Chapter 553: If you don't have the ability to be an emperor, you can do it instead!

"Shirouzhong,."

Zhang Zhun looked at Shi Kefa with a tired face and said quietly.

"Lord Governor, the lower officials have taken the liberty to come here, and it is rude."

Shi Kefrench said with a somewhat obscure salute.

It can be seen that Shi Kefa's mood is relatively heavy and looks very depressed. His riding skills are actually not very good, and he has no problem walking slowly. However, in order to see Zhang Zhun as soon as possible, he set off from Fushan City on horseback and came to Qixia in only two days. Such a speed, for professional servicemen, is not much of a problem. For a civil official like Shi Kefa, it is a bit difficult.

Shi Kefa's mood is impossible not to be heavy. If the Tartars really launched the third invasion, the northern part of the Ming Kingdom would definitely be a piece of smoke again. For an official like him who still has a conscience and is indeed worried about the country and the people, the entry of the Tartars is definitely a catastrophe. Shi Kefa hated the rebellious army in Shaanxi, hated Zhang Zhun's inches, but hated the burning and looting of the Tartars even more.

Just from the point of view of a conscientious official, he could not let the people of the northern kingdom suffer the poison of the Tartars again. The first two Tartar plagues have turned many parts of the northern kingdom into ruins. The loss of a large number of people and property also had a great impact on the national strength of the Ming Kingdom. At present, the line of the Great Wall in the north is no longer inhabited. He once went to the area of Baoan Prefecture and found that there were only ruins and dust, but there was no trace of people in sight.

Not to mention, the entry of the Tartars may have caused a great loss of prestige to the imperial court. The dignified Heavenly Empire was bullied by the Tartars to such a point, which is really speechless. The first two invasions of the Tartars dealt a heavy blow to the prestige of the imperial court. Everyone's confidence in the imperial court is becoming more and more insufficient, and they are becoming more and more disappointed. The majesty of the imperial court, if not to say that it is gone, is already in vain. God knows how many of the decrees issued by the emperor and the cabinet can really be carried out to the end.

In the entire Ming Kingdom, if you want to say who can strongly resist the Tartars, I am afraid that only the Tiger Ben Army commanded by Zhang Zhun is the Huben Army. This is Scofa's only hope. Shi Kefa had a headache and disgusted with Zhang Zhun's identity as an anti-thief, but he also had to admit that the Tiger Ben Army was the strongest army he had ever seen. Where is the Tiger Army? The heads of the three thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine Tartars sent to the capital are enough to prove everything.

Zhang Zhun smiled indifferently and said meaningfully: "Don't dare." Shi Langzhong came to Xingshi on behalf of the imperial court to ask for guilt, representing the face of the imperial court and representing the majesty of the heavenly family, how can it be said to be presumptuous? Please sit down and talk. ”

Shi Kefa could only smile bitterly at Zhang Zhun's words.

Instead of the imperial court to raise the teacher to ask for guilt? Is there really a teacher, is there really a question? If the imperial court really wants to raise teachers to ask for guilt, it should be the army that should be dispatched, not me running alone. From the perspective of the imperial court, Shi Kefa felt that it was not an exaggeration to cut Zhang Zhun with a thousand knives. It's a pity that the imperial court doesn't have this ability. Allowing yourself to ask Zhang Zhun Xingshi for his guilt is a sign of weakness in itself.

The matter has come to this point, and it can't be changed, Shi Kefa had no choice but to clean up his mood, and said helplessly: "Lord Governor said that he laughed, since the Tartars may initiate the third invasion, all of our subjects should get rid of the barriers and be unanimous with the outside world." Even if there were some misunderstandings in the past, they should be erased in one go. ”

Zhang Zhun said with a smile: "As Shi Lang said, it is true. ”

Hearing Zhang Zhun's tone loosen, Shi Kefa breathed a sigh of relief. What he was most worried about was that Zhang Zhun refused. The relationship between the imperial court and Zhang Zhun is one family on the surface, but in fact, both sides are very clear that there is no possibility of reconciliation of contradictions. The impact of Tartar's entry into the prison on Zhang Zhun is not visible for the time being. Even if Zhang Zhun completely stood by and watched, it was not impossible.

The "Juntian Order" harmed the officials of the imperial court, as well as the powerful landlords, even above the Shaanxi rebellion. As long as Zhang Zhun did not change the Juntian Order for a day, the imperial court would not dare to relax its vigilance against him for a day. Will Jang Joon give up the Juntian Order? It doesn't seem like it's possible at all. If the Junda Order is abandoned, the Tiger Ben Army will probably be disbanded as well.

Shi Kefa said solemnly: "This time, the Tartars knocked south, and the momentum was immense, and I also asked the Governor to attack with all his might for the sake of the emperor and the people of Li, and destroy the Tartars to save the world." The emperor and all the ministers must be grateful. ”

Zhang Zhun nodded and said lightly: "As long as Shi Langzhong cooperates and rescues most of the people, I think there should be no problem." ”

Shi Kefa felt a little uncomfortable in his heart. He mentioned the emperor in everything, just hoping that Zhang Zhun would remember that in this world, there is still an emperor. The whole world is not the king's land, and the shore of the land is not the king's minister, don't be too arrogant. Even if you occupy the land of the two provinces, you are just a clown. Compared to the emperor, you are nothing! But Zhang Zhun didn't mention the emperor in everything, as if he had forgotten the existence of this person.

However, Shi Kefa clearly knew that Zhang Zhun looked down on the court and the emperor, but he was helpless. He is a civil official, he has no power to catch chickens, and there are only more than 100 followers around him, so he can't turn his face and do it with Zhang Zhun. Shirozhong is indeed young and impulsive, but he will not do such a brainless thing. His retinue doesn't even have weapons! In desperation, Shi Kefa had no choice but to say obscurely: "I don't know how Lord Du Du is going to fight against the Tartars?" ”

Zhang Zhun said meaningfully: "Shi Langzhong, let's open the skylight and say brightly, everything is straightforward, what do you think?" ”

Shi Kefa hurriedly said: "I can't ask for it. ”

Zhang Zhun nodded, his eyes fell on Shi Kefa's face, and he said awe-inspiringly: "Do you think that once the Tartars knock south, how will the imperial court respond?" ”

Shi Kefa pondered for a moment, and said slowly: "The border pass is under martial law, and the troops are mobilized to go to King Jingqin." ”

Zhang Zhun nodded lightly, and then said slowly: "Where to adjust?" How many people are transferred? How long does it take? How much food and salary do I need to prepare? ”

Shi Kefa suddenly hesitated, and said in embarrassment: "This ......"

He is just a member of the household department, and he doesn't know much about military affairs. He really didn't know where the imperial court was going to mobilize troops from and how many people it was going to mobilize. As for how much time and how much food he would need, he also did not calculate. These are the terms of reference of the Ministry of War, and he is a member of the Ministry of Households, and he is completely out of step with this stall.

Suddenly found that there was a slight sneer at the corner of Zhang Zhun's mouth, and Shi Kefa knew that the situation was a little bad. This king of Qin, who entered Beijing, is easy to say, but difficult to do, but I am afraid that it may not be able to go smoothly. If self-defeating, it can even lead to serious consequences.

When the Tartars first entered the Kou, when they entered the army of King Qin, there were such and such problems, which eventually led to the killing of Geng Ruqi, the governor of Shanxi, and Zhang Honggong, the general soldier of Shanxi. This has always been a problem for the imperial court. Because of this incident, the enthusiasm of officials from all over the country to enter the king of Beijing has been greatly reduced, and even the yang is in disobedience. They are always looking for all kinds of ways to delay the operation, and even use false information to perfunctory the court.

I feel helpless when I think about it. Others rushed to King Qin, but they didn't even have anything to eat, and the soldiers had to find something to eat by themselves. This was originally the responsibility of the Ministry of War, but in the end, it was blamed on King Qin's army. The two members who were the most active and diligent king, and the two who were the most loyal to the court, were finally killed unjustly. There is such a precedent, who is still willing to actively enter the king of Beijing Qinwang? I'm tired of living, isn't it?

The evil consequences of Geng Ruqi and Zhang Honggong being killed were vividly expressed when Tartar entered the Kou for the second time. King Qin's edict was issued, and all localities expressed that they would actively send troops to King Qin. At that time, the Ministry of War optimistically estimated that 300,000 troops could be mobilized from Shanxi, Henan, Shandong, Nanzhili, Huguang, Sichuan, and other places to come to Beijing. However, in the end, not a single soldier reached the Beijing Division.

The reports of the officials everywhere were very consistent, either the bridge was destroyed and impassable; Either the road is impassable and a detour is required; Either there is a shortage of food and salaries, and it is necessary to continue to raise funds; Either there is an outbreak of plague in the army that needs to be dealt with...... There are all kinds of things, as long as anyone with a discerning eye can see that these are all excuses. However, the imperial court can't do anything about these local officials. The so-called law does not hold the people accountable, you can't all the local officials be abolished, right? If it weren't for the fact that the Tartars didn't have a plan to attack the Jingshi, they were afraid that the Jingshi would be in danger.

According to Zhang Zhun's intelligence, the third time the Tartars entered the Kou, the troops were much stronger than the previous two times. Under such circumstances, if no one enters the Jingqin King, it is really unknown whether the three major battalions can hold the Beijing Division! Even if the Tartars can't attack the Jingshi and besiege the Jingshi for a few months, I'm afraid the Jingshi will be enough to choke.

In the Jingshi, there are at least six or seven hundred thousand people, and the daily consumption of food alone is astronomical. The household department is in charge of money and grain, and Shi Kefa knows the grain reserves of Jingshi best. Even with the strictest food controls, I am afraid it will not be able to sustain three months. In other words, three months later, even if the Tartars did not attack the city, the Kyoshi itself would be destroyed.

After pondering for a moment, Shi Kefa said slowly: "Please also ask Lord Du Du to give advice." ”

Zhang Zhun nodded and said casually: "I'm talking about it casually, Shi Langzhong has heard it." ”

Shi Kefa naturally didn't know how to listen to it, subconsciously straightened his body and listened attentively.

Zhang Zhun immediately pointed out unceremoniously.

Once the Tartars knocked south, of course the imperial court wanted to mobilize troops into King Qin. Seriously, the three major battalions of the Jingshi may not be able to keep the Jingshi, if the Tartars are really vicious. The emperor and the cabinet probably did not dare to rely only on the three battalions to guard the capital. The first time the Tartars entered the Kou, the second time they entered the Kou, the imperial court all transferred troops to the King of Jingqin, and I believe that the third time will not be an exception.

The question is, where did the imperial court transfer troops from? How many soldiers can be transferred?

At present, the main army of the imperial court is divided into two large lumps. A lump is in Liaodong, fighting the Tartars head-on, and no one dares to move. Yilum, in the Central Plains, also did not dare to move. The only ones that the imperial court could mobilize were the armies of Shanxi, Shandong, Henan, and Nanzhili. Among them, Henan itself is eroded, and there is no army to adjust at all. Nanzhili's army needs to protect Jiangnan and protect the financial resources of the Ming Empire, and it is also impossible to transfer too much. Therefore, in the end, King Qin's army had to be drawn from Shanxi and Shandong. However, how many troops can be drawn from Shanxi and Shandong?

Shanxi is already on the front line of the fight against the Tartars, and it is good that there is no need to continue to increase troops, where can we still send troops to reinforce the Beijing division? Unless it is the Ming Empire, it doesn't want this piece of land in Shanxi. It must be known that this time there were also a large number of Mongolian cavalry accompanying Jianyu to the south. The first two invasions of the Tatars were only cavalry from a few tribes such as Horqin of Mongolia, and the number was only 20,000 or 30,000. Now, the entire Mongolian steppe, all the Mongolian cavalry, have joined the ranks of Jianguo and become Jianlu's accomplices. All the Mongol cavalry combined, at least more than 100,000 people.

It is necessary to have a clear understanding of the combat capabilities of the Mongol cavalry.

For a long time, the Mongols were still somewhat unwilling to defeat themselves. The Tumubao Change, as well as the Tatar siege of Beijing during the Jiajing period, are all manifestations of this unwillingness. In terms of combat effectiveness, the current Mongolian cavalry is certainly inferior to the Mongolian cavalry of the time of Temujin and Kublai Khan. As a whole, the Mongols were degenerate. However, they were cavalry after all, nomads after all, and in terms of mounted archery and mobility, they had an incomparable advantage over the Han army.

And the current Jianyu is just in the rising period, whether it is the various slave chiefs or the internal incentive system, it is relatively good. It is precisely on the basis of this advanced and effective incentive system that the fighting capacity of the Jianyu is built. Their biggest flaw is that they are too few in numbers and not enough in force. Without the existence of the Mongols, the development of Jianyu would have been much slower. However, the presence of the Mongols gave Jianlu a great boost.

In fact, the combat effectiveness of the Mongolian cavalry at the grassroots level is still okay. The main reason for the fall of the Mongols was that the upper strata were completely **. The current Mongol princes and nobles do not have a single outstanding figure, including Lin Dan Khan. Even if the Mongolian cavalry at the grassroots level was brave, the Mongols as a whole had lost the ability to seize the Central Plains. However, if it was up to Jianyu to command these grassroots Mongol cavalry, the situation would have changed.

The so-called soldier will be a nest of bears, and the former Mongols were like this. Now, this very bearish one will be replaced and turned into a group of lions led by a tiger, and this kind of combat power is still very impressive. If Huang Taiji can combine the perfection of the Mongolian Eight Banners with the Jianyu, even the current Zhang Zhun will not dare to wipe his edge lightly. Fortunately, Huang Taiji did not have enough time to fully integrate the Mongolian Eight Banners, and he could not fully exert the combat effectiveness of the Mongolian cavalry for the time being.

Shanxi's army can't move, so it can only move Shandong. If there was no tricky Zhang Zhun existing, Shandong would indeed be able to transfer some troops to enter the king of Qinwang in Beijing. Question, isn't Zhang Zhun in Shandong Dragon Spirit Tiger Fierce? The imperial court did not continue to transfer troops to Shandong and suppressed Zhang Zhun, which is already very good, and still expect to transfer troops from Shandong? Do you really want to hand over Shandong to Zhang Zhun?

Moreover, even without Zhang Zhun's existence, the army that Shandong can mobilize is thirty or forty thousand people. Shandong's army, in the battle sequence of the Ming army, can only be regarded as average, and the Ming army in Liaodong and the Qin army in Shanxi must not be compared. Even if it is the imperial court, it is impossible to have too high expectations for the combat effectiveness of the Shandong army.

Of course, in the most critical situation, the imperial court could consider transferring troops from the Central Plains to join the ranks of the Tartars. Whether it is Hong Chengchou or Lu Xiangsheng, they are all civilian officials who are relatively capable of fighting. Both of them have a team of more capable families. It's just that in that case, the chaotic army in the Central Plains will develop with great momentum again. Now that Hong Chengchou and Lu Xiangsheng have joined forces, it is not easy to suppress the momentum of the Shaanxi rebel army, and if they are suddenly transferred away, the Shaanxi rebel army will definitely rebound. God knows how much it will bounce back.

Overstretched, tearing down the east wall and making up the west wall is exactly what the imperial court is most painful about. In real history, the Shaanxi rebels and Tartars seemed to have a heart, and whenever one side was tense, the other side would attack, forcing the imperial court to draw troops from the front line to alleviate the other side's dilemma.

Among them, the most obvious is the eleventh year of Chongzhen, Li Zicheng has been beaten to only a few dozen people, and as long as the officials and soldiers work harder, they can eat him. However, the Tartars suddenly entered the Kou, and the officials and soldiers had to be transferred, so Li Zicheng successfully survived the catastrophe, and since then he has soared all the way, and finally buried the Chongzhen Dynasty.

In addition, the money and food of the imperial court are always very tight. It is absolutely not feasible to order the troops from other places to come to Beijing to assist in the defense, and there is not enough money and food. Knowing that King Qin's entry into Beijing was going to fight with the Tartars, his life was in danger, so in terms of money and grain, it would be impossible for the imperial court to stimulate the morale of King Qin's army if he did not come up with double the food and salary.

However, can the current imperial court get double the salary? Shi Kefa is very pessimistic about this. The annual income of the imperial court's Taicang silver (treasury) is only three or four million taels of silver, plus Emperor Chongzhen's own internal money, it is only six or seven million taels of silver, which is not enough for expenses at all. At present, the amount of Taicang silver is probably less than 300,000 taels, what can be used to pay food and salary for King Qin's army?

More important is food. Money can be withheld for a while, but it is impossible for a soldier to go without food. Fighting with the Tartars, where does the combat power come from if you don't have enough to eat? Food is a huge problem. Beizhili was plundered by the Tatars last year, and suffered heavy losses, and basically there was not much grain returned to the warehouse. All grain has to be shipped from Jiangnan. That's a lot of work.

Shi Kefa said cautiously: "The lower officials will try their best to facilitate it, and ask the imperial court to send adults to Beijing to take on important responsibilities." ”

Zhang Zhun couldn't help but laugh.

I've seen naivety, I've never seen such naivety!

Shi Kefa actually thought that the imperial court would let him enter the king of Jingqin!

His knowledge of politics and military affairs is simply lacking. So much so that when the Qing army went south, he naively imagined that the Qing army would not stay in the Central Plains for a long time, and after enough burning, killing and looting, he would still return to his hometown in Liaodong. He also wanted to use the Qing army to eliminate Li Zicheng. As a result, in the end, he was caught off guard by the Qing army. Shi Kefa's stubborn defense of Yangzhou is tragic, but in terms of strategy and tactics, it is really miserable.

Zhang Zhun shook his head and said coldly: "Shi Langzhong, the imperial court will not allow me to enter the King of Jingqin, and it is even impossible to cross the Yellow River. ”

Shi Kefa was slightly stunned, and subconsciously asked: "That...... What to do? ”

As soon as the words came out, I felt a little weak, and I really shouldn't have asked such ignorant words. After all, he came on behalf of the imperial court, and Zhang Zhun could not be made to feel that the imperial court was completely helpless in this matter. However, the words have been spoken, and it is impossible to take them back.

What Zhang Zhun wanted was Shi Kefa's weak speech, and what he wanted was the opportunity to speak like this, so he directly threw out his request and said loudly: "If the imperial court believes me, I hope to be in charge of Shandong's military affairs." ”

Shi Kefa subconsciously refused, frowned and said, "This is impossible. Only governors, governors, prime ministers, governors, and governors can rule over the military affairs of a province. ”

Zhang Zhun said with a smile: "Does Shi Langzhong think that Zhu Dadian can do it?" ”

Shi Kefa frowned.

Zhu Dadian's ability, he has heard a little, and the details are not very clear. However, he is definitely not as good as Zhang Zhun. Because, in Shandong, Zhu Dadian has been beaten by Zhang Zhun and has no temper. Zhu Dadian couldn't help Zhang Zhun from the fact that the whole court, including the emperor, probably knew it. It's just that everyone tacitly agreed that the matter was not made public.

The reason is very simple, if anyone makes the inside story public, he must be ready to succeed Zhu Dadian. If you think Zhu Dadian can't do it, then you can replace him. After arriving in Shandong, you packed up Zhang Zhun and returned to Beijing. Who can mix in the top level of the court is a fool? The powerful relationship has naturally been clear for a long time. At this time, going to Shandong to replace Zhu Dadian is no different from jumping into a fire pit.

However, it is absolutely impossible for Zhang Zhun to dominate the military affairs of a province. This involves a power struggle between civilian officials and military attachés, and involves the most basic principle of using civilian power to control military force. Shi Kefa is a civil official, and the principle of the supremacy of civil officials is deeply rooted in his bones, and he is convinced that military attaches must be subject to civilian constraints. He would never agree to Zhang Zhun taking charge of the military affairs of a province. If such a precedent is set, the martial arts will be supreme, and there will be no place for civil officials to die in the future.

After pondering for a moment, Shi Kefa said slowly: "Perhaps, under the leadership of the Governor, Lord Governor can focus on front-line military affairs, and he can deal with it on the spot, without asking for instructions." ”

Zhang Zhun said coldly: "Shi Langzhong means that he wants me to die in the front, and Zhu Dadian will say cool things in the back?" Can it be understood that I am the only one fighting against the Tartars, and everyone else is watching from the wall? ”

Shi Kefa was stunned.

Actually, he didn't mean it that way. However, he did hope that Zhang Zhun would charge forward. This is still the ideology of the civilian officials at work - you warriors are charging into battle. It's just that under specific circumstances, it is indeed not an exaggeration for Zhang Zhun to have such an understanding. In fact, in Shi Kefa's consciousness, there is indeed a bit of hope that Zhang Zhun and Tartar will fight and lose both and die together. This is also the consistent thinking of civil officials, driving wolves and tigers, crabs and mussels fighting, and fishermen profit!

Shi Kefa hurriedly said: "Don't misunderstand, Lord Dudu, this is not what Xia Guan meant. ”

Zhang Zhun shook his head and said bluntly: "I won't let the corpse vegetarian person sit on my head and make a fortune." If you want me to fight the Tartars with all my might, you have to give me the corresponding power. If I can't preside over Shandong's military affairs, I won't be able to give full play to my abilities. ”

Shi Kefa will never compromise on issues of principle, and he is not afraid of Zhang Zhun's threats. Shi Kefa, who is afraid of death, will not die in Yangzhou in the future. He was equally straightforward: "No way. Lord Dudu's request, Shi Mou could not agree. ”

Zhang Zhun nodded and said coldly: "In that case, Shi Langzhong, please go back." ”

Shi Kefa was angry and couldn't help but say: "The Tartars are raging, poisoning the living beings, Lord Du doesn't think about how to fight the Tartars, he only thinks about expanding his territory and power, putting his personal ambitions above the interests of the country, and his intentions can be punished!" ”

Zhang Zhun said coldly: "Of course I will fight against the Tartars, but I am definitely not a dog of the imperial court!" As for your words, I can return them in their original sentences. The Tartars are raging, and the court doesn't think about how to unite the forces of all parties and deal with the difficulties together, but only thinks about preventing this and that, and is not at ease with its own people compared to the Tartars, what is this? Can I punish my intentions? Could it be that Chongzhen's intentions cannot be punished? ”

Shi Kefa's face suddenly turned red, and he shouted angrily: "You! Zhang Zhun, don't talk about it! You, you dare to say that the emperor is not! ”

Zhang Zhun said coldly: "Since the court can't deal with the Tartars by itself, then get out!" If you don't have the ability to be an emperor, you can do it by someone else! ”

Shi Kefa was suddenly furious, pointed at Zhang Zhun and scolded: "You! You traitor! ”

Zhang Zhun still said hard: "I'll repeat it again!" If the imperial court doesn't let me take charge of Shandong's military affairs, don't think I will send a single soldier! ”

Shi Kefa clenched his fists angrily, his face pale. At this moment, he was really furious. Zhang Zhun actually said such a rebellious language as changing the emperor in front of him. As an orthodox scholar and a loyal daimyo official, Shi Kefa absolutely could not tolerate Zhang Zhun's madness.

However, no matter how angry Shi Kefa was, he couldn't do anything about Zhang Zhun. He understands very well that Zhang Zhun does have the determination to argue with the imperial court. What's even worse is that Zhang Zhun also has the ability to call the court louder. The Tiger Ben Army can kill thousands of Tartars in Huang County in one go, and such combat effectiveness is something that the imperial court army will never be able to achieve. At this moment, what Shi Kefa was looking forward to the most was that a thunderbolt from the sky would slash down and beat Zhang Zhun, a traitor, to pieces.

It took a long time for Shi Kefa to control his anger, try his best to calm himself, and said slowly: "Zhang Zhun, you will regret it!" ”

Zhang Zhun said coldly: "I hope Shi Langzhong gets his wish!" ”

Shi Kefa left in a huff.

"Let's go!"

"Let's go to Cangzhou!"

After Shi Kefa left, Zhang Zhun immediately gave the order.