In the East Pavilion, the center of the three grades and more than three important ministers gathered together.

Since he decided to fight, Lao Zhu let everyone speak freely and put forward their own ideas. In these matters, Lao Zhu is also very divided, has an arbitrary side, and likes to listen to the advice of his courtiers.

Everyone chattered and quickly finalized the preliminary strategy.

If you want to fight, you must press it in an all-round way, not just Chang Yuchun's side, but also Liao Yongzhong and Yang Jing's troops in Wuchang, on the one hand, to seek a breakthrough on the eastern front, and on the other hand, it is also the Xia State to attract troops and reduce the pressure on Chang Yuchun's direction.

Problems are not without them.

The change was too hasty, and it was destined that the northern and eastern fronts of Sichuan and Shu were underprepared, although Chongqing should not have expected Xingyuan to lose it, but in order to resist the Ming army, relatively speaking, the garrisons in the two directions in Ming Xia were still tighter.

Moreover, Shaanxi is initially decided after all.

Although Lao Zhu has ordered Li Siqi, Zhang Liangbi and other Shaanxi clan families to move to Jinling, if Chang Yuchun leads troops into Shu, Shaanxi will inevitably be unstable.

The result of the discussion was to let Chang Yuchun bring as many troops as possible from Li Siqi and other troops into Shuzhong, and at the same time send generals to Shaanxi to guard Chang'an.

The matter was quickly finalized, and Tang He was chosen.

The Battle of Dadu ended, and Shanxi and Shaanxi were unexpectedly taken in succession, and it stands to reason that the Northern Expedition that began in October last year has ended. However, Lao Zhu did not cancel the previous Northern Expedition sequence, but only redeployed in all aspects before and after returning from Bianliang.

Xu Da is still the general of the conquest, and he has changed from sitting in Bianliang to guarding the capital.

Chang Yuchun, as the deputy general of the conquest, was sent to Shaanxi before the previous raid on Kaiping.

The third person, Feng Sheng, was promoted by Lao Zhu to the right deputy general of the conquest, and he is also in Dadu at the moment.

Then there is the No. 4 conquest general Tang He, after taking Shanxi before, he was arranged by Lao Zhu to garrison Taiyuan, compared to He Wenhui, the commander of Henan who was stationed in Bianliang, although it was farther away, but the weight was heavier.

Tang He went to Chang'an, and Feng Sheng went to Taiyuan.

Feng Sheng's plan to reverse the grass valley to train the Ming cavalry was replaced by Li Wenzhong.

Speaking of which, it is already a cold winter in the north at present, and before the beginning of spring, for the sake of prudence, the Ming army will not go out of the fortress at will, after all, once it encounters wind and snow, it will be disastrous for the cavalry.

After roughly deliberating, Lao Zhu looked at Zhu Yuan, who didn't say much except for the initial expression of approval: "Yuan'er, why don't you speak, do you have any suggestions?" ”

Compared with Yang Xian and the others who were standing on the periphery, Zhu Yuan was sitting, and Li Shanchang on the other side was also able to sit down.

Hearing Lao Zhu ask, Zhu Yuan stepped forward: "Ancestor, Yuan'er doesn't understand specific military affairs, so I don't dare to say anything, but Yuan'er takes the liberty to say two things, and I also ask my ancestors and colleagues to correct them." ”

Lao Zhu smiled and signaled: "Hurry up, let me twist." ”

Zhu Yuan was slightly embarrassed, but still said: "First, whether it is the northern front or the eastern front, there are many dangerous places in front of the army, and my proposal is that those that can be exploded with gunpowder must be used more, so it is necessary to strengthen the supply of gunpowder, which will inevitably increase the speed of the army's advance." ”

Lao Zhu nodded: "It's this reason, I will ask the Firearms Department to send all the gunpowder in stock to Wuchang later." Oh, and your hot air balloon, too, must be used. ”

Zhu Yuan continued: "The second, ancestors, and everyone, let's be sure that once the army is launched, there is no turning back from the bow, and the Xia Kingdom cannot be stopped without destroying it." ”

Lao Zhu was a little surprised: "Why? ”

Regarding this, Lao Zhu just thought about it, if it is unfavorable to march in the spring, then withdraw the troops and slow down. After all, Shu is too dangerous, and no one can guarantee whether there will be a case or something like that.

Among the surrounding courtiers, many of them also had similar thoughts.

Everyone didn't mention it in the previous discussion, and they didn't want to destroy their prestige. Moreover, for this battle, everyone generally has very optimistic expectations.

Zhu Yuan glanced around and said: "The Ming Dynasty has swept through the United States in the past year, and the north and the south are invincible, it is conceivable that this has given Xia Guo considerable psychological pressure, and this psychological pressure can make the army get twice the result with half the effort in the process of entering Shu." However, no one can be sure that they will always win the battle, which requires us to prepare in advance, in case the advance does not go well, how to choose? ”

Lao Zhu felt that he understood, but he was not very thorough: "Then why do you have to fight?" ”

"In order to maintain our psychological advantage in Shudi, and at the same time, we will not let Xia Guo have a fluke mentality. Ancestors, think about it, once we suspend military operations when our march is unfavorable, the mentality of those who are originally inclined to belong may change, and they feel that Bashu can still defend and maintain self-reliance, which will multiply our next march. ”

"Hmm...... That's right. ”

People around ...... Although, listening to a certain Xiao Pingzhang speak, it always feels weird, but I can understand it, and at the same time I have to nod in agreement.

Zhu Yuan did not stop, but continued: "Ancestor, the armies have been fighting for a year, and the soldiers are physically and mentally exhausted. Originally, it was good to take a break for a while, and temporary changes will inevitably affect morale, so I think, can I motivate me? ”

Without waiting for Lao Zhu to ask, Zhu Yuan had already given a plan: "Regarding the statistics of the whole army this time, the follow-up rewards are related, and the matter of rewarding the fields in the future, I think that the whole army can be notified in advance, especially the soldiers who entered Shu, to let them know that the more meritorious service, the more rewards they will receive in the future, even if they unfortunately die in battle, their military merits will not disappear, but will be left to their families." ”

Although he did not go to the court, Zhu Yuan still knew about the two major events at the morning court meeting.

Lao Zhu heard Zhu Yuan say this, and naturally agreed.

Everyone present had no opinions, but they were all keenly aware of one of the points, and in the process of looking at each other, Cheng Zhangyi couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, where did you come from...... Reward fields? ”

"Heh, this is a private discussion between me and Yuan'er, and there is no specific charter," Lao Zhu said, and signaled to Kang Maocai: "Didn't Maocai want Tuntian after that, the land obtained from this Tuntian, Yuan'er proposed that it be evenly distributed to the soldiers of all armies in the future, and it can be regarded as a reward for following me to lay down this country, and I also think it is good." ”

There was a moment of silence.

After a while, Yang Xian, who participated in the politics of Zhongshu, spoke: "Lord, this move is like the system of Juntian in the Tang Dynasty, and the ministers feel that it is inappropriate. Future...... If there is no land to divide, how can the soldiers use their lives? ”

"I have said that there is no specific charter, and I will definitely not repeat Li Tang's mistakes in the future," Lao Zhu said, ignoring Yang Xian, turning to Li Shanchang and saying: "As Yuan'er said, you will also add this report later and send it to the whole army." ”

Li Shanchang didn't look at Zhu Yuan, nor did he object, he sat on the chair and bowed slightly in agreement.

Lao Zhu asked everyone if they had any other opinions, and when they saw that everyone shook their heads, he sent the ministers to get busy.

Only let Zhu Yuan stay.

When everyone else left, Lao Zhu signaled that Zhu Yuan didn't have to get up, and while picking up a book and flipping it open, he asked with a smile: "Is your body better?" ”

"It's much better, I went to Jinling University today to read the test papers."

"You still have to pay more attention, don't work hard," Lao Zhu said, and then changed the subject: "I recently gave Biao'er to study your economics, heh, the 'production' article, and the log you had when you were in Mingzhou." Biao'er said that he had a lot of feelings, but there were also many unclear points...... Well, forget it today, the future will be long. Wait...... I went to the inner palace and said something, so I hurried back to rest. ”

Inner Palace...... Thing?

What is the situation?

Facing Zhu Yuan's doubts, Lao Zhu looked mysterious, and said with a smile: "I also called you here in the past two days, but today, you just went directly to the queen and asked her to talk to you." ”

Zhu Yuan was confused, and he still had a bad feeling, but he could only agree.

Seeing that Lao Zhu waved his hand to drive people away, Zhu Yuan didn't leave immediately, and thought for a while: "Ancestor, I think we can open up a conference room here." ”

Lao Zhu Cai used a red pen to write a few words on the music in front of him, and raised his head when he heard the words: "Conference room? ”

Zhu Yuan gestured: "That's it...... A large table, the ancestors sit at the head, the courtiers are on both sides, and they can record or read the documents at any time during the meeting. In addition, it is best to set up a blackboard at the end of the table to facilitate the courtiers to hang documents or write explanations. Ancestor, to be honest, this is more efficient than standing with empty hands and talking with your brain, just like me, I am weak, I have been discussing for a long time, if I stand, my legs will soon be sore, dizzy and swollen, I can't remember what to say, I think some old ministers are the same. ”

"I know," Lao Zhu nodded: "You got that in Mingzhou...... Oh, there are people who impeach you for this, mess around. ”

It is indeed not in line with etiquette to let Lao Zhu and his courtiers sit at the same table, and they can't care about these in this era.

Zhu Yuan thought for a moment and said: "Then change it, in the same conference room, the ancestor has a single throne, which is placed higher according to the regulations, and then it is still a long table...... Well, if the ancestor thinks it's inappropriate, forget it. ”

Speaking of this, the main reason is that Zhu Yuan and Zuo Xiang sat before, and everyone else could only stand, which was somewhat embarrassing.

Moreover, getting a conference room can really improve efficiency.

Lao Zhu didn't shake his head, groaned slightly, and said, "You said that this is all true, and I am not a rigid person, hmm...... I'll have someone clean up the south side of the house later, and make it as you said...... Conference room. After saying this, Lao Zhu drove people away again: "That's it for today, you go to the harem." ”

Zhu Yuan didn't say anything more, got up and said goodbye.

Out of the East Pavilion, take a small sedan chair all the way north to Qianqing Gate, because it was Lao Zhu's order, after the report, he was able to enter quickly.

Ma was waiting for him in a side hall of the Qianqing Palace.

After seeing the ceremony, he instructed the chamberlain to bring a stool for Zhu Yuan to sit down, and Ma also asked a few words about his body, before he smiled and opened a mahogany box on the table on the side: "That's it, your age is also up, a few days ago, my husband ordered me to pick one for you, to see that the girl is suitable, I picked a few, and painted a portrait, you come and take a look." ”

As he spoke, he had taken out a one-foot-long scroll from the box, and unfolded it: "This is the daughter of the Governor Tongzhi Kang Maocai's family, this year is sixteen, I think she is the most suitable, and the others are smaller." ”

The couple discussed choosing an older girl for Zhu Yuan before, but the problem is that in this era, even if they don't get married, it is not common for them to be married at the age of sixteen.

Only then did Zhu Yuan remember that Kang Mao had only seen his expression when he was on the side of the East Pavilion before...... Seems a little weird.

Well.

It seems that it is not only Kang Maocai.

Don't...... Everyone knows that the queen is choosing a daughter-in-law for herself, but I don't know?

Wrong!

The problem now is not this.

Seeing that the waiter took the scroll and unfolded it in front of Zhu Yuan, Zhu Yuan didn't look at the portrait, but turned to Ma's: "Niangniang, I'm ...... I'm still young. ”

"It's not small, some people, at your age, have given birth to a few children," Ma looked at him gently, paused, and said: "This is your 'Lord' order, I hope you will get married and have children sooner." ”

Ma mentioned the word 'Lord' with a surging ridicule.

is already a family, Ma Shi felt that this title was not quite right, but seeing the appearance of both grandparents and grandchildren, she did not deliberately correct it.

Obviously, she didn't know that Zhu Yuan was talking about 'ancestors', not 'masters'.

Zhu Yuan didn't have time to worry about this, but he instantly understood Lao Zhu's thoughts, probably worried about his body...... It's too early, so I hope he will have a descendant sooner or something.

This is also the general mentality of this era.

There are three unfilial pieties, and no queen is great, probably like this.

It's like...... Traditionally, there is also a much-criticized custom of 'rushing for joy', on the one hand, in the hope of creating some unlikely miracles with happy events, and on the other hand, why not to leave future generations?

Thinking about this, Zhu Yuan was a little moved for a while.

Lao Zhu really didn't have anything to say to himself.

However, moving is moving, getting married...... Glancing at the melon-seed-faced girl on the painting scroll, Zhu Yuan quickly turned to Ma again: "Niangniang...... I, well, Yuan'er is very grateful to the ancestors, and the mother, but ...... I feel that I ...... Can you talk to your ancestor first? ”

Ma Shi was interested: "Is there anything you can't talk to me about?" ”

This...... Not really.

I'm going to say that I'm from 600 years later, and I'm afraid you're going to call someone to kill the demon on the spot.

Seeing that Zhu Yuan was speechless for a while, Ma picked up another painting scroll: "I think it's because I'm dissatisfied with Kang Maocai's family, look at this again, Wu Liang's family, Wu Liang...... You know, your lord doesn't like his stubbornness, but he also knows his virtue, and the family style of the Wu family must be good, this is the eldest mother of the Wu family, fifteen this year. ”

Another chamberlain took the scroll and displayed it in front of Zhu Yuan.

Seeing Zhu Yuan's restless appearance, Ma Shi said with a smile: "Even if you want to talk to your lord, you have to finish reading my selection of these girls first, I have to think about it." ”

】

All right.

Zhu Yuan could only watch with a hard head while listening to Ma's introduction.

I can't help but remember the history of the people involved in my mind, as if ...... It's all bumpy.

It's bumpy!

After reading the eight portraits, Ma finally let go of Zhu Yuan: "Go, after talking to your lord, give me a reply." ”

Zhu Yuan got up and said goodbye.

When I saw Lao Zhu again, I found that someone was instructing some guards to vacate a room south of the East Pavilion.

It's really vigorous.

I didn't expect my baby twenty-third grandson to come back, Lao Zhu asked Zhu Yuan to consult a few words on the spot, and the two grandparents returned to his office study.

sat down opposite, and seeing Zhu Yuan's tangled look, Lao Zhu also showed a rare ridicule: "What's the matter, aren't you satisfied?" ”

Zhu Yuan sorted out his thoughts a little, and finally made a decision, stood up, solemnly knelt down to Lao Zhu opposite the book, and saluted: "Ancestor, Yuan'er doesn't want to get married." ”