"The remaining territory of the Ming court has been divided into two halves, and it is no longer possible to contact each other, and it is difficult to exchange taxes and documents. However, among the Northern Zhili, there are a large number of Qinwang's army, the number of which is as much as 100,000, if you count the border army, the Beijing division and the garrison troops in various places, the number should reach more than 200,000, this number of armaments, only a little more than Wang Chongzu's big surplus. ”

Yan Shishu analyzed:

"But judging from the current situation of the Ming Court, it is wishful thinking to want to support such an army for a long time."

"Ming Ting is now in a dilemma. If the troops are reduced, they will be directly penetrated by Wang Chongzu's Dashun, and their lives will be in danger at that time. If it is not cut, the treasury will be crushed by this army. ”

Yan Hongliang also said:

"I heard that although Emperor Hongguang has some minor problems, he still hopes to save the current situation on the whole, and he also has a certain effect. But judging from the current situation, it is estimated that there is still no way to recover. ”

And it turned out to be exactly what they expected.

The amount of gold and silver that increased the income could not last long, and with the capture of Shaanxi by the Great Shun, the Ming court lost its connection with several provinces in the south, which also led to the fact that their taxes and other taxes could not be transported at all.

Emperor Hongguang is not bad, he is also saving court expenses, and even his favorite draft girl activities have stopped, but in the face of this huge gap, this saving is simply a drop in the bucket.

All this stems from the loss of the land of Guanlong.

So Chen Yan became the finger of Qianfu, and Liu Yuliang also took the opportunity to fall into the well, and under the persecution of the ministers, he finally said to the emperor in the court:

"Your Majesty, the previous judgment was wrong, it was the fault of the minister, please forgive your Majesty."

The Emperor was furious and said:

"Is this a mere error in judgment that can cover up the past? This is a misguided country, and there is no way to redeem you by death, how can I forgive your sins! Pull it down and put it in prison! ”

Then he said a little tiredly:

"Ladies and gentlemen, if the situation is rotten today, is there a way to recover it?"

In his voice, there was also a hint of hope, hoping that the courtier in front of him could surprise him.

However, in the face of such a situation, the ministers looked at each other, and those Qingliu who talked about it on weekdays were silent at this time.

Looking at the quiet court in front of him, Zhu Yousong's eyes couldn't help but flash a trace of disappointment, and then, a little desperate.

In order to rectify the court, I used a large number of Qingliu literati with a good reputation among the people, as well as direct ministers who were known to be virtuous.

I appoint brave generals in the hope that they will repel the thieves and open up the situation.

I didn't expect it to come to this point now......

His mood became more and more irritable, and his eyes couldn't help but focus on the golden cup in front of him. The liquor inside has a rich aroma, and it is a liquid that can make you forget your troubles.

"Your Majesty." Just when Zhu Yousong was thinking about whether to have a cup at this time, a courtier finally stood up:

"The plan for the present is to immediately order Governor Hong to lead the army, and take advantage of the last remaining bit of the treasury to launch an attack immediately. If you can repel the false obedience and reopen the connection with various places, then everything can be solved. ”

"In addition, you can also issue an order to make the ministers and nobles enthusiastically donate gold and silver to help the imperial court tide over this crisis."

Hearing this, Zhu Yousong couldn't help but raise his head, and his eyes flashed bright again.

It's all a real idea.

"According to what Aiqing said, you are fully responsible for this matter." Hope reappeared in his heart.

"Yes." The minister bowed down with confidence.

The next day, he led his men to the residences of the ministers of the capital and asked them to collect donations.

"In this critical autumn of survival, Shoufu is a confidant of His Majesty, and he should be an example for the ministers."

The minister urged.

"It's nature."

Liu Yuliang didn't know when he put on tattered clothes, and around him, the courtyard that was still golden yesterday was already in tatters at this time. When he heard his words, he took out a hundred taels of silver and gave them to a few people:

"Please tell Your Majesty for me, Weichen's family is poor and only has some surplus wealth, but he is also willing to donate it all, thinking that Daming will do his part."

Everyone immediately burst into tears and laughter.

But after all, this was a fundraiser, and he couldn't say anything, so he could only leave and go to the mansions of the other officials, hoping that they could give more.

But that's what the officials are saying.

He cried for poverty, and then took out a little money and sent them away. The less ones are only a few dozen taels, and the more ones are only about a thousand taels.

The most important thing is that after Emperor Hongguang ascended the throne, in order to revitalize the dynasty, a large number of "virtuous ministers" were appointed, so many of those who are now in the court are "clear streams" with good reputations.

In this way, unless there are really officials who sacrifice their lives to serve the country, or the family is really wealthy, most people will not give much.

Only the British Duke and Liang Guogong really donated money, one out of 50,000 taels and the other out of 30,000 taels, making the total number of more than 100,000 taels.

But 100,000 taels, what can you do when there is a shortage of money everywhere today?

"Your Majesty, Weichen is incompetent!" The courtier knelt down in front of Zhu Yousong and wept.

He really wanted to share the emperor's worries.

Zhu Yousong saw this, and he sighed deeply.

"Hurry up and order Inspector Hong to go west, and get in touch with the southern provinces again as soon as possible."

He whispered.

The minister choked up and retired.

Emperor Hongguang grabbed the golden cup in front of him and drank the liquid in it.

Now, this is the only drink that can make him forget his troubles......

……

The Ming army at the junction of Zhili and Henan strengthened its vigilance, preparing to resist the Shun army, which might move north at any time.

Hong Chengchou led the army to the west, with a total strength of 140,000, including a large number of firearms, which was mighty and had the tendency to recover the northwest in one fell swoop.

But Gu Junen saw the strength of the Ming army, and he said to Wang Chongzu:

"Although the Ming court is numerous, it is just a sick tiger, as long as you stick to it without fighting, in a few months, the Ming court will be chaotic."

Wang Chongzu laughed and said:

"Even if the puppet emperor calculates in every way, he can't escape the eyes of Prime Minister Zuo, he is really a minister who has been given by God to rule the world."

"Order, the garrison is holding the city, the walls are clear, and no battles are allowed!"

Hong Chengchou certainly has the ability, but the opposite side is like the Iron King Ba, he doesn't stick his head out when he is killed, in this case, although he relies on military strength and gnaws down a few cities, but it has no impact on the overall situation.

Liu Zongmin still occupies Xi'an, and the general trend is still on the side of Dashun.

Months later, the channel still hasn't been opened.

And the treasury of the Ming Dynasty can no longer support such a campaign.

The Ming army was forced to withdraw.

(End of chapter)

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