Chapter 428: A precursor to comprehensive compromise

Qianqing Palace, listen to the meeting.

As the chief eunuch Bingbi of the Supervisor of Ceremonies, Li Rong also officially became a member of the Shangting Department. The identities of Li Dongyang, Ma Wensheng, and Zhang Mao remained unchanged, but this time the Shangshu of the Ministry of Revenue was added to the Shangting Department. Zhou Jing.

You can tell at a glance that the emperor wants to use the victory of the war to dispatch military supplies to the northwest. In fact, it is equivalent to showing to the courtiers that the members of the Shangting Department are not like the cabinet who will work for a lifetime. It can be changed at any time. Generally speaking, it depends on my mood. Whoever I let in can enter.

If the cabinet has always existed as an adviser to the emperor, but after the middle of the Ming Dynasty, the real power of the cabinet increased, and it was unable to satisfy the emperor in terms of its advisory duties.

The cabinet only cares about handling the civil servants, and considers itself a leader of civil servants even if it is not the prime minister. Obviously, the cabinet does not have the smooth and convenient access to the hearing.

"Bingkuan has rarely been in the capital in the past year. In fact, I have no definite idea about the dispatch of cavalry and gunpowder. Instead, I think that another one should be stored in Xuanfu and Datong. To approve military rations and ironware, there is no need to put all money, food and other matters in Taicang."

The implicit meaning of Zhu Youtang's words is to establish a small court in the northwest.

Everything was dispatched by the Ministry of Revenue and Taicang, which made the northwest passive in running the army. The northwest had to apply to the court for any needs. The emperor had to argue with the ministers every time, and there were many shortages. , they all say that they have to make up for it later, but when it comes to money and food allocation, even the court knows that there are deficiencies everywhere, and there is no way to make up for it.

Li Dongyang said, "Your Majesty, the Xuanfu's money and food are already sufficient, there is no need to add any more."

Zhu Youtang said coldly, "I know that it will be enough for one winter." However, in recent years, many of the farmlands in the northwest have been abandoned. I have mentioned many times before that the method of silver folding cannot completely replace the grain Kaizhong. I asked Bingkuan to go south. In fact, I also checked the grain storage of the Nanjing Household Department and conducted an investigation. Canals, rivers, transportation, etc., to formulate a proper plan for future expenses in the northwest."

Zhou Jingdao, "Your Majesty, the Ministry of Household's financial and food arrangements involving Yingtian Mansion and Jiangnan should not be handled by the Ministry of War. "Step in and ask."

Zhu Youtang asked, "Bingkuan is nominally the Minister of the Southern Ministry of War, but in fact, don't you know his role? For the sake of northwest military affairs, I ordered him to investigate. It’s for the sake of smooth border affairs, but it’s not all about selfishness.”

It’s not all about selfishness, which shows that I still have selfish motives. The emperor himself admitted this.

"I have sent people to Xishan to investigate. The iron smelting there is going very smoothly. It is said that the iron ore mines opened in Yongping Prefecture are already full of mines. Due to the lack of manpower, the iron ore mines are opened. The coal mines and iron mines cannot be put to practical use. The 10,000 soldiers and horses I had previously transferred to Jizhou were sent to Yongping Prefecture to assist with the affairs of the mines."

In Zhu Youtang's words, it's more or less. The few members of the audience present could not understand.

Li Rong asked for instructions, "Your Majesty, please ask the 10,000 soldiers in the Beijing camp to help transport ore and pig iron."

Zhu YoutangHe said, "That's all a trivial matter. From now on, these ten thousand people will be dispatched to the mines."

"But Your Majesty." Li Dongyang's mind was sharp and he immediately realized that the emperor was going to make trouble again, and he immediately Objection: "There are many drawbacks to the occupation of the capital camp. If the soldiers in the capital camp cannot return to the camp, their errands will not be completed. If they are slack, they will probably cause gaps in the defense of the capital."

Zhu Youtang narrowed his eyes and said, "Why do I think that casting all the iron into cannons and grinding all the ore into gunpowder powder will be more beneficial to the defense of the capital? When did the Ming Dynasty only rely on these 10,000 troops to defend the capital?" There is a situation in the military and political affairs in the northwest, and the capital will be in crisis at any time. Do you still need me to explain what is more serious?"

Li Dongyang felt helpless in his heart.

In the past, even if the emperor had his own personality, he at least followed the rules set by the civil servants and never broke the rules.

But now it seems that the emperor has no intention of abiding by the previous rules. He is even proud of being "unconventional" and does whatever he can to make things happen. First, he allowed Zhang Zhou to open a mine, and now he wants to adjust it. The soldiers of Wanjing camp worked together to mine.

That does not mean that these 10,000 soldiers have become Zhang Zhou’s soldiers

Zhou Jingdao said, “Your Majesty, when the Lai Kingdom opened the mine, Your Majesty had spoken in advance, and the affairs of the mine were under his control. He personally took charge of it, dispatched manpower, etc., without asking the imperial court, and even used the money and grain from the Ministry of Household Affairs to purchase the coal and iron tools he made. Now the soldiers from the Beijing camp are under his command, but he doesn't know whether the mine matters should be brought under the jurisdiction of the imperial court or "

"I keep my words, do you want me to break my words?" Zhu Youtang said.

Not only was Zhou Jing speechless, but the people around him, including Li Rong and Zhang Mao, who seemed to be watching from afar, couldn't stand listening.

Private use of public utensils was indeed the specialty of Emperor Hongzhi. In the past, the soldiers of the Beijing camp were used to do some hard work for those who built palaces and temples. They were simply used as free labor force. Send people wherever they are needed.

More direct now.

The soldiers in the Beijing camp no longer work for the imperial court, nor simply for the royal family, but directly for "private individuals", and the boss behind them is Zhang Zhou, who runs the mine.

Zhu Youtang said, "I know what you are thinking. You think that this mine belongs to Bingkuan, and the income from his mining has not been fully handed over to the court, but have you forgotten that he previously reduced his salary? Is there something about the money? In the past year, have you ever been in debt for your salary? It’s not all income from the output of the mine."

What the emperor means is that Bingkuan is paying you wages for me. Why don't you understand him so much?

"Besides Bingkuan, who else knows how to smelt iron? Who knows how to cast cannons? You can make cannons that are farther, more powerful, or more powerful." I have entrusted him with the task of making artillery and fire guns that are lighter and more effective in combat. It is really no one who can take on the task. Now, not only the officials in the capital, but also the local officials in various places are benefiting from the mining tax."

Zhu Youtang's words are a bit ugly.

The general meaning is.

Only I and Bingkuan are dedicated to the Ming Dynasty. , as for you, you have very bad intentions, or you are all spies planted by the Tatars inside our Ming Dynasty

If not, then why do you think that every time you advocate something, it is the same as what I think? You have violated the plan of the grassland. How dare you say that you are not supporting the Tatars

Zhu Youtang was probably also angry. After his anger subsided a little, his tone softened a lot and became Ming Shi said normally, "I have also thought about the fact that these 10,000 soldiers and horses are neglected in military training. In fact, there is no need to worry, because Bingkuan is already on duty in the Governor's Mansion. He can mobilize these 10,000 soldiers and horses to complete the daily artillery and artillery tasks." Firearms and other training. Or on the battlefield, these ten thousand people are still the elite of our Ming Shen Ji Battalion. ”

It is said that it is a family soldier, but it is really a family soldier.

It is enough for the imperial court to pay a salary and work for Zhang Zhou. Now even the daily training is taken care of by Zhang Zhou, which is equivalent to saying that this Tens of thousands of soldiers and horses are under Zhang Zhou's control

Then if these ten thousand soldiers and horses come in disorder, it will affect the safety of the Ming Dynasty

Ma Wensheng really couldn't bear to listen, so he cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, in this way It is completely undesirable for civil servants to train soldiers. Even if you are a martial artist, you cannot train a battalion of soldiers alone, and it is not in the capital. "

Zhu Youtang said, "I don't understand. If the civil servants and Wu Xun cannot train troops, then the governors and general soldiers in the northwest are all a bunch of mediocre people who don't know how to fight." If I ask Bingkuan to use the mines in Xishan and Yongpingfu, as well as Datong and Zhangjiakou, and let him use this as a foundation to garrison the capital camp, it will be no problem."

"The Ming Dynasty's mines in these places are the most important thing for the long-term peace and stability of the Ming Dynasty in the future. If Tatars or bandits occupy these important places, the national destiny of the Ming Dynasty will be threatened. I am dispatching these ten thousand people as if they are going to "Looking at the mine"

Just changed the statement, and several members of the listening office present seemed to be unable to find a reason to refute.

Ten thousand soldiers from the Beijing camp assisted in the mining. The matter was decided "amicably" in this way.

It was not discussed at the higher level, but decided at a meeting with the superiors. After the meeting, it was not even brought up to the higher level. In other words, the Shangting Office not only had advisory authority, but also had the power to directly make decisions on the highest affairs of the Ming Dynasty.

In the past, most matters were proposed by the ministers, and the emperor asked the ministers to discuss them. The pros and cons will be used to decide whether to adopt it.

Now it is changed directly. The emperor makes the proposal in the inner court, which is equivalent to informing the listeners and then making a decision.

Why did the emperor suddenly become so assertive? Everyone in the court knew that Zhang Zhou was behind it, but the problem was that he knew where the source of many things was, but there was nothing he could do about it

"It's difficult"

After leaving Qianqing Palace, everyoneWhile walking out, Zhang Mao, who always pretends to be a guest, expressed such emotion.

Zhou Jing asked, "Mr. British, are you lamenting that there are not enough men and horses in the Beijing camp?"

"Haha." Zhang Mao smiled and said, "The Beijing camp is not short of those 10,000 people. But it is not certain whether there will be a capital camp in the future."

Zhang Mao also felt that the emperor was gradually dividing the authority to guard the capital.

This was the reason why Zhang Mao followed Tu Fu and others to impeach Zhang Zhou before, but later Zhang Mao also saw that Wu Xun was just a rough man in the eyes of civil servants, and civil servants did not want to bring Wu Xun with them. Politically speaking, since we can't guard against Zhang Zhou's rise, there is no need to be at odds with Zhang Zhou.

And Zhang Zhou is also someone Zhang Mao cannot afford to offend.

Ma Wensheng looked at Zhou Jing on one side and said, "After the spring of next year, how much grain will be transferred from Jingcang to Xuan, Dahe, and the other two sides?"

Zhou Jing said in surprise, "Ma Shangshu, you don't know that your Majesty has not I told the Ministry of Finance separately that the expenses would be increased."

Ma Wensheng said, "Your Majesty didn't mean that before, but he still said it."

Some words were left unfinished.

Probably he is saying that your Majesty is not pleased with you Zhou Jing and is planning to talk to your successor, that is, Zhong Zhong instead of talking to you

Zhou Jingdong saw that he was in the position of Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, but his successor had actually been decided a long time ago. The emperor had already named Zhong Zhong to take the position. However, Zhong Zhong waited for a long time and still could not wait for Zhou Jing, but he never thought about it. Ni Yue, who had only been the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel for a few days, was ordered to become an official.

The world is so wonderful.

Zhou Jingdao, "Perhaps Your Majesty has no plans to launch a major war in the northwest next year, but His Majesty has often asked about the shipbuilding of the Bohai Sea governor recently."

Li Dongyang frowned and said, "Your Majesty is asking you to ask. "Passed"

Zhou Jing glanced at Li Rong who was leading the way in front of him. At this time, Li Rong was finally getting older. He seemed to have dim eyesight, could not even walk steadily, and could not hear anything behind his ears. Average, but Li Rong is a ruthless character.

This group of civil servants have all seen this before.

Zhou Jing sighed, "Maybe."

To say it is possible is actually a positive answer.

Li Dongyang and Ma Wensheng looked at each other, as if they could read something in each other's eyes.

Zhang Bingkuan’s next plan seems to no longer be about how to torment the northwest. In other words, before the Ming Dynasty can forge enough artillery and firecrackers to level the grassland, his plan will instead focus on shipbuilding and Jinghai.

What is he trying to do?

"What, shipbuilding?"

After Liu Jian learned the news that Zhou Jing accidentally leaked from Li Dongyang, he didn't think about it.

Xie Qian looked disapproving and said, "Tang Bohu did not serve as governor of the Bohai Sea for only a day or two. He had already gone to Jiangnan to raise money for shipbuilding. You two, there is no need to make a fuss."

"Uh"

Xie Qian thought for a while and asked, "Cultivate the prince"

This answer was somewhat disappointing. Li Dongyang was a little speechless.

If the ordinary ministers in the court still thought that Zhang Zhou ran away from Zhu Houzhao, how could they, who were ministers, not know that the prince actually "ran away from home"

And even if Zhu Youtang trusted Zhang Zhou again, he would not be able to let Zhang Zhou take the prince on a trip to the south of the Yangtze River. He would also consider accompanying the prince to go out for fun and experience as the main purpose of Zhang Zhou's trip south.

"Perhaps Zhang Bingkuan left Beijing and went south just to avoid the disaster and to take advantage of the disaster so that His Majesty would have a reason to stop us from criticizing him for the disaster. There is really no need to think too much about it. "Xie Qian said.

Li Dongyang said, "Speaking of which, I got news a few days ago that Yang Peng, the admiral of Dongchang, has sent people to Jiangxi many times. "

Liu Jiandao, "Have you ever thought about why?"

"It may have something to do with Ning Fan." "Li Dongyang said, "Ning Fan has been restless in the past few decades. He has repeatedly requested to restore the guard but failed. Ning Fan's ambition is clearly exposed, and His Majesty has never had a reason to take action against him. Moreover, the Ming Dynasty vassal matter is not going away, so His Majesty may intend to let Zhang Bingkuan handle the matter.

Liu Jian shook his head and said, "Your Majesty knows that Zhang Bingkuan has offended too many people in court. Logically speaking, he will not be allowed to do such things." ”

Xie Qian smiled and said, “Then let’s build ships. It seems more reasonable.” ”

If you can’t guess why Zhang Zhou went to Nanjing, then think in a straightforward direction.

Liu Jian asked, “Has His Majesty issued an order to call him back?” "Beijing"

Li Dongyang shook his head and said, "Because His Majesty has not finalized his errands after returning to Beijing, even if he is called back, it may be done in secret." But it stands to reason that His Majesty has already let the public know and will send someone immediately. "

Liu Jiandao, "Zhang Bingkuan's purpose of going south has never been clearly thought out, so why did your Majesty call him back this time?"

For a while, both Li Dongyang and Xie Qian were confused.

If Zhang Zhou had a mission when he went south, and it was not completed, the reason why the emperor had to call Zhang Zhou back in such a hurry was just because the emperor felt that Zhang Zhou was indispensable as a counselor, and he had to rush to see him

Liu Jian continued, "Your Majesty has not said to whom the errand of the Minister of War in Nanjing will be handed over. Could it be that your Majesty will return this errand to someone other than Zhang Bingkuan?"

"You mean . "Li Dongyang said, "His Majesty will select the next person to be the Minister of War in Nanjing among the people around Zhang Bingkuan."

Liu Jiandao said, "It does not necessarily have to be an existing person, but the recommendation must be made by Zhang Bingkuan." But do you know who he is going to recommend?"

This brings Li Dongyang and Xie Qian to question.

The emperor first asked Zhang Zhou to be the Minister of the Ministry of War in Nanjing. It seemed "reasonable" to replace Ni Yue. After all, Ni Yue was the "highly promoted" official minister, and Zhang Zhou's reputation in the Ming army wasHopes were high, and Zhang Zhou was sent south, which was completely in line with the interests of traditional Beijing officials.

But then Ni Yue was ordered to retire and Zhang Zhou was transferred back

This made Liu Jian feel.

The emperor used a roundabout counterattack to take the position of Minister of War in Nanjing and gave it to Zhang Zhou.

After Zhang Zhou left, he recommended someone to come forward and occupy the Nanjing Ministry of War Minister. Zhang Zhou was equivalent to occupying half of the military and political power in the south of the Yangtze River.

"I'm too worried."

Li Dongyang lamented, "I don't know if His Majesty did it deliberately. But before the grassland was peaceful, the Ming Dynasty's governors from the Ministry of War to the Governor's Mansion to the northwest were afraid that His Majesty was gone. Maybe I won’t trust anyone other than Zhang Bingkuan anymore.”

These words made Xie Qian sigh.

Li Dongyang is not complaining.

Just telling a fact.

Since the emperor is determined to level the grassland, he must complete the related supporting tasks. Zhang Zhou is the Minister of the Ministry of War. The Minister of the Ministry of War in Nanjing will definitely use someone who Zhang Zhou thinks can stabilize the corner. After all, When the Ming Dynasty was pacifying the north, the stability of the south was equally important to prevent anyone from taking the opportunity to cause chaos.

As for the Northwest’s transition from the Trilateral General System to the Xuanda General System, and then to Jizhou, Liaodong and other places, Zhang Zhou’s people will surely gradually be replaced.

But who it is is hard to say.

Li Dongyang said, "Zhang Bingkuan has not followed the old principles in hiring people in the past two years, but every time he recommended someone, he could do his job independently. On the contrary, Yang Yingning, the governor of Ningxia, was later used, but no results were achieved. Neither We misjudged Yang Yingning because of his lack of ability. It’s not because the DPRK and the Central Government didn’t cooperate.”

“Why?” Xie Qian asked eagerly.

Li Dongyang frowned and said, "It's because His Majesty has expectations for the military and political affairs in the northwest. People who are not recommended by Zhang Bingkuan cannot understand them deeply. Just like the battle in Ningxia, there was no surprise attack on the grassland by Wang Bo'an. What effect will it have if Yang Yingning alone sends troops to Ningxia?"

Xie Qian said, "Maybe that's not the case. Guess, if Yang Yingning were replaced by Wang Bo'an, the results would be very different."

The subtext is to remind Li Dongyang and Xie Qian.

We can’t defeat Zhang Zhou, so we should compromise.

Let that kid take over, he will do as he pleases. Please remember to bookmark, the latest and fastest website is free to read without anti-theft