Chapter 734 I will wait for his triumphant return
The last time Jiang Qingzhi submitted a memorial, he was on the right track. Everyone learned from the memorial that Altan Khan's army was not far from Datong and would arrive in a few days.
A few days later, Jiang Qingzhi submitted another memorial, but he took a private route and went directly to the palace without going through the Ministry of Public Security.
Yan Shifan moved his short and thick neck uncomfortably, wondering why his father did not submit a memorial to the emperor.
But in an instant he knew his father's intention: at this moment, when Yan Song submitted a memorial, no matter what he said, it would send a signal to the outside world.
——Yan Song and Jiang Qingzhi each did their own thing.
If Altan Khan's ambition to move south was blocked, Yan Song's points would be deducted from his list of merits.
Secondly, as the chief minister leading the army, Jiang Qingzhi also had to obey Yan Song in name, but everyone knew that Emperor Jiajing trusted Jiang Qingzhi. If Yan Song showed his bossy demeanor, he would lose points in the eyes of Emperor Jiajing.
——You, Yan Song, know nothing about battle formations, yet you dare to make comments?
Therefore, Yan Song only submitted two memorials after he went north. The first was after he arrived in Datong, reporting on the situation of the army and Datong. The second time was when Jiang Qingzhi defeated Lin Siyuan, and Yan Song submitted a memorial to praise the wise and brave Emperor Jiajing, and his ability to use people well...
That was the first time that Yan Shifan saw Emperor Jiajing look pleased, and it was obvious that Yan Song's flattery was in the right direction.
Emperor Jiajing was reading memorials.
He read very slowly with a calm expression, making it impossible to guess what Jiang Qingzhi said in his memorial.
After a long time, Emperor Jiajing looked up.
Zhu Xizhong coughed dryly, Yan Shifan stood up straight, and Cui Yuan secretly patted his old waist... Last time someone impeached him for being so old but still lingering, which was shameful.
Cui Yuan's response was to take concubines in a big way... and three at a time.
So the outside world called him Cui Sanlang.
Three times a night.
It is said that after Cui Yuan learned of his bandit nickname, he shut himself in and cursed the tycoon of Xin'an Lane, saying that if this bandit nickname had not been given by Jiang Qingzhi, he, Cui Fu Ma, would never set foot in Xiyuan again.
Zhu Xizhong lowered his eyes and thought of his son.
Every time he returned home, the Duchess's wife would ask him about the war. In the past, the old woman had no interest in military affairs at all, but now she has learned how to read maps and pretends to say something like... "Red sleeves are here to add to the fragrance of the flowers," but in fact she is wondering about her son's recent situation.
"Altan Khan's army has arrived in Datong." Emperor Jiajing said slowly, "As soon as they arrived in Datong, Altan Khan could not wait to launch a scouting war, intending to strike a heavy blow to our Ming soldiers."
Everyone looked at Zhu Xizhong.
Zhu Xizhong laughed dryly and raised his eyebrows: Why are you looking at me?
Yan Shifan said, "Duke Chengguo has a profound knowledge of literature. Can you teach me?"
Teach Nima!
Zhu Xizhong cursed inwardly, his little knowledge of military strategy was dismissed by Jiang Qingzhi as mere show, and he would be killed if he went to the battlefield.
——So the future of Chengguo Mansion depends on Dalang, your brother...just go take a shower!
This is what my brother said.
But at this moment in the hall, Zhu Xizhong, the second-rate man, is the most knowledgeable one.
This also shows the tragedy of the Ming Dynasty, the civil officials were arrogant, and the military men were reduced to watchdogs. After years of suppression and without ever having experienced a major war, when it comes to using troops, they always say the same old three things: maybe, perhaps, possibly...
A few years later, the Japanese pirates in the southeast became more and more serious, and several governors were unable to pacify them. It was not until Hu Zongxian bribed Zhao Wenhua that he was able to take charge of the power to suppress the Japanese pirates.
He appointed Qi Jiguang, Yu Daqiu and others as the main generals. At the beginning, Qi Jiguang and others led the officers and soldiers to fight, but as soon as the battle started, the officers and soldiers were defeated. In the words of the prostitutes in the brothel: they collapsed at the first touch.
Later, Qi Jiguang simply abandoned the officers and soldiers and recruited a group of miners to train on their own.
This move of starting over caused a lot of controversy, but when these new recruits went into battle, they slapped the faces of the civil and military officials in the southeast.
Invincible!
At that time, remarks such as "the Japanese pirates are fierce and invincible" were rampant, as if Japan was suppressing the Ming Dynasty by race, and the moon in foreign countries was always rounder.
Qi Jiguang used a group of new miners and one great victory after another to tell the world: racial suppression is pure nonsense. If there is any racial suppression, it is us, the Chinese, suppressing other races!
This is a powerful force forged through battle formations.
It was Hu Zongxian who completely let go and did not interfere, allowing Qi Jiguang to do whatever he wanted, which led to this result.
At this moment in the court, once the topic of rectification or reconstruction is mentioned, there will be countless opponents.
If Qi Jiguang were in such an environment, let alone starting over, if he dared to bring it up, those civil servants would drown him with saliva.
So in this environment, people like Zhu Xizhong have become the most popular ones...
According to Jiang Qingzhi, this is called there is no great general in Shu, and Liao Hua is the vanguard.
Zhu Xizhong pondered quickly, "Altan attacked twice. The first time was by General Lin Siyuan. After being defeated by Chang Wei Bo, he built a Jingguan in the northwest of Datong. The second time was when Altan tried to bypass Datong and attacked our capital area with two detachments, but was repelled again. Both attacks were fruitless, and the first one was a disastrous defeat. Altan urgently needs a victory report to boost morale..."
Zhu Xizhong was stuck, and the emperor and his ministers were all looking at him, waiting for him to continue his analysis.
Zhu Xizhong felt a burning sensation on his spine. He knew that if he spoke nonsense, he would lose points in the eyes of Emperor Jiajing.
But what is the subsequent intention of An Da?
Zhu Xizhong racked his brains but couldn't think of it.
The corners of Yan Shifan's mouth curled up slightly, and Xu Jie also looked at Zhu Xizhong for a rare moment, as if he was concerned, but his right hand was lightly clenched into a fist.
What a relief! Zhu Xizhong's mouth twitched, and he felt that today was over.
At this moment, he suddenly thought of what he had heard from his brother in Huben Zuowei...
"Your Majesty, this is a battle of momentum." Zhu Xizhong spoke as if all his meridians were opened, and his voice was incredibly smooth. "When two armies confront each other, momentum is the most important thing. As soon as we make contact, we must give the opponent a blow on the head, so that our morale is high and the enemy's morale is low. Altan is trying to seize the momentum!"
Zhu Xizhong's eyes were sharp. "I think that Chang Wei Bo will definitely fight back, suppress the opponent's momentum, and even force Altan to stop..."
"Why? Isn't Lord Changwei afraid that Altan Khan will fight ahead of time? After all, they have more than 100,000 cavalrymen and are more numerous and powerful." Emperor Jiajing's voice was very soft, but Huang Jin could hear some joy in it.
Could it be that Duke Chengguo was right?
Zhu Xizhong was also guessing, but at this moment he could only explain this battle according to what his brother said at the time, "Altan has come from afar, and his men and horses are tired. If he dares to fight at this moment, Chang Wei Bo will certainly accept it with pleasure."
Zhu Xizhong said this and went back.
I felt uneasy.
Emperor Jiajing looked at him and suddenly smiled and said, "Go back and read more military strategies."
Did I say something wrong?
Zhu Xizhong's heart trembled.
"Forget it. You have been living a life of luxury for many years. It would be difficult for you to lead the army. I heard that your son has joined the army. Let him be trained well! Maybe..."
Emperor Jiajing hesitated for a moment. He did not like the group of military heroes, but before martial arts produced a large number of talents, he had to rely on this group temporarily.
Moreover, the line of Duke Chengguo has always been a staunch supporter of the emperor, so they must be allowed to come to the fore and set an example for the powerful and military heroes.
"The line of Duke Chengguo rose to prominence through fighting. I hope that in ten or twenty years, I can see the Duke Chengguo Mansion again!"
This was an encouragement. Zhu Xizhong bowed and said gratefully, "I will certainly not be dissatisfied with your majesty's high expectations."
Emperor Jiajing looked at him and smiled, "I have high hopes for your son. As for you... you have so much flesh on your thighs that even a horse cannot carry you. You should stay by my side and serve as an advisor!"
"Yes." Zhu Xizhong was not ashamed, but proud. "I will definitely urge my son to fight bravely, not to disgrace the reputation of our ancestors, and not to disappoint your majesty's high expectations."
Emperor Jiajing raised the memorial in his hand, "Altan Khan's troops approached Datong City. The civil and military officials in the city said that they should close the gates and hold the city, but Chang Wei Bo led a large army to attack..."
I guessed it right...it turned out to be my brother!
Such courage!
Cattle!
Yan Shifan could hardly hide his surprise, wondering why his father didn't dissuade him?
"The two armies fought with scouts and cavalry. Chang Wei Bo used Xian Zhang Hou as the right wing to drive out the enemy's scouts and cavalry. Altan Khan sent out all his forces, and the two armies faced each other..."
In the past, Emperor Jiajing would most likely let Huang Jin speak out such memorials, but today he spoke himself, which shows how excited he was.
"Qingzhi challenged Altan in front of the battle line, but Altan did not dare to come out and responded with warriors."
Fighter?
Everyone was a little confused, thinking what time it is and why are you still playing this outdated thing.
"Qingzhi sent his servant Sun Chonglou to fight, and he killed two brave warriors of Altan Khan in succession and captured one of them." Emperor Jiajing was actually quite excited. "The enemy's arrogance was suppressed and they were forced to return to the camp."
As expected, what Laozi said was right. The old dandy was very proud and said, "Your Majesty, that Sun Chonglou is the killing god called Asura by Altan. "
"It's him!" Taoist thought of the silly big guy and couldn't help but glance at Zhang Tong next to him.
The same clear eyes, the same simplicity.
"Qingzhi said that the war should break out within five days, and the decisive battle will not exceed ten days."
"So early?" Cui Yuan hoped that the battle would start as late as possible.
"Altan Khan is a foreign army. His food and fodder need to be transported from the grassland, which is a long journey. Moreover, Altan Khan's money and fodder are not as abundant as those of the Ming Dynasty. Once the war prolongs and food and fodder are insufficient, he can only retreat in disgrace." Yan Shifan's words were very pertinent.
From the perspective of money, food and resources, he explained the main reasons why Altan had to launch a decisive battle within ten days.
This is the talent of a prime minister.
Emperor Jiajing couldn't help but look at this greedy guy with admiration, thinking that although this guy was greedy, his talent was extremely rare.
Well, give him some time.
"In this way, the army can hold on!" Cui Yuan said happily, "Just wait for Altan to run out of food and withdraw his troops."
You idiot... Zhu Xizhong couldn't stand it any longer. "If our army holds its ground, Altan Khan will send a small army to bypass Datong. Who can stop us? Once the enemy army reaches the capital... Chang Wei Bo will have no choice but to leave the city and fight. By then, the initiative will be in Altan Khan's hands."
Zhu Xizhong looked at Cui Yuan provocatively: Understand?
Emperor Jiajing nodded with satisfaction, "That's right. Now that I think about it, the war should have begun!"
He stood up and walked straight out of the hall.
This is an unusual move.
Several close ministers followed him out.
The autumn wind blew, making Emperor Jiajing's hair and beard flutter. He said in a deep voice: "Tell Qingzhi that I will wait for his triumphant return!"
(End of this chapter)
