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Emperor Chongzhen came to the courtyard of the Wenhua Palace in his royal chariot. From a distance, he saw Chen Xinjia kneeling by the Yong Road to receive the emperor.

The imperial chariot did not stop until the steps of Wenhua's front hall. Emperor Chongzhen got off the imperial chariot and went directly into Dongnuan Pavilion. He sat down slumped on the throne, as if he felt that his mood and body were very heavy, and he seemed a little energetic. A bit sluggish.

Chen Xinjia followed lightly and entered the Nuan Pavilion. After he knelt down in front of Emperor Chongzhen and performed the usual court ceremony, he stood quietly and waited for the emperor's questions.

Emperor Chongzhen winked first, and the eunuchs and maids serving in the pavilion immediately retreated quietly.

Only Emperor Chongzhen and Chen Xinjia's ministers were left in the entire Dongnuan Pavilion. It suddenly became extremely quiet, and the atmosphere was silent for a moment. Emperor Chongzhen whispered very melancholy: "I called you to the palace tonight because I want to Specializes in discussing matters outside the customs and in the Central Plains.

The siege of Jinzhou has brought some peace outside the pass, but it is not without worries. Although the slaves were frustrated by Jincheng, their vitality has not been seriously damaged. There is also North Korea for them to squeeze. It will not take long to recover. .

Our defense in Liaodong must also be strengthened, and we must not give opportunities to slave thieves! "

Chen Xingjia carefully replied: "Although the slave thieves were not severely defeated, they were trapped in Jin for more than two years, wasted money and food, and even lost troops. This was a great victory that our dynasty had not seen in more than ten years, but it only slightly defeated the slave thieves and failed to injure them. Its sinews and bones.

Given time, the slave thieves can only take a breather, but they are still afraid that they will take advantage of my use of troops to suppress thieves in Henan Province, invade the interior of the capital, and carry out plunder and robbery.

At that time, our army was all facing off against the bandits in Henan. Wherever we went, we recruited troops to protect the interior of the capital. If this is the case, there is really no way to deal with it, except to hope that after the slave thieves have plundered, they will retreat on their own as usual. "

He naturally knew what Emperor Chongzhen was thinking - he was willing to negotiate peace with the slaves and thieves, but he was unwilling to bring it up first!

"Your Majesty, this decision cannot be taken without precautions, nor can one be taken without precautions..."

At this moment, seeing that Emperor Chongzhen did not express anything about what Shicai said, he boldly continued: "Your Majesty, as a humble minister, I cannot share your Majesty's worries. It is an unforgivable sin.

I spend every night without thinking about food and drink, meditating hard, and I am afraid that there is only one strategy that can enable me to concentrate on suppressing thieves and stabilize the hinterland of the Central Plains..."

Every word Chen Xinjia said was very careful. He not only spoke slowly, but also paid attention to Emperor Chongzhen's expression at all times, not even daring to let go of the subtle changes in his body.

After hearing Chen Xinjia's words, Emperor Chongzhen's expression seemed to be lifted. He asked softly: "If you have any good ideas, tell me quickly!"

"Wei Chen believes that if we want to keep Liaodong safe and the capital without police, we can concentrate on encircling and suppressing bandits and stabilizing the hinterland of the Central Plains. I am afraid that the only way to do this is to negotiate with the slaves."

Emperor Chongzhen suddenly asked again: "Apart from this...is there no other way?"

Chen Xinjia lowered his head slightly, remained speechless, and did not dare to answer.

After a long time, Emperor Chongzhen sighed softly and said: "Now... we are besieged internally and externally, our financial resources are exhausted, our troops are exhausted, and our soldiers have no fighting spirit. We can only work hard, first suppress the bandits, and then defend the Eastern captives.

For the current plan, in order to rejuvenate the Ming Dynasty, we have to...temporarily negotiate with the Eastern captives...to ease the situation in Liaodong slightly, so that we can use all our troops internally to eliminate the bandits and stabilize the heart of the Central Plains. "

Emperor Chongzhen also just received a report from Henan this evening: Gao Mingheng, the governor of Henan, reported that Wang Qiaonian, the governor of Shaanxi and the three sides, was defeated in Xiangcheng. Li Zicheng captured Xiangcheng on February [-] and captured Wang Qiaonian. , killed outside the city.

A few days ago, Emperor Chongzhen had just learned that the traitor generals Zuo Liangyu and Li Zicheng were at a stalemate in Yancheng, and Wang Qiaonian was about to march to Xiangcheng at this time, so that he could join forces with Zuo Liangyu's troops to attack the intruders.

I didn't expect it... I really didn't expect it!

How could he fail so quickly?

It's so dead!
Emperor Chongzhen couldn't figure it out: Where were Zuo Liangyu's officers and soldiers?
Why were Wang Qiaonian's tens of thousands of troops defeated by the intruders as soon as they arrived in Xiangcheng? Even Wang Qionian himself died in Xiangcheng?

If it were in the past, he would have been very shocked when he received this report, and after the shock, he would probably have gone to Fengxian Hall to cry for a while.

However, since the former governor and Ge Lao Yang Sichang died before and after the Shashi Army, he has gradually become accustomed to the death of governors in battle. The last time Shaanxi Governor Fu Zonglong died in Xiangcheng, he felt just as discouraged as this time. , depressed, worried, and no longer went to Fengxian Hall to cry at the Hall.

Perhaps the two trilateral governors, Fu Zonglong and Wang Qiaonian, were not important enough in his mind and could not be compared with the governor Yang Sichang at all.

Now, Emperor Chongzhen is sitting high on the throne, looking at Chen Xinjia, the Minister of War, who is standing neatly below. Although he has been defeated in the recent suppression of bandits in Henan Province, he is already very dissatisfied with him.

But looking at the court officials, there is no one who is more capable than Chen Xinjia.

At the same time, he also thought about his achievements in the Battle of Jinzhou, and that he still needed to rely on this person to carry out secrets and discussions with the "Donglu", so he was slightly dissatisfied but did not fully express it.

Looking at Chen Xinjia, the Secretary of the Ministry of War, who had his head lowered and his eyebrows lowered, Emperor Chongzhen suddenly asked: "Has Ma Shaoyu arrived in Shenyang?"

"Based on the date, we should have arrived in Shenyang by now."

Emperor Chongzhen sighed and then said: "The bandits have not been eliminated, the Central Plains is rotten, north of the Yangtze River, locust drought has plagued the land, hungry people are gathering everywhere, and bandits and bandits are causing constant trouble in various places.

As you have important central responsibilities, you should be very aware of all these matters. Although the captive power was slightly defeated under Jinzhou City, it was inevitable that they would no longer invade Liaodong, or even invade the capital city again.

Today, the country is in trouble both internally and externally. What do you think you should do? "

Chen Xinjia knew in his heart that the emperor wanted to talk about the peace negotiation with the slaves, but he didn't want to initiate this topic himself, so he avoided it repeatedly and only hinted at him with insinuations in his words.

However, as a minister after all, how could he not take up this issue?
Chen Xinjia hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed and said: "As a soldier, I cannot provide peace and stability for Your Majesty. I really deserve death. However, the situation has evolved so far. I can only temporarily appease the Eastern captives and seek peace in Liaodong." For a while.

Only in this way can the imperial court free up its hands and gather all its strength to deal with the crisis in the Central Plains. First, exterminate the intruders, stabilize the Central Plains, and then restore Liaodong. There is no other good strategy.

Now that Ma Shaoyu has gone to Shenyang, he will definitely be able to attack the imperial court and fulfill his mission. I hope the emperor can rest assured and wait for the good news. There is no need to be anxious about it, which will waste your energy, damage the holy body, and be of no benefit to the country! "

"What I'm worried about is that the matter with the captives is still pending, and the Central Plains is out of control."

"In Henan, the ministers have obeyed the order and urged all the troops to rush to assist in the suppression. Xuan Da's troops have also divided their troops and marched. Yongning Bo has arrived in Changping. He will have an audience with His Majesty soon and will rush to Henan Province to assist in the suppression.

As for the Donglu, fearing that the reward would be too extravagant, the ministers had secretly told Ma Shaoyu that he should not only promote the emperor's might and virtue in front of the leader, but also consider the overall situation at hand, so he might as well compromise a little.

The minister also told him that the emperor wanted the land and the people to suffer little loss, so he could do it easily in Shenyang. Once the settlement was reached, he would report it to the minister in secret as soon as possible to express his holy thoughts. "Every time he talked about this topic, Emperor Chongzhen felt extremely heavy, as if there was a heavy burden in his heart that he could not let go of.

He sighed and said: "I hope Ma Shaoyu can understand my difficulties and handle the affairs properly, and I also hope that the captive chief will not push his limit too far, be greedy and indulge in extraneous matters.

I really want to be the leader of the Ming Dynasty's resurgence, and I am not like the cowardly king of the Song Dynasty. If the captives demand too much, I will never agree.

However, for the sake of national affairs, as long as the people of the land do not suffer much loss, we might as well reach an agreement quickly and submit it to me for ruling. Then we can take an oath and abide by the covenant together, so that our subjects outside the customs can temporarily relieve the suffering of war. "

Chen Xinjia hurriedly answered: "Yes, yes. Your Majesty, Your Majesty!"

"If Ma Shaoyu comes to Beijing with a secret report, he must not let a word of it leak out."

"Yes, yes. I shall keep these matters extremely confidential."

"I have repeatedly told you that every time I give you a piece of paper, pay it to the candlelight after reading it. You must not be negligent in the slightest!"

Chen Xinjia was shocked when he heard the words, and hurriedly knelt down again and echoed: "I am a dull man, and I am grateful to the emperor for knowing me. I only hope that you can help the emperor to become the master of Zhongxing Ying. Therefore, I will read and burn all the emperor's secret orders." , not even a single word dares to remain between heaven and earth."

Chen Xinjia, the Secretary of the Ministry of War, who was kneeling on the ground, saw Emperor Chongzhen's feet constantly moving under the imperial case through the imperial case. He knew that the emperor was always like this when he was anxious, so he felt a sweat for himself in his heart. , breathless and speechless, waiting for the emperor's questions.

Emperor Chongzhen first glanced at the documents stacked on the imperial case, and then asked Chen Xinjia: "Since the defeat of Xiangcheng in the year of Jiang Qiao, intruders have broken into many states and counties in central and eastern Henan in the past two months.

Now, even Guide Mansion has been breached by thieves, and it is rumored that the thieves are going to besiege Kaifeng again. Your Majesty, do you have any plans to support us? "

Chen Xinjia kowtowed and recited: "My lord, I have urged the commander Ding Qirui to lead Zuo Liangyu and other general troops to move north from the south of Henan. In addition, the new governor Zhang Fuzhen has also led the army southward. In addition, Yongning Boxuan's army and horses total 20. Everyone, work together to suppress it, and we will never let the thieves spy on Bian and succeed."

Emperor Chongzhen seemed not to trust Ding Qirui and Zhang Fuzhen, nor did he believe that general Zuo Liangyu would really suppress the thieves. He sighed and asked again: "Zhang Cheng is quite knowledgeable about military matters and he does have some talents." , what is even more rare is that he can do his job with sincerity. With him assisting Henan, I feel at ease."

Chen Xinjia replied: "Your Majesty understands that although Uncle Yong Ning is young and frivolous and acts a little recklessly, he does commit his heart to the country and serves your Majesty sincerely.

Let's just say that this time the investigation of slave-traffickers and profiteers was only in the Xuanda area, and the amount exceeded the property and was reduced to more than [-] million taels of silver. It not only alleviated the shortage of money and food in our court, but also cut off the blood transfusion of the Eastern captives. It is really said that Kill two birds with one stone. "

Seeing that Emperor Chongzhen showed no expression on his face, but he nodded slightly to express his agreement, he added: "Your Majesty, I boldly speak out and urge your Majesty to appoint Sun Chuanting to succeed Wang Qiaonian and make him the governor of Shaanxi and the military affairs of the three sides.

As soon as he arrived in Xi'an, he was allowed to raise his own food, recruit brave soldiers, train troops, and reorganize the army. This would take at least half a year to more than a few years, and he might be able to train tens of thousands more elite soldiers for the imperial court who dare to fight.

At that time, Sun Chuanting led the Shaanxi troops eastward out of Tongguan. He could also join forces with Ding Qirui, Zhang Fuzhen, and Yongning Bo to pacify the entire territory of Henan in one fell swoop and stabilize the heart of our country in the Central Plains. "

Emperor Chongzhen looked at Chen Xinjia with extremely complicated eyes, as if he wanted to look directly into Chen Xinjia's heart through the stinking skin on the outside. After another moment, he slowly said: "After half a year, it is too late." Kaifeng can't wait for a long time, and I can't wait either..."

Listening to Emperor Chongzhen's tone, Chen Xinjia knew that he had lost interest in this topic, so he kept silent about Sun Chuanting and did not dare to go any further.

"You would like to urge Uncle Yongning to advance to Henan as soon as possible. Kaifeng is in danger and there is no need to delay. The Ministry of War must be attentive to the task of suppressing thieves!"

"Sir, obey the order."

After Chen Xinjia knelt down to receive the order, he kowtowed again and said: "Your Majesty, I will work hard and die to repay Your Majesty for your kindness!"

The drum above the Xuanwu Gate is already beating the third watch.

When Emperor Chongzhen heard the sound of the drums, his body trembled slightly. Thinking of the early morning court tomorrow, even if he had a thousand words to say, he could only say this: "Sir, go ahead."

Chen Xinjia hurriedly kowtowed again to thank him, and slowly and gently retreated to the outside of Nuan Pavilion. When he reached the door, a faint voice came: "If there is any news outside the pass, let me know!"

He quickly knelt down and kowtowed again, said "yes" repeatedly, and then kowtowed again and said goodbye...

…………

"Zhang Cheng, why haven't you entered the palace to see me yet?"

"Your Majesty, my servant has asked Bian Yongqing. How many silver cars are missing and they haven't arrived in Changping yet. In addition, Yong Ningbo's gift to the Emperor is also behind. When everyone arrives, he will enter the city with Yong Ning Bo. Take it to the inner treasury of the palace."

"Send a message to Bian Yongqing, asking him to stay in Changping. Before Zhang Cheng enters the capital, he must not leave his side even an inch until Zhang Cheng enters the palace."

"The slaves obey the order."

Wang Chengen stood aside with his head bowed. After a long time, he looked up and saw that Emperor Chongzhen was already reviewing the memorial. He had no other instructions, but he still did not dare to leave. After staying for a while, he slowly left and went to find Bian Yong. The Qing Dynasty passed the decree.

…………

On the tenth day of April, the genius Meng Mengliang came to Changping Prefecture City.

"Mr. Bian, why are you here in such a hurry?"

Yongning Bo Zhang Cheng, wearing a blouse, came to meet him and asked eagerly: "But what is the emperor's will?"

Bian Yongqing also sat down just now, with the newly brewed hot tea scalding his mouth. He put his hand on the cup and said to Zhang Cheng: "Your Majesty misses you. I have specially sent our family to ask Uncle Yongning when he can enter the palace to see His Majesty. ?”

Zhang Cheng couldn't help but smile when he heard this, and said in his heart: "Bullshit. He doesn't miss me, he clearly misses the 100 million taels of silver."

But he did not dare to show anything on his face. Instead, he said with a slightly sad expression: "Mr. Bian, Zhang Cheng left Beijing in the twelfth month of last year and has not seen the emperor for several months. I miss you day and night, and wish you well every day." Pray for Eucharistic health.

Two days ago, when I arrived in Changping, I wanted to go to the palace to see His Majesty. However, the Duke also knew that although Zhang Cheng came to Beijing this time, although he was going to Henan to aid in the suppression of rebellion, the 100 yuan that you and I paid filial piety to the Emperor. Ten thousand taels of silver is the key to this trip. "

Zhang Cheng narrowed his eyes and smiled at Bian Yongqing, lowered his voice and whispered: "My father-in-law is coming to Changping soon, so don't rush back to the palace. We will stay here for a day. When the silver car arrives tomorrow, you and I will join hands again." Wouldn't it be best to go into the palace and present these 100 million taels of white money to His Majesty?"