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

Chapter 182: Conferring a title upon one who dies in battle? The Crown Prince is truly wise!

At the same time, tens of thousands of people present looked at each other in confusion.

Everyone understood that after what had just been said, even if there really were Jianzhou Jurchens among them, who would dare to stand up?

Because once you stand up, you will undoubtedly be seeking your own death. How can there be such a stupid person in this world?
However, at this moment, the old Jurchen man who had talked with Li Eryong before suddenly stood up.

He was thin and his face was full of wrinkles, but his eyes were extremely firm, and he was holding a child of three or four years old in his arms.

When Li Eryong saw this scene, he almost vomited blood in anger.

At first he didn't quite understand what Wu Sangui meant, but he soon understood.

What Wu Sangui meant by this was obviously to tell everyone that as long as these Jurchens did not admit that they were Jianzhou Jurchens, they could survive.

This clearly means that they want to let these Jurchen people go.

But why the hell did this old man stand up?
Isn't this courting death?

It’s fine if you want to die yourself, but why do you want to drag your grandson to die with you?

At this moment, if Wu Sangui had not been here, Li Eryong would have really wanted to kick him.

Wu Sangui was also very surprised, and felt helpless:
Not
I have said it so clearly, how could anyone still fall into this trap?

Are these Jiannu really so brave?
As for the other people, they were all shocked. They couldn't understand why this old Jurchen man suddenly stood up.

However, the Jurchen old man's subsequent words put everyone's minds at ease.

I only heard him say in a trembling voice in not very standard Chinese:
"Sir, I am a Jurchen from the Wilderness. All my people were killed by the Jiannu, including my son and daughter-in-law. My hatred for the Jiannu is as deep as the sea. If I surrender to the Ming, will the Ming really not kill me?"

Although his voice was weak, it carried an unquestionable hatred, which was hatred towards the Jiannu!
Wu Sangui first breathed a sigh of relief, then quickly said:

"Don't worry, as long as you are not a Jiannu and are willing to surrender to the Ming Dynasty, we will not harm you and will provide you with proper resettlement."

"This is an order from His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty. We dare not disobey!"

When the old Jurchen man heard this, he couldn't help but burst into tears.

He really didn't expect that the Jianzhou Jurchens, who were also Jurchens, had been enslaving and massacring them.

On the contrary, the Ming army, which they had always regarded as their enemy, treated them so well.

Then he knelt down, trembling, holding his grandson in his arms, and choked with sobs:

"Thank you, sir! Thank you, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty! I am willing to surrender to the Ming Dynasty!"

The other Jurchens who had been enslaved by the Jiannu were also deeply moved and knelt down to express their gratitude.

"Sir, we are also willing to surrender to the Ming Dynasty!"

"Thank you, His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince of Daming, for taking us in!"

No one expected that they had been bullied by their own people, but were eventually rescued by the Ming army.

At this moment, they had only one thought in their minds:
The Jianzhou Jurchens are not even worthy of being dogs!
After comforting the people in the city again, Wu Sangui, Zheng Chenggong and Zhang Shize frowned, their hearts full of worry.

Because at this time, looking around, the city was in a mess, and the broken walls and ruins were dim in the hazy night, like a giant beast with bared fangs and claws, as if telling the tragedy of this sudden disaster.

Although a heavy rain happened to save the city, half of the houses and buildings were burned down, and rebuilding them would require a lot of manpower and resources.

Finally, Wu Sangui took a deep breath, tried to calm himself down, and then immediately arranged his personnel in an orderly manner.

"Zheng Chenggong, quickly lead your men to check if there are any surviving civilians. Search thoroughly and don't miss any corner."

"Every ruin, every dilapidated house must be searched!"

"Also, those flames that have not yet been extinguished must be extinguished as soon as possible. We must not allow them to ignite again to avoid causing greater losses."

When Zheng Chenggong heard this, he immediately took the order and left.

Then, Wu Sangui looked at Zhang Shize again, his expression slightly relaxed but still serious:
"Zhang Shize, take your men to various parts of the city to check the food and treasure reserves. The Jiannu left in a hurry, so they may not have taken all of these things with them."

"Once you find them, count them all and report them to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

Zhang Shize did not hesitate at all. He quickly clasped his fists and accepted the order, then quickly disappeared into the streets with a group of people.

Looking at Zheng Chenggong and Zhang Shize leaving, Wu Sangui raised his hand and rubbed his temples, his face full of helplessness.

If he had a choice, he really didn't want to take these two masters with him.

After learning their true identities, Wu Sangui was under great pressure.

One is the prince's personal soldier and the prince's elder brother.

The other is the Crown Prince of England and the future Duke of England.

These two people are of noble status, and he cannot easily offend either of them.

Wu Sangui always felt uncomfortable working with them, not to mention that this time he was the main general and the two of them were deputy generals, and nominally had to obey his orders.

This made him feel scared, fearing that he would anger these two young masters if he was not careful.

If that happens, my life will be difficult in the future.

But on second thought, maybe these two gentlemen wouldn't be so stingy?
Then, Wu Sangui sighed heavily again, because he knew that he would be busy in the next few days.

Just dealing with the bodies of the civilians burned to death was difficult enough.

Every time he looked at the charred and mutilated corpses, he felt a little bit uncomfortable.

But now that things have come to this, there is no point in saying any more.

It is also worth mentioning that the 20,000 cavalrymen they brought were not here to defend the city.

After all, from ancient times to the present, who would use cavalry to defend a city?
According to the original plan, Jinzhou will send another group of troops tomorrow to take charge of defending the city.

However, these 20,000 cavalrymen actually have another important mission.

It turned out that Zhu Cilang had previously received a secret report from Qin Liangyu sent from Xuanfu. In the report, Qin Liangyu said that Dorgon seemed to have noticed something and was returning to Liaodong from Mongolia.

When Qin Liangyu learned the news, she immediately led 20,000 cavalrymen from Xuanfu to join Abunai's 30,000 Mongolian cavalrymen, and then launched a pursuit of Dorgon.

According to the time calculation, Dorgon will arrive near Yizhou in the next two days.

When Dorgon arrives, the 20,000 cavalry led by Wu Sangui will launch a head-on attack on Dorgon's army. Together with the armies of Qin Liangyu and Abunai, they will surely annihilate Dorgon in one fell swoop!
It has to be said that Wu Sangui now truly admires Zhu Cilang more and more.

This prince is really extraordinary!

Wu Sangui sighed in his heart.

Everyone was busy until late at night, and the noise in the city gradually subsided, leaving only the occasional groans of the wounded.

Wu Sangui called over a personal soldier, who also looked tired, but his eyes were still firm.

Wu Sangui handed over a newly written letter and said solemnly:
"You must leave immediately and deliver this secret letter to Jinzhou without any mistakes!"

The personal guard nodded solemnly, took the order, and quickly disappeared into the night.

At the same time, Jinzhou City on the other side was not peaceful tonight.

Although it was late at night, the entire Liaodong was silent.

But Zhu Cilang's room was brightly lit, and the dim light seemed particularly lonely in the middle of the night.

Zhu Cilang was wearing a plain pajamas and pacing back and forth in the room, unable to fall asleep.

Perhaps because he had just experienced such a great battle, his emotions were still excited and his whole body was in a state of excitement.

The scenes of fighting on the battlefield, the shouts of the soldiers, and the smell of blood kept appearing in my mind, as if they were still flashing before my eyes and at the tip of my nose.

Since he couldn't fall asleep, he simply called Zu Dashou and several other generals into the room to discuss the follow-up plan.

Zu Dashou and several other generals were unable to sleep tonight. When they heard that Zhu Cilang had summoned them, they hurriedly packed up and rushed over.

However, surprisingly, two of the generals were missing today, namely General Bai Guangen of Jizhou and General Wang Tingchen of Liaodong.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the room became oppressive, as if the air had frozen.

No one dared to speak, because they knew in their hearts that the two generals were most likely killed in the battle, but no one dared to say this out loud.

Seeing this, Zhu Cilang didn't waste any words and immediately called Li Ruolian over, saying in a firm tone:

"If they're alive, we have to find them. If they're dead, we have to find their bodies. Even if they died in battle, we have to find their bodies."

After receiving the order, Li Ruolian immediately took his men away.

However, Zhu Cilang had actually prepared himself mentally. After all, in a melee involving hundreds of thousands of troops, the sacrifice of one or two senior officers was understandable.

But he naturally couldn't say this out loud, otherwise it would seem too mean and ungrateful. He could only wait quietly for the results of the search.

During this time, everyone remained silent, with only the candlelight occasionally flickering and making crackling sounds.

Not long after, Li Ruolian didn't arrive, but Fang Zhenghua suddenly came.

I saw that he was walking in a hurry and his hat was a little askew.

After seeing Zhu Cilang, he hurriedly said:

"Your Highness, a soldier has come to report that General Bai Guangen, the General of Jizhou, and General Wang Tingchen, the General of Liaodong, have both died in battle."

"The bodies have been collected and are currently being placed in the city!"

"I've already had someone confirm it, and it's indeed the two generals!"

As soon as these words came out, the temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees in an instant.

Some people couldn't help but sigh softly, while others lowered their heads silently.

Although they had already guessed that this might be the result, when they actually learned the news, they still felt a little sad.

At the same time, other people looked at Zu Dashou vaguely.

Because everyone knew that with the death of Wang Tingchen, the Liaodong General, the position of Liaodong General must be Zu Dashou. After all, Zu Dashou had previously led 5,000 cavalry to attack the 100,000-strong Jiannu army. That scene was truly rare in the world!

If he had not appeared in time, those 30,000 civilians would probably have died at the hands of the Ming army.

Moreover, the 5,000 cavalry led by Zu Dashou alone killed at least 15,000 Jiannu.

So no matter how you look at it, Zu Dashou deserves the position of General of Liaodong.

However, this is not something to be happy about for others.

It was not that they were jealous of Zu Dashou, but that they felt sorry for Wang Tingchen, the Liaodong general who had just died in battle.

As soon as he died, someone took his place immediately. It really makes people feel sad for the other party.

Of course, if the imperial court offered more relief and rewards, they would have nothing to say.

However, considering the mean and ungrateful nature of His Majesty, I am afraid that the relief and rewards will not be too much.

For a moment, although no one spoke, they couldn't help but feel sad in their hearts. Everyone was thinking about their own things, and the atmosphere became increasingly heavy.

This scene happened to be seen by Zhu Cilang.

He knew in his heart that with the death of the two generals in battle, these people must have some different thoughts in their minds.

However, due to his status as the crown prince, these people did not dare to speak out.

But in fact, what they thought was right. If Chongzhen was here, facing the death of the two generals, he would at most praise them a few words and then reward them with some things, and the matter would be over.

There is no way, because Chongzhen was a mean and ungrateful person.
But okay
Because he is not Chongzhen!
He wanted to let these people know that anyone who performed their duties loyally for the country would definitely receive the rewards they deserved.

Those who die for their country will be treated well!

To put it simply, it’s just two words:
Knighted!

For all military generals, being granted a title is the greatest recognition and reward for them, and it is almost their highest honor!
Besides, the Ming Dynasty lasted nearly three hundred years, and the previous marquises had already become corrupt, spending their days in debauchery and doing nothing. It was time to appoint some capable and practical military generals.

It would also put some pressure on those marquises who are just sitting there doing nothing but eating and drinking, so that they don’t just suck the blood and sweat of the people of the Ming Dynasty and wait for death!
Thinking of this, Zhu Cilang said without hesitation:

"Founderization!"

When Fang Zhenghua heard the summons, he hurried forward, bowed his head respectfully and said:

"The servant is here."

Zhu Cilang continued:
"Sage, Wang Tingchen, the Liaodong General, has performed his duties with unwavering bravery and dedication. I hereby posthumously confer the title of Marquis of Dongning, a title which shall remain hereditary for generations."

"In addition, I will reward you with 10,000 taels of gold, 100,000 taels of silver, and a house in the capital."

"Jizhou General Bai Guangen was posthumously conferred the title of Marquis of Nanchang, a hereditary title. He was also awarded 10,000 taels of gold, 100,000 taels of silver, and a house in the capital."

"First, arrange for their remains to be sent back to their hometowns and buried with the rites accorded to marquises. Then, bring all their families to the capital."

As soon as these words were spoken, the scene suddenly became eerily quiet, as if time had stood still for a moment.

Zu Dashou and the others were all shocked, their eyes widened, their mouths slightly open, and for a moment they didn't know what to say.

You should know that only in the early Ming Dynasty did Taizu and Taizong confer more titles, but there were very few titles after that.

Especially in the late Ming Dynasty, emperors attached more importance to titles and did not confer them easily.

Even if they were granted a title, most of them were "temporary titles".

That is to say, although you are granted a title, your son cannot inherit it, and it will end with your generation.

Or the inheritance may be downgraded. For example, if you are a duke, when your son inherits, you will be demoted to a marquis, and when your grandson inherits, you will be demoted to an earl.

By analogy, after three generations, the title will no longer exist.

But what had they just heard?
What they just heard were the four words "hereditary succession"!
That means that the title of marquis nowadays does not need to be demoted, and can be inherited by descendants from generation to generation!

In an instant, everyone's spirits were lifted.

Think about it, two generals who died in the battle received such generous rewards, so how could those who are still alive be treated unfairly?

You know, the war is far from over!

After all, after winning the battle, what should we do next?
The answer is simple, of course it is to pursue victory and expand territory!

Not to mention taking back all the land previously occupied by the Jiannu, at least some of the lost land should be taken back. Otherwise, what is the point of this victory?

And once these lost territories are regained, it will be another great achievement.

By then, maybe they will be able to get a title.

Even if he unfortunately died in battle, according to the current situation, he would at least be a marquis, and his descendants would enjoy wealth and prosperity forever!

Thinking of this, everyone could no longer suppress their inner excitement.

After all, this is a title that can be inherited from generation to generation!
For a moment, they even felt that the deaths of the two generals were worth it. They traded their lives for a marquisate, allowing their descendants to enjoy wealth and prosperity forever. This was a fucking bloody profit!

But then again, conferring a title is a very important matter. Is it really possible not to tell the emperor?
After all, the prince is not the emperor and cannot be the emperor's boss!
What if the imperial edict is rejected by the emperor?
Thinking of this, everyone's eyes became a little suspicious again.

Although it seems that everyone is thinking a lot, in fact, all this happens in just a moment.

Compared to their surprise, Fang Zhenghua was much calmer at this moment.

He bowed slightly, with his usual respectful expression on his face, and nodded directly:
"The slaves obey the order."

After saying this, he called the eunuch at the door, brought a blank imperial edict, writing brush, ink, and jade seal, and then began to write the imperial edict in front of everyone.

When they saw this scene, Zu Dashou and several other generals were dumbfounded.

Not
For such an important matter, he really didn't ask Chongzhen for permission and started writing the imperial edict directly?
And what the hell is that jade seal?

Isn't this thing meant for the emperor? Why does the prince carry it with him and use it whenever he wants?

Amidst everyone's incredulous gazes, the two imperial edicts were quickly completed.

Zhu Cilang took the imperial edict and took a quick look at it. After making sure there was no problem, he handed it to Fang Zhenghua.

"Go and pass on the order quickly!"

"Slave, you obey!"

Fang Zhenghua nodded in agreement and went downstairs to prepare.

Zu Dashou and the others didn't know what to say at this moment.
If they had not met Chongzhen before, they would have thought that the prince was rebelling!
After all, issuing an imperial decree privately without the emperor's consent is a serious crime of treason no matter how you look at it!

But judging from the eunuchs' behavior just now, it seems that this is not the first time the Crown Prince has done something like this.
Inside the house, the candlelight flickered, and the light and shadows kept dancing on everyone's faces, also pulling at their thoughts.

Zhu Cilang once again cast his gaze at the generals in front of him, his eyes as sharp as an eagle, as if he could see through everyone's inner thoughts.

Then, Zhu Cilang continued:

"You are all intelligent people, so I will not beat around the bush with you."

"To put it simply, my father is determined to save the Ming Dynasty from danger, but he is powerless. However, I believe I still have the ability to do so!"

"So, my father has handed over the power to me. From now on, I will make all decisions on matters big or small, whether in the court or the army."

"Do you understand?"

After saying this, Zhu Cilang raised his chin slightly, his eyes flashing with unquestionable confidence.

That aura seemed to be announcing to everyone that at this moment he was actually no different from the emperor!

The words have been said so clearly, if they still don’t understand, then they are really idiots!
So almost instantly, Zu Dashou and the others stood up, knelt down in unison, and said in unison:

"We, your Highness, are willing to follow you to the death, even if it means going through fire and water!"

However, beneath this respectful appearance, everyone's heart is like surging waves, with their own thoughts.

They felt both respect and fear in their hearts.

What is respectable is that this prince is young, but he has the world in his heart, and he acts decisively and bravely, and treats his soldiers with great care. He is definitely not a mean and ungrateful person like the current emperor.

What is frightening is that this prince's mind is as deep as the sea, as if everything is within his careful calculations.

They even vaguely felt that every thought in their hearts could not escape the eyes of the prince in front of them.

But no matter what, this is actually a good thing for everyone.

After all, until now, everyone present is still loyal to the Ming Dynasty and the Crown Prince!
Seeing Zu Dashou and the others kneeling before him, Zhu Cilang smiled slightly, and then he said:

"Okay, everyone, get up!"

Everyone then stood up and returned to their original positions.

At this moment, Zhu Cilang's gaze fell on Zu Dashou who was standing beside him.

"Since Wang Tingchen, the Liaodong General, has died a heroic death for his country, then Zu Dashou will take on the post of Liaodong General."

When Zu Dashou heard this, he didn't feel too much.

Because as early as when he learned the news of Wang Tingchen's death in battle, he had guessed that this position belonged to him.

However, he did not dare to show any sign of slacking off on his face. He immediately knelt on his knees again, clasped his hands together and said:

"I, your Highness, have entrusted me with your trust. I will do my utmost to protect Liaodong and live up to your trust!"

After saying that, he kowtowed heavily, and the sound of his forehead hitting the ground was particularly clear in the silent room.

The other generals did not show any significant emotional changes when they saw this, because this was already within their expectations!
Everything that needed to be said has been said, so it’s finally time to get down to business!

Then, Zhu Cilang stood up and walked with steady steps towards a table in the room, where a huge sand table was placed.

On the sand table, the topography of Liaodong is clearly visible, with winding mountains and rivers, cities and passes scattered all over the place, and even extending to the Mongolian grasslands.

It seems as if the entire Liaodong region is condensed into this small sandbox.

(End of this chapter)