Surrender?

Fu Hong looked at his father in disbelief, never expecting to hear these two words from his mouth.

Fu Jian's mood was also very complicated, but in order not to let his son harbor hatred, he still let himself try to be as calm as possible.

"Weird, isn't it?"

Fu Hong nodded subconsciously, in his mind that his father would rather die in battle than surrender.

Fu Jian sighed and said, "It's rare to have a confidant in life, but fortunately I met it." ”

Fu Hong said: "I know, Wang Xiang is your confidant. ”

Fu Jian shook his head and said: "No, Wang Xiang and I are monarchs and ministers, and one day a monarch and a minister will always be a monarch and a minister, and my confidant can only be a human monarch." ”

Fu Hong's heart moved, and he thought of a possibility: "You can't be talking about Emperor Tang, right?" ”

Fu Jian affirmed: "Yes, it is him, me and him are like boys and children." ”

Fu Hong said incredulously: "This ...... You've only met him once. ”

Fu Jian said: "There are fewer than a thousand cups of wine for a confidant, and there is no speculation in more than half a sentence." A true confidant is not about how long they have known each other, but about whether they can resonate with each other. ”

"I have the same ideals as him, I know his intentions, he knows my heart, and the one-day meeting in Shili Pavilion is enough for me to remember for a lifetime."

Fu Hong didn't know what to say anymore, he couldn't understand what his father was talking about. But one thing he understood was that his father was really going to surrender, and there was no resentment in his heart.

But as the crown prince of Qin, he was suddenly about to become a prisoner of his country, and he had mixed feelings.

"Wang Xiang, did they all agree?"

Fu Jian said: "From beginning to end, the prime minister thought that the Qin State had lost the opportunity to dominate the world, and it was only because of my kindness that he managed to maintain the situation. ”

This was once again unexpected by Fu Hong, he didn't expect Wang Meng, the pillar of the Qin State, to be so pessimistic: "What about the other clans? Tang Guo's treatment of the old magnates was very ruthless, and everyone didn't dare to surrender, right? ”

Fu Jian said: "Your reaction speed to intelligence is a little lagging behind, Tang Guo has pardoned most of the subordinates and generals of Liang State, and has already shown his attitude to the people of the world." ”

"And the Tang Emperor promised me that he would not pursue the past affairs of my Fu clan, as long as he did not violate the laws of the Tang Kingdom in the future, he could protect himself."

"I have already communicated with Fu Rong, Fu Ya and others about this matter, and they have also agreed to surrender in exchange for the peace of the family."

Fu Hong finally knew that surrender was inevitable, and he was very sorry and depressed, but he didn't know why there was a trace of relief in his heart.

"I also have arrangements for you, after you go to the Tang Kingdom, you will first join the Hongwen Pavilion to study, and then go to the East Palace after you have achieved something. With your ability, I believe that there is no problem in joining Wenyuan Pavilion. ”

"Wenyuan Pavilion is not only the governing body of the East Palace, but also a place for the Tang State to reserve and train rising stars, and even has a great chance to enter the cabinet."

"But I asked you to go to Wenyuan Pavilion not to show yourself, but to stay by the side of Prince Wen Yuan."

Fu Hong asked, "Why?" The Tang Emperor could hold power for at least twenty years, or even longer. Standing in line with the prince so early may cause him to be jealous. ”

He didn't even notice that the tone of his conversation had unconsciously changed to the perspective of the ministers of the Tang State, not the perspective of the prince of the Qin State.

Fu Jian said: "Your guess is useful for ordinary emperors, but not for Tang Emperors. He is not afraid of the prince's rebellion, but he is afraid that the prince will be submissive. ”

"At the age of eight, he crowned the crown prince, let him supervise the country several times, and last year he was asked to go to Shuzhong to take charge of the ruling party. You should know what kind of place Shu is, and it can be used as the foundation of the king's overlord. ”

He let the prince go with such peace of mind, and granted full powers...... Now Shuzhong only knows that there is a prince, but I don't know that there is a Tang Emperor. ”

"But the crown prince of the Tang Kingdom is also very measured, and his mind is all about administration, and he will never touch the military power. If their father and son have this tacit understanding, they are not afraid of you standing in line in advance. ”

"Because whoever you stand on, you will ultimately be on the emperor's side."

Fu Hong was also surprised by this relationship, but still said: "But people's hearts will change." ”

Fu Jian didn't refute: "People's hearts do change, so I let you follow the crown prince of the Tang Kingdom, not the Tang prince Wen Yuan." ”

Fu Hong was puzzled at first, and after thinking for a while, he suddenly realized: "I see, I understand." ”

Fu Jian said: "It's good if you understand, go down and prepare well, remember not to disclose this news to anyone for the time being." ”

Fu Hong said: "Yes." ”

Seeing him leave, Fu Jian's expression became complicated, and he was relieved and unwilling, and he was still reluctant.

He did not leave, but waited for Wang Meng to return.

Wang Meng didn't come back until the afternoon, bringing back a not-so-very good news: "The leaders of all the tribes have changed, especially the Shi clan and the local Haoqiang are the most active. ”

Fu Jian sneered: "A group of clowns who jumped off the beam, I now understand more and more why Emperor Tang wanted to do it to them, if I could, I would like to kill them personally." ”

"But it doesn't matter, leave this matter to Emperor Tang to deal with, anyway, my agreement with him does not include pardoning these nobles."

Wang Meng had been persuading Fu Jian to return to the Tang Kingdom before, but now it has finally come true, but there is no joy on his face.

Fu Jian continued: "In the past few days, you have first set out to replace the defense of Chang'an City with reliable people, and then issued an order to transfer back the military generals who are loyal to us. Didn't those tribal leaders and nobles want to take power? Just as they wished, all of them were released. ”

Wang Meng nodded and cast, and letting them go now is not really to give them rights, but to give Tang Huang an excuse to eliminate these people. He doesn't have any affection for these people, and it's better to die.

Moreover, the situation in the Qin State is complicated, and it is not so easy to surrender smoothly. Only by driving these dissidents out of the capital and calling back all their own people can they protect their henchmen.

The two discussed the specific operation process again before they separated.

Wang Meng went out of the palace to implement the plan, and Fu Jian came all the way to the harem and called all the concubines and children together for a lively dinner.

After that, he stayed in the palace of his favorite Mrs. Zhang.

Mrs. Zhang is not a vulgar woman, she is recorded in the official history, and she is highly evaluated: insightful, strong, and committed suicide after Fu Jian was killed.

She knew the situation that Qin Guo was facing at this time, and she had many words of comfort and encouragement for Fu Jian, persuading him to cheer up and not be depressed, etc.

Fu Jian was sad and relieved, and said, "Don't worry, I already have a plan." ”

Mrs. Zhang always felt that something was wrong, but there was no evidence, Fu Jian behaved normally, and she could only think that she was thinking too much.

In the next few days, Fu Jian carried out a major change of blood for the defenders of Chang'an, especially the generals were all replaced by his own henchmen.

In order to win over and buy off the clans and nobles, some of the positions that were given up were also recovered, and Chang'an was turned into an iron bucket in just a few days.

Faced with this strange situation, most people chose to remain silent, and then silently gave up all their positions. There are still a small number of people who can't recognize the reality and want to jump out, but they are cleaned up by Wang Meng with thunder means.

Now everyone didn't dare to speak.

The next step was a major adjustment of positions, and many cronies who served as feudal officials abroad were transferred back to Beijing.

For example, Fu Jian's sons Fu Pi and Fu Hui, son-in-law Yang Ding, aunt and cousin Li Wei, Wang Meng's sons Wang Xiu and Wang Yong and hundreds of others.

There are also some that have not been repatriated, but have also been transferred to some safer places.

For example, all the cronies in the Hetao area were transferred to Fuluo in Shuofang County, which could not only strengthen Fuluo's strength, but also resist the attacks of the careerists.

Correspondingly, many tribal leaders and nobles who held positions in the center were exiled as taishou.

If it had been before, these people who had been driven out of the center would have been very angry and even dissenting. But now they are going to work without saying a word, and even show some impatience.

And this obvious self-destruction of the Great Wall has also made more and more people realize that it is not good. Many people advised Fu Jian not to do this, and some extreme ones even directly scolded Fu Jian and Wang Mengjun for being traitors.

Instead of getting angry, Fu Jian rewarded these people heavily, and then continued to do his own thing.

Mrs. Zhang found him again and said, "Heavenly King, I shouldn't have intervened in major national affairs, but when it comes to the rise and fall of the country, I have to ask a few words, why are you doing this?" ”

Fu Jian asked rhetorically, "Someone has found you, right?" ”

Mrs. Zhang didn't hide it, and said, "Yes, many ministers of civil and military affairs have recently come to me and want me to come forward to advise you. ”

Fu Jian said: "Things have been almost done, and it doesn't hurt to tell you." ”

Mrs. Zhang said: "The concubine is willing to hear about it." ”

Fu Jian said: "You tell me honestly first, how long do you think my Qin State can hold on?" ”

Mrs. Zhang hesitated for a moment before she said, "Nine deaths." ”

Fu Jian shook his head and said: "You still don't dare to tell the truth, where is the life of nine deaths now, it is clear that there are ten deaths and no life." ”

"The Tang Kingdom has blocked our way out from all directions, they don't even have to fight, they only need to besiege it, and in a few months, Guanzhong will be starved and collapsed without a fight."

Mrs. Zhang's face couldn't help but turn a little pale: "The more dangerous this moment, the more we should concentrate all our forces, there may be a glimmer of life in the shipwreck, why did you take the initiative to let those who have different intentions go?" ”

Fu Jian said: "Then have you thought about the consequences of doing this?" How many of the four million people in Guanzhong will be left in the end? How innocent are they? ”

Mrs. Zhang was even more confused, and said puzzledly: "Then can you save the people by doing this?" ”

Fu Jian said: "I did this to smoothly welcome the Tang army and protect the Fu clan and our relatives and confidants. ”

Mrs. Zhang's heart suddenly brightened, and she finally knew what Fu Jian's various practices were for.

For a huge country, it is not so simple to surrender, and those tribal leaders and nobles who have already given birth to dissent are likely to have other actions.

Now it is more convenient to drive these people to the place in advance, to gather the cronies back, and to surrender.

Those who had different intentions were sent to the locality, and when they reacted, the Tang State had successfully taken over Chang'an. When the time comes, they will be able to be cleaned up one by one, and the forces behind them will also be cleared up along with the faces.

Therefore, Fu Jian's strange behavior is to prepare for surrender.

But this answer also made Mrs. Zhang feel incredible, is this still the ambitious King of Qin?

would choose to surrender voluntarily.

Fu Jian guessed her thoughts and said, "Aren't you disappointed?" ”

Mrs. Zhang shook her head and said, "No, I admire you even more, only people who really care about the world can choose such a path regardless of personal honor and disgrace." ”

Then she said decisively: "No matter where you go, I will accompany you, even if it is ...... Huangquan Road. ”

Fu Jian's body stiffened, and then said bitterly: "You guessed? ”

Mrs. Zhang smiled sadly and said, "If I can't even guess this, wouldn't I be ashamed of my love for you for many years." ”

"Haha......" Fu Jian laughed and said: "To have a confidant like you, the regret in my heart is a little less, and God treats me well." ”

There are many people who know that he is ready to surrender, but there is only one person who can guess that he will commit suicide, Wang Meng, and now there is another Mrs. Zhang. Except for these two people, even his son Fu Hong didn't guess it.

Yes, he would have ended his life with his own hands at the end.

He is Fu Jian, the king of Qin, how can he be a Tang minister? How could he be willing to bow his head in front of the Tang Emperor?

Mrs. Zhang said: "Heavenly King, being able to get your favor is also the greatest blessing in the life of the concubine, and I am not afraid of you accompanying Huangquan Road." ”

Fu Jian shook his head and said, "But you can't go with me." ”

Mrs. Zhang was stunned for a moment and said, "Why?" Does the king of heaven not like me? ”

Fu Jian said: "No, it's that Xu'er and Jin'er are young and still need your care, what if you go with me to them?" ”

Mrs. Zhang then remembered her children, the eldest son Fu Qian is only two years old this year, and the youngest daughter Fu Jin is still in infancy, how can she be separated from her mother.

Thinking of the child losing his father at such a young age, she couldn't help but feel sad: "Why is the sky so cruel to me, and he doesn't even give me the opportunity to accompany you to Huangquan." ”

Fu Jian's eyes were also moist, and he said, "I'm sorry, I wronged you." ”

Mrs. Zhang wept bitterly, but she did not persuade Fu Jian not to do this. She knew the man too well to compromise.

In the next few days, while preparing for surrender, Fu Jian stayed with his children as much as possible and enjoyed the last family happiness.

In this way, at the end of November and the beginning of December, the weather had turned cold, and the heavy taxes of the state had left the people empty.

When the weather is warm, you can pick some wild vegetables to eat, and in winter, you can only pick the bark and eat grass roots. At this time, Fu Jian issued a decree to open warehouses and release grain across the country.

At the same time, he also informed the people of this order, and if the government did not open a warehouse, the people could go and pick it up for themselves.

This order suppressed the Qin State from top to bottom, didn't this encourage the people to rebel? Fu Jian: What's wrong? You can't have a fever in your brain, do you?

But the people who were about to starve to death couldn't take care of it so much, and they all began to move.

Some local governments immediately opened their granaries and distributed the few grains to the people, while others were still waiting.

A few days later, Fu Jian, the king of Qin, issued the last decree and the whole country returned to Tang.