Phi-Fic Chapter 1174 The New Minister of War
Chapter 1174 The New Minister of War
Since his southern tour, Li Che has discovered many problems in Daqing.
These problems are unrelated, but the solution is the same: build roads.
With roads, salt could be transported out of the mountains; with roads, powerful families would be deterred from acting rashly; with roads, soldiers on the frontier could live in peace.
When roads are open, people can move freely; when people can move freely, hearts can connect; and when hearts connect, the borders are secure.
This is more important than building any number of fortresses or cultivating any amount of land.
Therefore, whether in ancient or modern times, the essence of war is a contest of national strength.
Infrastructure capabilities are an important indicator of national strength.
Under equal military strength, an army with excellent logistical support can completely overwhelm an army with weaker logistical support.
When Li Che built roads to all parts of Daqing, even if there were no soldiers on the border, neighboring countries would absolutely not dare to invade easily.
Ma Jing clasped his hands in greeting first, his voice booming: "Your Majesty's wisdom is profound, and this old minister will do his utmost to assist the court in building this thoroughfare!"
"We will do everything in our power!" the other generals roared in agreement.
Li Che nodded slightly and said no more: "Alright, everyone, disperse. Please be on time for the victory celebration banquet tonight."
The generals naturally bowed and accepted the order.
Then, at Qiu Bai's call, they all went out in groups.
Li Che looked at Ma Jing beside him: "Minister Ma, please stay for a moment."
Ma Jing knew that His Majesty had something to say to him privately, so he respectfully replied, "Yes."
The sounds of boots and nail plates fading into the distance left only Li Che and Ma Jing in the large hall.
"Minister Ma," Li Che's voice was much gentler than during the discussion, "what are your plans for the future?"
Ma Jing felt a slight tremor in his heart, but quickly calmed down.
What's meant to happen will happen; how could he not understand the meaning behind those words?
If we're talking about the most senior member of the Northwest Army, it has to be me. There's no reason why everyone else should leave the army and only I should stay here.
He knew very well that His Majesty did not suspect him, but was more concerned about his health.
I am getting old and my energy is not what it used to be. Now that the threat from Tibet has been resolved, the Northwest has entered a new phase.
My old bones should indeed make way for younger successors.
Moreover, His Majesty's generals, including Wang Sanchun, Yue Yun, Luo Yueniang, and even the newly surrendered Lu Dongzan, are all capable commanders no less than himself, and there is no shortage of people who can guard a region.
He raised his head, a broad smile on his face: "Your Majesty, what plans can this humble general have at his age? I leave it all to Your Majesty's arrangements."
"Whether I retire from the army or stay in the military as a casual advisor, I will have no objection."
Looking at the composure in his eyes, Li Che couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
He didn't want to take this step either, as it felt like a case of "the rabbit is killed after the hunt," but with so many talented generals in Daqing, it was really impossible to let an old marshal take on the responsibility again.
Li Che stood up and walked to Ma Jing, saying sincerely, "Minister Ma, I am not a harsh and ungrateful ruler, but the heavy burden of the Northwest has been on your shoulders for too long these past years."
“You veterans, with your own flesh and blood, have shouldered the border troubles that should have been borne by the whole country. Now that the situation has eased a bit, I really can’t bear to see you waste your time in this bitter and cold land.”
Ma Jing's eyes welled up slightly, and he quickly lowered his head: "Your Majesty is too kind! Defending the border and protecting the country is the duty of a military general. To witness today's victory, I have no regrets in this life!"
"Okay, that's good, no regrets."
Li Che patted his arm; the arm was still firm, but the skin was already loose.
"Once things are settled here and the handover between the old and new governments is smooth, you may return to the capital with me."
"This humble general...accepts the order." Ma Jing bowed respectfully.
Leaving this land that has been soaked with half a lifetime of blood and sweat, it would be a lie to say that I have no regrets.
But Ma Jing felt relieved; at least the ending wasn't bad.
Li Che nodded and continued, "After returning to the capital, do you really intend to enjoy your grandchildren and become a wealthy old man?"
"I remember, your hometown is in Longxi, right?"
Ma Jing straightened up, a smile on his face: "Your Majesty is wise. I am a rough man with no great ambitions. I just hope that Your Majesty can bestow some fine estates and spacious mansions, and... hehe, a few beautiful and sensible women."
"I've spent most of my life risking my life, living a life of constant tension. Now I can finally relax and enjoy myself!"
When Li Che saw that he spoke so bluntly, he was first taken aback, and then he couldn't help but burst into laughter.
There are many ways for men to get closer, and sex is obviously the fastest one.
"How comfortable and pleasant! Minister Ma, you're really something!"
After laughing, he pointed at Ma Jing and shook his head, saying, "As for land, houses, and beauties, I will naturally not skimp on those for you."
"However, you want to hide away back in your hometown of Longxi to steal some leisure time? I will not allow it."
Ma Jing looked at Li Che with some confusion: "What does Your Majesty mean?"
Li Che's smile faded, and he said seriously, "You can stay in the capital. I'll personally choose a house for you. As for a comfortable life..."
He paused, his gaze sharpening: "I'm afraid we'll have to wait a little longer. I have an even more important responsibility here, and it can't be left to anyone but you."
Ma Jing felt a tightness in his chest, vaguely guessing what was going on, but he wasn't sure.
He simply bowed and said, "Your Majesty, if you have any orders, I will gladly die for you!"
"However... this humble general is old and frail, and I fear I may jeopardize Your Majesty's important affairs..."
“I won’t let you go into battle,” Li Che interrupted him. “The position of Minister of War has been held by Huo Duanxiao for several years. Minister Huo is very capable, but with multiple positions and heavy workload, it is inevitable that he will sometimes neglect some of the details of the Ministry of War.”
"Although the world is gradually at peace now, there are still matters such as military system reform and border defense adjustment. We need a senior minister with sufficient prestige to sit in the Ministry of War and take charge of the overall situation."
He looked at Ma Jing and said, word by word, "Minister Ma, you have spent your life on the battlefield and your reputation has spread throughout the Northwest. You are well aware of the advantages and disadvantages of military affairs, and what is even more rare is your upright character. It is most appropriate for you to serve as Minister of War."
Upon hearing this, Ma Jing was so shocked that he couldn't speak.
He guessed that His Majesty would entrust him with an important task, but he did not expect it to be such an important task.
That's the Minister of War!
A high-ranking official of the second rank, wielding real power and overseeing all military affairs in the country!
Although he did not have military power, he was the central core of the empire's military system!
Ma Jing originally thought that his best ending would be to return to his hometown in glory, receive some rewards, and live out his old age in peace.
I never dared to hope that I could remain in the center of power and hold such an important position.
It's important to understand that retiring from the position of border commander and retiring from the position of minister are two completely different things.
He was a man of both literary and martial talents, having reached the pinnacle of both paths, and living in the era of a great emperor. Therefore, he was destined to be remembered in history after his death.
"Your Majesty...Your Majesty!" Ma Jing's voice choked with emotion.
Li Che had anticipated this, and smiled reassuringly said, "Minister Ma, help me for a few more years and stabilize the Ministry of War."
"When the time comes, I will personally escort you back to your hometown to retire and live out your days in style and comfort."
Tears streamed down Ma Jing's face as he nodded vigorously.
“However,” Li Che said, pacing back to his desk, “the Northwest has just been pacified, and I will soon be setting off to return to the capital. After I leave, you will still be needed to oversee the Northwest for some time.”
"It's not too late for you to go to the capital after Luo Yueniang returns from the Western Regions and the handover is completed."
Ma Jing naturally understood the implications and immediately replied solemnly, "Your Majesty, rest assured, this humble general will do his utmost to defend this place."
He hesitated for a moment, but still asked the question that had been lingering in his mind: "Since Your Majesty has decided to appoint General Luo to take charge of the Northwest, I will do my best to assist you. However... I dare to say that although General Luo is a heroine, it is rare in history for a woman to command a large army on the frontier."
"The army is full of rough and tough men, and the situation on the border is complex, with various ethnic groups mixed together. I'm afraid..."
He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear: he was worried about Luo Yueniang's gender.
After hearing this, Li Che did not say anything like "Why can't a woman be a general?", but calmly nodded.
This is not modern times; women face various inconveniences, especially in the military.
“I understand,” he said calmly, “but there are reasons why I favor Luo Yueniang.”
"Firstly, she had commanded troops and governed in Sichuan for many years, giving her considerable experience in managing a region. Secondly, Sichuan is adjacent to the Northwest, and the climate is quite similar, allowing her to adapt more quickly than generals from the Central Plains."
He looked at Ma Jing and said sincerely, "I would like to ask you, Ma Jing, to pass on all the experience you have accumulated over the years after Luo Yueniang returns."
Li Che didn't let Ma Jing teach Luo Yueniang how to fight, but in terms of fighting skills, Luo Yueniang might not be inferior to him.
Instead, they wanted him to teach them how to be a qualified 'guardian' in the complex border situation.
This is Ma Jing's greatest strength.
Upon hearing this, Ma Jing quickly cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty is too kind! I dare not accept the words 'enlightenment.' General Luo is a man of exceptional talent, and I will certainly have a frank exchange with him and tell him everything I know and have experienced."
Li Che smiled and said, "Minister Ma is too modest. Some experiences are forged in blood and fire, and cannot be found in books or even imagined by young people."
He then changed the subject, saying, "In addition, I have discovered a gem in the Western Regions named Zhang Yi. He is a descendant of the army that guarded the Western Regions in the previous dynasty and is a promising talent."
"If the opportunity arises, I would also like him to come to the Northwest for training. If Minister Ma has not yet returned to the capital by then, I hope you can offer some guidance."
“Zhang Yi?” Ma Jing was somewhat unfamiliar with the name, but his experience with the Guiyi Army had already filled him with respect. “The one recommended by His Majesty must be a talented individual. If I were still in the Northwest, I would certainly keep an eye on him.”
The two also exchanged views on specific matters such as the adjustment of defense in the Northwest, the selection of sites for military settlements, and road planning.
Finally, Ma Jing asked, "When does Your Majesty plan to depart for the capital? This humble general will make arrangements as soon as possible."
Li Che looked at the gradually darkening sky outside the hall and pondered, "Let's rest here for another seven or eight days, handle some aftermath matters, and let the soldiers catch their breath."
"However," his tone suddenly turned somewhat cold, "I do not intend to head directly south on the way back to the capital."
Ma Jing was taken aback: "His Majesty isn't going on the southern tour?"
“I will certainly make the southern tour,” Li Che said calmly, turning his head. “But before going to Jiangnan, I need to visit a place along the way.”
He paused, each word seeming to be squeezed out from between his teeth:
"I'm going to meet those swarms of vermin who have been hiding in the rear all these years, sucking the blood of the soldiers in the Northwest!"