The secret reporting system is no longer a secret. Some people can guess who has this power and trust, while others hide it very deeply.
In this regard, some civil officials also advised against it, saying that it was not in line with the court system and why should it not go through the Tongzhengsi?
However, the emperor also flatly refused to accept the advice, and made it clear that the secret memorial was just a personal letter to the ministers, which did not belong to the memorial system, so there was no need to go through the Tongzhengsi to convey the situation.
This reason is very powerful. Who would have the courage to restrict the emperor's personal communications?
As for many ministers who also want to write letters to the emperor, there is no mailbox in the palace. You'd better wait until the emperor trusts you before you can enjoy this favor!
The secret report had created enough of a deterrent effect. The factory guards were already tight enough, and the officials lurking around him might be the emperor's eyes and ears. Who wouldn't be cautious? Who would dare to deceive their superiors and hide the truth from their subordinates?
Obviously, the effectiveness of the secret petition system was no longer important. What mattered was that the emperor achieved his goal, and no one dared to deceive him without fear of death.
The Imperial Household Department and the Censorate, along with their intensive reports, formed three lines of defense, effectively supervising officials. Those who obeyed the law and acted honestly were not afraid, while those who were servile, corrupt, and incompetent found it difficult to gain a foothold in officialdom.
This wasn't the emperor's final plan, and it didn't reassure him. Reporting, which was supposed to be his ultimate move, wasn't something he had yet to use.
So many precautions, isn't that excessive? Aren't you being too suspicious?
The emperor didn't think so. With the current information dissemination channels and speed, no matter how strict the system is, it cannot prevent some people who are blinded by greed.
However, the implementation of policies requires timing. He is planning, waiting and preparing, and has no plans to promulgate it in the short term.
As Yuan Keli said, supervision of not only civil officials but also military generals is carried out simultaneously.
The sky is big, the earth is big, but the throne is the biggest; a strong country and a rich people still rely on the army to protect and fight for them, and we must hold the gun firmly in our hands.
Therefore, the emperor was extremely cautious about the military commander of Liaodong, and summoning Mao Wenlong to Beijing to report on his work was the final assessment.
Of course, the emperor's pensions and rewards for the great achievements in pacifying the Liao Dynasty were also clear. Both officers and soldiers received them, and they had already been delivered to the various armies and were being distributed.
"Your humble servant bows in gratitude to Heaven, long live the Emperor!"
Mao Wenlong bowed respectfully and accepted the imperial edict. To be promoted from Left Commander-in-Chief to General, and then to Grand Tutor and Prince Taibao, was the highest honor besides a title.
The emperor also bestowed rewards, clothes and swords on him, paving the way for him to be conferred a title.
As for the merits of pacifying Liao, Xiong Tingbi should be the greatest, followed by Mao Wenlong. Now, Xiong Tingbi's reward has not been awarded, but only given to Mao Wenlong. The emperor's deep intentions cannot help but make people speculate.
Mao Wenlong was therefore both happy and worried, knowing full well that this visit to the capital to report on his work was of great importance. If the emperor was not satisfied, he would no longer be the commander-in-chief guarding Liaodong.
To satisfy the emperor, one must understand his thoughts, which is the so-called "imperial will."
Mao Wenlong was not a reckless warrior. From establishing the Dongjiang town to successfully pacifying the Liaodong region, he had figured out some tricks from all aspects.
The emperor did not appoint civilian supervisors or eunuchs, but employed the Imperial Guard, who controlled the army's food and wages and military law, but rarely interfered with the command of the commander-in-chief.
From this perspective, the emperor was extremely intelligent, thoughtful, and courageous. After all, this was a good way to ensure that the commanders did not embezzle military pay while also eliminating the malpractice of civil servants and eunuchs giving blind orders.
The establishment of the secret report system was another creative means of controlling officials. Mao Wenlong also had this right, but he still had to be cautious and not dare to overstep the line.
The emperor was able to raise the status of military personnel, ensure adequate food and wages, and provide weapons and equipment. He was able to do all this, and he did not hesitate to punish corrupt officials and powerful gentry to raise funds. This shows that he was an emperor who could not be fooled, and his wisdom and shrewdness were awe-inspiring and admirable.
For officials with an open mind and who abide by the law, a wise and upright emperor is a blessing, not a curse. If you just do your job well and don't worry about anything else, wouldn't that be relaxing?
Mao Wenlong had seen this point a long time ago, and he consciously acted cautiously and carefully to avoid mistakes. Although he was a little nervous about going to Beijing to report on his work, he was not worried at all.
"Congratulations, Marshal. Congratulations, Marshal." After receiving the order, all the generals came forward to congratulate him with loud voices and excited expressions.
The court would reward them according to their merits. The emperor was clear about rewards and punishments and never delayed payment. Everyone had seen this over the past few years.
Mao Wenlong laughed heartily, cupped his hands, and said, "The Emperor's grace is immense, and His Majesty is wise. This is a blessing for warriors like me, and it is also the time for us to serve with all our loyalty."
The generals all agreed, and Mao Wenlong ordered a banquet to entertain the imperial envoy and the generals to celebrate. The generals were straightforward and generous, and they were rewarded for their great victory. They were all happy and drank until late at night.
Mao Wenlong did not drink much. He returned to his residence, picked up a pen and spread out paper to write a letter of thanks.
Just as he wrote the beginning, Deputy General Chen Jisheng arrived. Mao Wenlong hurriedly invited him in and ordered his servants to serve him tea.
"Are you worried about my trip to Beijing to meet the emperor?" After the servant left, Mao Wenlong went straight to the point.
Chen Jisheng smiled and said, "The Marshal must have a plan in mind. There is no need for me to say more."
Mao Wenlong waved his hand and said, "Back then, you followed me in the surprise attack on Zhenjiang. For several years, you fought in the east and west, loyally serving me. We were both generals, but we were as close as brothers. How can you say that you are talking too much? I haven't thought it through yet, and I'd like to hear other people's opinions. Please speak quickly."
Chen Jisheng had always admired Mao Wenlong and was also an important adviser to Mao Wenlong. Seeing that Mao Wenlong spoke sincerely, he put aside his concerns and spoke directly about what he was thinking.
"The successful pacification of Liao is undoubtedly a joyous occasion, but the Court's dedicated efforts in providing supplies over the past few years have been extremely difficult. Your Majesty must be considering reducing the number of troops or relocating them elsewhere."
Mao Wenlong looked at Chen Jisheng, nodded slightly, and said, "I think so too. But to continue to pursue the Jianlu and resist the Northern Lu, we must have 40,000 elite troops."
Chen Jisheng hesitated for a moment and said, "Forty thousand men is almost the entire strength of Dongjiang Town. Your Majesty may agree to it."
Mao Wenlong sensed the hesitation in Chen Jisheng's words, and after a pause, he said, "How about reducing it a bit? How about 36,000?"
Chen Jisheng nodded immediately and said, "The Northern Tartars will not invade the border for the time being, and the Jian Tartars have also suffered heavy losses. More than 10,000 men are stationed at the Liaodong border wall, and 20,000 elite troops are sent north to pursue and suppress the Jian Tartars. This should be sufficient."
"Besides that—" Chen Jisheng paused, then continued, "The Marshal must show His Majesty his willingness to make progress, and not to talk about maintaining the status quo."
Mao Wenlong nodded in agreement. "Your Majesty's desire to expand the territory is obvious. Nurgandusi should be the first place to be incorporated into the Ming territory. As long as there is sufficient food and fodder, when the horses are fat in the autumn next year, it will be time to march north in large numbers."
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