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

Chapter 284 Li Zicheng: Damn it! I was actually tricked by Chongzhen!
Of course, some military officers were quite dissatisfied with this.

They thought to themselves that they had risked their lives on the battlefield and endured countless hardships to earn their current official positions.

These peasant soldiers can get the same official rank as him just by surrendering with their men. Isn't that too easy for them?

But then I thought about it again and realized that if I kept fighting like this, I might die one day and then I would have nothing left.

Furthermore, even if they surrendered to the imperial court, these peasant soldiers would eventually be sent to Liaodong to fight against the Jurchens and guard the border, and it was uncertain whether they would survive in the future!

Once they understood this, their dissatisfaction subsided somewhat.

Just then, Sun Chuanting suddenly signaled for everyone to quiet down.

He looked around at everyone and then said:

"Gentlemen, now that the imperial edict has arrived, we should send someone to Li Zicheng to deliver it."

"Who do you all think would be the best person to deliver this imperial edict?"

Upon hearing this, everyone looked at each other in bewilderment, and the previously lively atmosphere suddenly became quiet.

Because they all knew that this trip might be a one-way trip, after all, everyone knew that Li Zicheng had never truly surrendered; he was ambitious and determined to overthrow the court and establish himself as king.

It's not impossible that Li Zicheng might turn on the spot and kill the person delivering the imperial edict as soon as it's read.

For a moment, everyone began to hesitate.

Although for a military general, serving the country and dying on the battlefield is their final destiny, who would be willing to just go and die in vain?

After all, dying like that would be too pathetic!
Seeing that everyone was hesitant, Sun Chuanting was not angry, because he knew what these people were worried about.

Just as he was about to say something, a military officer suddenly stepped forward.

"My lord, this humble general is willing to go!"

The general's voice was loud and clear, and his eyes revealed determination and fearlessness.

Sun Chuanting looked at the general in front of him. He recognized the man, whose name was Sun Shoufa, and who was one of his adjutant generals.

Sun Shoufa was always extremely brave and always took the lead in battle, charging into the fray. He was a rare and fierce general.

Moreover, Sun Shoufa was a rare loyal minister in history.

His ancestors for three generations were all military households, and he learned martial arts from a young age, developing excellent skills.

During the Tianqi era, he joined the Yulin Border Army. Due to his bravery in battle and numerous meritorious achievements, he was awarded the rank of General Flag Officer.

Afterwards, he first fought under Cao Wenzhao, and later followed Hong Chengchou and Sun Chuanting to suppress peasant armies, making outstanding military achievements.

In the original history, after Li Zicheng's defeat at Shanhaiguan, Sun Shoufa raised an army in Fengxiang to resist the Jurchens. He supported Prince Qin Zhu Fu, gathered the defeated soldiers, and contacted He Zhen, bringing his army to 70,000.

In 1647, Sun Shoufa was surrounded by the Jurchens at Qiaomai Mountain. He fought bravely but was captured. He refused to surrender and died a heroic death!
He was also a national hero, revered by later generations.

Look, no matter when or where, China has never lacked loyal ministers who are devoted to the country, and it is these loyal ministers who have built the backbone of the Han people!
Even if they ultimately fail, their names will still be remembered by future generations, even if separated by hundreds or thousands of years!
Of course, Sun Chuanting was unaware of all this at the time; he simply looked solemnly at Sun Shoufa and said:
"Sun Shoufa, are you aware of the risks involved in this trip? If something goes wrong, you might not come back."

Upon hearing this, Sun Shoufa smiled and said:

"Your Excellency, I know that, but someone has to do this, doesn't he? We can't let the bandits underestimate the majesty of the imperial court."

"As a military officer of the imperial court, it is my duty to share the burdens of the country and serve the court. Even if there are mountains of knives and seas of fire ahead, I will never back down."

Just then, several more military officers stepped forward.

"My lord, this humble general is willing to go along!"

Subsequently, more people stepped forward, willing to go with Sun Shoufa to Li Zicheng's camp to deliver the imperial edict.

Sun Chuanting looked at these people and was deeply moved.

He stepped forward, patted Sun Shoufa on the shoulder, and said:

"Good! Good! You are all loyal and brave ministers of the court. Rest assured, when you return, I will definitely petition the court to promote you to higher ranks and titles, so that you can receive the rewards and honors you deserve."

"Even if you unfortunately die for your country, I will still recommend you for merit, and your official positions and titles will be inherited by your descendants, so that your family may be honored."

"Your names will forever remain in the annals of history and be remembered by posterity."

Upon hearing this, everyone hurriedly knelt down to thank Sun Chuanting.

"Thank you, sir!"

At that moment, their eyes shone with unwavering determination, as if they were prepared to face death.

Immediately afterward, a thirteen-person mission team departed from Tongguan after a brief preparation.

They rode swiftly, raising a cloud of dust, on their way to Li Zicheng's camp.

Meanwhile, on the peasant army's side, Li Zicheng sat upright in his tent, his brows slightly furrowed, as if pondering the complex situation at hand.

Suddenly, at that moment, a general rushed into the tent, knelt on one knee, and reported in a slightly hurried voice:

"Chuang Wang! The Ming emperor has replied, and Sun Chuanting is about to send someone to read the Ming emperor's edict!"

The quiet atmosphere inside the tent was instantly shattered.

Li Zicheng suddenly raised his head, his eyes widening in shock as he stared at the general before him, asking incredulously:
"What did you say?"

His voice carried a hint of surprise and doubt, after all, in his view, the imperial court's efficiency had never been high, and the speed of the response this time was truly beyond his expectations.

Keep in mind that less than half a month has passed since they proposed their terms for peace talks.

In Li Zicheng's memory, Chongzhen had always been an indecisive person who liked to procrastinate, so why did he respond so quickly this time?

Could there be some kind of conspiracy behind this?
For a moment, a cloud of doubts began to rise in his mind.

However, the general continued:

"There is absolutely no mistake about this! The messenger sent by Sun Chuanting to deliver the imperial edict is already on his way!"

At this moment, Luo Rucai and Zhang Xianzhong, who were sitting to the side, also showed puzzled expressions.

Luo Rucai frowned slightly, stroking his chin as if deep in thought, while Zhang Xianzhong couldn't help but mutter:
"Isn't the imperial court's reaction too swift? Could there be some kind of conspiracy involved?"

Like Li Zicheng, they all felt that the court's actions this time were somewhat unusual, as if they were hiding some unspeakable secret.

However, despite his doubts, Luo Rucai quickly calmed down, cleared his throat, and looked at Li Zicheng, saying:
"Chuang Wang, no matter what, since the imperial court has already responded and Sun Chuanting is coming to deliver the imperial decree, we should naturally meet with him, otherwise the peace talks cannot continue."

"All our previous efforts have been in vain."

His voice was steady and powerful, revealing a sense of wisdom and composure.

Upon hearing this, Li Zicheng nodded slightly, indicating his agreement.

He knew that at this crucial moment, he could not let momentary doubts affect the subsequent plans.

Then he waved his hand, signaling the man to leave, and then summoned a guard, instructing him:
"Since it is an imperial edict from Emperor Chongzhen, you should also make preparations and arrange this place to be more solemn, so as not to embarrass us."

"Although we are a group of people from humble backgrounds, we cannot be impolite."

Upon hearing this, the guards smiled and agreed, then began to get to work.

Li Zicheng then stopped talking and went to another tent. Luo Rucai and Zhang Xianzhong followed him.

Li Zicheng lowered his voice and asked in a low voice:
"Mr. Luo, what do you think the imperial edict will say? Will Emperor Chongzhen grant our request?"

His eyes revealed a mixture of anticipation and worry, after all, the outcome of this peace talk would directly affect their future fate.

Upon hearing this, Luo Rucai stroked his beard and fell into a brief moment of contemplation.

After a moment, he slowly said:

"In my opinion, if the court had not agreed to our demands, Sun Chuanting would not have come to deliver the decree. Since he was willing to come and deliver the decree, it proves that the court must have agreed to our conditions."

"However, I always felt that there was some other scheming behind this."

His voice was low and cautious, as if reminding Li Zicheng to remain vigilant at all times.

Li Zicheng grunted in response, but the worry on his face did not disappear.

He frowned, and asked with some concern:
"But that won't work either, will it? If the imperial edict is read out and Chongzhen agrees to our demands, what should we do next?"

"Wouldn't it be a bit unreasonable not to surrender? After all, we have already put forward conditions for peace talks. If we go back on our word now, we might give others a reason to criticize us."

Everyone knew that Li Zicheng's initial offer to surrender was merely a delaying tactic.

After all, according to their estimates, after receiving Sun Chuanting's report, the imperial court would definitely have a heated discussion and weigh the options, and it would take at least two or three months to come up with a solution.

But to their utter surprise, the imperial edict of investiture arrived in less than half a month, leaving them somewhat at a loss.

Given the current situation, turning against the imperial court would bring them no benefit whatsoever.

After all, the imperial court's power is still enormous, and if they rashly confront it, they are likely to find themselves in a predicament.

But to accept the imperial decree and then surrender to the court would be utterly absurd!

How could Li Zicheng accept the imperial decree?
Besides, if he accepted the title, would Sun Chuanting obediently let him enter Shaanxi and become the Shaanxi General, controlling all the troops in Shaanxi?

This is obviously impossible.

Sun Chuanting was a loyal minister of the court and had always regarded these peasant armies as a thorn in his side. How could he easily let them into his territory? For a moment, Li Zicheng's heart was filled with contradictions and struggles, and he really didn't know what to do.

However, Luo Rucai, standing to the side, showed no concern whatsoever. He simply smiled and said:

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, there's nothing to hesitate about. Since the court wants to bestow the title upon you, then accept it. As for everything that follows, there's only one word: delay!"

"Anyway, we didn't say when the handover would be completed after the court agreed to our surrender, so it's reasonable to delay it until next year."

"At worst, we can just send some elderly, weak, sick and disabled people to Tongguan every day. That way, it won't be considered a breach of our previous promise, and the imperial court can't do anything about it."

His voice revealed a hint of cunning and confidence, as if he had already found a solution.

Upon hearing this, Li Zicheng slapped his thigh, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and said:

"Excellent! The strategist is indeed a genius, to have come up with such a method! Let's do it this way. If the court really agrees to my conditions, then I will pretend to accept the court's investiture and keep dragging it out until I come up with another way!"

And so, Li Zicheng finally made up his mind.

That means first seeing what the imperial edict actually says. If it truly grants all his demands, then he will pretend to surrender and then make further plans.

He then returned to his tent and quietly waited for the messenger sent by Sun Chuanting to deliver the imperial edict.

Shortly afterward, accompanied by a cacophony of footsteps, a dozen or so people entered.

Leading the group was Sun Shoufa, who held a royal edict high in his hands, his expression unusually solemn.

Behind him followed twelve soldiers, each with a straight posture and firm eyes, closely protecting Sun Shoufa.

To be honest, Sun Shoufa was also terrified. He knew that coming to deliver the imperial decree was tantamount to venturing into the tiger's den.

After all, Li Zicheng and his men were ruthless bandits, but he was a military general of the imperial court, and naturally had the integrity of a military general. Even in dangerous situations, he had to maintain his principles.

At worst, it's just death, it's not a big deal!
Thinking this, he secretly gripped the imperial edict in his hand, his heart filled with a sense of tragic grandeur.

Just then, a military officer standing next to Li Zicheng suddenly shouted:

"How dare you! Why don't you kneel before the rebel king?"

The man's voice was as loud as a bell, echoing throughout the tent.

Upon hearing this, the surrounding rebel generals instantly sprang into action, drawing their swords and drawing their blades, which gleamed coldly, as if they were about to attack.

Upon seeing this, Sun Shoufa and the others' expressions changed instantly.

They had known all along that this trip might be a one-way trip, but they never expected that Li Zicheng would attack them the moment they met.

Just as tensions were about to rise, Li Zicheng waved his hand, signaling everyone not to act rashly. Then, looking at Sun Shoufa, he said in a calm tone:

"How about this, if you don't kneel before me, I won't kneel to receive your emperor's decree either, is that alright?"

Upon hearing this, Sun Shoufa did not speak, but nodded in agreement.

Before he arrived, Sun Chuanting had told him that Li Zicheng would never kneel to receive the imperial edict, so his task was simply to read the edict aloud, regardless of whether the other party knelt or not.

Seeing Sun Shoufa nod, Li Zicheng said no more, but simply gestured for Sun Shoufa to read the imperial edict.

Sun Shoufa took a deep breath before slowly opening the imperial edict in his hand and reading it aloud:

"It is God's destiny, the emperor decreed:

As the ruler of the world, I have always governed the people with benevolence and virtue. How could I bear to see the common people suffer from the flames of war?
Considering that General Li Zicheng and his troops are currently in dire straits, a glimmer of hope has been offered. If you sincerely surrender, the court will forgive your past transgressions and bestow generous rewards upon you.
Li Zicheng was appointed General-in-Chief of the three border regions of Shaanxi, Henan, and Shanxi, in charge of the military affairs of the three provinces, and given the additional title of Grand Coordinator. He was authorized to command all generals, act expediently, and command the troops of the three provinces to manage border affairs, demonstrating the court's utmost intention of appeasement.

what?
Upon hearing this, Li Zicheng was instantly stunned.

His eyes widened and his mouth slightly agape, as if he couldn't believe his ears.

Not to mention Li Zicheng, even Luo Rucai, Zhang Xianzhong, and all the other generals present were completely dumbfounded.

In an instant, the camp became eerily quiet.

No one expected that what they had asked for was just the position of a general, but Chongzhen had instead appointed them as the generals of three border regions—Shaanxi, Henan, and Shanxi—plus the position of supervising commander.

This was completely beyond their imagination.

Li Zicheng didn't know what a military commander was; he only felt that the three generals in front of him were already frightening enough.

In his view, this meant he could control all the military forces in these three provinces, which was exactly what he wanted—the Northwest King.
But then again, what was Emperor Chongzhen really thinking? He clearly only wanted a general in Shaanxi, so why did he actually make him the King of the Northwest?
For a moment, Li Zicheng's mind was in chaos; he didn't know what Chongzhen meant.

But don't forget, the imperial edict isn't finished yet!

The very next second, Sun Shoufa's voice rang out again:

"As for my officers and soldiers, regardless of their number, all who surrender and lay down their arms shall be accepted."
Those who surrender with 100 men will be granted the title of 100-household commander; those who surrender with 1,000 men will be granted the title of 1,000-household commander; and those who surrender with 10,000 men will be granted the title of commander. Their official positions will be hereditary, and they will receive preferential treatment in terms of food and provisions.

Those who are able to persuade their subordinates and are eager to make meritorious contributions may be promoted exceptionally and rewarded without hesitation.

As soon as Sun Shoufa said this, everyone present fell into a deathly silence, as if they had been frozen in place.

It was as if time itself had frozen, and the air itself had stopped flowing.

Every general present was deeply shocked by this sudden news.

Their eyes widened in disbelief; they never expected Emperor Chongzhen to pull such a stunt!
This wasn't an attempt to persuade them to surrender; it was clearly dropping a bombshell into Li Zicheng's army!

The faces of Li Zicheng, Luo Rucai, and Zhang Xianzhong instantly turned extremely ugly, like the sky before a storm, so gloomy it seemed to drip water.

They knew perfectly well what a huge uproar this imperial edict would cause within their ranks once its contents were circulated.

Li Zicheng turned ashen-faced. He knew that if the reading continued, those around him who were already wavering and restless would definitely have some inappropriate thoughts.

Once those thoughts take root, they will grow like weeds, difficult to control, and could very well cause his team to fall apart instantly.

The next second, Li Zicheng could no longer contain his anger. He suddenly stood up in a rage, his eyes wide open, and shouted:
"Shut up! Don't read anymore!"

The sound was like a thunderclap, echoing through the camp.

Every word on the imperial edict was like a sharp dagger, piercing his nerves and threatening his position.

However, Sun Shoufa seemed not to hear his reprimand and continued reading to himself, as if everything around him was irrelevant.

Seeing this, Li Zicheng was both anxious and angry. He hurriedly signaled his men to stop Sun Shoufa from continuing to read.

However, at this moment, Li Zicheng's men were also tempted, after all, the contents of the imperial edict were too tempting.

Ultimately, who doesn't want to get promoted and make money? Who doesn't want a stable future?
But Li Zicheng had already spoken, and they couldn't refuse, so they could only pretend to be angry and surround him.

"Shut up!"

"Stop reading!"

"Shut up, you damn thing!"

But at that moment, the military officers that Sun Shoufa brought also reacted quickly. They surrounded Sun Shoufa and formed a tight protective circle.

He did not put up any resistance despite being punched and kicked by Li Zicheng's generals.

Because they did not receive orders to kill, Li Zicheng's men did not dare to carry out the killings directly.

So, under such circumstances, Sun Shoufa actually managed to read the imperial edict.

"I, the Emperor, extend this extraordinary grace upon all of you, hoping you will abandon your rebellious ways and follow the Emperor's rule. If you remain obstinate, the Heavenly Army will arrive and destroy everything, and it will be too late for regrets! So be it."

Having said that, Sun Shoufa, with an arrogant expression, held up the imperial edict and stared directly at Li Zicheng, loudly proclaiming:
"Li Zicheng, the imperial edict has been read aloud. Receive it!"

The voice was full of authority and left no room for doubt.

Upon seeing this scene, Li Zicheng was filled with rage. His hands clenched into fists, as if he were about to rush up and kill Sun Shoufa at any moment.

He never imagined that he would be outmaneuvered by someone right in front of him; it was an utter disgrace!
Thinking of this, Li Zicheng couldn't help but glare fiercely at Sun Shoufa, his eyes seeming to spit fire.

Looking at the other people at the scene, their expressions were somewhat strange.

It was clear that they had taken the contents of the imperial edict to heart.

Those contents, like seeds, planted feelings of unease and wavering in their hearts.

In an instant, Li Zicheng felt a surge of killing intent. A thought flashed through his mind: to go forward and kill these Ming Dynasty generals to eliminate future troubles!

But just then, Luo Rucai suddenly whispered a word of advice:
"Chuang Wang, you must not act rashly. If you kill these people, it will affect our next plan."

"Let's spare their lives for now."

Although Li Zicheng was extremely unwilling to hear this, he could not refuse.

He knew that Luo Rucai was right; at this crucial moment, he couldn't let a momentary impulse ruin everything.

So he could only suppress his anger and grit his teeth as he said:
"Suppress them and lock them up! No one is to speak to them without my order!"

The subordinates beside him quickly obeyed the order and then escorted Sun Shoufa and the others away.

Even so, Sun Shoufa did not show any fear. Instead, he smiled at Li Zicheng, a smile that seemed to carry a hint of mockery.

Before long, the imperial edict was delivered to Li Zicheng.

But at this moment, when Li Zicheng looked at the imperial edict, he felt a wave of nausea, as if it were a disgusting lump of filth.

(End of this chapter)