In the Wenhua Palace, the Emperor's voice fell, and several ministers below couldn't help but look at each other, falling into silence for a moment.
In their minds, the last time the emperor had such a firm attitude when it came to sending troops was when the Miao region suppressed the rebellion.
The scene today is still fresh in my memory.
If I remember correctly, at that time the emperor was determined to replace Wang Ji, and there was not anyone who objected. However, even at that time, Yu Qian, who was deeply favored and at the height of his power, could not dissuade him when the emperor had already made up his mind.
So this time, if they try to persuade me, will it be useful?
They glanced at each other and read the hesitation in each other's eyes. Therefore, everyone present unanimously turned their attention to Wang Ao.
As the new Minister of War, it is natural for the Ministry of War to take the lead in matters such as military expeditions. Moreover, he has a predecessor with such a glorious resume. If he shrinks back like others at this time and spreads the word, this Wang Shangshu will be in the court.
The reputation in the hall may plummet.
Feeling the looks from others, Wang Ao also frowned, feeling a little hesitant for a moment.
Of course he knew that the Ministry of War would not be able to avoid this matter, but how to express its stance was a problem.
To put it bluntly, this should be the first and most important challenge he has encountered since taking over as Minister.
How he expresses his stance at this time is very likely to be directly related to his future career in the court and where to go. It is indeed difficult to decide.
However, the prelude to the palace was right. No matter how difficult the problem was, he was not allowed to think too much. After thinking for a while, Wang Ao made a decision and stepped forward to speak.
"Your Majesty, setting off a large army is no small matter. Armor, food, cotton-padded clothes, firearms, swords and other equipment all need to be arranged. I have just checked the archives of the Ministry of War these days. If there is only an army of 30,000, then most of the supplies can be
We will collect them all before the year, but I am not sure about food only. If this matter can be solved, I am confident that the army will go out as scheduled!"
???
After saying this, Shen Shangshu turned his head and glared at Wang Ao.
After working for a long time, you still kicked the ball to him, right?
Wang Jiugao, you old guy, remember this for me!
There was no time to think too much, and as expected, the emperor's voice dropped and asked.
"Shen Qing, what did the Ministry of Revenue say?"
Now that it’s come to this, what else can I say?
Chen Yi smiled bitterly in his heart.
If the Ministry of War had just come out to dissuade him, he and Wang Ao had worked together to stop the matter.
However, now that the Ministry of War has taken the lead and issued the military order, the pressure is all on Hubu. If he says no, it will be strange if the emperor doesn't skin him.
Shen Yi secretly glanced at Wang Ao next to him, and Shen Yi also felt a little admiration for him.
You must know that sending a large army to an expedition is no small matter. As Wang Ao himself said, weapons, armor, and food are the most basic. In addition, there are also the civilian men recruited, the officers and soldiers dispatched, horses, and various other things.
The utensils are complex and numerous.
Now, Wang Ao had only been in the Ministry of War for half a year, but he dared to promise in front of the emperor that he could handle these things well. This is not an ordinary determination.
Not to mention, once the news of dispatching troops spreads, the government and the public will inevitably discuss it. Under the current situation, the voice of opposition will definitely not be small. At this time, the Ministry of War does not dissuade the emperor, but instead tries its best to cooperate. Wang Ao's situation , I’m afraid it won’t be good.
Under double pressure, it is indeed rare for Wang Ao to be so decisive.
With a thought in his mind, Chen Yi knew that at this point, he had no other choice, so he could only bite the bullet and said.
"Your Majesty clearly knows that the national treasury is indeed empty now. Last year's autumn grain harvest was greatly reduced due to drought, and there is a high possibility of disaster next year. Therefore, even if I move around, I can only support the supplies of 20,000 troops at most. No matter how much more , I’m afraid it will affect the normal operation of the court..."
This is not really because Shen Shangshu is crying about being poor, but because he is really poor.
You know, when a large army goes out for an expedition, it not only needs to consider the preparations before the expedition, that is, all kinds of baggage and corvee, but also the duration of the war. It is no exaggeration to say that fighting is a waste of money. If nothing happens, The 30,000 people the emperor mentioned refers to the number of official troops. At most, some logistics troops are added. If corvees are added, then it will be at least 50,000 people.
Apart from anything else, these 50,000 people eating every day is an astonishing number. Since the Japanese are to be suppressed, it is normal to fight for a few months. During this period, these armies will have a large amount of food and grass. Coupled with the replenishment of baggage, to put it bluntly, as long as the war lasts, the court will definitely have to cut back on food and clothing.
Moreover, this is not enough. In addition, post-war pensions and reward increases are also a large amount of money. When all kinds of factors are added up, the term "militancy" is really not an exaggeration.
Therefore, if possible, Shen Shangshu would never approve of the war, but there was no choice, the emperor had already spoken, and he could not stop him, so he could only suppress the number of people.
Looking at Shen Yi who was looking at him eagerly, Zhu Qiyu also sighed. He had been a minister for so long, and he also understood Shen Yi.
This Shen Shangshu is a good financial manager, but he is not a cash cow. In terms of his understanding of the state treasury, he is better than himself. For such important matters, Shen Yi either refuses to agree, but as long as he agrees, he will not talk nonsense.
Therefore, if nothing unexpected happens, 20,000 people is really the limit!
However, if the number of people is not enough, then it will take longer to suppress the Japanese pirates...
"In that case, let's prepare for 20,000 people for now!"
Zhu Qiyu sighed in his heart and did not insist too much.
The two ministers reached an agreement, and the other ministers did not say anything more. So, soon, the imperial edict was issued to the six subjects.
Not surprisingly, as soon as the decree was announced, the government and the public were in an uproar, and many ministers' memorials were delivered to the cabinet the next day.
At the same time, there are more ministers who plan to participate in the morning concert.
Amidst the discussion, the news naturally spread to Nangong.
"Your Majesty, do you mean to let me fight this battle?"
Zhang Xi stood in the hall, his face slightly surprised.
In addition to him, Zhu Yi and Xu Youzhen next to him were also a little shocked.
On the other hand, the Supreme Emperor on the throne said with a very calm face.
"The emperor's attitude is firm in sending troops this time, and the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Household Affairs have no objections. There may be ministers in the court who disapprove, but I'm afraid it won't have any effect. Therefore, it is imperative to send troops."
"Nowadays, there are not many nobles in the court, old and young, who can take charge of the important task. Zhang Qing was born in a family of generals, and now he is the governor of the military government. Whether it is public or private, he should take on this important task and serve the court.
Adding new achievements will also restore the lintel of the British government!"
Ah this...
Hearing the righteous words of the Supreme Emperor, Zhang Xi couldn't help but smile bitterly in his heart, hesitated for a moment, and said.
"What your Majesty said is true. If the country needs it, I will be obliged to do so. But now there are so many talents in the court. Although most of the nobles are old, there are also many rising stars in the army. When it comes to combat power, I may not be able to compete with them.
Fight."
As a general, Zhang Xi is not afraid of things like going on an expedition. Of course, the most important thing is that with his status, even if he goes on an expedition, he will still have a seal. He will sit in the middle of the army and actually go to the battlefield to kill. It is a turn of events.
Not as good as him.
However, this is also the problem. Mr. Zhang still knows how much he weighs. Not to mention he is a handsome man. As long as he has generals and talents, Zhang Fu would not go beyond him and devote all his efforts to cultivate Zhang Fu.
Therefore, he was not worried about going on an expedition, but he was worried that he would return without success. Now, he had finally secured his position as the governor of the military mansion. Although the British government's influence in the military mansion was not as strong as before, for Mr. Zhang himself
To put it bluntly, if we lose the battle, we may even lose our current position.
Seeing this situation, Zhu Yi on the side hesitated for a moment and then spoke.
"Your Majesty, this matter may not be easy!"
"In order to rectify the military government this time, in addition to the nobles of various families, the emperor also promoted many officers from various local guards. It was obvious that he wanted to suppress the aristocratic families in the capital. This time, troops were suddenly sent to the coast, although it was nominally due to Japanese pirates.
The real intention of Dai Wangfu is probably to gather more cronies in the army."
"Therefore, even if the ministers try their best to fight for it in the court, the emperor will probably not leave this job in the hands of Governor Zhang..."
What he said made sense, but Zhu Qizhen's expression remained unchanged. He pondered for a moment, but instead of responding to Zhu Yi, he unexpectedly cast his eyes on Xu Youzhen beside him and said.
"Xu Qing, what do you think?"
ah?
Xu Youzhen blinked, confused for a moment.
To be honest, when he came here today, he felt confused about the news that the emperor was going to send troops to suppress the Japanese along the coast. Of course he knew that the emperor wanted to fight for the position of the general, which was not a surprise.
But the question is, why would a civil servant like him be called over for such a thing?
Is it possible to point him at him to fight for Zhang Shi?
With doubts in her heart, Xu Youzhen bowed and spoke.
"Your Majesty, I believe that what Governor Zhang and Duke Cheng said are reasonable. I'm afraid it will not be easy to accomplish this matter!"
Since you don’t know how to express your stance, just agree with others.
In this way, even if the Supreme Emperor is unhappy, the anger will not be directed at him.
It was obvious that this was not the answer Zhu Qizhen wanted. However, his face only froze slightly, and Zhu Qizhen said.
"There is a saying that nothing is difficult in the world, only for those who are willing. I believe that as long as you have a heart to serve the country, the emperor will naturally see it."
Ah this...
Mr. Zhang blinked and couldn't help but look at Zhu Yi, with a light in his eyes that said, "What nonsense is the Emperor talking about?"
Seeing this situation, Zhu Yi was speechless. After thinking for a moment, he spoke.
"I am so stupid, please let your Majesty make it clear!"
Unlike Zhang Shi, Zhu Yi's mind was quick and obedient, and there was obviously a hidden mystery in the Emperor's words.
Thinking about it, is the Supreme Emperor still unclear about their current situation in the court?
Under such circumstances, the Supreme Emperor still asked them to fight for this job, which meant that they were at least certain.
I just don’t know where this confidence comes from...
Seeing this situation, Zhu Qizhen's face flashed with a hint of approval and said.
"If I remember correctly, as a rule, when the imperial army goes out for an expedition, the general will be given the seal of general. In addition, there will also be an admiral and minister to assist in military affairs, is that correct?"
This is a standing system, and everyone in the court with some common sense knows it. However, at this time, what does the Supreme Emperor mean by mentioning this?
Zhang Xi was confused, but still nodded and said.
"Your Majesty, Holy Ming!"
So Zhu Qizhen continued.
"This time the army goes on an expedition, it seems that the candidates for the expedition and the admiral ministers are discussed in the court hall, but in fact, the candidates for the admiral ministers have already been decided."
This news has not yet been disclosed in the court. If Zhu Jian had not heard the emperor say a few words when he was summoned, Zhu Qizhen might not have known about it.
"This person is...Yu Qian who just returned to Beijing!"
"Yu Shaobao?"
As soon as the name came out, several people present were a little surprised.
Although Yu Qian was demoted before, half a year has passed, and now things in Huangzhuang are progressing smoothly.
In addition, President Chen of the Metropolitan Procuratorate has been ill recently and often takes leave. Many ministers are talking about it, saying that this old man is already begging for bones.
If the news is true, then it is logical for Yu Qian to stay in the capital and take over as the censor of Zuodu.
But who would have thought that Yu Qian would be sent out again during this expedition?
"Yes, it's him!"
Zhu Qizhen nodded and said.
"In addition, Zhu Jian will also be sent to Fujian to take over the post of governor. I won't go into details. But since the emperor has sent Yu Qian to supervise military affairs, then, on your side, with him
It would be difficult for the friendly Fan Guang and others to serve as generals, otherwise it would be against the rules and there would be discussions among the people in the court."
"This is the right time for you to fight for it!"
"But……"
Having said that, Zhang Mian still hesitated.
Seeing this situation, Zhu Qizhen interrupted him and said directly.
"I still say what I said, nothing is difficult in the world. I am afraid that if someone is willing, the emperor will send troops. Although the courtiers will definitely not be able to stop him in the end, there will always be resistance in the court. At this time, if you are willing to stand up, then the emperor will naturally
I will reciprocate the favor."
"What's more, when the army goes out for an expedition, what is important is that the general and the admiral can get along with each other. As long as Zhang Qing is willing to work well with Yu Qian, I believe that the emperor will not deliberately ignore you. Don't worry!"
Now that the words have come to this point, Zhang Xi naturally can’t refuse anymore, so he has no choice but to cup his hands and say.
"I obey the decree, please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will do my best!"
So, Zhu Qizhen nodded with satisfaction and said.
"That's good, Xu Qing. You have a lot of connections in the court. This matter is important and related to the national economy. You have to do your best even above the court. Do you understand?"
"I obey the decree..."
Xu Youzhen hurriedly spoke, but a strange feeling surged in his heart. He always felt that the Emperor's last words seemed to mean something...