August 16, the 11th year of Chongzhen, Xi'an Prefecture, Shaanxi Province
As soon as the sky started to shine, Li Zi got up early as usual, washed up in a hurry, then walked out of the gate of the old camp with a flowered horse sword and a riding whip. Although he knew that the weather would definitely be very hot after daybreak, he still wore
He wears a half-worn arrow jacket of dark blue standard cloth, tightly tied with a silk ribbon, an old sheepskin and red mountain silk cloak, a white felt hat with red tassels that northern farmers like to wear, and a pair of thick-soled felt riding boots.
. He did a few activities in the cool breeze in the early morning. After a while, his adopted son Li Shuangxi and a group of soldiers came over holding the war horse. He took the silk rein from one of the soldiers, jumped up and rode on.
Wulongju walked towards the village gate.
Li Zicheng was not in a very good mood at this time. After entering Shaanxi, Shaanxi, which was originally empty, soon became the world of the invading army. This is his hometown. Li Zicheng, who returned home in rich clothes, should be very happy, but at this moment
But he couldn't feel happy.
Because as soon as he arrived in Shaanxi, Niu Jinxing rushed over and told him that Hubei was lost. At first, Li Zicheng didn't take it seriously. If Hubei was lost, he would lose it. Anyway, he had already looted land in Hubei.
Most of the wealthy gentry and wealthy households were plundered by themselves. Even if Pang Gang occupied Hubei, he was just eating his own leftovers.
But what happened next made him feel uncomfortable. This Pang Gang actually announced that he would leave the Ming Dynasty and work alone. This news made Li Zicheng extremely depressed. He felt that he was the pioneer for Pang Gang!
As soon as he stepped forward with his front foot, he immediately accepted it with his back foot. What does it mean to make wedding clothes for others? This is it.
Moreover, after arriving in Shaanxi, Li Zicheng found that although he returned to his hometown, it was not as convenient to search for land by himself as in other provinces. Most of the generals in the army were from Shaanxi, which made it difficult for them to do things.
I have some worries. After many years of war in Shaanxi, the big gentry and wealthy households fled and died, and the rest are just miserable. And everyone is a fellow villager who never looks up, so naturally they can't be like in
The provinces outside are so robbing of things.
But now the question arises, are they still called bandits if they don’t steal things? Moreover, the 60,000 to 70,000 troops under Li Zicheng’s command are a huge sum of money just for eating, drinking and eating every day. If they are just sitting back and having nothing, there is no need for officers and soldiers.
Everyone who came to encircle and suppress them would have to disperse sooner or later. Because of this problem, Li Zicheng had lost a lot of hair these days.
There is a Hongshuang Town in Xi'an Prefecture. There is an iron mine here, which has always been rich in high-quality iron ore. Li Zicheng had tens of thousands of troops, and the number of weapons and armor he needed was huge. As the number of troops and horses increased, he only relied on captured weapons from officers and soldiers to equip himself.
It was no longer realistic, so Li Zicheng also set up a craftsman battalion specifically responsible for supplying weapons to the army.
Li Zicheng took Li Shuangxi and dozens of soldiers around the craftsman camp throughout the morning, including those who made weapons and sewed armor, tents, flags and uniforms. For breakfast, he followed the miners of Hongshuang Town.
The soldiers squatted on the ground and ate together. There were more than 3,000 people in the craftsman camp, nine out of ten who dug coal kilns. Only a few burned charcoal. People who dug coal kilns were called coal blacks in the western Henan area. They were originally unemployed.
Peasants dug coal for others, and their livelihood was very heavy, their life was very difficult, and their lives were often in danger. Therefore, in the two hundred years of the Ming Dynasty, miners from various places were mainly engaged in coal mining, and there were also copper mines, iron mines, and tin mines.
Workers in mines and silver mines were constantly revolting, and the government and the landlord class collectively called them "mining bandits". After Li Zicheng was stationed in Hongshuang Town, nearby coal black men often came to join the army one by one, organized into a battalion, and stationed in
In a mountain col with leeward direction and facing the sun.
After finishing breakfast, Li Zicheng wiped his mouth with his sleeve. Then he began to inspect again, but when he was alone, there was a faint look of worry on his face.
At this time, Li Shuangxi came over from the side and reported: "Father, Mr. Li is here."
"Let him come over quickly." I still respect Li Yan and Li Zicheng very much. It was this man who turned the originally scattered rebel army into an organized and disciplined team. The combat effectiveness was greatly improved compared to before.
Come on, it all depends on him.
"Students have seen King Chuang." Li Yan quickly came over and saluted Li Zicheng.
Li Zicheng smiled and said: "Master Li, you came at the right time. Now our rebel army is short of weapons, and the food production of this craftsman camp cannot keep up. Do you have any ideas?"
Li Yan shook his head and said that he had no choice. After all, these things are really difficult to obtain. It does not mean that you can get weapons if you are outstanding in resourcefulness. Sophisticated weapons cannot be made by blowing, but can only be obtained by a stable person.
Industrial base to support.
Although he had expected the result, Li Zicheng still sighed in disappointment. He said slowly: "Master Li, since Fang Liang, Nai'er and others were wiped out by Pang Gang who killed tens of thousands of people, our army has been
There is a bad rumor that Pang Gang is the strongest army of the Ming Dynasty and the nemesis of our rebel army. But I, Li Zicheng, do not believe in that evil. I will definitely fight him, but who makes us rogue bandits?
Well, the current rebel army is short of weapons, armor, food, and war horses. Without weapons, how can we let our brothers fight with their fists against the Pang Gang Qingzhou soldiers?
And Military Advisor Niu, if he hadn't lost the last batch of silver and grain we left in Wuchang Mansion, our life might have been much easier."
Speaking of this, Li Zicheng showed a trace of dissatisfaction on his face. He originally left Niu Jinxing in Hubei because he wanted him to be optimistic about Hubei as a grain production base. Li Zicheng originally wanted to wait until the autumn grain harvest in September before planting land again.
Unexpectedly, Pang Gang called and took away the food he left in Hubei. However, Niu Jinxing ran back to Shaanxi in despair without even farting. If it weren't for the fact that he was Li
Because of Yan's recommendation, Li Zicheng had already punished him.
Li Yan smiled and said: "Don't worry about the king. It's really helpless for Niu Junshi to give up Hubei. It's just because Pang Gang was too cunning. But these things have passed. It's useless to talk more. This time the students are here to tell the good news."
."
"Announcement of good news?" Li Zicheng was slightly startled, "Where does the good news come from?"
"There are people coming from the east, which east?" Li Zicheng didn't react for a while and looked at Li Yan with some confusion.
Li Yan smiled mysteriously and just said softly: "Liaodong."
Li Zicheng trembled and said in a trembling voice: "What, Liaodong?"
"Yes, Liaodong?"
"What are they here for?"
Li Zicheng suddenly became alert. Out of the nature of a leader, he was wary of anything he didn't understand.
Li Yan said: "They came here this time to join hands with us to overthrow the decadent Ming Dynasty. Moreover, the visitors also said that they can provide us with a batch of weapons and armor, and they can also help us contain the border troops, but these things need to be
Waiting for you to personally interview the envoy sent by the Jurchens."
After Li Zicheng stood still, he asked with a somewhat moved expression, "Where is the envoy?"
"It's in the old camp, being entertained by Commander Niu and Sergeant Song."
"Come on, let's go back right away!"
After Li Zicheng finished speaking, he immediately got on his horse and galloped towards the old camp...
There were originally several villages behind Hongshuang Town, but since the old camp was stationed here, the villagers here dispersed in droves, and soon this became the temporary residence of the old camp.
At this moment, in a big house, Niu Jinxing and Song Xiance were sitting on both sides, and in the middle sat several men dressed like businessmen in robes, talking wordlessly.
Among these businessmen, a middle-aged man wearing a blue robe is the most eye-catching. He has a square face. At first glance, his face looks neat. But his eyes always move in different ways, which makes him look a little different.
The feeling of being loyal is like being a traitor.
This man's name is Qiao Jiayong, and he is one of the representatives of Shanxi Shanxi merchants. Today he is here on orders to help these mud-legged people who he looks down upon.
Although he resisted this order from the bottom of his heart, this order was directly issued to him by the top management of the Qing Dynasty, so he had to carry it out even if he was reluctant.
Taking a sip of tea, Qiao Jiayong smiled and said to Niu Jinxing: "Master Niu, I wonder when King Chuang will be back? We have been waiting for a full hour."
Niu Jinxing still looked calm and calm, and said with a chuckle: "Mr. Qiao, don't worry. As the leader of the rebels, King Chuang has to deal with many things personally. It is not an exaggeration to say that he has everything to do every day. Boss Qiao
You still have to wait."
"Bah, a rebel leader actually claims to have everything under control. He's not afraid of the wind blowing his tongue." Qiao Jiayong cursed contemptuously in his heart, but he still had a laugh on his face and said: "That's right, after all, today is different from the past.
The great cause of entering the Wang family is unprecedented."
There was a sense of cynicism in Qiao Jiayong's words. Song Xiance and Niu Jinxing naturally heard them clearly. However, one of them had a hypocritical character and the other had a deep character. For the sake of possible help, both of them took the initiative to
This sentence was filtered out.
And the origin of Qiao Jiayong is not simple. I heard that he is not only the next generation head of the Qiao family, but also a representative figure elected by Shanxi merchants.
What are Shanxi merchants? Shanxi merchants refer to the collective name of Shanxi merchants who have become more and more active in the Ming Dynasty shopping malls since the middle of the Ming Dynasty. They mainly operate salt industry, banknotes and other businesses, which are manifested in donations of salaries and purchases.
In terms of land, usury capital, etc., it is especially famous for its banknotes.
During the late Ming Dynasty, some Shanxi merchants used Zhangjiakou as their base, traveling to and from the customs, engaging in trading activities, transporting materials for the Manchu Qing regime, and even delivering documents and information. According to "Qing Shilu", in the third year of Tianming (1618), there were
There were 16 traders in Fushun from Shandong, Shanxi, Hedong, Hexi, Suzhou and Hangzhou. Nurhachi "paid them generous fees, wrote seven words of hatred, and sent them back." The trading activities of Shanxi merchants inside and outside the customs had a great impact on the Manchurian people.
The Qing regime provided great material support, and the Manchu Qing regime also treated Shanxi merchants with courtesy and attention. Historically, Shanxi merchants played a very important role in strengthening the Qing rulers' rule over Mongolia and China.
The Manchu Qing Dynasty valued Shanxi merchants very highly, and the Shanxi merchants were naturally loyal to the Manchu Qing Dynasty. Almost all activities of the Manchu Qing regime in the Ming Dynasty had the shadow of Shanxi merchants.
This time Qiao Jiayong came here to assist Li Zicheng and other bandits under the orders of Huang Taiji, and to enhance their strength so that they could have more energy to make trouble in Ming Dynasty's belly.
Just when they were saying some useless words, there was a burst of heavy footsteps outside the door. Qiao Jiayong saw a burly middle-aged man and Mr. Li Yan who had just gone out come in. He knew
It must be Li Zicheng who is coming.
Qiao Jiayong stood up and said to Li Zicheng: "This must be the world-famous King Chuang. Qiao Jiayong has met King Chuang in Shanxi Province!"
Li Zicheng strode over, held Qiao Jiayong's hand and laughed: "Hey, I used to hear that Shanxi merchants produce talents, but I still didn't believe it. Now that I see Boss Qiao, I believe that the rumors in the past are indeed not true."
So empty!"
"King Chuang deserves the award. Qiao is just a pawn. I don't deserve King Chuang's praise." Everyone likes to hear good words, and Qiao Jiayong is no exception. Although Qiao Jiayong's city will not be stunned by a few good words, Li Zicheng
Wearing a tall hat still makes him feel very comfortable. You see, even this world-famous bandit leader wants to flatter me.
After the horses were photographed, both parties took their seats. Li Zicheng sat down with a golden sword, looked at Qiao Jiayong and said: "Brother Qiao. I am a rough man, and I don't know how to talk in roundabout ways. I heard from Young Master Li that you Shanxi merchants intend to fund our rebel army with weapons and armor.
, I wonder if this is true?”
Qiao Jiayong nodded slightly and said: "It is indeed true, but Qiao needs to correct one thing. It is not our Shanxi merchants who sponsor King Chuang, but the Qing Dynasty. King Chuang must not make a mistake."
Li Zicheng said with a half-smile: "Oh, we rebels ask ourselves that we have never met the Manchus. Why do they want to help us?"
"Well, of course there is a reason for this." Qiao Jiayong also knew that the person opposite him was a figure that the Ming Dynasty had been unable to do anything about for ten years. Naturally, he would not talk about empty reasons such as for some righteousness. That would only be counterproductive.
.
So Qiao Jiayong said "honestly": "King Chuang, you must also know about the war last year. The Qing Dynasty suffered a lot of losses. Now the Manchu and Qing Dynasties have no other intentions. They only ask you to capture King Chuang as soon as possible."
Under heaven, we, the Qing Dynasty, are willing to become a nation of brothers with you."
After hearing this, Li Zicheng smiled half-heartedly and said, "Is that all?"
Of course not, Qiao Jiayong blushed, gritted his teeth and said: "You have heard about Pang Gang's blatant betrayal of the Ming Dynasty a few days ago. I, the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, have said it. If you are willing to attack Hubei again, give that
Pang Gang was severely injured, so we, the Qing Dynasty, will give you whatever you want?"
As soon as Qiao Jiayong said this, several people, including Li Zicheng, although they did not show it on the surface, secretly despised them in their hearts. The Tatars have not done anything yet, and you are already calling yourself a Manchu. You are still shameless.
Li Zicheng's face darkened and he said displeasedly: "Boss Qiao, are you joking? I think Pang Gang's troops are all elites with extremely sharp firearms. Are you asking our rebels to retake Hubei, are you killing someone with a borrowed knife?"
Li Zicheng, the bandit leader who had dominated the Ming Dynasty for ten years, was angry, and a trace of murderous intent spread from his body. He waited coldly for Qiao Jiayong, which made Qiao Jiayong feel great pressure.
Qiao Jiayong, who originally had contempt for Li Zicheng and others, suddenly panicked and shook his head quickly: "King Chuang misunderstood, I, the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, did not mean this. We just hope that you can put pressure on Pang Gang at the border.
But, I don’t mean to sit on a mountain and watch tigers fight.”
"Oh, is it so?"
Li Zicheng sneered, but did not hold on any longer. He was silent for a long time before continuing to ask: "I wonder how much equipment and food the Qing Dynasty can support my rebel army?"
Qiao Jiayong cursed in his heart: "Nima, I just said that I would support you with equipment. When did I say that I would support you with food and grass? You can beat snakes and follow sticks."
Qiao Jiayong shook his head and said: "Well... I, the Qing Dynasty, don't have extra food and grass to support you for the time being, but the equipment can support you with 5,000 spears, 3,000 long knives and 500 strong bows."
At this time, Li Yan, who had been silent on the side, spoke. Li Yan shook his head and said: "You are too insincere. What use can only 5,000 spears, 3,000 long knives and 500 strong bows do?"
, this little thing is just a drop in the bucket for us."
"Then how much does Young Master Li want?" Qiao Jiayong was also annoyed. It would be nice to have something for you, but you are still so picky.
Li Yan sneered and said: "Although we are poor, we have plenty of spears and long knives. We can't make them ourselves, let alone strong bows. Everyone can make those things, so you don't need your Qing Dynasty to give them to you."
"You..." Qiao Jiayong almost gasped, "Damn it, you said you don't care about these things, well, just pretend I didn't tell you, whatever you lack, you can make it yourself."
But before Qiao Jiayong could get angry, Li Yan went on to say: "If the Qing Dynasty is really willing to help our rebel army conquer the world, then support our rebel army with 3,000 blunderbuss and 30,000 pieces of gunpowder and lead bullets!"
"no!"
Almost as soon as Li Yan's voice fell, Qiao Jiayong immediately jumped up and said loudly: "Master Li, don't go too far. I don't even think that the muskets are many, how can I get three thousand of them?"
Here you go, I, the Qing Dynasty, respect you as rebels, but don’t treat us, the Qing Dynasty, as fools.”
Speaking of this, Qiao Jiayong sneered: "King Chuang, if you are still Young Master Li and still open your mouth like this, then let's end this meeting. I, the Qing Dynasty, need you to contain Pang Gang, but I will never accept it.
You have such harsh conditions, bid farewell!"
After saying that, Qiao Jiayong stood up and was about to leave, but Niu Jinxing stood up and held him back with a smile, "Boss Qiao, why should you be angry? Mr. Li just made a joke with you."
Qiao Jiayong sneered and said: "I, Mr. Qiao, dare not take such words as a joke. Mr. Qiao advises you to be down-to-earth in what you say and do."
After saying that, Qiao Jia courage sat on the stool panting.
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