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

Chapter 273 An ambush on the grassland? Zhu Cilang, you're really trying to trick me again!

Thinking this through, Abunai nodded and said:

"Okay, I promise you, then let's go fight the Oirat Alliance."

And so, the objective of this operation was finally determined.

Zhu Cilang then continued to ask:
"So how many troops do you plan to send this time? You know that the Ming Dynasty plans to send 50,000 cavalry this time. However, I know that you do not have that many troops under your command at the moment, but you should still need 20,000 to 30,000, right?"

As Zhu Cilang spoke, he glanced at the cavalry behind Abunai from a distance.

Upon hearing this, Abunai's face paled instantly, and he said somewhat awkwardly:
"I currently have only 30,000 cavalrymen under my command, which is all I have."

"So this time I can only send half, that is, 15,000 cavalry. Any more than that, and the tribe's defense will be in trouble. If other tribes take the opportunity to attack, that would be a real problem."

Abunai's voice carried a hint of helplessness and reluctance. He knew that his military strength was limited and could not compare with that of the Ming Dynasty in this respect.

However, Zhu Cilang looked at Abunai with some displeasure upon hearing this and said:
"Abunai, this is no fun. If you only send such a small number of people, how am I supposed to divide the spoils of war with you?"

"If we divide the spoils according to the number of troops deployed, I'm afraid I can only distribute them at most in an 80/20 split, that is, the Ming Dynasty gets 80% and you get 20%."

"After all, the number of troops you send determines your contribution in battle. If you send fewer troops, you will naturally receive less spoils."

As Zhu Cilang spoke, a hint of dissatisfaction flashed in his eyes. He felt that Abunai was being too stingy.

Upon hearing this, Abunai hurriedly said:

"How can this be? We're clearly in a cooperative relationship, how can we get so little? After all, we also contributed our efforts!"

Abnai's voice rose a few decibels; he felt he had been treated unfairly and was filled with anger.

Zhu Cilang rolled his eyes at Abunai, then continued:

"The Ming Dynasty sent 50,000 troops, and you sent 15,000. The difference in troop strength is more than three times. And you still want to split the spoils equally? Do you think that's fair?"

"On the battlefield, troop strength is power, and power determines everything. It is obviously unreasonable for you to send fewer troops but want to get more spoils of war."

Zhu Cilang's attitude remained very firm; he would not compromise easily.

Upon hearing this, Abunai was at a loss for words.

His face turned bright red, and his lips trembled slightly, but he couldn't utter a single word.

He understood that Zhu Cilang's words made sense, but he was unwilling to receive only such a small share of the spoils.

For a moment, the atmosphere became somewhat tense, and both sides fell silent, with only the sound of the wind whistling in their ears.

However, Abunai then spoke again:

"When fighting on the grasslands, you can't just focus on troop strength. Troop strength is important, but intelligence is equally important."

"The most crucial information is knowing exactly where those tribes live, where their camps are located, in which direction their cattle and sheep graze, and in which direction they will flee if things go wrong."

"But we know all about these things! Although my forces are not as large as yours, my army can guarantee that you can accurately locate these grassland tribes and ensure that you will not get lost on the grassland. That is our strength!"

Zhu Cilang frowned slightly after hearing Abunai's words and fell into deep thought.

He suddenly felt that Abunai's words seemed to make some sense.

After all, grassland warfare is quite different from warfare in the Central Plains. The terrain is complex, there are many tribes, and intelligence and familiarity with the terrain play a crucial role.

After a moment's thought, Zhu Cilang slowly spoke:
"How about this, you add another 5,000 troops to make it a round number, 20,000? In that case, I'm willing to make another concession. We'll divide the spoils 70/30, with the Ming Dynasty getting 70% and you getting 30%. This is the biggest concession I can make."

When Abuna heard this, he almost choked.

Not
So all that talk he did was only add 10%? Who does he think he is!
Just as Abunai was about to lose his temper, Zhu Cilang's voice rang out again.

"Don't rush to refuse, I haven't finished speaking yet! If you want these spoils of war, you can have them. If you don't want them, you can exchange them for silver, gold, grain, cloth, salt, coal and other supplies. And the price will be absolutely fair."

"In addition, if this is not enough, the Ming Dynasty can lend you some extra silver and supplies to ensure that you can get through this winter smoothly."

"Of course, all of these need to be repaid. Next year, we can repay them with cattle and sheep of equal value!"

"If this cooperation goes well, the Ming Dynasty can even lend you silver and supplies every winter thereafter!"

Upon hearing this, Abuna's expression instantly changed.

He was already furious when he heard about the 70/30 distribution, but after hearing what followed, he suddenly wasn't so angry anymore.

Exchanging spoils for silver and supplies was secondary; the key was that Zhu Cilang promised him that the Ming Dynasty could lend him silver and supplies to ensure his tribe could survive the winter.

To be honest, nothing is more important than this promise!

This means that no matter how much loot he gets from this raid, his tribe will be able to get through the winter safely.

Thinking of this, Abunai looked at Zhu Cilang and said:

"Do you mean what you say?"

Zhu Cilang smiled slightly.

"You have no joke!"

Abunai believed it because Zhu Cilang said this to his face and in front of a group of civil and military officials behind him.

As the future emperor of the Ming Dynasty, he believed that Zhu Cilang would not break his promise!
The next second, Abunai looked at Zhu Cilang again, then nodded and said:
"Okay, I agree to this. 73 it is!"

Zhu Cilang breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Abunai had agreed, and then continued:

"Then, we should discuss the issue of territory."

"The Ming army will help you expand your existing territory, but in the direction of northwest expansion. And this time, don't say that the Ming is taking advantage of you. For every time the Ming army helps you expand your territory by two times, you will cede half of the territory near Xuanfu to the Ming. What do you think?"

Judging from the distribution ratio, it seems that the Ming Dynasty suffered a loss this time, but it should be noted that Zhu Cilang never made a losing deal.

Firstly, the land conquered this time is far from the Ming Dynasty. Even if more land is conquered, the Ming Dynasty cannot control it. Therefore, the Ming Dynasty is not at a disadvantage by doing this.

Secondly, in Zhu Cilang's view, he would eventually bring Mongolia's territory under his control, so no matter how large Mongolia's territory was, it would eventually be incorporated into the Ming Dynasty's territory.

Therefore, Zhu Cilang was more than happy for Abunai to have more territory!

Anyway, all of these will be his in the future!
At the same time, when Abuna heard this, his face instantly turned somewhat ugly, and then he hesitated again.

Although on the surface, exchanging twice the territory for twice the territory seems like a very good deal, he knew in his heart that the entanglements of interests involved were not so simple to explain.

Although the territory near the Ming Dynasty would inevitably lead to some conflicts with the Ming, it was also the place he valued most.

After all, this is the border, their gateway, and has extremely important strategic significance.

Furthermore, the Ming Dynasty and Mongolia are now engaged in frequent commercial trade.

If the Ming Dynasty were to use territorial issues to restrict Mongolia's trade, wouldn't that affect Mongolia's economic development and people's livelihood?
Thinking of this, Abunai frowned again and looked at Zhu Cilang, saying:
"The issue of territorial allocation is barely acceptable, but what if the Ming Dynasty holds onto these territories and doesn't allow the Mongols to trade?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang smiled confidently and said:
"You can rest assured about that, because trade is the key to maintaining peace, so as long as we don't go to war, this trade will continue."

"The Ming Dynasty is currently in dire need of supplies such as cattle, sheep, warhorses, and furs from the grasslands. Similarly, Mongolia is in dire need of daily necessities such as tea, grain, salt, cloth, and cotton from the Ming Dynasty."

"The profit margin is enormous, which benefits both of us. Therefore, the Ming Dynasty will do its best to maintain trade cooperation between the two sides."

"The Ming Dynasty is a country that values ​​reason, and there is no need for us to do things that harm others and ourselves."

After listening to Zhu Cilang's words, Abunai lowered his head and thought about it carefully. The last bit of worry in his heart finally disappeared.

Currently, trade between the Ming Dynasty and Mongolia is becoming increasingly frequent, and both sides are benefiting greatly from it. If this trade relationship is damaged due to territorial issues, it would be a loss for both sides.

Furthermore, given the current strength of both sides, Mongolia is not qualified to challenge the Ming Dynasty for at least ten years, which means that this trade can be maintained for at least another ten years.

As for ten years later
Let's wait until ten years from now!
Thinking of this, Abunai nodded solemnly.

"Therefore, I agree to these things."

After a period of intense discussion and negotiation, the two sides finally reached a cooperation agreement.

The tense atmosphere eased somewhat due to the successful cooperation agreement.

However, at that moment, a strange tremor suddenly came from not far away.

The sound grew louder as it approached, as if a tremendous force was propelling something.

Immediately afterwards, the sound of galloping warhorses suddenly came from not far away. The sound was deafening, as if it would overturn the entire grassland.

Everyone looked up in surprise and saw a large troop of cavalry galloping toward them like a black tide across the grassland not far away.

The dust kicked up was so thick it blotted out the sun, and the sound of horses' hooves thundered in our ears.

Upon seeing this, Abuna panicked instantly. His face turned deathly pale, and his eyes were filled with terror.

Because he knew in his heart that it couldn't be his cavalry that came.

On this grassland, besides his army, there was only the army of the Ming Dynasty.

In an instant, Abunai stood up abruptly, his body trembling slightly with tension. He looked at Zhu Cilang and said through gritted teeth:

"Zhu Cilang, are you trying to trick me again?"

Zhu Cilang was also a little confused at this moment. He frowned and looked at the approaching cavalry with a blank expression, his heart filled with doubt.

Because he didn't know what was going on either; he hadn't made any such arrangements!

At the same time, the generals standing behind Zhu Cilang and Abunai began to tense up, their hands unconsciously resting on the hilts of their swords.

Even behind them, the cavalry on both sides began to stir, because they didn't know which side's reinforcements were coming, and they instinctively assumed that the other side's reinforcements were coming!

The air around them instantly tensed; war seemed imminent. But just then, a scout suddenly charged forward, dismounting before his horse could even stop, and reported to Zhu Cilang:

"Your Highness, the troops sent by General Zu Dashou of Liaodong have arrived!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang suddenly realized what was going on.

He had indeed received a secret letter from Zu Dashou saying that the cavalry would be passing through Mongolia, but he never expected them to appear at this time.

At the same time, Abnai also heard these words, but his expression did not relax in the slightest, and his eyes were still full of vigilance and suspicion.

Who knows if these soldiers are actually here to attack him?

Even the Mongol soldiers behind him and the Mongol troops further away became even more restless.

Upon seeing this, Zhu Cilang knew that he had to take immediate action, or the consequences would be unimaginable.

He immediately issued the order:
"Issue the order to have them stationed outside Xuanfu City and not allow them to approach this area! Also, inform the other soldiers of this message to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings!"

Upon hearing this, the scout quickly replied:

"As ordered!"

He then hurriedly spurred his horse and rode towards the cavalry.

Upon hearing this, Abnai quickly breathed a sigh of relief. The next second, he turned around, called over a general, and whispered:

"Quickly go and appease the army, tell them this is just a misunderstanding, and they must not act rashly!"

Upon receiving the order, the general hurriedly spurred his horse and galloped towards the army behind him, waving his flag as he ran in an attempt to calm the troops.

After all, if some fool were to shoot an arrow at this moment, the situation would change drastically, and the misunderstanding could instantly escalate into a fierce battle.

After a lot of work by both sides, the misunderstanding was finally cleared up.

However, the atmosphere at the scene became even more tense.

Both sides' soldiers remained highly vigilant, their eyes filled with wariness.

But it's okay, because we've already talked about everything we needed to talk about.

Immediately afterwards, Zhu Cilang stood up and looked at Abunai, saying:

"Now that the matter has been settled, there's nothing more to say. I'll give you two days to prepare. The army will assemble and depart early the day after tomorrow."

"Also, don't be idle these next two days. I will give you a batch of rations, and you are responsible for transporting them to the places the army must pass through, to serve as provisions for the march."

"After all, this time it's all cavalry, so they can't carry too much grain. Of course, to ensure the safety of this batch of grain, the Ming Dynasty will also send troops to guard it."

Abuna didn't say anything when he heard this, he just nodded.

Immediately afterwards, both sides turned and left, returning to their respective armies.

Then the soldiers got busy and put away the tables and chairs that had been set up.

After glancing back at Abunai who had already left, Zhu Cilang led 20,000 cavalry back to Xuanfu City.

Along the way, the sound of horses' hooves echoed, raising clouds of dust.

Abna took no action, as his troops were already stationed there.

Watching Zhu Cilang's departing figure from afar, Abunai finally breathed a sigh of relief, because at this point, the cooperation between the two parties was finally completely settled.

He felt both anticipation for the future and anxiety about the unknown.

Suddenly, at that moment, another sound of horses' hooves came. Abunai looked up and saw that the person who had arrived was none other than his younger sister, Qiqige!

Before Qiqige could even dismount, Abunai stepped forward and stopped her.

Kikige looked puzzled, and before she could ask, Abuna said:
“Qiqige, you can’t stay here for now. You have to go back to Xuanfu and stay by Zhu Cilang’s side.”

Upon hearing this, Qiqige's expression changed instantly, and she asked:

"Why? I'm your sister, why can't I stay here?"

Abunai looked somewhat reluctant, but still said:
"No matter what, you will always be my sister, and the grasslands will always be your home. But you can't stay here now. I need you to stay in the Ming Dynasty and stay by the side of the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty, because only in this way can we ensure that the cooperation between the two sides can proceed smoothly!"

As soon as she said that, Qiqige's eyes instantly reddened, and large tears welled up in her eyes.

She looked at Abuna in front of her and asked, crying:

"Why are you kicking me out? Why are you treating me like this?"

Abuna's expression grew even more reluctant, and he dared not look at his younger sister who had grown up with him since childhood. He simply said in a stubborn tone:

"For the sake of our tribe, there was no other way!"

"Go back, Qiqige. Come back after this is all over!"

At that moment, Qiqige's heart broke!

She actually understood why Abuna did what she did, but she still couldn't accept such a heartless brother.

The next second, Qiqige stopped talking, suddenly cracked her whip, turned her horse around, and galloped off towards Xuanfu.

Watching Qiqige's departing figure, Abuna sighed helplessly once again.

Upon returning to Xuanfu, Zhu Cilang did not delay at all and ordered a meeting with the generals sent by Zu Dashou, with Qin Liangyu and others accompanying him.

Immediately afterwards, several weary generals came before him.

He knew most of these generals, but he couldn't recall the names of some of them.

However, he still remembered the two leaders: Zu Dashou's elder brother Zu Dabi and Wu Sangui.

In addition, there were several of Zu Dashou's adopted sons, each of whom was agile and had a heroic air about them.

"Your Highness, I pay my respects!"

Upon seeing Zhu Cilang, Zu Dabi, Wu Sangui, and others hurriedly bowed down to him.

Zhu Cilang personally stepped forward to help the two up, then said with a smile:

"You all have had a long journey, please don't be so polite, please have a seat."

After saying that, Zhu Cilang hurriedly asked Ma Bao to bring a few more stools for them to sit down.

At this moment, the people in front of me were in a sorry state, their hair was messy from the wind, and their armor was covered in dust, clearly the result of their long journey.

Although in the original history, Zu Dabi and Wu Sangui ultimately betrayed the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Cilang still held them in high regard at this moment.

After all, with his time travel, history has changed, and such a thing can no longer happen.

He believed that under his leadership, these generals would surely make great contributions to the Ming Dynasty.

The next second, Zhu Cilang said directly:
"Gentlemen, I suppose you already know why I summoned you here. In that case, I won't waste any more words."

"You all need to rest for two days to recharge your energy, and then prepare to set off. This time, our target is the Oirat Alliance."

"The Oirat Alliance has been growing stronger in recent years. Although they do not pose a threat to the Ming Dynasty for the time being, their growth is not a good thing for the Ming Dynasty. Therefore, we must crush them in one fell swoop this time!"

Upon hearing Zhu Cilang's words, Wu Sangui was filled with curiosity, and then asked with some doubt:
"Your Highness, may I be so bold as to ask, why do we choose to go through all this trouble instead of attacking the Khoshut Khanate and the Yarkand Khanate?

"I really don't understand the reason behind this, and I hope that Your Highness can enlighten me."

Zhu Cilang felt somewhat helpless upon hearing Wu Sangui's question.

Why do I have to explain the same thing again?

Initially, Qin Liangyu and others asked him why he chose to attack the Oirat Alliance, and he patiently explained it to them.

Later, he explained it to Abunai in detail.

I thought things had been cleared up, but now I have to face Wu Sangui's questioning and explain for the third time.

Originally, this matter could have been left to Qin Liangyu to explain, but after a brief consideration, Zhu Cilang decided to explain it himself.

Thinking of this, Zhu Cilang then said:

"There are two main reasons why I have not attacked the Khoshut Khanate, the Yarkand Khanate, or the Tumed Khanate!"

"The first reason is that these places have all been defeated by the Jurchens before, so there's nothing worth plundering. There's really no need to burn their fields and destroy their nests. But the Oirat Alliance is different. They haven't been defeated by the Jurchens before, so they are the best choice!"

"The second reason is precisely because the Khoshut Khanate, Yarkand Khanate, and Tumed Khanate were too close to the Ming Dynasty. After all, as you all know, nomadic peoples are not so easy to completely eliminate."

"Because they can migrate at any time, even if we defeat them this time, who can guarantee that these tribes won't harass the Ming border by next spring?"

"You must know that the main goal of the imperial court next year is to deal with Li Zicheng and Zhang Xianzhong. At that time, troops from all over the country will need to be mobilized. Therefore, the border areas must be kept stable during this period."

"But the Oirat Alliance is different, because the Oirat Alliance does not border the Ming Dynasty, and is separated by the Yarkand Khanate, the Tumed, and the Chahar."

“In this way, even if we do plunder the Oirat Alliance, the Oirat Alliance will be unable to do anything to us. Even if they want to retaliate, they will only retaliate against the Chahar tribe where Abunai is located.”

"And this is good for us, because if the various tribes of the grasslands are not stable, then the borders of the Great Ming will be more stable!"

Upon hearing this, Zu Dabi, Wu Sangui, and the others suddenly realized what was going on.

They finally understood why Zhu Cilang had done this.

It has to be said, this young master is incredibly clever!

(End of this chapter)