Di Ming

Chapter 348 Governor-General of the Korean Affairs Bureau, concurrently appointed Right Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate!

Zhu Yin was somewhat alarmed when he heard Zhang Jing's words with his own ears. This man was going to such lengths to oppose the court officials, even at the cost of his life, all for the emperor? Was it worth it?
Zhu Yin certainly didn't want to offer advice, but to maintain his public image, he put down his teacup and solemnly said:

“Lord Zhang, a wise man does not stand under a dangerous wall. Knowing when to stop prevents danger and allows one to endure. Lord Zhang is the head of the eunuchs, looked up to by both inside and outside the court, and trusted by His Majesty. Why not cherish your life and protect yourself?”

Zhang Jing waved his hand, his expression resolute, "If there is something to be done, I will do it. Even if there are thousands of people against me, I will go."

"I have been in the palace for nearly forty years, and have always been the Emperor's servant. If even someone like me cannot share the Emperor's burdens, who else can the royal family rely on? Can they really rely on those scholarly gentlemen?"

“Some things, when pushed to the limit, will always be done by someone. If I don’t do it today, another eunuch will do it in the near future; it’s fate.”

"Why should I become an official? If you want power, you must first relinquish it. But if you have power, it's not worth it if you only want wealth and status."

"The physiognomy book says I am destined not to live past fifty. I am forty-seven this year, what do I have to fear? To tell you the truth, I have already prepared a coffin, a burial pit, and funeral clothes, and arranged for someone to collect my body. I am ready to die for my country at any time."

Zhu Yin felt a chill run down his spine, but his expression was one of deep sorrow and indignation. "Why must Lord Zhang do this? Why must he do this!"

Xu Wei also shook his head and sighed in a pretentious manner.

Zhang Jing solemnly replied, "When undertaking great tasks, one should not hesitate to sacrifice oneself. If one hesitates to sacrifice oneself, it is difficult to accomplish great things."

"Marquis of Jiangning, let me tell you the truth, as long as I am here, no one can force the Emperor to make the eldest son the Crown Prince. I want to see that soon no one will dare to submit a memorial to urge him to make the Crown Prince. The Emperor is the Son of Heaven, and naturally he can make whomever he wants. His subjects have no right to interfere."

At this point, his eyes flashed with a cold light, "Because... this is first and foremost the Emperor's family matter, and only secondly the foundation of the nation!"

"Besides..." he smiled and pointed at Xu Wei, "I only decided to do this after receiving guidance and reminders from Mr. Wenchang, which finally made things clear..."

If Zhu Yin hadn't given him the blood oath he had written to Tian Yi years ago, in which he vowed to repay Tian Yi's kindness, he wouldn't have explained things to Zhu Yin.

Not only will they not explain to Zhu Yin, they will also be the first to deal with Zhu Yin and remove the crown prince's banner.

Xu Wei quickly waved his hand and said, "Brother Haiqing, I know nothing about this, so how could I offer any guidance or advice? Brother Haiqing, please don't speak so recklessly."

He did indeed give Zhang Jing pointers, with the aim of using Zhang Jing to disrupt the court. Only when the court was in chaos enough, and the emperor became isolated, would the lord have a chance to launch a counterattack and fish in troubled waters.

This move combines five techniques: Carved Bow and Heavenly Wolf, Perilous Cliff and Bending Bow, Flooding Jinshan Temple, Yin Invading Yang Path, and Severing the Path of Shura, making it truly insidious and vicious. Therefore, Xu Wei certainly could not admit it.

"Hahaha!" Zhang Jing laughed loudly. "Back then, Mr. Wenchang was full of vigor and went to the Mongol Khanate as if it were nothing. Why are you so timid today? Is it that you become more timid as you get older?"

Xu Wei didn't mind at all, and chuckled, "Now that I'm over seventy, I find time wonderful and I'm getting more and more energetic. I've actually started to cherish myself. Thinking back to my fearless and reckless actions back then, I can't help but feel a little scared."

Xu Wei wasn't just saying that; he was speaking from the heart.

Historically, he died this year, succumbing to poverty and illness. But things are different now. Since joining Zhu Yin's side, his fortunes have turned around, and he has enjoyed great success. Not only has he lived a life of leisure and wealth, but he even served as the prefect of Jingzhou for several years.

He was already in good health, and now he's getting stronger and stronger. Even the beautiful concubine Nanfang, whom Zhu Yin gave him, he doesn't treat as just an ornament; at night, he displays a vigorous and energetic spirit, showing no signs of old age.

In his current condition, he is confident that he can live for another ten years.

Zhu Yin knew that Zhang Jing hadn't come to listen to his opinions, but rather to issue an ultimatum and warn him.

The difference in power between the two was too great; they were not even in the same league. There was nothing for Zhang Jing to talk about. He was only trying to repay Tian Yi and give himself a chance to protect himself with dignity.

Zhu Yin considered the matter carefully and said, “Although the establishment of a crown prince is a family matter for Your Majesty, it is also the foundation of the country and is under the attention of the whole world. How can we not be careful? But we are, after all, subjects. Although we have the responsibility to offer advice, important matters still need Your Majesty’s wise decision.”

"His Highness the Crown Prince is a blessed man. Even if he does not become the Crown Prince, he will still live a peaceful and auspicious life."

He seemed to be saying something pointless, but he was actually stating his position: I don't care, I'm powerless to do anything about it, you guys figure it out.

In other words... admitting defeat!
However, his act of admitting defeat was rather detached and dignified.

But what good would it do to refuse to back down? He was just the Right Vice Minister of War; what could he change?
All he can do right now are three things: protect Zhu Changluo, protect himself, and protect the Zhu Party.

Zhang Jing had expected to have to say a lot more, but to his surprise, Zhu Yin was so sensible.

He truly is an exceptionally intelligent child prodigy!

Zhang Jing was a straightforward man, and he had always been willing to give Zhu Yin face. Seeing Zhu Yin's pragmatic compromise, he immediately expressed his opinion:

"What you say is absolutely right, my lord. As your subjects, we should naturally share your burdens, not add to your troubles. Which prince becomes the crown prince is not something your subjects can decide. If the emperor favors the eldest son, then the eldest son will be the crown prince. If the emperor does not favor the eldest son, then the eldest son will not be the crown prince."

"But the eldest prince is also fortunate not to be the crown prince. After all, he is the emperor's son, a member of the imperial family, a golden branch and jade leaf."

"Rest assured, my lord, how could I dare to act rashly? Lord Tian has saved my life twice, his kindness is as great as the heavens. Even if I repay Lord Tian, ​​I must also ensure the safety of the eldest prince."

This was a promise to Zhu Yin. It meant that the eldest prince would be safe, or at least his life would not be in danger.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yin breathed a slight sigh of relief and proactively poured tea for Zhang Jing, saying:
"With Zhang Gong's words, I have nothing to worry about anymore."

Zhang Jing promised not to touch Zhu Changluo, not only to save face for him, but also because Changluo was, after all, a prince.

Zhang Jing continued, "Emperor Yongnian, the maternal uncle of the Zheng family, recommended you, my lord, as the military commissioner for resisting Japanese pirates in Korea. Grand Secretary Shen and others also strongly recommended you. However, the emperor is still hesitant, and all that's missing is a spark."

"I believe that it is not advisable for you, my lord, to remain in the capital at this time. It would be best for you to go out and travel, so that it would be convenient for both of you and me, and avoid putting each other in a difficult position. Would you be willing to go to Korea to command troops?"

"If you, my lord, are willing to leave the capital, I am willing to lend you a hand. If I recommend you again, His Majesty will not hesitate."

His suggestion was the same as Shen Yiguan's: to have Zhu Yin leave the capital.

Zhu Yin said, "Korea is in imminent danger, and reinforcements are needed as quickly as possible. I am familiar with the Japanese situation and am willing to go to Korea to fight against them, serve the court, and share Your Majesty's burdens."

"Good!" Zhang Jing clapped his hands. "Your Excellency is truly a decisive man! Then it's settled. I expect Your Excellency will leave the capital by the end of the month at the earliest. I only hope that Your Excellency will achieve further military merits and be promoted to a higher rank."

Once Zhu Yin left, he wouldn't be in a difficult position anymore.

Zhu Yin smiled and said, "Then I thank you for your kind words, Lord Zhang. I hope you will lend me your full support in terms of provisions and military supplies."

Zhang Jing nodded slightly, his eyes full of appreciation. "Of course, you don't need to worry about food, supplies, or weapons. However, the crisis in Korea will depend on Your Excellency's efforts to turn the tide."

"Mr. Zhihu and Mr. Wenchang, when your two great talents write about me, Zhang Jing, please do not ask for flowery words or embellishments, but only to write truthfully and impartially. If so, I will be content."

Upon hearing these poignant and tragic words, Zhu Yin and Xu Wei were deeply moved.

Although this man was determined to be a cruel official's lackey and deserved no mercy for his death, his courage and ambition were not to be underestimated.

"Okay!" Zhu Yin and Xu Wei nodded together, which could be considered a solemn promise.

Zhang Jing ordered, "Someone, bring the wine!"

In no time, the wine and dishes were ready, and the three of them drank together under the moon, just like close friends.

Zhu Yin raised his glass first and said, "Although we have different paths and cannot work together, I still want to toast Lord Zhang!"

After saying that, he drank it all in one gulp.

Zhang Jing drank a cup and immediately changed his form of address, "Child Tiger, our conversation tonight may be unknown to the officials and ministers, but it came from the bottom of our hearts and was quite frank."

"Different stances lead to different paths. But tonight, we can be considered friends. Mr. Zhihu's talent and character are known to all, and I trust him completely."

“I have no family ties in my hometown of Baoding. My only concerns are my wife, Li, and my adopted son, Zhang Fengyi.”

Powerful eunuchs could, of course, marry. Although they could not have children of their own, they could adopt sons to carry on the family line, thus enjoying the joys of family life.

Zhang Jing continued, “Li has been married to me for twenty years and can be considered virtuous and loyal. Her adopted son, Fengyi, is the orphan of her deceased brother and is no different from her own son. He is only ten years old. The world is vast, but my only concern is my wife and son.”

"I have a request. If the two of us are not able to survive in the future, I beg Mr. Zhihu to help us. If we can live, I will repay you in the next life."

He entrusted his son to Zhu Yin, which meant he trusted Zhu Yin's character.

Zhang Fengyi? Zhu Yin was slightly taken aback. Could it be Zhang Fengyi, the Minister of War during the Chongzhen era? That Zhang Fengyi was also from Baoding. Zhu Yin hadn't expected Zhang Jing to entrust his son to him. Had his personal charisma reached such a level that even someone like Zhang Jing couldn't resist his charm? This man's actions were truly unconventional.

Xu Wei was also a little surprised, but he still gave Zhu Yin a wink, signaling him to agree.

Zhu Yin knew what was going on and immediately agreed, saying, "I am grateful for Lord Zhang's trust. If there is anything I cannot bear to talk about in the future, I will do my best to help and make every effort to be thorough."

Zhang Jing nodded and said with a sigh, "Everyone says that Mr. Zhihu is a man of noble character and refined taste, and it is indeed so. It's just a pity that we cannot share the same ideals."

"This glass of wine is for you."

Zhu Yin seized the opportunity and said, "I also have a request. I've heard that the eldest prince is confined to the cold palace, practically imprisoned. I..."

Zhang Jing frowned slightly, narrowed his eyes, and said, "You want to see the eldest prince?"

Zhu Yin sighed and said, “Lord Zhang, the bond between teacher and student is like that between father and son. I have been the teacher of the Crown Prince for many years and have taught him with great care. Humans are not plants or trees, how can they be without feelings? I have no improper thoughts, I only wish to see the Crown Prince and put the minds of those in the court who care about him at ease, and dispel those unfounded speculations.”

After a moment's thought, Zhang Jing nodded. "Alright, I agree. As long as I am in court, you are permitted to see the eldest prince once every three months, so that those subjects who are making wild guesses can rest assured. You can see him before you go to Korea."

Zhu Yin raised his cup in thanks and said, "Then thank you very much, Master Zhang."

His desire to see Zhu Changluo was not merely out of loyalty and righteousness, but also to strengthen his influence over the eldest prince, solidify his image as the prince's tutor, and gain political prestige.

Zhang Jing then smiled at Xu Wei and said, "Mr. Wenchang, the difference between old friends and enemies is just one stroke. We have known each other for many years. Whether this stroke is added or subtracted is up to you."

Xu Wei's gaze was deep and profound. "Brother Haiqing, you flatter me. This stroke carries immense weight, and I am old and timid, no longer able to... add this stroke."

Zhang Jing raised his glass: "I'd like to toast you!"

Zhu Yin added, “On the issue of the foundation of the nation, Zhang Gong and I have different political views. But on matters of great importance to the military and the nation, I believe that Zhang Gong and I are definitely…like minds think alike!”

"Haha!" Zhang Jing laughed heartily. "What do you want now? Just tell me."

Zhu Yin said in a deep voice: "When the Ming Dynasty sent troops to Korea to prevent the Japanese pirates from entering Liaodong, it was not only protecting the Ming Dynasty, but also the Jurchen tribes."

"But the Japanese army now has 200,000 troops in Korea. They are hysterical and determined to win. The imperial army has suffered repeated defeats and its morale is low. How many more troops and how much money and food will the court need to send to stop the invasion? Liaodong Garrison is already crippled."

Zhang Jing immediately understood, "You mean, agree to Nurhaci's request and allow the Jianzhou Jurchens to send troops to help in the war?"

Zhu Yin nodded and said, "That's right! Since Nurhaci is willing to serve the court, why won't the court allow him to send troops? If he were allowed to send 10,000 troops, how much money and resources could the court save?"

Zhang Jing pondered and said, "Previously, it was the King of Joseon who refused, crying and saying that if the Jurchens went to Joseon, they would surely cause all sorts of trouble, which would be like inviting a wolf into the house."

Zhu Yin sneered, "But Korea is on the verge of collapse! The Japanese pirates have been massacring people in Korea, causing more than a million deaths and injuries. Even at this point, the King of Korea still disagrees? Why should the Great Ming Dynasty care about his opinion?"

After thinking for a while, Zhang Jing finally nodded and said, "Alright, I promise you. I will persuade the Emperor to grant Nurhaci's request to transfer 10,000 Jianzhou troops to be under the command of the newly appointed Korean military commissioner."

At this point, he frowned, "However... if 10,000 troops from the Jianzhou tribe are transferred away, the Jianzhou tribe will be vulnerable. If the Yehe and other tribes take advantage of this weakness and annex the Jianzhou tribe to become more powerful..."

Zhu Yin scrutinized Zhang Jing's face. "Indeed, so, what does Master Zhang think we should do?"

Zhang Jingyan narrowed her eyes. "Then let's transfer the Yehe and other tribes together! We can use this opportunity to test who is loyal to the Ming Dynasty, who has ulterior motives, who is obedient, and who is disobedient!"

“We will mobilize 10,000 troops from Jianzhou and 20,000 troops from Yehe and other tribes. In this way, the Jurchen tribes will be at peace. If Yehe and other tribes are unwilling to send troops, well…”

Zhu Yin secretly gave Zhang Jing a thumbs up, because this was also his intention; he wanted to guide Zhang Jing to come up with the solution himself.

"Zhang Gong's plan is brilliant!" Zhu Yin poured Zhang Jing a cup of wine. "In this way, the court will have 30,000 more fierce soldiers, and Liaodong will be able to enjoy long-term peace and stability."

Zhang Jing smiled slightly, "Those who are not of our kind will surely have different hearts. It would be best if the Jurchens and the Japanese pirates weakened each other. When you go to Korea, don't trust the Tartars too much."

The two parties reached a tacit agreement over a pot of tea and a few drinks, so there was no need for further discussion.

The moon was already high in the sky. After drinking two more cups of wine, Zhang Jing took his leave.

...

After Zhang Jing and the others left, leaving only his own people, Zhu Yin said with a dejected expression:
"Once I leave the capital, a storm is brewing in the court. At that time, the Imperial Guard's prisons will probably be filled with court officials who support the eldest prince."

"But I, the tutor of the eldest prince, am drinking and making merry with my political enemies tonight, compromising and retreating, standing aside from the matter. I am utterly ashamed. Mr. Wenchang, I am neither a good teacher nor a gentleman. How difficult it is for me to become a perfect person!"

After saying that, he drank a glass of wine in a sullen mood.

Xu Wei, deeply agreeing, said, “My lord is kind-hearted and inevitably feels guilty about this. However, one cannot accomplish anything without compassion, nor can one become an official without good intentions. As the saying goes, ‘Bodhisattvas fear the cause, while ordinary people fear the effect.’ My lord, you have the heart of a bodhisattva, so why be so harsh on yourself?”

"The difficulty of achieving one's ambition lies not in defeating others, but in defeating oneself. My lord has endured humiliation and hardship, and has already achieved the two words 'self-defense,' which I greatly admire."

"Many officials write about all the affairs of the world, yet refuse to bow their heads to see the common people. But our lord is compassionate and merciful, with the courage to kill and the heart of a bodhisattva. He carries a three-foot sword at his waist, has a belly full of books, a scale in his heart, and sees the lights of thousands of homes. He is truly a once-in-a-millennium talent, and should humble himself and wait for the right time."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yin couldn't help but laugh and said, "The guests at the Golden Terrace and the scholars at the Jixia Academy are far inferior to you, sir. After hearing your words, I am filled with self-reflection and dare not waste my life."

Whenever Xu Wei praised him, he would praise Xu Wei in return; it was a common practice for them to flatter each other in business.

Xu Wei stroked his beard and said, "Zhang Jing is a man who is magnanimous in small matters but ruthless in big ones. For now, our lord should not oppose him on important matters, but make some targeted gestures on minor matters. This will be enough to satisfy the officials."

"If the Way is not followed, then take a raft and float on the sea. My lord need not go to sea; he need only go to Korea to establish his merits."

"The last flower does not vie for spring's favor; taking a step back opens up a vast expanse. Ten years of drinking ice cannot cool the burning passion. What's wrong with waiting a few more years? There's plenty of time ahead; our lord is only sixteen. What is there to fear? The day will eventually come when the clouds part and the sun shines through."

Zhu Yin chuckled, "If the knife isn't sharp and the horse is too thin, how can I fight him? I can only retreat and protect myself."

Xu Wei nodded, "Bamboo can pierce the sky even without flowering. But can Zhang Jing's bamboo really not flower?"

"When things reach their lowest point and turn around, it will be like a silver bottle suddenly shattering, a momentous event that shakes the heavens and the earth!"

The two men, engrossed in their conversation, readily raised their glasses, seemingly in complete control. An elderly man with a white beard and a young man, they complemented each other perfectly under the moonlight. They were like two foxes, one old and one young, who had cultivated themselves into spirits deep in the mountains, discussing the human world.

……

Zhang Jing quickly demonstrated his immense power.

On the twelfth day of the first month, the emperor officially issued an edict, promoting Nurhaci, the governor of Jianzhou and the Dragon and Tiger General, to the rank of Golden Guard General, adding the title of Pillar of State, and transferring 10,000 elite troops from the Jianzhou Guard to prepare for the war in Korea.

Jin Yehe Beile and Longhu General Buzhai were promoted to Jinwu General and added to the title of Pillar of State. They mobilized 20,000 Jurchen soldiers from the four Haixi tribes to prepare for the war in Korea.

The Jianzhou, Yehe, and other tribes must assemble in Zhenjiang City before the end of February. Anyone who fails to do so will be executed!
Nurhaci immediately accepted the imperial edict and submitted a memorial. Then, carrying the gold and silver gifts given by Zhu Yin, he returned to Jianzhou first and agreed to meet in Liaodong.

The envoys from the Yehe and other tribes in Beijing were on the verge of tears, cursing Nurhaci for his meddling. However, the imperial edict had already been issued, and they could only obediently accept it and rush back to Liaodong to report.

On the eighteenth day of the first lunar month, after celebrating the Lantern Festival, Ning Caiwei bid farewell to Zhu Yin and Ning Qingchen, and took Ding Hongying, Galo and others to Guanzhong.

On the 20th day of the first month, Zhu Yin submitted a memorial, seconding Zheng Guowang's "Memorial on Hiring Hai Mingyue, a Righteous Army from the South Seas, to Control the Seas," requesting the court to approve Zheng Guowang's request.

The following day, the Wenyuan Pavilion held a court meeting and approved Zheng Guowang's "Memorial on Hiring the Hai Mingyue Rebel Army in the South Seas to Control the Seas." Immediately afterwards, the emperor issued an edict appointing Zheng Guowang as Imperial Commissioner for Pacification and Maritime Affairs, responsible for overseeing cooperation with the Hai Mingyue forces.

On the twenty-second day of the first lunar month, the emperor, who had been hesitant, finally issued another edict after being persuaded by Zhang Jing:
Zhu Yin, who was enfeoffed as Marquis of Jiangning, Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, and Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, was appointed Imperial Commissioner for the Anti-Japanese War in Korea and Governor-General of Jiliao. He was also given the title of Right Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, and was granted the Imperial Sword and the Imperial Decree Flag. He succeeded Hao Jing and was given full authority over the military and political affairs of Liaodong and Korea.

He appointed Qi Jiguang, the Left Commander-in-Chief, as the Grand General Who Conquers the Japanese Pirates and Imperial Commissioner to Oversee All Military Forces.

Li Rusong, the General Commander of Gansu, was appointed General Commander of Liaodong and Deputy Commander-in-Chief, and given the seal of General Who Conquers the East.

An imperial edict ordered Zhu Yin, Qi Jiguang, Li Rusong, and others to meet in Zhenjiang City before mid-February.

Those who miss the deadline shall be executed!

P.S.: Little Tiger has finally become the governor! It wasn't easy.

(End of this chapter)