Chapter 0009: Zhu and Wu, Together in Jiangnan

Since it is a secret decree, of course, it must not be known to the officials in the court. Zhu Cilang continued to deceive, saying, "If the news leaks out, the rebels will surely use light cavalry to encircle and block us, and the enemy might take the opportunity to launch an attack. Moreover, within the capital, it is inevitable that there will be panic, and a landslide effect will become unavoidable.

"I thank Your Excellency." Wu Xiang no longer hesitated and sat down on the chair opposite the Crown Prince, though he only occupied a small portion of the seat.

The three thousand retainers of the admiral and his son are supported by a million in expenses ... ! ... In the world, only the Ming Dynasty can provide the admiral and his son with a million in expenses, right? ! The rebels have their old camp, the captives have the Eight Banners, and the admiral and his son merely serve as vanguards; how could they become trusted confidants? Do the old camp and the Eight Banners have a million in expenses? Let alone you all?

The rebels are about to storm the capital, Beijing. How is it that you, the crown prince, are not afraid at all?

The prince, raised in the deep palace and nurtured by women and eunuchs, should he not be of a timid disposition

The Emperor's decision to move south has been finalized! Zhu Cilang stated emphatically, "Today, I will issue a secret edict to Wang Yongji and your son, to be escorted by the Guanning Army, traveling south to Tianjin Wei! Feng Yuanyang has already prepared 200 large ships and thousands of naval troops, ready to escort us to Denglai at any time"

Zhu Cilang continued: "The strength of an army does not lie in its numbers, but in its precision. However, elite troops must be deployed in the right places! The three thousand household soldiers of the commander and his son, if used to confront the rebels, how effective would they be in engaging the enemy? If they were to be used by the enemy, fighting to enter the pass and engaging in a desperate battle against the bandits, attacking fortified cities and fighting in the wilderness, how effective would they be then?"

At present, the world is impoverished, with only Jiangnan and the provinces of Fujian and Guangdong being affluent. If one can go to Jiangnan to make a fortune, who would still yearn for the hardships of Shanhaiguan

This prince, though still young, possesses an extraordinary demeanor and remarkable courage

The world is in chaos, and the Central Plains are in ruins. Only Jiangnan can support your family of three thousand retainers! If you and your son can lead several thousand retainers to protect the southern expedition, you will be the pillar of the nation, and the wealth of Jiangnan will naturally be shared with you

Both the admiral and his son are meritorious ministers, the pillars of the nation; how could they not take a seat? Zhu Cilang understood that Wu Xiang was not being modest, but truly did not dare to sit. Since his superior, Wang Cheng'en, was still standing respectfully, how could he sit?

The Wu family is now the largest military leader within the Guanning Army. Of the several million in Liao tribute, after deducting the portions given to honor various officials, all the rest is controlled by the Wu family. It can be said that at least several hundred thousand has been pocketed by the Wu father and son

Wu Xiang was rendered speechless by Zhu Cilang's words, and at the same time, he was astonished by Zhu Cilang's calm demeanor

From this perspective, Wu Sangui was not a particularly astute politician, and his defeat in the War of the Three Feudatories was essentially a foregone conclusion

To hold the emperor hostage and command the feudal lords, to plot for usurpation of the throne—such schemes were beyond Wu Xiang's imagination, and he would not dare to contemplate them. However, the prospect of going to Jiangnan to earn money with all his might was something Wu Xiang dreamed of.

What! Wu Xiang gasped, "All the ministers in the court... are in favor of moving south?"

Zhu Cilang merely smiled habitually, seemingly approving of Wu Xiang's position. However, in his heart, he was as clear as a mirror, knowing what his future father-in-law was plotting.

Wu Xiang and his son Wu Sanfu also felt a wave of suffocation ... ! ... The Zhu family is going to share Jiangnan with the Wu family!

"Did not the Admiral say to His Majesty a month ago that you have only three thousand soldiers available?" Zhu Cilang still wore a smile, showing no signs of the impending calamity. He spoke eloquently, "Three thousand valiant men cannot possibly have hundreds of thousands of dependents, can they? Even if we were to be a bit more generous, bringing five thousand brave warriors to escort us, the accompanying military families would number around twenty thousand, which is sufficient. With all the mules, horses, and carts of the Guanning Army, would it not be enough for twenty thousand or so people?" Even if we were to be a bit more generous, bringing five thousand brave warriors to escort us, the accompanying military families would number around twenty thousand, which is sufficient. With all the mules, horses, and carts of the Guanning Army, would it not be enough for twenty thousand or so people?"

Zhu Cilang's tone and expression suddenly changed, and he said decisively: "The grand plan of the South is already determined, and there is no room for doubt. The secret order will be sent to Shanhaiguan today. I only ask whether the father and son of the governor will join us or not"

Moreover, how long can the situation at Shanhaiguan be maintained? Once Beijing falls, if the Wu family cannot escape south in time to protect themselves, they will have to make a choice between Shun and Qing. However, regardless of whom they choose, they will be nothing more than a large and detestable cannon fodder, destined to be consumed sooner or later—of course, historically, Wu Sangui's rise to the position of Prince of Pingxi was something that Wu Xiang, Wu Sanfu, and even Wu Sangui himself could never have imagined in their wildest dreams.

Only if I and Father Emperor arrive in Jiangnan, can we rely on the bravery of the Governor and his son, as well as Huang Degong's troops; the rest are of no use. The Governor and his son, along with Huang Degong, are the pillars of support for the Ming Dynasty

I am filled with trepidation. " Wu Xiang hurriedly declined.

If the Wu family surrenders, then they will be the vanguard in the battle between Li Zicheng and the Qing army. Conversely, they will be the advance force of the Qing army attacking Li Zicheng. Only by following the Ming Dynasty southward will they be regarded as direct descendants, well-fed and well-cared for. ... There is even a possibility of further advancement ... ! ... Zhu and Wu, together for the world !

Because the 30,000 to 40,000 troops of Guan Ning under Wu Sangui's command would be invincible once they were brought to the south

"Have you heard of the proposal for the southern migration?" Zhu Cilang asked Wu Xiang.

What is the foundation of the nation, what is the mausoleum of the late emperor, has little to do with the old Wu family. What the Wu family truly cares about is the annual tribute of several million in Liao payments

"The court officials are all unaware of the situation; how can one escape in such a hurry?" Cold sweat broke out on Wu Xiang's forehead. After a moment of hesitation, he continued, "Moreover, my son's troops have likely just entered Shanhai Pass, and the accompanying Liao people number as many as several hundred thousand..."

Therefore, once Chongzhen made up his mind, the question of whether Wu Xiang and Wu Sangui existed or not was no longer relevant

Upon hearing Zhu Cilang's words, Wu Xiang could no longer remain seated and stood up abruptly, saying, "Your Highness, why do you speak thus? My father and I are unwaveringly loyal to the Ming Dynasty and would never betray it by siding with the rebels..."

As for Wu Sanfu, he can only honestly stand behind his father

"Southward migration?" Wu Xiang was taken aback and said, "Absolutely not! The capital is the foundation of the nation, the resting place of the late emperor, how can it be abandoned?"

Good! Zhu Cilang smiled, "The admiral and his son are indeed the pillars of the nation"

If the court relocates south, then Jilin and Liaoning will naturally have to be abandoned. The Guanning Army will either escort the emperor south or surrender to Li Chuang. Regardless of whether they go south or surrender, the annual tribute of several million from Liaoning will certainly be lost. Therefore, it is understandable that the Wu family opposes the southward relocation.

Given the current situation, in the world, only the Ming Dynasty would be such a gullible fool to spend several million each year to support the Guanning Army This account is indeed very easy to calculate

Zhu Cilang looked at Wu Xiang and slowly said: "Commander Shao'an, this palace knows that you and your father are loyal. Not only are you both loyal, but you are also intelligent. You understand that being used by rebels and traitors leads to a dead end! Even if you are fortunate enough to survive, you will inevitably face poverty and hardship.

Zhu Cilang's father-in-law has only been in the capital for a month and is unaware of Chongzhen's temperament, believing that Chongzhen is indeed a good emperor who listens to advice. Therefore, in his view, the obstacle to the southern migration is the opposition of the court officials, rather than Chongzhen's unprincipled shifting of blame

However, when it becomes impossible to defend the city of Beijing, fleeing south for protection should be the best option for the Wu family. This is because, whether they surrender to the Qing or submit to another power, no one will provide the Wu family with several million taels of silver in annual tribute. Not only will there be no tribute, but they will also be treated as cannon fodder.

The number of court officials who can escape is of little concern to Wu Xiang; however, the majority of the Liao people following Wu Sangui are military families, and it is not something that can be disregarded at will

"Admiral, please take a seat." Zhu Cilang smiled gently at Wu Xiang, gesturing towards an empty chair in front of him.

What? Is this really happening? Wu Xiang and Wu Sanfu looked at Zhu Cilang in astonishment, unable to utter a word.

It was only that Wu Sangui in history was unable to make a decisive decision at a critical moment, losing the historical opportunity that belonged to him in the midst of procrastination and waiting, thus becoming a timeless sinner who invited the wolf into the house, and moreover, he also brought ruin to a large part of the Wu family.

Since there was no choice, Wu Xiang and Wu Sanfu exchanged a glance and both performed a deep bow, saying: "We, father and son, are willing to risk our lives to protect Your Majesty on your journey south"

Is this true

At that time, it will be the Ming court relying on the Wu family's army for survival, and the wealth of Jiangnan will be at the disposal of the Wu family

"When the prince asks you to sit, you should take a seat," Wang Cheng'en said with a smile. Wu Xiang would soon become the 'old royal relative,' and moreover, he would be the father-in-law with significant military power; it is likely that he would also have a place before the emperor.

They were afraid... Wu Xiang and Wu Sanfu were certainly afraid, but they were even more surprised. This is because they could not see a trace of fear or sorrow on Zhu Cilang's face.

By the way, there is one more matter that the commander and his son should be aware of. ... Juyong Pass ... has already fallen into the hands of the rebels. The rebel forces will arrive at the capital's gates within ten days. Therefore, the matter of heading south cannot be delayed, and it is likely that we will have to break through and flee. Are the commander and his son frightened?