Time soon came to the next day. When Zhu Jinghong woke up, Zhang Xiaoyue had already prepared breakfast for him.
At this moment, Zhang Xiaoyue was chatting, but she was talking about welcoming the Spring Festival.
"Why is Hao Duanduan so sick!"
"I invited her over to play last night. If she didn't come, I thought she was too visionary to look down on us... Now it seems that it's me. I wrongly blamed her!"
The people who spoke were Zhang Xiaoyue and Li Huizhen. They had become very close recently, and they both had a very secret relationship with their concubine Yang Jingting.
"Uh-huh!"
Zhu Jinghong coughed, and the conversation outside immediately stopped, and then both Zhang Xiaoyue and Li Huizhen entered the room.
"My lord, you're awake... I'll help you change your clothes!"
Zhang Xiaoyue has a maid, but she usually takes the opportunity to serve her in person. Cheaper than others.
Li Huizhen also hurriedly stepped forward to help. The whole process was really considerate. Just changing clothes itself was a pleasure for Zhu Jinghong.
"Is the second girl from the Jia family sick?" Zhu Jinghong asked casually.
Zhang Xiaoyue replied: "Exactly... He said he wasn't feeling well, and he didn't even eat breakfast!"
Zhu Jinghong knew why he felt uncomfortable, so he didn't After further questioning, they started chatting about other trivial matters.
For example, what did they play last night, who was involved, why they played so late...
After changing clothes, Zhu Jinghong went to the table, and when he was about to eat, Yu Hai But he came to report that it turned out that a message was sent from the palace asking him to see him.
I just met the emperor yesterday and summoned him into the palace so early today. Zhu Jinghong guessed that something big had happened again.
"Let him wait for a while. It's not too late to go after dinner!" Zhu Jinghong said slowly.
After waiting so long at the Qianqing Palace yesterday, Zhu Jinghong didn’t want to be taken advantage of again today. At least he had to fill his stomach first. After all, he worked too hard last night.
Of course Yu Hai knew that it was normal for his prince to be late, but this time the situation was indeed different, so he continued: "Your Majesty, the person here is Eunuch Cheng!"
After hearing this After hearing this, Zhu Jinghong's expression suddenly brightened. If Cheng Ying had come in person, the situation would have been very serious.
So he put down his chopsticks, stood up and walked out.
A minute later, he saw Cheng Ying inside the Chengyun Gate.
Knowing what Zhu Jinghong was most concerned about, Cheng Ying spoke first and said: "Your Highness, something happened!"
"I received an urgent delivery this morning, April 25th, the artillery of the Xiyi Fleet. Bombing Chaotian Port in the southeast of Taiwan, our soldiers and civilians suffered more than a hundred casualties!"
The Spanish bombarded the Ming Port and killed more than a hundred people...
These people had previously kidnapped merchant ships! Killing people and selling goods is still covered up in the name of fighting pirates. Now it can be said that it is no longer an act.
Such behavior is undoubtedly a declaration of war against the Ming Dynasty. They did it so rashly and casually, which shows how arrogant these people are.I didn’t take the Ming Dynasty seriously at all.
"Who else has your Majesty summoned to discuss matters?" Zhu Jinghong asked directly.
"There are the prince, three bachelors, and several veteran generals from the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion!"
"Yes!"
Answered , Zhu Jinghong then ordered Yu Hai to report the situation to Baochai, while he went directly to the palace.
A few minutes later, Baochai, who was teasing the child, learned about the situation from Yu Haikou.
She had no idea that the situation was so serious.
Baochai turned around and ordered: "Take a few people into the palace and report back immediately if there is news!"
"Yes!"
Yang Jingting was also on the side. She also looked thoughtful at this moment, obviously thinking of something.
After ordering someone to take his son away, Baochai sat on a chair aside and said slowly: "It seems that this time, he has to travel far again!"
Yang Jingting replied Said: "At this critical moment for the court, since the prince is favored by your majesty, naturally he should be more considerate!"
Baochai sighed: "That's what I say, but the world is unfair. Who is it? The more you do... the greater the injustice you will suffer!"
Yang Jingting then said: "Justice is in the heart of the people. Although the prince has been criticized, your majesty's trust... is enough!"
Looking at Concubine Yang with her head lowered and eyes wandering, Baochai asked with a smile: "He is going to travel far this time. Who do you think is suitable to take care of him?"
I have to say. , she has a good grasp of people's hearts, and she speaks Yang Jingting's mind with one word.
Now, two of the selected servants in the house are pregnant, but her concubine’s belly has no movement, which makes Yang Jingting very uncomfortable, and can even be said to be frightening.
Just because in this era, a woman who cannot conceive a child is a failure.
In the past few months, Yang Jingting had been sleeping frequently, and even she herself began to doubt herself.
So this time, it would be very tempting for her to accompany Zhu Jinghong on a trip and have the opportunity to sleep with him all alone.
"Sister Bao, everyone in the house has already been there, but my sister, the concubine, cannot take on such an important responsibility, so..."
In a hurry , Yang Jingting did not organize the language very well, but the meaning was clearly expressed.
"It's great that you have such a heart..."
Hearing Baochai say this, Yang Jingting's heart suddenly thumped, because according to normal language logic, the next step is It’s time to say “but.”
While Yang Jingting was thinking about how to fight for herself, Baochai said: "In that case... then you should go there this time!"
"Ah ...Oh...Thank you so much, Sister Bao!" Yang Jingting stood up and thanked her.
At her status, there are very few things in the world that she can long for, and it would be a shame to suddenly get them now.
Looking at the respectful Yang Jingting, Baochai felt no pride in her heart. At this time, she rememberedThat day three years ago.
If Zhu Jinghong had not handed over the jade Ruyi to her at that time, she and Yang Jingting would have to switch places now.
So, when Yang Jingting was grateful to Baochai, the latter was thanking Zhu Jinghong, the man she loved all her life.
Indicating Yang Jingting to sit down, Baochai continued: "But Qing is pregnant, Yinglian has to take care of the child, and Qi Nuomin is reckless, and I can't get away... It's best for you to go." "Yes!"
Yang Jingting immediately replied: "Your Majesty has great faith, and my sister should do her best to take care of the prince's food and daily life!"
She was very afraid of losing this opportunity, so she did it! Try your best to make Baochai feel at ease without changing his prediction.
"I think he is going to leave in the next two days, and you have a lot of things to do there. You should explain what you need to prepare... get busy now!"
This time , Baochai figured out Yang Jingting's thoughts again. She really couldn't stay in Tongxin Hall anymore and wanted to solidify the matter as soon as possible.
"I obey!"
After saluting Baochai again, Yang Jingting stood up and left.
"Mother, please drink tea!" Ying'er came over holding a tea cup. < /p>
Ying'er was aggrieved for her master. She felt that anyone could be sent, even Zhen Qin, but Yang Jingting should not be sent.
"I am a princess, not a bastard... a chicken with a small belly!" Baochai said with a slight smile.
It seems to be a joke, but in fact this is the main reason.
Yang Jingting is the Queen's niece. In order to be further recognized by the Queen, she really needs to show her fairness and generosity with practical actions.
Of course, Baochai didn't really have no grudges. This time she asked Yang Jingting to go to Jinling, and she also prepared a surprise for the queen's niece.
As for the situation at sea, Baochai listened to Zhu Jinghong’s analysis, so she knew that if the war started, Zhu Jinghong would go to Jinling to organize the army for battle.
"Jinling...not only has a navy, but also an old friend!" Baochai said with a smile.
"Old friend?" Ying'er looked puzzled.
With her IQ, she really couldn't keep up with Baochai's thoughts. The latter just wanted to give Concubine Yang a little "Lin" shock.
I missed her so much after not seeing her for a day, and Sister Yang left in high spirits, fearing that she would be disappointed... Baochai's smile became even bigger.
In fact, he was also looking forward to bringing Daiyu to Beijing when Zhu Jinghong went to Jinling this time.
Everyone has to come into the palace, so why not come into my own sister Lin...
Converging his thoughts and looking at Ying'er, Baochai asked: "I heard , Yingchun is sick?"
Ying'er replied: "That's right... I've sent a doctor to look at it, and he said it's nothing serious and he's prescribing two doses of medicine to nurse him back to health.That’s it! ”
“Well! ”
Baochai responded, feeling something was not right in her heart, but she couldn’t figure out what was going on for a while.
It was not because she was stupid, but because she loved Zhu Jinghong. I don't know enough about the lower limit, so I didn't expect this person to be able to attack a girl from a good family.
Besides, inside the palace, the court discussions in Qianqing Palace were still going on, and Zhu Jinghong was still listening in the cubicle.
The discussion process was very intense. Because of Xi Yi's extreme actions, the attitude of the senior officials towards them also changed greatly.
The key to the discussion now is how to respond to this matter.
Either directly send the navy to conquer the Western Yi, or negotiate to get the Western Yi to hand over the murderer, and then decide whether to fight or make peace... This is the focus of the current debate among the senior officials at the scene. , both understand the situation between the enemy and ourselves, and the arguments at this moment appear to be well-founded, and neither side can convince the other.
"Is Old Thirteen here? "
The emperor suddenly spoke and the scene quickly became quiet. They didn't know that Zhu Jinghong was also here.
Cheng Ying replied: "Reply to your Majesty, he has arrived...outside the palace. waiting! "
"Let him in! "Zhu Xianming said in a deep voice.
"Yes! ”
Zhu Jinghong’s legendary experience gave him a strong say in the military. Everyone knew that his attitude tended to influence the emperor’s judgment.
Soon, Zhu Jinghong came When he arrived at the main hall, he saw the prince at first sight, and the latter looked at him with complicated eyes.
“Kowtow to the emperor! "Zhu Jinghong bowed politely, but not too politely.
"You know everything? "
"After listening for a while outside, I probably know everything! "
"Some said they would directly conquer him, others said they would negotiate to get Xiyi to hand over the murderer, and if he didn't hand over the murderer, they would decide on a war... What do you think? "
In fact, from the beginning to the end, Zhu Jinghong's attitude was very clear. He must protect Ming's interests to the greatest extent within the scope of his strength.
"My son thought...these two Can open it together! ”
“Negotiation can delay time and paralyze the enemy. Our military can prepare carefully, and we can have a better chance of winning if we can’t reach an agreement and start a fight! ”
“But we must be prepared for war, and the deployment of troops and the replenishment of ordnance must be perfect...”
We must prepare for war as much as possible, use strategic deception as much as possible, and use as much strategic deception as possible. To increase the odds of winning...
Zhu Jinghong has never hidden his clumsiness in the military field. Now he talks about it with reason and evidence, which makes the matter more feasible.
Of course, these are not him. The result of thinking alone was to adopt the opinions gathered by everyone and then add his own ideas.
After Zhu Jinghong finished speaking, Zhu Xianming looked at everyone and asked: "My dear friends... King Xiang's words, What do you think? ”
There are all smart people present. They can actually imagine what Zhu Jinghong said, but they are not willing toJust do it.
Everything is to win, everything is to prepare for war. This is a proper radical thinking, which is not in line with the habits of scholar-bureaucrats, so they will not choose this way.
As for the veterans present, they felt that they wanted to fight and win...
Compared with Zhu Jinghong’s motivation, the momentum of the veterans was much inferior. These so-called The "radicals" also feel that Zhu Jinghong is too radical at this moment.
"Your Majesty... I think this matter should be done with caution!"
Second Assistant Chen Jinyun stood up. At this time, he said righteously: "Now the imperial court is using troops in the northwest, and There are constant rebellions in the southwest, and Henan suffered another flood a month ago. Now the court has too much money to spend! "
"A sudden war will cost a lot of money. I must not care about the state... It is true that the imperial court has insufficient savings, and I am afraid it will be difficult to cope with another dispute!"
Chen Jinyun is telling the truth. Although the imperial court has an annual income of more than 40 million, there are too many places to spend money.
There are more than 40 million yuan a year, and the average Yu Ge is more than 3 million yuan. In the past two years, it has been used up almost every month. The savings in the imperial treasury has been less than 10 million yuan.
It seems like a lot, but if you throw money at sea, it will consume a lot, and it will be difficult to save it in the future.
If the reserve funds are insufficient, the situation will become dangerous, and it will be difficult to deal with disasters and changes, and it is not impossible to trigger a greater crisis.
In fact, in the past two years, the Ming Dynasty has been waging war everywhere, but it can still retain more than 10 million silver. This is a relatively powerful financial level.
This is indispensable for the reform efforts of the first assistant Zhao Yushan and the huge profits brought by sea trade tax revenue in the past two years.
Chen Jinyun talked a lot. After finishing speaking, Zhao Yushan retorted a few words to him. The main idea was to ask him not to use the small account of the government's bank account to calculate the big account of the imperial court's safety.
In general, Zhao Yushan supports Zhu Jinghong’s opinion.
Things at sea must always be resolved. After all, tens of millions or more in taxes and money are involved. In comparison, occupying the northwest can be done slowly.
Zhu Xianming had made up his mind, then looked at the prince and asked: "Prince...what do you think?"
The prince guessed the emperor's thoughts, so he replied calmly : "My son thinks that what the thirteenth brother said is reasonable. The enemy's ambitions must be met head-on by the imperial court in order to frighten Xiao Xiao!"
"Well..."
Then the emperor said: When I asked the generals, they all naturally expressed their support, because the direction of the matter was very obvious.
Looking around at the crowd, Zhu Xianming asked: "Since we have to fight, who can be the commander of the army?"
The admiral of the Navy is now the third rank, and is led by the Commander-in-Chief of the Fifth Army Commandery Office. To be responsible for the task, it is necessary to coordinate the naval divisions of Jinling, Zhejiang and even Liaodong. At least the commander-in-chief and the commander-in-chief must be the first to coordinate the troops.
However, according to usual practice, the governors and magistrates are responsible for national affairs and command various general affairs within their respective jurisdictions, and generally do not participate in leading troops in expeditions.
So thisFor this kind of large-scale battle, people can only be selected from the higher-level governors. Liu Fang and Shi Guangzhu, who are currently commanding the troops in the northwest, are senior generals at the governor level.
Each of the Five Army Commandery Offices has two governors on the left and right, but these ten positions are not full, and only seven are currently in office.
Except Liu Fang and Shi Guangzhu, the remaining five either have other responsibilities, are old, or know nothing about naval warfare... It is actually difficult to choose people.
So, when asked who could lead the army, the answer came to everyone's mind instantly.
There is no need to compare, the most suitable candidate will come out.
The prince is now somewhat decisive. He was the first to stand up and recommend: "Father... my son thinks that the thirteenth brother is proficient in naval warfare, so it is most suitable for him to lead the army!"
p>In this regard, Zhu Xianming was noncommittal. He was actually more hesitant.
Although he recognized Zhu Jinghong's ability and thought about training him as his successor, he also wanted to guard against Zhu Jinghong.
Zhu Jinghong has led his troops to victory several times, and has established a very high prestige in the army, so he had to think carefully about leading his troops Zhu Xianming.
"Fourth brother, I'm just talking. I know nothing about naval warfare. Wouldn't it be a mistake to send me there?"
Zhu Jinghong's speech was beyond Zhu Xianming's expectation. outside.
But this is what he said sincerely. In a land battle, he can rely on his advantage to push forward, but in a naval battle without an advantage, he really has no confidence at all.
Whether it was to protect his personal reputation or the overall situation of the court, he did not dare to accept this job casually.
However, his sincere refusal seemed to others to be just polite, which attracted more praise from the prince.
As for the others, they did not speak on this matter. After all, they knew very well what happened some time ago and they did not want to get involved in the royal affairs.
Seeing the two brothers praising and belittling themselves, Zhu Xianming also felt upset, so he simply announced the end of the court meeting.
Then he ended the discussion, and then ordered all the governors of the Fifth Army Mansion to come to Qianqing Palace to discuss the matter.
On the way back to the palace, Zhu Jinghong was in a complicated mood.
When the emperor summoned the governors and magistrates, he obviously did not regard him as the first choice. Although it was in line with his wishes, he was disappointed.
But life is like this. If something is perfect, it is enough to take advantage of it.
When he returned to the palace, he found out that the two girls from the Jia family had returned to the palace.
"How to say?"
As soon as they entered Yin'an Hall, Baochai came over and asked her what she was most concerned about.
“I don’t know!”
“Didn’t I ask you to lead the troops?”
“The old man chose people from among the governors and colleagues. I’m afraid this time I I won’t go!”
Bringing the teacup over in person, Baochai frowned and said, “I remember you said you didn’t want to get involved this time. Seeing how frustrated you are...Do you still want to go? "
Zhu Jinghong smiled, and then said: "I can't tell! ”
“Then just leave it to fate! "Baochai comforted.
"Yes! "
It was already noon when he returned home. After having lunch, Zhu Jinghong planned to go to the garden to relax, but he couldn't rest anymore and went to the school field.
Horse horseback archery, Only then could he vent his feelings.
It was a pity that he didn’t bother for half an hour before Yu Hai hurried over and told him that the emperor had summoned him again.
“Here he comes again? "Zhu Jinghong dismounted, looking very strange.
At this time, he asked himself to pass. He guessed that the emperor chose him.
At first, he was very disappointed, thinking that he was going to fight. During the naval battle, he felt anxious again because he was really not sure of winning.
When he arrived at Chengyun Gate, it turned out that Cheng Ying was still the first. The sentence is: "Your Highness, the country is in crisis, and Your Majesty wants to reuse you!" ”
“Aren’t you selecting generals? What does it have to do with me? "Zhu Jinghong said nonsense.
Cheng Ying bowed and replied: "Your Majesty, you are invincible, how could your Majesty let it go! ”
“The sea is not peaceful today. Only His Highness’s talents can stabilize the southeast and punish the Western barbarians!” ”
(End of this chapter) Transcoding has been serious recently, which makes us more motivated and updates faster. Please move your little hand to exit the reading mode. Thank you