Chapter 1165 Arrangement 1256

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Zhang Juzheng and Wei Guangde had inadvertently leaked a lot of information during their conversation with the two queen mothers, which only stunned the last cabinet minister Zhang Siwei.

What kind of ceremony does the Ministry of Rites need to prepare for the pacification of Burma?

The key is that they repeatedly mentioned the complete pacification of Burma in their conversation. What does it mean?

Not knowing the inside story, Zhang Siwei simply shut up and listened to their conversation quietly.

"Then Li Chengliang is now the left general."

Empress Chen asked again. She was thinking about this just now. Li Chengliang's official position of left general was actually the highest position of the military generals of the Ming Dynasty.

Feng Bao had already mentioned it very obscurely before that Wei Guangde promised that if Li Chengliang pacified Burma and incorporated it into the territory of the Ming Dynasty, he would recommend him to become a noble.

What is a noble? Of course, a noble is a noble with a title.

If it is just a hereditary military position, even if you are given a command, it is still not a noble.

There were many hereditary commanders in the Ming Dynasty. Qi Jiguang's family inherited the title of hereditary commander, but he was not considered a noble.

Empress Dowager Chen understood the gap. Thinking that the court still needed Li Chengliang to help in Myanmar, she looked at Empress Dowager Li who was still excited, and then looked at the young emperor Zhu Yijun, who was still in a state of confusion.

He could understand that Myanmar had won the battle, but wasn't this normal?

If the Ming Dynasty couldn't even beat Myanmar, then Li Chengliang would be guilty of a thousand deaths.

As for Myanmar abolishing the original Xuanweisi system and setting up provinces directly under the jurisdiction of the court, he didn't think it mattered.

Thinking that the Veritable Records would be recorded in the future, during the Wanli period, the Ming Dynasty continued to expand its territory and complete the great achievements of pacifying the world, and Zhu Yijun's name might become the only one in the history of the Ming Dynasty, just like Taizu and Chengzu.

Empress Dowager Chen finally made up her mind and said, "Wei Cifu."

At this time, Wei Guangde stood in the hall, slightly bent, still waiting for Empress Dowager Chen's instructions.

Hearing Empress Dowager Chen's shout, he hurriedly bent down again.

"Tell Li Chengliang a message. If the Burmese affairs are done well, I will approve your promise."

"I will take Li Chengliang to thank the queen for her grace."

Hearing Empress Dowager Chen's words, Wei Guangde immediately bowed and said.

Empress Dowager Li, Zhang Juzheng, and Wei Guangde in the room naturally knew what this meant, and Feng Bao on the side also knew what it meant.

Wei Guangde only promised to recommend him, but it was actually Empress Dowager Chen who made the final decision on whether it would work in the end.

As the empress of the Longqing Dynasty, her imperial decree was naturally the most authoritative, even surpassing the decree of Empress Dowager Li, the biological mother of Emperor Wanli.

She promised to confer a title on Li Chengliang, and as long as Burma was safely incorporated into the Ming Province, his title would be a sure thing.

Even if it was a lifetime title, it was a big deal in the Ming Dynasty.

Except for relatives by marriage, the Ming Dynasty had not conferred titles for many years.

The most recent title was the one bestowed on Wang Yangming in the early years of the Jiajing reign, on the grounds that he had quelled the rebellion of Prince Ning.

But in fact, Emperor Jiajing conferred the title just to make a gesture to clear up the bad policies of the previous dynasty.

The real situation was that in the 14th year of the Zhengde reign, Prince Ning rebelled, and Emperor Wuzong promised that the ministers who could quell the rebellion would be conferred the title of Bohou.

Wang Yangming did it, but Emperor Zhengde did not fulfill his promise to confer the title on Wang Yangming.

Although Emperor Jiajing conferred the title on Wang Yangming, he did not actually get his approval.

In fact, Wang Yangming's title was not only not a help to his career, but it almost ended his career.

After that, Emperor Jiajing not only did not continue to confer titles, but tightened the issuance of titles to relatives by marriage.

When Emperor Jiajing was in power, in order to eliminate relatives by marriage and treacherous ministers, he took back some titles of the previous dynasty, carried out a major rectification of the titles, and cracked down on the power of powerful ministers.

For example, Zhang Heling, Duke of Changguo, was one of those who were stripped of their titles. Later, Emperor Jiajing required that the titles of relatives by marriage should not be hereditary, and the same was true for the families of his mother and empress. They could be granted titles, but not hereditary.

According to the Ming system, "no title can be granted without military merit to the country, and no title can be granted without special decree."

There are two types of titles, one is granted for life, and the other can be inherited. Whether it can be inherited or not depends on the size of military merit, and both are given imperial certificates.

Hereditary titles granted by military merit can only be passed on to healthy descendants. For example, the eldest son of Dingxing Wang Zhang Fu could not inherit the title of Yingguo Duke because of his lame leg, and the title of Yingguo Duke could only be passed on to his illegitimate son Ningyang Wang Zhang Mao who got it in his old age.

In addition to those with military merit, the only people who can get titles are the descendants of Confucius in Qufu, Yansheng Duke, and the empress (including the empress dowager and the grand empress dowager), father, brother, or son-in-law, etc., who were granted titles by virtue of grace, but only imperial certificates were given, not certificates.

Although Empress Dowager Chen did not say what title was given to Li Chengliang, Wei Guangde could guess that it was probably a lifetime title, that is, a floating title, unless he could continue to expand the territory for the Ming Dynasty.

After conquering Myanmar, where else could he continue to expand the territory?

Southeast Asia seemed to be a country that Emperor Taizu did not conquer, and continued to move westward.

Wei Guangde immediately stopped this idea. The Ming Dynasty had no ability to continue to expand, unless it really appointed a vassal king and gave the local ruling power to the vassal king.

Because of the current communication technology, the Ming Dynasty could not manage places that were too far away.

After Chen Sheng and Wu Guang shouted "Are there any species of kings, princes, generals and ministers?", the Chinese actually had no class concept in their bones.

Although the rulers have always wanted to strengthen the hierarchy, in fact, whenever they are out of reach, they often turn into civil strife.

This is very different from the relatively stable class system in the West, where the nobility can be passed down for countless generations, even to later generations.

But China cannot do that, as there is no soil for the feudal class system.

The territory of the Ming Dynasty is now the largest territory that can be ruled in this era.

After the three cabinet members came out of the Ciqing Palace, they returned to the cabinet without saying a word.

Zhang Siwei was still very patient and did not ask a word after leaving the palace.

"Shandai, do you think you should call the people from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Rites to discuss and let them prepare early?"

After entering the cabinet, Zhang Juzheng asked.

Hearing this, Wei Guangde thought for a moment and nodded, saying: "It's time to tell Shangshu Ma and Shangshu Tan about this matter."

"Tan Zili doesn't know either?"

Zhang Juzheng asked in surprise.

"I said all these when I discussed the Burmese affairs with Li Chengliang. The Ministry of War was not aware of it.

This matter is of great importance. If the overall situation with Burma had not been decided, I would not have said this easily.

If it gets out, the court will not be able to realize it, which will have a great impact on the prestige of the court.

It is only now that the Burmese king and his son have been captured that there is some hope for this matter."

Wei Guangde answered.

"Ziwei, you send a note to the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Rites, asking them to come over."

Zhang Juzheng turned and said to Zhang Siwei, and then pulled Wei Guangde into the duty room.

"Shandai, what do you think about Burma? You have to tell me clearly.

I only gave a rough outline last night. I think you and Li Chengliang should have a rough plan for the various departments in Burma."

After entering the duty room, Zhang Juzheng asked immediately.

Don't think it is easy for the Ming army to occupy Burma and set up a province there for management. Annan is a precedent.

During the Chengzu period, prefectures and counties were set up in Annan, and officials were sent to govern, but in the end the Ming army had to withdraw.

The impact of this incident is actually quite large, especially for the Southeast Asian vassal states.

When Wei Guangde heard Zhang Juzheng ask about it, he did not hide it.

Last night, he just wanted to blow some steam and leak some information in advance, but he did not know that the victory report from Myanmar arrived in the capital the next day.

The result was much better than he expected.

Although his contact with Li Chengliang gave him a better understanding of Myanmar, the general situation in Myanmar is similar to the strategy they had set before, so they can try to adopt it.

So, Wei Guangde said: "According to the details of Myanmar, Myanmar can be roughly divided into two parts, north and south.

The southern part of Myanmar has a dense population and a good economy, which is considered the main body of Myanmar's rule.

Before, northern Myanmar was divided into several Xuanweisi, and it was also because the mountains and forests there were high and dense, which was not convenient for a large army to attack. It was also because of this that the Duke of Qian chose to withdraw.

Originally, according to the previous layout, several Xuanweisi would check and balance each other, which could ensure that the court's orders were smooth. Unfortunately, the court made too many mistakes in Myanmar affairs in those years, which led to their disunity.

After that, Li Chengliang and I discussed and believed that the best strategy was to rule Myanmar by Myanmar.

In short, it is to take advantage of the intricate relationship between the various tribes in southern and northern Myanmar, divide them up, and arouse their internal hatred, so that my Ming Dynasty can reap the benefits."

Wei Guangde said the initial general idea. In fact, this is also the strategy adopted by the British in their colonies everywhere, pulling one faction to fight another, and finally the two factions fought each other and became mortal enemies, while the British stayed out of it.

Not only that, in order to gain the upper hand in the fight, the two factions had to find ways to please them and hope to gain their support.

Zhang Juzheng remained silent after listening to Wei Guangde's story, and his mind quickly deduced the situation.

It must be said that this method seems to be the best way to govern foreigners.

If it can be done, then the northerners and southerners of Myanmar will hate each other, and the Ming Dynasty will be high above and rule them.

At some point, Zhang Siwei had also walked into the duty room.

Seeing that both of them remained silent, he was not in a position to speak, so he sat quietly in an empty seat beside him.

After a while, he came back to his senses, glanced at Zhang Siwei, and then said to Wei Guangde: "If this method is used well, it is a great good.

But just letting Li Chengliang in Myanmar seems not enough."

"What do you think, uncle?"

Wei Guangde looked at Zhang Juzheng and asked.

"Do you plan to set up a governor or governor in Myanmar?

Or, is it the governor's office?"

Zhang Juzheng asked.

Wei Guangde understood that Li Chengliang was only a military commander after all. For the local governance of the Ming Dynasty, a civil official was needed.

Even if Burma did not give up the governor-general, Li Chengliang was in Burma. Although his official position was higher than that of the governor, the Sansi was the government office that actually controlled Burma. Li Chengliang could only command the Burmese Dusi.

Wei Guangde lowered his head and thought about it. He had forgotten that the Ming Dynasty had always suppressed the military with civil officials, but Li Chengliang was afraid that civil officials would do bad things there.

It seemed that a sensible person had to be selected to serve as an official there.

The two fell into silence again, but Zhang Siwei on the side heard it clearly. He had understood the meaning of the conversation in Ciqing Palace beforehand.

The Ming Dynasty should actually control Burma and no longer control it indirectly through the Xuanweisi.

It turned out that they were discussing to expand the territory for the Ming Dynasty.

Although Burma had long been included in the territory of the Ming Dynasty in name, the Ming Dynasty had never actually ruled there. It was similar to a vassal state.

The imperial court could issue decrees to the envoys, but they often disobeyed orders and the imperial court was powerless to do anything about it.

As for asking the Yunnan government to punish him, it was just talk. Unless they sent troops, they could do nothing but reprimand him.

A civil servant should be arranged in Myanmar to assist Li Chengliang in guarding Myanmar.

Zhang Siwei's heart moved. It seemed that Zhang Wei and Zhang Wei had not yet chosen this person.

Could he recommend one?

Zhang Siwei suddenly felt hot when he thought of this.

As long as his people could be sent to Myanmar and Myanmar could be governed successfully, he would also have made contributions.

However, just when Zhang Siwei was trying to find a suitable candidate, a thought suddenly came to his mind.

In Myanmar, few Yunnan governors were willing to go there on their own initiative. If he really recommended someone around him, he might make an enemy.

Others were not bribed successfully, and they thought they had offended him and were exiled by him.

It was not easy to recommend an official in Myanmar.

Thinking of this, Zhang Siwei instantly gave up.

It was better not to be this evil person.

Anyway, although their idea was good, just think about Annan and you will know how difficult it is to bring Myanmar, which has never been taught by the saints, under the control of the Ming Dynasty.

If they succeed, they can naturally leave their names for generations, but what if they fail?

Zhang Siwei chose to remain silent. Anyway, he didn't know about it at the beginning, so he might as well not know about it until the end.

If it succeeds, he, as a cabinet minister, will also have merit, although it is a little small.

If it fails, it seems to be a good opportunity to attack Wei Guangde.

"In fact, Yin Yangshi is a good candidate."

At this time, Zhang Juzheng suddenly sighed.

Zhang Juzheng thought of Yin Zhengmao again. It's not that he is his man, but Zhang Juzheng really values ​​Yin Zhengmao's talents.

There are really not many capable officials in the Ming Dynasty who are both civil and military.

However, he has planned to let Yin Zhengmao come to the capital to take over the position of Minister of Revenue.

If Yin Zhengmao goes to Myanmar, he must at least be the governor-general to match his current position as Minister of Revenue in Nanjing.

In fact, even so, he was still a little wronged.

After all, the positions of the six ministries and the governor-general are obviously better and worse.

"Yangshi is over 60 years old. Even if he is willing to go, I dare not arrange him there."

When Wei Guangde heard Zhang Juzheng mention Yin Zhengmao, he rejected it in just a moment.

It's not about ability, but too old.

To go to Myanmar, people around 50 must go. Don't die in office if you are too old.

"If there is no suitable candidate for the time being, I would like to propose that Yunnan Censor Luo Rufang be appointed as the Burmese Censor.

He has been in Yunnan for many years. I think he should be able to apply to Burma."

Wei Guangde did not consider the candidates for governor and governor, but arranged the Burmese Censorate first.

"Luo Rufang, yes, he was the logistics officer in this battle, so he deserves to be rewarded."

Zhang Juzheng hesitated for a moment and nodded in agreement, "Let Li Chengliang recommend the commander-in-chief, which will also be beneficial for him to act in Myanmar."

"Who should be appointed as the governor?"

Wei Guangde raised another question, saying that he needed someone who could clean up the mess, and it was not easy to find such a candidate.

If the court did not select a governor-general or a provincial governor, then the provincial governor would be the head of the civil servants there.

In fact, Wei Guangde already had a rough idea at this moment, that is, to arrange a provincial governor, and then upgrade the governor of Yunnan to the governor-general of Yunnan and Myanmar.

With this arrangement, Li Chengliang would have no one to command him in Myanmar, and the governor-general of Yunnan and Myanmar would stay in Kunming.