Begging in late Ming Dynasty

Chapter 486 Choice
The gravedigger of the Ming Dynasty is now alive!

As pointed by a big banner with Chuang characters, Yongning, Lushan, Jiaxian, Yiyang and other cities have fallen one after another. Behind the red cloak and Fan Yang hat, thousands of troops gathered in a blink of an eye. Half of Henan Province was turned upside down. Before leaving Shangluo Mountain in early April, Li Zicheng had a force of just over a thousand. After taking down Yongning, he directly expanded to 25. Going north, when Yanshi was hit in June, the Chuang army had already reached a terrifying [-] troops.

In particular, Li Zicheng also captured Zhu Caiqing, king of Ming Wan'an, and beheaded hundreds of clans and local big households in a row, which caused a great shock in the court. When the news reached the capital, Emperor Chongzhen almost fell off his chair .

The timing of King Chuang's attack is too coincidental!In the north, Hong Chengchou, who was transferred to the governor of Jiliao, has already led most of the troops from the nine borders to break the siege of Jinzhou. In the south, three 10,000+ inland troops, including Zuo Liangyu, also followed Yang Sichang to chase and kill Zhang Xianzhong and entered Sichuan. , In terms of military defense, the entire mountains, rivers and lakes are in a state of emptiness, allowing the invading army to gallop.

Moreover, it is also an excellent opportunity in people's hearts. Since Chongzhen ascended the throne, almost every year Henan local officials have reported that this year is the most severe disaster year in history. The emperor did not believe it, but the officials did not lie. The money in the river was almost completely embezzled. The folks who repaired the river either starved to death or fled. There was a severe drought and floods at the same time, which can only happen in this era. The continuous famine has lasted for more than ten years, and even many Henan gentry I can't stand it anymore, let alone the people.

Just like Zhaojiazhuang, countless poor people like Wang Gangdan joined the Chuangjun. At the same time, a large number of scholars and intellectuals such as Song Xiance and Niu Jinxing also joined the Chuangjun, and began to improve the structure of the Chuangjun. Especially when one person leads the crowd to vote.

Li Yan of Qi County.

God knows how this guy escaped back to Henan from Huguang's hunt, but when he rushed over to join him, he had a fairly elite army of about [-] in his hands.

Such a terrifying monster rampaged in the heart of the Ming Dynasty, disturbing the whole world in panic.

The Imperial Palace of the Forbidden City, the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

It’s not a big court meeting, but a few court elders and six ministers gathered together. Thirty or so courtiers stood in two rows at the bottom of the steps. Emperor Chongzhen, who could no longer sit still, paced back and forth in the corridor in the middle like burning his butt. step.

"What should I do? What should I do! Normally, you can talk freely and talk freely, but now the Chuangjun is approaching Luoyang, and King Fu is at stake. All the elders, who will give me a charter?"

But the answer to him was dead silence.

What can we do to save Luoyang?The easiest thing is to deploy troops!But all the officers and soldiers who have been trained are in the hands of Yang Sichang, let alone it is too late, even if it is too late, once the plan to wipe out Zhang Xianzhong is ruined, who will bear the responsibility for Yang Sichang's return to the court in the future?
Hong Chengchou's 13 troops gathered almost all the elites of the Ming Dynasty. They seemed to be mighty, but they were facing the almost undefeated Manchu army. Xingshan, Tashan, the forwards of the Ming army had already engaged Jiannu. If the infantry-based Ming army turned around and retreated at this time, it would be courting death and repeating the defeat of Saarhu.

Who bears the responsibility?
If there are soldiers from other places, Shanxi and Shaanxi can actually pull out some, such as Jiang Xiang, Qiu Ming, and the Qin army formed by the last wave of Shaanxi frontier soldiers like Sun Chuanting later, but recruiting requires money!Where is the food?Where is the salary?Now all the rations and salaries of the Qin and Jin capitals are supplied to Hong Chengchou's army, and all the money and rations of Huguang are paid to Yang Sichang, what more taxes?Not to mention whether it's too late or not, everyone knows that the people really have no tax to increase, and if it is added, it will be imposed on them bureaucrats. Who dares to say a word?

Dozens of courtiers were speechless, and in the dead silence, the face of Chongzhen who stood in the middle was trembling with anger, but it was no wonder that all the emperors of the Ming Dynasty were willing to favor eunuchs. The governor of Liaodong came back, and Gao Qiqian, the eunuch of Shang Dynasty who returned to the atrium, couldn't bear it anymore. He moved lightly to Chongzhen's side and whispered in his ear.

"Your Majesty, there are still soldiers to adjust!"

Emperor Chongzhen's eyes lit up when he heard these words, and he cast his eyes on it suddenly. Gao Qiqian couldn't help being excited when he saw it, but he still held back and continued to narrate in his ear.

"Your Majesty, the two Huaihe Rivers and the Zuo Dudu, Huai You commanded Song Qingshu's army. In the 11th year of Chongzhen's Jiannu invasion, it was his army that forced the Jiannu Mergen Daiqing to retreat. The Huai army has [-] on the list. It is an army. A powerful force, Your Majesty can use the guise of the whole army to command the troops and horses in Henan Province, which can withstand the chokehold of trespassers!"

Hearing these words, Chongzhen was really enlightened. At this time, there are more variables like Song Qingshu than in history. If the Huai army is used to resist Li Zicheng, it may really be able to contain his offensive that sweeps the world. Unfortunately, Chongzhen and Gao Qi There are some deviations in the subconscious understanding.

"Aiqing is right! Ma Shiying, governor of Lu Feng! I have forgotten him! Wearing my will, I will add Ma Shiying's Minister of the Ministry of War, give Shang Fang a sword, a python robe, and three hundred pieces of brocade, and mobilize 5 taels of internal funds. Supervise troops from the two Huaihe Rivers and the south of Henan, quickly enter Henan! Destroy the intruders!"

"What do you think?"

Almost affirming this idea in his heart, Emperor Chongzhen finally asked the officials in a formal manner. Xue Guoguan, Cheng Guoxiang, Yao Minggong, etc., who were already sweating profusely, were naturally pardoned. ? More than 30 ministers knelt down to the emperor.

"Your Majesty Shengming!"

"His Majesty!"

These words made Gao Qiqian, who made this suggestion, shudder. Although eunuchs are arrogant and domineering, they know the level of strength best. Last time, there were densely packed frozen corpses floating in the glaciers, and fragments of slaves in the mud. , is still vivid in Gao Qiqian's eyes, and Song Qingshu's meaningful smile. When he returned to the capital, Gao Qiqian also specially mobilized the files of the East Factory, but what he got was what he and the ministers said. The narration is exactly the same, a mediocre warrior who can no longer be mediocre, even vulgar and greedy, incompetent to the extreme.

What does this mean?Song Qingshu's plans are grand, scheming, and powerful, all of which are somewhat beyond expectations.

A capable minister is like a strong horse. If you steer it well, it is a sharp arrow that opens up the territory. If you steer it poorly, you can turn your head and bleed into a river. For Song Qingshu, Gao Qiqian thinks that the best way is to use high-ranking officials and rich salary Come to win over, rely on his strength and talent to put down the current disaster, and when the world is peaceful in the future, he will naturally be able to cut it down step by step. Don't you see the four generals of ZTE in the Southern Song Dynasty, Zhang Jun, Han Shizhong, Yue Fei and others, in the end, they are also in people's minds. Dingzhong lost his military power one by one, and finally Yue Fei was framed and died tragically!
But now, Emperor Chongzhen didn't figure out the big head, but instead gave Ma Shiying more power?Who is Ma Shiying?It seems that Gao Qiqian is just a puppet of Song Qingshu, pulling the strings and moving his hands, Song Qingshu doesn't want to move, even if Ma Shiying cut off his head, the Huai army will not move, it's strange that Ma Shiying can drive Song Qingshu.

Now that the military situation is on fire, but he still can't speak clearly, Gao Qiqian, who was scratching his head and scratching his head in anxiety, can only fist again.

"The Huai army is domineering. They have listened to the instructions many times but not to the propaganda. I am afraid that it is not enough to add Ma Shiying as the supervisor. It is better to add the power of supervisor to Song..."

Before he could finish his sentence, he suddenly thought of a few times that he had messed up. Emperor Chongzhen immediately showed anger on his face, and slapped the armrest of the dragon chair suddenly.

"What Gao Qing said is very true. This Song Mou was born as a traitor. He is lawless. Without the court, there is no overall situation. Ma Shiying alone may not be enough!"

"Gaoqing's family! I ordered you to be the eunuch of the Lianghuai Army and hold Shangfang's sword. If that Song is domineering, he will be killed on the spot!"

Yuan Chonghuan did this, broke into his army, and beheaded Mao Wenlong!Emperor Chongzhen also learned it in history. When he ordered Sun Chuanting to go to Shaanxi to supervise the teacher, he was ordered to kill He Renlong, who was the main force in Shaanxi at that time. This time, Emperor Chongzhen sacrificed this hand in advance, but listen to the emperor When the murderous intent was flying, Gao Qiqian couldn't help shivering, and looked down subconsciously. Among the dozens of important officials, some people's expressions changed, and they secretly retracted their fists into their sleeves.

History is always so dark and humorous. After giving this murderous order, Emperor Chongzhen seemed not satisfied. Facing the worry of the begging army, he immediately raised his voice again.

"Zhang Fengyi, Minister of the Ministry of War! Pass my will to Hong Chengchou and Yang Sichang, and order them to fight quickly! Then return to Henan to encircle and suppress the intruders!"

There was buzzing in his ears, and Gao Qiqian once again felt as if he had swallowed gall in his mouth. Unlike other eunuchs, Gao Qiqian had been the eunuch of the Liaodong Army for a long time. , I am really not sure!

However, the overjoyed Emperor Chongzhen had already made a plan in his mind. Gao Qiqian, who was familiar with the emperor's character, dared not speak any more, and could only bow his head, kneel down with his officials, and let out a weak voice.

"Follow the imperial decree!"

…………

Out of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, when turning a corner, a dozen or so ministers turned their heads back furtively. Just now, the incompetence of Xue Guoguan, the senior scholar of the First Assistant University, was noticed by the big guy, and a while ago, Xue Guoguan had corrupted officials. The reason was pushed to Dongchang, which made Wang Huamin, the governor of Dongchang, hold a grudge, and secretly collected evidence of Xue Guoguan's corruption. The scholar of Shoufu University had lost the trust of the emperor. Lai Shoufu is incompetent, and non-Scholar Zhou can't clean up the mess.

Normally, Gao Qiqian would have gone back to eavesdrop and get involved, but now, he is so empty-hearted that he can't even think about it, so he went directly to Prince Huamin, the governor of the East Factory. He needs a group of capable people!
The capital city made a decision, and dozens of fast horses galloped out, but the grim choice was placed in front of the other two people!
First of all, Yang Sichang, who was sad, arrived at the governor Xingyuan in Chongqing with an urgent order of eight hundred miles. Seeing the emperor's strict order to suppress the bandits for three months, Yang Sichang suddenly coughed violently. This cough was almost a cough. The sky was dark, and finally a few drops of blood splashed onto the letter paper.

Indeed, Yang Sichang served as a military supervisor and trained from the bottom regiment. Compared with those princes who talk about military affairs on paper in the court, he does have military talent, but his talent is similar to that of his father Yang He. Being a staff officer is almost the same, and it is not his forte to lead troops.

Moreover, Yang Sichang really did not expect that the army of the Ming Dynasty had degenerated to such an extent. During the Battle of Manao Mountain a while ago, Zhang Xianzhong and a dozen bandit army leaders, and tens of thousands of bandit army had already been surrounded by layers, but Zuo Liangyu He actually took bribes from Zhang Xianzhong and let them go. This chase covered thousands of miles, and he circled the land of Bashu several times.

For more than a year since leaving Beijing, each time the imperial army could only follow behind the eighth king's army. This Sichuan is not the Sichuan of the imperial court, but a place of thieves. A folk song circulating here vividly reflects the Yang Sichang's situation.

There was Governor Shao in the past, who often came to dance in groups.Later, there is Liao Jianjun, who will follow me without fighting.What a Yang Ge department, three days away from me.

There are more than 30 imperial troops in the sky, but Yang Sichang's central army is the tens of thousands of Qin, Jin and Jing soldiers who are really forced by Yang Sichang. Now Emperor Chongzhen asks Yang Sichang to end the war in three months, which really feels like killing him.

"Cabinet!"

The intense coughing made Wanji, the superintendent who was following the map of the staff, rush over and pat him on the back, eagerly persuading him, "Don't be in a hurry, your Majesty firmly believes in the cabinet, and the holy family is rich, we just need to do our best." Yes, Zhang Fengyi, you are a villain, you don't need to listen to his nonsense!"

"This time, it was His Majesty who ordered us to crack down on the thieves within three months!"

"what?"

The emperor ordered the Ministry of War to come over within a limited time limit. It seemed that the situation was a little tense. Wanji couldn't help being stunned, smiled wryly, and suppressed a cough. with.

"Wan Jianjun is right. No matter what, you have to do what you are doing first, so that you can repay the emperor and his old man for his kindness. Recently, Thief Zhang has been trying his best to spy on Kuizhou. This is the idea of ​​going out of Sichuan and returning to Huguang again. , this time we deploy troops in Dachang County, we must wipe out Zhang Thief!"

"The cabinet is right!"

The pressure from the emperor's urging made the back of the Wanjian army sweat a lot. He clasped his fists politely, and he quickly lowered his head to the intricate map that had been drawn.

Yang Sichang was lucky. After all, on the Huguang battlefield in Sichuan, the Ming army still had the initiative and advantage, but on the Songjin battlefield, the opponent was Jiannu who was full of unknowns. How did the former governor Ji Liao die? Hong Chengchou But in his eyes, this time, he had made up his mind to march forward in a group, guard against death, and slowly knocked on the periphery of Jianu to force back their siege.

Even achieved some small results in the early stage, but he also received this reminder from the emperor.

Amidst the beating of gongs and drums, a piece of paper was written with the Minister of the Ministry of War, and the long flag of Ji Liao Governor Hong fluttered in the wind, followed by frontier soldiers in half-new armor on horseback, staggering, and the following large group of infantry pushed forward. Carrying a heavy cannon cart and carrying firecrackers, he also walked fast. Twelve days earlier than Yang Sichang, he received the order of Emperor Chongzhen to send troops to Jinzhou to fight Jiannu. .

The long banner originally representing the governor's majesty, with the north wind blowing, always feels like a spiritual banner, and even the fast and heavy footsteps of the army gave Hong Chengchou an illusion, like a funeral procession, step by step towards death!

He had never fought such an uncertain war in his life. Even if he was riding a horse to oversee the army, Hong Chengchou couldn't help being in a trance for a while, but at this moment, a vanguard general ran back violently, pulling the horse's reins.

"Supervisor, we have arrived at Bijia Mountain ahead, and encountered a small group of Jiannu cavalry, and the general has already forced them back!"

The general was very fierce, there was still a bloodstain on his face, he looked like he had just fought, after hearing his roar, Hong Chengchou came back to his senses, and couldn't help but nodded to the general.

"General Wu has worked hard!"

Immediately, Hong Chengchou looked up, and not far ahead, a mountain was sunk deep in the sea. The road leading to the sea was hidden under the cover of the tide, and it seemed that there were several corpses floating on the sea. This place can be called dangerous.

Couldn't help but nodded, Hong Chengchou immediately shouted majestically.

"Stop the army, set up camp here!"

(End of this chapter)