Rule the Ming Dynasty Alone

Over the remainder of May, public opinion in the capital slowly shifted.

Many of the instigators did not know that the war against Jianzhou was not an act of Zhu Youtang's will, but a decision made internally and jointly by the six ministries.

Especially when it comes to settling millions of victims, the monarch and his ministers are united as never before, knowing that pacifying Jianzhou is the best way to save millions of victims.

Because of this, those who hid behind the scenes to stir up trouble and prevent the war not only challenged the emperor, but also angered the most powerful group of people in the court today.

Faced with this kind of scum who wanted to hold back the Ming Dynasty and who wanted to ignore millions of victims, the emperor did not need to take action personally. The people in power in various yamen had already attacked these people head-on.

"Come with us to Shuntian Mansion!"

"Thankfully you are still a scholar, go to the Criminal Department for interrogation!"

"Haha... Now you are still receiving a salary from the Ming Dynasty every month. Is this how you behave as a minister?"

…

As more and more people were arrested and sent to yamen such as Shuntian Prefecture, Criminal Ministry, Metropolitan Procuratorate, and Beizhen Fusi, the public opinion storm against Zhu Youtang slowly subsided.

It is worth mentioning that Baijiayuan plays an important role in guiding public opinion.

Through the latest issue of "Ming", they listed the numerous crimes committed by the Jianzhou Jurchens over the years, thereby stimulating the Chinese people's resentment towards the Jianzhou Jurchens.

This is also true. If it were not for the shelter and protection of the Ming Dynasty, the Jianzhou Jurchens would have been destroyed by the Haixi Jurchens. As a result, after the Jianzhou Jurchens gained a foothold, they flirted with North Korea and frequently harassed the border residents of the Ming Dynasty.

If you use one word to describe the current Jianzhou Jurchens, the best word must be: repay kindness with hatred.

Faced with the slaughter of his compatriots by white-eyed wolves, the best way is to retaliate in kind, not only to take back Jianzhou's homeland, but also to send these Jurchens to hell.

"These aliens must be slaughtered!"

"How can you be kind to someone who is so ungrateful?"

"If you are a minister but not a minister, you will slaughter our border people and kill them of their kind!"

…

With the release of the latest issue of "Ming", public opinion in the capital has undergone a 180-degree change, from peace to war, and they all support the imperial court's purge of Jianzhou Jurchens.

Since this public opinion storm is of great importance, Xie Qian was personally responsible for it this time.

Xie Qian cleverly added a slogan at the end of the article: "Eradicate the Jurchens, restore the homeland of the state, devote national efforts to water conservancy, and build the Northeast Granary of the Ming Dynasty."

Although there is no such thing as industrial planning in this era, this slogan has undoubtedly promoted the country's latest strategic plan, which is to regain Jianzhou and build the Northeast Granary.

“Isn’t Jianzhou a barren land?”

"You are making a joke, the land in Jianzhou is fertile!"

"Although I haven't seen it with my own eyes, it is said that the area around Huli Gai River is indeed conducive to growing crops!"

…

In the past, many policies of the imperial court would not have much impact, but as "Ming" became the best-selling publication in the two capitals and thirteen provinces, and it was the year of the Great Competition, this plan was quickly publicized. And it aroused extensive discussion among readers.

Ming Taizong's five expeditions to Mobei seemed to be five battles and five victories, which seemed to be infinite. It’s just that the economic value is actually very low. Although Mongolia was severely damaged, it did not gain much.

On the other hand, the strategic goal of the imperial court this time was not limited to annihilating the enemy, but also focused on the fertile land of Jianzhou. It also clearly invested resources in reclaiming Jianzhou to build the Northeast Granary, which was a move that benefited the country and the people.

"As I guessed, His Majesty really has this intention!" Xu Hong sighed with pride when he saw the "Ming" magazine supporting his earlier judgment.

At this moment, he was even more convinced that the Ming Dynasty had ushered in the best king in history, and the plan to build the Northeast Granary alone was already stronger than Taizong.

Of course, the biggest characteristic of Hongzhi Dynasty has never been empty talk, but practical action.

When the strategic concept of the Northeast Granary was put forward, in addition to the Liaodong Army going out of Shanhaiguan, the disaster relief plan led by the Ministry of Household Affairs also began to be implemented.

Say one thousand, speak ten thousand, the common people are the foundation of the dynasty and the foundation for the true rise of China.

It's night and the dike breaks.

Bian was the old capital, stretching for thirty miles and occupying the center of the world.

The city of Kaifeng was the most severely affected. Hundreds of thousands of surviving people took shelter on rooftops or tall buildings, while the walls of King Zhou City were above the water.

Tian Qi was one of the residents of Bashifang. When the flood poured into Kaifeng City, he was lucky enough to escape with his mother to the bell tower, where he escaped with thousands of refugees.

However, the city of Kaifeng was submerged in the rolling floods, and their crisis was far from being resolved.

one day!

Two days!

…

In the next few days, the flood did not recede. It can be said that the days of this group of people were like years, and the ugly side of human nature was exposed.

Hunger soon spread in the Drum Tower, causing everyone to try their best to find something to eat.

"Let me go! Please let me go!" A fair-skinned woman was suddenly forcibly dragged away from the crowd and begged immediately.

Some people in the crowd of onlookers recognized the perpetrators, and an old man immediately shouted angrily: "Butcher Zheng, what are you going to do?"

puff!

But as soon as the voice fell, the old man saw blood pouring out of his abdomen.

"Whoever dares to meddle in other people's business, beware of the white knife going in and the red knife coming out!" After the muscular Butcher Zheng stabbed the old man to death, he threatened everyone present.

Some people originally thought of redressing the injustice, but when they saw the fierce-looking Butcher Zheng, especially the butcher knife stained with blood, they immediately lowered their heads silently.

ah……

In the deathly silent atmosphere, a sound like the sound of pig slaughtering came from the corner in front, making everyone's hair stand on end.

Butcher Zheng treated the woman neatly like he usually killed pigs and cows, and then set up a large pot, and soon the aroma of meat began to rise.

When an old woman saw this scene, she criticized her with hatred: "Butcher Zheng, if you do such a crazy thing, the court will not spare you gangsters, and they will tear you into pieces!"

Many scholars present nodded their heads and looked at this Butcher Zheng with a human face and an animal heart with hatred.

"The Imperial Court? The Imperial Court has never been involved in disaster relief. You should take care of your own stomachs first! One pound of meat and one tael of silver, no bully!" Butcher Zheng didn't agree, but he continued to hawk.

this……

The onlookers were speechless when they heard this hawking.

Although they wanted to condemn this behavior, their stomachs were already growling with hunger and their bodies seemed extremely honest. What's more, what Butcher Zheng said makes sense. The corruption and whitewashing of peace in the imperial court are fundamental, and those in power may really not care about them.

The few scholars who were just about to denounce Butcher Zheng swallowed their saliva, but they took advantage of the silver coins they had on them: "I... I want two catties!"

"I want a pound!"

"I want two pounds!"

"I want one catty, no, two catties!"

…

Several scholars could not resist the temptation of the smell of meat, but they took out their silver coins to buy it.

"Haha... It's easy to say, come one by one! I'll guarantee enough here!" Butcher Zheng watched these scholars compromise, and immediately glanced at the crowd with joyful brows.

Everyone present felt as if they were part of a herd of pigs, and couldn't help but feel a chill.

Tian Qi watched the scholars buy one after another, but he couldn't help shouting: "In ancient times, there were righteous men who did not eat the food they brought. How can we eat our compatriots now? Today's Holy Emperor is a wise king. I believe that the court will not ignore us. Please don’t be seduced by traitors, we must keep our integrity!”

"Damn tongue! Go and capture his mother. I want to see how much integrity he has!" Butcher Zheng's expression changed slightly, and he immediately pointed at the woman behind Tian Qi and said.

When Tian Qi saw that the other party actually wanted to cook his mother, he immediately picked up the wooden stick on the ground and said: "You bunch of beasts, I will fight with you today!"

At this point, he had no choice but to risk his life for the sake of friendship.

There were several righteous men here who picked up the short sticks on the ground, but they wanted to step forward to help Tian Qi.

"Whoever dares to take a step forward, I will kill him!" Butcher Zheng raised a sharp butcher's knife and threatened the few strong men who were ready to make a move.

puff!

It was at this moment that a sharp blade flashed through, and a stream of blood immediately spattered.

ah……

Butcher Zheng covered his broken arm and screamed loudly.

"This general is General Wu Gang of Henan Province. I have come to the rescue today with orders! Come and capture all these villains!" A tall general cut off Butcher Zheng's arm and ordered with a wave of his hand.

"Why do you want to arrest us? We are not on the same side as them!" Several scholars were eating cooked meat and suddenly shouted in panic.

The soldiers who came in already knew what they were eating, and did not listen to these scholars' cries of injustice. Instead, they dragged them out directly. The voices begging for mercy soon stopped abruptly.

If there is no business, there will be no harm. These scholars would not regret their death.

Tian Qi let go of the short stick that he was holding tightly in his hand. Seeing that he and his mother had narrowly escaped death, he couldn't help but secretly let out a sigh of relief.

After so many days of arrangements, rescue ships have arrived one after another, and corresponding rescue work was immediately launched. Different from other places, the victims of Kaifeng Prefecture have to leave here first.

"The elderly, children and women are given priority. The rest will stay and cross the river with me, the general!" Wu Gang made arrangements immediately without saying any nonsense.

Because the flooded terrain in the south is complicated and most areas have been affected by the disaster, the best plan is to move the hundreds of thousands of people trapped here to the north shore.

Prince Zhou's Mansion had its own ship and had already carried out self-rescue a few days ago. Since the break of the embankment was more or less related to the officials of Kaifeng City, they did not receive preferential treatment, but they waited for the rescue ship with ordinary people.

There are the largest number of civilians on the four walls, and the number of rescue ships is limited, so we can only send them food first. As long as things don't get messy, there won't be any major problems.

In the next few days, countless official ships plied the fast-flowing new river, and some economically minded people from the north bank rowed wood to start a business of crossing the river for the rich.

Fortunately and unfortunately for Tian Qi, on the third day, he successfully escaped from this hell on earth on an official ship. It's just that Kaifeng City has been flooded, and he is already destined to be unlikely to return to Kaifeng City.

"Son! Mom is no longer useful. You can escape alone. This way you still have a way to survive, but remember to leave blood for our Hu family!"

Although they were lucky enough to cross the river, the vast majority of the people had no property and could only sleep in ruined temples or lying in the grass beside the road, begging from others, and became homeless ghosts in other places.

After landing on the north bank, Tian Qi and his mother followed the large troops to Fengqiu, Yanjin, Yangwu and other counties.

"Mom, the current emperor is a good emperor. He will definitely not ignore our people. If you persist, old man, we will definitely get relief when we go to Fengqiu County!"

Tian Qi felt uncertain, but combined with what the court had done in the past two years, he had the last hope.

Although he was not wealthy before, he has now become a real refugee. If the emperor did not love the people, then they might not be able to survive now, let alone the future.

At this moment, he could only rely on the emperor's mercy to allow the two of them to temporarily overcome this difficulty.

“There’s a porridge shack in front!”

"The government is giving out porridge in front!"

"Woooo...we are saved!"

…

The common people who were walking like zombies in the official road heard the news coming back from the front, and they seemed to be suddenly alive, but they accelerated forward one after another.

As it turned out, the government indeed set up a porridge shed on the edge of the road in front. There was a long line of people there, and some people actually received the porridge.

"Mom, we are saved!" Tian Qi said with great joy when he saw someone in the front team holding porridge and eating it.

Tian Qi’s mother is a diligent and conscientious middle-aged woman. She was also very excited and said: "God opens your eyes, our Ming Dynasty has really welcomed a bright king!"

Since the creation of the Supreme Council, the court now operates very efficiently.

Officials from the Metropolitan Procuratorate and the Ministry of Household Affairs have already arrived at the "front line", but they are standing on the edge of the porridge shed, urging the officials to set up porridge sheds to provide porridge to the victims along the way.

"Twenty miles ahead along the official road, Fengqiu County will build a resettlement area outside the south gate. You can rest there temporarily!" the porridge official gave serious guidance.

Tian Qi knew that this was indeed not a place to stay for a long time. After drinking the porridge, although he was only three-thirds full, he still gritted his teeth and led his mother along the official road.

I saw several dead bodies on the road. I thought they were victims of starvation, but I found that they had stab wounds. Through discussions by others, it was learned that the identities of these corpses turned out to be mountain bandits nearby, who were killed by the government because they wanted to rob the victims.

In this disaster, the court may have done much more for the victims than they imagined.

"These are food stamps. Ten of them per person can be exchanged at government offices or rice shops at all levels!"

Tian Qi looked at the easily obtained food stamps, and suddenly felt a little suspicious in his heart.

Not to mention that the imperial court gave him too much, these light pieces of paper could be exchanged for a large amount of rice, but it was unbelievable that such a good thing could happen.

Just when I entered Fengqiu County, I saw a sign hanging high on a rice shop in the city: "This store can redeem food stamps! Because our store has limited food stocks, only one per person is allowed!"

Tian Qi changed the rice grains with uneasiness. After seeing the heavy rice grains in his hands, he felt like he was dreaming.

"You have two choices now! One is to use food stamps to visit relatives along the way and find another way out; the other is to accept the court's arrangement and go to Jianzhou, where each person will get ten to twenty acres of land. You can Live there again!”

"My former husband-in-law married into the Yang family in Shanxi, and I want to go visit him!"

"I'm afraid I can't go back to my hometown. I'd better go to Jianzhou to make a living!"

"Jianzhou seems to be still a place occupied by Jurchens. I'd better find another way out!"

"You can be a good person only if you have land. Even in Jianzhou, I have to try my best!"

"I believe that the current court is definitely not deceiving us. I want to go to Jianzhou!"

…

Faced with this multiple-choice question in life, although some people choose to seek relatives, the vast majority of people actually have no other choice, so they silently prepare to go to Jianzhou to make a living.

"I signed up to go to Jianzhou!" Tian Qi thought about it again and again, and finally chose to take the risk.

The current court gave him trust, but he believed that the court was not deceiving them, and he also wanted to get a new life from it.

More than half a month later, Tian Qi followed a large army of nearly ten thousand people to the new river dock, and then left the Yellow River on a brand new large-scale ship.

Although they decided to go to Jianzhou to reclaim land, there were actually many variables in this adventure. No one knew the situation in Jianzhou and whether the imperial army could really drive the Jurchens away from Jianzhou.

In June, Jianzhou was ravaged by the summer wind, and blood had already filled the grassland.

After also traveling for more than half a month, the Eastern Expeditionary Army under the command of Wang Yue had advanced into the hinterland of Jianzhou. Several small battles that occurred along the way ended in the complete annihilation of the Ming army.

Wang Yue was riding on a tall horse, wearing thick armor. He was now considered a battle-hardened veteran. But facing such a smooth advance into the hinterland, especially when his army's supply lines continued to lengthen, he felt uneasy.