Ming Dynasty 1627

Chapter 98 The Heart Has Seven Apertures, Exquisitely Insightful and Versatile

Zhu Youjian smiled broadly, extremely satisfied with Sun Chengzong's performance in the first round.

Feeling exhilarated, he decided to take the interview to a deeper level.

“Master Sun,” he began, his voice low, “after Liu He’s defeat, the court and the public were in uproar. What do you think of those who impeached and held accountable back then?”

The hall fell silent instantly, and even Gao Shiming held his breath.

This is an extremely hurtful question.

Victory and defeat are common occurrences in warfare, but the attacks and criticisms that follow defeat are the most damaging.

Those impeachment memorials came like snowflakes back then, every word and sentence of which seemed to wish to nail Sun Chengzong to the pillar of shame in Liaodong.

Now that the new emperor has asked him directly, it is both an opportunity for him to "take revenge" and a difficult test of his character.

Is it about seeking revenge or considering the bigger picture? Is it about fiercely condemning political enemies or taking a more detached approach?
Sun Chengzong's face, which resembled Guan Yu's jujube-shaped features, showed no emotion whatsoever.

He seemed oblivious to the trap in the emperor's words, and after a slight hesitation, he bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty, I believe that the hearts of my colleagues are as clear as the sun and moon."

His voice was as loud as ever, but it carried a hint of earnestness after a moment of contemplation.

"Liaodong is thousands of miles away, and the capital is far away. Military intelligence transmission is often inaccurate."

"Gentlemen, though in the imperial court, are concerned about the affairs of the country. They are anxious when they hear of defeats and heartbroken when they see soldiers and generals being killed. This is only human nature and it is also a manifestation of loyalty to the emperor and the country."

Zhu Youjian remained calm, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, and simply listened quietly.

He knew that most officials, when asked about their colleagues' opinions, would choose to remain neutral and conform to the prevailing opinion.

Only a few naive or rebellious individuals will speak their minds frankly.

Sun Chengzong's answer was as expected, yet it possessed a greater degree of candor than the usual bureaucratic jargon.

Sure enough, Sun Chengzong changed the subject and took some of the blame upon himself.

Confucius said: “The mistakes of a gentleman are like eclipses of the sun and moon; everyone can see them. But when he corrects them, everyone looks up to him.”

"The defeat at Liuhe was ultimately due to my own and Ma Shilong's poor planning and failure to uphold our principles, which led to our ultimate failure."

"The officials in the court are unaware of the facts and have made some criticisms, which is understandable. If we are to discuss faults, the source still lies with us."

What a fine line: "The source still lies with us!"
Zhu Youjian secretly praised him.

This answer was perfectly flawless.

This not only saved face for his colleagues but also demonstrated his magnanimity, and transformed a sensitive political issue into a simple reflection on a military defeat.

Do not make enemies, do not take credit, and do not shift blame.

This imperial tutor is truly a shrewd and insightful person.

However, Zhu Youjian wanted more than that.

"Gao Shiming," Zhu Youjian instructed calmly.

Gao Shiming, who had been standing respectfully with his hands at his sides, immediately understood. He picked up two memorials from the side of the imperial desk and, with small, delicate steps, respectfully presented them to Sun Chengzong.

"Master Sun, take a look at this one too."

Sun Chengzong bowed and accepted the memorial, his gaze falling on the cover, his pupils contracting almost imperceptibly.

One document is "Mao Wenlong's Petition on Five Unjust Matters," and the other is "Dongjiang Town's Petition to Release 500,000 Taels of Outstanding Pay."

"Unclear troop numbers, falsified military achievements, refusal to relocate the garrison..."

Zhu Youjian's voice was no longer gentle. He read out Mao Wenlong's "crimes" word by word, and with each one he read, the air in the hall became more and more heavy.

"Such arrogance is strikingly similar to that of An Lushan during the Tang Dynasty, who held military power and acted independently!"

At this point, his voice suddenly rose, carrying the sharpness and anger unique to a young emperor, echoing in the empty hall.

"With the Dongjiang River in such a state, is it still of any use as a check and balance?"

"Is this the same Mao Wenlong of our Great Ming Dynasty?"

A barrage of questions rained down on Sun Chengzong like a storm.

Finally, Zhu Youjian's tone suddenly turned cold, each word carrying a chilling edge.

"Master Sun, if you were to be appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of Jiliao, how would you handle the situation?"

Sun Chengzong held the two thin memorials, yet they felt as heavy as Mount Tai.

The memorial contained few words, which he could read at a glance, but he read it very slowly, as if he wanted to engrave every word into his mind.

He knew the emperor was waiting for his answer, and this brief silence was the only time he could use to think of a solution.

Dongjiang must never be abandoned!
This is a crucial "feint" in the current three-way deployment in Liaodong.

No matter how dire Dongjiang's situation became, it could still radiate influence over southern Liaoning, attract the people of Liaoning, and prevent the slave chieftain from focusing all his efforts on the west.

It's like a sharp stone in a boot; if you wear it down for too long, it can cause you to bleed profusely.

Mao Wenlong is not necessarily someone we need to keep, but we can't take him down too quickly.

Dongjiang Town is located in a remote coastal area, and its inhabitants are mostly from Liaoning. They rely on loyalty and righteousness to make a living.

And this sense of loyalty is mostly concentrated in Mao Wenlong.

If it were removed rashly, Dongjiang Town would likely be in decline for several years.

However, the emperor's tone was so resolute that he clearly felt extreme hatred towards Mao Wenlong.

If I want to turn things around, where should I begin?
Time slipped away in the silent exchange of glances.

Sun Chengzong eventually put down his memorial.

He raised his head, and the wrinkles on his forehead twisted into a deep "川" character.

"Your Majesty, Mao Wenlong, with his troops gathered in distress, led a lone force deep behind enemy lines, recovered many islands in southern Liaoning, and launched a great victory at Zhenjiang. At a time when all was silent after the Battle of Sarhu, he took over southern Liaoning."

"Afterwards, he established towns on Pi Island and Tieshan, contacted the Liao people, and harassed the slave chieftain. His courage and loyalty are evident to all."

He spoke, and his first words were an affirmation of Mao Wenlong's achievements.

This is the art of speaking: first praise, then criticize; first give, then take.

Zhu Youjian's face was expressionless, revealing neither joy nor anger.

Sun Chengzong took a deep breath and continued:
"However, as Your Majesty said, the Jurchen chieftain is no ordinary man. He has been managing Liaodong for a long time and has recently conquered Korea. Now that the border defenses are gradually stabilizing, the effectiveness of the raids on Dongjiang has indeed gradually weakened."

"In addition, the town is inhabited by a mix of soldiers and civilians, and the island's land is barren and unable to support itself. The cost of military supplies has been increasing year by year, wasting national funds. This is an indisputable fact."

He frankly admitted the waste of Dongjiang and even brought up the Korean War this year, which led to the increasingly difficult situation on Pi Island.

These words seemed to be in line with the emperor's wishes, seeking more reasons to take down Mao Wenlong.

Even Gao Shiming, who was standing to the side, felt that Master Sun was going to go with the flow.

However, at this moment, Sun Chengzong suddenly changed the subject.

"but!"

He emphasized his words, and his voice became firm and powerful again.

"The location of Pi Island, which controls North Korea to the east and overlooks Kuandian to the north, is irreplaceable in its strategic importance!"

"Many of the people of Liaodong, under the rule of the slave chieftain, suffer greatly. This is a matter of great concern to the hearts and minds of the people!"

"With Dongjiang alive, the people of Liaodong have something to rely on; with Dongjiang alive, the Jurchen chieftain cannot completely seize the lands of southern Liaodong!" "Therefore, the responsibility of Dongjiang is a feint of restraint, a clever move of checks and balances. With this one move, the whole game is saved. As long as the Jurchen chieftain is not eliminated, Dongjiang cannot be abandoned!"

He paused, then looked intently at Zhu Youjian and said, word by word:

"Your Majesty, Dongjiang is Dongjiang, and Wenlong is Wenlong. I wonder if Your Majesty agrees with this?"

Separate "Dongjiang" from "Mao Wenlong".

What is being protected is the "land," not the "people."

Great idea! Ingenious!

Zhu Youjian smiled inwardly, but his face remained calm. He nodded, seemingly agreeing with the statement, but then immediately followed up with a question that shattered the defenses that Sun Chengzong had just established.

"What about Mao Wenlong?"

This problem is unavoidable.

Sun Chengzong seemed to have anticipated this question, and he took another deep breath.

This time, his tone became complex, containing regret, emotion, and a hint of sharpness.

"Your Majesty, the way to manage generals lies in using both kindness and severity, but even more so in clarifying their ambitions and utilizing their strengths."

He finally used the prepared rhetoric.

"Mao Wenlong's family fell into decline, and he spent half his life in poverty. When he was nearly fifty, he encountered the Liaodong campaign and, riding the wave of success, achieved a great victory at Zhenjiang, making him famous throughout the world."

"What they seek day and night is to boast of their achievements, be granted titles and honors to their ancestors."

"However, the Dongjiang army was exhausted and the people were weak, and the great victory at Zhenjiang was ultimately short-lived."

"His ambitions were not fulfilled, his achievements were not completed, his heart was filled with resentment, his actions were naturally extreme, and he often uttered complaints."

He looked at Zhu Youjian with earnest and sincere eyes.

"Your Majesty, I believe that Mao Wenlong's heart is ultimately the heart of the Ming Dynasty."

"The so-called Dongjiang is definitely the Dongjiang of the Ming Dynasty, not the Dongjiang of Wenlong."

"If I am appointed to this post, I will first persuade him of his old aspirations, intimidate him with the Emperor's grace, and explain the advantages and disadvantages to him, so that he may realize his mistake and return to the court!"

After saying this, even Sun Chengzong, who had been through many storms, couldn't help but feel a layer of sweat on his palms.

He had done his utmost to secure a last chance for Mao Wenlong and for the stability of Dongjiang, without offending the emperor.

He attributed Mao Wenlong's arrogance to personal reasons such as "unfulfilled ambitions" rather than political ambitions of "holding military power for personal gain".

This gave the emperor a way out and also gave Mao Wenlong a chance to "turn over a new leaf".

However, Zhu Youjian did not seem to want to step down from this position.

After listening to Sun Chengzong's heartfelt words, he still wore that noncommittal expression.

He remained silent for a moment, and that moment of silence made Sun Chengzong's heart sink to the bottom.

"What if I... want you to remove him and replace him with someone else?"

Zhu Youjian finally spoke, his voice light and airy, yet carrying an undeniable will.

"Master Sun, what are you going to do next?"

See you in the picture!

Upon hearing this, Sun Chengzong was deeply shaken, feeling an indescribable pain welling up inside him.

The Liaodong affair was the first major event he undertook after taking charge, and it was also his lifelong dream.

But now we have no choice but to cut off our own arm?

The new ruler is wise and capable, but why act so hastily?!

Sun Chengzong knew that once Mao Wenlong took control, the loyalty between Dongjiang would dissipate, and the so-called tripartite arrangement would instantly become meaningless.

To restore it is incredibly difficult!
but……

If the ruler commands the subject to die, how dare the subject refuse?
Sun Chengzong let out a long sigh.

He slowly closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, all the struggle, regret, and resentment in his eyes had turned into a calm.

He bowed deeply to Zhu Youjian, his voice dry and hoarse.

"This matter... is easy."

"I have been ordered to take up my post in Jiliao. All I need is a letter to summon Mao Wenlong to the gate to discuss military matters."

"Once he enters the city, we will read out his crimes on the spot, interrogate him, arrest him, and immediately send him to the capital."

He explained his capture strategy in a simple and concise manner, without any unnecessary elaboration, as if he were talking about something completely unrelated to himself.

However, after speaking, he paused for a moment, and finally couldn't help but make a final effort in a calm tone that was almost like stating a fact.

"However, now that Wenlong has been dismissed, I fear his followers may become disorganized. I should devise a plan to divide his followers and create checks and balances among them to prevent any unrest."

"However, under such turmoil, the morale of the army cannot be restored overnight. It will probably take several years for Dongjiang to regain its fighting strength."

That's all for this.

He has made the consequences perfectly clear.

A long silence fell over the Qianqing Palace once again.

Zhu Youjian quietly looked at this old minister with white hair and beard, and his heart was slightly moved.

Faced with such an unreasonable order, Sun Chengzong struggled, offered advice, and even hinted at it.

He fulfilled the duties of a senior official.

But when pressed further, he ultimately did not choose to stand his ground, but instead offered the most effective, and also the most ruthless, solution.

He knows how to compromise, and even more so, how to obey.

If something is possible, do it to the best of your ability.

If something is impossible, I will do my best.

At this moment, Zhu Youjian finally saw through the true nature of this former emperor's tutor.

His face was as red as a jujube, and his demeanor as imposing as Guan Yu's.

His heart has seven orifices, and is exquisitely intricate; that is his essence.

There is no perfect personality, only the right person to be assigned to a task.

Such a capable and prestigious paperhanger, a cunning old fox, is exactly the best candidate for the Jiliao strategy in his mind!

Master Sun—you've passed my second test!
Let me share my thoughts on the Dongjiang River; a map will make it clear.

The Dongjiang River's role was to control the southern Liaoning coastline and to pose a threat to Kuandian and Fenghuang (and of course, to guide Liaoning people and serve as a spy).

But to say that he posed any great threat to the Later Jin is an exaggeration. His offensive direction was entirely mountainous, which was the tribute route from Korea to the Ming Dynasty, easy to defend and difficult to attack (Korea lost many envoys on this route before it was gradually developed).

Therefore, after the second year of the Tianqi reign, once the Later Jin rule was consolidated, Mao Wenlong's harassment and threat gradually weakened.

However, his position, which blocks North Korea and remains a thorn in its side, also allows him to radiate influence along the coast and control southern Liaoning, making it undeniably important.

The reason why the offensive in the Liaonan direction was so important is clear from the map: by pushing forward and blocking Gaizhou, which was easy to defend and difficult to attack, this was also the route taken by the Ming army to drive out the Northern Yuan during the Hongwu era.

(White represents plains, and green represents mountains, haha, you all know that, right?)

(End of this chapter)