Prince Chongzhen

Chapter 402: There is one thing I need your Majesty’s attention on
There are no roads in the world, and when there are many people walking, it becomes a road.

But there are still differences between the roads.

It seems that in the plains, it is not difficult to level out a smooth road through the years with the help of people stepping on it. However, in the mountains around the central Sichuan, the road can only be a crooked and winding path.

Generally speaking, the existence of such paths is just for the purpose of having a road.

Unless there is a compelling reason to leave, most people would still choose to enter Sichuan by water.

But within these three or two months, the Qing army first entered central Sichuan from Jinniu Road, and then the two sides pursued and fled straight to the north.

When the Qing and Western armies were fighting here, the Ming army followed the Qing army and plunged into this ancient road.

In terms of the number of people passing through, it is probably more than the total of the past few hundred years.

But then again, ancient roads like these are mostly carved along the side of the mountain, so it is reasonable that there is a bend every nine steps or a turn every ten steps.

Under such circumstances, the Ming army, as the pursuing party, not only had to face the difficulties of the road, but also had to be on guard against possible ambushes and traps at all times.

Its speed of travel was naturally far lower than Zhu Cilang had expected.

In his original idea, he had to try his best to avoid unnecessary fighting with the Qing army before getting the real situation in Hanzhong.

Therefore, not only did he order the Imperial Guards to march northward one day after the prisoner exchange, he also repeatedly issued strict orders to slow down the pace and pay attention to the distance between them and the Qing army.

Firstly, the situation in Hanzhong was unclear, and if they acted rashly there would inevitably be variables; secondly, there were several checkpoints in the Jinniu Road, and attracting the attention of the Tartars would be tantamount to adding difficulty to their own situation.

According to common sense, this is a safe move.

But who would have thought that the Jinniu Road was already in a mess at that time. Even though the guards in the central army were all people with extraordinary physical fitness and endurance, facing the miscellaneous things on the road, the marching speed was still far below expectations.

As a result, three days after Hauge retreated into Qipan Pass, Xiang Rensheng and Liu Wenxiu led the vanguard of the army to within ten miles outside the pass.

“This level is not easy to pass.”

Looking at Qipan Pass in the distance, Xiang Rensheng, who was hidden in the mountains and forests, couldn't help but sigh.

Honestly speaking, although he was not completely ignorant of military strategies, due to his background and years of military service, he was only at the level of an ordinary centurion.

But the construction of Qipan Pass was so unique that even someone like him, who secured his position as the commander of the imperial guards because of his loyalty, could see the reason behind it.

The Qipan Pass is located 30 miles northeast of Shijiepu and is an important pass separating Sichuan and Shaanxi.

This pass was built on a mountain ridge that was higher in the east and lower in the west. To the south was a funnel-shaped valley that led to a dead end, while to the north were mountains covered with dense forests.

If troops come from the east, the low-lying Qipan Pass will fall under the suppression of the enemy, but if troops come from the west, the high-lying Qipan Pass will have the effect of a natural moat.

It is obvious that this arrangement is to defend against the troops coming from Sichuan, so Xiang Rensheng's sigh is understandable.

"Well, this pass is specially designed to defend against the people in Sichuan. It will be difficult to pass without a special method." Liu Wenxiu agreed to Xiang Rensheng's sigh, but he changed the subject as soon as he finished speaking: "However, General Mei seems to have a lot of artillery. If we can get his help, it won't be difficult to break through this pass."

Xiang Rensheng agreed with Liu Wenxiu's statement.

However, as a forward, if he always had to wait for reinforcements from behind, then the title of forward would be somewhat in vain. So after the other party finished speaking, he just nodded and turned his attention to the area around Qipan Pass again.

Liu Wenxiu was able to survive the trials and tribulations of so many years, so he was naturally the most outstanding one among the peasant army. After seeing Xiang Rensheng's reaction, he could guess what the other party was thinking without even thinking about it, and then he just waited quietly without saying a word.

At this point, it was only logical for him to return to the Ming Dynasty. However, after so many years, he also knew the difficulty of integrating into a new group. Even though Zhu Cilang had shown great trust in him, a person like him would not show too much in front of Xiang Rensheng.

After all, Kong Ming, who had just joined the emperor's uncle's army, had also been ostracized. What's more, he had also tried to pretend to surrender. If he didn't keep a low profile, who knows whether he could gain a foothold in the Ming Dynasty.

"Wenxiu, send a team of soldiers to sneak into the pass from the northern mountains."

"This is a bit difficult."

To be honest, although Zhang Xianzhong established a regime in central Sichuan, he could not say that he had complete control over the plains inside. His understanding of Qipan Pass was at the same level as Xiang Rensheng's.

But looking from this position from afar, the mountain is not only densely covered with vegetation, but its slope is also exaggerated to a certain extent.

It wouldn't be difficult for three or five people to sneak into the pass from here, but it would be a bit far-fetched to think of opening the pass by doing so.

No matter what, for such a pass to exist for so many years, it must have had a complete control over the mountains and forests to the north. Otherwise, how could such a small pass stand for so many years?

As time went by, various methods were deduced in Xiang Rensheng's mind one by one, but he had no family background in siege and no experience in siege. After thinking over and over again, various methods seemed ambiguous. After a long time, he still couldn't make up his mind.

"Wenxiu, when we passed by Zhinjiepu before, there were no Qing troops left there. This time we came here in secret, so I guess the Tartars don't know where we are going."

"Well, it is possible."

"In this case, the Tartars are not too prepared. If I take a few dozen people and sneak into the pass, it is not impossible for me to succeed."

Faced with Xiang Rensheng's insistence, Liu Wenxiu had a hundred reasons in his mind to refute him, but the other party was Zhu Cilang's trusted general after all, so he had to consider his words carefully.

"What the general said is feasible."

When Liu Wenxiu's voice reached Xiang Rensheng's ears, a look of joy gradually emerged on his face. But who would have thought that before he could finish his words, a rustling sound came from a distance, and then the group immediately stopped making any noise, and then looked towards the source of the sound with great vigilance.

"Don't shoot! Don't shoot! I am a subordinate of Luo Luohun, the Prince of Duoluo Yanxi of the Qing Dynasty. I have an important matter to report to you all!"

As soon as the words fell, not only Xiang Rensheng was surprised, but even Liu Wenxiu's face changed in an instant. It was obvious that this voice was far beyond their expectations.

They originally thought that their actions this time were quite secretive and the Qing troops inside the Great Wall might not know that they were nearby. But judging from the current situation, not only did they know that the main army had arrived, but even the whereabouts of their small group of people had been noticed by the Qing troops.

Under such circumstances, how could they not be surprised.

"I'm coming out! Everyone, please don't shoot. We can't afford to delay the important event of the superiors!"

Another shout was heard, and the man who shouted appeared from the woods. He then patted himself a few times to indicate that he was not carrying any weapons. Only when Xiang Rensheng raised his hand did he slowly walk over.

"Oh~~! I am so short-sighted. I didn't expect that two generals were here." The words of the Qing soldier seemed a bit frivolous, but both Xiang Rensheng and Liu Wenxiu didn't care about it at all. It was obvious that their focus was on the so-called "important matter".

"Tell me, what's the matter?"

"Reporting to the two generals, my prince wants to discuss a business deal with the Emperor of Ming Dynasty."
-
that night
Termination Shop. Ming Army Camp
"Buy or sell?"

"Yes."

When he first saw Xiang Rensheng returning, Zhu Cilang thought that something had happened before, but after he heard the whole story, the doubts in his heart not only did not decrease in the slightest, but became even stronger.

Unlike Dorgon and Hauge who became famous in later generations, since Luo Luohun died early, his reputation as a prince was even worse than that of Nikan who was deposed by Li Dingguo.

The so-called knowing yourself and your enemy means you will be victorious in every battle.

Zhu Cilang has come this far and has reached this point largely thanks to his little understanding of current people.

When he heard a rather unfamiliar yet extremely important name at this moment, he was still somewhat unsure of the other party's intentions.

"What do you think he wants to discuss with me?"

Out of the habit he had developed over the past year, Zhu Cilang asked the question instinctively. However, when he saw Xiang, Mei and Hu standing in the tent, he felt that it was a waste of time to ask such a question.

After all, these three are loyal and brave, but they are still a little lacking in cunning matters.

"Your Majesty, does Luo Luohun want to surrender?"

"Well, it's possible. Your Majesty defeated Duoduo and killed Ajige. This time, Haoge fled as soon as he saw our army. I think the people in the Tartars must be uneasy."

"If that's the case, then we have to march quickly. Otherwise, it will be very troublesome if Hauge escapes back to Guanzhong."

Listening to the three people's serious discussion, Zhu Cilang was somewhat speechless.

In his opinion, the situation of the Ming Dynasty at this time was naturally much better than before, but it was definitely not to the point where the Tartars would surrender.

In essence, the victory over Duoduo was due to the advantage of the navy, and the beheading of Ajige was due to the surprise attack. Now that Haoge has retreated, 70% to 80% of the credit should go to the Dashi Army. In essence, these are just opportunistic moves.

Once the battlefield shifted from the south to the north, the Ming navy would be useless, and the Qing cavalry would have the opportunity to wreak havoc.

As one side gains strength while the other loses strength, the future battles will naturally not be as easy to fight as they are now. Even if he still has a few cavalry units that have surrendered to him, they may not be able to make up for the disadvantage in terms of military force.

Therefore, he would not think that Prince Duo Luo of the Qing Dynasty would really try to surrender at this time.

"Okay, I'll meet him tomorrow. I want to see what tricks this Luo Luohun is playing."

As soon as the words fell, each general responded and took action.

Si Xiang Rensheng naturally returned to the vanguard camp overnight to make arrangements for tomorrow's meeting, while Hu Yiqing, his personal bodyguard, began to select soldiers to accompany him.

As for Meichun
Although tomorrow's events have nothing to do with him, he still needs to keep an eye on some matters related to the transportation of artillery.

As a result, in just a moment, Zhu Cilang was the only one left in the big tent.

Silent all night.

It takes a long time for a large army to travel from Shutengpu to Qipan Pass, but it only takes a few hours for a team of only a few dozen people.

By noon, Zhu Cilang and his party had arrived at the meeting place. After some negotiation, Luo Luohun, the Prince Duolo of the Qing Dynasty, appeared in Zhu Cilang's sight.

"Foreign minister Luo Luohun has met the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty."

Foreign official?

In Zhu Cilang's concept, this word should probably be used between two countries that have concluded some kind of treaty, such as the Northern Song Dynasty and Liao Dynasty.

But the current Ming Dynasty has not signed any treaty with the Jurchen regime. Theoretically speaking, the so-called Qing Dynasty is just a rebel organization within the Ming Dynasty.

Based on this, he just looked indifferently at Luo Luohun who was bowing and saluting on horseback, and did not give any response to his superficial politeness.

Facing Zhu Cilang's reaction, Luo Luohun did not say much. After he stood up, he smiled and said, "Our army was about to return north, but we didn't know that the Emperor Ming followed closely and brought gifts of thanks?"

Over the past year or so, Zhu Cilang thought he had become quite shrewd, but when he heard the word "thank you gift", he couldn't help but feel really angry.

There is no need to say much about the events in Yangzhou and Guangzhou. This is a blood feud that cannot be reconciled. Just to say that a large area of ​​land north of the Yangtze River fell into the hands of the Tartars, Zhu Cilang and the Qing court were mortal enemies.

But even in such a situation, this fellow could actually say the word "thank you". If Zhu Cilang did not have the ability to be a tyrant, he would have ridden his horse out and stabbed him to pieces at this moment.

"At least a dozen of you princes and beile died in my hands. I won't ask where this thank you gift comes from. Even if it is really sent to you, do you have the courage to accept it?"

Zhu Cilang had no idea about Luo Luohun's plan, but he was also very unforgiving in his words, and just this one sentence made the other party's expression change several times.

No matter what, no matter how the strength of the two armies compares, Zhu Cilang not only won the previous battles, but also won overwhelming victories.

What's more, there were people from various banners who died in Jiangnan and Ganzhou. How could Luo Luohun turn a blind eye to it?

"Your Majesty's ability to turn the tide is truly extraordinary."

Having said this, Luo Luohun paused for a moment, and after seeing that Zhu Cilang's expression did not change much from beginning to end, he could only give up the idea of ​​trying to please the situation with words.

"But the reason why I have come here today to invite Your Majesty here is not to argue about who is superior to you. There is something I would like to ask Your Majesty to understand clearly."

As Luo Luohun's voice came, Zhu Cilang's face remained calm, but he couldn't help thinking in his heart. It was just that it was difficult to have any thoughts without a beginning or an end. After a moment, he collected his thoughts and waited quietly for the other party's next words.

"There are many factions within our dynasty. If Your Majesty is determined to pursue us, you will inevitably be making things easier for Dorgon and Daishan."

(End of this chapter)