Di Ming

Chapter 296 Mr. Xu is back!

The Ming court's current strategy toward Japan is twofold: on one hand, to send troops to aid Korea, and on the other hand, to strive for peace talks, hoping that Japan will back down and subdue the enemy without a fight.

This is also a two-pronged approach: if we lose on the battlefield, at least there is the option of peace talks.

This explains why Shi Xing, as Grand Marshal, was so focused on promoting peace and a ceasefire. While seemingly incongruous, this actually represented the opinions of many in the court, including many generals who lacked confidence.

As a proponent of peace, Shi Xing not only wholeheartedly promoted peace talks himself, but also hoped that the two vice ministers would share his advocacy for peace.

If the Ministry of War reaches a consensus, the court and the emperor will attach greater importance to peace talks, making it easier to achieve a ceasefire.

"Please summon the Right Junior Sima to my office. I have something to say to him," Shi Xing instructed a clerk to fetch Zhu Yin.

Originally, he planned to overwhelm Zhu Yin with a lot of official duties at once, so that Zhu Yin would experience the pressure of being overwhelmed and having heavy workloads, and then point out Zhu Yin's problems to deflate the arrogance of this young high-ranking official.

Unexpectedly, Zhu Yin handled the matter quickly and well, completing two days' worth of official business in just one morning. His approval notes were also very appropriate and flawless.

Instead of intimidating him, the result was that Zhu Yin's reputation was further enhanced. By the afternoon, the ministry was already praising Zhu Yin as a rare and capable official.

When Shi Xing's plan failed, he had to change tactics and decided to have an open and honest talk with Zhu Yin.

When Shi Xing's clerk arrived at Zhu Yin's office, Zhu Yin was personally reviewing and urging the recent military supplies and logistics.

He paid special attention to matters concerning the provisions, supplies, and weapons of the army entering Korea, issuing orders and urging them to comply, and hinting that he would closely monitor their execution, warning his subordinates not to be perfunctory or skim off the top.

As this matter concerned the national war, he, as the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, naturally had to do everything in his power to ensure the logistical supply of the army.

Of the five ministries and six offices in the imperial court, the Ministry of War was always both busy and crucial. From the Minister and Vice Minister of War down to the ninth-rank officials and the lowly clerks and scribes, more than a hundred people were busy with countless affairs of state all day long.

Zhu Yin was the Right Vice Minister, and according to custom, he was mainly in charge of the Department of Carriages and Horses and the Department of Armory, which were the Ministry of War officials in charge of logistics, provisions, military equipment, horse administration and postal services.

Compared to Song Yingchang, the Left Vice Minister who was mainly in charge of the appointment and removal of military officers, military planning, and military orders, his duties were more focused on specific administrative tasks.

In terms of power and influence, the Right Vice Minister is certainly not as powerful as the Left Vice Minister.

However, in terms of lucrative positions, the Right Vice Minister was arguably even more lucrative than the Left Vice Minister. While the Right Vice Minister wielded less power than the Left Vice Minister, the opportunities for personal enrichment were far greater.

Military pay, provisions, weapons and armor, warhorses and gunpowder... which of these doesn't involve a fortune in silver? The amount of money, provisions, and materials passing through their hands is enormous; it's too easy to line one's own pockets.

Therefore, as everyone knows, in the Ministry of War, "the Left Vice Minister is noble, and the Right Vice Minister is wealthy." As for the Minister of War, who holds all the power, he is naturally "both noble and wealthy."

After spending only one day at the Ministry of War, Zhu Yin gained a profound understanding of the shortcomings of the Ming Dynasty's military and administrative system.

The greatest advantage of this system is its near-perfect balance of power. No one can dominate or monopolize military power within it.

The system prevented the emergence of powerful military officials.

However, it also led to a deeply entrenched rigidity and institutionalized corruption. Not only was its operational efficiency poor, but its resource integration capabilities were also weak.

Every link in the resource transfer process has a black hole that devours resources, and resource rent-seeking has become so common that it has become the rule in various ways.

The military expenditure is enormous, amounting to tens of millions of taels of silver annually. Yet, within this system, less than half of the resources are actually used for military purposes! The vast majority are lost, embezzled, intercepted, and wasted at each level.

In this military administration system, any official who has even a slight connection to power or resources is considered to have a "lucrative post" and can "follow the rules" to make money without being considered guilty of embezzlement.

De facto corruption has been institutionalized and formalized into rules; one can only imagine the consequences. This system, aside from its highly stable checks and balances, is utterly useless.

Even Zhu Yin felt a profound sense of powerlessness.

Even the most passionate officials, once they enter this corrupting influence, will likely blend in with the world after many years.

To change this, unless the emperor and his cabinet are both exceptionally decisive and unite to lead a top-down reform, they are doomed to a slow and inevitable demise!

Zhu Yin rubbed his wrist, looked up and saw the majestic tiger head pattern on the table. He felt a little ironic and couldn't help but sigh softly.

The vast Ministry of War is constantly busy with official duties. But no matter how busy they are, they cannot guarantee the pay and equipment of the lower-ranking soldiers, nor can they guarantee the supply of provisions for an army of 100,000 within three months. What are they so busy with?
The dignified Celestial Empire has been preparing provisions for its army entering Korea for over a month, and only 30% of them have been completed so far!

Even the strategic warehouses are practically useless! When it comes to major battles, they still have to cobble things together at the last minute, which is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but also makes them easier to embezzle and miss opportunities!
It’s difficult.

While processing official documents, Zhu Yin waited for Shi Xing's response. He guessed that Shi Xing would definitely want to have a talk with him.

Sure enough, the clerk sent by Shi Xing said, "The Right Junior Marshal and the Grand Marshal request your presence."

Zhu Yin smiled slightly, already knowing what Shi Xing was going to say.

When Zhu Yin arrived at the Minister's office, he saw that Shi Xing had personally prepared tea and was waiting for him.

Seeing that Zhu Yin was about to bow, Shi Xing quickly waved his hand, "Child Tiger, no need for formalities, please take a seat."

Zhu Yin sat down, picked up his teacup, and said, "I am new to this post and unfamiliar with government affairs. Mistakes are inevitable. I ask the Grand Marshal to point them out."

Shi Xing shook his head, his long, thick eyebrows slightly raised. "Zhihu, I invited you here not to offer any corrections. I have reviewed your approval documents and there are no errors. I have also affixed my seal to them. You have handled official business very well, and I am very reassured."

Zhu Yin said, "Thank you for your recognition and encouragement, Grand Marshal. How could I dare to slack off?"

After exchanging a few meaningless pleasantries, Shi Xing finally stopped beating around the bush:

"Right Junior Sima, you are a prodigy rarely seen throughout history, blessed with innate wisdom and insightful vision. After reviewing these official documents at the Ministry of War today, do you now understand the shortcomings of the Ministry of War?"

"I think you already know the answer. Perhaps you're already a little disappointed?"

Zhu Yin glanced at Shi Xing meaningfully, then put down his teacup and said:
"To be honest, I have some concerns. The Ministry of War's chronic and deep-seated problems are too numerous to describe in a few words. They are deeply entrenched and difficult to reverse, which is really detrimental to the court's strategy of strengthening the army. It is truly alarming."

Shi Xing said with a sigh, "I knew I hadn't misjudged you. You are indeed exceptionally intelligent. Becoming the Vice Minister of War at the age of fifteen is certainly within your capabilities for such an important position."

"Now that you have seen through the corruption within the Ministry of War, you should also know why I, as the Grand Marshal, insist on advocating peace, right?"

Zhu Yin nodded. "The Grand Marshal understands the shortcomings of the Ming Dynasty's military better than anyone else. He knows that the Ming army is no longer the formidable force it was at the beginning of the dynasty, and winning battles is extremely difficult. The clearer the Grand Marshal's understanding is, the less confidence he has in the war. Therefore, as the Minister of War, the Grand Marshal is wholeheartedly advocating for peace."

Shi Xing smiled bitterly, "That's right, exactly, that's exactly right. But how many people know my good intentions? The pro-war faction in the court impeached me, saying that I was cowardly and afraid of war, and unworthy of being the Minister of War. But how could they know that for the Ming Dynasty, war is truly a dangerous and perilous situation!"

"Back in my day, didn't I also endure ten years of hardship, yet my passion remained unquenched?"

"Only those in charge know the true cost of their own affairs. Some people want to start a war and wish they could send 200,000 troops abroad to fight and wipe out the Japanese pirates in one fell swoop. How ridiculous and pathetic."

"How could they know that the military is now so corrupt and incurable that it is difficult to wage large-scale war? These people still think it is the early days of the dynasty, when they could easily send out hundreds of thousands of troops to sweep through the enemy's territory."

Shi Xing stood up, looking at the "Imperial Map of the Ming Dynasty" on the wall, his expression somewhat desolate.

"As the Minister of War, I know better than anyone the strength of the Ming Dynasty's army. I know better than anyone the price we will pay after a major war." "Our dynasty is not what it used to be. Deploying tens of thousands of troops at once is already the limit of our national strength. Moreover, a defeat could shake the very foundations of the nation!"

"The mighty Celestial Empire, though a large country, is actually on the verge of losing."

He glanced sideways at Zhu Yin and pointed eastward:

"Take this Korean War for example. It was already a great feat to mobilize 100,000 troops. Even if the Ming Dynasty wins this battle, if it is severely weakened, it will still be a defeat! What will we use to suppress the Mongols and Jurchens then? What I mean by the dangers of war is not only the danger in the present, but also the danger in the future."

Zhu Yin couldn't help but look at Shi Xing with newfound respect. Although this man was a proponent of peace, his insight was truly remarkable!
He could actually see that once the Ming Dynasty was severely weakened, it would be difficult to suppress the Mongols and Jurchens.

The Imjin War in history did indeed greatly deplete the national strength of the Ming Dynasty, leading to Nurhaci's rise to power.

It is clearly unfair to despise Shi Xing simply because he is a proponent of peace.

Zhu Yin clapped his hands and nodded, saying, "Grand Marshal, these are wise words for governing the country. I deeply agree and feel the same way. However, the Japanese pirate army has occupied Korea and has the ambition to swallow the Central Plains. They forced the Celestial Empire to send troops to fight a decisive battle. We have no choice but to fight."

"Why not? Why must we send troops immediately?" Shi Xing shook his head. "If Japan occupies Korea, we can simply give it to them. The Koreans will resist, and they will never have peace. Our Great Ming can completely guard the strategic passes and rivers, using defense as offense, just like we dealt with the Tartars."

"The Tartars are so powerful, yet our dynasty defends them with the Great Wall and the nine border regions, delaying the inevitable and waiting for a change in circumstances. What can the Tartars do? Can Japan be stronger than the Tartars?"

"They face resistance from the Koreans behind them, and their defenses along the Guanhe River are impregnable. In the end, won't they be caught in a dilemma? Sooner or later, their morale will be completely shattered, their soldiers will yearn for home, and their army will be utterly demoralized. Meanwhile, the Ming Dynasty can use this opportunity to strengthen its troops and build up its strength. When the balance of power shifts, our dynasty can launch a swift and decisive attack, achieving twice the result with half the effort, and the Japanese pirates will surely be defeated! Then..."

"At that time, Korea was also almost deserted. The Ming Dynasty just happened to take over Korea and restore the Four Commanderies of Han... This was a brilliant plan to kill two birds with one stone!"

What? Zhu Yin looked at Shi Xing in disbelief, never expecting him to say such a thing.

Suddenly, Zhu Yin had a feeling that Shi Xing might be right!
Because Shi Xing's strategy was to buy time, he mentioned the phrase "delaying and waiting for a change in circumstances." But a few years later, with Toyotomi Hideyoshi's death and Japan's internal divisions resurfacing, could the Japanese army still occupy Korea?

Shi Xing's plan was to defeat the Japanese army at the lowest possible cost and take advantage of the situation to conquer the suffering Korea, killing two birds with one stone!
I never expected him to be this kind of person!
No wonder, historically he would have protected the swindler Shen Weijing, doing everything possible to delay the war, negotiate indirectly, and even resorting to deception.

This practice was suspicious to begin with. Now, hearing his words, Zhu Yin finally understood.

Indeed, historical figures who could become Minister of War were not so simple.

"Grand Marshal..." Zhu Yin said with a hint of respect, "Grand Marshal, your vision is as sharp as a torch, and your foresight is unparalleled. I admire you greatly. However..."

"However, if the Grand Marshal's reasons cannot be made public, how can he convince the court and the people? And how can he persuade the court to adopt a defensive strategy and delay until the situation changes?"

Zhu Yin agreed with Shi Xing's reasoning. However, the idea of ​​using Japan to weaken Korea and then ultimately conquering it with two birds with one stone was not a valid justification!
The Ming Dynasty was the suzerain state of Korea, and Korea had always been subservient. How could the Ming Dynasty not only fail to help but also harbor the intention to annex Korea?
If Seok Sung were to reveal his true reasons to the public, he would immediately become the target of public criticism. If the King of Joseon were to lodge another complaint, Seok Sung would at the very least be dismissed from his post.

Shi Xing sighed, "That is precisely why I, a minister who advocates peace, cannot stop the army from entering Korea for a decisive battle. Unable to stop it, I can only try my best to promote peace talks and a ceasefire."

"Young Tiger, now you understand my good intentions. Are you willing to change course and support my advocacy for peace? If you support me, the Ministry of War can reach a consensus, and the peace talks in court will be given more importance..."

Zhu Yin suddenly thought of another question and said with a thought:

"It is rare for the Grand Marshal to be so open and honest with me. If I were not to support the Grand Marshal, I would be a heartless person."

"This humble official is willing to change course and support the Grand Marshal's advocacy for peace talks and a ceasefire."

The main reason Zhu Yin changed his attitude was that the emperor had decided to send him as an envoy to Japan.

If he were to become a proponent of peace, the Japanese authorities would likely know this and would have more faith in his "sincere intention to negotiate" as the Ming Dynasty's envoy, which would be beneficial to his activities in Japan. At the very least, being labeled a proponent of peace would make him safer in Japan.

In any case, even if he advocated peace at this time, he could not stop the army from entering Korea.

Once the war machine is set in motion, it will be difficult for either him or Shi Xing to change it.

Upon hearing Zhu Yin's agreement to support him, Shi Xing finally revealed a friendly smile he had never shown before, and poured tea for Zhu Yin, saying:
"Good, good! I am very pleased. With Zhihu's support, the Ministry of War will have a stronger voice in court discussions."

After a conversation, the two became much closer than before, and they found each other much more agreeable.

Shi Xing said that he would also do his best to support Zhu Yin's position in the Ministry of War.

……

When Zhu Yin returned to his residence after finishing his shift, Kangxi had already retrieved the bronze box that Tian Yi had hidden at Shanyun Temple in Xishan.

Upon opening it, it was indeed a blood oath book with fingerprints, clearly Zhang Jing's letter of gratitude to Tian Yi.

The idea of ​​a letter of gratitude might seem like child's play. But Tian Yi made it very clear that Zhang Jing was a devout follower of Guan Yu and valued this kind of thing highly, believing that he would always repay kindness.

"Where is Zhang Jing?" Zhu Yin asked.

Kangxi said, "Your Majesty, Zhang Jing has arrived at Nanhaizi and will be able to enter the palace to see Your Majesty tomorrow morning. Tomorrow, he will take up his post in the Directorate of Ceremonial.

Zhu Yin pondered for a moment, then instructed, "Go and summon Wei Zhongxian to see me."

"Yes!" Kangxi immediately went to summon Wei Zhongxian.

Fifteen minutes later, Wei Zhongxian appeared before Zhu Yin. At this time, Wei Zhongxian was the chief steward of Zhu's foreign affairs and one of Zhu Yin's most trusted confidants.

In ordinary matters, Zhu Yin would not send Wei Zhongxian to handle things personally.

However, when it came to challenging or important matters, Zhu Yin preferred to use Wei Zhongxian.

"Your subordinate greets Your Majesty!" Wei Zhongxian bowed respectfully. "What are your orders, Your Majesty?"

Zhu Yin pointed to the bronze box on the table, "Take what's inside and secretly go to see Zhang Jing. No matter what he says or does, there's only one thing you need to do: make him understand that I have no intention of being his enemy."

Wei Zhongxian said, "My lord, rest assured, I will certainly not fail in my mission!"

After Wei Zhongxian left, Ning Caiwei still asked with unease, "If Zhang Jing doesn't respect my uncle and treats the letter of gratitude as a piece of waste paper, what should we do?"

Zhu Yin narrowed his eyes. "Probably not. If that's the case, at worst I'll be banished from the court and made a local official. What's the big deal?"

After exchanging a few words, Kangxi and Qianlong rushed in excitedly to report:

"My lord, my lady, Mr. Xu is back! He has arrived at Nanhaizi and will be able to enter the city tomorrow morning!"

Xu Wei is back?! Zhu Yin couldn't help but show his joy.

It's not easy; the Prefect of Jingzhou from the Jinghai Army is finally coming back.

Ning Caiwei said, "What a coincidence? Zhang Jing arrived at Nanhai Zi, and Mr. Xu also arrived at Nanhai Zi. Will the two of them meet?"

P.S.: Xu Wei is finally back. Spoiler alert: although the "Little Tiger" (Xu Wei's nickname) is going to Japan as an envoy, he will still lead troops to conquer Japan. In other words, he'll first act as an envoy to negotiate peace, then lead a large army to attack—isn't that quite a parable? It's all about diplomacy before force. Please vote and leave a review!
(End of this chapter)