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

Chapter 293 If we don't use the silver to fight wars, are we going to use it to accompany the Ming Dynasty in its downfall?

From the moment Zu Dabi and his entourage set foot on the grasslands, they plunged headlong into the smoke of war.

A month passed quietly amidst the clash of swords and the clash of spears. Although no snow fell on the grasslands during this time, the biting wind was still icy cold.

For the soldiers, a proper hot bath was out of the question; even a simple shower had become a luxury.

Normally, they would just use a rough cloth dipped in a little warm water to wipe their bodies haphazardly, as if that were a way to clean themselves.

As a result, they naturally exude a very special scent.

The smell wasn't exactly nauseatingly foul, but it had a certain intensity, like a unique mark left by war.

However, Zhu Cilang showed no sign of disgust and continued to lead Zu Dabi and the others into the city.

Logically speaking, the soldiers should have been allowed to wash up and change into clean clothes before attending the banquet.

However, Zhu Cilang did not make such an arrangement, and Zu Dabi and others tacitly refrained from making this request.

The reason for this is actually not complicated.

Firstly, it is to prevent the removal of armor.

"Armor-removal wind" refers to an acute illness experienced by ancient soldiers after a fierce battle, caused by the sudden exposure to cold after removing their heavy armor.

Once infected, the disease is often extremely dangerous, with a very high mortality rate.

Zu Dabi and others were all military generals who had fought on the battlefield for many years. They were well aware of the power of this armor-removing wind.

In their view, their own lives were clearly more important than cleanliness and tidiness.

After all, if you lose your life, nothing else matters.

Although they haven't just experienced a fierce battle, they've been rushing here for quite some time, so it's not too bad.

Secondly, bathing was actually a rather luxurious thing in ancient times.

Especially during the winter season, a slight oversight could lead to death from a minor cold.

Even though they were military officers and their bodies were stronger than ordinary people, they still had to make thorough preparations before taking a bath to ensure that nothing went wrong.

Moreover, they had just returned from a victorious battle and were still in a state of fatigue and relatively low immunity, so they dared not take any risks.

It was precisely because of this consideration that Zhu Cilang had previously issued a special order.

That is, all returning soldiers are not allowed to take a bath; at most, they are only allowed to wipe their bodies with hot water.

His purpose in doing this was to prevent his soldiers from losing their lives while taking a bath.

After all, it's not worth losing your life over something as trivial as taking a bath, since you've finally won a battle and returned safely.

Before long, when Zhu Cilang arrived at the government office with Zu Dabi and his entourage, they saw a table full of fine food and wine already prepared.

The aroma of the food and wine was irresistible, instantly whetting everyone's appetite.

Moreover, this is just a simple welcome dinner; the real celebration banquet is yet to come, so everything should be kept simple and there is no need for overly complicated ceremonies.

After everyone was seated, Zhu Cilang slowly stood up, picked up a cup of wine, and solemnly said:
"Gentlemen, I thank you for everything you have done for the Ming Dynasty. Thank you for your bravery on the battlefield and for your outstanding contributions to the Ming Dynasty."

"I will remember this achievement."

Upon hearing this, everyone quickly raised their glasses and said in unison:

"Thank you, Your Highness. Serving the Ming Dynasty is our duty."

After saying this, everyone drank it all in one gulp, their hearty manner revealing their true nature as warriors.

The group had endured a long and arduous journey, eating and sleeping outdoors, and their stomachs were already growling with hunger.

Seeing a table full of delicious food, how could anyone resist?

Everyone was swallowing hard!

Seeing this, Zhu Cilang quickly smiled and said:
"Come, come, I won't say anything more. Everyone, just eat and drink quickly. You're not allowed to leave until you're full!"

"Forget about etiquette and manners, just eat and drink to your heart's content!"

Upon hearing this, everyone relaxed instantly and began to eat heartily.

They ate meat and drank wine heartily, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Zhu Cilang watched them wolf down their food, but instead of showing any disgust, he kept urging them to pick up more food.

In addition, he ordered people to constantly bring out new dishes to ensure that the table was always full of sumptuous food.

Zu Dabi and the others thoroughly enjoyed the meal.

Zu Dabi and the others originally thought that this Crown Prince, who was used to a life of luxury, might not be used to their rough and rugged style as military officers.

Unexpectedly, the result was quite surprising. The young master was always smiling and had no airs whatsoever. He treated them like his own confidants, and even served them food and wine from time to time.

This gave them a new impression of Zhu Cilang, and they couldn't help but secretly admire the Crown Prince's affability and magnanimity.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Zhu Cilang did not insist that they stay any longer.

Instead, he smiled and said:

"Everyone, now that you've eaten and drunk your fill, let's go and rest for the day. The real victory celebration banquet will be held in three days, and then we'll have a good time getting drunk."

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately bowed and said in unison:

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness."

However, at this moment, Zhu Cilang changed the subject and said:
"Zu Dabi, please stay. The rest of you may take your leave."

Upon hearing this, Zu Dabi quickly replied:

"The minister obeys the order."

The others glanced at Jo Dae-bi, then respectfully left.

For a moment, only Zhu Cilang and Zu Dabi remained in the government office.

After everyone had left, Zhu Cilang looked at Zu Dabi and slowly said:

"Zu Dabi, your contribution this time is immense. Tell me, how should I reward you?"

Upon hearing this, Zu Dabi quickly cupped his hands and said:
“Your Highness, this is my duty. I serve the Ming Dynasty willingly and dare not ask for any reward.”

Zhu Cilang then said with a smile:

"That being said, a reward is still necessary. Given your achievements this time, you should be granted a marquisate to truly recognize your contributions."

Upon hearing this, Zu Dabi felt an immediate headache coming on.

Because this was what he feared most, and unexpectedly, it still happened to him.

He knew that once he was granted the title of marquis, it would inevitably arouse suspicion and dissatisfaction among many civil and military officials in the court, and there would certainly be endless troubles.

Immediately afterward, just as he was about to say something to decline, Zhu Cilang suddenly changed his tone and continued:

"However, after some consideration, I have decided that I will not grant you the title of Marquis this time, but instead make your title of Earl hereditary. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Zu Dabi swallowed the words he was about to say in refusal, and then breathed a sigh of relief.

Because this is what he truly wants!
The next second, Zu Dabi hurriedly said:
"Your Highness, I am deeply grateful for your kindness."

Zhu Cilang smiled and glanced at Zu Dabi, then joked:

"You seem rather strange. Why do I get the feeling that you don't really want to be granted the title of marquis?"

Zu Da-bi smiled somewhat awkwardly, and then said:

"Your Highness, I would never dare to have such a thought. Your Highness's arrangement must have been made after careful consideration. I can only express my gratitude."

Zhu Cilang didn't expose him, but instead said directly:

"You are a smart person, so there are some things I will not hide from you."

"Given your achievements this time, you certainly deserve to be granted the title of Marquis, but I still do not intend to bestow it upon you, and the reason is quite simple."

"That means you and Zu Dashou are brothers, and both are frontier generals, commanding tens of thousands of troops."

"If you were granted the title of Marquis, your ancestral family would have two Marquises, both stationed on the border and wielding great power. The civil and military officials in the court would certainly not feel at ease with you."

"They will definitely try every means to find fault with you and attack you in every possible way."

"Of course, I believe in you, and so does His Majesty, but this cannot withstand the endless slander from those civil and military officials. So, I can only ask you to bear with this."

Zu Dabi was deeply shocked when he heard this.

He never expected that the young crown prince in front of him was thinking about exactly the same thing.

He had always worried that the excessive rewards would cause turmoil in the court, but he never expected that His Highness the Crown Prince had already seen through everything and made such a thorough arrangement.

The next second, Zu Dabi hurriedly said:
"Your Highness, I thank you for considering my situation. Your Highness's foresight is truly admirable, and I will remember it well. I will dedicate myself to serving the Ming Dynasty with even greater effort in the future."

Zhu Cilang nodded and continued to comfort him:
"But rest assured, I promise you that within three years your earldom will be upgraded to a marquisdom, and it will be a hereditary marquisdom."

"In addition, your ancestral family will surely produce a duke who will share the fate of the country in the future. This is my promise to you, so do not disappoint me."

"You two brothers have made great contributions to the Ming Dynasty, and I will not forget that, nor will the Ming Dynasty."

Upon hearing this, Zu Dabi's heart surged with excitement, for this was a promise from the future emperor, carrying immense weight.

Although Zu Dabi knew that this would probably be something to do after the complete annihilation of the Jurchens, judging from the current situation, under the leadership of His Highness the Crown Prince, the Ming Dynasty was becoming increasingly powerful, and the complete annihilation of the Jurchens was only a matter of time.

In other words, barring any unforeseen circumstances, they are certain to receive their marquis titles and Zu Dashou's title of duke.

Thinking of this, Zu Dabi no longer hesitated and quickly said:
"Your Highness, I am grateful for your kindness. I would gladly die for you. Your Highness trusts us so much that we will repay you with our lives and dedicate ourselves to the Ming Dynasty until our dying breath."

After saying this, Zu Dabi hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed three times.

The sound of his forehead hitting the ground was exceptionally loud in the quiet government office.

Zhu Cilang quickly helped him up, then said with a smile, "Alright, alright, don't be so polite. We're not in the imperial court, so don't kneel down all the time. We are ruler and subject, there's no need to be so formal."

Zu Da-bi slowly stood up, his face full of emotion, his heart filled with respect and gratitude.

He knew that he had met a wise ruler, and in the days to come, he would follow this Crown Prince and dedicate all his strength to the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty.

Perhaps in the original history, Zu Dabi eventually surrendered to the Jurchens for some reason, but now, he will always be a loyal subject of the Ming Dynasty!
Then Zhu Cilang slowly raised his hand and gently patted Zu Dabi's strong and broad shoulder, saying in a gentle tone:

"Alright, I've said everything I needed to say. Go back and get some rest!"

"Also, remember to tell those soldiers that they have made great contributions this time, and everyone will be rewarded. I assure you that I will never mistreat any soldier who has risked his life for the court and the country."

Upon hearing this, Zu Dabi was instantly moved again and quickly clasped his hands in a fist salute once more:
"The minister obeys the order!"

Then, he respectfully withdrew.

Zhu Cilang stood quietly in place, his gaze slowly moving with Zu Dabi's departing figure.

Only after Zu Dabi's figure completely disappeared from sight did he slightly raise the corners of his mouth, revealing a faint smile.

At the same time, he secretly thought to himself, "Sure enough, talking to smart people is simple and worry-free."

There are some things that Zu Dabi can keenly understand without him having to say much.

In the following days, the civil officials of Xuanfu had no free time at all, and devoted themselves to the task of tallying the spoils brought back this time.

After all, this is a major matter concerning the vital interests of the soldiers, and there is no room for carelessness.

After some statistical analysis, the final results are presented:

The total number of cattle and sheep reached an astonishing 430,000, and there were about 13,000 horses. After careful calculation, the total value of gold, silver and jewels was more than one million taels.

As promised, 70% of the spoils of war were to be distributed to the soldiers who participated in the mission.

Zhu Cilang always kept his word; however, considering the actual situation, the soldiers had traveled a long distance and it was impossible for them to bring cattle and sheep back with them.

After some discussion, it was finally decided that all the cattle and sheep would be converted into silver and given to the soldiers as a reward.

On average, each person will receive about fifty taels of silver this time. Even the lowest-ranking soldiers in the army will receive about thirty taels of silver.

When the news spread throughout the military camp, the soldiers were instantly excited.

You have to understand that thirty taels of silver is more than a year's worth of their salary!

In addition to the rewards they had already received during the previous campaign, they received forty taels of silver in just over a month.

Who wouldn't be excited about such a generous reward?
For a time, the excited discussions of the soldiers could be heard everywhere in the military camp.

However, just as there are happy things, there are also sad things.

Despite the resounding victory achieved in this expedition, numerous casualties were unavoidable.

The death toll exceeded one thousand, and the number of injured was approximately two thousand.

But this is something that cannot be avoided, after all, how can there be no deaths in war?

On the battlefield, swords flash and life hangs in the balance; this is a truth every soldier understands.

Zhu Cilang naturally made the most appropriate arrangements for these fallen soldiers.

Furthermore, the compensation this time has been increased to two hundred taels of silver, which is double the amount during the Battle of Songjin!
As for why it's so high, the reason is quite simple.

Because these soldiers died on the grasslands, their remains were not brought back.

Some soldiers only brought back their ashes, while others didn't even bring back their ashes, only some personal belongings.

For these soldiers who died far from home, Zhu Cilang could only use money to compensate their families, hoping to provide them with some material comfort.

Time flies like an arrow; in the blink of an eye, three days have passed.

This day was the day Zhu Cilang meticulously prepared to hold a victory celebration banquet.

The entire city of Xuanfu was immersed in a lively atmosphere, and all the military officers with more than a hundred households entered the city to participate in this grand banquet.

The banquet started right at the entrance of the government office and stretched all the way down the street, seemingly endless.

The scene was so spectacular that it left people in awe.

There were thousands of cooks and kitchen helpers alone; almost all the chefs in Xuanfu had gathered here.

Their busy figures moved between the stoves, their spatulas flying up and down, and soon, one delicious dish after another was freshly cooked.

The banquet alone consumed thousands of cattle and sheep, creating a lively scene where people toasted each other and laughter echoed in the air.

Almost all the civil and military officials of Xuanfu were gathered here, sitting together to celebrate this hard-won victory.

As for the soldiers below the rank of one hundred, although they could not enter the city to attend this grand banquet, Zhu Cilang did not forget them.

Outside the city, he also arranged banquets for these soldiers.

Moreover, this time there was plenty of good wine and meat, and they weren't forbidden from drinking.

After all, we've won a great victory, so what's wrong with having a few drinks to relax?
Besides, the defense of Xuanfu is currently being handled by Qin Liangyu's 30,000 troops, so even if they get drunk, it won't affect the defense of Xuanfu.

So on this day, everyone drank until they were completely drunk, fully enjoying the joy of victory.

In addition, Zhu Cilang also announced the bestowal of titles and honors upon Zu Dabi, Wu Sangui, and others.

Among them, the earls of Zu Dabi, Wu Sangui and others became hereditary. In addition, they were also granted the titles of First-Rank Zhaowu General and Congyi Jianwei General.

This title symbolizes their bravery and outstanding achievements on the battlefield.

Other military officers also received their own rewards, and even Zhang Shize was awarded the title of Jianwei General.

Of course, the biggest reward was silver.

Zu Dabi alone received a reward of 100,000 taels of silver. All told, the reward for these 50,000 soldiers cost a total of more than 2.7 million taels of silver!
Although it seemed like a lot, Zhu Cilang didn't care.

After all, if the silver isn't used for fighting wars and rewarding soldiers, is it meant to be used to accompany the Ming Dynasty in its downfall?

Of course, the silver here refers to the silver coins of the Ming Dynasty.

During his month in Xuanfu, Zhu Cilang was not idle. He also opened the Imperial Bank of the Ming Dynasty in Xuanfu and ordered that only Ming Dynasty silver coins and Ming Dynasty gold coins could be used for transactions in Xuanfu from then on.

Zhu Cilang originally intended to include the Ming Dynasty Treasure Notes as well, since they were also the currency of the Ming Dynasty.

After thinking it over, he gave up. After all, Xuanfu was a border city, mainly doing business with the Mongols, who did not recognize Ming Dynasty paper money; they only recognized silver and gold.

Therefore, the promotion of the Ming Dynasty Treasure Note in Xuanfu can only be postponed for a while.

Getting back to the main point, after receiving their reward money, these soldiers were about to leave Xuanfu.

After all, the battle was over, and they should return to their posts.

However, not all 50,000 people need to leave this time, because the imperial court decided to station troops in the Tumet and these Mongol tribes.

After some discussion and arrangements, about 20,000 of the 50,000 troops were left behind. Among them, 10,000 troops from Liaodong were left behind, 5,000 troops transferred from other places were left behind, and 5,000 troops brought by Zhu Cilang from the capital were also left behind.

At first glance, it seems that the number of troops in Liaodong has suddenly decreased by 10,000. Wouldn't returning to Liaodong have some impact on the war situation there?
But actually it won't!

The missing 10,000 soldiers can be recruited directly from the local population of Liaodong.

It should be noted that the imperial court has already relocated no fewer than 500,000 people to Liaodong.

Among these 500,000 people, there were many brave and skilled young men eager to make a name for themselves. Therefore, it was quite easy to recruit 20,000 or 30,000 soldiers from among them.

The weather was exceptionally good that day, and the heavy snow that had fallen earlier had mostly melted away.

The warm sunlight shone on the earth, as if draping the whole world in a golden glow.

Zhu Cilang personally went out of the city to escort Zu Dabi and others back to Liaodong.

He stood at the city gate, looking at the brave soldiers before him, his heart filled with emotion.

These soldiers worked tirelessly and fought bravely for the Ming Dynasty; they are true heroes!

Then, Zhu Cilang looked at Zu Dabi and Wu Sangui in front of him and slowly said:

"Gentlemen, have a safe journey. I hope that after you return to Liaodong, you will continue to safeguard the territory of the Ming Dynasty."

Zu Dabi and the others quickly cupped their hands in greeting and responded in unison and firmly:
"Your Highness, rest assured, we will certainly live up to your expectations!"

Zhu Cilang nodded.

"lets go!"

Afterwards, Zu Dabi and others mounted their warhorses. The warhorses seemed to sense their masters' heroic ambitions, letting out long neighs before galloping away.

The sound of horses' hooves thundered, creating a truly awe-inspiring scene.

Only after Zu Dabi and the others had completely disappeared from his sight did Zhu Cilang return to the Xuanfu government office.

At noon, Fang Zhenghua suddenly rushed over to find Zhu Cilang and respectfully asked:
"Your Highness, now that everything has been settled, shouldn't we return to the capital?"

Zhu Cilang was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, and then began to carefully recall the time when he left the capital.

He then realized that he had been away from the capital for almost forty days.

The original plan was for only one month, but it ended up taking ten days longer than expected.

But it really is time to leave!
In addition, the weather has been quite nice these past two days, and most of the previous snow has melted, making the roads clear again, which is a good time to leave.

Thinking of this, Zhu Cilang nodded.

"Alright, then we'll return to the capital in three days. Go and make the arrangements."

Fang Zhenghua quickly replied:
"Slave, you obey!"

He then withdrew and began making intensive preparations for returning to the capital.

(End of this chapter)