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

Chapter 161 The first thing I did when I came to Liaodong was to give out fucking money! Money! Money!

Of course, even though the decision has been made, Shengjing cannot completely ignore it.

After discussion, everyone finally decided that Jirgalang and Ajige would lead 30,000 troops to return to Shengjing for support.

Thirty thousand seemed pitifully small against the Ming Dynasty's ten thousand Guanning cavalry and one hundred and fifty thousand navy, but based on various previous analyses, they still felt that the Ming Dynasty would not take such a risk and let this army advance alone.

After all, the more people there are, the more food and grass will be consumed, and the Ming Dynasty should not be like this.

To take a step back, even if the 10,000 Guanning cavalry and 150,000 navy really headed straight for Shengjing, their 30,000 cavalry could also use other tactics to delay them.

Daishan was a little hesitant at first, because if they continued to divide their troops, their strength on the Jinzhou front would become even weaker, which would undoubtedly increase the difficulty and risk of subsequent operations.

But he finally agreed to this decision because he knew the importance of Shengjing.

If Shengjing fell, the Qing Dynasty would be doomed.

The current decision is the best solution.

It can both return to Shengjing for support and not affect the current strategic deployment.

As for the problem of insufficient troops, we can only temporarily draw troops from those in Yizhou who are responsible for logistics supply.

Although this may affect logistics supplies, there is nothing we can do about it!

After all, if there is a problem on the front line, logistics is actually not that important.

In addition, everyone also discussed and decided that even if Huang Taiji woke up, the matter of the Guanning Iron Cavalry and the transfer of troops to support Shengjing must be kept secret from him.

Because they were worried that when Huang Taiji learned about this, his emotional excitement would make his condition worse, or he might even be angry to death!

There was no way out. He was so angry that he vomited blood and fainted just by learning that the navy had defeated Huang Taiji.

If he knew that the Guanning Iron Cavalry was slaughtering people in their rear, Huang Taiji might be so angry that he would die!
Although they may have some conflicts among brothers on a daily basis, they still showed a high degree of unity at this critical juncture that concerned the life and death of the Qing Dynasty.

After all, they all knew clearly that if Huang Taiji really died here, the future of the Qing Dynasty would be completely over.

All their efforts over the years will be wasted.

At the same time, they also made plans for the worst case scenario, which was to withdraw troops if the situation was unfavorable!
But of course, in their opinion, things should not develop to this point.
In this way, after some difficult discussions and decision-making, several people finally made various decisions.

They also agreed that if Huang Taiji blamed them in the future, they would share the responsibility and would never shirk responsibility!
But given Huang Taiji's character, he probably wouldn't blame them!

Immediately at this moment, the military doctor brought the prepared medicine.

Everyone watched Huang Taiji slowly drink the medicine, and then left the tent one after another.

However, everyone had different expressions when they left, some were worried, and some had deeper meanings.

Obviously, some people have been thinking about what to do after Huang Taiji's death.
Early the next morning, before it was fully light, Jirgalang and Ajige led 30,000 troops and set out on a journey to support Shengjing.

With their departure, the Jiannu's military strength on the Jinzhou front was weakened again, which undoubtedly made the already tense battle situation even more severe.

Soon, the news that the Jiannu had sent troops to support Shengjing reached Hong Chengchou like a gust of wind.

The moment Hong Chengchou learned the news, an expression of irrepressible ecstasy suddenly appeared on his originally tense face.

Because he knew that until now, the plan that Zhu Cilang had carefully planned had finally come to fruition!
Immediately afterwards, Hong Chengchou did not dare to delay for a moment. He quickly spread out the rice paper, wrote quickly, and soon finished writing a letter.

After completing the letter, he carefully blew the ink dry, carefully put it into the envelope, and immediately called a messenger.

"Go and deliver this letter to His Majesty without delay!"

When the messenger heard this, he hurriedly bowed and said:

"Little man obeys!"

Then several fast horses quickly left Ningyuan City
At the same time, in recent times, Hong Chengchou has been busy preparing for the various matters related to welcoming the emperor.

He personally directed his subordinates to clean and arrange the streets and alleys of Ningyuan City to ensure that every place was clean and tidy.

In addition, in the past few days, he relied on his majesty and strategy to launch a series of threats and inducements on the senior military officers in Liaodong.

Faced with the enormous pressure of the emperor leading the army in person, these officers knew that if their scandal of occupying military land was exposed, they would face a catastrophe.

By then, even gods would be unable to save them.

Therefore, under the coercion and inducement of Hong Chengchou, they chose to compromise and returned all the military land that they had illegally occupied for many years.

Hong Chengchou also relied on these military fields to recruit a large number of military households.

Overall, Hong Chengchou did achieve quite a bit in Liaodong.

A few days later, on an official road, the army led by Chongzhen was slowly advancing.

At this time, Zhu Cilang was sitting in Chongzhen's dragon chariot, with a hint of fatigue in his eyes.

There was no way. The long journey was too tiring. Even though he spent most of the journey in the dragon chariot, he still felt very tired.

Just when he was trying to find something to do, a voice suddenly sounded from outside the dragon chariot.

"Your Highness, a messenger has arrived from Ningyuan, bringing a handwritten letter from Hong Chengchou!"

When Zhu Cilang heard this, his tired expression disappeared and he said quickly:

"Send it up!"

Immediately afterwards, Zheng Chenggong opened the curtain of the carriage and presented a letter.

Zhu Cilang took the letter and opened it without saying a word.

After reading the letter, he completely relaxed and a look of joy appeared on his face.

Because he knew that his plan had finally succeeded.

After two rounds of troop divisions, the Jiannu's military strength in Liaodong was reduced to half, while the Ming Dynasty's strength increased by 50,000!

The difference in military strength between the two sides is already huge!
Suddenly at this moment, a voice sounded beside him.

"What's in this letter that's worth being so happy about?"

The person who spoke was none other than Chongzhen.

Zhu Cilang smiled slightly, then handed over the letter in his hand.

"Father, you should come and see for yourself!"

Chongzhen took the letter and read it carefully.

After a moment, his eyes gradually brightened and an excited expression appeared on his face.

"Great things have been accomplished! There is hope for the revival of the Ming Dynasty!"

This was Chongzhen’s final sigh!

Zhu Cilang smiled without saying anything, but he was looking forward to the upcoming war even more.

Of course, because of the deliberate blockade by Daishan and others, Zhu Cilang still doesn’t know that Huang Taiji vomited blood and fell into a coma until now.

However, at this moment, this matter is actually not that important.

Because after being in a coma for three days, Huang Taiji finally woke up alive.

During these three days, it seemed as if time had stopped, and the atmosphere inside and outside the tent was so oppressive that it made people breathless.

A group of princes, generals and guards came in and out every day, wanting to know when Huang Taiji would wake up.

Or will he never wake up again?

Everyone felt like a heavy rock was pressing down on their heart, and their worries were beyond words.

But in the end, Huang Taiji woke up.

Seeing this, everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as Huang Taiji is not dead, the situation in Liaodong will not be chaotic.

After gradually regaining consciousness, a sharp light flashed in Huang Taiji's eyes, which was the desire to control the current situation.

Because he knew that during the time he was unconscious, something might have happened that he didn't know about.

This is what the emperor cares about most!

Daishan, the representative elected by the crowd, took a deep breath and then said with a bow:
"Your Majesty, the Ming navy is composed entirely of infantry. They lack the mobility of cavalry and lack the strength to penetrate deep into the heart of Liaodong. At most, they can only burn, kill, and plunder indiscriminately along the coast."

"So, my brothers and I discussed it and finally selected 10,000 elite soldiers, led by Jirgalang and Ajige, to carry out the sniper attack."

"Even if we can't defeat them right now, we can definitely drive them back to the sea and prevent them from being so arrogant and harassing our rear."

Huang Taiji listened quietly, while staring at Daishan, trying to catch a hint of something unusual from his expression.

But as Daishan spoke, the tense expression on Huang Taiji's face gradually relaxed.

After hearing the last part, he nodded slightly, with a hint of relief in his eyes.

"You have done well. You are worthy of being the pillars of the Qing Dynasty. At this critical moment, you can respond so calmly. It is a blessing for the Qing Dynasty."

After saying that, he praised Daishan and others highly, and his words were full of trust and expectations for them.

Daishan and others felt embarrassed when they heard Huang Taiji's praise.

They looked at each other, with helplessness and confusion in their eyes, but in order not to attract Huang Taiji's attention, they quickly returned to normal.

At the same time, Daishan sighed secretly in his heart, but forced a smile on his face, and accepted Huang Taiji's praise with gritted teeth.

After all, at this sensitive time, we really cannot tell Huang Taiji the truth.

However, this kind of thing cannot be kept secret for long, and Huang Taiji will eventually find out.

In addition, Daishan did not inform Huang Taiji's eldest son Hauge because he was in charge of logistics in Yizhou. After all, if Hauge knew Huang Taiji's current situation, no one knows what kind of trouble he would cause.

After Huang Taiji learned about this, he did not blame Daishan because he also felt that Daishan had done nothing wrong.

After all, he was just unconscious, not dead.

As for the deaths of Kong Youde and Abai, no one cared at all at this time!
Because they were the commanders of their own navy but caused the entire navy to be annihilated, they were truly guilty of a grave sin!

Even if they could come back alive, Huang Taiji would definitely skin them alive!
A few days passed quickly and the army led by Chongzhen finally arrived in Liaodong.

After resting for a day in Shanhaiguan, the army headed straight towards Ningyuan City.

And Ningyuan City is where Hong Chengchou’s troops are stationed!
This day, Ningyuan City.

Before dawn, Hong Chengchou got up early, carefully tidied his clothes, and led the civil and military officials of Ningyuan, marching thirty miles out of the city to the designated location to welcome the emperor.

Some officials and generals in the team were bewildered before they set out, having no idea what they were going to do. It wasn't their fault, because Hong Chengchou had kept the news of Chongzhen's personal expedition a secret, and only a few high-ranking generals knew about it.

No one else knows.

It was not until the moment before departure that everyone learned that the real purpose of this trip was to welcome the Holy Passenger!

This sudden news made them break out in cold sweats and groan inwardly.

He even cursed Hong Chengchou's ancestors for eighteen generations!

You bastard, you didn’t even fucking inform us in advance about such a big thing as the emperor leading the army in person?
They told us after everyone arrived!
Hong Chengchou!
You are such a fucking dog!

But of course, they only dared to curse in their hearts but didn't dare say it out loud.

At the same time, on the way there, they all recalled in their hearts whether they had done anything shameful recently, for fear that the emperor would find out and bring about their own death.

But now that things have come to this, there is no point in thinking more. They can only bite the bullet and follow the team to prepare to welcome the Holy Envoy.

The weather in June is actually very hot, and the temperature at noon can reach over 30 degrees Celsius.

The civil and military officials of Liaodong stood in the sun for more than an hour, and finally saw the army not far away!

I saw that the army of 60,000 was arranged in a strict and orderly formation, stretching endlessly and marching towards this side in a mighty manner.

At the front of the team, the dragon flag raised high fluttered in the wind, demonstrating the royal majesty and momentum.

An invisible pressure instantly filled everyone's hearts, causing them to breathe heavier, and some people even couldn't help but tremble.

The emperor's pomp was displayed to the fullest at this moment, making everyone present feel an invisible shock!

This is a shock from the emperor and imperial power!
Seeing the emperor's arrival, Hong Chengchou hurriedly led all the civil and military officials to kneel down in unison, shouting:

"I, the Governor-General of Ji and Liao, lead all the civil and military officials of Liaodong to welcome Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty!"

The other civil and military officials also shouted:

"Long live your majesty!"

"Long live your majesty!"

"Long live your majesty!"

The voices of hundreds of civil and military officials resounded through the sky, echoing between heaven and earth for a long time.

Chongzhen's dragon chariot also slowly stopped at this time.

Then, he slowly walked down the dragon chariot with the help of a Jinyiwei.

Many people in the crowd had never seen Chongzhen’s true face, but in such a solemn occasion, they did not dare to look up.

Because looking directly at the emperor is a serious crime!

Chongzhen glanced at the people kneeling on the ground, and a hint of relief appeared in his eyes.

Then, he waved his hand and said:
"Everyone loves you."

After hearing this, everyone slowly stood up.

Zhu Cilang, on the other hand, sat in the dragon chariot, observing the officials outside through the gap.

After everyone stood up, they exchanged some simple pleasantries and then prepared to set off for Ningyuan City.

Before leaving, Chongzhen suddenly said to Hong Chengchou:
"Lord Hong, I see you've traveled all this way and must be very tired. Please ride with me on the dragon chariot."

When Hong Chengchou heard this, he turned pale with fright.

Can he sit on a dragon chariot?
He quickly declined:
"Your Majesty, I dare not overstep my bounds. This is absolutely unacceptable!"

But Chongzhen insisted that Hong Chengchou get on the dragon chariot, and Hong Chengchou had no choice but to agree.

When Hong Chengchou stepped onto the dragon chariot, he was surprised to find that Zhu Cilang was also there, and a look of astonishment flashed in his eyes.

Although he knew that Zhu Cilang had come, he did not expect that Zhu Cilang was sitting in the dragon chariot at this moment.

After coming to his senses, Hong Chengchou hurriedly saluted again and said:
"I have met His Highness the Crown Prince."

After a brief period of getting along and understanding each other, Hong Chengchou knew clearly that this prince was no ordinary person, and his wisdom and courage far exceeded those of ordinary people.

Compared with Chongzhen, he has a more awe-inspiring aura!

Zhu Cilang smiled and motioned Hong Chengchou to excuse himself, then he asked:
"Master Hong, I heard that there have been some changes in Liaodong's military strength. I wonder what the specific situation is?"

Hong Chengchou did not dare to hide anything and quickly replied:
"Your Highness, there are approximately 130,000 troops in Liaodong right now."

"Originally, there were only 80,000 soldiers, but recently, I have recruited 30,000 more soldiers."

"In addition, the previously occupied military farmland was returned to the military households, and these households responded to the call and rejoined the army, so the military strength increased."

After hearing this, Zhu Cilang nodded with satisfaction and said:

"Master Hong, once we arrive at Ningyuan City, pass down the order. Tomorrow morning, all soldiers from Liaodong, except those responsible for defense, will arrive in batches at Ningyuan City."

After hearing this, Hong Chengchou was filled with doubts and couldn't help asking curiously:

"Your Highness, I wonder what this action is for?"

Zhu Cilang smiled slightly and said mysteriously:
"Give out the reward!"

When Hong Chengchou heard this, he was stunned and an expression of disbelief appeared on his face.

Zhu Cilang then continued:

"I have decided to reward the three armies before the war begins. The military households will be rewarded with five taels of silver, the ordinary soldiers will be rewarded with ten taels of silver, the small flags will be rewarded with twenty taels of silver, and the centurions will be rewarded with fifty taels of silver."

Zhu Cilang explained in detail the amount of silver rewards for each soldier and general. According to this standard, Hong Chengchou, who has the highest rank, can get three thousand taels of silver this time!

Although this amount of money is not much, it is equivalent to his annual salary!
But Hong Chengchou was completely dumbfounded. He couldn't help but think to himself, we haven't done anything yet, why should we be rewarded with so much silver?

Moreover, with so many soldiers and military households in Liaodong, at least two million taels of silver would be needed. Where would this money come from?
Zhu Cilang seemed to see through Hong Chengchou's thoughts and said with a smile:

"Master Hong, don't worry. I have already prepared the money for this trip."

"Just do it!"

That's right!

The first thing Zhu Cilang did when he arrived in Liaodong was to give out money! Money! Money!

The reason for doing this is to boost the morale of the soldiers.

After all, these soldiers have been stationed in Liaodong all year round under harsh conditions. Giving them generous rewards and letting them feel the emperor's grace will naturally boost their morale and enable them to fight bravely on the battlefield.

Secondly, it was also to make himself familiar to the soldiers.

Just like when he was in the capital, Zhu Cilang personally paid the soldiers' salaries.

After all, Liaodong is far away from the Central Plains, and the soldiers' loyalty to the court is relatively low. Personally distributing rewards to the soldiers can narrow the distance between the emperor and the soldiers and increase their loyalty.

Hong Chengchou was not a fool. At this moment he had roughly understood Zhu Cilang's intention.

Then I had to admire Zhu Cilang's foresight.

Although this move may cost millions of taels of silver, it can help to gain control of the military morale in Liaodong!
This money is well spent!
But then, Hong Chengchou showed hesitation again, because he saw Chongzhen standing beside him with a stern face, and it was obvious that he did not agree with this plan.

In Hong Chengchou's view, although Zhu Cilang was the crown prince, it was still Emperor Chongzhen who had the final say, so he did not dare to agree to Zhu Cilang's request easily.

After all, under normal circumstances, the prince is not allowed to make decisions when the emperor is present.

Zhu Cilang also noticed Hong Chengchou's concerns. He coughed lightly a few times, then looked at Chongzhen and said:

"Father, please express your opinion as well!"

Chongzhen felt a little distressed when he heard this, but he finally said:
"Just follow the prince's instructions. I agree to this matter."

When Hong Chengchou heard Chongzhen speak, he respectfully agreed.

"The minister obeys the order!"

In fact, when Zhu Cilang and Chongzhen first discussed the idea of giving out silver rewards to the three armies as soon as they arrived in Liaodong, Chongzhen firmly disagreed.

Because he felt that Zhu Cilang was such a spendthrift, spending such a huge amount of money to reward the three armies without doing anything yet.

Although the current financial situation of the Ming Dynasty is still good, it cannot spend money so lavishly.

Zhu Cilang patiently explained to Emperor Chongzhen:
"Father, the soldiers of Liaodong have been guarding the border in harsh conditions for years. Many of them cannot even receive the most basic military pay, let alone the emperor's grace."

"There wasn't much loyalty to the Ming Dynasty or our Zhu family."

"Now, we are facing a crucial battle with the Jiannu, and morale is of vital importance."

"At this time, we must demonstrate the imperial court's kindness and courage, and let the soldiers feel the court's attention and care for them. As long as morale is high, why should we be afraid of not being able to defeat the Jiannu?"

"And the easiest way to boost morale is to give out money!"

After listening to Zhu Cilang's words, Chongzhen felt that there was some truth in them.

Although he still felt a little sorry for the money, for the future of the Ming Dynasty, he finally gritted his teeth and agreed to the plan.

Hence, what just happened happened.

But of course, even if Chongzhen disagreed, Zhu Cilang would still do it.

Soon, the army arrived at Ningyuan City.

Zhu Cilang opened the curtain of the sedan chair and looked at this ancient and vicissitudes of life city, feeling a sense of emotion in his heart.

Because in the original history, this city would soon be conquered by the Jiannu.

But now, with his arrival, everything will be rewritten, and this city will belong to the Ming Dynasty forever!

After entering Ningyuan City, Zhu Cilang and Chongzhen's imperial carriage moved directly into the Ningyuan Governor's Mansion.

This is the most luxurious and comfortable place in Ningyuan City, and it is also where the royal majesty is demonstrated.

As for Governor Hong Chengchou, he could only temporarily move to another place to work and live.

Afterwards, Chongzhen met with many military generals and civil officials in succession according to Zhu Cilang's arrangements.

Among them were generals Wang Pu, Yang Guozhu, Tang Tong, Bai Guangen, Ma Ke, Wang Tingchen, and Wu Sangui.

Of course, Zhu Cilang was also present at this time!
He didn't have much interest in other people, but just looked at Wu Sangui a few more times!
At this time, Wu Sangui looked to be only in his early thirties, with a face full of vigor and vitality.

Who can connect him with the traitor in history?
No matter how you look at it, he seems to be a loyal and capable general!
(End of this chapter)