Chongzhen revived the Ming Dynasty

When Liaodong's senior officials, including Sun Chengzong, learned of the court's decision, they felt happy but also under heavy pressure.

This proactive attack was not requested by the imperial court, but was a decision they made under the pressure of disarmament.

Therefore, the imperial court did not have many demands on how this battle was fought.

But if they don't fight well and lose the battle with Jianlu, it is estimated that they will inevitably end up with disarmament, and even the generals who went to the battle will be laid off.

Therefore, these Liaodong high-level officials all felt the pressure, especially because they all wanted to make achievements and become Purple Pavilion heroes or get a title.

As a military commander, Zhao Lujiao thought more simply. He looked at the court's reply and said happily:

"Your Majesty is truly a wise ruler. He allowed us to fight this battle with all our might and even arranged for troops from all over the country to support us."

"Commander-in-Chief, we will definitely win this battle. How do you think we should fight?"

He was eager to go into battle and win a title by making achievements.

Sun Chengzong felt even more pressure at this time, because not only did the people of Liaodong expect him to win the battle, but the emperor and the court also gave him the leadership of this battle.

Especially under the leadership of Yuan Keli, all places were cooperating with Liaodong to fight. If he failed to fight well in this battle, he would never get the chance to lead troops again.

So he forced himself to focus on the war and taught Zhao Lu:

"How to fight this battle is up to you all to decide."

"The court is promoting the collective system. The strategy for this battle must be decided by the collective council with the opinions of all."

"We in Liaodong must show our ability and let the world know that the Liaoxi tribute they paid was not wasted."

Bi Zisu agreed:

“It’s time to hold a meeting.”

"But we must also keep it confidential to prevent the strategy from being leaked and discovered by the Jianlu people."

"In the case of collusion with the enemy, some people were found to have had secret dealings with the enemy. I wonder how many more people were found to have not been found?"

“Anyone who is suspected should be excluded from the assembly.”

Sun Chengzong frowned upon hearing this, somewhat dissatisfied with what Bi Zisu said. Because he didn't think there were still many people in Liaodong who were in contact with the enemy.

Under the rule of his Sun Chengzong, there were still people who had secret dealings with the Jianlu. Wasn't that a slap in his face?

He said to Bi Zisu:

"After Li Yongfang's Han soldiers were consumed by the Jianlu last year, the generals in the army should all know the consequences of joining the Jianlu."

“We must keep confidentiality in mind, but we cannot let it affect the discussion.”

"All the soldiers are willing to serve the country, and we cannot exclude them just to keep it secret."

"It is said that those who are of one mind will win. The battle with Jianlu cannot be concealed. The people of Liaodong should know about it and let them fight bravely."

Bi Zisu also frowned, feeling that Sun Chengzong was a little different from usual, as if he was confused.

This is a big taboo in commanding a battle. He opened his mouth to remind him, but looking at Sun Chengzong's stern eyes, he knew that now was not the time to say this.

But he sighed in his heart, and was more worried about this battle:
"Although Commander Sun is usually calm and composed, he has not experienced many battles!"

"Now I am leading a large army in battle. Although it seems normal, I am actually worried about gains and losses and have lost my composure."

"This battle is led by him, and it's hard to say who will win or lose."

He had not been very supportive of taking the initiative in the war before, and now after seeing Sun Chengzong's performance, Bi Zisu became even more worried about this battle.

If this war had not been initiated by Liaodong and the court had not made the decision, he would probably have submitted another petition requesting to give up this war.

Now I can only do my best to assist, and said to Sun Chengzong:
"Having said that, we still need to take necessary precautions."

"The combat plan can be broken down and reported to the corresponding levels according to different levels of confidentiality."

"The overall plan must be kept strictly confidential. No one except the commanders of each army should know about it."

Sun Chengzong reluctantly agreed to this proposal, but he really didn't think that anyone in the Liaodong army would defect to the Jianlu at this time.

After the current emperor ascended the throne, the situation in Liaodong has been stabilized. And under the emperor's preparations, the Jianlu were surrounded from all sides.

The Jianlu’s campaigns to the east and west were unsuccessful in completely breaking the encirclement, and anyone with a discerning eye could see that they had no future.

Especially after the news of Li Yongfang's experience leading the Han soldiers spread last year, the soldiers in the army had a deeper understanding of the brutality of the Jianlu. Unless they were in desperate situations, no one would surrender to the Jianlu.

Even the generals of Liaodong wanted to take the initiative to fight and grab the greatest credit in the defeat of Jianlu.

Under such circumstances, it was hard for Sun Chengzong to imagine that anyone would defect to the Jianlu.

He didn't worry much about this matter at all.
-
However, Sun Chengzong was not worried, but Zhang Daojun, the Northeast Pacification Envoy, had been paying attention to this matter.

At this time, he was in the Liaodong Weiwei Office, discussing counter-espionage matters with Luo Yangxing, Sun Yingyuan and others:

"This time, thanks to General Sun's help, we were able to confirm Zhang Cunren's identity."

"This man is indeed a spy of the Jianlu, and he has already defected to the Jianlu."

Sun Yingyuan did not dare to take credit for it and said:

"It's all thanks to the governor's good command. I just sent a few people."

"What is the origin of this Zhang Cunren that makes the pacification envoy think so highly of him?"

Zhang Daojun still had excitement on his face and said:

"He is the spy sent by the Jianlu to oversee intelligence in Liaodong."

"This man was originally a student from Liaodong. He defected to the Jianlu in Liaoyang. He was sent by the Jianlu to serve in the army in Liaodong, and became a fortress guard after accumulating merit."

"Later, I don't know how I caught the eye of Yuan Chonghuan and was quickly promoted."

"We discovered this person when we were investigating the case of Zu Dashou's collusion with the enemy, but we have never been able to confirm his identity."

"Now with the help of General Sun's sharpshooters, we have captured several people who were in contact with him. The identity of this person can finally be confirmed. He is the person in charge of the Jianlu faction in Liaodong."

The case of Zu Dashou's collusion with the enemy has apparently passed, but the investigation into the issues behind this case has always been the focus of the work of the Northeast Pacification Office.

In particular, those who had been promoted by Yuan Chonghuan were screened during this process.

Then the staff of the Northeast Pacification Office discovered the big fish Zhang Cunren.

After more than two years of investigation, the Northeast Pacification Office could basically confirm that this person was the highest-ranking spy sent by the Jianlu, and even the espionage in Liaodong might be presided over by him.

Historically, Zhang Cunren relied on Yuan Chonghuan's appreciation and even became a deputy general. He surrendered with Zu Dashou in the Battle of Dalinghe, and then exposed Zu Dashou's false surrender, cutting off Zu Dashou's retreat.

He was also always highly trusted by the Jianlu people, and later served as the Governor-General of Fujian and Zhejiang, and the Governor-General of the Three Provinces of Zhili. He was ranked alongside Meng Qiaofang as the most powerful Han official after Hong Chengchou.

The Northeastern Pacification Division tracked him down for more than two years before they found him and confirmed his identity. Sun Yingyuan was amazed to hear that they had been investigating for more than two years for such a person. Although his Yingyang Army belonged to the Jinyiwei, they were separated from the North Office, which was responsible for intelligence, by a layer because they belonged to the West Office and the Weiwei Temple. He didn't know much about the work of the North Office.

Now I realize that intelligence work is so difficult. It takes two or three years to identify a spy.

He said to Zhang Daojun:

"Now that it has been confirmed, should we arrest him?"

"I came to Liaodong to follow the orders of the pacification envoy. Just give me instructions if you have anything to say."

Zhang Daojun also wanted to capture Zhang Cunren immediately and show his achievements to the emperor.

You know, when Wu Changchun was captured, Wei Zhongxian took credit for it and conferred the title of Earl on his nephew Wei Liangqing.

Zhang Cunren's status is higher than Wu Changchun's and his harm is greater. If Zhang Daojun reports this achievement, his title will be raised by one level.

His current hereditary title is deputy captain, and there is a good chance that he will be promoted to captain or even commander.

However, it is probably impossible to become a count by relying on this merit. Although the current emperor is generous in conferring titles, he will not confer titles indiscriminately. Zhang Daojun does not have an uncle named Wei Zhongxian, so it is impossible for him to become a count by catching spies.

To become a high-ranking noble, one needs greater achievements. Thinking about the current situation in Liaodong, Zhang Daojun asked Luo Yangxing:

"Captain Luo, what do you think of Zhang Cunren?"

"Should we arrest him immediately, or is there anything we can do to exploit him?"

Luo Yangxing pondered for a moment and said:

"We can arrest him anytime. With the Eagle Army here, he can't escape."

"I think it would be best to inform Commander Sun and General Bi about this matter. If they think this person can be used, our Northeastern Pacification Division will be able to achieve greater achievements."

Zhang Daojun laughed:
"Captain Luo's words are exactly what I was thinking."

"Let's go find Commander Sun and let him know the capabilities of our Jinyiwei."

He took the sorted information and the captured contact person to meet Sun Chengzong and Bi Zisu.

I plan to report my achievements to them and make greater contributions.
-
When Sun Chengzong saw the information brought by Zhang Daojun, he was so surprised that he almost broke out in a cold sweat.

Because he really didn't expect that the Jianlu had already planted a spy in the Liaodong army and promoted him to the high position of guerrilla general.

This means he can lead a battalion in the army. If he suddenly causes chaos on the battlefield, it may affect the victory or defeat of a battle.

This made him feel a little scared, and he said with some shame and anger:
"I made him a guerrilla fighter just because he was a scholar and joined the army."

"I didn't expect that this man, who had read so many sage books, would be willing to work for the Tartars."

"Zhang Zhenfu, this time it's all thanks to you. I won't ask how to deal with you."

Zhang Daojun had a smile on his face, feeling very proud.

Normally, the Jinyiwei not only encountered difficulties in doing their work, but also very few people actively cooperated.

Now that Sun Chengzong has spoken like this, it is clear how much face he has gained by uncovering Zhang Cunren this time.

Bi Zisu looked at Zhang Cunren's information and was glad that the information came in time. Otherwise, if Sun Chengzong had summoned the generals to discuss the matter, many things would have been leaked.

He pointed to Zhang Cunren's resume and said:
"I still have some impression of Zhang Cunren."

"Because he was a scholar, I wanted to transfer him to the position of guard."

"But this man insisted on being a military commander, saying he wanted to fight against the Jianlu."

"Now that I think about it, many of his actions are suspicious. He must have been trying to get secrets."

As a civilian military officer, the Hujun has a higher status in the current situation where civil officials are more respected than military officials, and can also be transferred to a civilian position.

Zhang Cunren gave up the opportunity to be transferred to the post of a guard and chose to be a military general, which made everyone find it difficult to understand.

Thinking about his interactions with some people and his love of talking to people, Bi Zisu could be sure that this person was undoubtedly trying to gather intelligence.

After some verification, Zhang Cunren's identity was basically confirmed.

Sun Chengzong frowned slightly as he watched him being promoted by Yuan Chonghuan:
"It's related to Yuan Chonghuan. How many hidden dangers has this man planted in Liaodong?"

"It seems that his faction must be completely eliminated from the military. We cannot leave hidden dangers for next year's war."

Sun Chengzong had saved some face by cleaning up the Liaodong peace party according to the emperor's order.

After all, Yuan Chonghuan was not completely abandoned by the emperor and is still serving as the governor of Yunnan. Zu Dashou, who was confirmed to have colluded with the enemy, was transferred to Shaanxi and was recently promoted to general.

Although Sun Chengzong suppressed the Liaodong peace faction as requested by the emperor, he did not completely eliminate them. The same was true for the people left behind by Yuan Chonghuan. It was impossible to transfer them out completely.

Especially after He Kegang proved his loyalty and was promoted to general by the emperor, the generals who had followed Yuan Chonghuan had even less burden. It was at that time that Zhang Cunren was promoted to guerrilla by Sun Chengzong.

Looking back now, Sun Chengzong had to admit that the emperor had a long-term vision:
The peace faction in Liaodong is indeed a major hidden danger, especially those who help them liaise with the Jianlu.

These people were spies sent to Liaodong by the Jianlu. After the peace faction was suppressed, they went into hiding.

There must be many people like Zhang Cunren. Maybe these people would like to open the door and let the Jianlu in at the critical moment, just like in Liaoyang.

If we don't pay more attention to this matter, the troops on the front line may even fail.

His premonition was correct. In history, Zhang Cunren played a big role in Zu Dashou's surrender in the Battle of Dalinghhe.

In history, it can be said that Sun Chengzong was betrayed by Zhang Cunren, but now, thanks to the work of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, this man was discovered in advance.

This basin of cold water also calmed his recent restless mood.

Thinking of Bi Zisu's suggestion to keep it secret, Sun Chengzong said:
"Bi Hujun told me a few days ago that we must keep it confidential."

"At the time I didn't think it was necessary, but now it seems that it is not necessary."

"This matter will be handled by General Bi and Zhang Zhenfu. You will be responsible for confidentiality, counter-espionage, and using the spies of the Jianlu to carry out counter-espionage."

"The confidentiality level must also be clearly divided. Only those who are confirmed to be completely reliable can participate in the complete combat plan."

Be prepared to confirm the confidentiality level before holding a meeting.

He also planned to strictly implement the military guard system and send military guards to each camp in Liaodong.

The purpose is to do a good job of supervision and prevent generals from rebelling.

Bi Zisu and Zhang Daojun received the order and quickly began a new round of investigations, especially of senior military officers who were capable of leading troops independently.

The fact that Zhang Cunren was a spy sounded a warning bell for the Liaodong high-level officials, letting them know that in addition to those who secretly communicated with the Jianlu, there were many spies sent by the Jianlu throughout Liaodong.

With these people around, any plans they make must be kept secret. (End of this chapter)