Capital City, Ministry of War.

Yang Sichang looked pale and slumped on the chair, unable to speak for a long time.

The loss of more than 100,000 troops and the death of commander Lu Xiangsheng were something Yang Sichang never expected. His original intention was never like this, but the consequences have already occurred. The only troops that can be mobilized in the capital are the Beijing Battalion, and the South Beijing Battalion has a total of 60,000 soldiers.

Of the sergeants, 10,000 were originally mobilized to follow Gao Qiqian on his expedition, leaving 50,000. In addition, there are nearly 30,000 sergeants that Gao Qiqian brought back to the capital. The total number is about 80,000 sergeants. These troops can only protect the capital.

In desperation, Yang Sichang made a suggestion to the emperor. If necessary, the Denglai New Army stationed in Liaodong and the Liaodong Frontier Army could be deployed to protect the capital. After all, there were less than 80,000 soldiers stationed in the capital, and Houjin Tartar could enter the pass to plunder.

There were 100,000 people there, not counting the Ming army that had surrendered to Houjin Tatars. If Houjin Tatars really besieged the capital, anything could happen.

There must be no loss in the capital, or even any danger. Yang Sichang does not want to become a sinner for the ages.

Just now in the side hall, the cabinet discussed the matter of guarding the capital. The words of Kong Zhenyuan, the chief minister of the cabinet, were not very pleasant. The record was in front of him. Yang Sichang could not refute it. Moreover, Liu Yuliang, the second minister of the cabinet, who had never interfered in military deployment matters, also made a suggestion to the Ministry of War.

After obeying the decree, the armies rushing to aid the capital from various towns were almost completely wiped out. It would take some time to mobilize the army again. It was uncertain whether they could resist the Tatars of the Later Jin Dynasty.

The final result of the cabinet deliberations was to deploy the Denglai New Army and the Liaodong Frontier Army to escort and assist the capital.

Mobilizing the troops stationed in Liaodong was a last resort decision. Everyone knew that Liaodong could not afford to lose. Every time the Tatars of the Later Jin Dynasty entered the pass to plunder, they would eventually evacuate. The reason was that Liaodong was controlled by the imperial court and the Guan-Ningjin defense line was unbreakable.

The Tatars of the Later Jin Dynasty could not really gain a foothold in the pass. If Liaodong was completely occupied by the Tatars of the Later Jin Dynasty, the territory of the capital would be completely exposed.

The emperor's imperial edict was issued in a hurry, and he asked Wu Zongrui, the governor of Jiliao who was stationed in Liaodong, to lead troops to rescue the capital and resist the Tatars of Houjin. As for how many troops to mobilize, when to rush for reinforcements, and what the purpose of the battle was, there was no information.

clear.

There is another imminent issue, that is, the candidates for the governors of the three sides must be clear. Lu Xiangsheng was killed in battle, and Yansui general Zhao Shiqi is missing. This indicates that the defense in the Yansui area is in a vacuum. If the Mongolian Tatars suddenly launch an attack at this time,

Attacking Shaanxi, Shanxi, Xuanda and other places will make things worse.

Of course, in an emergency, as usual, Wu Zongrui, the governor of Jiliao, must be responsible for the border protection from Yansui to Liaodong.

The protection of the capital, the consolidation of the Yansui border defense, and the stability of the north were all faced with many problems. Yang Sichang was unable to think about it and was unable to reverse the current extremely passive situation.

One wrong step and one wrong step after another.

When there was a knock on the door, Yang Sichang braced himself.

The one who came in was Xiong Wencan, the left minister of the Ministry of War and the governor of the five provinces.

Xiong Wencan saw Yang Sichang who looked very bad.

"Sir, this is the end of the matter, please take care of yourself..."

Xiong Wencan's simple greeting made Yang Sichang almost unable to control his emotions.

"Master Xiong, I really didn't expect that the capital's defense has reached this level. I am the Minister of War. I have a great responsibility in this. If the emperor blames it, I will not shirk it..."

Xiong Wencan waved his hand and spoke with a sincere expression.

"Sir, please don't say that. Lord Lu Xiangsheng was killed in battle, which is enough to show that the Hou Jin Tatars are extremely brave. It is reasonable that the army will be difficult to resist. Besides, Lord Lu Xiangsheng is the commander-in-chief, and Gao Qiqian is the supervisor. That's it.

The tragic defeat is mainly their responsibility. Lord Lu Xiangsheng has been killed in battle and sacrificed his life for the country. Needless to say, Gao Qiqian is the supervisor and led the defeated sergeants back to the capital. What does this mean? Even if the emperor wants

The responsibility should also be borne by Gao Qiqian, the supervisor. If you don't personally lead the troops in battle, how can you take responsibility..."

Xiong Wencan didn't know the reason, but it was understandable after he said such words. Moreover, Xiong Wencan had no interest in Gao Qiqian. In this tragic battle, Lu Xiangsheng was killed and Gao Qiqian was unscathed, which already explained the problem.

Hearing what Xiong Wencan said, Yang Sichang's expression changed a little. He knew that Xiong Wencan had opinions about Gao Qiqian. As the governor of the five provinces, Xiong Wencan was also controlled by the supervisor Gao Qiqian during the battle to exterminate the bandits. Not only that.

, in the real battle, Gao Qiqian did not play any positive role, but instead deducted food and salary.

But the emperor had different ideas. The eunuchs such as Wang Chengen, Gao Qiqian and Cao Huachun whom the emperor trusted most. As a supervisor, Gao Qiqian did not have to directly command the army to fight. He only represented the emperor to supervise the officers at all levels in the army, including the supervisory commander.

, and the army is defeated, Gao Qiqian naturally does not have to bear any responsibility.

"Master Xiong, you can only say these words here with me. Never say them outside..."

Xiong Wencan nodded bitterly. He also knew that such words could not be said. Saying them in front of Yang Sichang was just to complain and had no other meaning.

Yang Sichang's spirit improved a little.

"Master Xiong, who do you think in the DPRK can serve as the governor of the three sides?"

As soon as Yang Sichang finished speaking, Xiong Wencan spoke without thinking.

"Sir, I believe that Mr. Hong Chengchou can serve as the governor of the three sides. Mr. Hong used to be the governor of the three sides. He has been stationed at the border for many years and is familiar with the situation in the Yansui area..."

From the actual situation, Hong Chengchou was indeed the best candidate for governor of the three sides, but Yang Sichang had more far-reaching considerations.

Yang Sichang had many similarities with Hong Chengchou, so he had a deep understanding of Hong Chengchou.

Hong Chengchou made a lot of contributions in resisting the attack of the Houjin Tatars and in the battle to exterminate the bandits. He was also capable. He was once the ace card of the imperial court in the northwest. If it weren't for Wu Zongrui, Lu Xiangsheng and Xiong Wencan, etc.

With the emergence of people, Hong Chengchou was still the court's biggest support, but Hong Chengchou's flaws were also very obvious, which were greed for power and jealousy.

The biggest flaw of Hong Chengchou can be seen from what happened to Cao Wenzhao back then.

The emergence of Wu Zongrui suppressed Hong Chengchou. Under such circumstances, Hong Chengchou must be dissatisfied in his heart. Moreover, Hong Chengchou's qualifications are much stronger than Wu Zongrui, but his status is lower than Wu Zongrui. If there is an intersection between the two, the outcome will be

It must not be very good, or even very bad.

Both Liaodong and Yansui were border gates of the Ming Dynasty, and they all assumed extraordinary responsibilities.

Wu Zongrui is the governor of Jiliao and can take charge of all border affairs at critical moments. If Hong Chengchou is appointed as the governor of the three borders at this time, no one knows whether he and Wu Zongrui can live in harmony.

As a cabinet minister and also the Minister of War, Yang Sichang considered the overall interests of the court and did not want any problems to arise at the border.

In Yang Sichang's view, the best candidate for governor of the three sides was Xiong Wencan. Xiong Wencan was transferred to the governor of the three sides, and Hong Chengchou was appointed governor of the five provinces, responsible for the extermination of bandits. This was the best arrangement.

It's a pity that Yang Sichang is not a saint, and he is unwilling to make such suggestions.

Yang Sichang had a premonition that no matter how much the Jin Tatars ravaged the capital, they would eventually leave. The next step of the imperial court was still to wipe out the bandits and completely restore stability in the north. Therefore, the position of governor of the five provinces was very important, and it was also

A key position where you can make a difference.

The relationship between Yang Sichang and Xiong Wencan was very good, and they cooperated very well. Moreover, Xiong Wencan came to the capital as an official because of Yang Sichang's recommendation. In comparison, Yang Sichang and Hong Chengchou were much estranged.

"Master Xiong, Master Hong Chengchou also has a heavy responsibility. In charge of the daily affairs of the Ministry of War, he needs to plan many military deployments, and he will be unable to get away for a while. Do you think there are other suitable candidates besides Master Hong.

"

Xiong Wencan lowered his head and thought for a while. When he raised his head, his expression became quite determined.

"If Mr. Hong can't get away, I will recommend myself to the lower officials and be willing to go to Yansui."

Yang Sichang was stunned for a moment, looked at Xiong Wencan, and did not speak for a long time. He really did not expect that Xiong Wencan could have such a big heart and be willing to go to Yansui, the most dangerous place, to serve as the governor of the three sides.

"Master Xiong, I admire you for having such a big heart and willing to share the worries of the emperor and the court, but you can't withdraw. You must know that exterminating the bandits is the most important task of the court. You must not delay it. You will serve as the governor of the five provinces.

Later, he repeatedly won, basically wiped out Li Zicheng, and forced Zhang Xianzhong to have the intention to surrender to the imperial court. You will never leave..."

Yang Sichang's answer stunned Xiong Wencan. Needless to say, the importance of the position of governor of the three sides. There were only so many people in the court. After Lu Xiangsheng was killed in battle, there were really not many people who could hold this position.

Before Xiong Wencan could speak again, Yang Sichang waved his hand.

"It seems that Mr. Hong Chengchou is the best candidate. Although there are many things in the Ministry of War, the border defense of Yansui is more important. I am going to recommend it to the emperor. Mr. Hong Chengchou will be the governor of the three sides, with the title of Shangshu of the Ministry of War. In addition, I also want to recommend him to the emperor.

The emperor recommends that you also hold the title of Minister of War, so that you can coordinate all matters of exterminating the bandits..."

After Yang Sichang finished speaking, Xiong Wencan quickly clasped his fists and saluted.

"I would like to thank you for your kindness. I will do my best to completely wipe out the bandits."

...

After talking to Xiong Wencan, Yang Sichang's spirit improved a lot. In any case, at the critical moment, he, the cabinet minister and the Minister of the Ministry of War, must cheer up, preside over the affairs of the Ministry of War, determine the relevant combat arrangements for the resistance against the Jin Tatars, and also

The safety of the capital city, at this moment, I don’t know how many people are looking at him. Some people hope that he will fall down and never stand up again. Some people hope that he can cheer up and continue to do good things.
Chapter completed!