After sending Zhou Peigong away, Li Laiheng finally had the opportunity to ask Deng Ming a question: "The Admiral really plans to ask Zhang Changgeng for six million taels of silver?" ”

"Of course not, I'm asking for a lot of money." Deng Ming smiled, and then asked: "If we agree to the condition of 500,000 taels, can Zhang Changgeng give it to us honestly?" ”

After Li Laiheng heard that there was such a large amount of ransom money just now, although he was very excited, he was also very worried about how to get it.

"If we agree to the condition of 500,000 taels, Zhang Changgeng will definitely ask us to withdraw first, and then give it. After the army was discharged, he would say that we had not returned cleanly, so he still did not give it, and when we had completely withdrawn, he would not have to give it, and he did not get the last two pieces of silver, and delayed us in collecting grain and grass. Deng Ming analyzed. He never had the slightest confidence in the credibility of officials: "If we promise too much, the other side will see that we actually have no ability to attack the city, at least not in the short term, and they will have more confidence in negotiations, and they will press forward step by step, constantly putting forward new conditions." ”

"So let them pay the deposit upfront." Li Laiheng suddenly realized: "We can't stop fighting immediately, but continue to fight until the other side agrees to our request." ”

"Although we will not insist on fighting until the other party meets our conditions, we must make the other party think that we will do this, and it is possible to get the silver......" Deng Ming did not play tricks on his own people, he explained to Li Laiheng very seriously: "...... It's like hanging a carrot in front of a donkey's eyes, and the donkey keeps running, but he never gets it. If we cease fire first and wait for them to send the money, then we will be the donkey; If they send a deposit first and wait for us to withdraw from the army, then Zhang Changgeng will be the donkey. ”

"The last general will build siege weapons!" Li Lai stood up with great strength, intending to strengthen the deterrence of Wuchang.

"Don't worry," Deng Ming hurriedly stopped Li Laiheng: "It's not too late to build it tomorrow." If they don't bring the money tomorrow, we can scare them for two more days and make them think that we are about to attack the city. ”

"What if they don't send the money in two days?" Lee Rae-hyung asked.

"Then it's up to Zhang Changgeng to see if he dares to bet that we won't attack Hanyang or Hanyang." Deng Ming felt that since the other party had already sent an envoy, it meant that Zhang Changgeng was already under a lot of pressure and was close to the threshold of collapse, and if he put some more pressure on him, he might succeed: "If Zhang Changgeng still wants to gamble with his life and career in the end to rescue the silver of the Guang Domain of Yuting Lake, we will collect grain and grass near Hanyang, anyway, that's what we planned when we came." ”

Li Laiheng hesitated for a moment. This time, Zhang Changgeng sent an envoy to make the Ming army realize the weakness of Wuchang, although it had a naval division and a lot of defenders, but the commander of the Qing court obviously did not have the confidence to hold Wuchang. Li Laiheng said: "Otherwise, let's take a look at Hanyang, and if we can capture it lightly, then try Wuchang." ”

Deng Ming disagreed, he knew that Li Laiheng was poor, and the temptation of these hundreds of thousands of taels of silver was too great for him, which affected Li Laiheng's judgment: "Now Zhang Changgeng doesn't know which army can be relied on, and he doesn't know our equipment and strength, but once he starts, the truth will be revealed immediately." ”

Li Laiheng nodded.

Deng Ming is well-known for his caution in the face of weak enemies. For example, during Deng Ming's trip to Yunnan, Kui Dongzhong's behavior of making trouble in Kunming City was contrasted with Deng Ming's slow action when he went to Xichuan, which made people wonder whether he was bold or cautious. Deng Ming was brave and fearless when fighting against Tan Hong and Tan Yi, but when he walked on the way, he was careful to watch out for the scattered troops of the Qing army along the way, and he seemed to be like two people. When Deng Ming had not yet returned to Fengjie from Yunnan, some people in the Ming army of Kuidong discussed this contradictory character, and Wen Anzhi defended him: If you meet a small enemy, you will be cowardly, and if you meet a big enemy, you will be brave, which is the style of Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty.

……

Before dawn the next day, Zhou Peigong quietly came to Deng Ming's camp in the dark, and brought several vehicles full of silver at the same time.

After seeing Deng Ming, he complained: "More than half of the silver in the treasury was transferred to Zhong Xiang by Hu Quancai earlier, and it has fallen into the hands of the admiral. Although the governor promised to pay the admiral 500,000 taels, it was not something that could be paid in one rì. Today, the students have brought 100,000 taels of silver, and they hope that the admiral will not rush to attack the city for the well-being of millions of living beings. ”

Zhang Changgeng still didn't dare to bet that the Ming army couldn't capture Wuchang. In addition, Deng Ming's threat also played a certain role, although what Deng Ming said could not be used as testimony by the Qing court, but if Deng Ming insisted that he had not assassinated Hu Quancai, then the Qing court would suspect the cause of Hu Quancai's death, and Zhang Changgeng's lies would be exposed. Zhang Changgeng is a thief, if the matter comes out, maybe the Qing court will seriously investigate and investigate.

Hearing that Zhou Peigong sent 100,000 taels of silver so quickly, Li Laiheng was happy in his heart. However, after yesterday's experience, now Li Laiheng secretly tightened the muscles of his whole body, and as long as Deng Ming had an eye, he would jump up and angrily reprimand Zhang Changgeng and Zhou Peigong for going back on his word.

Unexpectedly, this time Deng Ming looked kind and pleasant, although the amount of silver was only one-fifth, he was not angry at all. Deng Ming told Zhou Peigong that the Ming army would not attack the city today, nor would it build siege equipment.

"So, what did the Admiral say we could oversee?" Zhou Peigong cautiously probed.

"I keep my word." Deng Ming pointed to a small group of Qing soldiers who followed Zhou Peigong and asked, "They are all people that Governor Zhang can trust, right?" ”

"Exactly." Zhou Peigong replied. The people he brought were all Zhang Changgeng's absolutely reliable henchmen, and he would definitely not leak the rumors of the Hunan governor bribing the enemy.

"They can disguise themselves as our army and stay around our army's camp for the past two days to observe the movements of our army." Deng Mingchai asked: "I don't know if the remaining 400,000 taels can be transported in two days?" ”

Yesterday, Zhang Changgeng discussed with Zhou Peigong and felt that it was impossible to give a little money, but despite this, it was still necessary to give as little as possible. The first time, I had no choice but to give more. In the future, it will be paid for thousands or 10,000 yuan each time, and it will drag on for a few days each time, and finally it will make the Ming army impetuous, the division veterans tired, and they will leave by themselves, so that the rest will not have to be paid.

After hearing Deng Ming's question, Zhou Peigong immediately began to cry again: "The Admiral doesn't know, now that the treasury of the Wuchang Domain is empty, the Governor has already managed to transfer money to you from Changsha Mansion and other places." But the two-day time is too tight, and maybe 20,000 or 30,000 taels can be transferred. ”

Li Laiheng couldn't help it, and took the initiative to jump out without waiting for Deng Ming's hint: "Who are you fooling?" When we don't know, Hu Quancai withheld the military salary for Wu Sangui in the southwest, how could there be no silver? A silver ship can transport hundreds of thousands of taels, and you only transferred 20,000 or 30,000 taels in two days? Who would believe this nonsense? ”

The Ming army attacked the city and plundered the land, intercepted many newspapers in the Huguang area, and also had a considerable understanding of the actions of the Yamen, the governor of Huguang.

"Hu Shuai doesn't know anything," Zhou Peigong hurriedly explained: "The governor of Huguang has intercepted the military expenses of the southwest, and this matter is indeed true. But the money is all in the place, and there are account books to compare it with, and it cannot be used lightly. The money paid by the governor to your army must be carefully rewritten in the account book and taken out without knowing it. If this happens, the governor will be imprisoned, and who will pay the money? ”

Seeing that Li Laiheng was still shouting, Zhou Peigong continued to complain: "Now that the domain treasury is really penniless, if the admiral must urge, then Governor Zhang has no choice but to send the items at home to the admiral's army, screens, incense burners, etc., and hope that the admiral will convert some silver taels as appropriate." ”

"This must not be done!" After hearing Zhou Peigong's two words, Deng Ming's face was full of eagerness, and he waved his hand again and again to stop: "How can you let Governor Zhang break his fortune?" If I take Governor Zhang's money, how can I sleep at night? ”

Zhou Peigong froze, not understanding what Deng Ming, who was full of anxiety, meant, was it impossible to have money? Besides, didn't you take a hundred thousand taels?

"Is Huguang from Governor Zhang's family? Are Wuchang and Hanyang from Governor Zhang's family? Knowing that Zhou Peigong didn't understand, Deng Ming patiently inspired: "Could it be that Governor Zhang is the king of Huguang and the town of Wuchang?" ”

"Of course not." Zhou Peigong vaguely understood.

"That's right, this Huguang belongs to the Qing Lord, and the silver in the domain treasury is also the Qing Lord's, Governor Zhang used the silver from the domain treasury to protect Wuchang for the Qing Lord, and I am also at ease with it. But how could I ask for Governor Zhang's wealth? ”

While speaking, the soldiers of the Ming army came to report that the silver had been counted, and it was indeed 100,000 taels of silver that was not short. After the counting, the Ming army sent the silver to the treasury.

"Good work." After learning the report, Deng Ming nodded, invited Zhou Peigong into the camp tent, and then glanced at Wu Baoping, and immediately the guards took out a few packages.

"This is nine hundred taels of gold, which can probably be exchanged for 10,000 taels of silver." Deng Ming asked the guards to carry several packages to the table, and opened them one after another, with a total of almost thirty kilograms of gold. Huang Cancan's golden light dazzled Zhou Peigong's eyes.

Deng Ming took out a piece of paper: "There is also a report here, Mr. Lao Fu will bring this gold back with the list and give it to Governor Zhang." The next time my husband comes over again, bring me a copy of Governor Zhang's receipt. ”

"This is ......" Zhou Peigong was dumbfounded, and his brain was in chaos.

"As I just said, Huguang is the lord of the Qing Dynasty, and the Yin of the domain is also the owner of the Qing Dynasty, if the Imperial Court is a trading house, Governor Zhang is a shopkeeper, and I have always been very clear about this. We negotiated a deal, and of course we had to give the shopkeeper a kickback. "Before Deng Ming left Zhong Xiang, he exchanged some of the silver for gold, which was easier to carry, and this time it came in handy.

In Deng Ming's view, a person like Zhang Changgeng, who took the fame of the Ming Dynasty to become an official of the Qing Dynasty, would definitely not have the noble sentiment of putting the country first and not seeking personal gain, and he could certainly distinguish between his own interests and the interests of the imperial court.

After rewrapping a few packages, Deng Ming asked Zhou Pei again, "What does Mr. plan to want?" It must be inconvenient to bring silver back, Mr. likes gold, jewelry or calligraphy and painting? Or will I send someone to Jingmen to buy some fields for my husband in his hometown anonymously? ”

"Me?" Zhou Peigong hurriedly shook his head and waved his hand: "Absolutely not!" ”

"The agency fee is a matter of course." Deng Ming said in a surprised tone.

"What is an intermediary fee?" Zhou Peigong asked, feeling that his brain was completely insufficient.

Deng Ming pointed out that if there was no Zhou Peigong in the middle of the needle, this transaction would definitely not be done, so the intermediary fee must be paid, and Zhou Peigong can also get it with a clear conscience.

"It's also Issei, how about it?" Deng Ming finally asked.

"Don't dare, don't dare." Hearing that his treatment was the same as Zhang Changgeng's, Zhou Peigong hurriedly excused himself. He was already a little moved just now, but when he heard the price offered by Deng Ming, he immediately shrank back in fright: "The student is working for the governor, and he is useless, and he doesn't dare to ask for the governor's silver." ”

"Yes, you are working for Governor Zhang and helping Governor Zhang to hold Wuchang, so Governor Zhang will definitely promote you as an official in the future; But you are also doing your part for me, so that Admiral Ben can get the silver without a single soldier, how can this be called futile? This admiral cannot guarantee you to be an official, so let him give you money. Then Deng Ming dispelled Zhou Peigong's last concern with a guarantee: "God knows, the earth knows, you know, I know, as long as Mr. Zhou himself doesn't say it, Governor Zhang will definitely not know." ”

Seeing that Zhou Peigong was still hesitant, Deng Ming told him that he didn't need to be in a hurry, and slowly considered: "Whether you want gold beads and jade, or land and land, Mr. Zhou will tell me at any time, and I will do it at any time, but I am not in a hurry." However, two days later, Mr. Zhou still had to urge Governor Zhang to urge him more. If Governor Zhang doesn't pay off the balance of 400,000 yuan by then, our friendship will be friendship, and Wuchang will still fight. ”

Zhou Peigong pondered for a while, and said to Deng Ming seriously: "It's not a secret, there is still some silver in the treasury, but it is really sensational to take it out to redeem the city, and it cannot be explained on the books. ”

"I don't know if Mr. Zhou has heard a story...... Deng Ming immediately helped the staff up.

After sending Zhou Peigong away, Li Laiheng said to Deng Ming: "In fact, the last general thinks that the armor and weapons are also very good, far better than pig iron, we don't have many craftsmen, and it is not easy to do it ourselves." ”

"I know," Deng Ming nodded: "I really hope that Zhang Changgeng will use armor and weapons to convert silver taels." ”

"Then why did you ...... yesterday" Li Laiheng didn't finish his sentence, and suddenly woke up: "It turns out that the admiral is pretending not to care, so that he can convert less silver taels in the future; And if we accept the armor and weapons, I'm afraid Zhang Changgeng will still worry that we will use these equipment to attack Wuchang. ”

"General Lee is right." Deng Ming smiled.

Li Laiheng was suddenly silent, as if he was making up his mind, and Deng Ming took the initiative to ask, "Is there anything else about General Li?" ”

"This ......," Li Laiheng pondered the words and talked about the issue of distribution: "The soldiers under the last general have not received military salaries from the imperial court for many years, and the soldiers have fought hard with the Tartars with all their blood...... With the silver sent by Wuchang, can the admiral give us forty percent of the money sent by Wuchang? ”

Without waiting for Deng Ming to answer, Li Laiheng hurriedly added: "If the admiral finds it inconvenient, give us thirty percent, and the Xingshan army will be grateful." ”

"Haha," Deng Ming laughed and said to Li Laiheng: "No matter how much we can get this time, General Li and I will add two to five, and divide it equally." ”

Seeing Li Laiheng's overjoyed expression, Deng Ming said again in his heart: "Sure enough, I have stayed with He Zhen for too long, and I won't get along with honest people anymore." ”

Deng Ming casually took out 20,000 taels of silver to Zhang Changgeng and Zhou Peigong, and Li Laiheng's henchmen felt very distressed - Zhang Changgeng was an enemy, Zhou Peigong was a nobody, and so much white silver was taken away by them in this way. Li Laiheng had a different opinion from his subordinates, he supported Deng Ming's approach, and said to those henchmen: "What are you anxious about? Don't you know that 'you can't put on your shoes and can't get a wolf'? ”

……

After seeing the gold brought back by Zhou Peigong, Zhang Changgeng was surprised at first, and after Zhou Peigong carefully repeated Deng Ming's words, Zhang Changgeng pondered for a moment, and then called out a few servants and asked them to carry the heavy burden back. The last burden, Zhang Changgeng, did not immediately let the servant take it away, but took out a few gold bars from it and handed it to Zhou Peigong with Yan Yue scerely: "It's hard this time." ”

"Don't dare." Zhou Peigong took a step back and did not take the gold from Zhang Changgeng. In order to avoid Zhang Changgeng's misunderstanding, Zhou Peigong immediately explained: "Deng Ming has promised to buy land for students in their hometown, and he will soon send the land deed and house deed. The students did not dare to take the governor's share again. ”

"I see." Zhang Changgeng didn't know how much Zhou Peigong had taken, but he estimated that it wouldn't be too much: "When Wuchang is saved, this official becomes the governor of Huguang, and within two years, you will be guaranteed to serve as a government." ”

"Thank you, Governor." Zhou Peigong hurriedly thanked him, and then proposed one more thing: "Deng Ming wants the student to bring him the actual income of the governor when he goes next time, what should I do about this?" ”

"Hmm." Zhang Changgeng pondered, shook his head and said: "If you have the actual collection of the official's drawing, you must not give it, otherwise the official will have a handle in his hands." In this way, the official repaired a letter and told him that the official had indeed seen the nine hundred taels of gold. ”

But if there is no adult's drawing on the letter, how can Deng Ming know if it was forged by a student? If it is a painting, wouldn't the adult give the handle to Deng Ming? ”

"There is no need to panic, in the letter, the official will talk to Deng Ming about his assassination of Governor Hu, and he will know at a glance that it is not you who wrote it." Zhang Changgeng was confident, and asked another thing: "According to what you have observed, is Deng Ming really going to attack Wuchang?" ”

"I was a little hesitant, but I really remembered it." Zhou Peigong described the military appearance of the Ming army to Zhang Changgeng, saying that he was not optimistic about the Qing army, and if possible, it was best to spend money to eliminate the disaster.

Zhang Changgeng called in a few people who had followed Zhou Peigong to the Ming army and asked them what they thought. When these Huguang soldiers left the Ming army camp in the morning, they each received a small gold ingot from Deng Ming's hand, and they were told that they would have similar treatment every time they escorted the ransom fee to the Ming army camp in the future. They all said a word and told Governor Zhang: The Ming army is powerful, and it can only be outwitted, not defeated.

Zhang Changgeng rewarded each person with one or two pieces of silver, sent them out, and then said to Zhou Peigong with an embarrassed face: "It's just a silver ransom city, this kind of fact is appalling, if the court knows, this official doesn't say the governor, this governor should also come to an end." ”

"I don't know if the Governor has heard a story." Zhou Peigong had the hope of becoming the prefect, of course, he hoped that Zhang Changgeng could ascend to the position of governor, and he immediately retold the story told to him by Deng Ming: "Sometimes we want to open a window in the wall, but the whole room is against it, and the window cannot be opened; But if we start with a roof that we want to ventilate, a lot of people say, 'Don't pick the roof, open a window.'" ’……”