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

Chapter 201: Jiannu? What Jiannu? I am a Jurchen from the Ming Dynasty!
At this moment, Chongzhen and Hong Chengchou were completely shocked by Zhu Cilang's words.

Because they knew in their hearts that if they could really do as Zhu Cilang said, the problem of the devaluation of Ming Dynasty treasure notes could indeed be solved.

You know, this is a problem that has plagued the Ming Dynasty for nearly three hundred years!
I didn’t expect that it was actually solved by Zhu Cilang!
Suddenly at this moment, Hong Chengchou felt a flash of inspiration in his mind. When he was about to say something, he saw Zhu Cilang suddenly speak again.

"Also, in addition to what I mentioned before, all the silver and gold in the country must be minted into Ming silver and gold coins like the ones in the hands of the emperor, and the specifications of gold and silver must be standardized."

"Then an order was issued to the entire country to prohibit the use of gold and silver in transactions. Only gold and silver could be exchanged for Ming Dynasty treasure notes or Ming Dynasty silver coins and Ming Dynasty gold coins."

"Of course, copper coins have always been in circulation, so there's no need to change them!"

Hearing this, Hong Chengchou was stunned for a moment, his face full of shock.

Because what Zhu Cilang said was exactly the same as what he was about to say.

It has to be said that Zhu Cilang's entire plan for the Ming Treasure Notes and Ming currency was perfect in Hong Chengchou's eyes.

He believed that as long as this plan was carried out smoothly, the entire Ming Dynasty's economic system would enter a new era!

Thinking of this, Hong Chengchou's admiration for Zhu Cilang instantly reached its peak, and he was so convinced that he couldn't be more convinced!
Chongzhen, who was standing by, was also shocked by Zhu Cilang's words and couldn't recover for a long time.

After a moment, Chongzhen suddenly sighed, and then slowly said:

"How about I abdicate after I return this time?"

"Anyway, the Ming Dynasty will be yours sooner or later, so a few years won't make a difference!"

However, as soon as these words came out, Hong Chengchou on the side was struck by lightning, and his face instantly turned as pale as paper.

He secretly groaned in his heart.

Not
What are these two talking about?

Is this something he can hear?
People who don’t know the truth would think that the prince was forcing the emperor to abdicate.

Hong Chengchou had no idea that Zhu Cilang had already done this kind of thing.
But of course, at this time, Chongzhen and Zhu Cilang on the other side had already ignored Hong Chengchou's existence.

Zhu Cilang smiled and said:

"Father, don't be anxious. You should stay in this position for a few more years. If I really become the emperor, some things will become difficult to do."

When Chongzhen heard this, he just nodded slightly and didn't say anything else.

But deep in his heart, he became even more optimistic about the future of the Ming Dynasty.

In this way, the reform plan for the Ming Dynasty's treasure notes and currency has been preliminarily finalized.

However, this only sets up a rough framework.

It's like an unfinished house with only the skeleton erected. The layout and decoration inside the house are not complete, and there are still many details that need to be improved.

But it doesn’t matter. After returning to the capital, these things can be gradually improved.

Moreover, Zhu Cilang believed that he would not encounter any obstacles. After all, this was a major matter that he and Chongzhen had decided together. Who would dare to object?
If so, that’s okay!
It’s just a matter of killing a few more people!
Seeing that the matter was discussed, Hong Chengchou immediately stood up and bowed to Chongzhen and Zhu Cilang to say goodbye.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness, since we have concluded our discussion, I will take my leave!"

Seeing this, Zhu Cilang smiled and said:

"I happen to be leaving too, so let's go together!"

Faced with the prince's proposal, Hong Chengchou naturally couldn't refuse, so he had to agree to it.

Then the two of them left together.

After leaving the government office, Zhu Cilang said as he walked:
"You are still needed to guard Liaodong for the time being. Once the affairs of Liaodong are properly handled, I will transfer you back to Beijing to join the cabinet."

Although Zhu Cilang had mentioned this once before, Hong Chengchou's heart still skipped a beat when he heard it again.

An irrepressible excitement instantly filled his heart.

As a civil official, he has been struggling in officialdom all his life, and his greatest dream in this life is to be able to enter the cabinet!

Now it seems that this long-cherished ideal is about to come true!
Moreover, with his talent and ability, he might eventually become the Prime Minister of the Ming Dynasty!
You know, that is the highest status that a civil official in the Ming Dynasty can achieve, and it is the pinnacle of glory that countless literati and poets pursue throughout their lives!
When he thought of this, Hong Chengchou felt his blood boiling and even his breathing became rapid.

But he quickly reacted, and then hurriedly bowed and said very earnestly:

"Thank you, Your Highness, for the promotion. I will serve you wholeheartedly until my death!"

Zhu Cilang nodded and responded with a smile:
"I am naturally aware of your loyalty."

"I'll be waiting for you in the capital then!"

The two then discussed other things before Hong Chengchou left.

Looking at Hong Chengchou's back as he walked away, Zhu Cilang's mouth corners slightly raised, revealing a relieved smile.

Perhaps in the original history, Hong Chengchou eventually became a traitor, but now and in the future, he is just a loyal minister of the Ming Dynasty!
Including Wu Sangui, he can only be a loyal minister of the Ming Dynasty in the future!
Turning the impossible into possible and changing the original course of history, this is probably what a time traveler should do!
The road ahead for the Ming Dynasty is becoming brighter and brighter.

That morning, after Zhu Cilang had finished his meal, he was lying in a chair with his eyes closed, resting.

Suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind, and he turned to Li Ruolian who was waiting beside him and asked:
"By the way, what happened to the Jurchens and Mongols who surrendered earlier?"

As the current head of the Jinyiwei in Liaodong, Li Ruolian was naturally well-informed about such matters. Upon hearing this, he hurriedly stepped forward and replied respectfully:

"My Lord, these people have been placed near Songshan Fort."

After hearing Li Ruolian's answer, Zhu Cilang looked as if he had suddenly understood.

Because there is a reason why these prisoners were placed here.

There is Songshan Fort in front and Jinzhou City in the back. On the left is the vast Bohai Sea, and on the right are deep and dense mountains and forests and a big river.

Such a unique geographical location obviously carries a clear defensive meaning.

However, Zhu Cilang also knew in his heart that this was really a helpless move. After all, these people were prisoners on the battlefield, and they were all foreigners!
We have to be cautious while the situation is not yet fully stabilized.

Zhu Cilang pondered for a moment, his eyes gradually becoming firm, and then he said:
"Go down and make some arrangements. I want to meet them in person."

When Li Ruolian heard this, a hint of hesitation flashed across his face.

After all, those captives have special identities. What if they have ill intentions and do something detrimental to the prince?

But he did not dare to disobey Zhu Cilang's order, so he could only ask cautiously:
"Prince, do you want to notify the army to accompany you?"

Zhu Cilang's mouth corners slightly raised, but he did not answer Li Ruolian's words, but asked:
"How have these people behaved during this time? Have they shown any signs of rebellion?"

Li Ruo Lian quickly shook his head and said truthfully:

"That's not the case. These people have been behaving quite well since they were captured."

"Especially after you, Your Highness, sent their families over, they were filled with gratitude."

"In recent days, they have been busy building the city, and most of the Jurchens have already cut off their braids to show their surrender."

Zhu Cilang's eyes lit up with interest after hearing this, and then he said:
"In that case, there's no need to bring an army. Just bring some guards along. Also, call Fang Zhenghua and Li Hu along."

In Zhu Cilang's opinion, Li Ruolian's worries were actually a bit unnecessary.

Because Zhu Cilang took all their family members from the Jiannu side so that they could be reunited.

If they dare to show any rebellious thoughts at this time, it will not be them who will die, but their entire family!
Of course, as the saying goes, it is better to be safe than sorry, so I still have to bring a team of guards and Li Ruolian, Fang Zhenghua and Li Hu. With them around, my safety will definitely be no problem.

Seeing this, Li Ruolian had no choice but to nod in agreement, then turned and left to start arranging related matters.

Not long after, a team of 300 people marched towards the area where the captives were.

It was morning, the sun was shining brightly, and the azure sky was like a huge gem, pure and dazzling.

The sun shone unreservedly on the troops, and the armor on the soldiers flashed with a cold light, dazzling the eyes.

Li Ruolian followed Zhu Cilang on horseback, looking somewhat worried.

He actually understood why Zhu Cilang did this.

Since those people have surrendered to the Ming Dynasty, they are considered subjects of the Ming Dynasty.

If they need a large army to accompany and protect them when they visit them this time, it would be equivalent to telling them that the Ming Dynasty is not at ease with them as captives.

In this way, they will inevitably develop a sense of distrust towards the Ming Dynasty, which is extremely unfavorable for winning over the hearts of the people.

However, just in case, Li Ruolian secretly notified the defenders of Songshan Fort, asking them to remain vigilant at all times and pay close attention to the movements here.

In addition, the 300 people accompanying this trip were all elites carefully selected from various places, and all of them were wearing heavy armor.

Even if an emergency really occurs, we are fully capable of protecting the prince.

Besides, you have to know that the prince is the reincarnation of the Great Emperor Zhenwu. If he wants to kill someone, it’s just a matter of waving his hand.

After thinking about it this way, Li Ruolian's worries gradually dissipated.

When Zhu Cilang and his group arrived here, some Mongols and Jiannu.
wrong!

There are no Jiannu here at all!
There are only the Jurchens of the Ming Dynasty!
These surrendered Mongols and Jurchens had already been waiting respectfully for his arrival at the city gate.

These people just stood there quietly, and the atmosphere was a little solemn.

The Mongols looked the same as usual, even with a hint of curiosity and anticipation in their eyes. But the Jurchens were completely different!
All the Jurchens who appeared here had cut off their original braids.

Some only had their hair cut halfway, and the uneven stubble made them look quite funny, while others had their heads shaved completely bald. In the sunlight, their scalps shone brightly, like newly polished copper balls.

After all, they were not stupid. They knew that the relationship between the Ming Dynasty and the Jiannu was as hostile as fire and water. Since they had chosen to surrender to the Ming Dynasty, they naturally could not keep the braids that symbolized the Jiannu.

Moreover, they had heard that a Jiannu head was worth one hundred taels of silver in the Ming Dynasty!
No one wants to lose his life because of a braid and end up with his head and body separated.

When Zhu Cilang and his group appeared in their sight, the Jurchens and Mongols who had been waiting quietly suddenly knelt on one knee like a tide.

Although their movements seemed a little unfamiliar, their attitudes were extremely pious.

They shouted in unison in their not-so-fluent Chinese:

"Greetings to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Ming!"

The voices were uneven, but full of awe.

The bald Jurchen man in the lead was named Wanyan Yalu. He was tall and strong, and although his face had a bit of the roughness of having experienced vicissitudes of life, he was full of humility at this moment.

He was originally Gushan of the Jiannu, and had nearly three thousand men under his command. His position was roughly equivalent to that of the Duzhihuishisi of the Ming Dynasty.

In the previous Battle of Songjin, the troops he led did not participate in the battle at all because they were too far behind.

His subordinates didn't even see the Ming army, and the Jiannu side was completely defeated.

Seeing that they could neither escape nor defeat the enemy, Wanyan Yalu made a prompt decision and chose to surrender with his subordinates.

It was also because of this that his generals at all levels, such as Jiala and Niulu, were lucky enough to save their lives.

In other words, the troops under Wanyan Yalu's command are like a smaller version of the Eight Banners.

The only difference is that they no longer belong to the Jiannu, but directly to the Ming Dynasty!
Perhaps before, some of them were unwilling to truly surrender.

But after the Ming Dynasty brought their families over, these people no longer had any intention of rebellion.

At this time, Wanyan Yalu felt both nervous and expectant, because he didn't know how the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty would treat these surrendered generals when he came this time?

On the other side, Zhu Cilang saw everyone kneeling on the ground, so he quickly and swiftly dismounted, then walked forward, stretched out his hands and personally helped the people in the front row up one by one, with a amiable smile on his face.

"Everyone, hurry up and get up. I just have nothing to do today, so I came to see you!"

When Wanyan Yalu heard this, he felt a warm current surge in his heart, and his originally tense nerves relaxed a little, and he couldn't help feeling moved.

I was surprised and delighted by Zhu Cilang's friendly attitude. I had thought I would face severe scrutiny, but I didn't expect that the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty would be so approachable.

Then, everyone entered one after another under the leadership of Wanyan Yalu.

As you step into this newly constructed city, you'll see a busy and chaotic scene.

The city's boundaries have not yet been completely regularized, and the temporary earth and stone walls are intermittent, in some places only reaching the waist, and in other places just reaching the knees.

It was like a winding but unformed giant python, barely outlining the general outline of the city.

Along the inside of the city wall, some simple watchtowers are under construction.

Thick logs were tied together crookedly, and workers were busy climbing on them, with the sound of hammers in their hands hitting one after another.

Except for some Han craftsmen who were sent here, the rest of these workers were Jurchen and Mongolian men who had cut off their braids.

Inside the city, tents were scattered everywhere in a disorderly manner, randomly fixed to the ground with ropes, swaying in the breeze.

Through the gaps in the tent, you can catch a glimpse of the simple interior.

Some Mongolian and Jurchen women were moving between the tents.

Some of them were sorting the meager belongings they had just brought from home, while others were talking in low voices, their eyes filled with longing and anxiety for their future lives.

Not far away, a group of Mongolian and Jurchen children were laughing and playing on the unleveled land.

They chased each other, and their laughter echoed over the city.

Zhu Cilang and his group moved through the crowd and finally arrived at a tent.

Inside the tent, the floor was covered with rough felt, and the curtains around it fluttered gently in the wind.

As the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Cilang was naturally invited to the main seat.

The guards brought by Zhu Cilang quickly dispersed and surrounded the tent.

Li Ruolian, Fang Zhenghua and Li Hu stood beside Zhu Cilang, protecting his safety at all times.

The surrendered Mongols and Jurchens were now standing awkwardly in front of Zhu Cilang.

Their faces were full of restraint, with sweat slightly oozing from their foreheads. Their eyes occasionally met, but they would quickly avoid looking directly at Zhu Cilang.

Whether it is the Jurchens or the Mongols, the characteristic of worshipping the strong is deeply imprinted in their bones.

They all knew that it was the young Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty who was leading a mighty army and pressing forward like a surging tide.

They were left helpless on the battlefield, forced to retreat step by step.

It is also because of this that they are full of admiration for Zhu Cilang.

What's more, Zhu Cilang also sent their families here. This kindness made them submit to the Ming Dynasty wholeheartedly.

However, they were still somewhat uneasy in their hearts because they were not sure whether the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty could really put aside his prejudices and sincerely accept them.

At this moment, Zhu Cilang finally spoke.

He said in a very gentle tone:

"Everyone, I came here today to tell you that since you have surrendered to the Ming Dynasty, you will be its subjects from now on. Therefore, there is no need to be so reserved in front of me."

After hearing this, everyone felt greatly comforted and breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, Zhu Cilang looked at Wanyan Yalu who was at the front and asked:
"Your name is Wanyan Yalu, right? I heard Hong Chengchou assigned you a new position. What is it?"

When Wanyan Yalu heard this, his body shook violently, as if he didn't expect that Zhu Cilang actually knew his name?
But he quickly reacted and replied respectfully:

"Your Highness, my current position is Commander-in-Chief, and my subordinates have all been assigned corresponding positions."

Zhu Cilang nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to the Mongolian beside him and asked:
"Temur, what about you?"

The Mongolian was also a little surprised when he heard the question. He also didn't expect that Zhu Cilang actually knew his name.

Then he hurried forward and replied:
"Your Highness, my position now is Commander-in-Chief, and my subordinates have all been assigned corresponding positions."

Zhu Cilang nodded again and continued:

"I have also sent people to look for your family members, and they will be sent to me once they are found."

"If your family can't adapt to the environment here, it's okay. I've already discussed it with Abunai, and Abunai will allocate the grasslands around Tayingzi to the Ming Dynasty."

"When the time comes, if you are willing, I will give you that pasture for grazing."

"In addition to this, I will order the continued construction of this city for you. Food, salt, and other daily necessities will also be provided to ensure that your families will not suffer from hunger or cold."

"As for your military pay, it will be the same as that of the Liaodong border troops. Whatever they have, you will have too."

"If you die in battle, your pension will be exactly the same, and your families will be well provided for by the imperial court."

"I will not allow anyone to discriminate against you. If anyone dares to do so, you should go to Zu Dashou or Hong Chengchou. If they don't make the decision for you, then you should go to him."

As Zhu Cilang spoke, his eyes fell on a Jinyiwei guard next to him.

The Jinyiwei reacted quickly and stood up immediately like a black lightning, with a straight posture and a capable look in his eyes.

Zhu Cilang pointed at him and continued:
"He's a captain of the Jinyiwei from Liaodong, his name is Li Sansi. Remember his appearance."

"If you are truly wronged and have no one to stand up for you, go find him and he will stand up for you on my behalf."

When Li Sansi heard this, he hurriedly bowed to Wanyan Yalu and Temur and said sincerely:
"My two lords, if you have any problem in the future, you can always come to me."

Upon seeing this, Wanyan Yalu and Temur hurriedly bowed in return.

No matter how stupid they were, they understood that the Jinyiwei in front of them was Zhu Cilang's spy planted in Liaodong, and he had extremely high status and power.

Having a good relationship with this person will be of great benefit to them in the future!
At the same time, they all understood in their hearts that at this point, the Ming Dynasty could see that the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty had completely accepted them.

The most excited person is naturally Wanyan Yalu!
At this time, if someone dared to say that he was a Jiannu, he would slap them without hesitation and then loudly refute:

Jiannu? What Jiannu?
I am a Jurchen from the Ming Dynasty!
In his heart, he now regarded himself as a part of the Ming Dynasty and was full of new expectations for the future.

Immediately afterwards, Zhu Cilang comforted them with gentle words, and then left with Li Ruolian and others.

Although these people were enemies of the Ming Dynasty before, they should not be treated so well even if they had surrendered.

But Zhu Cilang never thought so, because he knew in his heart that China has never been a country composed of a single ethnic group.

If he could not accept the surrender of these Jurchens, then if conflicts broke out with other ethnic groups in the future, how could other ethnic groups willingly submit?

Therefore, as long as these people voluntarily gave up their status as Jiannu and sincerely became citizens of the Ming Dynasty and served the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Cilang would naturally be willing to accept them.

Because what he wants to do is not just the emperor of the Han people, but the emperor of everyone in the world!
(End of this chapter)