Chongzhen Sunset Song

?one

"How can this be good, how can this be good!"

In the tall house in Ji'an Hutong, Gao Qiqian walked back and forth in the inner hall with an anxious expression on his face.

"Let's say that Huang Taiji's words are not a bluff. The summer is over, and the peace talks have not made any progress. They have driven back the envoy Zhou Yuanzhong we sent over!"

"Hey!" Yang Sichang sat on the guest table, watching Gao Qiqian come and go, but he didn't know what to say, so he sighed heavily.

"You are not allowed to criticize Mr. Yang for seizing your feelings, but you can say it firmly, but what about the peace talks? What about the peace talks! The emperor clearly favors you, Mr. Yang, why didn't he make a clear decree, and only protected Mr. Yang for seizing his feelings? , What's the use of this!" Gao Qiqian murmured, but kept walking.

"I really can't figure out what the emperor's holy will is." Yang Sichang shook his head, "After the platform was called that day, I thought that the emperor would soon issue an order to start a peace negotiation, but he still didn't make any noise, and it dragged on like this until Today, we will discuss how to go up and make suggestions, and we will discuss after replying, if this continues, Huang Taiji's warning may really come true."

"I'm afraid?!" Gao Qiqian stared at him, and his voice suddenly became louder, "Zhou Yuanzhong has been driven back, so I'm afraid!? The fact that he drove people away shows that there is no way to negotiate peace. This battle is already a certainty. !"

"Hey!" Yang Sichang knew that Gao Qiqian's words were right, he clenched his fists and hammered the table, his expression was full of unwillingness, "After exhausting all my thoughts and words, the matter has come to this point... Your Majesty, Your Majesty, what the hell are you doing?" What are you hesitating about!"

two

"I don't know the emperor...why are you so hesitant?"

Autumn in Beijing is the most pleasant season. The sky is high and the clouds are clear, the sun is gentle, the breeze is gently blowing, and the leaves are rustling, soothing and calming people's mind.Today's weather is so fine, Chongzhen seems to be in a good mood.While the emperor was taking a walk in Xiyuan, Xi Zhao thought about it and asked.

"Huh?" Chongzhen turned his head halfway, and slowed down his pace, "You mean... peace talks?"

"Exactly." Xizhao replied.

The last time the platform called for a match, Xizhao thought that the emperor intended to discuss the matter.Huang Daozhou’s memorials were issued because of the peace talks, and the emperor was also angry because of Huang Daozhou’s superficially pretentious talk about peace talks, but in fact he secretly opposed the peace talks. Character.Huang Daozhou made up his mind to impeach Yang Sichang with the principles of nature and human relations, so it's fine not to mention it directly, but the emperor didn't know why, but he seemed to have a tacit understanding with Huang Daozhou, and bypassed this topic without showing any trace.While accusing the officials who opposed the peace talks, at the same time refusing to discuss the peace talks, this made Xi Zhao even more unpredictable about the considerations in the emperor's mind.

"Hey, I'm hesitant, but it's because my determination is difficult." Chongzhen sighed, and walked forward slowly with his hands behind his back. Negotiating peace with the Qing army can suspend external worries and concentrate on calming internal troubles. This is indeed a simple and easy way out. However, what the main fighters say is not completely unreasonable. Under the threat of Huang Taiji, the peace negotiation must be It requires a lot of price, how can the foundation of the ancestors be given away without a battle?" Chongzhen paused, stopped, and looked at the Qiuyue Pavilion in the distance, "All the ministers in the court have different opinions. War and peace, the two factions are fighting with each other, and the battle is endless, but in my heart, the debate between war and harmony has never stopped for a moment. This matter is different from the past, and a verdict may be related to thousands of miles. I really dare not Acting credulously, I taught others to control the direction of this vermilion pen. Otherwise, if I accidentally make a big mistake, how will I explain to my ancestors..."

Can't be trusted any more...Thinking of the past, Xizhao couldn't help feeling sad, and walked slowly along with Chongzhen thoughtfully, and before he knew it, Qiuyue Pavilion was already in front of him.I remember that the emperor said that this Qiuyue Pavilion was the place where he drank wine and admired the moon with the late emperor.At that time, the world was still peaceful, but in just over ten years, Daming had fallen into such a predicament.Between summer and autumn, there must be action.This kind of threat not only makes people anxious about the upcoming so-called action, but also the irresistible strength revealed in the words, and the real feeling of suddenly realizing that Ming Dynasty has declined to this point, it is really hard to hide the bursts of sadness in the chest .

"But Huang Taiji is afraid that he must do what he says. Now that the summer and autumn period has come, if this continues, this battle is inevitable." Xi Zhao couldn't help showing worry in his eyes after thinking about it.

Chongzhen's expression darkened, he was silent for a while, and then said quietly:

"There is Zu Dashou in Liaodong, Lu Xiangsheng in Xuanda, Hong Chengchou and Sun Chuanting in Shaanxi. Now I can only hope that they can temporarily resist this disaster for me..."

three

But the development of things is always unexpected.The Qing army neither attacked Xuanda, nor appeared in Liaodong. Instead, at the end of September, the army divided into two groups, with [-] troops coming from Qiangziling in Miyun and Qingshanguan in Yongping Prefecture to destroy the Great Wall and enter the country.At the time of the invasion, Wu Aheng, the governor of Jiliao, was throwing a birthday banquet for the guarding eunuch Deng Xizhao, and Wu Guojun, who was guarding Qiangziling, was also invited to enjoy the birthday banquet with wine and meat.By the time the urgent report was received, it was too late.The Ming army was defeated at the first touch, and Wu Aheng was beheaded in the chaos. The Qing army drove straight in two ways, joined forces in Tongzhou, and approached the capital.

The ruling and opposition parties were shocked.Although everyone knew that the Qing army was coming, no one expected that it would come so unexpectedly, or be caught off guard, or because of the fear of the overwhelming army, no matter when or how the Qing army came, it would make people tremble in the same way Difficult to level, almost collapsed.Chongzhen urgently summoned the cabinet ministers of the Ministry of War to come to Wuying Hall to discuss strategies to defend against the enemy, but after discussing for a whole afternoon, they failed to come up with any new strategies.As the meeting was drawing to a close, Chongzhen had no choice but to order that eight hundred miles rush to Xuanda to summon Lu Xiangsheng back to the capital.

"The catastrophe of the capital this time is even more critical than it was in the ninth year. I will bestow Shangfang's sword on you again. I hope you can help the governor from all walks of life, boost morale, repel the enemy, and resolve this crisis for me in one fell swoop."

In the main hall of the Hall of Martial Arts, Chongzhen, just like two years ago, walked down the golden platform with a sword in his hand, and solemnly handed over this heavy token to Lu Xiangsheng. "Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty. I will live up to your majesty's entrustment. Even if you sacrifice your life and neck, you must do your best to keep the capital safe!" Lu Xiang bowed his thanks and took the sword respectfully.

Same as two years ago, these words again.Chongzhen looked at Lu Xiangsheng who was kneeling in front of him, and his heart sank. "I said earlier, don't talk about death lightly. After sacrificing your body and breaking your neck, how will you supervise the division and retreat from the enemy, and how will the capital be safe?"

"Your Majesty taught me the lesson." Lu Xiangsheng tightened his hand holding the sword slightly, and replied with his head bowed.

"Well, let's get flat." Chongzhen said, turned around and took a few steps to the golden platform, and sat back on the dragon chair.

Lu Xiangsheng hung Shangfang's sword on his waist, watched the emperor ascend the golden platform, pursed his lips, and hesitated to speak.Hall of Martial Heroes, Shang Fangjian, everything looks the same as two years ago, but Lu Xiangsheng knows very well that there is one key thing that is quite different from before.The last time I took over Shang Fangjian, my heart was full of gratitude and fighting spirit, but now, I can't ignore the worries in my heart - if this matter is not made clear, I am afraid that there will be endless troubles in the future.Lu Xiangsheng made up his mind, and when Chongzhen sat down firmly, he stepped forward and cupped his hands, and said solemnly:

"I have something to ask His Majesty."

"You speak."

"Yes." Lu Xiangsheng paused, cleared his throat, and said word by word: "Dare to ask Your Majesty, is the will to fight now determined?"

Is the fighting spirit determined... Not only Chongzhen, but even Xizhao on the side, was asked this question so that his heart jumped.This seemingly frail Dushi Lu really has a strong heart, and when he asks a question, he asks the emperor the most difficult to answer and the most want to avoid the war and peace.Xi Zhao secretly looked at Chong Zhen who was beside him, only to see Chong Zhen's brows tightened slightly.

"...It's war or peace. I haven't been able to discuss the results earlier. But now that the soldiers are approaching the city, it should be a situation that must be fought. I... naturally have decided to fight." Chongzhen pondered for a while, and did not let His Highness Lu Xiangsheng After waiting too long, he opened his mouth to answer.

Although the word "fighting intention has been determined" was spit out in front of his mouth, anyone could hear the ambiguity in the words.Lu Xiangsheng was not surprised by Chongzhen's answer, and immediately lifted up his skirt, knelt down on his knees, and kowtowed. "Forgive me for speaking bluntly, I implore the emperor not to listen to the opinions of fools anymore, and from now on, abandon the idea of ​​peace talks and fight with all your strength!"

"Oh?" Chongzhen narrowed his eyes, his expression became colder, "According to Lu Qing's opinion, the peace negotiation is not feasible?"

"Report to Your Majesty." Lu Xiangsheng said loudly, with piercing eyes and determination like iron, "Although I am far away from the border, I also heard that when the Qing army was outside the customs, peace talks were already in the works. Whether the peace talks are feasible at that time No matter, now that the Qing army has invaded the suburbs, the capital is like a sheep in the mouth of a tiger. If you negotiate a peace under this threat, it will be like putting the hands of the Ming Dynasty to others! How can the alliance under the city be concluded? This is the end, and it has long been missed Now is the time for peace talks, so please Your Majesty must put an end to peace talks and concentrate on mobilizing troops to fight, and I will do my best to help Your Majesty maintain the foundation of the ancestors and preserve the great Ming Dynasty!"

Hearing what Lu Xiangsheng said, Chongzhen's face became more solemn. "The alliance under the city... What a alliance under the city..." After a long time, he nodded slowly, raised his eyes, and in his gradually firm eyes, there seemed to be countless traces of helplessness. "Your words are true. I have not been able to figure things out. Well, now that the matter has come to an end, then I will do what you said, and fight with all my heart, and don't talk about peace anymore! Come!"

"Here!" The eunuch was ordered outside the door to enter.

"I pass on my decree to allocate 4 liang of internal funds, [-] royal horses, [-] Taipu Temple horses, and [-] silver and iron whips, and bestow them on Lu Qing, supplement the war preparations, and reward the three armies!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Lu Xiangsheng saw that the emperor had finally made up his mind, and was overjoyed in his heart. He thanked him and bowed deeply to the ground.

After a long period of hesitation, did it finally come to fruition this time?Xizhao took a peek at Chongzhen's expression - brows flattened, eyes determined, lips slightly relaxed, at least at this moment, Xizhao felt that the emperor had indeed made up his mind.God's will is unpredictable, and there are always many variables in the future. No matter the election or victory, as long as the emperor no longer suffers from conflicts, then it will be fine.Xizhao thought.

four

The next day, all the horse supplies rewarded by Chongzhen were sent to the military camps in the suburbs of Beijing.

"Eunuch Gao has worked hard all the way, come here, please come with me to the camp of the Chinese army to rest and have tea." Lu Xiangsheng ordered Yang Lukai to arrange the distribution of supplies, and saluted Gao Qiqian who was escorting the convoy, respectfully please put it in the tent.

"The army has just arrived, it has not yet settled down properly, and there is no good tea for a while, please don't be offended by Eunuch Gao." The sound of creaking wheels outside the tent faded away, and the servant served tea for the two of them. Lu Xiangsheng sat down at the head seat, politely say.

"Hey~ Mr. Lu, you don't want to see outsiders. Our family has been away all the year round to supervise the army. We understand that it is not easy for marching people to travel around. How can we care about such trivial matters with Mr. Lu?" Gao Qiqian smiled and took tea After taking a sip, he said, "Besides, this time our family is fighting side by side with Lord Lu according to the emperor's order. Even though Lord Lu treats our family as his own, don't be too polite."

"Fighting side by side? What does Eunuch Gao mean by that?" Lu Xiangsheng was startled, and his hand that hadn't picked up the teacup froze in mid-air.

"Why, Mr. Lu hasn't received the imperial edict yet?" Gao Qiqian put down his teacup, with exaggerated surprise on his face, "The emperor has ordered our family to be the supervisor of this battle of defending the city, to share the worries of Mr. Lu, Why doesn't Master Lu know?"

"Uh... I haven't received the imperial edict yet." Lu Xiangsheng coughed lightly, his heart sank to the bottom of the valley.Not to mention that Gao Qiqian has a very bad reputation, even though Yang Sichang's intention was to negotiate this peace, Gao Qiqian handled everything by himself, and everyone already knew about it.The emperor actually ordered him to supervise the army at this time, could it be...

"The one delivering the decree is not as fast as our team of horses and horses. He really should be punished." Gao Qiqian pulled his face and smiled, but his eyes on Lu Xiangsheng were very cold.

In any case, Gao Qiqian was already sitting in front of him, no matter how suspicious he was, it would be futile.Lu Xiangsheng took a sip of tea slowly, collected his thoughts, and asked calmly, "I heard that Eunuch Gao has an eye disease and has been recuperating in Beijing. Why did your majesty send Eunuch Gao to work in the army?"

"Our family's eye disease is nothing at all. The emperor took pity on us and insisted that our family stay in the capital to recuperate. Now that we have recovered for a while, our family has volunteered to continue going out to supervise the army, otherwise the whole day It's really a disservice to the emperor to do nothing." Gao Qiqian raised his eyebrows and said seriously.

"Eunuch Gao's loyalty to the country is respectable and praiseworthy." Lu Xiangsheng flattered him casually, but his heart was full of confusion, full of bad premonitions.Despite all reluctance, the supervisor sent by the emperor could not allow himself to be turned away.I hope that Gao Qiqian is not as cunning and domineering as the rumors say, it is difficult to get along with him; I hope that the emperor sent him here just because he has a strong desire to serve the country, without too much deep meaning... I hope so.