First Minister of Ming Dynasty

Zhang Ximeng handed it to the young man, "Take it back, remember not to walk on mountain roads, and be careful of falling. I will return it when you have a good harvest later."

The boy took it, saluted seriously, then turned around and ran back to the village.

Holding the flower basket in his arms, Zhang Ximeng went on the road happily and returned to Kaifeng.

The madam followed by, suddenly smiled and said: "Master, how is this flower basket compared to the gold medal of Master Fu Guoyuan? I think you seem to be more happy!"

Zhang Ximeng sighed: "It's different. We share weal and woe with Your Majesty, including those civil and military officials. They are all friends for many years. Either they thank me sincerely, or they respect me and respect me... What do you do?" It's all reasonable and not unexpected. Only the common people, out of a pure heart, felt our kindness and repayed it with sincerity. This is also our assistance in governing the country. The recognition of what you do, and the joy in it, is another realm.”

Jiang Nan smiled slightly, looking at the fields on both sides, feeling relaxed and happy. What her husband said coincided with what she thought.

"This is also the reason why I talked to you about those things at the wedding night, and now I come out to check the situation. Being an official will benefit one party. In fact, the happiness and satisfaction you can get from being an official is something that outsiders can't understand."

Zhang Ximeng happily smiled and said: "What Madam said is reasonable, Xiaosheng respectfully listens to the instructions... But I also ask Madam not to forget home for the sake of the country, everyone is looking forward to us having a son soon!"

Jiang Nan said with a smile: "I think the husband is confused. Let's work for a few more days now, and arrange things more or less, so that we can rest assured to raise the baby, don't you think?"

"Yes, yes, yes!" Zhang Ximeng suddenly realized that it was so!

He nodded hurriedly and said: "Madam is right, so is this okay? Let's all work harder, day and night, all working overtime, you have to let my Zhang family flourish!"

In an instant, Jiang Nan's neck was red, and he could no longer speak out the reasoning that was full of stomach, and only hummed lightly.

The workaholic finally bowed his head, Zhang Ximeng laughed happily, stretched his legs, and kicked Jiang Nan's little donkey wildly.

"Since you promised, don't hurry up, don't waste time!"

Jiang Nan was startled, and couldn't help but angrily said: "Do you still look like a court official? See if I don't deal with you!"

The husband and wife urged the donkey to run wildly, and the guards behind chased them from a distance. They only felt a sour smell for no reason, permeating their hearts. They would eat dumplings at night, so there was no need to buy vinegar.

……

In fact, it's not surprising that Jiang Nan thought so, the great victory in the Central Plains, Zhang Xiang's wedding, the two happy events can't dilute the cruel reality that the Central Plains is withered and difficult to maintain.

Even Zhang Ximeng's wedding was used to create momentum for selling bonds, which shows the urgency of it.

Not only Zhang Ximeng and his wife, Zhu Yuanzhang, Ying Tian, ​​hundreds of thousands of Ming troops, and more than 2000 million people of Ming Dynasty were all under heavy pressure.

More than half of this year's summer tax was shipped to the Central Plains and Shandong.

If it goes on like this, it won't take another year or so for Dongnan to be overwhelmed. Li Shanchang is already complaining.

But some things just can't be rushed, and it's not so easy for people to change their minds.

Zhang Ximeng received the blessings of the villagers, holding the flower basket in his arms, full of joy.

But at the same time, he also felt the big guy's stubbornness.

The villagers would rather work hard, win rewards, and get involved in farming cattle than borrow money.

At present, the imperial court holds a large amount of national debt, and there is no shortage of money.

Although cattle and agricultural tools are scarce, they are not without means.

As long as the people can change their minds and borrow appropriately, they can leverage the overall situation and take a crucial step.

When Zhang Ximeng came back from Chenliu, apart from working overtime with his wife day and night, he took time to meet Zhu Yuanzhang and told what he had seen.

"My lord, the current problem seems to fall on the common people. But why should the common people trust us? Why should they take risks and borrow money from the imperial court? For thousands of years, we have suffered so much and been deceived so much. , Freeze three feet, it’s not a day’s cold! Can it be dissolved with a few orders?”

Zhu Yuanzhang took a deep breath, looked solemn, and nodded again and again, "Sir, what you said is very true. We know it best. But now we are stuck here. The Central Plains will not recover for a long time. Our army can't call back. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers and horses , hundreds of thousands of captives, and millions of civilians, the vast land of the Central Plains... just like this stalemate."

Old Zhu said helplessly: "If this continues, we may really have to move to a powerful family. Let's fight this matter!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was full of murderous intent, as if he was about to risk his life.

Things went back to the beginning, Hu Weiyong proposed to kill the captives, Zhu Yuanzhang advocated relocating to the powerful, Zhang Ximeng hoped to issue bonds...all three are to solve the predicament.

Hu Weiyong's actions are harmful to nature and reason, and Zhu Yuanzhang's ideas also have future troubles. Only Zhang Ximeng's ideas sound the most secure, but they are really difficult to implement.

When the money comes, the strategy is there, and the people are organized according to the village community.

As a result, most of the people were unwilling to borrow money, and many people were wary of Daming.

Things are in the last step, just can't go on.

What should I do?

If you can't push it down, you have to go back to the old road.

"My lord, Mr. Jia is busy, and dozens of his students are also busy. These people have gone deep into the village to control the water and work together with the people. Many of them have already won the trust of the people. It's a pity that it is not enough. We We need more people who can enter the countryside, get in touch with the common people, reason with them, explain the national policy, and persuade them to cooperate with the imperial court’s great policies.”

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, "Sir, you are right, but where do we go to find so many people now? The scholars from Yingtian Guozijian? They are a little enthusiastic. Do they know how to deal with ordinary people? Jimin Academy? Now I’m afraid the students haven’t graduated yet? Then there are Confucian scholars from all over the world, they can’t even do this job!”

Zhu Yuanzhang's tone was like a cannonball, and the smoldering anger in his heart was already quite astonishing.

He wants to break the situation, wants to solve the problem smoothly, but where is the key to solve the problem?

"My lord, in fact, there are still a group of people right now. They have certain accomplishments, understand the policies of the court, are willing to obey the orders of the lord, and are generally loyal and reliable. Now, the only way to let them out is to serve as the village chief and the president of the company. According to the court The meaning is to carry out the national policy, and at the same time be able to mingle with the common people!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was startled suddenly, is there really such a group of people?

There really are, but these people are all in the army.

It is the arrogant soldiers who started with Lao Zhu in Huaixi!

Let them go to the countryside, will it work?

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered slightly, then suddenly said in a low voice: "How many people do you think you should send down?"

Zhang Ximeng said: "My lord, the Central Plains is now in decline, and the population may only be in the early million, but there are only a few dozen people in a village, and there are not many people with more than a hundred people. At least 1 people must be dispatched. As for Shandong, the people were all Mao Zedong. Gui’s subordinates must be replaced by ours, and there are so many captives, and there are water control matters... In order to appease the local area, I am afraid that 3 people will be sent down.”

"Thirty thousand!"

Old Zhu's expression suddenly became serious. A total of 30 people were invested in the Central Plains War, which is equivalent to dismissing one-tenth of the people. Moreover, they did not return to their hometowns, but went to the Central Plains to help other people and restore people's livelihood.

Will these soldiers be willing?

Even if they were willing, would those generals with military power be willing to let their direct descendants go?

"Sir, you have created a big problem for us!" Lao Zhu said, rubbing his temples.

Zhang Ximeng was also helpless, "My lord, I have always hoped that the officers and men in the army can be sympathetic to the painstaking efforts of the country. They are not only heroes on the battlefield, but also a helper in governing the world and changing customs. But until now, I don't know what the big guy thinks. When a knife is on the battlefield, it is killing the enemy. But if you choose a group of people to go down, you are cutting the knife at yourself, cutting the flesh from your body, and it will hurt whoever you change it to."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a while again. All kinds of things are stuck here. The soldiers have a certain level of education and can deal with the local... To put it bluntly, those thorns want to make trouble, they have to weigh it. .

They are the most suitable candidates, but even so, the difficulty of convincing them, making the soldiers accept it, and doing it with all their heart, is still as difficult as heaven.

After thinking for a while, Zhu Yuanzhang said in a low voice: "Pass the decree and tell the generals that tonight, we will have a banquet for the big guys."

Zhang Ximeng nodded, and was about to notify, when Lao Zhu said again: "Prepare a few boats, go to the Yellow River to catch some fat carp, please the best chef in Kaifeng, cook it for us with heart."

Zhang Ximeng paused for a moment, then nodded vigorously again, "I understand."

5 and [-] chapters carp baked noodles

The emperor set up a grand banquet, and all the military officials came.

From Xu Da down, there are dozens of generals in the army, including the old Huaixi department, and some military officials who have surrendered since crossing the river.

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't call anyone else, only Zhang Ximeng was enough to accompany him.

After all, the only ones who can play with these guys are the two of them.

Even so, both of them were cautious and did not dare to be careless at all.

Looking at the wedding, everyone is stupid and cute, but lions, tigers and beasts will not stop eating people just because they act like a baby occasionally.

How to deal with these soldiers has always been a problem, and it has always been the case in all dynasties.

Even Zhu Yuanzhang is no exception.

Lao Zhu looked around, with a slight smile on his face, and suddenly said: "This is Kaifeng, the capital of the Great Song Dynasty. When you mention the Song Dynasty, what do you think of first? Who can tell me?"

Everyone bowed their heads slightly and remained silent.

Obviously, this group of people have sharp noses, and the big guys are well aware of the difficulties Zhu Yuanzhang is facing.

Bringing all the big guys together today must be to discuss countermeasures, didn't you see?Even Zhang Xiang didn't accompany the bride, and came to help, needless to say, he must be stabbed.

We absolutely dare not resist the decree, but it is always okay to keep silent!

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced over and lowered his head one by one, so he had no choice but to focus on Zhang Ximeng.

"You must know what we are thinking, sir?"

Zhang Ximeng said: "The lord asked about the Song Dynasty. We were in Kaifeng again, and we were facing so many generals. I couldn't think of anything other than drinking wine and releasing military power."

Hearing the words "Cupping wine and releasing military power", all the generals present changed color, and some of them were at a loss, with sweat on their foreheads.What do you mean, is it possible that the superior should learn from Zhao Kuangyin?

Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile: "Sir, you guessed it right, so I don't know if you can still guess, will we learn from Zhao Kuangyin?"

"No!" Zhang Ximeng said bluntly: "A person's structure determines the attitude and means of doing things... Lord Song is only satisfied with being the lord of the mean who ends the troubled times, restricts generals, and strengthens weak branches. Suspicion of generals, From the bottom of his heart, he is actually defending his generals as opponents. My lord Xionglue, if I also learn from Zhao Kuangyin, how can my Ming Dynasty surpass the previous generation and achieve success?"

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, "Sir, you really know us. Such a thing as drinking wine to release military power will definitely not happen in the Ming Dynasty. We mean what we say, and you don't need to care about it!"

In the middle of the question and answer, the monarch and his ministers denied the question of the release of military power by drinking wine.

There is nothing to say about this, but the blame is why it was taken out?

Since there is no such thing, why mention it?

The big guy's hanging heart, not only did not fall, but even more doubts.

Sure enough, what Lao Zhu said next shocked everyone.

"We don't engage in such tricks as releasing military power with a glass of wine, but we are begging big guys!"

A word of begging was spoken, but it frightened the military officials present.

Xu Da, Chang Yuchun, and the rest of the people stood up almost at the same time, terrified.

"The superior is the king, and the ministers and others can only act according to the will, so please make the order!"

The obedience and honesty of the generals made Zhu Yuanzhang feel a little relieved, but he still shook his head and said, "Don't worry, let me finish my sentence."

Old Zhu glanced at Zhang Ximeng, "Sir, please explain to everyone first."

Zhang Ximeng nodded, and explained in the simplest terms the reason why veterans need to be sent deep into the countryside.Among the generals present, some sighed, some frowned in thought, some even shook their heads slightly... There is no doubt that no one is willing to let so many subordinates go.

The scene fell into an eerie tranquility again.

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Xu Da, and said in a low voice: "Tell me first, can this matter be done? What's the problem?"

Xu Da's scalp was numb and his heart was beating wildly. Of course he could see that Zhu Yuanzhang was determined, but as the leader of the generals, he dared not tell the truth.

"Returning to the superior, I think it is a good thing and a virtuous government to let the soldiers go to the village to help the people reclaim the fields. But now that Chahan has a new funeral, and the Yuan court is seriously hurt, can you take the opportunity to swing the army and destroy the Yuan?" Ting? If possible, it seems inappropriate to let the soldiers go back to the field at this time!"

As expected of a handsome talent, Xu Da found out a reason for his name in such a short period of time. He is indeed much better than ordinary people.

Hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang was not surprised at all, with a smile on his face, "We already knew that, many people have said, why not strike while the iron is hot, and march into Dadu. Take this opportunity to destroy Yuanting? We want to tell the big guy to destroy Chen Youliang , we can’t delay it. But we can’t rush the Northern Expedition.”

"What's the point here? Everyone knows that there are still three thousand big nails in the boat. After Tuotuo's death, Yuan Ting relied on two people. He lost Badulu and Chahan Timur... The answer is that Badulu died early, and the power went to his son Polo Timur. Chahan Timur was stronger, but he died in our hands."

"In this situation, Wang Baobao has fled to Shanxi, and there are 10,000+ Chahan Timur's old troops. This group of people should not be underestimated. But in terms of strength, they are not as good as Polo Timur, who has not suffered losses, especially the lack of The backbone cannot be cohesive. If we take the opportunity of the Northern Expedition and push the Yuan court into a hurry, we will instead help Polo Timur clean up Chahan’s old army, and the loss outweighs the gain.”

"Besides, the father and son of Yuanzhu are not of the same mind. Once Chahan died, the crown prince Aiyoushili Dala would be alone, and Polo Timur might enter Dadu, steal the power, and take charge of the government."

Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile: "You say, at this time, should we go to the Northern Expedition?"

All the generals present, including Xu Da, are just handsome.

But Zhu Yuanzhang is not only handsome, but also able to stand at an unprecedented height, examine the overall situation, and grasp the overall situation.Under Zhang Ximeng's guidance, this point became more and more obvious, and even blue was better than blue.

"After all, the Yuan court is a court that has been established for nearly a hundred years. Under heavy pressure, it is a desperate fight, which cannot be underestimated. And there is one more thing. With our current military strength, we will suddenly go north. The Yuan army only drove the Mongols to the desert temporarily, and it will be a trouble for the Ming Dynasty after a long time."

Lao Zhu's analysis greatly exceeded Zhang Ximeng's expectations.

In fact, Zhang Ximeng is used to fighting steadily. After winning the Central Plains, he must first manage it well, at least be self-sufficient, and not drag other places down, and then let go of the Northern Expedition.

But Zhu Yuanzhang didn't think so at all.

If there is a chance to win the majority and end the battle early, he is also acceptable.

But the problem is different now and in history... In history, first the prince attacked Polo Timur, and then a group of people besieged Wang Baobao, and they fought for several years.

That is to say, after Liu Futong's Northern Expedition, the Yuan court fought among themselves, and they tossed themselves to the end. Xu Da and Chang Yuchun's Northern Expedition dealt with only the remnants of the Yuan Dynasty.

It is precisely because of this that he made great strides forward and went straight to Huanglong.

However, due to the rapid development of Ming Dynasty, the decisive battle in the Central Plains came before the Yuan army had time to fight among themselves.

At this time, the Northern Expedition must at least face the complete Polo Timur's troops.

Even if they can win, it will only push the Yuan army to the front line of the Great Wall.