How can one be Emperor Chongzhen without money?

Chapter 225 Wei Zhongxian: Huang Degong went to dig up your ancestral graves! (Five chapters today, please add to your favorites!)
Inside the central command tent of the Ming army camp in Shunyi.

Wei Zhongxian sat there, slowly and deliberately twirling a string of sandalwood prayer beads between his fingers.

Niu Jinxing tiptoed in, a wry smile on his face. He bowed and whispered, "Your Excellency, news has come from the capital again. Yesterday, several officials from the Censorate jointly submitted a memorial, saying that the Tianshou Mountain Mausoleum is the foundation of the nation, and if anything goes wrong..."

"Noisy." Wei Zhongxian didn't even lift his eyelids, shutting him down directly. "It's the same old stuff over and over again."

He put down his prayer beads and tapped his fingertips casually twice on the rosewood table. "Over in Liaoshen, what's the current situation between Commander Mao and General Huang? Any definite news?"

Niu Jinxing flipped through the newly delivered military report and replied, "Reporting to Your Excellency, the latest military report has not yet arrived. However, judging from the previous situation, Commanders Mao and Huang should be acting on His Majesty's secret orders, fighting with full force."

Wei Zhongxian grunted in agreement, but his brows furrowed slightly. "If we fight all out, who knows if we can win? Commander Mao can only muster a maximum of eight thousand, while Huang Chuangzi only has five thousand five hundred."

Just then, hurried footsteps sounded outside the tent, and a man dressed as a member of the Imperial Guard rushed in, knelt on one knee, and presented an urgent document with both hands. "Reporting to Your Excellency! Urgent dispatch from the capital! A secret edict from His Majesty!"

Wei Zhongxian suddenly stood up, took the letter, but without opening it, handed it directly to Niu Jinxing: "Take a look."

Niu Jinxing carefully unwrapped the sealing wax, unfolded the letter, and quickly scanned it. As he read, a look of surprise appeared on his face, and he lowered his voice involuntarily: "Sir, Marshal Mao's Dongjiang Army has successfully landed at Liangfangkou!"

Wei Zhongxian's eyes lit up, but he quickly regained his composure and gestured for him to continue. Niu Jinxing leaned closer, almost whispering in Wei Zhongxian's ear, "His Majesty said that, judging by the time, the urgent message sent by Daishan from Shenyang will not reach Huang Taiji for at least three or four days. His Majesty requires that you, Your Excellency, in these few days, find a way to make Huang Taiji feel that we are about to make concessions, and that their threat to desecrate the imperial tombs has put His Majesty under great pressure."

Wei Zhongxian slowly sat back in his chair, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. After a long while, he finally spoke: "His Majesty's intention is for me to make a concession at this negotiating table and lure Huang Taiji into continuing to waste time with us in Changping?"

"That's exactly what I meant." Niu Jinxing carefully folded the letter. "His Majesty said that as long as we can keep Huang Taiji occupied for a few more days, prevent him from leaving in a hurry, and prevent him from resorting to desperate measures like digging up Emperor Tianqi's imperial tomb, and allow Marshal Mao to disrupt the Jurchens' livelihood in Liaodong for a few more days, it will be considered a great achievement!"

"This is not a good matter!" Wei Zhongxian looked at Niu Jinxing. "Scholar Niu, you have a lot of clever ideas. Tell me, how should we appease Huang Taiji?"

Niu Jinxing's eyes darted around, and he immediately had an idea: "Sir, you should say that then."

Inside the Khan's tent in the Later Jin camp.

Huang Taiji held a document in his hand, his face grim. It was an urgent report sent by Daishan from Shengjing, stating that a part of the Ming army had already crossed the Jinzhou Gorge and was eliminating fortified villages and outposts throughout southern Liaoning, their advance extremely fierce.

"The defense line of the Jinzhou Isthmus has been breached." Huang Taiji slammed the document on the table, his voice muffled. "The Grand Prince said that judging from the banners, they are Huang Degong's troops, but their fighting style is cunning and has a strong resemblance to the Dongjiang Army."

Fan Wencheng and Yue Tuo stood to the lower end, while Dorgon also stood to the side, observing the situation.

"What do you think?" Huang Taiji's gaze swept over the three men.

Yuetuo spoke first, his tone urgent: "Great Khan, my father never speaks falsely. The situation in Liaonan is indeed critical. The Ming army's advance out of the gorges is no ordinary disturbance. Our main force is far away in Changping, leaving Liaoshen vulnerable. We should decide our course of action as soon as possible and return to our camp immediately!"

Dorgon surprisingly echoed, "Great Khan, what Yuetuo said makes sense. The Tianshou Mountain project... is progressing slowly. The Tianqi Emperor's mausoleum is very well constructed and difficult to excavate! If Liaonan is lost, I fear the losses will outweigh the gains."

His words concealed his true motives; he genuinely didn't want to completely excavate the tombs of the Ming emperors, as that would create too deep a grudge. Besides, he wouldn't get the treasures in Tianqi's coffin, so what kind of "Prince of Tomb Raiders" would he be?
Fan Wencheng pondered for a moment, then slowly shook his head: "Your Majesty, this servant believes that this matter... is quite suspicious."

"Oh?" Huang Taiji looked at him.

"The Ming army didn't leave the gorge early or late, but launched their attack precisely when our army was besieged in Changping and the Tianshou Mountain project had already begun. The timing is too coincidental," Fan Wencheng analyzed. "This servant suspects that this is a 'besieging Wei to rescue Zhao' strategy by the Ming Emperor! Chongzhen was forced by the upright officials within the country to make a counterattack gesture, and his purpose was precisely to distract Your Majesty and even force you to retreat!"

He continued, “The factional strife in the Ming court was fierce. Chongzhen had only been on the throne for a short time and his power base was not yet stable. Sun Chengzong, Qian Qianyi, and other upright officials valued their reputation most highly and would certainly prioritize protecting the imperial tombs. They would exert tremendous pressure to force Chongzhen to go to war and save face. I believe that the Liaonan offensive was actually the result of the factional strife in the Ming court. It was a show that Chongzhen was forced to put on for you by his civil officials! Its purpose was nothing more than to add more bargaining chips to the negotiating table.”

Huang Taiji tapped his fingers lightly on the table, lost in thought.

Yue Tuo said anxiously, "Mr. Fan! If what you say is true, and the offensive in Liaonan is a ruse, why is my father so anxious? The Jinzhou Isthmus is not so easily breached."

Fan Wencheng smiled calmly: "The Grand Prince is in the thick of it all, and seeing the Ming army's overwhelming strength, he is naturally anxious. However, the Ming Dynasty's fundamental strength cannot support a three-front war. The so-called 'fierce attack' in Liaonan is bound to be unsustainable. Furthermore, the Grand Prince Daishan and Prince Ajige still have over 20,000 elite troops under their command, all battle-hardened veterans. Huang Degong's troops, and even the Dongjiang Army that might be mixed in, number only about 10,000. Even if they make some progress, how can they shake the foundation of our Liaoshen region? This servant believes that the Ming army's actions precisely demonstrate that our strategy of excavating the Ming tombs has struck at their weak point! They are panicking!"

These words struck a chord with Huang Taiji. He slammed his hand on the table: "Mr. Fan's words resonate deeply with me!"

His eyes gleamed, and his confidence returned: "That little brat Chongzhen has truly run out of tricks! He actually thinks he can throw me off balance with such a bluff? Wishful thinking!"

"Yue Tuo, I understand your concerns," Huang Taiji said, looking at Yue Tuo and Dorgon. "But precisely because of this, I cannot back down! If I do, all my previous efforts will have been in vain! The Ming people will only think I'm afraid!"

He made up his mind and said in a resolute tone: "Order Daishan and Ajige to hold the fortresses! Defend the fortresses in southern Liaodong if you can, otherwise abandon them temporarily. Tighten up your forces and protect the key points of Haizhou and Gaizhou! A mere ten thousand Ming soldiers cannot turn the tide!"

"Great Khan..." Yue Tuo wanted to persuade him again.

"No need for further words!" Huang Taiji interrupted him, then looked coldly at Dorgon. "Fourteenth brother, you must speed up the excavation at Tianshou Mountain. At least dig to the entrance of Tianqi's underground palace!"

...A large tent was set up on an open space between Changping and Shahe.

Inside the tent, the two people sat facing each other.

To the east, Wei Zhongxian sat upright, his face expressionless. Niu Jinxing stood behind him, head bowed, holding a book in his hands.

On the west side, Huang Taiji sat imposingly in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over with an intimidating air. Beside him, a Jiala Ezhen stood at the tent entrance, his hand on the hilt of his sword, like a door god.

Huang Taiji spoke first, his voice low but heavy: "Eunuch Wei, I have arrived. What exactly is your emperor's plan?"

Wei Zhongxian forced a smile and leaned forward slightly: "The Khan's personal arrival shows his sincerity. His Majesty truly desires peace talks and has specially ordered me to bring concrete terms." He winked behind him.

Niu Jinxing quickly stepped forward, unfolded the document, cleared his throat, and read aloud: "By imperial decree of His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Ming Dynasty: In order to end the war, a special reward of 500,000 taels of silver is hereby granted to establish friendly relations between the two countries. Furthermore, the official markets at Zhangjiakou and Xiaolinghe Post Station in Jinzhou are to be reopened, allowing your tribe to exchange furs, ginseng, and other goods for our rice, cloth, and ironware..."

Upon hearing the words "five hundred thousand taels," Huang Taiji's fingers, which were holding the jade pendant, paused for a moment. He raised his eyelids, his eyes flickered, and he unconsciously leaned forward. His heart felt like boiling water had been poured into a pot of hot oil, causing it to sizzle. So much silver, if converted into grain, could alleviate countless famines! But his face remained taut, and he only hummed in response through his nose.

Wei Zhongxian saw this and sneered inwardly, but on the surface he became even more respectful: "Great Khan, this market reward and trade are a great favor. But... this silver is not given for nothing."

He changed the subject, a troubled look on his face: "How to divide the territory and where to station troops in Liaodong, Liaoxi, Korea, southern Mongolia, and even at the foot of Yanshan Mountain right now, all need to be clearly agreed upon first. Once the agreement is set, the money and market prices will naturally be paid."

Huang Taiji understood the implication. He was being told to sit down and negotiate slowly. He was anxious about the 500,000 taels of silver, and also concerned about the situation in Liaonan; he was currently making plans.

Fan Wencheng, who was standing nearby, suddenly interjected, his voice high-pitched like an awl: "Lord Wei, if you want to negotiate peace, shouldn't your country first cease hostilities? Huang Degong's troops are currently attacking and capturing cities and strongholds in my Liaonan territory. What is the purpose of this? If you are sincere in negotiating peace, please order them to withdraw back to the interior immediately!"

That was a tough question, directly pinpointing the fact that the Ming army had taken action.

There was a moment of silence inside the tent.

Upon hearing this, Wei Zhongxian not only remained calm but also darkened his face, looked at Fan Wencheng with reproach in his eyes, and raised his voice: "Mr. Fan! What you're saying makes no sense! Don't you know why General Huang went to Liaodong?"

Before Fan Wencheng could reply, he turned to Huang Taiji and said in a tone of grievance and dissatisfaction: "Great Khan, you are wise! Huang Chuangzi (Huang Degong) was ordered by the Emperor to go to Hetu Ala to dig up the grave of your father, Nurhaci, the old Khan!"

These words were like a boulder thrown into water. Huang Taiji's face changed instantly, and his eyes widened. Fan Wencheng also gasped.

Both of them were dumbfounded. What was this all about? Everything was fine just now, how did it turn out like this?

Wei Zhongxian, seemingly seething with anger, finally snapped, his voice rising higher and higher: "The root of this matter lies with your Prince Yue Tuo! During the previous negotiations, he himself said that it's common for two countries to desecrate each other's ancestral graves when they're at war! He even urged my Great Ming to send someone to try it out! He even said his grandfather's grave is in some Hetu Ala."

He slammed his hand on the table, making the teacup jump: "When I brought this back to the capital, good heavens, the court was in an uproar! Those censors and officials were all banging their heads on the ground, saying that the Jurchens were unruly and had no father, and that they were going too far! If the Emperor doesn't respond, how can he face his ancestors and the world?"

He pointed at Fan Wencheng, his hand trembling with anger: "Mr. Fan, you're questioning me now? I'd like to ask the Great Khan, is what Prince Yuetuo said truly the Great Khan's intention?!"

The tent was deathly silent. Huang Taiji's chest heaved, his face ashen. He hadn't expected Wei Zhongxian to pull this stunt, directly pinning the blame for Huang Degong's offensive in Liaodong on Yue Tuo, that loose-lipped fellow.

Wei Zhongxian took a breath, softening his tone, but his words became even harsher: "Great Khan, let's be clear. Regarding the Liaodong affair, you provoked us first, and my Emperor was forced to respond. If you want Huang Degong to withdraw his troops, it's simple. Great Khan, issue an order to stop the grave robbing at Tianshou Mountain. My Emperor will immediately recall Huang Degong. Otherwise…"

He paused, then said coldly, "This drama of digging up each other's ancestral graves is really going to go on forever."

After saying that, he picked up his herbal tea, took a sip, and looked at the top of the tent instead of Huang Taiji.

Huang Taiji stared intently at Wei Zhongxian, his fingers clenched so tightly they turned white. His anger raged, yet he was also tempted by the prospect of 500,000 taels of silver. He knew he couldn't completely trust the old eunuch's words, but that 500,000 taels was too good to pass up now. Liaonan… Daishan should be able to hold out, right? No, he definitely should! How could over 20,000 Eight Banner soldiers not hold out?
Fan Wencheng stood to the side, his lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he remained silent.

After a long while, Huang Taiji finally managed to squeeze out a sentence through gritted teeth: "I understand what you mean."

He stood up, not even glancing at Wei Zhongxian, and strode out of the tent with Fan Wencheng and Najia La'ezhen.

Wei Zhongxian watched their disappearing figures, his face devoid of any excitement. He slowly took another sip of tea and whispered to Niu Jinxing:
"Once the bait is in, let's see how fiercely the fish bites."

Outside the tent, the wind swept across the open space, stirring up a cloud of dust.

Huang Taiji, mounted on his horse, gazed in the direction of Changping City, his face so gloomy it seemed to drip water.

“Tell Dorgon,” his voice was icy, “dig! Dig faster! Dig to the gates of the Tianqi Palace.”

(End of this chapter)