Chapter 601: I Want to Conquer Myself!

The deployment of military forces in the north of the Ming Dynasty is like a dumbbell,

At the east end, of course, is Jinzhou, Shanhaiguan, . This was the main place to prevent the Mongols from moving south, and also to prevent the Tartars from advancing westward. Shanhaiguan is known as the first pass in the world. The strength of the Ming army here is the strongest, and the combat effectiveness is also the strongest. The most elite cavalry of the Ming Kingdom are all here.

At the west end are the three towns of Xuanfu, Datong and Shanxi. This area is more complex, with a large area, a small population, and severe wind and sand. However, this is a place where the enemy often invades, and it is difficult to prevent it, so the Ming army has to hold on hard here. The number of Ming troops at this end seems to be a lot, but the combat effectiveness is very worrying.

In the middle, there is the Kyoshi. The main garrison force of the Beijing Division is the three major battalions. Originally, the three battalions were very elite, and most of the elite of the Ming army were concentrated here. However, after the Tumubao Incident, the elite of the three battalions was completely annihilated, and the three battalions that were reorganized after that completely lost the demeanor of their predecessors, and their combat effectiveness was not at all the same. The current three battalions can only be used to defend the city, and if they want to fight with the Tartars, it is simply impossible.

The basic pattern of the Son of Heaven guarding the country designed by Emperor Yongle is basically like this. The border army was mainly used to defend the city, and was only responsible for dealing with small-scale, low-intensity border conflicts. The field battle was mainly dispatched by the three major battalions of the Beijing Division. The Great War also relied mainly on three battalions. After the three battalions shrank, they had to rely on the Liaodong Army and the Xuanda Army in the border army.

In the past, in order to prevent the resurgence of the Mongols and sporadic attacks, the Ming Dynasty vigorously built the Great Wall and firmly surrounded its northern border with the Great Wall. Even so, the Ming Dynasty still has a record of being slapped in the face twice. One is the well-known Tumubao Change, and the other is during the Jiajing period, when the Tatar Altan Khan besieged the Beijing Division. In the Chongzhen period, the Tartars entered the Kou twice, and it is impossible to say. The shadow of the first two times has not been removed, and the third time has come again.

If you want to fight in the field, the Liaodong Army is definitely the main force. To fight the Tartars in the field, it was necessary to send out cavalry. And the most powerful cavalry of the Ming army belonged to the Liaodong Army. However, Gao Qiqian didn't want to fight the Tartars in the field. This is a very high-risk thing. If you are not careful, you will be wiped out. On the Liaodong front, Gao Qiqian was also a strict order for the troops, and it was absolutely forbidden to fight with the Tartars in the field unless it was absolutely necessary.

However, if he refuses to fight with the Tartars now, he will definitely be lifted up by Chongzhen and strangled to death. From the time he came into the Xinuan Pavilion, he understood it. This time, Chongzhen is not simply defensive, but to be strong. Maybe the first two performances were too cowardly, which made Chongzhen feel very embarrassed. Therefore, this time, he must save a little face.

The problem is that Chongzhen wants to save face, of course there is no problem, but the current Ming army can't withstand Chongzhen's toss! Among all the eunuchs and eunuchs, Gao Qiqian is the most familiar with the military. He knew very well what kind of level the combat effectiveness of the Ming army was. Hold on to the fortified city, and perhaps stop the ravages of the Tartars. Going out of the city and fighting the Tartars at night, that's definitely looking for death!

I only saw Gao Qiqian kneeling on the ground, giving Zhang Fengyi a hidden look, and then said pitifully: "Your Majesty, the slave knows that she is wrong, and the slave and maid are willing to lead the army to fight to the death with Jianyu and atone for their crimes." Please also ask the emperor to be merciful and let the slave maid's life be sent to the battlefield. ”

Chongzhen said with relief: "Okay! Be ambitious! Get up! ”

Gao Qidive slowly stood up.

Zhang Fengyi's eyes rolled, and he said with great concern: "Your Majesty, the field battle with the Tartars, weapons, grain and grass must be strengthened, and the salaries of soldiers must also be increased by 30%. In this way, everyone will be brave, everyone will be the first, and a complete victory is just around the corner. ”

Chongzhen said without thinking: "Hubu? ”

Hubu Shangshu Hou Sui always has a dead face, a thin face, no blood at all, as if it is a zombie's face, his voice is also wrinkled, and he said without emotion: "Taicang silver is less than 800,000 taels, and the grain is only 3 million stones, the emperor himself will look at it." ”

Dare to talk to Chongzhen like this in the Xinuan Pavilion, only Hou Sui. In fact, he has wanted to get out of the mess of the imperial court many times, but he has always been stopped by Chongzhen. Chongzhen didn't know which tendon was wrong, and he never cared about Hou Sui's offense. Wen Tiren originally wanted to drive Hou Sui away, but later found that he couldn't leave, so he had to give up.

So, everyone's eyes were focused on Chongzhen's body. The amount of Taicang silver is not enough, so it can only be allocated from internal funds. It's conventional. With the continuous expansion of the scope of activities of the Shaanxi rebel army and the continuous destruction of agricultural production, the land that can collect taxes is getting less and less, and naturally, the income of Taicang silver is also getting less and less. Salt tax, iron tax, stamp duty, mining tax or something, mainly went into the treasury and became the emperor's private money. Therefore, when the country's finances are in difficulty, it can only rely on internal funds.

Chongzhen didn't answer, turned his head and asked Yang Sichang: "What about your three towns?" ”

Yang Sichang said slowly: "Weichen has calculated that as long as 900,000 taels of silver, the three towns can gather 60,000 troops and fight to the death with the Tartars. ”

Chongzhen frowned, and said slowly: "Sixty thousand people, nine hundred thousand taels of silver, too much." ”

Wang Kun said euphemistically: "Your Majesty, the salary of our three towns has always been less than that of Liaodong, and the officers and soldiers have long complained. We don't want a bonus, as long as our food and salary are on par with the Liaodong Army, the officers and soldiers will naturally fight bravely to be the first, serve the country, and defeat the Tartars. ”

Yes, he not only has to stretch out his hand to the emperor, but also stretch out his hand to tease the high dive. When he came in just now, Wang Kun saw Gao Qiqian kneeling on the ground, his face gloomy, obviously being reprimanded by Chongzhen, and he felt very happy in his heart. Speaking of which, the contradiction between Wang Kun and Gao Qiqian has been going on for a long time. As long as there is a chance to rectify the other party, he will never let it go.

Because the eunuchs and the prison army wantonly looted money and property, embezzled military salaries, and beat and scolded soldiers in various places, this aroused a high degree of resentment among the vast number of officers and men of the army, and bloody clashes broke out in some armies, and many people died. At the beginning of this year, Chongzhen accepted the minister's suggestion and prepared to withdraw all the eunuchs who supervised the army. However, how to settle these people has become a big problem.

Wang Kun and Gao Qiqian both stared at the eunuch who held the seal of the celebrant and the throne of the commander of Dongchang. For this reason, both of them used quite a lot of means, both openly and secretly. Even Wang Chengen was almost injured by mistake. After Chongzhen was furious, he simply did not withdraw the two supervisors of Wang Kun and Gao Qiqian, and instead let Zhang Yixian serve as the eunuch of the Dongchang Governor, Wang Chengen continued to serve as the eunuch of the ceremonial eunuch, and Cao Huachun served as the commander of the Beijing camp. As a result, both of them were empty of bamboo baskets, and they cheapened Zhang Yixian, who was depressed, in vain.

In front of Wang Kun, Gao Qiqian was willing to show weakness, and immediately said in a sharp tone: "Your Majesty, if the slave maid has 900,000 taels of silver, he can produce 90,000 troops, including at least 15,000 cavalry!" ”

What Liang Tingdong wanted was a big package with high potential, and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, the Liaodong Army has strong combat effectiveness, and the Xuanda soldiers are not as good as it. He also asked the emperor to dispatch Liaodong soldiers to Tongzhou and Changping to start a field battle with the Tartars. We all really want to see the demeanor of the soldiers of Liaodong. ”

Yes, this is a killing, and you have to borrow a knife to kill someone! Gao Qiqian said that he could dispatch 90,000 people, and whether he could hit this number depends on two words. Who doesn't know about eating empty quotas? Even if there is really this number, when you go to Tongzhou and Changping, you will encounter the main force of the Tartar forwards, even if you don't die, you will be crippled.

This time the Tartars went south, and the troops were very strong. The slave chieftains that have been clearly known so far include Haoge, Abatai, Yuetuo, Azig, Zilharang, Huang Taiji and others. In addition, several large tribes of Mongolia are also involved. The strength of the Tartars was so strong that the Ming army collided with them in the field, and they only had to be crushed into powder.

Zhang Fengyi is not a fool, and he immediately heard Liang Tingdong's insidious intentions. The Liaodong Army fought alone with the Tartars, is this not fast enough to die? Even if all the Liaodong Legions were dispatched and fought in the field with the Tartars outside the city, there was no hope of victory, let alone 90,000 people? He hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, the Tartars went south from Huairou and went straight to the Beijing Division, and our army happened to be flanked from east to west, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. ”

Gao Qiqian reacted immediately, and he was almost plotted by Wang Kun and Liang Tingdong. He secretly hated the two of them, and in the face of Chongzhen, he said resolutely: "Your Majesty, the slave maid will immediately lead the army to the vicinity of Gyeonggi to defend the safety of the Jingshi." As for money and food, no matter how much the emperor gives, the slaves and maids have no hesitation! ”

Chongzhen's face was red, as if he had been steamed, and it took a long time for a sentence to pop up: "The internal money can only be given 600,000 taels." 400,000 in Liaodong and 200,000 in Xuanda. ”

Zhang Fengyi and Liang Tingdong both looked at each other helplessly. Wang Kun and Gao Qiqian glared angrily. In the face of the overwhelming offensive of the Tartars, 600,000 taels of silver, what use can it be? Divided down, there are only a few taels of silver per person, how to stimulate morale?

At this time, Cao Huachun, the commander of the Jingying, opened his mouth and said lazily: "Your Majesty, if the two of them are unwilling to accept the 600,000 taels, it is better to allocate them to the Jingying." The money and grain in Beijing in August this year have not yet been fully distributed! As long as the soldiers get enough money and food, they don't need additional rewards, and they will naturally fight hard with the Tartars. ”

Wang Kun and Gao Qiqian suddenly turned their heads and glared at Cao Huachun angrily. Cao Huachun said lightly, as if he was righteous and awe-inspiring, but in fact, it was nothing more than biting the fact that the Beijing camp would not go out of the city to fight. Emperor Chongzhen was in the city, how could the three major battalions go out of the city to fight? Even if Jingying really wanted to get out of the city, he would be strictly ordered by Chongzhen to stop it. I really don't have a backache when I stand and talk.

Cao Huachun's fanning of the flames ignited, and the inside of Xinuan Pavilion suddenly became lively. When it comes to money and food, no one is willing to be left behind. Everyone knows that the money and food of the court are so small, if you don't fight hard, it will fall into the hands of others. If you don't have money and food, your soldiers will follow you to drink the northwest wind? How did Bi Zisu die? How was the mutiny brewing? In the end, it's not a money word?

In this case, the trouble of finding someone is the most appropriate. Wen Tiren glared at Yang Yipeng, and said lukewarmly: "It's all a misfortune." If Caoyun can arrive smoothly, where will the money and grain in Beijing be in arrears? Governor Caoyun Yamen, to explain this. ”

Yes, this is an opportunity to fan the flames and cut off political opponents. Wen Tiren looked at Yang Yipeng very unpleasantly early in the morning, and last time he was in front of Chongzhen, he gave Yang Yipeng eye medicine. However, Yang Yipeng is not good at his peers, and after explaining the situation in the above table, Chongzhen did not embarrass him. Now, Wen Tiren jumped out again, wanting to embarrass himself, of course Yang Yipeng didn't give him face, and said coldly: "The 800,000 taels of silver owed by the household department to the river workers have not been allocated yet!" The Cabinet won't fail to receive my recital, will it? If there is no money and food to ask the river workers to dig the river, can the boats fly over? ”

Wen Tiren touched a soft nail and had to shut up. He, the first assistant, usually has the most headache, and the problem of money and food is also the problem. Chongzhen still has an internal treasure there, and he has a Taicang silver in his hand, which is empty, and he can't even raise mice. But it is clear that the country has a great cause, and everywhere reaches out to ask for money. It is difficult for a good woman to cook without rice, he, the first assistant, does not have enough money and food in his hands, where can he be chic?

At this time, the Hou Sui of the Hubu Shangshu seemed to be sleepwalking, completely ignoring the feelings of everyone around him, and muttered to himself: "Taicang silver is less than 800,000 taels, and the grain is only 3 million stone ......."

"Bang!"

Suddenly, Chongzhen slapped the desk in annoyance, and Huo Ran stood up.

Everyone hurriedly lowered their heads, their faces full of solemnity.

"You can't fight without money? Not a penny less? ”

"Raise soldiers for a thousand days, use soldiers for a while! How much silver did you spend to raise your soldiers? Now as soon as I hear that there is going to be a war, I reach out and ask for money! Where does the usual money go? It's all in your own pockets? ”

Chongzhen said angrily.

Because he had been baking in the Xinuan Pavilion for too long, his face was very red, as if a fire was burning. In addition, he was really angry, and the heat on his face became even more intense. When he was angry, he could clearly see beads of sweat the size of beans on his forehead.

"Gao Qidive, you send 90,000 troops!"

"Wang Kun, you send 60,000 troops!"

"Asking for money, no!"

Chongzhen shouted with a pale face.

"Slave obeys!"

"Slave obeys!"

Seeing that Chongzhen was really angry, Gao Qiqian and Wang Kun couldn't help but stretch out their hands to ask for money, and hurriedly knelt down and said. Chongzhen was furious, and the others had no choice but to kneel.

"You don't dare to fight the Tartars, I'll go myself!"

"I personally went into battle, and I fought to the death with the Tartars!"

"You cowards! As soon as I hear the tartar, my legs go limp! ”

The more Chongzhen spoke, the more annoyed he became, and he walked out from behind the desk. Just in front of Gao Qiqian, he raised his foot and kicked Gao Qiqian over. The action was intense, and his face was so red as if it had been cooked, and then he kept coughing, obviously too excited. Wang Chengen hurriedly patted the dragon's back continuously, and at the same time picked up the porcelain cup and let Chongzhen drink water.

"The emperor is angry! We can't share the emperor's worries, it's really a crime that deserves death! ”

Everyone saw that Chongzhen was really mad, and hurriedly sang loudly.

Wang Kun took the lead in expressing his position, and said in a stirring voice: "Your Majesty, the slave maid will immediately transfer 60,000 troops tomorrow and station them in the area of Baoan Prefecture to protect the safety of the Beijing Division!" Even if the slave maid is broken to pieces, the emperor must be safe! Your Majesty, tonight may be the last time the slave will see you, take care of yourself in the future! ”

As soon as Gao Qiqian heard Wang Kun say the lines first, he immediately lay on the ground, howled and cried, and shouted fiercely: "The emperor treats slaves and maids like a mountain." Only when the slave dies in front of the battle can she repay the emperor's love! The emperor, the minister has no relatives, only one godson, after the slave died, he asked the emperor to take care of one or two. The slave and maid will say goodbye to the emperor forever. ”

The two eunuchs of the prison army desperately expressed their attitude, a handful of snot and tears, sighing. Zhang Fengyi, Liang Tingdong, Yang Sichang and other civil officials are not far behind. One is braver than the other, and one is more sacrificing his life for righteousness, as if he can't repay Chongzhen's kindness without breaking his bones.

Seeing the people around him patting their chests and agreeing, and fighting with the Tartars with all their might, Chongzhen's mood slowly calmed down. After a fire, his face was much better.

Liu Zongzhou suddenly said: "Your Majesty, Weichen suggests that you might as well let Zhang Zhun compete with the Tartar field." ”

Everyone's eyes, including Chongzhen's, immediately focused on Liu Zongzhou's body.

The name Zhang Zhun seemed to be a powerful spell, which made the inside of Xinuan Pavilion suddenly cold, and everyone felt an inexplicable chill.

I don't know when it started, the name Zhang Zhun has become a forbidden body, as long as it is possible, everyone will not mention it in front of Chongzhen. Even if it is mentioned, it must be called by Zhang Hui to show that he and Zhang Zhun are not in the same place.

Liu Zongzhou realized that he had lost his words, and hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, with the achievements of the Tiger Ben Army in Huang County, it would be a pity if Zhang Zhun was not allowed to participate in the war. With the grudge character of the Tartars, maybe this time he came for Zhang Zhun. As long as Zhang Zhun appears, he may be able to attract the attention of the Tartars. ”

Chongzhen was slightly surprised, and said suspiciously: "You said that the Tartars are coming at Zhang Zhun?" ”

Liu Zongzhou hurriedly said: "This is just Weichen's speculation, I dare not conclude." The Tartars went south this time to rescue the Tartars in Dengzhou City, which must be one of their stated goals. Therefore, the battle between Tatar and Zhang Zhun was inevitable. Wouldn't it be better if Tartar and Zhang Zhun beat each other and lost both, or if they died together? ”

Yang Sichang immediately said: "The minister seconded the proposal. ”

Qiao Yunshi also said quickly: "The minister seconded the proposal. ”

Fu Zonglong thought about it, nodded and said, "The minister seconded the proposal." ”

Liu Zongzhou said in a deep voice: "The minister once heard that the Tartars had entered the Kou, and Zhang Zhun had already received the news early in the morning, and asked Shi Kefa to relay it to the adults in the military department. It's just that later, for some reason, the military department did not accept it. If we had made early preparations, how could our army have suffered such heavy losses? ”