Seeing Xie Qian, Hongzhi said cheerfully, "You came at the right time. I was about to send someone to the East Palace to look for you."
When Xie Qian saw Liu Jian and the two Grand Secretaries present, he couldn't help but ask in astonishment, "Your Majesty, did something big happen?"
Liu Jian told him about Northern Yuan's little prince Boyan Khan's retreat, Fire Sieve's plundering, and the other people's different opinions. Xie Qian shook his head and said to Hongzhi Emperor, "Your Majesty, soldiers are the world's weapon of murder; bravery is the world's evil virtue. Neither of them is the weapon of a gentleman!
The Mongolians are barbaric and kill for farming. Our Tian Chao Kingdom, if we also do the same to them, where the teacher is, there will be frequent wars, the people will be in misery, the fields will be barren, thorns will grow, isn't this going against the way of benevolence?
Ming Destiny is a civilized and righteous country. We don't need to plunder other people's property, nor do we need to enslave barbarians. Why do we need to send troops? Now that the world is stable, the politics are clear, the weather is good, the country is prosperous, and the people are at peace. What we are most afraid of is natural disasters and man-made disasters. In my opinion, we should strictly guard the nine borders and stop the barbarians outside the country.
Since Fire Sieve attacked Yanqing along the path, it shows that there are still loopholes in our border defense. I think we can strengthen and lengthen the Badaling of the Great Wall of Yanqing, build a border city, and station troops to guard it. Then the matter will be settled. "
Emperor Hongzhi Emperor was slightly displeased by his words. Soldiers are the world's weapon of murder? Without this weapon, where did Ming Destiny come from? Bravery is the world's evil virtue? But which of the founding emperors, Taizu, and Chengzu didn't conquer the world with martial arts? Did they have to wait for the former emperor to abdicate the throne?
But what Xie Qian said was the sage's last words. Even as an emperor, Hongzhi couldn't refute it. In the eyes of the world's scholars, the sage's moral writings were the golden rules that could never be violated. He gloomily said: "Forget it. I have already summoned the Minister of War Liu Daxia to the palace. Let's see what he has to say before deciding what to do."
After a while, an old voice that sounded like Hong Zhong's came from outside the Imperial Study. "Your subject, the Minister of War, Liu Daxia, is here to see you!"
Upon hearing this, Hongzhi hurriedly ordered. This Liu Daxia was already an old man in his seventies. His hair and beard were all white, but he was hale and hearty. His body was tall and sturdy, and his words and actions were valiant. He had the prestige of a martial artist. The imperial court of Hongzhi had two Great Generals who looked like old Huang Zhong, one was Liu Daxia, the other was Wang Yue, both were old and tender.
Wang Yue's official position and martial art skill were above Liu Daxia's. In the past he was the Minister of War, and later he was in charge of the three borders. At the age of seventy, he personally led an expedition to the foot of the Helan Mountains, and broke through the Little Prince's camp ten li away. He seized camels, horses, oxen, sheep, and weapons, thousands of each. He beat the Little Prince until he fled at the sight of the wind. Based on his merits, he was promoted to the rank of Junior Protector. He was the Great General who controlled the three borders in the Ming Dynasty.
Unfortunately, at that time, it was the treacherous eunuch Li Guang who advocated immortality and becoming an immortal who was in power. Wang Yue knew very well that when a general was on an expedition to the Tartars thousands of miles away, he was most afraid of having his own people holding him back. If there was a shortage of rations and logistics, he would be isolated and helpless.
In order to gain Li Guang's support, Wang Yue sent someone to bribe Li Guang, and even gave him a share of the military achievements. Li Guang received the benefits and had military achievements to gain, so he tried his best to suggest to the Emperor that the imperial court support him with all its might.
However, after Li Guang died of illness and countless treasures were found in his house, he was labeled as a great villain. Not only did Li Guang's party fall, but Wang Yue, who was close to him, was also impeached by the imperial censors and accused of being part of the treacherous party.
In the eyes of the scholars, since the treacherous eunuch was in power, then he should not go against the teachings of the saints and be on good terms with them. Even if it was to feign civility, it should not be done. Moreover, no matter how glib your words are, who knows what you were thinking back then? Didn't you say that if I don't go to hell, who will? Then you can go to hell.
Old Wang Yue led his army and galloped for thousands of miles like a hot knife through butter. At the age of seventy, he killed the Mongolian cavalry until they threw away their helmets and armor. In the end, he did not even have his bones buried in the yellow sand. In the end, he was scolded to death by the imperial censors of the Inspectorate.
Liu Da Xia was an important official in the imperial court. He had assisted the three emperors, Xian, and Xiao, and was a highly respected senior statesman. He was a courageous person, good at leading troops, and honest and selfless. Therefore, although Liu Jian and the others always looked down on military generals, they had some respect for this Minister Liu.
Liu Da Xia finished reading the military report and was silent for half a day. He shook his head slightly and said: "Your Majesty, I also think … it is better to be on guard and not to go out!" Liu Jian, Xie Qian, and Li Dongyang all breathed a sigh of relief.
Miao Kui, however, looked at the sky and was very angry. He knew that although Liu Da Xia was mostly doing this for the sake of the public, it was not necessarily without some selfish motives. This Liu Da Xia has been fighting with the internal officials for many years. He regarded the eunuchs as snakes and scorpions. As long as it was an internal official's suggestion, regardless of whether it was right or wrong, he would be 30% wary.
When Eunuch Zheng went to the Western Ocean seven times, the power of the eunuchs grew. Liu Da Xia thought that going to other countries was a waste of manpower and not beneficial. He was even more afraid that the power of the eunuchs would take this opportunity to rise and become a big threat to the imperial court. Therefore, when Emperor Yingzong wanted to go on a long voyage, he obstructed him. It is said that Eunuch Zheng's nautical treasure map was destroyed in this person's hands.
In the 17th year of Chenghua, Annam (Vietnam) invaded Laos and was defeated. At that time, Eunuch Wang Zhi wanted to take the opportunity to recover Annam, which was no longer obedient to Ming Destiny. He asked the Ministry of War to find the old map of Annam.
Liu Da Xia thought that once the war started, if they lost, there would be heavy casualties and if they won, the power of the eunuchs would grow. Therefore, he hid the route to Annam and refused to hand it over. His policy of locking the country and protecting himself was approved by the scholar-officials. Therefore, even Wang Zhi, who was in power at that time, could not do anything to him.
Now that he said so, was it because he was afraid that the eunuchs would gain power again? Miao Kui thought and looked at him coldly, his eyes full of hatred. But this Liu Da Xia was Hongzhi's most favored official. He governed the Yellow River, wiped out the rebels, supervised the soldiers' pay, and was an honest and clean official. It can be said that he was well known in the court. Although Miao Kui was favored, he did not dare to overstep his authority.
Hearing this valiant general also said so, Hongzhi could not help but feel disappointed. He was unconvinced and said, "During the time of Taizu and Chengzu, we went out several times and defeated the Mongols. Later on, when the Mongols saw the flag of Ming Destiny, they rode their horses far away. Our army wanted to fight but could not find one, so we can show off our power. Why can't we do it now?"
Liu Da Xia cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty is mighty and not inferior to Taizong and Chengzu. But now the troops and horses are far from what they used to be. Moreover, at that time, there were hundreds of thousands of soldiers in the desert. Today, the army of Ming Destiny is good at defending and not good at attacking. Military affairs cannot be taken lightly. For today's plan, defense is the best strategy and war is the worst strategy."
Liu Jian and the other scholars stroked their beards and smiled, expressing their agreement. Hongzhi sighed and said, "My dear minister is well versed in military affairs. My dear minister's words must be reasonable. If not for my dear minister's good advice, I was angry and almost missed the important matter. "
Liu Jian bowed his head and praised, "Your Majesty is able to follow advice and is a wise ruler of the world."
Hongzhi smiled bitterly and waved his hand. He asked Liu Da Xia, "In my dear minister's opinion, how should I deal with it?"
Liu Da Xia thought for a while and said, "The three scholars' words are reasonable. I also think that we should order the generals at the border to understand the enemy's situation and strengthen the defense. In addition, we should build the Great Wall at the Badaling section of Yanqing and build a pass to defend against the enemy. At the same time, we should station a large number of soldiers in the vicinity and build piers and beacons at the crossroads of the mountains and rivers to the north of the city. With these measures in place, the capital will be impregnable and as stable as a rock. "
Hongzhi slowly sat down on the dragon chair and nodded his head, saying, "In your opinion, Grand Scholar Liu, please draft the decree."
"Yes, we will take our leave!" Hongzhi waved his hand and looked at the important officials beside him leaving in a line. He thought sadly, "The Little Prince attacked the border on New Year's Eve and our three armies recovered the lost land in the blink of an eye. Will this fierce tiger really become a cat once we leave the Pass? Ai, maybe they are right. Political and military affairs are half human and half natural. It is difficult to start a business … it is also not easy to defend … "
※ ※ ※
The imperial physician did not dare to lightly say that the Crown Prince was not ill and did not dare to casually prescribe medicine. He casually wrote a few refreshing prescriptions and told the Crown Prince to rest more before leaving. Yang Ling smiled and said to the Crown Prince, "Your Highness, we will act according to the plan tomorrow morning. I will take my leave for now."
"Good, good. Wait for me outside the rear palace gate tomorrow morning." Zhu Houzhao waved his hand absentmindedly. He had watched Luo Xiang and Gao Feng's shadow play last night and was now addicted. With Grand Scholar Xie leaving, it was the right time for them to continue.
Yang Ling saw his expression and bowed deeply without batting an eyelid. He nodded to Gu Daeyong beside him and slowly left. From these two days of interaction, he could see that the so-called Eight Tigers did not have any political ambitions. But in order to cater to the Crown Prince and make him happy, their actions were unavoidably heading down this path.
He had just met the Crown Prince and the Eight Tigers had taken care of Zhu Houzhao since he was a child. In terms of feelings, he could not compare to them. If the Eight Tigers became wary of him and spoke ill of him in front of the Crown Prince, then he could not continue his job as a study attendant. Moreover, the Crown Prince was in the rebellious phase of his youth. If he learned from a loyal official and blindly admonished, it might have the opposite effect.
So Yang Ling did not dare to show a trace of disgust on his face. He only hoped that through his own efforts, he could make this Emperor, who was bound to walk down the path of absurdity according to the original rules of history, be a little different from history. But … although youth was the time when one was most malleable, but … it was only two years. Alas, time waits for no man. He had to do his best.
※ ※ ※
Hu Guo Si Street. Cloth clothes, unkempt hair, a thin horse.
He Canjiang asked along the way and found Yang Ling's house.
It had been more than half a month since he was sent to the capital and locked up in the Ministry of Punishments. Only today was he released from prison and demoted to Baihu. He was to go to a remote place in Guangxi to take up his post.
In this half a month, he finally tasted what was called the fickleness of human nature and the fickleness of the world. Some of his former comrades and old friends were also officials in the capital, but no one dared to come forward and speak a word of justice for him.
When the family heard the news, they let Third Brother bring a large sum of money to the capital. But this case was handed down by the Emperor, and it provoked the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Five Armies. At this time, it was too late to avoid it. Who dared to step into the center of this storm? So even if he wanted to find someone who was a little more accommodating, there was no one.
At this time, he heard that his mother, who was nearly seventy years old, knew that he had been convicted and sent to prison, and her life might be in danger. She was so worried that she could not get out of bed. Now that her illness was serious, the family had even prepared a coffin and shroud. She was even more anxious and grief-stricken.
The Inspector-General, Imperial Messenger Ye, was a civil official and had already died on the battlefield. No one was willing to take the risk of being mean, despicable, and losing their reputation to impeach a scholar who had 'died in battle' on the battlefield. Moreover, he had the support of a hundred pens of the Inspector-General.
That Liu eunuch was a middle-ranking official in the Imperial Palace, a favored person by the Crown Prince's side. Although he currently had no power or influence, he was heavily relied upon by the Crown Prince. Moreover, he was personally appointed by His Majesty to be the Supervisor of the Imperial Army. Unavoidably, by pointing out his demotion, it was like implying that His Majesty did not know how to use people properly.
General He originally thought that at most he would be convicted of being greedy for achievements, advancing rashly, and allowing the enemy to take advantage of him. At worst, he would be demoted and demoted. Later, he saw that the prison officials, who originally had some goodwill towards him, were becoming colder and colder. Later on, they did not even allow his family to visit him. Only then did he feel that something was wrong. Third Brother used money to bribe the prison guards and secretly came to see him. Only then did he know that half of the officials in the capital were now involved in this criminal case.
General He was immediately disheartened. He had been in the officialdom for many years, how could he not know the rules of the officialdom? Since this matter had become so big, the result of the criminal discussion would inevitably form a deadlock. To untie this knot, there was an eighty to ninety percent chance that he, the scapegoat, would be the first to be executed.
With tears in his eyes, General He advised his third brother not to waste money in the capital anymore. He wanted him to quickly return home to take care of his old mother. He also mournfully asked him to prepare an extra set of coffins. He said to him, "Old mother is bedridden. As the eldest son, I cannot fulfill my filial duties in front of her. I can only serve mother on the road to the Yellow Springs."
His third brother left in tears. Since then, General He had been wholeheartedly waiting for death. Over the past few days, his originally jet-black hair had turned white. Today, the Imperial Bodyguard came to the prison of the Ministry of Punishments with an imperial edict. General He had thought that his death was near, but unexpectedly, he heard the news that he had been released from prison.
General He was both surprised and delighted. He inquired with the Imperial Bodyguard, and only then did he find out that the deputy of the Chicken Crow Inn, Yang Ling, had entered the capital to become the Crown Prince's study attendant. That insignificant deputy, whom he had not paid any attention to at the beginning, had unexpectedly spoken up for justice and risked his life to admonish him. In front of the Emperor, he had displayed his meritorious service, and only then had he been released from prison.
Although the Ministry of War had demoted him to an insignificant Baihu and sent him to a remote area in Guangxi, compared to the psychological expectation that he would die, this was already an outcome that could not be any better.
A long journey tests a horse's stamina, and time reveals a person's heart. Right now, in General He's heart, Yang Ling was no different from his second parent. For a traditional military general like him, although he had many shortcomings and shortcomings, his belief in loyalty, righteousness, and gratitude was deeply rooted in his heart from a young age.
General He was not in a hurry to go to Guangxi to take up his post, but his old mother was critically ill. If he could not see her before she died, it would be a great regret. Therefore, he was eager to return home. As soon as he received the appointment document from the Ministry of War, he immediately rushed to the Yang House. He wanted to pay his respects to his savior and then immediately return home.
General He arrived in front of Yang Ling's door and saw a copper lock hanging on the courtyard door. General He couldn't help but be startled. He had heard from the Imperial Bodyguard that when Yang came to the capital, his wife had accompanied him. Why was there no one at home?
In the alley, an old man who sold insoles, embroidered handkerchiefs, and melon seeds and dates saw him and raised his voice to ask, "Hey, who are you? Are you a guest of Sir Yang Yang's family? "
General He led his horse over and cupped his fists. "Yes, old brother. Do you know anyone from the Yang Family? Do you know where the people from the Yang House have gone? "
The old man said proudly, "I do. How could I not know? My family lives next to the Yang Family. Sir Yang is the Crown Prince's study attendant and a close official of the Son of Heaven. He enters the palace every day. How could I not know him?
I purposely woke up early to see Sir Yang's appearance at court. Tsk, tsk, tsk. I've never seen the Son of Heaven, but the people around the Crown Prince are all like this. You can imagine what the Emperor of the Ten Thousand Years looks like. People say that the Emperor is a real dragon, a descendant of Ziwei Xingjun from the heavens … "
General He furrowed his brows. "Why are the people in this place so talkative? There's no end to it. If we wait a while longer, who knows what he'll be talking about. "He quickly interrupted the old man." Then, old brother, do you know where the people from Sir Yang's family have gone? "
The old man was a bit unhappy at being interrupted. He waved his hand and said, "Of course Sir Yang is in the palace accompanying the Crown Prince. Is there a need to ask? Madame Yang has gone out to buy groceries. Sir Yang is the Crown Prince's servant. Hey, how incorruptible. He doesn't even hire a sedan bearer. Even today, he still walks to the Forbidden City every day. At home, only Madame Yang manages the household. This Madame Yang is really a beautiful and virtuous wife. She looks like a flower and jade. She's really worthy of a handsome brother like Sir Yang … "
General He bowed deeply and said, "Many thanks, old brother." He turned around and came to the door of Yang Ling's house. He stood there for a long time. Suddenly, he let go of the reins and knelt on the ground, knocking his head into the dust.
The old man stared with wide eyes. He saw a white-haired, skinny, and bearded man kneeling there. He respectfully kowtowed three times. Then he turned around and mounted his horse. He whipped the horse and galloped away.
The old man woke up after a long time. He pursed his toothless lips. Thousands of possible stories began to brew under his rich imagination.
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