My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

Chapter 266 It's autumn, time to go find trouble with the Mongols!
The reason is simple: the memorial concerned burning the wasteland and destroying nests.

In her memorial, Qin Liangyu stated that early autumn was the perfect time to strike at the Mongols, and therefore inquired whether the Ministry of War should send cavalry to the Mongol region to burn the fields and raid their strongholds, requesting a decision from the Ministry of War.

Burning the fields and destroying nests were two important frontier military strategies used by ancient Central Plains dynasties to deal with nomadic peoples.

Moreover, the two are usually used together for significant results.

The purpose of burning is to destroy the grassland ecosystem, making it difficult for new grass to grow on the grassland the following year.

Without abundant pastures, the horses, cattle, and sheep of nomadic peoples would not have enough fodder, their growth and development would be inhibited, and the advantage of cavalry would be greatly weakened.

"To raid a nest" refers to a proactive attack on the settlements of nomadic peoples.

During raids, not only were people abducted, but livestock were also seized, directly attacking the foundation of their survival and plunging the nomadic people into hardship.

To be honest, the Ming army hadn't used either of these strategies for many years.

This is because, strictly speaking, such actions could not be considered military achievements in the Ming Dynasty.

Therefore, the border soldiers felt that rather than risking their lives to carry out such operations, it would be better to stay on the frontier and at least live a peaceful life.

Therefore, in the past, the implementation was often perfunctory and just a formality.

Over time, these two strategies were abandoned.

In addition, the Jurchens had previously defeated the Mongols and effectively controlled Mongol territory. It was already quite difficult for the border troops to hold the line and prevent the Jurchens and Mongols from easily invading the borders of the Ming Dynasty. How could they dare to provoke trouble?
But times have changed. During the Battle of Songjin, the Ming army demonstrated tenacious fighting spirit and indomitable will, and ultimately won the victory.

This gave all the armies confidence, and they dared to do things they wouldn't have dared to do in the past.

Burning the fields and destroying nests are among them.

That's why Qin Liangyu wrote to inquire whether these two strategies should be restarted this year, to give the Mongols a warning.

In the past, given Li Banghua's authority as Minister of War, he could have made the decision on his own.

After all, such actions greatly benefited the stability of the Ming Dynasty's borders, effectively curbing the incursions of nomadic tribes and ensuring the safety of the border people.

But now he dares not make decisions on his own.

Because Mongolia has now nominally submitted to the Ming Dynasty, and the Mongol Khan Abunai was personally appointed by Emperor Chongzhen.

On the surface, Mongolia already appeared to be a vassal state of the Ming Dynasty.

Under such circumstances, it would be unreasonable and illogical for the Ming Dynasty to launch an attack on the Mongols rashly.

Although everyone knows that the Mongols' submission was not genuine but merely a temporary expedient, the facade still had to be maintained.

We can't let the whole world laugh at us, can we?
However, after much thought, Li Banghua still felt that this matter should be reported to Zhu Cilang, perhaps he had a different opinion on it?

With this in mind, Li Banghua carefully resealed the memorial, put it in his sleeve, and then got up to go to the Eastern Palace to report the matter to Zhu Cilang.

At the same time, the East Palace.

Zhu Cilang was unaware of what was happening at that moment, and was leisurely enjoying a gourmet feast that was uniquely his own.

At this moment, he was completely focused, with his mind and eyes only on the steaming, fragrant hot pot in front of him.

In ancient China, although there were some food forms that were similar to hot pot, if we were to be strict about it, none of them could be considered hot pot in the true sense.

After all, what kind of hot pot is it without chili peppers?
Chili peppers were introduced to China at the end of the Ming Dynasty.

However, it did not immediately appear on people's dining tables at first; instead, it was regarded as a novel ornamental plant.

However, Zhu Cilang, being a time traveler, certainly wouldn't think that way.

In his view, chili peppers are a magical seasoning that can add a unique flavor to food and instantly increase one's appetite.

Moreover, chili peppers also have certain medicinal value. In cold weather, they can dispel cold and dampness, making people feel warm.

It's the perfect time of year, with clear skies and crisp air. The weather is gradually turning cooler, and a slight chill is beginning to permeate the air – the ideal time to enjoy hot pot.

So, several days earlier, Zhu Cilang had sent people to collect chili peppers.

Before this, he had actually been thinking about having a hot pot meal, but when he first transmigrated to the Ming Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty was like a giant ship teetering on the brink of collapse in a storm, facing a severe situation of internal and external troubles.

Domestically, peasant uprisings were erupting one after another, while externally, the Jurchens were eyeing the country covetously.

At this moment, how could he possibly be in the mood for hot pot?

Until recently, when the situation stabilized a bit and the weather cooled down, he started thinking about hot pot again.

Inside the palace, Zhu Cilang, Zheng Xiaomei, and Qiqige sat around an exquisite table, their eyes drawn to the scene before them.

On the table was a pot, and the soup inside was bubbling and steaming.

The broth was a vibrant red, so bright and enticing that it made one's mouth water.

The broth is cleverly divided in the middle. Although the other half is also red, the color is not as intense as the other half, just like a colorful painting with distinct layers.

It turns out that Zhu Cilang had specially arranged for a hot pot with two broths to be prepared because he thought that Zheng Xiaomei and Qiqige might not be able to handle spicy food.

On one side was his favorite extra spicy, and on the other side was mild spicy.

Looking around the hot pot, it's filled with all sorts of meats, fruits, and vegetables, a dazzling array that's hard to look away from.

Beef and mutton dominated the list, their tender color and glistening appearance making them instantly recognizable as top-quality ingredients.

Indeed, that's the case. The cattle and sheep used here are specially brought from the Mongolian grasslands, and they were still alive half an hour ago, emphasizing freshness.

At this moment, Zhu Cilang's face was beaming with a warm smile, and he then greeted Zheng Xiaomei and Qiqige:
"Come on, don't be shy, try it quickly. This hot pot is a delicacy, I guarantee you'll want to eat it again and again."

However, Zheng Xiaomei and Qiqige had never seen such a way of eating before. They looked at each other, their eyes filled with doubt and curiosity, and they had no idea how to start.

Seeing this, Zhu Cilang personally demonstrated.

He skillfully picked up his chopsticks, then took a thin slice of beef, dipped it lightly in the hot pot a few times to let it fully absorb the flavor of the broth, and then picked it up again.

Next, he dipped the beef in the sauce in front of him before putting it in his mouth and chewing it slowly.

His expression was as if he were savoring the most precious treasure in the world.

In an instant, a satisfied expression appeared on Zhu Cilang's face, and he couldn't help but exclaim in praise:

"It's so spicy and numbing, the taste is absolutely amazing!"

Seeing how much Zhu Cilang was enjoying himself, Zheng Xiaomei and Qiqige became somewhat curious as well.

Is this stuff really that delicious?
The next second, they also picked up their chopsticks and tried to eat, just like Zhu Cilang.

However, they only used the mildly spicy half of the broth, since the extremely spicy broth in front of Zhu Cilang looked terrifying, and they dared not try it lightly.

Soon, the two of them each took a small, cautious bite.

After taking that bite, both of them were instantly amazed.

It turns out that the hot pot wasn't just spicy; it was a perfect blend of numbing, fragrant, and spicy flavors. Plus, they were eating the mild version, so the chili flavor wasn't as prominent. Instead, the aroma was even more pronounced, making it incredibly delicious.

For a moment, the two of them sighed.

Especially Qiqige, who is Mongolian, usually eats beef that is simply roasted or stewed. Although the taste is not bad, it is completely different from hot pot.

So at this moment, she was eating with great relish.

Zhu Cilang watched Qiqige eat happily and smiled smugly:
"How is it? This beef hot pot tastes better than the beef you usually eat in Mongolia, right?"

Qiqige rolled her eyes at Zhu Cilang before saying:

“This is different. We Mongolians are short of resources and don’t have so many seasonings to eat with meat. We’re lucky if we can get enough to eat. Unlike you, where you eat so exquisitely.”

Zhu Cilang just smiled when he heard this, because he knew that Qiqige was telling the truth.

Just as the group was enjoying their meal, Ma Bao suddenly rushed in and whispered in Zhu Cilang's ear:

"Your Highness, Minister of War Li Banghua requests an audience."

Zhu Cilang was slightly taken aback, seemingly not expecting Li Banghua to come to the East Palace at this time.

But the next second he didn't care anymore, and laughed:

"Lord Li's arrival is timely; he's lucky to have such a delicious meal. It's a good opportunity for him to try the hot pot."

"Let him in!"

After hearing this, Ma Bao hurriedly left again.

Upon seeing this, Zheng Xiaomei quickly stood up. She first straightened her clothes before respectfully saying:

"Your Highness, I should excuse myself for a moment. After all, Lord Li must have something to discuss with Your Highness, and it would be inconvenient for me to be here."

As she spoke, she tried to pull up Qiqige, who was still picking up beef and putting it into the pot.

However, Zhu Cilang waved his hand and then said with a smile:

"No need for that. Let's talk about it after we finish this hot pot meal."

Then, Zhu Cilang instructed the palace maids to add another set of bowls and chopsticks, which was naturally prepared for Li Banghua.

Not long after, Li Banghua arrived.

But when he saw the scene before him, Li Banghua was slightly taken aback.

Clearly, he hadn't expected Zhu Cilang to be eating, since it was still quite early for lunch. Moreover, looking at the pot of bubbling red liquid on the table, he was filled with confusion, wondering what it was.

But then again, the aroma wafting from the pot went straight into his nose; it smelled strangely delicious.

The scent was like an invisible hand, tightly gripping his sense of smell.

Just then, Zhu Cilang greeted him warmly:

"Lord Li, please sit down and have some. This is a dish I developed, which is especially suitable for autumn and winter."

Li Banghua was actually a little tempted, after all, the aroma was just too tempting.

But in the end, he shook his head and said respectfully:

"Your Highness, this old minister is not hungry, and I usually prefer light meals. I'm afraid I'm not worthy of such delicacies!"

However, his constantly bobbing Adam's apple betrayed his true feelings, and a hint of guilt flashed in his eyes.

Actually, if Zhu Cilang were the only one here, Li Banghua might actually have eaten with him, since the temptation of delicious food is just too great.

But now, besides Zhu Cilang, there are two female relatives, Zheng Xiaomei and Qiqige, present. How could he dare to sit down so easily?

At the same time, Zheng Xiaomei and Qiqige also stopped eating when Li Banghua arrived, and their expressions became somewhat restrained.

Zhu Cilang saw this and knew in his heart that he had not considered things carefully.

After all, this is ancient times. How could a subject dare to sit at the same table and eat with the emperor's female relatives?
So, he greeted Zheng Xiaomei and the others with a smile:

"You all eat here first, I'll be right back."

Then, Zhu Cilang led Li Banghua to the study.

Immediately afterward, before Zhu Cilang could ask any questions, Li Banghua respectfully took out a memorial from his sleeve and presented it to Zhu Cilang with both hands.

"Your Highness, this is a memorial sent by Qin Liangyu, the General of Xuanfu. I am unable to make a decision on the matters described in the memorial at the moment. Please take a look!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang couldn't help but look curious.

But he still hurriedly reached out and took the memorial. After opening it, his gaze fell intently on the words in the memorial, and his expression changed constantly with the content.

As he watched, a smile unconsciously crept onto his lips.

Before this, he had fully believed that with winter approaching, the world would fall into a period of calm, just like the increasingly cold weather, and there would be nothing of great importance to be done.

He was only thinking about taking a short rest to prepare for Li Zicheng's events next year.

But now it seems he was wrong.

This period might be the perfect opportunity for the Ming Dynasty to take action against the Mongols.

The next second, Zhu Cilang slowly raised his head, his gaze fixed intently on Li Banghua, his eyes filled with a mixture of inquiry and anticipation.

"Lord Li, what is your opinion on this matter?"

Zhu Cilang asked.

A hint of hesitation flashed in Li Banghua's eyes, but he still said:
“Your Highness, I do not actually recommend doing these things. Firstly, the Mongols have already submitted to the Ming Dynasty, so it would be unjust to take action against them.”

"Secondly, the border troops need to rest and recuperate in winter, so it is not advisable to start a war easily."

Zhu Cilang did not immediately comment on Li Banghua's opinion; he simply lowered his head slightly and fell into deep thought.

After a while, he slowly raised his head, his gaze falling on Li Banghua again, and asked:

"How is Abner doing lately?"

Li Banghua was slightly taken aback, seemingly not expecting Zhu Cilang's conversation to have such a wide range. They were just talking about burning the wasteland and destroying the nests, so why was he asking about Abunai now?

But then, Li Banghua quickly replied:
"Your Highness, rest assured, Abunai is very stable recently. This is mainly because Abunai has just regained control of Mongolia and is now busy winning people's hearts and consolidating his position."

Zhu Cilang smiled slightly after hearing this, a smile that carried a special meaning.

Perhaps in the eyes of others, after the Battle of Songjin, Mongolia was completely unified by Abunai.

But is that really the truth?
The answer is wrong!
It's important to understand that Mongolia has never been a unified entity; even Abunai was just one of many forces within Mongolia.

Besides Abunai's Chahar tribe, Mongolia also had the Oirat Union, namely the Oirat, as well as the Yarkand Khanate, the Khoshut Khanate, and the Tumed.

These tribes, like the Chahar tribe, had all been subjugated by the Jurchens.

Later, due to the Jurchens' disastrous defeat in the Battle of Songjin, these tribes took the opportunity to break away from their relationship with the Jurchens.

It is likely that Abuna took advantage of this time to take action against these tribes.

Logically speaking, since the Ming Dynasty defeated the Jurchens and freed these tribes from Jurchen control, they should have been the first to thank the Ming Dynasty.

At the very least, shouldn't they send an envoy to the Ming Dynasty to express their gratitude to Emperor Chongzhen?

But they didn't do that.

Ultimately, it all boils down to the belief that the Jurchens could make a comeback.

After all, these tribes had been terrified by the Jurchens and were like frightened birds.

However, they had never been severely punished by the Ming Dynasty, so they still harbored doubts about it.

Thinking of this, a resolute glint flashed in Zhu Cilang's eyes, and he spoke directly:

"I wish to grant Qin Liangyu's request and send 50,000 cavalry to burn the wasteland and destroy the nests. What do you think, Lord Li?"

Fifty thousand people!
Upon hearing this, Li Banghua was immediately startled.

He was as if struck by lightning, his eyes wide open, his face filled with disbelief.

So all he said was for nothing?

Besides, even if we really wanted to burn the wasteland and destroy the nests, it wouldn't take 50,000 cavalry!
Anyone who didn't know better would think this was going to be a war of annihilation!
For a moment, Li Banghua thought the young master in front of him was having a fit, so he quickly took a step forward, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, and hurriedly explained:

"Your Highness, please forgive my bluntness, but even if we really wanted to send people to burn the wasteland and destroy the nests, we wouldn't need so many people."

"Fifty thousand cavalry is no small number; the consumption of food, military pay, equipment, and other aspects is enormous."

"Moreover, it is indeed not the right time to attack the Mongols. Although there are conflicts between the various Mongol tribes, if the Ming Dynasty acts rashly, it may make them feel threatened and thus unite, or even collude with the Jurchens. If that happens, it will be troublesome."

"At that time, the Ming Dynasty will be caught in a predicament of being attacked from both sides, which is absolutely unacceptable!"

Clearly, as the Minister of War, Li Banghua had many things to consider.

However, Zhu Cilang smiled slightly, a smile that carried a hint of confidence and composure as he spoke:
"Lord Li, of course I know these things. So this time our target is not Abunai, who has already submitted to the Ming Dynasty, but the Oirat, Yarkand Khanate, Khoshut Khanate, and Tumed."

"And we must also bring Abunai's Chahar tribe along on this mission."

Li Banghua was taken aback at first, his eyes filled with doubt, as if he still did not understand what Zhu Cilang meant.

But the next second, his eyes suddenly lit up, as if he had figured something out, and his face was full of excitement.

Then, Li Banghua said excitedly:

"Indeed! How could this old minister not have thought of that? Your Highness, you are absolutely right!"

"Although the Ming Dynasty cannot attack the Chahar tribe at present, it can attack the Oirat, Yarkand Khanate, Khoshut Khanate, and Tumed."

"After all, the Ming Dynasty defeated the Jurchens, so theoretically these lands could belong to Abunai or the Ming Dynasty, depending on what we say."

"Moreover, it has been three months now, and these tribes have not submitted to the Ming Dynasty, nor can they be considered vassal states of the Ming Dynasty."

"This is the best time to strike them. It will both intimidate them, let them know the power of the Ming Dynasty, and prevent them from having any disloyal intentions, and also obtain a large amount of supplies to replenish the border troops' winter supplies!"

Seeing Li Banghua's excited expression, Zhu Cilang added:
“In addition, we can also make some deals with Abunai. For example, if the Ming Dynasty helps him annex some of the surrounding Mongol forces and tribes, he will cede the land and pastures around Xuanfu to the Ming Dynasty.”

"This can be considered an equivalent exchange. Even if we conquer lands that are too far away, we can't control them. The management costs are too high, and they are prone to causing various problems. It's better to exchange them with Abuna for something more practical."

"After all, we can actually control the land and pastures outside Xuanfu. Didn't a lot of Mongols surrender to the Ming Dynasty before? These lands and pastures can be distributed to them so that they can guard the border for the Ming Dynasty and make them more loyal to the Ming Dynasty."

When Li Banghua heard these words, he was so excited that he could hardly contain himself. His hands trembled slightly, and his face flushed with excitement.

Because he discovered that the Crown Prince in front of him was simply a genius!
What was originally just a simple burning of wasteland was unexpectedly transformed by Zhu Cilang into a grand plan for territorial expansion.

If this matter succeeds, it will not only deal a heavy blow to the nomadic peoples, making them dare not easily invade the borders of the Ming Dynasty, but the Ming Dynasty will also gain a lot of resources and territory. It is a win-win situation!

In fact, before this, the Ming Dynasty's strategy towards the current Mongolia was to find ways to make them fight amongst themselves, like dogs biting dogs.

This way, they won't have time to cause trouble for the Ming Dynasty.

But just now, Zhu Cilang suddenly had an even better idea: the Ming Dynasty should cooperate with Abunai and then rob several other Mongol tribes together.

This has three advantages. First, it can limit the development of these tribes.

Secondly, it would allow the border troops to obtain more supplies for the winter and improve their meals.

Thirdly, it would be an opportunity to acquire some land and pastures outside Xuanfu from Abunai, which would also be considered as expanding territory.

In addition to that, there is one more crucial point.

That would cause Abunai, the Mongol Khan, to completely lose the support of the other Mongol tribes!
After all, Abunai brought the Ming army to fight them. Do you think these Mongol tribes will still be willing to submit to Abunai in the future?
When the Ming army withdraws, these tribes will definitely unite to deal with Abunai.

Wouldn't that make Mongolia even more chaotic?
(End of this chapter)