Late Ming Dynasty: Oops, I am surrounded by the Donglin Party

"Pay 2.8 million dan of grain and fodder to the Qing Dynasty, and I will withdraw my troops."

Dorgon had also considered the second point carefully. The Qing Dynasty entered the pass this time in order to cope with the coming winter. If the Ming Dynasty was sensible, it would not be a bad thing for the Qing Dynasty or even the Ming Dynasty.

At worst, I can just eat them all next year and then continue to grab them.

"Why don't you go to heaven? If you want to continue fighting, just say so. It's up to me whether I do it or not!"

Zhang Shikang was also amused by Dorgon's fantasy. Not to mention that the imperial court did not have 2.8 million shi of grain, even if it did, it would not give the Tartar a single grain of rice.

During the 270-year history of the Ming Dynasty, there were many victories and many defeats. There were times when the government was clean and honest, and there were times when corruption was rampant.

But no matter what, the Ming Dynasty never signed any humiliating and traitorous treaty.

For 276 years, the Ming Dynasty refused to marry off princesses, pay compensation, pay tribute, or submit to imperial rule. The emperor guarded the country's borders and the king died for his country. This was just stubbornness.

Although it is a bit old-fashioned, although Chongzhen was not very smart, he was indeed doomed to fail in his quest for justice, as evidenced by the crooked tree on Coal Hill.

So the two of them started threatening each other again, one said he wanted to fight, the other said come on, one said he wanted to massacre the city, and the other said he wanted to exterminate the entire clan.

The two sides argued for half an hour. Sun Weifan and others on their horses had their buttocks numb from sitting, but Zhang Shikang did not throw anything.

In the end, Zhang Shikang and Dorgon reached a preliminary consensus. Zhang Shikang returned Yuetuo to the Qing Dynasty, and Dorgon also released Sun Chengzong's family and paid a compensation of 260,000 taels of silver.

The negotiations were only aimed at exchanging prisoners, and the two sides were still in a state of war. Even though both sides had a glimmer of hope for peace talks, they ultimately failed because no one wanted to back down.

Dorgon felt that since the silver was looted from the landlords and gentry of the Ming Dynasty, this deal would definitely make a lot of money.

Zhang Shikang felt that Yuetuo was going to die soon anyway, so Dorgon might make a small profit, but he would definitely not lose anything.

Both parties were quite satisfied with the result, except for Sun Dasheng and others who went with Zhang Shikang.

They felt deeply sorry that Zhang Shikang had lost his title of marquis.

In addition, Sun Chengzong was also very dissatisfied. Not only did he lose his home, but he also became a prisoner. The once dignified imperial teacher, commander-in-chief, and a high-ranking official ranked among the three highest officials in the country, was now in rags and had lost all his wealth.

"You shouldn't have saved me. It's not worth it to benefit the Jiannu." On the way back, Sun Chengzong sighed.

Both Lu Xiangsheng and Sun Chuanting went to greet him. Although they had different positions, they both recognized the character of Sun Chengzong, a veteran minister who had served four dynasties.

"Lord Sun, times have changed." Zhang Shikang said for no reason.

He really had nothing to say about Sun Chengzong. He was too old, and all he thought about was what Confucius and Mencius said. In the eyes of this old stubborn man, there can be no compromise with the Tartars. This was the so-called political correctness.

Even if he was saved, he would not be grateful, and might even feel dissatisfied because he was not allowed to die for the country.

There is nothing much to say about this kind of person. Since you are old, just go back home.

A temporary negotiation could not affect the entire war situation. As soon as Zhang Shikang returned to the military camp, he ordered Lu Xiangsheng to prepare for war actively.

He roughly felt that Dorgon also had the idea of withdrawing his troops, but he was hesitant because he did not have a suitable reason.

After all, the dignified Prince Rui not only failed to seize many people and food supplies when he entered the Pass, but also lost several thousand elite soldiers of the Eight Banners. What would others think of him when he returned in such disgrace?

In this case, you might as well give him a reason. The worst that can happen is a decisive battle. If I hurt you once, the Tartar will have to think twice before coming to you next time.

Zhang Shikang thought so and did so. Under his command, more than 40,000 troops were stationed only a dozen miles away from the Jiannu army.

At the same time, Zhang Shikang sent out dozens of Yebushou troops to conduct reconnaissance, closely monitoring Dorgon's movements. He also taught them the word of fragrance and asked them to spread fragrance around the Tartar military camp.

To this end, Zhang Shikang even consulted a translator who was fluent in Manchu and learned several difficult Manchu phrases.

I don’t know whether it was because Zhang Shikang’s disgusting trick worked, or because Yue Tuo was dead.

Dorgon once led a small group of cavalry to fight back, and even cursed Zhang Shikang's ancestors. However, when Sun Weifan led the cavalry to pursue him, the guy ran away again.

During this period, Yang Sichang not only did not cause any trouble for Zhang Shikang, he even cooperated with him on many occasions.

The distance between the Jiannu and Zhang Shikang's military camp was always within an appropriate range, forming a pincer attack. No matter which side the Jiannu attacked, the other side could arrive within half a day.

Zhang Shikang felt strange at first, thinking that Yang Sichang had lost his mind, but he was eventually convinced by his domineering aura.

Later, Lu Xiangsheng revealed the secret in four words: share the risks.

Yang Sichang's merit and honor had long reached the peak because of his victory over the bandits, but the bandits were no match for the Jian Nu after all. Once something went wrong in the war, it would have a very adverse impact on his reputation.

Even if it is disadvantageous for a while, the emperor will not be overly harsh on him due to his trust in him, but there is always a risk, especially with the existence of the Donglin Party.

But it would be different if Zhang Shikang was included. He had the emperor's favor, and so did Zhang Shikang. If the war went well, he, as the commander-in-chief in the resistance against the Jiannu, would definitely be the one to get the most credit.

But if the war goes badly, there will be something to do. After all, Zhang Shikang does not listen to his command and often issues strange military orders.

Given Zhang Shikang's reputation as a playboy in the court, even if he didn't say anything, the Donglin Party members would probably attack him and put all the blame on him.

Losing Zhang Shikang, a potential rival, was not a bad thing for him. He always felt that the emperor should not trust such an unreliable playboy.

There can't be two tigers in one mountain, and he alone is enough.

It seems that no matter whether he won or lost the war with the Jianlu, Yang Sichang would not suffer much loss, so it would be a good thing if he won.

Zhang Shikang really scoffed at Yang Sichang's thoughts.

Compared with Yang Sichang, his idea was much simpler. After defeating the Jian Nu, he would go home and sleep. It would be best if no one bothered him for a short period of time. He wanted to get back the feeling of being a playboy.

So the two sides came to a stalemate. Dorgon wanted to attack Wuqing, so Zhang Shikang and Yang Sichang transferred their troops to the vicinity of the Jiannu. As long as Dorgon dared to attack, Zhang Shikang would dare to attack him.

Zhang Shikang led his cavalry to Dorgon more than once and spoke foul language in an attempt to provoke Dorgon to initiate a decisive battle.

Yuetuo died the next day after he was exchanged. Dorgon was indeed very angry, but he did not lose his mind and did not dare to attack Wuqing.

This situation continued until October 26th. It was thought that the war would drag on like this until both sides could no longer hold on and eventually end.

But on October 26th, the decree from the capital stunned everyone.

……