Di Ming

Chapter 265 I'm not the protagonist?
Hao Yunlai readily agreed to go to the Shizhu Xuanfusi Mansion in Dongjiangmi Lane, Nanxunfang the next day to meet Qin Liangyu and act as matchmaker.

Zhu Yin returned to his residence in a sedan chair, and Ding Hongying called out:

"The Vice Minister of War is back! Come quickly and pay your respects to the Junior Marshal!"

With a whoosh, hundreds of servants from the mansion gathered around, some kneeling, others offering their congratulations.

Having already received the news, Madam Ning, accompanied by her young maid, came out with a beaming smile and gave a perfunctory bow:
"This humble servant congratulates you on your promotion, sir!"

She accepted the imperial edict from Zhu Yin and immediately gave the order:

"The Emperor's grace is boundless! Master has been promoted to Junior Sima, a third-rank official in the Ministry of War. This is a great joy for our family! Everyone will be rewarded with half a month's salary!"

Everyone bowed in gratitude, joyfully saying, "Thank you, Master! Thank you, Madam!"

Ning Caiwei continued, "This is thanks to the blessings of the Zhu family ancestors. The ritual team in charge of the sacrifices should immediately prepare to worship the ancestors and report the good news to them. This imperial edict of promotion will be enshrined in the ancestral hall."

According to current customs, promotions are usually celebrated with ancestral rites. Ning Caiwei was simply following local customs.

If he didn't perform the ancestral rites, people would think that Zhu Yin was dissatisfied with the emperor's rewards and harbored resentment, which is why he was too lazy to perform the ancestral rites to announce his promotion.

Zhu Yin changed out of his official robes and had lunch. In the afternoon, he took Ning Caiwei, along with a gift box, to see Qin Liangyu.

...

It was early afternoon, around 3 PM. In the mansion of the Shizhu Pacification Commissioner, Qin Liangyu was reading under the autumn sun. It was Qi Jiguang's "New Book of Effective Tactics".

Qin Liangyu was taller than most men, and at this moment, wearing a red satin jacket and a white floral skirt, with her hair piled high, she looked exceptionally heroic and radiant.

Qin Liangyu was just like the tall and beautiful woman described in the poem "Shuoren" in the Book of Songs.

Although she was not a delicate, submissive woman, her natural beauty was undeniable. So much so that anyone who saw her striking beauty would forget that she was a fierce and ruthless general, a veritable demon with a jade-like face, who had fought countless battles.

"General Qi truly deserves to be called a rare and outstanding general in a century." Qin Liangyu put down her book. "This 'New Book of Military Tactics' can be called the standard of military strategy in our time. It's a pity that General Qi's military strategies and achievements are not recognized by Li Guang."

Qin Liangyu looked somewhat wistful, feeling sorry for Qi Jiguang.

"Madam," a middle-aged man wearing a Sichuan-style headscarf turned through the ceremonial gate, "Please rest assured, Madam, the results of the court deliberation are in. Prime Minister Zhihu is unharmed and has been promoted to Vice Minister of War. And... Commander Qi has been promoted to Grand Tutor..."

He reported the information he had just learned to Qin Liangyu in detail.

Qin Liangyu's brows relaxed, and a bright smile bloomed on her heroic face. "That's good, it was a false alarm. Prepare a generous gift; I want to personally go to Mr. Zhihu's residence to congratulate him on his promotion."

"Yes. I'll go prepare immediately." The middle-aged man agreed, then added, "Madam, there's also news that the court has approved sending a large army to Korea to fight the Japanese pirates..."

Upon hearing this, Qin Liangyu's clear black and white eyes shone even brighter. "North Korea's military action... I wonder if my Shizhu White-Spear Army will have another chance to send troops this time."

The man said, "In my humble opinion, whether Shizhu has a chance to send troops depends on one person: Lord Zhihu. If Lord Zhihu is to lead the troops again, he will surely bring the White-Spear Soldiers."

Qin Liangyu raised her eyebrows slightly and asked, "Since the court has decided to send a large army to Korea, have the generals and commanders been selected?"

The middle-aged man laughed and said, "I don't know, it won't happen so quickly. Madam is too impatient. Although the gentlemen have approved the court's decision to send troops, the Emperor still needs to give his approval. Without the Emperor's approval, the court's decision to send troops is useless."

"The Emperor has given his approval and issued a formal edict before he can appoint generals. I reckon it will be tonight at the earliest."

Just as the master and servant were talking, their personal female guard suddenly entered carrying a gilded box with a faded finish and reported:

"Madam, Master Zhihu has brought a young lady with him, saying they wish to see you. This is their visiting card, and also a gift box..."

Upon hearing this, Qin Liangyu was overjoyed. She did not accept the visiting card, nor did she look at the gift in the gilded box. She threw down the book, stood up, and walked out.

As she strode out to greet him with her bare feet, she smiled and said:
"Mr. Zhihu, your presence is truly an honor! We have a distinguished guest! Quickly prepare the finest tea and refreshments! Play music! Play music!"

When she arrived at the main gate, the orchestra and zither music inside had already begun to play, and the entire Xuanfusi Mansion was filled with joy.

Qin Liangyu ordered the main gate to be opened wide, and there stood a carriage embroidered with cloud and crane patterns, surrounded by several familiar mounted guards, including Lancha, Kangxi, and Hongying, whom she had met in the Northwest.

A fair, jade-like hand lifted the carriage curtain, followed by a bare foot adorned with exquisite beaded shoes, gently extending from the carriage.

Almost simultaneously, a beautiful face, with delicate features and a radiant smile, appeared before Qin Liangyu.

The woman, wearing a pleated brocade skirt, stepped off the carriage with graceful and poised movements.

She was still a young girl not yet sixteen, her flawless face still showing traces of youthful innocence, yet there was an indescribable noble and dignified air about her, which seemed disproportionate to her age. Her demeanor was even more noble than that of a princess or a noblewoman.

Upon seeing Qin Liangyu, she immediately greeted her with a bright smile and sparkling eyes, saying:

"This must be Sister Qin. Meeting you today, I can see that you are indeed a woman of unparalleled beauty and heroism. You are as beautiful as your name suggests, a true gem among men."

As she spoke, she gracefully gave a deep bow, her voice sweet and melodious: "Little sister Ning Caiwei greets elder sister Liangyu. May elder sister enjoy boundless blessings!"

"You must be Caiwei!" Qin Liangyu made no attempt to hide her admiration. "I had heard Xiubing say that you were a figure from a painting, like a fairy, but I didn't believe it. Now that I've seen you, it's true!"

Zhu Yin chuckled softly in the carriage and said, "I knew it. You sisters would compliment each other as soon as you meet."

Immediately afterwards, the young man leisurely alighted from the carriage.

He was tall and slender, with a serene and elegant appearance. He wore a simple white robe that was elegant and refined, and his demeanor was otherworldly, unlike any ordinary person. He was like a young nobleman from afar.

In Qin Liangyu's eyes, the young man and woman were a perfect match made in heaven.

Although Ning Caiwei did not bind her feet, which others considered an eyesore due to her large feet, Qin Liangyu saw it as a rare virtue.

She herself had unbound feet and was known as Qin Big Feet in Sichuan.

Qin Liangyu quickly bowed to the young man and said, "This humble servant is Ma Qin Liangyu, greetings to the Junior Marshal! Junior Marshal..."

Zhu Yin quickly returned the greeting with a cupped-hand salute, saying, "What Junior Marshal? I am just a high-ranking official, and you are the ones who fight the battles."

“My sister and I have been like siblings since we were in the Northwest. We have been through thick and thin together. Why should my sister be so formal with me? Just call me by my name.”

Ning Caiwei, ever the familiar type, said, "Yes, sister, Little Tiger is also your brother, so just call him Little Tiger. That formal stuff from the officialdom is too formal."

Qin Liangyu was a generous and straightforward woman, and she didn't mince words at the moment, smiling sweetly as she said:

"Propriety cannot be disregarded. He is the Vice Minister of War and the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince. How could I dare to be negligent? Caiwei, you don't know, although Little Tiger is a civil official, he is truly as fierce as a tiger on the battlefield. He can personally mount his horse and charge into battle, shooting Huo Luochi with a single arrow. How can he be just a high-ranking official sitting on the banner? He is a man of both literary and martial talents..."

"Really?" Ning Caiwei looked at Zhu Yin with a grin. "Why don't you tell me the truth? Didn't you say you were in the car directing the operation the whole time and didn't personally lead the charge?"

"Hehe." Zhu Yin rubbed his hands, looking speechless.

Qin Liangyu's smile froze, wondering if she had spoken out of turn and said something she shouldn't have.
She quickly changed the subject, saying, "Caiwei, Little Tiger, let's go inside and talk. Lancha, Hongying, you can both come in."

Qin Liangyu held Ning Caiwei's hand, and the two women hit it off immediately, as if they had known each other for a long time. Perhaps it was because they were both women with big feet that they appreciated each other so much.

Zhu Yin strolled leisurely behind the two women, and the group looked like a close family.

After entering the living room and having some tea, Zhu Yin got straight to the point:

“Sister, Caiwei and I are getting married soon. The wedding is on the twelfth of this month. I came to see you today to ask if Caiwei could stay at the mansion for a while, so I can come to pick her up later and complete the proper wedding ceremony…” Qin Liangyu smiled and said, “Oh, is that so! I couldn’t be happier! No wonder the magpies were chirping all morning. Well, Caiwei will stay here with me tonight; I’ll treat her like a younger sister in her wedding!”

"But I'll speak first. Caiwei and I get along very well; we're like sisters from the moment we met. Now that she's married off through my connections, I'll be part of her family. Little Tiger, you're not allowed to bully her in the future."

Zhu Yin laughed and said, "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare."

Ning Caiwei, always a staunch advocate of community service, naturally took Qin Liangyu's hand and said to Zhu Yin:
"Little Tiger, my sister's home is my maternal home. I have a powerful backer, so you must treat me well. Alright, you can go back now. I'll stay here tonight. Tomorrow, you can send Yunniang to the mansion to arrange the betrothal and ask for her name... Just follow the plan."

"I won't be at the Zhu family's place for a while, so if you need anything, just ask Yunniang and Qingchen."

Zhu Yin nodded and said, "Okay. I'll be going now, I'll come again tomorrow."

Qin Liangyu asked, "Who will act as matchmaker? Not only are formal letters and rites required, but a matchmaker's words are also necessary. Where is the matchmaker?"

“It’s Hao Yunlai,” Zhu Yin said with a smile. “He’ll be coming over first thing tomorrow morning.”

"It's him?" Qin Liangyu was greatly surprised, and said with a half-smile, "Didn't Hao Huaji impeach you? You still want him to be your matchmaker? Little Tiger, you really are magnanimous and don't hold grudges."

Zhu Yin could only chuckle.

……

When Zhu Yin left the mansion, he was the only one left in the carriage, and the fragrance of Caiwei still lingered in the carriage.

Zhu Yin returned to his residence and made arrangements overnight, planning to send Yunniang to the betrothal ceremony and ask for the bride's name the next day. According to custom, the groom himself should not personally attend to such matters.

The autumn night was deep, and Ning Qingchen was already asleep.

Zhu Yin couldn't sleep, so he sat in front of the lamp writing and drawing.

His thoughts were still on military command in the Korean War. This afternoon, many officials had submitted their recommendations for the commander-in-chief, including himself.

There will be news as early as tonight, or at the latest within three days.

At the fourth quarter of Hai hour, the bell outside suddenly rang softly again.

Zhu Yin put down his pen and walked out, and immediately Kangxi's voice came:
"My lord, the latest news from the family in the palace has arrived."

"His Majesty intends to appoint Hao Jie, the Left Vice Censor-in-Chief and Governor-General of Ji and Liao, as the Commissioner for the Anti-Japanese War in Korea and Imperial Commissioner. Yang Shaoxun, the General Commander of Liaodong, will be in charge of military affairs in Korea. The supervising eunuch will be Gao Huai, the Supervising Eunuch of the Imperial Horse Administration."

"What?" Zhu Yin frowned upon hearing this, and a surge of anger suddenly welled up in his heart.

The emperor has already agreed to send troops and appointed a commander-in-chief so quickly!
However, I'm not the main character?
I'm not even the main character, so what kind of show are you putting on!

"Is the information accurate?" Zhu Yin asked in a cool tone.

Kangxi nodded with a confident expression, "It's intelligence from Tiger Fang's number one family member in the palace, so it should be correct. Number one's message also said that His Majesty rejected the other ministers' recommendations for the Lord, as well as the recommendation for Commander Qi."

"The Emperor said to Consort Zheng: 'Your Highness is the tutor of the eldest prince and has just made great contributions in the northwest. You are too young to lead troops into battle again. As for Commander Qi, his military achievements are too great and his prestige in the army is too high. He is also not suitable to lead troops into battle again.'"

Zhu Yin was immediately disappointed. But since the intelligence came from the number one family member in the palace, it should be accurate, unless the emperor changed his mind again.

Kangxi continued, "The eunuch supervisor was Gao Huai who volunteered. Gao Huai told the emperor that if he could go to Korea to supervise the army, he could bring in more gold and silver for the emperor and also keep an eye on the expeditionary army. The emperor agreed."

"The appointments of the three individuals will be announced within a few days."

After listening to the report, Zhu Yin couldn't help but shake his head.

In order to seize military power in the Imjin War, he first went to the Northwest to gain experience and prove his military expertise. He then curried favor with Emperor Wanli to prove his ability to make money. He also asked his mentor Shen Shi, his uncle Tian Yi, and his close associates in the court to submit a memorial recommending him as the commander-in-chief.

He made many efforts and laid the groundwork for this military command in the fight against the Japanese pirates.

But in the end, it was rejected by Emperor Wanli.

Among the several candidates recommended by the court officials, he was originally the most promising, but Wanli Emperor did not choose him, but instead chose Hao Jie.

History was altered by the time traveler, but he never imagined that Wanli would not only appoint Hao Jie as military commissioner and Yang Shaoxun as general, but also reinstate the eunuch supervisors!
This is quite different from the original history.

In the original history, the commanders who led the troops into the court were Li Rusong, Yang Hao, and Xing Jie.

Where are Hao Jie and Yang Shaoxun?

Hao Jie's official title was Left Vice Censor-in-Chief, and his post was Governor-General of Ji and Liao. It was this Hao Jie who impeached Li Chengliang, causing Li Chengliang to relinquish his position as Commander-in-Chief of Liaodong and retire.

He was an censor who opposed Zhang Juzheng, so he was highly trusted by Emperor Wanli.

Hao Jie was actually a famous minister, known for his integrity and uprightness, and was a model among officials.

Moreover, he was the first Ming Dynasty minister to specialize in studying Japan.

However, this person may not necessarily be an excellent commander.

Hao Jie was a scholar-type minister who seemed unsuitable for presiding over Korean military affairs, and there was no historical record of him having any military talent.

His impeachment of Li Chengliang and recommendation of the mediocre Yang Shaoxun as the Liaodong General, which led to Nurhaci's unification of the Jianzhou Jurchens, are testament to his abilities.

At the very least, they lack the ability to judge character and are incapable of using people effectively.

What about Yang Shaoxun? Although he is currently trusted by the emperor and regarded as a capable general who can replace Li Chengliang, history has also proven that he is actually a mediocre and corrupt person.

Making him the general and pairing him with Hao Jie would make a perfect team. This would truly put the army in danger.

Even more critically, Gao Huai, the eunuch who caused chaos in Liao in history, was appointed as the military supervisor!

Starting from the Jiajing era, the practice of eunuchs serving as military supervisors was basically abolished, and from then on, only civil officials served as military supervisors. Apart from a very few eunuchs such as those stationed in Nanjing and Fengyang, there were no more eunuchs serving as military supervisors.

But Emperor Baijin, in order to make money, appointed Gao Huai as the military supervisor!
Gao Huai was the chief eunuch of the Imperial Horse Administration, in charge of the Imperial Guard: the Warriors Battalion, a force of five thousand men.

The Warriors Battalion was known as the most elite battalion in the Ming Dynasty. Gao Huai might seem knowledgeable about military affairs, but in reality, he was appointed as the supervisor of the Imperial Horse Administration only because the emperor favored him, not because he had any military talent.

What would happen to the Korean War if these three formed a team? Could things possibly turn out well?
I can't even imagine it.

Zhu Yin paced back and forth under the lamplight, his feet sinking into the thick Western Region carpet. He began to worry about the safety of the anti-Japanese army.

If I were to become the military commissioner, with my understanding of history and the cooperation of the overseas naval forces, I would surely be victorious.

Having experienced the suppression of the rebellion in the Northwest, he was confident that he had grown considerably and was now capable of handling military affairs in Korea.

However, if Hao Jie were to become the military commissioner, and Gao Huai, the eunuch supervising the army, were to join him, the fate of the expeditionary force would be precarious.

Even if I can't go to Korea, I can't let the expeditionary force be defeated by Japan. That would cost the lives of 100,000 Chinese soldiers!

How to do?
P.S.: Too busy today, have other things to do tonight, so I'll stop here for now. Sigh. So few book reviews, like a single-player game.

(End of this chapter)