Late Ming Dynasty: So what if Emperor Chongzhen was inactive?!

Chapter 327 Snowball, Run It Over!
At this moment, Xu Guangqi stepped forward and asked the question that all the ministers were very concerned about: "Your Majesty, may I ask if Your Majesty still insists on moving the capital? If Your Majesty has this intention, please make it clear, so as not to leave the ministers and officials at a loss. If Your Majesty is going to move the capital south, the Grand Canal must be repaired!"

The ministers, who had been indifferent and lost in thought, suddenly perked up their ears, and Zhu Youjian also became serious.

After a moment of contemplation, he revealed his intentions: "I intend to pacify the Jurchens in the north and then move south to bring peace to the people! Emperor Taizong of Tang also visited Luoyang twice. In this year of great disaster, he moved the central officials and the heavy troops of the capital garrison away, leaving the grain for the people. This was a benevolent policy. It is not shameful to follow the example of Emperor Taizong of Tang."

Once the disaster in the north has subsided, spring has arrived, flowers are in bloom, and elephants are migrating north, we can return. Emperor Chengzu initially established Beijing as the capital precisely for the purpose of launching a northern expedition against the remnants of the Yuan dynasty. This was because Emperor Chengzu was wise and martial, invincible in every battle and conquest.

When Emperor Chengzu led Qiu Fu on the northern expedition, he lost 100,000 troops. With no capable generals left, he had no choice but to personally lead the expedition. Therefore, neither the personal expedition nor the relocation of the capital were Emperor Chengzu's wishes; they were merely necessary measures under the circumstances.

If the descendants are unworthy and lack the martial prowess of Emperor Chengzu, they cannot lead a large army in person. Instead, staying in the northern capital becomes a weakness and a burden on the border defenses.

When Emperor Renzong was the crown prince, he served as regent several times, and even Emperor Chengzu admired his skill in governing the country. Emperor Renzong later wanted to return to Nanjing, but unfortunately, he died young and was unable to do so.

I know what your concerns are that prevent you from moving south, but compared to personal gains and losses, the well-being of the nation is clearly more important. You are all gentlemen who have cultivated the ways of sages and virtuous men; I believe you understand this principle even better than I do.

As for after the capital is moved, gentlemen, I will naturally still need your assistance. Those who are willing to follow me will be treated with high-ranking positions and generous salaries; those who wish to stay in Beijing will not be forced by me.

Beijing will control all prefectures of Zhili, as well as the provincial administration commissions and regional military commands north of the Yellow River, just as Nanjing did. However, if anyone insists on obstructing my southward relocation, don't blame me for being ruthless and merciless!

Although the outcome was expected, the officials couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed after their predictions were confirmed. While the emperor was in Nanjing, the Nanjing Ministry of Works, eager to curry favor with him, suggested repairing the Nanjing palaces.

The emperor said, “Although I possess the entire world, I only need one room and one bed to sleep in. Now that disasters are happening one after another and the people are suffering, how can I have the nerve to build a grand palace? Just find a clean courtyard in the palace city, pull out the weeds, and replace those rotten beams and tiles.”

This news spread throughout Jiangnan, and for a time, officials and common people alike praised him as virtuous. Some wealthy merchants were even willing to sell their possessions to donate to the construction of palaces.

When the emperor learned of this, he praised, "This is truly a righteous merchant!" However, the emperor insisted on refusing the gifts, saying, "A subject may accept the favors of his sovereign and repay the Ming Dynasty with loyalty and skill; but a sovereign cannot accept the favors of the people. Because the sovereign holds the power of the state, if he were to privately accept benefits from the people, it would be difficult to remain impartial." The scholars and people of Jiangnan, upon hearing this, praised his uprightness!
When the Emperor was in Nanjing, he decisively judged wrongful convictions, understood the people's plight, eradicated the root causes of wrongdoing, and eliminated long-standing abuses. It is said that when he left Nanjing, the streets were deserted as people wept and begged him to stay. The story became increasingly exaggerated, and whether it was true or just a publicity stunt, people were almost convinced.

No matter how much the officials couldn't accept it, the emperor had been gone for almost a year, and they had to be forced to accept it. They thought the emperor was going to stay in Nanjing forever, but unexpectedly, he returned to the capital before the end of the year when it snowed, which was a pleasant surprise for them.

Whispers arose in the court, but no one dared to cause any more trouble. They had figured it out: their emperor was like a pig that only tolerated gentle persuasion; the more they went against him, the more energetic he became, and he would suddenly disappear without a trace, impossible to stop. The key was that they didn't know how to stop him.

The Ministry of War's power to mobilize troops is nothing but toilet paper in front of the emperor. The border soldiers know nothing of the court but only of the emperor, and even the fierce generals are very obedient.

Xu Guangqi said, “Your Majesty, times have changed. I believe that the Jurchens are not as powerful as before. We should make them ‘submit and become vassals’ and promise them annual tribute. This would also relieve our soldiers of the suffering of war.”

Zhu Youjian retorted, "So-called submission is nothing more than empty words. If we really asked them to return Liaodong, would they agree?!"

"I believe these are all open to discussion," Xu Guangqi said.

Xu Guangqi's words shook the crowd somewhat. The pro-war faction was unwilling to surrender, not unwilling to accept the surrender of others. They always felt that the emperor's hatred for the Jurchens was somewhat extraordinary. He could even negotiate with the Mongols, but he found it troublesome to even talk to the Jurchens and insisted on exterminating them.

Zhu Youjian shook his head and said, "The destruction of the Jurchens is an established national policy. I have already stated this beforehand. If I change my mind frequently, what will the soldiers think?!"

"Your Majesty employed Grand Secretary Yuan to recover Liaonan and expand the territory by thousands of miles; now you have employed Lu Xiang-sheng for a year, yet he has not achieved anything. If Your Majesty wants to recover Liaodong, wouldn't it be more appropriate to replace Lu Xiang-sheng?!" The official from the Ministry of War said, bowing.

"Your Majesty, I am willing to serve you with utmost loyalty!" Yuan Keli immediately bowed and said.

“Your Majesty, I recommend Yuan Chonghuan, the Governor of Guangdong and Guangxi. Yuan Chonghuan held Ningyuan alone, and with fewer troops, he defeated a larger force, achieving the feat of killing the Jurchen chieftain with cannon fire. Yuan Chonghuan has long been skilled in military strategy, is proficient in martial arts, is good at riding and archery, and has extraordinary courage and resourcefulness. He is capable of undertaking this task.”

"Your Majesty, I recommend a minister of the King..."

"Your Majesty, I believe Chen Xinjia..."

The court became lively, and surprisingly, there was not much opposition from the officials to the emperor's decision to attack the Jurchens.

In their eyes, the Jurchens were now like grasshoppers in autumn, and recovering Liaodong was as easy as taking candy from a baby—a tremendous achievement that no one wanted to relinquish. So they all started recommending people from their own factions, arguing about whether it was reasonable or not, just to see if the emperor would be confused!
“Cao Bianjiao!” Zhu Youjian shouted.

"Your subject is here!" Cao Bianjiao emerged from the pile of military merits.

Cao Bianjiao had made many military achievements. After passing the examination, the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Personnel praised him as "brave and skillful in battle, invincible in attack, and achieved many victories in battles against the Jurchens. He is truly a great general of the world." He received the highest evaluation! However, due to various unforeseen circumstances, he has not yet been granted a title, so he can only be ranked relatively low in the ranks of military merit.

No way?! No one can be chosen but Cao Bianjiao! Do they really think he's the Huo Qubing of our dynasty?! The ministers were shocked, but they were all determined to stop the emperor from acting recklessly.

Zhu Youjian took a deep breath and said, "Cao Bianjiao has long served on the frontier, fought in countless battles, killed generals and captured flags, and made many great achievements. When I made my southern tour, he also devoted himself to accompanying me and protecting me with utmost care. His loyalty and bravery are commendable."

"Having reigned over the realm, I have always upheld the principle of 'rewarding merit and punishing wrongdoing.' Therefore, I hereby commend Cao Bianjiao for his outstanding achievements and hereby promote him to the rank of Commander-in-Chief of the Capital Garrison's Vanguard Army, commanding three Vanguard Battalions; furthermore, I bestow upon him the title of Earl of the Valiant Cavalry, a hereditary title, to demonstrate my imperial favor. You shall therefore continue to be loyal and diligent, fulfilling your duties with utmost care, and live up to the trust I place in you!"

"Your humble servants have transformed into dragons, and kowtow in gratitude for Heaven's grace!"

“Ma Xianglin?!” Zhu Youjian continued to shout.

"Chen is here!"

"Ma Xianglin traveled a thousand miles to Liaodong to protect the Emperor and guard the palace. He is a trusted and important minister of mine. Furthermore, he has benefited from the legacy of his parents and his meritorious service is immeasurable. Therefore, Ma Xianglin is hereby granted the title of Earl of Mingzhong!"

"Your subject accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude!"

Damn it, when other emperors were in power, their civil and military officials had to fight their whole lives to earn the rank of earl, but Zhu Youjian gave it away like cabbage!
Clearly, this was the emperor's reward for these two who had wholeheartedly led their troops south with him, and also a way to buy horses with a fortune. Cao Bianjiao was alright, but Ma Xianglin went too far; he really stopped acting altogether.

The key point is that this system actually conforms to political rules; everyone may be stubborn and refuse to accept it, but deep down they acknowledge it. That hypocritical emperor, spouting nonsense about nobility without military merit, ultimately just follows his own whims!
By this time, Yuan Keli had been left standing there for quite a while. His hair had turned silvery-white and somewhat translucent, and his eyebrows were longer than those of a young man.

He was seventy years old this year, just reaching the statutory retirement age stipulated by Zhu Di. The imperial edict stated that "civil and military officials who are over seventy years old and unable to perform their duties may submit a clear report and be allowed to retire."

However, there were many Grand Secretaries in their seventies and eighties in the Ming Dynasty, it was just that the emperor died young. People's physical constitutions are different. Yuan Keli was one of the weaker ones among the old men. He was a pure civil official, like Sun Chengzong. Although he was in charge of military affairs in Liaodong, he never interfered with the specific command on the battlefield.

Zhu Xieyuan, however, was different. His involvement in military affairs began with the siege of Chengdu, and he personally went to the front lines to command the battle. He personally directed and coordinated the suppression of She Chongming's rebellion.

Yang Hao was another example. He also liked to command personally, but he was a negative example. He was both incompetent and loved to play around. During the Imjin War, he was almost defeated by the Japanese. In the Battle of Ulsan, he initially won but then lost, suffering heavy losses.

Zhu Youjian stared into Yuan Keli's eyes and asked, "Lord Yuan, are you alright?!"

"Thanks to Your Majesty's concern, I have been recuperating for a year, and my illness is almost completely cured. If I stay idle any longer, I will become restless again. Your Majesty, please let me take over!" Yuan Keli said earnestly.

"Alright, Lu Xiang-sheng will not be withdrawn. He is not without merit, but he is not prominent. As for Yuan Chong-huan, whom you mentioned, he has many conflicts with generals such as Mao Wen-long of Dongjiang Town. He is hot-tempered and cannot reconcile the various parties, so he is not suitable. As for the others, although they are capable ministers, they are not outstanding in military affairs, so it is even more unsuitable to send them to Liaodong."

"Yuan Keli?!"

"Chen is here!"

"I hereby appoint you to govern the border regions, overseeing military affairs in Jiliao, Tianjin, Denglai, and other areas, concurrently holding the titles of Minister of War and Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, and commanding all military affairs in these three garrisons. All civil and military officials in these three garrisons shall be at your command. I bestow upon you the Imperial Sword; if anyone disobeys, you may execute them first and report later. All departments of the Six Ministries of the Central Government shall also fully cooperate!"

Yuan Keli replied generously, "Your subject obeys!"

"General Yuan, I wish to accomplish a small goal this year: to recapture Liaoyang. Is that possible?!"

"Your Majesty, I dare not speak presumptuously. In my opinion, our Great Ming Dynasty is currently well-equipped with money and grain, our army is fully armored, and our morale is high. I believe that we should take a righteous and honorable army, proceed step by step, and recover Liaodong little by little, so that the Jurchens will not be able to find any flaws."

Liaoyang is a fortified city with high walls and deep moats; a direct assault would result in heavy losses. It would be better to besiege it and attack its reinforcements. My intelligence indicates that the Jurchens' food supplies are limited and they cannot sustain this for long. They will surely collapse without a fight within three months!

Zhu Youjian nodded, then shook his head and said, "We want a righteous and honorable army. I think the same way, but your method is too slow."

I'm not telling you to swarm the city like ants. Twenty heavy cannons weighing five thousand catties each have already been built. Take them all and don't try to save me any money. Fire them day and night. I don't believe we can't break through Liaoyang's city walls!
"If you don't have enough soldiers, draw them from the Nine Garrisons, the Capital Garrison, and the interior. I've hoarded so much money and grain so that you wouldn't have to fight a war in poverty again today. Crush them all!"

Yuan Keli exclaimed in shock, "In that case, Liaoyang can be pacified in a month or so!"

A major battle is about to begin. The initial plan is to send 130,000 troops to attack Liaoyang, with a subsequent increase to 300,000 combat troops! If auxiliary troops and laborers are included, it is estimated that a million people will need to be mobilized, and it will cost 20 million taels of silver and several million shi of grain per year!

In terms of diplomacy, Zhu Youjian instructed the Mongol tribes to inform them that this was merely a purge of the Jurchens, and regardless of whether they had cooperated with the Jurchens in the past, they could be forgiven for their past actions if they broke away from the Jurchens now; otherwise, they would all be crushed.

No matter what methods they used, the heads of Jurchens they obtained could be exchanged for grain: 30 shi for an adult, and 5 shi for an elderly person, woman, or child.

The first phase of the war was to recover Liaodong, the second phase was to clear Changbai Mountain, and the third phase was to recover Wuguo City and to penetrate deep into the Far East fishing and hunting areas to hunt down the remaining enemy.

Following the model of the Bohai Kingdom, known as the "Prosperous Kingdom of the East," during the Tang Dynasty, the Northeast will be controlled by rebuilding the Nurgan Regional Military Commission to control the Nurgan region and establishing the Haidong Regional Military Commission to control the Changbai Mountain region.

Of course, these are all Zhu Youjian's beautiful plans. At present, the main task is to attack Liaoyang City. It is necessary to deal with the Jurchen's extreme counterattack and also to prevent backstabbing from the grasslands.

Zhu Youjian had limited resources. The Ming Dynasty was not truly strong; at most, it would just tremble, followed by a precipitous drop in revenue. He only had one chance!
(End of this chapter)