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

Of course, the Duke of England, as the head of the Ming Dynasty's noble families, also came!

However, the Duke of Yingguo was not only accompanied by Zhu Cilang, but also by his son Zhang Shize.

After all, how could they forget the future Duke of England when it came to war?
In addition to Zhang Shize, Zhu Cilang brought along all the noble sons he could from the capital on this trip.

Whether they are legitimate sons or illegitimate sons, as long as they are fifteen years old or older, they must go with them!

However, Zhu Cilang did not expect them to lead troops into battle. Instead, he wanted to take them out to broaden their horizons, let them see the real battlefield, and understand the cruelty and ruthlessness of war. Perhaps they would change after returning.

Otherwise, letting these guys stay in the capital will only bring harm to the people.

Perhaps that's why all the nobles who came to see them off were crying so sadly.

Some nobles had tears and snot streaming down their faces, wiping them constantly with their hands; others were trembling with sobs, muttering incessantly:

"My child, you must come back safely!"

Looking at them, anyone who didn't know better would think Zhu Cilang was planning to kill them!
Just then, a shrill voice suddenly broke the lively yet slightly comical atmosphere.

"Your Majesty is here!"

The voice was like a sharp sword, instantly silencing everyone.

Following the sound, everyone looked and saw Emperor Chongzhen slowly walking over, surrounded by a crowd, not far away.

Just then, the sun rose, and its rays shone on Chongzhen, bathing him in a golden glow. His majestic aura inspired awe in all who beheld him.

Upon seeing this, everyone immediately bowed down and shouted in unison:
"See your majesty, long live your majesty!"

"See your majesty, long live your majesty!"

"See your majesty, long live your majesty!"

In an instant, the shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" were deafening, and even Zhu Cilang and all the generals knelt down.

When Emperor Chongzhen saw this scene, he felt incredibly proud and then waved his hand, saying:

"Everyone get up!"

Then, everyone slowly stood up.

Immediately afterwards, Chongzhen went straight to Zhu Cilang and a group of generals.

After glancing at Zhu Cilang, Chongzhen turned around and picked up a pot of wine directly from the tray in Wang Chengen's hands.

At the same time, eunuchs distributed wine bowls to the generals standing at the front, including Zhu Cilang.

Then Emperor Chongzhen personally stepped forward and slowly poured the wine into the bowls of the soldiers in front of him. The wine poured into the bowls like a clear spring, splashing up small bubbles.

Seeing the emperor personally pour wine for them, the soldiers were also excited.

Their eyes gleamed with excitement and gratitude; some generals were even so moved that their hands trembled slightly.

After each of the generals before him had a bowl of wine in his hand, Chongzhen stopped what he was doing, scanned the crowd with his gaze, and then solemnly said:
"My soldiers, drink this bowl of wine and then set off. I will be waiting for your victorious return in the capital."

The voice was loud and powerful, as if an invisible force was inspiring everyone.

Upon hearing this, the soldiers quickly replied:
"Thank you for the wine, Your Majesty. We will certainly live up to Your Majesty's expectations."

Their voices were unified and loud, filled with unwavering determination!

Without saying a word, the soldiers drank the wine in their bowls in one gulp.

After finishing their drinks, the soldiers slammed their wine bowls onto the ground.

For a moment, the sound of shattering wine bowls rose and fell, as if declaring their resolve to the enemy.

Emperor Chongzhen glanced at Zhu Cilang again, his eyes flashing with complex emotions, but he said nothing and simply waved his hand.

"Go!"

Zhu Cilang nodded slightly, turned around and boarded the imperial carriage. The generals also mounted their horses, and the army then headed towards Henan.

For a moment, the sounds of horses' hooves and footsteps mingled together, as if forming a stirring battle song.

As for Emperor Chongzhen, he remained standing in place, his gaze fixed on the direction Zhu Cilang had left in.

Only after Zhu Cilang's figure had completely disappeared did he reluctantly leave.

But at this moment his steps were somewhat heavy, each step seemingly carrying endless worries.

After all, it's estimated that we won't see each other again for another six months.

Just as Zhu Cilang was preparing to go to Sichuan to fight Li Zicheng in the final battle, a number of major events had recently occurred on the Jurchen side.

First of all, like the Han people, the Jurchens of this period also celebrated the Spring Festival.

This was largely due to the influence of Sinicization. As time went on, the Jurchens gradually absorbed the cultural customs of the Han people in their interactions with them, and the important festival of the Spring Festival gradually became integrated into their lives.

At this time of year, the Jurchen capital of Shengjing, which is present-day Shenyang, would hold various celebrations.

However, compared to the Ming Dynasty, the Jurchens had a very miserable New Year.

After all, Huang Taiji was seriously ill, so how could people dare to celebrate wildly?
Moreover, Huang Taiji's condition has worsened over the past few months.

His once strong body has now become extremely thin and weak. The longest he was ever unconscious was a month and a half.

During that month and a half, the Jurchens were in a state of panic. Just when everyone thought Huang Taiji was going to die, he suddenly woke up.

However, this still illustrates one thing: Huang Taiji really didn't have much time left.

According to the imperial physicians, Huang Taiji's condition had reached a point of no return, and all they could do was try their best and leave the rest to fate.

During this period, some changes also occurred within the Jurchen state.

The first thing that happened was that Hauge successfully took over the Plain Yellow Banner and Bordered Yellow Banner, which originally belonged to Huang Taiji.

Previously, Hauge had been secretly carrying out the handover of the two flags, worried that it would cause dissatisfaction and opposition from others. However, with the smooth handover of the two flags, he no longer needed to be secretive.

After all, his brothers and uncles weren't fools; how could others not notice such a large-scale operation?

Immediately, the crowd began to discuss the matter, with many speculating that Huang Taiji was going to pass the throne to Hauge.

After all, Hauge took over both the Plain Yellow Banner and the Bordered Yellow Banner, which was undoubtedly an important signal.

However, Huang Taiji never officially announced this matter, so everyone was just speculating.

This caused Dorgon and Dayuer great anxiety, because if Hauge were to ascend the throne, their plans would fall apart. Dayuer knew that Hauge harbored resentment towards her and her son, and she had often spoken ill of Hauge to Huang Taiji in the past. Once Hauge ascended the throne, they would certainly have no chance of survival.

Moreover, one time when Huang Taiji was not paying attention, Dayuer secretly looked at the imperial edict hidden in the secret compartment and saw that Huang Taiji was going to pass the throne to Haoge!

At that moment, her heart was filled with despair and fear!

However, Huang Taiji's condition was unpredictable at the time, and Dayuer was unsure when he would review the imperial edict of succession again. Therefore, even though she had already had a copy of the imperial edict of succession made, she dared not replace it rashly.

But Dorgon didn't see it that way!
With Hauge taking over Huang Taiji's Plain Yellow Banner and Bordered Yellow Banner, this guy really chickened out!

To be honest, if Hauge hadn't taken over those two banners, Dorgon thought he could have given Hauge a run for his money.

However, Hauge now controls the Plain Blue Banner, Plain Yellow Banner, and Bordered Yellow Banner, which together account for one-third of the main force of the Jurchen army.

Under these circumstances, Dorgon felt the risk was far too great.

If it succeeds, all will be well, but if it fails, he will definitely die without a burial place.

However, whenever Dorgon had the thought of backing down, Dayuer would come to find him under the cover of night. With Dayuer's encouragement and comfort, Dorgon could only give up such thoughts and decided to follow Dayuer to the bitter end.

Therefore, Dorgon also began to secretly contact other princes who were at odds with Huang Taiji and Haoge, preparing to deal with the impending crisis at any time!

Besides these events, the Jurchens also began to truly unify the three provinces of Liaodong, conquering some Jurchen tribes that had previously refused to submit to them or remained neutral with extremely forceful means.

In the past, as long as these Jurchen tribes were willing to submit and pay some 'protection fees,' the Jurchens would not force them to join the Jianzhou Jurchens.

But things are different now. The Jurchens want more than just submission or to pay 'protection money'; they want complete assimilation and integration. They force those Jurchen tribes to abandon all their previous culture and customs and merge into the Jianzhou Jurchens!
Their sphere of influence even extended to the Russians who were right next door.

However, these Jurchen tribes were not cowards, and the Jurchens were pushing them too hard, so the two sides fought several more battles, large and small.

However, the Jurchen army was simply too large, and these Jurchen tribes were eventually absorbed and assimilated one by one. Those who were unwilling simply died!

Faced with this situation, the remaining Jurchens, in a fit of anger, either defected to the Russians or surrendered to the Ming Dynasty.

Hong Chengchou and Zu Dashou naturally welcomed all these people.

They warmly welcomed these Jurchens, providing them with lodging and food, and incorporated them into their army.

Because they knew in their hearts that these Jurchens would become an important force for the Ming Dynasty in future wars!
That morning, having nothing to do, Hauge decided to visit Huang Taiji at the palace again.

When Huang Taiji first fell ill, Hauge still hoped day and night that Huang Taiji would recover, and the father-son relationship between them still existed.

However, as time went by, his mindset had undergone a complete transformation.

Now he's simply here to see if Huang Taiji is dead.

After all, only when Huang Taiji died could he smoothly become the next emperor!
Sometimes Hauge would go to the Grand Hall with mixed feelings. When he stepped into the spacious and solemn hall, his eyes would always be involuntarily drawn to the high throne.

The throne was crafted from precious sandalwood and inlaid with dazzling gemstones, exuding an awe-inspiring aura.

Haug had imagined himself sitting on that throne countless times, but each time, he lacked the courage to actually sit there.

Because he knew in his heart that now was not the time.

If one were to rashly assume this position before succeeding to the throne, it might bring endless trouble and disaster upon oneself.

It must be said that after struggling in the vortex of power for some time, Haug has become much more mature, and his eyes have become more composed and profound.

Before he knew it, Hauge had arrived at the entrance of Qingning Palace.

At this moment, the sunlight shone on the vermilion gate, adding a touch of solemnity and majesty to the place.

As soon as Hauge stood still, he saw Fan Wencheng hurrying in from inside, his steps quick but steady, a hint of anxiety on his face.

Upon seeing Fan Wencheng, Hauge's lips curled into a slight smile, and he greeted him:

"Mr. Fan, are you here to visit my father, the Emperor?"

Upon hearing the voice, Fan Wencheng quickly stopped and looked up to see Hauge. A fleeting hint of panic crossed his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

He then quickly approached Hauge and bowed deeply, saying:
"Your Highness is well. I did indeed wish to come and see His Majesty, but His Majesty is still unconscious, so I had to leave."

Haug was not greatly surprised by these words.

He was all too aware of Huang Taiji's current situation, so he merely nodded slightly at what Fan Wencheng said, his eyes revealing a hint of indifference.

After that, he no longer intended to see Huang Taiji.

However, since he's already here, he should at least let people know that he came to ask questions. After all, every move he makes in the palace can be observed, and he can't afford to give anyone cause for gossip.

The next second, Hauge nodded to Fan Wencheng and said:

"In that case, Mr. Fan, please go and get back to your work!"

Fan Wencheng bowed again and then left directly.
Immediately afterwards, Hauge strode up to the guards at the entrance of the palace and said:
"It seems His Majesty is still asleep, so I will not go in. Remember, if His Majesty wakes up, inform me immediately."

Upon hearing this, the guards at the palace gate quickly clasped their hands in a fist salute and said:

"Don't worry, Your Majesty, I understand."

Haug then turned and left.

However, as he left, Haug quickened his pace.

Moreover, at this very moment, he was constantly thinking about flintlock muskets.

He had previously learned from some channels that Huang Taiji had secretly sent someone to Liaodong to obtain a new type of firearm from the Ming Dynasty, namely a flintlock musket, and had also ordered Fan Wencheng to lead an office specifically responsible for imitating it.

Haug knew that if they could replicate this new type of firearm, they would have a huge advantage in future wars.

However, Huang Taiji valued this matter very much, so even he, as his son, was unaware of the progress.

Moreover, Huang Taiji has been unconscious for some time, so Hauge has no way to ask Huang Taiji for the authority of this government office.

Therefore, he planned to ask Fan Wencheng to find out if he could get some useful information.

However, to Hauge's surprise, Fan Wencheng had disappeared in the blink of an eye. He chased after him for a while but could not find him anywhere.

"It's strange."

Haug couldn't help but mutter to himself, his brows furrowing slightly, a hint of doubt in his eyes.

"Why is this old man running so fast? Is he deliberately avoiding me?"

In fact, Hauge was right, because Fan Wencheng was deliberately avoiding him! (End of Chapter)