Zhang Dongtao felt unprecedented pressure.

King Chuang Li Zicheng reluctantly agreed to his proposal and would not dig the Yellow River to flood Kaifeng Fucheng for the time being. However, Li Zicheng's intention was very clear, giving Zhang Dongtao one month. If Zhang Dongtao could not capture Kaifeng Fucheng within one month, then

Zhang Dongtao cannot interfere with whatever decision Li Zicheng makes in the future.

Li Zicheng's request seemed very reasonable on the surface. It was based on his trust in Zhang Dongtao. If it had been anyone else, there would be no such possibility. In fact, it was not the case.

Zhang Dongtao's status among the rebels was second only to that of King Chuang Li Zicheng. Before Li Yan, Niu Jinxing, Song Xiance and others entered the rebel ranks, Li Zicheng's trust in Zhang Dongtao was unparalleled. He would discuss all matters big and small with Zhang Dongtao.

To a certain extent, Zhang Dongtao's military command ability faintly surpassed that of Li Zicheng.

Of course, Zhang Dongtao had strong support behind him. The large and small battles he commanded, especially several key battles, could be said to be directly commanded by Wu Zongrui. Zhang Dongtao implemented Wu Zongrui's decision to the letter and achieved key victories.

His sexual victory also established an unusual prestige for himself among the rebels.

However, all this changed after Li Zicheng had the idea of ​​dominating the world.

You must know that Li Zicheng personally led an army to besiege Kaifeng Fucheng for two months, without any effect. Now Zhang Dongtao is only given one month, how can he possibly capture Kaifeng Fucheng? Even if Zhang Dongtao was lucky enough to capture Kaifeng in one month,

Fucheng, where should I put Li Zicheng's face?

Zhang Dongtao had long felt that Li Zicheng began to get close to and trust Niu Jinxing, Song Xiance and others, and alienated Zhang Dongtao. Zhang Dongtao didn't care about all this. His heart was not with Li Zicheng, nor was he with the rebels.

The deadline Li Zicheng gave Zhang Dongtao was the twelfth lunar month of the fifteenth year of Chongzhen. If Kaifeng Fucheng could not be captured before the twelfth lunar month, Li Zicheng would adopt an offensive strategy of digging up the Yellow River and flooding Kaifeng Fucheng. The number of troops Li Zicheng allowed Zhang Dongtao to dispatch was three

One hundred thousand people, that is to say, Zhang Dongtao can command 300,000 people to attack Kaifeng Fucheng.

The amount of water in the Yellow River is not very large in winter, but it is enough to flood the city of Kaifeng.

After accepting the order, Zhang Dongtao did not take any action for the time being. Li Yan, who assisted him in commanding the battle, was somewhat active. He came to ask for instructions every day and proposed many strategies for attacking Kaifeng Fucheng.

Zhang Dongtao is waiting. The secret letter has been sent out for several days. According to the calculation of the time, he will get a reply.

Zhang Dongtao will not act rashly. On such a major matter, he must obey Wu Zongrui's orders.

"Deputy General Zhang, King Chuang sent me to take a look. It has been four days and Deputy General Zhang has not taken any action. King Chuang wants to know what Deputy General Zhang is thinking..."

When Zhang Guoxin walked into the Chinese military tent, his expression was a little solemn.

Li Zicheng sent Zhang Guoxin to supervise the battle, which reassured Zhang Dongtao. If it were Niu Jinxing or Song Xiance who came to supervise the battle, Zhang Dongtao would be even more anxious.

"Zhang Guoxin, sit down and talk."

Zhang Dongtao waved his hand, and several soldiers from the military tent went out.

When the soldiers left the Chinese military tent, Zhang Dongtao blinked at Zhang Guoxin.

"Zhang Guoxin, please report to King Chuang. General Li Yan and I are planning how to attack Kaifeng Fucheng. Once we make a decision, we will report to King Chuang immediately..."

Zhang Guoxin stood up early, walked to Zhang Dongtao, took out a letter from his arms and handed it to Zhang Dongtao.

"Deputy General Zhang, King Chuang has said that if you make a decision, you can attack Kaifeng Fucheng without any worries. No matter what decision you make, King Chuang will support you."

...

In less than five minutes, Zhang Dongtao and Zhang Guoxin walked out of the Chinese military tent side by side.

Many soldiers immediately followed behind them, about ten meters away from Zhang Dongtao and Zhang Guoxin.

"Brother, you should pay more attention. Li Zicheng is a little dissatisfied with you. Niu Jinxing and Song Xiance have noticed it a long time ago. They are fanning the wind around King Chuang and lighting up the willows. They must be thinking of replacing you and getting more of King Chuang.

Trust me, I have wanted to remind you several times, but I couldn’t find the opportunity. The letter just now is a letter from your lord, and I have not opened it..."

Zhang Dongtao was most concerned about this letter. As for whether Li Zicheng was satisfied, it was not his main consideration.

Seeing Zhang Dongtao's expressionless face, Zhang Guoxin was a little anxious.

"Brother, Li Zicheng's mind has changed a long time ago. Several times I heard Niu Jinxing teasing Li Zicheng to make himself king. Li Zicheng was actually tempted, but you didn't notice this and never mentioned it in front of Li Zicheng.

, I think Li Zicheng must be dissatisfied in this aspect."

"Brother, you and I are hiding in the rebel army in accordance with your request. I think your Majesty will definitely give you and me important responsibilities. If you and I cannot be trusted by Li Zicheng, but are instead doubted and excluded by Li Zicheng, then how can we do anything for you?

Adults do things."

Zhang Dongtao looked at Zhang Guoxin and finally spoke.

"Zhang Guoxin, I understand what you said. I think your Lordship will issue an order soon. As for Li Zicheng and I, I think it is best to maintain the status quo. I will not get too close or flatter.

Li Zicheng knows my temper, and if I suddenly change, I will be looked down upon by Li Zicheng."

"When you are around Li Zicheng, you must pay special attention. If Li Zicheng is dissatisfied with me, it will definitely affect you. Therefore, it is best for you and me to maintain the original attitude. Niu Jinxing is a scholar, with a flexible mind and many clever ideas.

You must remember to have as little contact with Niu Jinxing and Song Xiance as possible. This is not my suggestion, but a reminder from adults."

"In the recent period, if you have any news to tell me, think of other ways and try to come to me as little as possible, so as not to arouse more ideas from Li Zicheng."

Zhang Guoxin's expression changed slightly and he turned to look at Zhang Dongtao.

"No way. You and I have been by Li Zicheng's side for so many years. Will Li Zicheng still doubt you?"

Zhang Dongtao smiled coldly.

"Why not, people will change. Li Zicheng's thoughts are very different from before. Haven't you noticed that Li Zicheng is very dissatisfied with Luo Rucai? The last time, the Lord said in the letter, sooner or later Li Zicheng will not be able to

To accommodate Luo Rucai, I didn't believe it at the time, but now it seems that your prediction is accurate."

"What Li Zicheng needs most if he wants to dominate the world is absolute obedience from his subordinates. It is not difficult for you and me to do this, and Li Zicheng will not particularly doubt us. If we cannot do this, Li Zicheng will at best

You and I have pushed aside, but Luo Rucai is different. Among the rebels, Li Zicheng is the leader, and Luo Rucai is also the leader. One mountain cannot accommodate two tigers. When Li Zicheng really decides to become king, will Luo Rucai still have a foothold?

"

Zhang Guoxin's body trembled slightly.

"Brother, I really didn't expect this. Do you think Li Zicheng plans to become king when?"

"I see quickly. If the rebels take Kaifeng Fucheng, they will immediately attack Xi'an Fucheng. I think before attacking Kaifeng Fucheng, Li Zicheng is likely to become king. By that time, many of the situations analyzed by your Excellency will be revealed one by one.

Appear."

Regarding the time when Li Zicheng became king, Zhang Guoxin had no doubts.

"Brother, can you capture Kaifeng City?"

Zhang Dongtao sighed and spoke helplessly.

"If I could capture Kaifeng Fucheng, I would still wait until now. Li Yan has been busy these days and put forward many suggestions. However, after our discussion, we rejected them one by one. I have reported everything here to

My lord, the letter you just brought to me must be your decision."

Zhang Guoxin's eyes brightened a little.

"Brother, I am also waiting for your order. Li Zicheng is about to become king. I believe you will have an order. You and I have been by Li Zicheng's side for so many years. I have been thinking about leaving and returning to Denglai's new army.

Such days are really difficult, I dare not say anything or do anything..."

Zhang Dongtao waved his hand and turned to look behind him.

"Zhang Guoxin, please don't reveal such emotions. You and I have endured it for so many years. We must not deviate at a critical moment. I think you will have arrangements."

...

Seeing Zhang Guoxin walking towards Li Zicheng's barracks, Zhang Dongtao shook his head, turned around and walked back.

In fact, Zhang Dongtao is also anxious. He has been with Li Zicheng for so many years. It is impossible to say that there is no affection between the two. However, after Li Zicheng had the ambition to dominate the world, the two gradually became alienated.

This invisible alienation allowed Zhang Dongtao to slowly calm down and allowed him to adjust his emotions in a timely manner.

The Lord's letter mentioned the great changes in the world several times. If it hadn't been for the Lord's reminder, Zhang Dongtao next to Li Zicheng would have been difficult to notice. Now Zhang Dongtao fully understands that the so-called great changes are the moment when Li Zicheng becomes king.

It was the moment when the rebel army gradually grew stronger and began to attack the city on a large scale.

As he walked quickly towards the barracks, Zhang Dongtao was still deep in thought. He felt a little uneasy in his heart. He didn't know what the order in this letter from the Lord was.

Back in the barracks, Zhang Dongtao told the soldiers that no one was allowed to disturb him and that he had to think carefully.

Two personal soldiers were guarding the door of the barracks. Zhang Dongtao was still worried. He put his ear to the door of the barracks and listened carefully to see if there was any other movement outside. Only after he was sure that there was no movement outside, Zhang Dongtao took something out of his arms.

I took out the letter and looked at it carefully.

About a quarter of an hour later, Zhang Dongtao, whose expression changed slightly, raised his head and let out a long breath.
Chapter completed!