Chapter 619 Giving sugar to your face and beating you in the back

North Zhili, Jingshi, Forbidden City,.

In the past, on Chinese New Year's Eve, the Forbidden City would have been very quiet and peaceful. All kinds of palace lanterns should be lit up to decorate the festive atmosphere. Emperor Chongzhen's concubines should also dress up and come to congratulate Chongzhen and congratulate the New Year. Everyone in the palace should be happy and full of smiles in these few days. It's a pity that all this, with the arrival of the Tartars, completely disappeared.

On the afternoon of Chinese New Year's Eve, Emperor Chongzhen once again convened the core cadres of the imperial court to discuss the situation. Slightly different from last time, Gao Qiqian, Wang Kun, Yang Sichang and others were not there, and they all went back to their own armies. There is one more person, and it is the Jinyi guard who commands Luo to nourish his sex. Because the battle situation outside has not been very good, everyone's mood is a little heavy.

Tonight is Chinese New Year's Eve, a day for family reunions. All the ministers present are all big families, and every year on Chinese New Year's Eve, the reunion dinner is divided into at least two or three tables. But thinking of the Tartars who are eyeing the city outside, how many people in the Beijing Division can open their hearts for the New Year? Emperor Chongzhen obviously didn't have the heart to celebrate the New Year, and so did they.

"I received a good news......

Emperor Chongzhen said slowly with a strange expression.

Good news?

A triumphant recital?

All the ministers' eyes lit up slightly.

Where did you get it? The piece sent at this time is really timely rain! The imperial court really needs a piece of music to boost morale. Now the entire Jingshi is in a deep depression and panic. The people are living like a year, and they can't live in fear. The Tartars have been killed for the third time, and the court is still powerless, which cannot help but make ordinary people lose confidence in the court.

"Let's start reading."

Emperor Chongzhen said expressionlessly.

"This is the good news sent by Zhang Zhun ......"

Jin Yiwei's commander Luo Yangxing also said expressionlessly.

"Huh?"

"Zhang Zhun?"

"The good news of the Tiger Army?"

Hearing Zhang Zhun's words, the ministers below were like kindergarten children, and couldn't help but exclaim. Of course, they are no strangers to the name Zhang Zhun. Last time, it was also in Xinuan Pavilion, and everyone had a heated discussion about Zhang Zhun, and the memory is still fresh. But later, the negotiations between Zhang Zhun and Shi Kefa broke down, and the imperial court no longer mentioned Zhang Zhun's name.

No wonder Emperor Chongzhen looked so strange after receiving the good news, it turned out to be the information sent by Zhang Zhun! Why is it someone else, but Zhang Zhun? The ministers present all felt that it was very ridiculous. Why is it that only Zhang Zhun has a good report? Wang Kun, Gao Qiqian, Yang Sichang and others, what are they doing? Why didn't they send a good report?

After the victory in the battle of Dongjiabao, Zhang Zhun specially asked Mo Yu to write a good report, and sent Li Zhaohui to Beijing with a small team of Huben army cavalry, and respectfully reported the good news. As a result, due to the special identity of the Tiger Ben Army, after the good news entered the Beijing Division, it was controlled by the Jinyi Guard, and then directly into the hands of Emperor Chongzhen, and the ministers below did not know. It's no wonder they are suspicious, why did Zhang Zhun send the good news abruptly?

In fact, Zhang Zhun didn't think much about it, he just thought about winning the battle, so that the people of the whole world would know about it, and the people of Jingshi should also know about it. According to Mo Yu, the people of Jingshi also had a very difficult life, and many people had to freeze to death every night. All this is caused by the Tartars. Since the Tiger Army has won the battle, it should also make these refugees happy. So the good news came.

Anyway, Zhang Zhun is still wearing the title of the Metropolitan Governor of the Ming Army, isn't he? Nominally, Chongzhen is still his big boss. Although he has been self-financed for many years, he has had an unpleasant experience with the big boss because of some problems. However, a big boss is a big boss, and if you have something happy, you should share it...... Of course, you can also think that Zhang Zhun is deliberately disgusting Chongzhen.

In fact, when Chongzhen saw the good news sent by Zhang Zhun, he really couldn't cry or laugh, and he felt very depressed in his heart. Fortunately, this good news was sent directly through the channel of Jinyiwei, and no one else knew about it. Otherwise, after the storm in the city, he will be even more depressed. To be honest, the imperial court really needs a good news to boost morale now, the question is...... This is the good news sent by Zhang Zhun!

He couldn't understand why his army, in front of the Tartars, was as if it was made of tofu, and it was completely unbeaten. Tens of thousands of Ming troops, in the face of thousands of Tartars, were defeated and miserable. And the ferocious Tartars, when they met the Tiger Army, seemed to have turned into tofu themselves, and they couldn't withstand the blows of the Tiger Army at all.

Chongzhen absolutely did not doubt the number of enemies destroyed on the good news, saying that it was the corpses of 2,400 Tartars, that is, the corpses of 2,400 Tartars. Last time Zhang Zhun was in Huangxian, he killed 4,000 Tartars in one go, and now it is more than 2,000, plus the Tartars killed by the Tiger Ben Army in other places, there may be tens of thousands of Tartars who died in Zhang Zhun's hands. In the past ** years, the Ming army has killed all the Tartars combined, and it may not be more than a fraction of this number.

“…… Hooray, hooray, hooray! ”

After Luo Yangxing finished reading the good news, every minister in the Xinuan Pavilion had a different face.

Shoufu Wen Tiren is face was gloomy, and he didn't know what he was thinking. The other scholars and squires have mixed feelings in their hearts. The good news sent by Zhang Zhun is very rich! Why did he send good news? What does he want to achieve with this good news? Because of Zhang Zhun's identity as an anti-thief, they have to think about things as bad as possible.

Only Qiao Yunsheng, the secretary of the Criminal Department, felt that he was in a good mood and felt that his choice was absolutely correct. Only by following the Tiger Ben Army can there be a future. The Tiger Army is amazing! Treat the tartar as a tartar at all, and beat it if you want to. Last time it was more than 4,000, this time it was more than 2,000, and the Tartars were in front of the Tiger Ben Army, as if they were pinched in mud. No wonder even Zhang Shenyan ran to give Zhang Zhun a hand.

It seems that he also has to officially say hello to Zhang Shenyan and Gao Hongtu quietly, find a suitable opportunity, and immediately go to the Tiger Army. Every day when he saw these floating guys in the court, Qiao Yunsheng was depressed. The court is getting more and more degenerate and hopeless. Everyone is not doing things, they are all messing around, except for desperately making money, anything else can be ignored. Even Yang Yipeng has been messing around recently.

In fact, Yang Yipeng is also full of grievances. Of course, he didn't want to mess around. However, the problem is that Wen Tiren is bent on wearing small shoes for him. At this critical time, if he leaves Jingshi, he can't explain clearly to Chongzhen in person, Wen Tiren's little shoes will come down immediately. He didn't want to end up being framed by Wen Tiren and being killed in prison.

Chongzhen couldn't help but be a little angry when he saw that no one was talking, and frowned and said, "Tell me, what's going on?" The army of the imperial court, when they saw the Tartars, ran fast one by one, and only hated their father and mother for having two legs! Now that the Tartars have seen the Tiger Army, they are also running fast one by one! They are all people, why is there such a big difference? ”

All of them don't speak. This question is too profound for anyone to answer. Wen Tiren was the first assistant, so he couldn't help but speak, so he had to say euphemistically: "Your Majesty, the Tiger Ben Army is well-paid, well-trained, and the soldiers are dedicated to their lives, unite as one, and move forward bravely...... On the contrary, we are slightly short of money......"

What Chongzhen hates the most is the mention of money and food. Every time someone mentioned the word money, he felt that he was accusing himself of incompetence. When he was the emperor, he actually made the treasury and the treasury so empty, and he couldn't make ends meet, isn't it incompetent? Chongzhen directly interrupted Wen Tiren's speech, and said fiercely: "How many people are there in the Tiger Army?" Up to twenty or thirty thousand people! In the Ministry of War, can we also consider cutting down the army, leaving only 30,000 or 40,000 people, and adding the general's salaries and food to it? There is also a food and salary, and the soldiers use their lives? ”

Zhang Fengyi was immediately anxious, and scolded Wen Tiren for talking nonsense. The army has been abolished, how can you drink the blood of soldiers? Among those who drink the blood of soldiers, there is also a share of you, Lord Shoufu. Your Shousuke-sama is still the biggest one! Didn't you shoot yourself in the foot? It's a pity that he can't blame Lord Shoufu for talking nonsense, so he has to distinguish and say: "The emperor is angry, now the number of troops has been reduced to the limit, if it continues to decrease, I am afraid that it will ...... change."

Chongzhen was angry, and without waiting for the other party to finish speaking, he directly scolded angrily: "Limit? The limit, you say? Extreme ...... Two or three hundred thousand people, they can't beat the Tartars, and the Tiger Ben army of 20,000 or 30,000 people defeated the Tartars, and there is still a limit to fart! ”

In a fit of rage, he was about to curse, but fortunately, he swallowed it back. Don't think that the emperor can't swear, the eunuchs around the emperor are all mixed up from the lowest level, what kind of swear can't? The emperor spent time with them and inevitably learned. It's just that he is limited to the identity of the emperor and doesn't dare to scold his mother in public. In private, Chongzhen will also swear.

Liang Tingdong hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, what the Tiger Ben Army is facing is only a part of the Tartars. The good news said that it was the positive red flag of the Tartars. As far as Wei Chen knows, the Zhenghong Banner of Tartar is the weakest in strength and the smallest in number. It is not very surprising that the Tiger Ben army concentrated twenty or thirty thousand elites and defeated the weakest part of the Tartars. Even if you change the elite of our army, you can still succeed! ”

This is a typical concept of stealing. The Tiger Ben Army concentrates all the elites and fights the weakest part of the Tartars, and it seems that it is indeed logical, and there is nothing remarkable. The reason why the Ming army could not win was that it faced the strongest part of the Tartars every time, and naturally it could not win. Chongzhen didn't react for a while, and his face softened a little.

Zhang Fengyi hurriedly said, "Exactly." Azig, the banner master of the Red Banner, is a brother to Dorgon and Dord. Since Dolgon and Duoduo were besieged, Azig was also secretly used by Huang Taiji to weaken the actual combat effectiveness of many Niu Lu. If the current Zhenghong Banner and our army meet, our army can also defeat the other side by concentrating 20,000 or 30,000 elites. ”

It's okay if he doesn't say it, but when he says it, it makes Chongzhen even more angry. Why? Because Zhang Fengyi mentioned Dorgon and Dodor. It's good that he didn't mention it, but as soon as he mentioned it, Chongzhen remembered that in Shandong, Zhang Zhun also encircled two slave chiefs. In other words, Zhang Zhun has already cleaned up the three slave chiefs. Three slave chiefs! What's that concept? In the history of the Ming Kingdom, the only slave chief killed was the wild boar Pinurhachi, which was the credit of Yuan Chonghuan.

Since Yuan Chonghuan, the Ming army has never had a record that can be used. Pity the hundreds of thousands of Ming troops, who have worked hard for more than ten years, and have not even caught a single slave chieftain, as soon as the Tiger Ben army made a move, they caught two slave chiefs...... Rao is Chongzhen is very thick-skinned, and he can't stand his red face and hot heart. Why is there such a big gap between this person and this person?

Fu Zonglong, the secretary of the Ministry of Industry, hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, Brigadier General Zhang sent a good news, perhaps to ask for some benefits from the imperial court. Perhaps, this person has a change of heart. Weichen dared to speculate whether Zhang Zhun wanted to rejoin the imperial court? ”

Chongzhen was about to get angry, but after listening to Fu Zonglong's words, his face immediately softened. Zhang Zhun changed his mind? That's definitely a good thing! If he can be a noble lady in the court, it will be a great thing! Who doesn't like such a brave general?

Shoufu Wen Tiren is called two benefits, the first is the eyes, and the second is the fast rotation of the brain. He immediately noticed Chongzhen's joy, understood Fu Zonglong's words, moved Chongzhen, and hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, Weichen also thinks that Zhang Zhun may want to have a good relationship with the imperial court. ”

Liu Zongzhou, the waiter of the Ministry of Works, frowned and said: "Weichen may not see it, most of it is Zhang Wei who is playing tricks. ”

Yang Yipeng, the governor of Caoyun and the governor of Fengyang, also said: "Zhang Yi just sent good news, how can you see the change in his position? Have you forgotten the repeated lessons of the past? ”

Fu Zonglong just wanted to please Emperor Chongzhen, and released a senior member from the Ministry of Industry, and immediately retorted: "Last time Huangxian was victorious, Zhang Zhun didn't take the initiative to send good news, right?" This time I took the initiative to send good news, isn't it a change? ”

That's true. Last time Huangxian won a big victory, Zhang Zhun did not say half a word to the imperial court, as if the imperial court did not exist. Even the head of the Tartar was taken by Shi Kefa to take the initiative to get it back. After changing someone else, he got the head of so many Tartars, and he was still ecstatic, and he took the initiative to send it to Jingshi! This time, after Zhang Zhun won the battle, he took the initiative to send good news, and it seemed that he had indeed made a lot of progress.

Qiao Yunsheng made up his mind to speak for Zhang Zhun, so he interjected and said: "Last time, Zhang Wei neither sent the good news, nor did he send the first level, this time he sent the good news in a hurry, maybe in the next few days, there will be the first level to be sent yet." Weichen believes that Zhang Yi is throwing an olive branch to the imperial court, and we should discuss it carefully. After all, the Tartars are powerful, and if they can use the power of Zhang Rebellion to force the Tartars back and defend the Jingshi, it is naturally the best. ”

Liu Zongzhou thought that he had seen through Zhang Zhun's essence, frowned and said: "Ji Fu's words are wrong, the country is easy to change, and his nature is difficult to change. Judging from the Juntian Decree promulgated by this contrarian promulgation, the ambition of this rebellion is definitely not small, and the harm is far above that of Gao Yingxiang and others. The good news must have ulterior motives. ”

Qiao Yunsheng frowned and said, "What does Qidong mean is to refuse Zhang Zhun's kindness?" Okay, Qidong said, what can you do to deal with Zhang Zhun? Just saying that you don't practice fake tricks, that's not good! ”

Of course, Liu Zongzhou had no way to deal with Zhang Zhun, and he was not in charge of military affairs, but he insisted: "Weichen firmly believes that Zhang Reyi's good intentions must have ulterior motives. ”

Qiao Yunsheng said unabashedly: "Liu Qidong, you are a blind eye, and you can't see Mount Tai." People will change, and perhaps Zhang Zhun has changed his past position now. This is a very rare opportunity, and the court must make a decision quickly. Don't miss the opportunity, lose it again! ”

Liu Zongzhou was about to refute, Wen Tiren had already glared at the two of them impatiently, and said in a deep voice: "Quiet! Respectfully the Emperor's Judgment! ”

Qiao Yunsheng and Liu Zongzhou shut up stupidly.

Chongzhen's heart is actually a bit up and down. Wen Tiren asked him to make a holy judgment, but he couldn't rule at all. Of course, he hoped that Zhang Zhun was sincerely attached. The combat effectiveness of the Tiger Ben Army is the envy of everyone. The question is, is Zhang Zhun sincere? Is he genuine? The imperial court has appeased Zhang Zhun many times, but as a result, he broke up unhappily every time.

Chongzhen was embarrassed, and wanted more time to weigh carefully before making a decision, and suddenly saw that someone had not spoken, so he said casually: "What suggestions does the household department have?" ”

Hou Sui, the head of the household, didn't speak, and only when he heard the words did he say slowly: "The Taicang silver of the household department is only 300,000 taels......

Chongzhen waved his hand and asked Hou Sui not to say anything, it was money and food again...... Don't you say that money and food will die? I want you to give advice on how to deal with Zhang Zhun, instead of wearing a dead face all day long, saying that the treasury is empty, and there is no money or food in hand. What emperor wants to listen to this all day?

If it had been before, as long as Chongzhen waved his hand, Hou Sui would have shut up immediately. But this time, it's a bit unusual. Hou Sui actually continued: "...... Weichen believes that even if Zhang Zhun is only temporarily attached, the imperial court should accept it. The sooner the war ends, the better, otherwise, the court will only need to spend more and more money and food. Liu Qidong, money and food are needed to fight a war. You need money and food to fight Tartars, you need money and food to fight Zhang Zhun, and you don't need money and food to fight Tartars. ”

Liu Zongzhou's face turned red suddenly, and he wanted to say something, but it was difficult to say. His knowledge and reputation are indeed good, and ordinary people dare not criticize him. However, Hou Sui's age is much older than him, and his official position is higher than him, and he is a veritable senior among his predecessors, and he is really unable to refute Hou Sui's reprimand.

Chongzhen's eyes lit up slightly, and the originally tangled train of thought was instantly opened up by Hou Sui. In the final analysis, it is a matter of money and food. That's right, you need money and food to fight Tartars, and you also need money and food to fight Zhang Zhun, but you don't need money and food to let Zhang Zhun go to fight Tartars. What reason does the imperial court have to refuse such a good thing?

After pondering for a moment, Chongzhen said decisively: "The household department is reasonable, and I have decided to accept Zhang Zhun's attachment." ”

Emperor Chrysostom said that since Chongzhen had spoken, of course the others had no opinion. The next key is how to drive Zhang Zhun to fight the Tartars. You can think of it with your heels, without enough benefits, Zhang Zhun will never be dispatched. He's definitely a guy who can't afford to be early. However, what is there in the imperial court that can impress Zhang Zhun?

Chongzhen's eyes were shining, and he said with relief: "I decided to send someone to Dongjiabao to work for the army, which Qing family is willing to go?" ”

You look at me, and I look at you, and they are silent. Just kidding! Go to Zhang Zhun Laojun! There are definitely no benefits, and if you don't do it, you can't even keep your head. Zhang Zhun's bastard is said to be a murderer without blinking. The murderous "Begging for Rape", several people present, were all on the list. Send it to the door yourself, don't you think you died fast enough?

Seeing that no one responded, Qiao Yunsheng took the initiative to stand up and said loudly: "Your Majesty, Weichen is willing to go." ”

Chongzhen looked at Qiao Yunsheng with satisfaction, nodded appreciatively, and said happily: "Very good!" I'm tired of Qiao Aiqing! ”

Qiao Yunsheng said: "Weichen dared to ask, what kind of labor army is the emperor going to use?" ”

Chongzhen was silent for a moment.

Yes, the labor army, as the name suggests, is a reward army, and if you don't have any gifts in your hand, that's not good! The problem is that the imperial court is not willing to pay money, nor is it willing to give food. However, there is no gift at all, is that a labor army? In case of a quasi-misunderstanding, there will be a big trouble again. Even if it's a nominal or verbal gift, that's a must.

Qiao Yunsheng said seductively: "Your Majesty, with Zhang Zhun's military exploits, you can be knighted......"

Chongzhen's brows furrowed, and he groaned without speaking.

Give Zhang Zhun a knighthood? Being knighted is not a problem, giving him an earl is completely justified. The question is, this side has just been knighted, and Zhang Zhun over there immediately rebelled, isn't it a joke about the majesty of the imperial court? Emperor Chongzhen felt that his face was not cheap enough to be like that.

Liu Zongzhou immediately objected, and said with a cautious face: "The emperor thinks twice, the title is a national weapon, and it cannot be awarded easily. ”

Qiao Yunsheng said tentatively: "That...... Let Zhang Zhun also be in charge of Shandong's military affairs? ”

Liu Zongzhou immediately said: "Oppose! ”

Qiao Yunsheng turned to look at Liu Zongzhou, and said angrily: "Liu Qidong, are you asking me to go to the labor army empty-handed?" Do you want the face of the imperial court? You say, what good advice do you have? ”

Liu Zongzhou only knew that he was opposed, but he had no good suggestions. He only knew that Zhang Zhun was very harmful, and he must not be allowed to obtain any substantive benefits from here. Give Zhang Zhun the title, that is, let everyone in the world recognize Zhang Zhun's status. is also in charge of Shandong's military affairs, it is even more incredible, Zhang Zhun is currently in control of the land of the two provinces, it is already so good, if he controls a province, wouldn't it be to fly to the sky?

Qiao Yunsheng said angrily: "Your Majesty, Weichen suggested that Liu Qidong be sent to the labor army!" ”

Liu Zongzhou was speechless for a moment.

Wen Tiren was secretly amused, and the corners of his mouth inadvertently showed a trace of contemptuous smile.

Chongzhen found out and immediately said, "Wen Aiqing? ”

Wen Tiren hurriedly said: "Weichen thinks that it is better to let Zhang Zhun temporarily take charge of Shandong's military affairs, and keep it a secret. ”

Qiao Yunsheng said curiously: "What does it mean to keep it secret?" ”

Wen Tiren said eloquently: "Temporarily transfer Zhu Dadian to other places, but do not remove his position, let Zhang Zhun also take charge of Shandong military affairs." ”

Liu Zongzhou hurriedly said: "I object, if Zhang Zhun occupies Shandong, his strength will become bigger and bigger, and he will not be able to clean it up in the future." ”

Yang Yipeng also said worriedly: "In case a quasi-cut off Shandong Caoyun, so what?" ”

Wen Tiren waved his hand to silence everyone before he said slowly, "You don't understand what I mean." Since it is kept secret, it is to prepare for the future. To deal with Zhang Zhun, we must take the initiative, concentrate superior forces, and destroy him in one fell swoop. If Zhang Zhun really defeated the Tartars, then the three major armies of Liaodong, Xuanda, and Qin could quickly move south and besiege Shandong. ”

Fu Zonglong clapped his hands and shouted, "Good plan! When Zhang Wei thought that the court was powerless to fight back, he gave him a Mount Tai pressure and crushed him into powder with a thousand strengths! With an army of 300,000, the 30,000 people who extinguished the Tiger Ben Army should be more than ninety percent sure! ”

Chongzhen's face was obviously a little excited.

That's right, Wen Tiren's strategy is vicious enough. Zhang Zhun drove away the Tartars, believing that the Tartars would definitely flee in embarrassment, and there was no time for anything else. At that time, the two corps of Liaodong and Xuanda, as well as the corps of Hong Chengchou and Lu Xiangsheng drawn from the Central Plains, rolled south and besieged Shandong. With the might of an army of 300,000, Shandong can be flattened without much effort. Even if Zhang Zhun has the ability, he can't stand the large number of imperial troops! What's more, the imperial army is all elite. Chongzhen's self-confidence came back all of a sudden.

Qiao Yunsheng's face changed slightly. I didn't expect Wen Tiren to have such a backhand. If Zhang Zhun was caught off guard, he might really have to suffer a big loss. He quickly stabilized his thoughts and said steadily: "If this is the case, before the army goes south, we must let Zhang Zhun feel relieved." Weichen suggested that it would be better to give him a knighthood and let him take charge of Shandong's military affairs, so that he could completely relax his vigilance. ”

Liu Zongzhou wanted to speak and stopped, looking worried.

Qiao Yunsheng definitely didn't give him a chance to refute, and said sharply: "Li Qidong, if you don't have good advice, you shut up!" ”

Wen Tiren also glanced at Liu Zongzhou deeply, meaning of course that he wanted him not to make any extraneous branches.

Liu Zongzhou had no choice but to sigh helplessly and remain silent. The tide is over. The people in the court thought that Zhang Zhun was calculating, and thought that he could use 300,000 troops to deal with Zhang Zhun, if Zhang Zhun was really so easy to deal with, he would not be Zhang Zhun. Zhang Zhun's foundation is not in the Tiger Army, but in the great power of Juntian Ling. Is 300,000 troops a lot? If Zhang Zhun is willing, he can mobilize an army of 500,000 at any time! In Shandong, there are many poor people who are in urgent need of land, and they are Zhang Zhun's most solid supporters. Alas, if you want to toss, you will continue to toss, and you will soon regret it.

Emperor Chongzhen nodded, and said indifferently: "Since that's the case, let's give him an earl." Let's think about it, what kind of earl should be called. ”

Since the emperor spoke, everyone had no objections. Anyway, it's a secret, even if it's given to a national duke, not many people know. When Zhang Zhun is eliminated, everything will be covered up, and no one will know about it anymore. Soon, everyone drafted and decided to give Zhang Zhun the title of Pingdubo. The title of the Ming Dynasty was basically granted according to the name of the place. In the area controlled by Zhang Zhun, the area of Pingdu Prefecture is the largest, and the imperial court can also take advantage of this to be a big official.

After everything was arranged, everyone dispersed, and only Chongzhen paced back and forth in the Xinuan Pavilion. Thinking that in the near future, the problem of Tartar and Zhang Zhun could be solved in one fell swoop, Chongzhen was full of hope for the future. Yes, he deeply believes that there is still hope for the Ming Dynasty.