Chapter 65 Party Struggle (Please subscribe)
In the fifth year of Zhengyong, January 15th, the New Year is just around the corner.
The uncle of Emperor Zhengyong and the fourth brother of the late emperor were assassinated by assassins and died in the palace of Yancheng.
It's time.
Yancheng was locked up under a curfew for seven consecutive days, and one hundred thousand soldiers besieged the city to capture the rebel assassin!
"Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Chen."
Capital City, Qiankun Hall.
Through Chen Liancang's narration, Zheng Yi understood so many things that happened to them in Yancheng.
King Yan is really planning to rebel!
Fortunately, he didn't have the kindness of a woman, so he directly led Chen Liancang and others to secretly assassinate King Yan in Yancheng.
Clean and tidy, leaving no evidence.
Although this matter was a bit disgraceful, after all, it covered up the major incident of King Yan's rebellion and ensured the stability of Dayu. Zheng Yi did not feel anything wrong.
"By the way, Mr. Chen, where are Xiao Guizi and the others?"
"Killed by slaves."
"What? Kill!"
Zheng Yi was surprised: "Why?"
"Xiao Guizi is very loyal to me and works for me..."
"Your Majesty!"
Chen Liancang said respectfully: "Those who do big things don't stick to trivial matters. The assassination of King Yan is very important, so I have to be careful."
"Xiao Guizi brought a total of five royal guards with him on this trip. Once the news is leaked, I'm afraid it will be detrimental to His Majesty!"
"For the sake of Your Majesty and the whole world, I can only make this decision."
"Don't worry, Your Majesty, this slave has done a very good job. The corpses of Xiao Guizi and others have been devoured by wild beasts."
After a few breaths, Zheng Yi could only sigh and said: "Alas... at this point, this is the only way it can be."
"Send the order and bury these people with lavish ceremonial cemeteries, and pay special attention to pensions. Do you understand?"
Chen Liancang's heart tightened and he immediately said: "No! Your Majesty!"
"Mr. Chen has been in Yandi for more than a month. Can he check the civil unrest in Youzhou?"
"Back to Your Majesty, it's the twelfth lunar month of winter, and most of the rebels have gathered in Guang'an City, Siping City, Shuncheng and other occupied cities to recuperate and wait for the coming year."
Chen Liancang said: "In the entire Youzhou, only a few major cities, Yancheng, Yuyang City, and Linshui City, are still in the hands of officers and soldiers."
"Who is in charge of Youzhou's army and horses now?"
"Gongsun Bo. This man is from a wealthy local family in Youzhou. He is a skilled soldier and has 6,000 dragon and horse cavalry under his command. At this time, he is following General Xu Mu's army to confront the Wu Kingdom's army and horses in the Canglong River."
"Dragon horse cavalry?"
"The dragon horse is a horse produced in Youzhou. It is said that it has dragon blood in its body. It is more than seven feet tall, carries a weight of five hundred kilograms and can travel thousands of miles a day. It is an extremely rare horse."
More than two meters tall? A horse that can carry 500 kilograms?
"The Kingdom of Wu, the Kingdom of Wu again..."
Zheng Yi narrowed his eyes slightly, and murderous intent flashed in his eyes.
If you want to completely quell the civil unrest, you must first defeat the Wu Kingdom.
Otherwise, Xu Mujun's army has been restrained by Wu Guo. When will the civil unrest in the six northern Xinjiang states be resolved?
The most important problem is that the vassal towns in the northern Xinjiang states are divided and the aristocratic families are powerful. Most of the rebellious people are inextricably related to these people.
It is unrealistic to mobilize heavy troops from the capital to suppress the chaos.
In this case, we can only...
"Xuan Zhanliang."
"No!"
Chen Liancang left quickly, and half a day later, the dusty Zhan Liang appeared in front of Zheng Yi.
"The humble minister is showing his talents and comes to meet His Majesty!"
"Get up."
Zheng Yi raised his hand slightly and said: "I ask you, how is the output of the arsenal now?"
Zhan Liang looked excited and said: "Your Majesty, with more than 3,000 skilled blacksmiths from Yujian Villa joining in, the daily output of the arsenal has increased at least ten times!"
"Today, the arsenal contains more than 23,000 thunderbolts, 72 red cannons, and more than 3,000 divine fire nozzles and poisonous dragon divine fire nozzles."
"Because of the improvements in Yujian Villa's metallurgical technology, these red cannons are far more powerful and sturdy than before."
"And with the efforts of our colleagues from the Ministry of Industry, we finally developed the latest matchlock gun!"
"The development of the matchlock gun was successful?!"
Zheng Yi's eyes suddenly lit up. He had experience in his previous life, so he gave up plans such as fire blunderbuss and bird blunderbuss, and directly handed over the matchlock gun plan to the Ministry of Industry.
After several months of research, they finally came up with something.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Zhan Liang said: "This matchlock gun is about three feet long. It is straight on the outside and has a tube on the inside. It is made of metal. It runs through the inside and is closed at the bottom. There is a curved rod on one side, which is a way to pass the fire."
"This gun has a range of about thirty feet. It can shatter leather armor and even iron armor. It is truly a weapon of war!"
"Okay!"
Zheng Yi immediately said: "Everyone has worked hard, I will give you a reward!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"It's the beginning of the fifth year of Shoei. After April, how many thunderbolts and red cannons can your arsenal develop?"
"This..."
Zhan Liang calculated silently in his mind, and after counting his breaths, he said: "Your Majesty, if there are enough raw materials, the arsenal can develop 100,000 thunderbolts, 200 red cannons, and about 10,000 other firearms in three months."
"One hundred thousand thunderbolts...enough!"
"If we can hand over so many firearms after March, the position of left minister of the Ministry of Industry will be yours!"
Zhan Liang immediately knelt down excitedly and said loudly: "Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Go down."
"No!"
"Cheng'en."
"The slave is here."
"Biography...Chen Hongxiu and Zhao Tieshan."
"No."
Soon, two newly promoted Ouchi guards came in one after another.
"Humble job Chen Hongxiu/Zhao Tieshan has met His Majesty!"
"Get flat."
Zheng Yi raised his hand and said: "I have a task to give to you two beloved ladies. What do you think?"
Chen Hongxiu immediately said: "Your Majesty, please give me your instructions. No matter what I do, I will do my best to complete my humble duty!"
Zhao Tieshan also followed closely: "Me too!"
Zheng Yi smiled and said: "This is a very simple task. It is not for you to kill the enemy or anything, but... to train troops!"
"Training troops?"
"Not bad."
Zheng Yi nodded and said: "I have privately set up a private army called the 'Shenji Camp'. It is filled with military elites. Although there are only more than a hundred people, they are equipped with the most advanced firearms of our Yu Dynasty. Enough to fight one against a hundred!”
firearm?
What is that?
Zhao Tieshan was confused, but Chen Hongxiu's eyes lit up and said: "May I ask Your Majesty, is that firearm the thunder that can break through Yujian Villa?"
"Not bad."
Zheng Yi continued: "I intend to hand over the Shenji Battalion to your leadership. I wonder what you two want?"
Chen Hongxiu immediately knelt down and paid homage with a big salute: "Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty! I will fulfill my loyalty and duty even though I am humbled by your Majesty's position. I will die for His Majesty's sake!"
Zhao Tieshan also scratched his head, and simply knelt down and said loudly: "Your Majesty, I am the same!"
"Hahaha..."
Zheng Yi laughed out loud at Zhao Tieshan's honest expression and said: "There are only more than a hundred people in Shenji Camp now. I need you to expand it to 3,000 people within three months!"
"And you have to undergo my special training in order to control firearms, do you understand?"
"No!"
Three thousand people was Zheng Yi's initial plan for the Shenji Camp.
In the previous life, it was just a strengthened regiment.
But in Dayu, the Shenji Battalion equipped with advanced firearms is a nightmare for all armies!
Even if faced with the charge of 30,000 or 300,000 people, the Three Thousand Divine Machine Battalion can completely resist them.
After all, advanced firearms are actually weapons of massacre for ordinary armies.
Even warriors will fall when faced with the siege of firearms.
I just don’t know if first-level warriors, Grandmaster-level warriors, or even Xiantian-level warriors... will die?
In the next few days, Chen Hongxiu and Zhao Tieshan followed Zheng Yi's orders and began to select qualified soldiers from the capital's Forbidden Army, Jinyi Guards, and even soldiers from the Gyeonggi area, surrounding Jizhou, Youzhou and other counties to form the Shenji Battalion, and then began Training, control of firearms.
Zheng Yi also devoted himself to the construction of Shenji Camp.
He taught Chen Hongxiu and Zhao Tieshan all the modern military knowledge he knew about some of the modern training methods from the previous life, such as the simplest military training methods, exercise methods, and the three-three system tactics.
Although Chen Hongxiu accidentally understood it, she still worked hard to learn and remember.
And Zhao Tieshan... completely let it go.
After seeing Thunderbolt and Red Cannon, this kid was extremely shocked.
Then I spent every day in the Shenji Camp, familiar with the operation of artillery and matchlock guns, and it was so enjoyable.
The most exaggerated one was that he was covered in armor and physically resisted the red cannon from a hundred feet away.
At the critical moment, he hurriedly dodged, but he was hit by the artillery blast. He fell to the ground and was completely miserable.
"Red cannon! Red cannon! This is simply a fairy trick..."
Afterwards, Zhao Tieshan said excitedly: "Even if I, Old Zhao, get shot, I will be disabled even if I don't die!"
The fact that Zheng Yi organized the Shenji Battalion and developed artillery on a large scale could not be concealed and spread.
However, under Chen Liancang's secret control, the secret of the artillery was not spread on a large scale.
Some spies who wanted to investigate were also easily solved by him.
Some ministers knew that Emperor Zhengyong established the Shenji Camp and Arsenal, but they did not know what they did specifically.
As for the incident at Yujian Villa, everyone thought it was the Immortal Family's trick and they were just spreading rumors. The Dongji Work Factory was still established.
With Chen Liancang as the factory director, a terrorist organization that enveloped the entire Dayu gradually formed.
However, their most important task now is to protect the arsenal and prevent spies from other forces from inspecting it.
Half a month later, with the New Year just around the corner, another big event happened, forcing Zheng Yi to return from Shenji Camp to hold a great dynasty!
Zhengyong five years, February 1st.
Zheng Yuantao, the third son of King Yan, actually killed the crown prince Zheng Yuanyuan and the second son Zheng Yuanjiang of King Yan and proclaimed himself King of Yan without receiving the imperial edict!
Under his command, he actually gathered more than 100,000 troops and began to attack the city and occupy the territory in Youzhou.
The rebels entrenched in the surrounding big cities also began to unite under Zheng Yuantao's command, and in a short period of time they had occupied one-third of the city in Youzhou.
While he was conquering the city and territory in Youzhou, he quickly surrendered to the imperial court, using his duties as "avenging his father and guarding the border", so that the imperial court would recognize his status and request the title of King of Yan.
And, restore the power of its princes!
In Zheng Yi's view, Dayu's vassal system was actually similar to that of the previous Ming Dynasty.
The feudal kings had no military power or political power in their respective fiefdoms, and would even be hijacked by local county soldiers, chief historians, etc.
Youzhou is located on the border, bordering the Wu Kingdom and the Wei Kingdom, so the vassal king has slightly greater rights. He has the responsibility of guarding the northeastern border, so he has some military power.
What he didn't expect was to have someone assassinate King Yan, thus extinguishing King Yan's intention to rebel.
His three sons actually started fighting in Youzhou in order to fight for power.
Each raised an army to attack each other.
In just over half a month, the third son of King Yan won, killed the two royal brothers, and established himself as King of Yan!
This King Yan is no ordinary vassal king, but a real vassal king!
The Hall of Supreme Harmony, the meeting of the great dynasty.
Many ministers were already quarreling, spitting and expressing their opinions.
Some advocate launching a massive military expedition to capture the third son of King Yan, Zheng Yuantao, alive.
Youzhou has been a land of great dangers since ancient times, and it is very close to the capital. It must not be faked by others.
Some people advocate agreeing to the request of the third son of King Yan, naming him King of Yan, and letting you lead the army to join forces with Xu Mujun to resist the army of Wu State.
Some people actually said that they wanted to move the capital, and they were almost drowned in the spit of many ministers.
Looking at the court that was as busy as a vegetable market, Zheng Yi shook his head helplessly.
Today's Dayu is in a precarious state.
Compared with the Ming Dynasty in the previous life, it is not too similar.
Natural and man-made disasters, aristocratic families, separatist feudal towns, and invasions from foreign enemies.
There was the Wu Kingdom in the northern Xinjiang and the Nanzhao Kingdom in the southern Xinjiang. Coupled with the internal civil strife, Zheng Yi seemed to be able to see the scene of the last years of the dynasty.
Zheng Yi believes that there are also a large number of hidden restless elements in today's Dayu world and the Thirteen Prefectures area.
All it takes is one spark and the whole Yu will explode.
Corrupt officials, aristocratic families, powerful landlords, land separatism, feudal kings and feudal towns...
Dayu was founded for more than three hundred years, and the doomsday scenes that should have occurred in the last years of the dynasty can be seen everywhere.
King Yan's rebellion was just a prelude.
The difference is that he is not Emperor Chongzhen, and Dayu is not the Ming Dynasty!
There are powerful warriors and immortal cultivators in Dayu.
And he also has the Yin and Yang treasure mirror, and he also has firearms that he values !
As long as you give him a certain amount of time, he can calm the chaos of war.
Whether it's a strong suppression, or... letting it go and rebuilding the world!
After more than three hundred years of development, class contradictions have become too great to be fully resolved.
It can only become chaotic first and then calm down.
The past five thousand years of history were not always like this.
Feudal private ownership and uneven distribution of land.
If they are separated for a long time, they will be united; if they are united for a long time, they will be divided.
Only when a group of people die and a space is cleared can the world be at peace again!
After a full stick of incense, the entire court finally calmed down.
Zheng Yi also rubbed his head and said: "Dear ladies, can you discuss any good solutions?"
Lu Xiangqing immediately stood up and said: "Your Majesty, what Zheng Yuantao, the third son of King Yan, does is really disrespectful and rebellion. A humble minister is leading the battle!"
"Deploy the imperial imperial army and the armies from Jizhou, Xuzhou and other places to destroy the puppet Yan rebels!"
"No!"
As soon as Lu Xiangqing finished speaking, he was rejected by Cui Jinghao.
He stood out and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, Yan City is too close to the capital. If we were to lead the battle, the puppet Yan cavalry would be able to rush to the capital in less than three days."
"Who can stop me then? Who can fight?"
"It is Wei Chen's suggestion that we first agree to the request of the third son of King Yan and make him King of Yan!"
"After King Yan was granted the title, he would definitely be grateful to the imperial court. Then the imperial court ordered him to lead his troops to Canglong River and join forces with General Xu to resist the invasion of Wu Kingdom. This is the best policy!"
"I second the proposal!"
As soon as Cui Jinghao finished speaking, seven or eight ministers stood up and echoed.
Then, there was another quarrel.
Zheng Yi felt a little confused. They all said that there were three women in one drama, but this group of men was not stable either.
Still a bunch of old guys!
The most important thing is...party struggle!
The Lu family represented by Lu Xiangqing and the Cui family represented by Cui Jinghao finally stood on opposite sides and fought for power for their own interests.
This move is not good for the country, but it is something Zheng Yi is happy to see happen.
As he was talking, he even started to use his hands, beating him violently.
Zheng Yi was too lazy to think about it and looked at it with interest.
Among them, the most excited one was Tian Wenjing, the Minister of Civil Affairs.
It is a miracle that this person is in the official department and has not been affected by Yang Tong's rebellion.
At this time, he was grabbing an official from the Peace Party, beating and cursing:
"I C, your mother, the fake Yan is plotting rebellion, and you actually want to acknowledge its status. Where will you put His Majesty and where will Dayu be placed?"
"How can I, who has millions of lions in Dayu, let the false swallows sleep soundly on their couches!"
After being beaten, Tian Wenjing got two more blood marks on his face, but he still said angrily: "Your Majesty! You must never agree to Puppet Yan's request...ah!"
"I C, your mother...kick me all the way down, I will kill you!"
Zheng Yi couldn't help but laugh and finally laughed.
"Hahaha, hahaha... Quickly, quickly separate the ministers."
At the command, the surrounding eunuchs and guards rushed forward and separated the ministers who were fighting.
Many people had bloodstains on their faces, their court uniforms were scattered, and they glared at each other.
There were still someone's boots on the ground, and it was a mess.
Zheng Yi patted the table and said: "Okay dear friends, I know that you are loyal to the emperor and the country, but I have a plan."
He stood up and said: "We, Dayu, have established a country with force for more than three hundred years. How have we ever bowed our heads to other places?"
"Although I am not talented, I must follow the example of my ancestors and fight for every inch of land!"
"From today on, I will pass on these words."
"During the Yu Dynasty, there was no reconciliation, no cession of territory, no indemnity, no tribute, no surrender, and abiding by the teaching of 'the emperor guards the gates of the country, and the king dies in the country'!"
"Anyone who violates the rules will be expelled by both heaven and man!"
Under the court, many ministers were shocked, excited, and disdainful, but in the end they all lined up on both sides and said with cupped hands: "I obey the order!"
"Chen Wannian!"
"Wei Chen is here!"
Chen Wannian, the former commander of Shenji Battalion.
After Zheng Yi transferred Chen Hongxiu and Zhao Tieshan to the Shenji Camp, this person was transferred back to the Forbidden Army again and became one of the three commanders of the Forbidden Army.
"Reorganize the imperial army, purge the city, and capture all the criminals and spies in the city. Once their identities are found out, they will be executed to ensure the safety of the capital."
"No!"
"In addition, send guerrillas out to patrol, and always pay attention to the movements of the puppet Yan army in Yancheng."
"No!"
"Gather skilled soldiers from Jizhou, Jingzhou, Yuzhou and other places to rebuild the Forbidden Army!"
Zheng Yi wants to reorganize the Forbidden Army and increase the number of the Forbidden Army to 100,000 people!
Lu Xiangqing suddenly listed: "Your Majesty, will you recall General Xu? With General Xu in charge, the capital will be safe!"
Zheng Yi nodded and said: "General Xu has known about this for a long time and has already sent a group of troops to the puppet Yanyan City to contain his army."
"It's so good. Your Majesty is far-sighted and far-sighted. We can't match it."
"Where is the Minister of Rites?"
"Wei Chen is here."
Kong Xiangsi immediately stood up and said respectfully.
"Draw up a decree for me and send it to the city of Pseudo-Yanyan."
Zheng Yi said: "Tell Zheng Yuantao that all heaven and earth are outraged by this move, and order him to quickly abolish the vassal vassal, disband the army, deprive himself of the people, and come to the capital to listen and comment."
"Otherwise, Master Wang will definitely break through Yancheng and crush it to ashes!"
Kong Xiangsi immediately said: "No!"
"Retreat from the court~!"
The ministers retreated, and Zheng Yi, surrounded by many eunuchs and maids, headed towards the Qiankun Palace.
Halfway through the journey, he suddenly noticed a young eunuch who had been looking towards him, and he looked familiar.
Shadow Guard?
He waved his hand to signal him to come over, and also signaled other eunuchs and maids to stay away.
"My slave Shadow Guard Anhe has met His Majesty!"
"What's the matter?"
"Mo Ying, who works in Jiaofang Palace, handed over a booklet and asked the servant to deliver it to His Majesty personally."
"Jiaofang Palace?"
Zheng Yi's heart moved, Concubine Cui?
"Bring it up."
"No!"
A booklet recording the affairs of Concubine Cui was grabbed by Zheng Yi.
"Concubine Cui...what's your secret?"
(End of chapter)