Chapter 411 The Emperor Acts Cautiously
Panjiakou has never been as lively as it is now. Not only does it detain thousands of Doyanwei soldiers, it is also the temporary base for the soldiers of the Beijing Camp.

Members of the imperial farm transported various supplies day and night, including many spices.

There were many dead or injured horses on the battlefield. Emperor Zhengde asked veterinarians to check them. Those with minor injuries could be kept, but those that could not be treated or could not go back to the battlefield after being revived could be killed.

As a herbivorous animal, horse meat is tender, low in fat, and tastes similar to beef.

Of course, if you want to make it delicious, you need to simmer it for a long time so that the sour taste disappears completely, and only the original freshness and fragrance of the horse meat remains. Although the fibers are coarser, they add to the chewiness.

At this moment, in front of Emperor Zhengde, there was a dish of horse meat dry pot carefully prepared by the chef.

He picked up a piece of horse meat, tasted it, and said with a smile, "Not bad, reward!"

The young eunuch who was serving nearby slowly left the tent and conveyed His Majesty's order.

The person who cooked this dish for the emperor was Gelantai, the eldest grandson of the leader of Doyanwei.

Just as Emperor Zhengde was enjoying his meal, a young eunuch hurried into the tent, knelt on the ground, and respectfully reported: "Your Majesty, there has just been an urgent report from the capital. The chief minister of the cabinet, Mr. Yang Tinghe, along with important cabinet ministers, Mr. Liang Chu, Mr. Li Qian, the Minister of Works, Mr. Peng Ze, the Left Censor-in-Chief, Mr. Ou Zanghua, the Minister of the Imperial Household, and other important court officials are rushing towards Panjiakou at night."

Emperor Zhengde was stunned, frowned slightly and asked: "Where are they now?"

"Your Majesty, according to the report from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, you gentlemen have already passed Zunhua Guard." The young eunuch replied immediately.

"So fast?!" Emperor Zhengde was surprised, then he smiled and waved his hand and said, "Quickly order the soldiers to set up more tents so that they have a place to stay."

"According to the order!"

At dusk the next day, Yang Tinghe led the civil and military officials and slowly walked into Panjiakou. His eyes swept across the figures of soldiers who were busy shuttling back and forth in the Beijing camp. Instead of showing the slightest joy, his expression seemed extremely solemn.

"Master Yang, all the lords, I am honored." Qiu Yue came in armor, bowed and said, "Your Majesty has been waiting in the tent for a long time, please follow me."

"Thank you, Lord Qiu." Yang Tinghe bowed in return and led a large group of people following Qiu Yue into the military camp.

He scanned the room and glanced back at Peng Ze.

Without waiting for Peng Ze to speak, Qiu Yue, who was walking in front, introduced himself: "Our army relies on the strong city wall and the dangerous Luan River. The main camp is located in the center, and the five armies are stationed on its sides, each doing their own job. The infantry is elite and guards the center of the camp. The cavalry is brave and surrounds it. And the outermost is the Shenji Camp, which is feared by all. It uses the power of firearms to build a copper wall and iron fortress."

"Twenty miles away, layers of camps are deployed to ensure that nothing goes wrong. As for the night camp, they have been deployed in batches over a distance of seventy miles to scout for the enemy and protect the camp where Your Majesty is."

"In addition, the camp toilets are built upwind. Before leaving, Ou Zhanshi had people negotiate the price with the porters in the surrounding villages. They are cleaned every day to ensure there is no odor. The money is exchanged with the people for supplies to improve the soldiers' food. The patrolling soldiers occasionally buy things from the people, so the military camp and the surrounding people get along well."

Yang Tinghe and other bigwigs listened silently. At least for now, theoretically, there would not be a second Tumubao incident.

As everyone stepped into the big tent, their eyes instantly focused on Emperor Zhengde, who was dressed in military uniform. They were all stunned, and a strange feeling of shock surged in their hearts.

Such a majestic and extraordinary imperial demeanor, going to the front line in person, seemed like a lifetime ago to those present. After all, sixty-six years had passed since the emperor of the Ming Dynasty personally went to the battlefield.

Everyone bowed and saluted, saying, "Your Majesty, I, Yang Tinghe (Liang Chu, Li Qian, etc.), pay my respects to you!"

"My dear ministers, please don't be so formal. There is no need to be too concerned with complicated etiquette in the army." Emperor Zhengde nodded and said with a smile.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" The ministers heard this but did not move.

Yang Tinghe stepped forward and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, the court is in good order, the economy is booming, and the people are happy, all because of your Majesty's wise governance. The capital is the key to the country. When your Majesty comes, the foundation of the country is strengthened, the people are more at ease, and the whole world is blessed by your Majesty's grace."

"Moreover, the border areas are full of wind, frost, rain and snow, which are very harsh. I am afraid that it is not suitable for your majesty's body."

Emperor Zhengde smiled and said seriously, "Emperor Taizong went to war five times, drank blood when thirsty and ate felt when hungry, and led the troops to defeat the Arutai tribe. Only then was the capital moved to the capital. Emperor Xuanzong also went to war many times. Why is it that when it comes to me, Yang Qing is so hesitant?"

Upon hearing this, Yang Tinghe stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, please forgive me for my rudeness. Why did Emperor Taizong lead the army in person?"

"In the seventh year of Yongle, Emperor Taizong appointed Qiu Fu as the commander-in-chief, wearing the seal of the general who conquered the enemy, and led 100,000 elite cavalry to the north to attack the Tatars because the Tatar Khan Bayanchur killed the envoy Guo Ji."

"When the expedition was underway, Emperor Taizong was worried that Qiu Fu would underestimate the enemy, so he repeatedly warned him to be cautious in military affairs and not to underestimate the enemy and rush forward rashly."

"But after the two sides fought, the Tatar army pretended to be defeated and retreated in every battle. Qiu Fu lost his mind and chose to pursue the enemy every time. Although Anping Marquis Li Yuan reminded him many times, Qiu Fu insisted on doing so. The generals had no choice but to follow him."

"As a result, the Tatar army suddenly arrived and surrounded Qiu Fu and his men. Anping Marquis Li Yuan and Wucheng Marquis Wang Cong led 500 cavalrymen to break through the enemy's formation and killed hundreds of the bandits. Wang Cong died in the battle, and Anping Marquis Li Yuan was captured after his horse stumbled. He died cursing. Qiu Fu, Wang Zhong, and Huo Zhen were all captured and killed, and the entire army under their command was wiped out."

"Emperor Taizong was furious upon hearing the news. He stripped Qiu Fu of his hereditary title, exiled his entire family to Hainan, and decided to lead the army himself."

"Your Majesty is different from Emperor Taizong. Emperor Taizong had no generals to use and had to lead the army himself. On the other hand, Your Majesty, Qiu Hou is in his prime, Yang Yiqing, Peng Ze, Lu Wan, and Wang Qiong can all be commanders, Wang Shouren is talented, and Ou Zanghua is in his prime."

"If Emperor Taizong had so many talented people under his command, why would he have to lead the army himself?"

"It is precisely because our dynasty is so rich in talents that I want to lead the army in person!" Emperor Zhengde said solemnly, "Qin Yang, you must have seen my elite troops in the capital camp during your trip. They are so high-spirited and powerful. I have good generals Qiu Yue and Ou Qing, both of whom are both wise and brave. The soldiers under their command are ready to die and are brave and indomitable. In addition, firearms are sharp and indestructible. Moreover, I am leading the army in person. This battle will be a crushing victory!"

Yang Tinghe bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I dare to remind you that when Emperor Yingzong led the army in person, he was also full of confidence. However, the world is unpredictable and the battlefield is ever-changing. Even if you were a military genius, you would not dare to claim victory!"

"Yang Tinghe, how dare you be so presumptuous!" Upon hearing this, Emperor Zhengde suddenly stood up from his chair, his face ashen and full of anger.

"Your Majesty, please calm down!" Ou Zanghua and others hurriedly bowed.

Liang Chu took a step forward and advised, "Your Majesty, there is an old saying: Cultivate yourself, manage your family, govern the country and bring peace to the world. Your Majesty's return to the capital is the embodiment of this principle. It can not only bring peace to the country, but also resist foreign aggression, so that the country is stable and the people live a happy life. I hope Your Majesty will think deeply and return to the capital as soon as possible to comfort the people."

"Humph, even if you say so, I won't go back!"

Emperor Zhengde said in a deep voice, "Pass on my order. Immediately order Xuanfu and Datong to quickly mobilize elite troops and horses, get ready to go, and follow me to conquer the grasslands. We vow to enhance our national prestige! All the ministers of the cabinet must fully cooperate with this expedition. The Minister of Revenue Fei Hong and the Minister of War Lu Wan must do their best to raise food, fodder and weapons to ensure that the logistics are worry-free and there must be no mistakes!"

Upon seeing this, Yang Tinghe immediately took off his official hat, knelt on his knees, raised his hands, and said earnestly: "Your Majesty, I implore you to put the interests of the country first and return to Beijing to preside over the government. The generals will bravely take charge of the frontline affairs. Your Majesty does not need to go to the dangerous place in person, which will make the court and the people worried." "What if I must lead the expedition in person?"

"Since I was promoted by grace, I have the honor of serving in the imperial court. I have been blessed by the Holy Lord and feel the great grace of heaven. I have worked hard day and night, determined to be diligent, and hope to contribute my tiny contribution to the service of the people."

"However, time is fleeting, and I am a humble and incompetent minister. I have failed your Majesty's high expectations, so I beg to resign and retire."

Emperor Zhengde walked quickly to Yang Tinghe and said coldly, "Yang Tinghe, do you really think I can't leave you?!"

Yang Tinghe said sincerely: "Your Majesty, the country is full of talented people, so it is me who cannot do without Your Majesty, not Your Majesty who cannot do without me. Even so, I believe that the safety of the country depends on the emperor, so we should avoid disasters and seek blessings to ensure the peace of the country."

Peng Ze also stepped forward and advised: "Your Majesty, the emperor should be cautious and not put himself in danger!"

"You still don't believe me!"

Emperor Zhengde sighed, walked to the chair and sat down, looking at the ministers kneeling on the ground and said: "I personally led the expedition for three reasons. First, to avenge the shame of Emperor Yingzong, restore the national prestige, and let the world know that our Ming Dynasty cannot be bullied. Second, if I don't come, how dare Batu Mengke come? Third, it is to follow the right time, right place and right people. Since the eighth year of Zhengde, the Central Plains has had a good harvest, and the soldiers in the Beijing camp are well-trained. Going to the expedition now is the best opportunity with the right time and right place. How can we miss such a good opportunity?"

"Therefore, you gentlemen, there is no need to dissuade me any further. The confrontation between me and Mongolia is the destiny of heaven and is unstoppable. Instead of wasting your breath here, you should return to your respective duties immediately, work together, help win this game, and do your part to ensure a hundred years of peace on the northern border."

The emperor's attitude is very clear, he will not return to the capital.

However, Yang Tinghe's attitude was also tough. If Your Majesty was determined to conquer Mongolia, they should discuss the plan together to ensure everything was safe, but the prerequisite was that Your Majesty must return to the capital to reassure the country.

If His Majesty insists on not complying, he can only resign from his post to advise him.

Standing on the same front with Yang Tinghe were Liang Chu, Peng Ze and other important officials in the court. They all held the same position and firmly demanded that His Majesty must return to the capital to stabilize the situation.

In contrast, the attitude of Li Qian, the Minister of Works, was relatively mild.

Seeing this, Ou Zanghua had no choice but to step out and mediate, temporarily calming the emotions of both parties. As it was getting dark, he used the excuse that His Majesty needed to rest and persuaded all the important ministers to leave.

Only Ou Zanghua and Emperor Zhengde were left in the big tent.

Emperor Zhengde rubbed his brows and said with a headache, "Ou Qing, why did you let them chase you here?"

"Your Majesty, where does Lord Yang want to go? How can a junior like me stop him?" Ou Zanghua smiled bitterly. He wanted to stop him, but Yang Tinghe didn't give him the chance.

"Haha, now you know how difficult the cabinet is! What your family encountered today is just the tip of the iceberg, and there is still a long way to go in the future!" Emperor Zhengde looked at Ou Zanghua's slightly depressed expression and couldn't help laughing. He had been tortured by the cabinet for eight years, and Ou Qing was just getting worse.

Then, Emperor Zhengde pointed to the map and said, "Look, Mr. Ou, I am thinking whether we should take this opportunity to deal with the Jianzhou Jurchens as well."

Ou Zanghua was shocked and immediately advised: "Your Majesty, you should put Mongolia first at the moment."

"Of course, but the Jianzhou Jurchens are truly despicable." Emperor Zhengde looked at the map, his expression revealing a bit of displeasure.

When the Ming Dynasty established its tributary rule in the northeast region, it also encouraged the Jurchens to pay tribute.

For the Jurchens, if there is tribute, there will be reward, and if there is reward, there will be market.

Judging from the generosity of the rewards alone, officials such as commanders could often receive rewards of hundreds of taels of silver at one time, and even their followers could easily get around twenty taels. Such a large amount of rewards instantly ignited the Jurchens' enthusiasm for tribute.

In the fourth year of Yongle alone, various Jurchen tribes came in an endless stream and paid tribute 29 times in total.

During the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of the Ming Dynasty, this number soared, reaching as many as 46 times in one year.

This is not the way to get the best deal!

Ryukyu next door is almost crying with envy.

It would have been fine if it was just the frequent tribute, but the number of Jurchens who came to collect their rewards was also spectacular.

Some small tribes with a total population of no more than 10,000 people, once united to pay tribute to the capital, could send out a mighty team of 400 to 500 people, the scale of which was almost like moving house.

Faced with this overwhelming tide of tribute, the Ming Dynasty gradually found it unbearable.

Therefore, starting from the reign of Emperor Yingzong of the Ming Dynasty, the imperial court had to make a painful decision and impose strict restrictions on the frequency and number of tributes from the Jurchens.

The Jurchens lived a very backward life. They made money by paying tribute or by reselling things the court didn't want.

Now your court not only limits the number of times, but also the number of people, which naturally caused dissatisfaction among the Jurchens.

Since ancient times, the ethnic groups outside the Great Wall have been known for their unique philosophy of survival: if they cannot get something, they will take it by force. This wildness and unruly nature has appeared from time to time in the long river of history.

After the Battle of Tumu, the Ming Dynasty's national strength began to decline, and Korea repeatedly lured the Jurchens to pay tribute, so the northeast began to become turbulent.

Since the 14th year of the Zhengtong period, Li Manzhu, Dong Shan and other female governors of Jianzhou and other guards have taken advantage of the situation to plunder the border, causing Liaodong to be in trouble.

At the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, the focus was naturally on appeasement. Not only did they summon leaders such as Li Manzhu and Dong Shan, but they also gave them a lot of rewards.

Unfortunately, the Ming Dynasty’s attitude not only failed to appease the Jianzhou Jurchens, but instead made them think that the Central Plains dynasty was weak and could be bullied, making them even more arrogant.

Then, they met the first chosen one - Emperor Chenghua Zhu Jianshen.

In that battle, the Ming Dynasty dispatched three armies to besiege Jianzhou Wei and executed the three leaders.

The Jianzhou Jurchens also numbered tens of thousands at the time, but they all fled in all directions as soon as the Ming army arrived.

As soon as the Ming army left, the Jianzhou Jurchens started to act again, and continued to harass the border under the leadership of a new leader, which then led to another Ming army raid.
(End of this chapter)