Chapter eight hundred and seventy-eight. The decision of the central court.
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Just when everyone was shocked by Zhao Junchen's ambition, Zhou Shangjing changed his tone of admiration and continued: "Looking at the content of Zhao Junchen's memorial, he has obviously thought about this matter seriously, not
It was aimless, and it was not just talking nonsense. According to Zhao Junchen’s analysis, now is obviously the best time for the imperial court to regain the Hetao!
First of all, there have been constant natural disasters in the Mongolian grasslands in recent years, and the disasters are much more severe than those in Shaanxi and Gansu. As a result, the population, cattle, sheep, and food stocks of the major tribes in Mongolia have been greatly reduced, and they are now in the weakest period in the past century.
It is no longer possible to engage in a protracted war with the imperial court; secondly, Zhao Junchen’s plan to annihilate the Mongolian coalition is progressing smoothly. Once he successfully annihilates the 100,000 Mongolian army that invaded our territory, the Mongols will definitely be severely weakened and the war will
Finally, Zhao Junchen is now trying to secretly split the Mongolian tribes and promote internal fighting among the Mongols. By the time the imperial court sends troops to regain Hetao, Mongolia will probably be in chaos and unable to cooperate against the imperial army!
All in all, Zhao Junchen believed that the imperial court's recovery of the Hetao at this time would not only have the highest probability of success, but also pay the lowest price, so he strongly recommended that the imperial court seriously consider this matter! In fact, Zhao Junchen has already begun to prepare for this matter, but only relying on
The forces of Shaanxi and Gansu are still insufficient to regain the Hetao, so Zhao Junchen sent this memorial to the imperial court, hoping to get support from all aspects of the imperial court!"
At this point, Zhou Shangjing bowed slightly to Emperor Deqing and said: "Zhao Junchen's memorial basically talks about these three things... In my opinion, Zhao Junchen sent this memorial mainly for the purpose of recovering
The Hetao incident is not only the most written about, but also the most detailed explanation. It is obvious that Zhao Junchen hopes that the court can make early preparations and provide timely assistance."
After saying that, Zhou Shangjing sat back in his seat, and then observed the expressions and reactions of everyone present with a meaningful expression.
Regarding the contents of Zhao Junchen's memorial, Zhou Shangjing's explanation can be said to be very detailed.
But after listening to Zhou Shangjing's story, the ministers in the imperial study were still unable to come to their senses and just felt incredible.
You must know that since the Ming Dynasty became the ancestor of the Ming Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty has been on the defensive in the face of the annual incursions from the Mongolian tribes. From time to time, it will also encounter emergencies in the border defense. An achievement like annihilating a hundred thousand Mongolian troops in one go would be considered the Ming Dynasty in those days.
The ancestor Zhu Yuanzhang never did it when he drove out the Mongols and restored the Han Dynasty. Now the Ming Dynasty is already in ruins and military armament, and he has never even thought about it!
As for the Hetao area, it has been lost for nearly three hundred years. The ambitious Northern Expedition of Emperor Yingzong of the Ming Dynasty even resulted in the Tumu Fort Incident, which was the greatest shame in the history of the Ming Dynasty. The last time, there was an ambitious attempt to regain the Hetao area.
Several ministers of the Ming Dynasty also met a miserable end. From then on, the monarchs and ministers of the Ming Dynasty never had any thoughts about the Hetao area!
Who would have thought that Zhao Junchen now not only wanted to annihilate the 100,000 Mongolian troops that invaded the Ming Dynasty's territory, but also wanted to take the opportunity to regain the Hetao area...
Is this a sign of victory or is it arrogance and ignorance?
If you say that you have the ticket to victory, the ministers think it is unreliable, but if you say that you are arrogant and ignorant, according to Zhao Junchen's memorial, it is really possible!
Therefore, all the ministers in the imperial study were shocked, but no one spoke up for a while.
They were all used to seeing troubles, but this was the first time they encountered something like this.
Therefore, everyone needs some time to sort out their thoughts.
Emperor Deqing also understood the thoughts of the ministers. When he first read this memorial, he also felt that Zhao Junchen was crazy for wanting to make contributions.
Therefore, Emperor Deqing did not urge him, but gave the ministers some time to think.
For a moment, the imperial study room was filled with silence.
After about a cup of tea, Emperor Deqing saw that all the ministers had finished thinking, and finally said: "Everything is just as Mr. Zhou Ge said. Zhao Junchen's memorial basically talks about these three things.
One thing! Among these three things, the first two are beyond our reach, and we cannot catch up with the time. By the time my decree reaches Shaanxi and Gansu, the war between Zhao Junchen and the Mongolian coalition may have ended.
Liang Fuchen's condition has also recovered...but only the third matter is not only the most important, but also requires the court to make a decision as soon as possible! This time, I summoned all my beloved ladies to the palace overnight to discuss politics, just for this matter!
If Zhao Junchen's battle with the Mongols goes smoothly, should the imperial court take the opportunity to regain the Hetao? I was a little undecided for a while, dear friends, do you have any insights for me?"
After hearing Emperor Deqing's inquiry, Chief Assistant Shen Changmao was the first to speak: "Your Majesty, I think this matter is absolutely impossible! Zhao Junchen certainly has some skills in money and food turnover, but it is not his turn to express his opinion on military and national affairs!
Zhao Junchen's various statements are all just talk on paper. Of course, the risks of this matter are too great, and the actual implementation will inevitably encounter many unsolvable problems! In the end, once the plan fails, it will not only cause a loss of national power, but also
We will inevitably suffer strong retaliation from the Mongols, and there are endless hidden dangers. I sincerely request your majesty to immediately send an edict to severely reprimand Zhao Junchen, and also strictly order Zhao Junchen not to act rashly! Please give me a clear warning from your majesty!"
As Shen Changmao's words fell, the elder Cheng Yuandao also said: "Your Majesty, I also think that Zhao Junchen's plan is just nonsense! Soldiers are a major matter for the country. The place of life and death, the way of survival, must be observed!
How could the imperial court use weapons and waste the people's strength just because of Zhao Junchen's family's words? It's just a piece of land in the Loop, it's worthless! It's a pity to throw away the tasteless food. There is no need for the imperial court to go to war just because of a remote place. Nowadays, natural disasters are happening everywhere, and the imperial court should rest and recuperate.
That’s right!”
Then Lin Wei, the Minister of Rites of the "Shen Party", said: "Your Majesty, Zhao Junchen's plan to regain the Hetao is based on the premise that he can annihilate the 100,000 Mongolian army. This in itself is a huge variable! In addition,
, even if Zhao Junchen’s plan is flawless, I believe that the gains outweigh the losses for the court by recovering the Hetao! After the recovery of the Hetao, garrisoning, immigration, education, reclamation and other matters will require the court to invest a lot of manpower and material resources, and will also need to face the challenges.
Endless revenge against the Mongols! Although the money and food in the national treasury has improved slightly in recent years, I am afraid it is still difficult to support. Even if the court manages to conquer the Loop, I am afraid it will not be able to hold it! Your Majesty, please think twice!"
Hearing that Cheng Yuandao and Lin Wei successively supported his statement, Chief Assistant Shen Changmao looked a little proud, feeling that he had saved some face by doing so.
Shen Changmao believed that not only Cheng Yuandao and Lin Wei, but also all the ministers in the Imperial Study Room, except Zuo Lanshan of the "Zhao Party", would support him one after another!
After all, the plan proposed by Zhao Junchen will do more harm than good to everyone! If this plan ultimately fails, the northwest border defense will be corrupted, everyone will be miserable, and many ministers will even be implicated, which is naturally not a good thing. ; But if this plan finally succeeds, Zhao Junchen's reputation and status will greatly increase, and he will surpass the other powerful officials in the court from now on!
However, just when Shen Changmao thought he was about to "answer a hundred responses", the next development of the situation completely exceeded his expectations!
After Prince Zhu Heyu thought for a long time, he unexpectedly expressed his support for Zhao Junchen's plan and said: "Father, I think the court should fully support Zhao Junchen's plan to regain the Hetao!" Zhao Junchen said in his memorial It is clearly stated in the article that the Hetao is a strategically important area. Once the imperial court conquers the Hetao area, the border defense pressure on the northwest provinces will be greatly reduced. After regaining the Hetao area, it will certainly require a lot of manpower and material resources, but the northwest provinces After the border defense pressure is reduced, the court's investment can also be reduced. In the long run, it is still very cost-effective. Even if it requires taking some risks, it is worth it! In addition, the recovery of the Hetao area is also an act of the court to declare its national prestige, and it will be inevitable in the history books of later generations. It will be greatly praised, and it will also boost the morale of the people. I hope my father will learn from it!"
Seeing that Prince Zhu Heyu actually spoke out to support his political rival Zhao Junchen, everyone present was a little surprised, but they soon felt that it was a matter of course.
After all, Prince Zhu Heyu's character is too upright, and when he expresses his opinions on matters, he rarely abandons public affairs for personal reasons. He is perhaps the only minister among the ministers present who does not consider any personal interests and truly considers the court. People! He expressed his support for Zhao Junchen's plan only because Zhao Junchen's plan was beneficial to the court. He would never blindly oppose Zhao Junchen because he was his political enemy!
After hearing Prince Zhu Heyu's statement, Emperor Deqing's eyes flashed with complex emotions, but he quickly regained his composure and just waited for the statements of the other ministers.
Then, Zuo Lanshan, as the number two figure in the "Zhao Party", naturally actively supported Zhao Junchen's plan at this time and said: "Your Majesty, I think it would be a good thing if the imperial court really has a chance to regain the Hetao area. , must not be missed easily! Even if Mr. Zhao can annihilate the Mongolian army of 100,000 this time, it can only guarantee the stability of the northwest border defense for the next twenty or thirty years. After the Mongols recover their strength, the northwest border defense will still be what it is today. situation! But if we take the opportunity to recapture the Hetao area in one fell swoop, then the northwest border defense will be enough to guarantee a hundred years of worry-free! As for some ministers who think that this plan will invest too much manpower and material resources, and are worried that the court will not be able to support it, I think it is not necessary, because Mr. Zhao He is the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, so since he proposed this plan, he must be sure that the national treasury can support it with money and food!"
Emperor Deqing nodded slightly again, and then turned his gaze to the remaining ministers. However, he saw that the remaining ministers were silent and not in a hurry to express their opinions.
Emperor Deqing was not surprised by this situation.
Among the remaining ministers, Wang Shounai, the Minister of the Ministry of War, is an official of the "Imperial Party" and obeys the orders of Emperor Deqing in everything. The three elders, Li He, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Song Qiwen, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and Zhang Bochong, the Minister of the Ministry of Punishments
As an official of the "Zhou Party", they naturally had to wait for Zhou Shangjing to take the lead in expressing his attitude.
In the final analysis, the court's decision-making is ultimately inseparable from Zhou Shangjing's attitude!
Therefore, Emperor Deqing's eyes fell on Zhou Shangjing again and asked: "Mr. Zhou Ge, what do you think?"
Zhou Shangjing said slowly: "Your Majesty, there is a saying that Zhao Junchen often says, that is, 'Without investigation, there is no right to speak.' The veteran also likes this sentence! The veteran read Zhao Junchen's memorial and formulated
The plan obviously went through careful consideration and detailed investigation. Although Zhao Junchen is young, he has a fairly steady personality and rarely does things that are uncertain. What he did after leaving Beijing
Although it caused a lot of controversy, overall it was done well... Therefore, the veteran believes that the court can trust Zhao Junchen again at this time."
Emperor Deqing narrowed his eyes slightly and asked: "In other words, Mr. Zhou Ge, you also agree with Zhao Junchen's plan to regain the Hetao?"
Zhou Shangjing shook his head and sighed, and said: "The veteran is indeed more inclined to agree with Zhao Junchen's plan... But Your Majesty, the veteran's attitude is actually insignificant, and our discussion at this time cannot affect anything!"
Emperor Deqing was slightly stunned and asked again: "What do you mean?"
Zhou Shangjing shook his head again and sighed, and said: "Your Majesty, since Zhao Junchen left Beijing, how many times has Zhao Junchen made decisions first and then reported later? In this memorial, Zhao Junchen made it clear that he has begun preparations to regain the Hetao.
Well, even if the imperial court didn't agree with his plan to recapture the Loop, would he really obey orders honestly? I'm afraid otherwise. The old minister believed that even if the imperial court strictly ordered him to stand by, he would still find any reason to send troops to recapture the Loop! He
This memorandum is just to prepare the court mentally in advance, but it may not really attach much importance to the decision of the court center... Therefore, the veteran believes that it is better for the court to support Zhao Junchen's plan in the end. If the court ultimately rejects it,
Zhao Junchen’s plan was blocked, but Zhao Junchen finally sent troops to recapture the Hetao, and then the court’s face would be ugly!”
After hearing what Zhou Shangjing said, everyone in the imperial study changed their expressions, and Emperor Deqing's expression became even more gloomy.
Zhou Shangjing's words completely imply that Zhao Junchen did not obey orders and believed that the court had lost control of Zhao Junchen!
Zuo Lanshan said quickly: "Mr. Zhou Ge, please be careful! Mr. Zhao's awe and loyalty to His Majesty are well known and can be learned from heaven and earth. Although he made some controversial decisions after leaving Beijing, these decisions
They are all public-spirited, and there is absolutely no consideration of personal interests! Mr. Zhou Ge, you should be able to see this, right?"
Seeing Zuo Lanshan's rebuttal, Zhou Shangjing had no intention of arguing with him. Instead, he nodded and smiled: "Thank you, Mr. Zuo Ge, for reminding me. I did make a mistake. Mr. Zhao has been worrying about the imperial border defense these days."
Fei Li, I really shouldn’t speculate maliciously!”
For Zhou Shangjing, he only needed to use his words to plant a thorn in the heart of Emperor Deqing and further alienate the relationship between Emperor Deqing and Zhao Junchen. There was no need to deliberately insist on his attitude and fight with Zuo.
Lanshan conflict!
As mentioned before, Zhou Shangjing and Emperor Deqing have been old rivals for decades. Emperor Deqing has always been helpless towards Zhou Shangjing. However, as Zhou Shangjing has become older in recent years and will leave the center of power sooner or later, Zhou Shangjing is worried about Emperor Deqing.
When the time comes to settle accounts, the descendants of the Zhou family may also be implicated, so Zhou Shangjing has been secretly conniving at Zhao Junchen's expansion of power, hoping to use Zhao Junchen to divert Emperor Deqing's attention and let Zhao Junchen replace him as Deqing's successor.
The existence that Emperor Qing fears the most, in this case Emperor Deqing will actively recruit Zhou Shangjing to deal with Zhao Junchen together, and then the wealthy future of the descendants of the Zhou family will be guaranteed - so far, Zhou Shangjing's plan has made progress
smoothly.
Therefore, Zhou Shangjing is not worried about Zhao Junchen's achievements like his chief minister Shen Changmao. Instead, he hopes that Zhao Junchen will take the opportunity to gain more achievements, and it is best to become a great hero with great achievements in one fell swoop! - At that time, also
The day is not far away when Zhao Junchen and Emperor Deqing will completely break up!
With his mind spinning, Zhou Shangjing turned to Emperor Deqing again and said: "Your Majesty, I have thought about it carefully and believe that the imperial court should fully support Mr. Zhao's plan to regain the Hetao! As Zuo Shangshu said, this plan consumes money and food.
Mr. Zhao must have had an idea. As for the Mongolian retaliation afterwards, there is no need to worry. According to the current situation, Mr. Zhao has led troops to surround the main force of the Mongols. Even if the Mongolian coalition forces finally escape, they will definitely lose their troops and generals.
Our strength is greatly damaged, and we will not be able to retaliate against the imperial court for regaining the Loop in a short period of time, so although this plan is somewhat risky, it still has more benefits than disadvantages for the imperial court!"
As Zhou Shangjing finished speaking, Ge Lao Li He, Minister of Civil Affairs Song Qiwen, and Minister of Punishment Zhang Bochong looked at each other and expressed their support for the imperial court to take the opportunity to regain the Hetao area!
In this way, most of the key officials in the imperial study supported Zhao Junchen's plan.
After Shen Changmao saw this scene, he was a little stunned and didn't understand what Zhou Shangjing did.
After all the ministers expressed their opinions, Emperor Deqing nodded slightly and said: "I also think that Zhao Junchen's suggestion to Shuli is feasible. Now is indeed a good time for the imperial court to regain the Hetao area! In the long run, regaining the Hetao will be beneficial to the imperial court.
The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, and it can even solve the hidden dangers in the northwest frontier in one fell swoop. If we can successfully regain the Hetao, I will have some explanations for my ancestors!"
Although Emperor Deqing was very happy with his achievements and regarded himself as a holy king, his political achievements during his reign were mediocre. At best, he could only be said to be the Prince of Peace. Although there were not many mistakes, he did not have any dazzling achievements.
Moreover, the collapse of the imperial government after he ascended the throne was obvious to all, so Zhao Junchen's proposal to regain the Hetao was naturally a great temptation for Emperor Deqing - with such achievements, it was enough to make Emperor Deqing one of the emperors of the Ming Dynasty.
Ranked among the best!
Zhou Shangjing's words suggesting that Zhao Junchen was gradually breaking away from the court's control did put a thorn in Emperor Deqing's heart, but it was not enough to affect Emperor Deqing's judgment. Zhao Junchen would certainly be powerful after he had made great achievements.
The price rose, but Emperor Deqing believed that he would still be able to control it by then, but the opportunity to regain the Hetao should not be missed.
When Liang Fuchen, the chief minister, saw that his statement was not adopted, he felt even more shameless, but no one cared about it at this time.
With these words of Emperor Deqing, the tone was set for the court to support Zhao Junchen in regaining the Hetao. All the ministers in the imperial study stood up and said in unison: "Your Majesty is wise!"
Emperor Deqing nodded lightly and then said: "Since the imperial court wants to support Zhao Junchen in regaining the Hetao, he can no longer allow him to unjustly preside over the military and political affairs of Shaanxi and Gansu as an imperial envoy for disaster relief. Therefore, I have decided to promulgate it tomorrow morning.
According to Zhao Junchen's decree, Zhao Junchen's identity was changed to the full-power imperial envoy, allowing him to assist Liang Fuchen in presiding over various matters of Shaanxi-Gansu border defense and the recovery of Hetao... According to Zhao Junchen's memorial, Liang Fuchen's condition was under control, and the imperial court sent troops to recover the Hetao.
He should have almost recovered by the time of the Hetao. Although the plan to recover the Hetao was proposed by Zhao Junchen, it is more appropriate for an experienced veteran like Liang Fuchen to take charge of the overall situation. What do you think?"
Upon hearing Emperor Deqing's proposal, all the ministers were not surprised and expressed their agreement.
This is also the proper meaning of the title. If Emperor Deqing agreed to Zhao Junchen's plan, he would have to give Zhao Junchen an official title. This not only showed the court's active support, but also showed Emperor Deqing's ability to recognize people.
, Only in this way can we get a share of this achievement, otherwise all this will become Zhao Junchen's unauthorized action, and the court will be disgraced.
In addition, making Zhao Junchen the deputy imperial envoy with full power seemed to increase Zhao Junchen's authority, but it also made Zhao Junchen's apparent identity become Liang Fuchen's deputy, which also secretly weakened Zhao Junchen's future achievements.
Emperor Deqing was the best at such checks and balances.
Next, Emperor Deqing discussed some details with the ministers, such as how to persuade the officials tomorrow morning, how the court should support Zhao Junchen, the mobilization of troops from various places, the preparation of money and food from the national treasury, etc.
Wait, that’s all.
By the time everything was discussed, it was already late at night.
Seeing that everyone was a little tired, Emperor Deqing asked the ministers to go back and rest.
At this moment, Zhou Shangjing suddenly asked: "Your Majesty, Zhao Junchen's previous memorials have caused a lot of controversy, and the court has not officially responded or expressed its position. It has been delayed for nearly a month.
!If we delay it any longer, I’m afraid that’s not the solution. How do you think we should handle it?”
After Emperor Deqing pondered for a moment, he said: "I still won't make any reply. We will wait until the northwest war is over before making a decision!"
A smile flashed across Zhou Shangjing's eyes, and he bowed and said, "Old minister, I understand!"
Zhao Junchen's previous memorials can be said to have given Emperor Deqing many clues, but Emperor Deqing is still unwilling to make a decision, obviously leaving behind a backup plan.
After all, Zhao Junchen's various plans are extremely risky. If he fails in the end, he will naturally pursue these things and pursue them fiercely. But if Zhao Junchen's plan succeeds, these handles can also be used to make some articles.
To reduce Zhao Junchen's glory.
But now, since the court has agreed to Zhao Junchen's plan, it will not use these things to cause trouble for Zhao Junchen, because the court still "trusts" Zhao Junchen.
*
In fact, at the same time that Zhao Junchen's sixth memorial was delivered to the capital, a secret letter from Zhao Junchen was also delivered to the Zhao mansion.
And while Emperor Deqing was discussing with the key officials of the court, Fang Ru and the "Zhao Party" officials were also working intensively and secretly according to the instructions in the secret letter to try to cooperate with Zhao Junchen's plan!