Tang Dynasty, I can lead troops through ancient and modern times

In their view, Li Zicheng's army seemed to better represent their interests and was more likely to bring them a happy future.

However, there was still some hesitation in their hearts.

After all, their understanding of Li Zicheng was limited to rumors, and they were not sure what kind of person the real Li Chuangwang was.

Moreover, they also heard the court's accusations against Li Zicheng, saying that he was a traitor and would bring disaster to the country. This made them fall into a dilemma, not knowing who to believe.

They repeatedly weighed the pros and cons in their minds. On the one hand, they yearned for the unknown Li Chuangwang's team, and on the other hand, they habitually relied on the court and feared the unknown.

They don't know whether their choice is right or where the future will lead them...

Li Chengqian, Li Shimin, Li Jing and others stood aside and watched quietly.

They knew that at this critical moment, Emperor Chongzhen's actions would have a significant impact on morale.

In order to further motivate the new recruits, the imperial court took out part of the wealth it had plundered and distributed it to them as rewards in silver.

When the new recruits saw the heavy silver in their hands, they felt the court's sincerity and the importance it attached to them.

With the reward of silver and money and the encouragement of Emperor Chongzhen, the morale of the new recruits gradually changed from indifference at the beginning.

Of course, winning people's hearts and minds cannot be achieved overnight, but it is always a good start.

They began to think that their own destiny was closely linked to the destiny of the country, and only by working together could they defend their homes, protect their loved ones and their future.

They no longer viewed the war as something unrelated to them, but instead actively engaged in training and preparation.

At this time, scouts from the front line reported that Li Zicheng's army would arrive in the capital in two days.

It is unrealistic to expect to completely unite people in these two days.

But as long as there is no internal collapse and no one takes the initiative to open the city gates, we can at least hold out for a while.

This news made Chongzhen even more nervous.

Afterwards, Li Chengqian, Li Shimin and Li Jing followed Chongzhen back to the palace.

At this time, the atmosphere in the palace was solemn and depressing.

Most of the ministers in Beijing were killed, leaving only a few of Chongzhen's so-called trusted civil servants, and the vast majority of the others were military generals.

They are all nobles who passed down the throne during the Hongwu and Yongle periods.

These nobles and the Embroidered Uniform Guards are the only ones Chongzhen can trust now.

Although none of them were outstanding in ability, they at least shared a common interest with Chongzhen and the Ming Dynasty.

The Ming Dynasty fell, and they could no longer enjoy their wealth and glory.

So we can still trust their loyalty.

Emperor Chongzhen looked at these people and his heart was filled with emotion.

He knew that at this moment of life and death, he could only rely on these people.

Emperor Chongzhen looked at these people and his heart was filled with emotion.

He slowly glanced at the nobles present. Those familiar and slightly weathered faces reminded him of the past.

"My dear ministers, the Ming Dynasty is now at a critical moment of life and death. Looking at you, I feel mixed emotions.

Thinking back to the days of Hongwu and Yongle, our ancestors fought bloody battles to establish this vast territory for our Ming Dynasty.

But now, Li Zicheng is at the gates of the city, and the Qing army is eyeing us covetously. I can only rely on you. "

Emperor Chongzhen's voice trembled slightly, and his eyes revealed deep helplessness and expectation.

Xu Wenjue, the current Duke of Wei’s Mansion, bowed and said, “Your Majesty, we understand our current situation.

We have received the Emperor's grace for generations, and we share the joys and sorrows of the Ming Dynasty. If we don't step forward now, when will we?"

Duke of England Zhang Shize also said: "Your Majesty, we are willing to contribute our own efforts to defend the Ming Dynasty, even at the cost of our lives!"

Emperor Chongzhen nodded slightly, tears welling up in his eyes: "Good! Good! I knew that you are all loyal and patriotic people.

The situation is critical now, and I will not hide it from you.

Li Zicheng's army is coming, we must work together to resist the enemy."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. We will do our best." The nobles responded in unison, their voices loud and firm.

Emperor Chongzhen began to assign tasks: "My dear ministers, I order you to lead your men to guard the city gates and walls.

This is a crucial battle and we cannot afford to lose.

I believe that with your loyalty and courage, you will be able to defend the capital until Wu Sangui's army from Shanhaiguan arrives to provide assistance."

The nobles accepted the order one after another with solemn expressions.

They were fully aware of the heavy responsibility they shouldered, which was not only to defend the Ming Dynasty, but also to protect their own families and honor.

After the mission was issued, Emperor Chongzhen turned to Li Chengqian and the other two and said, "Three of you, the situation is critical now, I hope you can serve as a reserve force and stay in the city.

If there is an emergency, I hope you three can provide timely support. "

Li Chengqian nodded slightly: "Don't worry, we will do our best to contribute to the safety of Ming Dynasty."

Li Shimin also said: "At this critical moment, we will fight together with your majesty and the Ming soldiers to defend the capital."

At this time, Li Chengqian frowned slightly, thought for a moment and then said: "The situation is urgent now, we need to take more decisive measures.

I think you should issue an imperial decree and have Li Jing take him to Shanhaiguan to meet Wu Sangui. If all goes well, you may be able to take over the Guanning Iron Cavalry."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Chongzhen looked solemn, as he was well aware of the importance of this decision.

But at this critical moment of life and death, there was no other way. Chongzhen nodded slightly and said, "That makes sense. I will draft an order."

Emperor Chongzhen immediately ordered people to bring writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstone. He picked up the pen with a solemn expression, his mind full of thoughts.

After a moment, he began to write the imperial edict.

"The Emperor, in compliance with the Will of Heaven, proclaims: Wu Sangui, the General of Shanhaiguan, has guarded the pass and made great contributions.

Now that the Ming Dynasty is in danger, I specially appoint you as the King of Zhenbei.

The Guanning Iron Cavalry is the elite troops under your command. I promise that the Guanning Iron Cavalry will always be yours to pacify the north and no one is allowed to take them away.

But when resisting Li Zicheng's army, you should fully cooperate with General Li Jing's command.

If you can defeat Li Zicheng's army and protect our Ming Dynasty, I will reward you handsomely.

After the success, he was promoted to a higher position, given more fiefdoms and rewards, and his descendants were also benefited.

I hope you will put the country first and live up to my trust. I decree this."

After writing, Emperor Chongzhen handed the imperial edict to Li Jing and said solemnly: "General Li, this edict is given to you. You must go to Shanhaiguan as soon as possible to persuade Wu Sangui to fight the enemy together."

Li Jing took the imperial edict and said, "Your Majesty, the Emperor of the Great Ming Dynasty, rest assured that I will fulfill my mission."

At this moment, everyone understood that this imperial edict was like a crucial key that might bring a glimmer of hope to the Ming Dynasty.

And Wu Sangui's choice will also determine the fate of the Ming Dynasty...