On February 14th, the twelfth year of Chongzhen, the Ming court collected an astonishing amount of wealth, one million taels of gold and five million taels of silver. What a huge number that was. The carriages lined up in a long queue, and gold flowed into it like water.
National Camp.
Seeing so much money and cattle and sheep, even Dorgon couldn't believe his eyes. It was the first time in his life that he saw so much money. Dorgon was already like this, let alone those ordinary Jin soldiers.
Well, many of these people are country bumpkins from the mountains. They know how to hunt all year round. The most valuable thing I have ever seen in my life is wine. Now that I saw so much money at once, I almost fainted.
The peace talks under the city in the twelfth year of Chongzhen's reign can definitely be regarded as the most humiliating peace talks in history. The Chongzhen Dynasty spent almost all the money and food they could in this peace talks, which can be said to have exhausted the last breath of the Ming Dynasty.
The people were very worried whether the Jurchens would break their word. After all, Tatars are Tatars, and they had done unreasonable things more than once or twice. However, this time, the Jurchens seemed to be very trustworthy. Not only did they let the household department go as promised,
Shangshu Wen Tiren also reduced his troops and made a gesture of withdrawing his troops. Let’s not mention the Jurchens for the moment, let’s talk about Wen Tiren. This time Wen Tiren returned to the capital and was warmly welcomed by the soldiers and civilians of the capital. Most people felt that this
Master Ciwen saved the capital, but who would imagine it carefully?
The people are like this. They only remember who saved the capital, but they forget how much the Ming Dynasty paid to keep the capital, and this astonishing price was all given by Wen Tiren. When the Jurchens left, the Ming Dynasty paid nothing.
Put it on all the people of Ming Dynasty.
But the people would not have thought of this. At least for now, they think Mr. Wen, Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, is a very good man.
On February 15th of the twelfth year of Chongzhen, tens of thousands of Jin troops retreated as promised. In one day, the Jurchens broke camp and returned north. In one day, they withdrew to Huangfeng Ferry north of Sanhe. The siege of the capital was lifted and they were hidden in the capital.
A thick cloud above the heads of the people dissipated. Many people still felt as if they were in a dream. When the eight gates of the capital reopened, countless people rushed out of the city gates to breathe in the fresh air in the wilderness.
The Jurchens withdrew like this. Outside Huairou City, they did not send a single soldier, and there was not a trace of blood on the city wall. Many people could not believe what happened in front of them, but in fact it was the truth. The Jurchens retreated, although only temporarily.
North of Sanhe, but it is only a matter of time before we return to the white mountains and black waters.
As soon as the Jurchens left, the people resumed their old lives, and an undercurrent began to surge in the capital.
In the Dudu's Mansion, Zhilan came to the house with a box of snacks. The capital had become turbulent in the past few days, but the Dudu's Mansion was still quiet. Miss Xiao seemed not to be afraid of the Jurchens who might come. Every day
As usual, she maintained flowers and plants and painted, and her life was quite peaceful. A painting of insects and birds had not yet been inked. Zhilan put down the plate and stood back and watched quietly. In fact, Zhilan's painting skills were already very good. She had followed her in her early years.
The eldest lady has been trained for a long time. Now that she saw Xiao Ruxue's painting skills, she couldn't help but feel that she was dwarfed by her.
"Madam, the Superintendent sent a letter a few days ago saying that General Liu has been ordered to send troops, and Generals Orger and Geng Zhongming have also mobilized troops in Gyeonggi. Let us not be afraid. Even if Dorgon comes in person, he will not dare to touch you at all.
of."
"Huh? Why is the Superintendent like this?" Xiao Ruxue started writing and frowned tightly. Although she didn't know much about marching and fighting, she also knew the difference between threatening Daning Prefecture and deploying troops in the capital. The Superintendent did not break it.
Daning Prefecture, and sending troops to Gyeonggi Province, was to intimidate the Qing Dynasty and put the most direct pressure on Dorgon.
It was he who ordered the massacre of Namtso, and it was he who knelt in front of the old tomb of the Xiao family. He was an angel and a devil. There are not many people who truly understand, and there are even fewer who need to understand. He is a born hero. He looks down at the sun and grows his birthday. There is no limit to what he can do.
The Prodigal Son's Song.
Xiao Ruxue was glad that she had chosen this man. If she had chosen any other man, she would have been a withered flower in the snow. Gradually, her beautiful eyebrows spread out, her hand touched her forehead, and there was a bit more smile in her beautiful eyes.
He thought, "There seems to be a mystery behind what the Superintendent does. If the Jurchens really want to withdraw, the Superintendent will not deploy heavy troops to the capital."
After hearing Xiao Ruxue's words, Zhilan was quite surprised, "Madam, do you mean to say that the Jurchens are not really leaving, but are instead paralyzing us so that they can suddenly come back and attack us?"
"That should be the case, otherwise why would the commander mobilize his troops like this and tell us not to be afraid?" Xiao Ruxue didn't understand those military tactics and so on, and she only said these words out of her understanding of Tie Mo, and
Just my own feelings.
What Xiao Ruxue can feel, the Ming court may not be able to feel. They are now sure that the Jurchens will leave. Without the pressure of the Jurchens, some hidden contradictions in the court have emerged, among which the most
What stands out is the conflict between Cheng Jiming and Wen Tiren, the Minister of Household Affairs. Now these conflicts have become somewhat explicit.
The last time he was on a mission to the Jin camp, Wen Tiren couldn't stand it when the cabinet wanted to kill people with a borrowed knife. Now that the Jurchens are gone, the previous accounts should be settled. Now Wen Tiren's reputation in the capital is at its peak, but he is being used by the people.
He was regarded as a wise minister of the Ming Dynasty, comparable to the existence of Tie Mo, the governor of the five provinces. On the contrary, the reputations of Zhou Tingru and Cheng Jiming were much weaker. Cheng Jiming was busy dealing with the forces of the Northern Shanxi Party and had no energy for a while.
Paying attention to the small movements of the Jurchens, this time, it was a big mistake.
Not long after, Zhu Ziyan quietly arrived at the Governor's Mansion.
He was a guest from afar, and he was Princess Xiangchen. Xiao Ruxue nodded and told Zhilan to go make arrangements first, while she went to the backyard to change into clean and tidy clothes. In the living room, Zhu Ziyan did not sit at the guest seat, but lay on her back.
There is a deck chair at the door. This deck chair was invented by the Iron Inspector himself when he was in Beijing. It is very refreshing to lie on it and enjoy the cool breeze in early spring and summer evenings. Hailanzhu often occupies this deck chair when he is free.
of.
I have never sat on this chair before, so why not give it a try today. Xiao Ruxue came from the backyard. Zhu Ziyan glanced sideways and showed no intention of getting up. Xiao Ruxue secretly cursed a scoundrel, this Princess Xiangchen is
You treat the Governor's Mansion as your own home, and you are really not polite at all.
Zhilan had already had the tea prepared. As soon as Xiao Ruxue arrived, someone put the tea and snacks on the square table next to the chair. Zhu Ziyan had been worried about Zhu Youjian's affairs early in the morning.
After eating or not, when I saw the tea and snacks, I couldn't bear it. I stretched out my slender hand and started eating. Xiao Ruxue was amused by Zhu Ziyan's actions and smiled and said, "Princess, what are you doing?"
Where did it come from? Are you so busy that you don’t even care about food?"
There was something in Xiao Ruxue's words. She was telling Zhu Ziyan that this was the Governor's Mansion, and she hoped that she could restrain herself. However, Zhu Ziyan pretended not to know and was drinking tea. If the person sitting in front of her was Hai Lanzhu, then it would really be
It is necessary to deal with it carefully, but there is no need for Xiao Ruxue. Although Xiao Ruxue is smart, it is easier to deal with than Hailanzhu. After filling her belly, Zhu Ziyan did not think about beating around the bush, directly
Straight to the point, "Miss Xiao, you should be very aware of recent events in the capital, right?"
It was clear, of course it was clear. Any troubles in the capital could not be hidden from the intelligence office and the secret hall, but what was Zhu Ziyan's intention in asking? Xiao Ruxue was not sure what Zhu Ziyan was thinking, and did not dare to answer easily. She just watched with a smile.
Zhu Ziyan curled her lips and sat up slightly. At this time, the spring breeze blew from the door, blowing the scattered hair around her ears, "You don't have to make wild guesses. I don't have any malicious intentions when I come here this time. You just need to press my button."
Doing what you say will only do the guy good and no harm."
"Oh? I wonder what good thing the princess is referring to?" Xiao Ruxue smiled noncommittally, but she had already thought about it in her heart. Everyone knew about the princess's thoughts towards Mr. Wen. What if she had nothing to do with the Governor's Mansion?
Good intentions, that's when the sun rises in the west. Most likely, this time I came to visit, I encountered some difficulty, and I had to cooperate.
Zhu Ziyan knew that the conversation would not be too pleasant, but she was not in a hurry and said slowly, "You don't have to think too much, this princess is not so kind. If she had not been forced to do so, she would not have come to the Governor's Mansion. Wen Tiren and
Song Shilun, the commander-in-chief of Shandong Province, supports each other, and I believe you know it very well. I am here hoping to use the voice of the Governor's Mansion to prevent Song Shilun from entering the capital. Preventing Song Shilun from entering the capital will be beneficial to both you and me.
You won't refuse, right? In addition, we have to work together to protect Yang Sichang. If Yang Sichang is convicted, Liu Shicheng will have no one to check and balance him. This situation must not be the result that the Governor's Office wants, right?"
Lowering her head to sip the tea and continue to eat some snacks, Zhu Ziyan was confident enough to convince Xiao Ruxue, because Xiao Ruxue was also a smart woman. If Song Shilun entered the capital, Wen Tiren's power would greatly increase, and he could overwhelm the cabinet.
Influence. It would definitely not be a good thing for the Dudu Mansion to let Wen Tiren seize power in the capital. Wen Tiren is not Zhu Youjian. Zhu Youjian seems ambitious, but in fact it is easy to control, but Wen Tiren is too smart.
With his scheming and skills, who can guarantee that he will be able to survive safely?
Wen Tiren's desire is very strong, and he will definitely find ways to control the capital as much as possible in his own hands. By then, the Dudu's Mansion, which has the most far-reaching influence, will become the biggest target.
Moreover, once Song Shilun entered the capital, with tens of thousands of Shandong disciples and strong generals under his command, it would not be so easy for others to take back the capital. In general, neither Xiao Ruxue nor Zhu Ziyan wanted to see Wen Tiren become a climate figure. Xiao Ruxue
She didn't think about it for too long. She nodded and said coldly, "The Governor's Mansion can help the princess prevent Song Shilun from entering the capital. However, regarding Yang Sichang, the princess should find a way on her own."
Xiao Ruxue will not be fooled by Zhu Ziyan. Now Yang Sichang has become the focus of competition among all parties. Whether Yang Sichang is dead or alive has no impact on the Governor's Mansion at all, so why bother to take a trip into this muddy water?
Yang Sichang has great influence in the army. At least many people from the Forbidden Army in the two capitals have followed Yang Sichang. Zhu Ziyan wants to keep Yang Sichang in order to boost confidence in her own forces. There are too many new people joining them these days. If this time
You can imagine how bad the impact of Yang Sichang's treatment was. Zhu Ziyan was dedicated to protecting Yang Sichang, but Xiao Ruxue had no such responsibility. However, it was still very necessary to prevent Song Shilun from entering the capital. The superintendent suppressed the rebels and almost killed Song Shilun many times.
In the place of death, this hatred can never be eliminated. Although Song Shilun and others have not done anything extraordinary in these years, the hatred between Song Shilun and the Iron Governor cannot be eliminated.
Seeing Xiao Ruxue's expression was dull, Zhu Ziyan didn't say anything more. He had to figure out a solution for Yang Sichang on his own, but the Northern Shanxi Army could help block Song Shilun, which was already a good result.
The twelfth year of Chongzhen was too difficult for the people in the capital, because there were always uninterrupted incidents. As soon as the Jurchens left, there were loud voices of crusade against Yang Sichang. Among them, Chen Dong, a student from the Imperial College, personally wrote a letter accusing Qian Qianyi.
, when Yang Sichang was in office, he occupied fertile farmland and took human life seriously, so he requested the court to severely punish him.
Chen Dong's crusade against Qian Qianyi and Yang Sichang was plastered all over the capital. Chen Dong was a man of great literary talent, and his words were inspiring, which soon aroused the resonance of the people of the capital. Even some of the Tokyo Forbidden Army felt the same way.
, turning a blind eye to the people who took to Bianhe Street to cause trouble.
Speaking of history, it's really a bit gratifying. It turns out that Chen Dong was the penholder of the Donglin Party in history, used to defeat the Six Jiangnan Thieves. Now, Chen Dong has become Zhu Youjian's penholder.
The influence of Tai students in the Ming Dynasty is immeasurable, because the Ming Dynasty respected literati, especially the common people, and felt that the scholars were good, and what they said must not be wrong. In addition, the reputations of Qian Qianyi and Yang Sichang were really bad before.
When we got home, as soon as someone took the initiative, the sound of crusade would almost overturn the entire capital.
Why do so many people attack Yang Sichang and Qian Qianyi alone? The reason is very simple. Yang Sichang betrayed Zhu Youjian, and Qian Qianyi was also disliked because of Liang Shizhong. Zhu Youjian was worried about Yang Sichang.
, I have tried almost all the ways, but I can't think of any good ideas. You must know that those who are making a crusade against Qian Qianyi and Yang Sichang are imperial students and common people. It's okay for the common people to scare them and go back, but
Imperial students are different. The Ming Dynasty literati's favorite thing to do is sit in meditation. Those imperial students just sit on the ground and don't fight or make trouble. What can you do?
Forcibly drive away the imperial students? If you do this kind of thing just after taking office, your prestige will not plummet. If you really do this, Zhu Youjian and Wen Tiren will probably laugh out of their dreams. If all the scholars in the world don't support you, how can you still do it?
Be a good emperor?
Zhu Youjian also has his own bottom line. The other party can play whatever he wants, but he cannot hand over Yang Sichang. Yang Sichang is one of the few confidants with military power. If Yang Sichang is convicted, other court ministers who intend to be loyal to the royal family will immediately