Chapter 916: Moving the capital? Not moving the capital? Confusing...

(0916)

【Today's second update is delivered!】

“Move the capital…”

"Can't move the capital..."

“Move the capital…”

"Can't move the capital..."

When Zhang Zhun stared at the city tower of Shanhaiguan, Chongzhen was in pain in the Forbidden City. On spring nights, the moon was originally charming. The clear moonlight fell on the courtyard, covering the entire courtyard with a faint layer of silver gray.

However, Chongzhen had no intention of enjoying such a beautiful scenery. Standing by the corridor of the courtyard, he unconsciously held a delicate leaf in his hand, and two thoughts echoed in his mind over and over again. One was to move the capital, and the other was to not move the capital.

Trouble, it's really too tangled.

After the spring, the court's motions for moving the capital began to come frequently. Every day, there would be one or two letters in the memorials sent to Chongzhen, which clearly or obscurely mentioned the capital's movement. Some of these memorials came from officials in the court, some from local officials, and some from vassal kings from all over the country.

Several major ministers in the cabinet have basically reached an agreement, that is, they hope to move the capital. Therefore, they have all released the memorials that propose to move the capital. At the same time, with the secret statements and support of the cabinet, the enthusiasm of all officials to move the capital has also been greatly improved. As long as they are qualified to give the memorial, they will join in the fun.

In particular, the officials in Shanxi and Beizhili couldn't wait to migrate to Jiangnan. All of them were the Hu Ben Army, and they stayed there and could only wait to die! It seemed that the areas in Beizhili were almost swallowed by the Hu Ben Army. If they didn't leave quickly, they would be completely finished.

In fact, in terms of the situation, the imperial court must move the capital. The current capital is already a completely isolated island. Most of the surrounding areas of the capital have been controlled by the Hu Ben Army. In Zhuozhou, which is very close to the capital, there are a large number of main forces of the Hu Ben Army, and they can attack the capital at any time.

The most important thing is that all the supplies of foreign materials were controlled by the Hu Ben Army. The Grand Canal was cut off, and the canal transport in Jiangnan was impossible to reach the capital. The materials transported from Shanxi were simply a drop in the bucket. How much could it be transported on land? What's more, the merchants in Shanxi were even worse than Zhang Zhun! If Zhang Zhun made one tael of silver for the same goods, they would have to earn at least two taels!

The capital was short of supplies and prices soared, but Zhang Zhun was taking advantage of the profits and smiling. As the materials continued to arrive, the white silver continued to enter Zhang Zhun's pocket like flowing water. For the supplies sent by the Hu Ben Army, you were unwilling to give money. It was unrelated. Be careful and hungry. There were more people who were willing to give money.

The ministers' opinions were so unanimous that they all agreed to move the capital, which was largely due to this reason. If they had not moved the capital, all the money in their warehouse would have been taken away by Zhang Zhun. In the past, they were said to have started to chew sweet potatoes and corn now. Because the price of these two foods is relatively cheap.

Chongzhen also quietly tasted some sweet potatoes and corn, perhaps because of his mood, and he always felt that it was not delicious. However, he finally ordered the imperial kitchen to make some sweet potatoes and corn for himself every half month, which was also a way to share the joys and sorrows with the ministers and set an example for everyone.

Under the threat of high prices, the people in the capital have basically been exposed. They all went to the Hu Ben Army controlled the area. The families, slaves, maids, etc. of the powerful family members, slaves, and maids, have been greatly reduced. There is no way, I can't afford it! After a large number of people left, the originally bustling capital was like a ghost town, and there were basically no one to see.

In the long run, the capital is also very dangerous. Once the Hu Ben Army takes over the Tartars and pacify Liaodong, it will definitely mobilize the army immediately and turn around to attack the capital. Zhang Zhun has already said this in public or semi-public occasions countless times. You'd better believe the words of Zhang Zhun, otherwise you will definitely suffer a loss.

The situation in the Central Plains is also bad. The Hu Ben Army will control the Henan line. If the Hu Ben Army advances westward, enters Guanzhong, or the bandits in Shaanxi unite and launch a fierce attack on Xi'an Prefecture, the situation will be even worse. If Xi'an Prefecture falls and the road to retreat of the capital will be blocked. At that time, even if you want to leave, you will not be able to leave.

However, emotionally speaking, Chongzhen was really reluctant to leave the Forbidden City. Apart from the Xin Palace, the Forbidden City was the place where he stayed the longest time. He ascended the throne here, and he relied on his own wisdom to cut off the Wei Zhongxian group. Here is everything he cannot forget, how could he leave easily?

If he left like this, what would he leave in the history of later generations? What would he have seen his ancestors after a hundred years? Chengzu moved the capital from Nanjing to *** to fight against the threat from the north. What was he going to move back like this? To escape the threat? It was so embarrassing.

Thinking of his ancestors, Chongzhen had to think of the tombs of the ancestors of the past dynasties near Changping. Except for Taizu, the other ancestors and ancestors were buried in Changping! Perhaps, Zhang Zhun would not harass them or destroy them. However, it would be absolutely impossible to send Zhang Zhun to protect them and repair them properly.

If even the tombs of my ancestors cannot be preserved, how can I continue as an emperor? In particular, I still hailed my pure filial piety everywhere. I don’t even want the tombs of my ancestors, so why are you talking about the word filial piety? Just kill me by hitting my head.

In fact, the above are all external factors. The most critical reason why Chongzhen was unwilling to leave the capital was his judgment of the situation. Sometimes, Chongzhen thought sadly that even if he retreated to Jiangnan, how long could he survive? Once he retreated, the huge northern country would fall into the hands of the Hu Ben Army. At that time, Zhang Zhun would definitely establish a new dynasty. This new dynasty would definitely continue to march towards Jiangnan.

In history, there were almost no dynasties in the south of the Yangtze River. When Chengzu moved the capital, he vaguely mentioned the meaning of this. Chengzu Zhu Di did not want the Ming Dynasty to be too short-lived, so he decided to move the capital. Could it be that he should create a term called "Nan Ming" for future history in his own hands? How long can this Nan Ming last?

The biggest reliance of the dynasties in the south of the Yangtze River was the navy. Relying on the natural danger of the Yangtze River, as long as the Jiangnan Dynasty had relatively strong combat power, navy troops could generally support it for a period of time. Because the dynasties established in the north were generally not very strong. They could gallop across the north, and when they reached the Yangtze River, they might have weak legs. However, the worst thing was that Zhang Zhun was not among them.

Others don’t have naval troops, Zhang Zhun has! And he is quite powerful! This is what Chongzhen is most depressed. When Zhang Zhun was not yet full of wings, he dared to take warships to provoke Nanjing, which scared all the civil and military officials in Nanjing. Now, what else can’t be done with full wings?

Specifically, the Hu Ben Army has controlled Huai'an Prefecture, Yangzhou Prefecture and other places, and is only separated from Nanjing by a water. Crossing the river and moving south is simply easy. Whose regime has the navy as powerful as the Hu Ben Army? With such a powerful navy, the Hu Ben Army wants to cross the river and moving south, what ability does Nanjing have to resist?

If you can't stop the attack of the Hu Ben Army in Nanjing, then continue to move the capital? Move the capital to Lin'an? Or move the capital south and move the capital to Guangzhou? However, even if you move the capital to Guangzhou, can you avoid the attack of the Hu Ben Army? It's impossible! The aggressive Hu Ben Army will definitely catch up like a mad dog.

Since moving the capital is death, and not moving the capital is death, so why move the capital? Why bother yourself? Dead in the capital, your reputation is always better than dying in Nanjing. At least, when you get underground, you can tell your ancestors that you have worked hard, but unfortunately you still have the will to kill the thief and are powerless to turn the world back. Perhaps, your ancestors and ancestors will not be surprised, right?

But then again, there is still a trace of hope to move the capital. If it is not moved, there is no hope. No one knows whether something else will happen after moving the capital. Perhaps, Zhang Zhun suddenly died? This is not impossible. From this perspective, it is best to move the capital. What should I do?

"Where is Chen Xinjia?"

Chongzhen suddenly asked.

"Return to the emperor, Chen Xinjia went to Shanhaiguan to command the troops to retreat."

Wang Chengen answered later by Chongzhen.

"This Chen Xinjia!"

Emperor Chongzhen muttered a few words.

Chongzhen knew nothing about Chen Xinjia's real purpose of going to Shanhaiguan. He thought that Chen Xinjia was really going to supervise the retreat of the remaining troops, and he felt a little relieved in his heart. Nowadays, there are not many people who can do things sincerely. Fortunately, Yang Sichang and Chen Xinjia, whom he values, are both serious people.

"Where is Yang Sichang?"

"Tell him!"

Since Chen Xinjia is not here, please call Yang Sichang here.

Because the Hu Ben Army occupied Luoyang and Zhengzhou was besieged by a guy named Li Yan, Henan was basically out of control. It would be impossible for Chongzhen to say that he was not at all irritable. The whereabouts of King Fu were still unclear. He was already a little mentally prepared and was waiting for the most tragic result, and when would he be exposed?

Don’t worry about King Fu’s affairs for the time being, but focus on the moving of the capital. The memorials sent by the ministers all say that moving is an imminent matter and cannot be delayed. If the capital is not moved now, even if it means moving the capital in the future, I am afraid that it will not be carried out. Even if the capital is not moved, should a prince be sent to Nanjing?

Chongzhen currently has three sons, Zhu Cilang, Zhu Cijiang, and Zhu Cizhao. The eldest one is only ten years old and the younger one is only a few years old. Among them, the eldest son Zhu Cilang is the child of him and Empress Zhou. He is the legitimate eldest son and is also recognized as the future crown prince. However, because Zhu Cilang is still young and Chongzhen himself is still young, Chongzhen has not given him the title of crown prince yet.

Many ministers mean that they asked Chongzhen to send Zhu Cilang to Nanjing to prevent accidents. The father and son were one, so this arrangement was the most appropriate. If something unexpected happened in the capital... Well, if it was, it would be better to have a response. Liu Zongzhou, who is in charge of affairs of all sizes and big things in Nanjing, also mentioned in the memorial that if there was no royal family there, it would be better for him.

However, every time Chongzhen was about to send Zhu Cixuan to Nanjing, he hesitated again. He always comforted himself, don’t worry, don’t worry, there were Liu Zongzhou and others in Nanjing. Even if there was no prince, it wouldn’t matter, it wouldn’t matter...

After all, it was Chongzhen's own suspiciousness that was causing trouble. Chongzhen was not good at women, was not particular about food and drink, was not particular about clothing, but was very obsessed with power. He was reluctant to give his power even if it was a little bit. Even if it was a big deal, he had to deal with it himself, otherwise he would always feel that others would deceive him.

His diligence, all night long, was exhausted. It was not so much that he never believed in the consequences of others. He was too diligent and too active, so that he had completely undermined the role of the cabinet. The cabinet was originally the key to the balance of power in the Ming Dynasty. After being undermined by him, the Ming Dynasty would naturally be shaking and shaking.

Chongzhen did not trust his ministers, and even his son did not believe him. He was worried that if the prince was sent to Nanjing, if, what if, what if, the capital was fine, but the prince opened a stall in Nanjing, wouldn’t he become Li Longji? Chongzhen was very taboo about this period of history. No matter who he wanted to share his power, he would not agree.

But what if, what if, what if, the capital is conquered? What if it is conquered, then they will all die together, and there is no one to collect the corpse. If the Hu Ben Army enters the capital, its three sons will escape, it will be strange. Should we send the prince to Nanjing? Chongzhen thought about it, but he still didn't make a decision.

"Emperor, Yang Sichang is here."

Wang Chengen's voice came from behind.

"Call him in!"

Chongzhen said majesticly.

"My minister Yang Sichang bowed to the emperor."

Yang Sichang hurried in and gave a decent manner.

After the Hu Ben Army conquered Luoyang, Yang Sichang was removed from his military position, replaced Hou Xun with a dead face, served as the Minister of Revenue, and was also appointed as the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and was also appointed as the Grand Secretary of the Feudal Jidian, which was considered to be officially included in the cabinet. His ****** was temporarily behind Liu Yuliang. However, Liu Yuliang was very tactful and understood that Emperor Chongzhen wanted to value Yang Sichang, so he consciously retreated and pushed Yang Sichang forward. Yang Sichang was also unwilling to let go and became a real chief minister.

"In Nanjing, do you think you need to send someone there?"

Chongzhen asked in a somewhat obscure way.

"this……"

Yang Sichang hesitated and did not answer immediately.

Yang Sichang really dared not say much about this matter. The sending of people to Chongzhen obviously meant whether to send a prince. The two little princes were just babies, so if they wanted to send, they could only send the quasi-pinning prince Zhu Cilang. The problem here seems simple, but in fact, it is deep!

This involves the nobles of the Tian family and the top distribution of power. How could Yang Sichang dare to say too much? He is a smart man and has long noticed Chongzhen's obsession with power. Other ministers in the court could talk nonsense and even point out bluntly that Zhu Cixuan would go to Nanjing, but he couldn't. If he was like other ministers, he would definitely lose Chongzhen's trust.

"Your Majesty, please make arbitrary decision on the matters in Nanjing."

Yang Sichang said obediently.

"My dear, do you think the capital really can't be defended?"

Chongzhen said a little resentful.

"Your Majesty, I have a hard time answering the matters in the Beijing camp, so why not ask Eunuch Cao?"

Yang Sichang easily shirked his responsibilities.

"I have asked. He said that if I personally patrol the city, the morale of the soldiers in the Beijing camp will inevitably be greatly improved. There is absolutely no problem in guarding the capital."

Chongzhen said helplessly.

"Purchase the city in person?"

A trace of surprise flashed through Yang Sichang's mind.

Cao Huachun was really brave. He actually encouraged Chongzhen to patrol the city at this time. Is it so easy to do? In the history of the Ming Dynasty for more than 200 years, the precedents of patroling were only three sects, and they were all in peaceful times. Patroling the city at this time was simply a search for death! If a hidden arrow flew from somewhere, it would cost Chongzhen's life!

“Huh?”

Yang Sichang suddenly thought of something.

Cao Huachun was obviously not a fool, and would not be unaware of the danger of patroling the city. Why did he make such a request? Aren’t he afraid of taking responsibility? If Chongzhen was assassinated and died, it would be of no benefit to him, the eunuch. Suddenly, Yang Sichang understood that patroling the city was simply Cao Huachun’s perfunctory words.

This dead eunuch may have concluded that Chongzhen did not have the courage to patrol the city, so he made such a request. As long as Chongzhen did not have the courage to patrol the city, he would not blame him for the matter of the Beijing camp. Since the Beijing camp could not defend the capital, he would have to move the capital. Damn, these dead eunuchs are really cunning, and they can think of such things.

However, will Chongzhen really patrol the city?

Or maybe, did Chongzhen really not patrol the city?

"I respectfully ask the sage to judge."

Yang Sichang responded skillfully.

"Then...you make arrangements for me personally. I will patrol the city next month."

Chongzhen seemed to have made great determination and courage and said in a deep voice.

"I obey the order!"

Yang Sichang said subconsciously.

Since Chongzhen was determined to patrol the city, he was afraid he was not going to move the capital, which made Yang Sichang feel very depressed. In fact, his original intention was to agree to move the capital.***, and he really couldn't stay anymore. Staying here would only be to die.

However, Yang Sichang did not dare to disobey the slightest of Chongzhen's meaning, so he had to agree against his will. Alas, it's a struggle! The powerful people in the capital have to continue to suffer for a few more months. When will the days of eating sweet potatoes and chewing corn be over every day?
Chapter completed!