Chapter 209: Shanxi Crisis 3
Jiang Xiang deceived everyone, including Li Zicheng in Xi'an. When he heard that General Zhang Tianlin had been killed by Ming soldiers, he was furious. Because such soldiers had also appeared in Xi'an, someone had used a suicide bomb in his new recruit camp, killing 70 new recruits.
He also received a secret letter from other former peasant army generals, saying that Jiang Xiang and Zhang Tianlin had a very good relationship and had no intention of rebellion. Jiang Xiang had even dug his hands open to expose Zhang Tianlin. He also declared in front of us that he would swear to fight the Ming court to the bitter end. He also recounted the incident in which Zhang Tianlin had once saved Jiang Xiang.
Li Zicheng asked Song Xianshou: "Military Advisor Song! Now that we have lost the Datong general, who do you think we should send?"
"Your Majesty! Datong, Shanxi is an important city in northern Shanxi. We must send one of our old brothers there! I think Li Hao will be no problem!" Song Xiance said.
Niu Jinxing stood aside, irritated, wondering, "Why did the Emperor ask Shorty Song first?" Niu Jinxing was petty and cunning. Sometimes he was clearly right, but as long as his political opponents agreed, he would oppose. He had become someone who opposed for the sake of opposing, with no boundaries at all.
Niu Jinxing then came over and said to Li Zicheng, "Your Majesty! I feel that Military Advisor Song is being somewhat inconsiderate! There's clearly a suitable candidate in Datong, Shanxi, so why did they send Li Hao, who just suffered a defeat?"
"Prime Minister Niu! The remaining generals in Datong, Shanxi are either surrendered or lack the qualifications. Who is suitable to be the general of Datong?" Song Xiance asked.
"Jiang Xiang! He is very suitable to be the general of Datong! He has served in the Ming court before, is familiar with the situation, and is loyal to our dynasty. Jiang Xiang is the most suitable candidate to be the general of Datong." Niu Jinxing said.
"No! Jiang Xiang is a surrendered general. If power falls into his hands, he is likely to lead the people to surrender! Jiang Xiang is not trustworthy!" Song Xiance said.
"So what if Jiang Xiang is a surrendered general? If we don't dare to give him power just because he is a surrendered general, who among the officials in the Ming court will be willing to surrender to our dynasty in the future? It will be even more difficult for us to conquer this country!" said Niu Jinxing.
From a soothing perspective, promoting Jiang Xiang to the rank of General of Datong was a good choice. This would appease the former Ming officials who had surrendered. These individuals were quite numerous within the Dashun army. Had they not surrendered, would Li Zicheng have been able to capture Beijing? Furthermore, Li Zicheng had received a secret letter, which gave him a preconceived notion of Jiang Xiang's loyalty and his appreciation for brotherhood. He greatly admired him, and since he had served as General of Datong during his time in the Ming court, he was well-versed in the role.
Li Zicheng said, "Prime Minister Niu is right! Then issue an order to appoint Jiang Xiang as the commander-in-chief of Datong! Tell him that Dashun trusts him and let him lead the army to kill more Tartars. When he returns, I will give him the title of Marquis of Zhenbei!"
Song Xiance was stunned after hearing this. Why couldn't he convince His Majesty? His Majesty couldn't see that Jiang Xiang might not be loyal. Even if he wanted to appease the people, this was not the time! Now that the enemy was at hand, the morale of the army and the people was unstable. He still trusted his old brothers who had joined him in the uprising! People's hearts were hidden, and they didn't know what they were doing.
Song Xiance tried to dissuade Li Zicheng again, but Li Zicheng had already announced his withdrawal from court. He had no interest in listening to the arguments of the civil officials in the court. He also wanted to see how the new recruits were training. Especially the artillery unit. Before withdrawing from the capital, he took all the craftsmen away. The purpose was to have a detailed artillery unit. He had also heard that Kenan's weapons were very powerful. He also heard from Li Hao, Niu Wancai and others that the Zhao family had something flying in the sky. That thing could also drop bombs from the sky. He believed the first part, but the latter part about flying black dragons and dropping bombs was obviously not what Li Zicheng believed. This was beyond his understanding, and he thought it was an excuse made by Niu Wancai and Li Hao for their defeat.
As soon as Li Zicheng's imperial edict reached Datong, Jiang Xiang took over the defense of Datong. He transferred the troops loyal to Li Zicheng to Weicheng and other small towns. He transferred his own troops and the troops that had surrendered to Datong into Datong.
Jiang Xiang was drinking with the Jinyiwei envoys in the former Datong prefectural government. Jiang Xiang said, "You Jinyiwei are really calculating! I never thought I would actually become the general of Datong. I believe that when the Jianlu arrive, surrender will be very smooth!"
"Of course! We sent someone to deliver silver to Niu Jinxing on your behalf, so of course he will speak for you!" said the Jinyiwei envoy.
Jiang Xiang nodded, thinking, "I see!" Then he said, "Money is indispensable wherever you go!"
Wu Sangui, the King of Pingxi, had already approached Datong with his troops, and Ajige and Duoduo's Eight Banners followed behind to supervise the battle. They believed that Datong would be difficult to attack, so they decided to let Wu Sangui fight the rebels for a while, and then the Eight Banners would take the opportunity to wipe out the rebels in one fell swoop.
Wu Sangui also knew their plan and secretly cursed these Jianlu in his heart. But now he had no choice but to follow the Eight Banners to the end. The Jinyiwei had looked for him, but could he go back?
Wu Sangui's offer was quite high. He also wanted to be granted the title of Prince, just like Zhao Xiaofei. Zhao Xiaofei thought to himself, "What are you really capable of? Did you contribute to the country by letting the Jianlu invade?"
After observing the brothers Zhao Xiaofei and Zhao Xiaokun, Wu Sangui discovered that his brother-in-law and the Ming Dynasty's king of a different surname were indeed extraordinary people.
One stabilized the Jiangnan region in just six months and eliminated Zuo Liangyu. The other quietly supported him from behind, allowing him to fully utilize his abilities. Furthermore, Wu Sangui could see that Zhao Xiaokun was actually more powerful than Zhao Xiaofei.
As they were about to reach Datong, Wu Sangui met the Jinyiwei envoy again. Wu Sangui said, "I'll think about it again!"
"Lord Wu! The opportunity cannot be missed! The court has done its utmost!" said the Jinyiwei envoy.
"Please go back and tell Prince Anqing that Wu Sangui will definitely consider it carefully and this is definitely not a delaying move!" Wu Sangui said.
Wu Sangui's words had already reached Zhao Xiaofei's ears. Zhao Xiaofei slammed the table and said angrily, "What are you still thinking about! Let him die! I don't care about such a relative! Inform Jiang Xiang and others that at the critical moment, kill Wu Sangui and I will make him the Marquis of Pingxi!"
Li Zichu nodded in agreement and immediately sent someone to inform the Jinyiwei in Shanxi. The reason why the news came so quickly was because Zhao Xiaofei had set up the telegraph machine before. Whatever Wu Sangui said during the day, Zhao Xiaofei would know it at night. No one in the world can defeat him!
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