the important officials of the court, and these civil officials were overjoyed. The Oirat army had been defeated, and Esen would not be able to hold out for long.

With everyone's lives and official positions secured, and the world at peace, it's time for civil officials to shine again, so some joy is inevitable.

However, upon entering the Wuying Hall, Wang Zhi and the others' smiles vanished instantly. They saw Zhu Qiyu and the others staring solemnly at the sand table, showing no trace of the joy that followed their great victory.

Wang Zhi and his entourage proceeded cautiously to pay their respects.

Zhu Qiyu glanced at the assembled officials and said, "No need for formalities. Come closer and discuss matters around the sand table."

"Your Majesty, we obey!"

Today's battles have yielded impressive results, with a total of 20,000 of Esen's troops wiped out in three engagements. Although the Ming Dynasty also suffered over 10,000 casualties, this is an absolute victory in comparison.

The ambush at Deshengmen was particularly brilliant. The Ming army suffered only minor casualties in the street fighting. According to the prisoners, the two dead generals were among the top warriors of the Oirat Mongols, one of whom was Esen's younger brother.

At the start of the war, Esen killed two of the Oirat commanders. This was a nuclear-level shock, no wonder Esen was so furious.

The reason why Zhu Qiyu, Yu Qian, and others could not laugh was that the Ming Dynasty's ammunition and weapons were severely depleted and had been exhausted.

The original plan was for the Nanjing Armory Bureau to transport weapons to the capital, but the Oirat Mongols were advancing south too quickly and they were worried about being robbed, so they had to order the shipment to stop en route. Only some light weapons, arrows, and swords were sent to the capital, while artillery, ammunition, armor, and the like remained en route and were placed on the south bank of the Yellow River.

If all the weapons had been delivered in time, the Oirat Mongols would not have killed thousands of Ming soldiers at Andingmen. Most of the dead Ming soldiers were either unarmored or wearing simple bamboo armor, making them easy targets for the Oirat cavalry.

Ultimately, the problem stemmed from the Ming Dynasty's poor mobilization capabilities in the south. Zhu Qiyu had anticipated this, but the issue wasn't one of mobilization capacity, but rather a problem with the people.

The Ming Dynasty ruled from north to south. Now, Nanjing's equipment has been completely depleted. It would be strange if the people in Nanjing were to cooperate so readily. Perhaps what is on paper is far from what is actually there.

Once the weapons are transported to the capital, the inside story will be exposed and the accounts will not match.

The imperial court was levying taxes according to the accounts, and Nanjing could only delay as much as possible with various excuses. Sometimes they said there were no boats or carts and they needed to be requisitioned, and other times they said the canal was blocked. They were hoping that if the imperial court sent officials to urge them a few more times and made a few more trips, they would probably all go south first.

This has nothing to do with Nanjing. As long as it's not investigated or touched, it's a mess. If we trace it back to when it started to get messy, we'll probably have to go back to the reigns of the previous emperors.

Once the capital falls and the emperor moves south, even the most powerful and ruthless ruler will likely have to back down. These matters can be let go, and a few insignificant people can be sent as scapegoats.

Zhu Qiyu was also helpless at the time. When he first started using weapons from the Nanjing Armory, he was only in his regent position. It wasn't until after he ascended the throne that he issued another order, instructing Nanjing to organize people to transport the weapons from the Armory to the capital as quickly as possible, and informing him that if they were delivered in time, he would not be held accountable for past transgressions.

Zhu Qiyu's meaning was very straightforward: this is your chance to settle accounts. Losses are inevitable during the transportation process, but as long as you win this battle, everything will be fine.

It was Zhu Qiyu's decree that prompted action in Nanjing, but it was too late. In just about a month, mobilization, transportation, and accounting were delayed, and only a small amount of light weapons were sent to Beijing, while the rest remained on the south bank of the Yellow River.

To be on the safe side, Zhu Qiyu had no choice but to stop the transport. With the Yellow River as a natural barrier, even if the Oirat wanted to rob it, they couldn't cross the river quickly. After all, not everyone was Wang Baobao of the Yuan Dynasty, who could move freely across the Yellow River.

If they rashly transport the goods to the capital, and they all fall into the hands of the Oirats, it will be a disaster. The Oirats have already plundered the entire capital region, and even the imperial tombs have not been spared. These people are nothing but locusts.

Zhu Qiyu was even more worried that someone was deliberately letting the Oirat plunder these equipment. If the Oirat took one piece, they would dare to report that the Oirat had robbed several pieces, or even a whole cartload, making the Oirat the biggest scapegoat in the world.

"Your Majesty, has something important happened?" Wang Zhi and the others entered the hall and, seeing that Zhu Qiyu and Yu Qian remained silent, finally couldn't help but ask.

Yu Qian bluntly stated, "Minister Wang, the army is currently facing severe shortages of equipment and ammunition. Today's battle has nearly depleted our reserves."

The ambush at Deshengmen was almost a death squeeze. Yu Qian regretted his decision to launch a night raid, wasting so much ammunition. But even without the night raid, there probably wouldn't have been such a brilliant ambush. Everything is interconnected.

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhi and the others paled, realizing that war is expensive, and such a great victory could not have been achieved without expenditure.

They were too optimistic!

Zhu Qiyu looked at Gao Gu, the Minister of Works, and asked, "Minister Gao, could we increase production?"

Gao Gu has looked rather haggard lately; since the start of preparations, he has been incredibly busy.

"Your Majesty, many of the molds and furnaces have been damaged due to high-intensity operation. This is already the fastest we can operate. Most importantly, we are facing a severe shortage of materials. Iron ore, coal, saltpeter, sulfur, and other minerals are extremely scarce. Even if we increase the speed, we will not have enough materials to support it. I have now requisitioned some farm tools from the people to supplement the materials, but the quality of the products produced is still inconsistent."

"I have truly done my best!" Takaya made a gesture as if to apologize.

"Minister Gao has worked hard and made great contributions, which I have seen and have no intention of blaming him!" Zhu Qiyu stopped him. This matter should not be blamed on Gao Gu. On the contrary, Gao Gu has made great contributions.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Zhu Qiyu pondered for a moment, then came up with a bold idea, saying, "Minister Yu, could we move the firearms and ammunition of Liu An and Zhu Ying's troops who are stationed at the east gate? If Tuotuo Buhua doesn't come south from Gubeikou, I don't believe Esen would dare to attack the east gate."

Yu Qian and Shi Heng looked at Zhu Qiyu together. It has to be said that this idea was very bold. However, if Esen really attacked the East Gate without the help of firearms, he could probably break through both camps.

"Your Majesty, this is too risky! The battlefield is ever-changing. If we attack the East Gate first, and one of our two battalions is breached, the city gate may fall."

Yu Qian's strategy was still somewhat conservative. Esen was a gambler and could not be judged by common sense. He dared to venture deep into enemy territory alone without breaking through Datong and Xuanfu. What wouldn't Esen do?

"Then let the two battalions withdraw three thousand men to the city to defend it. Even if Esen breaks through the eastern camp, our army will be able to provide timely support thanks to the city's strong defenses."

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent instantly. It seemed feasible to gamble the lives of ten or twenty thousand soldiers on this battle. If successful, it would deliver another heavy blow to Esen, leaving him no choice but to retreat.

Yu Qian and Shi Heng exchanged a glance, already certain that this move was feasible. Wang Zhi and the others dared not utter a word, while Chen Mao and Li Xian, standing to the side, were secretly surprised. Could it be that His Majesty also possessed some talent in military affairs? His reaction was remarkably timely.

"If you gentlemen still have any concerns, I will issue another order urging the princes to come to the capital to defend the emperor. The news of the great victory in the capital should also be told to all the subjects of the country, and messengers should be sent to the south to spread the news," Zhu Qiyu added.

wonderful!

All the ministers looked up; this was a brilliant move.

The news of the great victory prompted them to urge the kings to come to the capital, which might speed up their journey. If the kings in the south were to come to the aid of the emperor, they would almost all gather in Tongzhou. It was impossible for the Oirat Mongols not to have detected such news.

"Your Majesty, we obey!"

Shi Heng paused for a moment, then said, "Your Majesty, I need to draw cavalry from various camps. Currently, the cavalry camp has less than two thousand riders, which is no longer sufficient to serve as the main force for attack."

Although Shi Heng had avenged his great enemy, it was an undeniable fact that more than half of his cavalry had been lost.

"Minister Yu, what are your thoughts?"

"Your Majesty, if this is the case, the remaining pursuit capabilities of each battalion will be lost, leaving them only with the option of passive fighting, which is not advisable. I believe that the cavalry under Gao Li, Mao Fushou, and Liu Ju should all be placed under the command of Admiral Shi. In addition, Zhang Chao's cavalry should also be handed over to Admiral Shi. We have captured quite a few warhorses today, so each army should recommend brave warriors who are skilled in riding and archery to temporarily serve as cavalry."

Zhu Qiyu nodded. Yu Qian's approach was correct. Without cavalry, each battalion would be like a blind man in battle. Even if they were attacked, without cavalry to break through and report the danger, they would only be waiting to die.

"Admiral Shi, then we shall follow Minister Yu's advice!"

"Yes!" Shi Heng readily agreed. With Gao Li, Mao Fushou, and Sun Tang joining, and a few more men added, their combat strength was no less than before; all that was missing was perfect teamwork.

Seeing that Zhu Qiyu agreed with his approach, Yu Qian petitioned again, "Your Majesty, the defense deployment needs to be readjusted!"

"Speak your mind!"

"With Gao Li and Mao Fushou transferred away, the defenses of Zhangyi Gate are weak. I have transferred Wang Jing and Wu Xing, the commanders of the Desheng Gate camp, to Zhangyi Gate to oversee its defenses. However, Your Majesty still needs to send some Imperial Guards and Imperial Horse Supervisors to assist in the defense. Currently, Jiao Jing's battalion is assisting in the defense of Xizhi Gate, and Zhang Chao's battalion is assisting in the defense of Anding Gate. I am afraid they will not be able to provide timely support!"

The Xizhimen and Andingmen battalions suffered significant losses and definitely needed to coordinate their defense. Jiao Jinghe's two battalions had lost their ability to provide flexible support.

"Granted!"

Yu Qian continued, "Your Majesty, I wish to order Yang Hong to lead 20,000 troops south!"

Zhu Qiyu immediately understood the hidden meaning in Yu Qian's words and instantly realized, "Does Minister Yu mean that the Arazhiyuan Department will launch a fierce attack on Juyong Pass?"

Yu Qian's pupils dilated, and he couldn't help but give Zhu Qiyu a thumbs up. "Your Majesty has such high comprehension; you understand it so quickly."

"Now that Esen's forces have suffered heavy losses, he may not be able to ascertain the true strength of the capital. For Esen, the safest course of action is to wait for Arazhiyuan to come south and join forces to make up for the losses before launching another general offensive. If Yang Hong goes south, Arazhiyuan's forces will definitely be more cautious and will not dare to launch a desperate attack on Juyong Pass. If Arazhiyuan loses his mind and attacks Juyong Pass recklessly, Yang Hong may be able to reap the benefits and, together with the Juyong Pass garrison commander, encircle Arazhiyuan's forces."

"allow!"

A flash of inspiration struck Zhu Qiyu. Since they were dealing with the Arazhiyuan tribe, the Tuotuo Buhua tribe naturally couldn't be spared either. He looked at Chen Xun and said, "Scholar Chen, draft a punitive edict, make it sharp in its wording, and send it to Tuotuo Buhua!"

"To interrogate him? Your Majesty, you mustn't!" Yu Qian and the others were shocked. They had previously conveyed their intention to negotiate with Toghtog Bukha. If they were to interrogate him now, and Toghtog Bukha became enraged and marched south, it would be a huge problem.

"My lords, it is alright. I am going to hold Toghtog Bukha accountable. As long as my Great Ming is strong enough, Toghtog Bukha will not dare to march south. If the Great Ming shows weakness again, Toghtog Bukha will still have expectations that Esen will capture the capital."

"The arrival of the edict of punishment has extinguished Toghtog Bukha's hopes. It also tells Toghtog Bukha that going south will only lead to his death. I believe that news of Esen's defeat will also reach Toghtog Bukha's ears. If he knows what's good for him, he will make his own judgment. Does he want to go south and serve as Esen's pawn, wasting his only remaining troops?"

"Your Majesty's insight is brilliant!" Li Xian exclaimed, his spirits lifted.

This analysis is quite insightful; it truly reflects the vision of a ruler!

Yu Qian stared at Zhu Qiyu in astonishment and couldn't help but exclaim, "Your Majesty is wise!"

The situation has changed drastically, and the balance of power may soon be reversed. When will the Ming Dynasty ever have to humble itself and beg for help?

The Ming Dynasty must stand up!

Chen Mao couldn't help but suggest, "Your Majesty, if that's the case, I recommend that the Liaodong loyalist army be immediately transferred to Tongzhou and be ready to rush to the capital to provide assistance at any time."

Zhu Qiyu glanced at Chen Mao in surprise. This idea coincided with his own. If the Liaodong troops could reach the capital and the siege of Juyong Pass was lifted, Yang Hong's troops could cross Juyong Pass and return to reinforce the capital. With cavalry in both places, the Ming Dynasty would have the ability to launch an attack.

If he tries to run away first, someone will go to "rescue" his elder brother. If they accidentally kill Zhu Qizhen, it will be too painful for Zhu Qiyu to lose his closest brother!

However, these thoughts had to be kept to themselves; the immediate priority was to resolve the threat from the capital.

Yu Qian cautiously replied, "Could we wait for Tuotuo Buhua's reply before discussing this? The troops from Liaodong who came to the aid of the emperor are currently in Jizhou. Whether they return to Liaodong to provide reinforcements or keep an eye on Tuotuo Buhua, it will be extremely convenient for them to make a response."

"No, the main goal is to defeat Esen. The Uriyangkhai Three Guards are opportunists and dare not touch Liaodong to oppose our Great Ming. If Toghtoa Bukha does not go south to attack Liaodong at this critical juncture, it would be tantamount to offending both the Great Ming and the Oirat, unless Toghtoa Bukha wants to bring about his own destruction. The more favorable the situation in the capital is for our Great Ming, the less likely the various tribes of the steppe will dare to act rashly."

Fear of power, not virtue, is a consistent belief among the nomadic tribes of the grasslands.

"Your Majesty's insight is brilliant!" Li Xian echoed once more!

Zhu Qiyu glanced at Li Xian speechlessly, wishing Li Xian would change his lines to praise him.

Yu Qian was immediately persuaded and agreed with Zhu Qiyu's statement, saying, "Then we shall do as Your Majesty says!"

Seeing that Yu Qian agreed with his suggestion, Zhu Qiyu's confidence increased greatly. These days he had been working day and night to analyze the strategy. Although he dared not take charge, he could still offer advice.

"Could Guo Deng of Datong send a small force to harass Yanghe?"

When Datong was mentioned, Shi Heng took over the conversation, saying, "Wouldn't that be too risky? Datong already has insufficient troops, so we can't launch an attack rashly."

Shi Heng knew exactly how many troops were needed to defend Datong, given the length of the defense line. Guo Deng simply didn't have the capability to launch an attack.

Yu Qian, however, understood Zhu Qiyu's intention. After careful consideration, he said, "I think it's acceptable!"

Shi Heng was startled and said, "Minister Yu, Datong's current troop strength is just enough to support the entire Datong defense line. Any move to reduce troop strength would be unwise and would cause a flaw in Datong's defenses."

Yu Qian explained with a smile, "Your Majesty's intention is to launch a feigned attack, creating the illusion that Esen's rear has been cut off, thus shaking the morale of the Oirat army and frightening Esen, making him want to retreat!"

That's it!

Shi Heng had forgotten that Esen was a genius who dared to venture deep into enemy territory alone; to some extent, Esen was capable of sitting at the same table as Zhu Qizhen.

"Your Majesty's insight is brilliant!" Shi Heng replied subconsciously, all because Li Xian had led him astray.

"The Ministry of War and the Censorate must verify the battle merits as soon as possible," Zhu Qiyu turned to Jin Lian, "Those who deserve rewards and compensation should receive them in full. If there are any delays that affect the morale of the army, I will punish you all!"

"Your Majesty, we obey!"

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