Chapter 776: Those who do not plan for the overall situation cannot plan for a region.
Outside the city of Suzhou, there are high-walled alleys and houses. It is October in the golden autumn. The fragrance of osmanthus and the refreshing aroma of the trees lingers in the Jiangnan water town with small bridges, flowing water, and green walls and black tiles.
At the ferry on the shore, Zhang Yongchuan, the governor of the south of the Yangtze River, led several staff from the governor's yamen and waited eagerly for a long time.
As Jia Heng abandoned the boat and boarded the dry bank, Zhang Yongchuan, the governor of Jiangnan, led a group of staff, walked a few steps closer, raised his hands and said, "I have seen Uncle Yongning before."
Jia Heng looked at Zhang Yongchuan. He saw the face of a middle-aged official under a black gauze hat. He had fair skin, thin eyebrows and deep eyes, and a short beard under his chin. He had the standard temperament of a scholar from Kejia.
Jia Heng walked forward, held Zhang Yongchuan's arm, smiled and said: "Mr. Zhang, there is no need to be polite. I'm really uneasy having to keep Mr. Zhang waiting for so long."
Zhang Yongchuan stood up and said with a smile: "Master Jia, I came from the Liangjiang Governor's Yamen the day before yesterday. I heard that Yongning Bo's letter has arrived at his official residence in Suzhou. The official document mentioned that Suzhou urgently needs to rectify the coastal defense of the garrison. The lower official did not know why.
Come and ask Uncle Yongning for advice."
"I don't dare to ask for advice. It's just that one person is short-term and two people are wise. I originally wanted to go to the governor's office tomorrow to discuss it with Mr. Zhang. Since Mr. Zhang has asked me, I can make it clear in advance." Jia Heng smiled slightly and said.
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Zhang Yongchuan nodded and said: "Uncle Yongning, this is not the place to talk. Can you please take a moment to speak? I am preparing a small banquet at the Fude Restaurant not far away. I would like to ask Uncle Yongning to come over and talk."
Jia Heng nodded, stretched out his hand to invite you, "Master Zhang, please come forward."
"Uncle Yongning, please." Zhang Yongchuan also extended his hand to invite.
Jia Heng nodded, and then gave a few instructions to Chen Xiao, who was accompanying him, and asked him to escort Daiyu, Zhen Xi and other young girls back to their mansion in Suzhou City. Then, he went there accompanied by a group of royal guards.
Ford Restaurant.
On the second floor of the restaurant, among the private rooms
The two parties were seated separately. Jia Heng looked at Zhang Yongchuan, the governor of Jiangnan, thinking about the intention of this feudal official who took the initiative to wait and pay a respectful visit. In fact, he could guess at least 70% of it.
Nowadays, Shen Fang, the governor of Liangjiang, has been dismissed and remains in office. According to convention, the position of governor of Liangjiang is promoted from the position of governor of Jiangnan.
Zhang Yongchuan came over to establish a relationship in advance, or to actively cooperate with him in military affairs in order to show his face in the court and seek promotion.
However, these civil servants are thoughtful and scheming, and you must always be wary when dealing with them.
In fact, at the level of a provincial border, the gentleman's method of betrayal and betrayal has been practiced to perfection.
It is common for things that were agreed to change to change.
This is of course not as good as in-laws like Zhongjing Hou Shi Ding.
Thinking of this, Jia Heng went straight to the point and asked: "Master Zhang, the bandits previously robbed Suzhou Prefecture and harassed the coastal counties under Suzhou Prefecture. I don't know how many casualties and property losses there were? Which coastal defense towers need to be rebuilt, and which guard posts are urgently needed?
Do you need to reorganize your weapons?"
Zhang Yongchuan sighed and said: "The casualties were not small, more than 200 people were killed. In addition, there was a lot of property damage. The thieves were afraid of the officers and soldiers rushing to help, and looted many shops' goods. Although the Suzhou Guards provided timely support,
However, the bandits and bandits were all desperadoes and were not afraid of death. After all, the Suzhou Guards had been in peace for a long time. They engaged the enemy and suffered heavy casualties. After the cavalrymen from Fubiao Camp and Jiangnan Camp came to the rescue, the bandits gradually retreated.
Fortunately, Yongningbo won a great victory at Haimen, and the bandits and bandits were frightened, and there was no longer any danger of landing on the coast."
As the governor of the south of the Yangtze River stationed in Suzhou Prefecture, he promoted the civil affairs of the province and was also in charge of military affairs, food and wages. He also had a Fubiao battalion under him for support.
Of course, Jia Heng didn't pay much attention to these, but said nothing to Zhang Yongchuan's statement of facts, but he said everything, and he didn't forget to compliment him.
But there is no direct answer to the question of whether the guardhouse needs to be rectified.
Jia Heng asked: "The Jiang defense has been neglected and the pirates can come and go freely. Why do you think Mr. Zhang is the root cause?"
"To be honest, it's mainly about money and food, and secondly, the Navy has been in peace for a long time and lacks drills." Facing Jia Heng's puzzled look, Zhang Yongchuan explained: "Take the last time the pirates invaded the country as an example. The Jiangnan Daying Navy was involved in the conflict with
The pirates faced off at sea and were unable to respond to them, which was understandable. However, the Suzhou Guards had 5,600 people. Unfortunately, the armor and equipment were in dilapidated condition. The officers and soldiers were timid and fearful of fighting. The lower officials have also recently been rectifying the affairs of the guards.
"
Because there is no Dusi in Jiangnan Province, and the Jiangnan Prefectural Guard covers a vast area, the governor almost directly intervenes in the military affairs of the local Prefectural Guard.
Jia Heng nodded and praised: "This time the pirates invaded the sea and harassed the coastal counties. The Suzhou Mansion where Mr. Zhang is stationed was able to withstand the pirates' attack, which shows that the place is managed well."
The coastal defense of Suzhou was originally the responsibility of the Jiangnan Daying Navy, and the Suzhou Guard was only responsible for warning and protecting the people.
"I don't dare to praise Uncle Yongning. It's just that the soldiers in the south have had little experience in wars. In the face of intrusion by bandits, most of them can barely hold on, and their combat effectiveness is worrying. It is inspiring that Uncle Yongning led the troops from Jiangbei to defeat the pirates." Zhang Yongchuan's eyes sparkled.
He looked at the young man across from him and complimented him.
The young man in front of him is the famous man in front of the emperor. In the previous contest between the Liangjiang Governor's Yamen and the young man in front of him, the winner was decided by the defeat of Zhen Zhu, the military governor of Zhenhai.
Shen Jiefu passed away not long ago!
Jia Heng said: "Compared with the soldiers in the Jiangnan Province and Jiangbei camps, the military discipline is more lax and should be strictly rectified."
Zhang Yongchuan nodded and said: "I think so too, but I don't know much about military matters anymore, and I still want to hear Uncle Yongning's opinion."
"I can't speak highly of it. The Jiangnan Camp is preparing to issue a warning after the Suzhou beacon."
After conversing with Zhang Yongchuan, it was already noon, and a variety of Jiangnan dishes were placed on a dark round table.
After three rounds of wine, five flavors of food.
Zhang Yongchuan looked at the young man across from him expectantly and said: "Uncle Yongning, the beacon guard along the coast of the mansion. When can Uncle Yongning have time, I can do a patrol."
The governor never mentioned a word about the Liangjiang Governor's Yamen from beginning to end. In official circles, it is most taboo to have shallow conversations with each other, but this was just a signal of release. Shen Fang, the Liangjiang Governor's Yamen, and I were not from the same family.
Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said, "I have something to do tomorrow, what about the day after tomorrow?"
Tomorrow I have to go to the Prince Consort's Mansion in Kuaiji to find the last piece of the Lianghuai Salt Service puzzle. The rest is to train troops, prepare prisoners, and at the same time go to Haojing.
Zhang Yongchuan cupped his hands and said, "Then I will not delay Yong Ningbo from handling his official duties."
Jia Heng nodded, without saying anything else, and then left the Fude Restaurant with the retinue of the Jinyi Palace Guards.
"Sir," asked He Kuang, a staff member accompanying the drink.
Zhang Yongchuan picked up the wine cup, took a sip, came to the window, looked at the young man riding away surrounded by several royal guards in casual clothes, and said: "Don't be impatient for a moment, wait a moment."
The contact with this young minister of the Zhu Kingdom just now is indeed a bit unusual. How can a young person see this?
Jia Heng left the restaurant and returned to the Lin family's old house in the southwest of Gusu City.
Lin family mansion
Jia Heng returned to Lin's house, entered the study, and saw Chen Xiao.
"What did the governor of Jiangnan say?" the beautiful girl asked with her eyebrows raised.
Jia Heng was silent for a moment and said: "I want to use my power to get to the position, but I don't want to give up the popularity of Jiangnan Shilin. As long as he can handle the affairs peacefully, I don't need to worry about anything else."
Strictly speaking, these high-ranking officials from Jiangnan, who are of the same age as his master, are not something he can recruit. They can use each other for a short period of time, but they need to be very cautious in making them allies.
In fact, as long as the governor of Jiangnan doesn't cause trouble, and as long as he has the ability to rise to the top, he doesn't bother to take care of him.
"It's just that the jurisdiction of Liangjiang is too wide. In fact, splitting it up is the best strategy. The only problem that needs to be solved is tax collection." Jia Heng said thoughtfully.
In his view, the land south of the Yangtze River needs to be split into Jiangsu and Anhui to prevent them from becoming monolithic.
Not only that, but it will also provoke regional conflicts between Jiangbei and Jiangnan, so that the public opinion in Shilin will not be unified.
Even Jiangsu, which was split off from Jiangnan Province, could be turned into a loose group of Thirteen Taibao. Only in this way would they be dependent on the imperial court in terms of military and administration.
Otherwise, the land south of the Yangtze River is too prosperous and is still the old capital of the Chen and Han Dynasties. The nobles will easily create a power imbalance at the central level.
After the split, it will be easier to carry out reforms in the future, but this is a major matter and requires good communication with the emperor.
Chen Xiao said: "Zhao Yi from Haojing has delivered another urgent delivery and asked you when you will go to Haojing."
Jia Heng took the paper, read the words on it, lowered his eyes, moved his eyes slightly, and said softly: "Just for the next few days."
Chen Xiao looked at Jia Heng and said softly: "By the way, I have news about Duoduo here."
When Jia Heng heard this, his heart moved and he asked, "What do you mean?"
He knew that Chen Xiao, as the White Lotus Saint, had some special sources of intelligence.
Chen Xiao said softly: "Duduo has indeed not given up. He is still working with the pirates in the waters of Zhoushan, Zhejiang, and wants to make a comeback. This time he may even mobilize troops from far away North Korea."
Jia Heng said: "He couldn't win before, and he can't win even more now. However, in the waters of Zhoushan, Zhejiang, I will have people write to the governor's office of Zhejiang and the capital of Zhejiang later to prepare a fleet of boats and navy to sweep away the pirates in the waters of Zhoushan.
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Chen Xiao said: "Xu is not in Zhejiang Province at the moment, and I feel that the Zhejiang boat navy may not be able to stop Duduo. Another defeat will encourage the pirates who are watching, but it will be self-defeating."
If you don't fight, you won't know the strength of the imperial court. Once the strength is exposed, it will give the pirates confidence.
After hearing the words, Jia Heng pondered for a moment, looked at the girl with beautiful features, nodded and said: "It is possible, but we cannot stop eating because of choking and just sit back and watch the pirates grow stronger. I wrote a letter to Zhejiang Governor Zhan Yigong, clarifying the interests and taking defense as the priority.
Send troops cautiously, and at the same time send Jinyi Mansion spies to find out in advance the areas and footholds where the bandits are entrenched."
The key now is that the navy in the Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps has not been completely established, and there are still problems with inter-provincial command and inconsistent military orders.
"I have to submit a letter to the court later." Jia Heng whispered, and then took a map. This is a map of coastal defense along the coast of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. On the long and winding coastline, dots and dots mark the deployment of troops.
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"The combined pirate pirates from Jiangsu and Zhejiang should number 20,000 to 30,000. If we contact the remaining pirates in Guangdong and other places, as well as the North Korean Navy, and cause harassment to our Jiangsu and Zhejiang areas, they probably won't land ashore." Jia Heng frowned.
Wrinkled, he whispered.
Chen Hanzhou's naval force was depleted and his battle formations had been sparse for a long time. If he only relied on the coastline to guard, he would be passively beaten.
Chen Xiao said: "Now the total number of naval divisions in the Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps is only more than 10,000. Even against the Shanghai invaders, their military strength is not superior."
Jia Heng nodded, looking from the southern sea to the northern grassland, and whispered: "Since there is police in the southern country, it will be even more difficult for the bandits to attack the northern land."
Those who do not plan for the overall situation cannot plan for a region. With the war in the south, the Jurchens may also have military operations in the north, such as taking the opportunity to attack Mongolia in Mongolia to prepare for a full-scale invasion of Han territory in the future.
"The battle in the south is indeed a matter of affecting the whole body." Chen Xiaoqing's eyes flashed, his eyes also fell on the map, and he whispered.
Jia Heng said: "After we have finished explaining the matters here, we will go to Haojing."
It is impossible for him to wait for Jinyang to arrive before leaving. Instead, he should introduce Hongyi cannons and related firearms manufacturing techniques as soon as possible.
Chen Xiao said: "Jinling also needs someone to stay behind. If Duduo hears that you are not in Jinling and takes the opportunity to attack, we have to guard against this possibility."
The previous victory at Haimen was essentially won by Jia Heng with the soldiers and horses of the Jiangbei camp. The soldiers and horses of the Jiangnan camp had just been trained and had not yet formed combat capabilities.
Jia Heng said: "It won't be a big deal if the navy in the Jiangbei camp resists, and the infantry and cavalry can support it. In the Jiangnan camp in Jinling, Qu Guang can take on the big responsibility. Moreover, I used a flying pigeon to send a message to the capital not long ago."
The battalion temporarily allocated a group of generals, and they are already on their way on fast horses."
Previously, in his letter to Emperor Chongping, he mentioned that he would second two generals, Xie Zaiyi and Cai Quan, to go south to lead troops for reinforcements.
"If Duduo lands on the coast and harasses, there may be criticisms from the DPRK and China. If he urges troops to attack, Qu Guang, the commander-in-chief of the Henan capital, may not be able to withstand the pressure." Chen Xiao reminded.
Thoughts appeared on Jia Heng's face, and after a moment, he said: "I will also send a letter to the emperor through Shangshu and Feige. There is no need to worry about the court. In fact, the last time Shangshu mentioned the military strength of the Jiangnan camp,
Regarding the DPRK and China, the emperor will not send troops rashly, and it will take time for Duduo to integrate the troops, so we will come back as soon as possible."
What Chen Xiao was talking about was a possibility. When he went to Haojing, Duduo led troops to harass Jiangnan and Zhejiang. It would be okay to harass Zhejiang, but in the case of Jiangnan, the pressure of public opinion from the court would then reach the Jiangnan camp, and then
Jinling makes another stupid move.
Not only the opponent must be considered, but also the pig teammates must be included in the calculation.
"If the red cannons are attracted, Guangdong will also prepare ships, mules and horses to transport them from the Guangdong Sea." Chen Xiao said in a low voice.
Jia Heng said: "These are all trivial matters. Now the coastal defense of Gusu is properly arranged. I used flying pigeons to send messages and transferred several people from the Beijing camp to go south. Then, after we return to Jinling, we will finish the salt work.
Go to Haojing."
He has completely entrusted the new salt system to Lin Ruhai and Qi Kun, and it is impossible for him to do everything personally.
Regarding military affairs, the six guards of the Jiangnan camp and the five battalions of the Jiangbei camp had the leading authority. Qu Guang and Annanhou commanded the Jiangnan camp, while the Jiangbei camp was temporarily led by the generals from Henan and Shui Yu.
Then it was time to wait for generals such as Xie Zaiyi and Cai Quan to come quickly from Beijing to take over the Jiangbei camp.
Chen Xiao nodded and said, "As long as you have a plan."
Jia Heng said softly: "I've been running all day. You have a good rest. I'll go see Sister Lin."
Chen Xiao: "..."
Time flies so fast that one night passes before you know it.
The next morning, Jia Heng, served by Yuanyang, changed into a python suit and prepared to go to the palace of the princess consort of Kuaiji.
Yuanyang lowered his head, hung a beautifully embroidered sachet on Jia Heng's waist, raised his white oval face, and asked: "Uncle, will you be back at noon?"
Jia Heng gently stroked the girl's face, smiled and said, "I may not be back at noon. You and Sister Lin don't have to wait for me."
Yuanyang responded with a shy look and said softly: "Then let me talk to Miss Lin."
Jia Heng said, and walked out of Lin's house with a group of Jinyi Mansion guards.
Kuaiji Prince Consort's Mansion
In the back hall, an elegant and exquisite waterside pavilion is located by the lake. The breeze blows across the lake, causing ripples on the water. On the blue and blue lake, the fish charm moves slightly, and then the bamboo pole is raised violently,
A two-inch-long silver carp emerged from the water, its scales shining in the golden morning light.
Following the joyful sound of a child clapping his hands, he said: "Grandpa, it's a silver carp."
Guo Shaonian, the Prince Consort of Kuaiji, also stood up from his wicker chair at this moment. The servants on the left and right hurriedly came forward to take the silver carp and put it into the bucket.
This former salt transport envoy is in his early fifties, with gray hair, fair face, elegant face, thin eyebrows and rosy cheeks. In terms of demeanor and facial features, he was handsome and elegant in his youth.
generation.
Next to the bucket was a five or six-year-old kid with pigtails, teasing the silver carp next to the bucket.
"Grandpa, these fish are not big." The child put his hand into the bucket, grabbed the silver carp, and said with a smile.
"Grandpa will catch a big fish for you later." Guo Shaonian looked at the child lovingly and said with a smile, then picked up a finger and shushed: "Keep your voice down, don't scare the big fish away.
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The child quickly closed his mouth and his eyes, like black grapes, rolled up.
The clumsy-faced butler hung up the bait and said softly: "Sir, Uncle Yongning arrived in Gusu the day before yesterday. He just met with Governor Zhang Yongchuan yesterday. I don't know what he said."
The smile on Guo Shaonian's face faded a little, and he sighed and said: "I think it's time for him to arrive, and I think he will be here in the next two days."
At that time, some of the money from the Salt Transportation Department was used by the emperor to make it difficult for patrols, and some was credited and misappropriated by salt merchants. Every transaction was recorded in his account books.
The butler lowered his voice and reminded: "Master, Uncle Yongning came to Suzhou and said he came for Jiang Fang, but when I came here, I'm afraid he came only for the master."
Guo Shaonian looked indifferent and said: "Since the palace wants to check those old accounts, you go and collect the account books in the bookcase, and when Uncle Yongning comes, he can take them to check."
"Sir, this..." the butler frowned, looking a little unbelievable.
"I'm an old man. If a thunderbolt comes from the sky, I'll just die. It all depends on what the person in the palace wants." Guo Shaonian said.
Since King Yong had planned to seize the remaining silver deposited by the Salt Transport Department back then, he could not stop him. As for the future of the Guo family, it was within King Yong's mind after the emperor stopped paying attention to the affairs of the foreign dynasty.
After hearing what Guo Shaonian said, the housekeeper bowed his head and responded, then went to the secret room of the study to collect the account books.
Guo Shaonian picked up the fishing rod and threw it toward the lake. As ripples appeared in circles, he leaned back on the wicker chair behind him and continued fishing.
But not long after he passed by, he saw a servant walking quickly along the stone path from the Yuelian Gate Cave. He walked up to Guo Shaonian and said, "Master, Uncle Yongning is here."
Guo Shaonian put down the fishing rod, took the handkerchief on the side and wiped his hands. He looked at the servant serving beside him and said, "Hold the young master."
"Yes, sir." The grandma said quickly.
As he spoke, Guo Shaonian was led by his servant to the flower hall in the front yard.
At this moment, Jia Heng has been sitting in the flower hall for a while, looking at the decoration of the Guo family's flower hall. The clear yellow rosewood is exquisitely made, and it is very valuable at first glance.
As for Chen Xiao, because he was worried about being recognized by Guo Shaonian, he waited outside and did not follow him in.
"Uncle Yong Ning came to visit his humble abode. He was not welcomed from afar, but he still looked forward to the sea." At this time, with a burst of energetic voice, Guo Shaonian, the consort of Kuaiji, walked into the hall and bowed his hands to Jia Heng.
Jia Heng stood up and returned the salute: "You're welcome, sir."
Guo Shaonian is the Commander-in-Chief of the Prince Consort. Now he has no official position and no position. He cannot call him anything else, so he calls him "Mr."
Guo Shaonian looked at the boy in python suit across from him and said with a smile: "People in the south of the Yangtze River say that Yongning Bo is eight feet tall, has a beautiful appearance, and has the demeanor of Marquis Wen Xue Li. When we meet him today, he is even more famous."
Jia Heng said: "Mr. Guo is very polite."
He secretly thought that it was no wonder that Guo Shaonian would become the consort. His appearance and demeanor were incredible. It was hard to imagine that he was a salt transport envoy who helped Emperor Longzhi make a lot of money.