pappabearbooks Chapter 93 Do you know what you're saying?
Chapter 93 Do you know what you're saying?
Chapter 94 Do you know what you're saying?
Chapter 093: Emperor Tianqi promoted Chen Boying to Commander-in-Chief of the Da Ning Army and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Rear Army Commandery. Was this a generous reward?
That's nothing! Back then, when Mao Wenlong led 197 men in a surprise attack on Zhenjiang, how generously did the imperial court reward him?
He was appointed to govern Dongjiang and was granted the Shangfang Sword. Of course, the Shangfang Sword actually represented the imperial envoy's authority to act expediently. He was also granted the seals of General Pingliao and General Zhenglu, and the Left Commander of the Left Army Commandery.
But now, he only handed over the Daming Military Command to Chen Boying. The problem is that the Daming Military Command was actually a legacy institution of the Ming Dynasty, which disappeared two hundred years ago when the capital was relocated.
During the Tianqi era, due to the intense war in Liaodong, the main task of this military command was to select the sons of military households who had long since become farmers from Baoding Prefecture and the surrounding garrisons, train them into an army, and then send them to the battlefield outside Shanhaiguan.
It was an important source of soldiers and a logistical transit point, rather than a wartime field command organization. In the early Ming Dynasty, the Daming Regional Military Commission commanded five guards: the Left, Right, Central, Front, and Rear Guards. These were the direct personal troops of the Daming Regional Military Commission, equivalent to the core force of the garrison command.
In addition, it also governed five guards in Yingzhou (left, right, center, front, and rear), five guards in Xingzhou (left, right, center, front, and rear), Kaiping Guard, Xincheng Guard, Fuyu Guard, Muyu Guard, Quanning Guard, Huizhou Guard, etc., including the three guards of Duoyan, totaling twenty-seven guards, as well as the two garrison thousand-household offices of Kuanhe and Yixing.
In theory, the Da Ning Regional Military Command was a large military region with a total of about 150,000 troops. However, with the relocation of the Da Ning Regional Military Command, a large number of the guard posts under the Da Ning Garrison were either abolished or moved to the interior. Now, the Da Ning Regional Military Command is just a name.
It can be said without exaggeration that promoting Chen Boying to the position of Commander of the Da Ning Commandery was not a reward for him, but a punishment. This was because, apart from the five guards of Baoding (left, right, center, front, and rear), the Da Ning Commandery was barely able to make a living, but the left, right, front, and rear guards of Xingzhou, as well as the Xingzhou Zhongtun Guard which had originally moved to Shahe Guard, were almost starving to death.
As the commander of the Da Ning Military Command, Chen Boying was responsible for the livelihood of at least 300,000 to 400,000 military households. As for the Assistant Commander of the Rear Army, it was a nominal title with little real power except for receiving a salary.
The reason why the Tianqi Emperor bestowed such a reward upon Chen Boying was actually quite simple: he wanted to restore the military merit system of the Ming Dynasty and grant Chen Boying a title.
After reigning for more than four years, Emperor Tianqi had come to realize that the civil officials of the Ming Dynasty were unreliable, and the truly dependable ones were the nobles of the Ming Dynasty. It was just a great pity that the nobles who were rewarded during the Jingnan Campaign were wiped out in the Tumu Crisis. Although they did not die out, the succession of noble titles was suddenly interrupted, and the nobles who inherited the titles became nothing more than figureheads.
For example, Zhu Chunchen, the Duke of Cheng, inherited the title of Duke of Cheng in the 39th year of the Wanli reign.
Zhu Neng, the first Duke of Cheng, followed Emperor Yongle (Zhu Di) from the hereditary position of Deputy Commander of the Yanshan Guard. Zhu Neng, along with Zhang Yu, executed Zhang Bing, the Provincial Governor of Beiping, and Xie Gui, the Commander-in-Chief, capturing the nine gates of Beiping. He was then appointed as a Deputy Commander. He subsequently captured Jizhou, killed Commander-in-Chief Ma Xuan, and conquered Zunhua and Xiongxian, capturing Yang Song and Pan Zhong alive. During the Battle of Zhengding, Zhu Neng, along with Zhu Di, defeated the Southern Army commander Geng Bingwen and led thirty daredevils in pursuit to the Tuo River. When Geng Bingwen regrouped for another battle, Zhu Neng charged on horseback, shouting, and captured over three thousand men. For this achievement, he was promoted to Assistant Commander-in-Chief.
Zhu Neng was the most meritorious general in the Fengtian Campaign, with numerous military achievements. However, Emperor Tianqi originally wanted Zhu Chunchen to appoint him as the commander of the Beijing Garrison. But instead, this guy was good for nothing but drinking, gambling, and womanizing. Even when he was in charge of the Beijing Garrison, he almost caused a mutiny.
It was truly the most ridiculous thing in the world. The Duke of Cheng, who was the most outstanding in military achievements, actually knew nothing about military affairs. As a result, during the Tianqi reign, the Duke of Cheng, Zhu Chunchen, was relegated to the sidelines and was nominally appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Central Army.
The same goes for Duke Zhang Weixian of England; he can only serve as a figurehead. Now, Emperor Tianqi has searched through all the nobles and found that there is no one he can use. These people are loyal to the court and the emperor, but their abilities are questionable.
The Tianqi Emperor discovered that these hereditary garrison officials, although varying in ability, were sufficiently loyal and brave because they were united with the court and the emperor, and their interests were aligned.
The Tianqi Emperor had finally discovered Chen Boying, the hereditary commander of the Guide Guard. Naturally, he wanted to bestow a title upon Chen Boying so that he could serve the Crown Prince in the future.
Qianqing Palace, West Warm Pavilion.
Emperor Tianqi, Zhu Youxiao, sat behind his desk, his fingers lightly tapping the surface. Before him lay a draft imperial edict that had not yet been issued, on which were written: "Chen Boying, Commander-in-Chief of the Da Ning Military Command and Deputy Commander of the Rear Army Military Command, is hereby conferred the title of Marquis of Yongcheng."
"Wang Tiqian".
"This servant is here."
"Tell me, what do you think the cabinet would do if I were to grant Chen Boying a marquisate?"
Wang Tiqian was taken aback, and said cautiously, "Your Majesty, this—this servant dares not presume to discuss state affairs."
"Speak when I tell you to."
Wang Tiqian carefully considered his words: "In my humble opinion, the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet—I'm afraid they won't agree easily. After all, in this dynasty, granting titles to non-royal members requires military merit. Although Commander Chen has rendered great service, yet—"
"But what?"
"But it was only a victory in one battle."
Wang Tiqian forced a smile and said, "Moreover, our dynasty hasn't granted titles to non-royal relatives for a century. The cabinet will probably invoke ancestral rules."
The Tianqi Emperor sneered, "Ancestral rules? According to the ancestral rules of the Taizu era, the entire court should be skinned alive and stuffed with straw!"
Although the Tianqi Emperor was far less capable than the Wanli Emperor, he actually learned from the Wanli Emperor from a young age, and in fact, he did just that. By immersing himself in woodworking, he conveyed to the outside world the message that "I don't argue with you civil officials about details."
At the same time, they used Wei Zhongxian as a moat to protect themselves. This can be considered a wise yet foolish self-protection strategy. Because in the Ming Dynasty, if an emperor was too diligent, like Chongzhen, he would be morally blackmailed by civil officials, making him an enemy from both sides.
He outsourced daily management to Wei Zhongxian, shifted the responsibility of confronting civil officials to Wei Zhongxian, and hid behind the scenes until his death. When he summoned his younger brother Zhu Youjian, he specifically instructed him to treat Wei Zhongxian well, which was actually an instruction to make good use of the eunuch faction.
Based on his experience using Wei Zhongxian, he believed that this combination of "emperor + servant" was the best way to maintain his rule, and that the combination of "emperor + nobles" was better for fighting wars.
The civil officials' various methods of disciplining military households were essentially undermining the emperor's foundation. The emperor's greatest source of confidence actually lay in the military households of the garrisons throughout the land.
The Tianqi Emperor rose and said, "The Taizu Emperor bestowed titles upon so many meritorious officials, and the Chengzu Emperor did the same. How come it's become an inviolable ancestral rule for me? In the four years since my ascension to the throne, how many people have died in Liaodong? How much silver has been spent? Have I ever won a single decent battle? Now, Chen Boyong has used seven thousand new soldiers to defeat the four banners of the Jurchen right wing and kill Nurhaci's grandson in battle. Such merit doesn't deserve a title? Then what does?"
Wang Tiqian didn't dare to respond.
The Tianqi Emperor turned around, his gaze resolute: "Draft an edict, granting Chen Boying the title of Marquis of Yongcheng, a hereditary title!"
"Your Majesty!"
Wang Tiqian knelt down with a thud: "Think it over!"
The following day, the cabinet.
Grand Secretary Han stared at the draft imperial edict, his face turning ashen. "A title? Isn't promoting a mere soldier enough? To bestow a title? This is utterly absurd!"
Since the Jingnan Rebellion, no military officer has been granted a marquisate, not even a civil official! The system of civil officials controlling the military has lasted for nearly two hundred years. If a marquis suddenly emerges from among the military officers and overshadows all the civil officials, the system of civil officials suppressing military officers will be completely destroyed. No, absolutely not.
Second Grand Secretary Ding Shaoshi picked up the draft, glanced at it a few times, and frowned, saying, "Chen Boying is indeed a man of military merit, but bestowing a title upon him is no small matter. Since the Tumu Crisis, very few people of different surnames have been granted titles in this dynasty. Even Zhang Juzheng, who held immense power, was only posthumously granted a title. To now bestow a title upon a third-rank military officer—"
"This is setting a bad precedent. Today Chen Boying is appointed, will Ma Shilong be appointed tomorrow? Since Ma Shilong became the Commander-in-Chief of Liaodong, he has cooperated with Grand Secretary Sun to secure the Liaoxi defense line and build Ningyuan and Jinzhou cities. Isn't his contribution great enough?"
Of course, what they feared most was Wei Zhongxian. Since the fourth year of the Tianqi reign, Wei Zhongxian's power had become increasingly arrogant. Even Ye Xianggao was forced out by Wei Zhongxian. Including Fang Congzhe, two cabinet ministers fell under Wei Zhongxian's iron fist.
"Now that Chen Boying has been appointed as an official, should Wei Zhongxian also be appointed as an official?"
"Are we going to punish those eunuch lackeys the day after tomorrow?"
"Where are the ancestral rules? Where are the fundamental principles of morality?"
The cabinet leaders were extremely excited, even more so than if their wives had been stolen.
Grand Secretary Han took a deep breath and said coldly, "Go tell the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs that I will not submit this vote."
When the news reached the Qianqing Palace, the Tianqi Emperor was furious.
"Not submitting a vote? How dare Han! He dares to disobey my decree?"
Wei Zhongxian slowly said from the side, "Your Majesty, please calm down. Those people in the cabinet are good at manipulating others. The more anxious you are, the more pleased they will be. In my opinion, it would be better to let them cool off for a few days."
"air?"
The Tianqi Emperor sneered, "I can afford to be ignored, but the world cannot. Chen Boying has rendered such a great service and must be richly rewarded. Otherwise, who will be willing to risk their lives for me in the future? You think of a way."
Wei Zhongxian's eyes darted around, and he bowed, saying, "This servant obeys the decree."
The Tianqi Emperor was unaware that things might not have turned out this badly if he hadn't let Wei Zhongxian interfere. Han, who had been bullied by Wei Zhongxian, was now ready to give up entirely.
Morning next day.
Han led all the civil and military officials to kneel before the palace.
"We humbly request Your Majesty to rescind your decree!"
Han raised his tablet high, his voice booming: "To bestow titles upon those of different surnames is a matter of national importance and should not be lightly granted! Although Chen Boying has rendered some service, bestowing a title upon him for a single battle might open the door to opportunism and lead to endless troubles!"
Behind him, hundreds of officials shouted in unison, "We second that request!"
The hall was completely silent.
The Tianqi Emperor sat on the dragon throne, his face ashen.
"Minor merit? Killing Yue Zha in battle and crushing the four right-wing banners of the Jurchens, you call that minor merit? Han, tell me, what constitutes major merit?"
Han refused to back down: "Your Majesty, true merit lies in expanding territory, quelling rebellions, and serving the state. Chen Boying's battle only resulted in the beheading of over three thousand men, far from expanding territory. If such merit is enough to grant a title, what will become of him as the General of Liaodong and the Supervisor of Jiliao in the future?"
"you----"
"Your Majesty, we humbly beseech you to consider the well-being of the nation and rescind your decree!"
Behind Han, dozens of Donglin Party officials knelt down in unison: "We second that proposal!"
The Tianqi Emperor trembled with rage: "If I insist on this—"
Before the Tianqi Emperor could finish speaking, Han removed his official hat and held it high, declaring, "This old minister resigns!"
Of the 1,600 or 1,700 people in the capital, a full 500 or 600 resigned. Whether their resignations were genuine or feigned, the Tianqi Emperor could no longer persist. A few people were one thing, but if 500 or 600 people in the capital were to resign, the Ming Dynasty would come to a complete standstill.
"Court adjourned!"
After the court session, the Tianqi Emperor summoned Wei Zhongxian: "Investigate! Investigate these people! I want to see who's behind them!"
Wei Zhongxian accepted the order and left.
Chen Ying, who was stationed in Shuangchengwei, was unaware of what was happening in the capital. The Tianqi Emperor and his ministers were at odds again over the issue of bestowing titles.
It's not that there are no good things, it's that there are no good people. With the authorization of Emperor Tianqi, Wei Zhongxian ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot to arrest people everywhere, and the capital was soon in a state of panic.
At this moment, Chen Ying was also having a headache, because the Jurchens were gone, but the Solons had come south. Not only the Solon main force, but also the Solon sub-tribes and the Solon envoys, the three Solon tribes totaled more than 26,000 cavalry, who arrived at the walls of Shuangchengwei in a grand procession.
When Bomubogor arrived at Shuangchengwei, the city had changed drastically. Perhaps fearing retaliation from the Jurchens, the various tribes of Haixi Jurchen did not leave but instead spent the winter there.
Chen Ying was worried that these Haixi Jurchens would freeze to death, so he instructed the various Haixi Jurchen tribes to build snow houses. What Bomuboguer saw was Shuangchengwei, a huge ice and snow city that was about 20 miles long from east to west and more than 10 miles long from north to south.
When Chen Ying learned of the arrival of the Solon tribe, he was indeed thinking of forming an alliance with them. As long as he completed the united front work with the Solon tribe, he could basically cut off one of the Jurchen's arms. This was much better than defeating the Jurchen's Eight Banners, Right Banner, and Four Banners and annihilating more than 10,000 of them.
After all, the Solon tribe was the main force of the Jurchens before they entered the pass. They followed the Jurchens from north to south and from east to west. These young men of the Solon tribe were natural warriors. They were not afraid of the cold and were particularly hardworking. More importantly, they were bloodthirsty and warlike and carried out orders very thoroughly.
If Chen Ying ordered the Ming soldiers to slaughter an entire tribe, many of them would find it difficult to do so. However, this was not an issue for the Solon tribe; they could do it even with their wheels flat.
Chen Ying thought that if he had the opportunity in the future, he could take the Solon tribe to Japan. To welcome the arrival of the Solon tribe, Chen Ying held a grand welcoming ceremony in Shuangchengwei and also prepared six hundred suits of armor for them.
Outside Shuangcheng City, a troop of about a thousand cavalrymen galloped out of the city. The riders carried powerful bows, had a bag of white-feathered arrows on their backs, and were armed with long-bladed Tang-style swords. They were wearing steel helmets and armor, and were very well equipped. They were also extremely agile and skilled, clearly all of them proficient in archery and horsemanship.
They were the Shuangcheng Guard cavalry, composed of young and strong men from various tribes of the Haixi Jurchen and the Wild Jurchen. They were the best of the best, and although there were only a little over a thousand riders, their terrifying momentum pressed down like a tidal wave. The Solon warriors were terrified and tried their best to straighten their chests and backs.
Everyone has self-respect. Their tribe was now in a state of utter disarray and distress, practically drowning dogs. But in front of the Ming cavalry, they still subconsciously tried to uphold their long-lost dignity, lest they be looked down upon.
Following the cavalry were over two thousand infantrymen of the Shahe New Army. In comparison, the Shahe New Army soldiers were rather poorly equipped; none of the two thousand men wore armor, and each carried a flintlock pistol. Behind the infantry followed a large convoy, which consisted of the Shahe New Army's artillery.
What shocked the Solon people the most was that these infantrymen and artillerymen all raised and lowered their feet in unison, their footsteps echoing in a continuous rhythm. Hundreds of them moved as one, a sight that left the Solon people speechless with awe.
Without a sound, all the Ming soldiers quickly formed two lines, their movements swift and their ranks perfectly aligned. There were no angry glares, no murderous intent; yet, their every gesture exuded the natural aura of a powerful army, commanding respect and deterring any disrespect.
The neat ranks parted on both sides, and Chen Ying, along with generals Zhou Bin, Wang Gui, Qin Siming, and others, rode in, their cavalry shouting in unison, "Lord Chen of the Great Kingdom has arrived!"
Bomubogor stepped forward and rattled off a string of words. Chen Ying assumed that Bomubogor had brought the Solon tribe south to make friends. However, Chen Ying never expected that Bomubogor would be such an unwelcome guest. Through an interpreter, Bomubogor looked at Chen Ying and said, "Ming people, our Solon tribe has suffered a disaster. We need to borrow some grain from you. Not too much, just 150,000 shi will do. Our Solon tribe has 150,000 people."
This isn't borrowing grain; it's clearly an attempt to rob.
Chen Ying laughed in anger: "Bomubogor, do you know what you're saying?"
P.S.: I'm a newcomer to Beijing today, just arrived. I'll try to update two chapters a day tomorrow, each with 10,000 words!
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