In Zhang Ximeng's hand, he held a letter from Shandong, sent by Qian Yongren, and the person who wrote this letter was the Qian family.
The ancestors of the Qian family can be traced back to Qian Liu, the king of Pengcheng County in the late Tang Dynasty. He was ordered to quell the rebellion of Dong Chang in Yuezhou. Emperor Zhaozong of the Tang Dynasty was overjoyed and made Qian Liu the governor of Zhenhai, the governor of Zhendong two towns, and the school inspector.
Taiwei, Zhongshu Ling, plus a gold book and an iron coupon, write to Qian Liu that he himself will be exempted from nine deaths, and his descendants will be exempted from three deaths. Please feel free to deal with ordinary crimes.
This is the origin of the iron coupons of Qian's Alchemy Book.
However, the Tang Dynasty soon fell, and Qian Liu established the Wuyue Kingdom, which dominated the two Zhejiang provinces.
The iron coupons of the Alchemy Book will also lose their value.
Later, with the establishment of the Northern Song Dynasty, the Qian family surrendered and became ministers of the Zhao Song Dynasty.
At that time, the Alchemy Iron Coupon had lost its actual value, but it was a good treasure. Zhao Er even asked for it from the Qian family and played with it for a long time.
Even after the war, this treasure was still kept by the Qian family.
Dynasties changed, imperial power changed, the Qian family became more and more prosperous, and the alchemy book and the iron certificate were still shining brightly.
The Qian family has iron certificates of elixirs, gold medals to avoid death, and the virtue of accepting the land and surrendering. The family continues, the descendants multiply, and they are like a wealthy family.
Now that their family is willing to stand up and persuade Zhang Shicheng to surrender, it is really appropriate.
Zhang Ximeng hurriedly told Zhu Yuanzhang the good news.
Lao Zhu was not very interested in persuading Zhang Shicheng to surrender. Instead, he liked the iron book of elixirs and asked curiously: "Sir, do you know what is written on this thing?"
Zhang Ximeng could only say: "Qian Yongren is not a direct descendant of the Qian family. Wu Fu saw this family heirloom. He just heard someone say that the words on it seemed to be, 'A long river has a period like a belt, and Taihua has a day like a fist. But
I read the decree of meritorious deeds, and will always extend the descendants of Zuo, so that the ministers will be favored and honored, and the wealth will be protected. You will be spared nine deaths, your descendants will die three times, or you will be punished with regular punishment. No one will be punished. Take my oath, and I will go to you.
! It should be submitted to the History Museum and promulgated to the world. 'It is probably the emperor of the Tang Dynasty who swore that he would die nine times without money and his descendants three times."
Lao Zhu pondered for a moment, then suddenly sighed: "Sir, it is reasonable for the emperor of the Tang Dynasty to reward meritorious officials with iron certificates of elixirs. But in this way, wouldn't it encourage future generations to act recklessly without the king's laws? Let's see this
It’s not a way to avoid death, it’s a reminder of death!”
Zhang Ximeng was overjoyed. It was not easy. Lao Zhu finally realized the essence of the gold medal for immunity from death.
"My lord, I have always felt that merits and demerits cannot be offset, just as right and wrong cannot be confused, and black and white cannot be reversed. Qian Liu also received a gold medal for immunity from death at the end of the Tang Dynasty. It was at the beginning of the founding of the Ming Dynasty that we reestablished laws and strict rules. How can we do this?
While formulating the imperial edict, you are handing out death-free gold medals, slapping yourself in the mouth, and destroying your own credibility?"
Lao Zhu was convinced and nodded vigorously.
"What you said is absolutely true. We have made a note of it. From now on, there will be no iron-clad elixirs or gold medals to avoid death in the Ming Dynasty."
After receiving Lao Zhu's guarantee, Zhang Ximeng breathed a long sigh of relief. With just this sentence, he didn't know how many Huaixi nobles he had saved, and he didn't know if those bastards could remember to be grateful to him?
You help carry the sedan, and we always repay our kindness. You should remember such a great benefit in your heart!
"Put aside the death-free gold medal for now... Let's talk about Zhang Shicheng. Can he imitate the ancestors of the Qian family and surrender?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked thoughtfully.
Zhang Ximeng thought for a while and said: "I can't say, I can't say. If Zhang Shicheng is really a hero, he would probably rather die than surrender. But if he follows the nature of a businessman, maybe we can really talk about it."
Lao Zhu laughed angrily, "Sir, you can't occupy both ends."
Zhang Ximeng said helplessly: "I really don't know, but I think there will be a result soon."
Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment and finally nodded, "Okay, just wait a moment."
Within three days, Zhang Shicheng sent an envoy, and Qian Yongqin was among them.
They came to Yingtian and met Zhu Yuanzhang.
"The common people bow before the Emperor of Heaven."
Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and asked Qian Yongqin to stand up, and the other staff also stood up. Lao Zhu was in a good mood and gave them seats.
"Distant relatives are not as good as close neighbors. We have been neighbors for ten years, and now it seems that we should have an explanation!" Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile.
Qian Yongqin hurriedly stood up, bowed his waist and said: "Your Majesty's Holy Wisdom, your heart is drawn to all directions, and the world admires your virtue. When you first enthroned King Huai, you were merciful. Today, during the great war in the Central Plains, Chahan was awarded the title. Your Majesty's majesty is so majestic that everyone in the world worships him. King Huai
In order to prevent the Wudi of Suzhou from suffering from war and to prevent the people from being in chaos... I am willing to surrender to the Ming Dynasty. I sincerely ask Your Majesty to consider the welfare of the people and grant this permission, so that it will be a good story for eternity."
Zhu Yuanzhang smiled slightly and said, "As expected of a descendant of the Qian family, he speaks well. When your family surrendered and helped Zhao and Song Dynasty dominate the world, it was indeed a meritorious deed that would last for generations and benefit future generations. If Zhang Shicheng could really become the second Qian family
, we will naturally show mercy outside the law and give him a clear path."
Hearing this, Qian Yongqin's face lit up with joy, and he hurriedly saluted again and again, "Thank you for your kindness, your Majesty. The common people will go and thank the Emperor first."
At this time, Zhang Ximeng, who was sitting on the left hand side, said: "Qian Yongqin, you might as well tell Zhang Shicheng's request and see if you can agree."
Qian Yongqin raised his head, glanced at Zhang Ximeng, then immediately lowered his head and bowed: "Yes...His Royal Highness King Huai hopes to retain the throne and retain the Suzhou Palace for the Zhang family to live in. The Ming Dynasty will follow the example of the vassal king Enyu,
Every year we allocate money, grain and cloth to support the palace."
After he finished speaking, he looked at Zhang Ximeng and Zhu Yuanzhang, and his face sank.
Zhang Shicheng really dared to think that after surrendering, he would continue to live in the palace and ask the Ming Dynasty to provide money to support them. Why didn't he go to bed quickly? There was everything in his dream!
"So, do we still need to allow him to keep troops and horses, or should we simply maintain the current situation without changing anything?" Zhang Ximeng couldn't help but mock.
"No, it's not!" Qian Yong said hurriedly: "His Royal Highness King Huai intends to hand over the troops and horses. He only needs to keep 30,000 royal guards to protect him."
"no!"
Zhu Yuanzhang flatly refused: "There are no two days in the sky, and there are no two masters in the country. If Zhang Shicheng wants to continue to be the local emperor, then we will fight him to the end and see if we can shatter his dream!"
This time, Qian Yongqin was frightened. He couldn't help but kowtow and said: "Your Majesty is a holy monarch and a hero, far superior to the emperors of Zhao and Song Dynasties. King Huai is willing to accept the land and surrender, bathe in the king's status, and use the virtues of the Ming Dynasty.
Your majesty is far superior to that of Zhao and Song Dynasties. King Huai wants 30,000 guards, but he is just uneasy. How can he really act recklessly and continue to separate one side? I hope your majesty can understand King Huai's thoughts and be lenient and kind to tolerate King Huai's talent.
yes."
Zhu Yuanzhang just snorted and said nothing.
Zhang Ximeng said: "Qian Yongqin, as a member of Qian's family, you also took out the iron certificate of the elixir as a guarantee, and in exchange for Zhang Shicheng's trust, you came to discuss the matter of accepting the land and surrendering. I, the Ming Dynasty, naturally like to hear about it, and I also affirm your good intentions.
It is indeed not easy to work hard. But please also tell Zhang Shicheng that he must immediately put down his illusions and recognize the reality. Don't continue to have sweet dreams, my Ming Dynasty is not the Song Dynasty! We will not be vague in matters of national justice."
"Well, you don't need to waste words. Our conditions are very clear. First, Zhang Shicheng left Suzhou and came to Yingtian to meet with His Majesty and formally accept the surrender. Secondly, all the soldiers and horses under Zhang Shicheng were handed over to him.
Ming Dynasty, handle it properly. Thirdly, Zhang Shicheng appointed officials and waited for Ming Dynasty to inspect them. Those who are suitable for use will be kept, and those who are not suitable for use will be left. In short, Zhang Shicheng must give up the idea of being a local emperor. This is his only way to survive."
The gap between the conditions between the two parties was so great that Qian Yongqin had to temporarily return to Suzhou to continue discussions with Zhang Shicheng.
Lao Zhu was too lazy to see the envoy here, so he handed the matter over to Zhang Ximeng.
In the following time, Qian Yongqin kept going back and forth, and it was common to drive all night. The skin on the inner thighs was worn out layer by layer, and callouses were formed.
After no less than five rounds of negotiations, Zhang Shicheng finally gave up most of his unrealistic fantasies.
He agreed to surrender, and the land of Suzhou could be handed over to the Ming Dynasty.
But he hopes to still retain the title of Wangjue, the land of Suzhou as his seat, and still maintain the wealthy life of the Zhang family... Furthermore, he wants to ask Zhu Yuanzhang to give him a gold medal for immunity from death, and he will imitate the gold medal given to him by the Qian family.
I swear to God that from now on, the descendants of the Zhu family will not harm the descendants of the Zhang family.
Zhu Yuanzhang could no longer hold himself back. During the period when the envoys were coming and going, he had mobilized more than 1,300 warships and surrounded Zhang Shicheng's territory.
On land, Lao Zhu deployed an army of 200,000 troops and pressed forward from two directions in the southwest.
Under the suppression of the Ming army, Suzhou City was shocked three times a day and was already in chaos.
Food alone has increased more than tenfold in a short period of time.
There was no way, because the Ming Dynasty controlled silk exports, Zhang Shicheng wanted to get more military pay, and the big families below also wanted to make more money.
They wantonly occupied rice fields and planted mulberry and cotton. Zhang Shicheng could not stop them at all, or if he dared to stop them, his subordinates would overthrow him.
After all, the largest silk and satin workshop in Suzhou belonged to Zhang Shixin, and the cotton spinning workshop in Songjiang belonged to Princess Zhang Shicheng. As for the other brother, Zhang Shide, although he was not involved in the silk cloth business, he controlled the industry in Yancheng.
With such a group of royal relatives around, what else could Zhang Shicheng do?
Are you blocking them from getting rich?
Aren't you afraid that the princess will suffocate him with a pillow?
The result of his indulgence was that Zhang Shicheng actually wanted to buy grain from his biggest enemy.
And it is increasing day by day. Now that a war is coming, how can food prices be kept down?
I'm just afraid that Suzhou will collapse if we don't fight.
A strong feeling of powerlessness haunted Zhang Shicheng. At this moment, an iron coupon for alchemy was delivered to his hand.
It was indeed written by Lao Zhu, just like the Qian family, even the words are the same.
Zhang Shicheng was overjoyed. He read and read again, and suddenly found that there were four words behind the iron certificate in the alchemy: except for treason!
In an instant, Zhang Shicheng fell from the peak of joy to the abyss.
"Zhu, you, you bully others too much!"
At this time, a letter from Zhu Yuanzhang was also placed in front of Zhang Shicheng, "If you want to surrender, surrender honestly. Don't play tricks. Your life is in our hands. Whose life can be saved if you ask me for a piece of iron?"
?”
Zhang Shicheng gritted his teeth, but in the end he had no choice but to say, "Okay, okay! Zhu Yuanzhang, you are so cruel! I, I surrender!"