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

Zhu Cilang showed special care for the peasant soldiers who were wounded in the war.

He knew that these people were traumatized and could no longer endure heavy labor, and that they would face many difficulties in their future lives.

So he divided these people into several groups and planned to resettle them in Hanzhong, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Guizhou and other places.

This would not only ensure their proper resettlement but also alleviate some of the pressure on various regions, achieving two goals at once.

A few days later.

On this day, the morning sunlight streamed through the window and gently fell on Zhu Cilang's desk.

Zhu Cilang had just finished breakfast and was now carefully compiling a list of personnel participating in the operation.

The study was quiet, with only the scratching sound of the pen tip moving across the paper.

The great battle was over, and it was time to reward those who had fought bravely on the battlefield. This was undoubtedly the most anticipated moment for the soldiers who had fought so hard.

However, Zhu Cilang knew in his heart that this reward was not something he could decide alone.

According to the rules, he had to submit the list to the cabinet and Emperor Chongzhen, and then the court officials would discuss it together before making a decision.

After all, under the system of this feudal dynasty, everything had to follow the established rules.

If he were to bestow lavish rewards here, once the news reached the capital, everyone would likely mistakenly believe that he was plotting a rebellion.

Because this situation was completely different from the one in Liaodong, where Emperor Chongzhen was by his side, he always issued various rewards in Chongzhen's name, and others always thought that it was all the emperor's will.

But now that Emperor Chongzhen is far away in the capital, this matter certainly cannot be done!

However, Zhu Cilang could make his own decisions regarding things like pensions and rewards.

According to previous practice, the pension for soldiers who died in the war was one hundred taels of silver, and the pension for officers was even higher!
The wounded soldiers were basically paid at least thirty taels of silver each.

In addition, the imperial court would also assume the responsibility of supporting the families of soldiers who died in battle until the youngest son in the family reached adulthood or the elderly passed away.

This is not only a gift from the imperial court to the soldiers, but also a recognition and reward for their contributions to the country.

Zhu Cilang hoped that these measures would allow the soldiers to feel the care and warmth of the imperial court, and also inspire more people to serve the country.

Although the Ming Dynasty had stipulated this before, and even stipulated it in a much more thorough manner than Zhu Cilang had done, after more than two hundred years, all these rules had long since become meaningless.

Putting aside other things, before Zhu Cilang traveled through time, the more than 500,000 soldiers of the Ming Dynasty had not received their pay for more than half a year, and the same was true for civil and military officials.

Therefore, the soldiers were naturally overjoyed by Zhu Cilang's actions.

After all, in their memory, they had never experienced such a good life!

Just as Zhu Cilang was busy and immersed in tedious affairs, a sudden burst of hurried footsteps broke the tranquility of the study.

Then Zhu Cilang saw Ma Bao hurriedly walk in.

He strode up to Zhu Cilang, bowed, and said:

"Your Highness, General Lin Zhaoding of Guizhou requests an audience, and he has brought with him those chieftain soldiers."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang paused slightly in his hand before slowly putting down his pen.

Because it's obvious without even guessing that these people came because of the things he promised before.

Before the war began, Zhu Cilang solemnly promised the local chieftains that after the war ended, he would incorporate them all into the Ming army and make them military officers of the Ming Dynasty.

It's clear that this group came here specifically for this matter.

Thinking of this, Zhu Cilang calmly said:
"Let them in."

Not long after, Lin Zhaoding, the general of Guizhou, led a group of Guizhou chieftain soldiers into the study.

Upon seeing Zhu Cilang, Lin Zhaoding immediately knelt down and respectfully said:
"Your Highness, I pay my respects! Long live the Crown Prince!"

The chieftain's soldiers behind him also knelt down, and they said in somewhat broken Chinese:
"Greetings, Your Highness! Long live the Crown Prince!"

Zhu Cilang nodded with a smile, and then said:
"Alright! Get up, everyone, there's no need to be so polite."

Upon hearing this, everyone slowly stood up.

Then, Lin Zhaoding spoke first:

"Your Highness, these chieftains just approached me and asked me to introduce them to Your Highness. They also said they have made up their minds and are willing to become military generals of the Ming Dynasty."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang's gaze slowly swept over the group of chieftain soldiers standing behind Lin Zhaoding.

He knew in his heart that those who could come here were not ordinary chieftain soldiers, but at least figures of the level of a "thousand-household commander" in the Ming army.

Those who can reach this level are generally not fools.

In previous wars, they had witnessed firsthand the immense power of the Ming army's flintlock muskets, and knew that the Ming army had defeated a peasant army of nearly 200,000 with only 2,000 casualties.

In this situation, the choice is to join the Ming army and enjoy the protection and generous treatment of the imperial court.

Choosing to return to serving as a subordinate of the chieftain, at the mercy of others, and even potentially becoming an enemy of the Ming army someday, doesn't seem like a difficult decision.

Immediately afterwards, Zhu Cilang looked gently at the chieftain's soldiers and asked:
Have you really thought this through?

Upon hearing this, the chieftain's soldiers quickly replied in unison:
"Your Highness, we have truly made up our minds. We are willing to become soldiers of the Ming Dynasty and do not wish to return to being slaves of the local chieftains!"

At that moment, their voices were firm and powerful, as if they were demonstrating their determination to Zhu Cilang.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang smiled with satisfaction and then said:
"Very good, very good. I am very pleased that you made such a decision. Don't worry, you have all contributed this time, and I will not forget you."

"After we return, I will petition His Majesty to reward you."

"Putting everything else aside, you people are all capable of becoming commanders of a thousand households, and His Majesty will also bestow titles upon you!"

Zhu Cilang was not boasting; he knew that the loyalty of these newly surrendered ethnic minorities to the court still needed to be tested.

Therefore, in order to better win them over and make them sincerely serve the Ming Dynasty, it is necessary to give them more rewards.

This would not only allow these chieftain soldiers to feel the court's attention and care, but also establish the court's prestige among ethnic minorities, laying a solid foundation for future rule.

Hearing this, everyone was quite excited.

After all, the position of a thousand-household commander in the Ming Dynasty was not a low-ranking position. With this position, they could live a relatively stable and prosperous life.

They no longer need to bow when they see their former chieftain!

Moreover, His Majesty would bestow titles upon them, which would undoubtedly be an extremely high honor for them.

Hearing this, Lin Zhaoding felt quite pleased.

Because he knew in his heart that as the General of Guizhou, he would directly command these chieftain troops.

He suddenly gained tens of thousands of men, which not only strengthened his control over Guizhou but also solidified his position in the imperial court. How could he not be happy?

Just then, Zhu Cilang continued, "Take a few days to rest and recuperate, and then prepare to return to Guizhou."

"In addition, I will send another 30,000 troops to accompany you back to Guizhou to help you reclaim your family members from the chieftain."

"If the chieftain doesn't release the people, then treat it as a rebellion."

As he spoke, Zhu Cilang's eyes revealed a hint of determination and authority. He knew that the families of these chieftain soldiers were their greatest concern, and only by resolving their worries could they serve the court with peace of mind.

Moreover, this also demonstrates the court's attitude to the local chieftains, deterring them from easily obstructing the surrender of their troops.

Upon hearing this, Lin Zhaoding quickly bowed and said:

"Please rest assured, Your Highness, I know what to do!"

Zhu Cilang then nodded.

Immediately afterwards, Zhu Cilang gave some other instructions, and Lin Zhaoding then led the chieftain's soldiers away.

Not long after these people left, Ma Bao dashed back in, panting, and said:

"Your Highness, Zuo Liangyu requests an audience."

Zuo Liangyu?
Upon hearing this name, Zhu Cilang's lips suddenly curled into a rather helpless smile.

The promise he had made to Zuo Liangyu instantly flashed through his mind.

That is, as long as Zuo Liangyu can kill either Zhang Xianzhong or Li Zicheng, he will be granted the title of Marquis.

If he can kill both of them at the same time, he will be made a duke.

It is clear that Zuo Liangyu was indeed close to achieving his goal in the previous war.

If Zhu Cilang hadn't allowed Li Dingguo to persuade Zuo Liangyu to surrender, Zuo Liangyu might have actually become a Duke.

However, things didn't go as planned, and in the end, Zuo Liangyu still failed to achieve his goal.

However, Zhu Cilang did not intend to treat him unfairly and was still prepared to give him the title of marquis.

But now it seems that Zuo Liangyu is not satisfied with this, so he plans to come to him to complain?
Thinking of this, Zhu Cilang spoke up:
"Let him in."

Before long, Zuo Liangyu walked in with steady steps.

Upon arriving before Zhu Cilang, Zuo Liangyu immediately bowed and said:

"Your subject, Zuo Liangyu, pays respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Zhu Cilang nodded and said:
"Get up."

Zuo Liangyu stood up, but before he could speak, Zhu Cilang spoke first:

"What? Do you still have objections to my previous arrangements, and feel that I ruined your merit in being granted the title of Duke?"

Upon hearing this, Zuo Liangyu quickly waved his hand, his face showing a look of fear, and said:

"Your Highness, you misunderstand! I would never dare to think that way!"

"I admit that I did not understand it before, but then I suddenly understood!"

"I know that Your Highness is doing this for my own good, and I am grateful enough. How could I possibly complain about Your Highness?"

Zuo Liangyu spoke these words with heartfelt sincerity, his earnest gaze seemingly conveying his true feelings to Zhu Cilang.

Zhu Cilang, however, was completely baffled. When had he ever thought about Zuo Liangyu's feelings?

But then he heard Zuo Liangyu continue:

“I know what I was like before, and the civil and military officials of the court also know it.”

"I have made some mistakes over a long period of time in the past, and my style of doing things has been somewhat reckless. Therefore, if I am made a duke based on just one battle, the civil and military officials will definitely bring up my past misdeeds."

"They will impeach me before His Majesty, and all sorts of rumors will come flying at me."

"I estimate that I will be impeached and removed from office before I have even served as Duke for a full month. At that time, I will be lucky to keep my life, let alone my position as Duke."

"On the contrary, if His Highness the Crown Prince were to grant me only a marquisate, I think those officials would not target me because of it, and I would be able to live peacefully."

"His Highness the Crown Prince is truly wise!"

As Zuo Liangyu spoke, he knelt down again and kowtowed twice to Zhu Cilang. The sound was clear and loud, as if expressing his gratitude to Zhu Cilang.

Zhu Cilang looked at Zuo Liangyu in front of him, but for a moment he didn't know what to say.

Because he had never really thought of it that way; it was all just something Zuo Liangyu had imagined!

But Zhu Cilang certainly couldn't reveal this.

So he pretended to cough lightly, and then slowly began to speak:
"I never expected you could see through my thoughts. Since that's the case, I won't hide it from you anymore!"

"That's right, that's exactly what I think."

At this point, Zhu Cilang paused slightly, his gaze fixed intently on Zuo Liangyu as he continued:
"After all, the shady things you, Zuo Liangyu, did in the past are well-known in the court. There are at least several hundred memorials impeaching you!"

"I vaguely remember that once you robbed the people of their property without authorization in a certain place, causing the local people to live in misery and complaining. This matter even reached His Majesty's ears."

"On another occasion, at a critical moment in the battle against the enemy, you actually retreated in order to preserve your own strength, almost ruining a major event for the court."

"His Majesty wanted to kill you several times, but spared you only because you were a skilled warrior."

"Even so, if you had really killed Zhang Xianzhong and Li Zicheng back then, I would have kept my promise and made you a Duke, but you certainly wouldn't have been a Duke for long."

As Zhu Cilang spoke, he observed Zuo Liangyu's reaction.

Zuo Liangyu had his head down, his body trembling slightly, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Because Zuo Liangyu did all the things Zhu Cilang mentioned, and more than once!
Zhu Cilang sneered inwardly, and then continued:

"I don't want you to end up with a bad end. I want you to continue to serve the Ming Dynasty and serve me. That's why I temporarily ordered Li Dingguo to persuade the peasant army to surrender."

"In that case, your contribution will not be so great. When the time comes, we will bestow upon you a marquis title, and then no one will have anything to say."

"As for all the shady things you did in the past, they will all be wiped clean, and no one will dare to mention them again. Do you understand?"

When Zuo Liangyu heard these words, a surge of gratitude welled up in his heart like a flood bursting its banks.

He quickly kowtowed several more times, each kowtow making a "thump-thump" sound, as if he wanted to convey his loyalty and gratitude to Zhu Cilang through the sound.

"Your Highness is wise! Your subject, Zuo Liangyu, kowtows in gratitude for Your Majesty's grace!"

Zuo Liangyu's voice trembled slightly, and then he kowtowed three times heavily. (End of Chapter)