Chapter 65: Patching the Vulnerabilities of the Jinning Defense Line

"Your Majesty, while this move is sound, there are several issues we must consider."

Li Guopu pondered for a moment. "The nomads of Mobei are easily managed; they have already become our submissive subjects. However, might this action prompt the tribes of Mobei, Monan, and Khorchin to unite? Should they form an alliance, the Great Ming would face yet another formidable enemy."

"That is precisely why I have summoned you all to discuss this matter."

Emperor Chongzhen waved his hand dismissively. "Besides, I never said we would attack them immediately."

"I believe I understand Your Majesty's intent!"

Li Banghua, who had remained silent until now, suddenly broke the silence.

"Gentlemen, Your Majesty stated at the very outset that our current tasks are to stabilize the frontier garrisons and train a new army. As long as the border troops are adequately supplied with provisions and silver, there will be few problems."

"The training of the new army will center primarily on the Four Imperial Guard Regiments. According to Lord Fang's vision, the cavalry will number between twenty thousand and twenty-eight thousand at most. If they are all elite troops, this force will be more than enough to gallop across the various Mongol tribes. The most crucial factor here is horses."

"Among warhorses, the Mongolian horse is supreme. The environment of the Mongolian plateau allows these steeds to recover their stamina rapidly, making them exceptionally well-suited for long-distance maneuvers across diverse terrains."

"Everything Your Majesty has said points to one goal: acquiring warhorses from the Mongols."

"Just think of the immense wealth confiscated from the Eunuch Faction. Handing a portion to the Ministry of Revenue is understandable, but why allocate funds to the Court of the Imperial Stud and the Ministry of Works as well?"

"The Court of the Imperial Stud is exclusively responsible for horse administration, primarily procuring horses through border trade with the Mongols. His Majesty has allocated five hundred thousand taels to the Imperial Stud. Based on the transaction rates of the past few years, this sum can purchase roughly sixty thousand superior horses. With the cooperation of the Ministry of Works, even more can be obtained."

"The Ministry of Works oversees metals such as iron, lead, and copper. Iron is precisely what the Mongols lack the most, followed by tea and medicinal herbs."

"Without herbs and tea, the meat-heavy diet of the Mongol people leads to poor digestion and constipation, dealing a severe blow to their normal way of life. Without iron, they would struggle even to boil meat, let alone forge weapons."

"During border trade, we can leverage these shortages to drive up prices or compel them to lower the cost of horses, thereby securing more mounts for ourselves."

"Secondly, we should continue to lavish heavy bribes on Ligdan Khan, inciting him to keep fighting the Later Jin and exhaust each other's strength. This will buy us precious time to train our new army. With superior horses and the natural-born warriors of the Six Commanderies of Hexi, within a year, our combat effectiveness will be formidable indeed."

Upon hearing Li Banghua's astute analysis, everyone was enlightened.

Chongzhen looked on with immense appreciation.

"We await Your Majesty's instructions!"

Chongzhen smiled with satisfaction. "From now on, the primary task of the Court of the Imperial Stud is to purchase as many horses as possible from the border markets—buy every single one available. However, acquire only superior and medium-grade steeds. Discuss this matter with Fang Zhenghua, and draw the necessary silver from the Imperial Horse Directorate."

"As for the Ministry of Works, starting today, stockpile as much iron, lead, and copper as possible, while strictly controlling the volume of these metals traded at the borders."

"The Ministry of Revenue must promptly reissue overdue pay to stabilize the frontier forces, while simultaneously purchasing massive quantities of grain from the Jiangnan region to be placed in reserve."

...

"We hear and obey Your Majesty's command!"

After issuing a few more directives, Sun Chengzong suddenly spoke up, "Your Majesty, you mentioned that there are issues on the left wing. Should we not also make preparations regarding the right wing?"

The officials were momentarily stunned, and realization dawned upon them instantly.

Chongzhen understood as well. Ligdan Khan on the left wing was unreliable, but the situation on the right wing was far more complex.

This was because the forces of Mao Wenlong of Pi Island in the Eastern Jiang region were stationed there.

Mao Wenlong was daring, skilled in battle, and possessed a unique strategic vision—which was the primary reason Yuan Keli had consistently supported him. However, ever since Yuan Keli was impeached and forced into retirement, there was no longer anyone capable of keeping Mao Wenlong in check.

The court officials had impeached him on eight major counts: residing far out at sea, squandering provisions while claiming false merits, repeatedly defying imperial edicts, refusing to submit to military discipline, recently seizing troops to advance on Dengzhou, extorting supplies under duress, behaving in an unruly and unpredictable manner, showing traces of colluding with foreign barbarians, failing to provide mutual military support, and obstructing the court's overall strategy.

Whether he had actually colluded with the Later Jin was difficult to say, as there were too many lingering doubts, but his refusal to obey commands was an undeniable fact.

If the matter concerning Mao Wenlong was mishandled, the direct pressure on the Jinzhou-Ningyuan defense line would increase dramatically.

"What are your thoughts on this?"

"Your Majesty, Mao Wenlong was supported by Cabinet Elder Yuan and obeyed his commands. Since that is the case, Your Majesty can draft a personal letter to Elder Yuan, asking him to persuade Mao. The court can then offer soothing reassurances to stabilize the situation first."

"Very well!"

Chongzhen agreed readily. It was an isolated island far across the sea; even if he wished to attack it, there was no viable way.

After discussing the contents of the letter and the terms of appeasement, Chongzhen changed the subject and looked at Sun Chengzong. "Minister Sun, how go the matters regarding the filling of vacant court posts?"

"I was just about to report this to Your Majesty!"

With that, Sun Chengzong produced a memorial. "Your Majesty, this is the list of candidates and corresponding official positions compiled after deliberation by several of us ministers. Please review it, Your Majesty!"

Chongzhen took the memorial and began to peruse it slowly.

"Fan Jingwen, a native of Wuqiao in Hejian Prefecture, a imperial scholar of the forty-first year of the Wanli era, appointed as the judicial official of Dongchang Prefecture, earning the affectionate moniker 'Incomparable Gentleman'. In the forty-sixth year of the Wanli era, he requested leave to return home due to personal matters... Nominated for the position of Minister of Works."

"Huang Daozhou, a native of Zhangpu County, Zhangzhou Prefecture in Fujian, an imperial scholar of the forty-second year of the Tianqi era, a student of Yuan Keli, well-versed in astronomy and mathematical numerology... Nominated for the position of Senior Vice Minister of Works."

...

"Liu Zongzhou, a native of Shanyin, Shaoxing Prefecture in Zhejiang, an imperial scholar of the twenty-ninth year of the Wanli era, appointed as a director in the Ministry of Rites in the first year of the Tianqi era... Nominated for the position of Minister of Rites."

...

"Fang Zhuangli, a native of Anzhou, an imperial scholar of the twenty-fifth year of the Wanli era, served as the magistrate of Xiangling County in Shanxi for seven years, known for his administrative integrity... Reappointed in the sixth year of the Tianqi era... Nominated for the position of Minister of Personnel."

Chongzhen read for a full two quarters of an hour. The memorial recommended twenty-six individuals in total, including four ministers, seven vice ministers, three censors of the Censorate, and twelve others holding various posts.

As he looked over the memorial, Chongzhen's expression flickered uncertainly. Among these twenty-six men, there were several he recognized, such as Fang Zhuangli and Fan Jingwen—men considered renowned and loyal officials.

He was less familiar with the others, but his acute senses told him that at least seven or eight of them belonged to the Donglin Faction.

"Minister Sun, when you first entered the capital to see me, I stated that henceforth, factional strife will no longer be tolerated in the Great Ming. Do you remember my words?"

Thud...

Sun Chengzong dropped to his knees, immediately followed by Li Guopu, Li Banghua, and Guo Yunhou.

"Your Majesty, the men we ministers have recommended were chosen purely on their merits, and we dare not harbor the slightest selfish motive. Your Majesty may dispatch the Brocade Guard and the Eastern Depot to thoroughly investigate all twenty-six of them."

Chongzhen nodded. He had just executed a batch of corrupt officials; as long as Sun Chengzong and the others were not fools, they would not dare play tricks on such a matter.

After all, the list notably omitted the two most critical posts: the Minister of War and the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate.

The Ministry of War was the initiator and executor of military troop movements across the court. Even if the Cabinet, the Directorate of Ceremonies, and the Imperial Horse Directorate agreed, without the consent of the Ministry of War, no troops could be mobilized.

Furthermore, the Ministry of War oversaw garrison posts, the selection, promotion, and transfer of military officers, hereditary titles, and military merits, holding decisive authority over the appointment of generals.

As long as military power remained in his hands, no matter how much the civil officials kicked up a fuss, dealing with them was merely a matter of a single sword stroke.

Next was the Censorate, which held primary responsibility for surveillance, impeachment, and advisory duties, possessing the power to "memorialize for judgment on major matters and decide minor ones on the spot." With the Censorate in place, it served as a sword hanging over the heads of all officials.

From this, one could perceive the officials' adeptness at fathoming the imperial will, though a proper reprimand was still necessary.

"Rise. It is not that I distrust you, my lords, but rather that the Great Ming can no longer endure such upheaval. I will send the Brocade Guard to conduct a thorough investigation; I trust you can understand my state of mind."

"We understand!"

"Very well, rise."

Chongzhen continued, "At tomorrow's morning court session, announce these names to the court and gauge the reactions of the assembled officials. If they pass without objection, the Cabinet shall draft the imperial edicts to summon these men back promptly to fill the vacancies. Until they return, you must all keep a closer eye on the Six Ministries."

"That is all, you may return to your duties. Li Banghua, stay behind!"

After the others had departed, Chongzhen stopped Li Banghua from bowing once more. "Minister Li, you are aware that this list of nominees does not include a Minister of War, are you not?"