My Portable Ming Dynasty

Chapter 339 The Idea of ​​the Imperial Guard

Su Ze smiled and said:

"I was just talking to Brother Yifu about Brother Rumo, and I didn't expect Brother Rumo to arrive so soon after we finished talking. Is it about the Beijing Garrison?"

Shen Shixing nodded emphatically and said:
"That's exactly it!"

Su Ze said:

"The current dispute between the Ministry of War and the Five Military Commissions is about the number of personnel in the new army, isn't it?"

Shen Shixing said:
"Yes, the Five Military Commissions believe that the Beijing Garrison needs at least 20,000 men, but Grand Secretary Zhao and Minister Cao are unwilling to increase the number of troops by so much. As a military officer, I am caught in the middle and it is really difficult for me."

"I really have no other choice but to ask Brother Zilin for help."

After listening to Shen Shixing's account of the Ministry of War's situation, Su Ze continued:

"Actually, the Five Military Commands did not insist on the quota of 20,000 troops."

Luo Wanhua said:
"Brother Zilin, didn't you hear what Brother Rumo said? The Five Military Command insists on a minimum of 20,000 troops, and they're even going to submit a joint petition to His Majesty about it."

Su Ze shook his head and said:

"The Five Military Commands are not concerned about these 20,000 troops."

"what is that?"

Luo Wanhua and Shen Shixing both looked at Su Ze.

Su Ze said:

"Does the Five Military Commands really care about the number of soldiers? I doubt it. What they care about is not the number of soldiers, but the number of generals."

Shen Shixing nodded and said:

"Brother Zilin has hit the nail on the head. The Five Military Commands value the number of officers out of the 20,000 troops."

"In the military system of my Great Ming Dynasty, 5600 men constitute a guard, 1120 men constitute a thousand-household unit, and 112 men constitute a hundred-household unit."

"These 20,000 men comprise four guards, which are four guard commanders, sixteen thousand-household commanders, and one hundred and sixty hundred-household commanders."

Upon hearing this number, Luo Wanhua understood why the Five Military Command insisted on maintaining this troop quota.

The profits involved are simply too great!

Even in the families of top meritorious officials, only the direct descendants of the family can inherit the title.

The remaining sons and daughters could only rely on the favor of their fathers to obtain a military post in the Embroidered Uniform Guard that could not be passed down to their descendants.

After three generations, they could no longer be considered nobles.

These dukes and marquises had more than one legitimate son to dote on.

With the new military camps newly established in the capital, these extra positions became the target of the nobles.

Su Ze said:

"Actually, the requirements of the Five Military Commissions and the Ministry of War do not have to conflict."

"No conflict?"

Su Ze said:

"Who says you need soldiers to have generals?"

Luo Wanhua said:
"Brother Zilin, wasn't the Beijing Garrison disbanded because of the practice of drawing salaries without working? How can the new army, which hasn't even been established yet, be drawing salaries without working?"

Su Ze looked at Shen Shixing and said:
"Brother Rumo, do not forget General Red Helmet."

Shen Shixing's eyes lit up.

Red-helmet generals were sons of meritorious officials who were responsible for guarding the capital. For example, Duke Dingguo, Xu Wenbi, once served as the leader of the Red-helmet generals and was a bodyguard for the Jiajing Emperor.

Su Ze said:

“Brother Rumo may request the establishment of a guard battalion with one hundred men, one battalion commander (rank equivalent to a commander), ten squad leaders (rank equivalent to a thousand-household commander), and ordinary soldiers (rank equivalent to a hundred-household commander).

"Isn't it normal for the imperial guards protecting His Majesty to be of a higher rank?"

Shen Shixing was somewhat tempted after hearing this.

However, Luo Wanhua said:
"There are already Red Helmet Generals guarding His Majesty in the palace. Isn't this just creating unnecessary officials for the court?"

Su Ze said:

"In fact, the Imperial Guards did not necessarily have to guard the palace."

"?"

"The Imperial Guards are there to protect His Majesty. Guarding the palace is to protect His Majesty, and practicing military law is also to protect His Majesty. The Imperial Guards are not ordinary guards, but officers who can lead troops. In times of war, these Imperial Guards can directly lead troops."

Su Ze proposed the Imperial Guard Officer Corps method.

In times of war, these Imperial Guard officers can be deployed and directly transformed into commanders of thousands or hundreds, thus expanding the army.

Shen Shixing nodded repeatedly after listening; Su Ze's idea was indeed a good one!
This method satisfies the Five Military Commissions' need for officer positions without requiring the recruitment of too many soldiers.

Shen Shixing quickly thanked him, and Su Ze then said:
"Brother Rumo, I have a few more ideas."

"Brother Zilin, please speak."

Su Ze said:

"I wonder what the Ministry of War thinks about the troops in the Beijing Garrison?"

"Army type?"

Shen Shixing said:
"The Ministry of War's idea is to set up infantry, cavalry, and artillery separately, similar to the setup of the Military Supervisory Commission, and to have separate command and training for each.

Su Ze shook his head and said:
I think it's inappropriate.

"Why is that? Wasn't it Brother Zilin who proposed this division into three departments? You've been doing very well at the Military Academy, haven't you?"

Su Ze shook his head and said:

"I set up three subjects in the Military Academy because this is the most convenient way to teach, so that students of the same type of military academy can learn the corresponding knowledge."

"But how can military campaigns be conducted in this way?"

"If war breaks out, we can't just send artillery to the battlefield alone, can we?"

"On the battlefield, infantry, cavalry, and artillery must cooperate to win battles."

Shen Shixing nodded quickly and said:
"This was my oversight. I will submit my suggestions for revision to the Ministry of War when I get back."

Su Ze then said:

“Brother Rumo, I suggest that the new army of the Beijing Garrison be set up with different legions according to the different combat areas.”

"Legion?"

Su Ze said:

"Our Great Ming Dynasty is vast and rich in resources, with great differences between the east, west, south, and north, and the ways of fighting are also completely different in different places."

"For example, in grassland warfare, cavalry should be the main force, while infantry and artillery should protect the cavalry's supply lines and defend the camps."

"However, in the mountainous areas of the southwest, the main force should be infantry that can adapt to the terrain, the artillery should use light cannons, and the cavalry should be selected from horse breeds that can climb mountains."

After listening to Su Ze's advice, Shen Shixing nodded repeatedly.

Simply put, Su Ze suggested setting up different legions according to the combat zones.

First, there is the corps skilled in grassland warfare. This new army can be modeled after Qi Jiguang's army and can even establish a rotation system with the border troops of Datong, sending them to the grasslands for actual combat training.

Another corps will focus on operations in Liaodong, training soldiers capable of fighting in the cold regions of Northeast China.

This army could also rotate with the Liaodong army to participate in the war against the Jurchens and accumulate combat experience.

The last force is a mountain warfare unit capable of operating in tropical regions. Su Ze suggested recruiting skilled wolf soldiers from Guangxi and training them in mountain and jungle warfare.

After hearing Su Ze's words, Shen Shixing wished he could immediately run back to his office to draft a memorial.

He then looked at Su Ze and pretended to be angry, saying:

"Brother Zilin, it seems you had a plan in place!"

Su Ze smiled and said:

"Brother Rumo, the new Beijing garrison is a major matter for your Ministry of War. I dare not overstep my bounds any further!"

Shen Shixing smiled wryly; he knew Su Ze was referring to the matter of the Military Supervisory Bureau.

Back then, Su Ze had a very unpleasant falling out with the Ministry of War over the matter of the Military Supervisory Commission, and Shen Shixing had heard about it when he went to the Ministry of War.

He said with a wry smile:
"In fact, Minister Cao also greatly admires Brother Zilin's talent. Regarding the matter of the Beijing Garrison, once the Ministry of War and the Five Military Commands have finished their discussions, we must ask Brother Zilin to co-sign the agreement!"

Shen Shixing's suggestion was exactly what Su Ze wanted to hear, so he naturally agreed without hesitation.
-
Tanegashima, Japan.

Western firearms were introduced to Japan from Tanegashima.

In the 22nd year of the Jiajing reign (1553), a Portuguese ship drifted to Tanegashima Island, south of Kyushu, bringing firearms to Japan, an event known as "the arrival of firearms."

The Shimazu family was also the first daimyo in Japan to manufacture "firearms".

In order to do business with the Portuguese in the long term, the Shimazu family built a port on Tanegashima Island.

However, ever since Huang Wenbin killed the Japanese envoy, the Portuguese ships no longer dock at the port of Tanegashima.

Zhu Juntang's merchant ships, which set sail for Penghu, also departed from here.

When a ship appeared on the horizon, the bored lookout in the harbor climbed the bamboo pole for observation. Upon seeing the Shimazu clan's flag, the lookout shouted:

"We've returned to port!"

The port quickly became bustling, with people from all over the port gathering on the dock to watch the merchant ship, laden with the hopes of the Shimazu family, dock.

When the captain proudly announced that the ship was fully loaded with the saltpeter needed by the Shimazu family, the entire dock erupted in cheers.

Zhu Juntang, under the respectful gaze of the Japanese and escorted by numerous samurai, headed towards the Shimazu family's castle.

Inside the Shimazu family's castle.

After Huang Wenbin finished writing his manuscript, he summoned the warrior outside the door.

Actually, this person wasn't a samurai; in Japanese terms, he was an ashigaru (foot soldier).

Former Heibei did not have a surname, as ordinary people in Japan did not have surnames. If he could be formally promoted to samurai, he could be granted the surname Shimazu Takahisa.

Huang Wenbin easily won over the former soldier. He handed over the manuscript he had finished writing to the other party, instructing him to find a way to send it to the Ming Dynasty, and then sat in the room to wait.

Zhu Juntang has been gone for over a month, and Shimazu Takahisa's patience has finally worn off.

If Zhu Juntang doesn't come back soon, his death is imminent.

Given the Japanese character, once they realize they have no further use, they will cut off their own heads to apologize to the Portuguese.

"Knowing minor etiquette but lacking great righteousness, being bound by trivialities but lacking great virtue, valuing minor details but disregarding integrity and shame, fearing power but not cherishing virtue, the strong will inevitably become thieves and robbers, and the weak will inevitably become subservient."

This is Huang Wenbin's final assessment of the Japanese in his book.

Huang Wenbin suddenly heard a commotion. The former guard turned back and said to Huang Wenbin:
"Lord Huang, the master of the household summons you."

Huang Wenbin nodded slightly, straightened his clothes, and stood up.

As Senbei arrived at the castle tower, Huang Wenbin saw Zhu Juntang's figure when he opened the door.

Overwhelmed with emotions, Huang Wenbin held back his tears and slowly walked into the castle tower.

At this moment, Shimazu Takahisa had no time to look at Huang Wenbin's expression; he was so excited that he forgot himself!

Zhu Juntang was indeed a relative of Li Wenquan, the emperor's brother-in-law of the Ming Dynasty!

He brought back not only the saltpeter that the Shimazu family desperately needed, but more importantly, a trade license!
Trade permits for free trade in Penghu!

Shimazu Takahisa felt like he had struck gold!

The samurai found two people from the Ming Dynasty on the beach, who turned out to be nobles from the Ming Dynasty!

What did the trade routes from Penghu mean for the Shimazu family?
This means that the Shimazu family can break through the blockade by the merchants of Sakai Port and continue to produce cannons and gunpowder.

Currently, several major powers in Japan are vying for power outside Kyushu Island. If it weren't for the interference of Imai Munehisa, a wealthy merchant from Sakai Port, Shimazu Takahisa would have long wanted to take the opportunity to unify Kyushu Island.

Now that we have obtained trade routes with the Ming Dynasty, as long as we can unify Kyushu, we can either advance north to participate in the struggle for hegemony in the entire Japanese kingdom, or retreat to defend Kyushu and become a vassal state that all parties want to win over.

Zhu Huang has completely gained the trust of Shimazu Takahisa. Now Shimazu Takahisa no longer guards against them, directly bestowing gold and silver upon them, and allowing them to establish their own trading posts within the Shimazu family.

After the meeting ended, Zhu Juntang returned to his room, grabbed Huang Wenbin's hand, and said:
"Brother Huang! I have not failed you!"

Huang Wenbin quickly said:
"Quickly, Brother Zhu, tell me about your experiences in Penghu!"

When Huang Wenbin finished listening, he was completely dumbfounded.

He never expected that Zhu Juntang's trip would bring him back a position as the head of the Japanese Ministry of Communications.

Despite his best efforts to transfer away from the Office of General Affairs, the position of Director of the Overseas Office of General Affairs still ended up in his hands.

"Brother Huang, what should we do next?"

Zhu Juntang's words brought Huang Wenbin back to reality.

Huang Wenbin immediately said:
"Go to Tanegashima, establish a trading post there, and set up the framework of the Japanese Ministry of Communications."

Zhu Juntang nodded immediately. He was deeply grateful for the Emperor's favor and could not let down the expectations of the Emperor and his ministers.

"And what about Brother Huang?"

Huang Wenbin said:
"I have to stay here."

"why?"

"If we rely solely on trading posts, we can only obtain information from merchants. Japanese merchants do not have a high social status, so they certainly don't have any valuable information."

"Only by staying by Shimazu Takahisa's side can we gather valuable intelligence!"

"Moreover, only if we separate can we make Shimazu Takahisa hesitate to act, and we will be safe."

Zhu Juntang already had great trust in Huang Wenbin's abilities, and he immediately accepted Huang Wenbin's arrangements.

Huang Wenbin said:
"I have a book that I would like to ask Brother Zhu to take back to the Ming Dynasty next time. I also have a piece of intelligence that I would like to take back with me."

"Brother Huang, please speak!"

"In February, Oda Nobunaga conquered Izumo Province and forced Mori Motonari to pay tribute with silver produced in the Iwami Silver Mine as 'no price'."

"Mori Motonari paid Oda Nobunaga 3,000 kan of silver."

Zhu Juntang was dumbfounded.

"Kan" is a unit of silver in Japan; one Kan is one hundred taels of silver.

Paying three thousand strings of cash is equivalent to paying three hundred thousand taels of silver!

The silver dollar of the Ming Dynasty was half a tael. So, when converted into silver dollars, it means that a local lord in Japan paid 600,000 silver dollars to another local lord every year!

What is this concept?
Zhu Juntang once talked with Li Wenquan, the emperor's brother-in-law, about how Fujian merchants raised funds to form a merchant group for the colonization of Penghu, raising a total of 50,000 silver dollars, which was already a huge sum of money!

The reduction of the Beijing Garrison, which saved one million silver dollars, sparked a fierce struggle among various factions in the imperial court.

The tribute paid between these two Japanese daimyo amounted to 600,000 silver dollars.
Huang Wenbin said:
"Brother Zhu, let me speak frankly. If we want to return to the Ming Dynasty, we must achieve something. And to achieve something, we cannot do without the support of the Ming Dynasty."

"Only when His Majesty and the officials of the court see the importance of Japan will the court pay attention to our Japanese Office of General Affairs."

"Six hundred thousand silver dollars a year is definitely enough to tempt the officials in the court."

(End of this chapter)