Chapter 623 It's time to deal with Dorgon

Zhang Zhun and Mo Yu returned to the meeting hall and saw that Qiao Yunsheng, the Minister of Justice, had already been waiting here. The Minister of Justice, looked very thin. After taking off his official hat, he would find that most of his hair had been taken off and became a veritable Mediterranean. There was no way, his life in the court had been difficult. He was exhausted and lived like years, so he naturally became thinner. The second year of Chongzhen's prison also left a lot of impact on his body.

Because he had learned from Zhang Shenyan and Gao Hongtu that Qiao Yunsheng had the intention to surrender to the Hu Ben Army, Zhang Zhun was very enthusiastic about Qiao Yunsheng. Zhang Shenyan and Gao Hongtu were both very cautious people. Since both of them had found out that Qiao Yunsheng's desire to surrender to the Hu Ben Army was already very strong. Qiao Yunsheng was proficient in the law, could enforce the law impartially, and was serious. Zhang Zhun naturally wanted such a talent.

When Qiao Yunsheng saw Zhang Zhun appear, he saluted in a regular manner and said calmly: "Governor, the lower-ranking official Qiao Yunsheng, hereby the emperor's order, came to work hard. I am very grateful for being kindly entertained by the Governor."

When he arrived, although Zhang Zhun was not there, Mo Yu warmly received him. The followers brought by Qiao Yunsheng were also well cared for. This was all told early in the morning. However, in Qiao Yunsheng's view, it is also very important that he can get Zhang Zhun's attention. He really hopes that after coming to the Hu Ben Army, he can still use his remaining energy and continue to do a career.

Zhang Zhun said with a smile: "Mr. Qiao has come from afar. Thank you for your hard work, please sit down."

The two of them sat down separately.

Qiao Yunsheng subconsciously looked at Mo Yu.

Zhang Zhun said with a smile: "Mr. Qiao, there are no outsiders here, please feel free to speak."

Qiao Yunsheng whispered: "Governor, the lower magistrate came with the court's resolution."

Zhang Zhun said slowly: "Why is there no edict?"

Qiao Yunsheng said meaningfully: "The court must keep secret but not proclaimed, so there is no edict."

Zhang Zhun asked in confusion: "What does it mean to be secret but not to be clear."

Qiao Yunsheng's expression remained unchanged. He pointed to the sky and then to the ground, and slowly said, "Only the heaven knows, the earth knows, you know, and I know. In the court, only the core ministers know. The four words "secret" and "disclosure" were proposed by the Chief Minister."

In a few simple sentences, there was too much information revealed. Zhang Zhun slowly pondered for a moment and said slowly: "What Lord Qiao means is that some people are going to regret it in the future?"

Qiao Yunsheng did not give a positive answer, but nodded gently.

Zhang Zhun smiled slightly, shook his head subconsciously, as if he was a little regretful, and contemptuous, and said disapprovingly: "Hold in a high position, mastering the country's weapon, and playing some shameful tricks all day long! The situation is so small, how can you take on the world?"

Qiao Yunsheng did not answer the conversation, but nodded slightly in agreement.

In fact, in the Xihun Pavilion that day, Qiao Yunsheng felt that the court was indeed petty. As the king of a country, as the head of the ministers and as the core figures of each department, it was indeed not very glorious to propose such a plan. Perhaps it would be effective in the short term, but in the long run, it would be very harmful to the prestige of the court. It is very difficult to establish prestige, but it is very easy to destroy it.

The court is now in a turmoil and troublesome situation. The two Tartars invaded the court, which made the court lose face and its prestige among the people almost disappear. It is basically impossible for the court to gain support from the people. The only thing the court can rely on is bureaucrats at all levels, landlords from various places, and the remaining ones are those old military leaders.

It seems like Zhang Zhun, but it should actually be counted in the old army. Those with military power in their hands should be the targets of the imperial court. In order to fight against the Tartars, even the chasing of Gao Yingxiang, Li Zicheng, Zhang Xianzhong and others is not impossible. Why do they fail every time the chasing of the imperial court fails? Are they worried that the court will not have enough sincerity, so they give candy first and then hit a slap?

Now the court uses this method to deal with Zhang Zhun. In the future, others will know that they will only be more disgusted with the court and there is no possibility of pacifying them. In this way, all unrest will be resolved by military struggle. With the current finances of the court, how long can it last? Even if Qiao Yunsheng is not the Minister of Revenue, he knows that the situation will continue to be delayed, and the court itself will be dragged to death in the first place.

It was precisely because of this consideration that Qiao Yunsheng was eager to surrender to the Hu Ben Army. He did not want to be buried with the people in the court for a corrupt dynasty. He hated the corruption in the court too much. If he could fully clean up corruption, he would definitely send more than 90% of the court officials to the guillotine. If the court did not completely change blood, the Ming Kingdom would definitely be helpless.

After sarcasm, Zhang Zhun said casually: "A person who is so stingy must not be too generous in his resolution. Lord Qiao, please tell me what resolution the imperial court has?"

Qiao Yunsheng said slowly: "The court has a resolution to grant the Lord Pingdu Bo and also in charge of Shandong military affairs. The Shandong Governor is still served by Zhu Dadian, and temporarily lives in Daming Prefecture to launch local military and civilian organizations to fight."

After hearing this, Zhang Zhun did not react in particular, but slowly fell into deep thought. Qiao Yunsheng's words also leaked a lot of information. Especially since he was in charge of Shandong military affairs, Zhu Dadian did not take office or transferred externally. He just "temporarily lived" in Daming Mansion, which had a very rich meaning. After a while, Zhang Zhun said lightly: "The court is going to deal with me after repelling the Tartars?"

Qiao Yunsheng was slightly stunned.

How come Zhang Zhun actually knew about this confidential news?

Qiao Yunsheng thought about it, but couldn't think of who in the West Nuan Pavilion at that time and who leaked the secret first. But after thinking about it, it seemed that no one seemed to leak the secret? He originally thought that this secret was a big gift he presented to Zhang Zhun, but he didn't expect that Zhang Zhun had known it long ago. He had to secretly sigh in his heart that the Hu Ben Army was powerful. Zhang Zhun knew the resolution just now.

In fact, he misunderstood. Zhang Zhun did not get the news directly. He just imagined the actions of the court at the worst possible, and then inferred the plans of the court based on the actions of the court. This is a very basic reverse retort technique, which is exactly what Zhang Zhun is good at. In fact, the actions of the court are really impossible to hide. For example, Wu Sangui's actions are very strange. Anomaly is a monster, and Zhang Zhun must be vigilant.

Now, the court actually made the decision that Zhu Dadian would not leave his post and just temporarily resided in Daming Prefecture. It was obviously planned to immediately turn against others after defeating the Tartars. Once the army of the court was in place, Zhu Dadian, the governor, would end his "temporary residence" life and return to Jinan Prefecture in a swagger. With the appearance of Zhu Dadian, all the agreements reached by the court and Zhang Zhun will be invalidated. It was indeed a good plan. I just thought it too naively.

Qiao Yunsheng said tentatively: "Sir, in the court..."

Zhang Zhun smiled slightly, looked quite mysterious, and said slowly: "Mr. Qiao, you have accepted the title of Pingdubo. However, he is also in charge of Shandong military affairs. He is powerless for the time being. Please take back the imperial court."

Qiao Yunsheng said in confusion: "Isn't this a good opportunity to control Shandong?"

Zhang Zhun shook his head and said meaningfully: "Mr. Qiao doesn't know that the court is planning to put me on the fire and roast me!"

If the court had asked Zhang Zhun to take charge of Shandong military affairs a month ago, Zhang Zhun would definitely be very happy to accept it. Because he had enough time to establish a complete defense system in the three prefectures in eastern and western Shandong. According to Zhang Zhun's plan, it would be fine to use a battalion of Hu Ben Army as the backbone and the mobilized people to defend a large city. The Tatars' ability to attack has always been weaker than field combat capabilities. But now, time is too hasty.

Today is the first day of the Chinese New Year, and it is only ten days before Huang Taiji goes south. During these ten days, Zhang Zhun's plan is simply impossible to complete. Moreover, most of the people in various towns have retreated. In other words, with the current strength of the Hu Ben Army, it is impossible to stop the Tatars' comprehensive southward advance and the Tatars' attack on the eastern and western parts of Shandong.

To fully defend the eastern and western Shandong, at least deploy troops in five towns including Dezhou, Linqing, Liaocheng, Jinan, Qingzhou, etc. The Hu Ben Army does not have so many troops now. There is not enough time to mobilize the masses. It is too dangerous to rely on a battalion of Hu Ben Army alone and can't support it alone. If he takes over Shandong's military affairs now, he is likely to be defeated by the Tartars and suffer major losses.

Instead of being hasty and being beaten by the Tartars as if they were sieves, it would be better to retreat and be second best. As long as you keep Qingzhou Prefecture. The three prefectures facing east and west of Shandong can only give up temporarily. Anyway, all suffering is caused by the deployment of the court, and he can't help it. It's not that Zhang Zhun is selfish and does not care about the life and death of the other three prefectures. He is really self-aware, will not be too ambitious, and overestimate his abilities.

In fact, to be serious, the Hu Ben Army and the Tartars are the same. The most important thing is the amount of vitality, not the size of the territory. As long as there is enough vitality, the territory will be its own sooner or later. On the contrary, if the vitality is constantly annihilated, even if the territory controlled by the territory is large, it will eventually be a beautiful gift to others. Chang Kaishen did not understand this point, and just wanted to occupy the territory desperately, thinking that if the territory expanded, he would win. As a result, he finally drew circles on the island.

If Zhang Zhun was like Chang Kaishen, he could not wait to spread out all the few troops of the Hu Ben Army, and he would give the Tartars a chance to defeat them one by one. Once the troops were annihilated in an integral manner, the attack on the Hu Ben Army would be too great. Moreover, the loss of a large number of weapons and equipment would greatly enhance the Tartars' combat effectiveness. This is absolutely not allowed. Therefore, Zhang Zhun decisively kicked the ball back.

Since Zhang Zhun insisted on not being in charge of Shandong's military affairs, Qiao Yunsheng had to agree. Next, it was naturally a question about the head of the Tatars. This time the court appointed Qiao Yunsheng to work hard on the army, and what he brought was only verbal rewards, but what he brought back was real. Not only did the head of the Tatars have to be brought back to the capital, but some of the tatars' spoils, such as swords, guns, swords, halberds, leather jackets, leather hats, etc., also wanted to get some back.

Zhang Zhun said affirmatively: "I will send someone to the capital at the head, please rest assured by the court. I will also hand over all the spoils and will never intercept them. However, I also request the court to distribute 100,000 kilograms of gunpowder in case of another battle."

Since the court was planning a conspiracy to deal with him, Zhang Zhun knew that in front of the court, he was becoming more and more obedient. Didn’t you want the Tartars’ spoils? All of them are for you. Anyway, they are all outdated weapons, and it’s useless to come to the Hu Ben Army. But black gunpowder is a good thing, and the more Hu Ben Army, the better.

Seeing Zhang Zhun's generosity, Qiao Yunsheng couldn't help but stand up for Zhang Zhun and said slowly: "Then... should the governor win some rewards appropriately? 100,000 kilograms of gunpowder are not very cost-effective compared to so many Tartar heads!"

This is what is called the problem of the butt determining the head. Qiao Yunsheng made up his mind to surrender to the Hu Ben Army. When he thought about it, he started from the perspective of the Hu Ben Army. The head of the Tartars was sent up, and public rewards were definitely indispensable. However, public rewards were not enough, and some other substantial rewards were required. One hundred thousand kilograms of gunpowder were really not much, and it was a loss.

Zhang Zhun smiled slightly and said calmly: "It depends on what reward Mr. Qiao can win for me. I really don't know what valuable things are in the hands of the court."

Qiao Yunsheng's face slightly shook, and he understood that Zhang Zhun was giving himself a small test. Once the test was passed, he could come to the territory of the Hu Ben Army as he wished. If he failed, Zhang Zhun's evaluation of him would definitely be reduced to a certain level. He immediately said: "The country is difficult and troublesome, and it is the time when warriors are needed. The Hu Ben Army won a great victory, and the court of course needs heavy rewards. Even if there are not many material rewards, the rewards in reputation must not be missing."

Zhang Zhun nodded and said readily: "Since that's the case, I will leave the affairs in the capital to Lord Qiao and Mo Yu to handle. Lord Qiao's family may as well send them here first. As long as they enter the territory of Andongwei, it will be safe."

Qiao Yunsheng said gratefully: "Thank you for your concern, the subordinates will already arrange it."

Zhang Zhun stood up and said with relief: "Very good! I look forward to working with Lord Qiao. Lord Qiao goes down to rest first. If you have any needs, just look for Mo Yu."

Qiao Yunsheng agreed and went down to rest under Mo Yu's guidance.

After Mo Yu took Qiao Yunsheng down to rest, Zhang Zhun paced back and forth in the conference hall.

The court did have a big conspiracy to deal with it. It seems that some of its plans need to make appropriate changes. You are on the first day of the lunar month and I am on the fifteenth day of the year, so come!

"Come!"

Zhang Zhun suddenly shouted.

"arrive!"

Sun Jiming hurried over and waited for instructions.

"Invite Miss Zhu Yijing."

Zhang Zhun said quietly.

Xu Qingluan, Zhu Yijing, and Ye Lingxin are all specialized in the communication of pigeons, and there are people on duty every day. However, because they are all daughters, their relationship with Zhang Zhun is very ambiguous. In order to avoid adverse effects, they spend most of their time in a small wooden house by the beach. Only when Zhang Zhun wants to use pigeons will it come.

Sure enough, Zhu Yijing arrived soon and asked cautiously: "Sir, what are the instructions?"

Zhang Zhun said in a deep voice: "Order the relevant departments to implement the tiger plan immediately."

Zhu Yijing agreed to go.

Zhang Zhun rubbed his hands hard, feeling his hands were a little hot. He could not feel the cold outside at all. His thoughts were no longer on Dongjiabao, nor on Beizhili, nor even on Huang Taiji. His thoughts were at this moment on Dorgon.

Half a year has passed, and it is time to deal with Dorgon.

The Tiger Plan is the plan to attack Dengzhou City. Originally, Zhang Zhun was planning to turn back to deal with Dorgon after defeating Huang Taiji, so that Dorgon could torture the other party more after hungry for a while. However, with the arrival of the imperial court's major conspiracy, he had to get rid of this hidden danger to avoid being attacked from both sides. If the court really mobilized the three major armies of Liaodong, Xuanda, and Qin army to besiege him, the pressure on the Tiger Army would still be very great, and it was necessary to prevent it early.

At the beginning, Zhang Zhun's purpose of staying in Dengzhou City was to attract the Tartars to go south and lure the enemy into deeper, so as to better eliminate the Tartars' vital forces. Now, Huang Taiji has led his army to go south, and the purpose of luring the enemy is basically achieved. The Hu Ben Army cleaned up Ajige outside Dongjiabao and formed a deeper hatred with Huang Taiji. Huang Taiji would not let him go no matter what. In other words, Dorgon of Dengzhou City has lost his function. Of course, the things that have lost their function must be thrown away.

"Dry!"

Zhang Zhun waved his hands fiercely.

In the night, carrier pigeons kept flying out from the port of Liujiabao.

The next morning, Zhang Zhun arrived at the port of Liujiabao. The Dabai Fleet was ready to set off. Because this was a pure shelling mission, the number of gunpowder and shells carried by each sword-tooth ship was quite large. These ammunitions were all ready to be poured out inside and outside Dengzhou City. I believe Dorgon would definitely suffer a lot.

With the help of the northwest wind, the Dabai fleet set off from Liujiabao Port and drove at high speed, and soon arrived outside Dengzhou City. Other artillery ships of the Tiger Army led by Yang Guohua were also concentrated here. Dozens of warships were arranged neatly on the sea, with military flags floating and masts standing, giving people a very strong sense of power.

Zhang Zhun held up a thousand-mile mirror and slowly swept through each warship. He was born in the Marine Corps and often cooperated with the navy to practice, and had an inexplicable sense of intimacy with the navy. Before the plane appeared, the navy had always been a symbol of hegemony. If you want to become a true power, you must not be separated from a powerful navy. Therefore, he has been developing maritime power to the greatest extent.

After two years of development, the maritime power of the Hu Ben Army finally reached a certain scale. The sword-tooth ship is a completely pure battleship, a battleship designed by the Hu Ben Army. This is very important. No navy is strengthened by seizures. Only by building it on its own can we obtain more powerful ships. Of course, it is still far from his requirements.

"Sir, there are 27 lucky ships, 30 Cangshan ships, 12 sword-tooth ships, 69 warships, and more than a thousand artillery pieces. At one volley, at least 500 solid bombs fell into Dengzhou City."

After the two huge fleets merged, Yang Guohua excitedly reported to Zhang Zhun.

It is really not easy for the Hu Ben Navy to develop to this day. He was originally just a small pirate leader, but he was fortunate to become the deputy commander-in-chief of the Hu Ben Navy, commanding dozens of large warships, preparing to carry out the most violent artillery bombardment of the Hu Ben Navy in Dengzhou City, which was the rebels of the Taurus rebels. Looking back on the past, it really felt like a dream. Moreover, with more warships launched, the number of warships in the Hu Ben Navy would increase further. Zhang Zhun agreed to go to Jiangnan within five years and return to his hometown, which is definitely not a dream.

Zhang Zhun nodded and said with satisfaction: "Okay!"

In the Tiger Plan, the navy was responsible for a relatively heavy task. Dengzhou City was surrounded by water on three sides, and the city walls were very close to the coast. Especially outside the north gate, the original Dengzhou Navy's wharf. For such good conditions, of course, all the navy had to be mobilized. Zhang Zhun was preparing to let Dorgon see the real power of the Tiger Army before his death.

The biggest advantage of the navy is that it has a large amount of artillery fire. When the flying dragon cannon fires solid bullets, it can cover half of Dengzhou City, which will put huge pressure on the defenders in the city. Under the cover of artillery fire, the Hu Ben Army can quickly blow up the north gate of Dengzhou City, then enter the city and fight with the defenders.

"grown ups!"

"grown ups!"

"The Marine Corps reports to you!"

Two commanders of the Marine Corps, Fang He and Liu Dong, also came to accept the mission.

Dengzhou City is surrounded by water on three sides, but in fact only two city gates can be put into use. The north gate is a wharf, which is the most convenient transportation. After getting ashore, it can be directly inserted into the prefect of Dengzhou Prefecture. Dorgon and others should be stationed inside. The Tiger and Ben Army Marines will land here under the cover of naval cannons and then attract the attention of the Tatars.

At the south gate, there are the Chuangzi Camp commanded by Hao Linyong and the Pinzi Camp commanded by Zhang Lingyun. Although the power of the artillery fire is not strong enough without the assistance of the Red Barbarian cannon, it is basically OK to deal with Dengzhou City by relying on the power of the flying dragon cannon. Moreover, the Tiger Ben Army has the best blasting skills. Of course, the south is also the direction of the Tatars' key defense, and I believe the battle will be more intense.

The Tartars in Dengzhou City have been trapped for a full half of a year. Zhang Zhun speculated that their combat effectiveness should have been weakened by more than half. This time, the Hu Ben Army dispatched all the navy and all the Marines, and dispatched two infantry battalions, with a total of more than 2,500 infantrymen. It is definitely no problem to capture Dengzhou City. The only thing Dorgon could consider was his own speed of defeat. Zhang Zhun set the time for three days, and it depends on whether Dorgon could last for three days.
To be continued...