Chapter 89: The gap between the two

Wang Chonggu, a Jinshi in the 20th year of Jiajing, is also a very complicated person.

In terms of his resume, he went from Yingtian Prefecture to Fujian, from Shaanxi to Ningxia, all the way from deputy envoy of military preparation to governor-general. He personally experienced the battlefields and military strategies on the border. It can be said that he was an impeccable general.

In terms of merit, he chased the Japanese out to sea, defeated Jineng, prepared Xuanda, and even received tribute from Altan Khan to quell border affairs. The only one who can be compared with him nowadays is Yin Zhengmao, who can be reported to the temple for his meritorious service and be honored for his achievements.

In terms of talent and learning, he not only had a broad vision, but also had the background of a civil official. Not to mention memorials, he also had quite a few drafts and collections of essays, which could be said to be both civil and military.

Such a capable minister was actually a selfish and greedy clique villain.

Wang Chonggu relied on his status and prestige as a tribute from Altan Khan to help his fellow townsmen in the court.

Among them were Yang Bo, Huo Ji, Shi Maohua, Zhang Siwei and others, who promoted people from Jin and covered up their mistakes.

Outside, Wang Chonggu relied on his position as the guard of the border town to collude with Altan Khan, who had surrendered to the Khan, and used the bandits to gain power.

His entry into the capital was delayed until the change of the reign title.

He had just taken office in the Ministry of War yesterday and immediately organized a departmental meeting, approved the proposal of Xuanda and Shanxi to increase the main military fodder, and sent it to the cabinet.

One tael of silver was added to the price of each horse. There were more than 76,400 horses and mules in the three towns, which meant an additional 60,000 to 70,000 taels of silver.

This is the second time that fodder has been added this year. I don’t know if it’s because the horses don’t have enough to eat, or because Shangshu Wang doesn’t have enough to eat.

All in all, this is a capable official who has real talent and knowledge, but is difficult to command.

Wang Chonggu's presence was extremely low during the court discussion today. He said nothing and seemed to be in a trance.

He is tall, with an elegant face, and has the demeanor of a Confucian general.

His beard was neatly trimmed, but it could not hide the hardships of being at the frontier for so long. His wrinkles were so deep that it seemed as if they were filled with the dust of the north and the flesh and blood of the enemy.

Just standing there quietly, he had the demeanor of a gentle civil official, as well as the ability and competence of someone sitting in command of a large camp.

Wang Chonggu was suddenly called upon by the emperor at this moment. He subconsciously raised his head and met the emperor's gaze.

Zhu Yijun said gently: "Minister Wang was appointed to the frontier, is well versed in military preparations, and has been in contact with the Tatars for many years. I believe he must have his own unique insights."

"Should the court give this reward or not?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Chonggu bowed slowly and said, "I think this is all in limbo. It all depends on your majesty's wise judgment."

He quietly glanced at the little emperor in the palace.

He was thinking about other things just now and didn't have time to look at the young emperor.

Before entering Beijing, he had heard too many rumors about the emperor.

His natural wisdom and foresight almost made his ears callused.

Regardless of whether I believe it or not, I am at least curious about it.

Now that I see that his manners and conversation are impeccable.

Zhu Yijun asked, "I live in the deep palace and don't know what's going on at the border. I was just about to ask Shangshu Wang."

No matter what kind of person Wang Chonggu is, he is an expert on northern border affairs and also the Minister of War. If he doesn't have any sensible suggestions, it would be a lack of respect.

Wang Chonggu pondered for a moment, and finally said: "Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, if a small reward can save the people from war and save the soldiers from sacrificing their lives, then it is worth it."

"But...it has to be given to the right person."

Before entering Beijing, Wang Chonggu was most worried that the emperor had a prejudice against him and wanted to trick him into coming to Beijing to be killed.

It was only after observing the emperor's behavior for nearly half a year that he dared to set off for Beijing.

Now that the emperor is in person, he should be even more careful when speaking.

After hearing this, Zhu Yijun looked at Wang Chonggu deeply.

Is this a statement made based on facts, or is this a defense for oneself?
Does it mean that even though he embezzled some money over the years, he also did a good job?
Zhu Yijun sat behind the imperial desk and ordered Zhang Hong to fetch the relevant memorials. He then took over Wang Chonggu's words and said, "What did Minister Wang mean by 'give it to the right person'?"

None of the civil and military officials in the hall interrupted.

Now, in the court discussion, the person with the most say in this matter was Wang Chonggu, and the others were listening attentively.

Wang Chonggu glanced at the emperor who grew up in the deep palace, then slowly looked around at the cabinet ministers who came from the Hanlin Academy and had never been to the local areas.

He knew that he couldn't explain it in too complicated a way, so he organized his words for a while before explaining to the laymen, "Your Majesty, my colleagues."

"The invaders this time are the Duoyan Guards, led by their leader Chang Ang and his uncle Dong Huli."

"Duoyanwei invaded our border ridge in the first year of Longqing. The leader at that time was Changang's father and Dong Huli's brother."

"After this man was killed by our army, Chang Ang took over his father's position."

"That being said, the Duoyan Guard is still controlled by his uncle Dong Huli."

Everyone present was a smart man, and when this was said, they all suddenly understood.

The Ming Dynasty lacked everything except stories about the previous dynasty - after the succession, the power was controlled by his uncle. Don't try to understand this drama too well.

Zhu Yijun understood immediately and said with admiration: "So, should Chang Ang be rewarded?"

This is an expert. His familiarity with the various Mongolian tribes is really impeccable.

He is not as good as Wang Chonggu in these matters.

Wang Chonggu saluted and added: "Your Majesty, Changang married the eldest daughter of the leader of the Kharachin tribe. If he can get the recognition and support of our dynasty, although he is still weak, he can make the Duoyan Guards have two orders, and it is possible that they will fall into internal friction."

"As for the prisoner exchange..."

"I think we still need to kill as many Duoyan guards as possible."

"This tribe is different from other tribes. They have been fighting with our dynasty for many years, and the blood feud is incalculable. It cannot be easily resolved."

Xu Jie could see clearly what kind of people the emperor liked, and Wang Chonggu could naturally see it too.

This is what happens when one leader leads by example.

The King of Chu liked thin waists, and many people in the palace starved to death. But now the emperor likes ministers who have meaningful opinions, so naturally everyone has regained their own insights and logic.

Wang Chonggu knew that the emperor was somewhat displeased with his actions in Xuanda, so he offered his advice intentionally to the emperor in order to ease the situation.

After hearing this, Zhu Yijun was convinced by Wang Chonggu.

What Minister Wang said does make sense.

It is easy to do something as beneficial and cost-free as sowing discord.

As for the prisoner exchange, although he agreed with it in his heart, he was still somewhat averse to it.

He thought about it and then made a decision.

Zhu Yijun said, "Regarding the reward, we will follow what Lord Wang said and change the reign to show our favor. We will give a reward of silver to Chang Ang, the governor of Duoyan Guard."

"Tell the two ambassadors who came to Beijing that the only governor of the Duoyan Guard appointed by the Ming Dynasty is Chang Ang, not Dong Huli. If they want to use silver to purchase grain or even trade with each other, our dynasty will only recognize Governor Chang Ang."

He paused and continued, "As for the exchange of prisoners, send a letter to Liu Yingjie and Qi Jiguang and let them do it as they see fit."

"Don't take this as an example."

He wanted to exchange prisoners, after all, he had his own soldiers.

But what Wang Chonggu said also makes sense. Killing as many as possible may not be a bad thing.

Since he is not familiar with military affairs, it is better to delegate power to the border generals.

This is both delegating power and avoiding trouble.

The court officials didn't care about such trivial matters.

Wang Chonggu was the first to pay his respects: "Your Majesty is wise and wise."

At this time, Li Zaiting suddenly stepped out and said, "Your Majesty, apart from this, there is no guarantee that they will stop their actions. We need to strengthen our border defenses."

"I think we can take this opportunity to reorganize the Beijing camp and send a battalion of combat soldiers and a battalion of chariot soldiers to defend Jizhen and practice hardship and combat."

As soon as he finished speaking, the expressions of several people in the court suddenly changed.

Huo Ji, the Right Censor-in-Chief and the Assistant Military Administrator of the Beijing Camp, stepped forward with his head held high: "Your Majesty, no!"

"The Tatars are a great threat to our dynasty. Now that they have invaded our border, we should be concentrating on the enemy. How can we have the time to give the Beijing troops 'training for battle'?"

"This is a treacherous and slanderous statement that is meant to test the Holy Spirit!"

"I want to impeach the thief Li!"

The teacher naturally couldn't sit idly by when his disciple was bullied. Gao Yi rarely showed up in a strong way, frowning and scolding: "Censor Huodu, please be polite and don't lose your manners in front of the king."

"Why are you attacking your colleagues at every turn?"

Huo Ji was one year older than Gao Yi, but his official rank and the emperor's favor were far inferior to his. After being scolded, he could only apologize angrily.

Then he explained in a friendly manner: "Gao Ge Lao has been in the central government for a long time, so he doesn't know."

"In military affairs, the most taboo is that the generals do not know that the host and the guest are not in harmony."

"Given the current style of the Beijing Army, not only will they not be able to help guard the border, but they will also be a hindrance."

"Not only does this move waste food and fodder, it also hinders border defense. How can people not suspect the intention of the person who said this?"

He has a gentle demeanor but speaks with sharp words.

Anyway, the attitude is the same. The Beijing troops should stay in northern Zhili and not go out and cause trouble.

Gao Yi was displeased: "What do you mean by the style of the Beijing Army?"

"Censor Huodu is in charge of the Beijing Camp. Don't you feel ashamed for not fulfilling your duties when you say this?"

Gao Yi naturally knew whose idea this was.

Now Huo Ji was openly scolding Li Zaiting, but he was actually dissatisfied with the emperor. However, both of them were his disciples, and Gao Yi rarely lost his temper.

The Ministry of War could no longer sit idly by after the Cabinet said such things.

The civil servants took charge of the Beijing camp starting with Yu Qian, and from then on the Beijing camp was basically under the control of the Ministry of War.

In the fifth year of Jiajing's reign, a banquet was held at the Ministry of War during the joint military examination. Guo Xun, the governor of the Beijing camp, was able to compete with Li Yue, the minister of war, for a seat.

During the Longqing period, cabinet minister Zhao Zhenji and then-Minister of War Huo Ji were able to openly submit petitions to take back the seal of military administration, dismiss the governor of the military administration of the Beijing camp, and replace them with three commanders-in-chief, each in charge of a camp, "and to give a civilian minister a higher title and make him the prime minister."

In simple terms, the governor of the Beijing camp was removed and demoted to a general. As for how to manage it? Naturally, a civilian minister was appointed to manage it.

At that time, the court was in a tug-of-war over this matter for a long time - in the end, because the civil officials could not reach a consensus on this matter, the emperor hesitated and failed to accomplish it.

However, the governor's position was vacant for a period of time, and was abolished and re-appointed, appointed and dismissed, and was completely under the Ministry of War.

Now that the old Shangshu Huo Ji is arguing for his rights, the Ministry of War naturally cannot just sit there and do nothing.

Shi Maohua, the assistant minister of the Ministry of War, immediately stepped out and said, "Gao, please be careful with your words."

"The officers of the Beijing Camp are all recommended by the Ministry of War and the Governor of the Beijing Camp. They can only take up their posts after being approved by Your Majesty."

"Your words really put the late emperor in an unjust position."

The corruption in the Beijing Camp is a chronic disease. Huo Ji, the assistant manager of the Beijing Camp, has only been in office for more than half a year. It is not right to blame him.

It would be better to ask the late emperor.

At this time, Wen Chun, the Minister of Personnel, also joined the debate: "Minister Shi, please don't blame the Ministry of War and Censor Huo too much."

"At first, the Ministry of War and Censor Huodu petitioned the late emperor to remove the governor of the Beijing camp. Soon after, the late emperor was wise and found that it was inappropriate, so he added it back."

"This back and forth wasted time and only drove Gu Huan back home."

"Change your orders every day, unite your factions to attack those who are different, won't this cause any trouble?"

Wen Chun was a censor in the court at that time, so he naturally remembered this incident.

He said in the memorial at that time, "Because of the three marquises and earls, three civil officials were employed", which resulted in "the civil and military officials not being able to complement each other, and the civil officials also being contradictory among themselves."

He was subsequently reprimanded by the cabinet, saying that he did not have the character of a civil official, and was soon expelled to Huguang.

He still remembers this grudge.

At this time, Zhang Siwei stepped down and acted as a peacemaker: "Everyone, please don't hurt the harmony."

"Let's talk about the border affairs of Jizhen, why did you bring up the Beijing camp?"

Shi Maohua said sullenly: "No matter what the reason is, it is true that the Beijing camp is unusable. The Ministry of War does not agree with this matter of defending Jizhen."

This is the attitude of the Ministry of War.

If the Beijing troops were really allowed to become combat-ready, wouldn't their power and responsibilities be taken away by ordinary people?
"All right!"

Zhu Yijun spoke with hidden anger, stopping everyone's argument.

"I know what you all mean."

"The matter of the Beijing garrison going out to defend Jizhen has been abandoned."

"However, how rotten is the Beijing Army? How to manage it in the future? Why didn't anyone tell me?"

"The assistant minister of the Ministry of War is also in charge of the military affairs of the Beijing Camp. Has he come to the court for discussion?"

He Yongqing, the Minister of Public Administration, quickly pleaded guilty: "I am guilty!"

"Zhao Kongzhao, the assistant minister of the Ministry of War and the assistant in charge of the military affairs of the Beijing Camp, suffered from a phlegm-fire disease at the beginning of the month and was unable to manage the affairs. He submitted a petition to resign."

"Because I accidentally coughed up phlegm while writing this memorial, I sent it back to Minister Zhao to rewrite it, so it has not been submitted yet."

Phlegm-fire disease is pneumonia. Tan Lun's case is chronic, while Zhao Kongzhao's is acute.

Zhu Yijun frowned, and his expression eased a little. He waved his hand helplessly: "Let Minister Zhao take good care of himself."

At this moment, Xu Jie, who was sitting on a low stool, suddenly stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I have something to report!"

As soon as Xu Jie opened his mouth, everyone was shocked.

Even though Zhang Juzheng guessed that the emperor was setting a trap for his officials, he couldn't help but look serious.

Zhu Yijun showed a look of inquiry: "Master Xu has reported."

Xu Jie turned around and said sincerely, "It's unfair to blame the Ministry of War and Minister Zhao for the stubborn illness of the Beijing Army."

"As far as I know, Minister Zhao has only been in office for less than a month, and has not even had time to intervene in the affairs of the Beijing camp."

"Besides, the Beijing Army has many nobles, and it is beyond the control of the Ministry of War."

The court officials did not delve into how Xu Jie knew this.

I just wonder what Xu Jie is doing.

How could he go against the emperor right after coming out of the Wanshou Palace? Did he subdue the emperor? Is he so powerful?

As expected, Zhu Yijun was "furious" and looked at Xu Jie with hatred: "Mr. Xu, do you mean to say that it is the failure of the nobles to do their job that caused the problems in the Beijing camp?!"

Xu Jie's expression remained unchanged: "That's right!"

Although they did not understand Xu Jie's situation, the ministers could not help but secretly praise the direction of this matter.

That’s right. If it’s not a problem with the nobles, then could it be a problem with the court officials?
They all looked at Xu Jie with encouragement - cheer up, good job!

Xu Jie bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, please allow me to report."

"Since I came to the capital, I have heard many stories of nobles failing to perform their duties."

"It's not just the Beijing camp, but also the garrisons in various places, the Five Military Commands, and the various guards and camps. Many nobles have been impeached, but they have been acquitted repeatedly."

"Zhang Yuanshan, the Earl of Hui'an; Guo Yingqian, the Earl of An; Mao Guoqi, the Earl of Nanning; Li Yingchen, the Earl of Xiangcheng; Zhao Zuzheng, the Earl of Xincheng, and others, some of them were not doing their jobs and some of them were being dissolute and licentious."

"Among them, there are people like Mu Chaobi, the Duke of Qian, who raped his mother and sister-in-law, and his sentence was reduced."

"How can we control it if it goes on like this?"

"This matter is not only the responsibility of the Ministry of War, but also something that Your Majesty should be concerned about."

"If Your Majesty wants to prepare the Beijing camp, in addition to consulting the Ministry of War, you should also first control the nobles!"

Xu Jie finished speaking.

The court officials already gave a thumbs up in their hearts.

Good, good, good! He is indeed a loyal and patriotic old minister who has been tested for a long time!

The emperor said nothing and looked unhappy.

Li Zaiting saw this and immediately stepped forward: "Master Xu also said that before disciplining the nobles, we should first consult the Ministry of War."

"Since Minister Zhao has a lung disease and cannot take on any duties, how can he stay here and do nothing?"

(End of this chapter)