Chapter 153: You Have to Bear the Fruit of Your Own Brewing
Everyone thought Zhang Shicheng would surrender.
Because the thing that Zhang Shicheng was most criticized for by the gentry was that he surrendered to the Yuan Dynasty when he shouldn't have, and then when he saw the decline of the Yuan Dynasty, he rebelled against the Yuan Dynasty and established himself as the emperor.
The nobles criticized Zhang Shicheng for his fickleness and his greed for profit. If it weren't for the even more annoying Zhu Yuanzhang, they would have criticized Zhang Shicheng long ago.
The Suzhou and Hangzhou gentry also said so.
Although they had previously boasted that Zhang Shicheng was "not bloodthirsty, good at accepting advice, punishing treacherous and evildoers, and frugal," the first point was true, but the last three were practically nonsense. But now that Zhang Shicheng had been defeated, they could vent their dissatisfaction.
Even Zhang Shicheng's younger brother Zhang Shixin thought that his elder brother would surrender, and was very proud of having given his elder brother a way out.
In another time and space, Zhu Yuanzhang first fought Zhang Shicheng, and only after pacifying Jiangsu and Zhejiang did he plan to go north and establish the Ming Dynasty.
Although Zhu Yuanzhang had defeated Chen Han at that time, his power was still relatively weak in the chaotic late Yuan Dynasty. When he attacked Zhang Shicheng, the outcome was still uncertain, so Zhang Shicheng's subordinates put up a very stubborn resistance.
The strategy adopted by Zhu Yuanzhang was similar to the current one, and progress was initially smooth. Within three months, he captured Huzhou, Hangzhou, and Jiaxing, wiped out Zhang Shicheng's forces in western Zhejiang, and only Pingjiang was left as an isolated city.
As a result, Zhang Shicheng defended the isolated city of Pingjiang for more than nine months, which became the most difficult siege battle Zhu Yuanzhang fought when he pacified the world.
You're asking about Yuan Dadu? Actually, in history, the emperor abandoned the city and fled as soon as Xu Da led the Northern Expedition Army to the city.
Therefore, the fact that Chen Biao captured Yuan Dadu in one day was not because Chen Biao was so powerful, but because the Yuan emperor was so powerful. If any other general of the Ming army had attacked Yuan Dadu, the outcome would have been the same.
In other words, Chen Biao actually took credit for the Yuan Dynasty emperor and got a great bargain.
In this time and space, Zhu Yuanzhang's conquest of the world went much more smoothly. He did not take Zhang Shicheng seriously. He first defeated the Yuan Dynasty in the Northern Expedition and established the Ming Dynasty. Only then did he leisurely attack Zhang Shicheng in the name of the emperor of the new dynasty.
Under the overwhelming pressure, Zhang Shicheng's subordinates surrendered as soon as they heard the news, and the will of the defenders in Pingjiang City was also shaken.
In another time and space, although Zhang Shicheng allowed Zhang Shixin and others to exploit the people, after he occupied Pingjiang, Pingjiang never encountered war again, and the people's lives were much better than those of refugees in the troubled times. Therefore, Zhang Shicheng had the support of the people.
Zhang Shicheng fought until he ran out of ammunition and food. His soldiers ate hay and rats to hold the last line and did not massacre the civilians.
Zhang Shicheng's tenacity and perseverance allowed him to regain his reputation as a hero at the last moment of his life, and he was remembered by the people of Pingjiang, now Suzhou.
But even Zhang Shicheng of that time and space, his final heroic highlight was stuck with a yellow, white, wet and soft thing called Zhang Shixin.
Zhang Shixin was the most powerful person in the Zhang-Wu faction besides Zhang Shicheng. When Zhang Shicheng led his troops into battle, Zhang Shixin would supervise the battle from the city gate.
Zhang Shicheng fought bloody battles, while Zhang Shixin lay on the throne high above the city gate and flirted with his concubine.
While ordinary soldiers under Zhang Shicheng ate rat hay, Zhang Shixin held a grand banquet at the city gate and had his concubines feed him fruit;
Zhang Shicheng desperately tried to defeat a leading general (referring to Chang Yuchun) so he could open the city gates and allow the defenders of Zhang and Wu to break out. However, Zhang Shicheng grew tired and, claiming the soldiers were tired, sounded the retreat signal. This threw Zhang Shicheng's formation into disarray, and he was killed by the general. From then on, Zhang Shicheng had no chance of breaking out, and all hope of survival was lost.
That time and that place are just like this time and this place.
Except for not opening the city gate, Zhang Shixin did the same thing in another time and space, and possibly in every parallel time and space.
But Zhang Shicheng still tolerated him, spoiled him, did not give him any punishment, and still let him guard the city gate.
In another time and space, the month when Pingjiang City was captured by the Ming army, Zhang Shixin finally got his retribution when half of his head was cut off by a cannonball.
At this time, Zhang Shixin saw that the world had fallen into the hands of Zhu Yuanzhang, so he opened the gate and surrendered. He saved his life, but also cut short Zhang Shicheng's last heroic moment.
The people of Pingjiang all knew that it was the King of Wu's incompetent brother who oppressed the people and opened the gate to welcome the Ming army into the city.
Maybe the King of Wu tacitly agreed!
Who made the King of Wu's brother do so many excessive things, and the King of Wu never punished him?
If Chen Biao knew about Zhang Shicheng's final heroic journey in another time and space, which was interrupted by Zhang Shixin, he would only sigh that he deserved it.
Zhang Shicheng allowed his brother to lose battles and sacrifice soldiers without punishing him, allowed his brother to oppress the people without punishing him, and allowed his brother to have the power to command the army at such a critical time when defending the city. It was really God who wanted to save him again and again that he was not killed.
But some people just refuse to change.
Chen Biao returned to Yingtian with a little melancholy. There was a crowd of people coming to the dock to pick him up. Upon closer inspection, he found that they were all parents of students in Peking.
Chen Biao felt a little embarrassed.
None of those students wanted to come back.
Tang He was also in the crowd. He glanced behind Chen Biao and asked, "Where's my little bastard?"
Chen Biao said: "The heart has become wild, and no one is willing to come back."
Tang He said angrily, "Are they afraid of getting beaten up when they come back? I know they've caused you a lot of trouble and even got into a fight with General Deng and General Zhao. How dare a bunch of little bastards who've never been to a battlefield quarrel with a general?"
Seeing that Tang He was genuinely angry, Chen Biao quickly advised, "They've already been punished. They know they're wrong."
"Admit your mistake? Can admitting your mistake verbally be considered admitting your mistake?!" another student's parent said angrily.
Only then did Chen Biao realize that the parents who came to pick him up did not have any expression of worry on their faces about their children not coming home for a long time, but each of them was holding a stick or whip.
Chen Biao finally understood why those students refused to come back. They were full of scholarly arrogance on the battlefield, but when they calmed down at night, they knew they would be beaten.
"The Grand Canal is very convenient, and the north is now stable. They refuse to come back, so why don't you go and visit them, Uncle Tang?" Chen Biao had no choice but to say.
Tang He nodded: "That makes sense. I'll ask the emperor to grant me a few days off. I'll go beat up my son and come back."
Chen Biao: “…Yeah.”
Uncle Tang's eldest son is the same age as his son, so why push him so hard? Parents of these students weren't so enthusiastic before.
What he didn't know was that the students' parents started to get excited because of him.
There are rumors that Chen Biao may be granted a title.
Even if it was the smallest title, looking at their naive, foolish and incompetent sons, they couldn't help but want to urge their sons to make greater progress.
Look at Chen Biao!
Chen Biao was not surrounded for long and was soon taken home to rest.
Although the Chen family had moved to Peking, they still kept their house in Yingtian, and someone was taking care of it from time to time.
Ma Xiuying had just made new clothes for her son and adopted sons, and Chen Biao and Chen Ying put on their new clothes as soon as they got home.
Ma Xiuying pulled Chen Ying aside and said, "Since you're back, I'd like to arrange a marriage for you."
Chen Ying: “…”
Chen Biao laughed and ran away, leaving the poor Yingge who was forced to marry alone in his mother's room, and went to play with his father.
Zhu Yuanzhang was practicing with a wooden sword in the training ground. He looked so serious, and no one knew what he was thinking.
"Dad!" Chen Biao shouted from a distance.
Zhu Yuanzhang threw away his wooden sword, wiped the sweat off his face, and smiled: "I'm back a little late. Did you run into any trouble?"
Chen Biao smiled and said, "No, I was just pulled aside by the students' elders to talk for a while."
Zhu Yuanzhang said, "That's good. Tell Dad if anyone makes things difficult for you."
Chen Biao said, "I am one of the founding heroes and the teacher of their sons. Who would be so stupid as to offend me? Dad, why did the emperor ask me to persuade Zhang Shicheng to surrender? Zhang Shicheng and I are not familiar with each other. I have only written a few letters, but he has not replied yet."
Zhu Yuanzhang was surprised. "Have you written him a letter?"
Chen Biao was puzzled: "I told you, you asked the emperor, and the emperor agreed."
Zhu Yuanzhang thought hard and it seemed that this happened, but he could not remember the specific details.
Since it wasn't a big deal, he just agreed and put the matter behind him.
Zhu Yuanzhang was curious: "What did you write?"
Chen Biao said, "I just want to expose Zhang Chang's conspiracy and tell him that he was tricked by the Yuan Dynasty. Could it be that he came to me this time to ask for my confirmation?"
Zhu Yuanzhang thought about it and sighed: "Maybe not. Are you curious about him?"
Chen Biao nodded. "Isn't he a salt trader? Salt and iron have been the lifeblood of our economy since ancient times. Since he's a salt trader, he might have some experience in producing and selling salt. I'd like to ask him. But he never replies."
Zhu Yuanzhang patted Chen Biao's head and said, "Then go ask him now. If the emperor doesn't want to surrender him, he won't surrender."
Chen Biao said calmly, "I think so. He probably thought that the damage to his reputation from surrendering once was enough, and he didn't want to surrender a second time."
For the stubborn Zhang Shicheng, it is surrender whether to abandon the dark and join the light or to abandon the light and join the dark. There is no difference.
Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Let's not talk about him anymore. You finally came back, so eat something good first. Where's your mother?"
Chen Biao smiled and said, "I'm urging Brother Ying to get married."
Zhu Yuanzhang laughed: "It's time for him to come here."
Chen Biao asked, "Where's Brother Zhong? Brother Ying is already on a blind date, so why hasn't my cousin-in-law given me any news yet?"
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "It has been decided, Wang Guangyang's niece."
Chen Biao thought for a long time before he remembered Wang Guangyang's name.
Wang Guangyang was a Jinshi (Jinshi) in the late Yuan Dynasty and had joined Zhu Yuanzhang very early. In terms of his status among the civil officials, he was only slightly lower than Li Shanchang.
However, several scholars from eastern Zhejiang who later defected to Zhu Yuanzhang gained his trust, but Wang Guangyang had been working in other places and was outside the core circle.
When Zhu Yuanzhang mentioned Wang Guangyang, he couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
As a senior civil official, Wang Guangyang didn't know Biao'er's identity yet. He didn't plan to tell Wang Guangyang in advance.
This is not because Wang Guangyang is unfaithful, nor because Wang Guangyang lacks talent, but because of Wang Guangyang's character... how should I put it, he is too inclined to go with the flow.
You say that Wang Guangyang is not serious and irresponsible, but he handles his own affairs in an orderly manner, comparable to the second Li Shanchang; you say that Wang Guangyang is serious and responsible, but he pretends to be ignorant of the illegal behavior of his colleagues and subordinates.
Chen Biao had dealt with Wang Guangyang several times and had complicated feelings towards him.
In the words of later generations, Wang Guangyang was a combination of an honest man and a veteran.
To say that he is honest is that Wang Guangyang has no bad intentions and does not fight for power. After finishing his own work, he goes home to drink and enjoy himself. To say that he is an experienced person is that he does not offend any of his colleagues. When asked about their affairs, he always says "I don't know".
Wang Guangyang has no ideals or ambitions, he can get along with both good and evil people, and he turns a blind eye to everything except himself. This kind of official is really a headache.
"Although Wang Guangyang is a difficult person to describe, he is honest and cautious, has no ambition, and comes from a family of scholars, so he shouldn't cause trouble for Wenzhong." Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Brother-in-law wants to find an honest man for Wenzhong. Your mother and I think Wenzhong should find someone who can read, and Wenzhong himself wants to find someone good-looking. After much deliberation, his niece seems to be the right one."
Chen Biao laughed. "As long as he looks good and doesn't cause trouble, Brother Zhong has no objection. But Wang Guangyang's personality dictates that he should be around virtuous people. If he were to be around treacherous officials, he would definitely cause trouble by shielding them."
Zhu Yuanzhang raised his eyebrows and said, "The emperor asked him to serve as Wang Xi's deputy, so don't worry."
Chen Biao was instantly relieved. Mr. Wang hated evil and Wang Guangyang would definitely not make any mistakes if he helped him.
However, it is really sad to think that Wang Guangyang's status among Zhu Yuanzhang's civil officials is second only to Li Shanchang, but now he is helping Wang Xi.
What is even more regrettable is that Wang Guangyang himself did not feel anything. He finished his official duties quickly every day, went home to drink and have fun with his wives and concubines, recited poems and painted, and was extremely happy.
This character that gave Zhu Yuanzhang a headache actually fits Li Zhen's requirements for the Yue family.
Chen Biao breathed a sigh of relief after knowing that the daughter-in-law that Li Wenzhong had been longing for had finally been found.
He was really worried that his brother Zhong would find out that Lian Ying had started to see his wife, and would be laughed at by Zheng, and would fight with Zheng again.
Chen Biao enjoyed a day sitting in the arms of his parents and watching Yingge being urged to get married, and then he went to see Zhang Shicheng with a pile of papers.
Zhang Shicheng was placed under house arrest in Yingtian. Apart from teaching his young son, he would sit in the courtyard and daydream.
He was only forty-seven years old, but his hair was already completely white, and he looked like a man in his sixties or seventies.
When Chen Biao, escorted by Chen Ying, arrived at the place where Zhang Shicheng was under house arrest, Zhang Shicheng was in a daze in the courtyard.
His dull gaze fell on Chen Biao, seeming a little bit unbelievable.
Chen Biao's height has gradually approached the height of teenagers of the same age, but he is young after all, and with the stubborn baby fat on his cheeks and skin that never tans, he looks too young.
Zhang Shicheng could not connect the young and immature rich boy in front of him with the young military strategist and marshal Chen Biao, who had an amazing military record in his memory.
Even Chen Biao's other identity, the teacher of many noble children in Yingtian, is completely inconsistent with Chen Biao's face.
"Chen Biao?" Zhang Shicheng asked.
Chen Biao urged, "Yes, it's me. Stop being dazed and hurry up. I have a lot to ask you!"
Zhang Shicheng said woodenly, "What are you asking me? My men are either dead or surrendered."
Chen Biao said, "Who asked you this? Do you remember the letter I wrote to you? I was asking you about the salt farmers and the salt administration! This is your main business. Don't tell me that after being a general for so many years, you have forgotten your main business."
Zhang Shicheng's face showed more expression: "Ask me this?"
Chen Biao asked, "What else?"
Zhang Shicheng said: "Persuade me to surrender, or mock me for being deceived."
Chen Biao said, "If you want to surrender, you will surrender even without persuasion. Otherwise, persuasion will be useless. You have been deceived... Uh, aren't you willing?"
Zhang Shicheng was breathing rapidly and almost fainted.
Chen Ying almost couldn't hold back her laughter.
His son Biaoer never scolds anyone, he just speaks the truth, but some people just can't stand Biaoer's honesty.
"Come in!" Zhang Shicheng said in a muffled voice, "Let me see what questions you can ask!"
"Okay!" Chen Biao happily jumped into Zhang Shicheng's study. His unstable appearance made Zhang Shicheng suspicious again.
Is this person really Chen Biao?
This person is really Chen Biao.
When Chen Biao brought out the questions he had prepared in advance and the reform measures for the salt administration that he had thought of, Zhang Shicheng was deeply touched.
He looked at Chen Biao deeply, and finally said nothing but answered Chen Biao's questions.
One day, two days, three days... For a full ten days, Zhang Shicheng met with Chen Biao every day to chat and discuss. His expression became lively, as if he had found hope for survival again.
Ten days later, Zhang Shicheng said, "That's all I know. There's nothing more I can tell you."
Chen Biao sighed: "Well... do you have any message you want me to convey to the emperor?"
Zhang Shicheng thought for a moment and asked, "Can my two young sons become your disciples?"
Chen Biao said, "I'll go back and ask! You, you don't die yet."
Zhang Shicheng smiled and said, "Yeah."
Chen Biao hurried back to write a memorial to Emperor Hongwu. Zhu Yuanzhang stretched his neck to take a look at the memorial written by Chen Biao, and went to see Zhang Shicheng that night.
Zhu Yuanzhang put his hands behind his back and asked, "Do you really want your son to be Biao'er's disciple?"
Zhang Shicheng asked, "Why, you won't let my son stay with your son?"
Zhu Yuanzhang raised his eyebrows: "How did you find out?"
Zhang Shicheng said, "The way you defend Chen Biao is very similar to how I defend Zhang Shixin. Unless you are a close relative, why would you go to so much trouble?"
Zhu Yuanzhang was furious: "Bullshit! Don't compare my son Biao'er with your stupid brother! I agree, if you want to die, then die. Just look at how my son Biao'er raised you so that he doesn't recognize you!"
Zhang Shicheng said, "That's fine, don't recognize me."
Don't follow my example either.
On the second day after Zhu Yuanzhang left, Zhang Shicheng said his last words to his wife Liu and two young sons, entrusted his wife and young sons to his old general who had surrendered to Zhu Yuanzhang, and then hanged himself to death. He was 47 years old.
Zhang Shixin was very sad and wanted to take his eldest sister-in-law and nephew back to his home.
He now inherited Zhang Shicheng's political assets, was granted the title of Earl, and owned a large house in Yingtian.
Zhang Shicheng wandered around for half his life. Only after he had firmly established himself as the leader of a local force in Pingjiang did he marry a young and beautiful wife. That is why his two sons were so young.
Zhang Shixin was very willing to take care of his sister-in-law on behalf of his elder brother.
Liu Shi seemed to have accepted her fate. She left her two young sons with Zhang Shicheng's former generals and went to live alone in Zhang Shicheng's home.
Zhang Shixin arranged a separate courtyard for Liu and said confidently, "Sister-in-law, if you need anything, just let me know!"
Liu, dressed in plain clothes, shook her head, tears streaming from the corners of her eyes, looking weak and pitiful: "Uncle, I don't need much, but I just want to ask you one thing."
Zhang Shixin said: "Sister-in-law, just ask!"
Liu raised her head and said, "Now that Shicheng is gone, how can you live in this world?"
She spoke in a soft voice as she moved towards Zhang Shixin.
Zhang Shixin thought his sister-in-law was throwing herself at him, so he opened his arms happily. But when he felt a pain in his chest, he realized what Liu was talking about.
When Zhang Shixin's servant heard the noise and entered the room, Liu was kneeling on the ground, stabbing the dagger in her hand into Zhang Shixin's dead body again and again, her expression calm and indifferent.
