Di Ming

Chapter 219 "My heart is like the moon, solely for the sake of the nation's affairs."

The ninth day of the fourth month in the twentieth year of the Wanli reign.

The Ming army decisively defeated the Mongol tribes at Wuliangsuhai, beheading over 9,000, capturing their chieftain Boshuoketu, and seizing over 18,000 warhorses.

On that day, Zhu Yin and Qi Jiguang ordered their troops to set up camp and rest on the west bank of Wuliangsuhai Lake for a day before continuing their westward advance the next day.

At the same time, he instructed captured nobles such as Boshoktu to write letters, ordering the tens of thousands of elderly, women, and children remaining in the Golden Tent to wait in place for the Ming army to arrive.

Boshoktu and the others had no choice but to comply. Zhu Yin and Qi Jiguang pledged to spare the lives of those who surrendered and to preserve Genghis Khan's Eight White Chambers.

Surrender and you can live. The Eight White Chambers can be preserved. But if you don't surrender, not only will you and your family die, but tens of thousands of family members will also perish, and the Eight White Chambers will be destroyed.

Zhu Yin forced Boshuoketu and others to finish writing the letter, and then promised the generals that he and the Grand General would report the merits of the generals and soldiers impartially and truthfully, and would provide full compensation to the families of the fallen soldiers.

By the time all these arrangements were completed, it was already dusk. Zhu Yin then summoned Zheng Guowang and had her board a high carriage for a secret discussion.

Zheng Guowang was pondering how to write a memorial to impeach Zhu Yin. This was because Zhu Yin acted arbitrarily, never consulting the accompanying imperial inspector on any military affairs, thus breaking the established rules.

According to the established procedures for military campaigns in the Qing Dynasty, although every war must have a civil official supervising the army as the commander-in-chief, there is often more than one supervising officer; rather, there is an entire supervising army.

Besides the highest-ranking military supervisors with royal warrants and imperial seals, such as governors-general and provincial governors, there were also provincial inspectors and military commissioners.

Take this time for example. I and Hao Yunlai are the provincial inspectors of Shanxi and Shaanxi, respectively. We were dispatched by the military commissioner Zheng Luo to lead the troops to participate in the war, so we certainly have the right to speak.

But what about Zhu Yin? He never consults his opinion as the supervising officer on any military affairs. It's something that all the military officers know, yet he and Hao Yunlai, the two imperial inspectors, don't know!
Even if she wins this battle decisively, she will still impeach Zhu Yin, submit a severe accusation against him, and suppress his arrogance that grows stronger with each victory!

If she were to submit a petition to impeach him, Hao Yunlai, as a member of the Zheng family's faction, would certainly submit a petition to impeach him as well.

Two imperial inspectors impeached him together, and Zhu Zhihu had no choice but to submit a memorial to defend himself, leaving him humiliated.

Just as Zheng Guowang was pondering the most appropriate way to write his impeachment memorial, Zhu Yin's attendant appeared.

"This humble one is Kangxi, greetings to the Daoist Master." Kangxi bowed and said, "The General has invited me, saying he has important matters to discuss."

Zheng Guowang frowned slightly, looking suspicious.

Zhu Zhihu, that little fox, actually asked me to discuss important matters? Has he changed his ways? Or does he have ulterior motives?
She asked, "Am I the only official to be seen? Where is Master Hao?"

Emperor Kangxi said with a smile, "I only saw the Taoist priest. The governor did not say that he wanted to summon Taoist priest Hao."

Zheng Guowang found this rather unusual and waved his hand, saying, "Alright. You may go now, I will be there shortly."

After Kangxi left, Zheng Guowang examined the cloth strip wrapped around his chest and abdomen again, and stared blankly for a while.

Since leaving the border, she had already witnessed Zhu Yin's talent and methods.

However, she had already experienced Zhu Yin's domineering nature firsthand.

He was also the man's political enemy, and they had a past feud. What did the man want to discuss with him? What kind of conspiracy was he plotting? Although this man was just a teenager, he was cunning and treacherous; he shouldn't be fooled.

Zheng Guowang considered several possibilities and devised countermeasures for each before going to see Zhu Yin.

She remained clad in her armor and sword at her waist, without changing her official robes. She was worried that other Mongol troops might suddenly attack.

Inside the spacious carriage, Zhu Yin was already waiting for her.

Zhu Yin had long since removed his armor, wearing only a sky-blue cotton Taoist robe with a brocade belt casually tied around his waist. He appeared relaxed, elegant, and composed.

He sat on a small stool, his left hand resting on a small stool. In front of him was a tea table with a charcoal fire burning in the tea stove, and the water in the teapot was already boiling.

He was holding a teaspoon, scooping out a few spoonfuls of tea leaves from a jar of clear, bright moonlight, and gracefully placing them into the teapot. The whole process was smooth and effortless, without a trace of smoke or dust.

Only then did the young man leisurely raise his head, smile as if meeting an old friend, and casually say:
"It'll be ready soon, you've come just in time. Why don't you sit down?"

Seeing this, Zheng Guo could hardly help but admire him. Today, they had just achieved a great victory over the Tatars, and all the generals were excited. However, Zhu Zhihu, who was so young, was calm and composed, as if nothing had happened.

It is said that Zhu Zhihu has the style of Xie An of the Wei and Jin dynasties. He is good at reciting poems for scholars in Luoyang and often acts with composure in the face of adversity. He is not an exaggeration at all.

With such a Daoist mind and composure, no one could disagree with his achievement of passing the highest level of the imperial examinations.

Moreover, this man possesses an elegant and refined demeanor, an extraordinary air, and excellent looks. Coupled with his noble status, he is a young man who is very popular with women. In his presence, most women would find it difficult to resist.

Fortunately, I am not a woman, but a man!

Zheng Guowang sat down in front of Zhu Yin without any hesitation and said in a sarcastic tone:
"In this army camp beyond the Great Wall, drinking tea is extremely difficult, let alone a famous tea like Bijian Mingyue. Brother Zhihu is indeed different."

Her meaning was, of course, to satirize Zhu Yin's extravagant lifestyle, as he carried tea sets and fine tea even when marching and fighting on the grasslands.

Zhu Yin smiled slightly, pretending not to hear her sarcasm, and said, "Three years ago, I impeached Brother Yueying and your brother only to protect myself. Now that time has passed, let's just forget about it."

"Actually, I have always admired Brother Yueying for two things. It's just that although we are the same age, we disagree on politics and have no contact with each other."

As he spoke, he poured her tea with his own hands. The tea was a clear, green color, reflecting Zheng Guowang's beautiful face.

Then, her gaze became somewhat unfocused amidst the rising steam of the tea.

"Oh? I have two more qualities that Brother Zhihu admires? I am truly flattered," Zheng Guowang said with a smile. "I would like to hear more."

He thought to himself, "Zhu Zhihu, it's too late for you to say nice things now. I'm going to impeach you no matter what."

Zhu Yin smiled and said, "The first point is a secret, and I can't tell you yet. Although I do admire you for this, and sincerely admire you, it's not something I can say out loud."

"What?" Zheng Guowang was somewhat surprised, his expression shifting uncertainly. "You can't say it? You admire me for that?"

Zhu Yin chuckled inwardly, but his expression remained somewhat inscrutable. "It is indeed inconvenient for me to say this right now, and it is also for the good of Brother Yueying."

"For my own good?" Zheng Guowang found it hard to believe Zhu Yin's words, but judging from Zhu Yin's appearance, it seemed that he really did want what was best for him.

Zhu Yin took a sip of tea. "The second thing I admire about you is that, despite being the younger brother of the Imperial Noble Consort, you have not developed any spoiled or dissolute habits."

"That's it?" Zheng Guowang sneered. "The Imperial Concubine has only been in the palace for ten years at most. Before that, my Zheng family were just ordinary people. I lived a hard life until I was eleven. I started studying at the age of five and endured several years of hardship. I wasn't born into wealth, nor did I have a rich fiancée, so naturally I couldn't develop any spoiled habits."

"Is this all you're going to admire?"

Zheng Guowang was very disappointed. It turned out that Zhu Yin only admired him for this one thing, and there was another point he was unwilling to mention.

"Alright, Governor, we're not on the same side to begin with, so let's not pretend. We're both officials in the same court, and this is all official business. Please, Governor, speak plainly: what is the purpose of summoning me here?"

She didn't want to beat around the bush anymore. She thought Zhu Yin was cunning and was afraid of being tricked by him.

"Master Zheng is straightforward." Zhu Yin stopped beating around the bush. "I am prepared to submit a memorial requesting His Majesty and the court to build a city and station troops in the Hetao region, emulating the Han and Tang dynasties, and to manage the Hetao region!"

"Although many people in the court are now demanding the restoration of the Hetao region, His Majesty may not agree with their opinions. If His Majesty does not agree to build a city and station troops there, then even if we recover the Hetao region this time, we will lose it sooner or later."

Zheng Guowang understood. "You want me to also petition His Majesty to build a city and station troops there?"

Zhu Yin nodded and poured her more tea. "That's right. Brother Yueying, this is for the sake of the country, for China, for the Ming Dynasty. It's not for personal gain. I believe you will agree." As he spoke, Zhu Yin pointed to the bright moon in the sky. "My heart is like the moon, shining only for the sake of the country. Brother Yueying, our personal grudges can be put aside, but the Ming Dynasty cannot be without the Hetao region."

Zheng Guowang turned his head and looked at the rising moon over the border region, his eyes cold and clear.

Her expression was complex, and she looked particularly enigmatic in the soft moonlight.

"Only today did I realize how bright the moonlight is in the border region," Zheng Guowang said to himself.

She lowered her head, gazing at the moon's reflection in the cup, and said in a calm tone:
"Zhu Zhihu, I don't know if your heart is as bright as the moon, or if it is only bright for the sake of the country. But I agree with one of your statements: the Ming Dynasty cannot be without the Hetao region."

She raised her head, her bright eyes fixed on Zhu Yin.

“I can petition His Majesty to build a city and station troops there. I can also write to the Imperial Noble Consort and ask her to advise His Majesty. But I am not doing this for you, nor am I granting your request, but simply because I do not want to give up the Hetao region.”

Zhu Yin clapped his hands and said, "I knew I hadn't misjudged you. Then I'll leave it to Brother Yueying."

Zhu Yin was relieved. With Consort Zheng's influence, Wanli would most likely agree to build the city and station troops there.

Zheng Guowang sneered: "What are you talking about? You're doing this for the Ming Dynasty, so why can't I? But let me tell you, building a city and stationing troops costs money. His Majesty is frugal and least willing to spend the national treasury. Building a city and stationing troops will cost at least several hundred thousand taels of silver, and His Majesty may not spend that money."

Zhu Yin laughed and said, "I've calculated it. Building two military cities and stationing 10,000 troops would cost about one million taels of silver. The money is easy to obtain; the imperial court can invest in the project without contributing a single tael!"

He thought Zheng Guowang was right. Even with Consort Zheng's influence, Emperor Baijin might not agree to spend that much money.

"Attract investment to handle this?" Zheng Guowang asked, puzzled. "What kind of method is that?"

Zhu Yin explained: "The imperial court can issue an edict to develop the Hetao region, attract wealthy merchants from the Central Plains to donate funds to build military cities, and then distribute shares according to the amount of money and grain contributed. The imperial court will only take half, and the other half will be distributed to the merchants."

"Once the military city is built, the pastures, furs, meat and dairy products, manors, and commerce of the Hetao Grassland will be leased to merchants for twenty years, with profits distributed according to shares. Leaving aside furs, meat and dairy products, and fodder, just take warhorses as an example. The Hetao Grassland can sell 20,000 horses every year. What a huge profit that is!"

"I dare say any discerning merchant would be tempted. With this, merchants could build cities and attract people, and within a few years, the Hetao region would be a treasure trove for the Han people. Then, the imperial court would have garrisoned troops, merchants would have guards, and there would be military cities. Furthermore, the Hetao region could be developed into a trading area to purchase cattle, sheep, and hides from the Mongols. With weapons in one hand and silver in the other, even the Mongols wouldn't want to reclaim the Hetao region..."

"At that time, as long as the court controls those merchants, it will control the Hetao region. Not only will it not cost any money, but it can also collect taxes."

Zheng Guowang grew increasingly astonished as he listened, and finally couldn't help but ask, "Brother Zhihu, what's wrong with your brain? Are you really the reincarnation of the God of Literature?"

Zhu Yin said solemnly, "It seems to be true. Because it is said that when my deceased mother gave birth to me, she dreamed that Kui Xing (the God of Literature) bowed to her."

Zheng Guowang opened his mouth, but was speechless.

After a long while, she took a sip of tea and said with a wry smile, "Alright, let's do it this way. His Majesty should agree to your brilliant idea."

Her face darkened as she said this.

"However, one thing is one thing, and I will still submit a memorial to impeach you. I will impeach you for acting arbitrarily and ignoring the imperial inspectors! Since we left the border, you have not consulted with the two imperial inspectors on any military secrets, big or small. Is that acceptable? Even if you had the imperial sword, you shouldn't have acted this way. Let alone that you don't have the imperial sword. You treat me like a decoration, so naturally I will impeach you!"

Zhu Yin seemed to have known all along, and smiled indifferently, "Go ahead and impeach me, I'll take it. At worst, I'll submit a memorial to defend myself. You have your reasons, and I have mine."

"However, I still maintain that we cannot let personal matters interfere with public duty. You can impeach me, but don't forget to request that a city be built and troops stationed in the Hetao region."

"No need for your reminder!" Zheng Guowang stood up. "Hmph, then you can wait for my impeachment! Farewell!"

After saying this, he gave a perfunctory bow, turned around, and got off the carriage.

Zhu Yin looked at her slender figure, which was hard to hide, and couldn't help but smile secretly.

This Zheng Guojiu has quite a temper. Is he on his period?

Probably.

Meanwhile, Zheng Guowang returned to his tent, clutching his lower abdomen with a furrowed brow.

Damn it, here it comes again!
I hate it when they only pamper me once a month!

She secretly opened her luggage, took out a porcelain bottle with a few small characters on it: "Gong Han Nuan Yu Dan" (Palace Cold Warm Jade Pill).

She angrily ate one pill and quickly stuffed the porcelain bottle into her luggage. But then she thought it wasn't right, so she took it out again and tore off the words "Palace Cold Warming Jade Pill" from it.

Then stuff it into the luggage.

Next came another round of tidying up. Finally, they dug a hole and buried the things stained with their own blood.

After doing all this, Zheng Guowang finally breathed a sigh of relief, but his face remained gloomy.

Zheng Guowang, remember this, and never forget it, even in your dreams: You are a man!
...

On that day, Zhu Yin, Qi Jiguang and others wrote a memorial to report the victory, stating that the imperial army had entered the Hetao region and requesting that a city be built in the Hetao region to garrison troops and fill the gaps in the nine border areas.

We also request a strategy to attract investment and strengthen border control.

Zhu Yin was indeed driven by a sense of public duty.

He had two plans. One was that he would successfully seize the throne, in which case everything would be much easier. The other was that he would fail to seize the throne.

Even if he failed to seize the throne, he hoped that the Ming Dynasty could restore the Hetao region and resolve the threats from the Mongols and Jurchens, so as not to give foreign tribes an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

Of course, besides the Ming Dynasty, Ning Caiwei's trading company also benefited the most from his investment promotion strategy.

Because she will be the most important businesswoman with the largest shareholding.

Ning Caiwei had already devised this business plan long ago.

Zheng Guowang also wrote two memorials to the throne and a letter to her sister.

Hao Yunlai was a member of Zheng's faction, so he also wrote two memorials.

One request was to build a city and garrison in Hetao, and the other was to impeach Zhu Yin!

...

On the tenth day of the fourth month, Zhu Yin and Qi Jiguang led their troops westward and occupied the Golden Tent of the Tao tribe.

Tens of thousands of Mongolian elderly, women, and children surrendered to the Ming army.

Boshoktu presented a book of seals and a flag and drum, signifying his complete submission.

The Ming army entered the Golden Tent City, guarded the prisoners, and took stock of the cattle, sheep, and valuables.

Once the situation had stabilized, Zhu Yin went to the famous Eight White Room.

That's Genghis Khan's shrine!
P.S.: I'm not feeling well today, so this is all I can update for now. I'm also late, sorry.

(End of this chapter)