Chapter 43 Military Advisor

  "So," Jin Yiwei Xiao Li asked Zhu Ciyan, "when we arrived, the hundred officials Hu Yan Ao Bo told me to ask you: when will we close the net? The other side has many people and is cunning. Liu's camp is used to sending scouts, and if it takes too long, they will definitely discover something wrong. The imperial army is afraid of being outnumbered, and if there is a leak, it would be a grave mistake. Please instruct us as soon as possible, it's better to close the net early."

  This guy is really glib and quickly finished this set of words, and his tone was clear and distinct.

  Jinyiwei is now also a dead tiger, and Hu Yan, Xiao Li, Gao Sheng and others are just the last remnants of this vast institution.

  If it weren't for them staring at the scouts, and being discovered by Zhu Ciyan at Chaoyang Gate, I'm afraid that the remaining useful people in the Embroidered Uniform Guard would have been exhausted from the future siege and city-breaking, as well as the surrender of Luo Zhihui and other events, and ultimately drowned in the torrent of history.

  "Not enough manpower, just recruit some more." Zhu Ciwen thought for a moment and instructed: "I also want them to pass on some messages, and see what they are doing in the capital... Tell Hu Yan Baihu, it's not time to collect the net yet. However, people should keep an eye on me, where to go, who to see, what to do, all need to be investigated clearly."

  Dozens of scouts infiltrated the city, with different identities and not all living in one place.

  It's probably also afraid of being caught off guard, so it's also doing this trick of the three escapes.

  "It's just a bit more difficult..."

  The Jin Yiwei is now rarely used, but Xiao Li gritted his teeth and said: "Please rest assured, we will definitely get the job done without any leaks!"

  "Hmm, I'll take note of your poor management!"

  For the people of Jin Yiwei, Zhu Ciyan was less dignified and more tactful. Silver money was also allocated a lot to them, and there was no need for reimbursement, just use it as needed.

  This kind of lavish spending and lack of supervision is because the Brocade Guards are still considered outer guards for now, these few people, how they will turn out, still needs to be observed further.

  People from intelligence agencies are good at deception and betrayal, they are not that easy to trust.

  But such a warm and comforting sentence, the young general in front of him, who was only twenty years old or so, was also deeply moved, and he stood up with a bow, his eyes were slightly red, and said: "Please rest assured, Your Highness."

  Having said that, he strode away with big steps. Although he was a clever young fellow, at this moment he also walked out with a few points of heroic and unrestrained flavor.

  Watching the back of Jin Yi Xiao Wei as he walked away, Zhu Ci Yun also took a deep breath... Everything was on the right track and seemed to be going according to his own plan... But how would things develop in the end?

  It's all up to heaven now.

  ……

  ……

  "I have seen the Emperor!"

  Liu Zongmin clasped his fists and sat down in front of Li Zicheng with a big smile.

  Li Zicheng also subconsciously raised his hand, originally wanting to make a fist and return the courtesy, but ultimately remembered his identity, and his hand unconsciously waved before putting it back down.

  A few days ago, it was already decided that the new dynasty would be called Dashun. The rebel king would announce his ascension to heaven on New Year's Day and hold a grand ceremony to ascend to the throne, which was scheduled to take place in the Forbidden City after the capital had been captured. In any case, the rebel king was already the ruler of the new dynasty.

  "Your minister Song presents his strategy..."

  "Your subject Li Yan..."

  "We request an audience with Your Majesty!"

  Although no formal proclamation has been made and the imperial edict is still being prepared in Niu Jin Xing's hands, the high-ranking officials in front of the emperor have already changed their words and are extremely respectful.

  An invisible wall has already stood in front of Li Zicheng.

  Behind Liu Zongmin, there were two military strategists, one tall and the other short. Unlike Liu Zongmin, they did not have a careless expression. Both of them knelt down and kowtowed, and when performing the ceremony, they were very respectful.

  "Alas, rise, Military Adviser Lin Quan, hurry up!"

  Li Zicheng was indeed still not used to being knelt down to, and sat on the throne, tapping his feet lightly, saying: "We see each other every day as monarch and minister, don't make such a fuss over formalities."

  "Yes, the emperor's benevolence is vast and profound, but we must adhere to our duty as officials." Song Xian's eyes were full of cleverness, although he was short and stout, his body seemed to be equipped with a messaging mechanism, and he was extremely agile. His understanding of Li Zicheng's thoughts was also far beyond that of ordinary people.

  He also has a set of Bagua Wuxing I Ching theories, which are very self-consistent and convincing. Although people may not be fully convinced by his plans, everyone admires Song Shaozu's skills in this area, saying that he is the reincarnation of Liu Bowen, a legendary military strategist. Song Xianzhe's status among the rebels is more due to his mastery of these esoteric arts than any actual strategic prowess.

  This is naturally his sorrow, but also his foundation for standing up.

  As for Li Yan beside Song Xianzhe, he was a young master from a noble family, with both literary and military talents, having a far-sighted vision, profound insight, and astonishing strategic thinking. He was also good at commanding his subordinates and leading troops, and the soldiers under his command were already the most elite in the camp.

  Even for a subordinate like this, Li Zicheng often felt that it was very difficult to control him. Most of the soldiers under Li Yan's command were recruited from Henan and Hubei provinces, and they almost formed their own system, which made Li Zicheng feel threatened. He didn't have such feelings towards his generals from Shaanxi province. There were only a few thousand soldiers directly under Li Yan's command, while the army led by Liu Fangliang, who was ordered to prepare for an attack on Hebei, had already exceeded 70,000 people.

  Daijiang Bai Wang has 700,000 to 800,000 troops directly under his command in Xiang and Deng areas.

  It just feels wrong... Just now, Liu Zongmin was standing with his hands clasped together in respect, but Li Zicheng didn't seem to notice. Although Li Yan was kneeling before him, Li Zicheng had a very uncomfortable feeling in his heart.

  An elephant standing is kneeling, and a kneeling one is like it's standing!

  "General, Lin Quan, what's the hurry to see me? Is there something urgent? Haha, look at your expressions, are you going to persuade me to advance again?"

  Li Zicheng suppressed the uncomfortable feeling in his heart and smiled as he asked the two deputy military strategists in front of him.

  He was born with thick eyebrows and big eyes, a majestic figure, years of military campaigns had stored strength throughout his body. At this time, although he would become the master of the new dynasty, he still wore a coarse blue cloth arrow robe, his right hand also pressed on the waist sword.

  As long as one is not correct, exert force and rise up, you can instantly chop, slash, and stab!

  Li Zicheng, on the other hand, was able to restrain himself, accumulating his energy, sitting upright and motionless. When talking to people, he seemed as if he would stand up at any moment, but instead remained seated and still. His eyes gleamed with a sharp light, revealing an extremely astute demeanor. Those who conversed with him were inevitably drawn in by his mannerisms and slowly won over, so that his thick and rustic Shaanxi accent was no longer a concern...

  This majestic demeanor was indeed what the hundreds and thousands of leaders of the peasant uprising at that time lacked, and it was also formed by Li Zicheng from an ordinary rebel general to rise up, half intentionally and half naturally. In front of him, many Ming dynasty officials and generals who surrendered could not speak fluently, even old subordinates who had followed him for many years often felt tense and afraid.

  At this time, there are even fewer people who dare to speak unpleasant words in front of him.

  Li Yan was one of them, and the military strategy had already been seen through by everyone. It was nothing more than crossing the river, capturing Pingyang, then taking Taiyuan, and advancing along the line of Datong, Wuning, and Juyongguan to attack the capital directly.

  Of course, if the military strength is strong enough, in Shanxi Province, it can be divided into two parts: one part attacks Bian Town and the other part directly inserts into Zijinguan Pass. The two sides will encircle and merge with Hebei Road to arrive at the capital city together and attack.

  This strategy is to cut off the enemy's head, and the current territory of the Ming Dynasty is still vast, with millions of troops and billions of people. However, the north is empty and without soldiers, and it is difficult to dispatch them quickly. After more than a decade of fighting, under constant propaganda, Li Zicheng's claim of having a heavenly mandate has also been accepted by many people.

  This time directly attacking the capital, I'm afraid the imperial forces will be very limited.

  Seize the capital, take the great throne, issue orders to all under heaven, and Jiangnan and Huguang can be pacified with a single edict!

  This is what Li Zicheng and Niu Jinxing, Liu Zongmin and others thought, and a conclusion has already been reached.

  On the other hand, Li Yan strongly opposed it. He suggested that Li Zicheng operate in Guanzhong, send a large army to destroy Zuo Liangyu, stabilize Huguang, send officials to govern the people, and operate Henan, Shandong, Huguang, Guanzhong, Shanxi and other places. After one or two years, when the rear is stable, then take the capital at leisure.

  Such a strategy would delay Li Zicheng's formal declaration as emperor and his entry into Beijing by one or two years.

  After several meetings and discussions, and also with the insistence of the various generals in Shaanxi, as well as the support of Niu Jinxing and the Ming dynasty officials who had surrendered, Li Zicheng had already made up his mind to launch a military campaign after the new year, and would not delay any further.

  Looking at the two people in front of him, he also muttered to himself: "Lin Quan is good in everything, but he's too stubborn. Song Junshi is better, but still not as good as Niu Qidong. This prime minister is really always following my intentions, making up for my shortcomings!"

  "I have come here for matters in the capital, and there may be changes."

  ……

  ……

  The summary of intelligence reports, inference and analysis were all tasks assigned to Song Xianzhe. Of course, as his deputy, Li Yan also had to bear a considerable share of the burden.

  Having received the news sent by the scouts from Beijing, both of them felt that the situation was somewhat serious. If a wave really rises, it will be very unfavorable to Chongzhen's great cause.

  Song Xiance was still a bit timid when encountering things, while Li Yan had always only known to uphold the right path and act on it. When encountering things, as long as it was something that should be said, he would never shrink back.

  Upon receiving the news, he said to Song Xiance: "Military strategist, if Chongzhen and his son really escape south, I think the army doesn't need to rush out. We can first take our time to conquer Henan and Shandong, set up officials, eliminate the remaining government soldiers and bandits, and pacify the area. Since the capital is already empty, why must we hurry to fight?"

  "This statement is reasonable." Song Xiance nodded and said: "Moreover, the capital is still worried about the Eastern Rouran's invasion, this aspect cannot be ignored."

  "Yes!" Li Yan nodded vigorously and said: "This matter is extremely important, we must see the bandit king immediately and explain it clearly."

  Seeing him like this, Song Xian also only slightly smiled bitterly. Li Yan was good in every way, intelligent and naturally talented, but when it came to himself, he was too lazy to put his heart into it, or rather, didn't consider it important.

  The various generals of Shaanxi have always been jealous and excluded this popular foreign general from Henan. When Li Zicheng was using people, he still tolerated a few points and made a humble appearance. Now that the great cause is about to be achieved, how can Li Zicheng have so much patience to accept the challenge of an outsider who is not in his own system again and again?

  It's just a matter of urgency, he can only follow along, but after hearing what Chu Wang said, how will he be dealt with?