Chapter one hundred and seventy-eight
Zhang Kewang generously agreed to Liu Jiankuan's request, agreed to form an anti-Qing alliance with the Dashun Army, and agreed to let Emperor Yongle confer titles on the nine leaders.
In order to stabilize the military morale of the soldiers in eastern Sichuan, Liu Jiankuan also helped Li Zhanchun obtain the title of Marquis of Sichuan, and included several generals in eastern Sichuan on the reward list.
Liu Tichun was granted the title of Duke of Anhui, Hao Yaoqi was granted the title of Duke of Yi, Yuan Zongdi was granted the title of Duke of Jing, Li Laiheng was granted the title of Duke of Lin, Ma Tengyun was granted the title of Tongcheng Marquis, Ta Tianbao was granted the title of Yidu Marquis, Dang Shousu was granted the title of Xingping Marquis, and He Zhen was granted the title of Marquis of Xingping.
Qihou, Wang Guangxing was granted the title of Nanzhangbo, Tan Wen was granted the title of Fuhou, Tan Yi was granted the title of Renshouhou, and Tan Hong was granted the title of Xinjinhou.
Zhang Kewang smiled and said: "General Liu is always making wedding clothes for others, why don't you get a title to honor your ancestors?"
Jian Kuan's tone was humble, but actually he was disdainful, "I am a laid-back person, my only hobby is martial arts practice, I don't want a hat that would crush people to death if it is too big."
Wenxiu glanced at Zhang Kewang and praised: "General Liu has superb martial arts and has the ability to protect saints. He deserves to be made a marquis."
Zhang Kewang understood, "How about the title of Marquis Shenwu? General Liu's bravery and might are known to the world. If he can be used by the imperial court, why not worry about the great cause of resisting the Qing Dynasty?"
Jian Kuan waved his hands and said: "No, no, I cannot accept any title that has not been approved by the King of Shu and the general."
Wenxiu helped: "As far as we know, those two are your senior brothers, and they may want to make you a marquis more than we do. The court is short of talents like you. I will stay in Guizhou to help King Qin this time."
Seeing Kuan, he kept waving his hands, "No, no, I must guard Shu before the general comes out."
Wen Xiu said: "Our people will help you guard southern and eastern Sichuan for the time being. Mr. Yang is in Chengdu again, so you can stay in Guizhou for a while with peace of mind."
Of course, Zhang Kewang knew the profound meaning of his words. Keeping Liu Jiankuan in Guizhou meant that the Great Western Army could occupy the territory it had already obtained. When Yang Zhan passed the Pass, it was a done deal, so what could he do.
Little did he know that Yang Zhan originally wanted to entrust the Kingdom of Shu to Wenxiu.
Jian Kuan still pretended to evade, "No, no..."
Zhang Kewang seized the opportunity and immediately issued an edict: "Request Emperor Yongle to grant General Liu Jiankuan the title of Marquis of Shenwu, Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of War, and serve at his beck and call."
That night, after sending Liu Jiankuan to the post house, Zhang Kewang left Liu Wenxiu to sleep with him to facilitate the friendship between brothers.
Under the dim palace lantern, Wang Wang happily praised: "I am very satisfied with your recent performance. Brothers are brothers after all. This time we work together to keep Liu Jiankuan, so that you can manage Eastern and Southern Sichuan and strive to one day
Take possession of the whole Sichuan to comfort my father’s spirit in heaven!”
Wen Xiu said: "How could I not know what my brother is thinking? As long as my brother is determined to regain the Ming Dynasty and lead the Western Army on the right path, I will be his staunchest supporter."
Then, Wenxiu deliberately told him what happened outside Emperor Yongle's palace, and advised: "The eunuch whispered to General Liu in front of me, which shows that Emperor Yongle is wary of our brothers. Since brother
When Emperor Yongle is invited here, he should be treated with the courtesy that an emperor should have, so that he can feel at ease and win the hearts of those who are fighting against the Qing Dynasty and restoring the Ming Dynasty."
Ke Wang said bitterly: "The eunuch humiliated you like this in front of you, I won't let him survive tomorrow!"
Wenxiu was anxious, "What's the fate of an eunuch? Why can't you listen to his advice? Don't make the emperor uneasy like this anymore, it's not good for you!"
Hopeful looked disappointed, "Wenxiu, our brothers have followed our father in the north and south since we were very young. After nearly twenty years of ups and downs, this kind of brotherhood has long surpassed the flesh and blood relationship between brothers. But why?
Don't you and Dingguo understand me? In the past, my father often said that the Ming Dynasty is over and no one can save it. In the future, the world will be dominated by those who are capable. Yang Zhan, Liu Jiankuan and others have no ambitions. They look around and now they are here.
We are the only ones who can compete with the Qing army for the world. My use of the Nanming banner is just a temporary measure, why should I honor him like my ancestor?"
Wenxiu sincerely advised again and again, "The people of the Ming Dynasty have not lost their hearts, but our Western Army had a bad reputation before, and we have been in desperate situations several times. Brothers, we see that there is a bright future to fight against the Qing Dynasty and restore the Ming Dynasty. If you go back to the old path, I'm afraid
Even our own people will be disappointed.”
Hope tried to ask: "If I just want to do that, how will you decide?"
Wenxiu sighed: "I will definitely try my best to stop you, but I will never go against you."
The two brothers were silent for a while, and Wenxiu added: "No matter what path you will choose one day, it is time for the world to see the strength of our Great Western Army. I want to go to Huguang and ask for my brother's approval."
Hopeful said: "Are you a fool? Wouldn't it be better for our Daxi Army to stay in Guizhou while Yunnan quietly develops and grows, and wait until the former Ming Army, Dashun Army and Qing Army are almost done fighting before going out? Your current mission
Just protect Yunnan and Sichuan."
Seeing that Wenxiu didn't speak, he added: "You are my most trusted brother, so I won't hide anything from you. But I still want to remind you, don't be fooled by the benevolence and righteousness of Yang Zhan and Liu Jiankuan. Always remember that I let you get close to them.
the true intention.”
However, Wenxiu had secretly made a calculation in her heart. She could not persuade him any more, so she could only continue to join forces with her uncle to push the matter in the direction planned by her master.
The next day, with the titles drawn up by King Qin, Liu Wenxiu and Liu Jiankuan went to see Emperor Yongle.
Emperor Yongle naturally gave his full approval and held a banquet to celebrate Marquis Shenwu.
After drinking for three rounds, Emperor Yongle asked with concern about the current situation of King Shu and General Yang Zhan. Liu Jiankuan replied: "They are all practicing in seclusion now. After they come out of seclusion, they will come to see your Majesty."
Emperor Yongle tentatively said: "I have long heard that Shushan and Shushui are the most nourishing places for people. I will go on a tour sometime."
"Your Majesty has such a good mood, I will definitely report it to the King of Shu and the general, and they will make appropriate arrangements."
"General Liu, don't be in a hurry to go back this time. Stay a little longer and tell me some strange stories about Shu."
"this……"
He had promised King Qin to stay in Guiyang, and now the emperor asked him to stay in Long'an. Who would he listen to?
Wenxiu came to his rescue and said: "Your Majesty, General Liu is the left minister of the Ministry of War and must be in charge of military affairs in Guiyang. If you want to hear anything, you can ask him to tell you now."
"this……"
Emperor Yongle was about to speak but stopped.
Jian Kuan remembered that the eunuch asked him to see him alone, and said: "If your Majesty has anything to tell me, you might as well say it directly. King Funan is as loyal to your Majesty as I am."
Chapter completed!