My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

Chapter 131 Sun Chuanting: King Qin, you don’t want to be killed by Li Zicheng, right?

But of course.

Zhu Cilang also discovered it by accident.

I originally thought that it would be broken after being placed for more than 20 years, but I didn’t expect that because it was made of golden nanmu, even after 20 years, this dragon chariot was as good as new.

In line with the principle of not wasting anything, he asked the eunuchs to repair it, intending to use it himself in the future.

After all, it’s normal for grandchildren to use their grandfather’s things!

I just didn't expect that it would be used on Chongzhen first.
But of course, it's only natural for a father to use his son's things.
At this moment, Zhu Cilang appeared at the dragon chariot.

Chongzhen watched Zhu Cilang board the dragon chariot and asked curiously:
"Where did this dragon chariot come from?"

It’s no wonder that Chongzhen didn’t know the origin of this dragon chariot. After all, he hadn’t enjoyed a few days of happiness since he became the emperor.

Zhu Cilang found a comfortable place to sit down and said:
"This was left by the Emperor. I stumbled upon it in the Imperial Household Department. I had it repaired and found it was still usable, so I kept it."

"I originally thought I would use it myself, but I ended up giving it to my father first."

After hearing the first half of the sentence, Chongzhen felt somewhat emotional.

Because he didn't expect that this dragon chariot was actually left by his father, which made him recall some past events.

But when he heard the second half of the sentence, he was unhappy.

What does it mean that you originally wanted to use it yourself, but ended up giving it to him first?

Isn't it right for his son to use his father's things?
Then, Chongzhen suddenly thought of something and couldn't help complaining:

"If you want to lead the army in person, then so be it. It's not like you're doing anything shameful. Why do you have to set off at this time? It's so dark, it's hard to travel."

Zhu Cilang was not angry when he heard Chongzhen's complaint, but patiently explained:

"Father, I have no choice but to do this. Think about it, if the ministers in the court knew that you were going to lead the army in person again, would they agree?"

"There will definitely be all kinds of trouble then."

"Besides, many of the civil and military officials in the court have families engaged in various businesses, especially those in the south."

"If they knew that the emperor was personally leading the army to reform commercial taxes, wouldn't they be furious?"

"I don't want to get entangled with them any further, so I'll just take this opportunity to quietly depart."

"Wait until we've resolved Li Qingshan's issue and finalized the grain transport tax. It will be too late for them to cause trouble. This is called acting first and asking for permission later."

"By that time, if they try to cause trouble again, it will be considered as disobeying the imperial order, and killing them will be justified."

After hearing what Zhu Cilang said, Chongzhen was silent for a long time.

He knew that what Zhu Cilang said made sense, but he was still a little worried.

Because he knew that implementing this kind of thing would definitely not be as simple as it sounded.

But for a moment he didn't know what to say.

Just like that, the dragon chariot gradually became quiet. Zhu Cilang yawned, found a comfortable place to lie down, and planned to take a nap first.

The dragon chariot continued to move on the official road, heading directly towards Shandong.

The scene comes to Shaanxi.

Sun Chuanting led his team and once again "looted" the landlords and merchants in several counties in the same way as before.

After this "looting", Sun Chuanting once again obtained 1.2 million taels of silver and 200,000 shi of grain.

After doing all this, he finally arrived in Xi'an Prefecture.

Xi'an Prefecture is the most prosperous place in the whole of Shaanxi. The city walls here are towering into the clouds and are built with huge special blue bricks.

The dark tones exude the atmosphere of time, and the walls are covered with mottled marks.

Most of these traces were left behind by Li Zicheng.

Li Zicheng had previously attempted to capture Xi'an Prefecture, but ultimately failed, leaving only these traces.

Looking at the ancient and vicissitudes of life city in front of him, Sun Chuanting couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion in his heart.

Because a few years ago, he had come to Xi'an Prefecture in order to suppress Li Zicheng, and now he could be considered to be revisiting the old place.

However, unlike before, this time, following Sun Chuanting was no longer a group of heroic elite soldiers, nor the majestic Jinyiwei wearing flying fish uniforms.

Instead, they were a group of ragged soldiers who looked like beggars.

But don't get me wrong, this is all fake.

As early as when they were about ten miles away from Xi'an Prefecture, Sun Chuanting ordered his troops to be stationed there, and then specially selected some soldiers who looked thinner and disguised them like this.

After all, the King of Qin is not an ordinary businessman or landlord. If you want to get money and food from him, you cannot use tough measures.

Therefore, Sun Chuanting planned to use the methods taught by Zhu Cilang to obtain money and food from the King of Qin.

In fact, at the beginning, Sun Chuanting did not agree to use this method.

Because he felt that doing so would cause the people of Xi'an Prefecture to panic, and feel that the court was unable to fight against Li Zicheng, which would cause the people of Xi'an Prefecture to flee.

But when he expressed his concerns, Zhu Cilang said it didn't matter, because the King of Qin would definitely not let the people escape.

After all, the people can leave, but the King of Qin cannot leave!
Taizu stipulated that the princes of the Ming Dynasty were not allowed to leave their fiefdoms at will. If the Prince of Qin left Xi'an Prefecture, he would be stripped of his title and imprisoned.

Even now, there are precedents.

For example, in the ninth year of Chongzhen, the Jiannu attacked the Ming Dynasty with unstoppable force.

When the then King of Tang, Zhu Youjian, saw this situation, he impulsively gathered an army, left his fiefdom, and prepared to go to the rescue of the emperor.

As a result, after the Jiannu retreated, Chongzhen began to settle old scores, stripped him of his title, and imprisoned him behind the high walls of Fengyang.

Besides, the King of Qin probably couldn’t take away the wealth accumulated by his palace over the past few hundred years.

Even if he really wanted to leave, where could he go?
So Sun Chuanting didn't need to do anything, the King of Qin would appease the people in Xi'an Prefecture himself.

After all, if all the people of Xi'an Prefecture fled, what kind of King Qin would he still be?
If Li Zicheng really attacked, his Qin Wang family would have no choice but to wait for death.

Sun Chuanting felt that what Zhu Cilang said made sense, so he decided to do so.

As a result, the soldiers guarding the city and the surrounding civilians saw a strange scene:

A general in armor, with hundreds of soldiers who looked like beggars, marched towards Xi'an Prefecture.

Their figures appear particularly abrupt in the sunlight, which makes people feel puzzled.

It also brought a depressing atmosphere to Xi'an Prefecture and made the people worried about the future situation.

Can such a Ming army really resist Li Zicheng's army?

It was not until Sun Chuanting and a group of officers and soldiers who looked like beggars entered the city gate that the officers and soldiers guarding the city finally woke up from their dream.

Although he did not know Sun Chuanting, he recognized the armor on General Sun. After all, such equipment could only be worn by someone with the rank of Qianzong.

Thinking of this, the city guards hurried forward and asked respectfully:
"General, may I ask your name?"

Sun Chuanting glanced coldly at the soldiers guarding the city, then said in a deep voice:
"I am Sun Chuanting, the newly appointed Governor-General of the Three Borders."

When these words were spoken, the soldiers defending the city were stunned.

The name Sun Chuanting is known to everyone in Shaanxi. After all, Sun Chuanting once defeated Li Zicheng in Shaanxi. Although Li Zicheng eventually escaped, his reputation has spread.

However, he never expected that Sun Chuanting would come to Xi'an Prefecture with a group of officers and soldiers who looked like beggars.

Then, the soldiers guarding the city said with an embarrassed look on their faces:

"If Your Excellency the Governor wishes to enter the city, I naturally wouldn't dare to stop you, but these officers and soldiers behind you are truly not suitable for entry."

Upon hearing this, Sun Chuanting shouted angrily:
"They are all loyal ministers and generals who have served the Ming Dynasty wholeheartedly. Do you dare to block them from entering the city? Believe it or not, I will kill you!"

After saying that, Sun Chuanting directly drew out the imperial sword bestowed by the emperor and made a gesture to chop someone.

The soldiers guarding the city were shocked when they saw this. They dared not to stop him and could only retreat to the side, saying:

"Don't be angry, sir! I won't stop you!"

Then, he and other soldiers guarding the city watched Sun Chuanting and a group of officers and soldiers walk into the city.

At the same time, the people inside and outside the city were also shocked by this scene.

Soon, Sun Chuanting was surrounded by the people.

Seeing this, Sun Chuanting simply stopped and bowed to the people around him and said:

"Everyone, I am Sun Chuanting, the governor-general of the three border regions appointed by the imperial court."

"This time I came to Shaanxi to train troops and suppress bandits, but the national treasury is empty, and the silver Your Majesty gave me is quickly used up."

"This Governor has no choice but to come to Shaanxi Prefecture to borrow money and food. After borrowing the money and food, this Governor will go to train the troops and then fight the bandits to the death!"

"After all, soldiers can't fight if they're hungry."

As soon as these words were spoken, the people around immediately became heated discussions.

"Master Sun is right! How can soldiers fight with empty stomachs?"

"These babies are so pitiful. They are so hungry."

"Although my family is not wealthy, I am willing to donate money to Lord Sun to train his troops."

"I do too!"

"Everyone, please contribute some money. If the thieves really come, we'll be left with nothing!"

As he was speaking, the people around him spontaneously stuffed a copper coin or a piece of silver into the hands of Sun Chuanting and other soldiers.

When Sun Chuanting saw this, he was deeply moved. He seemed to have not expected that such an action would receive such support from the people.

Although the money is not much, it represents the people's wishes.

What happened here soon reached the ears of the current King of Qin, Zhu Cunji.

After all, the Qin Palace has been in Xi'an for nearly three hundred years, and there are spies everywhere, not to mention such a big thing.

"What? You said Sun Chuanting brought hundreds of old, weak, and disabled people into Xi'an Prefecture? And even begged people for money on the street?"

After hearing the news brought back by his servants, the King of Qin was furious.

He actually knew Sun Chuanting. He had entertained Sun Chuanting the last time Sun Chuanting came to Shaanxi to suppress bandits.

At that time, Sun Chuanting also wanted to ask him for money, but he didn't give him a penny.

Now it seems that Sun Chuanting is here to ask him for money again.

And this time it seemed that he had no choice but to give it, because Sun Chuanting was making such a big fuss, not to mention that he brought a group of beggar-like soldiers with him.

This was clearly telling everyone that the soldiers had no money to eat and urgently needed money and food from him, the King of Qin. The King of Qin could not help but curse in his heart:
When did this old guy become so shameless?

Afterwards, the King of Qin rushed out of the palace.

No matter what, he had to meet Sun Chuanting in person and couldn't let him continue making trouble like this.

If it causes panic and causes the people of Xi'an to flee Xi'an, that would be terrible!
Not long after, the King of Qin met Sun Chuanting on the street with a group of guards.

At this time, Sun Chuanting was still holding the silver donated by the people in his arms. Although it was only a few dozen taels of silver, it was particularly annoying to the King of Qin.

After adjusting his mentality, the King of Qin hurriedly greeted him with a smile.

"Lord Sun, it's been a long time since we last met."

Seeing that the real owner finally appeared, Sun Chuanting also said with a smile:

"Your Highness Prince Qin, it's been a long time."

After the two exchanged pleasantries, the King of Qin said directly:
"Master Sun, I have prepared some wine and food in the mansion. Please come and have a chat with me, Master Sun."

This was exactly what Sun Chuanting wanted. After all, he came here to ask the King of Qin for money and food.

However, letting the King of Qin come to you on his own initiative is far better than going there yourself.

So, he said directly:

"Then I would rather be respectful than obey your orders."

Then, the two of them walked towards the Prince Qin's Mansion.

Seeing this, the people around dispersed.

In their view, the silver they donated was just a small amount, and the one who could really donate the biggest amount was the King of Qin.

After all, everyone knows that half of Xi'an Prefecture belongs to the Qin Wang family. It would be unreasonable for the Qin Wang not to donate several million taels of silver.

Soon, the King of Qin brought Sun Chuanting to the gate of the King of Qin's Mansion.

When he was about to enter the palace, Sun Chuanting seemed to have thought of something, and then said to the soldiers behind him:

"Just wait outside the mansion."

Then, Sun Chuanting looked at the King of Qin and said:

"Your Highness, the soldiers I brought with me haven't had a full meal in a few days. Could you please prepare some food for them?"

When the King of Qin heard this, the corner of his mouth twitched.

I've seen shameless people, but I've never seen anyone as shameless as this. He actually brought a group of soldiers to beg for food from him.

Although I feel unhappy, I definitely cannot say this out loud.

The King of Qin could only order his men:
"Didn't you hear what Lord Sun said? Why don't you go down and prepare quickly?"

When the servant heard this, he dared not refute it. He agreed and went down to prepare.

Immediately afterwards, Sun Chuanting and King Qin came to the inner hall, where a table full of sumptuous food and wine had indeed been prepared.

Sun Chuanting was not polite either. He sat down casually and started to eat heartily, frowning at the King of Qin.

After three rounds of wine and five dishes, Sun Chuanting finally spoke:

"Your Highness, Prince Qin, I believe you already know the purpose of my visit, right?"

When the King of Qin heard this, he was speechless.

I thought, how dare you ask? How could I not know about such a big event? Even if I wanted to, I couldn't help it!
But then the King of Qin said:
"I already know the purpose of Lord Sun's visit. Lord Sun, don't worry. The country is in danger right now. I will not be stingy. I have prepared everything you want!"

After saying this, the King of Qin clapped his hands.

Immediately afterwards, someone brought in a tray with stacks of silver bills on it.

The King of Qin said:

"Here is a hundred thousand taels of silver, as a token of my gratitude to the imperial court for its efforts in suppressing the bandits."

"In addition, I am willing to provide another 10,000 dan of grain to take with Lord Sun when he leaves Xi'an Prefecture."

One hundred thousand taels of silver and ten thousand dan of grain, is this the price you, King Qin, offered?

What about sending beggars away?

Sun Chuanting sneered in his heart, but said:
"In that case, I would like to thank His Royal Highness the King of Qin."

After saying that, Sun Chuanting stuffed the silver directly into his arms.

Seeing this scene, the King of Qin was stunned. He thought that Sun Chuanting would definitely think that the silver was too little and would argue with him for a while.

He even thought of a reason to cry poor.

Unexpectedly, Sun Chuanting didn't say anything and just took the money obediently. This seems a bit wrong?

At this moment, Sun Chuanting suddenly continued:

"By the way, Your Highness Prince Qin, do you know what happened to Your Highness Prince Fu?"

In ancient times, due to blocked roads and wars, it was extremely inconvenient to convey information. Moreover, Henan was some distance away from Xi'an, so the King of Qin still did not know about the affairs of Prince of Fu, Zhu Changxun.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, the King of Qin shook his head in confusion, and then asked:
"What happened to Prince Fu?"

Hey!
Sun Chuanting sighed first, then said:
"Not long ago, I received a secret report that Li Zicheng led a peasant army to capture Luoyang and captured His Royal Highness Prince Fu."

"Afterwards, the traitor Li Zicheng actually stewed His Royal Highness Prince Fu and the sika deer together, turning them into a pot of rotten meat, and then distributed it to the people for consumption."

"He even gave this pot of meat a name, something like 'Fu Lu Feast'."

"Li Zicheng also took Prince Fu's property as military pay."

"In addition, two other princes were also killed by Li Zicheng, and their property was used as military pay. These princes are really pitiful!"

At the end of his words, Sun Chuanting's face was filled with sorrow.

When the King of Qin heard this, his body suddenly stiffened because he really didn't know about this matter.

And this incident was too shocking for him.

Especially the fate of Prince Fu Zhu Changxun made him break out in cold sweats.

After all, he never imagined that he, as a prince of the Ming Dynasty, would be cooked and eaten by the peasant army.

This is definitely the most miserable death of a prince in history!

At this moment, Sun Chuanting continued:

"Also, I've received news that Li Zicheng's army is heading towards Tongguan and may attack it in the near future."

"I'm afraid it won't be long before Li Zicheng's army attacks Xi'an Prefecture."

"The reason I came here today is actually to inform His Royal Highness the Prince of Qin to make preparations as soon as possible."

When the King of Qin heard this, he was stunned.

Not
What does it mean that I am prepared?
You're the fucking Governor-General of the Three Borders! In charge of all military affairs and troops in three regions. Li Zicheng is coming, shouldn't you go and fight him directly?

Why should I be prepared?
Are you still pointing fingers at me to fight Li Zicheng?

In an instant, the anger in King Qin's heart began to boil over.

But he knew that now was not the time to lose his temper, so he could only suppress the anger in his heart and asked:
"What are you saying, Lord Sun? You are now the governor of the three borders appointed by the court. Li Zicheng is about to attack. Shouldn't you go and fight him directly? Why do you want me to prepare?"

"I don't have any troops to mobilize!"

Sun Chuanting said helplessly:

"Your Highness is right. The imperial court sent me to Shaanxi to eliminate Li Zicheng."

"However, you should also know that the imperial treasury is currently empty, and His Majesty did not provide much military pay when you came."

"We've almost spent all the money just recruiting troops, and now the soldiers are almost out of food."

"Therefore, I have decided to hold on to the Baishui County area first and temporarily abandon other places."

"Because the merchants and landowners in Baishui County have previously contributed a lot of money and food to help train the troops, I must first ensure their safety."

Good guy!
As soon as Sun Chuanting finished speaking, the King of Qin almost laughed out of anger.

What does it mean to temporarily give up other places?

You say you want to give up such an important place as Xi'an?
If you give up, will my Qin lineage still be alive?
If he had fallen into the hands of Li Zicheng and ended up with no body left, it would have been extremely miserable!

Of course, the King of Qin was not a fool. He had already heard that the core meaning of Sun Chuanting's words was that the money he gave was too little, and it was not worth it for Sun Chuanting to send troops to protect Xi'an Prefecture!
But then again, he clearly remembered that Sun Chuanting was a polite Confucian general before, so how come he has become a bandit now?

Anyway, now that the matter has been made, the King of Qin is too lazy to beat around the bush.

He asked directly:
"May I ask, Lord Sun, how much silver do you need to defend Tongguan?"

The King of Qin knew that Sun Chuanting could not have only the remnants of the defeated army outside in his hands.

As the governor of three borders, Sun Chuanting had at least tens of thousands of troops under his command, but he didn't bring them with him just to pretend to be poor and ask him for money.

But Sun Chuanting can pretend to be poor in front of him, but he can't pretend to be poor in front of Sun Chuanting!
If I keep pretending, what if this guy makes up his mind and really doesn't care about Tongguan anymore?
Don’t say that he doesn’t dare to do this. Don’t you see what time it is now?

At this time, the death of a prince is not a big deal, let alone a prince who has no significant relationship with the current emperor!

In this case, he can only pay for his life!
That’s right, at this moment, the King of Qin finally decided to bleed!
When Sun Chuanting heard this, he knew that his goal had been achieved. He then said without hesitation, "

"If your Highness says so, then I will not be polite. I have roughly estimated that this amount is needed."

Sun Chuanting said this and raised three fingers.

"Three hundred thousand taels?"

When the King of Qin saw this scene, he actually felt relieved for a moment.

Because the number was much smaller than he had imagined.

He originally thought that Sun Chuanting would ask for a huge sum of money and directly ask him for one million taels!

I didn't expect it was only 300,000 taels.

He can still come up with this amount of money.

But the next second, he heard Sun Chuanting continue:
"Your Highness the Prince of Qin has misunderstood. I did not say 300,000 taels, but 3,000,000 taels."

Three million taels?

Upon hearing this, the King of Qin stood up suddenly, his face full of disbelief.

This guy really dares to speak!

(End of this chapter)