Emperor Chongzhen was too extreme.

Chapter 148 Sun Chengzong and Lu Xiangsheng

With this mindset.

After the officials who had summoned Wei Zhongxian left, Huang Taiji immediately arranged a grand procession in the palace to welcome them.

He was afraid that he might have overlooked something and neglected the famous Ninth Prince.

you could put it that way.

If the other party hadn't arrived so suddenly without prior notice...

Huang Taiji, accompanied by important officials from Shengjing, went out of the city to welcome Wei Zhongxian into the palace.

It's a border trade, nothing to be ashamed of.

soon.

With a beaming smile, Wei Zhongxian entered the Shengjing Imperial Palace surrounded by his entourage.

Although Huang Taiji never actually met the famous "Nine Thousand Years Old" in person.

But the aura and demeanor of the other person were undeniably genuine.

Huang Taiji thus became increasingly convinced that the Ming emperor would engage in trade with the Later Jin in the near future.

Ever since.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Huang Taiji inquired about the trade between the two countries.

The shrewd Wei Zhongxian first reassured the other party, saying that the city must be mutually beneficial.

However, there are some internal problems within the Ming Dynasty.

Therefore, we need to find a different way to conduct trade.

If it were Huang Taiji from before, he would immediately suspect that this was another delaying tactic by the Ming emperor.

But now, he still asked with some concern what kind of predicament the Ming Dynasty was facing.

If needed, I can try to see if I can help resolve this.

They looked like "brotherly nations" helping each other.

Wei Zhongxian sighed and said that the Ming Dynasty was now in complete chaos.

The situation had deteriorated to the point where more than a dozen emperors had been appointed within the Ming Dynasty.

Hear this.

Even Fan Wencheng, who was usually expressionless, had a drastic change in expression.

Someone in the Ming Dynasty actually dares to declare themselves emperor?!

And it was a nationwide upheaval?!
Huang Taiji and Fan Wencheng exchanged a glance, both seeing the gravity in each other's eyes.

Even if it were just a day ago.

They wouldn't react this way when they heard the news.

The two received the intelligence and immediately began planning to head south to invade the Ming Dynasty.

If we don't strike while the iron is hot, what are we waiting for?
They are extremely envious of that land in the Central Plains.

But now, the two secretly observed Wei Zhongxian's expression.

Although grief and indignation were visible on the other person's face, there was no sign of despair.

Obviously.

Even Wei Zhongxian felt that although the Ming Dynasty was in chaos, it was not so bad that it was on the verge of collapse and the entire country was sinking.

Combined with Mao Wenlong's ostentatious military parade over the past two days, and the various actions taken by the Ming Dynasty emperor in Korea a few days ago.

Amidst various suspicions and anxieties.

Huang Taiji and Fan Wencheng did not immediately consider heading south to join the Ming Dynasty.

Instead, they followed Wei Zhongxian's lead.

They fiercely criticized those reactionary elements within the Ming Dynasty.

After the criticism was finished.

The two then naturally shifted the topic back to the trade market.

At this point, Wei Zhongxian revealed in full the Emperor's plan to control a portion of the Shanxi merchants and have them lower the prices of various goods to aid the Later Jin.

Upon hearing this, the two were startled once again.

They knew all too well how powerful and unruly the Shanxi merchants were.

Would the Later Jin dynasty be willing to spend several times the price of goods sold inland to purchase various supplies from Shanxi merchants?
of course not!

It was simply that they had no other choice but to turn to Shanxi merchants.

Other forces that dared to do business with the Later Jin dynasty were all wiped out by the Shanxi merchants.

Even the Later Jin's own small military caravans would mysteriously disappear without a trace when they tried to purchase supplies through other channels.

Without even thinking about it, one can tell that the invisible hand of Shanxi merchants is manipulating everything behind the scenes.

Therefore, it was quite unexpected for Huang Taiji and Fan Wencheng that the Ming emperor could actually make Shanxi merchants work for him.

So much so that when Wei Zhongxian later said that he had not completely controlled the Shanxi merchants, but only a small part of them, both of them couldn't help but secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

If the Ming emperor had actually captured all the Shanxi merchants, what kind of powerful opponent would the Later Jin have faced?

Given that the Ming Dynasty emperors were so ruthless and authoritarian, how could the Ming Dynasty have fallen into such chaos?

Although the two were very puzzled, they naturally could not show it in front of Wei Zhongxian.

After discussing some more details with Wei Zhongxian.

Huang Taiji then arranged for Wei Zhongxian to stay temporarily in the palace.

At this moment, he had too many things to discuss with Fan Wencheng.

So it was almost as soon as Wei Zhongxian left.

Huang Taiji immediately led Fan Wencheng to a quiet room and asked:

"Sir, what is your opinion on the internal turmoil you just mentioned in the Ming Dynasty?"

Fan Wencheng frowned: "The Ming emperors acted with fierce determination, although we haven't received any specific intelligence yet."

"But if I'm not mistaken, it's probably because its sweeping reforms in China have affected the interests of many people, which has led to this situation."

Huang Taiji then asked, "What is your opinion on the trade agreement that Wei Zhongxian mentioned earlier?"

Fan Wencheng frowned even more: "Logically speaking, if the Ming Dynasty was really in such a state of chaos, then the Ming emperor should not have been able to control some of the Shanxi merchants and allow them to trade with us."

"However, the Ming emperors are indeed capable of making unexpected moves, so if he can really do this, I don't think it's impossible."

Huang Taiji nodded.

Fan Wencheng is absolutely right.

Just as he never expected that the Ming emperor could conquer Korea with 10,000 men, he also never expected that the other side could build up the Korean border to this extent in such a short period of time.

Even more unexpectedly.

Despite the nationwide turmoil, the other party was still able to maintain his throne and even find time to handle trade matters with them.

Who the hell could have imagined this?!

After a pause, Huang Taiji asked, "In your opinion, what should we do now?"

After a moment's thought, Fan Wencheng replied, "Whether the Ming emperors could control the Shanxi merchants or not, we'll know after a while whether they would trade with us."

"All promises can be made up, but real financial benefits are the only thing that cannot be faked."

“If the Shanxi merchants are not trading with us, it means that the internal situation of the Ming Dynasty is rotten to the core, and the Ming Emperor is just bluffing.”

"We can then take this opportunity to directly conscript a large army to march south and invade the Ming!"

At this point, Fan Wencheng took a deep breath before continuing:
"If the Shanxi merchants really do engage in equal trade with us as Wei Zhongxian claims."

"That means that although the Ming Dynasty was in turmoil, the Ming emperors were able to control the situation."

"In that case, we must not send troops to the Ming Dynasty lightly, otherwise we may pay a heavy price."

After listening to Fan Wencheng's explanation, Huang Taiji nodded emphatically.

The other party's analysis makes perfect sense.

Based on the various intelligence gathered so far, this is indeed the situation.

And no matter how you look at it.

The initiative is still in the hands of the Later Jin.

Whether the Ming Dynasty emperors were bluffing or it was true, it doesn't matter.

Anyway, as long as we wait a while and see how the Shanxi merchants react, the truth behind all the mysteries will come to light.

Think of this.

Huang Taiji temporarily let the matter pass by, and then asked a more important question.

"Then, sir, how should we formulate our Later Jin's development strategy?" What Huang Taiji wanted to ask was mainly how the Later Jin should deal with the Ming Dynasty next.

Should we continue to live in harmony and compromise, or should we seize the opportunity to deliver a fatal blow?
Huang Taiji himself favored the latter, but he also wanted to hear more of Fan Wencheng's opinions.

After all, the current situation in the Later Jin Dynasty does not allow him to make decisions unilaterally.

One wrong move and the whole game is lost.

Fan Wencheng seemed to have been prepared for this.

"Great Khan, as I just said, we must first observe the reaction of the Shanxi merchants. If the Emperor is bluffing, then we should take the opportunity to head south."

"But if he really has such ability, then the Great Khan..."

Huang Taiji pricked up his ears, knowing that what Fan Wencheng was about to say was the real key point.

"Then you, Great Khan, should take advantage of our trade with Shanxi merchants to vigorously develop the Later Jin's military equipment!"

"Not only that, but those non-direct members in the country who didn't support you enough should also be eliminated as soon as possible."

"Only in this way can the strength of our Later Jin state reach a new level!"

Huang Taiji narrowed his eyes: "Why do you say such things, sir? Please enlighten me."

Fan Wencheng's tone became more serious: "Your Majesty, you can think about it."

"Li Zong was merely outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant towards the Ming Dynasty, yet the Ming emperor exterminated his entire clan without a word."

"The conflict between our Later Jin and the Ming Dynasty has been brewing for a long time."

"Without a second thought, once the Ming emperor has stabilized the internal situation, he will definitely take action against us!"

"Therefore, in the coming period, we must continuously enhance the national strength of the Later Jin and also emulate the Ming Dynasty to implement some advanced reform measures."

"Only when our national strength is strong enough can we truly guarantee our own security."

"At the same time, we can also wait for an opportunity to take over the Ming Dynasty in one fell swoop."

"With such a powerful enemy as the Ming emperor lurking nearby, it is extremely worrying for our Later Jin."

Huang Taiji took a deep breath.

Fan Wencheng's words were almost identical to his own.

Both of them had very realistic ideas.

How can I allow someone else to sleep soundly beside my bed?!

"In that case, we will do as you say, sir!"

"Sir, you should spend this time thinking about how to reform our Later Jin to make it stronger."

"As soon as trade with the Shanxi merchants begins, I will fully support your reforms!"

A flicker of excitement crossed Fan Wencheng's eyes.

To orchestrate the destruction of the Ming Dynasty was a dream he had cherished for many years.

Now that the Great Khan has shown him absolute trust and given him this opportunity, he will surely do his utmost to repay him as a national hero.

Fan Wencheng bowed deeply to Huang Taiji, saying, "Your subject will certainly not fail the Great Khan's trust!"

Huang Taiji reached out and helped Fan Wencheng up, creating a beautiful scene of harmony between the emperor and his subject.

The fate of the Later Jin dynasty indeed changed dramatically from this moment.

But these are all things for later.

At this moment.

After the enthronement ceremony of Prince Fu was completed.

Representatives from various aristocratic families also returned to their respective territories.

As soon as the managers of the eight major trading companies in Shanxi returned, they sent people to contact the officials in charge of daily trade in goods and materials under the Later Jin regime.

Jin told them that starting today, all the supplies they sold to the Later Jin would be significantly reduced in price.

These officials were stunned when they first heard the news.

Having done business with Shanxi merchants for so many years, there has only ever been price increases, never price decreases!

Moreover, the price has dropped so drastically that it's difficult to add their "losses" to the price.
Could it be that these damn profiteers are trying to get something for nothing?!

However, when they heard the other party say that the aid was not free, they were surprised.

Instead, when the Later Jin needed to cooperate in sending troops to the Ming capital, the officials immediately rushed back to Shengjing to report the matter to Huang Taiji.

At that time, Huang Taiji was drinking and chatting with Wei Zhongxian.

Because countermeasures had been prepared in advance, Huang Taiji simply had his envoy bring up the matter at the banquet.

In any case, if the Shanxi merchants stopped trading, they would have killed Wei Zhongxian directly. If they did trade, it would have been a good opportunity for them to show their loyalty to him.

You can't lose money no matter what you do.

However, when his subordinates stated the Shanxi merchants' demands in front of everyone at the banquet...

Wei Zhongxian took a perfectly timed sip of wine, then looked at Huang Taiji with a half-smile.

That was as if he were saying to Huang Taiji: "Great Khan, did I lie to you? Did things develop exactly as I predicted?"

Although Huang Taiji smiled outwardly upon hearing his subordinate's words, his heart was filled with turmoil.

The Ming Dynasty emperors actually managed to control a portion of the once-arrogant Shanxi merchants amidst such turbulent circumstances!

If they first pacified North Korea and then suppressed Shanxi merchants, how strong must their true strength really be?

Huang Taiji made up his mind that he should not send troops to the Ming Dynasty in the near future.

Otherwise, we would be fighting in a foreign land.

Facing such a powerful enemy, you're bound to suffer losses.

There is.

The political acumen and skill displayed by the Ming Dynasty emperors were truly unprecedented.

This child cannot be kept!

Huang Taiji drank a cup of strong liquor and then smashed the cup on the ground.

Wei Zhongxian's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.

But before he could think further, he saw Huang Taiji stand up, point at the official from before, and begin to curse:

"Outrageous! The Later Jin and the Ming are brotherly nations! How can we allow ourselves to be sown apart by treacherous people?!"

After hurling insults in front of everyone.

Huang Taiji then gave important instructions on trade with Shanxi merchants.

Cheap goods are a must-buy, and the demands of the Shanxi merchants must be met.

But in reality, anything that is disloyal to the Ming Dynasty is absolutely unacceptable!

Done.

Huang Taiji poured Wei Zhongxian a cup of wine.

The two men raised their glasses and both smiled genuinely, without prior arrangement.

Both sides were clearly very satisfied with this situation.

Wei Zhongxian and Huang Taiji laughed and drank the strong liquor in their cups in one gulp.

Then, the two of them, without prior arrangement, had the same unspeakable thought in their minds.

Just you wait, I'll wipe you out sooner or later!
It didn't take long.

News of the Later Jin's promise to send troops to attack the capital soon reached Shanxi.

The members of the prominent families were overjoyed upon hearing the news.

A four-faced song.

This time, it's really a sure thing.

of course.

People won't just sit idly by and wait to reap the benefits.

We cannot afford to be complacent about an enemy as cunning and ruthless as the emperor.

Therefore, Hebei and other places closest to the capital are also carrying out various secret plots targeting the capital.

Amidst the turbulent winds and clouds.

An elderly man in his sixties and a young man not yet thirty in Hebei Province are also slowly beginning to emerge.

These two people.

The older one is named Sun Chengzong.

The younger one is named Lu Xiang-sheng.

(End of this chapter)