Chapter 447: Viceroy of Xuan-Da

In the middle of the fifth month of the fourteenth year of Chongzhen.

By the solar calendar, it was already June of later times, and the wheat fields of the Eastern Circuit would soon be ready for harvest.

On this very day, the Viceroy of Xuan-Da, Zhang Fuzhen, leading the Provincial Governor of Xuanfu Garrison, Ji Shiwei, Regional Commander Yang Guozhu, Regional Commander Wang Pu, and others, arrived at the Eastern Circuit. Perhaps by coincidence, Cao Bianjiao and Wang Tingchen, along with Zhang Ruoqi and his party, also arrived at the Eastern Circuit together.

They had met at Yanqing and then traveled together, heading for Yongning.

Although in terms of official rank, the Director of the Bureau of Operations of the Ministry of War, Zhang Ruolin, and the Vice Director, Ma Shaoyu, and others were lower than the Provincial Governor and Viceroy, they came from the central government, so everyone naturally had to show them some face.

Zhang Ruolin was quite talkative, and his learning was broad and profound, especially skilled in the study of the classics and histories. Along the way, he discussed the classics, histories, philosophies, and literary collections with Zhang Fuzhen, Ji Shiwei, and the other civil officials, so the journey was not lonely.

Looking at the scenery along the way, Zhang Ruoqi praised: "Since entering the Eastern Circuit, the atmosphere has been vastly different. Military Commissioner Ma and the Loyal and Brave Count govern well."

Viceroy Zhang and Provincial Governor Ji stroked their beards and smiled. The great prosperity of the Eastern Circuit was also due to their own contributions as Provincial Governor and Viceroy. Hearing Zhang Ruoqi mention it now brought great honor to their faces.

Among the accompanying Eastern Circuit officials were Military Defense Circuit Ma Guoxi, Department Magistrate of Yanqing Prefecture Wu Zhi, and others. Hearing Zhang Ruoqi's words, Wu Zhi remained expressionless, while Ma Guoxi chuckled: "This is all thanks to His Majesty's great fortune and the guidance of Lord Zhang and Lord Ji. The Eastern Circuit has only achieved minor success, not worth mentioning, not worth mentioning, hehehe."

Seeing his manner, everyone cursed inwardly: "Old fox."

Ma Guoxi's backer had been the former Senior Grand Secretary Xue Guoguan. After Xue Guoguan fell, many thought Ma Guoxi would fall too, and they maneuvered for paths to take his place. The present Eastern Circuit was renowned for its wealth, and many officials drooled with envy. Presumably, after holding office here for a few years, each would return with their pockets and coffers stuffed full.

Unexpectedly, Ma Guoxi still sat securely in the Eastern Circuit, clearly still favored in the Emperor's heart.

Moreover, he was an old slickster, a master at bureaucratic maneuvering. When others sought to find fault with him, they felt like a dog trying to bite a hedgehog—nowhere to sink its teeth.

Still, everyone had heard rumors that Ma Guoxi had nearly been sidelined by the Loyal and Brave Count in the Eastern Circuit.

Not to mention military affairs, even in civil administration, the affairs under his control grew fewer and fewer. Clearly, when the old fox met the young fox, the young fox was still more formidable. Or as they say, one ounce of strength overcomes ten of skill—no matter how many schemes you have, before overwhelming military power they are all for naught.

Leaving aside Ma Guoxi and his group, Yang Guozhu, Wang Pu, Cao Bianjiao, Wang Tingchen, and the other Regional Commanders, along with their accompanying personal generals, chatted and discussed among themselves at the rear.

Each man's thoughts were far more complicated. The year before, they had also come to the Eastern Circuit, when Wang Dou was still an Assistant Regional Commander. Now he was a Regional Commander, and moreover highly enfeoffed as Loyal and Brave Count, his status far above the rest of them.

But complicated as it was, they had to put those thoughts away. Wang Dou's status and position were now different; they should seek to build closer ties. Each of them had a bond with Wang Dou forged in bloody battle—an advantage that many others lacked.

Only Yang Guozhu's personal general Guo Yingxian remained carefree and blurted out in praise: "This brother of mine, his ability really goes without saying. The Eastern Circuit changes day by day—just take these roads, they're so much easier to travel."

Yang Guozhu remarked: "The changes are indeed not small."

His face showed worry as he said to Wang Pu, Cao Bianjiao, and Wang Tingchen: "Three generals, tell me, will Guoqin sell us gunpowder?"

Cao Bianjiao lowered his head in thought. Wang Tingchen laughed heartily: "I know General Wang well—he values old ties the most. What is our relationship with him? Though gunpowder is not easy to produce, if we ask, he will certainly allocate a portion to us."

Wang Pu grinned beside them: "We and the Loyal and Brave Count share a bond of life and death—why wouldn't he sell? If the gunpowder is expensive, we'll just pay for it. Best if we can also buy some fine bird guns."...

The moment he opened his mouth, there was a whiff of the merchant about him, and the clothes he wore were still extremely gaudy.

He seemed to have a singular obsession with the word "splendor." Whether in armor or everyday attire, everything was bright reds and vivid greens, dazzling in color.

Toward Wang Dou, Wang Pu felt both envy and jealousy, but coming from a merchant family, he had placed profit first since childhood. Befriending Wang Dou brought him a hundred benefits and not a single harm, so he quickly adjusted his mindset and resolved to cling tightly to Wang Dou's thigh and cultivate this Eastern Circuit connection.

At the same time, the look he cast at Yang Guozhu carried a hint of schadenfreude. Before, Wang Dou had been a capable general under Yang Guozhu's command, winning Yang Guozhu no small amount of merit. Now Wang Dou had instead climbed above Yang Guozhu's head. If this continued, he feared Yang Guozhu's position as General Who Guards the North might not be secure—just thinking about it was amusing.

He could hardly wait to see what expression Yang Guozhu would wear when, after arriving at Yongning, he had to perform the subordinate's salute to Wang Dou.

After Wang Pu spoke those words, before anyone else could respond, Guo Yingxian heard and shouted: "Dare not sell gunpowder? Then Brother Wang need not think of recognizing me as his elder brother."

Yang Guozhu sighed. This personal general of his, brave as he was, was just a bit...

In the afternoon, the party arrived several li outside the west gate of Yongning City. Here a welcoming pavilion had already been set up. Wen Fangliang, a senior general under Wang Dou, led the Garrison Commander of Yongning City, Wang Yide, along with a group of local gentry and village elders from Yongning City, playing music and beating drums, to welcome the party into the city and arrange for them to rest at the official guesthouse.

After bathing, changing clothes, and resting briefly, the party, mindful of business, proceeded to the General's Residence to pay a formal visit to Wang Dou.

Wang Dou greeted them with a smile in front of the General's Residence. He did not go outside the city to welcome them; as a Count, receiving everyone at the main gate of the General's Residence was already a very grand gesture.

Led by the Viceroy of Xuan-Da, Zhang Fuzhen, and the Director of the Bureau of Operations of the Ministry of War, Zhang Ruolin, together with Ji Shiwei, Yang Guozhu, and the others, they all performed the bowing salute to Wang Dou.

Propriety must not be neglected. Wang Dou, as Loyal and Brave Count, was entitled to receive a double bow from even a first-rank official—how could this be taken lightly? The military officers were fine, but if a civil official committed a breach of etiquette before Wang Dou, an investigating censor might immediately impeach him. Who among them would wish to lose decorum in this regard?

Though Ji Shiwei was Wang Dou's father-in-law, he still had to perform the salute.

Wang Dou smiled and returned the salute, then said to Yang Guozhu, Cao Bianjiao, and the others: "Commander Yang, my elder brothers, why go to such lengths? Please, rise quickly."

Seeing the sincere expression on Wang Dou's face, Cao Bianjiao and Wang Tingchen felt great warmth in their hearts. General Wang, though highly promoted, had not forgotten their past bonds.

Wang Pu, his tone ingratiating, said: "Loyal and Brave Count, times are different now. It is only proper that you receive our bowing salute."

On the road, he had originally wanted to see what expression Yang Guozhu would wear when performing the subordinate's salute to Wang Dou. Now, busy fawning, he had forgotten.

Yang Guozhu looked at Wang Dou, dressed in a python robe and jade belt, the python robe bearing five-clawed dragon patterns, exceedingly illustrious and glorious, and sighed inwardly.

He also felt somewhat awkward. Hearing Wang Dou's words, he took the opportunity to stand up straight.

Guo Yingxian called out from behind him: "Brother Wang, your elder brother has arrived—do you have good wine?"

Wang Dou looked at this straightforward and honest man, of whom he had an excellent impression, and laughed heartily: "Rest assured, I won't forget yours, old brother."

With music and fanfare, the party entered the General's Residence and performed the bowing salute again. Wang Dou smiled and said: "I have put you gentlemen to the trouble of traveling from afar. Your presence brings light to my humble abode. Please, be seated!"

Zhang Ruolin, Director of the Bureau of Operations of the Ministry of War, said with a smile: "We have intruded upon you on short notice and disturbed your peace. We beg the Loyal and Brave Count to forgive our abruptness."

Zhang Ruolin was past forty, with a three-part beard meticulously groomed without a single hair out of place. When he spoke, he carried a thick Shandong accent.

His expression when speaking was extremely amiable—though, of course, that amiability depended on whom he was addressing.

Zhang Ruolin held real power in the Ministry of War and normally followed closely behind Chen Xinjia. Idle figures he paid no heed to. But toward Wang Dou, it was clearly different. Moreover, on this visit, he came as the secret envoy of Minister of War Chen Xinjia, with important matters to discuss with Wang Dou, so he dared not give offense.

Wang Dou also knew of this man—a loyal running dog of Chen Xinjia, normally overbearing and arrogant. Historically, the defeat at the Battle of Songshan was partly attributable to this man.

Everyone took their seats as host and guests. Zhang Ruoqi's purpose in coming this time was to represent the court in conferring rewards upon the Jingbian Army. However, rewards for guard battalion officers were presumably of little interest to Wang Dou's subordinates, so the issues of troop quotas and provisions were quite important.

The intention of Ji Shiwei, Provincial Governor of Xuanfu Garrison, was to grant the Jingbian Army a quota of fifteen thousand troops, including five thousand cavalry. Viceroy of Xuan-Da Zhang Fuzhen also agreed, and Minister of War Chen Xinjia inwardly approved as well. However, there were dissenting opinions within the Grand Secretariat—for instance, Minister of Personnel Li Rixuan and Minister of Revenue Li Daiwen.

Due to financial difficulties, after Li Daiwen took office, he had been cutting social expenditures, reducing labor costs, and providing relief to the poor and destitute. If Wang Dou's forces grew larger, the burden on the Ministry of Revenue would increase—something Li Daiwen was loath to see.

Li Rixuan, for his part, argued that Yang Guozhu, General Who Guards the North and Regional Commander of Xuanfu Garrison, had only fifteen thousand troops. How could Wang Dou, as the Militia Training Regional Commander of Xuanfu Garrison, exceed Yang Guozhu?

Li Rixuan's opinion received the tacit approval of the Chongzhen Emperor, so many concurred. Chen Xinjia did not dare to insist too strongly on his own view, fearing it would displease the imperial countenance.

The evaluation of merits, promotions, rewards, and pensions for the Jingbian Army would not be settled in a short time. Therefore, after everyone was seated, the main topic of discussion was the purchase of high-power gunpowder from Wang Dou.

Viceroy of Xuan-Da Zhang Fuzhen sighed: "We had thought that after the Imperial Army emulated the Jingbian Army and trained new forces, we could gain a significant upper hand against the slave brigands. Who knew the slave thieves would also acquire large quantities of firearms? This is a misfortune for the realm. If the Loyal and Brave Count has surplus gunpowder, he must certainly aid his fellow armies to some degree."

Zhang Fuzhen had the appearance of a little old man. From excessive worry, his eyebrows and beard had turned gray. Now the wrinkles on his face were all knitted together, his expression deeply troubled.

Toward Zhang Fuzhen, Wang Dou felt both sympathy and respect. After taking office, he had exerted himself tirelessly for state affairs — a man unafraid of hardship, one who devoted his heart to diligent management. By comparison, his own father-in-law, Ji Shiwei, was far more driven by self-interest.

Yet in every region, entrenched abuses were too deep to be cured by one man’s effort alone.

Because Zhang Fuzhen had achieved no notable results since assuming office, supervising censors had already repeatedly submitted memorials impeaching him for clinging to his post.

Zhang Fuzhen himself grew disheartened and weary, and submitted a memorial requesting to resign and return to his native place, but the Chongzhen Emperor simply refused to permit it.

Of course, to Wang Dou’s father-in-law Ji Shiwei, Zhang Fuzhen’s request to resign was good news — once Zhang Fuzhen left, the post of Viceroy of Xuanda would be his.

Minister of War Chen Xinjia had already promised Ji Shiwei as much.

And in the provinces, Ji Shiwei also belonged firmly to Chen Xinjia’s faction.

Wang Dou pondered briefly, then said, “How much fixed ammunition does His Excellency Zhang require?”

Zhang Fuzhen looked toward Yang Guozhu and Wang Pu. Yang Guozhu said, “Guoqin, if possible, I would like to purchase one hundred thousand rounds of Weijin fixed ammunition.”

Wang Pu also hurriedly said, “Loyal and Brave Count, your subordinate also wishes to purchase forty thousand rounds of Weijin ammunition.”

Cao Bianjiao and Wang Tingchen likewise said, “General Wang, we too wish to purchase forty thousand rounds of ammunition.”

Yang Guozhu had ten thousand New Army troops, of whom five thousand were arquebusiers; at twenty fixed paper cartridges per soldier, that made one hundred thousand rounds. Wang Pu and the others each had only one battalion of New Army troops, half of them arquebusiers; at twenty fixed paper cartridges per soldier, that came to thirty or forty thousand rounds.

In truth, in this era, not much ammunition was expended in battle. Each of Wang Dou’s arquebusiers ordinarily carried thirty fixed paper cartridges in his ammunition pouch, yet in any given battle, each soldier would fire fewer than five rounds before the fighting ended. The ammunition carried in one pouch could last through several battles.

The Jingbian Army arquebusiers mainly used ammunition during training; in actual combat they used very little.

Yang Guozhu and the others certainly could not use purchased fixed paper cartridges for training. In their minds, twenty paper cartridges per soldier would last a very long time.

Of course, many Great Ming officers — Zuo Liangyu, for instance — considered firearms too costly. How could they compare to cold weapons? A saber cost only three qian to forge, a long axe two qian, and a long spear was even cheaper. Using firearms required constant investment in ammunition — how could that be as economical as cold weapons?