Chapter 90: Sowing Discord, The Vessel of Tolerance

Wang Wang Chonggu, a Tong Jinshi of the twenty-first year of the Emperor Jiajing reign, was also a very complex person.

In terms of resume, he went from Yingtian Prefecture to Fujian, from Shaanxi to Ningxia, all the way from Vice Commissioner of Military Defense to the position of Grand Coordinator, personally experiencing the battlefield and border affairs, which can be said to be an impeccable general background.

In terms of merit, he chased the Japanese pirates out to sea, defeated Jinen, reorganized Three Xuan-Da, and even pacified the border with the Altan Khan's tribute, which can be recorded in the temple and granted titles; now only Yin Yin Zhengmao can be compared with him.

In terms of talent, he lacks neither the overall vision nor the foundation of a civil official. Not to mention the memorials, the manuscripts and literary collections are not few, which can be called both civil and military.

Such a capable minister, but also a small person with heavy selfishness and greed.

Wang Wang Chonggu relied on his status and position, as well as the prestige of the Altan tribute, to help each other with his fellow countrymen in the court.

Internally, there are Yang Bo, Huo Ji, Shi Shi Mao Hua, Zhang Zhang Siwei, etc., promoting people from Shanxi and covering up faults.

Externally, Wang Wang Chonggu relied on guarding the border gate and colluded with the Altan Khan who had surrendered, harboring bandits to bolster his own position.

He was dragged into the capital until after the change of the reign.

And just after taking office in the Ministry of War yesterday, he organized a departmental deliberation without stopping, and approved the proposal to increase the main military feed for Three Xuan-Da and Shanxi, and sent it to the Grand Secretariat.

One horse plus about one or two silver, three towns of horses and mules totaling more than 76,400, that is an increase of 60,000 to 70,000 taels of silver.

This is already the second time this year to increase grass feed; I don't know if the horses don't have enough to eat, or if this Minister Wang doesn't have enough to eat.

In short, this is a capable minister who has true talent and learning, but is not easy to use.

Today, Wang Wang Chonggu's presence in the court deliberation was very low, and he didn't say a word, as if he was lost in thought.

He was tall, with a scholarly face, and had the style of a Confucian general.

His beard was trimmed neatly, but it still couldn't cover the wind and frost of being at the border for a long time; the wrinkles were deep, as if they were full of dust and enemy flesh and blood from the north.

Just standing there quietly, there was a gentle style of a civil official, as well as the gullies and competence of sitting in the camp and commanding.

Wang Wang Chonggu was suddenly pointed out by the Emperor, and subconsciously looked up, meeting the Emperor's gaze.

Zhu Zhu Yijun said gently: "Minister Wang has been entrusted with the border, is experienced in military defense, and has been dealing with the Tatars for many years; surely you have your own unique insights."

"For this reward, should the imperial court give it or not?"

Wang Wang Chonggu heard this and bowed slowly: "I think it is between the two, all depending on Your Majesty's holy decision."

He quietly looked at the young Emperor in the hall.

Just now he was thinking about other things, and didn't have time to look at this young emperor.

Before entering the capital, he had heard too many rumors about the Emperor.

Wise by nature, wise and decisive, almost making his ears calloused.

Not to mention whether he believed it or not, at least he was curious.

Now that he saw him, he was impeccable in his behavior and speech.

Zhu Zhu Yijun asked: "I live in the deep palace and don't know about border affairs, so I just want to ask Minister Wang."

Regardless of Wang Wang Chonggu's character, he is an expert on northern border affairs; if an expert and Minister of War doesn't have any suggestions, it's not giving face.

Wang Wang Chonggu deliberated for a moment and finally said: "Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, if a little reward can save the people from war and the soldiers from sacrificing their lives, then it is worth it."

"However... the prerequisite is to give it to the right person."

Before entering the capital, what Wang Wang Chonggu worried about most was that the Emperor had a prejudice against him and wanted to trick him into the capital to execute him.

It was also after observing the Emperor's style of doing things for nearly half a year that he dared to set off for the capital.

Now that he was facing the Emperor, he was even more careful.

Zhu Zhu Yijun heard this and looked at Wang Wang Chonggu deeply.

Is this discussing the matter, or is it defending himself?

Is it saying that although he has been greedy for some silver over the years, he has also done things beautifully?

Zhu Zhu Yijun sat behind the imperial desk, ordered Zhang Hong to take the relevant memorials, and then took Wang Wang Chonggu's words: "Minister Wang said to give it to the right person, what does it refer to?"

The civil and military officials in the hall did not interrupt.

In this matter, the one with the most say in the court deliberation was Wang Wang Chonggu, and the rest listened attentively.

Wang Wang Chonggu looked at the Emperor who grew up in the deep palace, and then slowly looked around at the cabinet ministers who came from the Hanlin Academy and had never been to the localities.

He knew he couldn't say it too complicatedly, and organized his language for a long time before explaining to the laymen: "Your Majesty, colleagues."

"The one who invaded the Jibian this time is the Uriankhai Guard, led by the leader Chang'ang and his uncle Dong Dong Huli."

"The Uriankhai Guard invaded our dynasty's Jielingkou in the first year of the Emperor Longqing reign. The leader at that time was Chang'ang's father, and also Dong Dong Huli's brother."

"After this person was killed by our army, Chang'ang took over his father's position."

"Although that is the case, the Uriankhai Guard is still controlled by his uncle Dong Dong Huli."

Everyone in the hall was a human spirit; when the words reached this point, they suddenly realized.

The Great Ming lacks everything, but it doesn't lack stories of the previous dynasty—after succeeding, the uncle controls the great power; everyone knows this kind of drama too well.

Zhu Zhu Yijun understood it at once, with appreciation: "So, should Chang'ang be rewarded?"

This is an expert; this familiarity with the various Mongol tribes is really impeccable.

He really isn't as good as Wang Wang Chonggu in these things.

Wang Wang Chonggu held the tablet and bowed, adding: "Your Majesty, Chang'ang married the eldest daughter of the leader of the Khalkha tribe. If he gets our dynasty's recognition and support, although he is still weak, he can make the Uriankhai Guard have two heads, and maybe he will fall into internal friction."

"As for the prisoner exchange..."

"I think we still need to kill and wound the Uriankhai Guard as much as possible."

"This department is different from others; it has been fighting with our dynasty for many years, with countless blood feuds, and it is not easy to resolve."

Xu Jie can see what kind of person the Emperor likes, and Wang Wang Chonggu can naturally see it too.

This is following the example of the superior.

Chu Wang likes thin waists, and many people in the palace starve to death, but now the Emperor likes ministers who speak with substance, and everyone naturally picks up their own insights and logic again.

Wang Wang Chonggu knew that the Emperor was a little unhappy with his actions in Three Xuan-Da, and now offering advice is also intended to show the Emperor, so as to ease the situation.

Zhu Zhu Yijun heard this and was already persuaded by Wang Wang Chonggu.

What this Minister Wang said is indeed reasonable.

Sowing discord and such things that are beneficial without cost are naturally done easily.

It is the prisoner exchange matter; although he recognized it in his heart, he was still a bit repelled by such things.

He thought about it, and then he had a decision.

Zhu Zhu Yijun said: "As for the reward, follow Minister Wang's words, and use the grace of the change of reign to bestow the Uriankhai Guard Commander Chang'ang with reward silver."

"Tell those two ambassadors who entered the capital that the Uriankhai Guard Commander sealed by our Great Ming is only Chang'ang, and there is no Dong Dong Huli. If they want to buy grain with silver, or even trade, our dynasty only recognizes Commander Chang'ang."

He paused and continued: "As for the prisoner exchange, send a document to Liu Liu Yingjie and Qi Qi Jiguang, and let them act according to circumstances."

"Do not take this matter as a precedent."

He wanted to exchange prisoners, after all, there were his own soldiers.

However, Wang Wang Chonggu also made sense, and killing and wounding as much as possible might not be a bad thing.

Since he doesn't understand military affairs, it's better to delegate power to the border generals.

This is delegating power and avoiding trouble.

The court officials didn't care about such small things.

Wang Wang Chonggu took the lead and bowed: "There is no sage greater than Your Majesty."

At this time, Li Li Zaiting suddenly stepped out and filled the gaps: "Your Majesty, besides this, it is hard to guarantee that they will stop, so we need to strengthen border defense."

"I think, why not take this opportunity to reorganize the Beijing Camps, send one battle battalion and one vehicle battalion each, to defend Jizhen, and practice hard and fight."

As soon as the voice fell, the faces of several people in the court changed suddenly.

Huo Ji, Right Hai Yushi-in-Chief and Assistant in Charge of Beijing Camp Military Affairs, raised his head and stepped out: "Your Majesty, no!"

"The Tatars are the heart and soul of our dynasty. Now that they are invading the border, we should concentrate on dealing with them. How can we have spare time to let the Beijing Camps 'practice hard and fight'?"

"This statement is truly a treacherous slander that speculates on the holy heart!"

"I want to impeach the thief Li!"

The disciple was bullied, and the teacher naturally couldn't sit idly by.

Gao Yi came forward strongly for once, frowning and scolding: "Hai Yushi-in-Chief Huo, pay attention to the system, don't lose your dignity before the monarch."

"Discussing matters is discussing matters, how can you attack colleagues at every turn?"

Huo Ji was older than Gao Yi, but his official rank and imperial favor were not a notch behind. After being scolded, he could only apologize resentfully.

And then he explained gently: "Zhang Gelao Gao has been in the central government for a long time and doesn't know."

"Military affairs, the most taboo is that the soldiers and generals don't know each other, and the host and guest don't fit."

"The style of the Beijing Camps now, going there will not only fail to assist in guarding the border, but will also drag it down."

"This move is a waste of grain and grass, and it also hinders the border defense business. How can people not suspect the intention of the person who said this?"

His attitude was gentle, but his words were thorny.

Anyway, it was an attitude: the Beijing Camps should stay in Beizhili honestly and don't go out to cause trouble.

Gao Yi was displeased: "What is the style of the Beijing Camps?"

"Hai Yushi-in-Chief Huo is in charge of the Beijing Camps, saying this, don't you feel ashamed of your own responsibilities?"

Whose idea this was, Gao Yi naturally knew.

Now Huo Ji was scolding Li Li Zaiting on the surface, but he had opinions about the Emperor, and both were his disciples, so Gao Yi rarely lost his temper.

The cabinet said this, and the Ministry of War couldn't sit idly by.

Civil officials managing the Beijing Camps started from Yu Qian, and later the Beijing Camps were basically under the control of the Ministry of War.

In the fifth year of the Emperor Jiajing reign, the Ministry of War held a banquet for the military examination, and Guo Xun, the Commander of the Beijing Camps, could still compete for seats with Li Yue, the Minister of War.

By the Emperor Longqing reign, the cabinet minister Zhao Zhao Zhenji and the then Minister of War Huo Ji could openly submit a memorial to take back the military seal, abolish the Governor of Beijing Camp Military Affairs, and change to set up three Regional Commanders, each in charge of one camp, "and add a civil official to manage it."

Simply put, it was to abolish the Governor of the Beijing Camps and demote him to a Regional Commander. As for how to manage it? Naturally, add a civil official to manage it.

At that time, there was a tug-of-war in the court for a long time—finally, because the civil officials did not reach a consensus on this matter internally, the Emperor wavered, and it was not done.

But for a period of time, the vacancy of the Governor, abolished and set up, appointed and dismissed, had been completely under the Ministry of War.

Now that the old Minister Huo Ji was arguing, the Ministry of War naturally couldn't sit idly by.

Shi Shi Mao Hua, Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, immediately stepped out: "Zhang Gelao Gao, be careful."

"The officers of the Beijing Camps are all recommended by the Ministry of War and the Governor of the Beijing Camps, and can only take office after being approved by the Emperor."

"Zhang Gelao, these words are really trapping the late Emperor in injustice."

The Beijing Camps being rotten is a chronic illness. Huo Ji, who has been in charge of the Beijing Camps, has only been in office for more than half a year. It is unreasonable to blame him.

It's better to ask the late Emperor.

At this time, Vice Minister of Personnel Wen Chun also joined the debate: "Minister Shi, don't separate the Ministry of War and Hai Yushi-in-Chief Huo so cleanly."

"At the beginning, the Ministry of War and Hai Yushi-in-Chief Huo submitted a memorial to deceive the late Emperor into abolishing the Governor of the Beijing Camps. Not long after, the late Emperor was wise and found it inappropriate, so he added it back."

"This back and forth wasted time and just drove Gu Gu Huan home."

"Changing orders in the morning and changing them in the evening, forming cliques to exclude others, doesn't this delay things?"

Wen Chun was a censor in the court at that time, so naturally, he remembered this.

He submitted a memorial at that time saying, "Because of the three marquises and earls, three civil officials were used," making "civil and military not use each other, and civil officials also contradict each other."

Later, he was scolded by the cabinet, saying he didn't have the pattern of a civil official, and not long after, he was driven to Huguang.

He still remembered this grudge.

At this time, Zhang Zhang Siwei stepped down and acted as a peacemaker: "Everyone, don't hurt the harmony."

"Discussing the Jibian matter is discussing the Jibian matter, how can you pull up the Beijing Camps."

Shi Shi Mao Hua said dully: "No matter how you discuss the reason, it is a fact that the Beijing Camps are incompetent. The Ministry of War does not agree with this matter of defending Jizhen."

This is the attitude of the Ministry of War.

If the Beijing Camps really became a battle-ready army, wouldn't the power be taken away by the warriors again?

"Enough!"

Zhu Zhu Yijun said angrily, stopping the crowd's argument.

"I know what the officials mean."

"The matter of the Beijing Camps defending Jizhen is over."

"However, how rotten are the Beijing Camps? How to govern in the future? Why didn't anyone tell me?"

"What about the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War and Assistant in Charge of Beijing Camp Military Affairs? Did you come to the court deliberation?"

Wu Tongzheng Envoy He He Yongqing hurriedly pleaded guilty: "I am guilty!"

"Vice Minister of the Ministry of War and Assistant in Charge of Beijing Camp Military Affairs Zhao Zhao Kongzhao had a phlegm-fire illness at the beginning of the month and could not handle affairs, and submitted a memorial to resign."

"Because there was phlegm on the memorial, I sent it back to let Zhao Minister rewrite it, so it has not been submitted yet."

Phlegm-fire illness is pneumonia; Tan Lun's is chronic, and Zhao Zhao Kongzhao's is acute.

Zhu Zhu Yijun frowned, his expression softened a little, and he waved his hand helplessly: "Let Minister Zhao rest well."

Just at this time, Xu Jie, sitting on the low stool, suddenly stood up and said: "Your Majesty, I have a memorial!"

As soon as Xu Jie spoke, everyone was shocked.

Even if Zhang Zhang Juzheng guessed that the Emperor was setting a trap for the court officials, he couldn't help but show a serious expression.

Zhu Zhu Yijun showed a questioning look: "Junior Tutor Xu, please speak."

Xu Jie turned his face and said sincerely: "It is somewhat unfair to blame the stubborn illness of the Beijing Camps on the Ministry of War and Minister Zhao."

"As far as I know, Minister Zhao has been in office for less than a month, and hasn't even had time to intervene in the affairs of the Beijing Camps."

"Moreover, the Beijing Camps have many nobles, which is not something the Ministry of War can control."

The court officials didn't delve into how Xu Jie knew.

They were just puzzled about what Xu Jie was doing.

How could he be against the Emperor as soon as he came out of the Wan Shougong? Did he suppress the Emperor? So powerful?

Sure enough, Zhu Zhu Yijun flew into a "towering rage" and glared resentfully at Xu Jie: "Is Minister Xu trying to say that it is once again the incompetence of the nobility that has caused the problems in the Capital Battalion!?"

Xu Jie's expression remained unchanged: "Exactly!"

Although he didn't understand Xu Jie's state, the trend of this matter made the officials secretly praise it.

Exactly, if it's not the nobles' problem, is it the court officials' problem?

They cast encouraging looks at Xu Jie one after another—be spirited, well done!

Xu Jie bowed and replied: "Your Majesty, please listen."

"Since I entered the capital, I have heard a lot about nobles being incompetent."

"Not just the Beijing Camps, but other garrisons, the Five Chief Military Commissions, and various guards and camps have been impeached by nobles, but they have been pardoned repeatedly."

"Zhang Yuanshan, Earl of Hui'an, Guo Yingqian, Earl of Cheng'an, Mao Guoqi, Earl of Nanning, Li Li Yingchen, Earl of Xiangcheng, Zhao Zhao Zuzheng, Earl of Xincheng, etc., are incompetent, licentious."

"Among them, there is even the Duke of Qian, Mu Mu Chaobi, who raped his mother-in-law and sister-in-law, and was even reduced in punishment."

"If this continues, how can it be managed?"

"This is not only the responsibility of the Ministry of War, but also something Your Majesty should ask about."

"If Your Majesty wants to reorganize the Beijing Camps, besides asking the Ministry of War, you should also manage the nobles first!"

After Xu Jie finished speaking.

The court officials had already given a thumbs up in their hearts.

Good, good, good! Sure enough, he is a loyal and patriotic old minister who has been tested for a long time!

Only saw the Emperor silent, his face ugly.

Li Li Zaiting saw this and immediately stepped out: "As Junior Tutor Xu said, before managing the nobles, we should still ask the Ministry of War."

"Since Minister Zhao has lung disease and cannot handle affairs, how can he linger and do nothing?"

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 91 =====