Emperor Chongzhen was too extreme.

Chapter 129 Huang Taiji: I can't figure this out.
Zhu Youjian waved.

Mao Wenlong and his generals immediately surrounded them.

then.

Zhu Youjian pointed to several Later Jin strongholds on the map and clearly instructed: "Clean up these Later Jin strongholds to create conditions for Later Jin to negotiate peace with the Ming Dynasty."

Looking at those outposts, Mao Wenlong instantly understood what to do.

"Your Majesty, when shall we make our move?" Mao Wenlong asked.

"Now."

Mao Wenlong's expression hardened, and he thought to himself that His Majesty's military tactics were indeed swift.

"Then I will make preparations immediately."

Zhu Youjian continued, "Release the remaining Jin envoys and let them witness the majesty of the Great Ming Dynasty before they leave."

"The minister obeys the order!"

With everyone's help, the arrangements were made.

The elite troops in the imperial procession quickly assembled in the capital, displaying an imposing and majestic demeanor.

The remaining Later Jin envoys who were not quite dead were brought out so that they could witness the grandeur of the Ming army.

After the observation.

Mao Wenlong and his associates, who had an irreconcilable hatred for the Jurchens, naturally wouldn't let go of the opportunity to make things difficult for them.

It's an old tradition to settle personal scores while handling official business.

These Later Jin envoys had their ears and the iconic rat-tail braid cut off.

They were then forced to kneel and shout the slogan "Long live the Ming Dynasty" before they were allowed to leave the city.

Watching the chaotic retreating figures of the group, Mao Wenlong narrowed his eyes slightly.

If it weren't for the fear that these people might die from their injuries on the way and fail to successfully bring the message back to the Later Jin,

Then it wouldn't have been as simple as just cutting off an ear.

Meanwhile, Zhu Youjian, standing on a high place inside the palace, was still deep in thought as he watched the departing phantom of the Later Jin envoy.

Simply sweeping away the Later Jin strongholds and taking these envoys back might not be enough to truly deter the Later Jin from setting foot in Korea.

But what should be done next?

We'll have to see how the Later Jin responds.

If the Later Jin show hesitation...

Zhu Youjian then personally intervened, administering another strong dose of medicine to the Later Jin.

If the Later Jin dynasty remains determined to attack Korea, then further developments will be necessary.
soon.

After the Later Jin envoys were released from the city, several elite Ming troops also quietly left the city.

When the night is dark and the wind is high.

These elite Ming troops launched a sudden and swift attack on numerous Later Jin strongholds along the border, like phantoms.

The so-called stronghold.

In reality, these were just temporary settlements for the Later Jin dynasty, where people did things like relaying intelligence on a daily basis. Each stronghold had between a hundred and several hundred people.

The Later Jin dynasty was skilled in warfare, and those who lived on the border could be considered a nation of soldiers.

However, they were clearly no match for the elite Ming troops who had already been through several tough battles.

Therefore, it only took one night.

The major strongholds in the border region were wiped out, and nearly two thousand Later Jin prisoners were brought back.

In addition to sending someone to inform the Later Jin of this news.

Zhu Youjian even ordered his men to lead the prisoners through Korean territory in a swaggering manner.

The best way to unite the people is to win a battle.

Zhu Youjian certainly wouldn't let such a good publicity opportunity slip by.

Within North Korea, there was another uproar chanting "Long live the Ming Dynasty!" and "The Later Jin is doomed!"

After doing all this, Zhu Youjian, along with Mao Wenlong and others, stayed near the border between Korea and the Later Jin.

He wanted to stay here, observe the Later Jin's every move, and then adapt accordingly.

at the same time.

The capital of the Later Jin dynasty, Shengjing.

Huang Taiji and Fan Wencheng stood in the training ground, looking at the tens of thousands of troops stretching out before them, their faces solemn and dignified.

After Huang Taiji gave some words to boost morale and distributed a sum of money as a pre-battle pay,

The army before them roared in unison, "We will march tomorrow! We will capture the Ming emperor alive! We will bring glory to our Great Jin!"

For a moment, the sound was deafening.

Looking at the high-spirited army, Huang Taiji nodded.

After saying some necessary things before setting off, he...

He and Fan Wencheng did not linger at the training ground, but instead went to the council tent and began to work out the map inside.

The Later Jin army numbered 50,000, of which 15,000 were elite troops and 35,000 were auxiliary soldiers.

With the strong cooperation from Korea, capturing the Ming emperor alive was a foregone conclusion.

after all.

According to reliable intelligence, the Ming emperor only brought a mere ten thousand men.

With only 10,000 men fighting in a foreign land, what kind of trouble could they possibly cause?!

not to mention.

The general leading the expedition was a trusted confidant of Huang Taiji, a veteran of countless battles, and there was absolutely no chance of anything going wrong.

Given such a disparity in strength.

Even the usually steady Fan Wencheng didn't take the expedition to heart.

Honestly.

When Fan Wencheng and Huang Taiji first heard that Wu Nag and a group of Later Jin soldiers had died in Dongjiang Town, some time ago...

The two were genuinely shocked.

Combined with earlier intelligence from Mongolia: the Ming emperor eliminated the Ordos tribe.

The two couldn't help but wonder—could it be that a savior had truly emerged in the Ming Dynasty?
But when they received news that the Ming emperor dared to attack Korea with only 10,000 men, their hearts sank back into their stomachs.

Regardless of what great feats the Ming emperors had previously accomplished.

But now, one wrong step has led to total defeat.

Therefore, what Huang Taiji and Fan Wencheng are discussing now is not how to fight this battle at all.

Instead, they waited until the Later Jin army captured the Ming emperor.

How to use his status as emperor to control the Ming court and force it to cede huge profits to the Later Jin.

Apart from that.

North Korea also fell into their scheme.

When talking about North Korea, Huang Taiji and Fan Wencheng couldn't help but feel a little amused.

This tiny country dares to try to use two great powers to seek its own interests.

Do you think you're from the ancient kingdom of Yelang?!

Previously, the Later Jin and Joseon had cooperated somewhat because of the Ming Dynasty. Now that the Ming emperor is about to be captured alive, what use is Joseon?

The next step is to eliminate Injo and occupy Korea.

Then, by taking advantage of the geographical location of North Korea, they can slowly take over the entire Liaodong region.

Just as Huang Taiji and Fan Wencheng were constantly deducing the situation inside the tent.

Suddenly, a trusted general rushed into the tent with an anxious expression and whispered something in Huang Taiji's ear.

Upon hearing the words of his trusted subordinate, Huang Taiji's brows furrowed suddenly.

Seeing his master's expression, Fan Wencheng suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

But before Fan Wencheng could even ask, Huang Taiji's incredulous voice rang out first:
"Sir, we have just received intelligence that the capital of Joseon has been occupied by the Ming emperor and his army, and King Injo has also been killed by the Ming army."

"How is this possible?!" Fan Wencheng was stunned.

How could the Ming Dynasty possibly have captured the capital of Korea?
It's only been a few days? How could the city have been breached in such a short time?

Even if Li Zong did nothing and just lay in the palace sleeping all day, the country would still fall, right?

Fan Wencheng stared wide-eyed at Huang Taiji, immediately thinking that the intelligence must be wrong, and that this was simply impossible.

But the latter had already regained his composure and nodded slightly to indicate that the source of the information was correct.

Fan Wencheng fell silent.

But after a moment of silence, he composed himself and solemnly asked Huang Taiji again:
"Your Majesty, could the intelligence be confirmed as true or false?!"

Huang Taiji sighed.

He didn't know how the Ming Dynasty managed to capture the Korean capital in such a short time.

He was even reluctant to admit it.

But it happened anyway.

After a pause, Huang Taiji said calmly, "All of this was witnessed by my Later Jin envoys in the capital of Korea."

Hear this.

Instead of continuing to panic, Fan Wencheng took a deep breath and calmed down, then began pacing back and forth inside the tent.

He quickly analyzed the current situation in his mind.

At their level.

It's quite remarkable that someone could be so startled by a piece of news that they temporarily lose their composure.

at this point.

Fan Wencheng and Huang Taiji were almost certain that the intelligence sent by Li Zong was definitely problematic.

The number of troops led by the Ming emperors was definitely more than 10,000.

If it were said that the Ming Dynasty successfully captured and killed Li Zong with only 10,000 troops in a field battle, then they could believe it to some extent.

But to break through a city with only 10,000 men is simply too exaggerated.

Unless the Ming Dynasty had already laid out plans in Korea and was only here to inspect the results.

But that's impossible.

They just finished a battle in Korea earlier this year, and many loyalists within Korea were purged. The Ming Dynasty could never have made such a move.

Fan Wencheng really couldn't understand how the Ming Dynasty had managed to achieve this.

But now the bloody truth is right in front of us.

Fan Wencheng could only attribute it to Li Zong, that bastard, who was spreading false information—that the Ming army was probably extremely strong.

Li Zong wanted to use this opportunity to drive away one enemy and then reap the benefits himself.

After all, once the Later Jin army reached the capital of Korea, there would be no way to avoid fighting.

But then Fan Wencheng suddenly felt something was amiss.

Huang Taiji noticed that his confidant had some concerns and asked, "What are your concerns, sir? Please speak freely."

Fan Wencheng had completely calmed down by this time. He sat down and looked at Huang Taiji, saying:

"Logically speaking, the Ming army must have been extremely strong to have been able to capture the capital of Korea in such a short time."

"But then he released my Later Jin envoy."

At this point, Huang Taiji understood what Fan Wencheng meant.

Since the Ming Dynasty was able to breach the city, they must have known that Li Zong had sought help from the Later Jin.

If the Ming army was truly powerful, then they should have waited until the Later Jin army entered Korea before launching a surprise attack on the Later Jin army, catching them completely off guard.

Instead of releasing the captured envoy with a hint of "showing off" as is the case now.

However, this conjecture has a problem: they don't know the current situation of the Ming army in Korea!

They couldn't immediately tell whether the other party was acting against them.

Huang Taiji sat up straight and asked, "In your opinion, what should we do now?"

A cold glint flashed in Fan Wencheng's eyes: "First, send a large army to press towards the border, and then have my Later Jin strongholds on the Korean border immediately go to Korea to gather intelligence."

"If the Ming emperor only managed to eliminate Li Zong through strategy, then we will eliminate him by force!"

"If the Ming Dynasty truly has the strength to breach the city within a few days, then we can only retreat and swallow this bitter pill."

After pondering for a moment, Huang Taiji nodded: "Very well! We will do as you say, sir!"

just.

He was just about to order the army to advance to the border region when another subordinate rushed in, flustered, to report:

"Your Majesty! All our outposts on the Korean border have been wiped out! One or two thousand men have been captured by the Ming army and taken back to Korea!"

"The Ming army even sent someone back to say: 'Korea is now Ming territory. If our Later Jin easily approaches again, they will surely...'"

"What?!" Fan Wencheng jumped to his feet.

"We will surely bury all invading enemies."

Listen to this.

Fan Wencheng's face twitched.

He suddenly felt as if he was being led by the nose.

Later, when Jin Gang was preparing to go to Korea, he received news that Korea had been destroyed.

Just as the Later Jin were about to probe the enemy's strength, they received intelligence that the Ming army had launched a proactive attack.

It was as if an invisible hand was silently manipulating everything from behind. For a moment...

Silence fell inside the tent.

Fan Wencheng's strategy of sending the main army to the border first, which he had just proposed, no longer seemed so feasible.

Sending a large army to the border is only possible when the border is secure.

Knowing that the Ming army now has the capability to launch a proactive attack, why would they still do this? Isn't that just pure gambling?
War is a matter of great importance to a state.

How can we afford such a high-stakes gamble?
finally.

Fan Wencheng broke the silence and looked at Huang Taiji, saying, "Great Khan, I feel that this matter is too strange."

"For now, it's best to remain still and send some spies to North Korea to find out the situation before taking action."

"Within half a month at most, we can find out exactly what the Ming army did after arriving in Korea."

Upon hearing this, Huang Taiji felt it was a pity that he had not been able to capture the Ming emperor and Korea in one fell swoop.

However, the recent events in the Ming Dynasty were too strange for him to act rashly.

Amidst various considerations and hesitations, Huang Taiji ultimately ordered the temporary suspension of the military operation.

They also dispatched a large number of North Korean spies to North Korea.

With the departure of this group of traitors, Huang Taiji also made up his mind:
As soon as he heard even a hint that the Ming Dynasty was actually bluffing, he immediately mobilized 100,000 troops to invade Korea and forcibly attack the city!
Even if the Ming emperor hears the news and runs away...

Taking North Korea directly into their fold would be incredibly profitable.

however.

Just as Huang Taiji and Fan Wencheng were discussing what preparations should be made next, another subordinate barged into the tent.

Seeing the man's anxious expression, Huang Taiji and Fan Wencheng felt a pang of unease.

Once, twice, but never three times.

I've already heard two bad news stories, what's the third one?!

But to their surprise, the third message was actually a piece of great joy.

"Your Majesty! Yuan Chonghuan has restored Liaodong!"

Upon hearing this, Huang Taiji and Fan Wencheng exchanged a glance, and the gloom on their faces caused by the Ming Dynasty's occupation of Korea was instantly dispelled.

Two or three days passed quickly as Huang Taiji hesitated and wavered.

now.

Zhu Youjian and his entourage were inside a city on the Korean border, watching the movements of the Later Jin.

Mao Wenlong approached Zhu Youjian and said:

"Your Majesty, the Later Jin have shown no signs of launching an attack to this day. They are clearly deterred by your strategy and dare not make any rash moves."

"Shouldn't we send an envoy to Huang Taiji to discuss peace talks?"

Mao Wenlong's tone carried a hint of anticipation.

If he can hold off Huang Taiji for two or three months, he will be able to clean up the Korean border.

If the Later Jin dynasty were to set foot in Korea again, it would have to pay several times the price it would now.

In that situation, the Later Jin would certainly be even less likely to take action.

However, when faced with Mao Wenlong's question, Zhu Youjian gently shook his head.

He could tell that the reason the Later Jin hadn't taken any action was because they were gathering intelligence.

Even if they agree to peace talks now, it will only be a delaying tactic.

Once the Later Jin have gathered enough intelligence, they will surely launch another large-scale invasion.

Therefore, if we want the Later Jin to genuinely accept peace talks, we need to add fuel to the fire.

For example.

He can go and meet with Huang Taiji.

Then, through various incentives, they first tricked Huang Taiji into believing in them.

This way.

Even if Huang Taiji later realized he had been deceived, it would be too late.

to be honest.

Whether it's the Ming Dynasty or Korea, what they lack most right now is development time.

Zhu Youjian was determined to use all means to buy this time.

Looking at Mao Wenlong and the others, Zhu Youjian said, "Now is not the time."

“Send someone to the Later Jin to tell Huang Taiji: I wish to meet with him alone.”

Upon hearing this, Mao Wenlong and the others were startled: "Your Majesty, are you planning to capture the king first again?!"

Zhu Youjian shook his head again.

This trick only works in specific situations.

If Huang Taiji were truly captured and brought back to the Ming Dynasty, the negative impact would definitely outweigh the positive.

The Later Jin could immediately use the slogan of avenging the Great Khan to gather a large army and invade Korea with the highest morale.

Therefore, his main purpose in meeting with Huang Taiji this time was still to deceive him!
Seeing this, Mao Wenlong didn't think twice and quickly accepted the order, saying, "Your subject obeys!"

the other side.

Shengjing.

When Huang Taiji heard that the Ming emperor wanted to meet with him and another emperor with two hundred men each at the border, his first reaction was to agree immediately.

The Ming Dynasty was the largest and most important opponent of the Later Jin.

For the supreme ruler of the opponent.

Huang Taiji naturally wanted to see for himself what kind of person the other party really was.

Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory in every battle.

Even Fan Wencheng was no exception.

He was the chief strategist of the Later Jin dynasty.

Naturally, he also wanted to see the Ming Dynasty emperor in person to determine whether the exaggerated rumors circulating outside were truly related to him.

Only in this way can we formulate subsequent strategies in a practical and realistic manner.

As for whether there was any trickery involved, Huang Taiji didn't care at all.

The meeting place was chosen on the flat border, where there was no way to hide an ambush.

Then, once the armor is properly donned, there will be no chance of anything going wrong.

The most important thing is.

Huang Taiji could sense that the Ming emperor's desire to meet with him was undoubtedly for the purpose of peace talks.

Therefore, taking this opportunity to investigate the true strength and weaknesses of the Ming Dynasty is the most appropriate thing to do.

Although Huang Taiji was now somewhat convinced that this Ming emperor was a remarkable figure.

But there is one thing he believes he is absolutely ahead of.

That is the part about life experience and intrigue.

The former was thirty-five years old, while the Ming emperor was seventeen.

This is a win.

Even if the Ming emperors were exceptionally talented and resourceful, the latter would not have been able to achieve their goals.

But as for certain schemes and tricks, such as the extremely inconspicuous pits dug in the conversation between the two, he simply hasn't experienced them.

As long as the other party shows the slightest flaw or hesitates, I will be able to detect it.

This is a win-win situation.

With one win and two wins already achieved, a third win is naturally a foregone conclusion.

therefore.

After agreeing to the envoy's request for a meeting, Huang Taiji immediately mustered two hundred men and headed to the border.

And when the envoy returned to Korea.

After receiving the news, Zhu Youjian led Mao Wenlong and others to the meeting place.

now.

One group of people set off from the direction of North Korea, while another group came from the direction of the Later Jin.

When the two groups could see each other, they immediately and in perfect unison slowed down, leaving only the person in the middle of each group to slowly ride forward.

Huang Taiji, mounted on his horse, watched the young man approaching him and narrowed his eyes.

Huang Taiji attached great importance to this meeting.

After all, the person they were meeting was the Ming Dynasty emperor.

This emperor had just accomplished the feat of conquering Korea in just a few days.

Regardless of how he did it, he did it anyway.

This alone was enough to make Huang Taiji devote 120% of his energy to this meeting.

However, Huang Taiji did not expect that despite his best efforts to overestimate his opponent, he was still in trouble.

But when they actually meet...

Huang Taiji was surprised to find that the other party did not resemble a young man at all, but rather seemed like a peerless monarch with great talent and ambition.

This immediately made Huang Taiji nervous.

of course.

This tension, which comes from within, does not originate from the level of interpersonal relationships.

At his level, he is no longer easily swayed by any person or event.

What Huang Taiji was truly worried about was that having such a ruler in the Ming Dynasty posed a huge threat to the Later Jin.

Even the seasoned generals at the rear, watching Zhu Youjian slowly advance, couldn't help but mutter to themselves:

"Damn, the Ming Dynasty emperors really have an extraordinary aura."

Fan Wencheng glanced at Zhu Youjian and knew that those exaggerated rumors were definitely related to this person.

When formulating strategies in the future, we must take into account this enormous variable that suddenly appeared in the Ming Dynasty.

Following up on the words of the general beside him, Fan Wencheng spoke calmly:

“Ming emperors were supported by the people, so naturally they had to be born strong and robust.”

The general's face flashed a sinister smile: "Mr. Fan, in my opinion, if the tributes of the world were given to the Great Khan, he would only become more powerful."

Fan Wencheng smiled, while the other generals burst into laughter.

Everyone knew that this meeting was beneficial to the Later Jin Dynasty no matter what.

To put it dramatically, it's not impossible that the Later Jin dynasty could have decided the overall situation through this meeting.

Because he wanted to become the Great Khan in the Later Jin region.

Besides being skilled in combat and possessing sufficient strategic acumen...

They also need to be cunning and treacherous enough—they take pride in it.

Just like their Great Khan Huang Taiji was one of the best.

They acknowledged that the Ming emperors were indeed quite capable.

But when it comes to cunning, the Ming emperors certainly couldn't compare to their own Khan.

I reckon that I can easily extract a lot of information from the other party by just saying a few words.

Once it is confirmed that everything the Ming Dynasty has done is a performance, this day next year will be the anniversary of the Ming emperor's death!

soon.

Under the watchful eyes of four hundred people.

Huang Taiji and Zhu Youjian met formally.

Looking at the young man in front of him, Huang Taiji composed himself and banished all inappropriate thoughts from his mind.

He had already prepared his opening remarks.

And he would follow his opening remarks, probing the other party's strengths and weaknesses step by step.

He would immediately send troops if the enemy showed even the slightest sign of weakness.

but.

Just as Huang Taiji was about to speak, a casual remark from the other party made him pause in surprise.

Zhu Youjian: "Actually, the conflict between the Ming Dynasty and the Later Jin Dynasty should not have escalated to this point."

"Our two countries could have been brotherly nations, standing together through thick and thin."

Huang Taiji: ?

In this situation where we are at odds with each other, what do you mean by saying this to me?
Provocation or something else?
Huang Taiji frowned and looked at the other party.

To be honest, he really didn't understand what the other party was trying to do by saying such things at this time.

But when his gaze fell on the other person's face...

But they found that there was no mockery on the other person's calm face, only sincerity.

So sincere that even Huang Taiji, with his extensive experience, couldn't detect even the slightest trace of acting in the other's eyes.

It even gave him an inner urge to listen to the other person continue talking.

If it's an act, then the acting is a bit too good!

But if it wasn't an act, what exactly did the Ming Dynasty emperor mean by saying this?
For a time, Huang Taiji was so bewildered that he was somewhat at a loss.

(End of this chapter)