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

"Shikang, please don't hold a grudge against me. The Ming Dynasty cannot live without you!"

Emperor Chongzhen looked at his hands angrily, unable to understand why Zhang Shikang was so sensitive.

"I am not that petty. For now, I am more worried about Shaanxi." Zhang Shikang frowned.

"Is Shikang talking about Hong Chengchou, the governor-general of the three borders of Shaanxi?" asked Emperor Chongzhen.

Emperor Chongzhen had a good impression of Hong Chengchou, but it seemed that Zhang Shikang had a lot of opinions about this person, although he didn't understand why.

"Yes, if I lead the Beijing army south, the defense of the capital will be empty. If Hong Chengchou makes trouble at this time, the situation will become uncontrollable."

Hong Chengchou has always been close to the Donglin Party, so it is hard to say whether he would not secretly collude with Zhang Shenyan, Qian Qianyi and others.

Of course, even though he distrusted this guy, Zhang Shikang still recognized his military capabilities.

As the first of the Qing Dynasty traitors, Hong Chengchou was the one whom Dorgon almost completely obeyed in his military ideas after the Qing Dynasty entered the Pass, which enabled Dorgon to conquer the whole country in such a short time.

But precisely for this reason, Zhang Shikang did not dare to directly seize his military power, not to mention that Shaanxi was adjacent to Mongolia on three sides.

Like generals such as Wu Sangui in the Guanningjin Defense Line, Zhang Shikang was afraid to act rashly.

"Shikang, I don't know why you are so wary of Hong Qing, but I think Hong Qing's loyalty is commendable." Emperor Chongzhen said slowly.

"The human heart is hard to predict, Your Majesty." Zhang Shikang said speechlessly.

Zhang Shikang didn't know how Brother Chongzhen judged whether a person could be trusted. He only knew that this brother personally held a state funeral for Hong Chengchou three years later.

At that time, the Ming Dynasty had just suffered a major defeat outside the Great Wall, and Emperor Chongzhen believed that Hong Chengchou, as the light of hope of the Ming Dynasty, must have died in that battle.

But the old man never expected that Hong Chengchou not only did not die, but also surrendered to his mortal enemy.

Not only did he not appreciate the respect of Emperor Chongzhen and the kindness of the Ming Dynasty, he turned around and helped the Qing Dynasty fight against the Ming Dynasty.

And relying on his understanding of the military layout of the Ming Dynasty, he made great contributions to his new master, and finally topped the list of Qing Dynasty traitors with his strength.

Of course, three years later, Brother Chongzhen must have been so angry that his teeth were broken.

Just look at what my brother is saying now and you will know that if he hadn't been caught in the middle, after the death of Lu Xiangsheng and Yang Sichang, I think my brother Chongzhen would have definitely reused Hong Chengchou.

Alas, this is history.

"Two days ago, Hong Qing submitted a petition to me requesting his resignation, but I did not approve it," Emperor Chongzhen added.

As he said this, he called Wang Chengen in and asked him to find Hong Chengchou's memorial and show it to Zhang Shikang.

Zhang Shikang was a little surprised. Hong Chengchou's memorial was indeed a resignation on the grounds that his father was seriously ill.

According to the normal course of history, Hong Chengchou's life trajectory would not have included this, which made Zhang Shikang frown.

But after just a little thought, Zhang Shikang figured it out.

"This guy is actually a smart man!" Zhang Shikang exclaimed.

Although Hong Chengchou was a civil servant, he was not like Zhang Shenyan and Qian Qianyi who were only good at talking on paper.

Anyone who can clearly see the current situation should know that the current unrest in Jiangnan is nothing but a bluff, a so-called paper tiger.

Hong Chengchou was a smart man. After understanding the current situation, he had to consider a way out for himself.

Of course, he understood that Zhang Shikang seemed to have a prejudice against him, so he knew that no matter how much he explained to him, it would only make things worse. So he simply skipped over him, the Marshal of the Army, and indirectly expressed his position by resigning from his post.

After much thought, Zhang Shikang could only make this rough guess.

"Yes, Hong Qing has some abilities, especially in military affairs." Emperor Chongzhen once again affirmed Hong Chengchou.

“But being too smart is not necessarily a good thing. People who are too smart will weigh the pros and cons of everything. After all, a gentleman does not stand on a dangerous wall.

Your Majesty, I think since Governor Hong is so filial, why not just follow his wishes?" Zhang Shikang said casually.

Hong Chengchou was indeed very smart and good at weighing pros and cons. When he learned that defeat was inevitable, he immediately chose to save his life. In order to preserve his wealth, he immediately chose to sell out his master for fame and fortune.

He has never liked dealing with people who are too smart. Are you trying to test him? Then you, Hong Chengchou, have chosen the wrong person.

“I recommended Sun Chuanting as the governor of Hanzhong earlier because I didn’t want him to be constrained by others.

After all, Hanzhong is an important place out of Sichuan and must be handled with caution. But being the governor of a prefecture is indeed a bit of a joke. I wonder how many people have ridiculed Governor Sun.

However, Governor Sun's loyalty is known to all, and he is also very capable. Doing so will not only fulfill Hong Chengchou's filial piety, but also stabilize the overall situation in Shaanxi."

Seeing that Emperor Chongzhen seemed a little hesitant, Zhang Shikang explained.

Among the many powerful soldiers and generals of the Ming Dynasty, Sun Chuanting's comprehensive abilities are unique.

He is a capable minister in the most traditional sense. In terms of strategic ability, he may not be as good as Hong, Sun or even Yuan Dudu, but Sun Chuanting is comprehensive and can be plug-and-play in various environments.

The most important thing is that Sun Chuanting is very loyal. He is not like Yuandudu who likes to act on his own and have big ideas, nor is he like Hong who likes to be smart.

He is always cautious in everything and never puts his leader in a difficult position. Even if the task assigned by his leader is outrageous, he will never refuse to do it for fear of his own safety. If his leader blames him afterwards, he will honestly take the blame and admit any punishment.

When he is released from prison and asked to work one day, he will still work with all his strength. He is truly the most useful subordinate.

But...the guy in front of me can't even use such a powerful and useful person.

The Ming Dynasty deserved its demise.

Later, Sun Chuanting was reincarnated in the late Qing Dynasty and changed his surname to Zeng. He was reincarnated in the Republic of China and changed his surname to Du.

Off topic.

But even if Hong Chengchou's strategic ability was indeed outstanding, Zhang Shikang did not intend to take any risks. Strategically, it was enough to have him keep an eye on him.

Seeing Zhang Shikang's insistence, Emperor Chongzhen finally did not object. After all, he had decided long ago that military affairs would be decided by Zhang Shikang.

"However, before returning home, let him come to the capital, on the pretext of reporting on his work." Zhang Shikang said with a smile.

Even though he knew that Hong Chengchou was trying to give in to him, he wanted to resign to save his life and at the same time draw a clear line between himself and the Donglin Party.

But Zhang Shikang still didn't intend to let this guy off easily. Don't you want to prove your loyalty? Then come to the capital if you have the courage.

As long as you dare to come, it is not impossible to let you go back to your hometown and be unemployed.

The Ming Dynasty does not lack smart people, but it lacks people who are loyal enough and brave enough to remain calm in the face of major issues.

It is always uncomfortable to have sand in your eyes.

“I will give orders to Sun Chuanting and Lu Xiangsheng to closely monitor the situation in Shaanxi. If Hong Chengchou leaves the station, Sun Chuanting will take full control of the Qin army.

But the situation in the south cannot be delayed any longer, I plan to lead the Beijing army to quell the rebellion the day after tomorrow." Zhang Shikang said solemnly.

Since Hong Chengchou intended to distance himself from the Donglin Party, he no longer had any worries.

Even if this guy really dared to go against the will of the world, with Sun Chuanting in the south and Lu Xiangsheng in the east, it would be impossible for him to cross Shanxi and approach the capital. In short, he would not be able to disrupt the overall situation.

"Alas, the refugees in the south and north of the Yangtze River are in turmoil everywhere. Even if they are really a mob, it must be hard work for you." Emperor Chongzhen sighed.

It was because he knew that Zhang Shikang was lazy by nature that he comforted him in this way. If it were someone else, he would have been grateful to tears.

Zhang Shikang just chuckled.

"These refugees are indeed nothing to be feared. I only need one move to make the gentry in Jiangnan and the Donglin Party completely lose their popular support, make all the people in the world bow down, and make the bandits have no more available troops outside Sichuan."

Emperor Chongzhen was shocked when he heard this.

"Are you serious, Shi Kang?"

"How dare I deceive Your Majesty? Eight words are enough." Zhang Shikang stroked his imaginary beard and pretended to be Kong Ming, with a cocky look on his face.

"Which eight words? You boy, don't keep me in suspense!" Emperor Chongzhen was a little angry.

"The tax shall be distributed according to the amount of land, and there shall be no additional tax."

……