Chapter 0003: Slaying the Treacherous Minister
Drag it out
It is unclear when Zhu Youlang approached Ma Jixiang, but he could even clearly see the emperor's boots and the hem of his robe
Zhu Youlang set down his bowl and chopsticks, and once again resumed a posture of solemnity and composure
Regardless of the circumstances, this is a good thing
All of Ma Jixiang's associates and friends have been arrested and sentenced to death
The urgent task at hand is to fortify our defenses and clear the fields, leaving the Eastern invaders with as little food as possible
The news regarding Li Dingguo is somewhat delayed; in fact, the Ming army's siege of Chongqing in eastern Sichuan ultimately failed due to the defection of Tan Yi and Tan Hong. This has occurred just in the past few days
A crimson streak suddenly appeared on Ma Jixiang's neck, and bright red blood gushed forth
The Prince of Jin has arrived just in time; I was about to have my meal. Attendant, bring another set of chopsticks and a bowl for the Prince of Jin.
The news of the Emperor personally executing the commander of the Jinyiwei, Ma Jixiang, spread, leading to a flurry of discussions among the court officials
Oh? How will you repay me, my dear minister?
As the commander of the Jinyiwei, Ma Jixiang frequently entered the palace to meet the emperor, and he arrived at Zhu Youlang's sleeping quarters with ease and familiarity
What surprised Ma Jixiang was that the emperor summoned him early in the morning
After Zhu Youlang took his seat, he signaled to the eunuch to offer a seat to Li Dingguo
... ...
Majixiang maintained a posture of bending over with his head down, which was quite awkward
Zhu Youlang sat upon the imperial throne, while Ma Jixiang approached a few steps, pushing the golden mountain and toppling the jade pillar, bowing his head in reverence.
In his impression, the Son of Heaven is a person of utter weakness, who even dares not to inspire the troops in front of the army
These are naturally the duties that those in service should fulfill. Li Dingguo immediately ordered the city of Kunming to be placed under martial law, implementing wartime management.
He dispatched a trusted confidant to leave the city and contact the Qing army, hoping to establish communication with the Qing generals before martial law was imposed in the capital of Yunnan.
Puff
Li Dingguo sat down cautiously, his demeanor extremely respectful
Majixiang was greatly shocked upon hearing this and quickly looked up, wanting to explain
... ...
Your Majesty treats your subjects as if they were their own parents
He will defend Kunming City to the end! Those who dare to speak of surrender to the enemy shall die!
Although it is said that all the troops under Li Dingguo are seasoned warriors who have experienced numerous battles, there is still no absolute certainty
Soon, Han Miao brought over a brocade cushion and placed it behind Li Dingguo
Majixiang was taken aback and broke into a cold sweat, not understanding why the emperor would ask such a question
It was under the hand of Zhu Youlang that Ma Jixiang achieved the high position of the Commander of the Jinyiwei.
Since Ma Qing's family does not speak, I shall speak on their behalf
At this point, Li Dingguo's confidence in the defense of Kunming was further strengthened
Ah, Your Majesty...
After performing the ceremonial bow, Li Dingguo was personally assisted to his feet by Zhu Youlang
Zhu Youlang was slightly surprised
Zhu Youlang asked the question with considerable interest
However, this fiend has gone too far; not personally killing him would not alleviate Zhu Youlang's deep-seated resentment.
How did the Son of Heaven suddenly seem like a different person?
His words are indeed not unfounded
Could it be that our ancestors are blessing us, and the second ancestor has manifested?
Zhu Youlang's closeness took Li Dingguo by surprise, and he hurriedly clasped his hands in gratitude
However, Zhu Youlang would certainly not express such discouraging words at this moment. Instead, he followed Li Dingguo's lead and said: "The Prince of Jin is correct. If Chongqing is captured, it will completely sever the water supply for the Eastern invaders. Therefore, the Eastern invaders will undoubtedly spare no effort to rescue it. In this case, the pressure on Kunming will be significantly reduced, allowing us to deploy our defenses with greater ease."
Although the combat effectiveness of the Ming army has significantly improved with the introduction of grenades, muskets, and cannons, no one knows whether Kunming City can ultimately be defended
In his impression, the Duke of Jin rarely entered the palace alone to meet the emperor, indicating that he must have encountered some important matter
If it is said that Zhu Youlang is truly his benefactor
Just as Zhu Youlang was settling down to prepare for his meal, the inner servant Han Miao reported that the King of Jin requested an audience
The Minister of the Imperial Guard, Marquis Ma Jixiang, pays his respects to Your Majesty, may our Emperor live for ten thousand years, ten thousand years, and ten million years
How magnificent and how lamentable it is
... ...
After all, besides the troops of Luotu and Hong Chengchou temporarily stationed in Guiyang, the elite Qing forces of Doni, Wu Sangui, Zhao Butai, and Jixihai will all come to attack Yunnan
It is truly ironic that the former generals of the Ming army rebelled and surrendered to the Qing, while the leaders of the old Chuang camp remained loyal and steadfast
... ...
Within the inner chamber, Zhu Youlang felt somewhat apprehensive.
To be honest, this is his first time committing murder, and he feels some resistance in his heart
Quick announcement
I, Li Dingguo, pay my respects to Your Majesty
What matter does His Majesty wish to discuss during this audience with the King of Jin
Due to historical perceptions of this individual, Zhu Youlang remained vigilant and ordered people to monitor Ma Jixiang's every move. As expected, he learned of Ma's conspiracy to collude with the enemy and surrender to the Qing.
Later, these former generals who had breached the camps joined forces with Ming loyalists to resist the Qing, and the Yongli Emperor conferred titles upon them one by one to demonstrate his efforts to win them over
After a brief announcement by the inner attendant, Ma Jixiang adjusted his robe and strode confidently into the palace.
But at this point, one can only fight to the death and give it a try; otherwise, how can one justify to the generals who support him
Hearing this, Zhu Youlang felt an overwhelming bitterness in his heart
Zhu Youlang paused for a moment, then spoke loudly: "Colluding with the Eastern barbarians, intending to betray me and sell out the people of the Ming Dynasty. This is how the Ma family repays me!"
Li Dingguo paused and said: "Under the leadership of the literary supervisor, Duke Jingguo and Duke Lingguo have already besieged Chongqing. I believe that after a prolonged attack, they will surely be able to breach the city. At that time, the Eastern invaders will undoubtedly be distracted, and the pressure on Kunming will also be significantly reduced"
How shall I treat you, my beloved minister
After all, he is still a nominal subject of Zhu Youlang. After some contemplation, Ma Jixiang decided to go and pay his respects to the Emperor
Majixiang observed all the proper etiquette, yet unexpectedly did not receive the emperor's command to rise.
There was a decisive and discerning monarch who could distinguish between loyalty and treachery, which in turn instilled courage in the soldiers to strive for their endeavors
Zhu Youlang waved his hand in disgust
Majixiang instinctively used his hands to block, but how could he stop it? Before long, he collapsed to the ground, convulsed for a moment, and then fell silent.
Your Majesty, this is news from Chongqing
He really cannot understand what kind of medicine Zhu Youlang is selling in his gourd
It is said that Ma Jixiang sought to ally with the Eastern invaders, and it was this that provided the Emperor with incriminating evidence, prompting him to take decisive action.
Otherwise, the soldiers will truly not know what they are fighting for
Zhu Youlang did not give him a chance to explain at all, drawing a precious sword and directly slashing across his neck
The Jingguo Duke and the Lingguo Duke mentioned by Li Dingguo were not the noblemen conferred by the Taizu and Chengzu, but rather the former veteran generals Yuan Zongdi and Li Laiheng from the rebel camp.
The palace in Kunming is far inferior to those in the capital and Nanjing, and is even slightly smaller than the Guangxi Prince's Mansion.
At present, it is a time of great turmoil, and with war imminent, Zhu Youlang is contemplating using the head of Ma Jixiang to establish his authority, thereby demonstrating his stance as the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty
... ...
Such matters concern life and death, so it is only natural to exercise greater caution and prudence
Prince Li Dingguo of Jin was also greatly shocked upon receiving this news
Majixiang said without hesitation
In the original history, the Laochuang Camp also persisted until the end, as the saying goes, "All under heaven surrendered to Chuang, but Chuang did not surrender." Li Laiheng fought until the last soldier, and his entire family committed self-immolation to honor their country.
Majixiang was already dissatisfied with Zhu Youlang, and with the instigation of his son-in-law, he truly made up his mind to surrender to the Qing court
Soon, Li Dingguo, dressed in the imperial dragon robe, hurriedly entered the hall
... ...