Emperor Chongzhen was too extreme.

Chapter 104 Golden Blade Slaying a Fierce Tiger!
In the Yansui military town.

It was already bright outside.

Zhang Yi was pacing back and forth in the open space in front of the city gate.

He still doesn't know the current outcome of His Majesty's personal campaign.

However, he needed to make thorough preparations in advance regarding how to sow discord among the Chahar tribe.

Because this matter is of utmost importance.

After Zhang Yi returned from beyond the Great Wall, he also talked a lot with Sun Chuanting about things within Shaanxi.

Therefore, Zhang Yi knew that even if His Majesty personally led the expedition and won the battle, it would still be a difficult situation.

Then Shaanxi will not be able to withstand too much turmoil.

Therefore, the plan to sow discord must succeed.

We must absolutely not allow the Mongol tribes to unite against the Ming Dynasty.

The key issue now lies in...

How did Your Majesty's battle turn out?

If the Ordos tribe could be severely damaged in one fell swoop, it would undoubtedly provide many favorable conditions for the subsequent negotiations.

However, if this battle doesn't teach the Ordos tribe a harsh enough lesson, it might backfire.

This is why Zhang Yi was so anxious.

Although he believed from the bottom of his heart that His Majesty would definitely give that bastard Erlinchen a good beating.

But since he wasn't there, the more he guessed, the more anxious he became.

The only way to calm my mind is to keep moving around, and at the same time, to prepare various coping strategies in advance.

to sum up.

Whether this battle is a big win, a medium win, or a small win.

He needs to come up with a strategy to deal with Ligdan Khan.

It sounds simple, but it's actually quite difficult to do.

In Zhang Yi's view.

If Your Majesty can kill several hundred soldiers in this battle, it will shake the entire Mongolian steppe.

Even for the Chahar tribe, one of the strongest tribes, losing several hundred Kheshig warriors was a painful blow.

Negotiations often achieve their best results by inflicting pain on the other party; this has been the case throughout history.

Strategic maneuvering requires real strength to back it up!
Otherwise, what's the point of playing with an egg?
Just as Zhang Yi was pondering with his hands behind his back.

A group of people suddenly appeared outside the city gate.

Upon seeing this group of people, Zhang Yi was suddenly startled.

He recognized these people; they were His Majesty's personal guards!
But why did these guards return ahead of time? Were they there to deliver a message or to request reinforcements?!

Zhang Yi hurriedly went to greet him.

The guards stopped steadily in front of Zhang Yi and said:
"Mr. Zhang, His Majesty has led his men to completely defeat the Ordos tribe and has ordered you to immediately go to the Chahar tribe to sow discord. You must not allow the remaining grassland tribes to unite against the Ming."

Zhang Yi: ?
After a moment's hesitation, he tentatively asked, "What do you mean by a complete rout?!"

The guard who returned with the order answered loudly:
"All the soldiers of the Ordos tribe were annihilated, leaving only Erlinchen himself with dozens of personal guards who were forced by His Majesty to the Chahar tribe."

"More than 50,000 of his herdsmen have been captured and are being taken back to Yansui Military Town. They will be there soon."

Zhang Yi: ?!

Zhang Yi was somewhat incredulous, but looked at the solemn-faced messenger.

He hurriedly climbed the city wall and picked up his binoculars to look at the grassland.

All that could be seen was the grassland in the distance.

A dark shadow was moving toward the military town, and one could vaguely see a crowd of people.

Damn it! ! !

Although Zhang Yi had already guessed that he would win the battle.

But he never expected to win such a huge victory!
No, no, no. This can no longer be described as a win.

They wiped out thousands of soldiers overnight and brought back tens of thousands of prisoners?!
Even in a historical novel, that would be fucking exaggerated!

Zhang Yi, somewhat erratically, ran down from the city wall and arrived before the army that had been prepared to escort the money:

"Quickly! Quickly! Follow me to the Chahar tribe immediately!!"

In this situation.

If he still can't handle Lin Danhan...

Then you could just find a piece of milk skin on the grassland and smash your head against it to your death.

at the same time.

Beyond the grasslands.

Sun Chuanting, along with his thousand soldiers and Song Xianze, also received the prisoners from the Ordos tribe.

His Majesty was worried before the expedition that there might be pursuing troops coming to rescue these prisoners.

To Sun Chuanting's surprise, after walking for so long, he hadn't even seen a single pursuer.

now.

Looking at the endless expanse of strong and healthy prisoners, Sun Chuanting's eyes lit up.

I was so excited I couldn't contain myself.

it is good!it is good!it is good!
With your arrival, Shaanxi is saved!
On behalf of the people of Yan'an Prefecture, I thank you!

As for Song Xianze, he was completely dumbfounded.

He lacked experience and couldn't understand how so many people had been brought back.

Sun Chuanting looked at Song Xianze, whose jaw had dropped to the ground, and chuckled inwardly.

After all, he hadn't spent enough time with His Majesty, so he was inexperienced and prone to overreacting.

You're so shocked by just a few tens of thousands of prisoners?

If His Majesty were to capture hundreds of thousands of foreign tribes from beyond the Great Wall next year, how would you respond?

Sun Chuanting suddenly spoke up: "Song Xianze, I have a task for you."

Song Xianze then seemed to wake from a dream, cupped his hands and said, "Lord Sun, please speak freely, I will certainly do as you say."

"Ahem. This is a long story. It originated from a great idea of ​​His Majesty."

"I won't go into details here. You just need to know that from now on, these people will be brought together for overall planning and coordination."

"."

"What you need to do is assist me in figuring out where to assign these people to so as to make the best use of their talents."

Song Xianze: ? ? ?

After listening to Sun Chuanting's story, he was once again stunned.

Is it possible to make the best use of people like this?!

this.
For a moment, Song Xianze couldn't find the words to describe this action.

Great, needless to say.

The only pity is that we didn't send that bastard Prince Qin, Zhu Cunshu, over there for a group meeting.

It just so happened.

Zhang Yi led a series of carriages loaded with gold, silver and other valuables past Song Xianze.

The two men exchanged a glance, then looked at the dark mass of prisoners in front of them, and were both startled, almost losing their composure.

However, out of consideration for their male pride, the two men restrained their trembling hands hidden in their sleeves and put on a calm and collected demeanor.

"It's so bright today!"

"One thing to say, it's true!"

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two passed each other in different directions.

Dawn broke in the Ming Dynasty.

It will naturally get dark on the grassland.

Of these, the Ordos tribe is the one to be mentioned, but unfortunately, the Ordos tribe no longer exists.

Of these, Erlinchen's sky was the darkest.

Erlinchen never expected this.

He fled to the Chahar tribe.

He was directly locked in a small dark room by the soldiers under Lindan Khan.

They also completely isolated him and his dozens of personal guards.

He and Ligdan Khan were both among the 60,000 households of the Ordos region appointed by Genghis Khan, and it was simply incomprehensible that he suffered such a great humiliation.

This is why he was forced to flee to the Chahar tribe.

You son of a bitch, Lin Dan!
I've already told you I'm willing to submit to you, and I also have important matters concerning the Ming Dynasty to report to you.

Why the hell are you still doing this?!

After Ligdan Khan locked him in a small dark room, he repeatedly shouted to the guards outside the door that he wanted to see Ligdan Khan immediately.

But the reply they all received was: "The Khan is sleeping, Jinong, just wait!"

Sleep your mother
Just as Erlinchen was cursing Lindan Khan in his heart, the door was suddenly opened.

"The Khan has woken up. Tell Jinong to go to his tent immediately for an audience."

Erlinchen took a deep breath to suppress his agitation.

Although he hated Ligdan Khan to the core.

However, in order to successfully expose and dismember the Ming Dynasty emperor, he still had to prioritize the overall situation and be flexible in his approach.

In the tent.

Upon seeing Lindan Khan sitting on the throne, Erlinchen immediately bowed down.

"Great Khan! The Ming emperor launched a surprise attack on our Ordos tribe overnight. All the soldiers of our Ordos tribe were severely wounded, and the remaining herdsmen have probably been slaughtered in his rage."

"I am willing to pledge my loyalty to the Great Khan from now on, and as Jinong of the Ordos tribe, I recommend you to be the Great Khan of the Mongols!"

"I only ask that the Great Khan help me avenge my family and that we unite with the other four tribes to immediately march south and attack the Ming Dynasty's border."

"I wish to follow the Great Khan in the future and become the most loyal and brave Kheshig (guardian of the Imperial Guard) by the Great Khan's side!"

Lin Dan Khan looked at Erlinchen, who was utterly humbled beneath him, and couldn't help but nod in satisfaction.

In the past, it was Erlinchen who wanted to compete with him for the position of Great Khan of the Mongols.

How could he not be excited to see his former rival kneeling groveling before him?!

Lindan Khan immediately stood up, took off his own clothes and draped them over Erlinchen.

In Han culture, this gesture signifies camaraderie and shared fate.

However, in Mongolian culture, it is purely a humiliation of the loser by the victor.

Erlinchen, preoccupied with revenge, gritted his teeth and endured the humiliation.

Erlinchen's humble and submissive attitude pleased Lindan Khan.

After slowly returning to his throne, he spoke in a deep voice, "You and I are both descendants of Genghis Khan, and we are brothers."

"Now that your tribe has suffered such a great calamity, I, the Khan, certainly cannot sit idly by."

"But... are you sure last night's night raid was led by the Ming Dynasty emperor? Where did he get such ability?!"

The thought of the Ming Dynasty emperors made Erlinchen so angry he almost ground his teeth to powder.

"Great Khan, you are unaware of the truth, but all six of us have underestimated the Ming emperor."

"Although this person is extremely young, he possesses extraordinary skills and the ability to break through enemy lines."

The words are not finished yet.

Erlinchen noticed Lin Danhan's arrogant face in front of him.

That clearly means: So what? That Ming Dynasty emperor was more powerful than me?
Erlinchen was already extremely frustrated, but the situation was beyond his control, so he had no choice but to change his tone and say:

"Although the Ming emperor is ruthless and vicious, as long as we unite with the other four tribes and march south immediately, the Ming emperor will surely be unable to withstand our offensive!"

"After all, Great Khan, you have personally visited Shaanxi several times and know the extent of the disaster there."

"Therefore, even if the Ming emperor himself came, the Yansui military garrison was only strong on the outside but weak on the inside."

"When the time comes, you will lead your men to break through the military town and capture the Ming emperor, which will restore the glory of the Golden Family!"

At this point, a hint of greed indeed appeared on Lin Danhan's face. Seeing this, Erlinchen immediately continued to flatter him.

After enjoying Erlinchen's eloquent words for a while...

Lin Dan stood up with a refreshed look on his face:

"I will send someone to inform the other four tribes to come for a meeting tomorrow. You can stay here for the rest of the day."

Upon hearing this, Erlinchen wanted to advise Lindan Khan not to wait until tomorrow.

Let's finalize this matter now, lest things change later.

However, given his fickle nature, speaking rashly would likely have the opposite effect.

Erlinchen swallowed those words.

After the conversation with Ligdan Khan ended.

Perhaps it was Erlinchen's attitude that made Lindan Khan feel quite good.

This time, Erlinchen wasn't locked in a dark room.

Instead, they were sent to a camp that was fairly well-equipped.

Within the camp.

Erlinchen, who was in a terrible state after fleeing all night, had no intention of resting and paced back and forth inside.

Tomorrow's five-part conference.

We must get the five ministries united and reach a consensus to fight against the Ming Dynasty.

In the past, it would have been extremely difficult to get the various tribes of the grasslands to join forces.

But things are different now; everyone now has a common enemy.

Therefore, this matter will be much easier to handle.

Although in the past, the Later Jin had been watching us with predatory eyes.

However, the conflict between the Mongols and the Later Jin was not yet so great as to be irreconcilable.

Moreover, the Later Jin's attitude towards the Mongol tribes was one of minor aggression and significant appeasement.

But they were different from the Ming Dynasty.

This is a true blood feud, an irreconcilable hatred.

Either you die or I die!
Think of this.

Inside the tent, Erlinchen's breathing became rapid.

With the five ministries joining forces, and relying on the wealth they have accumulated from the Ming Dynasty over the years, it will not be difficult to wipe out the Yansui military town in one fell swoop.

Moreover, at that time it was no longer a simple case of entering the pass and looting.

He wants to persuade the Five Ministries to occupy Shaanxi!

The five departments now include Shaanxi province.

Then he would have the opportunity to break away from Ligdan Khan and return to his Ordos tribe.

Although the tribe's soldiers were all wiped out in last night's surprise attack, the vast majority of the tens of thousands of herders in the tribe will surely survive.

After all, the Ming emperors did not dare to spend too much time carrying out massacres on the grasslands.

We will have to rely on the herders then.

After a few years of recuperation, Erlinchen remained one of the six major commanders of Mongolia.

In this way, his perseverance and endurance were not in vain.

Thinking of the Ming Dynasty emperor who made him temporarily lose everything.

At this moment, Erlinchen's eyes were filled with uncontrollable rage.

He wants to make the Ming Dynasty pay a price many times greater!

Just as Erlinchen was fantasizing about his grand revenge.

Inside the Great Khan's tent, Ligdan Khan received a report from his subordinates: "Great Khan, the Ming Dynasty has sent an envoy who wishes to see you!"

Lin Dan raised an eyebrow: "Who is it, and what is their purpose?!"

"The leader is one of our former strategists, named Zhang Yi. He brought a lot of money and supplies, saying he wanted to represent the Ming Dynasty to negotiate peace with you."

Upon hearing the name Zhang Yi...

Lindan Khan was immediately enraged.

He didn't know which of his advisors were useful, but he remembered perfectly who had offended him.

Zhang Yi had advised him just two days ago not to cause any unnecessary trouble, and now he's gone to the Ming Dynasty as some kind of envoy. Could it be that he's been an undercover agent all along?!
Someone, chop it into a fine sauce for me!
But when he heard that Zhang Yi was carrying a large amount of money, Lindan Khan immediately became obsequious.

"Bring the envoy from the Ming Dynasty here."

Zhang Yi was called the envoy of the Ming Dynasty.

It was because Ligdan Khan had recently received silver from the Ming Dynasty to help the Ming Dynasty cut down other tribes on the grasslands—he knew the rules.

Not long after.

Zhang Yi was then brought before Ligdan Khan.

After a simple ceremony.

Zhang Yi also got straight to the point, saying, "Great Khan, the soldiers of Erlinchen Ordos have been completely annihilated by the Emperor of our Great Ming."

"Even the more than 50,000 herders in their tribe were all captured and taken back to the interior of the pass. The Khan sent people to the Ordos tribe to see for themselves."

"Therefore, he himself no longer has any use to the Great Khan."

"Our emperor knows that Erlinchen has fled to the territory of the Great Khan, so he has specially sent me to negotiate with the Great Khan, to exchange the money, cloth and other supplies needed by the Great Khan for Erlinchen's head!"

No wonder Zhang Yi described it so bluntly.

With someone like Ligdan Khan, you have to be straightforward and explain the pros and cons to him, otherwise he won't understand.

Lin Danhan's heart skipped a beat after hearing Zhang Yi's words.

He knew about the annihilation of the Ordos troops, but now even the herdsmen were wiped out?!
The reason Ligdan Khan placed Erlinchen under house arrest was that he wanted to use Erlinchen's name to gradually absorb the population of the Ordos tribe.

In this way, the other four departments would not be able to compete with them for those people.

but now.

With everyone gone, what use is Erlinchen now?!
Seeing that Lin Danhan was somewhat interested.

Zhang Yi immediately and respectfully presented Ligdan Khan with an exquisite dagger made of gold and inlaid with gemstones.

"Not only that, our Great Ming Dynasty is also willing to form a golden sword alliance with the Chahar tribe!"

"Starting next autumn, the Ming Dynasty will pay an annual tribute of 2.5 million taels of silver to the Chahar tribe!"

Upon hearing the words "tribute to the emperor," Lin Dan Khan narrowed his eyes.

He wasn't that stupid.

It's now until next autumn, but there's still a whole year to go.

What if the Ming Dynasty changes its mind during this period? After all, he has too much experience with this matter, and it has already become a path dependency.

Lin Dan licked his lips.

"Autumn is too late. If these tributes are granted to me next spring..."

Lin Danhan stopped speaking and quietly looked at Zhang Yi.

If Zhang Yi doesn't agree, then just kill him and leave behind all the things he brought.

He simply couldn't believe that the Ming emperor would launch another surprise attack on the Chahar tribe!

Once something is delivered to your door, is there any chance of it being taken back?
As for Erlinchen...
After hearing that the Ordos tribe had lost its entire population, Ligdan Khan was already determined to kill them.

Ligdan Khan actually knew that killing Erlinchen would probably make it impossible for the five tribes to unite against the Ming Dynasty.

But from his perspective now, the matter has taken on a different meaning.

The Ming emperors were able to launch a surprise attack overnight, killing all the soldiers and then bringing tens of thousands of prisoners into the pass.

That means that Shaanxi's current strength is probably not what they previously thought.

Otherwise, how would Yan'an Prefecture feed these tens of thousands of prisoners?!
Even if you capture people and use them as slaves, you still have to feed them, right?
Therefore, Ligdan Khan had a very reasonable suspicion that Erlinchen had lied about military intelligence for various reasons.
The Ming emperors must have transferred troops and supplies to Shaanxi from other places.

In this case.

If I were to rashly attack the Yansui military town again, there might be great risks involved.

Anyway, I've accumulated enough savings over the years to live comfortably for several years, plus all the things Zhang Yi just sent.

There's no need to take that risk again.

the most important is.

Erlinchen had tried countless times over the years to compete with me for the title of Great Khan of the Mongols!

This is a path to certain death!
Now that he has no further use to us, he deserves to be killed even more!

After considering various thoughts, Lin Danhan made his decision.

If Zhang Yi agrees to his demands for tribute, then let Zhang Yi bring Erlinchen's head back to the Ming Dynasty.

If you disagree, then chop them both up.

And this moment.

When faced with Lin Danhan's question, Zhang Yi also perfectly feigned a conflicted expression.

After thinking for a long time, he gritted his teeth and said, "One million taels can be given to the Khan next spring, and the remaining one million five hundred thousand taels will have to wait until autumn."

"Your Majesty can rest assured. The surprise attack led by the Emperor of the Great Ming last night was actually a last resort. It was all because Erlinchen was too arrogant and ruthless!"

"Our Great Ming Dynasty ultimately loves peace!"

Hearing this answer, Lin Danhan nodded in satisfaction.

If Zhang Yi had directly promised him a fiefdom and tribute in the spring, he would have been quite suspicious.

But now, his last concern has been dispelled.

Lindan Khan stepped down from his throne, took Zhang Yi's hand, and asked softly, "Did the envoy bring any letter of tribute with him this time?"

Zhang Yi took out a scroll stamped with an imperial seal: "Of course I have one."

Lin Danhan accepted the donation and was taken aback once again.

A non-aggression pact?

It's quite novel!

After reading the letter, he smiled and said, "In that case, the envoy may rest in my tent for a while, and I will send someone to the Ordos tribe to find out what's going on."

Zhang Yi smiled and nodded: "Your Majesty is very thoughtful, I truly admire you!"

"Haha! Thank goodness the angel arrived in time, otherwise that scoundrel Erlinchen is currently urging me to gather the other four tribes, and who knows, they might join forces to attack the Ming Dynasty tomorrow, causing a misunderstanding!"

Zhang Yi quickly echoed, but inwardly he couldn't help but sneer.

Oh?! That saves me from having to make another trip.

Lin Danhan, you really didn't misjudge me!
A few hours later.

The scouts sent by Ligdan Khan to the Ordos tribe to confirm intelligence returned.

After confirming that no one from the Ordos tribe remained, Ligdan Khan warmly hosted a banquet for Zhang Yi.

And at the same time.

Erlinchen, who had been busy all day, was snoring loudly in his tent.

Several strong and powerful Mongol guards quietly slipped into the tent.

next second.

While fast asleep, Erlinchen suddenly felt his neck being tightened, and he instantly woke up and struggled frantically.

But a moment later, he collapsed onto the bed and became motionless.

Inside the Khan's camp.

The atmosphere of the banquet reached its climax when Erlinchen's head was presented to Zhang Yi.

The next day.

Upon hearing the news that the Ordos tribe had been wiped out by the Ming Dynasty, the other four tribes also immediately brought their troops over.

But to their surprise, as soon as they entered the territory of the Chahar tribe, they heard news that sent chills down their spines:
Erlinchen was terrified by the Ming emperor.

Instead of staying in the Chahar region, they insisted on continuing northward.

As a result, he unfortunately fell off his horse while escaping.

He fell to his death.

　Something came up today, so I only have 2 words left.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)