Those Things in the Ming Dynasty Part 3 The Enchanting Court _ Chapter 15 The Lonely Army
Farewell
Zhu Chenhao, who had seen off Tang Bohu, did not show any sadness at all. He was gathering energy to prepare for his rebellion.
The ambiguous relationship between Wang Shouren and Sun Sui has not escaped his eyes. He has always been very troubled by these two people. Sun Sui will not talk about it. Wang Shouren has also been famous for a long time. Once he takes action in the future, these two people will be the most powerful.
's opponent.
But now is the most critical stage of the rebellion. After all, there are two governors. If they secretly send people to hack them, I'm afraid there will be trouble, but if they are left alone, it doesn't seem appropriate.
At this time, Liu Yangzheng raised a doubt, interrupting Zhu Chenhao's thinking.
"What if they report the situation here to the court?"
Zhu Chenhao looked at the worried Liu Yangzheng and suddenly smiled:
"You don't have to worry about this."
While talking, he suddenly came up with an idea:
"Go find someone to inform Sun Sui and Wang Shouren that I want to meet with them."
Sun Sui and Wang Shouren were also discussing countermeasures. After careful analysis of the current situation, Wang Shouren came up with a scientific prediction of our prospects - a dead end.
Sun Sui strongly agrees with this point of view.
The emperor cannot be counted on. Brother Zhu Houzhao has no time to deal with these matters. The few favorite ministers who can deliver messages to the emperor cannot establish relationships without money. According to the latest news, the Jiangxi garrison eunuch with military power has also been
Zhu Chenhao bought it.
Now we are in a complete "three no's" state, with no soldiers, no generals, and no one in charge. Zhu Chenhao's people are all around, and there is no way to escape.
This situation has a specific name in the art of war - "Jedi".
"Then just submit a letter directly to the imperial cabinet." Wang Shouren put forward the only feasible suggestion.
However, Sun Sui shook his head and asked:
"Is it useful?"
Since Zhu Chenhao recruited troops, countless people, from officials, censors to local officials at all levels, have sued him, but no one has been able to sue him.
Why?
In addition to his favorite minister Qian Ning protecting him, the person in the cabinet also had an unclear relationship with him.
Wang Shouren was no stranger to that person, and he understood what Sun Sui meant.
The only way seemed to be unavailable, and Wang Shouren fell into deep thought again.
Suddenly his eyes lit up and he had an idea:
"It's better to write a letter and send it to the court."
Sun Sui was a little impatient:
"Didn't I tell you it's useless?"
"You misunderstood. It was not given to the cabinet, but to another person."
A sly smile appeared on Wang Shouren's face.
"I just want one thing."
Zhu Chenhao's envoy arrived and informed the two of them that Zhu Chenhao had invited them to dinner and they must be honored.
Wang Shouren and Sun Sui looked at each other and agreed immediately.
The date of this banquet is roughly between April and May of the 14th year of Zhengde (1519). The final date is very close. The two sides will have the last confrontation at this banquet before they break up.
Surprisingly, the banquet started in a harmonious atmosphere. Zhu Chenhao didn't seem to want to talk about other issues. He just asked Wang Shouren with concern whether he was used to the life here, whether he was short of daily necessities, etc. Wang Shouren gave a decent reply, but
He did not let down his guard because he knew that this banquet would never be that simple.
Sure enough, not long after, Zhu Chenhao got angry.
He sighed sadly and said:
"The emperor is always out on patrol and doesn't pay much attention to state affairs. What's the point of going on like this?"
Wang Shouren was stunned. This was a very taboo word, but Zhu Chenhao actually said it publicly. Could it be that he wanted to show off his cards?
But before he could react, a person next to him suddenly stood up and said sternly:
"Is there no Yuwu in the world?"
This sentence was so deadly that Wang Shouren immediately turned around and looked for the spokesman, and then he found retired minister Li Shishi who was full of anger.
Having said that, I had to fight back.
Wang Shouren sat motionless and calmly continued:
"Yuwu will also need Iro in his reincarnation."
The person behind the scenes finally appeared, and Zhu Chenhao then answered:
"When Yuwu reincarnates, there must be Ilu!"
Wang Shouren still had the same calm expression:
"With Yilu, are you afraid that Boyi and Shuqi will not be there?"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Chenhao's neck turned red and he was speechless for a long time.
This is a conversation that is not easy to understand. Let me explain. The people they talked about, Tang Wu and others, were all famous figures in the Shang Dynasty. I will not introduce them one by one here. To translate this passage in my language, it is probably
Like this.
"Are there no people in the world who dare to rebel?!"
"Rebellious people also need a capable helper." This means that you, Li Shishi, have no ability.
"If anyone dares to rebel, there will definitely be effective helpers!"
"Even if you have capable helpers, the country will definitely have loyal ministers!"
The general translation is complete. Today, people who speak like this should be pulled out and repaired.
The atmosphere at the banquet suddenly became tense. Neither party said a word, confronting each other with silence.
At this time, Sun Sui suddenly stood up and thanked Zhu Chenhao for his warm hospitality.
Everyone was relieved, Wang Shouren took the opportunity to say goodbye, and the tense banquet ended.
Zhu Chenhao originally wanted to use this banquet to get to know Wang Shouren, but he basically achieved his goal.
But Wang Shouren and Sun Sui felt a strong murderous intention at the banquet. They already felt that the blade of rebellion was approaching them.
After that, the environment became even worse. People of unknown origins began to appear in groups on the streets, swaggering through the city with swords. Local officials turned a blind eye and paid no attention to anyone. Wang Shouren and Sun Sui became the focus.
The objects of protection are closely monitored by Zhu Chenhao's people all day long around their residence.
In this increasingly terrifying environment, Wang Shouren finally got what he wanted.
The recipient of the mysterious letter not long ago was not the cabinet, but Wang Qiong, the Minister of War.
In the letter, Wang Shouren asked for one thing from his old superior - a flag.
The flag is an institutional regulation of the Ming Dynasty. I won’t go into details here. We will only introduce its function - to mobilize troops.
Wang Shouren had taken the flag when he was conquering the bandits, and later returned it, which could be regarded as a loan and return. However, this was not Wang Shouren's good character. In fact, his brother did not want to return it, but he had to return it.
Because the Ming Dynasty court would never allow local governments to have military power, all armies must obey the central command of the country.
But in the current environment, it is only a matter of time before Prince Ning rebels. Once the incident occurs, without preparation, everyone will have no choice but to die together.
So Wang Qiong made an exception and gave Wang Shouren the right to use flags. King Ning was really terrible. There were people among his favorites, there were people in the cabinet, and many ministers in the court had received money from him. But Wang Shouren and Sun Sui had nothing.
.
This is the only help I can provide, the rest is all up to you.
Wang Shouren was very happy to get permission and take the flag. He ran to find Sun Sui excitedly.
But when he came to the governor's office and told Sun Sui the news, his fellow countryman not only showed no joy at all, but straightened up his official uniform and said something that Wang Shouren had never dreamed of saying:
"You'd better leave here."
Wang Shouren was stunned. He was about to say something, but Sun Sui waved his hand and told the reason why he had to leave.
"Things like that (flag cards) are not used yet."
Wang Shouren suddenly realized.
They are just two small governors, but the other is the vassal king. They can't do it themselves, so this thing can't be used yet.
If it can’t be used now, when can it be used?
It's very simple. It can be used when King Ning rebels.
Rebellion is not just a stage show. When that time comes, Sun Sui, who refuses to give in, will definitely be the first victim.
Wang Shouren completely understood that Sun Sui meant that he would stay here until King Ning killed him.
And on the day he dies, it will be time to use the flag. Wang Shouren, who escaped, will pick up this tool, raise an army to resist, and put down the rebellion.
With the belief that he would die, Sun Sui left the hope of life to Wang Shouren, because he believed that Wang Shouren would be able to complete the important task of suppressing the rebellion.
All he had to do was to die calmly.
"Then you come with me." This seems to be the best of both worlds.
"I am the governor of Jiangxi appointed by the state. This is my duty. I will die here!"
Wang Shouren didn't say much. He understood and also
Respect Sun Sui's choice.
He straightened his clothes, bowed solemnly to Sun Sui, and then strode away.
Facing Wang Shouren's retreating figure, Sun Sui loudly said his last wish in this life:
"Bo'an (Wang Shouren's courtesy name Bo'an), cherish it!"
Wang Shouren heard these words, but did not look back, because he knew that he still had a lot to do to repay this brave and fearless man.
Shocking change
Sun Sui's judgment was correct, because almost at the same moment, something happened in the court, and this incident finally exposed Zhu Chenhao's conspiracy.
Ning Wang Zhu Chenhao was once very confident because he had bribed Qian Ning, Yang Tinghe and other high-ranking people in the court. He thought that his backstage was strong enough, but he did not expect that his actions would offend a more powerful person.
.
This person is Jiang Bin.
Jiang Bin was a military general. He accompanied Zhu Houzhao on his tour of the north and participated in many battles. He was trusted by Zhu Houzhao and became very popular. Now Qian Ning was unhappy because his specialty was just flattering, while Jiang Bin was better than him.
He has an extra skill, not only can he flatter the emperor, but he can also accompany the emperor to fight.
Over time, the two became enemies, looking for each other's flaws. Jiang Bin acted first and decided to make a fuss about Prince Ning.
The news spread like wildfire, and after being reported by roadside news agencies, it spread more and more widely. Many people who were dissatisfied with Qian Ning were ready to take this opportunity to take a strong dose of medicine.
At this time, Yang Tinghe, who was always good at adapting to changes, also felt that something was wrong. According to this approach, there would be a big problem with Prince Ning, and he would not be able to escape. He decided to solve this problem.
So with the joint efforts of everyone, Zhu Houzhao decided to send someone to warn Prince Ning and ask him to be more honest.
Facts have proved that it is quite interesting for Mr. Yang Tinghe to receive money from others and help others to eliminate disasters. He specifically told the envoy that it was enough to convey his intention and there was no need to make the matter bigger.
In order to solve this matter, Yang Tinghe tried his best, exhausted his brains, and went around in all directions. He thought he could achieve perfect merit and virtue seamlessly, but unfortunately, he still neglected a fatal point:
Mr. Zhu Chenhao's psychological quality is not up to par.
When the news of the arrival of the emperor's envoy reached Nanchang, Zhu Chenhao was holding his birthday party. When he heard about this, he was very surprised. He immediately stopped the party and called Liu Yangzheng to discuss countermeasures.
Facing Zhu Chenhao's expectant gaze, Liu Yangzheng was very calm and calmly made an objective and scientific analysis of the matter: All the relationships in the court had been established, and no one had reported the matter, but now suddenly
To send an envoy here, there must have been a big change. We must act immediately, otherwise our lives may be in danger.
"The matter is urgent and there is no need to delay. We should take action!"
Liu Yangzheng is a guy who makes people laugh or cry. He has no experience in studying and failed to pass the Jinshi exam, but he is arrogant all day long. Mr. Yang Tinghe was born as a child prodigy and had excellent exam results. He has been in the officialdom for 20 to 30 years and finally figured out a way to prepare for big things.
When I was a child, I was put in a position by this dear friend, who insisted on breaking the law.
From this point of view, the imperial examination is really a good system.
Zhu Chenhao was nervous. He believed Liu Yangzheng's statement. This was normal. With his qualifications, he could mix with people like Liu Yangzheng.
He decided to rebel.
But before that, the troublesome figure Sun Sui must be solved first.
So he specially selected the date of rebellion-tomorrow.
Tomorrow is the 14th day of June in the 14th year of Zhengde (1519). On this day, Sun Sui and officials from the governor's Yamen will go to the palace to congratulate him on his birthday. At that time, it will be the best time to take action.
the next day.
Sun Sui brought his governor's team to Prince Ning's Mansion, but as soon as he entered the mansion, he was shocked.
Because at the birthday celebration venue, in addition to the guests, there was another group of people who shouldn't be there - hundreds of soldiers wearing shining armor and holding sharp swords.
The murderous aura that hit his face made Sun Sui shiver, and he realized that something might happen today.
Soon, the protagonist of the banquet, Prince Ning, appeared. There was no birthday joy on his face, but there seemed to be endless sorrow.
With a sad face, he began to tell the people present the reason for his pain:
"Let me tell you, Emperor Xiaozong (Zhu Youtang) gave birth to the wrong son!"
Everyone is dumbfounded. How did you know about this gossip?
Brother Ning Wang saw that everyone was suppressed and became even more proud:
"Fortunately, the Queen Mother found out. Now she has issued an edict, asking me to raise an army to attack Zhu Houzhao. That's it. Everyone knows."
Fooling, you can continue to lie.
Sun Sui was the first to react. At this point, he stopped talking about etiquette. He ran to King Ning in two steps and stretched out his hand:
“Where is the Queen Mother’s edict?!”
Zhu Chenhao rolled his eyes and lost his grace:
"Stop talking nonsense! I am going to Nanjing now. If you are sensible, come with me!"
Sun Sui finally got angry:
"You think you have a long life! You still want me to rebel with you?! It's just a daydream!"
Governor Sun reacted quickly. After finishing speaking, he immediately ran out the door, but was stopped by the guards again.
Zhu Chenhao was irritated by Sun Sui, but he regained his composure in a moment, walked slowly to Sun Sui, and expressed his anger with a sneer:
"Okay, I'll make it happen for you."
At this moment, in the face of all this, the reaction of the accompanying officials was truly unbelievable. Except for Xu Kui, the deputy inspector, who stepped forward and cursed Zhu Chenhao, the rest of them maintained a surprisingly consistent attitude - silence.
Zhu Chenhao waved his hand disapprovingly and issued an order:
"Take them both outside the city gate and behead them in public!"
Then he looked at the remaining officials with contempt and asked kindly:
"Who else?"
There was still a deathly silence waiting for him.
In the face of threats of violence and death, the majority are always silent.
Sun Sui and Xu Kui were pulled out like this, but Sun Sui was really a tough guy. Even though he was tied up with a rope, he still kept swearing. The cruel rebels broke his left hand but did not make him surrender.
They were then taken outside Huimin Gate, where the execution took place.
Sun Sui didn't panic at all, but calmly said to Xu Kui:
"Now that things have come to this, it's really embarrassing for you."
Xu Kui replied solemnly:
"It is my duty to be loyal to the country. Why do I say this?"
Sun Sui smiled happily. He faced the direction where the figure disappeared a few days ago, lowered his head and said the last words:
"It's all up to you."
After killing Sun Sui and Xu Kui, Zhu Chenhao began to deal with the aftermath. His men immediately took the opportunity to occupy the governor's office and took over all the defenses in Nanchang City. Everything was carried out in an orderly manner.
Then he fully carried forward the spirit of democracy and sent people to register with the officials of the governor's office one by one and conduct a public opinion survey. There was only one question: whether to rebel with me.
Those who answered yes were immediately rewarded, and those who answered no were put in jail.
The final result was 40-60, and most people refused to follow him. Of course, it was not because they were very patriotic, but they just felt that there was no future in following this man in rebellion.
The matter was generally resolved, and Liu Yangzheng found Zhu Chenhao and reported to him the recruitment situation.
Zhu Chenhao frowned after reading the list of personnel.
Just as Liu Yangzheng was about to ask for instructions on his next action plan, Zhu Chenhao waved his hand to stop him:
"There is still one person missing."
"He shouldn't have gone far yet. Send people to chase him now. Once he catches up, shoot him without mercy!"
Alone
Wang Shouren had indeed not gone far. He and his two followers had just arrived at Fengcheng along the waterway when they learned a shocking news: King Ning had rebelled.
The followers were in a panic, but Wang Shouren was not surprised. He had long known that this day would definitely come.
But when that day did come, it still seemed so sudden.
Sun Sui, you must have died for your country.
Wang Shouren looked up at the sky, knowing that he would never see this friend from his hometown again.
But before he could finish venting his grief, he realized a more serious problem.
"Stop the ship and dock immediately." Wang Shouren gave the order.
The attendant thought he was going to do something, so he followed him ashore.
However, they followed this man around several corners and did not see him going to the Yamen. Instead, they circled back to the riverside, found another small boat, and continued to move forward by water.
Which show is this from?
"Prince Ning will not let me go. He must have sent people to chase me down the river. The land route is too dangerous to take. We just landed ashore. Soon the news that we are taking the land route will spread, enough to cause confusion.
We are chasing troops, and our ship is an official ship. The target is too big, so it will be easier to switch to a smaller ship.
Much more complete.”
The followers looked at the calm Wang Shouren dumbfounded.
What an old fox!
Wang Shouren, who had played a trick to lure the tiger away from the mountain, could not be happy for long, because he was facing a real desperate situation.
Prince Ning rebelled, Sun Sui and others must have been killed, Nanchang has also fallen into the hands of the rebels, and it has not been a day or two since this prince wanted to rebel. His forces have been deployed throughout Jiangxi, and many places have followed the rebellion.
The situation has completely gotten out of control.
Although I have the title of governor and a flag in hand, in the current situation, I am sitting in a small boat wandering around in the river without even a place to stay. The public security outside is chaotic. As soon as I get ashore, I may be hacked by some robber.
It would be better to stay in Nanchang and get stabbed, which would be regarded as a "heroic sacrifice", and at least he could be recognized as a "loyal martyr" or something like that.
Then who else can we count on?
Ministry of War? Wang Qiong is an old superior, so he should come. However, by the time the local government reports to the Ministry of War, the Ministry of War reports to the cabinet, and the cabinet reports to the emperor (hopefully he can find it), it is estimated that by the time the troops are dispatched, Prince Ning will have already ascended the throne in Nanjing.
The cabinet couldn't count on it, not to mention how the person who had an affair with Prince Ning would react. After all, he had been involved in the agency for so many years. According to their efficiency, they would be able to collect a body for him when they arrived.
Zhu Houzhao?
Stop it, stop it right now, this joke is too big, forget it.
No hope, no reinforcements, no hope.
Full of grief and indignation, Wang Shouren finally discovered that he had nothing left except the broken ship at his feet.
Darkness fell, and the entire river surface was slowly and completely shrouded in darkness. Except for the light on the boat, the surroundings were completely dark.
Wang Shouren was still standing on the bow of the ship, staring directly into the gloomy darkness.
For the first time, he realized that he was so weak. Sun Sui was dead and King Ning had rebelled. So what? So what!
No matter how profound my mind is, no matter how proficient my strategies are, I can't do anything without soldiers and weapons.
Is that all there is to it? Find a place to hide and wait until the limelight passes?
What about Sun Sui? Did he die like this in vain?
Wang Shouren didn't like Zhu Houzhao, nor did he like those rigid civil servants, but he even didn't like Prince Ning, who rebelled and rebelled in this name.
He hates violence that tramples on human life, because in his philosophical system, human nature is the most fundamental thing and the origin of this world. And under the banner of justice, Prince Ning rebelled, sacrificed countless lives, and made countless people miserable.
The people were displaced just because of his ambition and the lofty throne.
Prince Ning, who overthrows the person in power, will be another person in power. The only victims are the innocent people, because no matter when, where or who is in power, they will be the eternal victims.
Okay, that's it.
"Go get some paper and ink." Wang Shouren said loudly.
The attendants took out pens and ink from their luggage and handed them to him.
That night, Wang Shouren did not sleep. He crouched in front of the writing desk and wrote furiously all night long. He wanted to write down all his grief and anger.
Early the next morning, the followers found papers scattered on the floor. To their surprise, there were only four eye-catching characters written on all the papers:
Swear to death to serve the country.
Wang Shouren, who had not slept all night, still stood at the bow of the ship and gave his final instructions to his followers:
"When the ship docks, you can leave separately. Just find a place to hide first."
The followers looked at each other:
"What about you, Mr. Wang?"
"I'm going to Linjiang Mansion."
Linjiang Mansion is located downstream of Hongdu and built along the river. It is only more than 200 miles away from Hongdu. It may be captured by King Ning at any time. It is an extremely dangerous place.
"Master Wang, Linjiang is very dangerous, you'd better go with us."
Wang Shouren smiled:
"No, you can go, I have one more thing that I have to do."
The followers are not idiots. They all know that what Wang Shouren wants to do is called counterinsurgency.
So they issued their final advice:
"Master Wang, you are alone!"
Wang Shouren put away his smile and looked at them seriously:
"I alone am enough."
preparation
The boat soon arrived at Linjiang, and Wang Shouren immediately got off the boat and rushed to Linjiang Magistrate's Yamen.
Although he had been mentally prepared, the scene on the road still surprised him. Countless people heard that the war was about to start, and they took their families with them and prepared to flee. The sounds of crying and mourning were intertwined, creating chaos.
Wang Shouren had quick eyesight and quickly pulled out a government servant in public uniform from among the fleeing people:
"Where is Dai Deru?"
Dai Deru, the prefect of Linjiang, was preparing to pack his parcel. He had already learned about the rebellion of King Ning. Although he didn't want to just leave, he was still reluctant to die. After thinking about it, he decided to be a hero first.
——A good man never suffers immediate losses.
As soon as he left, everyone in the yamen was ready to run away, and the court was also in chaos.
At the critical moment, someone came in to announce that Wang Shouren, the governor of southern Jiangxi, had arrived.
In terms of rank, Wang Shouren was his superior. He usually held a ceremony and held a banquet to receive him ceremoniously, but at this time when a life was at stake, what was he doing here?
Soon, Wang Shouren answered his question in a loud voice:
"Don't leave, stay here and follow me to suppress the rebellion!"
Dade Ru is really not a coward. Hearing this sentence, he was very excited and immediately expressed:
"Since Mr. Wang has made the decision, we are willing to work together for the imperial court to put down the rebellion."
Of course, practical questions still need to be asked.
"I wonder how many troops Sir Wang has brought?"
Then he learned that the governor had just escaped, without a single soldier, and was a complete bastard.
But this polished governor dared to come alone to quell the rebellion!
In the face of a powerful enemy, Dai Deru no longer cared about official etiquette. He looked at Wang Shouren and asked sarcastically what everyone wanted to ask:
"Master Wang, there are just a few of us now, why do you think we can suppress the rebellion?"
Yes, without the support of the court, and the opponent is the vassal king, why do you have so much confidence that you can put down the rebellion?
Everyone stopped what they were doing, waiting for this very crucial answer. The scene became silent, because they would decide their stay or stay based on this answer.
"Because I'm here."
Wang Shouren looked around and repeated in a deafening voice:
"Because I'm here!"
Even though we are alone, we must fight to the end!
Some people left, but most people, including Dai Deru, stayed because they felt some strength from this man's confident answer.
Since everyone was sitting on the same boat, there was no distinction between them. Dai Deru immediately ordered to summon the small number of troops he belonged to and prepare to set up defenses in the city.
"If Prince Ning dares to come, we will fight him to the end!"
However, Wang Shouren patted him on the shoulder, praised his courage, and issued an unexpected order to those present:
"There is no need to set up defenses. Send the order, and the entire army must assemble and prepare to retreat!"
What? Aren’t you determined to resist to the end? What are you doing now?
Facing Dai Deru's surprised face, Wang Shouren smiled calmly:
"Prefect Dai, we don't have enough troops, and this is not a place to fight rebellion. We must evacuate immediately."
So where is the place to counter rebellion?
"Ji'an."
"There we will have the strength to defeat the rebels."
Sima Qian once said in historical records that the flying general Li Guang looked like an ordinary farmer. Coincidentally, when many people saw Wang Shouren for the first time, they thought he was an idiot, like a fool, and looked stupid, but
Underneath his confused appearance, there is endless wisdom.
Wang Shouren is a very unique person. He always puts forward strange opinions and does strange things in strange places, but in the end he is proved to be correct.
His terrifying wisdom comes from his philosophy, because Mr. Wang Shouren is different from all philosophers throughout the ages. His philosophy is very special. Just like chopsticks for eating and hoe for digging, it can be used at any time and is available at any time.
usefulness.
He hated King Ning who killed Sun Sui and started the war, but he never let his anger go to his head. He knew very well that with his current military strength, he would never be able to defeat his opponent. At the moment, he could only accumulate strength and wait for the opportunity to come.
If you have the ambition to counter-insurgency, you must also have a realistic counter-insurgency strategy. This is the "unity of knowledge and action". This is Wang Shouren's invincible philosophy and wisdom.
It is a pity that Shi Kefa, more than a hundred years later, does not seem to understand this.