Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 466 A Warning to Civil Officials, a Deterrence to Military Generals! Request!

Looking back, all nations with well-functioning societies have been governed by civil officials.

Military power is firmly controlled by the civilian government.

Countries where civilian governments cannot control armed forces are invariably warlord-controlled countries.

The war raged on, the people suffered, and peace was nowhere to be found.

Ultimately, as long as the civilian government cannot control the military, the country is bound to fall into the danger of fragmentation.

All the civil officials in the government affairs department agreed with this principle.

Taking advantage of suppressing the rebellion of the chieftains in the southwest, they secretly tested the strength of their own armed forces.

What he was thinking was that if the country were to encounter a "crisis," he could rely on the military power held by the civilian government to turn the tide and save the day.

Zhu Yunwen understood this intention, but a strong sense of displeasure welled up in his heart.

The Military Affairs Department had long been established, and a dual-chief system was implemented for military generals, supplemented by a military academy training system. With layers of control, military power had long been firmly in the hands of the "civilian government".

However, this "civilian government" was not the one that the civil officials of the government office had hoped for, which they directly led. Instead, it was under the personal control of the emperor, and was as stable as a rock.

Although the Military Affairs Department is the highest military hub, ostensibly headed by several renowned generals and staffed with military ranks, it is essentially a purely civilian institution disguised as a military organization.

Although it was independent of the government affairs department and specialized in military affairs, it was essentially an extension of "civil administration".

The bureaucrats and staff in the military affairs department were mostly "scholars" who had studied at military academies for a period of time, and were not military officers.

It's similar to the Pentagon at Western University in later times. On the surface, it's a military institution, but in reality, the staff are mostly civil servants.

The entire system is also a civil service system.

The same applies to the Ming Dynasty today.

The military was put in charge of military affairs, which in effect meant that the army was controlled by civilian officials.

However, the "civil servants" in this context are vastly different from the "civil servants" defined by the civil officials of the government affairs department in terms of the ownership of power.

The civil servants in the Military Affairs Department were all well-versed in military affairs. Most of them had personally experienced the battlefield, donned armor and weapons, and fought valiantly. They could be described as civil servants who were "both skilled in military and civil affairs".

They were well-versed in military strategy and familiar with battle formations, unlike those scholars who only knew how to talk about war on paper.

Command of the army should naturally remain in the hands of these experts.

However, the "civil officials in power" that Zhan Hui, Yang Shiqi, and others hoped for were mostly pure scholars who only read the classics and had no practical experience.

If that were the case, wouldn't it be like letting an amateur command the army haphazardly?

Zhu Yunwen was well aware of the drawbacks of this approach and would never allow such an absurd thing to happen.

Military command is a highly professional matter and cannot be taken lightly.

Moreover, the fundamental purpose of separating military and political power is to establish checks and balances to prevent excessive concentration of power.

Now, the government affairs department is attempting to overstep its authority and interfere in military affairs. Zhu Yunwen should certainly reprimand it to uphold discipline.

When Lan Yu heard Zhu Yuntong reprimand Yang Rong, a smile immediately appeared on her face, and a hint of smugness unconsciously showed in her expression, which was quite arrogant.

However, before he could laugh for long, Zhu Yunwen abruptly changed the subject, his gaze shooting at Lan Yu like a cold glint, and said in a deep voice: "However, what the government affairs office said is not entirely without reason."

"To quell the rebellion of the chieftains in the southwest, we must act with overwhelming force, sweeping away all obstacles and delaying the inevitable."

"The longer the war drags on, the more money and food it will cost, which is not a long-term solution."

"Moreover, the soldiers have been stationed on the front lines for a long time, enduring wind and rain, and are exhausted. As time goes on, they are bound to feel weary and even resentful."

"If the morale of the army is unstable and the soldiers are demoralized, how can we quell the rebellion in the southwest?"

"In the past, when we conquered Siam and Pegu, three thousand elite soldiers were enough. Why was that?"

"Siam and Pegu both had central governments with clear command centers."

"Our army only needs to strike at their lair and capture their leader to settle the matter in one fell swoop, so one elite force is enough."

"Furthermore, Siam and Pegu are far from the Ming Dynasty, and logistical supplies are not easy to obtain. Only elite troops can be dispatched, and it is impossible to send too many people."

"However, the chieftains in the southwest were quite different. They each occupied their own territory, were not subordinate to each other, and fought their own battles."

"To wipe them out one by one, even if we win every battle with just one brigade of the new army, it will take several years or even longer."

"Speed ​​has always been the most important factor in warfare; how can a war drag on like this?"

Zhu Yunwen's tone grew increasingly stern, tinged with reproach: "As a veteran general who has seen many battles, how could you not understand this principle?"

"They simply want to use the pretext of suppressing the rebellion to secure more military funding and squeeze more money out of the Ministry of Revenue!"

"I'm afraid the military funding you're asking for far exceeds the necessary expenses for quelling the southwestern rebellion."

Hearing Zhu Yuntong expose her little secret, Lan Yu's smile froze instantly, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head.

The smug look he had just had had vanished, replaced by embarrassment and unease, his stiff expression revealing a hint of helplessness.

Zhu Yunwen's originally sharp tone suddenly softened. Looking at the two of them, he said earnestly, "My mind is as clear as a mirror. You each have your own thoughts and schemes in private, but in the final analysis, they are all for the stability of the Ming Dynasty and the long-term peace and stability of the court."

His voice held a touch of warmth: "I am not heartless; I know you have worked tirelessly day and night for the public good."

"However," his tone suddenly changed, "because the Political Affairs Department and the Military Affairs Department acted independently and schemed against each other, the war in the southwest was delayed again and again, which jeopardized the imperial court's grand plan to pacify the southwest."

"You are all to blame for such mistakes!"

"If I do not punish you, how will I maintain order in the court in the future?"

"The affairs of the court have been delayed because of your infighting. How can you expect to get things done properly in the future?"

He hesitated for a moment, as if weighing his options: "Fine, I will not deduct your salaries, nor will I impose any severe punishments."

"From this day forward, all ministers of the Administrative Office and all generals of the Military Affairs Office must personally write a memorial reflecting on their mistakes. Remember, it must be written by themselves and must not be delegated to others!"

"If the memorial is presented to me and I find it to be sincere and of the right attitude, then the matter will be dropped."

"But if it's perfunctory and superficial, lacking sincerity, then rewrite it! Until I approve it!"

The decision made by the administrative office was agreed upon by a group of civil officials.

The military strategy of the Military Affairs Department was certainly not decided by Lan Yu alone; others definitely had a share.

Therefore, when Zhu Yunwen imposed punishments, he was punishing everyone.

Upon hearing this, Yang Rong immediately bowed respectfully and said in a clear voice, "Your subject obeys the decree."

Lan Yu hesitated, a hint of embarrassment flashing across his rugged face.

After hesitating for a moment, he stammered, "Your Majesty, the civil officials in the Ministry of State Affairs are skilled in writing and can easily compose memorials."

“But I am but a soldier, accustomed to wielding a sword, yet unfamiliar with writing… Your Majesty insists that I write this…”

Zhu Yunwen raised an eyebrow, interrupting his refusal: "You are not illiterate, so how can you say you cannot write?"

"I did not demand that every word you utter be a gem or that your writing be eloquent."

"You just need to be honest and straightforward, and reveal your true feelings."

His gaze was fixed on Lan Yu: "What I want is your sincerity in reflecting on your mistakes, not fancy words."

"This matter cannot be shirked; a written self-criticism is required!"

Helpless, Lan Yu could only compose himself and reply, "Your subject will obey Your Majesty's decree."

Zhu Yunwen waved his hand and ordered a eunuch to bring a large map, which was then spread out on the table.

He reached out and lightly tapped the map, saying, "Come, give me a detailed account of the current progress of the war and the deployment of troops." Yang Rong and Lan Yu exchanged a glance, then leaned closer to the map and began to report in a clear and organized manner.

Currently, the "reform of native chieftains and replacement of officials with centrally appointed officials" project has yielded remarkable results in Yunnan and Guizhou.

Those stubborn chieftains who resisted were quickly wiped out by the overwhelming force of the imperial army and submitted to the rule of the king.

However, the border areas of western Yunnan that border Tibet, and the strategically important areas of western Sichuan that connect with Tibet, are more problematic.

Places such as Changdu, Ganmu, and Jinchuan have not yet been conquered.

These areas were all under the jurisdiction of the Duogan Commandery.

However, the Duogandusi had always only nominally respected the Ming Dynasty's investiture, but in reality, he declared himself king and was unruly.

Now that the imperial court is implementing the policy of replacing native chieftains with appointed officials, it touches upon their fundamental interests, so naturally they rebel.

As for the Ü-Tsang Commandery, it is located thousands of miles away, beyond its reach.

The Ming army has not yet engaged in direct combat with them, and the flames of war have not yet reached that area.

The imperial court's regular new army, at the behest of the Military Affairs Department, deliberately avoided these areas.

Although the Wu Ding, the inner guard organized by the government affairs department, was making great strides elsewhere, he was still unable to take over strategic locations such as Jinchuan.

After listening to the detailed report from the front, Zhu Yunwen decisively issued an order: "Immediately transfer two more brigades of elite new troops to Sichuan, and send another brigade of new troops to Yunnan."

"The military expenses required must be carefully calculated by the Military Affairs Department, submitted to the Ministry of War for approval, and then reviewed by the Political Affairs Department before being submitted to me for imperial approval."

"The imperial court will spare no expense in providing all the resources needed for the war effort, ensuring that they are supplied in full and that there is absolutely no shortage!"

Zhu Yunwen's gaze fell on Lan Yu, and he said, "The Military Affairs Department must not take this opportunity to make exorbitant demands, or even misappropriate war funds for other purposes!"

"The focus of the new army's campaign was primarily on the three regions of Changdu, Gansu, and Jinchuan."

Zhu Yunwen pointed his finger across the map, his tone resolute: "First, conquer these three places to solidify our foundation, then we will march straight towards Tibet!"

The Ming Dynasty's army was undergoing constant transformation and adjustment.

The equipment is becoming increasingly sophisticated.

But military leaders are also eager for better equipment.

The purpose of demanding more military spending is precisely this.

Which general would complain that his army is too well-equipped?
However, as an emperor, he could not ignore the overall situation.

The military certainly needs good equipment, but does it have to be the best?
In fact, the cost-effectiveness of military equipment is often a factor to consider.

For example, the X model gun has a 20% performance improvement compared to the A model gun.

However, the X model gun costs ten times more to manufacture than the A model gun.

Therefore, the correct approach is to continue developing the X-type gun, explore whether there is room for improvement in its performance, and at the same time equip a small number of special elite troops for experimental use.

Meanwhile, large-scale regular armies were equipped with Type A rifles.

This is the right thing to do.

Since the start of the Industrial Revolution, various weapons and equipment have been in a phase of technological explosion.

The speed of updates and replacements is unbelievable.

The Military Weapons Research Department of the Ming Academy of Sciences always has better and more advanced firearms and artillery than the weapons currently in service.

The sight made Lan Yu and the other generals drool with envy.

They couldn't wait to replace the weapons that had only recently been equipped to the army with new ones.

But that's obviously unrealistic.

It definitely needs to be replaced.

The weapons and equipment of the Ming army needed to be constantly updated.

But we shouldn't be too hasty.

Otherwise, the imperial court simply could not afford it.

Moreover, the existing weapons and equipment still have an overwhelming technological advantage over the surrounding barbarians.

It is sufficient to handle any war.

There's no need to rush into replacing it.

Just follow a certain rhythm and do it step by step.

At this point, Zhu Yunwen paused for a moment, then said, "Before that, we can send envoys to offer amnesty."

"Tell those chieftains that the imperial court's implementation of the system of appointing officials to govern is in accordance with the will of Heaven and the people, and is the general trend and the will of the people."

"If anyone dares to oppose the imperial army, he will be courting his own destruction!"

“Tell them that even if an official is appointed to take over, they can still retain their chieftainship and enjoy generations of honor and wealth.”

"Except for obeying the orders of the imperial court, everything else may proceed as before."

"Isn't it wonderful to live a peaceful life while guarding ancestral wealth?"

"If they remain obstinate and insist on resisting the imperial court..." Zhu Yunwen's voice suddenly turned cold, revealing his murderous intent: "The day the imperial army presses down on our borders will be the day their lives and property are destroyed and they are reduced to ashes!"

Zhu Yunwen knew very well how outrageous the brutal rule of those chieftains was!
The exploitation of serfs was like a heavy yoke, mercilessly extracting their blood and sweat.

The pagoda stands tall, its incense smoke curling upwards, yet beneath its base lie countless bones, telling tales of endless sorrow.

However, Zhu Yunwen also understood that the minds of those serfs who had been enslaved for thousands of years were already deeply shackled.

Apart from a very few who awakened from their suffering, the vast majority of people continued to live in a daze, willingly serving the chieftains who oppressed them, seeing it as their destiny.

Such is the absurdity of life.

The oppressed are willing to give their lives to defend the "masters" who ride roughshod over them!
However, Zhu Yunwen also believed that as long as the imperial officials set foot in the wild lands, the noble spirit of the Central Plains civilization would seep in like a gentle spring breeze.

Those minds that have been blinded for so long will eventually awaken.

Perhaps they will still devoutly worship Buddha and burn incense to pray, but their blind loyalty to the chieftain today will surely dissipate like the morning mist.

At that time, even if the chieftain retained some wealth, he would only be a wealthy man who was rich in one region.

Without the power to enslave serfs and the authority to rule over a region, they are no longer a threat.

After Zhu Yunwen finished speaking, Yang Rong advised, "Your Majesty, Tibet is a rugged and dangerous place. On the plateau, marching is difficult and supplies are hard to obtain."

"I dare to suggest that if we wish to pacify this place, why not borrow the strength of the grassland tribes?"

"The Xiningwei area has always been a pasture for grassland tribes."

"Now, most of the tribes have submitted to the Ming Dynasty and respect the court as their common ruler."

"The imperial court dispatched officials to various tribes to assist tribal leaders in managing their affairs, employing both kindness and severity, which proved quite effective."

“If we order these tribes to send troops and force the chieftains of Ü-Tsang and Do-Kam to follow the system of the grasslands and change their chieftainships to central administration, they will surely obey the order.”

"This move can greatly reduce the difficulties of the imperial army's campaigns and also allow for a faster pacification of Dokham and Ü-Tsang."

He paused, then bowed again and said, "In addition, I have another request that Your Majesty would like to hear and grant."

……

(End of this chapter)