Chapter 488: Trustworthy!

Emperors Hongwu Zhu Yuanzhang and Yongle Zhu Di were both rulers who centralized power in their own hands. Although Zhu Di was not as diligent in governance as Zhu Yuanzhang, he established the Grand Secretariat for this purpose. However, this Grand Secretariat at that time was not like those in later periods that functioned as actual cabinets despite lacking the title of prime minister—it was merely a group of fifth-rank officials who held favor but no real power or responsibilities. Decision-making on major court matters was also extremely simple: for significant issues, the emperor would summon his ministers for a face-to-face discussion, and once a decision was made, it would be immediately issued without further approval. Otherwise, key officials would be appointed to discuss the matter, and their findings would be reported before the emperor made the final decision.

For this reason, in the face of urgent military reports from Xuanfu, it was the six ministers of the six departments along with several top-ranking nobles who were summoned to discuss the situation. Although the ministers held second-rank positions, the nobles present—Duke of Yingguo Zhang Fu, Marquis of Wu’an Zheng Heng, Marquis of Anyuan Liu Sheng, Marquis of Longping Zhang Xin, Marquis of Zhenyuan Gu Xingzu, and Marquis of Baoding Meng Ying—all held higher ranks, with not a single one being a count. Thus, despite being six against six, since it was a military matter, Duke of Yingguo Zhang Fu naturally took the lead. Among the cabinet members, only Yang Rong and Jin Youzi, who were experts in military affairs, were present, but their role was merely to take notes.

“There is Lingxiao Peak to the northeast of Xinghe, Weiyuan River to the south, and Yueruo River to the west. Originally, there were over a thousand soldiers there, but now only about six hundred remain. Adding the five hundred men led by Commander Wang Huan and the five hundred from the capital garrison, the total is only 1,600 men. If these 1,600 men are defended properly and given ample supplies, even if Arutai launches a full-scale attack, he will eventually retreat in the face of difficulties.”

These words were spoken by Minister of War Zhao Jin. Yet as soon as he finished speaking, the elderly Minister of Revenue Guo Zi shook his head in disagreement. “Launching an attack in winter is a major taboo in military strategy. If Arutai dares to do this, it must be because he has some advantage or a compelling reason. Although Xinghe is not short of supplies at the moment, the soldiers are still human—who can fight nonstop? If they become exhausted, they may not be able to hold out. The best course of action now is to send reinforcements as soon as possible.”

Lu Zhen, the Minister of Rites, saw that Zhao Jin and Guo Zi, two officials who had finally taken their proper positions, refused to yield to each other, so he gently coughed. When the two showed some restraint, he spoke up: “In February of the third year of the Hongwu era, the Prince of Qiyang advanced on Xinghe, from where troops moved on to Chahannaor. In April of the seventh year of Hongwu, Lan Yu defeated the Yuan forces at Baiji Quan, and Xinghe was captured again. In the twelfth year of the Yongle era, when the emperor launched his northern campaign, he also took the route through Xinghe. Xinghe and Kaiping are two major strategic strongholds outside the Great Wall; if lost, the Tartars could advance unimpeded the very next day.”

Lu Zhen was renowned for his extensive knowledge and memory. His account sounded like a detailed history of Xinghe. Even the civil officials who doubted his character couldn’t help but admire his memory. The military officers, most of whom had accompanied the emperor on previous expeditions, exchanged glances before listening as Lu Zhen continued eloquently.

“The Xinghe Defense Battalion originally belonged to the Yuanlongxing Road under the Directly Governed Central Secretariat. In October of the first year of the Huangqing era, it was renamed Xinghe Road. In the third year of Hongwu, it became part of the Beiping Administrative Commission. Four years later, the Xinghe Prefecture was abolished. In January of the thirtieth year, the Xinghe Defense Battalion was established, with military households stationed there for defense. In February of the first year of Yongle, it came under the Directly Governed Rear Military Command. Today, Xinghe is isolated outside the Great Wall, with only soldiers and no civilians. Its purpose is to defend against the Tartars and Oirats, serving merely as a base for northern campaigns. This time, Alutai first feigned an attack on Kaiping but then turned to Xinghe—could it really be that he aims here? In my view, his true intention is not here; they must be aiming for complete security!”

Among the four ministers who had previously discussed the northern campaign, Fang Bin, the Minister of War, had committed suicide and his body was ordered to be executed. Xia Yuanji, the Minister of Revenue, and Wu Zhong, the Minister of Justice, were still in prison. The only survivor, Lu Zhen, though deeply skeptical of the northern campaign, knew that if he failed to show discretion now, he would end up in the Jinyiwei prison alongside those two. Facing the various gazes—some kind, some hostile—he thought of the ten guards sent by the emperor to watch over him and gritted his teeth.

“Originally, outside the Great Wall there were Guanshan Guard, Xuande Guard, Dongsheng Guard, Yunchuan Guard, and Yulin Guard. Now, these guards have all been moved inside the outer Great Wall, while the Tartars and Oirats continue to advance southward. Now, on the eve of the emperor’s northern campaign, if Xinghe is lost, there will be no barrier left for complete security. If the main army goes through Kaiping, Alutai can attack Wanquan, which must be defended by our troops! Whatever the reason for Alutai’s attack this time, it coincides with Xinghe having just received new weapons and supplies, allowing it to hold out a little longer. As long as the main army arrives and Xinghe Fort remains, it will be a great victory!”

“You’re right. Though the Tartars are powerful, if we hold the city firmly, over a thousand men should be able to hold out for ten or eight days.” Marquis Anyuan Liu Sheng, having been advised by Zhang Yue at a critical moment before, stepped in to speak when Duke Yingguo Zhang Fu remained silent. “If Xinghe is lost before the northern expedition, even if we return victorious, it will still be a disgrace! Xinghe isn’t far from Wanquan. The three garrisons in Xuanfu plus the two garrisons in Wanquan are more than enough!”

Marquis Wu’an Zheng Heng had been stationed in Xuanfu for many years but did not rashly agree to sending troops. After Liu Sheng finished speaking, he shook his head. “Although Xuanfu has a large garrison, that past defeat serves as a lesson. Arutai is most skilled at luring enemies deeper by feigning attacks from different directions. It’s snowing now, so the Tartars will have to exert ten times more effort to attack the city, but they excel at surprise attacks. The troops in Xuanfu are not accustomed to fighting in snow, and if they send troops out recklessly and are ambushed, they will surely be in danger.”

Minister of Revenue Jian Yi also advised against rushing to aid, suggesting instead to gather forces first and then send a seasoned general from Wanquan. Minister of Justice Jin Chun agreed with him. Marquis Longping Zhang Xin remained neutral, essentially saying nothing. Marquis Baoding Meng Ying, however, supported Liu Sheng’s idea of sending aid quickly—unrelated to family ties, but based on his assessment of the overall situation. Marquis Zhenyuan Gu Xingzu, being the youngest among them, cautiously discussed the pros and cons.

Although Zhang Yue was his own direct cousin and Zhang Fu had always shown him favor, family ties were one thing and official duties another. Though deeply concerned, he decided to follow orders and said solemnly, “Going across the border in such snowy weather is indeed risky, but Xinghe must be rescued. Haven’t we already gathered large forces in Xuanfu, Wanquan, and Kaiping precisely to prevent the Tartars from advancing south? My suggestion is to send people to investigate carefully first. Once we know Arutai’s troop strength, we should select a capable general to lead the troops from Wanquan. Following the emperor’s old tactics from previous northern expeditions—marching in formation with scouts sent ahead, behind, and to the sides—we can ensure safety.”

Putting forward such a conservative suggestion, Zhang Fu himself couldn’t help but feel annoyed. Whether it was the large armies led by Li Wenzhong, Xu Da, and Lan Yu at the beginning of the Ming dynasty or Emperor Yongle’s northern expeditions, almost every time a large force was deployed. As a result, local garrisons dared to send troops against small groups of Tartars but always adopted a defensive stance when faced with a large army. Xu Heng, the Marquis of Xing’an, lacked the talent to be a general; assigning him to lead troops against Arutai, not to mention the emperor’s concerns, would also worry him. The emperor was likely preoccupied with the northern expedition and probably wouldn’t let such a matter disrupt his plans. Looking at everyone present, aside from himself, only Zheng Heng, the Marquis of Wu’an, seemed capable of taking on this responsibility.

The most urgent issue was that there was still no accurate information from the north—just how many men Arutai had brought this time?

In the East Warm Pavilion of the Qianqing Palace, Yang Rong and Jin Youzi, who had been ordered to attend the meeting, reported each minister’s opinion one by one but found no reaction from Zhu Di. Only after looking up did they realize he seemed distracted. This had never happened before, and they were greatly puzzled but didn’t dare to urge him. After a long while, they finally heard the emperor’s voice.

“Zhang Xin, the counselor of Jiaozhi, has been away for too long. Recall him and appoint him as the deputy governor of Shuntian Prefecture.”

This abrupt shift in topic left Yang Rong and Jin Youzi stunned. Jin Youzi couldn’t understand why the conversation, which was about matters in the north, suddenly turned to Annam. After a moment of confusion, Yang Rong recalled what the emperor had said when he summoned him and Shen Du before and began to grasp something, feeling a chill in his heart. He immediately bowed and said, “A counselor of Jiaozhi holds the fourth rank, and the deputy governor of Shuntian Prefecture also holds the fourth rank. Should we first send a letter to the Ministry of Civil Affairs or issue an imperial edict?”

“Send a letter to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Jian Yi knows what to do,” Zhu Di said, tapping lightly on the armrest with his right index finger. Then he spoke slowly, word by word, “Order the Minister of War, Zhao Jin, to oversee troop deployment. During his absence, let the Minister of Works, Li Qing, temporarily take charge of the Ministry of War. Have Duke Zhang Fu of Yingguo discuss logistics for the northern expedition with those ministers. I don’t want any more delays. It’s already November—within three days, I want a result!”

Although both were veteran cabinet members with over a decade of experience, the emperor didn’t mention Xinghe at all, leaving them uneasy. Jin Youzi, considering it a serious military matter, tentatively asked, “What about the matter of Xinghe…”

“Xing’an Bo Xu Heng is too young. For now, transfer Wu’an Hou Zheng Heng to replace him,” Zhu Di interrupted Jin Youzi casually before continuing, “Zheng Heng has served me for many years. Let him decide whether to attack or defend; I trust him. As for Xinghe… I trust Zhang Yue. Besides, the Armaments Bureau mentioned that Lu Feng asked for quite a few extra things from them—powerful firearms and over a hundred soldiers from the Divine Machine Camp skilled in using them. I don’t believe Arutai would be willing to sacrifice lives just to open a path to Xinghe!”
Since the emperor had spoken so, Yang Rong and Jin Youzi had no choice but to bow and leave. The cabinet ministers on duty were already the busiest, and because of this sudden incident, the three of them, including Yang Shiqi, barely had time for dinner, not leaving their posts until the third watch of the evening. Exhausted, Yang Rong fell asleep as soon as he got in the carriage, wrapped in a thick cloak. It was unknown how long passed before he was gently awakened.
“Master, Lord Gu arrived this evening. The family has taken him to the study to wait, and snacks have just been sent over.”