: Give candy in person and make a stick behind your back

Northern Zhili, capital, Forbidden City, and Western Warm Pavilion.

If it were in the past, on New Year's Eve, the Forbidden City should be very quiet and peaceful. All the palace lanterns should have been lit up to decorate the festive atmosphere. Emperor Chongzhen's concubines should have dressed up and come to congratulate Chongzhen and congratulate the New Year. Everyone in the palace should have been happy and full of smiles in these days. Unfortunately, all of this disappeared completely with the arrival of the Tartars.

On the afternoon of New Year's Eve, Emperor Chongzhen once again summoned the core backbones of the court to discuss the situation. It was slightly different from the last time. Gao Qiqian, Wang Kun, Yang Sichang and others were not there, and they all went back to their own troops. One more person was Luo Yangxing, the commander of the Jinyiwei. Because the situation outside was not very good, everyone was in a heavy mood.

Tonight is New Year's Eve, a day for family and young to reunite. All the ministers present have great families and great careers. Every year, they have to be divided into two or three tables. But when they think of the Tartars who are eyeing outside the city, how many people can open their hearts to celebrate the New Year? Emperor Chongzhen obviously has no intention of celebrating the New Year, and they are the same.

"I have received a good news..."

Emperor Chongzhen said slowly with a strange look.

Good news?

Memorial to report success?

All the ministers' eyes lit up slightly.

Where did the memorials be sent? The memorials were sent at this time were really raining! The court really needed a memorial to boost morale. Now the entire capital is in deep depression and horror. The people are living like years and are in panic all day long. This is the third time the Tartars have come to kill, and the court is still powerless, which has to make ordinary people lose confidence in the court.

"Start read."

Emperor Chongzhen said expressionlessly.

"This is a good news sent by Zhang Zhun..."

Luo Yangxing, commander of the Jinyiwei, said with an expressionless face.

"ah?"

"Zhang Zhun?"

"Good news from the Tiger Army?"

When they heard the word Zhang Zhun, the ministers below were like children from kindergarten, and couldn't help but exclaim. Of course, they were familiar with the name Zhang Zhun. Last time they were in the Western Warehouse, everyone discussed Zhang Zhun enthusiastically and remembered it freshly. But later, the negotiations between Zhang Zhun and Shi Kefa broke down, and the court no longer mentioned Zhang Zhun's name.

No wonder Emperor Chongzhen looked so strange after receiving the good news. It turned out to be the information sent by Zhang Zhun! Why was it not someone else but Zhang Zhun? The ministers present all thought it was very absurd. Why was only Zhang Zhun who had the good news? What were Wang Kun, Gao Qiqian, Yang Sichang and others doing? Why didn’t they deliver the good news?

After the victory of the battle at Dongjiabao, Zhang Zhun asked Mo Yu to write a good news, and sent Li Zhaohui to the capital with a small team of Hu Ben cavalry, and respectfully delivered the good news. As a result, due to the special identity of the Hu Ben Army, after the good news entered the capital, it was controlled by the Jinyiwei and then directly to Emperor Chongzhen. The ministers below didn't know it. No wonder they were suspicious, why did Zhang Zhun suddenly deliver the good news?

In fact, Zhang Zhun didn't think much about it, just wanted to win the battle. To let the people of the world know, the people in the capital should also know. According to Mo Yu, the people in the capital had a difficult life, and many people would die of freezing to death every night. All of this was caused by the Tartars. Since the Hu Ben Army won the battle, they should also make these refugees happy. So they delivered the victory.

In any case, Zhang Zhun is still the title of Grand Commander of the Ming Dynasty's Later Army Governor's Office, right? Nominally, Chongzhen is still his big boss. Although he has been taking on his own profits and losses for many years, he has had unpleasant experiences with the big boss because of some problems. However, the big boss is the big boss, and if you have happy things, you should share them... Of course, you can also think that Zhang Zhun deliberately disgusted Chongzhen.

In fact, when Chongzhen saw the good news sent by Zhang Zhun, he was really amused and felt very depressed in his heart. Fortunately, this good news was delivered directly through the Jinyiwei channel, and no one else knew it. Otherwise, after the city was full of storms, he would be even more depressed. To be honest, the court really needs a good news to boost morale now. The problem is... this is the good news sent by Zhang Zhun!

He could not understand why his army was almost made of tofu in front of the Tartars, and was completely unstoppable. The Ming army of tens of thousands was defeated in the face of thousands of Tartars, which was terrible. The brutal Tartars seemed to have become tofu when they met the Tiger Ben Army, and they could not withstand the attack of the Tiger Ben Army at all.

Chongzhen absolutely did not doubt the number of enemies annihilated on the good news. It was said that it was the 2,400 corpses of Tartars, which were the 2,400 corpses of Tartars. Last time, Zhang Zhun killed 4,000 corpses in one breath in Huang County, but now it is more than 2,000. In addition, the Tartars killed by the Hu Ben Army in other places may have tens of thousands of Tartars died at Zhang Zhun's hands. In the past eight or nine years, all the Tartars killed by the Ming army may not be as much as the fraction of this number.

“…Long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live long live

Luo Yangxing read the good news, and every minister in the Western Warehouse had different expressions.

The chief assistant Wen Tiren's face was dark, and I don't know what he was thinking about. The other ministers and ministers were mixed emotions. The meaning of the good news sent by Zhang Zhun is very rich! Why did he send good news? What purpose did he want to achieve through this good news? Because Zhang Zhun's identity as a traitor made them have to think about the bad things as much as possible.

Only Qiao Yunsheng, the Minister of Justice, felt that his choice was in a good mood and felt that his choice was absolutely correct. Only by following the Hu Ben Army can you have a future. The Hu Ben Army is powerful! He doesn’t act as a Tartar at all, and he will beat him up if he wants to. Last time it was more than 4,000, and this time it was more than 2,000. The Tartars were like mud in front of the Hu Ben Army. No wonder even Zhang Shenyan went to attack Zhang Zhun.

It seems that I also want to formally say hello to Zhang Shenyan and Gao Hongtu quietly, find a suitable opportunity, and immediately join the Hu Ben Army. Every day, Qiao Yunsheng felt depressed when he saw these guys in the court who were in trouble. The court was becoming more and more depraved and hopeless. No one was doing things, they were just stumbled. Except for trying hard to make money, anything else could be ignored. Even Yang Yipeng had been stumbled recently.

In fact, Yang Yipeng was also full of grievances. Of course he didn't want to live a life. However, the problem was that Wen Tiren wanted to wear small shoes for him. At this critical moment, if he left the capital, he could not explain it to Chongzhen in person. Wen Tiren's small shoes would come down immediately. He didn't expect to come to the end and be framed by Wen Tiren and killed in prison.

When Chongzhen saw that no one was talking, he couldn't help but get angry and frowned and said, "Tell me, what's going on? The imperial army ran very fast when they saw the Tartars, and they only regretted that their parents had fewer legs! Now when the Tartars saw the Tiger Army, they also ran very fast! They were all humans, why is the difference so big?"

Everyone didn't speak. This question was too profound and no one could answer. Wen Tiren was the chief assistant and had to speak, so he had to say tactfully: "Emperor, the Hu Ben Army has sufficient military salary and is well-trained, and the soldiers use their lives to unite and move forward bravely... On the contrary, our money and food are slightly insufficient..."

What Chongzhen hated the most was the words "money and grain". Every time someone mentioned the words "money and grain", he felt that he was accusing himself of his incompetence. When he became the emperor, he actually made the treasury and the treasury so empty, and he was unable to make ends meet. Isn't it because of incompetence? Chongzhen directly interrupted Wen Tiren's speech and said fiercely: "How many people are there in the Hu Ben Army? At most 20,000 to 30,000 people! Ministry of War, can we also consider abolition of troops, leaving only 30,000 to 40,000 people, and adding all the money and food to the soldiers? Also, there is enough food and money, and the soldiers will use their lives?"

Zhang Fengyi was immediately anxious and cursed Wen Tiren in his heart. The army has been cut off, how can you drink the blood of soldiers? Among the people who drink the blood of soldiers, there is also one of your assistants. Your assistant still has the largest piece of money! Aren’t you shooting yourself in the foot by yourself? Unfortunately, he couldn’t blame the assistant for talking nonsense, so he had to tell the difference: “Don’t calm down. Now the number of troops has decreased to the limit. If it continues to decrease, I’m afraid it will change…”

Chongzhen was angry and came to fight. Before the other party finished speaking, he cursed angrily: "Extreme? Do you think of the limit? Extreme... 200,000 to 300,000 people can't beat the Tartars. The Tiger Army defeated the Tartars with 20,000 or 30,000 people, and there is still a limit to the limit!"

In anger, he wanted to curse swear words. Fortunately, he finally swallowed them back. Don’t think that the emperor would not swear. The eunuchs around the emperor were all mixed up from the bottom. What kind of swear words can’t be? The emperor would inevitably learn it when he gets along with them all day long. It’s just that due to the emperor’s identity, he dare not curse himself in public. In private, Chongzhen would also curse swear.

Liang Tingdong hurriedly said, "Emperor, what the Hu Ben Army faces is only part of the Tartars. The good news said it was the Tartars' Zhenghong Banner. As far as the empress knows, the Tartars' Zhenghong Banner is the weakest and has the least number of people. It is not surprising that the Hu Ben Army gathers 20,000 to 30,000 elite troops and defeats the weakest part of the Tartars. Even if the elite troops of our army are replaced, we can still win!"

This is a typical concept of distortion. The Hu Ben Army concentrated all the elite forces to beat the weakest part of the Tartars. It seems that it is natural and nothing extraordinary. The reason why the Ming army could not win was that they faced the strongest part of the Tartars every time, so they naturally could not win. Chongzhen did not react for a while, and his face calmed down a little.

Zhang Fengyi hurriedly said, "It is. The banner owner of Zhenghong Banner Ajige and Dorgon and Dodo are brothers. Since Dorgon and Dodo were besieged, Ajige was also secretly used methods by Huang Taiji, which weakened the actual combat effectiveness of many Niulu. If Zhenghong Banner now meets our army, our army will concentrate 20,000 to 30,000 elite troops and can also defeat the other party."

It would be fine if he didn't say it, but when he said it, it made Chongzhen even more angry. Why? Because Zhang Fengyi mentioned Dorgon and Duoduo. It would be fine if he didn't mention it. When he mentioned it, it reminded Chongzhen that in Shandong, Zhang Zhun also encircled two slave chiefs. In other words, Zhang Zhun had already dealt with three slave chiefs. Three slave chiefs! What does that mean? In the history of the Ming Dynasty, the only slave chief killed was the wild boar Pi Nurhaci, which was Yuan Chonghuan's credit.

Since Yuan Chonghuan, the Ming army has never had any record that can be achieved. It’s a pity that hundreds of thousands of Ming troops have worked hard for more than ten years and not even a slave chief was captured. As soon as the Hu Ben Army took action, they captured two slave chiefs... Even though Chongzhen was very thick-skinned, he couldn’t resist his face and enthusiasm. Why is the gap between people so big?

Fu Zonglong, Minister of Works, hurriedly said: "Emperor, Brigadier General Zhang has sent him a report, perhaps because he wants to seek some benefits from the court. Perhaps, this person has signs of changing his mind. The minister dared to speculate whether Zhang Zhun wants to join the court again?"

Chongzhen was about to get angry, but after hearing Fu Zonglong's words, his face immediately calmed down. Zhang Zhun changed his mind? That would definitely be a good thing! If he could be a noble lady in the court, it would be a great thing! Who wouldn't like such a brave general?

The chief assistant Wen Tiren said that he was beneficial to both sides. The first is the eyes, and the second is the quick brain. He immediately noticed Chongzhen's joy, understood Fu Zonglong's words, moved Chongzhen, and hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, I also think that Zhang Zhun may want to have a good relationship with the court."

Liu Zongzhou, the Minister of Works, frowned and said, "I don't think so, it's probably Zhang Ni's tricks."

Yang Yipeng, the governor of the canal transportation and the governor of Fengyang, also said: "Zhang Ni just sent good news. How can he see his change in his position? Have you forgotten the lessons he had learned before?"

Fu Zonglong just wanted to please Emperor Chongzhen, so he released a senior official from the Minister of Works and immediately retorted: "The last time the Huangxian victory was great, Zhang Zhun did not take the initiative to send good news? This time he took the initiative to send good news, isn't it a change?"

This is the truth. Last time the Huangxian victory, Zhang Zhun did not say a word to the court, as if the court did not exist. Even Shi Kefa took the initiative to regain the heads of the Tartars. If it were someone else, he would not be ecstatic to get so many Tartars' heads. He was so happy that he took the initiative to send good news to the capital! After Zhang Zhun won the battle this time, he took the initiative to deliver good news, and it seemed that he had indeed made a lot of progress.

Qiao Yunsheng made up his mind to speak for Zhang Zhun, and then he interrupted and said, "Last time, Zhang Ni did not send a good news or a head. This time, he sent the good news. Perhaps it is still unknown if the head is sent in the next few days. The Weichen believes that Zhang Ni is throwing an olive branch to the court, and we should discuss it carefully. After all, the Tartars are in great power, and it is of course best to use Zhang Ni's power to force the Tartars to retreat and defend the capital."

Liu Zongzhou believed that he had seen through Zhang Zhun's essence and frowned and said, "Ji Fu's words are not bad. The country is easy to change, but his nature is difficult to change. I feel that Zhang Zhun will definitely not surrender to the court. Judging from the equal-field order issued by the Gang Dynasty, the ambition of this rebellion is definitely not small, and the harm is far above Gao Yingxiang and others. This time, he sent good news, which must have ulterior motives."

Qiao Yunsheng frowned and said, "Qidong means to reject Zhang Zhun's kindness? Well, Qidong tells you, what can you do to deal with Zhang Zhun? Just saying that you don't practice fake moves, that won't work!"

Of course, Liu Zongzhou had no way to deal with Zhang Zhun. He was not in charge of military affairs, but insisted: "I firmly believe that Zhang Ni's kindness must have an ulterior motive."

Qiao Yunsheng said without any concealment: "Liu Qidong, you are a blind eye and you are not seeing Mount Tai. People will change. Perhaps Zhang Zhun has changed his past position now. This is a very rare opportunity. The court must make a decision quickly. The opportunity must not be missed, and no more mistakes will come!"

Liu Zongzhou was about to refute, but Wen Tiren had already glared at the two of them impatiently and said in a deep voice: "Quiet! Please ask the Emperor for the Holy Prison!"

Qiao Yunsheng and Liu Zongzhou shut up in disappointment.

Chongzhen's heart was actually a bit over and over. Wen Tiren asked him to sage, but he couldn't make a decision at all. Of course, he hoped that Zhang Zhun would be sincerely attached. Everyone envied the combat power of the Hu Ben Army. The question is, is Zhang Zhun sincere? Is he sincere? The court has comforted Zhang Zhun many times, but it ended without any joy every time.

Chongzhen was in a dilemma and wanted to make more time to carefully measure and then make a decision. Suddenly, he saw someone not talking, so he casually said: "What are the suggestions of the Ministry of Revenue?"

Hou Xun, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, kept silent. He heard this and said slowly: "The Ministry of Revenue Taicang silver is only 300,000 taels..."

Chongzhen waved his hand and told Hou Xun not to say anything, it was money and grain... Will it die if you don't say money and grain? I want you to give advice on how to deal with Zhang Zhun, instead of having a dead face all day long, saying that the treasury is empty and there is no money and grain on your hands. Which emperor would like to listen to this all day long?

If Chongzhen had just waved his hand before, Hou Xun would shut up immediately. But this time, it was a bit abnormal. Hou Xun actually continued: "...I believe that even if Zhang Zhun only surrendered temporarily, the court should accept it. The sooner the war ends, the better. Otherwise, the more money and food the court needs to consume. Liu Qidong, fighting war requires money and food. Fighting Tartars requires money and food, and fighting Zhang Zhun requires money and food, so that Zhang Zhun can fight Tartars without money and food."

Liu Zongzhou's face suddenly turned red. He wanted to say something, but it was hard to say. His knowledge and reputation were indeed good, and most people dare not blame him. However, Hou Xun was much older than him and his official position was higher than him. He was a veritable senior among the seniors. After being scolded by Hou Xun, he could not refute it.

Chongzhen's eyes lit up slightly, and the originally entangled idea was instantly opened up by Hou Xun. One thousand words and ten thousand are still a matter of money and food. That's right, fighting the Tartars requires money and food, and fighting Zhang Zhu also requires money and food, but asking Zhang Zhu to fight the Tartars does not require money and food. What reason does the court have to refuse such a good thing?

After pondering for a moment, Chongzhen said decisively: "The Ministry of Revenue is reasonable, and I decided to accept Zhang Zhun's surrender."

The emperor had a golden word and said, since Chongzhen had spoken, the others certainly had no objection. The next key was how to drive Zhang Zhun to fight the Tartars. You can think of it with your heels. Without enough benefits, Zhang Zhun would never go out. He was definitely a guy who could not get up early without profit. But what exactly could the court impress Zhang Zhun?

Chongzhen's eyes were shining and he said with relief: "I have decided to send someone to Dongjiabao to work troops. Which Qing family is willing to go?"

Everyone looked at me, and I looked at you, but didn't say anything. Just kidding! Go and work on Zhang Zhun! There are definitely no benefits, and maybe I can't even keep my head. That bastard Zhang Zhun is said to have killed people without blinking. Several of the murderous "Anti-Test" present were all on the list. I sent it to my door, thinking that I didn't die fast enough?

Seeing that no one responded, Qiao Yunsheng took the initiative to stand up and said loudly: "Your Majesty, I am willing to go."

Chongzhen looked at Qiao Yunsheng with satisfaction, nodded in appreciation, and said happily: "It's great! I'll bother Qiao Aiqing!"

Qiao Yunsheng said, "I dare to ask, what kind of military force the emperor is going to use?"

Chongzhen was silent immediately.

Yes, the military is a reward for the army, as the name suggests, and it is not OK to have any gifts in hand! The problem is that the court is unwilling to pay or feed. However, without any gifts at all, is that a military force? If a mistake is correct, the trouble will be great. Even if it is a nominal or verbal gift, it is necessary.

Qiao Yunsheng said in a temptation: "Your Majesty, with Zhang Zhun's military achievements, you can be awarded the title..."

Chongzhen frowned, pondering without saying anything.

Granting Zhang Zhun's title is not a problem. Granting him a count is completely reasonable. The problem is that he has just won the title, and Zhang Zhun immediately rebels. Wouldn't he be a joke about the majesty of the court? Emperor Chongzhen felt that his face was not as cheap as that.

Liu Zongzhou immediately objected and said with a cautious expression: "The emperor thought twice, titles are a weapon of the country and cannot be easily taught."

Qiao Yunsheng said tentatively: "Then... let Zhang Zhun be in charge of Shandong military affairs?"

Liu Zongzhou immediately said: "Oppose!"

Qiao Yunsheng turned around and looked at Liu Zongzhou, and said angrily: "Liu Qidong, are you asking me to go to work for the army empty-handed? Do you want the court's face? Do you think you have any good suggestions?"

Liu Zongzhou only knew how to oppose it, but he had no good suggestions. He only knew that Zhang Zhun was very harmful and he must not get any substantial benefits from it. Give Zhang Zhun the title of title, that is, everyone in the world recognizes Zhang Zhun's status. It is even more amazing to be in charge of Shandong military affairs. Zhang Zhun is currently in control of the two prefectures, and it is already so great. If he controls a province, wouldn't he have to fly to the sky?

Qiao Yunsheng said angrily: "Your Majesty, I suggest that Liu Qidong be sent to the army!"

Liu Zongzhou was speechless.

Wen Tiren was secretly amused, and a trace of contemptuous smile appeared on the corner of her mouth.

Chongzhen discovered it and immediately said, "Wen Aiqing?"

Wen Tiren hurriedly said: "Weichen believes that it is better to let Zhang Zhun be in charge of Shandong military affairs for the time being, and it is not clear."

Qiao Yunsheng said curiously: "What does it mean to be secretive?"

Wen Tiren said casually: "Temporarily transfer Zhu Dadian to another place, but his position will not be removed, so that Zhang Zhun will also be in charge of Shandong military affairs."
To be continued...