Ashes

The ceremony of accepting the surrender was very solemn. For this result, Huang Taiji, who had besieged the city for nearly three months, was very satisfied. At the banquet, Huang Taiji also generously presented many jewels and furs to Zu Dashou.

In the middle of the meeting, Zu Dashou proposed to pretend to return to Jinzhou, cooperate with the Jin army inside and outside, and win Jinzhou in one go.

Because of Dorgon's previous words, everyone couldn't help showing weird expressions.

But Huang Taiji seemed very eager, praised him for his good intentions, and kept asking how to implement the specific plan.

"You don't really believe in Zu Dashou, do you?" Dorgon said to Huang Taiji after everyone left after the banquet.

"What do you think?" Huang Taiji smiled slightly.

"But you really sent Seventh Brother to meet him. If you let him go like this, he won't come back in all likelihood."

"If his heart is not here, let him go." Huang Taiji's eyes turned around Dorgon's face, "Do you think I treat Zu Dashou too preferentially?"

"I don't care what other people think of you. I don't think you are such a credulous person. He is clearly playing with you. If you take it seriously, you will be laughed at, saying that I, the Great Golden Khan, was a little girl from the Ming Dynasty. The little general is teasing."

Huang Taiji's smile suddenly widened: "Can I take this as you care about me?"

"I just don't want Dajin to lose face." Dorgon poured cold water on his face.

Huang Taiji smiled and stopped asking: "I have always believed that those who obey me will prosper and those who oppose me will perish, but I also believe that the smallest price is exchanged for the greatest benefit. Winning the ancestor's birthday is my sacrifice. Invincible, but not everything in this world can be resolved by force, maybe the result looks the same on the surface, but it is actually different in people's hearts."

"So you think that with the example of Zu Dashou first, other defenders would willingly surrender?"

"At least they will feel that surrender is also a way to survive."

"Is this to reduce killing?"

The corner of Huang Taiji's mouth twitched: "It doesn't need to be so noble, obedient people are better than mobs."

Dorgon thought about it, but didn't answer immediately.The memory of the massacre after entering the customs was still fresh in the siege of the city. For a person who holds the power of life and death in his hands, it is not easy to control the desire to slaughter. After all, this Is the most simple and direct way.

"By the way, Zu Dashou said that someone would pretend to be the Ming army to meet him. You really don't want to go with Lao Qi?"

"No, it must be a lie, I don't want to waste this time." Dorgon frowned, even if he knew the purpose of Zu Dashou, he still didn't want to be fooled by him for nothing.

Huang Taiji thought he was being lazy, so he didn't force it.

Sure enough, Zu Dashou was gone and never returned, leaving everyone behind. Once he returned to Jinzhou, there was no reply.A few days later, another letter was sent, saying that the city was heavily guarded and could not do anything, and the plan had failed.

Huang Taiji laughed it off, and immediately ordered the teacher to return in triumph.

Huang Taiji won a complete victory in the Battle of Dalinghe, and completely wiped out the elite of the Ming Dynasty outside the pass, and it was also the most valiant army.The Ming court began to blame each other for this failure again. In the end, Sun Chengzong was so tired that he was forced to step down again on the grounds of old age and illness.

Back in Shenyang, there is another important thing to deal with, and that is Mangurtai.

Zhu Baylor, headed by Daishan, discussed the death penalty again, and was later dismissed by Huang Taiji.Now Daishan has become the only remaining big Baylor.

It was almost time for New Year's Day greetings, and Li Bolong, the Ministry of Rites, made a memorial, saying that when all the ministers held the court greetings, regardless of their official positions, they should set a discretionary etiquette system.

As soon as Dorgon heard it, he understood that this clearly meant something, and he was targeting Dai Shan and Mang Gurtai. Looking at Sahalian, who was in charge of the Ministry of Rites, he only saw him smiling, with a firm expression on his face. There was some discussion, maybe it was Huang Taiji's secret instruction.

Li Bolong made a long speech: "The sages have said that they are good at governing the people. Although our country has become a big country that can compete with the Ming Dynasty, the laws and regulations are somewhat neglected. Whether it is discussing or congratulating, many people are disrespectful." He is humble, relying on some minor merits to ignore the law and etiquette, and to speak unscrupulously, which will not only damage the state, but also insult the reputation of the Great Khan. If everyone can follow the etiquette and follow the rules, there will be no more acts of rebellion. Therefore, I think, Because the corresponding system was formulated in time to restrain behavior, if the omissions are not repaired in time, it may become a serious disaster for the country."

Huang Taiji said leisurely: "Is it that serious? My Dajin doesn't have this set of red tape, so won't I also win the battle?"

"Rites prosper, the masses govern, rituals abolish, and the masses cause disorder. The order of the elders and the younger, and the difference between the superior and the inferior, can lead to long-term peace and stability, and the country will last forever. Please think about it."

Dorgon wanted to laugh while listening patiently, as expected, some older people were getting impatient, and for those illiterate people, he probably couldn't understand what he said.Monarchs, ministers, fathers and sons, the Han people are the most important etiquette, sometimes a trivial matter stained with etiquette, it will turn into a big event, the Ming court has a precedent, Sahalian asked him to come out and play, and he found the right way people.

But there is one thing that most people can understand. He repeatedly hinted that Mangurtai was a typical example of disrespecting etiquette.Mangurtai himself also realized that the spearhead was pointed at him, and he was already on pins and needles at the moment.

Jierhalang was the first to respond: "Li's participation in politics makes sense. The Great Khan has been on the throne for many years, and he has devoted all his energy to prospering my Dajin. Now it is indeed time to govern the country with courtesy."

The rest of the people heard the words and catered one after another.

Li Bolong said again: "I think that Manggur Taibele has been removed from the title of Dabeile because of the crime of rebellion. It is really inappropriate to accept the congratulations of all the officials together with the Great Khan." He is a smart man, he knows that today he has The opportunity to stand here and make a speech is to let him say this sentence.

When Mang Gurtai heard this, he immediately stood up and bowed to Huang Taiji, "I also think it's against the rules to sit with Da Khan, please arrange your seat again."

"Fifth brother, you sit first." Huang Taiji smiled innocently, and said to the crowd, "Mang Gurtai has always sat with me, and suddenly changed the seat. Other countries think that there is a conflict within our country, and I am afraid it will have a bad effect."

Dai Shan couldn't sit still, and stood up and said, "Actually, since we respect the Great Khan, it is unreasonable to sit with the Great Khan. It makes other countries look suspicious, and I am also very disturbed. Li Canzheng said It is reasonable to put etiquette first, which is the right way. I suggest that in the future, the Great Khan sits in the middle facing the south, which is already distinguished. Mang Gurtai and I will sit on both sides of the Great Khan, and the other Mongolian Baylors will sit at the bottom. This would be good ?” Over the years, Daishan’s tactful skills have been cultivated to perfection. I don’t know if it’s because he’s getting older and the edges and corners have been smoothed, or because he sees the power of Huang Taiji and he really obeys.But one thing is for sure, there are precedents of Amin and Mang Gurtai, he doesn't want to be kicked out of the position of Big Baylor by Huang Taiji, while he still holds the two red flags, he finds a step down by himself, at least on the surface it is still very difficult. bright.

Huang Taiji smiled lightly and heaved a sigh of relief. The result was even more perfect than he imagined. He had been waiting for this day for a long time.

These three people suppressed him for five years. He had to discuss with them on any important matters, and he had to listen to their noises, so the things he wanted to do couldn't be carried out smoothly.The co-governance system established by Nurhaci was completely broken. The six ministries had been established, and the power was already in hand. The Eight Banners Army had expanded from the Manchurian Eight Banners to include the Mongolian Eight Banners. monarch.

The new year is here, and Shenyang is as lively as in previous years, and there is an endless stream of Mongolian Baylors, starting from the end of the previous year.

Huang Taiji led all the Baylors to worship the gods to worship the gods, accepted everyone's prostration, and hosted a banquet for the Baylor ministers the next day.

At the banquet, Huang Taiji was very happy. I don't know if it was because of the fulfillment of his wish for many years, he persuaded each other to drink with Daishan.

Dorgon also drank a lot, and when he went out to relieve himself, he even walked in vain.

Outside the house, when the cold wind blew, Dorgon shivered and shivered. Just as he was about to rush back to the banquet, he ran into Huang Taiji around the corner.

Huang Taiji asked the attendants to retreat, and waved to Dorgon: "Come here, don't stand in the wind, be careful of catching cold."

It seemed that Huang Taiji was very sober, but as soon as he took a step, his body shook, obviously he was dizzy from drinking.Dorgon hurriedly stepped forward to help him walk a few steps, and stood in a shelter from the wind.

Huang Taiji rubbed his temples, trying to stay awake, he didn't drink alcohol often on weekdays, today was an exception.

"You're drunk, don't go back to the table for a while, just go to sleep." Dorgon helped him to the side and sat down.

"Can I still talk to you when I'm drunk?" Although he was dizzy, Huang Taiji's thoughts were still very clear: "When will you come to see me the New Year ceremony?"

"The three of us brothers catch up early, so we will be on the fourth day, so we don't have to squeeze with other Baylors."

Huang Taiji nodded indiscriminately.

Dorgon said: "I heard that you returned the Niu Lu that was fined to Mang Gurtai?"

"Yes, he is still an elder brother after all, and I can't go too far."

Dorgon's gaze turned cold, no matter whether it was Huang Taiji's real reassurance for him, or a momentary comfort to him, Dorgon had lost his patience.He clearly remembered that it was Mang Gurtai who pounced on him and tried to strangle his mother-in-law, so not only did Mang Gurtai deserve to die, but he was also ruined.

"How does it feel to monopolize power?" Dorgon said quietly.

"It's as if the roof over my head has been lifted, and the sea and the sky are open. It's really happy."

Dorgon's thoughts drifted away, the feeling of monopolizing the power and holding the universe in his hands was indeed incomparable to anything, and he was almost able to do it, but he still had the little boy Shunzhi on his head.

Just as he was thinking, Huang Taiji suddenly leaned over, and before Dorgon could react, he kissed his lips, like a dragonfly touching water, he left with a touch, but left a fiery temperature.When Dorgon regained his senses and took a step back, Huang Taiji had already returned to his original position.

"It's New Year's Eve, there must be some special gifts." After successfully attacking, Huang Taiji smiled triumphantly.

Dorgon was speechless, subconsciously licked his lips.

Huang Taiji still kept smiling, but what he said was completely opposite to the smile: "Dorgon, do you really want to kill me?"

When Dorgon looked up, he thought he was drunk, but he didn't expect to speak so sharply. "What did you say?" Dorgon avoided his question.

"If you don't want to kill me, why did you ask Mangurtai just now?"

Even when he was drunk, he was still so shrewd, he could figure out his own thoughts with a casual word.

"Actually, I've been thinking a lot recently." Huang Taiji said again, "You didn't agree to me, and you rejected me inexplicably, just thinking about killing me behind my back one day, right? Others think you are obedient, but you have been talking to me all the time. I am hypocritical, are you waiting for an opportunity? To make a big event, you need an opportunity, be patient, even if you wait ten or 20 years, when the opportunity comes, you will be killed with one blow. Over the years, in fact, you have never Never let go."

Dorgon remained silent.

"Am I right? You are really becoming more and more dangerous. You don't show your teeth and claws like you did when you were a child. You also know to give me some hope and make me hesitate. In fact, I should really find a fault and deal with you now. In order not to be bitten by you in the future."

"Then why don't you do it, Mangurtai is just a doll in your hands, you can do it anytime, anywhere if you want to."

"How can Manggurtai compare with you? You are much better than him."

"I can't compare to his power."

"But I don't want to." Under the moonlit night, Huang Taiji's smile was bright, and he used his fingers to measure a very small distance, "Because what you said really gave me a little hope, like a ray of light in the dark. It made me happy, so I couldn't do anything about it."

Dorgon stood in the shadows, motionless, without any expression.

"Can you reveal something, is there really hope?" Huang Taiji asked.

"You're really drunk."

Huang Taiji looked into the darkness, eager to find clues on his face, but found nothing in the end.

"It seems that I'm really drunk, I shouldn't tell you these things." Huang Taiji stood up unsteadily while supporting the pillar, "Go tell them to let them play by themselves, I'm a little sleepy, I won't go back."

"I'll call someone to help you back."

Before he finished speaking, Huang Taiji had already walked away step by step. Dorgon stayed where he was, and didn't step forward to help him, watching him slowly walk away.