Piantou Pass, inside the town.
The military meeting was still going on after dark. That night, the city was heavily guarded. Sentries inside and outside the city were shuttling through the streets and fortresses at night, giving the city a sense of tension about the imminent war.
But the main generals in the city knew that this battle seemed impossible to fight, because the two sides were just testing sexual harassment and showed no signs of getting ready for a decisive battle.
“Huo Si sent three groups of troops one after another to harass more than a dozen earthen forts around Piantou Pass. Although no one had been reported as being kidnapped, more than a dozen animals had been lost, and two more animals had been lost. There was no news after the famous scout left the city. If he continues to sit idly by and ignore the situation, he will be in the same situation as my father encountered at Yulin Guard, and Di Yi will get worse."
Zhu Feng presided over the military meeting. As the governor of Pianguan, Wang Qiong was also listening. In addition, there were Liu Jin, the eunuch who oversaw the army, and two deputy generals, Xiangcheng Bo Li Ao and Wu Ping Bo Chen Xun.
Li Wei and Chen Xun have been following Wang Yue to guard Piantou Pass. They are very familiar with the local situation. If someone else is appointed as the general officer, they will definitely not accept why the general will die. It’s not time for our two knowledgeable lieutenants to take over
But now Zhu Feng is here
The ministers in the DPRK looked down on Zhu Feng, but Zhu Feng still had a high reputation in Piantou Pass. Yes, even Li Nao and Chen Xun had no objection to Zhu Feng.
Who told him that this was the young general that Wang Yue admired very much before his death?
What’s more important is that Zhu Feng has a background in the court, and people with this kind of background are the Northwest Army. The most worrying thing in the world.
So when Zhu Feng reached the Piantou Pass, he did not encounter the same resistance as he encountered in Ningyuan. Almost everyone in the army was willing to listen to his orders, which indirectly allowed Wang Qiong to enjoy it. A little convenience.
Originally, Wang Qiong thought that when she came to Pianguan, she would be looked down upon and even had to wipe Zhu Feng’s butt, but now she found out that she had received benefits from Zhu Feng.
After listening to Zhu Feng’s opening remarks, Chen Xun said, “Marquis Anbian, it’s not like the people below are pouring cold water on you. The Tatars are now a hundred miles north of Guansai, and their attacks are all based on camps hundreds of miles away. As a support, if we push the chariot out and the artillery has not reached their camp, they will send cavalry to harass us, leaving us in a dilemma."
"We are also afraid that the Tatars will bypass us. Unlike other places, guarding these ruins is more important than other things, what do you think?"
Chen Xun almost said, we don't care what kind of embarrassment your father encountered in Yansui.
Our opinion is that if you are beaten to death, you will not leave the city, and if you have no fault, it is merit.
Zhu Feng hesitated and didn’t know what to say.
Wang Qiong said, "Now that the barbarians are invading the country, are we just going to sit back and ignore it? If someone is kidnapped, and the court investigates it, each of you will have to bear the crime and wait for meritorious deeds." Now Anbian Hou is just arranging a surprise attack and harassment. You also know that this pass cannot be defended, why not turn from defense to offense?"
The generals below were cautious, but Wang Qiong did not have thatSo fearful of hands and feet. As a famous military commander in the middle of the Ming Dynasty, he was afraid of the enemy and did not dare to set up camp within a hundred miles of Piantou Pass. If he sent troops at this time, he would still be afraid of wolves in the front and tigers in the back
< p>Will I, the king, want to return to the court and be embarrassed in the future?"This" Chen Xun saw that he could not persuade the two airborne bosses, so he turned to look at Li Wei.
Li Wei asked, "Wang Zhongcheng, I dare to ask you, is this calculated by Zhang Xianshi in the court? Can he achieve a great victory by sending troops in this way?"
"Yes. Right." Chen Xun also seemed to have found the key to the problem.
Not to mention the two of them, even the other generals present looked at Wang Qiong with eager eyes.
Everyone’s eyes were filled with urgency. It seemed to them that only Zhang Zhou’s prophecy was the absolute “authority”. After all, Zhang Zhou predicted the attack of the grassland tribes twice. direction, and achieved two hearty victories. Now everyone in the army is waiting to make meritorious deeds with Zhang Zhou.
Wang Qiong was truly enlightened at this time.
No wonder this group of people have been very flattering and flattering to us from the beginning. The relationship is not because Zhu Zhijie is famous, but because we are with Zhang Bingkuan. They are extremely complimentary to Zhang Bingkuan and are polite to us. one time.
"Brother Zhang"
Zhu Feng is a good and honest boy. When faced with the problems of Li Wei and other generals, he does not want to hide anything.
But Wang Qiong interrupted Zhu Feng and said, "This is indeed said by Zhang Shi, and it was also arranged by Zhang Dudu, the governor of the Houjun Governor's Mansion. Do you have any doubts?"
p>"Ah" Zhu Feng was surprised at first.
However, he was smart enough to understand that Wang Qiong said this deliberately to cheer people up.
So Zhu Feng will not expose Wang Qiong.
"That's good, that's good. Everyone has heard it, and I will have another chance to make contributions." Li Nuo looked excited.
The generals surrounding the sand table were also talking a lot, with happy faces on their faces.
It seems that with Zhang Zhou's guidance, their military success is at their fingertips.
Chen Xun had some doubts and said, "Even if we send out troops, should we wait until Mr. Qin reaches Pianguan before we hear that he is already on his way here."
Wang Qiong said, " Don't miss the opportunity before it comes. Send cavalry to attack the Hulu while they are not yet stable, and then prepare with artillery array to drive the Hulu away for 200 miles from the Pianguan pass. Don't wait for the Hulu to be safe. After arriving, you must take the initiative to defend yourself. This is also your Majesty's request."
Li Nuo happily clasped his fists and said, "I will obey the order."
Chen Xun was startled. Li Hao was usually more evasive than him, but this time Li Hao seemed to have been given a shot. He seemed to understand that everyone in the army was waiting to take credit, and he could only accept the order quickly to avoid falling behind others.
The military meeting then arranged the strategy of sending cavalry that night to surprise the Huo Si Branch camp a hundred miles away.
After the meeting,Zhu Feng was a little annoyed because Zhang Zhou didn't give him too much advice this time, which made him feel unsure.
"Know the rules."
Wang Qiong came back after telling Li Wei, who was in charge of leading the troops, to see Zhu Feng sitting there, looking like a depressed big boy. Wang Qiong was actually speechless.
You are already the commander-in-chief, why are you still like an eggplant beaten by frost?
"Prince Langzhong." Zhu Feng raised his head and looked up, but still couldn't cheer up.
Wang Qiong said, "Zhijie, as the commander-in-chief, you should have some momentum. You see how much everyone in the army respects you after you arrive at Pianguan. Everyone regards you as Wang Weining's second best." I'm waiting to go to the battlefield with you, why are you so depressed?"
Zhu Feng sighed pitifully, "Maybe I am not the material."
"Sigh" Wang Qiong was a little confused. have no choice.
Zhu Feng really dares to think and say that now that the army is about to go into battle, you actually say that you are not the material to be a general officer
But for some reason, Wang Qiong also treats Zhu Feng. I can't bring myself to express my unbridled hatred.
Wang Qiong thought for a while, probably because although this kid talks like a melon, he is not ambiguous when it comes to fighting. In addition, his attitude is sincere and he pursues an ordinary and simple life. , the pure goodness in his heart cannot help but make people unable to hate him.
To put it bluntly, this guy is too honest.
Be honest to the point of being endearing, rather than making people hate you.
"Mr. Wang, each of the cavalrymen this time only brought bows and arrows and firecrackers. The firecrackers can only fire one shot, and there are only three thousand cavalrymen. In case the main force of the Chinese army is there. "Is it possible that the three thousand cavalry will never return?" Zhu Feng said, "If I, the commander-in-chief, did not lead the troops and the front line was damaged, I'm afraid the court would pursue it."
Wang Qiong said. "Don't worry, your mission is to guard the Pianguan Fortress. As I expected, the Tatars are just putting pressure on us. Next, they will prepare more for internal disputes in the grassland. At this time, we are strong, and they They must be weak. How do they know how powerful the firearms we brought over are?"
Zhu Feng was startled and asked, "That means we are here to intimidate them this time."
Wang Qiong He sighed, "Otherwise, we will let them harass the surrounding passes every day, which will increase their ambition and destroy our prestige. We are doing this, even if there is a slight loss, but it is to knock down the mountain and shake the tiger. The soldiers brought the bows, arrows and fire guns and fired them." It is not necessary to shoot down the bird directly, but as long as the gun is fired, the bird will wake up and fly away, and the purpose will be achieved."
Zhu Feng was stunned for a moment, "It's Wang Langzhong's foresight. I can't."
"Zhijie, you can do it."
Wang Qiong said, "Not to mention Marquis Weining, even I admire you for your courage as a young man. Because, this kind of temperament is rare in the military. Even if you want to stay in the capital and be a leisurely person in the future, I'm afraid it won't be that easy. People with ability can do it anywhere. Even if you are sent to the capital camp, you will be able to do it. It can still shine and be colorful. Okay, get ready and wait.Let's have a surprise attack from tonight to tomorrow."
Wang Qiong is very eager to fight, not only because he assesses the situation and thinks there is a chance.
It is also because he knows that in a few days, Qin Hong will arrive at Pianguan. Any strategies then come from Qin Hong. Wang Qiong’s chance of making meritorious service in the northwest will not be that great. After all, after Qin Hong arrives at Pianguan, his role as governor is more for preparations. He became the person in charge of logistics when he was carrying food and supplies.
It was a rare good opportunity, and Zhu Feng listened to him, and Zhang Zhou's prophecy was used as a cover. He would not miss such a good opportunity. .
Of course, he also knows that if he loses this battle, or if the strategic intention is not achieved, and the soldiers of the Fire Screen Division are forced to suppress the situation, the emperor will not let him go regardless of the backlash he will encounter.
p>
It's okay, you actually dare to use Bingkuan's prophecy that I like to deceive people's hearts. Bingkuan didn't say this. The officers and soldiers in the army don't know. Don't I have a good background?
So this For Wang Qiong, the battle can only be won but not defeated.
Early in the capital.
On the first day, the civil servants and military officials in Beijing had their salaries reduced. After receiving the salary that had been owed for many years, some received a few taels or dozens of taels, and some received a few hundred taels or even a thousand taels.
As usual, the ministers wanted to express their gratitude in the morning.
When the ministers met in the morning, everyone had a smile on their face, and the first question they asked was "How much did you get?"
"I only entered the court last year, but it was only twenty taels. "
"My place is better, more than forty taels"
"Hahaha. ”
Literati all love money, but they can’t express their love for money. Now that they have received the salary that should be theirs, they have nothing to hide. Instead, they want to show off to the outside world.
The salary ratio of the middle and lower-level officials is small, and the monthly salary is not much, but it is enough for them to settle their families.
As for the ministers in the court. , the minister, Zhengqing and other big shots seemed reluctant to talk about this directly in front of others.
"Well, don't talk about irrelevant things. "Xie Qian walked over with a straight face and saw a group of officials from the Sixth Ministry talking about salary money. He reminded him in a serious tone.
Someone asked, "Mr. Xie Ge, how much did you cash in?"
p>Xie Qian glared at the man fiercely, and then walked away to the front row.
When Xie Qian took a few steps away, someone said, "Mr. That’s why you have such a bad look.”
“Mr. >
When they heard this figure, everyone present couldn’t help but marvel.
Some people commented, “If I buy a yard in the capital and buy a few hours of land, I won’t be able to use this much.”< /p>
House prices in Beijing are generally only eight or nine hundred taels for a single-family courtyard house, and the location is considered good. A large house only costs one or two thousand taels. The Sanjin Courtyard house where Zhang Zhou lives now, It can be sold for more than two thousand taels. That placeDuan Ke can be said to be the mansion of dignitaries in the capital.
When everyone heard that Xie Qian could get a mansion in the capital by exchanging his salary, they were naturally envious and jealous.
But they also know that there are only three pavilion elders in the capital, and not everyone has so much salary money to fold.
The meeting begins.
First, the Minister of Household Affairs, Zhou Jing, presented a form of thanks on behalf of the civil servants.
Zhu Youtang said, "Everyone in the Qing family deserves it, so there is really no need to express gratitude. However, the reason why I can get a 100% discount is because the Zhang Qing family contributed money and effort."
The ministers present all had doubts in their hearts.
The emperor clearly sent Dongchang to give out salary bills, so why is there Zhang Zhou’s business?
Even if Zhang Zhou cooperated, Your Majesty, you are transferring it to Zhang Zhou. Isn't it a bit too deliberate about the favor? Even if he contributes money and effort, how much can he contribute, especially if he was raped a lot in the process?
Xiao Jing then walked out and said, "This is a shame." A total of 4,700 taels of banknotes and silver were exchanged for salary notes and internal treasury. Zhang Zhou accepted 13,000 taels of pure silver. His Majesty promised to exchange 5,400 taels of silver for a total of 23,122 taels of silver. ."
The ministers present could not help but look at each other after hearing this.
We thanked the emperor for giving us money. It turned out that we were grateful for the wrong sentiment. Zhang Zhou paid us our salaries out of his own pocket
What is the rule?
He He actually has thirteen thousand taels of silver. He has only been in the imperial court for a few days. What kind of property is this?
Donate ten houses in the capital and give us a salary
Liu Jian comes out He said, "Your Majesty, there is no need to redeem 10% of the salary banknotes. There is really no need for Zhang Shijiao to spend money."
Zhu Youtang said, "Dear lords, this is the personal property of Zhang Qing's family. Good intentions, didn't you criticize me for letting him make cannons earlier? Also, I gave him the coal mine in Xishan. You also reported that I had given him many rewards for breaking the rules. He did not accept bribes from others. Everything he said and did in Beijing was under my supervision."
The emperor just told this group of people that even if Zhang Zhouzhen had any illegal income, so would I. I acquiesced, even I asked him to do this.
Don’t go and find fault with him when you have nothing to do.
"Originally, it was impossible to give up 100% of the price, but I added several thousand taels of silver, and I can't live up to Bingkuan's heart." When Zhu Youtang said this, he still had some doubts. Self-impressed.
Look at you ministers, you are always picky about me and criticize Bingkuan a lot.
But at the critical moment, it is not the two of us, the monarch and the ministers, who have joined forces to pay you wages
But for the ministers, they will not be grateful, because in their view, giving to the court It is only natural for them to receive a salary for doing things, especially those corrupt officials among them, who look down upon the small amount of money they receive from their salary.
Zhu Youtang sighed and said, "I know that although being an official in Beijing is noble, it is also hard work. It is not like local officials who will cleverly set up names to collect envy. How many of you?"They all have to rely on the salary they have. The more noble the public, the more serious the situation. This time Zhang Qing's family is willing to spend some money to get you some salary, so don't pick on him too much. ”
Although the ministers still have opinions in their hearts, the money they received is real.
Zhu Youtang struck while the railroad was hot: “I can’t take his money in vain, I am prepared to let him He opened several mines around the capital, which could be regarded as making up for his losses. "
"Your Majesty" Zhou Jing used to express gratitude on behalf of the officials, but now he also came out to object on behalf of the civil officials.
"Zhou Qing's family, please listen to what I have to say first. . "Zhu Youtang said impatiently, "The situation in the northwest is currently changing. What can scare Di Yi's disobedience is artillery and mighty gunpowder. The preparation of these two things depends more on the accumulation of mineral veins in mines. With the current output of coal and iron around the capital, can it be enough to meet the expenses?"
Zhou Jing suddenly discovered that he, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, had become a model of talking on paper.
Being the emperor The question left him speechless.
Zhu Youtang said, "I also said that I would only give him coal mines and iron ores, and at most saltpeter mines, all for the purpose of preparing firearms. And we will not give him the current mine kiln, but let him dig it himself. If someone really wants to donate the mine kiln, it is not impossible."
"I also discussed with him, and he agreed to take the mine kiln. 20% of the revenue from these mines will be used as additional mining taxes. The purpose of this batch of mineral taxes is to give you lords a discount on their salary. If this is feasible, all your salary bills in the next few years will be discounted at ten percent. ”
“Ah”
The ministers present were in an uproar.
It’s also our share
Originally, six subjects were given. He was ready to come out to remonstrate, but after hearing these words, those people took half a step back and immediately stood back to collect their thoughts, watching with cold eyes as if it didn't matter to them.
100% off. Se
The salary will be at least twenty to thirty taels more each year, and this is only among the general rewards of about seven grades. If they are the middlemen and foreign ministers in the court, they will get four or more silver coins every year. Around ten taels, if it rises further
In the past, the salary banknotes were not converted, just like the salary banknotes after the sixth year of Hongzhi, it was not exchanged until today
If only Even the ministers present would not believe a bad check. The key is that Zhang Zhou has already spent more than 10,000 taels of silver to pay in full the salary for nearly six years
Now that the salary is so much more every year, who will listen? Are you not moved?
Especially the noble yamen officials who are not greedy and squandering their reputations, they feel even more moved after hearing this.
Eating people with soft lips and short hands. In their view, this is. This kind of thing is "inconvenient". Please remember to bookmark it. The latest and fastest website can be read for free without anti-theft