My Portable Ming Dynasty

Chapter 236 The Ministry of War Receives Good News from the Newspaper
The next day.

Yang Sizhong, the Commissioner of the Court of State Affairs, naturally dared not neglect this memorial which further strengthened the power of the Court of State Affairs and personally delivered it to the Grand Secretariat.

Gao Gong naturally agreed with this reform.

Su Ze estimated in his memorial that if the national postal and courier system could be coordinated, hundreds of thousands of taels of silver could be saved every year, so Zhang Juzheng, who was in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, naturally had no reason to object.

The only one who hesitated was Zhao Zhenji, who also agreed with Su Ze's memorial. He had long felt that the Ministry of War's military post stations were inefficient and often delayed military intelligence on the border, and that reforms were long overdue.

However, Su Ze has recently confronted the Ministry of War on several occasions, and Zhao Zhenji is also afraid of a strong backlash from the Ministry of War.

However, in the end, Zhao Zhenji still agreed with Su Ze's memorial.

The three Grand Secretaries had finished drafting their memorials when Yang Sizhong was carrying them to the palace.
-
"Breaking news! Breaking news! Great victory in Liaodong!"

"The traitorous general Li Chengliang has breached the Guletai stronghold and beheaded the Jurchen traitor Wang Gao!"

Li Chengliang was flogged for his previous mistake, but the emperor still allowed him to return to Liaodong to atone for his crime.

After the New Year, Li Chengliang led his "household servants" out of Liaoyang City to search for Wang Gao, the rebellious Jurchen leader.

Wang Gao was the leader of the Jianzhou Guard of the Jurchens.

The Liaodong Jurchen problem began with the relocation of the Jianzhou Guard.

Jianzhou Guard was originally a naturalized Jurchen tribe officially recognized by the Ming Dynasty.

During the Yongle reign, Emperor Chengzu established the Jianzhou Three Guards, pacified the Jurchens in the Tumen River basin, allowed them to pay tribute and trade, and supported them in dealing with the wild Jurchens.

However, as the Ming Dynasty strategically contracted, the Ming court demanded that Jianzhou Guard be relocated inland, but failed to provide enough land. The corruption and depravity of the border troops exacerbated the conflict.

Wang Gao was originally the commander of the Jianzhou Right Guard, but he repeatedly rebelled and in recent years has shown a tendency to integrate the Jurchens.

This time, in order to gain merit, Li Chengliang did not adopt the lenient approach again, but personally pursued Wang Gao in the Changbai Mountains and personally killed him.

If it were two years ago, such news would have been cause for celebration among the people of the capital.

However, after last year's series of great victories, the people of the capital were not very interested in this "small victory" in Liaodong. After all, the people of the capital did not care about a victory report from a border military town.

What the people of the capital didn't care about caused a stir in the Ministry of War.

When newsboys spread the news throughout the streets and alleys of the capital, the atmosphere in the Ministry of War was extremely oppressive.

Minister of War Huo Ji sat at the head of the table with a stern face. Vice Minister of War Cao Bangfu slammed his hand on the table and asked Dou Shen, the Director of the Imperial Carriage and Horse Administration in charge of military intelligence:
"Why did Minister Huo and I see the Liaodong victory report in the 'New Yuefu Gazette' instead of the military intelligence dispatch from the Imperial Carriage Office?"

Dou Shen was drenched in sweat, but he also felt extremely aggrieved. He said:

"Lord Cao, the military intelligence of the Imperial Carriage Division in Liaodong is transmitted by fast horse. This year, the land in Liaodong thawed late, so it is normal for the military intelligence transmission to be delayed."

“I have also inquired and found out that the Xinlefu Daily confirmed the good news through merchant ships traveling between Zhigu and Liaodong, so it published the good news first.”

Cao Bangfu was even angrier. He, the Vice Minister of War, had learned about the victory in Liaodong through the newspaper.
The more Dou Shen explained, the more Cao Bangfu felt he was incompetent.

How many years has the military intelligence delivery line in Liaodong been operating independently of the Tongzhengsi system?

However, the result was that military intelligence in Liaodong was still frequently delayed.

In the past, when military intelligence from the Office of Transmission arrived first, the Ministry of War could still accept it.

Now look what's happened! We're not even as good as independent newspapers anymore!
It was Huo Ji who spoke up at this point, saving Dou Shen: "The sea route is shorter than the land route, so it's not entirely the driver's fault."

Cao Bangfu stopped his anger, and Huo Ji said:

"However, the delay in military intelligence is a serious matter. This time, it makes the Ministry of War appear even more incompetent. Recently, the Office of Transmission set up offices along the coast and also established offices in Korea and Southeast Asia. Many military intelligence reports were sent to the Ministry of War by the Office of Transmission."

At this, Cao Bangfu and all the officials said in unison:

"The subordinates are incompetent."

Huo Ji waved his hand. As the head of the Ministry of War, he knew this was not the time to pursue accountability.

Huo Ji said, "This matter needs to be discussed with Su Zilin."

Upon hearing Su Ze's name, everyone reacted as if they had eaten shit.

A while ago, the Ministry of War fought a battle of wits with Su Ze over the Military Affairs Bureau, and suffered a crushing defeat.

But now that the Ministry of War has suffered another humiliation, it's asking Su Ze for help again?
Just as Su Ze was sitting in the Imperial Household Department, waiting for the system to unleash its power.

Soon, he heard from his subordinates that Dou Shen, the secretary of the Ministry of War's Carriage and Cavalry Department, was requesting an audience.

Is the system really that fast this time?

The Ministry of War came to visit the day after the letter was submitted?

Su Ze was unaware of the news of the victory in Liaodong, so he had Dou Shen invited in.

Dou Shen, the secretary of the Ministry of War's Carriage and Vehicle Department, stood in front of Su Ze with a forced smile. He was extremely unwilling, but since the two chief officials of the Ministry of War had decided to send him to invite Su Ze, he had no choice but to come.

It was entirely his responsibility that the military intelligence delivery was delayed.

Dou Shen was secretly relieved that this time the delay in Liaodong was only to report a victory. If the delay were to occur next time, he would certainly be punished.

Dou Shen, with a forced smile, recounted the events, and then said:

"Su Hanlin, the Grand Marshal and the Junior Marshal want to ask you to come and think of a solution regarding the military situation in Liaodong."

Is the system really that powerful? It can even interfere with this?

No, Li Chengliang defeating Wang Gao was something that should have happened in the first place.

In the historical timeline before Su Ze's time travel, Li Chengliang had also quelled Wang Gao's rebellion. However, after Wang Gao's death, the conflict between the Ming Dynasty and the Jurchens intensified, and the Ming court failed to seize the opportunity to ultimately resolve the Jurchen problem.

However, for the time being, Li Chengliang's victory was indeed a great one. In the more than ten years following the suppression of Wang Gao's rebellion, the Jurchens did not launch any large-scale rebellions.

This great victory would have happened even without the system.

The system may have only intervened in the delivery of the military's victory report.

Su Ze was secretly delighted; now it was the Ministry of War that was begging him!
In the recent conflict between the Ministry of War and the Imperial Military Commission, the Ministry of War also stood on the opposite side of the Emperor and the Cabinet.

Military intelligence from the Ministry of War was slower than that from newspapers published by civilians, so the emperor and the cabinet certainly distrusted the Ministry of War even less.

But Su Ze pretended to be reluctant and said:

"In that case, I, Su, will go to the Ministry of War."

Dou Shen was overjoyed to hear that Su Ze had agreed. If he hadn't been able to get Su Ze to come this time, he would have had to resign and apologize.
-
Ministry of War.

Su Ze explained his idea of ​​integrating and establishing the Tongzheng Post Office and setting up Tongzheng Experience Offices in local areas to the officials of the Ministry of War.

The Ministry of War remained silent for a long time before Cao Bangfu finally asked:
"Then who has jurisdiction over this experience?"

Su Ze said:

"Of course it's the Office of Transmission."

Cao Bangfu frowned. He turned to look at Huo Ji, the Minister of War, who also frowned.

Su Ze said:

"The post road system belongs to the Office of Transmission, but all military intelligence can be transmitted through the Office of Transmission's post road system. This is a win-win situation."

Although they understand this principle, no government agency is willing to give up the rights it has gained.

Su Ze said again:
"The Ministry of War can station personnel at the Military Affairs Office to ensure the priority delivery of military intelligence. The Military Affairs Office can also collect military intelligence and report it to the court in a timely manner." Cao Bangfu looked at Huo Ji again, and saw that the Grand Marshal of the Ministry of War nodded slightly, which was considered as agreeing.

Cao Bangfu looked at Su Ze and said:
"Then should the Ministry of War submit a memorial to the throne, with Hanlin Su as the co-signer?"

Su Ze honestly replied:

"In fact, I have already submitted a memorial to the court, requesting the establishment of the Tongzheng Post Office, and the General's Post Station should also be incorporated into it."

After Su Ze finished speaking, the entire Ministry of War hall fell silent.

Huo Ji and Cao Bangfu stared at Su Ze, while the remaining Ministry of War officials dared not breathe heavily; the air seemed to freeze.

Su Ze met the gazes of the two high-ranking officials from the Ministry of War with composure until Cao Bangfu broke the silence.

Cao Bangfu's voice had lost its previous enthusiasm, replaced by a chilling coldness. He asked in a sarcastic tone:
"Did Su Hanlin know about the Liaoyang victory in advance?"

Su Ze said frankly:

"I don't know."

Su Ze was telling the truth; he hadn't paid any attention to the Liaoyang battle and had no idea that the system would unleash its power in this regard.

Cao Bangfu looked at Su Ze, but ultimately did not press the matter further.

Having risen to the position of Vice Minister of War, Cao Bangfu was undoubtedly a shrewd and astute individual, and he chose to trust Su Ze.

There was no way around it; among all the officials in the court, who didn't know that Su Ze was an upright and honest gentleman?
If it were someone else, Cao Bangfu would probably think that such a coincidence must be due to someone's meddling.

But Su Ze denied it in front of everyone in the Ministry of War, so what can be done?
Of course, the only option is to trust Su Ze!
At this moment, Minister of War Huo Ji said:

"Then I, the Ministry of War, will submit a separate memorial to the throne, agreeing to merge the General's Post Station into the Office of General Affairs and Postal Service."

"Da Sima!"

"Mr. Shangshu!"

The officials present all cried out in surprise. They had not expected that the Minister of War would surrender so quickly.

But Huo Ji quickly added:
"However, the Ministry of War must also station personnel at this Tongzhengli Office to ensure the smooth delivery of military intelligence."

Su Ze readily agreed to this request, as he was eager to have several factions within the institute to check and balance each other.

Seeing that Su Ze had agreed, Huo Ji made a gesture as if to see him off, and Su Ze tactfully took his leave.
-
After Su Ze left.

Huo Ji began to speak:
"I will submit my resignation today."

"Da Sima!"

Cao Bangfu looked at Huo Ji, not expecting Huo Ji to suddenly offer his resignation.

Huo Ji then said to Cao Bangfu:
"I will recommend you to the court to take over the position."

Officials at the level of Grand Chancellor and Grand Minister of the Nine Ministers, if they voluntarily resign, have the right to submit a memorial to the Emperor and the Cabinet once.

This memorial can also be considered a political testament, and the emperor and the cabinet would generally show respect and agree with its contents.

In several important wars during the Longqing reign, including the Battle of Soutao and the Battle of Dongshengwei, Huo Ji was in charge of the Ministry of War. Although he did not achieve the same level of merit as Qi Jiguang in battle, his planning of logistics was also a great achievement, and the emperor trusted this Grand Marshal.

Huo Ji is fifty-six years old this year, which is not considered old among Ming Dynasty officials. Ming Dynasty civil officials are known for their longevity, and there are quite a few who are still in office in their sixties or seventies.

Of course, Cao Bangfu also knew that this Grand Marshal did indeed intend to resign, but he did not expect him to bring it up at this time.

Huo Ji said, "Someone has to take responsibility for the matters concerning the Military Supervisory Office and Liaoyang. If I don't resign, are you going to resign?"

This demonstrated Huo Ji's prestige within the Ministry of War. The officials present all expressed their willingness to take responsibility, but Huo Ji waved his hand dismissively and said:
"Only I can handle these matters. You should not say anything more. Once the new Minister takes office, you should also be diligent in your duties and assist the new Minister well."

Immediately afterwards, Huo Ji drove all the other officials out, leaving only Cao Bangfu behind.

Huo Ji said:

"You should know why I'm resigning, right?"

Cao Bangfu nodded sadly.

He and Huo Ji were not actually from the same political faction.

Although Huo Ji was close to Gao Gong, he was a veteran of the previous dynasty and had his own small faction.

Cao Bangfu was recommended by Zhang Juzheng, which is why he returned to the Ministry of War from his post as Governor-General of Jiliao. He was considered to be part of Zhang Juzheng's faction.

Cao Bangfu certainly understood the reason for Huo Ji's resignation.

For high-ranking officials, the most important thing is prestige.

As the Minister of War, one's duty is to bring the Ministry of War's deliberations to the Emperor's attention and persuade the Emperor and the Grand Secretaries to heed the Ministry of War's opinions.

As for how this meeting of the Ministry of War was reached—whether it was a one-man show by the Minister of War or a collective opinion of the Ministry of War officials—none of that matters. What matters is that the Minister of War needs to be able to influence the Emperor and the Cabinet.

Huo Ji used to be able to do it.

However, given the issues of the Military Supervisory Commission and Liaoyang, both the emperor and the cabinet would question the Ministry of War's professionalism, which would render Huo Ji, the Minister of War, powerless.

Continuing to cling to the position of Minister of War would either make him a mouthpiece for the emperor and the cabinet, or he would be sidelined by his subordinates and become a figurehead, resulting in him being pleasing neither side.

Huo Ji sighed and said:

“Wang Chonggu has a strong personality. He is suitable to be the governor of the nine border regions, but the position of Minister of War is not suitable for him.”

“Tan Lun was recommended by Su Ze, and now the ministry is very hostile towards him. If Tan Lun takes office as the Minister, it will be difficult to unite the people in the Ministry of War.”

Huo Ji looked at Cao Bangfu and said:
“You have prestige within the ministry and are also accommodating and tactful. The position of Minister of War has not been easy to hold in recent years.”

Cao Bangfu also sighed, agreeing with Huo Ji's assessment.

Both the emperor and the cabinet were dissatisfied with the work of the Ministry of War.

After the northern frontier was pacified, astute officials realized that the emperor and the cabinet both had ideas about reforming the military system.

At this time, whoever became the Minister of War would be caught in the middle and suffer from both sides.

The interests of the Ministry of War must be protected, the words of the Emperor and the Cabinet must be heeded, and there are also people like Su Ze who offer advice to the Emperor and the Cabinet.

Therefore, Huo Ji felt that Wang Chonggu, with his strong personality, was not suitable to take over as Minister of War.

This has nothing to do with Wang Chonggu's own factional stance. As long as he serves as the Minister of War, he will have to work for the interests of the Ministry of War. Even if he and Su Ze are both in Gao Gong's camp, this will never change.

That's why Huo Ji chose Cao Bangfu, a smooth and accommodating successor, hoping that he could mediate between the two sides.

Huo Ji sighed and said:

"Grand Secretary Xu once said that we ministers are like daughters-in-law in the family."

"A daughter-in-law has to manage the household chores, giving face to her father-in-law and respect to her husband, and sometimes she has to be caught in the middle."

"After I leave office, you can ease the tension with Su Zilin. If he has any ideas about military affairs, he should first communicate with the Ministry of War. The Ministry of War is not in a position to refuse them."

Cao Bangfu sighed, probably because he had a good personal relationship with Su Ze, which was why Huo Ji recommended him.

Who could blame the Ming Dynasty for producing such a prodigy as Su Ze?

Two omissions per month, yet everything is accurate.

What else can the Ministry of War do?
(End of this chapter)