The world of film and television begins with the God of Medicine.

Chapter 1560 is what I want to fight.

At the Shuntian Prefecture government office, Wang Da Lao and his men had already arrived.

"Oh my, isn't this Master Wang? What brings you back?" The kitchen manager greeted him warmly.

Wang, who had lost a lot of weight but was still chubby, laughed and replied, "You work in this government office, how come you're so out of touch? Don't you know the magistrate has already returned to the capital?"

"So, sir, you're coming to the yamen for dinner today?"

Wang Da said, "Master and Minister Hu are close friends. After returning to the capital and seeing His Majesty, he will definitely want to see Minister Hu. Alright, you don't need to worry about this. Clear out this space for me, and don't mess around. You know the situation, there are quite a few families that have died in this kitchen."

The steward smiled obsequiously: "How could I not know? You're right. The master is such a good person, yet so many people go to great lengths to harm him. It's outrageous."

"Who says it isn't?"

Wang Da let out a long sigh and then led his men to get busy, meticulously preparing various ingredients. Stewed dishes needed to be prepared early, and those requiring broth needed to have the soup made in advance, showing great care.

Wang Da is a gifted person. In just a few years, Wang Da, who was already quite skilled, has reached the point where cooking has become an art form...

Around noon, Wang Yan, who had left the cabinet, arrived at the Shuntian Prefecture government office and met Hu Zongxian, whom he hadn't seen in a long time. The two then had lunch in the main hall of the Shuntian Prefecture government office.

Wang Yan said with some disdain, "You guys seem a bit rusty with your work."

“The master is right, but there’s nothing we can do. Minister Hu doesn’t eat in this main hall, so we don’t have a chance to train.”

The busy clerk wasn't afraid at all, and even started teasing Wang Yan.

After chatting and laughing for a while, the food and wine were served, leaving only Wang Yan and Hu Zongxian.

After hearing Wang Yan recount what happened this morning, Hu Zongxian was also shocked by Wang Yan's awesomeness.

"You went to the cabinet and criticized Xu Jie?"

Wang Yan nodded with a smile: "Old Hu, calm down. We're all human. What's so great about Xu Jie? Can't we even criticize him? What can he do?"

Hu Zongxian sighed deeply: "I've thought about this day and night, but now I realize I'm still incompetent. I can't earn money for His Majesty. If I could earn a few million taels of silver for His Majesty, would Xu Jie dare to touch me?"

"It's not too late now. You're doing just fine as the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, aren't you? As for entering the cabinet, Yan Song has fallen, and you don't have any people under you, so you can't enter the cabinet. It's been about five years, your health has improved, your family wealth has increased, and you've also accumulated wealth overseas. You can say that you lost one thing but gained another. Every little thing has its own advantages and disadvantages. How can you explain it clearly?"

"It seems I was being too attached to appearances," Hu Zongxian said with a shake of his head and a smile. He took a sip of wine and then asked, "Are you really going to fight?"

"We must fight!"

"Is His Majesty the one who wants to fight?"

Wang Yan also sighed: "Your Majesty is a wise and sage ruler. In the year of Gengxu, you allowed Anda to invade the capital. This is a great humiliation. How can Your Majesty not avenge this?"

Your Majesty understands everything. If the Ming Dynasty were still like it was in the fortieth year of the Jiajing reign, when Yan Song destroyed dikes and flooded fields for a few million taels of silver, Your Majesty probably wouldn't want to fight this war.

Things are different now. Our Great Ming Dynasty has an annual revenue of 30 million taels of silver. The southeast is stable, the central plains are secure, and the Ji and Liao regions have undergone three years of rigorous training, resulting in well-trained and brave soldiers and generals. The three tribes of Doyan and the Jurchens are all working diligently to earn money, which frees up our resources to fight the Tartars.

Whether it's a small battle or a large one, with the current strength of our Great Ming Dynasty, how could we possibly be inferior to the Tartars?

"Are you going to lead this battle?" Hu Zongxian asked, frowning.

"Who else would it be than me?"

Wang Yan then humbly added, "Of course, I don't know how to fight. I only know how to manage military supplies. Fighting is Qi Jiguang's business, it's the business of those soldiers. I make sure their blood isn't shed in vain, that their military achievements are guaranteed, and that they can die in peace. I don't think they will disappoint me."

“When we talked about military command and warfare before, I said that you are the most skilled in commanding troops. As long as you truly do what I said, your army will be invincible and victorious in every battle.”

"Then I'll take your good wishes. I hope Qi Jiguang can achieve great things, so that His Majesty's spending of so much money won't be in vain."

Hu Zongxian couldn't help but laugh. He wasn't laughing at anything else, but at Wang Yan's constant praise of the Jiajing Emperor. He thought this habit was particularly good, since he had never heard Wang Yan utter a single complaint about the Jiajing Emperor.

He too had been a seasoned official for decades, and a close confidant of Yan Song. He knew that even Yan Song, in private, hadn't acted as consistently as Wang Yan. While he wouldn't speak ill of the Jiajing Emperor, he couldn't help but grumble at times. Wang Yan was the only truly honest and upright person he had ever met.

He not only spoke ill of Xu Jie behind his back, but also to his face. As a result, no one suspected that Wang Yan was speaking ill of anyone…

"Did His Majesty mention to you that he wants me to be a principal officer in the Ministry of Personnel?"

Wang Yan shook his head: "It might not be the right time yet. War is about to break out, and you still need to be in charge of Shuntian Prefecture. We can't let things get out of control in the rear. I guess His Majesty was unsure whether to fight or not, so he was just letting you know first."

How long do you think this war will last?

"Fight for as long as we can, fight them whenever we can, kill their Khan and their leaders. Then we will relocate the Tartars from the grasslands to the interior, and then we will migrate people to the grasslands, where the two tribes will intermarry and integrate, and we will send officials to govern and truly rule the grasslands."

"That would be a protracted battle, and our Great Ming might not be able to withstand it," Hu Zongxian said, somewhat losing confidence.

"Actually, the cost won't be that high. It's just that the initial consumption is a bit higher, but it gets much better afterward. Aren't there cattle, sheep, and horses on the grassland? There's also arable land, all of which are worth silver."

The Tartar people on the grasslands are just like our people. As long as they work, we can earn money and develop. In the long run, we can earn even more by occupying the grasslands.

On the other hand, it also solves a major problem in the north, ensuring peace and stability for the people and reducing the expenses of the border troops. Our Great Ming can also focus on developing the oceans; the benefits of maritime trade are self-evident. Therefore, spending a large sum of money now is worthwhile.”

Hu Zongxian nodded: "In the long run, that is indeed the case. I think Xu Jie and the others could have thought of that as well. It's just that they are unwilling to spend such a large sum of money, and they are not sure whether they can win this battle. They are afraid that if they lose, all the money will be wasted."

"Is being afraid of losing a good thing? The more afraid you are of losing, the more trouble you'll get. Let alone those barbarians who don't understand etiquette, even the scholars of our Great Ming Dynasty, in the end, aren't we still the law of the jungle? Would ordinary people dare to reason with the county magistrate? They'd probably be arrested and flogged for saying a single bad word about him. But if you and I stood in front of the county magistrate, he wouldn't dare utter a single fart."

We, the scholars of the Great Ming Dynasty, are all officials who speak of serving the country and its people with such dedication. So what about those barbarians? Even if we subdue them, they still cause trouble. If we don't fight them, won't they just become as arrogant and unruly as they are now?

Wang Yan's words are outrageous; no one would believe them if they were uttered. Officials, scholars—and not just them, but the vast majority of people—would never admit their own shortcomings. That's just human nature; it's a common human failing.

Hu Zongxian understood the situation well and didn't say anything more. Instead, he said, "Then I won't be in the position of Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture for long. After the initial battles subside, it will be time for me to leave. You need to make arrangements for my successor."

"Hey, don't say such things. The Chief Clerk of Shuntian Prefecture is such a high-ranking official, such a high position. How could you or I possibly arrange such a thing?"

"Who do you prefer?" Hu Zongxian seemed not to hear him.

Wang Yan didn't mind and replied with a smile, "Hai Rui, there's no one else but him. Although Hai Rui is sometimes inflexible, he still respects me when it comes to making money."

"His temperament, coupled with your and my support, makes him perfectly suited to be in charge of Shuntian Prefecture." Hai Rui is indeed incorruptible; Shuntian Prefecture needs such a ruthless leader. As for Hai Rui's qualifications, that's a minor issue. After all, Hai Rui wasn't made the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture; just like Wang Yan was appointed as the Chief Administrator, he was merely acting as the Prefect.

“Shuntian Prefecture is a vital center for tax revenue, and we absolutely cannot allow powerful and wealthy families to continue making things the way they used to be.” Wang Yan agreed with Hu Zongxian’s words. “This area is our foundation, and we absolutely cannot give it up.”

"After Hai Rui, there will be a gap in talent."

“Isn’t there still Wang Yongji? If all else fails, Tan Lun can take over. I said we can’t give up the position, but that doesn’t mean I’m treating it as my own. As long as the person is reliable and can handle the affairs of Shuntian Prefecture well, it doesn’t matter who they are. The most important thing is to maintain the stability of Shuntian Prefecture and ensure tax revenue.”

Wang Yan spoke casually, "They're all thinking about getting a bargain, about fighting for power and profit. If something goes wrong, they can't blame me. Whoever ruins the good situation I risked my life for, I'll take their life."

Hu Zongxian shook his head and chuckled: "They probably wouldn't dare to act recklessly. They all know what kind of temper you have and what you've done. Unless someone is really crazy and wants to die, they would never act recklessly in Shuntian Prefecture."

"That's the principle, but putting it into practice is different. They took a chance and carelessly opened a loophole, which will continue to widen. As the saying goes, a thousand-mile dike can be breached by an ant hole; we cannot be careless or negligent. Many times, things go wrong precisely because of this."

……

Hearing Wang Yan's heartfelt words, Prince Yu nodded repeatedly: "You are a man of great character, no wonder Father values ​​you so highly."

"Your Highness, I do have some selfish motives, but it's nothing more than wanting to live a carefree and comfortable life. More than anything, I want my Great Ming Dynasty to become even greater, and this is something I'm willing to do even at the cost of my life. I hope that in my lifetime, I can see the day when my Great Ming Dynasty is invincible and the people have no worries about food and clothing, and then I can die in peace."

Prince Yu expressed considerable approval of Wang Yan's statement and then said, "You've put your mind to this. Shall we talk about the war?"

"Your Majesty, please speak."

"Xu Jie and the others told me that you are determined to go your own way and insist on starting a war..."

"Your Highness, I dare not forget what happened in the year of Gengxu."

Prince Yu paused for a moment, then said, "Of course I also support going to war, but how to fight it still needs some consideration."

"Actually, there's no need to overthink it. In this battle, Ji and Liao will be the main forces, and Xuan and Da will not fall. The rest is just ensuring adequate military supplies, preventing Xu Jie and his men from dragging our feet, and ensuring that officials in Xuan and Da do not collude with foreign powers. As long as these things are done, Your Highness, I can pledge that our Great Ming will surely win this battle!"

Then Wang Yan recounted what he had told Hu Zongxian, making Prince Yu understand the relationship between large short-term expenditures and sustained high profits in the long term, the great significance of governing the grasslands for the Ming Empire, the boost to the emperor's political achievements, the consolidation of the emperor's authority, the deterrence against foreign tribes, and the importance of internal unity and stability.

In summary, this battle was one that Jiajing wanted to fight, and had to fight. It was crucial to the imperial power and had a significant impact on the fate of the Ming Dynasty.

"Your Highness, dynasties throughout history have lasted no more than three hundred years. If we win this battle, our Great Ming will surely be able to overcome this hurdle. A dynasty that lasts for ten thousand generations is a beautiful wish, but to extend the dynasty for another two hundred years is a realistic goal."

What if we lose?

"We will not lose!"

"Just think about it, what if we were to lose our Great Ming?"

"I mentioned in the cabinet that the homes of Yan Song, Xu Jie, and others could be confiscated..."

Upon hearing Wang Yan's words, Prince Yu was speechless: "Why do you always pick on Grand Secretary Xu?"

“Your Highness, this old man has done countless evil deeds, yet he pretends to be a good person. To put it bluntly, if it weren’t for His Majesty’s protection, Xu Jie would have killed me eight hundred times over. He is extremely petty and holds grudges the most.”

"Alright, eat more meat."

"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness."

"It is I who should thank you. I ate more while having dinner with you."

After chatting and eating and drinking with Prince Yu, Wang Yan took his leave, escorted by Feng Bao.

"Minister Wang, how is the Prince's health?"

"It's just a bit of internal heat; a few days of rest and recuperation will do the trick."

Feng Bao sighed, "I've been worried lately about whether to fight or make peace with the Tartars."

"It's a good thing that Your Highness cares about national affairs."

Just as Feng Bao was about to speak, a little boy ran out and said, "Big brother, let's play football!"

"Your subject Wang Yan greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"So you are Wang Yan?" said the young Wanli Emperor.

Familiar conversation, an interesting young man.

Wang Yan smiled and said, "Your Highness may have forgotten that I met Your Highness here when you were young, and Your Highness asked the same question."

"Is that so, Ōtomo?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"So what did I say after that?"

“Your Highness, this servant will speak first…” Feng Bao interjected sensibly, but was interrupted by Wang Yan.

"Your Highness said I was incredibly audacious, and I agree that Your Highness is right; I am indeed incredibly audacious. But Your Highness, you must understand who I am doing all this for. When you've figured it out, then you can see for yourself. Have some candy, Your Highness, sweeten your mouth."

When young Wanli saw Wang Yan's outstretched hand, which held two malt candies, he couldn't help but twitch his lips.

"I've grown up!"

"Will it stop you from eating candy when you grow up?"

Wang Yan curiously unwrapped the candy, ate one himself, and then slapped the remaining candy into Xiao Wanli's hand.

"Your Highness, please have a sweet word. I'll take my leave now."

Wanli looked at the candy in his hand, and at Wang Yan's departing figure...

I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the kind readers who have given me generous support through tips, monthly tickets, recommendation tickets, and those who have been reading quietly!