The Red Mansions

Chapter 215 King Qi: No matter how many there are, there will only be one or two left.

Daming Palace

When Jia Heng heard what Emperor Chongping said, he quickly cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your trustworthiness."

This is just asking for something and responding to everything. This level of trust has actually gone far beyond the distinction between monarch and minister.

I can't help but sigh with emotion, this is the magic power of silver.

Emperor Chongping waved his hand and said with a smile: "Ziyu, although I don't know about armaments, I also know that it won't happen overnight. I won't urge you on this matter. In fact, if you didn't insist, I thought it would be like the Song Dynasty. At that time, the armaments were so strong that they were still surrounded by enemies, and they were defeated and fought repeatedly! I thought about it, although the armaments are strong, if there is no army to die, it will not help in the end... Looking back at the previous Ming Dynasty, when the founding king ruled the north with the south , led by Xu Chang and Li San to march north, expel the remnant Yuan, and cross the desert, how can we say that our Han people are not as good as Hu people? Not to mention that during Liu Han, Wei Huo went deep into the desert, and later generations called one Han as the five Hu! Weapons are great for military affairs, but the decisive victory lies in people."

When Jia Heng heard the words, his eyes flashed, and he agreed: "The words of the Holy Majesty are high-level, military affairs are important, and the victory or defeat depends on the person. The soldiers and the armored soldiers are the ones who are in the front and the armored soldiers are behind."

Is there any truth to what Emperor Chongping said?

It makes sense, after all, war is a war between people.

But today's Chen Han doesn't fully possess the conditions for a fierce general like a cloud and a general to serve his life.

Chen Han's military system was corrupted, and the style of martial arts at the beginning of the founding of the country has long been corroded due to the long-term peace.

In fact, even in the Han-Hungarian battle during the reign of Emperor Wu, the military technology of the Han Dynasty far surpassed the Xiongnu in terms of size and quality. Bows and crossbows shined in the confrontation between the two armies.

Therefore, neither the theory of the uselessness of weapons nor the theory of omnipotence of weapons is advisable.

Of course, under the premise that there is no generational difference in ordnance like a natural moat, the level of military training, command and dispatch of generals, logistics supply guarantee, timely and effective communication... are all key factors for winning or losing a war.

However, whether it is the chain of command, the chain of communication, or the technological change of the logistics support mechanism, it can change the way of warfare to a certain extent. This is an irrefutable truth.

Emperor Chongping's face showed joy, and with the emperor's ability to observe words and expressions, he naturally caught the approval in Jia Heng's eyes. The faint joy of being confirmed for the king's achievements in martial arts filled his heart, but the cold and hard face But he laughed at himself and said: "I don't know much about soldiers. When I went to the mansion, I watched the political and military department. I don't think it's still in the border affairs today, and there is no action."

Jia Heng said: "I dare not agree with the words of the Holy Majesty! Liu Bang, the great ancestor of the Han Dynasty, also said that he didn't know much about soldiers, but he still started the foundation of Liu Han for hundreds of years. Under my command, I will fight to the death, and in time, I will wipe out the Eastern captives and rejuvenate my great man, just around the corner."

In fact, Liu Bang is still very knowledgeable about soldiers. After the founding of the country, he also fought many victories.

In fact, he is just a stinky chess player. After many years of practice, he has become a master. However, there are too many fierce men at the end of Qin Dynasty. Compared with Han Xin, Xiang Yu, Lu Ze and other gods of war, Liu Bang pales in comparison, and his ability to use troops seems mediocre.

Emperor Chongping heard the words, sighed and said, "I hope so."

Jia Heng thought for a while, then asked: "My lord, I don't know how the battle in the northern border is going?"

When it came to border affairs, Emperor Chongping's face turned a bit ugly, and he said in a deep voice: "Because our army's assistance was timely, the enemy's soldiers have been contained to the front line of Handan and Zhuozhou, and they are no match for our dynasty! After robbing 10 people on our border, I will never allow them to escape safely... After the matter is over, I and the cabinet will make their own conclusions, and you will come and listen to them at that time."

As Yang Guochang, the chief assistant of the former cabinet, said, the invasion of the eastern captives this time was to prepare for the winter. This looting would hardly end within a month or two.

Jia Heng was silent for a long while, and said: "My lord, the Eastern captives invade every year and take away my people, livestock, gold, silver and goods, but our Han army is unable to defend against the enemy outside the country. The province is exhausted, and the people's livelihood is becoming more and more difficult. The humble officials thought that they should select important ministers to sit in Youyan, gather good generals and strong soldiers from all over the world, and build a new line of defense on the front line of Youyun to stand against the enemy."

In the present Chen Han, the frontier situation is passive and beaten, allowing the enemy to come and go. This continues to lose blood, and the population and wealth of Hebei and Shandong are rapidly drained.

In fact, after the fall of Liaodong, the so-called eastern captives in Chen Han had already established their country in Shengjing, and changed the name of the country to Jin, but for some reason, it had not yet been changed to Qing.

Emperor Chongping paused when he heard the words, and asked, "What about Ziyu's opinion?"

Jia Heng said: "Your Majesty, now that bandits are entering the country and rushing to help from all over the world, they will only care about one thing and lose another, and are exhausted. With the humble opinion of my ministers, I may choose the ministers and cabinet ministers who are good at military affairs, and the governors of Hebei, Shandong, and Shanxi armies to prepare for the establishment of the northern army. Running camp, confronting and dealing with the enemy, intelligence exchanges between Chang'an and the camp, the military plan must be gathered on the desk of the Holy One, and it is only responsible to the Holy One. When there is a police in a place, mobilize heavy troops to help, or it may be able to stop the northern barbarians."

Facing the sharp-edged soldiers of the Eastern Captives, Chen Han's current defensive strategy is not good at all, and it is best to use joint defense.

In the previous life at the end of the Ming Dynasty, there was an official position called the Prime Minister of Military Affairs of the Five Provinces.

Of course, it was because the rebel army was surging in the country, and the rogues moved around and corrupted several provinces. With the power of one province alone, there would be disadvantages such as buck-passing and inefficiency, and it was set up to improve command effectiveness.

"Based on the current Chen-Han military system, there is actually very little room for maneuvering. Finding ways to improve the efficiency of military operations is only useful for border affairs. Once the cabinet ministers are in charge of military affairs and prepare for the establishment of camps, the command efficiency will be greatly improved... Come to think of it, if according to the original book, Prince Teng was ruled by the nine provinces, he should have joined the cabinet later. But Wang Ziteng was not talented enough, and he couldn't deter the generals and town generals everywhere, and he died strangely in the end."

Emperor Chongping's complexion moved slightly, and he understood Jia Heng's meaning, and he was a little tempted. After a moment of silence, he said: "Ziyu's proposal is feasible, but it's a big matter that involves all aspects. I still need to discuss it with the cabinet."

The question is, which cabinet minister to send to the governor's side?
Whoever wants to leave the center and go to the front to supervise the side, once the army is defeated, this is all responsibility.

Emperor Chongping thought in his mind, originally he also had the same idea and preferred Wang Ziteng, but from the current point of view, Wang Ziteng's festiveness for the Beijing camp is acceptable, and he is not enough to convince the public if he wants to join the cabinet.

In the end, a person flashed in his mind, Li Zan, a scholar of the Hall of Martial Arts, Minister of the Ministry of War, Li Zan, who is good at military affairs, but he is not sure if he has the will to sit on one side.

Jia Heng looked calm, recalling the records in the original book.

People like Jia Yucun could eventually serve as the chief minister (shangshu) of the Ministry of War. It can also be seen that Chen Han's reserve of military talents is very scarce.

As for Wang Ziteng, from inspections in the nine provinces to cabinet bachelors, we can see the decay of the Wu Xun Group.

Emperor Chongping had made up his mind, raised his eyes to look at the young man opposite, and said, "When you mentioned the Guoyong camp, what did you think of the soldiers in the Beijing camp?"

Jia Heng pondered and said: "The Beijing camp has been sparse for a long time, and the military discipline has been lax. If it is not rectified, it may be embarrassing and useless."

This is also his consistent view on the Beijing camp. Although the suppression of bandits is impressive, this is the standard of the second-line troops.

The bandits were ahead of him, but they were defeated repeatedly, even worse than the second-line troops.

Emperor Chongping said in a deep voice: "I want to use you as the commander of the Guoyong camp, and organize the army to practice martial arts."

Rectifying the Beijing camp and training the new army can be said to be equally important to the emperor. For the former, he just thinks that the Beijing camp can still be saved, while the latter is purely persuaded by Jia Heng's theory of the old and new systems.

Jia Heng's face was silent, and he muttered: "This... I am afraid that the merits and qualifications of the minister are not enough to convince the public. Kuang Chen is already trembling when he mentions the five cities' soldiers and horses. camp?"

Emperor Chongping smiled, his eyes darkened, and he said: "The soldiers and horses of the five cities can be handed over to the commanders of the five cities, and you can take charge of the affairs. It doesn't matter if you think about it. Jingying, can you subdue the generals?"

Speaking of which, it was just a sudden whim on his part. Niu Jizong, the governor of the Guoyong Camp, had been ordered to contemplate his mistakes behind closed doors, so the Guoyong Camp would not have a commander in charge for the time being. If Jia Heng could use Jia Heng as the inspector, it would seem that there is nothing wrong with it. .

Of course, the resistance to be faced mainly comes from the Dudufu of the Five Armies.

Then, don't appoint him as the governor first, but send him as an imperial envoy, hold the sword of the son of heaven, promote the Guoyong camp to suppress the thieves and robbers under Sanfu's rule, and when Sanfu in the capital is calm, and he returns after success, it will be a matter of course, the governor Guoyong camp.

This is the so-called, sneaking through Chencang!

Emperor Chongping's eyes were deep, and he made up his mind.

It can be said that Emperor Chongping's move was to use his imperial power to take advantage of the ravages of bandits and bandits in Sanfu, Beijing, to bypass the constraints of the five armies' governor's mansion, and pave the way for Jia Heng to ascend to the throne.

It is said that this move will frown on the civil official group, but it is still the same sentence, because it is the adjustment of military power, coupled with Emperor Chongping's control over the civil official group, some discerning people in the cabinet, even if they can see the way, they can only do it. will be silent.

As for whether there is any criticism from the Governor's Mansion of the Five Armies, the reasons are all ready-made, Heng is good at suppressing bandits, and Shenjing Xianzhi...

In fact, after the Sanhe Gang incident, Heng's impression of being good at suppressing bandits has gradually become deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.

As long as you're not "expert in civil war and layman in foreign war", it's fine.

When Jia Heng heard the words, he said with emotion: "Although I am not talented, I am not afraid!"

His mind turned, and he understood Emperor Chongping's intentions.

This is the real treatment of being regarded as a nephew. In order to promote you, I will try my best to pave the way for you, and I will send you several errands.

For example, He Shen, the favorite minister of Qianlong, held multiple positions, such as the chief academician of the cabinet, the leader of the military minister, the minister of the official department, the minister of the Lifan Academy... only one executive deputy emperor was missing.

These more than 1000 million taels of silver are too worthwhile!

Upon hearing the words, Emperor Chongping looked at the young man opposite him with appreciative eyes, smiled and said, "This is just like the vigor of a young man! Alright, let's go here first, and you also go to deal with the stall in Dongcheng." As soon as possible."

Hearing this, Jia Heng bowed his hands and said, "I will take my leave."

After Jia Heng left, Emperor Chongping returned to the imperial case, took the book in his hand, opened it and flipped through it, and suddenly, his eyes were cold, his face was ashen, and he yelled at Dai Quan who was at the side: "call people to gather together!" Hurry up and enter the palace!"

As for summoning the cabinet ministers to discuss matters, first ask the king of Qi, and then say, four or five million taels of silver, one tael must not be less!
Dai Quan's heart skipped a beat, he responded and sent the inner prison.

Prince Qi's Mansion·At Noon

In the study room, there was still the secret room. King Qi's fat body was squeezed into the pear wood grand master's chair, and his chubby face was full of shock and anger: "The Sanhe Gang was destroyed overnight, Li Jinzhu, Pan Jian, A bunch of trash! And Jia Heng, why are you moving so fast, why didn't Tianying notice it in advance?"

In the past few days, he closed his door and studied until late at night, and slept until noon during the day. However, at noon today, he was in the bed of two concubines when he was awakened from the outside by Shi Dourong, the head of the palace, and learned the sad news.

Dou Rong sighed and explained: "My lord, the spies in the inner factory have been watching more and more closely recently, and Tianying had to go into hibernation. My lord, the Three Rivers Gang has been wiped out by Jia Heng. I'm afraid that the accounts with the Wangfu will also be destroyed. It was exposed, and there is Pan Jian... He should have a list of bribed officials in his hands, and now he is missing."

Tianying is a secret espionage force established by King Qi. As for the name, it was born from the heart of Qi Wang Fuzhi, which is called: the dark shadow under the clear sky.

King Qi's face changed slightly when he heard the words, and he said angrily, "It won't fall into the hands of that little Jia Heng, right?"

Dou Rong shook his head and said: "This is not known to the old man, but Pan Jian still has many spies under his command, their identities are secret, and they are hiding deep, lord, we should take over these people, but Jia Heng suddenly became angry , caught off guard..."

King Qi's complexion changed, and he said in a deep voice, "What's the use of saying this now."

Dou Rong was silent for a while, and said: "My lord, the most urgent thing now is how to deal with the Holy Majesty's inquiries."

King Qi was taken aback for a moment, and then said in surprise: "Father will ask this king?"

"My lord thinks that the Three Rivers Gang will keep secrets for my lord? I'm afraid that at this moment, the Holy Majesty has already controlled the amount of money that my lord has received from the Three Rivers Gang over the years from Jia Heng!" Dou Rong said with worry in his eyes. .

The flesh on King Qi's chubby face twitched, and he said anxiously: "This... is broken! Once the emperor knows about it, he will definitely ask this king for it."

No one knows a son like a father, and no one knows a father like a son. Why doesn't he know what kind of temperament his father is?
Dou Rong frowned and said, "How should the prince deal with His Majesty?"

King Qi thought for a while and asked, "Sir, can you teach me something?"

Dou Rong said: "Where the prince's money has been used these years, I know very well, this must not be revealed! It is necessary to think about the words in advance."

Where did the silver go?

It is natural to feed the dead, make friends with officials, cultivate party members, and... personal enjoyment.

King Qi's small eyes rolled away, and he thought about it, sighed, and said: "After Gu left the palace and opened the mansion, because it is an independent family, it spends money everywhere, and Gu is extravagant and has never been frugal. Yes, clothes, food and daily life are used to paying attention to ostentation, alas, I am ashamed to teach my father."

Dou Rong pondered for a while, his eyes lit up, and said: "Your Majesty's words are very kind, but what if His Majesty insists on recovering the stolen money?"

King Qi's mind turned sharply, thought for a while, and said: "All of them have been spent by Gu, well, Gu usually likes to collect antique calligraphy and paintings, and play with gold and stone utensils. It must be beautiful and luxurious clothes... and tailoring brocade clothes for the princess and the others, and buying gold and silver jewelry... If the father insists on asking, the big deal is to pawn antique calligraphy and paintings, gold and silver utensils, furniture, and the princess' gold and silver jewelry together. , Discount, then sell the servant girls in the mansion, and return the stolen money.”

Dou Rong: "..."

This prince really has an unscrupulous posture, so even if the Holy Majesty wanted to recover the silver, he couldn't open his mouth.

Pawned your daughter-in-law's gold and silver jewelry?

Do you still want royal face?
Dou Rong was silent for a moment, and said: "My lord, you can't really say anything, the Holy One is furious... misfortune and fortune are unpredictable."

He was so stubborn, and he acted like a dead pig not afraid of boiling water. If he hated the Holy One, the consequences would be disastrous.

Hearing this, King Qi also had a gloomy, cold face flashing through his mind, and felt something wrong with his heart, and said with heartache: "Then hand over 100 million taels of silver, no matter how much, just one tael It's all gone."

(End of this chapter)