Prince Chongzhen

Chapter 497: The Old Minister Asks the Princess for a Letter
In the eyes of ordinary people, the reason why the Qing Dynasty was able to sweep across the country at an extremely fast speed after entering the Pass was fundamentally due to the powerful combat effectiveness of the Eight Banners soldiers.

This idea is certainly not wrong, but power, power, if there is no guarantee of the overall situation, how much trouble can a single force cause?

It must be said that Dorgon played an indispensable role in the Manchus' rise to power.

He keenly perceived the key points of various contradictions in the complicated situation, and then hung the banner of revenge for the Ming Dynasty high above the Qing court. The vassal state that should have been attacked by everyone actually showed some sense of being the popular choice.

What happened next is well known. Relying on such misleading slogans, the Qing army quickly gained the support of various forces. With the help of these forces, the powerful Shun army suffered defeat after defeat and fled all the way, which eventually enabled the young man to become famous and handed over the vast territory to others.

I have to say a little more here.

Ordinary people only know that after the Qing Dynasty entered the Pass, Li Zicheng made one strategic mistake after another, but if you put yourself in his shoes, the peasant army not only slaughtered local gentry along the way, but also coerced ordinary people.

After such a long time of struggle, no one from top to bottom supported him. No one would dare to fight against the powerful enemy in the northern Zhili area where they were surrounded by enemies.

This situation not only happened to the Dashun regime, but also to the Hongguang small court.

Hongguang's succession to the throne relied on the support of the four towns in northern Jiangnan, and people in Yingtian were extremely hostile to him.

After the three towns surrendered due to various reasons, Yingtian had become a place surrounded by wolves for him. Even though the city itself could definitely stop Duoduo for several months, neither he nor Ma Shiying had the courage to stay there any longer.

This is the effect of the general trend. Without the support of the general trend, Hongguang knew that it would be futile to look for Huang Degong after getting rid of Ma Shiying. Li Ziben already had signs of gaining power, but was forced to give it up due to practical considerations.

On the other hand, the Qing Dynasty, because of its correct strategy, was blessed with various forces before entering the country. By the time the army crossed the river, its momentum was already strong, and sweeping across the country seemed to be a piece of cake.

It’s just that the number of Manchus was too small. Even though they occupied a large area of ​​land, they were unable to establish effective rule.

It is just as the saying goes, its rise is sudden and its fall is sudden.

When the Qing army, which had a weak foundation, was preparing to march south to take over Jiangnan, a stick swung from Yingtian stunned the Qing court. Subsequently, it was defeated in Jiangnan, Ganzhou, Hanzhong, and Huai'an.

By this time, the good fortune that the Qing court had snatched from all over the world had been transferred to Zhu Cilang before he could fully react, and the various initial supports had gradually wavered.

This is what Dorgon is most worried about.

The Mongolians south of the desert are fine, as the Qing Dynasty can suppress them regardless of whether it has land inside the Great Wall or not. The key is that the surrendered troops in the four provinces have not been digested yet, and they must have other intentions after this.

If he expected these people to resist the Ming army, it would be urgent to purge them.

Just this time.
"Princess! There's someone outside the palace!"

A loud shout from outside the yard made Zhu Mianchu frown, but fortunately the sleeping baby was not frightened, and her brows gradually relaxed. Then the new mother covered the four corners of the quilt, and waited for footsteps to be heard outside the room before she quietly went out to greet them.

Although Chongzhen's sword did not kill Zhu Weichou, most of her left arm was cut off.

Later, she was rescued and lived in the home of her father-in-law Zhou Kui. When the Qing army marched southward, the Qing court arranged for her to marry Zhou Shixian according to Chongzhen's arrangement in order to appease the people.

In the original history, Zhu Cilang was detained by Hongguang, and the Ming Dynasty was losing ground. Zhu Mianchu, who was only fourteen or fifteen years old, eventually died of depression while pregnant, which was quite sad.

However, the current situation between the Ming and Qing dynasties did not develop as planned. Although she was trapped in the enemy camp, her mind was generally at peace. After giving birth to a son last year, not only did the couple's life become more harmonious, but the Qing court's attitude towards her also became better day by day.

According to her original thought, as her royal brother's army became stronger and stronger, she might be able to return to Ming Dynasty one day. However, a few days ago, a large group of soldiers surrounded Zhou's mansion. Princess Kunxing of Ming Dynasty realized that when the Ming army arrived in Beijing, she might die.

The logic behind it is also simple.

When the Tartars were at their wit's end, they would certainly use all means to stop their brother's army, and her own sister Xu became their lifeline.

But then again, how could an emperor compromise with the Tartars for the sake of a woman like her?

Then
"Who is coming?"

When Zhu Mianchu saw the servant who came to report the news, she only asked a question lightly and did not get angry at his recklessness. Then the servant seemed to realize his mistake and his voice lowered.

"It's Lord Wang Zhengzhi."

"What is he here for?"

"He said he was going to Yingtian again, and came to ask if the princess had any letters to bring with her."

"Going to Yingtian?"

Although Zhu Mianzhu's tone was somewhat doubtful, she also had some guesses in her mind.

To get back to the root, my brother has already defeated the Tartars and they must be trying to negotiate peace this time.

But Wang Zhengzhi's previous attempt was unsuccessful. If there is no change this time, it will probably be the same as before.

In this way, she, the biological sister of the Ming Emperor, became quite important.

"Knowing that my brother has won another great victory, I have fulfilled my remaining wishes. I think that Lord Wang has also gone on official business, so I will not trouble you any more."

After she finished speaking, Zhu Mianchu turned back into the house, and the servant just opened his mouth and went out of the yard. The matter seemed to have ended like this.

But then again, Wang Zhengzhi's trip to the south is of great importance. Without some help, he might not even be able to cross the Huai River.

Under such circumstances, even if he wanted to save face, he had to ask for a letter from the princess.

Perhaps within three or two incense sticks' time, a chaotic sound of footsteps was heard outside Zhu Mianzhu's courtyard.

"Old minister Wang Zhengzhi requests to see Princess Changping."

“Wow~~~~~!”

A shout and a cry.

Immediately, a maid quickly picked up the baby, and Zhu Mianchu walked towards the courtyard gate with a sullen face.

"You are joking, sir. If you were a minister of the Ming Dynasty, you should call me Kunxing." After saying this, Zhu Mianzhu glanced at everyone's face. When she saw Wang Zhengzhi blushing, she continued, "Now that you call me Changping, I think you should regard yourself as a minister of the Qing Dynasty. You can't call yourself an old minister."

Wang Zhengzhi's face immediately turned from red to white, and then from white to blue, as he was obviously choked by the words. However, since he was regarded as an envoy by the Qing court, he had some experience in dealing with situations. After a short while, his face returned to normal, and he bowed slightly before speaking with a smile.

"I am indeed a minister of the Qing Dynasty, but I surrendered to the Qing Dynasty only because your Majesty passed away and the country was without a master. I did not surrender in the face of battle or betray my master for glory, so it is appropriate for me to call myself an old minister in front of the princess."

Hearing the other party's quibbling, Zhu Mianzhu immediately wanted to retort, but before she opened her mouth, Wang Zhengzhi had already turned to the prince consort, and her words were choked in her throat.

"My Lord, I have a few words to say to Princess Yu. Could you please dismiss all the irrelevant people?"

After hearing the words, the prince consort glanced at Zhu Mianchu and waved to the servants. But when he was about to listen attentively, he saw Wang Zhengzhi still looking at him with a smile.

Then he was furious and tried to pretend he didn't know, but the old man said nonchalantly, "It's fine for you to stay and listen, but the princes have asked me not to let anyone else hear this, so you have to be more careful and don't let the court secrets get out."

If it were someone who didn't know what was going on, Xu would have nodded in agreement, but this prince consort came from a family of officials and knew something about being obedient. Then he left unwillingly, leaving only Zhu Mianzhu and Wang Zhengzhi.

"Princess, I know what you are thinking, but even though His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has a strong army, he may not be able to rescue you in a short time. Under such circumstances, it is not good to offend Beijing, otherwise you and your sister may never see each other again."

"Do you think it's possible for me to see my brother again?"

Wang Zhengzhi's words were sincere, but Zhu Mianchu seemed a little unmoved.

Seeing this, the old man immediately understood the girl's worries and then laughed twice.

"Princess, you are worrying too much. The princes do intend to use you to threaten His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is indeed a person who is not threatened. But if you think they have the courage to harm you, then you are worrying too much."

Zhu Mianzhu couldn't help but frowned when she heard the words, as if she was skeptical about the conclusion, but Wang Zhengzhi explained leisurely: "The Qing court is not a monolithic entity. Some people may be planning to fight to the death, but some are also thinking about how to find a way out from the hands of the crown prince."

Since the other party had said so much, even though Zhu Mianzhu was just a little girl who grew up in the deep palace, she began to doubt Wang Zhengzhi's position.

But in the past two years or so, she had already seen all kinds of deceit, and she changed her mind when the words came to her lips.

"Mr. Wang keeps talking about the Crown Prince. I think he is ready to fight to the death."

"Princess, you are joking. Who would want to die if they can live? But the previous mission inevitably offended the powerful people in Yingtian, and I can't change this so easily."

"Then sir is planning to..."

In response to Zhu Mianchu's inquiry, Wang Zhengzhi did not fully reveal his thoughts. He just asked for a letter and then said nothing more.

After all, if one only wanted to save his own life, protecting Princess Kunxing would allow him to be safe and sound when the building collapsed. But if one wanted to pursue something else, this contribution would be far from enough.

After a while, Zhu Mianchu returned to the courtyard, and after a long while she returned outside with a letter.

Seeing this, Wang Zhengzhi was overjoyed. He thanked them a few times and left the Zhou family mansion directly.

It has to be said that Dorgon's worries were very reasonable. At this time, most of the surrendered officials of the Ming Dynasty were thinking of finding a way to retreat.

But this retreat is not so easy to find.

The vast majority of Han officials in Beijing surrendered first to the rebels and then to the Tartars. Without their hard work, it would be a luxury to even save their lives.

Under such circumstances, a large group of Han officials who wanted to find a way out but could not find one made the atmosphere in the Qing court extremely weird. Even the top dignitaries among the Manchus noticed it to some extent.
-
Prince Rui's Palace
In the Wuying Palace that day, Jirgalang, who was determined to bring down Dorgon, did not succeed.

On the one hand, this was because the news reported by Wang Zhengzhi greatly reduced his responsibility for the defeat in Huai'an, and on the other hand, it was the reason why Lao Daishan turned against his allies in the battle.

Speaking of which, Dorgon also admired old Daishan very much.

Although this old man has always been insidious, his control of the situation is also accurate.

Take this incident for example. If the situation had continued to develop as it was, Hong Chengchou would not have suffered much loss even if he had been defeated in Huai'an.

By then, he would be able to join forces with Jirgalang to launch an attack, and Dorgon would be badly injured at least.

However, the Battle of Huai'an ended in almost the annihilation of the entire army. Not only the troops of Hong Chengchou and Lekedehun, but also the troops of Tong Yangjia and Li Benshen were trapped.

Such a loss was far more devastating to the Qing Dynasty than any previous one, and the Qing court could not afford to allow any more internal strife.

Of course, there were many people who could see through this, and Dorgon would not admire Daishan for this.

The key is that old Daishan was not tempted by the benefits that were about to be obtained, and he immediately gave in to him after realizing the danger.

Under such circumstances, it was understandable that Dorgon admired his brother who had been tough for decades.

But then again, admiration cannot solve the current dilemma. Even if we have the support of Lao Daishan at this stage, we still need careful planning.

Therefore, during this period of time, Dorgon locked himself in the study and never stepped out of the room.

"Brother Fourteen, this isn't a big deal. You need to go out and get some fresh air."

After a burst of concerned calls, the door of the study was pushed open from the outside, and then Duoduo walked into the room carelessly. After looking at Dorgon's face, he seemed to feel relieved.

"Leave the matter of surrendering the troops to me, but you need to rest for two more days."

"You can not."

In response to his brother's concern, Dorgon simply replied indifferently and turned his attention back to the paper full of words.

Seeing this, Duoduo didn't say much. He followed his brother's gaze for a while before frowning.

"Shandong is easy to deal with. Fang Dayou can't even muster a few thousand soldiers," Duoduo paused, then glanced at the paper beside him, and after thinking it over, he continued, "Northern Zhili and Henan are no problem either. The troops there don't have many people either. The key is the west."

Duoduo did not finish his words, but his fear was evident in his heart. At this moment, Dorgon, who had been focusing on his inner thoughts a moment ago, raised his head, and after meeting Duoduo's eyes, he let out a long sigh.

"Yeah, the west side is hard to handle."

(End of this chapter)