Flourishing of the Ming Dynasty Novel - Chapter 125

Chapter 125 A Battle For Troops
All the officials who heard Zou Fang’s words clearly were stunned. Then, some people’s expressions darkened completely. There was only one thought left in their hearts, and that was, to guard against thousands of people, it was difficult to guard against thieves!

There was no impervious wall in the Imperial Court. Recently, the Cabinet and several high-ranking officials had heard about Wang Zhen encouraging the Son of Heaven to use troops against the Mongols in the palace. For this reason, they had openly and secretly advised the Son of Heaven, advising him not to be confused by the eunuchs, thus making endless decisions.

The officials naturally had their reasons for resisting this matter. On the bright side, this was for the sake of world stability and the prosperity of the country. Dozens of years ago, the Taizong Emperor conquered Mobei several times in the north, which greatly boosted the morale of the people, and it really caused the people to run away with their heads crossed. In fact, it even forcefully split into two parts, which can be said to have greatly promoted the prestige of my Great Ming.

But so what? Apart from a few false names and decades of border stability, there was almost no benefit to Great Ming. However, the price the Imperial Court paid for those few battles was extremely huge. For this reason, the family’s wealth accumulated over the years was almost completely compensated. As for the casualties of the soldiers and the civilians, it was needless to mention. There were even people who linked the rebellion of the White Lotus Sect’s Tang Sai’er to this, and it could be said that it was a hundred evils and could only benefit one person.

And this was the result of Great Ming suppressing Meng Ren’s fierce beating and winning step by step. Once the Great Ming army lost in the war, it could be imagined how much harm it would bring to the world.

Apart from this open and honest reason, there was also another reason why the officials were trying their best to stop the Mongol army. However, this point was somewhat gloomy and hard to say. That was, the civil servants wanted to suppress the power of the military officials and nobles in the dynasty, so that they could truly become the masters of this world.

Regardless of whether it was the Great Ancestor or the Great Sect, due to the occasional use of foreign troops, the status of generals in the dynasty was far higher than that of civil servants. Luckily, after the Yongle Dynasty had wantonly used troops, the Imperial Court finally restrained itself and entered a period of peace and self-defense. As a result, the civil servants finally began to slowly rise. In the current orthodox years, they were finally able to contend against Xungui and the general forces. In fact, they were even able to suppress them in many matters.

Regardless of whether it was for the sake of their own interests or for the sake of the stability of the Imperial Court, what the current civil service group feared the most was the rise of the Martial General Group once again. If a general wanted to rise, the only way was to fight in all directions and use military merits to increase his family’s status in the court. If he wanted to suppress them, the most effective method would naturally be to fight fewer battles, or even not use any foreign troops. This was also the key to the fact that the Imperial Court had rarely used saber weapons in recent decades.

Now that Wang Zhen actually wanted to encourage Emperor to bring up the use of troops again, the civil servants naturally had to boycott him collectively. Originally, he thought that as long as he tried to dissuade Emperor, the matter would be over. However, he didn’t expect that a traitor would actually appear among them. He suddenly slashed out at the Grand Meeting today, completely exposing the matter and killing them off guard.

Under the furious gazes of many colleagues, Zou Fang handed over the memorials in his hands according to the rules. At the same time, he continued to speak loudly, “Your Majesty, the champion of the Han Dynasty, Hou Tibing, attacked the Xiongnu in the north, while Duke Li Weigong of the Tang swept across the Turkic Empire. Today, I, Daming, have entered a prosperous age. I am just following the example of my ancestors to fulfill the unfulfilled Emperor Taizu’s unfulfilled wish!”

Hearing his words, Zhu Qizhen’s complexion became redder and redder. His body also trembled slightly. That was an extremely excited expression, “What Zou Qing said is very true. I, Daming, inherited the will of the Han and Tang Dynasties and should naturally sweep away the calamity of the Tartars in the north for the people of the world.”

“Your Majesty is holy!” Zou Fang hurriedly praised.

Seeing that the two of them were about to settle such a big matter with one song, one of the officials finally couldn’t bear it anymore. One of them took large strides out of the official class and shouted, “Minister Zou’s words are ridiculous! A saber soldier is an important weapon of a country, how can he casually use it?”

The surrounding officials raised their eyes and saw that it was Minister of War Xu Xi who could not help but stand up and oppose. As Zou Fang’s immediate superior, his subordinate suddenly caught everyone off guard at the court meeting. Naturally, his responsibility was not light, so he had to stand up and speak now.

After a pause, he bowed to Emperor, who was sitting on the throne, “Your Majesty, the actions of the Han and Tang Dynasties are indeed beneficial to the country and the people. So they dare to use force, one is the enemy weak and I strong, to elite charger a drum and victory, just like when I Taizong emperor personally conquered the desert; The reason for the two was because the foreign enemies had provoked them first, and the Imperial Court had only started to conquer them for the sake of the stability of the country.

“But now the situation is very different from before. The Meng people of the grasslands were no longer scattered sand from the Taizong era, and they were weak from fear of battle. Once they used troops against them, they would probably make the Imperial Court pay an extremely painful price. They were truly not taken by a wise person. Moreover, the Meng people of the grasslands are now very respectful to our Great Ming. This year, there are even envoys to pay tribute to the capital. If they rashly mobilize troops, they are afraid of provoking criticism from the world. As the saying goes, if the name isn’t right, then the words aren’t right. If the words aren’t right, then things won’t work out. Without a reasonable excuse, soldiers will be formed. I’m afraid … ”

Minister Xu’s words could be said to be old-fashioned and stern. The surrounding bureaucrats all nodded their heads. Even Emperor Zhu Qizhen revealed a hesitant expression.

Zhu Qizhen was not famous for his wisdom and decisiveness among the ten-odd Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. In terms of governing ability, he could not even compare to Ming Jun such as Hongzhi. However, he had one advantage. He was the most humble and gentle person. Although he was seventeen or eighteen years old and his blood was surging, and although Xu Xi had poured a basin of cold water on his head, he did not have the slightest intention of getting angry. He even seemed a little embarrassed, as if he felt that he was wrong.

If this were to be placed on many other Great Tomorrow Masters, not to mention the two founding fathers, even Jiajing Wanli, they would probably have to explode on the spot, and Xu Xi would definitely not be able to do well. Of course, if you put it in the pigtails behind you, if a servant dares to oppose Saint Tomorrow’s intentions, you will lose your position and even risk your life. In Zhu Qi Town, however, he could not even refute his words. Instead, he kept looking at Zou Fang to see if he had anything else to say.

Indeed, Zou Fang was prepared and immediately said, “Is Minister Xu exaggerating? I, the Great Ming army, have millions of troops. In terms of military power, I am only dozens of times more powerful than the Meng people of the grasslands. Can’t I defeat them? Besides, I, the Great Ming, am in its prime, and my country is at its peak. It is time for me to summon the courage to create peace for future generations!”

“As for the reason for sending troops, it’s not that I don’t have one. As far as I know, a few months ago, Meng people invaded our border county and killed my people. Since Meng people broke the friendship between the two countries and attacked Shangbang with their vassals, I, Daming, am famous for sending troops to pacify the country.”

After saying a few words, she completely refuted the opponent’s rebuttal. This caused the scene to turn cold again, and Xu Xi’s expression became extremely ugly.

It was not that Minister Xu was inferior to his subordinates in terms of eloquence, but it was because the latter had come prepared, while he had rushed into battle. In terms of preparation, he was not at the same level at all. As for the other officials, they were even more unbearable. Although they had the intention to help, their knowledge of military matters was limited. It was very difficult for them to really support Lord Minister Shang Shu. They could only stare at this traitor.

However, it was clear that Zou Fang’s skin was much thicker than most people had imagined. Although he was regarded as a thorn in the side by many people, he still stood calmly on the spot. There was even a trace of a graceful and confident smile on his face.

He had risen and fell in the court for decades. Although he was the assistant minister of the Military Ministry, he had always felt gloomy and unambitious. Especially in his opinion, Xu Xi’s ability was much weaker than his own. How could he occupy the position of Minister, yet let himself be a small attendant and listen to his orders?

After a long period of accumulation, this imbalance finally broke out last year. In order to earn a better official position, Zou Fang resolutely took refuge in the hands of Wang Zhen, who was gaining the limelight. And today, this was the name he had given to Eunuch Wang. As long as he succeeded, it would only be a matter of time before he replaced Xu Xi as Minister of War.

Thinking of this, his gaze couldn’t help but look towards Wang Zhen, who was standing behind the Emperor. The latter also had a complacent smile on his face. After giving him a look, he glanced into the distance. Zou Fang immediately understood the meaning behind this. He had to take advantage of the heat to forge iron. Now was the time to take out a key chess piece that Eunuch Wang had prepared long ago.

Making up his mind, taking advantage of the silence of the officials, Minister Zou said, “Your Majesty, whether it be Minister Xu or I, I have said more about the use of troops against the Mongols. If you really want to win the trust of the world, you have to ask the local officials or generals.”

“Huh?” The officials were stunned again. They didn’t know why he had said such a thing. Wasn’t this rejecting their own judgement just now?

But very quickly, everyone understood. At the same time, their hearts became even more nervous. The reason for that was because Zou Fang continued, “Right now, there is county magistrate Lu Zhen from Guangling County in Datong County, Shanxi Province, who can explain the matter of Meng Ren in more detail, so as to eliminate the hesitation in His Majesty and all of you!”

They actually had a trick up their sleeves?

That county magistrate Guang Ling actually came to the capital early, but the officials of our Imperial Court do not know? All of this was clearly Zou Fang. No, it was Wang Zhen who had secretly arranged it! He was truly deep in thought!

However, Emperor did not look at the change in the expressions of the officials. He immediately nodded and said, “Since that’s the case, Xuan Lu Zhen, come up and speak!”

When the officials heard this, they were shocked again. Many people’s faces darkened, and they wanted to step forward and say, “Magistrate An can speak at such a meeting?” However, before their words could be spoken, the emperor’s decree had already been given. Immediately after, the eunuch beside him shouted, “Your Majesty has a decree. Xuan Guangling County Magistrate, come forward and reply!”

This time, it was hard for everyone to speak out against it. At the same time, countless gazes turned back to look at the young official who was slowly walking out!