How can one be Emperor Chongzhen without money?

Chapter 221 Huang Taiji, you want to talk? But I only want to raid your stronghold!

July 19th, the third year of the Chongzhen reign. Dawn was just breaking.

South of Changping City, the Later Jin army's camp stretched for ten miles, but something felt off inside. Gone was the usual boisterous revelry of those who had looted and drunk their fill; instead, there was a sense of dejection and oppression from the retreat. The groans of wounded soldiers drifted out intermittently.

Inside the central command tent, the faces of the several people sitting there looked as if they were covered in frost.

Yue Tuo spoke first, his voice muffled: "Great Khan, this battle has been a loss. We didn't get Tongzhou, and so many men were lost at Baliqiao. The Ming army is gaining momentum, and Lu Xiangshan's troops are not to be trifled with. In my opinion, we should stop while we're ahead and find a way out of the pass as soon as possible. If we drag this out any longer, we might get trapped here."

He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear: retreat, retreat quickly.

Sitting beside him was Dorgon, his young face taut. Upon hearing this, his eyebrows shot up: "Withdraw? Withdraw to where? Go back empty-handed? What will those men in Shenyang think of us? Will our men starve this winter?" He turned to Huang Taiji, who sat above him, "Great Khan! When have our Eight Banners ever suffered such a loss? Lu Xiangshan is only relying on the fortifications and artillery. If we really set up a battle formation, I don't believe we can't defeat him! We must fight back and regain our honor!"

The only sound inside the tent was the crackling of the brazier. Several Mongol princes and commanders of the Han banners kept their heads down and remained silent.

Huang Taiji remained silent. His face was pale, his eyes were sunken, but his gaze was cold as he swept his eyes over Yuetuo and Dorgon.

"Have you finished speaking?" Huang Taiji's voice was a little hoarse and he sounded very tired, but he immediately grabbed everyone's attention.

"Yue Tuo said to retreat. How can we retreat? What about the loot? What about the people? Are we just going to go back in disgrace and tell our families that our trip into the border was just sending our heads to the Ming army?" His tone was barbed.

"Dorgon says to attack. Fine, your courage is commendable. But how will you attack? Why do you think we should attack Balizhuang head-on? Why don't we find a way to bypass the Ming army's fortifications?" Huang Taiji asked himself, then answered in a hoarse voice, "Because... the Ming army only needed one day at most to build Balizhuang! Fourteenth Prince, do you know what this means?"

He paused, the tent eerily quiet.

The strategy of fighting a bastion for a day and a night is rather clumsy, but that's based on the premise that it takes a long time to build a bastion.

If the Ming army could build a bastion in a day, no, in a few days, then bypassing the fortress would be a joke. At that speed, it wouldn't be long before bastions were everywhere in northern Zhili. How could you possibly bypass them then?
Furthermore, the Jin and Ming dynasties have been at war for some time, yet they never built fortifications at this speed before. What does this indicate? It means that the Ming dynasty now has a stronger mobilization capacity than before, capable of mobilizing a large number of laborers to help build fortifications!
"In the past, we relied on plunder. We plundered the Ming Dynasty to support ourselves. But as you have seen, the Ming Dynasty is not made of clay. They have vast territory, abundant resources, and a large population. Once they unleash their full potential, they can wear us down. What about us? We have too many wolves and too few sheep. Fighting will deplete our bondservants and slaves, and even when we are not fighting, we will deplete our bondservants and commoners! If we cannot plunder wealth and population to replenish ourselves, we will become weaker and weaker!"

This question hit the nail on the head. Neither Yuetuo nor Dorgon remained silent.

Huang Taiji leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, but it carried an even stronger ruthlessness: "Just relying on robbery won't work. We need to find a new way to live, we absolutely must find a new way to live!"

He pointed vaguely to the south: "Tianshou Mountain, the ancestral tombs of the Ming Dynasty emperors are there. That's their courage, their lifeblood."

“We won’t attack Changping City, nor will we confront Lu Xiang-sheng head-on. Instead, we’ll send an elite force to the foot of Tianshou Mountain, making it look like we’re going to disturb his ancestral graves.”

"Do you think Zhu Youjian is afraid? Are all the officials in the court afraid?"

Huang Taiji's face revealed a calculating sneer: "He must be afraid. If he's afraid, he'll come to talk to us. Talk about what? Opening a border market, giving rewards, so we can exchange furs and ginseng for grain and ironware. Only with this means of survival can we catch our breath, can we plan for the long term, and can we find a way to live sustainably!"

“So,” he suddenly raised his voice, “Dorgon!”

"Your subject is here!" Dorgon stood up abruptly.

"I'll give you three thousand elite cavalry, not too many, but fast! Position them at the foot of Tianshou Mountain, make a big commotion, let the Ming emperor know that we can get close to his ancestor's bedside!"

"Whoo!"

"Yue Tuo, take a Hongqi van and set up camp between Shunyi and Huairou. Keep an eye on Lu Xiangshan and Sun Zushou. If the Ming court is unwilling to negotiate, they will most likely force those two to head north. At that time, you should try your best to keep them occupied and wait for me to bring the main force!"

"Yes, sir!" Yue Tuo accepted the order.

The people in the tent dispersed and went to make their own preparations.

Huang Taiji sat alone, watching the flickering flames, and exhaled a long breath. This era is changing too fast. If Da Jin can't keep up, then there will be no future!
……

At the same time, in the Ming army camp in Shunyi.

Lu Xiangshan and Sun Zushou stood before a large map, neither of them showing any joy. They had won at Baliqiao, but most of those killed were bondservants and Mongol vassals; the Jurchen core forces had not suffered significant losses.

“The main force of the Jurchens is still there. If you include the Mongols and bondservants, there are around 80,000.” Sun Zushou pointed in the direction of Changping. “We have a maximum of 40,000 here, and even fewer elite troops capable of field battles.”

Lu Xiang-sheng nodded, his finger tracing the Chaobai River: "We cannot wage a reckless war. The best way is to build fortifications and fences along the river step by step, pushing forward to Huairou and Miyun, blocking Huang Taiji's route back north. When his supplies run out, chaos will naturally ensue."

“But…” Sun Zushou frowned, “Would those officials in the court agree to this? The imperial tombs are in Tianshou Mountain! They will definitely force us to send troops to fight them.”

Lu Xiang-sheng paused for a moment.

"Write a memorial," Lu Xiang-sheng decided. "Clearly describe the enemy's situation, our advantages and disadvantages, and send it to the capital by express courier. On our side, fortify our camps, send more night scouts, and keep a close watch on Huang Taiji's movements, especially towards Tianshou Mountain. We will not engage in battle without absolute certainty!"

"That's all we can do," Sun Zushou sighed. The battle was won, but a lot of trouble had followed!

……

Beijing, the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

The atmosphere at the grand court assembly was like a sudden hailstorm in June. At first, it was filled with congratulations: the great victory at Baliqiao, the emperor's wisdom, and the commendable loyalty and bravery of Lu Xiangshan and Sun Zushou.

But someone mentioned that Huang Taiji's defeated troops had gone to Changping to join forces with another Jurchen force, and were now not far from the Tianshou Mountain Imperial Mausoleum. This was like cold water being poured into a hot oil pan.

Several censors and officials were the first to jump out, kneel down with a thud, their voices trembling with sobs:

"Your Majesty! The imperial mausoleum is the foundation of the nation and the final resting place of our ancestors. It must not be lost under any circumstances!"

"Lu Xiang-sheng and Sun Zu-shou, who commanded a large army, sat idly by as the enemy cavalry approached the imperial tombs. They were as afraid of the enemy as tigers, and their hearts deserve to be condemned!"

"Your Majesty, I beg you to issue an immediate decree to urge the troops to advance, expel the Tartars, and protect my mausoleum! If there is any further delay, I... I will kill myself right here in this hall!"

In an instant, voices clamoring for battle rose and fell, each one red-faced and visibly angry, as if Lu Xiang-sheng's refusal to send troops would make him the greatest sinner of the Ming Dynasty.

Emperor Chongzhen sat atop the throne, his face expressionless, watching the performance of the crowd below. He knew perfectly well what was going on. Some of these people were genuinely worried about the imperial tombs, but many more were using the pretext to their advantage. The land reclamation and likin taxes had touched their very lifeblood. The victory at Baliqiao had boosted the emperor's prestige, making it difficult for them to directly oppose the new policies. So they used the "tomb protection" issue as leverage to force the emperor to send his best troops out on a risky mission.

That's what makes their intentions truly despicable!
Once the noise subsided slightly, Chongzhen spoke calmly: "Governor Lu and General Sun only have 40,000 men, less than half of Huang Taiji's. If they advance step by step, relying on fortified camps and fortifications, they will most likely win. But if they rush into battle recklessly, they will most likely lose!"

These words were like a needle, making some people shrink back.

Chongzhen continued, "To ensure the safety of the mausoleums of our ancestors, I suggest sending an envoy to Huang Taiji's camp to negotiate peace and temporarily halt his military advance."

The moment the words "peace negotiations" were uttered, the entire Hall of Supreme Harmony erupted in chaos.

"No! Your Majesty! Absolutely not!"

"To negotiate peace with the enemy is tantamount to surrender, a disgrace to our ancestors and to the world!"

"This is a sign of national ruin! I swear to oppose it to the death!"

They were practically spitting all over the imperial desk. Emperor Chongzhen let them argue; this scene seemed all too familiar!
Only after the most intense moment had passed did he suddenly stand up.

The hall fell silent instantly.

"Peace talks? I see you only know one side of the story!" Chongzhen's voice suddenly deepened, carrying a chilling murderous intent. "Do you think I really want to bow down to that barbarian chieftain? Wrong! This is my plan!"

His gaze swept across the entire room, and he said, word by word, "My true purpose lies in the southern desert!"

Before anyone could react, he dropped a bombshell: "Empress Dowager Sutai of Chahan has given birth to a son for the late Huduntu Khan! I have bestowed upon this son the Mongolian name 'Altan Chechen,' meaning 'wise son of gold,' and will have him succeed his father as Khan, and I have also conferred upon him the title of 'Loyal and Obedient King'!"

All the officials were stunned; the news was too sudden.

Chongzhen gave them no time to think. He waved his hand and pointed to the sky, as if there were a huge map there: "The peace talks are only to tie up Huang Taiji's main force in Changping, so that he has no time to look north!"

"I have secretly ordered Sun Chuanting to leave Datong and cross the border to join forces with Su Tai and his mother, and to take Tumotechuan to reclaim Guihua City!"

"At the same time, I also plan to recruit Gao Yingxiang, a bandit who fled to the Hetao region, and order him and the widow of Hudun Tu Khan, Nangnang Da Fujin, to launch an attack from the Hetao region from the east and west!"

"This move is to sever the Jurchen's right arm and reclaim the entire southern Mongolia! This is a truly monumental undertaking! You are all short-sighted, only concerned with the gains and losses of a single city or territory. How could you possibly understand my profound and far-sighted plans?!"

His words were like a thunderclap, stunning everyone. The plate was too big, so big it made people dizzy.

Although the Ming Dynasty court did not recognize Hudun Tu Khan as the "Great Yuan Khan," everyone knew in their hearts that most people on the grasslands acknowledged that the Khan of the Chahan tribe was the legitimate successor of the Golden Family.

Taking the Khan of the Chahan tribe as a vassal state was something the Ming Dynasty had wanted to do but had not been able to since its founding.

The official who had just been clamoring to remonstrate to the death was now speechless, his mouth agape.

Looking at the silent crowd below, Emperor Chongzhen snorted coldly: "Therefore, I have ordered Governor Lu and Commander Sun to hold their positions firmly and contain the enemy chieftain. They must not engage in reckless fighting! As for sending envoys to negotiate peace, my mind is made up. This is a crucial step in this grand strategy! Court adjourned!"

After saying that, he didn't give the ministers a chance to speak again and turned to leave.

The officials exchanged bewildered glances, and after a long while, amidst a complex mix of emotions, they dispersed. Each was wondering whether the Emperor's move would succeed.
……

In the West Warm Pavilion of Qianqing Palace, only Emperor Chongzhen and a few of his closest confidants remained.

Yang Sichang leaned closer and whispered, "Your Majesty, is there really such a big commotion in Mo Nan?"

Chongzhen picked up the huanghuali wood thermos, blew on it, and a mysterious smile appeared on his face: "Of course, the commotion must be big. If it's not big, how can Huang Taiji believe it?"

He put down his teacup, his voice low but filled with iron will: "Send a secret edict to Mao Wenlong via 600 li urgent dispatch. Tell him that Huang Taiji has been bogged down in Changping by my scheme, Liaoshen is vulnerable, the opportunity to fight has arrived, tell him to fight to the death for me!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" Yang Sichang was startled and quickly went to draft a secret edict.

Emperor Chongzhen walked to the huge map, his gaze passing over Beijing and Changping, and fixing directly on the land of Liaodong.

"Huang Taiji, you want to negotiate? I'll let you negotiate. I'll give you a peace that will never be reached!" He muttered to himself, his finger emphatically pointing at the location of Shenyang. "You want to threaten me with the Tianshou Mountain Imperial Mausoleum! Hmph, I also want to raid your stronghold!"

(End of this chapter)