On February 25, the second year of Taichang, Li Tiran, the North Korean Chaotian official (note 1), crossed the Yalu River and met with Yuan Chonghuan, the Liaodong governor, at the east gate of Kuandian. According to original history, Li Tiran, as the last emperor of Korea, arrived in the capital of the Ming Dynasty for the last time in the fifteenth year of Chongzhen.
After the fall of the Ming Dynasty, Li Tiran returned to North Korea.
In the fifth year of Shunzhi, he was forced to go on a diplomatic mission to China. At this time, the owner of the capital had become a Tatar with a money rat tail.
Li Tiran's identity also changed from Chao Angel to Yan Xingxing.
The change of title shows the hatred and dissatisfaction of Korean scholars towards the Manchus.
Li Tiran described China under the Manchu Qing in this way in "Journey to the Yantu":
"The heavens and the earth have changed positions, and China is in a state of turmoil. The customs of clothing and clothing in China have all entered the realm of beasts."
This Korean envoy who strictly abides by the distinction between Hua and Yi, when passing through ancient battlefields such as Songjin in Liaodong, saw that "the Ming army was exhausted among the weeds in the barren stream, with grievances lingering, the city collapsed, and the walls were defeated, and there was no hope." "
Not only that, when entering the Qing Dynasty, Li Tiran was not even willing to take a look at the Jurchens.
He refused to eat food that originated from the Qing Dynasty.
North Korean missions often set up fire racks along the road and use local materials to make simple meals.
Li Tiran said that after seeing the Tatar’s face, he felt nauseous and wanted to vomit in his heart... (Note 2)
But in this plane, this stubborn angel no longer has to bring his own food to make a fire to cook.
The thin and dark Yuan Chonghuan personally welcomed Li Tiran into the city and praised the Ming Dynasty clothes worn by the angel.
Li Tiran admired this southern official quite a lot.
Unlike other censors, Yuan Chonghuan was still a "skinny barbarian" when he first came to Liaodong, and within half a year he became a "fat barbarian".
"Barbarian" is a term used by northerners to ridicule southerners. From thin to fat, it actually means sucking the fat of the people to make themselves fatter.
Yuan Chonghuan welcomed Chao Angel into the city and rested at the Yamen of Bingbeidao. The two began to discuss the dispatch of troops in more than ten days.
"Yuan Ducha, Korea is a barren country. It was called a country of gentlemen in ancient times. There are incorruptible officials like you everywhere."
Li Tiran had some difficulty speaking in official Ming Dynasty, but fortunately Yuan Chonghuan didn't care, because he couldn't speak well either.
Yuan Chonghuan did not get close to the North Korean envoy and said straight to the point:
"So, aren't you going to provide food, grass and carriages?"
Li Tiran was dumbfounded, and after a while he said: "Right now Lord Lingyang has not fully taken control of the court situation, there is no food and grass, and the carriages can be handled by the army themselves."
Yuan Chonghuan just shook his head after hearing this. He knew that what Li Tiran said was the truth.
In fact, Yuan Chonghuan did not support this march into North Korea.
Thousands of men and horses were mobilized, countless money and food were spent, and many people in the court were eyeing Ping Liaohou. Exposing their own strength so early would be harmful rather than beneficial.
The most critical thing is that even if you control the barren land of North Korea, whether you station troops or immigrate, the gains outweigh the losses.
Rather than spending such a high price, it would be better to attack directly from Fushun Pass, fight the Hou Jin Army, sweep holes and plow the court, and capture Hetuala.
However, Marquis Pingliao had already given the order, and it was hard to say much. He immediately explained the doubts to the North Korean envoys and comforted them to carry out the coup in Seoul step by step. Marquis Pingliao was well prepared.
"Ping Liaohou is preparing food and fodder for the army these days. Please rest assured, envoy, the army will be ready to set off once the food and fodder are ready."
~~~
On the first day of March, Shenyang, Liaodong Province.
In the study of the governor's residence in Liaodong, Wang Huazhen personally led Kaiyuan's distinguished guests to the study in the inner hall.
There was a banquet in the study, with a pot of Jinhua wine on the table.
Wang Huazhen dismissed the idle people, leaving only a maid to serve beside him, which seemed private and solemn.
"Master Kang, please sit down." Wang Huazhen said politely to Kang Yingqian.
Kang Yingqian, who was wearing a third-grade golden pheasant patchwork robe, quickly declined humbly. He had just arrived from Kaiyuan, and this meal was regarded as a blessing from the governor.
"Governor Wang invites you first, don't break the court etiquette!"
Wang Huazhen stood next to him and said:
"Mr. Kang, you are honored to be the inspector, patrolling for the emperor, and now you are working under Ping Liao Hou. It is only a matter of time to reach a high position. I have been friends with Mr. Kang for many years. In the twenty-sixth year of Wanli, you and I are still the same Ke Jinshi, you don’t have to be commensurate with your official position in the future. Mr. Kang is a few years older than me, so I’ll call you Brother Kang, how about that?”
Kang Yingqian felt proud, knowing that he had made the right move by joining Liu Zhaosun. In Liaodong, even the governor had to give him some face.
I thought so in my heart, but I didn't even dare to say that I had to let Wang Huazhen sit first.
The two of them were polite like this for a long time. The maid next to her yawned. Wang Huazhen was a little embarrassed and finally sat down first.
As soon as he sat down, Wang Huazhen got down to the topic and said with a smile:
"I heard that Marquis Pingliao recovered Kuandian, Qinghe, and Fushun, and personally led his troops to quell the foreign rebellion last month. In this way, northern Liaoning can sit back and relax. In the future, Marquis Pingliao can better share the worries of our emperor in Liaodong. I I congratulate Marquis Ping Liao on this great achievement!"
After saying that, Wang Huazhen raised his glass and drank it in one gulp.
Kang Yingqian had a drink with him. He felt proud of the spring breeze. He used his sleeves to cover it up and glanced at the concubine with his peripheral vision. He felt that this girl was quite pretty, and the vajra powder in his sleeves was shaking slightly.
He put down his wine glass, clapped his hands, and two servants behind him carried a heavy wooden box.
When he opened it, he found a layer of silver ingots in white flowers, which amounted to thousands of taels. There were also layers of Dongzhu and ginseng scattered around, which were estimated to be worth several thousand taels of silver.
The concubine next to her saw it, her eyes brightened, and she moved forward involuntarily.
Wang Huazhen pretended to be surprised and said, "Brother Kang, what do you mean?"
Kang Yingqian stroked his beard and said with a smile:
"Marquis Ping Liao is aware of Mr. Wang's feelings towards Kai Yuan. However, because of Kai Yuan's outstanding military achievements, it is inevitable that some traitors in the court will be jealous. Ping Liao Hou often said that in the past half year, he has been inspecting land in northern Liaoning and accepting slaves from Jianyuan. Most of the success is due to the care of several adults in Shenyang. The Marquis of Pingliao often said that Pingliao has not yet succeeded, and we still need to work hard. There are still foreign invasions in southern Liaoning and western Liaoning. In the future, things in Liaodong will still be We have to rely on Lord Wang to take care of us. If Lord Wang needs help from the Kaiyuan Army, just ask, and Marquis Pingliao will treat it as Kaiyuan's matter and help you."
"These gifts are a token of Marquis Ping Liao's kindness. He asked me to bring them to Shenyang. You must accept them!"
Wang Huazhen looked at the gift of several thousand taels of silver in front of him, knowing that Liu Zhaosun must have something to ask for his cooperation, so he understood and smiled at Kang Yingqian.
"What Marquis Ping Liao said is that Liaodong is dangerous. Since we are both officials here, we should take care of each other. If Mr. Kang needs help in the future, it can be said in one sentence. We are classmates in the 26th year of Wanli. Jinshi······”
The two looked at each other and smiled, clinking their two wine glasses together.
Kang Yingqian finished his drink and saw Wang Huazhen looking at him expectantly. He turned back and glanced at the maid again. Wang Huazhen quickly waved Jin'er to leave.
"To be honest, Marquis Pingliao asked me to come over this time. He really needs help from Brother Wang for something."
Wang Huazhen quickly put down her chopsticks and listened attentively to Kang Yingqian's words.
"Jiannu sent troops to North Korea and plundered various counties. Lord Guanghai fled to Kuandian and begged for help. Marquis Pingliao couldn't bear the loss of life in the small country and decided to send troops to help."
Wang Huazhen nodded repeatedly and listened to what Kang Yingqian continued. After all, he had led troops in prefectures and counties and had some knowledge of military matters. This time, Houjin suffered tens of thousands of casualties and his vitality was severely damaged. He was almost crippled by Liu Zhaosun. It was impossible for him to return in a short period of time. Launch an attack, let alone bypass most of Liaodong and attack North Korea.
"What Marquis Ping Liao means is that Lord Wang should report to the Emperor and the Ministry of War truthfully about this situation, and at the same time request the imperial court to send troops early to wipe out the slaves, so that North Korea can feel at ease."
When Wang Huazhen heard this, he probably knew Liu Zhaosun's purpose, which was to take advantage of the opportunity to intervene in North Korea.
Based on his understanding of the court, it was impossible to send troops to reinforce the court at this time. In the end, he could only send the original army to pursue Jiannu.
"This matter is not difficult. Don't worry, Mr. Kang. I will draft a memorial today and submit it to the emperor. I will explain the situation of Korea to the emperor and urge the imperial court to send troops immediately."
Wang Huazhen noticed the smile on Kang Yingqian's face, leaned to his ear, pointed at the maid Jin'er, and said with a evil smile:
"Last year, I went to the Qinhuai River to deeply understand the sentiments of the people. I met this thin horse from Yangzhou. He is handsome and proficient in Kun Opera. His skills in bed are also... sent to Brother Kang to warm his bed!"
Kang Yingqian felt itchy to be told that, he stared at the maid without blinking, and said with a serious face:
"Brother Wang spent a lot of money to buy this skinny horse. How can a brother win someone's love? Besides, I am usually not a womanizer."
Wang Huazhen teased:
"Master Kang has been with Marquis Pingliao for a long time, and has become Liu Xiahui? Have you forgotten that you and I traveled to Qinhuai during the day, drank too much during the day, and lay drunk among flowers? How romantic! If Brother Kang doesn't like this girl, just let her go. !”
After hearing this, Kang Yingqian stood up quickly and said anxiously: "Master Wang, please wait!"
······
Under the influence of fellow villagers' friendship, which mainly consisted of money, Governor Wang followed the wishes of his fellow villagers and sent several memorials to the Ministry of War and the emperor overnight.
In the memorial, Wang Huazhen reported that the new slave chief Huang Taiji led 30,000 Jin troops southward, detoured to Kuandian, crossed the Yalu River, and entered Xinuiju, North Korea to plunder. The King of North Korea requested Liao Town to send troops for support.
At the end of the memorial, Governor Wang did not forget to say a set of truths.
Although it doesn't sound nutritious, he has made his attitude clear: he suggests that the imperial court immediately send troops to rescue this troubled little brother in the east.
What left Wang Huazhen speechless was that before the memorial was sent out of Liaodong, let alone the dispatch order from the Ministry of War, Marquis Pingliao had already led his troops.
Liu's reason for recruiting Sun was also very good: the military situation was urgent.
There are only two roads from North Korea to the capital. The sea tribute road is dangerous and dangerous, and ships are often sunk.
The land route has been controlled by the Kaiyuan Army, and all official roads from Kuandian to Shenyang are guarded night and day.
In other words, the communication between the capital and North Korea was completely severed.
When Lord Gwanghae stepped down and the new king ascended the throne, as long as a reasonable reason was given, the court would only hold its nose and admit the reality.
After all, this is not the first time that this kind of thing has happened in the history of tribute between the Ming Dynasty and North Korea.
~~~~
On the first day of March, Liu Zhaosun took his beloved wife to his father-in-law's house.
Deng Changxiong, Qi Jin, Qiao Yiqi, Song Yingxing and others accompanied him.
Mao Yuanyi, Qin Jianxun, Kang Yingqian, Wang Erhu and others stayed in Kaiyuan.
When Liu Zhaosun went to his father-in-law's house, of course he took more than just these people with him.
There are two thousand headquarters with one thousand soldiers, and two thousand recruits trained by Qi Jin, for a total of three thousand elite soldiers.
In addition, there are 600 fine cavalry under Buerhanggu's command.
Such a luxurious combination should leave a deep impression on Jin Yuji's family.
It is a pity that North Korea Miji's parents are no longer alive, and several relatives who were mean-spirited also died somewhere.
Marquis Pingliao was full of expectations for his trip to North Korea.
To sum up, when he went to North Korea, he only did three things:
1. Touring the mountains and rivers with Jin Yuji 2. Touring the mountains and rivers with Xu Xiake 3. Touring the mountains and rivers with Ling Yangjun
Of course, for a workaholic like Liu Zhaosun, only being with his wife is the real travel experience.
After the bloody battle in Hunhe, the Kaiyuan Cavalry Battalion gradually expanded to five hundred cavalry. Although the wall-mounted charge training has not yet been completed, these new cavalry are more than enough to deal with ordinary dog fights. The total number of Kaiyuan cavalry has reached 1,200.
More than 5,000 horses were captured in the bloody battle of Hunhe River, and with Mangui's gift, more than 2,000 of them could be used as war horses. It is expected that the cavalry will exceed 3,000 people this year. Ping Liaohou will recruit new cavalry generals and divide the 3,000 cavalry into three battalions to continue to strengthen his cavalry strength.
The army rushed to Kuandian first, and after resting in Kuandian, they immediately crossed the river.
Liu Zhaosun has been to Kuandian three times and is very familiar with the road conditions. It can be said that he is familiar with the road.
Entering Kuandian territory, the terrain rises and the road gradually becomes rough and bumpy.
Ping Liaohou led the horse and walked slowly among the steep cliffs.
Next to it, under a hundred feet, is the Muddy River, which is swollen during the spring flood. From time to time, the bodies of one or two cattle, horses and livestock float on the muddy river surface.
"Team Jin is on duty, be careful of the horse's hooves slipping. There are pits in the earth and rocks ahead."
Liu Zhaosun and his wife agreed that they would only see each other with military courtesy and not get too close.
Jin Yuji agreed, shortened the reins, and carefully avoided the sunken hole.
Last time we went to Kuandian, Burhanggu lost a cavalryman here.
The mountain road gradually became gentle, and everyone let out a long sigh.
They stayed out all night to scout around, and three thousand soldiers rested in the river valley. The cavalrymen untied their reins and fed their horses some hay.
The Hunjiang River rolls eastward, beating away rocks and snow.
There was an eagle chirp in the sky, and in March in the Hunjiang River, it was not yet the weather where grass grows in the south of the Yangtze River and warblers fly.
The sky in Liaodong is vast, but it has a unique style that makes people feel heroic.
Jin Yuji led the horse and walked behind Liu Zhaosun. The two climbed up the slope, tied the horse to a small tree, and looked eastward. Guards stood guarding the slopes.
The Hun River originates from northern Liaoning, meanders, rushes southward, and finally merges into the Yalu River on the border of the Ming Dynasty.
"Husband."
The closer to the Yalu River, the more anxious Jin Yuji became.
"Somehow, I feel like my heart is in turmoil."
Liu Zhaosun said with a smile: "Are you more timid when you are close to your hometown?"
After that, he took off his coconut scoop, handed it to Jin Yuji, and asked her to take a sip.
"The purpose of bringing you back to your parents' home this time is to let everyone in North Korea know that your husband is the Marquis of Pingliao. No one will dare to bully you in the future."
Note:
(1) Chaotian officials, North Korean envoy officials, whose main responsibility is to absorb the knowledge of the Ming Dynasty and introduce the laws and regulations of the Ming Dynasty in order to "bring barbarians into Xia". ("Records of the Joseon Dynasty"
(2) Li Tiran's "Sang Peng Lu"
Lewen
