Chapter 2509: The Gui Scroll appeared on the stage, shocking everyone with its skills
This is the result of unanimous consensus reached by the Ministry of War.
Feng Ziying had talked with Zhang and Sun two years ago. As the department in charge of the national military, it must have a long-term plan and a short-term plan. It must determine a center or core goal and propose a series of conceptual measures and plans around it.
Only in this way can you have enough reason to ask the cabinet and the other six ministries to provide support in line with this target plan.
Zhang and Sun were convinced that this task naturally fell on Feng Ziying.
The three people quickly determined the strategic goal of solving the Jurchen threat in Jianzhou as the first priority, leaving the Mongols behind for the time being.
However, Feng Ziying also proposed a rough idea of treating the Mongols with both kindness and power, using comprehensive political, cultural, economic and military means, and gradually bringing them under the rule of the Zhou Dynasty. This was also agreed by Zhang and Sun.
So for today’s narration, Zhang Huaichang simply left it to Feng Ziying to introduce it.
“Three to five years to weaken the strength of the Jianzhou Jurchens? What are the next steps after the weakening? Are the Mongols so unbearable?” Emperor Wan Tong, who was sitting on the throne, finally spoke formally for the first time.
He basically didn’t speak in the previous court discussions. At most, he said “I understand” or “I agree.” This was the first time he took the initiative to ask questions like this.
Feng Ziying didn't care. The Ministry of War's strategy was also sent to the cabinet, and the cabinet basically agreed before it was sent to Emperor Wan Tong's desk. In other words, Emperor Wan Tong had seen it a long time ago.
It’s not surprising if you have questions. If you raise them, Feng Ziying can explain them to the ministers present.
“This is what the Ministry of War initially proposed, but it requires the support and cooperation of all parties, especially the Ministry of Household Affairs, the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Industry and other ministries. We hope that the newly built Dongjiang Town and Denglai Town as a strategic reserve team will be a team with strong capabilities. The new army that is proactive in combat awareness should mainly focus on firearms, and even directly use self-generated firecrackers and heavy firecrackers, supplemented by artillery. At the same time, it must have good and strong comprehensive supply capabilities and a certain staff organization structure. and planning and self-training capabilities, which we define as a modern military,..."
As soon as the word "modern army" came out, the ministers in the whole hall started to discuss it heatedly.
“What is a modern army?” Li Sancai asked.
"We believe that the current army can be divided into three categories. One is the old-style army composed of infantry based on traditional swords, shields, spears, and crossbows, and cavalry based on traditional swords, guns, bows and arrows. Their supplies are thin, and in many cases they even require They rely on looting supplies on the spot and lack comprehensive planning; the second type is a mixed army that has begun to transform into a firearms force. Our large peripheral army is in such a state, that is, a mixture of hot and cold weapons is used, and logistics and supplies are good. The weather is determined by the preferences and inclinations of the generals, and there is no fixed pattern for fighting..."
Although many of the ministers here have not had direct contact with the military, after all, they have been officials for so many years and have never eaten pork or seen pigs running away. After hearing Feng Ziying's introduction, they roughly understood that the second category he mentioned should be the current large peripheral areas. The current situation of military elites, such as the Guard system, is even the first category, but now the other party directly shapes the second category, which is also incompatible with the development trend of the times.
"Modernizing the army means that it must conform to the development trend of the world, and not just be limited to our current frog in the well. Xiyi has gone to the forefront in military reform, not only in their leadership in military equipment, but also in their We have also moved ahead in terms of military strategy and awareness. Our Ministry of War believes that we need to catch up, otherwise we will encounter challenges in our strategy of competing for Nanyang..."
"In view of the construction of this modern army, our Ministry of War has also formulated a comprehensive strategy. First, establish a military education and training system, establish an Army Officer School and a Navy Officer School, located in Beijing and Nanjing respectively...; Second, The Ministry of War plans to reform the existing four civil service departments and carry out systematic construction and transformation in five directions: staff planning, military equipment, military training, logistics support, and personnel construction,..."
Feng Ziying’s eloquence took up most of the second half of the morning meeting, but his story aroused the interest of everyone present, including the cabinet ministers.
Although they have read the strategic proposals submitted by the Ministry of War, they are far less detailed and vivid and more attractive than Feng Ziying's on-site oral explanation.
Of course the biggest headache is definitely the Ministry of Household Affairs.
But when it came time to transfer the money, he couldn't just wave his hand and go out as the other party said, no matter how good the relationship was.
However, no matter what, the Ministry of War's proposal became the biggest highlight at today's court meeting. A series of suggestions and ideas not only showed a grand plan for the entire Zhou Dynasty's military planning in the next three to five years, but also proposed a practical step-by-step strategy. It also won the attention of the ministers present.
This is Feng Ziying's first appearance on a large-scale court meeting as the Minister of War, and she also showed her talents as one of the chief officials of the Ministry of War.
Although this name is based on the collective wisdom of the Ministry of War, many people know that this should be the meticulous masterpiece of Commander Xiao Feng. Even Sun Chengzong has to admit that he may still have strengths in execution, but in his knowledge and future planning She is not as good as Feng Ziying.
"It was a good conversation." Qi Yongtai was very satisfied with Feng Ziying's performance today. This was actually equivalent to Feng Ziying's debut performance in high-level political circles as his disciple.
In the past, the Tongzhi of Yongping Prefecture and the Prime Minister of Shuntian Prefecture, who even served as governors of Shaanxi Province, were all talented in various fields and could not have much substantial impact on the entire imperial policy. However, today's explanation of the Ministry of War's strategy has convinced countless people. Keep this rising star in mind.
In the past, people didn't have much contact with Feng Ziying, and they learned more about Feng Ziying through rumors and anecdotes. It can even be said that his suave and charming views and policies formed the main impression of these people. But today, everyone has recognized Feng Ziying. His ability and strength as the Minister of War.
“Actually, I just followed the script and did some improvisation.” Feng Ziying naturally did not dare to make excuses in front of Qi Yongtai.
"Well, the Ministry of War's grand statement has caused some controversy within the cabinet. There is no objection to the Jurchen strategy of establishing the state, but the construction of the so-called 'modern' army is indeed an institutional and systematic reconstruction. This is not a three-five plan. If it can be achieved within 20 years, it means that there will be a long period of exploration and trial. Do you plan to use the Jianzhou Jurchen as a touchstone?"
"We have this plan." Feng Ziying also nodded, "Gong Huaichang, Brother Zhisheng and I have been discussing for a long time. We believe that with the development of the military industry and the improvement of Dazhou's finances, we can try to build Dongjiang Town and Denglai Town. By conducting a pilot project, these two towns can kick off. We hope to see results within a year, and start to carry out war-in-training in Liaodong, which can not only train the army, but also attack Jianzhou Jurchens..."
“Who will be responsible for the implementation? You?” Qi Yongtai asked casually.
"No, Brother Zhisheng will be in charge of the future Staff Planning Department and Military Equipment Department. He will be responsible for the specific implementation. My job is specifically responsible for military training and logistics support. Princess Huaichang is responsible for personnel construction..." Feng Ziying introduced the next step of the military. "My next main job is to establish the Army Officer School and the Naval Officer School, and serve as the commander, or principal, of the two schools."
“Well, it’s a good thing to ignore the military equipment, so as not to let the melons and plumes fall apart. Now some people think that you are too close to those Shanxi businessmen...” Qi Yongtai nodded.
“Haha, I actually have a very close relationship with the Jiangnan businessmen, no one criticizes this?” Feng Ziying asked with a smile.
“Hmph, just pay attention to yourself. They say you are from a martial arts background, but why are you so close to a businessman?”
Qi Yongtai also felt that his disciple was really an anomaly. He was born in martial arts and was the leader of young scholars, but he was very close to businessmen. Whether they were merchants from Shanxi or Jiangnan, they had a close relationship with him. On the contrary, he was closely related to the gentry, the foundation of scholars. The relationship seems to be neither salty nor weak.
"Qi Shi, times have changed. In fact, the vast majority of businessmen now evolved from the gentry, or they themselves are part of the gentry, but they are the more dynamic or pioneering part, while the traditional gentry guarded the The era of renting those acres of land has passed. Industrial and commercial associations are gradually emerging. Even the Ministry of Household Affairs is aware of this. The steady growth of industrial and commercial tax revenue and the increasing proportion are enough to prove this. I am just adapting to it. It’s just a trend.”
Feng Ziying did not hide much in front of Qi Yongtai, "I have always believed that industry and commerce are the future of our Zhou Dynasty, and the development of industry and commerce can further promote the pace of our external reclamation and improve our agricultural environment. Nanyang can provide us with With more ample living space, so many refugees in the country can definitely find a better place to go..."
Knowing that Feng Ziying was here to sell his idea again, Qi Yongtai didn't care and waved his hand: "Okay, my ears are already ringing. The other gentlemen are all familiar with your idea, so there's no need. I told you that the cabinet can rest assured when doing things in Zhisheng. The government’s finances are slightly better this year. It depends on whether anything will happen to the White Lotus Church that you are worried about.”
Feng Ziying also smiled bitterly.
Everyone wants to breathe a sigh of relief and be safe for two years so that everyone can be free to do some serious things. However, there are always unscrupulous people who want to harm me and will not let you have a good life. He can be sure that the White Lotus Sect will definitely do this this year. To cause trouble.
(End of this chapter)