Chapter 40 4.Determined to challenge Wu

Tang Tong never dreamed that Wu Sangui, who was still calling himself a brother and brother with him yesterday, would change his face as soon as he said it, and when he was unprepared, tens of thousands of people suddenly rushed out with the switch. When he was fighting horses, the situation was irretrievable, so he packed up the defeated soldiers and resettled a camp far away from Shanhaiguan, while repairing his watch, he asked Emperor Dashun for emergency. The urgent envoy here arrived in Beijing, and Wu Sangui's "Letter of Unrequited Love" in response to his father's persuasion to surrender was also brought back by a small school that went with Zhang Shunzi. His ears and nose were cut off.

After receiving Tang Tong's emergency document, Li Zicheng was angry. Hearing the report of the small school who fled back in embarrassment, Li Zicheng and his civil and military ministers were even more furious. Wu Sangui's letter reads as follows: The unworthy man Sangui weeps blood and pays homage to his father and lord, and his son takes his father's shade. He is familiar with the righteous training, and he is punished by the army.The border police are in a hurry. The giant town of Ningyuan is a gateway to the country.Unexpectedly, there is no one in our country, and they are invincible.My father is in charge of the imperial camp, he is not small or weak, towering like a thousand pheasants, why did they fall within a day or two?Sending son Juanjia to go to the pass, the matter is late, sad and hateful!I heard that the Holy Lord was driving, and the subjects were slaughtering poison, and they couldn't bear the tears. I still think that my father has always been loyal. The son is so sad, and he will take revenge at the end of his life, and if he fails, he will follow him with death. Isn't it comparable to loyalty and filial piety!He Naiyin forbears and steals his life, and trains him against injustice. He has no talent for filial piety and lenient defense against bandits, and he is ashamed of the bravery of scolding bandits in Pingyuan.Husband Yuanzhi is a sinner for his mother; Wang Ling and Zhao Bao are two heroes and heroines.My father is a veteran general, he corrects the king and his ministers, and he is ashamed of a woman!Since the father cannot be a loyal minister, can the son be a filial son?The secret between the son and the father, please start today, if the father doesn't plan early, even if the thief puts the father's tripod beside him to lure Sangui, he doesn't care.The male Sangui pays homage again.

When Niu Jinxing finished reading the letter in one breath, all the ministers couldn't help being in an uproar.Before Li Zicheng could speak, Liu Zongmin glanced at Niu Jinxing and said with a sneer: "Surrender and surrender, isn't it self-inflicted humiliation? Not only piles of gold and silver were thrown into the water, but also Zhang Shunzi's life was lost. According to me, Wu Sangui's head would have been thrown into the latrine." At the imperial meeting a few days ago, not only Niu Jinxing was in charge, but the original motion was put forward by two military divisions. But now Liu Zongmin only blames Niu Jinxing. Since the first meeting at Juyongguan, he advocated leading troops to suppress complaints. From the beginning, he said that the prime minister could not judge the situation, and finally accompanied his wife and broke the army.

Facing Liu Zongmin's aggressive accusation, Niu Jinxing finally had no words to answer, even Song Xiance and Li Yan felt their faces were astringent. Although Li Jin and Gao Yigong didn't complain about Niu Jinxing, they cursed Wu Sangui together, wishing they could leave Shanhaiguan immediately. The last thing I wanted to see finally happened. Is it the misuse of the master's scheming, or is there another reason?Li Zicheng looked up at the main hall, and his one-eyed quickly swept over the faces of Li Yan and Liu Zongmin, thinking, this is not the time to pursue responsibility, it is serious to consider the immediate matter first.So, putting aside the dejected Niu Jinxing and the gleeful Liu Zongmin, he said to himself:

"Don't worry, everyone. If you can't surrender, a battle is inevitable. I'm determined to conquer by myself and raise the army. Isn't it just 50,000 to 60,000 people? What is this? I don't believe that loach in the gutter can stir up big waves." Now that the matter has come to this point, everyone can only follow the emperor's thinking and discuss the matter of the royal conquest. It wasn't until two days ago that Li Yan figured out that Liu Zongmin not only occupied Wu Xiang's mansion, but also occupied Wu Sangui's concubine. Right now, all the soldiers from Shaanxi are congratulating Liu Tiejiang for monopolizing the oiran.Since there are family members of the Wu family among the envoys sent, Wu Sangui must know about it. Under such circumstances, he must be an idiot if he still comes to surrender.A martial artist, who is only for his own self-interest, seeking temporary pleasure, is the main reason for the failure of the surrender, but now he is putting the responsibility on others, how can Li Yan not defend himself?But right now there is something more urgent, that is, the emperor wants the imperial conquest, and the imperial conquest is fine, but this tone is too relaxed, and it has the intention of destroying the imperial food.Wu Sangui lives in one place, with few soldiers, who dare to stroke the tiger's beard, so why not be afraid?Li Yan judged the situation, and immediately thought of the Manchus outside the customs—this is always a hidden worry in his heart, which is the bad "variable" that Song Xiance has been talking about. If it is true, Wu Sangui is not a little loach , but a giant whale falling into the sea.Thinking of this, he couldn't help raising his head and said:

"Your Majesty, my subject—" Before he could speak, he hesitated to speak, because he caught a glimpse of the extremely impatient and disapproving look in the emperor's one eye when he looked at him, so should he say it or not?Just as he was hesitating, the emperor spoke, his tone was quite calm, and the suspicious eyes disappeared for a moment, and said: "Ren Zhi, what advice do you have?" Li Yan said: "Don't dare, let's make a long story short—since Wu Sangui dared to do this, he might not have considered the consequences? What's more, he occupies an important position at the border, so there are many variables in it. The emperor should be cautious about the defense of mantises and orioles. Be careful."

Li Zicheng seemed to be aware of this too, Li Yan finished his sentence, and immediately answered: "Are you saying that you want to guard against the outside of the customs? I also thought of it. For this reason, we must act urgently before they have time to collude, or braided soldiers If you can't catch up for a while, take Shanhaiguan in one fell swoop." Niu Jinxing is also considering this matter.What Liu Zongmin said just now clearly dissatisfied with him. He didn't want to offend this group of generals holding knives at this moment. There is a great relationship, but the matter has come to this, what's the point?It's better to avoid these and discuss the matter as it stands.So he said:

"I think so too. Since Wu Sangui ignores the emperor's painstaking efforts and follows the underworld to the end, then he can only seek refuge with the Manchus. He has no other way out. However, as far as I know, King Han of Manchuria I just died last year, and now the domestic heroes are fighting for power, and I can't calm down for a while, even if I accept Wu Sangui's surrender, I won't send troops for a while, otherwise, why would Wu Sangui dare to withdraw the defense of Ningyuan? If we can be sure of winning, we can at least take back Shanhaiguan and drive Wu Sangui out of the pass."

Niu Jinxing's words followed Li Zicheng's train of thought, so Li Zicheng nodded repeatedly.The emperor nodded, and Gao Yigong, Liu Fangliang, Yuan Zongdi and other generals also followed, and they all said that they would fight Wu Sangui in Shanhaiguan. Li Jin even said clearly: "According to my minister, Wu Sangui only has 50,000 to 60,000 soldiers and horses in his hands. He has no food and no salary. He has guarded the border for many years and formed a deep relationship with the Manchus. He was forced to make peace for a while, but between them, There must be a deep gap, and it is impossible to unite together to deal with us at once, so even if the Manchus send troops, we can take the opportunity to defeat them one by one."

Gao Yigong went on to say: "Also, not only do we have more troops than him, but we also have several magic weapons in our hands. These are the three sons of Wu Xiang and Chongzhen. Before going into battle, we push these living treasures forward. Didn't Wu Sangui send a funeral for Chongzhen? We asked the crown prince to come forward to order him to surrender. If he didn't surrender, it would be disobedience. Even if Wu Sangui doesn't have the crown prince in his eyes, he can't live without Wu Xiang, an old turtle?" These words seemed to be reasonable. Li Zicheng, who was still worried at first, couldn't help being encouraged, so he came to look at Liu Zongmin again, his eyes were full of sincerity and expectation.Liu Zongmin was already angry with the faction in charge, and he wanted to lead the army but refused to allow it. These days, Yu Dazheng was disheartened, and fell into Chen Yuanyuan's arms like glue like knees; he didn't want to fight the situation If it doesn't work, we can only continue to fight. Zicheng came to see him, and he clearly meant to borrow weight. After more than ten years of standing together in the same boat, how could they break up all at once?Even this old face can't be wiped off for a while, so I said:

"In the past ten years, we have fought more than a hundred battles. How often have we seen a battle with full confidence? Even when we have the upper hand and are sure to win, we will inevitably not be hurt by arrows and plotted against by villains. As the saying goes, the earthen jar is broken in the well, and the general is killed in the battle. War is a life-gamble business. I am afraid that it will not be a big deal. Just now Zihou said that Wu Sangui and the Manchus have a deep bond, and it is difficult to tie the knot for a while. Form a regiment to deal with us, that's what I think, isn't he just 50,000 to 60,000 people, let's lead an army of more than 100,000 to go there in person, even if we change one by one, we can make money." When Liu Zongmin was speaking, Li Zicheng had been paying attention to his demeanor, and the emotions in his eyes were very complicated. Seeing that everyone had nothing to say, he immediately delivered the decree, and Li Jin and Liu Fangliang led 60,000 horses as the vanguard. , Yuan Zongdi, Liu Tichun and others guarded the imperial battalion. The principal and deputy military divisions followed the imperial battalion, with a total of 160,000 horses, and went to Shanhaiguan two days later. All the people who attended the imperial meeting left one after another. In the empty hall, only Li Jin and Gao Yigong hadn't left yet. They were signaled by the emperor to stay before they left.Looking at the two juniors under the shadow of the lamp, Li Zicheng asked sternly: "I heard that Wu Sangui's refusal to surrender is related to Liu Zongmin's occupation of his mansion and concubine. Have you heard?" The two couldn't help being taken aback—why not? But at this moment, it is impossible to say this, because if it is said that no one is a clean person, Li Jin will occupy the house of Chongzhen's father-in-law Zhou Kui, and Gao Yigong will occupy the house of Xiangzheng. Li Guozhen's mansion and Li Guozhen's daughter-in-law were also taken over by him, but Liu Zongmin didn't meet a good enemy. If the emperor investigates now, who can get rid of it?So, you looked at me, I looked at you, and in the end it was Li Jin who spoke first and said: "Who is gossiping? It's true that Blacksmith Liu lives in the Wu Mansion, but he's here to recover stolen goods." Li Zicheng couldn't help but glared at his nephew.Although Li Jin was a generation later than him, he was the same age as him. Back then at home, young uncles and nephews were like brothers.At this time, when he heard that he was telling lies, he scolded him severely: "Hmph, you old ravens don't say that pigs are black, and they are ambushing each other, and you only hide it from me. People have dogs that can guard the house, but my dog ​​bites chickens. It's really a waste of my thoughts." This time, the two of them had nothing to say, they both lowered their heads and remained silent.Li Zicheng looked at them and asked, "Where are Song Xiance and Li Yan?" Right now, in the Dashun Army, only these two people speak forcefully—they still live in the Zhongzhou Guild Hall, Song Xiance is alone, and Li Yan is inseparable from Hong Niangzi, Li Jin and Gao Yigong don't want to talk about their relationship Well, after searching and thinking for a long time, Li Jincai said: "They're still the same, but—" "But what?" Li Zicheng asked urgently. Li Jin glanced at Gao Yigong, and said: "Isn't Li Yan the favorite to be a good old man? This time, it's a big deal. Chongzhen's emperor's wife is that Queen Zhang. When we entered the city, she hadn't had time to commit suicide in the future. Li Yan After hearing the news, I was afraid that it would fall into our hands, so I sent someone to escort her to her mother's house in a car, and let her take it easy." Gao Yigong also said: "Also, Liu Lishun, the number one scholar in Henan Province, was also rescued by Li Yan. When we went to arrest him, he refused to arrest him. In short, let him do all the good people, and let us be the wicked ones." .” The two saw that Li Zicheng was still silent, and Li Jin said again: "On the matter of Wu Sangui, he and Shorty Song repeatedly obstructed the overall situation. If it weren't for the delay in the surrender, the situation would not be like this. Uncle, why did we bring it up? The officials of the former Ming Dynasty hated it so much, but they like it so much?" Gao Yigong said again: "Anyway, everyone doesn't want to see this Li Yan. He has a crow's mouth and says something spiritual. According to Yichen, it's best not to let him go on this Eastern Expedition." Li Zicheng couldn't help getting annoyed, waved his hand, and said: "Forget it, Li Renzhi keeps himself clean. You are envious of him. He conquered the world and ruled the world, right?" Those who want to use their minds will not win the hearts of the people, how can they win the world, but your eyes only see money and women." Then, Li Zicheng said that they were confused. Once they entered the city of Beijing, they only knew how to eat, drink and have fun. They didn't set a good example in front of everyone. Even if it was a big event, they didn't come to report to him. Seeing that the emperor was angry, the two were too scared to do anything. Voice. At this time, Li Zicheng really hated iron but steel—the misconduct of the generals under him had reached a heinous level, the closer he was to the people, the less he would listen to him, like the two blood relatives in front of him, they were unscrupulous at the feet of the Son of Heaven, It was like a hungry dog ​​entering the kitchen, chewing whatever it saw, drinking wildly, messing around, and what was even more unbearable was the harassment of the people, which was worse than the defeated soldiers of the Ming Dynasty.He thought, if this indulgence continues, it won't be long before this group of soldiers who are used to fighting will not all pass out drunk in the taverns in Beijing City, but will also fall down in the brothel. Now they have to do it again, I think To defend against the enemy outside the country, I also want to use this to divert the attention of the soldiers and inspire them to work hard, but can they work hard again? It was late at night, and Li Zicheng was still wandering in the hall alone after repelling his two nephews... At this time, Song Xiance and Li Yan were still having a long conversation—at the meeting just now, Li Yan made a long story short, and he still had something to say in his heart. Knowing this situation, Song Xiance also had something to say in his heart. Walking back, while chatting, Song Xiance said: "Ren Zhi, what chance do we have of winning this time?" Li Yan couldn't help but sighed for a long time, and said in the words that Song Xiance often said: "Don't you often talk about variables? Facing the current series of variables, the so-called chance of winning is hard to say. In my opinion , I would be thankful to have five points." Song Xiance said: "Sun Tzu's Art of War says: A good fighter is invincible. If there is only a five-point chance of winning, how can you go to war?" Li Yan couldn't help but smiled bitterly and said, "Didn't our General Liu say that fighting a war is a gamble of fate? Since it is a gamble of life, of course there are winners and losers, and the chance of winning is not bad. However, this bet is a one-throw game." , the relationship is not superficial, if you lose, the emperor may not be able to stand up when he returns to Shaanxi." Next, Li Yan talked about his unfinished words to his friends: As far as he knows, most of the Eight Banners soldiers in Manchuria were originally scattered on the Liaohetao line. Jin, right now they won't be far away from Shanhaiguan. Once Wu Sangui colludes with them, there won't be much gap for the Dashun army to exploit.At that time, what the Dashun Army will have to deal with will not be Wu Sangui's 50,000 to 60,000 troops, but the Manchu Qing's all-powerful army. In this way, you have to re-evaluate your own strength. More than 500,000 horses traveled from Chang'an to Beijing. Although the journey was smooth, every time they occupied a piece of land, they were divided into garrisons. There are only 100,000 soldiers in the army. Although 100,000 is more than enough to deal with Wu Sangui's Wuliu, if you add the Qing Dynasty, it will be obviously insufficient.Therefore, in Li Yan's opinion, it is really not advisable to go to Beijing to rush to Beijing to wait for work with ease, and to fight Wu Sangui in a decisive battle on the outskirts of Beijing. , the odds of winning are very slim, if there is an eventuality, the consequences will be disastrous. In the past, Li Yan would have said these words in one breath, but now he has concerns, not to mention that Liu Zongmin was aggressive at the beginning of the meeting, and wanted to hold the responsibility of the chief Fu faction accountable, even the emperor showed an impatient look towards him , why did he bother to make fun of himself? After listening to Li Yan, Song Xiance couldn't help smiling and said: "Ren Zhi, I didn't expect that you have learned to behave well, and you only talk a little bit when you meet people, but it's no fault of you. Liu Zongmin didn't blame himself for the failure of the surrender, but blamed others; Your Majesty Knowing the cause and effect of this matter, but refusing to pursue it seriously because of being shy, what does all this mean? It can only show that these people are not brave enough to take responsibility. When working with them, we must be careful." Li Yan sighed and said: "I don't know how many times you have persuaded me about this matter, but in the end I still can't bear it, because this is not only related to the success or failure of the things in front of me, but also related to the merits and crimes of history for thousands of years. How can the Dashun Army do this? The situation is so difficult, if you just ruin it like this, even if you don’t feel sorry for the court, don’t you feel sorry for the hundreds of thousands of brothers who followed after you?” Song Xiance shook his head and said: "Looking forward, it's a pity, but looking back, it's nothing. Didn't he tell you that there are four ways to choose? He was always in the wild, hungry and hungry. He didn't want to blind the hen." The mother-in-law bumped into the rice basket, and she will be satisfied if she can eat a full meal. What's the use of others sighing in Huaiguo's clothes and Huangliang's dream? I gain it, but I lose it, so why regret it!" Having said that, but after all, the two are also following behind this "blind hen", so how can they be completely detached?Even though Song Xiance's words clearly contained a warning, Li Yan didn't take it to heart. Unexpectedly, on the second day, the emperor had already made the arrangements, but there was a small change - Prime Minister Niu, who had a great relationship with the capital, might not be able to support it if he stayed alone, so he left Li Yan to assist Niu Jinxing. After hearing this decree, Song Xiance and Li Yan were somewhat surprised.