Chapter 933: 'Inspection' of Liaodong
Helping Xu Furen to enter the cabinet was naturally just Sun Shaozong's momentary fantasy.
Not to mention whether he has the ability or not, even if he really has such influence, given Xu Fu-ren's shrewdness, it is impossible for him to come to the door openly to collude at this time.
So what exactly is his purpose in coming to my house this time?
Faced with Sun Shaozong's doubts, Xu Furen did not hide anything.
After the host and the guest sat down, he placed a document on the coffee table and gently pushed it to Sun Shaozong's hand: "I came here today to let Sun Shaoqing take a look at a document."
Sun Shaozong quickly picked it up with both hands, glanced at it first, and then couldn't help but sighed: Xu Furen's entry into the cabinet is indeed completely ruined!
Because this official document was actually a letter of appointment and dismissal, and its general content was to re-recruit the retired official Xu Furen to serve as the Minister of Rites.
From the Second Assistant Minister of the Cabinet to the Vice Minister of Rites, the gap is not to say a world of difference, but at least it is incomparable.
It seems that the higher up you are, the more careful you need to be when choosing your side!
After Sun Shaozong sighed, he was about to say a few words to comfort Xu Furen, but when the words came to his lips, he suddenly became suspicious - was Xu Furen's high-profile visit just to let him know that he did not enter the cabinet, but became the Minister of Rites?
This doesn't seem right no matter how you think about it, right?
So he put aside the words of comfort for the time being and read the letter carefully again.
The content of the official document itself naturally did not add anything extra, but as he savored it carefully, he gradually figured out some of its meaning.
First of all, the rank of Vice Minister of Rites seemed too low for a big shot like Xu Furen. Moreover, Xu Furen had already presided over the Spring Examination three years ago, and it was impossible for him to serve as the chief examiner again.
Leaving aside the most important imperial examination, the actual power of the Vice Minister of Rites seems to be somewhat of a waste of time.
Given Lord Xu's status in society, it stands to reason that he could simply ignore such an appointment that was subtly derogatory and insulting in nature.
But he gladly accepted the order and even brought the certificate before him.
Think about the functions of the Ministry of Rites and what Mr. He said before...
"Mr. Xu."
Sun Shaozong held the letter in both hands and pushed it forward, carefully probing, "Could it be that the court intends to send you as an envoy to the Later Jin?"
If he was first sent to the Later Jin Kingdom as the Minister of Rites and then given another appointment after returning to Beijing, then it would make sense!
"It's an inspection."
Xu Furen seriously corrected Sun Shaozong's statement, and stroked his beard and praised: "Sun Shaoqing is indeed very smart. He guessed the intention ."
Then he sighed again: "Alas, the war in Southern Xinjiang is not going well. Zhou Yunguang thought that the other party had multiple orders and could not take care of the head and the tail, so he thought of annihilating one of them first to dampen the enemy's morale."
"We never expected to fall into the enemy's trap. Not only were we attacked from three sides and suffered a great defeat, but the Zhenla Kingdom also took advantage of the situation and seized several military camps."
"Although the Southern Xinjiang army's foundation is intact, they have finally gained a firm foothold. It is unknown when the confrontation between the two sides will end."
Southern Xinjiang actually suffered a defeat?
Wasn’t Zhou Yunguang too careless?
I remember that when he assisted Shi Xiangyun's father in pacifying Goryeo, he was known for his steady and cautious approach and thorough thinking. Otherwise, the court would not have specially transferred him from Shaanxi to southern Xinjiang to preside over the war.
As the saying goes, a single move affects the entire body. Since the war in southern Xinjiang was not going well, the court's original plan against the Jurchens naturally had to be adjusted and postponed accordingly.
No wonder the cabinet suddenly changed its tone and decided to adopt a conciliatory policy towards the Later Jin Dynasty. It seemed that they had no choice but to adopt a delaying tactic.
but……
I have never heard any news about the bad war in southern Xinjiang before. It is obviously still a military But now Lord Xu is so outspoken. I am afraid that this is a bit inappropriate, right?
Xu Furen seemed to see through what Sun Shaozong was thinking, and immediately said, "After all, I am old, and it is inevitable that I will not be able to take care of you well. Therefore, for this inspection in Liaodong, I have to find a young and strong deputy envoy to help me."
"So, it was Elder Xu who recommended me to the imperial court?"
Sun Shaozong suddenly realized that since he was going to accompany the diplomatic mission to the Later Jin Kingdom, the reason for this so-called conciliatory policy must be explained in advance.
"No."
Xu Furen shook his head slightly and said, "Your Majesty personally selected him. Sun Shaoqing is a man of both civil and military talents, and he has served as a military attaché abroad. He is the perfect choice for the deputy envoy."
Too.
There are not many officials with experience in overseas postings these days, and even fewer who are qualified to serve as deputy envoy to Xu Furen.
but……
Sun Shaozong couldn't help but frowned: "Your Excellency just said that it's not a diplomatic mission but an inspection tour?"
"Inspection."
These two concise and expressive words made Sun Shaozong feel very embarrassed.
Since it was in the name of inspection, the implicit meaning was naturally to regard the Jurchens in Liaodong as subjects under the rule rather than a separate country.
Being unwilling to give the other party a legitimate status, yet trying to appease them with gentleness, this delaying tactic may not be easy to implement.
"Sun Shaoqing, don't worry too much."
Then Xu Furen laughed and said, "The imperial court wants to stabilize the Jurchens. The Jurchens sent envoys to Beijing. Isn't it also to stabilize the imperial court?"
That's true. The Later Jin Kingdom had just established a centralized rule, and its internal strife had not yet been completely resolved - the tribal nobles who had recently fled to the Great Zhou with their families were a clear proof of this - it was obviously beyond its ability to go to war with the Great Zhou at this time.
"But what about North Korea? Are we just going to sit back and do nothing?"
This is obviously impossible. After all, the retired emperor is still alive, and destroying Goryeo and establishing Joseon are the achievements that the retired emperor is proud of throughout his life.
If he sat back and watched the Later Jin Dynasty annex Korea, or forced Korea to become an enemy of the Great Zhou, would the emperor still be able to save his reputation?
Even Emperor Guangde himself would probably feel ashamed, right?
Not to mention, if the Later Jin was allowed to annex Korea, the Jurchens would have sufficient strategic depth, as well as food, money and manpower. It would be ten times more difficult to launch an expedition at that time.
However, Xu Furen obviously refused to say more about this matter. He just shook his head and said, "The court has already made a plan for this matter. There is no need for you and me to worry about it."
Has the court already made a plan?
At present, the imperial court is already stretched to the limit just to support the military supplies in southern Xinjiang, and it is obviously unable to send more troops to Liaodong.
With the troops of Liaodong and part of the Shenji Camp, they may not have to worry about defending the status quo, but if they want to advance...
So where did this plan come from?
Sun Shaozong pondered for a long time but still couldn't figure it out. He subconsciously picked up the teacup and took two sips, but suddenly an idea came to his mind: Water? !
Wang Ziteng from the Southeast?
At present, the threat from the southeast sea has weakened a lot. If a part of the navy is transferred northward along the coast, it can not only deter the entire North Korea; but also help North Korea resist the invasion of the Jurchens near the Yalu River.
However, it is difficult to verify whether this speculation is correct or not with Xu Furen. I am afraid we can only wait and see how the situation changes in the future.
Afterwards, Sun Shaozong briefly discussed with Xu Furen the route of the diplomatic envoy and the basic attitude towards the Jurchens.
Actually, it is simple to put it bluntly. One plays the good guy the other plays the bad guy.
And there is no need to think too much. As the deputy envoy, Sun Shaozong must be responsible for showing a tough stance. Otherwise, why would the court insist on picking a military general as the deputy envoy?
