Rule the Ming Dynasty Alone

The problem of Annan is not only a problem of stability in the southwest, but also an obstacle that needs to be cleared for the Ming Dynasty cotton to enter the Indochina Peninsula, so now is the time to start conquering Annan.

Although Xu Qiong, the Minister of Rites, and others were indignant at Annan's actions over the years, they still couldn't help but feel a thump in their hearts when they heard that Zhu Youtang was going to use troops against Annan.

If you win the battle, you will have an extra piece of wild land to manage. If you lose the battle, you are likely to cause endless trouble. No matter what the outcome is, it will be a thankless trouble.

That's why, although they had already been loyal to the emperor who was in front of them, they still didn't want to cause trouble by conquering Annan.

"Your Majesty, today's Ming Dynasty must focus on stability. It is not appropriate to waste money and harm the people to promote war. Please take back your orders!" Liu Jian couldn't help but frown, and immediately stood up to dissuade him.

Wu Yu, the right minister of the Ministry of Revenue, frowned when he saw that Liu Jian was trying to stop him.

Even though Xu Qiong, the Minister of Rites, and other officials knew that the emperor in front of them was unlikely to be dissuaded, they still couldn't help but have a glimmer of hope when they saw Liu Jian standing up.

Zhu Youtang knew that some things could be discussed slowly by them, but some things needed to be decided by oneself, so he immediately expressed his position: "I am not discussing with you! Not to mention that Annan is warlike and has made Indochina occupy the city and other vassal states. All lives are in ruins. Today, the people in the southwestern border of our Ming Dynasty were massacred, the pearl fishing boat was looted by the officers and soldiers of the Li Dynasty, and the treasure of the Ming Dynasty - the King of Nanzhu fell into the hands of the Annan royal family. The Ming Dynasty can be generous to the world, but those who dare to offend our strong wisdom... ...Even if they are far away, they will be killed!"

At the end of the day, these four words bite very hard.

The tea girl's delicate body trembled slightly, and her beautiful eyes turned to look at Zhu Youtang with a bit of infatuation.

"Anyone who offends my strong wisdom will be punished no matter how far away?"

When Li Yu, the Minister of Civil Affairs, and others heard Zhu Youtang's strong stance, the worry about the unknown suddenly disappeared, but a sense of pride arose spontaneously.

Perhaps, this is the most suitable emperor.

When faced with disagreements about national affairs, Zhu Youtang can stand up and lead everyone with a strong stance, and then move forward in a certain direction together.

After all, an emperor needs a leader, and Zhu Youtang is simply a born leader.

"Anyone below Annan who commits a crime above shall be punished!"

"How can we, the people of the Ming Dynasty, die innocently? We must pay with Annan's blood!"

"China is so powerful that it shakes the world. How can there be no reason not to conquer the Li thieves who have seized our imperial treasure?"

…

After dispelling their worries, Du Ming, the Minister of Punishment, and other officials immediately planned to follow Zhu Youtang's footsteps and made honest statements one after another.

"A dynasty full of courtiers is a sign of national destruction!"

Liu Jian, the left minister of the Ministry of Rites, saw that Du Ming and other officials had expressed support, but the peace he advocated was isolated and helpless, and he couldn't help but cursed secretly in his heart.

But facing this emperor who expressed his strong stance, even though he could be regarded as the emperor's master, he was no longer able to compete with Zhu Youtang.

Zhu Youtang saw that almost all the officials present agreed with his decision to go to war, so he made the final decision: "The Ming Dynasty has decided to conquer Annan. This matter does not need to be discussed again. Dear friends, please discuss how to use generals, deploy troops and prepare for war."

Although he, the emperor, can finalize the war against Annan, he still needs to come up with an effective plan on how to implement it.

In particular, Annam is not a small country. The Le Dynasty has always had 100,000 conventional troops. Now that the Ming Dynasty wants to conquer Annan, it naturally needs to treat it with caution, and it must formulate a military strategy in advance.

"Your Majesty, when a large army goes on an expedition, the commander is the most important thing! I think this time we can follow Taizong's example and send the British Duke to lead the army! Today, the British Duke Zhang Mao inspected the mounted archery in Xiyuan in the early years. He hit three shots in a row, which shows that his riding and archery skills have already improved. Due to the legacy of King Dingxing, I thought that the British Duke Zhang Maodao could go on the expedition this time!" Lu Wen, the left minister of the Ministry of War, followed the past practice and immediately recommended Zhang Maodao, the only British Duke left in the capital.

Unlike the crazy Duke Ding and the deposed Duke Cheng, the British Duke Zhang Mao is now living at home and is actually the best of the three great Dukes in the capital.

The Ming Dynasty has always had a tradition of attaching great importance to military honors. Especially in major military operations, the court usually appointed the Duke as the commander-in-chief.

The British Duke Zhang Fu's four expeditions to Annan achieved satisfactory results, but it added a mysterious color to the British Duke's lineage, and even revealed a bit of metaphysics.

Looking at the current members of the Ming Dynasty, there is no doubt that the British Duke Zhang Mao is the most suitable candidate to lead the army to conquer Annan.

"I object!" Wu Yu, the right minister of the Ministry of Revenue, showed his enthusiasm as a young official and objected clearly: "Although the British Duke Zhang Mao has a distinguished status and is the queen of King Dingxing, he has never left the capital to lead the army in battle. How can he lead the army?" Hundreds of thousands of troops? How can they be qualified for such an important position?"

Huh?

Li Yu, the Minister of Civil Affairs, and other officials all turned to look at Wu Yu, and found that newborn calves are not afraid of tigers, and they dare to say such offending words.

"The British public has a strict tradition. He has been familiar with the art of war since he was a child, and he is good at riding and shooting. He has been in the governor's house of the Chinese army for many years. How can he not imitate the courage of King Xing?" Lv Wen, the left minister of the Ministry of War, was secretly angry and retorted loudly.

Wu Yu, the right minister of the Ministry of Revenue, knew that Wu Xun was no longer useful, but he still firmly objected: "Liu Shilang, whether the British Duke Zhang Mao has the courage of King Dingxing is just your personal groundless speculation! Today the Ming Dynasty is going to use troops against Annan , if someone who has never led an army in battle goes out to fight, I will be the first to object, and I believe that Your Majesty will not agree!"

But when he said the last sentence, everyone turned to look at Zhu Youtang in unison, and at the same time realized that Wu Yu had probably said it right.

After Zhu Youtang ascended the throne, the new emperor changed the way that Emperor Hua controlled the twelve capital camps through Wuxun, and instead chose to kick the entire Wuxun Group out of the capital camp.

Now Wu Xun, including the British Duke Zhang Mao, has no military power. Wu Xun's status can be said to have reached a freezing point, and all of this was done by Zhu Youtang.

Although Zhu Youtang unconventionally reused Xu Shiying, the crown prince of Dingguo, as the governor of the East China Sea, the main reason why Xu Shiying was favored was that Xu Shiying had already tied up trade in growing cotton and building weaving factories.

That's right. Now that the army is to be handed over to Zhang Mao, a British prince who has never led an army, and Zhang Mao is still a convicted martial artist, it is unlikely that the man in front of him will agree.

There was a hint of disdain in the corner of Zhu Youtang's mouth, and he asked calmly: "Apart from the British Duke, are there no other candidates?"

Because he was condescending, he could see everyone's expressions, and he glanced lightly at his Minister of Civil Affairs.

"Your Majesty, Wang Yue, the Governor of Guangdong and Guangxi, can take on this important task! Wang Yue is currently the best candidate in terms of his reputation in the military and his leadership ability!" Li Yu, the Minister of Personnel, knew that Zhu Youtang relied on officials in personnel matters. Ministry, immediately stood up and recommended Dao without betraying trust.

After hearing about this candidate, Du Ming, the Minister of Punishment, and other officials knew that there was no suspense.

If we put aside Wang Yue's prejudice of being friends with eunuchs, Wang Yue's military ability has already been proven, and he is indeed the best candidate for this time.

"Wang Yue wrote poems in the past to complain about the court's lack of kindness. If the court grants him military power now, he may worry Lu Bu. Please think twice!" Zhang Hai, the right minister of the Ministry of War, gritted his teeth and immediately stood up and objected clearly.

Zhang Hai was born in a noble family in Dezhou. He passed the Jinshi examination in the second year of Chenghua. He was first assigned to the Ministry of Household Affairs and became the Minister of Taipu Temple. He was demoted to the prefect of Heqing, Yunnan due to the impeachment of Wang Yue, Wang Zhi and Concubine Wan Gui. .

After the death of Emperor Chenghua, Xu Pu directly promoted Zhang Hai from Yunnan back to Beijing, and recently successfully moved to the position of Right Minister of the Ministry of War. It's just that once Wang Yue is used in such an important manner, it will undoubtedly be detrimental to his situation.

Because of this, he and Wang Yue were destined to be in hostile camps, so he wanted to prevent Wang Yue from serving as the commander-in-chief of the Southern Conquest Army.

"Shilang Zhang, poetry is just a game, and writing poems with resentment is nothing more than someone judging a gentleman's heart with a villain's heart! Now the king has the talent to command the army, and he is in the land of Guangdong and Guangxi, how can he sacrifice the near for the distant? Are you going to make all kinds of suspicions?" Wu Yu, the right minister of the Ministry of Finance, regarded Wang Yue as his idol and immediately stood up to refute him.

"Wu Shilang, there are so many talented people in the Ming Dynasty, so why does it have to be Wang Yue?" Zhang Hai deliberately belittled Wang Yue and immediately asked with great disdain.

Wu Yu realized that this was just deliberately looking for trouble, but before he could argue, Du Ming, the Minister of Punishment next to him, had already expressed his position: "Secretary Zhang, the court has rehabilitated Wang Yue, are you questioning the court's trial? Now, Wang Yue has repeatedly performed extraordinary feats, and yet you still want His Majesty to be so suspicious of Wang Yue, so what are your intentions?"

"I know I was wrong!" Zhang Hai realized that he had made a logical mistake and that throwing dirty water would offend the Ministry of Punishment, so he chose to admit his mistake.

Li Yu, the Minister of Household Affairs, and others had already seen through the thoughts of the right minister of the Ministry of War, but they couldn't help but shook their heads gently.

This person still adheres to the same routine as before, but he thinks that as long as he splashes dirty water like crazy, the emperor will not dare to use it. It's just that this person seems to have forgotten who resurrected Wang Yue against all opinions, and who gave Wang Yue the greatest support.

Wang Yue was able to cut from the west to the east, and from the north to the south. In fact, it was inseparable from Zhu Youtang's trust in him. Thanks to the right minister of the Ministry of War, he thought he could get some eye drops.

Zhu Youtang didn't like Zhang Hai, who was the right minister of the Ministry of War without any military merit. However, the court could not be too harmonious after all, so he calmly responded to Li Yu, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel: "The person recommended by the Ministry of Personnel is very suitable." In my opinion, let Wang Yue lead the expedition!"

"Your Majesty, your Majesty!" Li Yu, the Minister of Civil Affairs, led his two deputies and immediately said respectfully.

"Your Majesty, I would like to recommend another person!" Wan An usually chooses to remain silent, but now he suddenly spoke.

Zhu Youtang had already sat back in front of the tea table. He picked up the hot tea that had just been brewed and said calmly: "Mr. Wange, who do you want to recommend?"

"If the imperial court allows Wang Yue to take command, the veteran thinks that he can follow the example of Xuanfu and Datong in the past, and the Nanjing garrison eunuch Wang Zhi will serve as the supervisor. I wonder what your majesty thinks?" Wan'an knew the importance of a partner, so he immediately recommended Wang Zhidao .

this……

Zhang Hai couldn't help but swallow, feeling even more afraid of Wang Zhi.

After all, Wang Zhi was once the factory supervisor in charge of the West Factory. If Wang Zhi was re-elected, how could he get any good results of his own? But facing the candidate recommended by the dignified chief minister, he had no courage to object.

Although the status of the cabinet has declined now, Wan'an is still the current chief minister of the cabinet. Not only are his disciples and former officials spread throughout the court, but he is also deeply favored by the emperor.

That's right, this is a big shot that he can't afford to offend, and he doesn't dare to step out and stop him.

Zhu Youtang blew the hot tea, then took a sip, then asked the question to the important ministers present: "Dear sirs, Wang will supervise the army, and Wang Yue will also serve as the chief military officer. Do you have any objections to this arrangement?"

If Wang Yue's arrangement is the candidate he has already decided on, and now that Wang Zhi is acting as the supervisor, this arrangement is undoubtedly in line with his wishes.

Although later generations deliberately belittled Wang Zhi's character and talents, Wang Zhi was not weak in military terms, and could even be said to be Wang Yue's strongest assistant.

"I have no objection, Your Majesty is wise!" Officials such as Li Yu, the Minister of Civil Affairs, knew that this was the strongest military combination and immediately expressed their support.

Zhu Youtang took a sip of tea and said decisively: "Since everyone agrees, let's make this arrangement. The cabinet will appoint the two people!"

"I obey the decree!" Wan An and Liu Ji have been responsible for drafting the imperial edict, and they immediately expressed their opinions.

Zhu Youtang gently put the tea cup down and made a pause gesture to the stunningly beautiful tea lady.

The tea girl knew that her work for the day would probably end here. She just wanted to be able to serve this man all the time, and she knelt down and bowed in a polite manner, hoping that one day the emperor would be able to visit her.

Zhu Youtang came back to the guardrail of the attic, his eyes fell directly on Li Si, the Minister of Household Affairs, and said: "A few days ago, Wang Yue reported one after another that there were differences in the Changping warehouses of the four prefectures in western Guangdong, mainly due to the lawlessness of the previous prefects! Now I am requesting that more Guangdong salt be distributed, and the Guangdong salt distribution area should be northward to the Changsha prefectures, and the Guangdong salt merchants should be ordered to set up a new southwest warehouse for the salt! Ministry of Household Affairs, can this method solve the problem of military rations?"

"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Household Affairs has gathered for discussion. Wang Yue's method is very exquisite. If implemented, the southwest warehouse will be consolidated to support the army!" Li Si, the Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, came out and expressed his position on behalf of the entire Ministry of Household Affairs.

Nowadays, the status of the Six Ministries in the New Dynasty has been significantly improved, but the powers and responsibilities of the Six Ministries and Yamen are more clearly defined, so the requirements for their professionalism are obviously higher.

"The Ministry of Household Affairs will come up with a complete implementation plan as soon as possible, build a southwest warehouse in Leizhou to open up grain from China and France, and consolidate the southwest warehouse to prepare for military supplies!" After Zhu Youtang knew that Wang Yue's plan was feasible, he immediately made the final decision.

Originally, the division of sales areas for Huaiyan salt was unscientific, especially in Huguang provinces adjacent to Guangdong, where it was more convenient to eat Cantonese salt. Now that the military ration problem in the southwest can be solved, it is natural to implement the best plan.

As for whether Wang Yue has some selfish motives in redrawing the salt area, this is actually something that does not need to be paid too much attention to, as long as everything moves in the direction of development.

"I am waiting for you to receive the order!" Li Si, the Minister of Household Affairs, led the two ministers to express their position respectfully.

Zhu Youtang put one hand on the guardrail, looked at Xu Qiong, the Minister of Rites, on the right and said: "Xu Qing!"

"I'm here!" Xu Ming, the Minister of Rites, immediately knelt down and responded.

Zhu Youtang's eyes flashed with murderous intent, and he said calmly: "The Ministry of Rites drafted a memorandum. In addition to listing crimes and punishing the Li Dynasty, it also ordered the Li Dynasty to return all the land it occupied to the foreign vassals!"

After all, this is an era of etiquette. Now if you want to conquer Annan, you need to clearly explain the reasons for the expedition, and even explain their strategic goals.

The military goal this time was not to expand the territory, but to severely damage Annan, while reshaping the new situation in Indochina and creating a vassal system belonging to the Ming Dynasty.

Of course, to achieve this political goal, it is necessary to severely damage Annan's 100,000-strong army militarily.

"I am waiting for the edict!" Xu Qiong, the Minister of Rites, knew that it was time for the Rites Ministry to show off their writing skills, and immediately led the two ministers to say respectfully.

Zhu Youtang took a deep breath, looked down at the important ministers present and said: "I know that some of you are not willing to go to war, but this war is not because I am warlike, but because Ming Dynasty is a kingdom in heaven, We need to have the responsibility of a great country! Those who bully our people will be punished; those who seize our vassal lord will be defeated. The Li Dynasty has committed all the crimes, so how can there be no reason not to fight? The Li Dynasty is not a savage beast, it is actually a borderland in the southwest! Taizong can conquer it, and I believe that our monarchs and ministers working together can eliminate this great harm to the people of the world, and the holy light of the Lord of the Ming Dynasty should shine on the entire Indo-China Peninsula!"

This crusade against the Li Dynasty was not the purpose. The entire attempt was to promote the power of the Ming Dynasty through tough military means, and then re-establish vassal relations with the forces on the Indochina Peninsula.

"Your Majesty, your Majesty!" Faced with Zhu Youtang once again stating the reason for the war, officials such as Li Yu, the Minister of Personnel, also responded wisely.

Seeing that things had been arranged, Zhu Youtang walked towards the stairs on the north side and said: "Secretary of the Sixth Department, please step down!"

Although the Six Ministers can participate in the highest meeting, if it involves the country's top secrets, Zhu Youtang will usually send the Six Ministers away, and only the Minister and cabinet ministers can continue discussions here.

In the current Ming Dynasty, the value of the six ministers has actually declined. In particular, if a minister wants to be promoted to minister, he must go to a local place to serve as a governor.

However, they had no reason to be unwilling. After all, some of the Six Ministers had moved up, and it was a great gift for them to be able to participate in the Supreme Council.

"Your Majesty, please retire. Long live my emperor, long live, long live!" Wu Yu, the right minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and others knew that this was something they could no longer participate in, so they resigned respectfully.

When Zhu Youtang walked down the stairs, he calmly ordered: "Hang up the map!"

"Yes!" Han Niu, who had been waiting at the stairs, hurriedly took out the map he had drawn earlier, and then hung the map on the central wall.

Due to the shortage of ministers in the Ministry of War, there are currently two pavilion elders and five ministers present, which can be regarded as the core group of seven people in the Ming Dynasty.

"Your Majesty, is this the map of Annan? Isn't it too finely drawn?" Li Si, the Minister of Household Affairs, came to the wall to look at the map that had just been hung up, and said with a face full of disbelief and shock.