Chapter 278 There are soldiers and no food

Attacking the city here, Qianhu Zhao Jiu and Qianhu Baili suddenly turned around and attacked their own people, causing Shanxi soldiers and horses to be in a mess, and for a while I didn't know who was the enemy and who was the comrade. Rao Yonghui was in the rear, completely confused by the things in front of him.

"Zhao Jiu, you bastard...... If Lao Tzu slaughters you...... "Rao Yonghui only hated himself for why he didn't just cut Zhao Jiu in the first place, now that all departments are in chaos, how can this battle be fought?

Zhang Xianzhong in the city, after determining the situation outside the city, where would he let go of this good opportunity. As for Zhang Cunmeng's confession before, he put the blame aside. I have given enough face to the officers and soldiers, but the other party has no shame, so don't blame myself for being polite. Besides, it was the officers and soldiers themselves who started the infighting, and if this kind of immediate cheapness is not spread, wouldn't it make people laugh off their big teeth?

A moment later, the city gate was opened, and Zhang Xianzhong personally led three thousand tigers and wolves to pounce out, striking a heavy blow at the unlucky Shanxi soldiers.

Where is Rao Yonghui willing to be willing, if this rout continues, even if there are people in the court, I am afraid that his son will be killed. He only sat in the seat of the chief soldier of Shanxi for less than half a year, and he really didn't want to give up, he tried his best to stop the rebels, but he was dragged by the rebels and went east. Zhang Xianzhong had 2,000 cavalry under his command, and this cavalry held on to the rout, chasing and killing all the way, and actually chased to Zhenxiwei.

Zhenxiwei's side, I didn't expect the Shanxi soldiers and horses to go to Fugu, and they came back from defeat in two days, and when they saw Rao Yonghui leading the troops back, they hurriedly opened the door to meet them. At this time, Zhang Xianzhong and the cavalry were still chasing behind, and as soon as Rao Yonghui and the people entered the city, the other party called.

At this time, Rao Yonghui has lost the courage to fight for his life, anyway, there will be no good fruit to eat in the end, and if he can't keep his official position, then it is important to save his life. What's more, the morale of the army is weak, and most people have been frightened by Zhang Xianzhong. Rao Yonghui and the remnants of the soldiers did not dare to defend the west guard of the town, and continued to run east without stopping, as a result, the west guard of the town was completely emptied and became an undefended city.

Zhang Xianzhong led the cavalry to kill, and after learning about the situation of Zhenxiwei, he was also stunned. Zhang Xianzhong never dreamed that Rao Yonghui would be so unbeaten, and he was so scared that he didn't even guard the Zhenxi guard.

An undefended town is in front of you, to occupy it or not to occupy it? After hesitating for a while, he gritted his teeth, but still waved his hand and led the troops into the city. In the face of such a piece of fat, if you don't eat it, the two thousand cavalry under your command will probably have complaints.

In fact, Zhang Xianzhong never thought about occupying Zhenxiwei from the beginning, everything was an accident. He also knew that once Zhenxiwei was occupied, the border troops of Xuanfu and Datongfu would be overstimulated, and the officers and troops in southern Shaanxi would also retaliate. But can he blame Zhang Xianzhong? A good town west guard, the other party can't defend it, who would have thought about it?

Northern Shaanxi, Ganquan City! After the news of the Fugu military situation, Cao Wenzhao, who was on the front line of Ganquan, was so shocked that his heart was about to jump out, with his calm and mature heart, he still couldn't hold back after all, his brows were locked, and he slapped the table and shouted: "How did those people lose Zhenxiwei?" It's just that Fugu is defeated, why can't he hold Zhenxiwei? But if you hold it for a day or two, the thieves will retreat...... This..... It's really annoying ......."

Cao Wenzhao knew the situation in the northwest of Jin very well, and Zhenxiwei was a military town, far from being comparable to Fugu. As long as 5,000 people guard the town and defend the west, with Zhang Xianzhong's people, why should this military town be defeated? The loss of Zhenxiwei is equivalent to giving the thieves an extra bridgehead east of the Hetao. How did Rao Wenhui fight? Fugu didn't fight down, and lost Zhenxiwei.

After sulking for a while, Cao Wenzhao said to the generals in the house: "Restrain all departments, it is estimated that it will not be long before something big happens." Hey, half a year, it only takes half a year..... It's a pity, Rao Wenhui, this thing that has more than enough success and more than failure......"

The elite soldiers of Xuanfu and Datongfu have just gone through the Battle of Beijing and the Battle of Khalkha and need to recuperate for a period of time. In just half a year, Cao Wenzhao was confident that he would unite Tiemo and Mangui to launch a major operation against the rogues in northern Shaanxi. Everything was planned, but Rao Wenhui broke all the plans.

If this incident happened, the imperial court would definitely be furious, and it would definitely strictly order the Xuan Mansion and the Datong Mansion to send troops. However, sending troops now, and sending troops half a year later, the effect is absolutely different, and this time, it would be good to be able to take back the Hetao.

......

Everything was as Cao Wenzhao expected, as the military report spread to the capital, the imperial court let Rao Yonghui's series of operations completely collapse. In just one day, the 600-mile urgent document was delivered to Taiyuan Mansion, Rao Yonghui was dismissed on the spot, and as for the other generals in Shanxi, they were also heavily punished, and a few of them were cut off.

This incident aroused the dissatisfaction of many Shanxi soldiers, and Rao Yonghui, the culprit who led to the defeat of the army, only lost his position, and the other miscellaneous fish lost their heads instead. However, now that the court is messed up by the people, no one will pay attention to the voice of the soldiers.

This time, the imperial court is determined to use the king for his own use, but the use of soldiers must have sufficient military supplies to support. For the Ming court at this time, money and materials were a big problem. In order to suppress the civil unrest and Liaodong, Chongzhen almost tightened his belt to live. Recently, Huangzhuang has made some progress, and he didn't dare to move a penny.

Early in the morning, Zhu Youzhen walked out of the harem and walked slowly along the bluestone road. Along the way, he hung his head and kept thinking about the bandits. How do you get the money? Let Jin merchants donate? Just think about it, in the past two years, Jin Shang has sent money to the imperial court, and at this time, he, the emperor, is a little embarrassed to speak.

In the past, because of the eunuch party, I didn't have a good impression of Jin Shang, but after more contact, I felt that my previous ideas were not necessarily right. But there is no regret in the world, everything is a foregone conclusion, and many things cannot be changed. Jiangnan, Jiangnan, there are countless money and grain there, but I can't get it. He wanted to tax Jiangnan several times, but he was blocked by Qian Qianyi and others for various reasons.

Walking through the arch and seeing a team of palace maids coming over, Chongzhen instinctively put his hand on the hem of the yellow robe to prevent the spring wind from blowing the hem. Because he didn't want anyone to know, he had a patch on his trouser leg.

The palace maids stopped and saluted, and one of the palace women was Zhang Yan. Seeing Zhu Youzhen's worried expression, she hesitated, sighed secretly, and still stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, General Tie just privately delivered the news to the palace, and the matter of suppressing bandits this time can be delayed." If it drags on for half a year, the Xuanfu and Datong Mansions will accumulate strength and will definitely be able to solve the civil unrest in northern Shaanxi in one fell swoop. ”

The two walked side by side towards the Wenhua Palace, Zhu Youzhen showed a bitter face, and said with a helpless smile: "Imperial sister-in-law, do you think I don't know that this matter is a little too anxious?" Although I don't know how to march and fight, I also know that Xuanfu and Datong Mansion have just experienced several fierce battles, and it is time to rest. But the current situation is not something that I can decide alone. ”

"This ....." Zhang Yan can understand Chongzhen's difficulties, these days, for the suppression of bandits, the emperor's brother has not rested for many days, "Your Majesty, even if you send troops, it is not appropriate to make a big move, look at the meaning of General Tie's letter, before the repeated battles, Yunfu is also short of materials, not much money and food, can not support a big war." ”

Chongzhen listened carefully, and soon showed embarrassment. Tiemo never thought of asking the court for money and food from beginning to end, he is really a rare good courtier, look at Tiemo, and then think about Yuan Hongchang before, and make a judgment. When Yuan Chonghuan was in charge of Liaodong, he had to urge food and salary almost every month, and he never thought about finding a way for himself. Chongzhen is good at reading iron ink, but the more this is the case, the more ashamed he feels.

"Hey, I'm ashamed of my ancestors and ancestors, the border army suppressed bandits, and the imperial court should have made up for the money, food, and military salaries, but several times I had to let Tie Aiqing figure out a way by himself. In this way, some people still want to mix sand with Xuanfu and let them govern Xuanfu, what can they do except reach out to me to ask for money? ”

Gradually, Chongzhen showed a bit of disgust. Since Sun Chengzong returned to govern Liaodong, he has not urged the court to pay again, and the Xuanfu side is even more Tiemo who has figured out his own way. Nowadays, except for Liaodong and Xuanfu, other places are constantly urging salaries, and doing things is urging three or four things.

In the three years he has been in charge of the Ming Dynasty, Chongzhen has matured a lot, at least, he began to have the concept of "his own people" in his heart, and he is no longer so disgusted with forming a party.

"Imperial sister-in-law, you and Wang Companion will go to see this year's harvest in a while, leave some of the money in the palace, and send the rest to the Xuanfu."

......

The routine court meeting was not about how to send troops, but how to collect money and food. Since ancient times, the imperial court has not sent hungry soldiers, but when it comes to money and food, all the civil and military forces of the Manchu Dynasty frowned, and seemed to be at a loss.

Cheng Jiming arched his hand and said: "Your Majesty, the old minister heard that there is a lot of progress in the Huangzhuang this year, why don't you supply all the soldiers and horses first, survive this summer, I believe the situation will improve." ”

Chongzhen smiled secretly in his heart, sure enough. They all stared at my inner money, but fortunately I was prepared. raised his eyebrows, and said with a wry smile: "Cheng Aiqing, I'm afraid this matter is not appropriate, the income of the Huangzhuang, I have already sent someone to Yunfu." ”

"What?" Cheng Jiming was stunned, Qian Qianyi shook his beard and came out of the ranks, very dissatisfied, "Your Majesty, now that the soldiers and horses from all walks of life are short of food and salary, many people have urged the household department several times, and there is a surplus in the internal funds, why only supply Yunfu?" ”

Chongzhen was very displeased, and said coldly: "The internal funds belong to the royal family, is it possible that the internal funds are used and I still have to report to the six cabinets?" ”

"You asked me why I supplied Yunfu alone, hmph, last year the Tartars entered Beijing, the border army Qin Wang, and the Yunfu army traveled a long distance to attack Liaodong through hardships and dangers, which forced the Tartars back. For this reason, the soldiers and horses of Yunfu were almost wiped out. At the beginning of the spring of this year, the Iron General Army recruited troops and horses from all walks of life in Xuanfu to surrender Warat and defeat the Khalkha Abadai Khan, and his military achievements were brilliant. The soldiers and horses of Yunfu fought several times and made great contributions, but the imperial court did not give rewards, but Yunfu often raised silver to solve the crisis of the imperial court. ”

"Now the imperial court still owes more than 4 million taels of silver to the Jin merchants of Yunfu, and now, seeing that they are urging Xuanfu and Datong Mansion to use troops against the Liukou in northern Shaanxi, I will give priority to supply, why is it wrong?"

Cheng Jiming, Qian Qianyi and others were blocked speechless, and they could hardly find a reason to refute. It's really Tiemo's real exploits there, and no one can deny it.

Seeing that the idea of the inner party could not be beaten, Cheng Jiming and the others made eye contact, Zhang Fengyi came out and said: "Your Majesty, now not only the situation in northern Shaanxi is urgent, but also in Henan. It is necessary to mobilize heavy troops in Luoyang, and the minister suggested that the soldiers and horses of Nanzhili, Hebei, and Shandong should be transferred into Henan. It's just that the mobilization of soldiers and horses requires a lot of grain and grass. The minister suggested that the agricultural tax should be increased to solve the urgent need. ”

Chongzhen's eyebrows jumped, what he was most afraid of now was hearing the word "agricultural tax", sometimes, he was really moved. Increase the agricultural tax, and if you have money and grain, as long as the rogues are eliminated, the tax will be lowered. But he was afraid that this would cause more serious consequences, especially when his teacher Sun Chengzong left, he repeatedly told him that he could do anything, but he could not increase the agricultural tax.

Chongzhen didn't speak, Hou Shilu had already come out of the ranks, pointed at Zhang Fengyi's nose and shouted angrily: "Lord Zhang, now in the Central Plains, there are already a lot of worries, the people are overwhelmed, and you still have to increase agricultural taxes, isn't this to push my Daming into the fire pit?" The old man wants to ask you, what are your intentions? ”

Although Hou Shilu was his top boss, Zhang Fengyi was not afraid at all, and said coldly: "Lord Hou, why do you say this? The subordinate officials are enthusiastic and loyal to the country, why do they have bad intentions? Now that the treasury is empty, and the internal funds are replenished to the Xuanfu, but the people are in turmoil, and they urgently need money, food, soldiers and horses, and do not increase agricultural taxes. ”

"Hmph, agricultural taxes must not be increased, and this wind cannot be opened. When it comes to money and food, why is it so difficult? Only one capable official, sitting in Nanzhili, collecting Jiangnan business tax, can solve the urgent need! ”

Hou Shilu's eyes showed a fierce light, and as soon as he finished speaking, Qian Qianyi and the others jumped out like cats whose tails had been stepped on. Cheng Jiming arched his hand and said angrily: "Your Majesty, Jiangnan is my Ming foundation, and you can't move lightly." Your Majesty, don't forget that when the eunuchs were rampant, Jiangnan Shizi died a lot of people because of this. The squire of Jiangnan Shilin is the foundation of my Ming Dynasty, once there is chaos in Jiangnan, the world will be in chaos. ”

Seeing the reaction of Qian Qianyi and others, Hou Shilu sighed secretly. When it comes to the addition of the Jiangnan conquest, all of them have a posture of fighting to the end endlessly, and they take out the broken things recorded on the tombstones of the five people at every turn. Donglin Shilin, this is to regard Nanzhili Jiangnan as his own back garden, others can't stretch their hands and legs.

In my heart, I hope that there will be another Wei Zhongxian, and it is best to go to Jiangnan to toss this group of people.

A court meeting ended in endless arguments, and in the end no effective solution was come up. Whether it is Chongzhen or Hou Shilu, in fact, many people also understand in their hearts that the Ming Dynasty is not short of money and food, as long as the Jiangnan gentry are willing to pay out of their pockets, many things will be solved.

But how to make the Jiangnan gentry pay for it? That's the biggest piece of the puzzle.