I, Zhu Houzhao, join the US imperialist chat group

Chapter 217 Yang Tinghe: You guys donate money! Zhu Houzhao: Chongzhen is actually me!
The Nine Frontier Army!

The Mongol army!

Southern Army!

The atmosphere in the Fengtian Hall became solemn again, almost tangible.

A soldier from the Nine Borders has already put so much pressure on them.

Add two more.

Then why don’t you want to live?
Zhang Sheng and Yang Tinghe, in particular, felt pressure from almost all directions, leaving them with less and less room to maneuver.

Even...the possibility of escape may become lower and lower as time goes by.

"or……"

"Let's vote."

"Even if King Xing is holding the emperor hostage to control the princes, he is only trying to eliminate some traitors. I, we are not traitors."

Then, in this increasingly depressing atmosphere, a low voice that seemed to be talking to oneself was so deafening at this moment.

Brush brush!
Everyone turned their eyes in unison and found the censor who was talking to himself.

Especially the gazes of Yang Tinghe and Zhang Sheng, which were like knives.

"How dare you! If you are not a traitor, then are we?" Zhang Sheng cursed loudly, automatically identifying himself with the person who accused him.

"Anyone who talks about surrendering again will be killed!"

Yang Tinghe gave an even more grim order: "I've already said it! Come, drag him away and behead him!"

"Yes!"

Immediately, the imperial guards came up and directly arrested the man.

"No! Prime Minister! Spare my life! I didn't say surrender! Beat them! Beat them hard! The people outside are the traitors! I am willing to stand by my side, Prime Minister!"

The censor was so frightened that he peed his pants and cried immediately.

But Yang Tinghe didn't even look at him and just watched him leave. A scream was heard outside, and then there was silence.

The Fengtian Hall fell silent again, and everyone looked at Yang Tinghe in surprise. They did not expect that Yang Tinghe would dare to kill again.

But I also understand that they are not traitors, but Yang Tinghe is the traitor.

Anyone can bear it.

"Anyone who talks about surrendering again will be killed!"

"We are not traitors! King Xing is the traitor! If we hold on for one more day, Your Majesty will be one more day safer! Only by surviving can we have a chance of victory!"

Yang Tinghe took the opportunity to gather people's thoughts again and put things right. Before they could leave safely, they must not let the team disperse or become chaotic.

"Ugh……"

"But, Prime Minister, we really don't see any hope of victory at the moment!"

The negative atmosphere was not so easy to eliminate. Wang Qiong sighed again. He was not afraid of Yang Tinghe's threats, but said realistically: "Your Majesty's life or death is uncertain, and we don't know how many troops Prince Xing has. Now, we may face an enemy three or ten times our number. Logistics..."

"Yes, Lord Wang is right. Politically, we are not in an advantageous position."

"Militarily... yes... we are even better than Yu Shaobao. Back then, Yu Shaobao was old, weak, and disabled... but now..."

"We are currently occupying the capital, but the longer we stay in the capital, the more we may end up in a dead end without any supplies..."

Han Wen didn't want to discourage everyone, so he stepped out of the current situation and decisively analyzed their situation, finding that they did not have any advantages.

Previously, he had vowed to learn from Yu Qian's defense of the capital.

All kinds of problems broke out after a small-scale battle.

This was something that no one had expected, and it also made them realize that... Yu Qian's defense of the capital and their defense of the capital were two different concepts.

They couldn't help but reflect on what went wrong.

Naturally, I admired Yu Qian more and more.

Everyone began to analyze the current situation one by one.

In fact, there is no need for analysis. Everyone present is smart. They know their situation clearly, but it is just difficult to expose.

"Prime Minister, let me say something that I shouldn't say. Actually, we are now in Dong Zhuo's position..."

“The reason why we are in such a difficult situation…”

"Whether it's the King of Xing, the Nine Frontiers, or even the Mongols who might come, they all covet the capital!"

"We might as well flee the capital and give up this place—"

Then, in the atmosphere of reflection, Zhang Sheng broke the tacit understanding at the right time and said what no one dared to say.

As soon as these words were spoken, reflection stopped abruptly!
Everyone's eyes were all on Zhang Sheng. Retreating from the capital was indeed the only way for everyone to survive.

"Zhang Sheng! This is just one battle, stop saying such things! Back then, Yu Shaobao and his men were able to defeat the Wala troops who were more terrifying than the Nine Frontiers! Can't we hold on for a month or two?"

"If we escape, what will the troops from all over the country think?"

"No more discussion of abandoning the city!"

Yang Tinghe naturally intended to let the negative atmosphere spread.

It is impossible to escape immediately!

But we can plan it first and give everyone some psychological preparation!
The crowd had not yet been pushed into a desperate situation, and could not experience their feelings.

"We must also give confidence to the troops from all over the country who are coming to support the king! I just don't believe that Prince Xing can cover the sky with one hand in the south! I have already sent letters to Liu Daxia and Ma Wensheng. After they receive the letters, they will definitely gather troops to support the king!"

"Yang Yiqing, I think he will be here too!"

"This is the country of the Ming Dynasty! The late emperor and His Majesty have entrusted it to us. We must not let them down! We cannot shoulder the responsibility of the fall of the imperial capital!"

"This is not my responsibility alone, it is everyone's responsibility!"

Therefore, after a passionate speech, Yang Tinghe once again set the tone: "Defend! We must defend even if we can't!"

Who could resist such generous and righteous words?

To retreat is to have no sense of justice!
This is obviously what all the civil servants present value most.

"Yes! Even if we can't defend it, we have to defend it!"

"We cannot bear the responsibility for the fall of the imperial capital!"

Han Wen was so excited, and Wang Qiong nodded heavily: "Anyway, I've lived enough! At worst, I can sacrifice my life for justice!"

These old ministers naturally had this awareness, and when others saw it, they naturally expressed their opinions as well, fearing that if it was too late, Yang Tinghe would hold a grudge against them.

Anyway, things like righteousness are just talk, how much can it cost?

Zhang Sheng naturally shouted the loudest and most generously.

Yang Tinghe was satisfied. These things in politics were really effective. Even though he knew that perhaps half of the people were insincere, that was enough!
"Pengju! Zhu Feng! Lead your troops immediately and capture the soldiers from all over the place! I give you the power to do what you want! Anyone who tries to cheat again will be killed!"

Taking advantage of the effect of people's reunion, he made arrangements directly.

"Yes!"

Xu Pengju and Zhu Feng bowed and took the task seriously. This task was very difficult, but they had to do it!
"Han Wen! The Ministry of Revenue must control the food supply! Prioritize ensuring that the soldiers have enough to eat and that the wounded are treated in a timely manner! At the same time, increase efforts to purchase food to ensure food supply. If merchants in the city dare to drive up food prices, they will be killed!"

He also focused on arranging the Ministry of Revenue.

"Even though it will offend some people, Prime Minister! I will definitely do my best!"

Han Wen also nodded heavily, understanding that this move would force the bad guy in their Ministry of Revenue to do it.

"Wang Qiong! You, the Ministry of War, should take the lead and work with the Ministry of Works to speed up the production of military supplies! If there are not enough people... just assign local corvée labor. The hundreds of thousands of people in the capital should be able to supply military supplies!"

Yang Tinghe looked at Wang Qiong again. He knew that these officials in Beijing must destroy the foundation on which they depended for survival, only then would they truly follow him.

"Yes, Prime Minister!" Wang Qiong also accepted the order. When doing real work, it is inevitable to offend people.

The capital city has really reached the most critical moment.

"Jiao Fang!"

Yang Tinghe's gaze fell on Jiao Fang again.

"The subordinate is here."

Jiao Fang was suspicious, because it was not his turn in the Ministry of Personnel.

Yang Tinghe spoke out his most decisive order word by word: "At this critical moment for the Ming Dynasty, Jiao Fang, I need you to call on all civil and military officials to actively donate grain and money! Within three days, I hope you can raise 300,000 taels and 10,000 dan of grain! Just in case of emergency!"

"what?!"

Jiao Fang was shocked. "Prime Minister, how is this possible? We are asking all the civil and military officials to donate grain and money. We don't even have any surplus grain or money! How can we possibly come up with the money?"

This order is really fatal.

"Yes! Prime Minister, we are both incorruptible. You know the price of goods in the capital these days. We are almost living on coarse grains and vegetables. We have no food or money at home!" "Yes! Prime Minister! There are dozens of people in our family, dozens of mouths to feed... Where can we get the money and food!"

The civil and military officials could no longer sit still. They had not expected Yang Tinghe to be so ruthless and target them.

They can sacrifice their lives for justice, but they really can't sacrifice their wealth for the country.

Tsk!
It’s so exciting.

Xu Pengju and Zhu Feng were also shocked. They didn't expect that Yang Tinghe would do such a thing when he was pushed into a corner.

Han Wen, Wang Qiong and others were also shocked.

"Didn't you just claim that you were willing to sacrifice your lives for justice? Why, can't you even come up with a little money?"

Yang Tinghe looked at everyone coldly and said indifferently: "There are nearly a thousand officials in Beijing! Three hundred thousand taels, is that a lot? Can't each of you come up with two or three hundred taels of silver?"

"Do you want me to name you one by one and tell you how much you usually spend at Yihonglou?"

Oh no, the biggest traitor has appeared among us!

When Yang Tinghe's eyes swept over them, everyone lowered their heads unconsciously. If it was the emperor, they could fool him, but they were all in the same boat before, and they all gave Yang Tinghe gifts...

How could it be hidden from Yang Tinghe?

"Mr. Prime Minister, but we really don't have that much money." Some officials who were truly incorruptible felt aggrieved.

"It's okay! Just take as much as you need!"

Yang Tinghe used his ultimate move: "I will take the lead in donating grain and money! I will take the lead in donating all my family property. Jiao Fang, Han Wen, after the court is dismissed, you will take people to my house to collect things. After you have collected all the things, make it public throughout the city! Anyway, I have decided to live and die with the capital!"

This, is so absolute?
Jiao Fang opened her mouth, but was unable to answer for a moment.

"Master Prime Minister, you have my admiration!"

Han Wen was really shocked and looked at Yang Tinghe with admiration. He didn't expect Yang Tinghe could do this.

"I will also donate all my assets!"

Damn, ours was moved a long time ago!
Zhang Sheng once again admired their foresight. He wanted to applaud Yang Tinghe's decision to cut off the source of the problem!

You guys are corrupt and committing corruption at the critical moment, and you are embezzling money!
I have plenty of ways to deal with you. If I can't deal with the people outside, how can I deal with you?

"No need, Zhang Sheng, just do your best. I believe that as time goes by, everyone will work together to overcome the difficulties."

Yang Tinghe looked at Jiao Fang again: "Jiao Fang, can you do it?"

"Subordinate to obey!"

Jiao Fang was obviously forced into a task, and this move will really offend a lot of people!
"Inspectorate, Dali Temple, you must step up your efforts to monitor corruption! Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures! If you find anyone continuing to take bribes, report it to me directly! We will deal with it on the spot!"

Yang Tinghe's series of arrangements were linked together, and political means were once again fully utilized.

If you can't handle the soldiers well, you can't handle the officials either, right?
This is his strength!

After the court was dismissed, when the soldiers and civilians heard his arrangements, they were encouraged.

All the civil and military officials were in chaos.

"How dare Yang Tinghe do this!"

"He is a traitor to the country! A traitor and a rebel!"

"When Yu Shaobao was defending the capital, he didn't ask the officials to contribute money or food!"

"Now, after just one battle, you're asking us to donate money and food!"

"How could he do this!?"

“Who gave him the courage?”

"This battle to defend the capital is not ours to fight!"

"Just let them break in!"

"Prince Xing and his men are right! No, Your Majesty is right! The Cabinet is a traitor!"

After the end of the dynasty!

The officials who were forced to donate began to curse Yang Tinghe and some bigwigs from the six ministries. They were so angry that they wished they could just let the nine borders attack the capital.

The closer it gets to this stage, the more high-pressure policies are adopted.

Yang Tinghe was undoubtedly forcing them to become alienated from the cabinet.

However, when the soldiers from the nine borders attacked the city again at night, they became afraid again when they heard the shouting and killing outside.

The situation in the capital was dire. Civil and military officials were tortured both inside and outside by Yang Tinghe and the soldiers from the nine frontiers, and were almost dead.

……

"Oh, is this possible?"

"How could Yang Ting and the others take these measures?"

"Have the civil and military officials donated grain and money?"

Jinling, parade ground.

The next day, when Zhu Houzhao, dressed in military uniform, heard the news brought by Huang Bao, he looked up to Yang Tinghe.

"Your Majesty, the Jinyiwei has not sent any news yet. But... I have heard that all the civil and military officials in the capital are cursing Yang Tinghe behind his back."

"Jiao Fang and his men collected money... but the effect was not ideal. Some people were only willing to pay 10 or 20 taels."

Huang Bao said as he took out a secret report: "This is the summary of Jinyiwei's information from yesterday and this morning."

"You're only willing to pay a dozen or twenty taels?"

Zhu Houzhao's smile froze for a moment. He took off his helmet, put down his weapon, unfolded the secret report, and read it with a frown.

"Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue... Thirty taels?"

"Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, fifteen taels?"

Then, he frowned when he saw a series of donation lists. The amount of donations from these officials made him feel unhappy at first, and what’s more, the amount was getting lower and lower.

"What's going on? The Ming Dynasty has suffered such a national disaster!"

"They usually live a life of luxury, have a fortune, and spend money lavishly, but now they are only willing to give a dozen or twenty taels to the Ming Dynasty?"

"We, the Ming Dynasty, have raised them for hundreds of years, and this is how they treat us, the Ming Dynasty?"

At this moment, Zhu Houzhao inexplicably understood the feelings of Chongzhen a hundred years later.

"Yes! Your Majesty, they are really a group of traitors! The Jinyiwei found out that the left assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue had made at least tens of thousands of taels of silver by reselling military supplies a few days ago..."

"But now he is only willing to..." Huang Bao also added.

"How can this be absurd! How can the Ming Dynasty be safe if it is plagued by these parasites who are afraid of death and greedy for life!"

"If the Ming Dynasty were to encounter such a situation someday, it would only make matters worse!"

"Worms! Damn it! Damn it!"

Zhu Houzhao was so angry that he kept cursing. From his current perspective, he hoped that the officials in the capital would be as miserable as possible.

However, he inadvertently created a situation similar to that of the late Ming Dynasty, which exposed the actions of civil and military officials, and made him very angry.

This is his Ming Dynasty!

This is the capital of their Ming Dynasty. When it comes to major issues, these civil and military officials still have their own calculations.

This really made him feel disheartened! This also made him feel disheartened. What was the point of the Ming Dynasty having these officials?

Huang Bao stood aside, not daring to speak.

Because how can I put it, if it were him, he wouldn't perform very well.

What does it have to do with him whether the Ming Dynasty perishes or not?

"Huang Bao! Pass on my order! Have the Royal Guards keep an eye on these people one by one!"

"No! Send Zhu Fu to the capital at a speed of 800 miles. Don't let any of the civil and military officials here go!"

Zhu Houzhao, who was extremely angry, gave a direct order.

Any sense of guilt I had towards these officials disappeared in an instant.

If he lets these insects have an easy life again, he will no longer be Zhu Houzhao.

"Yes."

Huang Bao observed a moment of silence for his colleagues.

After Huang Bao left, Zhu Houzhao stared at the soldiers on the parade ground, his eyes finally fell on Xu Kuishan, and he suddenly made a decision.

"Xu Kuishan! Select three thousand men and train them directly on board!"

(End of this chapter)