Chapter 82 King Chuang Wants to Attack Siam Alone The emperor sent an envoy to persuade him to surrender

Zhang Zhimu was also hesitant about Li Zicheng once again going to send troops to Siam alone, because Siam's area and strength were the strongest on the Southeast Peninsula. However, Zhang Zhimu was not only worried about Li Zicheng's military strength, he didn't want Li Zicheng to occupy Siam alone. If Li Zicheng occupies too much place in Siam, if his subordinates have two hearts, it will be troublesome to deal with them in the future. Of course, Li Zicheng and they will not have such a problem now, but this does not guarantee that there will be no problems in the future. It is Li Zicheng and the Annan they occupied, and in the future, Yaogang will be managed in a unified manner, and there must be no country within a country.

Of course, Ouyang He knew Zhang Zhimu's thoughts, and said with a slight smile: "Mr. Zhang doesn't have to worry about Li Zicheng and them sitting alone. I don't think Li Zicheng has thought about it so much, otherwise he wouldn't be so eager to send troops to Siam. If they had different intentions, they would find another reason to send troops to Siam! ”

Chen Yufeng also said: "Li Zicheng and they have hundreds of thousands of troops, and there is no war to fight on the Annan side, so this will not work." It is very difficult to manage an army if it is not fighting. I don't think it's good, so let Fan Chengkun and his navy send ships to support them, and let them fight alone! ”

"In fact, after the reunification of the Southeast Peninsula, Li Zicheng can return to Yaogang. We need to manage the Southeast Peninsula in a unified manner. After the construction of the Hankou Yangtze River Bridge, we will invest more strength in the railway to the south, and build it directly to Manchuka (Malacca). There is also a railway from Annam to Burma from east to west. We will connect the southeastern peninsula with us by road, rail, telegraph and telephone. At the same time, the culture, system, weights and measures, etc., are all unified, and then unified legally, and no one wants to split again. If Li Zicheng doesn't come back and wants to be king, we can deal with him! Ouyang He said confidently.

Zhang Zhimu knows that now ** is by Li Zicheng's side, and it is easy to deal with Li Zicheng at any time, but Zhang Zhimu believes that Li Zicheng will not have any dissenting intentions at the very least. As for what will happen to the people under him for a long time, it's hard to say.

It seems that both Chen Yufeng and Ouyang He agreed with Li Zicheng to attack Siam on his own.

Zhang Zhimu still has some hesitation in his heart, as for where the hesitation is, he himself is not very clear, whether it is the reason why he always felt that Thailand still has a good relationship with China in his previous life, Zhang Zhimu himself is not clear.

But it seems that the answer will soon be available.

A staff officer came in and said, "The emperor is calling, please answer the phone!" ”

Zhang Zhimu smiled, got up to answer the phone, and said to Chen Yufeng and Ouyang He: "If the emperor doesn't talk to me on the phone for a day, he won't be able to!" ”

Chen Yufeng and Ouyang He both smiled and did not speak.

"Zhang Dongjia, I heard that you are going to attack Siam, right?" Zhang Zhimu picked up the phone, and Emperor Chongzhen's voice came from the phone.

"Hmmm! Your Majesty, I was about to tell you this," Zhang Zhimu said, "Originally, we wanted to attack Siam from both Burma and Annam at the same time. However, the Mughal Emperor sent an envoy to declare war on us, and our Burmese army was going to fight against the Waumore Empire. We want to stop the attack on Siam first. However, Li Zicheng had hundreds of thousands of tigers and wolves on his side, and now there was no battle, and they wanted to attack Siam alone. We're looking into this! ”

"Zhang Dongjia, don't attack Siam! A few adults and I will go to your command center right away, and we'll talk about what we have to say! Emperor Chongzhen said nervously.

Zhang Zhimu heard that he couldn't let the emperor come over, which was a little bad, "Your Majesty, let's go to you!" ”

"No, no, I'll go downstairs right away, you'll wait for us!" After Emperor Chongzhen finished speaking, he put down the phone.

Zhang Zhimu came back and told Chen Yufeng and Ouyang He what Emperor Chongzhen said, and the two of them were also confused.

Suddenly, Ouyang He said with a row of thighs: "Oops! It's really troublesome! Siam has always had a good relationship with us, and we may not find a reason to attack Siam! I can't figure out the emperor, they are here for this! ”

Zhang Zhimu suddenly understood why he hesitated.

After thinking for a while, Zhang Zhimu said: "No matter what, the Southeast Peninsula must be reunified!" Let's hear what the emperor has to say, shall we? ”

The Yaogang Hotel where the emperor lived was not far from the command center, and Zhang Zhimu and the three of them took the elevator to the front of the Yaogang Military Committee building, and Emperor Chongzhen and several of their cars also arrived.

Zhang Zhimu went over, opened the door for the emperor, and asked the emperor to get out of the car, and several ministers of the court got off in other cars.

Emperor Chongzhen was obviously very satisfied with Zhang Zhimu coming down to greet him in person, and followed Zhang Zhimu, Chen Yufeng, and Ouyang He to the upstairs reception room with a smile on his face. Several other adults also took other elevators to the reception room.

It was the first time for a few adults to come to the heavily guarded Military Commission Building, and when they sat down, they couldn't help but marvel at how splendid the building was.

After drinking tea for a while, Emperor Chongzhen went straight to the point, "Zhang Dongjia, we are very anxious when we hear that you are going to attack Siam. Don't attack Siam! There are so many vassal states in our Ming Dynasty, and the one with the best relationship in the past was Siam, Korea. Now North Korea is unreliable. But only Siam, from the Tang, Song and Yuan dynasties, was our subject country and has been paying tribute. Since the founding of the country, Siam has been the most diligent tribute. In the sixteenth year of (Chongzhen), Siam also sent people to pay tribute! In the twentieth year of Wanli, Japan attacked Korea, and Siam also asked to send troops to Japan to contain Japan and help us fight the Japanese in Korea. We have no reason to attack such a vassal state. That would be dishonest to the world! ”

After listening to the emperor's words, the scholar Liu Jiantai also added: "Yes, Zhang Dongjia! Among the fifteen countries that were not to be conquered as stipulated by the ancestors of Taizu was Siam. Our Siyi Pavilion is a place to train general affairs (translators) and to receive foreign missions and translate documents from various countries. There are many branches under the Siyi Pavilion, and most of the branches are responsible for receiving envoys from several regions and countries, such as the Tianfang Pavilion Tongshi is responsible for receiving envoys from Tianfang, Chenla, Java, Samarkand, Manchurian, Champong, Japan and other countries. However, the Siam Pavilion is specially responsible for receiving Siamese envoys, which is a cut above other pavilions. In order to regulate the tributary matters of various countries, Taizu stipulated that each country should either pay a tribute every five years, or pay a tribute every two years and three years, and the number of envoys of each country was also regulated, but it was very lenient for Siam. For Siam, it can be paid one tribute a year, or even two tributes a year. The number of missions is also not very strict. There are also a lot of special tribute offers. The relationship between our two countries is extraordinary, and Zhang Dongjia must not send troops lightly. If we send troops to Siam, we will not have any more friendly countries in the future! ”

After listening to the words of the monarchs and ministers, Ouyang He smiled and said, "Hehe! I've heard a little bit of this before. However, all the things I heard were gossip, and these things were all major events in the imperial court, and the people generally knew very little! As a matter of fact, in the future, we can introduce these things to you through radio and newspapers, so that those who are concerned about national affairs can also learn more about the situation, and also let the people open their eyes and gain a long insight. After speaking, Ouyang He changed the topic, "But, Your Majesty, my lords!" Our absolute military superiority today is a rare opportunity for us in China, and no reason can stop our great cause of reunification. In addition, we have unified Siam, and the people will benefit a lot, except for the Siamese king and those nobles who have suffered some losses. We are going to build the railway all the way through Siam to Manchuria, and all the countries will be connected along the way. We will also build a railway from Annam in the east and through Siam to Burma. All these will bring great benefits to the development of the Southeast Peninsula. We sent troops to Siam to face not only Siamese affairs, but also Lao (Laos), Champang, Manchurian and other countries, and we must solve them together. The determination to reunify is unshakable, and we must lay a good foundation for future generations. As for what the emperor said to the ladies that Siam and we have always been friendly, I think we can't ignore it. We can salute first and then soldiers, inform them of our determination to unify the southeast peninsula, and our specific plans, and it is best for them to take the initiative to cooperate, if the king of Siam takes the initiative to cooperate, we can also build a palace for the king of Siam in Yaogang, and invite the king of Siam to live in Yaogang! ”

"There are several other vassal states that do the same, and we have to treat their royal family members well." Zhang Zhimu's words can be regarded as agreeing with Ouyang He's opinion.

Chen Yufeng said: "There is more! Now the British, Francis, and French are all operating in Siam, and we will deal with them together this time. They can't be allowed to continue infiltrating over there. If you don't stop them, soon the Xiyi people will occupy it! ”

"Now, on what grounds do we go to war against a friendly country that has always served us as a superior state?" Emperor Chongzhen still couldn't accept it.

"Easy to do!" Zhang Zhimu said, "We are going to liberate the people there, with the aim of making the people there live a good life where everyone is equal." In a few years, the people there really feel that life is better and will definitely support us! ”

Seeing that Emperor Chongzhen was speechless, Fan Jingwen, a scholar, said: "Zhang Dongjia, since you have made up your mind to unify the Southeast Peninsula, I am afraid you will resolutely carry it out. I also think it's a very good event for us. However, the emperor's worries are still justified. I am willing to go to Siam with the Emperor's decree to persuade the King of Siam to accept our request and avoid the disaster of the sword. ”

Listening to Fan Jingwen's words, Liu Jiantai almost had the heart to strangle him. This time, it was not easy to mobilize the emperor to come out to oppose the Yaogang people's attack on Siam, so I wanted to see if the Yaogang people could obey the emperor in such a major matter. Unexpectedly, in order to grab the credit and shake the morale of the army, this Fan Jingwen first compromised with the Yaogang people.

In fact, Emperor Chongzhen listened to the opinions of the people of Yaogang who resolutely agreed with the Southeast Peninsula, and he was also willing in his heart, as for the face of Siam and the great cause of national reunification, it was not a big deal for an emperor at all. A big reason why Emperor Chongzhen came to talk about this matter is that he doesn't want to be excluded from such a major decision. Fan Jingwen's request to go to Siam is very much in line with Emperor Chongzhen's wishes, "I think it would be best if Fan Aiqing could go to Siam." Fan Aiqing is familiar with the history of our dealings with Siam, and she is steady, and she is worthy of this position! ”

Zhang Zhimu, Chen Yufeng, and Ouyang He also understood Emperor Chongzhen's thoughts, and the three of them looked at each other, and Zhang Zhimu said: "It would be great if this was the case!" It's just that there is Lord Lao Fan! ”

Ouyang He said: "Without further ado, our two 1,800-ton warships have just completed their sea trials, and we can accompany Master Fan to Siam!" I wonder when Master Fan will be able to leave? ”

"As long as the emperor's holy decree is given, the minister can set off immediately!" Fan Jingwen got up and saluted Emperor Chongzhen.

"Fan Aiqing! The army over there is on standby, so it's best to leave early! "How can Emperor Chongzhen let go of the opportunity to contribute to this matter, I can't wait for Fan Jingwen to go out and leave now.

Ouyang He said: "Master Fan, let's study the specific matters and coping strategies tomorrow, and set off the day after tomorrow, how about it?" We immediately ordered our warships to wait for you at the mouth of the Yellow River. I would like to ask Lord Fan and the officials who know the situation in Siam to study the Siam affairs together with us tomorrow. I would also like to invite the prince to come over and study the safety and security of our mission together. Today, Lord Fan is going to determine the personnel of the mission. If the general of the Siam Pavilion was not in Yaogang, they should be immediately notified to rush to the mouth of the Yellow River to stand by. We can arrange two special vehicles to escort them to the mouth of the Yellow River. If you need to bring anything from Beijing, you can also deliver it at the same time. Tomorrow there is one more thing, Lord Fan will choose with us the gifts to bring to the kings of Siam and other vassal kingdoms. Time is of the essence! ”

Emperor Chongzhen and all the adults have to admire Ouyang He, this person can think about everything in such a short period of time, he is really a genius. At the same time, I have to admire, and only the kiln gang people can have such an ability, and at the same time mobilize such a large range of forces, make such a decision, and promote such a thing.

However, what they all wondered about was that Zhang Zhimu didn't say anything about this matter at all, and this military advisor didn't discuss it without discussing it, and he made such a decision. How did they know that the several giants of Yaogang have formed a tacit understanding for a long time, and they don't need to bother to talk anymore in case of trouble, so they naturally know what to do!

At this time, several adults who came with me said that they wanted to go together. They all wanted to do something with the kiln people.

Emperor Chongzhen coughed lightly, "Uh-huh! Regarding the formation of the mission, Zhang Dongjia, you will also send a few people to follow. We're here to find someone, I'll go back and think about it again! "Emperor Chongzhen has finally gained some power, and he will not be done easily. He's going to go back and balance who he's going to give this opportunity to.

After Emperor Chongzhen and his ministers left the Military Commission building, Ouyang He said: "Mr. Zhang, send a telegram to Li Zicheng in your name." Tell Li Zicheng that we are going to send an envoy to Siam soon, and that they must restrain their subordinates before the envoy arrives, and they must not take military action! In my opinion, we have the possibility of solving Siam without blood. I estimate that now the King of Siam does not sleep well every year. Their long borders are threatened from both the east and the west, and they are under constant threat from both sides, and life cannot be easy! ”

"However, if we don't fight it, it will be difficult to deal with it in the future." Chen Yufeng said, "It's like the pus in the pustule is not easy to squeeze out." ”

"Whether it is peaceful occupation or armed occupation, there must be iron-blooded means in the initial stage." Ouyang He said, "It is very important for us to transform their cultural people. If they don't obey our rule, then clean up! After our military occupation, the most important thing is to occupy culturally. After a long time, they have a sense of identity! ”

After intense preparations, Fan Jingwen left Yaogang with a delegation of more than 50 people, and more than a dozen officials set out from Beijing to join them at the mouth of the Yellow River.

However, as soon as they arrived at the Fenglingdu wharf by train, news came from Beijing that the Siamese tribute mission had arrived in Beijing.

Zhang Zhimu, Chen Yufeng, and Ouyang He came to the Yaogang Hotel together to discuss this matter with Emperor Chongzhen.

Zhang Zhimu and the others came to the hall of Emperor Chongzhen, where Liu Jiantai and other ministers were waiting.

Everyone was polite, and after sitting down, Emperor Chongzhen said: "Since the Siamese mission has arrived, I think that we will let the Siamese mission come to Yaogang, and our mission will also come back first." We deliberate and then decide. I thought, the king of Siam must have known that we had sent troops to occupy Annam and Burma, and they were worried! ”

Ouyang He asked, "Your Majesty, can the Siamese mission agree to our request?" ”

"No, they can only bring our opinion to their king. However, Siam has not forgotten to pay us tribute, which shows that they have always regarded us as a great power. We can't afford to lose our courtesy! Emperor Chongzhen said proudly.

Chen Yufeng snorted with his nose, "Hmph! It's useless to talk about etiquette now. Let's not delay for them! Hundreds of thousands of troops over there are on standby, and a lot of silver is consumed every day! ”

"You can't talk to the emperor like this!" Liu Jiantai seized the opportunity and said with some allocations.

Liu Jiantai's words made everyone stunned.

Zhang Zhimu said politely: "Is Lord Liu trying to provoke the relationship between us and the emperor?" ”

"Is this rude to you?" Liu Jiantai argued.

"Come on! Let's get down to business! Emperor Chongzhen glared at Liu Jiantai in disgust, and said in his heart, you are really uninteresting, and you are looking for trouble at this time.

Zhang Zhimu said: "Your Majesty, my opinion is that please ask the Siamese delegation to go directly from Beijing to the mouth of the Yellow River and meet with Lord Fan, where they can talk first, and then return to Siam together." They really can't make any decisions when they get to the kiln, and we can't afford to waste time for them! ”

Emperor Chongzhen thought for a while and said, "It's up to you!" ”

Ouyang He said: "We will ask the Beijing station to send two more cars to send the Siamese mission to the mouth of the Yellow River." The affairs of the Siamese mission, your Majesty, you can arrange it! He also informed Lord Fan, who had not yet boarded the ship, of the Siam mission by phone. ”

Emperor Chongzhen glanced at Liu Jiantai and said, "Lord Liu, you can arrange these things!" ”