The struggle for the throne during the Jiajing reign

Chapter 148 Jizhou

It was late at night when Hu Zongxian returned to his residence with red eyes. He then separated the people and questioned them carefully several times, including which Tatars they were, and asked people who understood their language to translate the questions.

He sent the two minor officials back to rest and then invited Commander Zhang.

"Anda Khan has more than 70,000 troops, and I'm afraid they will invade as soon as autumn arrives."

After sitting down, Commander Zhang nodded: "I knew that already. We also have spies."

"Does the imperial court know?"

"The message was sent back, requesting money, food, and support, but the reply was to hold our ground and resist. We haven't seen a trace of money or food, let alone any support."

"What should we do then?"

Commander Zhang laughed: "It's the same old way. We'll guard the big cities with high walls, and protect the fortresses as much as we can. If we can't, we'll let them plunder. Once they've plundered enough and can't carry anymore, they'll leave naturally. Then we'll report it as the Tartars fleeing to the border and being wiped out, and ask for credit."

Hu Zongxian neither rebuked nor echoed him. What right did someone who had just received more than three thousand taels of silver have to speak?

Moreover, based on his inspections over the past few months, Xuanfu should have 80,000 to 90,000 troops on the surface, but in reality, it only has more than 20,000, scattered in various fortresses and villages.

Among these 20,000-plus soldiers were the old, weak, sick, and disabled. Some fortresses and passes had only a hundred or so old soldiers who would run away faster than anyone else when fighting broke out.

The real fighting force came from the personal guards and retainers of the various generals and commanders, who were composed of elite troops from the border regions and surrendered Mongol soldiers. They were skilled in archery and horsemanship and their fighting ability far surpassed that of the military households.

Not only were their monthly salaries not reduced, but they were doubled, and they were equipped with the best warhorses, armor, and weapons. They were not afraid to go head-to-head with Anda's elite troops, and they were the lifeblood of all the generals and commanders.

Hu Zongxian sighed: "After I returned to the capital, I reported to the Censor-in-Chief."

Commander Zhang cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for your trouble."

A moment later, Commander Zhang left, and the clerk who had been standing by spoke up: "Imperial Censor Hu, shouldn't we submit a memorial to the court?"

""

"Hasn't it already been submitted to the emperor?"

"But this time it seems to be more than just the Anda headquarters; if we don't mobilize troops—"

Hu Zongxian chuckled: "Where are we going to get them? Those Beijing garrison soldiers who can't even farm properly? They'd probably mutini halfway through their journey. Are we going to transfer troops all the way from the south, relying on intelligence from a few merchants?"

"this--"

"Go back and rest. I have my reasons."

"Yes, you should get some rest too."

Hu Zongxian poured himself a cup of cold tea, took a big gulp, and then spat out the tea leaves from his mouth.

The northern frontier is utterly rotten; it's unlikely you'll achieve anything here. You'll have to go back to the south. As for the Japanese pirates?

The next morning, Hu Zongxian was thinking of writing to contact his classmates who were currently the most outstanding in his year of examination. The most prominent among them were the top scholar Mao Zan, who was now the fifth-rank official Zuo Yude of the Left Spring Palace, and the third-rank scholar Yuan Wei.

There's no need to ask them for anything now, but we can re-establish contact so we can pay them a visit after returning to the capital, especially Yuan Wei, whom I heard has been assigned to the Western Garden to serve His Majesty by writing prayers.

This is the path to heaven; as long as you don't go astray, entering the cabinet is foreseeable, after all, many predecessors have already proven it.

At this moment, Commander Zhang burst in: "Imperial Censor Hu, an imperial edict has arrived. Quickly prepare to receive it."

"Huh?" Hu Zongxian looked at the letter he had just started writing, and then hurriedly changed into his official robes.

Zhang Qianhu didn't ask any further questions and helped him move the case outside. The clerks and others also rushed over upon hearing the news.

After everything was ready, the special envoy from the Censorate's Records Department slowly approached and announced the imperial edict after Hu Zongxian and three other officials knelt facing north.

"The Emperor issued an edict to Hu Zongxian, the Imperial Inspector of Xuanfu and Datong, stating that Xuanfu and Datong border each other and their defenses are essentially one. He specifically orders Hu to immediately proceed to Jizhou after the Xuanfu incident to inspect all border affairs. He is to take appropriate action on any neglected matters or abuses and report the facts to the Emperor."

Hu Zongxian kowtowed, and the official handed him the original imperial edict, which Hu Zongxian accepted with both hands. In addition, the Ministry of War sent a document to the Censorate for verification. After confirming that everything was correct, the governor registered the document and affixed his seal to the receipt.

The official, having completed his task, relaxed considerably, bowing to Hu Zongxian and saying, "Your future is limitless."

.

Hu Zongxian carefully handed the imperial edict and the tally to the clerk for safekeeping, then returned the greeting to the official: "You must be tired from your journey. Have a cup of tea."

"it is good."

Commander Zhang also sat down to keep him company. The meal was simple, but there was a pot of mutton. The official was hungry and wolfed it down. After he had almost finished eating, Hu Zongxian finally spoke up: "I haven't even finished inspecting Xuanda yet, why have I suddenly been transferred to Jizhou?"

The officer was taken aback: "You went through the proper channels yourself, why are you asking me?"

No!

Seeing that his expression didn't seem feigned, the man said, "I heard that you were recommended by Grand Secretary Yan, and there are also rumors that His Highness Prince Jing personally selected you."

C

"what?"

Hu Zongxian glanced at Zhang Qianhu, who was dumbfounded and shouted, and said, "I didn't even call out, what are you grabbing!"

But I've only seen Grand Secretary Yan once from afar, and I've never even met Prince Jing. What's going on?

Could it be that something terrible has happened in Jizhou and they need to use his head to fill the hole?

But the imperial decree had already been issued, and he could not disobey it. He also could not show any weakness on his face. He simply pretended to be humble and said, "Your Excellency is joking. How could I possibly be worthy of the attention of the Grand Secretary and His Highness? It must be the esteemed Censorate that has shown me such favor, and it just so happens to be a coincidence."

The officer was a seasoned veteran. Seeing that he refused to admit it, he didn't expose him. Instead, he went along with the conversation and said, "No matter what, this is a tremendous opportunity. Jizhou is close to the capital. If we do a good job, His Majesty and the Grand Secretary will be able to see it. It's much better than in Xuanda."

"Censor Hu, seize this opportunity. If you get promoted in the future, don't forget about us errand runners."

He wasn't afraid of offending Commander Zhang. He finished eating and left. Would he dare to hunt down the messenger for a few words?

"Of course, I would never forget." Hu Zongxian personally added a bowl of mutton soup for him, and then he also added a large piece of meat and soup for Zhang Qianhu.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Hu Zongxian gave Hu Zongxian another forty taels of silver for travel expenses. The official accepted the money without hesitation and whispered in Hu Zongxian's ear, "Prince Jing is very favored and has extraordinary talent. He is very capable in the capital. You must seize this opportunity."

As he was about to leave, Hu Zongxian pulled him back and pleaded, "You've been away from the capital for too long, and the news is uncertain. Please tell me more."

After saying that, another silver ingot fell into the officer's sleeve. Out of respect for it, the officer told him all the recent news from the capital.

Hu Zongxian astutely extracted the key point from it: "Please leave a place to mail letters, and help forward any letters to the Emperor. You will be generously rewarded upon your return to the capital."

The officer nodded and gave him his cousin's address. If he could get close to Prince Jing through Hu Zongxian in the future, that would be wonderful.

Thinking it over, she gritted her teeth and slipped the silver ingot from her sleeve into Hu Zongxian's sleeve again: "It's alright, you've had a hard time out there, take good care of yourself."

After the official left, Commander Zhang asked, "You really don't know?"

Hu Zongxian remained silent, but Zhang Qianhu nodded to himself: "That's true. If he really had such a powerful backer, he wouldn't have come here as an inspector."

Just then, another rider galloped over. Upon inquiry, it turned out not to be a special envoy from the imperial court, but rather a servant of Zuo Yude, the top scholar of the imperial examination whom Hu Zongxian had just written a letter to. The servant brought him a letter.

Mao Zan bows respectfully to his esteemed younger brother, Ru Zhen:

Several years have passed since we parted, separated by mountains and rivers. Amidst the north wind and the smoke of war, I often think of you, my old friend. I heard that you have traveled extensively throughout the border regions of Xuanhua and Datong, inspecting military affairs and understanding the situation of the barbarians. Your hard work has been immense, and I miss you dearly.

There are many things to discuss in the capital recently. The capital region has been hit by a blizzard in winter, causing a large influx of refugees and soaring rice prices. As more refugees are brought into the capital, the soup kitchens in the five cities are overwhelmed, and the grain distributed from the imperial granary is insufficient to last for ten days. The ministry is at a loss, and the court and the public are worried. Fortunately, His Highness Prince Jing, in accordance with Heaven's benevolence, has been ordered to take charge of the relief efforts. He has acted decisively and swiftly in the face of the crisis.

His Highness, seeing that the treasury was empty and the funds were insufficient, overruled objections and issued a strict order to meritorious officials, noble families, and wealthy merchants to contribute grain to aid in the relief efforts. During this time, there were also instances of confiscating the property of inferior merchants and investigating and seizing the property of corrupt officials.

Although there were rumors circulating among the common people that his actions were harsh and that he was being branded as a prince who would confiscate property, his true intention was nothing more than to save the people from dire straits. His actions saved more than 100,000 displaced people, and his merits were evident, which was widely acknowledged by the people in the court and the public.

Now I hear that the imperial decree has been issued, appointing Ruzhen to concurrently patrol Jizhou. This town guards the capital, and every move it makes will reach the Emperor's ears. Compared to Xuanfu and Datong, it is an even more important place to establish oneself and make a name for oneself.

My dear brother, you possess exceptional talent for governing the world, are resolute and resourceful, and are well-versed in border affairs. On this journey, you must diligently perform your duties and ensure the smooth operation of defenses.

Eliminate long-standing problems.

His Highness Prince Jing enjoys the Emperor's favor and is a responsible and capable individual—if he can rebuild Gubeikou, it will alleviate the Emperor's worries about the north and live up to His Highness's expectations of promoting him. This journey will be a chance for him to achieve fame and success.

The border is bitterly cold, and the wind and frost are biting. I hope my dear brother will take good care of himself and try his best to stay healthy. I will keep you informed of the situation in the capital as soon as I receive any news. Words cannot express all my feelings.

After reading the letter from Mao Zan, a fellow scholar of the same year as the Duke of Sui, dated December of the 28th year of the Jiajing reign, Hu Zongxian let out a long sigh. He couldn't completely trust the official, but he couldn't possibly deceive him with a handwritten letter from his own fellow scholar. He really didn't expect that the usually rigid Mao Bangxian would praise a prince in such a tone.

Moreover, it wasn't even the eldest son, Prince Yu, which is truly unbelievable, but it also proves that Prince Jing's disaster relief efforts have indeed tempted many officials who were observing the situation.

Is he a pragmatic and hardworking prince who is not afraid of gossip?

Hu Zongxian's hands trembled slightly. The anxiety and hesitation of the past few days had subsided considerably at this moment. If—if that were really the case, then could the emperor and his ministers rally, pacify the northern barbarians and the southern pirates, and the Ming Dynasty be able to revive?

Hu Zongxian was no ordinary person; otherwise, Commander Zhang would not have been so polite to him. Seeing that Hu Zongxian's reaction after reading the letter was even greater than when he received an imperial edict, Commander Zhang couldn't help but be curious.

"What does this letter say?"

Hu Zongxian put away the letter and wrote: "It was written by my colleague in the past year. He asked about the situation on the frontier and encouraged me to do my job well."

Zhang Qianhu nodded, not pressing further, and simply smiled, "It's always the fellow candidates from the imperial examinations who are the most considerate. I just wonder if my lad will pass the exam."

"Yes, just as a son is like his father. Commander Qian is a clever man, and your son will surely be extremely intelligent as well."

No father would be unhappy to hear his son praised, and Zhang Qianhu was delighted.

At this moment, Hu Zongxian was thinking about whether or not to return the more than three thousand taels of silver, which was now dispensable.

Previously, without connections or powerful backers, one had to spend money to curry favor with Yan Shifan, but now it seems that's no longer necessary.

But he still decided to stay, not because he was greedy for the money, but because it wasn't worth offending the border generals for such a small amount, especially since he still had to go to Jizhou later. If he returned the money, he wouldn't be able to accomplish anything else.

"Brother Zhang, please take me to bid farewell to the General tomorrow."

"No problem, no problem. My general has a past relationship with General Liu. I'll write you a letter and take it with me, and the job will be much easier."

The next morning, Commander Zhang accompanied him from the garrison to the general's mansion. The general of Xuanfu had already prepared wine and was waiting for him. When he came in, he laughed and got up to greet him. During the meal, they only exchanged some polite official greetings.

After a few rounds of drinks, he took out a series of letters sealed with sealing wax and handed them over: "These are letters I wrote to the General of Jizhou. He will surely give me some face after reading them."

Jizhou is adjacent to the capital, and many of its generals come from noble families. The situation there is more complex than in Xuanfu or Datong; having more friends means having more options.

After saying that, he ordered someone to bring up a small camphor wood box, neatly stacked with gold ingots: "This is some travel money, for you to use on your journey, brother. I will also assign thirty servants to escort you eastward. If there is an opportunity in the future, I hope you will introduce me to someone."

As for who he would recommend, he didn't say, but Hu Zongxian understood. It seems that even the border generals thought His Majesty was more likely to appoint Prince Jing, since his mother had already been promoted to Imperial Concubine, while Prince Yu's mother hadn't been promoted at all.

"Thank you for your care, General. I am deeply grateful and will never forget it."

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