In this world, there are only a few real fools after all. Certain decisions of some people may seem foolish, but in fact it is because of different perspectives of considering interests. Some people can only see short-term benefits, while others pay more attention to them.
Regarding long-term interests, some people value the influence of public opinion more than actual interests, while others believe that political interests should give way to economic interests.
Emperor Deqing was certainly not a fool. When he heard the Mongolian explanation of "Kundulun Yingming Khan", he immediately knew the true purpose of Jianzhou Jurchen, Monan Mongolia and North Korea - they wanted to fight the autumn wind and take advantage.
.
How can you be considered a benevolent and generous king if you can't be impatient, generous, and provide a large amount of money and grain to Jianzhou Jurchen and other tribes to survive this year's food shortage?
However, as a ruler, Emperor Deqing, especially a ruler who wanted to make great achievements and leave a name in history, his perspective on thinking about issues was completely different from that of his courtiers and common people.
Compared with the actual interests, he paid more attention to the political significance of this matter, especially his own evaluation in later history books.
Being able to be elected as Khan by the surrounding ethnic minorities greatly improved the historical status of the Han emperor. The most famous examples are the title of "Khan of Heaven" by Emperor Taizong Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty, and the title of "Sage Can" by Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty Yang Jian.
The title "Khan" is all written in large and special books in history books, with heavy ink descriptions.
If Emperor Deqing could be jointly elected as Khan by Jianzhou Jurchens and Monan Mongolian Koreans, wouldn't Emperor Deqing be ranked alongside the founding emperors of the Sui and Tang dynasties in the history books?
For a time, Emperor Deqing couldn't help but have wild imaginations, and his mood was agitated. Even though he knew that this matter was just a ploy by Jianzhou Jurchen and other tribes to suppress the autumn wind, he could not bear its temptation.
However, Emperor Deqing still had some sense after all, but he also knew that the Ming Dynasty's own financial and food situation could barely maintain turnover. If Zhao Junchen's agricultural reforms did not have significant results this year, and there would be several natural and man-made disasters,
, I am afraid that there will be problems within the Ming Dynasty, and there may be refugee chaos. This is something that Emperor Deqing cannot tolerate in any case.
Under such circumstances, Emperor Deqing was naturally hesitant and conflicted in his thoughts. He wanted to grit his teeth and pay some of the benefits and accept the joint recommendation of the Jianzhou Jurchen and other ministries, but he was also worried that the Ming Dynasty would not have enough time to take care of itself and internal problems would arise.
Therefore, after seeing Zhao Junchen suddenly stand up and speak, Emperor Deqing did not stop him. On the one hand, he wanted to hear the minister's opinions, and on the other hand, he also wanted to buy time to consider the pros and cons, so he nodded and said: "Oh?
Zhao Aiqing objects to this? Tell me, I also want to hear your thoughts."
Zhao Junchen said loudly with a serious expression: "Your Majesty, I believe that the Jurchens of Jianzhou, the various Mongolian tribes in Monan, and North Korea jointly elected you as the Yingming Khan of Kundulun. It is certainly out of 'good intentions', but this matter is not appropriate.
The rules of heaven are also inconsistent with human principles! Your Majesty, you are the Son of Heaven, the Emperor, and the right to be king is granted by heaven! How can your title be determined by several surrounding tribes? The emperor is supreme, how can the title of 'Khan' be comparable?
?To give an inappropriate example, can we, the ministers, still recommend you, Your Majesty, to be the chief minister of the cabinet?"
At this time and on such an occasion, Zhao Junchen naturally could not say in public such self-destructive remarks as "the imperial court does not have enough money and food to provide more support to Jianzhou Jurchen and other ministries", nor could he openly publicize it in front of envoys from various countries.
The opinion that "raising tigers will bring disaster" simply directly questioned the legitimacy of this matter to express opposition.
But this logic obviously cannot convince most people.
A Qingliu like Cheng Yuandao has always been extremely interested in this kind of grand narrative. After all, he only needs to open his mouth. He does not need to worry about the turnover of the court's money and food. If he can do this,
If he contributes, he may be recorded in the history books in the future, which is of course beneficial to him.
So, as soon as Zhao Junchen finished speaking, Cheng Yuandao stood up and objected: "Your Majesty, I think what Zhao Junchen said is really inappropriate! The tribes around the imperial court jointly elected you as the Yingming Khan of Kundulun. This is all out of the blue.
The admiration for them is also a great opportunity to solve the border war in one fell swoop, how can we miss it because of some trivial issues?"
On the other side, Lin Wei, the Minister of Rites, naturally sided with Cheng Yuandao at this time. After all, once Emperor Deqing accepted the title of "Kundulun Yingming Khan", the Ministry of Household Affairs would become the protagonist of all major yamen in the future.
There is a lot to be gained from the series of activities, so he followed up with a statement: "Your Majesty, I also believe that for the sake of a hundred years, at this time, we should readily accept the recommendation of Houjin, North Korea, Monan Mongolia and other ministries, and we must not give in to it.
They are heartbroken, and this is also a great opportunity to tell the world that our Ming Dynasty is strong and your Majesty is wise."
Then, Qian Tong also expressed his position again, saying: "Your Majesty, I have been staying in Houjin for these years, and I have some understanding of the thoughts of the surrounding tribes. Just like what the ministers said, the tribes of Houjin, North Korea, and Monan Mongolia
Recommending you as the Yingming Khan of Kundulun is all out of loyalty and filial piety. The title of Khan is also supreme on the grassland, and there is no intention of derogation! In history, people like Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty, etc.
They all readily accepted the title of Khan, so this incident is by no means an isolated case that is untenable."
Cheng Yuandao couldn't help but talk while standing, while Lin Wei sat with his butt crooked from the beginning. Zhao Junchen didn't bother to argue with them, he just looked at Qian Tong with a sneer and said: "This money envoy from Houjin... you
Since we are taking Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty and Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty as examples, we should understand that the title of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty is 'Heavenly Khan', while the title of Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty is 'Sage Khan'. The noble meaning of these two titles is far greater than that of Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty.
How can the ordinary title of Khan be comparable to this 'Kundulun Yingming Khan'? If Your Majesty accepts this title, wouldn't it mean that the Ming Emperor is weaker than the Sui and Tang Emperors?
What's more, if I remember correctly, Nurhachi, the founding emperor of the Later Jin Dynasty, once had the title of 'Kundulun Khan', which is only two words different from the 'Kundulun Yingming Khan' whom you recommended to your Majesty!
Nurhachi surrendered to the Ming Dynasty several times back then, how could your Majesty stand shoulder to shoulder with him?"
As he spoke, Zhao Junchen felt a little happy.
Over the years, Zhao Junchen has been targeted with reasons such as "righteousness," "rules," and "ancestral laws." Now Zhao Junchen has learned from it and found that this method of attacking people is not easy to use.
You only need to shout a few high-sounding slogans to be invincible in any matter.
It is indeed the easiest thing in the world to find fault with others.
On the other side, hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Cheng Yuandao, Lin Wei, Qian Tong and others were speechless and unable to refute.
At the same time, Emperor Deqing finally made up his mind.
The reason that made Emperor Deqing make up his mind was not just that Zhao Junchen's statement was reasonable - of course Emperor Deqing himself did feel that his title of Khan was a bit low because of Zhao Junchen's statement - the more important reason was that
The vast majority of officials remained silent.
All the officials understand that the current financial and food shortage of the imperial court has reduced their daily life. Under such circumstances, if some of the benefits are used to reward the Jianzhou Jurchen and other tribes, it will be the "daily welfare" of the officials.
I'm afraid it will be reduced again and again, and maybe there will be a few more incidents of "exchanging salary silver for salary rice". Officials are naturally extremely active when they shout slogans to express their loyalty, but if it is just for Deqing
If the emperor sacrifices his own actual interests for the sake of his fame, then he must be respectful and insensitive.
Therefore, except for Zhao Junchen, Cheng Yuandao, Lin Wei and a few others, most officials did not express their stance at this time.
And silence is sometimes a statement.
Seeing the attitude of the officials, Emperor Deqing was a little unhappy, but he finally made a decision and said slowly: "The opinions of Zhao Aiqing, Cheng Aiqing, Lin Aiqing, and envoy Qian all have their own truths. In that case,
, let’s discuss this matter again.”
The so-called "re-discussion", on the one hand, was for the imperial court to once again discuss whether to accept the title recommended by the various Jurchen tribes in Jianzhou; on the other hand, it was also for the Jianzhou Jurchens to discuss again with the Monan Mongolian, Korean and other tribes on whether to give it to them.
Emperor Deqing recommended a louder title.
In this way, there is still a tail left in this matter. It is obvious that Emperor Deqing still has not given up. If Jianzhou Jurchen and other ministries really come up with loud names such as "Tian Khan" and "Sage Khan" in the future,
I'm afraid Emperor Deqing will have to obey his title.
But in any case, Zhao Junchen's goal was also achieved. At least it temporarily delayed Emperor Deqing's decision, and there was still room for redemption.
*
Because Emperor Deqing never accepted the gold medal that Qian Tong held on his head, when Qian Tong saw Emperor Deqing's rejection, he took the gold medal back into his arms, shook his head and sighed.
But then, Qian Tong did not continue to pester. Instead, he took out a gift list again and said again: "Since your Majesty has made up his mind, the guilty ministers naturally do not dare to force it. After returning to Houjin, they will also let them do it again."
We are discussing a new title. I only hope that this new title will satisfy His Majesty by then and that the sinners’ hard work over the years will not be in vain...
However, this time, in addition to cooperating with various ministries to recommend you as the Yingming Khan of Kundulun, Houjin also prepared generous tribute gifts for your majesty, including two hundred ginseng roots that are more than a hundred years old, three hundred high-quality mink skins,
Five hundred pieces of fine deer antlers, five hundred gold beads... a three-foot-tall gold and jade Buddha statue, a rare white tiger skin... In addition, there is a luminous pearl the size of an adult's fist, which is a national treasure passed down from generation to generation in the Hou Jin Dynasty.
This opportunity is dedicated to His Majesty!"
The gift list that Qian Tong read was not only extremely large in quantity, but also each gift was extremely valuable. Added together, it was enough to make all the officials present stunned, as if Hou Jin had moved his entire treasury.
Comes out normally.
No one expected that Hou Jin's tribute would be so rich and valuable!
However, before the shock of the officials had subsided, various Mongolian tribes and North Korea also presented their own tributes. Although they were not as amazing as the Jianzhou Jurchens, they were also unexpectedly rich and valuable.
But this is never a good thing.
As we all know, the Han Dynasty has always regarded itself as the Celestial Kingdom. After accepting tribute from neighboring countries, it often returned double the tribute.
Especially in the current situation, where Emperor Deqing had just rejected the "respectful heart" of the Jurchen tribes in Jianzhou, he naturally couldn't be stingy.
At the same time, due to the interruption of the incident just now, Emperor Deqing's murderous intention towards Qian Tong, a traitor, had disappeared without a trace.
Therefore, after Emperor Deqing pondered for a moment, he slowly said: "I have seen the loyalty and respect of all other countries... After today's ceremony, I will arrange for the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Households, and the Internal Transport Treasury to discuss together.
I highly reward you and other countries for your filial piety!”
Hearing the word "heavy reward", Qian Tong knew that most of his goals for this trip had been successful, and he immediately led the envoys to bow to Emperor Deqing again.
On the other side, Zhao Junchen's face was as sinking as water.
This time, the Jurchens in Jianzhou obviously had a better chess move, and all the situations today were also in their plan!
Recommending Emperor Deqing as the "Kundulun Yingming Khan" is only the first step. If you can't get the most benefits from a mere false name, then you should once again offer Emperor Deqing a large number of tribute gifts to make Emperor Deqing lose face.
I had no choice but to double the return, and still get huge benefits.
Moreover, Emperor Deqing also knew that returning the tribute to the Jianzhou Jurchen and other ministries with only the savings in the internal transport treasury would inevitably involve a lot of blood, so he once again asked the Hubu Yamen to make the national treasury and the internal treasury jointly bear this responsibility.
expenses for things.
But unfortunately, at this time, Zhao Junchen no longer has the position or opportunity to express his opposition again!
"You are cruel! But the matter is not over yet!"
Zhao Junchen stared at Qian Tong for a long time and thought to himself.
Zhao Junchen has always been used to taking advantage, and he has long regarded the treasury money and food as his own. Naturally, he is absolutely unwilling to suffer at this time!
*
After Deqing boasted about himself, hundreds of officials congratulated him on his birthday, and envoys from various countries met in person, the ceremony finally came to the fourth link. This was the link that all the officials were most concerned about, which was Emperor Deqing’s award of honors to Shaanxi-Gansu and Hetao.
Many meritorious officials who fought in the war.
It stands to reason that Zhao Junchen should be the most prominent contributor to the illustrious military exploits of the Shaanxi-Gansu trilateral and the Hetao area. Not only did he lead the glorious victory of the Shaanxi-Gansu trilateral annihilation of the Mongolian coalition forces, but the subsequent counterattack in the Hetao area was also led by Zhao Junchen.
Junchen laid the foundation.
However, when Emperor Deqing awarded the award, he first awarded it to Liang Fuchen, who was still in charge of the overall situation in Shaanxi and Gansu. Not only did he confer the hereditary title of "Marquis of Zhongyi" to Liang Fuchen, he also promoted Liang Fuchen to the position of Second Assistant in the Cabinet, and also
He was rewarded with many gold and silver treasures, as if Liang Fuchen was the first to contribute to this series of glorious victories.
Emperor Deqing's approach was obviously to suppress Zhao Junchen's influence and rising momentum, so he deliberately asked Liang Fuchen to suppress Zhao Junchen.
Zhao Junchen had already anticipated this situation and did not get emotional.
But Emperor Deqing did not dare to go too far. After awarding Liang Fuchen, he immediately announced his intention to award Zhao Junchen.
Following Zhang De's announcement, Zhao Junchen slowly walked out of the queue again under the attention of hundreds of officials.