Cui Yuan came over to discuss tactics with Yang Yiqing on behalf of Li Yan.

is different from before, the current Cui Yuan is more like the leader of Li Yan, and even Zheng Ying, the Marquis of Wu'an, is willing to be dispatched by him, not for anything else...... is because Cui Yuan fought too bravely in the previous battle and became a model for the whole army, in Zheng Ying's opinion, since they are all pioneers sent by Zhu Hui, it is better to mix with Cui Yuan than to go it alone.

When looking back and calculating the credit, Zheng Ying and his 2,000 soldiers may have more benefits.

"Governor Yang, in his opinion, the plan for now is to intercept the Tatars from crossing the Yellow River to the north, and they should set up an ambush on the north bank and flank them forward, forcing the Tatars to withdraw from the south bank to the northeast along the Yellow River, and then try to rely on Baoguo Gong and other men and horses to surround them......

As soon as Cui Yuan came up, he showed Yang Yiqing his "grand ambition".

When Yang Yiqing heard this, he was naturally unhappy, I was commending you for your exploits in the battle of Shigou City, but it doesn't mean that I agree with your tactics, let alone listen to your dispatch.

Zhang Yu on the side was an old fox, and when he saw this posture, he interjected with a smile: "Cui Yuma, it's easy to say, it's not easy for us to cross the river now, the Yellow River has risen now, and there are no soldiers and horses to intercept it on the other side, you don't want to send all the way to cross the river first, right?" Who goes? Are you going?"

Cui Yuan said: "Gonggong Zhang, what I mean is that there are not many people crossing the river, as long as they take out a few cannons and bombard the river, the Tatars will not dare to cross the river. Even if they cross the river, they will even retreat to the south bank as long as they blow up a few points with some mighty gunpowder."

"Too much to take for granted, huh?" Zhang Yi was a little annoyed.

When I met an idealistic leader, I thought you were a hero, but my feelings were because you were ignorant and fearless.

Yang Yiqing was very interested in Cui Yuan's words, and he said, "What does Cui Yuma mean is to set up ambush soldiers?"

Cui Yuan said: "I heard that the Tatars crossed the Yellow River from the north of the Hetao, and it was impossible for them to carry the baggage across the river with their cavalry, and it was impossible to transfer the boats upstream from the north of the Hetao.

"Makes sense." Yang Yiqing nodded in agreement.

Zhang Yi looked at Yang Yiqing, his eyes seemed to be questioning, just like this, do you still think he is reasonable?

Yang Yiqing then analyzed: "The Tatars are now like frightened birds, and the slightest disturbance will make their hearts discouraged, and they want to force their way across the river under our siege, but I am afraid that there will be opposition in their army."

Cui Yuan thought that he had received recognition from Yang Yiqing, and said with a smile: "That's exactly what I mean."

Yang Yiqing immediately said with a straight face: "The truth is right, but the number of artillery that can be used now is small, and now it is not easy for the Ming people and horses on the south bank to cross the river, and the north bank cannot send enough soldiers and horses. What do you think?"

As soon as these words came out, Cui Yuan was a little surprised.

He also thought that Yang Yiqing would be like him, and he would start formulating strategies without hesitation in this kind of major matter, who knew that he would actually come to ask his opinion now.

This kind of talk...... is exactly the same as the content of Zhang Yu's questioning of him before, and it also makes Cui Yuan realize that people treat themselves as outsiders.

Cui Yuan said: "If Governor Yang thinks it is feasible, he is willing to cross the river with all the soldiers and horses, just upstream, and forcibly cross the river tonight, even if it is a light boat."

Yang Yiqing said: "With a light boat raft, the horses can't get by."

Cui Yuan nodded and said, "That's okay, as long as people go over, just transport some more cannons, and then try to find out if there are any larger ships and how many can be transported."

Zhang Yu asked, "From the upstream, can you rush to block *** crossing the river?" You have passed, why do you think you can fight the cavalry who crossed the river?"

"Grandpa Zhang, you can't say that." Yang Yiqing immediately stopped Zhang Yu, "Cui Yuma has such courage, which can be called a model of the Ming general, and this official should also cooperate." In this way, we can inform you of any ships in the upper reaches of Ningxia that can be seconded for the time being, but there is no need to delay, and this battle may start before noon tomorrow."

"Hmm." Cui Yuan said, "Maybe it won't be like that

For a long time, there may be a war tonight."

Yang Yiqing said: "This battle is dangerous, the soldiers who cross the river can be said to be a risky battle, if there are not enough horses, they will not even have a chance to withdraw their troops. Cui Ju Marco has to think clearly."

"Okay."

Cui Yuan nodded, probably making up his mind.

Cui Yuan led people to ride away on horseback.

After the people left, Yang Yiqing's department also stopped for a short rest.

Even if they march day and night, the soldiers can not sleep, but they cannot go without eating.

And as the Tatars got closer and closer, the war could break out at any time, and Yang Yiqing had to let the soldiers take a break.

When Yang Yiqing dismounted and arrived at the bonfire, Zhang Yi came over and said, "Yang Junmen, this means that we can hold our troops tonight and wait for Xiangchengbo and Wu'anhou to lead their troops across the river to set up an ambush to intercept them?"

Yang Yiqing said, "Do you think what Cui Yuma said is feasible?"

"Huh?" Zhang Yu was surprised, "Not feasible? That's ......."

Yang Yiqing had a bowl of soup scooped out of the pot on the campfire, but it was too hot and needed to be put aside, and he said, "I just want the Tatars to think that our goal is to make them unable to cross the river."

Zhang Yu smiled bitterly: "You are really far-sighted, our family is not as good."

Now Zhang Yi didn't want to ask Yang Yiqing what his next plan was, he seemed to feel that Yang Yiqing was also quite crazy.

After a short time, Guo Jun came over with a herald and said, "My lord, Gonggong Zhang, I have just learned the news that Cui Fuma has returned to his army, and when he heard that he is ready to go four or five miles upstream, he is ready to cross the river, and the Tatars are already sending scouts to this side. The Tatars have been resting on the banks of the river and are likely to ...... Cover up at any time."

Zhang Yu asked impatiently, "Did you forcibly cross the river?"

Guo Jun was puzzled: "The road ahead is blocked by ***, thousands of phalanxes, just by not collecting at night, they can't know the situation on the riverbank, unless they have to wait until after dawn. At the moment, it seems that ...... I haven't crossed the river yet."

Yang Yiqing said: "There is no need to think about checking the situation on the riverbank, even if it does, it may be a suspicious plan of the Tatars."

"This ......," Zhang Yu said, "We are now in a situation where you are dying, and we are not enough people, so I'm afraid that the next goal of *** is to swallow us and avenge Huamachi and Shigouyi, or let's retreat thirty miles first and wait for reinforcements to arrive."

Yang Yiqing seemed to understand the matter and said, "It is not necessary to retreat now, but if you advance, you must also judge the situation and find out the movements of the Tatars first. It's a pity that Your Majesty doesn't seem to have made any arrangements for this battle, but I don't know why."

"Your Majesty...... Arrangement?" Zhang Yu and Guo Jun were a little confused when they heard it.

You are now, as the commander in front of the battle, you are still thinking that the emperor who is two thousand miles away will give you an order to help you dispatch troops?

Are you Yang Yiqing such a spineless and incapable mediocrity?

It's not your character.

Yang Yiqing said: "Whether it is Huamachi or Shigou City, Your Majesty has a detailed will to convey, even if Shigou City does not mention how to cooperate with the use of troops, but it also accurately says the next movement of the Tatars, which is equivalent to saying that there is a pair of eyes that know every move of the Tatars before the war."

"Huh." Zhang Yu smiled bitterly, "This is not Your Majesty, it should be...... Cai Guogong, right?"

Yang Yiqing nodded, obviously he couldn't refute this statement.

"But since the end of the Battle of Shigou City, I have not been able to know any further movements of the Tatars, which means that it is now up to us to wait for the on-the-spot response." Yang Yiqing sighed, "It will take more than a day for our foot soldiers to arrive, and the rest of the men and horses will probably arrive at this time, which means that before nightfall tomorrow, if the Tatars have no intention of crossing the river, they will definitely want to fight a decisive battle with us on the south bank of the Yellow River. They want to be ashamed, and we will pursue it."

Zhang Yu said, "Then why don't we withdraw our troops? We have only six or seven thousand cavalry here, plus four thousand men and horses from Xiangcheng Bo and Wu'anhou...... Barely over 10,000. By the way, you also asked Cui to lead the people across the river...... This...... we

There are not enough firearms, 10,000 to 30,000, you have to lose. So what are we going to do? Don't chase after you from the beginning, can't it be over?"

Yang Yiqing added a piece of firewood to the fire and said, "If we don't chase from the beginning, or withdraw our troops now, it means that we will let the Tatars wreak havoc in the territory of the Ming Dynasty, they can cross the river without hindrance, and the people and animals in Zhongtun and other places in Ningxia can be plundered wantonly, and then they will go away. At that time, they have lost two or three thousand soldiers, but they may take away tens of millions of people and cattle from our Ming Dynasty.

"Huh?"

Zhang Yu was there, unable to say a word.

Yang Yiqing said: "If you want to blame, you can only blame Baoguo Gong for not galloping to help, the 30,000 soldiers and horses of Tatar rely on our local soldiers and horses in Ningxia, and they can only do maneuvering, and only the 50,000 soldiers and horses of Baoguo Gong have a chance to win." But now the Duke of Bao Guo is afraid of the battle, and he has entrusted us with the errand of the main battle!"

Zhang Yu felt the same way and sighed: "That's right, there are countless artillery, guns and gunpowder on the side of Baoguo Gong, but they don't dare to fight *** head-on, what does he think?"

Yang Yiqing said: "I dare to say that after this battle, no matter whether my Ming border army wins or loses, Baoguo Gong will definitely be held accountable by His Majesty, otherwise, it is connivance and protection, I believe that with today's Xiongtao Wuxue and Cai Guogong's wisdom, it is impossible to let Baoguo Gong be a moth in the Governor's Mansion and continue to stay in the army to harm the Ming soldiers."

"Well said." Zhang Yu said, "Lord Yang, I didn't see it before, it turns out that you not only know the situation in Ningxia well, but also know the situation in the DPRK and China. This time, you have received a reminder from Cai Guogong, and you have obtained such military merits, if you can retreat from this battle, the future future is limitless, and you can not forget to bring our family a hand at that time."

Yang Yiqing looked at the past, and did not put on an arrogant stand, but said in a sincere tone: "This battle also requires the full cooperation of Father-in-law Zhang."

Zhang Yi smiled, he seemed to understand why Yang Yiqing wanted to tell him this.

Now it is necessary to fight to the death with about 10,000 men and horses in three ways to fight the Tatars, and if there are still discordant voices in the team, then the chances of winning this battle will be greatly reduced.

And he, Zhang Yan, as the eunuch guarding the town, is the "discordant voice" that can influence the outcome of the battle, so now Yang Yiqing also urgently needs to stand on the same position as him Zhang Yan, and now it is to win him Zhang Yan, link him with the future future, and no longer mention any retreat and war avoidance.

"Okay." Zhang Yi understood the reason and knew that there was no way to retreat.

In this case, what else can be said about being able to support and support each other with a rising military bull like Yang Yiqing?

I have to do my life.

The Imperial Palace, early in the morning, before the court meeting.

The ministers had already arrived early, and it was not yet time to enter the noon gate, and the officials were still waiting, and there was a person on Liu Jian's side who was discussing things with him that day, it was Ma Wensheng, the secretary of the ministry.

Next to Liu Jianjian, there is also a person who is silently listening to opinions, it is Li Dongyang.

「…… According to local reports, Zhang Bingkuan's annual income from minerals alone is not less than 200,000 taels of silver, and even if some of them are levied on the imperial court in terms of mining taxes, the local government is dependent and dedicated to the protection of the imperial court, and then there are many people who open mountains and mines, which has a far-reaching impact on the locality, so that the land is deserted and the people are migrating......

Ma Wensheng reported to Liu Jian that he wanted to unite some people and cancel Zhang Zhou's permission to open a mine.

It even stopped mining in various places.

For Zhang Zhou and Zhu Youzhang, the purpose of mining is to mine coal, smelt iron, and make firearms, which is for the benefit of the country and the people.

But for the officials of this era, they don't think so, in the eyes of Confucianism, any behavior that does not farm is "bringing disaster to the country and the people", even if the previous mining is done, the imperial court does see some benefits, but this matter seems to be more and more negative news, plus Zhang Zhou was indeed a monolith before it is not easy to attack, this is also a rare opportunity.

Li Dongyang said: "Isn't most of Zhang Bingkuan's mining income handed over to the imperial court? As a result, the Inner Government also received a lot of money and grain for the affairs of the border towns."

Ma Wensheng glanced at Li Dongyang and didn't answer.

Liu Jian said, "Yes

What is changed is that one person occupies the mountains and rivers of the Ming Dynasty, and if everything is disposed of by his personal likes and dislikes, it will be tantamount to public and private use, and corruption and perversion of the law."

Li Dongyang said with emotion: "If it weren't for Zhang Bingkuan to open the mine, I'm afraid that those places would also be deserted, judging from the current situation, to make cannons, pig iron and coal are needed, and the imperial court will not be able to take them."

Even Liu Jian didn't expect it this time.

It seems that Li Dongyang is inclined to Zhang Zhou in the matter of opening a mine.

"Binzhi, you don't want to mention this matter, then find someone to mention it." Liu Jian didn't want to spoil the unity within Wenchen because of some of Li Dongyang's petty emotions.

Now it is the first assistant of the cabinet and the secretary of the ministry to talk about Zhang Zhou's power to open the mine.

Li Dongyang said: "At such times, I am afraid that His Majesty will not listen to it, and there have been many mentions in the past, but they have not been adopted. Why bother to bring up the old story again when the war in the northwest is still going on?"

In Li Dongyang's opinion, it is too inappropriate for you to mention this matter.

At least after the defeat of Zhang Zhou's army, or after the end of the Ming Dynasty's military-first policy, it is not surprising that he has to take advantage of the emperor's extraordinary enthusiasm for military and political affairs, and he is reprimanded by the emperor.

"Huh." Ma Wensheng smiled.

He also looked at Liu Jian, as if asking, can't your cabinet reach a unified opinion on some things now?

Liu Jian said: "Since the local government has repeatedly played on the matter of mining and raised the drawbacks, it is time to talk about it in the court. Seeing that the summer grain will be collected, according to the current calculation, this year's disaster is not as much as last year, but the summer grain harvest will be reduced a lot, and it is time for more people to return to the matter of farming, and there are too many people gathered in Xishan, and the conscription should also return to the right path."

Obviously, Liu Jian also felt that Zhang Zhou's opening of the mine was a bit messy of the Ming Dynasty's national capital.

transformed a group of peasants into "workers", and even used the forced labor of the Ming Dynasty for things such as city defense construction, and used it for unrealistic things such as mining and building artillery.

If we want to limit Zhu Youzhu and Zhang Zhou's military-first policy, or do we want to start with resources, so that you have nothing to toss, then everything will be under our control and return to what we think is "on the right track"?

The ministers entered the palace.

But Zhang Zhou did not come, although it was discussed, he wanted to participate in this court meeting together and enjoy the glory of victory.

But Zhang Zhou didn't say that he had to come on time, he became the only person in the entire Ming Dynasty hall system who could be late...... And it's justifiably late.

Not for anything else...... He just can't obey the law in everything, if he is a law-abiding Wenchen like Wenchen, everything follows the rules, and Wenchen can't find this kind of small mistake and omission to attack him, then he will attack him with big things.

It's called selling a flaw.

And he didn't enter the court because of the emperor's permission, he came late, and was accused by the people of Honglu Temple, he was nothing, he was punished for a big deal or something, in fact, the emperor never punished him with this, but he would feel that he worked hard and did so many things for the court every day, and he was the busiest person in the Ming Dynasty.

By the time Zhang Zhou arrived at the palace gate, the officials had already gone in and were so anxious that Li Rong, who was waiting in front of the noon gate, was desperate.

"Sir, you can count it as coming, but don't delay the important affairs of the court because you are late." Li Rong looked back at the crowd that had long since disappeared, but he was still urging.

Zhang Zhou said: "I got up late, and in order to deal with His Majesty's summons, I will study in detail the possible route of the Tatars and make some plans in advance. If the Tatars continue to disturb the border, they should also be prepared in advance, right?"

"You've got a heart." Li Rongke didn't care so much, he hurriedly took Zhang Zhou to the door, it was no longer a trend, it was just a trot.

Originally, Li Rong was already old, and he was already out of breath before he trotted a few steps.

After walking forward for a while, Li Rong was indeed tired, slowed down a little, and reminded: "Mr. Zhang, we would like to remind you that there have been objections to your mining recently, and it is estimated that someone will bring up the old matter again today. But if I think there is something successful today, I will suppress this matter."

"Hmm." Zhang Zhou nodded.

Compared with what mines are not opened, the most concerned thing that day must be the result of the battle of Shigou City.

But the emperor was very pressed to death in this matter, and the courtiers probably didn't know the result until now.

Li Rong said with emotion: "The purpose of opening a mine is to enrich the people and strengthen the army, and our family has not understood it, why should they oppose it? Sir really did a good deed, and was also misunderstood by others, this thing ...... Your Majesty, and our family, fully understand you."

This reflects Li Rong's means of standing in line.

spare no effort to tell Zhang Zhou, we are a gang, as long as I am in power one day, I will help you solve the pickling matter of mining mining, and you can rest assured that these things will be handed over to me.

You see, as the director of Dongchang, after I know something, I will notify you in advance, and discuss with you how to deal with it, and even help you secretly solve some people who are looking for trouble, so I will ask you if I am sincere?

Do you use me, or who do you use?

Zhang Zhou said: "Don't say that Gonggong Li can't understand it, I can't understand it either."

said this, but Zhang Zhou was thinking in his heart, there are many things in this world that cannot be understood, the so-called tradition and stereotype, which is really not something that I can change alone.

It is estimated that it will not be able to change for hundreds of years.

Is it good to open a mine...... It's best to ask the Wanli Emperor in the future, he has the most feelings.

Inside the Fengtian Temple.

The court discussion began, and Zhang Zhou was the last to arrive, and as soon as Zhang Zhou stood still, Zhu Youzhi arrived with brisk steps.

After the end of the courtesy, Zhu Youzhu couldn't wait to make the good news of the Northwest good news public, and on the courtier's side, the proposed mining tax and other matters prepared by the engineering department were already ready to fly.

Zhu Youzhu still took the initiative in the end, waved his hand, and asked Xiao Jing to come out and announce the good news.

"Ningxia has just won."

Xiao Jing came up and characterized this matter.

Concert......

Winning the battle, this is the most important thing, as for the victory, listen to me tell you slowly, if there is something to play, please stand aside.

Sure enough, there was no sound in an instant.

Xiao Jing read out the performance of Yang Yiqing and others in detail in front of everyone, and the "danger" of the first battle of Shigou City also surprised the officials present, and Xiao Jing now in order to show that he is of the same heart as Zhang Zhou, and also has the emperor's special instructions, and also specially proposed the strategic importance of Shigou City, in fact, Zhang Zhou has already warned about it.

And this point was obviously not reflected in the performance of Yang Yiqing and others.

After Xiao Jing finished reading Yang Yiqing's copy, Zhu Youzhu took over the conversation and said: "Huamachi and Shigou Station, two battles in a row, and more than 2,000 heads of Di Yi are rare victories. None of this was what I expected...... Originally, I thought that all this would happen in the land of the Loop."

This was very targeted, so he almost pointed out Zhu Hui's name directly, and then pointed at his nose and scolded.

Liu Jian said: "Yang Yiqing, the governor of Ningxia, has made great contributions."

Zhu Youzhu nodded and said, "Speaking of which, the Yang Qing family is indeed meritorious, but the greater credit should be on Bingkuan, all of this was done in his exhaustive strategy, what does Liu Ge think?"

This time, he did not directly ask all the officials present, but asked Liu Jian by name.

Liu Jian arched his hand and did not answer this question directly.

Actually, it's not easy to answer.

"After thinking about it, there are still many things that can be improved in the affairs of the military affairs in the northwest, especially to eliminate redundant personnel and accumulated shortcomings, I am ready to complete this matter before the end of the year, led by the Ministry of War, do you have any opinions?"

This time it's asking everyone.

But as if it was an ultimatum, the general Wenchen and his army did not give a chance to negotiate at all.