Chapter 277 Post-War Trouble (11) Driving the Tiger and Swallowing the Wolf
Zhu Yijun asked what his idea was, but Liang Menglong glanced at Wu Dui, who smiled and said: "Da Situ often said before that the land in the Western Regions is extremely important and cannot be occupied by outsiders forever. I, the Ming Dynasty, will not only stabilize the northern border, but also
To open up Manchuria and pacify the southern barbarians, we must also control the Western Regions to consolidate the Silk Road and provide the world with an inexhaustible source of wealth."
Zhu Yijun was startled for a moment, a trace of doubt appeared on his round face, he blinked and subconsciously said "Oh?"
Liang Menglong smiled and said: "As for the explanation of the Western Regions, I can only say that I have a thorough explanation of the Western Regions from what I have heard from the mouth of Da Situ."
Zhu Yijun became even more curious. He leaned forward slightly and said, "Really? How do you say pragmatically?" He spoke smoothly and said the name he usually used when communicating with Gao pragmatically. Fortunately, he and Gao pragmatically related people
As everyone knows, although the elders in the pavilion had different feelings, they also pretended to be deaf and dumb in a tacit understanding.
"Since the Emperor has inquired, I will briefly describe the views of the Great Situ. There may be some omissions. The Emperor may wish to ask the Great Situ in detail in the future." Liang Menglong said respectfully.
Zhu Yijun laughed and waved his hand: "It doesn't matter, just what Liang Aiqing said."
"Yes, Your Majesty. But before talking about the importance of the Western Regions, I would like to first explain the definition of the term Western Regions, because according to Da Situ, this definition is often a bit vague. The Western Regions we speak of are actually
Narrow sense and broad sense.”
After a pause, seeing that the emperor and the ministers were listening attentively, Liang Menglong stood up and walked to the Kanyu map, pointing to an area on the map and drawing: "The Western Region in a broad sense refers to the vast area west of the Hexi Corridor.
Land; in a narrow sense, the Western Region refers to the land west of the Hexi Corridor, south of the Tianshan Mountains, north of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and east of the Congling Mountains, centered on the Qaidam Basin. Da Situ named it "Southern Xinjiang"
'.
The idea of Great Situ mentioned just now is mainly related to the Western Region in a narrow sense - Southern Xinjiang. When I mention the word 'Western Region' later, I am referring to this area."
When he said this, everyone's eyes were immediately drawn to the location of later Xinjiang on the Kanyu map, and then they all nodded to express their understanding.
So Liang Menglong continued: "So what significance does the Western Region have to our Chinese dynasties, so that all dynasties have tried desperately to hold the Western Region in their hands? In fact, it is mainly its strategic role. Next, I will follow its history
I will explain it to everyone during the changes, so that the emperor and you will not waste time thinking about it."
As for history, we are all knowledgeable people. You can’t say that others don’t know it. I can only say that to save everyone from having to think about it, I will explain it to avoid wasting time.
"From ancient times to the present, China's most powerful foreign enemy is the northern nomads, namely the Mobei. Such as the Huns, Turks, Mongols, etc. The consistent style of the nomadic rulers is to contact the tribes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to gain control of the Central Plains
The control of the western and northern regions. Therefore, when China was strong and strong, we separated them with the Western Region, which would help weaken the Central Plains from the invasion of nomadic peoples, and even prevent them from getting bigger.
The first person to launch this strategic plan was Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. After taking control of the Western Regions, and through the development of successive emperors of the Han Dynasty, the Western Regions had completely fallen into the hands of China. After the Xiongnu during the Han Dynasty lost the Western Regions, they also
As expected, it began to weaken step by step. Although the Three Kingdoms period brought chaos to the world for decades, the Central Plains Dynasty still easily inherited the rule of the Western Regions.
During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the Western Regions fell into the hands of foreigners, and the Han Dynasty had always been passive. By the Sui Dynasty, although the Sui Dynasty had gradually begun to control the Western Regions, it perished before it had time to implement its plan to conquer the Western Regions due to its short existence.
.
Next came the Tang Dynasty, and the Tang Dynasty was the dynasty that once again perfected its strategic plan for the Western Regions after the Han Dynasty. When the Sui Dynasty collapsed, the Western Regions once fell into the hands of the Turks, and then the Turks, Tubo, etc.
As expected, the foreign races got in touch and exerted a huge restraint on the new Tang Dynasty.
After stabilizing the domestic situation, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty began to implement a complete conquest of the Western Regions and successfully incorporated it into the territory of the Tang Dynasty. Li Shimin, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, was also called the "Heavenly Khan" by them and enjoyed great popularity in the Western Regions and even among foreign races.
highest status.
However, with the outbreak of the Anshi Rebellion, the Hexi Corridor was eventually lost. Although the Tang Dynasty never gave up on recovering the Western Regions, it eventually lost the Western Regions completely during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty.
After the Tang Dynasty lost the Western Region, it was successively occupied by various foreign races, including the Uighurs, Khitans, and Mongols. As the number of people of different ethnic groups increased, other religious cultures began to appear here.
All of the above, coupled with the fact that the succeeding Song Dynasty was originally weak in cavalry, was still unable to recover this place - not even Xixia. The inability to recover the Western Regions also made the Song Dynasty, which originally lacked offensive capabilities, always in a strategically passive position.
.
The later Yuan Dynasty, because it was originally a political power established by the nomadic Mongols, was naturally very convenient to rule here. This can be ignored...and then we came to our dynasty."
Everyone's expressions became serious. This was not because they became very sensitive when it came to this dynasty. Sensitivity was just one of the reasons. In fact, when they were in their position, they could talk freely about many things - of course, it was still
Pay attention to the distinction between ruler and minister.
Another reason that really made them serious was that after Liang Menglong said the above, everyone heard an issue that had been ignored intentionally or unintentionally in the past: The reason why the Ming Dynasty has been fighting a tug-of-war with the Mongols for two hundred years seems to be
It is also closely related to the fact that the Ming Dynasty did not occupy the Western Regions.
Sure enough, Liang Menglong suddenly stretched out his hand and slapped the map of the Western Regions, and said: "Your Majesty, everyone, just imagine this: If our government occupied the Western Regions, would the Hexi Corridor be like a branch stretching out from the Western Regions?
An arm, or a claw?"
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Even Liang Menglong himself did not expect that the fastest successor this time was actually the emperor himself. As soon as Liang Menglong finished speaking, Zhu Yijun, who was quite sensitive in terms of strategy, immediately concentrated on
Said: "What Da Situ... and Liang Aiqing mean is that if this hand goes north and east, it can pose a threat to the Mobei grassland on the flanks, and if it goes south, it can threaten the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and if it goes west, it can even affect those further west.
place?"
Before Liang Menglong could answer, Zhu Yijun stretched out his hand to stop him, and said in a deep voice: "Oh, and... with the Western Region in my hands, it can also prevent the other party from daring to send out troops to threaten the Central Plains, lest I send troops to the Western Region and put them under siege.
Even my lair was ruined by me, right?"
Liang Menglong was overjoyed and immediately praised: "My emperor is a saint! This is exactly what Da Situ said."
Zhu Yijun was satisfied after hearing this, and said to himself: After all, pragmatism and I are the most connected. He couldn't help but raise his chin at that moment, but after getting excited, he thought of business again and said: "These are all considerations from the perspective of military affairs, right?
Liang Aiqing said it very well, I have learned from it." Liang Menglong dared not say it.
Zhu Yijun asked Wu Dui again: "Based on my understanding of pragmatism, he must have economic considerations, so Wu Aiqing can tell me something about it. For example, the benefits of the so-called 'Silk Road' to our Ming Dynasty
Where—it’s not just selling some silk, right?”
Here is a supplement: The term "Silk Road" was not coined by the Chinese. In fact, this term was proposed by a German in the original history, and it was quite late. Anyway, it certainly did not exist in the Ming Dynasty. The reason why it exists now is because
The butterfly effect created by Gao Jingshi’s repeated mentions in the past two decades.
Just like Zhu Yijun could casually say the word "economy" just now - "economy" has been around since ancient times, but in the past it was more like the abbreviation of "managing the world and benefiting the people". And now the word "economy" in the Ming Dynasty is the same
It is because of the influence of high pragmatism that it changed the understanding of this word in later generations.
Wu Dui smiled and cupped his hands and said: "Da Situ said a lot about this. It is difficult for me to repeat it in detail in the limited time now, so let's just talk about it briefly?"
"It's okay, thank you Wu Aiqing." Zhu Yijun nodded in approval. After all, they have things to discuss later. The details of these things can be discussed with Gao Jingshi later.
Wu Duidao: "Da Situ said that the Silk Road originated from Zhang Qian of the Han Dynasty. However, the primary purpose of the Han Dynasty to open up the Silk Road at that time was actually one word: horse.
Your Majesty, everyone, we Han people have been short of good horses since ancient times, and there is no doubt that we are thirsty for good horses. Just as we now need to personally control the old land of Chahar, the Han Dynasty also needs good horses from the Western Regions to strengthen them for resistance.
Huns cavalry.
What is foreseeable now is that with the Chahar Ranch, our country will have an excellent horse farm in the future. But as the saying goes, "Confucius climbed to the east mountain and made Lu small, and climbed Mount Tai to make the world small." The horse farm is obtained, but where are the good horses?
Da Situ believes that good horses are still in the Western Regions. Over the years, the Jinghua Trading Company has gone through a lot of hardships and obtained a small number of good horses from the Western Regions, some of which are tall and majestic, some are agile and quick, or some are powerful. Therefore, our government should introduce good horses from the Western Regions.
, I devoted myself to breeding in Chahar, and cultivated one or several kinds of good horses suitable for the needs of our Ming Dynasty, and established an invincible cavalry.
Then with this cavalry, combined with the fleet, we will dominate the land and sea, and we will surely be able to defend the Chinese civilization in the east and show off the power of China to all nations."
These words made Zhu Yijun excited. He patted the imperial case and said, "Well said! I also heard that he worked hard to purchase a batch of fine horses from the Western Regions. Unfortunately, those horses are not in the capital, and I have not been able to see them. It is a great regret."
.However, he actually bought these horses so that the Ming cavalry could dominate the world in the future. I only found out today that he really worked hard and planned carefully."
The emperor sighed with emotion. No matter what they thought in their hearts, all the elders had no choice but to compliment them. Then Zhu Yijun said: "These good horses must not be easy to obtain, so he wants to open up the Silk Road."
, in exchange for our silk and other things, right?"
"Your Majesty is wise, that's exactly what it is." Wu Dui nodded in agreement, but then said: "But it's not just good horses. Your Majesty knows that grapes, pomegranates, walnuts, flax, beans and other foods were actually introduced to China from the Western Regions.
?
In addition, there are many countries in the far west of the Western Region, and there are many special products among them that can also enrich our country's supplies. Among them, there are not only high-end goods used by the palace and gentry, but also things that can benefit the people. In short, the exchange between the East and the West is beneficial to both sides.
It’s also beneficial.”
After a pause, Wu Dui added: "Oh, by the way, Da Situ said that the far west of the Western Region is rich in gold and silver, and our goods are expensive and the supply is abundant. Once the trade routes are consolidated and taxation is established,
After the customs, it is just another customs.”
To be honest, Zhu Yijun just listened to the previous words. In his mind, they were probably the "icing on the cake". This kind of thinking is similar to Qianlong's idea that "our country is rich in products and has everything. It is not possible to exchange goods with foreigners."
There is actually no essential difference between "nothing" - after all, apart from excellent war horses, the ancient Chinese did not feel that they were in urgent need of many things that only others had.
However, in the end, Wu Dui's "last strike" suddenly hit Zhu Yijun: the Ming Dynasty was really short of money, and in the more than 20 years of reform of the pragmatic school from Gao Gong to Gao pragmatism, he witnessed with his own eyes the "money
The fact that he can communicate with gods.
In the final analysis, what was the most important part of the reform of the Practical School? Is it the administration or the military? Neither, it is the finance.
It is precisely because of more than 20 years of practical reform that the Ming Dynasty has created a new financial system [Note: This is what Zhu Yijun thinks is new, but in fact, Gao Pragmatism thinks it is not enough], which has allowed the Ming Dynasty to be able to do so in recent years.
Fight wherever you point, win wherever you fight!
In the final analysis, government reform and military industry reform all rely on financial reform. Without financial reform, all other reforms are in vain, because as long as the court has no money, nothing can be changed!
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Precisely because he has seen how important the power of finance is, when Zhu Yijun heard that the Silk Road was expected to become another customs, he was immediately overjoyed and even stopped
After consulting other cabinet elders, he immediately expressed his position: "This policy is extremely important. Wu Aiqing will discuss it carefully after today's meeting and fully discuss it with Da Situ. He will report it to me in detail at that time. Don't ignore it."
"I obey the order." Wu Dui immediately accepted the order solemnly.
When everyone heard this, they had different opinions. But one thing is certain: even if Gao Jingshi wants to join the cabinet, Wu Dui's position must be secure, otherwise he and Gao Jingshi will have to discuss this matter? And since Wu Dui
If Dui's position is secure, then Liang Menglong, who is also involved in this matter, will naturally be secure as well.
In other words, because of this "Western Region Plan", the two big bosses of the Gao Dang faction of the Practical School have secured their positions at the same time, and the one cabinet boss who may be eliminated has been determined to be among the remaining four.
among.
However, at this time, Zhu Yijun suddenly realized that there was something "off topic" and frowned: "Although the matter in the Western Regions is important, what does it have to do with the Ordos issue mentioned before?"
"Of course there is a connection, and the connection is huge." Liang Menglong immediately took over the topic and said: "Da Situ's plan is that the expedition to the Western Regions should not be based on the Ming Dynasty's official army. The role of the Ming Dynasty's official army is the core. The real
The main force should be Tumut and Ordos. In other words, our strategy for the Ming Dynasty to regain the Western Regions is... to drive away tigers and devour wolves. Then, let the Ordos tiger that was originally entrenched in the Hetao move to its nest."
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