Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 860 Each fights on its own
A memorial written by Wang Yue in the army was sent to the capital by express courier. It was finally delivered into the city before nightfall and appeared on Zhu Youcheng's desk at the time of lighting the lamps.

“Wang Yue left behind a force of about two thousand men on the grassland.”

Qin Changli stood to the side and said cautiously, "The commander is named Wang Shouren, the son of Wang Hanlin in the court. He was originally just a scholar, but Wang Yue seems to admire him very much and let him lead the troops in the previous battle of Yinshan, cooperating with Zhu Hui, the son of the Duke of Baoguo, to achieve a brilliant victory."

"This time, Wang Shouren and Zhu Hui remained on the grasslands, equipped with about ten days' worth of rations, to continue leading their troops into battle. Meanwhile, Wang Yue's main force has been gradually withdrawing back to the Hetao region and is heading south towards the Yansui Pass!"

Zhu Youcheng examined the memorial and asked, "Is the main reason Wang Yue did not stay on the grasslands because of a severe shortage of provisions and supplies?"

Qin Changdao said, "According to his report, this is indeed the case. However, he also mentioned that the environment on the grasslands is extremely harsh now, with most places covered in ice and snow and extremely low temperatures, making it very difficult for the Ming soldiers to adapt. In particular, they often have to endure the elements and sleep outdoors, resulting in many unnecessary casualties outside the battlefield due to disease and severe weather..."

Zhu Youcheng nodded and said, "It seems he was prepared... but why must it be Wang Shouren who stayed behind to continue commanding the battle? This man..."

"Your Majesty, why don't we summon Wang Hua to the palace and inquire about his son's situation?"

Qin Chang was quite surprised.

In fact, he didn't understand why Wang Yue would leave so many experienced generals unused and instead let a greenhorn lead the troops.
Just because this boy is Wang Hua's son?
Furthermore, how could a young scholar appear on the grasslands before or after a major battle, meet the military commander of the Ming Dynasty directly, and gain his favor?
Is this a system of recommending filial and incorrupt officials?
Or should we use materials available locally?

"no need."

Zhu Youcheng said, "I have vaguely heard of this boy."

"Your Majesty..."

Qin Chang was even more puzzled.

Zhu Youcheng said: "In fact, before Yanling went on the expedition, he recommended some people to me, especially some capable young people. He specifically mentioned Wang Shouren, who may achieve great things in the future."

“At the time, I found it strange that Yanling would mention him. Now I realize that what Yanling saw was exactly the same as what Wang Yue saw.”

Qin Chang was speechless and said, "That's really... too much of a coincidence. Could it be that Zhang Guojiu sent Wang Shouren to the Northwest to find Wang Yue?"

"will not."

Zhu Youcheng shook his head and said, "Although Yanling mentioned these people, he did not specifically recommend them. He only said that we should keep an eye out for them in the future. Besides, I did not inform Wang Yue about this matter, and he would not possibly recruit talents based on the list given by Yanling. It can only be said that some people will surely rise to prominence at the right time. This is the will of Heaven, which cannot be changed by human effort."

Qin Chang said, "That's true. The Zhang family has always had the ability to see the will of Heaven. Perhaps this is also a reasonable prediction by Zhang Xiaoguojiu about the future of human affairs in the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Youcheng said, "It's a pity. Leaving such a force deep into the grasslands, without a fixed abode, will probably make it difficult to send messages back in time, let alone coordinate with each other... In this way, this force will become an isolated army, just like Yanling's force."

"Yes."

Qin Chang looked worried. "It was alright to be a lone force on the grassland, but suddenly there are two..."

Zhu Youcheng nodded and said, "Yanling's army is equipped with better weapons. He went there with the intention of fighting a tough battle. Wang Shouren and Zhu Hui's troops, although roughly the same number, are only equipped with the ordinary firearms of Wang Yue's army. Their combat strength is definitely far inferior."

Qin Chang said, "This servant doesn't quite understand. How much difference could there be?"

"It's the difference between heaven and earth."

Zhu Youcheng said.

Qin Chang found it even more unbelievable.

He was thinking that the firearms that the second young master of the Zhang family had previously developed were already the most advanced firearms in the world. Soldiers could simply hold them in their hands and fire them directly. The loading was also so simple. But judging from the emperor's tone, they were... insignificant in the face of the new firearms.
That second young master is really something else!
He kept all the good stuff for himself?
No wonder he dared to bring only two or three thousand men into the grasslands!

He's much more arrogant than Wang Yue.

Zhu Youcheng said, "Don't worry, we should get news from Yanling in the next couple of days..."

Qin Chang breathed a sigh of relief and said, "That's good... Ever since we received the report that Zhang Guojiu had led his troops into the grasslands, there has been no new news for a long time, which has made us very anxious."

"With Yanling leading his troops deep into enemy territory, it's unlikely he'll be able to get the news back in time before the major battle breaks out..."

Zhu Youcheng said, "I have been unable to eat or sleep these past few days. I try to appear calm in front of others and avoid mentioning it in court, but I keep thinking about it..."

Qin Chang was furious. How could you have done such a big thing in secret with your brother-in-law? Even the court officials didn't know the details.
You two young people are awesome.

But what if...?

Too arrogant, underestimating the Tatars?

Foreign tribes were able to threaten the Central Plains dynasties on the grasslands for two thousand years, so they must have had their own ways of survival. It's not like you can completely defeat them just by developing new firearms, right?
"These past few days, your father-in-law must be very worried about his son... Later, send someone to take Wang Yue's memorial to your father-in-law for a look..."

Zhu Youcheng said, "There's no need for him to give any reply. As the war has progressed to this point, there's really nothing we can do in the capital. It's enough for my father-in-law to know exactly what has happened."

Qin Changdao asked, "Should we urge Zhang Guozhang to attend court and participate in the decision-making of military and political affairs in the Northwest?"

Don't force him.

Zhu Youcheng stood up and said, “My father-in-law is too low-key and doesn’t want to get involved in the intrigues of the court. What he’s most concerned about right now is Yanling’s safety… Fortunately, Wang Yue left a force on the grasslands, which can alleviate some of the pressure on Yanling and create some restraint. Just like Li Zisheng’s purpose in leading his troops north, it’s to make it difficult for the Tatars to attend to both ends… Not bad, not bad.”

Qin Chang said, "If that's really the case, then Wang Yue shouldn't have retreated."

"Without supplies, the soldiers are starving. What else can we do but retreat? Alas..."

Zhu Youcheng sighed softly and said, "I really wish I could jump to the day when the good news came. I have only been on the throne for a short time, and I am already eager to pacify the grasslands. Is my ambition too great, to the point that... I have lost my sense of duty?"

Qin Chang smiled and comforted him, "With capable ministers assisting Your Majesty, many things will naturally fall into place."

"I hope so."

Zhu Youcheng's eyes held a hint of regret, as if he felt something was missing because he couldn't personally participate in the northern war.

……

……

"Wang Yue withdrew his troops, but left a contingent on the grassland. What exactly is he planning to do?"

Upon returning to his post at the Directorate of Ceremonial, Qin Chang immediately raised his questions to Li Rong.

Li Rong did not answer, but instead raised his concerns to his superiors: "The court did not offer a single word of praise for Wang Yue's victory in the north. Instead, it was all criticism. They believed that he had rashly led his troops deep into the grasslands for his own fame and fortune, completely disregarding the current situation of the Ming Dynasty."

Qin Chang didn't comment, but took out a read memorial from his sleeve and handed it to Li Rong, saying, "Go and give it to Zhang Guozhang."

Li Rong said, "Huh, isn't this the memorial that was sent to His Majesty for review earlier? It looks like... Wang Yue's own handwriting?"

Qin Chang said, "His Majesty wants Zhang Guozhang to know the situation at the front as soon as possible. He also said that the most important thing at present is to cooperate with Zhang's young uncle on the grasslands."

"How is the young imperial brother-in-law doing now?"

Li Rong asked.

"neither knows."

Qin Chang shrugged and said, "The young imperial uncle leading troops into the grasslands seems reckless and audacious, but both His Majesty and the Zhang family seem to think it's the most appropriate course of action. Judging from the current situation, His Majesty really has high expectations for this... who knows, they might actually achieve some victory?"

…… ……

Wang Shouren and Zhu Hui continued to lead their troops eastward, following the Yin Mountains, heading towards Weining Sea.

But halfway there, mountains and rivers blocked their way, forcing them to turn back and cross the Yin Mountains to enter the area north of them again.

As they traveled further and further away from the Ming Dynasty's territory, the soldiers' complacency gradually faded, and their confidence slowly returned, because they hadn't encountered any real danger along the way!
There were neither Tatar camps nor main Tatar forces encountered, nor even Tatar scouts.

Wherever they went, all was silent, without a trace of human habitation; it was as if the Tatars had completely evaporated from the grasslands.

Wang Shouren's tactics remained aggressive. Each time, he would send out about a third of his troops to search for traces of the Tatars. Only after several days of ensuring absolute safety would they reunite, rest briefly, and then continue their advance.

He managed to make a force of 2,000 people appear as if it were 10,000.

It was time for the shift change again. The weather was already quite cold, and snowflakes were falling from the sky.

Zhu Hui arrived with several attendants, his boots crunching on the frosty, dry grass. After looking around, he said to Wang Shouren, "Brother Wang, something seems amiss..."

"What's wrong?"

Wang Shouren asked.

Zhu Hui said, "Logically speaking, even if our actions are very secretive, the Tatars shouldn't be completely unaware of our whereabouts. They should at least send a force to harass our army from the surrounding area. Even if they only spot a few scouts in the distance, it would be quite normal for them to do so, even if we can't catch them. But now..."

Wang Shouren nodded: "Just as General Zhu said, the grasslands have been unusually calm lately... indeed a bit too calm."

You think so too, right?

Zhu Hui looked at Wang Shouren as if to say, "It's rare for us to agree with each other. I know you've always looked down on me, but I understand... Who told you to be such a proud and arrogant scholar?"

Wang Shouren said, "I think the most likely reason is that the troops sent from Datong have put a lot of pressure on the Tatars, and they have sent all the troops they can mobilize to intercept that Ming army."

Zhu Hui said, "Brother Wang, are you saying that Zhang Xiaoguojiu... oh no, it might not be him leading the troops. I heard that Xu Jin, the governor of Datong, is also skilled in military affairs. Perhaps he is the one leading the troops out of the border?"

Wang Shouren shook his head and asked, "General Zhu, do you really think that among the officials and generals of the Ming Dynasty, there are still people like Wang Zhongcheng who are so unwavering and determined to send troops?"

"Heh, it's indeed unlikely..."

Zhu Hui smiled and asked, "And what about your father?"

Wang Shouren remained silent.

As the saying goes, you're bringing up the very thing you shouldn't talk about.

In Wang Shouren's view, his father's political stance was not open to questioning by outsiders. Of course, he also knew that Wang Hua would definitely stand with Xu Pu and the others and would not support sending troops at all.

……

……

Wang Shouren led his men eastward, rapidly advancing towards the presumed "site of the incident."

At this time, Wang Yue had already retreated to the place where he had previously built a city in the Hetao region. After a brief inspection of the camp, he found that the ground was frozen and it was difficult to get water. The city wall, which was only half-built, was not capable of keeping out the cold. Therefore, he decided to continue the retreat south.

At this time, the food shortage in the army was already very serious. Even if he sent people back in advance to ask for money and food, Yansui did not have enough food supply, which caused many soldiers to march on an empty stomach. This was also related to the fact that he left the limited food for Wang Shouren's troops.

"General Wang, it's not that I'm trying to sabotage things, but leaving Bo'an and Dongyang on the grasslands is probably not a good idea. What if something happens to them..."

Zhu Yong was extremely anxious about his son's safety.

As the heir of the Duke of Baoguo, Zhu Hui's performance in this battle was already outstanding enough, and he deserved the military merits he was due. Staying on the grasslands to continue fighting would be superfluous.

Wang Yue said, "Bo'an has courage far beyond that of ordinary people, and your son is a fierce general. The two complement each other perfectly. I believe they will work together sincerely and make persistent efforts to achieve more military merits, adding unparalleled glory to your lineage of Duke Baoguo."

Zhu Yong asked, "So, are we just giving up now? What if His Majesty holds us accountable when we get back...?"

"Duke Baoguo, you believe this battle should end, yet you also suspect His Majesty might be dissatisfied with our withdrawal?"

Wang Yue said, "Then what exactly are your expectations? As a commander-in-chief, you can't be like an ordinary soldier, looking back and forth, afraid of hardship and unwilling to take risks... and envious when you see others achieving great things, right?"

A bitter smile involuntarily appeared on Zhu Yong's face.

He was already a duke, and his merits, accumulated from the previous dynasty, had essentially reached their limit. There was no way to rise further, so what was there to strive for?

At least during the Chenghua reign, the prestige of his lineage as Duke of Baoguo was unmatched by the vast majority of meritorious officials in the court, and even the Duke of Yingguo's mansion had to take a backseat.

But now that we're in the Hongzhi era, many things are uncertain.

Wang Yue said, "Currently, the officials accompanying the army, as well as the civil and military officials leading troops in the nine border regions, all share the same attitude and basically agree that the biggest problem in this battle lies in the collective opposition of the civil officials in the court and the failure to mobilize enough funds and provisions... Since there is this consensus, what are we worried about? We just need to firmly grasp the military merits in our hands, and even if there are any mistakes, they will be the responsibility of the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue..."

Zhu Yong kindly reminded him, "That Zhang Guozhang seems to be the Vice Minister of War."

Wang Yue said with a dark face, "I am still the Vice Minister of War, but like Zhang Guozhang, I was appointed by His Majesty through an exception. What does this have to do with civil officials? Furthermore, does Zhang Guozhang really have any substantial influence over the affairs of the Ministry of War?"

“What you said…”

Zhu Yong really wanted to ask, "Do you have some kind of problem with Zhang Luan? You were pardoned by Zhang Laizhan and gained your current position, and even have the opportunity to make great achievements."

Given your talent for currying favor with the powerful, why do you always seem so disappointed when you mention Zhang Laizhan?

Do you feel that they sent their son to advance from Datong without inviting you?
But you weren't waiting for them in Hetao either.

Faced with tremendous military achievements, everyone has selfish desires; this is only human nature.

Wang Yue said, "I will always be grateful for the kindness shown to me by Zhang Guozhang, but if there is any fault in the Ministry of War's coordination in this battle, I will speak frankly about it."

"Duke Baoguo, there are matters involving the investigation and calculation of merits that need to be recorded in detail. An imperial censor will be coming over, and we will not be able to see each other again. We must keep our word."

"clear."

Zhu Yong nodded and said, "The main reason was the lack of food and supplies. In addition, the soldiers were extremely exhausted after a long march into the grasslands to fight. Furthermore, the Tatars came with overwhelming force, so we had no choice but to retreat in disappointment... Is there anything else you would like to add?"

Wang Yue said coldly, "According to you, doesn't that mean we're cowardly?"

Zhu Yong was somewhat angry upon hearing this.

This won't work, that won't work, what exactly do you want?

Wang Yue said, "I will give you a detailed record. You should show this to the censor. If the court asks you about it later, you should... read it verbatim and not add too much subjective speculation."

"clear."

Zhu Yong sighed, "It's easy for me to handle things on my end, but I hope you can also communicate well with Eunuch Cao so that all our efforts won't be in vain."

(End of this chapter)