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Chapter 124 Demanding Benefits
The name "Sun and Moon" was Lu Xuan's genuine expression of feeling. Since it was a sword bestowed by the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, naming it "Sun and Moon" seemed reasonable. However, after saying it, he felt there was something wrong with it.
The sword is called Sun and Moon. To hold Sun and Moon in one's own hands? Isn't that a bit...?
However, Zhu Changluo seemed not to have expected this, and laughed heartily.
"What a fine example of Sun and Moon! Sun and Moon symbolize brightness. General Lu is truly a loyal and virtuous general of our Great Ming. He is more than twice as good as those who only talk the talk but don't walk the walk."
Zhu Changluo's words were clearly loaded with meaning. However, Lu Xuan didn't know how to respond and could only lower his head in silence.
Seeing that he did not speak, Zhu Changluo spoke again.
"General Lu, our Great Ming is now surrounded by wolves on the outside and is not very stable on the inside. We need a man of courage and wisdom like you to support us. I ask you this question: are you willing to assist me in restoring the Great Ming Dynasty?"
When Zhu Changluo asked that question, Lu Xuan knew why he had died so young. First, he pointed out the instability within the Ming Dynasty. An ordinary emperor wouldn't easily utter such words. This showed that he had already perceived the problems in the court. Then, he bluntly asked him such a question. He actually wanted to consolidate military power and suppress dissent in the court!
This move wasn't exactly a mistake. So far, the most likely candidate to be won over was indeed Lu Xuan, a powerful general. However, Lu Xuan was a military officer who rose through the ranks based on military achievements, and his tenure was relatively short; he probably hadn't yet been won over by those others. If Lu Xuan could be secured, the newly enthroned emperor would naturally feel more confident.
He just didn't know the saying, "Taking too big a step can lead to disaster." He'd only just ascended the throne, and with nothing to his name, he dared to make such a move. He was practically asking for a quick death. Lu Xuan felt that this time he probably wouldn't live more than a month...
In contrast, his successor, Zhu Youxiao, was far more astute. He supported Wei Zhongxian in his struggle against the Donglin Party, while remaining steadfast in his position as referee, thus maintaining the emperor's aloof and detached power. His mastery of imperial balancing act was truly remarkable. Unfortunately, despite his skillful political maneuvering, he couldn't save the Ming Dynasty from its fundamental problems.
However, since they're using their own savings for his military expenses, Lu Xuan doesn't mind showing his loyalty.
"This humble servant swears to serve the Ming Dynasty and Your Majesty to the death."
"Good, good, good. General Lu, no need for such formalities. I am satisfied with your words. Is there anything else you require?"
Lu Xuan pondered for a moment and decided to give him a hint. Not for any other reason than to say a little more about that million taels.
"Your Majesty, not long ago, I conducted a detailed review of the battle with the Jurchens a few days ago. I discovered a weakness in our army and would like to report this to Your Majesty."
"Oh? Tell me in detail." Upon hearing that it was a matter of military importance, Zhu Changluo immediately became serious. He also wanted to see just how capable this general, who came from humble beginnings, really was.
"Your Majesty, at the start of the war, our army split into four routes, forming an encirclement. Tactically, this wasn't ineffective. However, there was a very serious problem. The Jurchen army was fully aware of our movements. They frequently set traps and ambushes, achieving victories against overwhelming odds. Our Ming army, on the other hand, often had to hastily engage after encountering them. This led to repeated defeats and heavy losses."
"I have never been to the front lines myself, so I was unaware of this disparity."
"Moreover, the battleground was mostly hilly and densely forested, making the environment extremely complex. However, before the battle, the Ming army did not thoroughly explore this area or draw up accurate maps. As a result, after the battle began, the four armies were unable to support each other, and even the scouts couldn't find their way. If I hadn't grown up freely in the mountains, I might not have been able to deliver that fatal blow."
Moreover, I heard that before the war, Lord Yang Gao had communicated with Nurhaci, informing him of some battle plans in an attempt to intimidate the Jurchens…” Before Lu Xuan could finish speaking, Zhu Changluo jumped up in anger.
"This is outrageous! I hereby issue an order to dig up that old scoundrel Yang Gao and whip his corpse." Lu Xuan gave a bitter smile.
"Your Majesty, Yang Gao is dead. It's not a big deal. The most urgent task is to solve these problems so that the Ming Dynasty won't be so passive when the Jurchens attack again."
“That makes sense.” Zhu Changluo’s expression grew even more serious. “General Lu, do you have a better plan?”
"It's not exactly a good solution. But I do have a few ideas."
"Please speak freely. I will certainly give you my full support."
"Then I will speak frankly. First of all, the important military matters of our Great Ming Dynasty still need to be kept secret. Those who speak out, discuss, or spread such matters must be severely punished. This matter involves the lives of the soldiers on the front lines, and I hope Your Majesty will take it seriously."
"That's natural. I immediately issued an imperial edict, classifying this matter as a serious crime of treason."
"Your Majesty is wise. Secondly, in warfare, it is essential to know oneself and one's enemy to ensure victory in every battle. Therefore, pre-battle intelligence is extremely important. If Nurhaci's location had been known before the battle, and the four armies had been able to encircle him directly, the Jurchens would likely have been defeated long ago. I have heard that in the past, our Imperial Guards were spread throughout the country, and even infiltrated neighboring countries. I wonder why the Imperial Guards did not provide any prior intelligence for this great battle?"
Without sufficient pre-battle intelligence, our army will be as blind and deaf as can be. How can we engage the enemy? This humble servant humbly requests Your Majesty's permission to utilize the Jinyiwei spies from Liaodong to gather intelligence on the Jurchens, Korea, and even Japan.
After all that, Lu Xuan finally got to the point, emphasizing the role of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Regardless of how movies and television portray the Embroidered Uniform Guard as a group of ruthless executioners, they were unwavering in their loyalty to the imperial power throughout history.
Although Zhu Youxiao later weakened the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he also supported the Eastern Depot, so his intelligence network remained intact. Only the foolish Chongzhen Emperor abolished both the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard, rendering himself blind and deaf. How could he possibly maintain order in the court?
Zhu Changluo's expression changed slightly. He had only recently ascended the throne and had already received dozens of memorials demanding restrictions on the disbandment of the imperial guards and secret police. He had already suspected these memorials were malicious. Now, after hearing Lu Xuan's words, he suddenly understood.
Despite being the emperor, he always felt restricted in every way. He even had a feeling that everything was pitch black and he knew nothing at all.
Now it seems that it wasn't my fault, but rather that my eyes and ears had been covered.
Lu Xuan subtly hinted at the importance of intelligence, directly mentioning the Embroidered Uniform Guard—a clear message to Zhu Changluo. The Imperial Guard is your eyes and ears; ensuring their independence and strength might offer you a glimmer of hope. How much Zhu Changluo can understand is beyond his concern.
He came here to ask for favors.
"Your Majesty, I have another request. I hope Your Majesty will grant it."
"Go ahead and say it."
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Chapter 125 White Horse and Silver Spear Zhao... Jingzhong
In a secluded courtyard in the capital city.
"Senior brother, is this General Lu trustworthy? Most officials in the Ming Dynasty are corrupt and not trustworthy. Don't choose such a person."
"Don't worry, junior sister. There is no one in the world more trustworthy than General Lu. He is ambitious and loyal, and he will surely rise to great heights in the future."
"A meteoric rise? He's already the General of Liaoyang, how much higher can he get? Is it possible?"
"Junior sister, watch your words," Lu Wenzhao interrupted Ding Baiying. He paused for a moment before speaking.
"Ever since the Battle of Sarhu, my senior brother has understood a principle. If you want to live according to your own will, you have to be a superior person. We have practiced martial arts for many years and we don't even care about ten or eight ordinary bandits. But so what? You haven't seen that battlefield. Tens of thousands of lives were wiped out like grass."