Han ride

Chapter 420

"General, although the prince won't say anything about this matter in a short time, but the time can't be too long, please understand the general." After Wang Zhengdong got 20 taels of silver, his attitude changed a lot, and he reminded cautiously.

"This is natural, this is natural." Jiang Guan cursed inwardly, but still nodded seriously.The strike by Fan Yongdou and others not only affected Jiang Yu and others, but also the whole of Datong. Now Datong is in a slump, and there are not many people on the whole street. It used to be very prosperous.But there was no one to be seen.

"Second brother, can we just give up on this matter? Our army still needs to be on guard. We have spent so much effort, but we have not gained anything so far. I am really aggrieved." After Wang Zhengdong was sent away, Jiang Xuan said dissatisfied.

After Jiang Yu heard this, he took a deep breath, and said with a cold snort: "I really underestimated these lowly bastards, these damn profiteers actually made such a big noise, it really hit me One caught off guard! But what should we do if we don't let them go?"

"Could it be impossible to return all the money to them?" Jiang Xuan shook his head and said, "I gave that eunuch 20 taels just now, Yang Zhenwei didn't know how much he ate, and the soldiers must have gotten some too. Return all these things back, I am afraid our Jiang family will have to post a lot of them! The most important thing is the emperor's place, second brother, we also have to make business with them!"

Jiang Yu nodded, speaking more thoroughly, it was mainly from Chongzhen, and Chongzhen was the one who really had to explain. Although Chongzhen gave them backing, but the same thing, Chongzhen must be happy with what you want to send, otherwise, Nothing works.Chongzhen will still make trouble for you.

"So, we still have to hold on?" Jiang Yu glanced at his younger brother.

"That's right, tell Yang Sichang about this and ask him to think of a way, food and grass? There are other things." Jiang Xuan said with a gloomy expression, "Not only we can't delay, but neither can Li Xin. If Li Xin waits and sees, Shanxi merchants will The Seven Great Aristocratic Families will abandon him. At that time, we will give some steps down, and these Shanxi merchants will still open their doors to do business. Everyone wants to make money, and the same is true for these Shanxi merchants. They have lost a lot. So What we have to do now is to be more patient with Li Xin." Jiang Xuan thought for a while and helped Jiang Tuan analyze.

"According to what you said, we have no chance to go back?" Jiang Yu looked into the distance and said coldly: "In that case, let's check it out. If the Dai Wang comes to the door, let him go find it." Yang Sichang, go to the emperor! We can't afford to lose this battle. Once we win, our Jiang family's reputation in Datong will increase. If we fail, we will lose nothing." Jiang Tuan understood this very well. He also had no choice but to understand the reasoning behind it. With things at this point, Jiang Guan had no way out and could only go on.

Soon, one order after another was issued from the General Military Mansion. This time, the farms of the seven great families of Shanxi merchants were inspected, and the whole Datong fell into chaos. This time, they were terrified all day long and left Datong one after another.The market in Datong was in a state of depression. Although the Daiwang Palace sent people to ask questions, they were quickly stopped by Jiang Yan in the name of an imperial decree.Not only that, he also wrote to Shanxi governor Wu Wei to strictly investigate the Shanxi merchants in the territory. Anyone who has relations with the seven major families of Shanxi merchants will be punished as collaborating with the enemy, and he will force those small Shanxi merchants to come. Doing business in Datong, invigorating the market, and removing the impact of the strike from the seven great families of Shanxi merchants. At this time, Jiang Yu received a letter from Yang Sichang, who wanted to distribute the seized estates of the seven great families of Shanxi merchants to those who came to Datong for business. Although Shanxi merchants cannot shake the general trend, there are still some bold merchants who come to Datong, which slightly eases the tension in Datong.

In the cloud, everyone in the hall looked solemn, not only because of all kinds of information from Datong, but more importantly, the northern army might have to send troops now.

"It can be said that the seven families of Shanxi merchants suffered heavy losses this time, but they did not ask the lord for help. This is rare." Zhang Cai's impression of the seven families of Shanxi merchants was much better this time.

"It's not that they don't ask the lord for help, but they are testing the lord." Song Xiance said disdainfully: "These guys are very calculating. If the lord sends troops to solve their plight, they will follow the lord. If the lord still If they are just waiting and watching, they will leave the lord. Although their loss this time is huge, in fact, this little money is not enough to hurt their muscles and bones. As long as they change places and forces, They can still make a comeback." I have to say that Song Xiance, after being discriminated against by society, looks at problems with a sense of villainy.But it's this kind of judging a gentleman's belly with a villain's heart that makes him always look at others with colored eyes.

"No matter what, if things continue like this, isn't Jiang Tuan ready to succumb to the seven great families of Shanxi merchants?" Shi Yuanzhi also frowned and said.

"Businessman, are you asking for your own power and improving your status?" Unlike the group of officials discussing below, Li Xin sat on a chair with a cloudy expression on his face. He didn't know whether it was happiness or something else.In history, it is recorded that at the end of the Ming Dynasty, capitalism sprouted in the Chinese mainland, and businessmen were the representatives of these capitalisms.While they yearn for money, they also yearn for their own status and power.The seven great families of Shanxi merchants later became imperial merchants, wearing official robes and plumes, which are similar to those of officials. This is the withdrawal of status and power.So that their wealth will not be easily plundered by those officials.This is the most fundamental reason why they yearn for power, to protect their own property, so that their own interests can be guaranteed and expanded to the greatest extent.

What Song Xiance said is right. The seven great families of Shanxi merchants have not yet asked Li Xin for help. On the one hand, they obviously have the strength to protect themselves and take revenge on Jiang Tuan. On the other hand, Shanxi merchants are also testing themselves. Look Can I really guarantee the interests of Shanxi merchants?But do I need to guarantee the interests of Shanxi merchants?As soon as he thought of this, he looked at Shi Yuanzhi.

"My lord, I'm afraid I have to send troops at this time." Shi Yuan felt Li Xin's gaze, stood up quickly, and said with cupped hands: "The life and death of Jin merchants has little to do with us, but the help Jin merchants have given us these years It is obvious to all that no matter what angle we stand on, we are going to send troops, but the bigger the better. If we don’t send troops, Shanxi merchants will turn to other forces, which is a blow to us. People in the world will use the same Looking at us. Of course, the most important thing is that we are ready, isn't it?"

"That's right, we're ready, but Shanxi is not easy to fight!" Li Xin said quietly.In terms of the degree of preparation, the North Army is well prepared, ready to go south on a large scale and annex Datong.But Li Xin didn't want to let Shanxi merchants take advantage of it so easily.He snorted coldly and said: "Send someone to tell Fan Yongdou that the North Army is going to send troops in seven days, and ask them to respond at Shahukou. I am going to lead the army south to the Central Plains and occupy Shahukou. The rest of the troops will follow the original plan. Let's plan and act! Let Yang Xiong be the marching chief of the East Route Army, Huluke Zhaisang, Tashihai and Badaxi Zhaisang three as deputy generals, leading 2 elites, harassing Yang Sichang and delaying their actions, you can do it cheaply. Chen Han was the general manager of the North Road March, leading an army of 2 to resist Horqin, He Kegang led an army of 4 to resist Jiannu's sneak attack, Jiang Yi led an army of 2, and Mr. Song was a military adviser, preparing to capture Datong from the Deshengbao area. Mr. sits in the cloud and leads an army of 4. Be careful of Hong Chengchou. I personally lead an army of [-], plus your servants, family generals, etc. At least [-] people can be gathered to enter the customs from Shahukou and attack the left In Yunyouyu County, Gao Meng followed me, and the rest of the generals followed me. What do you think, sir?"

"I have no objection," Shi Yuanzhi nodded, and said, "My lord can spread the word in the capital and south of the Yangtze River now. My lord is about to lead the army to the south. According to the emperor's decree, I will go south to suppress the bandits, so as to calm the hearts of the people."

"Mr.'s words are very true." Li Xin nodded. Although he went south to seize Datong, no matter what, the superficial things still had to be done. As long as everyone in the world knew that Li Xin went south to suppress the bandits, but When passing by Shahukou, he was swayed by Jiang Guan. As long as he occupied Datong, even if Chongzhen didn't want to, he might have to accept this fact. Afterwards, Li Xin would at most give him a step down. That's all.

In the winter of the sixth year of Chongzhen, the peasant army broke through the siege of the government and the army and entered Henan.After the capture of Nanyang, the rebel army was divided into five battalions including Laohuihui and other battalions who invaded Huguang, Li Zicheng and others entered Hanzhong, and Zhang Xianzhong led his troops to Xinyang.In the first month of the seventh year of Chongzhen, Zhang Xianzhong went to Shang and Luo from Ziyangxi.Li Zicheng and Zhang Xianzhong joined forces to capture Chengcheng and approached Pingliang and other counties. .On February 28, Zhang Xianzhong and other thirteen battalions of volunteers entered Hannan from Tongguan and Luoxi in Henan.In March, Laohuihui and other ministries also returned from Sichuan to Shaanxi, and the peasant uprising army united again and became a powerful force.At that time, in Shanxi and Shaanxi, since August last year, there has been no rain for a month, thousands of miles of barren land, the people are starving, and people eat each other.The people were hungry and chaotic, and the Ming generals killed many good people and pretended to be meritorious. In the rebel army, he gradually took charge of his own side. At any time, under his command, Liu Zongmin, Tian Jianxiu, Liu Fangliang and other generals were like a cloud, and in terms of civil servants, there was Gu Junen from Hubei who also came to seek refuge, which greatly increased Li Zicheng's power and became Gao Yingxiang. The most important force under his command, what's more, he is Gao Yingxiang's nephew, and Gao Yingxiang's forces have treated Li Zicheng very favorably. The leader of the rebel army.In addition, Li Zicheng has a strategy, his army is almost invincible, and Li Zicheng's reputation is getting bigger and bigger, not only among the rebels, but also in the official army.

Faced with Gao Yingxiang and others raging madly in the Shaanxi area, Emperor Chongzhen dared not neglect, and quickly ordered Governor Chen Qiyu to lead the army to control Gao Yingxiang and others in the Shaanxi area.

In April of the seventh year of Chongzhen, the Northern Expedition Army on the prairie finally dispatched troops, issued a call to the world, and following the imperial decree of Chongzhen, Li Xin, the Duke of Liao, led 5 elite troops to the Northern Expedition Army and sent troops south to suppress the rebellion.All of a sudden, the whole world was shaken, rumors spread everywhere in the capital, some praised, some resented, and many slandered.

Compared with other chaos and discussions, Xuanfu, Datong and Yulin were extremely calm. In the manor outside Datong City, Fan Yongdou and others gathered together again. This time not only the seven families of Shanxi merchants gathered, but also There are quite a few small households of Shanxi merchants. These people can be regarded as prominent figures in Shanxi. Although they cannot be compared with Fan Yongdou and the others, their family properties range from millions of taels to as few as 10 taels. These people are all Shanxi merchants. The seven great families followed suit.

"In these years, under the protection of the Duke of Liao, we and other Shanxi merchants have also made a lot of money. Our Shanxi merchants originally made money from the people on the grassland. When we walked on the grassland, we had to face bandits and nobles on the grassland. Guys, if you are not careful, if you lose your money, you will even lose your life. Now it is different. The Duke of Liao sits in the grassland, and the grassland is peaceful. We earn money very easily. We have never been asked to do anything. This time the Northern Army marched south, saying that it was in response to the imperial decree, but we all know that the Duke of Liao felt sorry for us when he saw Jiang Guan treating us like this. This is for revenge, so everyone, It is rare that the Duke of Liao saw us so much, and dispatched a large army to avenge us. In these years, we have not done anything for the Duke of Liao, and he has not asked for it, but we must not forget our roots. Can our business be so profitable in the past few years? Therefore, I, Fan Yongdou, have decided to contribute money and strength. I can’t let Duke Liao underestimate us.”

"Yes, it has become much easier for us to do business these years. We must not forget our roots!" Wang Dengku also said: "Although the Duke of Liao didn't say anything, we can't just pretend that we don't know, everyone knows This bastard Jiang Yu not only took our money, but also took all of our farms for himself, it is too much."

"At this time, standing in a team and sitting in a row will pay off in the future!" Tian Lansheng glanced at everyone, and said with a smile: "Everyone, this is a good opportunity, and I will tell you that this time the Northern Army Going south to Datong is already a sure thing. The reason why the Duke of Liao is going south now is also a matter of no choice. Originally, the old man wanted to wait for the emperor's decree. After all, the emperor said it before, but in case someone wants to slander the Duke of Liao, Wouldn’t the Duke of Liao’s efforts be in vain? Unfortunately, what the Duke of Liao didn’t know was that the reason why the emperor agreed with him to go south was to find an opportunity to destroy the Northern Army. Our operation is to remove the arm of the Duke of Liao. The Duke of Liao wants to rise up and resist!"

After hearing this, everyone nodded repeatedly. Although they were full of doubts in their hearts, they thought that Li Xin did it on purpose, but at this time, everyone's interests were tied together. Li Xin led the army to go south, and the Shanxi merchants in Datong had a way out. The property at home will not be like that of Jiang Yu, who can be searched if they want to. If everyone can meet the army going south at this time, it is obvious that they will gain much more than they will lose.

Soon, a businessman stood up, cupped his hands and said: "The villain knows a general manager, and he is killing Hukou now. When he owed a gambling debt, the creditor came to his house and wanted to drag his wife out to pay off the debt. The villain paid back the money for him, thinking about it, he is grateful for the kindness of the villain, if the villain persuades him, he is [-] to [-]% sure."

"The villain knows a hundred families in Shahukou. Over the years, because of filial piety, we have become brothers in life and death. If we go there, we can persuade them to surrender to Zheng Beihou." Another businessman stood up and said.

The rest of the businessmen also stood up one after another and reported their acquaintances. Although they were all low-level figures, they all held real power.In any era, businessmen make friends with people with real power, whether they are low-level or high-level. In any era, businessmen's network is always strong.They run around, meet people everywhere, and their relationship is extremely complicated.Shahukou is not big, only 2000 soldiers and horses are stationed, and 2000 people are just two generals and a guerrilla general. In an instant, these merchants sweep all the people stationed in Shahukou into their network middle.

"That's very good. As long as you go out, a Shahukou can easily fall into the palm of the Lord." Fan Yongdou nodded, and suddenly asked: "I don't know if you have ever walked through the Great Wall?"

"Great Wall?" Everyone hesitated for a while.The Great Wall mentioned by Fan Yongdou mainly refers to the Outer Great Wall in Datong.The Great Wall of Datong also originated from Juyongguan.From the west of Juyongguan, the Great Wall is divided into two lines, north and south, to meet at Pianguan in Shanxi. It is called the inner and outer Great Wall.The Outer Great Wall is the northwest of Juyongguan Passing through Chicheng, Chongli, Zhangjiakou, Wanquan and Huai'an and entering Datong's Tianzhen, Yanggao, Datong, Zuoyun along the junction of Inner Mongolia and Shanxi, reaching Pianguan and Hequ; the Inner Great Wall is from the southwest of Juyongguan It enters Datong's Lingqiu and Hunyuan via Yixian, Hunyuan, and Fuping in Hebei, and then passes through Yingxian, Fanzhi, and Shenchi to Laoying.Datong was surrounded by two Great Walls, forming the Datong Basin. The reason why Jiang Guan's Datong army was so arrogant was because the place he was defending was absolutely easy to defend and difficult to attack.

"I've walked past it a few times." A businessman's eyes wandered, and he quickly said, "It's not very profitable to go here, and it's not very frequent. Why did Proprietor Fan mention this place?"

(End of this chapter)