Traveling through the late Ming Dynasty to promote Chinese civilization

Chapter 585 Peace Negotiation

The outside must be safe first!

These words were like a thunderbolt, splitting the thick fog in Chongzhen's heart, stirring up a thought that had been lurking in his mind but dared not be spoken.

He feigned surprise and asked, "Making peace with the Jurchens? Wouldn't that be going against the will of the world?"

Yang Sichang said solemnly, "******, ********. For the sake of the Ming Dynasty, I am willing to defy the world on behalf of Your Majesty."

"Good, good, good!" Chongzhen exclaimed excitedly, saying "good" three times in a row. It was unclear whether he meant the idea of ​​peace talks was good or Yang Sichang's spirit of self-sacrifice for the greater good was commendable.

Seeing that Emperor Chongzhen was quite pleased with the news, Yang Sichang was greatly encouraged and continued to explain his three strategies: "The garrisons are now in disarray, the capital garrison is not of great use, and most of the troops capable of fighting are in Shaanxi and Gansu suppressing bandits. Your Majesty can increase the number of troops by 120,000, including 80,000 infantry and 40,000 cavalry. The annual cost of this would be about 200 million taels of silver, which can protect the capital region and also provide reinforcements to northern Shaanxi and Gansu, allowing for flexible advances and retreats."

Emperor Chongzhen, seeing that he could readily determine how many troops to send and how much silver would be spent, realized that he must have not forgotten national affairs even during his mourning period and had done his homework before the audience, demonstrating that he was a capable person. Moreover, when discussing military affairs, his thoughts flowed like a spring, and he spoke eloquently, a stark contrast to the dull and wooden demeanor of the current Minister of War, Zhang Fengyi. Emperor Chongzhen couldn't help but sigh, "I regret not employing you sooner!"

However, for Chongzhen, 2.8 million taels of silver for military pay was a matter of life and death. He hesitated and said, "The national treasury is empty, and the imperial treasury is also out of money. Where will the military pay come from?"

Yang Sichang had already prepared his answer and calmly replied: "We can levy an additional one-tenth of the land tax per mu, totaling 7.3 million taels nationwide. This will be used as training funds to train border troops; in addition, we will levy an additional 2.8 million taels for suppressing bandits."

Emperor Chongzhen hesitated slightly: "Will the people of the world accuse me of levying exorbitant taxes and levies?"

"If Your Majesty is worried, then the military tax can be levied for only one year."

"A year?" Chongzhen asked doubtfully. "Can the bandits be wiped out in just one year?"

Yang Sichang confidently replied, “I have a plan that, with Your Majesty’s support, can quell the bandits within two years. I call it ‘Four Main and Six Corner, Ten-Sided Net’: Shaanxi, Henan, Huguang, and Jiangbei are the four main areas, with four governors responsible for suppressing them. Meanwhile, Yansui, Shanxi, Shandong, Jiangnan, Jiangxi, and Sichuan are the six corner areas, with six governors responsible for defending them and assisting in the suppression. This is called a ten-sided net, while the governors-general and prime ministers will follow the bandits wherever they go to carry out the campaign.” In plain terms, this method involves intercepting and encircling the mobile peasant army, then annihilating them. The governors of Shaanxi and other places are responsible for pulling the net, while the governors-general and prime ministers of the five provinces are responsible for catching the bandits.

Seeing that he spoke eloquently, Chongzhen could not help but nod repeatedly: "Very good, then we will do as you say and increase the taxes for suppressing the enemy and training troops."

"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"

Yang Sichang's words persuaded Emperor Chongzhen, and from then on, the burden on farmers became even heavier, foreshadowing the dynasty's downfall.

However, whether it's increasing the levies for suppressing and training the enemy, or adding 12 troops, these are all long-term solutions. The Tartars, who are right in front of us, must be dealt with eventually. Chongzhen asked, "Since, as you say, Hong Chengchou and Lu Xiangshan are both going to suppress the bandits and it is not advisable to mobilize them, then can we transfer troops from Guangdong?"

Although Yang Sichang had been observing mourning at home for the past two years, he was well aware of the overall situation in the country, and he naturally took notice of the Qionghai garrison, which was rising like a comet. He had his own opinions about this army, which was more capable than most Ming armies.

"Your Majesty is referring to Qionghai Town, isn't he? In my opinion, General Liu Ye is arrogant and domineering. He can be used, but not given important responsibilities. Unless absolutely necessary, he should not be transferred north."

Emperor Chongzhen sighed. Speaking of arrogance and domineering, it had now become the prerogative of military generals, especially those border generals who held heavy troops. And Liu Ye was not the only one. Zu Dashou, the general of Liaodong, had surrendered to Huang Taiji in the Battle of Dalinghe, but later escaped back. Chongzhen not only dared not punish him, but also promoted him to Left Grand Commander. Later, he summoned him to the capital to pay homage several times, but Zu Dashou hid in Jinzhou City and refused with various excuses. No matter who was the governor, no one dared to manage him. He was not subject to anyone's control. What could Chongzhen do to him?

Yang Sichang continued, “If Your Majesty wishes to relieve the predicament of the capital region and force the Tartars to withdraw their troops, military action is not the only option. You can send someone to secretly make contact and probe their intentions. If the Tartar Khan intends to negotiate peace, you can withdraw your troops through peace talks without losing a single soldier. As for the Tartar army in the northern Zhili region, you can order the prefectures and counties to remain inactive to avoid affecting the peace negotiations.”

Emperor Chongzhen was tempted. The idea of ​​forcing the Tartars to retreat without firing a single shot sounded wonderful. He currently lacked the funds to pay the border troops, and every time he mobilized troops to defend the capital, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Revenue, and the defending forces would argue over provisions and pay, which gave him a headache. If it was really as simple as Yang Sichang described, he might as well give it a try.

However, the proposal to negotiate peace with the Tartars would certainly be condemned by everyone. Emperor Chongzhen cherished his reputation and did not want to bear this infamy, so he hesitated for a long time without saying a word.

Yang Sichang, observing Chongzhen's conflicted state of mind, recommended a candidate: "Fang Yizao, the governor of Liaodong, is an old acquaintance of mine, and we share the same interests. He can send someone to Shenyang (the capital of the Later Jin Dynasty, Shengjing) to contact Huang Taiji."

Emperor Chongzhen asked in bewilderment, "Why not negotiate directly with the slave chieftain Ajige?"

“Ajige is only a prince, not even a prince or a banner lord. He can’t make this decision. Now the power of the Tartars is in the hands of the pseudo-Khan Huang Taiji. For such important matters, we can only talk to him.”

After much deliberation, Emperor Chongzhen decided that he could give it a try without having to intervene himself. He said, "You may write a letter and send it to Liaodong immediately. Instruct Fang Yizao to send someone to Shenyang. If Huang Taiji is willing to negotiate, first withdraw Ajige and others to relieve the siege of the capital." He specifically instructed Yang Sichang to write the letter in his private capacity, so that it would not be an order issued in the name of the court, but rather leave himself some leeway. If the matter were to be exposed, he could deny everything.

"My minister obeys."

Emperor Chongzhen was very pleased to see that Yang Sichang understood his thoughts. He had the ability to strategize and understand the emperor's intentions, and was of one mind with the emperor. Where could one find such an excellent minister? He promised, "You can first be reinstated as the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, and when the time is right, you can take up the post of Minister of War."

After this exchange of views, Chongzhen felt that Yang Sichang was far superior to Zhang Fengyi as Minister of War. However, although Zhang Fengyi was mediocre and incompetent, he had not made any major mistakes, and he had just volunteered to lead troops out of the capital. He could not be moved for the time being, and could only wait until the Tartars withdrew before trying to transfer him elsewhere to make room for Yang Sichang.

Yang Sichang humbly replied, "The position of this soldier is of paramount importance. I am unworthy and unqualified. I beg Your Majesty to select another capable person."

Emperor Chongzhen knew this was a humble excuse, and said firmly, "You need not decline. The position of soldier is rightfully yours."