Chapter nine hundred and seventy-two. The gap and comfort.
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To this day, the Ordos tribe has successively lost its tribesmen, territory, and leaders, leaving only an army of more than 10,000 people. Its strength is still not to be underestimated, but it is no longer a rootless tree, a sourceless water, and a dead force.
One is one less.
It is precisely because of the existence of this army that the Ordos tribe has not been destroyed in name, and there is still a chance to save everything. The tribes on the Mongolian right wing will help the Ordos tribe regain everything out of alliance agreements and kinship.
However, when the imperial army began to concentrate its efforts on killing the Ordos tribe's army, the rate of casualties of this army would be much higher than that of the armies of other tribes, and their voice and influence within the Mongolian right wing would become weaker and weaker.
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Eventually, when the casualties of the Ordos tribe's army reach a critical point, the leaders of the Mongolian right-wing tribes will find that the Ordos tribe's demise seems inevitable, and they no longer need to care about the attitude of this army.
If the Ordos tribe is doomed to perish, the former alliance and fraternity will naturally cease to exist, and the Mongolian right wing will lose its reason to support the Ordos tribe.
At the same time, Mongolia's right-wing tribes supported the Ordos tribe in retaking the Hetao Plain, and they must have received promises of benefits.
However, after the imperial army transported all the people and wealth of the Ordos tribe back to the hinterland, even if the Ordos tribe's army recaptured the Hetao Plain, it lost the ability to pay rewards and thanks. The determination of the tribes on the right wing of Mongolia to help the Ordos tribe also disappeared.
will weaken again.
After the imperial court released the captured Mongolian tribal leaders and made them mistakenly believe that Jianzhou Jurchens would attack them soon, the Mongolian right-wing tribes completely lost their reason to fight the imperial army and must quickly retreat.
Their respective tribes were prepared to guard against the appearance of the Jianzhou Jurchen.
At that time, the imperial army only needs to deal with the greatly weakened Ordos remnant army. Naturally, the pressure will be greatly reduced, all threats will be easily eliminated, and the Hetao War will soon be over.
*
After hearing Zhao Junchen's three suggestions, everyone, including Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing, nodded thoughtfully.
The monarchs and ministers in the Hall of Supreme Harmony were all smart people, and they easily thought of the key points.
I have to admit that Zhao Junchen’s first two suggestions are very reasonable.
Only Zhao Junchen's third suggestion has been questioned by some people.
Perhaps because Zhao Junchen had just refuted Shen Changmao's suggestion, Shen Changmao was the first to stand up and question it.
Shen Changmao's expression was extremely serious, and he asked in a deep voice: "Chairman Zhao, your first two suggestions are still feasible, but only the third suggestion seems to be inappropriate! You said that Jianzhou Jurchen will soon be
Is there any evidence to attack the right wing of Mongolia? Where did you receive the news?"
Zhao Junchen shook his head directly and said: "There is no evidence, it is all speculation!"
After hearing Zhao Junchen's answer, Shen Changmao's face suddenly flashed with a stern look, and he questioned again: "If there is no evidence and it is all based on speculation, how can we make the leaders of these Mongolian tribes believe this? Once it is
If the leaders of these Mongolian tribes are suspicious, they will further believe that the imperial army is not strong enough and are eager to end the Hetao War, so they will try to deceive them with lies. Maybe it will make them determined to continue fighting.
Determination, what should I do when that time comes?"
Zhao Junchen couldn't help but shook his head slightly, and he didn't know whether Shen Changmao's questioning was to retaliate for Zhao Junchen's refutation of his proposal just now, or because Shen Changmao only had this little knowledge.
But no matter what the possibility is, Zhao Junchen can be sure that Shen Changmao's position as chief minister of the cabinet will not be long.
At the same time, before Zhao Junchen could open his mouth to explain, Zhou Shangjing, who had been silent all this time, came out and said: "Your Majesty, I believe that Zhao Gechen's three suggestions are all effective and feasible! Especially Zhao Gechen's third suggestion This strategy is the most ingenious!
Whether the Jianzhou Jurchens will take the opportunity to attack the Mongolian right wing, of course, there is no evidence, everything is just speculation, but precisely because of this, the Mongolian right wing cannot be sure that the Jianzhou Jurchens will not take the opportunity to attack them! We just need to let them It is enough to be aware of this possibility!
As early as the Huang Taiji period, the Jianzhou Jurchens had already annexed the Mongolian right wing. If the Jianzhou Jurchens did not have the ambition to further annex the Mongolian right wing, even the Mongolian right wing itself would not believe it! As long as the Mongolian right wing is made aware of this possibility , they will definitely be timid and cautious. Rather than helping the Ordos tribe retake the Hetao Grassland, they will definitely be more inclined to withdraw their troops and return to their respective territories to preserve their vitality... In this way, they will cooperate with Master Zhao's other strategies. , in all likelihood, we can force the Mongolian right-wing tribes to quickly withdraw their troops and abandon the Hetao Plain."
After Zhao Junchen turned to Zhou Shangjing and nodded, he further added: "Your Majesty, whether the Jianzhou Jurchens will take the opportunity to send troops, and where they will attack after sending troops, not only is the Mongolian right wing unable to determine this matter, but we are also unsure. Can't be sure about this either!
However, after these few wars this year, the Mongolian right wing has been greatly weakened and is at its weakest in the past century. Our dynasty is also gradually exhausted, and it can be said that it is unable to fight anymore! Therefore, I believe that Jianzhou Jurchen You will definitely have the idea of waiting for opportunities and reaping the benefits!
Of course, it is still uncertain whether the target of the Jurchens in establishing the state is the Liaodong area of our dynasty or the Mongolian right wing! But I believe that the court must prepare for both aspects at the same time! On the one hand, it is to send orders to the three armies of Liaodong, Jizhou, and Xuanfu We must be prepared to strengthen our defenses and dispel the Jianzhou Jurchens' intention to invade the south. On the other hand, we must make the Mongolian right wing aware of the threat of the Jianzhou Jurchens as soon as possible and make preparations as soon as possible to prevent the Jianzhou Jurchens from easily annexing the Mongolian right wing and further enhance their strength. !”
Zhou Shangjing said again: "Your Majesty clearly knows that the Mongols have long been weakened and are not a nuisance to the imperial court. However, the Jianzhou Jurchens have been recharging their strength over the years, but their strength cannot be underestimated!
The veteran believes that the three major military towns of Liaodong, Jizhou and Xuanfu must not only stand ready and strengthen their defenses, but also secretly warn the Jianzhou Jurchens, letting them understand that they will not get any benefits if they send troops to invade the south! At the same time, if the Jianzhou Jurchens want to If they want to send troops to the west to annex the Mongolian right wing, the three major military towns of Liaodong, Jizhou and Xuanfu will also be mobilized frequently to pretend to attack the Jurchen hinterland of Jianzhou, distracting the Jianzhou Jurchens from dividing their troops and not daring to use their full strength. They must not be allowed to annex easily. The Mongolian right wing."
After hearing the statements made by Zhou Shangjing and Zhao Junchen, Emperor Deqing first glanced at Shen Changmao, with a hint of disappointment in his eyes.
Compared with Zhou Shangjing and Zhao Junchen's long-term vision and thoughtful thinking, Shen Changmao is indeed far different.
Emperor Deqing originally asked Shen Changmao to replace Zhou Shangjing as the chief minister of the cabinet, mainly to suppress Zhou Shangjing's power and influence. But now it seems that Shen Changmao is obviously unworthy of the position. Let him serve as the chief minister of the cabinet. Affect the political stability of the court.
All kinds of thoughts flashed through Emperor Deqing's mind. Emperor Deqing remained calm on the surface, but slowly raised his concerns: "What Mr. Zhou Ge and Zhao Aiqing said is indeed reasonable, but... Do I have to release those Mongolian tribal leaders? In order to regain the war in Hetao, the court has just released the Mongolian coalition commander Bagan and a group of Gar nobles. If these Mongolian right-wing tribal leaders were easily released again, wouldn't it be possible? Let the foreign races everywhere lose their awe and think that the imperial court is weak and can be bullied?"
After hearing what Emperor Deqing said, Zhao Junchen was stunned at first, feeling that Emperor Deqing's concerns could not withstand scrutiny.
But soon, Zhao Junchen guessed Emperor Deqing's true thoughts.
Emperor Deqing has always been a person who loves success. For Emperor Deqing, only seeing these foreign leaders kneeling at his feet, bowing their heads and begging for mercy can make him happy and his face bright.
Historical records have always liked to focus on describing this kind of thing, and they must write a special book. If Emperor Deqing can still blurt out a few slanderous words, such as "Anyone who offends my strong sense will be punished no matter how far away he is." , and it will become a legendary story that will be passed down through the ages, and Emperor Deqing’s reputation will be greatly increased in future generations!
In fact, as early as Zhao Junchen captured Bagen, the head coach of the Mongolian coalition, Emperor Deqing had secretly prepared a few words in his heart that he thought were majestic and saintly. He was eagerly looking forward to Zhao Junchen capturing Bagen as soon as possible. Gen and others were escorted to the capital to meet him. Who knew that Zhao Junchen and Liang Fuchen had secretly made plans to regain the Hetao and let Bogen go. Emperor Deqing had been very worried after receiving the news. Happy.
Now, after finally capturing a group of Mongolian tribal leaders alive, Emperor Deqing thought that the "words of wisdom" he had conceived would finally be put to use. Who knew that Zhao Junchen was going to let them go again? Emperor Deqing was naturally a little unhappy. willing.
In fact, it was precisely because Zhao Junchen had guessed Emperor Deqing's thoughts in advance that when he made the suggestion just now, he said that all of this required Emperor Deqing's personal decision.
At this time, after Zhao Junchen heard Emperor Deqing's doubts, he said nothing and had no intention of persuading. He just turned his head and glanced at Zhou Shangjing.
On the other side, Zhou Shangjing also guessed Emperor Deqing's thoughts, and immediately said: "Your Majesty, if you successfully regained the Hetao area, it can be said that you have achieved martial virtue, who dares to look down upon you?
Your Majesty is a holy king and a wise master, and the words "respect" and "fear" are both indispensable. After these few battles, the imperial court has won consecutive battles, which is already frightening. Now is the time to respect people! Let go. Those leaders of the Mongolian tribes can also better reflect your benevolent demeanor!
What's more, Qi Yan, the leader of the right wing of Mongolia, and a group of nobles from the Ordos tribe are not included in the release. They will soon be taken to the capital to kowtow to you and beg for mercy. Naturally, your Majesty will also have the opportunity to establish his authority."
After hearing what Zhou Shangjing said, Emperor Deqing pondered for a moment and thought it was reasonable, and finally nodded in agreement.
In this way, with the joint approval of Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing, the imperial court quickly adopted Zhao Junchen's three proposals, and sent a fast horse messenger to inform Huamachi Camp to act in accordance with Zhao Junchen's plan.
*
Having found a feasible strategy to stabilize the battle situation in the Hetao, Emperor Deqing felt more relaxed.
Then, Emperor Deqing finally noticed the fatigue in Zhao Junchen's expression.
Zhao Junchen's fatigue was not a disguise. His body was still in urgent need of rest. After returning to the capital today, he rushed to the Hall of Supreme Harmony to meet Emperor Deqing. The prelude to the palace also consumed a lot of energy.
, I have never had a chance to rest, and now I am naturally physically and mentally exhausted.
After noticing Zhao Junchen's tiredness, Emperor Deqing's expression changed slightly.
The three strategies of compounding proposed by Zhao Junchen can be regarded as another achievement.
At the same time, Emperor Deqing's plan against the Ministry of Household Affairs was a conspiracy. He was not worried that Zhao Junchen would resist, but he also had to worry that Zhao Junchen would become wary.
Therefore, Emperor Deqing believed that he needed to take the opportunity to further appease Zhao Junchen.
As a result, Emperor Deqing's expression showed concern again, and he said: "Zhao Aiqing has been really lucky these days! If it weren't for the fact that the center of the imperial court is in trouble now, I will definitely let Zhao Aiqing rest for a while and let Zhao Aiqing rest for a while.
I have no choice but to continue to be in charge of the household department..."
As he spoke, Emperor Deqing shook his head and sighed, then raised his voice to convey the decree: "I am very pleased to hear that Zhao Junchen has worked hard and is loyal to the country according to my will! Before Zhao Aiqing recovers, I will go to the palace to see him.
You can take a sedan chair and go straight to the Meridian Gate! Zhao Junchen’s wife Cui Qianxue is conferred as the first-grade imperial wife. In addition, from my internal funds, I will select three of the best ginseng, Ganoderma lucidum, and Polygonatum japonica to give to Zhao Aiqing. While Zhao Aiqing is recuperating,
All the medicinal materials needed can be taken directly from my internal funds!"
After saying the decree, Emperor Deqing smiled at Zhao Junchen again and said: "If Zhao Aiqing's three strategies are successful this time, it can be said to have made another contribution. However, the battle in Hetao has not yet ended, and Liang Fuchen has not yet sent him to ask for credit.
List, let’s put aside the rewards for this matter for now! The reward I bestow upon you today is just to reward your loyalty and hard work! But I believe that after the Hetao War is over, the two ‘immortals’ in front of Zhao Aiqing will be
The words will be taken off soon!"
After hearing the reward from Emperor Deqing, all the officials in the Hall of Supreme Harmony cast envious and jealous looks at Zhao Junchen.
In the Qing Dynasty, when the emperor rewarded his ministers, there was a method called "horse riding in the Forbidden City." After the ministers received such rewards, they could ride horses in the outer city of the Forbidden City.
However, there was no similar reward in the Ming Dynasty. Although Emperor Deqing only granted Zhao Junchen permission to enter the Meridian Gate in a sedan chair, the scope of the privilege was only a short one, and there was a time limit for recuperation, but it was the only honor since the founding of the Ming Dynasty.
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What's more, Emperor Deqing also promised to remove the word "无世" in front of Zhao Junchen's honorary title after the Hetao War is over, which means that Zhao Junchen will soon become a hereditary and irreplaceable honorary.
In comparison, Emperor Deqing's canonization of Zhao Junchen's wife Cui Qianxue as a first-grade imperial edict and the reward of some precious medicinal materials seemed insignificant.
Therefore, it is natural for officials to feel envious and jealous.
Under the gazes of all the officials, Zhao Junchen was naturally filled with gratitude, and he quickly saluted and thanked him, saying a lot of beautiful words such as "loyalty to the emperor will last forever".
However, Zhao Junchen was not satisfied with Emperor Deqing's reward. He only felt that Emperor Deqing's reward method was as false as ever.
After seeing Zhao Junchen's grateful face, Emperor Deqing nodded with satisfaction, then turned to look at the eunuch Zhang De.
Zhang De immediately took a step forward and said in a loud voice: "If there is any problem, please report it early. If there is no problem, withdraw from the court!"
However, Emperor Deqing was also a little tired and wanted to retreat back to the palace.
Seeing this scene, officials from various factions in the Hall of Supreme Harmony turned their attention to Zhou Shangjing, Shen Changmao, Wang Shou and others, waiting for their statements.
In fact, in order to "welcome" Zhao Junchen's triumphant return to Beijing, officials from various factions in the imperial court prepared many things on this day, most of which were memorials to impeach Zhao Junchen, hoping to give Zhao Junchen a blow.
As the saying goes, the more you do, the more you make mistakes. Only the rhetorical critic will never make mistakes!
During this period of time, although Zhao Junchen has accomplished many great things, he has also made some omissions and mistakes, which have led to many excuses.
Whether it was the fall of Zhenning Acropolis, the civil unrest in Tianshui City, or various acts of overstepping his authority, Zhao Junchen could be indefensible and get into trouble.
Seeing Zhao Junchen's glory and aura becoming more and more dazzling, many officials were filled with jealousy and could not wait to impeach Zhao Junchen.
However, under the gaze of officials from various factions, Zhou Shangjing, Shen Changmao, Wang Shou and others all remained calm and showed no expression.
After Zhao Junchen returned to Beijing, he immediately expressed his intention to resign, which caught them off guard. In addition, Zhao Junchen's "Three Strategies of Comprehensive Strategy" also made another contribution, and Emperor Deqing had just expressed his commendation. At this time Obviously this is not the best time to impeach Zhao Junchen.
Seeing the attitude of powerful officials from various factions, many officials looked disappointed.
On the other side, seeing that all the officials had nothing to do, Emperor Deqing quickly announced his intention to resign.
*
After Emperor Deqing announced his intention to resign, all the officials in the Hall of Supreme Harmony rushed to Zhao Junchen to express their congratulations. Everyone looked sincere and it was impossible to tell that they were eager to impeach him just now. Zhao Junchen.
While Zhao Junchen was dealing with the courtesies of the officials, he was observing the officials around him.
Then, Zhao Junchen discovered that, except for Chen Dongxiang, the Minister of Industry, and Liu Chang'an, the Minister of Civil Affairs, most of the "Zhao Party" officials who were qualified to rank in court had disappeared.
People like Zhan Shanchang, Huo Zhengyuan, Tong Huan and others either lost their official positions during this period, or were ordered to sit back and reflect on their mistakes. They have lost the qualification to go to court to discuss politics.
Obviously, during the period when Zhao Junchen left the capital, the "Zhao Party" suffered heavy losses.
Although he had expected it, after seeing this scene, Zhao Junchen's eyes still flashed with light, and he felt that he had to respond as soon as possible.
Walking until outside the Meridian Gate, Zhao Junchen finally managed to deal with the officials from various factions.
Seeing that there was no one else around, Chen Dongxiang, Liu Changan and others couldn't wait to complain to Zhao Junchen, expressing how lucky the "Zhao Party" officials had been during this time and how much suppression and bullying they had suffered. They also hoped that Zhao Junchen could turn things around as soon as possible. Qiankun, let those "Zhao Party" officials who were dismissed from their posts be reinstated.
After hearing the complaints from his cronies, Zhao Junchen returned to his usual calmness and calmness, and just whispered: "Don't worry, everyone, you should keep a low profile during this period, and there will be results soon!"
After saying that, Zhao Junchen got on his sedan chair and ordered the sedan bearer to rush to the Hubu Yamen.
*
But he said that at the same time that Zhao Junchen rushed to the Hubu Yamen, Emperor Deqing had already left the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
After walking out of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the eunuch Zhang De quickly asked: "Your Majesty, do you want to go to the Imperial Study Room to handle government affairs? Or return to the harem to take a rest?"
Emperor Deqing pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Let's go to Concubine Hui."
After hearing Zhang De mention the word "harem", Emperor Deqing suddenly thought of Huifei Zhao Ying'er.
This is the daughter of the Zhao family that Zhao Junchen sent to the palace.
Emperor Deqing didn't like Zhao Ying'er's competitive temperament, but for Zhao Junchen's sake, he would go to Zhao Ying'er's residence to sleep every few days, and would reward her with various treasures from time to time, but on the surface he was doting on her.
It looks like adding.
Emperor Deqing believed that before the Hubu Yamen could get back on track, he still needed to continue to appease Zhao Junchen, so that Zhao Junchen would lose his vigilance and work for himself with peace of mind.
The various rewards just now were just one of Emperor Deqing's means of appeasement.
But if you want Zhao Junchen to feel completely at ease, you have to start with Zhao Ying'er.
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Well, a big chapter of six thousand words.
By the way, the free version will be limited soon, so Chongzi will also update more words in the past few days. If conditions permit, there will be an explosion of double updates and 10,000 words.
As long as the rhythm of coding is not disrupted, the bug will do its best.