My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

Chapter 264 As long as Emperor Chongzhen is willing to grant me the title of King of the Northwest, I, Li Zicheng, am still willing to surrender!

Luo Rucai was also full of doubts at the time, unable to understand why the Ming Dynasty would suddenly undergo such a big change.

In fact, even now, Luo Rucai still doesn't understand what exactly happened.

Therefore, he could only secretly speculate that either the emperor had suddenly become enlightened and transformed into a wise and enlightened monarch overnight, beginning to work diligently to govern the country and rectify the court.

Or perhaps a peerless genius suddenly appeared in the court, a person with extraordinary talent and the power to turn the tide, which led to the changes that the Ming Dynasty has undergone.

Even if Luo Rucai racked his brains, he probably wouldn't have imagined that all of this was actually thanks to the Ming Dynasty Crown Prince, whom he had never heard of.

Of course, this is not important.

The reason he said those things to Li Zicheng was simply to warn him that the imperial court had just defeated the Jurchens, which was a temporary solution to the external threat.

Although the external threat has been eliminated, the internal troubles remain, and these internal troubles are, of course, them!

It should be noted that the imperial army had just experienced the baptism of war, and its morale was high, and its combat effectiveness had been greatly enhanced.

Therefore, such things must be planned in advance, otherwise, when the imperial army arrives, they will have no choice but to wait for their doom.

After all, the imperial army could defeat even the Jurchens, let alone these peasant armies.
Although the peasant army was large in number, most of them were starving people who had not received proper training and whose weapons and equipment were very rudimentary. Compared with the regular army of the imperial court, they were simply no match for it.

But Li Zicheng was unconvinced at the time. Full of confidence, he patted his chest and said:

"What's there to be afraid of? As long as there are still hungry people in the world, we will have a continuous supply of soldiers. As long as I raise my arm and call, they will respond one after another and join my army."

"Moreover, as long as we take Shaanxi, we will have a foothold and the leverage to negotiate with the imperial court."

"At that time, the area west of Henan will belong to me, and the area east of Henan will belong to the Ming Dynasty. Then, Emperor Chongzhen will confer upon me the title of King of the Northwest. We will then divide the country with the Ming Dynasty and rule along the Yangtze River. At that time, we will be able to live a carefree life."

When Li Zicheng said these words, he was quite excited, as if he could already see the day when he would become the King of the Northwest.

At this time, Li Zicheng had no intention of destroying the Ming Dynasty and replacing it; all he wanted was to force Emperor Chongzhen to grant him the title of King of the Northwest.

As the saying goes, even a starved camel is bigger than a horse. In Li Zicheng's view, the Ming Dynasty had, after all, been around for nearly three hundred years.

The Ming Dynasty had a profound foundation in terms of its systems, culture, and military. How could a peasant army leader like him possibly overthrow it?
He felt content that he could find a foothold in this chaotic world.

It can be said that what Li Zicheng wants at present is actually just the title of King of the Northwest!
In fact, Li Zicheng was not the only one who thought this way; peasant army leaders such as Zhang Xianzhong also thought this way.

They were all from humble backgrounds and originally just wanted to find a way out in this chaotic world. If the imperial court was willing to offer them amnesty and agree to all their conditions, they would naturally be willing to accept the amnesty.

After all, if one could have a peaceful life, who would want to risk their life every day?

As for his previous surrender and subsequent rebellion, it was simply because he felt the court was not sincere enough!

In the past, when the imperial court tried to recruit them, it always said one thing and did another, and often failed to deliver on the conditions it promised. They felt that they had been tricked by the imperial court, which is why they rebelled again.

However, Luo Rucai knew in his heart that the Ming Dynasty would not agree to such conditions.

Although the Ming Dynasty is in decline, it still has its own dignity and bottom line. It will not easily compromise with the peasant army, much less agree to let a peasant army leader become the King of the Northwest and divide the country with the Ming Dynasty along the Yangtze River.

Moreover, the peasant army had killed so many princes and members of the royal family that the two sides were now irreconcilable enemies.

However, he was new to the area and had not yet established himself in Li Zicheng's camp, so he did not dare to say these things rashly. He could only flatter Li Zicheng by repeating his words.

Meanwhile, inside the camp.

After listening to Luo Rucai's previous words, Zhang Xianzhong fell into a long silence.

The candlelight flickered constantly, its faint glow swaying uncertainly in the wind, as if it might go out at any moment, casting his shadow on the tent, making him appear exceptionally lonely and insignificant.

He just sat there quietly, his eyes vacant, and you couldn't tell what he was thinking.

After a long silence, he sighed heavily, then slowly said:
"To be honest, before I joined Li Zicheng, I originally planned to go to Shanxi. I thought I would first recruit soldiers and expand my strength in Shanxi, and then plan other things."

"I never expected that before we even reached Shanxi, we would be utterly defeated by the Shanxi General and his troops."

"The army in Shanxi is no less capable than Zuo Liangyu's army. They are well-trained and well-equipped. How could I possibly be a match for them?"

"They were defeated and forced to retreat in a single encounter, leaving them in a sorry state."

"Out of desperation, I came to join Li Zicheng. I thought that Li Zicheng was a powerful and ambitious man, and following him might give me a glimmer of hope."

"But now that I hear what you've said, I realize that the Ming Dynasty really isn't the same as it used to be!"

As Zhang Xianzhong spoke, he sighed heavily again, as if filled with endless emotions.

Luo Rucai listened quietly to Zhang Xianzhong's poignant sigh, and the inexplicable heaviness in his heart grew stronger, as if a huge boulder was pressing down on his mind.

Suddenly, a gentle breeze carrying a hint of coolness swept by, causing the candlelight inside the tent to flicker violently, like a candle burning in the wind.

The flickering firelight cast long shadows of him and Zhang Xianzhong, which danced wildly on the walls of the tent, creating an atmosphere of loneliness and desolation.

However, at that very moment, a flash of inspiration suddenly struck Luo Rucai's mind. He seemed to have suddenly realized something extremely important, and his eyes widened instantly as he looked at Zhang Xianzhong with a shocked expression.

Their voices were filled with urgency and disbelief as they asked loudly:

"Wait, what did you just say?"

Zhang Xianzhong was somewhat bewildered by Luo Rucai's sudden reaction. He frowned and looked at Luo Rucai with a puzzled expression, saying:
"I'm saying that the Ming Dynasty is no longer the Ming Dynasty it used to be."

"Not this one!"

Luo Rucai hurriedly said:
"Is it that line from before, where did you say you met the Shanxi general?"

This question left Zhang Xianzhong even more confused. He looked at Luo Rucai with a puzzled expression, wondering to himself what was wrong with Luo Rucai today.
Why are you suddenly so concerned about the matter of the Shanxi General?
Seeing Luo Rucai's anxious expression, Zhang Xianzhong dared not keep him in suspense any longer and quickly recounted the details of his previous encounter with the Shanxi general.

When Luo Rucai heard these words, his expression immediately turned serious, and the tension in his heart was instantly tightened.

He suddenly realized that the seriousness of the situation seemed to far exceed his previous expectations.

At first, he thought it was just an ordinary battle, like the countless battles they had experienced before, nothing more than a small-scale conflict between the imperial army and their peasant army.

But now that I think about it, it seems that it wasn't like that at all.

It seems that the Shanxi troops had long been lying in ambush at the border of Henan and Shaanxi, quietly waiting for the peasant army to appear, ready to intercept any peasant army that wanted to travel from Henan to Shanxi.

Moreover, once the peasant army retreated back to Henan, they stopped pursuing them!

This doesn't look like a war; it looks more like an expulsion!
Drive the peasant army back to Henan and prevent them from entering Shanxi!

Moreover, barring any unforeseen circumstances, there are likely imperial troops lying in ambush at the border of Hebei, Anhui, Hubei, and Henan provinces.

They were just waiting for the peasant army to appear so they could drive them back to Henan.

It was obvious that the imperial court wanted to trap these peasant armies in Henan, like trapping a group of prey in a huge cage, and then gather a large army next spring to catch them like turtles in a jar and wipe them out in one fell swoop.

Upon thinking of this, Luo Rucai's face turned deathly pale, as if shrouded in frost, and his body trembled slightly involuntarily.

Just then, Zhang Xianzhong also noticed Luo Rucai's change.

Looking at Luo Rucai's terrified expression, he was filled with doubt and couldn't help but ask:
"What's wrong with you? Why do you suddenly look so pale?"

Luo Rucai looked at Zhang Xianzhong in front of him, took a deep breath, tried to calm himself down, and decided not to hide anything any longer, saying directly:

"If I'm not mistaken, it's not just the border between Henan and Shanxi where the imperial army is lying in ambush; the same is true for other provinces bordering Henan."

"In other words, we are actually surrounded by the imperial court."

"These armies are like an invisible net, trapping us in Henan, and then they will gather a large army next spring to wipe us out."

When Zhang Xianzhong heard this, he didn't show much surprise on his face, because it was pretty much what he had expected.

Back when he met the Shanxi general at the border of Henan and Shanxi, he had already guessed that there must be imperial troops defending other places as well.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have come to seek refuge with Li Zicheng.

He just didn't think it through as thoroughly as Luo Rucai.

Seeing that Zhang Xianzhong remained calm, Luo Rucai knew that Zhang Xianzhong still did not realize the seriousness of the problem.

He could only explain again earnestly:
"You previously said that you encountered an army of about 30,000. If you add up all the troops from the surrounding provinces, there must be at least 60,000 to 70,000, right?"

"Adding the troops in Shaanxi, the imperial court has deployed at least 120,000 to 130,000 troops around Henan!"

"And don't forget, the main force of the imperial court, the Beijing Garrison, hasn't been mobilized yet. If we add the Beijing Garrison and the elite troops from the nine border regions, the imperial court may have to mobilize no less than 200,000 troops when the war actually starts next year!"

"You have to understand that this is an army of 200,000! This army is enough to completely annihilate us."

Upon hearing Luo Rucai's explanation, Zhang Xianzhong was completely dumbfounded.

His eyes widened like saucers, as if he couldn't believe his ears.

You know, Zuo Liangyu only led 20,000 troops and was able to defeat him who had 200,000 troops. If the imperial court really mobilizes 200,000 troops, how will this battle be fought?

In an instant, Zhang Xianzhong realized the seriousness of the problem, and his face turned very ugly.

But he couldn't think of any solution, so he looked at Luo Rucai and asked with a hint of anxiety and helplessness:

"Then tell me, what should we do? Are we just supposed to sit here and wait to die?"

Luo Rucai shook his head, a hint of confusion in his eyes.

"I can't think of any good solutions right now. The best solution would actually be to break through Tongguan and enter Shaanxi."

"After we occupy Shaanxi, we can defend it with the natural defenses of Tongguan. After all, Tongguan is strategically important, easy to defend and difficult to attack, like a natural barrier. Even if the imperial court sends 200,000 troops, we should be able to hold it." "Even if we can't hold it in the end, we can enter Sichuan from Shaanxi. Sichuan has a complex terrain, easy to defend and difficult to attack, and is rich in resources, making it a very good place."

"But as you've seen during this time, Tongguan is really too difficult to capture. Li Zicheng has been fighting for three months without success."

"Tongguan is like a hard, stubborn rock; no matter how hard Li Zicheng tried, he could not shake it in the slightest."

"If we continue fighting, I estimate it will be futile. It will not only consume a lot of our troops and resources, but also severely damage our morale."

"But if we don't fight in Shaanxi, where else can we go?"

"Going to Shanxi is possible. Although there are troops defending Shanxi, they should not be able to withstand our 600,000-strong army."

"However, our strategy can be changed, but the court's strategy can also be changed. I'm afraid that as soon as we arrive in Shanxi, the court will immediately adjust its forces to besiege Shanxi."

"Moreover, I am certain that Li Zicheng would never go to Shanxi, because his obsession has always been Shaanxi; he only wants to be the King of the Northwest."

"Shaanxi is like a giant magnet, deeply attracting him and making him unable to extricate himself."

At this point, Luo Rucai sighed helplessly again.

It must be said that he underestimated the imperial court. He thought the court would take action against them next year, but he never expected that the court would take action against them now.

Moreover, their methods were so sophisticated that they were completely helpless against them.

They are now like lambs to the slaughter, forced to watch helplessly as danger creeps closer.

Zhang Xianzhong lowered his head and took a swig of wine in silence. The wine went down his throat like a fire, burning him with a painful feeling.

He didn't know what to say. After all, even Luo Rucai couldn't come up with a good solution, so what could he possibly do?
For a moment, the tent fell silent, with only the flickering candlelight and the heavy breathing of the two people echoing in the air.

After a moment, Luo Rucai spoke softly:

"Forget it, there's no point in talking about this now. Let's talk about your business first."

"Have you made up your mind? If you want to escape with your men now, I can help you leave here."

"Although the current situation is very unfavorable for us, we still have a chance if we are careful and cautious."

Zhang Xianzhong gave a bitter laugh upon hearing this, his face full of helplessness and bitterness.

"Now that you've said all that, where can I go? Besides, with my meager forces, going anywhere would be suicide."

"If we accidentally run into Zuo Liangyu again, then we'll really be doomed."

Luo Rucai fell silent for a moment, because with Zhang Xianzhong's current forces, he really had nowhere to go.

A short while later, Zhang Xianzhong suddenly raised his head, and as if he had made up his mind, he said in a firm voice:

"It seems that now I have no choice but to join Li Zicheng's army!"

Upon hearing this, Luo Rucai glanced at Zhang Xianzhong with some surprise.

Because he knew that Zhang Xianzhong's words meant more than just joining; they were more like submission to Li Zicheng.

In other words, Zhang Xianzhong, the "Eighth King," was willing to become Li Zicheng's subordinate and hand over all his troops to Li Zicheng.

This was undoubtedly a difficult decision for Zhang Xianzhong, who was always proud and arrogant.

Although Zhang Xianzhong's decision surprised Luo Rucai, upon careful consideration, it was indeed the safest option at the moment.

After all, if his 100,000 men were to break away from Li Zicheng's army, they really wouldn't be able to cause any trouble.

If they were to encounter Zuo Liangyu's or other imperial armies again, they would be wiped out in an instant, and even Zhang Xianzhong himself might be in mortal danger.

Rather than that, it would be better to join Li Zicheng. Although they would be subject to his control, at least they could have some peace and stability for a while, and perhaps they would have a chance to make a comeback in the future.

Thinking of this, Luo Rucai couldn't help but sigh deeply again, perhaps lamenting Zhang Xianzhong's decision.

Then he raised his head, looked up at the pitch-black night sky outside the tent, and slowly said:

"Since you've already made up your mind, then I won't say anything more."

"In that case, tomorrow morning, you should take the initiative to see Li Zicheng and explain the matter in detail. Given your status and position, Li Zicheng will surely not treat you unfairly."

Zhang Xianzhong didn't say anything more, but simply nodded silently, which was considered as tacitly agreeing to the matter.

After the decision was made, the atmosphere inside the tent became somewhat oppressive again.

The two remained silent and sat around the table, drinking together.

The wine was spicy on the palate, but also had a hint of bitterness, just like their mood at that moment.

But suddenly, at that moment, a cry of surprise came from outside.

"King Chuang Chuang! What brings you here?"

Upon hearing this, the two people inside the room exchanged a glance, both looking shocked.

Zhang Xianzhong originally thought that Li Zicheng was summoned by Luo Rucai, and that what Luo Rucai had just said to him was just to test his loyalty on behalf of Li Zicheng.

So for a moment, the way he looked at Luo Rucai became somewhat unfriendly.

But he quickly rejected the idea, because he could also see the shock in Luo Rucai's eyes.

At this moment, Luo Rucai's eyes were wide open, and his face was full of disbelief.

Clearly, Luo Rucai was unaware that Li Zicheng would arrive at this time.

Indeed, this was the case; Luo Rucai did not inform Li Zicheng of this matter.

He even secretly came to see Zhang Xianzhong under the cover of night, just to avoid causing unnecessary trouble.

However, he forgot one very important thing: this was Li Zicheng's camp, full of Li Zicheng's confidants.

These people were like Li Zicheng's eyes and ears, knowing everything that was happening in the camp.

How could they possibly keep their meeting a secret from Li Zicheng?
As early as when Luo Rucai left his camp to find Zhang Xianzhong, Li Zicheng had already learned of the news.

However, Li Zicheng did not rush to stop them at the time, but waited until they had finished talking before arriving.

Just as the two were lost in thought, the tent was suddenly ripped open.

Immediately afterwards, a tall figure walked in.

The man appeared to be around forty years old, with a robust build and a sharply defined face. His bronze skin, roughened by years of battles and sun exposure, was covered with the marks of time and the elements.

The only odd thing was that he was wearing a special eye patch over his left eye, which made him look rather strange.

Even so, his other eye was as sharp as a hawk's, as if it could see through people's hearts.

This man was none other than Li Zicheng, the rebel leader!
As for his left eye, it was shot by Chen Yongfu, the deputy general of Kaifeng, during the siege of Kaifeng.

Fortunately, the wound did not become infected; he only lost an eye.

At the same time, Luo Rucai and Zhang Xianzhong saw Li Zicheng, hurriedly put down their wine cups, stood up in a panic, and bowed to Li Zicheng.

"Greetings, King Chuang!"

Li Zicheng laughed heartily, his laughter so cheerful and unrestrained that it seemed to dispel the oppressive atmosphere in the tent.

He stepped forward, patted the two of them on the shoulder, and said:
"Why are you two together so late at night?"

Upon hearing this, the two were momentarily speechless.

But the next second, Li Zicheng suddenly changed the subject, a mocking smile on his face, and said:

"But you guys are really disloyal. Why didn't you invite me, the king, to such a good drink?"

After saying this, Li Zicheng sat down casually, as if this were his home turf.

Then, the tent flap behind them was opened again, and several people came in carrying fine wine and snacks, which they then placed on the table.

As for the things that Luo Rucai brought earlier, they were taken away.

The new dishes and wine exuded an enticing aroma that made one's mouth water.

It must be said that what Li Zicheng brought was on a completely different level from what Luo Rucai brought before.

The wine pot was crystal clear, seemingly carved from a single piece of crystal, and the wine cups were small and exquisite, also carved from crystal.

The snacks served with drinks are also delicious and visually appealing.

This is because after Li Zicheng gained status and position, he also began to focus on a luxurious lifestyle.

He had gathered many cooks under his command, all of whom he had seized from the royal palace and restaurants when he conquered the city.

Just then, Li Zicheng looked at the two men still standing in front of him and immediately called out:

"What are you two still standing there for? Sit down! Let's have a good drink tonight, and drink until we drop!"

Upon hearing this, the two could only sit down cautiously.

But as soon as their bottoms touched the stool, they felt a little uncomfortable, as if the stool had thorns on it.

(End of this chapter)