Yes, a sin of immorality.
Zhang Yicheng was struck by lightning purely because he did not practice "virtue". What does this have to do with the imperial court?
During the court meeting, an official from the Metropolitan Procuratorate presented evidence of how Zhang Yicheng had done all kinds of bad things to his neighbors and the common people; some even loudly accused Zhang Yicheng of being a bastard. Colluded with gangsters, molested women and bullied pregnant women, even sows.
Qianlong knew very well why officials in the DPRK poured "dirty water" on Zhang Yicheng. As for the virtues of the officials under him, he also understands. If possible, Qianlong was not willing to offend a general who died for his loyalty to the court. After all, this would chill the hearts of many people who worked for the court.
However, it’s the lesser of two evils. Now the rebels are using the incident of Zhang Yicheng being struck by lightning to spread the word that the imperial court is immoral and has been abandoned by heaven. If the court cannot find a reasonable explanation to counterattack, as people say, three people can become a tiger.
Compared with the righteousness of the court, even if Qianlong is unwilling, Zhang Yicheng must become the scapegoat of the court.
Zhang Yicheng did not practice virtue and ignored the emperor's kindness. His sins were so heinous that he was struck by lightning as a punishment from heaven. His family should have been demoted to slavery and exiled to Ningguta.
However, even though he had committed a serious crime, the Holy Emperor cared about his loyalty to the court. Therefore, the merits and demerits are equal to each other, and no other treatment is performed.
In the twenty-first year of Qianlong's reign, it was the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The autumn wind rustled, and tall trees stood deep in the courtyard. A breeze blew by, and a few old yellow leaves fell from the high branches, making those standing in the courtyard enjoying the scenery feel the desolation of autumn.
"My lord, are you here?" Su Yunting walked over slowly, bowed and saluted and asked,
"Oh, it's Yunting! What do you want from me?" Fu Heng, who was watching the fallen leaves, turned around and said.
"Your Excellency, the magistrate of Wuhu and other officials have prepared a banquet with local characteristics. I respectfully invite you to come and have a meal." Su Yunting replied slowly.
"I know, come with me!" After Fu Heng said that, he didn't look at the scenery in front of him any more and walked away.
"Yes, the student has thanked the Duke." Su Yunting bowed and thanked him, and then followed Fu Heng leisurely.
After the defeat in the battle of Jiujiang, the bandit suppressing army followed them all the way. The Qing army led by Fu Heng retreated while fighting. A group of troops retreated from Chizhou to Tongling, and then retreated from Tongling to today's Wuhu.
Retreating all the way from Jiangxi to Wuhu, Fu Heng had no other thoughts at all. He only thought about waiting in Wuhu for the imperial court's decree on guilt. After all, Jiujiang was defeated. No matter what the reason was, it would be difficult for him to escape his guilt as the coach. Unexpectedly, the imperial court issued a decree to "take advantage of the crime and make meritorious service".
Your kindness is so great, how can you not make Fu Heng burst into tears with gratitude?
As a result, Fu Heng, who was originally frustrated, regained his fighting spirit again. If this time he still couldn't give the court a good result, even if Qianlong maintained it, Fu Heng would still be responsible.
Before the imperial decree arrived, all the officials and gentry in Wuhu kept Fu Heng at arm's length. Now, according to the decree of the imperial court, these people all look different.
Since ancient times, there have always been fewer people who provide help in times of need, and more people who are the icing on the cake. how so?
Nothing but profit.
Just like Fu Heng went to their banquet. It's not that Fu Heng thinks highly of them, it's just that in their territory, there are many things where they can be used.
Fu Heng always comes from defeat, not from victory. They were even more needed to help raise money, food and troops, so Fu Heng had to lower his status to meet them and even get some benefits.
Anhui, Chizhou Prefecture
Tongling is located on the south bank of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Water conservancy and transportation facilitate transportation.
"Bang..."
"Bang...bang..."
On the Tongling city wall, the sound of artillery bombing the city wall continued to be heard. At this time, it was the bandit suppression army that was besieging Tongling County.
Tongling is only a small county located on the Yangtze River. The upper levels of the bandit suppression army have already issued orders to capture Tongling within one day. Therefore, the war was extremely fierce from the beginning.
"...bang...bang...bang..."
On the tall siege tower, smoke instantly filled the air. The sounds of volleys of gunfire were heard in turn, forming waves of echoes in the open land.
As soon as they came up, ammunition poured in. The Qing soldiers defending the city in Tongling City had never seen such a formation. They were finally defeated by the officials and gentry in the city with money. They were determined to defend the city and were completely wiped out in less than half a cup of tea. The bandit army was defeated.
The wall of Tongling where the main force of the bandit suppression army attacked was covered with artillery fire and bullets. Broken limbs and mutilated bodies on the city wall road were covered with bloody corpses all along the defensive city wall road. Blood flowed from the city wall road and dyed the entire city wall red.
It was like a hell-like scene on earth, and all the soldiers guarding the city were frightened, fearing that they would die in the next moment. It would be better if he could die all at once, but he would be slowly tortured to death on the city wall road with broken arms and legs.
Money is good, but you have to have a life to get it. The Qing soldiers guarding the city all retreated to the towers or hid directly under the city.
"Dong...dong dong..."
The war drums sounded, and it was time to officially climb the wall and attack.
"Kill..."
Loud shouts resounded across the sky.
"Go up, the rebels are coming, go up and defend the city." Tongling City guard You Shifu held a knife in his hand and led his soldiers to clear out the city defenders who were hiding under the city wall.
"ah…"
At this time, a Qing soldier who was hit by a mini bomb screamed and fell from the top of the city. It fell to the ground in front of Youshi's eyes, twitching a few times and then passed away.
"...bang...bang...bang..."
Volleys of gunfire were still ringing through the sky in turn, and the shouts of killing outside the city gate were getting closer and closer.
The soldiers beside You Shi all held the handles of their swords nervously. If possible, they hope that You Shiyi can lead everyone to surrender.
It's not that they are pessimistic. Anyone with any sense understands that under such fierce fire from the rebels, it is absolutely impossible for them to win this war.
"Wang Zhuang, what's wrong? Are you scared? Didn't you say that the monkeys from Guangdong and Guangxi came to kill one, or two to kill a pair?" You Shiyi looked back at the soldier behind him and said jokingly.
"My lord, you are joking. How can I take notice of the skinny monkeys from Guangdong and Guangxi? It's just that their 'firecrackers' are a bit too loud and I'm not used to it. If they dare to come over, I will teach them how to behave." ." The guard named Wang Zhuang said with courage.
"Haha... Okay. With warriors like this, there is no need to worry about the rebels being wiped out. When the rebels are suppressed, I will personally ask for credit for you and let you become officials. When the time comes, you will need money and women. "You Shiyi encouraged loudly.
"My subordinate (little man) has thanked Lord Guard and is willing to die for Lord Guard." After hearing this, the soldiers knelt down and thanked him.
