Prince Chongzhen

Chapter 518: No Surrendered Minister Left Alive

October 15th

Beijing
Since Dorgon recruited a large army, the food supply in the north has gradually become tight.

By this time, the price of food in the city had soared to the sky, and the penniless people could only go outside the city to pick some wild vegetables to fill their stomachs.

But then again, this is the capital after all, so the situation can't be as tragic as in other places.

Even though selling children had become commonplace, there were still not many people starving to death on the streets.

Of course, while the rich live in luxury, others freeze to death in the streets.

No matter how urgent the situation is, those who love fine food will still maintain their original living habits.

It’s just that everyone has his own troubles. While some people are extremely satisfied with their material lives, they always inevitably carry a heavy burden spiritually.

"Sir Wang, the princess said that this is a very sensitive time. It is better for you not to come to the palace. Otherwise, if the court blames you, not only will you be in trouble, but I am afraid that the palace will also be in trouble."

After quickly conveying his mistress' instructions, the old servant turned around and went back to the mansion. However, who would have thought that after he had only taken three or two steps, his arm was grabbed by Wang Zhengzhi.

"My lord, the princess has made her words clear, and there is nothing I can do."

As he spoke, the old servant reached into his sleeve, fumbled around inside, took out a small silver ingot, and stuffed it straight into Wang Zhengzhi's hand.

Wang Zhengzhi was a Jinshi in the first year of Chongzhen. By the time Beijing fell, he had already held the position of Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, which could be said to be a very successful career.

People like him are bound to entertain and see off guests, collude for benefits, and even give money directly to people. However, the people he interacts with are all scholars, and they will be polite even if there is a slight disagreement. How could he have ever suffered such humiliation?
"you!"

A burst of angry scolding was heard, but the old servant seemed to be unaware of it. Then all kinds of thoughts came to his mind, and Wang Zhengzhi's tone slowed down.

"Just keep the silver. I won't ask for it. But I'll have to trouble you to tell the mansion that someone wants to harm the princess, and that's why I came here."

As soon as he finished speaking, the old servant's hand holding the silver froze and his expression became hesitant.

Seeing this, Wang Zhengzhi asked a few more words, and the other party turned around and went back into the mansion. Only then did a trace of anger appear on his face again.

The previous mission to Yingtian ended in failure. After that, the Qing court understood Zhu Cilang's intentions and prepared for war, and this envoy was thrown into a corner.

To be honest, Wang Zhengzhi was really depressed during that period, as if the sky was falling.

In the final analysis, the gap between expectations and reality was too huge. Moreover, this matter not only concerned his career but also involved his life. It was understandable that he was depressed.

But then again, Wang Zhengzhi had experienced many ups and downs. After the fall of Shanhaiguan and the news of the grassland, he immediately judged that the entire Manchu tribe would be doomed, and then he found an opportunity to make meritorious service to the Ming Dynasty.

He thought clearly that since he could see the Emperor Ming's intention, the Manchu nobles in Beijing would certainly be able to see this clearly as well.

Faced with the threat of death, different people will make different choices. In addition to those who want to fight to the death and kneel down to beg for mercy, there are also many who look for the weak to commit violence in desperation. What he has to do is to do his best to protect the princess's safety in this critical moment.

It has to be said that this is indeed a good plan. As long as he can allow the princess to meet the Emperor Ming safely, he can find a reasonable explanation for his surrender to the Qing Dynasty.

just
Sigh~~~~~~~, I don't know what this girl is thinking. Yu sighed deeply in his heart, and Wang Zhengzhi waited quietly outside the door for news from inside. After more than half an incense stick of time, the old servant reappeared in his sight, and then with just a few words, Wang Zhengzhi followed into the Zhou family mansion.

At this point, his plan was mostly accomplished. All that remained was to use words to let the princess know how dangerous her situation was.

There is no need to say much about the greeting, nor is there any need to elaborate on Wang Zhengzhi's words. In short, the princess was moved by his words in just a few words, and her attitude changed.

"Mr. Wang, you and I are in the enemy camp. Even if you want to save me, what can you do?"

"Your Highness, the reason why I surrendered to the Qing Dynasty was to protect the bloodline of the late emperor at a critical moment. If His Majesty really leads the troops to come, you just need to stay in the room safely, and I will take care of everything."

Wang Zhengzhi was not bragging. In the past few months, people in Beijing had been in a state of unrest, and many wanted to find other ways out. He took this opportunity to contact several civil and military officials who could be of great use, and it was reasonable for him to gather a hundred or so soldiers who had been on the battlefield.

With these people, it would be convenient for them to find another place to hide or to hold on here, so he was very confident in what he said.

"Then I'll trouble you, Mr. Wang."

Faced with the princess's gratitude, Wang Zhengzhi felt that his already bleak official career was bright again. But who would have thought that when he was about to express his loyalty again, the old servant rushed in in a hurry. Then a chaotic sound of footsteps sounded outside the courtyard, and then a team of Eight Banners soldiers in white armor rushed in.

Zhengbai Banner?
How come they are here?
Did we lose the war?

Alas! I have been left aside for so long that I haven't even heard of such an important event.

As thoughts came to his mind one after another, Wang Zhengzhi couldn't help but feel nervous.

However, his career was tied to the princess's safety, so even though the other party was as fierce as a wolf or a tiger, he had to stand up.

"What are you waiting for?"

"I am under the command of Dorgon, the commander of the Nurgan Command of the Ming Dynasty. I am here to protect the princess on the orders of your majesty!"

With just this report, everyone in the courtyard was stunned. Then, the leading soldier, as if he saw the confusion in everyone's hearts, began to explain.

"Your Majesty is kind and will forgive the past. As long as the Manchus can stop the Russians from advancing eastward in the north, their families can continue to live in the interior, so Commander Wang will return to the Ming Dynasty." The soldier paused at this point, but he seemed to feel that these words could not convince the princess. After the princess digested them a little, he continued, "At this time, the garrisons of the flags in the capital have been controlled by the left and right armies of the imperial guards. Tomorrow, Your Majesty will lead the main force to arrive."

"Let bygones be bygones? Then what are you doing waiting for me to surrender?!"

As the saying goes, everyone should mind their own business. When Kunxing was still in shock, Wang Zhengzhi asked anxiously.

But to his surprise, the soldier who had been extremely respectful the moment before suddenly attacked after hearing the word "surrender", and then he was dragged out of the yard.

"This is what you are."

"Your Majesty has ordered that none of the surrendered ministers should be spared."

(End of the book)

(End of this chapter)