Emperor Chongzhen was too extreme.

Chapter 108 North Korea: I am the Land of Light

When the butcher's knife was raised again in Shaanxi.

Zhu Youjian's imperial procession had also finished resting and packing up, and was preparing to return to the capital from Shaanxi.

The issues in Shaanxi have been initially resolved, but there is still a large number of matters in the capital that he needs to handle.

There's no need to waste any more time here.

of course.

Thorough planning before departure is essential.

With a single sentence from Zhu Youjian.

Sun Chuanting was then appointed as the governor of Shaanxi.

This gave him a dreamlike feeling.

I accompanied His Majesty to Shaanxi to handle various affairs, and it has only been a month at most.

He's already been promoted to a high-ranking regional official?!

Although Sun Chuanting had never had any experience governing a region.

But the experience of being by His Majesty's side during this period was truly like a day in heaven being a year on earth.

Specific tasks are the best way to develop a person's abilities.

The various affairs that Sun Chuanting personally handled during this period were probably things that other officials would never encounter in their entire lives.

Moreover, given the current situation in Shaanxi.

There's nothing else that Sun Chuanting needs to worry about; he can just focus on military buildup and production.

Sun Chuanting is extremely confident about the future.

They were even more excited about the military objective of wiping out the Chahar tribe next spring—foreigners are good, foreigners must be captured.

Zhang Xianzhong and Li Zicheng were also awarded the title of Guerrilla General for their outstanding performance in that surprise attack.

There was no specific rank for guerrilla generals.

However, the extent of their power depends entirely on the emperor's will.

Zhu Youjian put the two under the command of Sun Chuanting to be in charge of training the soldiers of the Yansui Army. So, this guerrilla general must have held a very high position and great power.

Moreover, their general titles are quite interesting.

One is named "Da Xi", and the other is named "Chuang".

The rest of Song Xianze, Zhang Yi, and others who performed exceptionally well during this period were all rewarded, which goes without saying.

In such a situation.

Shaanxi, which was in a state of despair and on the verge of turmoil just two months ago, is now a place where the people are of one mind and the entire province is united.

It's truly thriving!
When Emperor Zhu Youjian left Shaanxi, he was naturally escorted for ten miles, but that will not be mentioned again.

……

now.

The imperial procession was on its way back to the capital.

Xiao Hongzi's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at the group of soldiers in high spirits.

Two days ago, when His Majesty was talking to Sun Chuanting about "defeating them one by one," Xiao Hongzi was also present.

Therefore, he naturally knew that after returning from Shaanxi, he would face a situation where the whole country was his enemy.

Xiao Hongzi was not afraid of this.

His Majesty is already prepared to directly confront those powerful and influential families, aiming to revitalize the Ming Dynasty. How could he possibly back down?!

I don't care about your prestigious family background, screw you!
I'll chop him up first and talk about it later!
However, despite having this disdainful attitude towards everything around him.

However, Xiao Hongzi was not blinded by his invincible record in Shaanxi during this period.

he knows.

The situation His Majesty will face upon returning to the capital will be many times more dangerous than it was in Shaanxi, so thorough preparations must be made in advance.

Don’t say anything else.

Regarding His Majesty's primary objective, Korea.

That's not so easy to solve.

As for these guards who were responsible for fighting,

Naturally, we must further enhance our military strength in order to better serve His Majesty.

In Xiao Hongzi's view, as long as His Majesty is there, the morale of the army will never be lacking.

His Majesty himself is leading the charge; how could morale not be inflated to the extreme?!
There's absolutely no need to worry about that.

However, there are many areas where the equipment needs improvement.

Take, for example, the powerful Hongyi cannon.

While this thing is quite destructive, its drawbacks are also quite obvious.

It is prone to misfiring, inconvenient to operate, and may even explode if not handled properly.
The rest, such as armor, swords, firearms, and even horses, all have much room for improvement.

A worker must first sharpen his tools if he wants to do well.

If Your Majesty wants to thoroughly reform the Ming Dynasty from beginning to end, then the weaponry and equipment must keep up.

Thinking about these things.

Xiao Hongzi gently pulled on the reins and entered Zhu Youjian's carriage.

After bowing, he said, "Your Majesty, after returning to the capital, powerful families and clans in various regions will surely be driven to desperation and will expand their military capabilities on a large scale."

"And now, there are many things in our army that can be improved, such as firearms and armor."

"."

Xiao Hongzi shared all his insights and concerns.

After seeing His Majesty nod in response, he stood aside and remained silent.

It's enough that His Majesty knows about this; what His Majesty plans to do is not his concern.

Xiao Hongzi's specialty is still chopping people up.

It would be a bit difficult to ask him to handle these matters.

As for Zhu Youjian inside the carriage...

The things Xiao Hongzi mentioned were things he had already considered.

In essence, large-scale wars are a contest of national strength and logistics.

Logistics naturally includes the soldiers' weapons and equipment.

But this can't be rushed.

Because the development of weapons and equipment requires technological advancements.

Technological development cannot be achieved overnight.

This requires a lot of accumulation.

The Ming Dynasty lacked sufficient experience in this area.

Or.

I have accumulated knowledge, but I've used it in the wrong places.

In addition to handling various affairs in Shaanxi, Zhu Youjian has been spending his spare time conducting on-site investigations of the national situation.

So he knows.

The basic education system in the Ming Dynasty was actually quite good.

Even in impoverished places like Shaanxi, which are on the verge of turmoil, the people still understand the importance of education.

But here's the thing.

If you're heading in the wrong direction, the more knowledge you have, the more reactionary you'll appear.

In Zhu Youjian's view.

The development of science and technology needs to be driven by real science, namely mathematics, physics, and chemistry, rather than by Confucian classics and the words of sages.

The latter may have some effect on rulers in maintaining their rule.

But for Zhu Youjian, they all deserved to be dragged out and skinned alive.

There is no other reason.

His goal has always been the same: to make there only one Ming Dynasty in the world.

Can the nationwide study of Confucian classics achieve this goal?

If it were truly possible, Zhu Youjian would definitely be the first to set an example.

However, from an objective point of view, it is absolutely impossible.

Not only will this goal not be achieved, it will also greatly hinder the empire's progress.

Give the simplest example.

Was the modern Hongyi cannon created through science or through Confucian classics?

Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, and other maritime trading nations are all desperately developing their weapons and military equipment.

Once these countries have built powerful ships and cannons, will the Ming Dynasty fight them with the Analects in hand?
Therefore, educational reform is necessary.

If we want to develop weapons and military equipment, we must start by reforming education.

Educational reform is essential to driving technological development.

Only with the advancement of science and technology can we create better weapons and equipment.

As for reform.

It has always been the most difficult thing to do, especially when it comes to educational issues.

Because Confucian culture has influenced this land for thousands of years.

But for Zhu Youjian, this was actually not difficult.

After returning to Beijing.

He would then issue an edict ordering schools in the capital to abandon Confucianism and begin to study true science again.

In the capital city today.

There are still many people who want to improve, so there's no need to worry about student enrollment.

You don't want to do it?
There are plenty of people willing to do it!

Thinking of this, Zhu Youjian instructed Xiao Hongzi:

"Send a team back to Beijing first to inform Chen Xinjia and Zhang Weixian to immediately begin preparations for the school reform."

"."

Zhu Youjian briefly explained the direction of the reform to Xiao Hongzi.

Xiao Hongzi listened to all this, but he was still a little confused.

Wasn't the plan to improve equipment? How come it suddenly involves school reform?
It's normal that he doesn't understand His Majesty's actions; he just needs to get things done.

"This servant obeys the order." Xiao Hongzi noted down all the details, then bowed and withdrew.

As for the Confucian scholars, whose ancestral graves have been desecrated, how will they react to this?

Zhu Youjian hadn't even thought about it in detail.

If these people are willing to maintain a dignified appearance, Zhu Youjian can temporarily grant them that.

After returning to Beijing, he still had a lot of things to deal with, and time was tight.

Let's try to avoid trouble for now.

However, if they are unwilling to maintain a dignified appearance...

Then kill them all!
With everyone gone, there are naturally no dissenting voices to bother you like flies buzzing in your ear.

Zhu Youjian did not let any personal feelings interfere with this.

This is just a matter of fact.

Because studying Confucianism could not save the Ming Dynasty.

Oh yes.

There are also some historical issues left over from the past in the capital, such as the representatives of civil officials from various regions in Beijing.

If these people were to behave themselves a little, Zhu Youjian might be able to let them live for a while longer.

After all, Zhu Youjian had to rush to Korea after returning to Beijing.

Zhu Youjian always understood the importance of speed in warfare, so he naturally wanted to return to the capital for a short rest before heading to Korea immediately.

But.

If these people don't stop causing trouble...

Then we'll go back and slaughter them all.

Since the whole country is already at odds, one or two more won't make a difference. Time is something you can always squeeze out if you try.

Just as Zhu Youjian was on his way back to the capital, pondering how to advance the Ming Dynasty.

Seoul, the capital of North Korea, is thousands of miles away.

The current supreme ruler of North Korea, Kim Il-sung, is King Injo!
King Yi Jong of Joseon.

He was lying on his dragon bed in his palace, listening to his trusted subordinates' reports, his eyes slightly narrowed.

"Your Highness, the Later Jin envoy met with me again today in secret. The topic of conversation was still about using our Joseon territory to send troops to attack Dongjiang Town of the Ming Dynasty in the winter."

This confidant knew Li Zong's preferences, so he deliberately did not refer to the Ming Dynasty as "Da Ming" but rather as "Ming Dynasty".

Li Zong nodded and waved for his men to leave.

After bowing, the subordinate quickly left the room.

Until both sides were screened out.

Li Zong slowly propped himself up from the bed, went to the window and looked at the night outside with a solemn expression.

The Later Jin dynasty's use of the route to send troops.

Actually, they had already discussed this with him some time ago.

It is even said that Fan Wencheng wrote him a personal letter, promising him great benefits.

However, Li Zong certainly couldn't agree to this directly on the surface.

One reason is that Korea was nominally still a vassal state of the Ming Dynasty.

Secondly, delaying this matter would allow Li Zong to gain more benefits in his tug-of-war with the Later Jin.

That's right.

Although North Korea was severely defeated by the Later Jin this year, and the two sides signed the Treaty of Gangdo.

But in reality, the nature of this war is not as simple as the outside world thinks.

Otherwise.

It wouldn't have been Fan Wencheng, a confidant of Huang Taiji, the leader of the Later Jin, who discussed the matter of borrowing a passage with him; rather, the Later Jin would have simply sent troops over directly.

In fact, Li Zong still held a lot of bargaining chips that he could use to negotiate with the Later Jin.

All of this began with Li Zong's ascension to the throne.

years ago.

Yi Jong seized power through a coup.

He successfully ousted the former King of Joseon and completed his path to becoming the supreme ruler.

But what about coups?

For Li Zong, it was impossible to kill all the opponents.

Therefore, many veterans from the previous dynasty remained in the court.

Coups are inherently dishonorable.

Li Zong naturally couldn't ask the Ming Dynasty for help in getting rid of these people.

Therefore, after ascending the throne, he chose to flirt with the Later Jin.

And so, a war was fought this year.

Li Zong eliminated most of the reactionaries in the court at once.

Regardless of whether the methods are honorable or not, I'm just asking you whether this trick works.

It can be said that Li Zong's political maneuvering was still quite sophisticated—he had a certain level of skill.

And now.

Later, the Jin dynasty approached him again to discuss the matter of borrowing a route to send troops.

Li Zong keenly sensed that the Later Jin were now very eager to launch a major attack on the Ming Dynasty.

Li Zong thus sensed an opportunity for checks and balances in this matter.

That's right.

Although it may sound a bit ridiculous, Li Zong did indeed intend to use this move to counterbalance the Ming Dynasty and the Later Jin Dynasty.

He had heard about the series of reforms implemented by the new Ming emperor after his ascension to the throne.

Although the various rumors are not yet conclusive, it is clear that this new emperor of the Ming Dynasty was quite impressive.

However, for Li Zong...

North Korea cannot tolerate such a powerful person around it!
What will I do if you become powerful?!

I staged a coup to bring about Korean independence. You can't expect me to go back and be a dog for the Ming Dynasty, can you?

Korea—a land where the morning sun shines brightly, a true land of light.

How could the Land of Light be a dog of the Ming Dynasty?
A great kindness can turn into enmity.

For over two hundred years, Korea had received favors from the Ming Dynasty, which King Injo now found utterly disgusting.

I don't know what's wrong with the brains of those lowly people and loyalists in this country.

The Ming Dynasty was already so weak, yet people still thought of being grateful to it.

Isn't it just that they received titles and rewards from the Ming Dynasty for more than two hundred years?

You were bought off so easily?!
They're all a bunch of reactionaries!

Thinking of this, Li Zong couldn't help but grit his teeth in anger.

of course.

The reason he was so angry was essentially because these people did not support his rule.

Otherwise, it's either "Long live the Ming Dynasty!" or "Loyalty to the Ming Dynasty!"

But no way.

Once a political line is determined, it cannot be changed.

He represents an interest group, not just himself, and can't just change things on a whim.

Now that those loyal to the Ming Dynasty are in conflict with their interest group, they naturally have to do everything they can to get rid of them.

The Jin dynasty's desire to use this route to launch an attack on Dongjiang Town presented a perfect opportunity.

Think of this.

Without further hesitation, Li Zong summoned a trusted aide and instructed him, "Go and send a secret letter to Fan Wencheng now."

"Tell him that I not only agree to their request to borrow troops to attack Dongjiang Town in winter, but I can also let them come now."

"Not only that, I am also willing to provide logistical support for the troops they have sent, so that they can take Dongjiang Town more easily."

"But my demand is: after the matter is accomplished, Dongjiang Town will nominally belong to them, but in reality, it will belong to my Joseon."

"They also want to help me purge those loyalists in the court once again."

"If they want to plunder the Ming Dynasty through Dongjiang Town again in the future, I am willing to cooperate with them."

"Your humble servant obeys the decree!"

His subordinate bowed and then quickly left.

Li Zong, on the other hand, remained standing outside the window with his hands behind his back, gazing at the night with an inscrutable expression.

In his opinion.

His own political maneuvering this time could be described as flawless.

After Dongjiang Town was captured.

North Korea was then completely free of any worries.

After all, that brat Mao Wenlong was always staying in the rear of Korea, which made Li Zong unable to sleep soundly.

I always feel like someone is poking my butt every now and then.

then.

He could also leverage the geographical advantages of Dongjiang Town to cooperate with the Later Jin in plundering the Ming Dynasty.

We drew inspiration little by little from the colossal Ming Dynasty.

What's the best part?

All of this was done in secret:

I didn't want the Later Jin army to pass through, but the Later Jin just signed a treaty with me this year.

He attacked me if I wouldn't let him pass, what could I do?!

Afterwards, they could use this as leverage to demand further rewards and compensation from the Ming Dynasty, making it a win-win situation.

As for whether the Later Jin could take Dongjiang Town in one fell swoop, Li Zong didn't even consider it a question.

Conditions in Dongjiang Town were even harsher than on Juehua Island, with a number of people starving to death every year, all thanks to Mao Wenlong's personal prestige.

If he wanted to, he wouldn't even need the Later Jin to send troops; he could destroy Dongjiang Town himself.

In such a situation, how could Dongjiang Town withstand the battle-hardened army of the Later Jin?
Except for gods descending to earth.

There is no other possibility.

The idea of ​​gods descending to earth only exists in novels and storybooks.

……

the other side.

Shengjing, the capital of the Later Jin dynasty.

Because Shengjing and Hancheng are not far apart, and there are special carrier pigeons.

Fan Wencheng received the letter not long after Li Zong made his decision.

Upon reading what Li Zong had described in his mind, Fan Wencheng hurriedly went to report to Huang Taiji:
"Great Khan, Li Zong has agreed to our demands and is even willing to secretly assist us in taking Dongjiang Town. However, he has also made several demands."

"."

After listening to Fan Wencheng's account, Huang Taiji remained silent for a moment before nodding.

for him.

These conditions seem to show a lack of respect for the Later Jin.

But it's not unacceptable.

In any case, the main rival of the Later Jin was the Ming Dynasty.

For the sake of the bigger picture, temporarily giving up some benefits is not a big deal.

Take advantage of this opportunity.

The most important thing is to get rid of that annoying Dongjiang Town immediately, lest things change if we delay.

However, Huang Taiji also became wary of Li Zong.

This maid's pet is quite cunning.

You're just a tiny country, yet you're playing these political games.

They're using my Later Jin as a weapon, and they still want to extract benefits from my Later Jin?
Do you, Li Zong, have the strength to fight against my Later Jin?!

Huang Taiji and Fan Wencheng exchanged a glance.

Although they didn't say it outright, they had already made the same plan in their hearts.

In two years, when we have more time, we'll first eliminate Li Zong, that bastard who dared to scheme against the superior nation.

At that time, by using Korea's geographical location to contain the Ming Dynasty, the Later Jin's southward expansion will be greatly aided!

of course.

These are things for the future; right now, we need to wipe out Dongjiang Town first.

The two stopped thinking about these things and began discussing the details of the battle.

Meanwhile, Chaba Hai, the trusted confidant in charge of intelligence work, spoke with some concern:

"My lord, I have recently gathered a lot of intelligence about the Ming emperor. He not only killed a number of people in the capital, but now he has even gone to Shaanxi and is carrying out a large-scale massacre."

"This servant sees that he is quite capable; could this affect the war effort in Dongjiang Town?"

Huang Taiji laughed heartily upon hearing this: "Good servant, your thoughts are indeed meticulous, but you are worrying too much."

"Even if the Ming emperors were incredibly capable, could they really extend their influence into Korea?"

It's no wonder that Huang Taiji didn't care about the Ming emperors.

Their mission was to attack Dongjiang Town via Korea, even though Dongjiang Town was nominally part of the Ming Dynasty's territory.

But in reality, it is located near North Korea.

How could the Ming Dynasty emperors possibly have their hands in here?!

How long has he been on the throne?!
Besides, even if he did extend his reach into North Korea, what could he possibly do?
Fishing at sea or sightseeing tour?

They couldn't possibly be here to attack North Korea!
(End of this chapter)