Di Ming

Chapter 477 I will not return until the Tartars retreat!
Everyone's faces turned grim, and Consort Zheng was so angry that her face turned pale. Even Zhu Changxun, who was only fourteen years old, had a cold expression.

Zhu Yin!

How could Zhu Yin help the imperial court fight against the Mongol army?

“I know you gentlemen don’t believe me,” Zheng Guowang sighed. “But right now, the only one who can help the court out of this predicament is that traitor Zhu Yin.”

Her expression was also very bitter. "He and I went to the Northwest and Japan together. I believe that no one in the court understands Zhu Zhihu better than me."

"Zhu Yin was a treacherous man who appeared loyal, and his scheming was unpredictable. He was always a man who was difficult to understand, know, or explain. His treachery was unprecedented throughout history."

Zheng Guowang then changed his tone, "But precisely because he is a villain rarely seen throughout history, his thoughts are absolutely extraordinary. If you all don't know this, how can you know your enemy and yourself?"

"Although Zhu Yin was a traitor and a villain, he valued the distinction between Chinese and barbarians the most, and he deeply abhorred and could not tolerate the barbarians' devastation of the Central Plains. Therefore, he constantly spoke of China and always thought of the Han people. This man was arrogant and confident that he had victory in his grasp. He already regarded the world as his own. How could he stand idly by when the Mongols invaded the south? Let alone take advantage of the Mongols' southward invasion to launch a northern expedition."

"I believe that the rebels will only resist the Burmese army in the south and the Tibetans in the west, and will never take the opportunity to launch a northern expedition. Those who worry that Zhu Yin will take the opportunity to launch a northern expedition simply do not understand this traitor."

"The court considers Zhu Yin its greatest enemy. But who is Zhu Yin's greatest enemy? Is it the court? I believe all the officials in the court think so, right? But I solemnly declare to you all today that Zhu Yin will not consider the court his greatest enemy!"

Wang Xijue finally interjected, "Does the Junior Sima mean that Zhu Yin has always regarded the barbarians as the greatest enemy?"

He didn't believe the conclusion and found it hard to understand.

Not only him, but everyone present found this conclusion hard to believe.

Zhu Yin concealed his identity and harbored treacherous intentions. He launched a rebellion in Nanjing under the guise of being a descendant of the Jianwen Emperor, and established a separate court. His ultimate goal, of course, was to usurp the throne.

Therefore, the imperial court was his greatest enemy. How could it possibly be barbarians? Would that fit the ambitions of a treacherous minister?
Seeing the incredulous expressions on everyone's faces, Zheng Guowang couldn't help but feel saddened. These people, including the cabinet ministers, were far inferior to Zhu Yin in terms of vision.

How could they possibly be a match for Zhu Yin? Even the Grand Secretary Wang Xijue had a very superficial understanding of Zhu Yin.

If the imperial court doesn't even understand what kind of person its greatest enemy is, how can it possibly eliminate this enemy?
sad.

These so-called high-ranking officials of the court were all clinging to outdated ideas and stuck in their ways, thinking themselves farsighted and insightful. But in Zhu Yin's eyes, what were these important figures? Nothing more than withered bones in a tomb and frogs at the bottom of a well!
Can they turn the tide? Probably not!
Zheng Guowang suddenly felt an inexplicable weariness, and could only nod and say:
"That's right. Zhu Yin's greatest enemies are the barbarians! Not only the Tartars and other barbarians, but also the Japanese pirates and foreign barbarians. That's why, even though he's been in rebellion for half a year, he hasn't launched a northern expedition, but has been constantly fighting with foreign tribes. He fought the Oroqen before, and now he's going to fight Burma, Tibet, and Annam. In the six months since he started his rebellion, apart from attacking Nanjing, he hasn't fought the court even once, not even a small battle."

"If he truly considered the imperial court his greatest enemy, would he have attacked the barbarians first and disregarded the northern expedition? Would he have continued to operate the north-south waterway and not cut off the canal?"

“He truly regards the imperial court as his greatest enemy. Not only has he already launched a northern expedition, but the grain transport from the south has also been cut off long ago.”

Zheng Guowang actually left out one more thing: Zhu Yin was truly a compassionate person who couldn't bear to see the people of the north being ravaged and poisoned by the Tartars.

But she couldn't say those words aloud. Although she considered Zhu Yin her greatest enemy, he was also the person she admired most. In her view, being Zhu Yin's enemy was merely a matter of stance, not that she truly believed him to be a heinous villain.

Everyone fell silent upon hearing this. They had already found Zhu Yin's actions unusual and difficult to understand. Now, after Zheng Guowang's analysis, they realized that Zhu Yin did not consider the imperial court his greatest enemy!

It's absurd, but it seems to be true?
Upon hearing this, Consort Zheng became furious and questioned Zheng Guowang in a harsh voice:
"You mean to say that the treacherous minister Zhu Yin doesn't take the imperial court seriously at all, thinks he's bound to win, and that the imperial court isn't worthy of being his greatest enemy? Is that right?"

Zheng Guowang cupped his hands and said, “Your Majesty, the treacherous minister Zhu Yin is indeed arrogant and conceited. However, he does not regard the court as his greatest enemy, not only because he underestimates the court, but also because of his defenses against the barbarians. This is actually a good thing for the court. He underestimates the enemy and is arrogant, yet he will not sit idly by and watch the Tartars wreak havoc on the Central Plains. Isn't that a good thing for the court?”

"Your subject respectfully offers congratulations to the court and to His Majesty!"

Consort Zheng was certainly not stupid. After hearing this, she thought about it for a moment and realized that her fourth brother's words made a lot of sense.

Throughout history, those who underestimate their enemies have never met a good end. Isn't Zhu Yin's disregard for the court a good thing for the court?

In traditional Chinese operas and storytelling, weren't figures like Yuan Shao, Liu Bei, and Guan Yu all defeated due to underestimating their opponents? Even in the currently popular "Summer God Chronicles," the powerful Bodhi Patriarch lost to Zhang Jian due to carelessness, revealing his true identity as the Tongtian Sect Leader. This also reveals that Sun Wukong was actually the junior brother of the Turtle Spirit Mother.

Zhu Yin's disregard for the imperial court was a sign of his impending downfall!
Consort Zheng felt much better immediately, and said through gritted teeth, "The traitor Yin underestimates the court and is most concerned about the defense against the barbarians. This is indeed an opportunity for the court! At least, he won't launch a northern expedition to take advantage of our misfortune!"

"Zheng Qing, please continue!"

"As you command!" Zheng Guowang's spirits lifted. "Your Majesty, Your Highness, gentlemen, the reason why the court is in such a predicament is simply because it lacks money, food and weapons, and is surrounded by enemies on all sides, unable to attend to one thing while neglecting another, and even the plan to send reinforcements is difficult to implement."

"But Zhu Zhihu will definitely not take advantage of the situation this time, so there is no need to defend the south, and we will have one less powerful enemy."

"Now, let's talk about the west. Scouts report that Zhu Yin recently formed an alliance with Zhu Shuaixin, but he rejected Zhu Shuaixin's proposal to attack the court from both sides, arguing that: 'We cannot let the Tartars reap the benefits!'"

"Therefore, the alliance between the two rebel groups stipulates that under no circumstances should the barbarians benefit from internal strife within China. Whenever the barbarians invade China, we must unite against them! This is Zhu Yin's demand. Mi Wanzhong, the envoy of the Western bandits, agreed to this clause on behalf of the Western bandits in order to obtain Zhu Yin's support."

"The Nanjing puppet regime calls this clause the 'Oath of Peace and Conquest of China,' and it has already been published. The puppet regime promotes this clause, saying that from now on, even thousands of years later, all parties in China must abide by the 'Oath of Peace and Conquest of China,' agreeing that no matter how fierce the internal strife, once a foreign enemy invades, they must negotiate peace and unite to fight the foreign enemy together. It is not too late to continue the internal strife after the foreign enemy is resolved. Therefore, it is called the 'Oath of Peace and Conquest of China.'"

Zheng Guowang's news arrived faster and in greater detail than that of the imperial court.

Everyone's expressions were incredibly complex when they heard Zhu Yin's advocacy of the "Oath of Peace and Conquest of China".

Wang Xijue and the others let out a soft sigh.

Is this the ambition of the Jiang Ning clan? What a bold spirit, what confidence, what magnanimity!

Is this person truly a villain disguised as a loyal one?

"Is that so?" Consort Zheng's eyes lit up. "So, the Western bandits won't take this opportunity to invade the east?"

Zheng Guowang's expression became even more complicated. He nodded and said, "Yes. Zhu Yin's 'Oath of Peace and Conquest of China' has been formally written into the treaty and announced to the world. How could he possibly break his promise to the world? This means that we no longer need to worry about the enemies in the south and the west. The court can confidently and boldly use all its limited troops, money, and provisions to deal with the two Tartar armies."

Wang Xijue said, "Ignoring the enemies to the south and west, the imperial army is sufficient to deal with the Tartar army. However, we still lack sufficient funds and provisions, especially grain." Minister of Revenue Yang Junmin immediately replied, "The Grand Secretary is right. We can temporarily use His Majesty's private treasury for silver, which will be enough for a while and can sustain us for several months. However, the Ministry of Revenue's grain reserves are insufficient to support the mobilization of 200,000 troops for a national war. Moving such an army will consume mountains and seas of grain. Although the Ministry of Revenue has been collecting grain, it can only mobilize 60,000 to 70,000 troops; we are still short at least one million shi (a unit of dry measure)!"

"Even if we were to impose a forced requisition, it would be too little, too late in this urgent situation. Unless the court issues an edict to halve the food rations of all the people in the capital region and then urgently requisitions them, many people would surely starve to death, and the court would lose the support of the people."

Consort Zheng immediately frowned. Previously, Zheng Guowang had suggested she forcibly requisition grain from the princes and nobles. Although she had agreed, she was afraid of offending people and had delayed issuing the order immediately. Now, she wanted to do it, but it was too late.

"Don't worry!" Zheng Guowang said, "The court can rest assured to mobilize troops and generals. The military provisions will be transported to Tianjin soon! Enough to feed 200,000 soldiers, 200,000 civilian laborers, and 200,000 mules and horses for half a year!"

What? The crowd looked at each other in disbelief.

Where did all this food come from? Could it be...?

"Minister Zheng, you..." Consort Zheng was a little agitated. Could such a huge problem really be solved?
Zheng Guowang sighed softly and said, "Your Majesty, please forgive me! I was forced to write a letter to the treacherous minister Zhu Yin, saying that the Mongol army was about to invade the south and the court was short of military provisions. I requested that two million shi of military provisions be purchased to support the national war effort!"

"I am certain that Zhu Yin will agree. Based on my understanding of him, he will definitely agree after receiving the letter. In fact... even if I did not write the letter, that scoundrel Yin would still sell grain to the court on his own initiative."

"Really?" Consort Zheng was unsure whether to be happy or sad upon hearing this.

Zheng Guowang nodded: "That's for sure! Otherwise, he wouldn't be Zhu Yin. This is his true nature!"

Consort Zheng certainly trusted her "fourth brother" because this brother had always been very reliable.

But upon hearing her "fourth brother's" words, she felt relieved, yet also felt an indescribable sense of bewilderment and fear.

If Yin Zei really is like that, just how big is his magnanimity and breadth of mind?

How could I, a mere woman, possibly be a match for such a person?

When everyone heard that Zhu Yin was willing to provide grain, they felt extremely strange, yet also had a sense that it was only natural.

They were all at a loss for words. Even the ministers who hated Zhu Yin the most were somewhat dazed at this moment.

Wang Xijue closed his eyes, then slowly opened them, his eyes filled with desolation, and said in a somber tone:
"If the court were to receive two million shi of grain as aid, it could mobilize its entire army to wage a national war against the two Tartar armies. Even if it couldn't annihilate the powerful enemy, it could at least defend the country's borders. However, after this national war, the court's funds and provisions would be completely exhausted. What would become of it then?"

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions turned solemn.

Yes. The court secretly spent all of the emperor's private funds, leaving only seven million taels, but how long can that last?
What will happen when the imperial treasury is exhausted? Relying solely on taxes from the north, will the court still have the funds and provisions to suppress the usurper regime? It might even struggle to protect itself!

Are we just going to wait to die like this?
Zheng Guowang said in a cold, icy tone, "What the Grand Secretary is worried about is another reason why I rushed back to the capital. Your Majesty, gentlemen, you should know that Zhu Yin is persecuting Buddhism, right?"

The persecution of Buddhism? Everyone already knew that, of course. But Zheng Guowang brought up Zhu Yin's persecution of Buddhism at this moment, could it be that he wanted to…

Many people will instinctively oppose it!

Sure enough, Zheng Guowang continued, "I've heard that Zhu Yin suppressed Buddhism, confiscated countless amounts of money and grain, and made a fortune, filling the treasury of the Nanjing puppet regime to overflowing. Why is it that Zhu Yin can do it, but the imperial court can't? The enemy can go, but I can't?"

She solemnly raised her tablet and said, "Your subject Zheng Guowang earnestly requests the court to issue an edict to confiscate the wealth plundered from the people by Buddhist temples, severely punish the lawless monks who commit crimes, and restore peace to the Buddhist community!"

Having said that, he took out a prepared memorial from his sleeve, "I hereby report that the Dalongshan Temple, a major esoteric Buddhist temple in the capital, is harboring filth and corruption, and that the Xiantong Temple on Mount Wutai in Shanxi is colluding with the Tartars… I request that the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot be immediately ordered to investigate, confiscate, and seal off these temples, and that all temples in the north be thoroughly investigated…"

“You mustn’t do this, Your Majesty!” Duke Dingguo immediately stepped forward. “Zhu Yin is a traitorous and lawless scoundrel. The court is upright and just. How can we follow his example? What about the people’s hearts and the greater good? If we also join in the persecution of Buddhism, wouldn’t that be colluding with the corrupt and going against the tide?”

Another minister objected, saying, "Throughout history, there have been powerful figures who suppressed Buddhism, such as the Three Wu and One Zong in the Central Plains, and Langdarma Tsangpo in Tibet. These five men all held great power and were influential for a time, but what were their fates?"

"Emperor Taiwu was murdered by Zong Ai; Emperor Wu of Zhou died suddenly with boils all over his body; Emperor Wuzong of Tang died suddenly from poisoning; Emperor Shizong of Zhou died suddenly with boils that exposed bone; and Langdarma was murdered by a vengeful monk. All five emperors died violent deaths, the oldest of whom only lived to be in his forties. Isn't this retribution?"

Zheng Guowang retorted sharply, "What is retribution? What is righteousness? Letting monks exploit the people and seize their land—is there no retribution for that? Is that righteousness?"

"Since ancient times, China has relied on propriety, righteousness, integrity, and a sense of shame, as well as loyalty, filial piety, and the fundamental principles of morality, not on the compassion of Buddha or the emptiness of the four elements! Has Buddhism ever truly been able to save all sentient beings? It can only save monks themselves, not the common people or soldiers on the border! Emperor Wu of Liang was a devout Buddhist and revered the Three Jewels, but what was his fate? How was he any better than the Three Wu and One Zong Emperors, or Langdarma Tsangpo?"

"Of course it's much better!" Duke Dingguo said confidently. "Emperor Wu of Liang lived to be eighty-five years old and reigned for nearly fifty years. Isn't that an immense blessing? That's true merit and virtue!"

"Soliciting nonsense!" Zheng Guowang was too lazy to argue with someone like the Duke of Dingguo. He raised his tablet again and said, "Your Highness, Your Highness, I implore the court to uphold justice for the people, punish evil and promote good, and cleanse the Buddhist scum!"

Consort Zheng trusted Zheng Guowang the most. After reading the report, she no longer hesitated and gritted her teeth, saying:
"Very well! Since so many temples are breaking the law, then issue an edict to investigate! Is the imperial court really less capable than Zhu Yin and the puppet regime?"

Zheng Guowang then said, "I would like to volunteer for the task of investigating all Buddhist temples in the country!"

Consort Zheng's expression changed slightly, "Fourth brother, this..."

Zheng Guowang insisted, "Only if I handle this matter concurrently can it be done properly."

Seeing the determination in her eyes, Consort Zheng finally nodded and said, "Alright, I'll leave this matter to you. But you can't slack off on this important task of training the new army."

Zheng Guowang said, "Your Majesty, please rest assured. I am only in charge of the overall management of this matter and will send someone to handle it. I am not personally involved. Besides, I have more important matters to attend to!"

Consort Zheng knew what was going on and said, "Speak!"

Zheng Guowang knelt down and said, "Your subject once again volunteered to request an imperial decree! I earnestly request to take charge of the military affairs of Xuanda, Ji, and Liaodong, and lead the army to fight the Tartars at the border of the country!"

"I will not return until the Tartars retreat! Even if I die on the battlefield, I will have no regrets!"

(End of this chapter)