In this era, there may be one million people living within the 180-mile-long outer perimeter of Nanjing, which may seem like a lot, but compared with the urban population of Nanjing in later generations, it is nothing to mention. And these million people mainly live in The western half of Nanjing City, roughly from the west of the Imperial City and Xuanwu Lake (Houhu) to both sides of the Qinhuai River in the western part of the outer outline, is the essence of Nanjing City. It has a dense population, a prosperous market, and prosperous industries.

But east of the Imperial City and Xuanwu Lake, it's a different scene.

Not far to the east of the Imperial City is Chaoyang Gate. The space between the north and south walls of Chaoyang Gate and the east wall of the Imperial City is limited, and transportation is not convenient. Except for some abandoned warehouses and barracks, there is nothing else.

Beyond the east wall of the inner city of Nanjing, there is Zhongshan (Purple Mountain) where the Xiaoling Mausoleum is located, as well as the Xiaoling Guard and the Great Sacrifice Altar, which are not places where one can do business.

Moreover, the external trade of Nanjing City in this era mainly took place by water, from the Qinhuai River to the Yangtze River, and then through the golden waterway of the Yangtze River. There were many places to go, and the cost of transportation was low. On land, the Chaoyang Gate leads to The official road leading out of Xianhemen and Qilinmen is relatively deserted. On both sides of this road, in addition to the towering Zhongshan Mountain, is the land belonging to Xiaolingwei, as well as the dilapidated large sacrificial altar and the villas of some dignitaries. Basically It is very open and can be used as a battlefield.

This area is relatively open, with most of it being farmland, and because of the upper reaches of the Qinhuai River running from north to south, it is divided into east and west parts, thus forming a natural battlefield dividing line.

The armored cavalry entering the city from Qilin Gate did not go directly to Chaoyang Gate as Xu Hongji and others expected. Instead, they deployed battalions and banners in the Qinhuai Gate area east of the Qinhuai River.

One troop dismounted and climbed into the city, occupying Qilin Gate, Xianhe Gate (located to the north of Qilin Gate) and Cangbo Gate (south of Qilin Gate). The remaining troops began to seize the bridges on the Qinhuai River or patrol the east bank of the Qinhuai River. .Soon, they occupied all the land east of the Qinhuai River, south of the outer wall of Xiaoling Mausoleum (entirely enclosing Zhongshan Mountain), and north of Cangbo Gate.

There are several manors on this land, either the villas of the nobles and ministers in the city, or the mansions of the two commanding families of Xiaoling, Weimei and Xiao.

These two commanding families are quite prominent. Among them, the ancestor of the Xiao family, Xiao Xun, was the second generation of Xun in the Zhu Yuanzhang era. His father was Zhu Yuanzhang's general, and his sister was Zhu Yuanzhang's concubine. The ancestor of the Mei family, Mei Yongzhen, was even more powerful. Descendants of Mei Yin who married Princess Ningguo, daughter of Zhu Yuanzhang.

The two commanding families are so well-established, so what's there to be polite about? Naturally, the Xiaoling Guard was regarded as private property. There were five posts under the Xiaoling Guard, with 5,600 military households. But during the Jiajing period, At most, more than 1,700 people could be mobilized. By the end of Chongzhen's reign, even 1,000 guardsmen could not be mobilized.

However, their houses are both in good repair. They have large courtyards with five entrances and five exits, high walls, and are facing the Qinhuai River. They also have their own docks. I don't know if they are used for business or for berthing boats.

When Zhu Cixi arrived, the heads of the two families were not there. They were probably all in the Xiaoling Guard, where King Qin was!

The ones who came out to greet him were two descendants of the scholar family, one was named Mei Youwen (does it mean he had no literary talent?), and the other was amazing, his name was Xiao Yuanshan! I wonder if he knew martial arts? It looked pretty cool. Spiritual, with sideburns and beard, and sharp features.

The two scholars were very surprised when Zhu Cixiang came with his army, and they were a little panicked when they were brought to Prince Zhu by the guards of the East Palace.

He obviously knew a lot of things! But Zhu Cixiang didn't bother to talk to them. Ren Yizhou and Zhang Tao from the Jinyi Guards were there to ask questions.

But Zhu Cixiang just happily led the East Palace guards, escorted Zhang Shenyan, Zhao Zhilong, Han Zanzhou, accompanied by Wu Xiang, Cao Youyi, Huang Binqing, Wang Zhiren, Zhu Chunchen, Li Guozhen and other generals, and entered the hall of the Mei family mansion.

"Sit, everyone, sit down! Mr. Miao Shan, Uncle Xincheng, Han Zanzhou, and others should also sit down. You're welcome."

Zhu Cixiang sat up with a smile, and then asked everyone who came in with him to sit down separately. He also took a look at the hall where he was. Compared with a hereditary conductor's family like the Mei family, the area here is a bit big.

It's outrageous. The decoration is luxurious and the furnishings are extremely luxurious. Even the candles used for lighting are of the highest quality mixed with unknown spices. When lit, the whole room is filled with fragrance.

This aura of wealth and nobility really brought Emperor Chongzhen to the mercy of his court!

Zhu Cihong withdrew his gaze and focused on Zhao Zhilong, Zhang Shenyan, and Han Zanzhou, looking back and forth.

All three people's faces were ashen.

They never thought that Zhu Cixiang had any intention of starting a war! So they were not even allowed to see Emperor Chongzhen and directly used the Jin Yiwei to arrest people!

The three of them simply threw themselves into a trap.

Now both Zhang Shenyan and Han Zanzhou look like they are risking their lives and don't care about anything anymore!

Zhao Zhilong, on the other hand, was confident and smiling. Zhu Cixiang looked a little confused. Why is this guy so smart? Historically, he kneeled down to the Tatars very happily! Is it possible that the history books are making mistakes? Zhao Zhilong is a loyal man who is not afraid of cold water.

?

"Zhao Zhilong, what's wrong with you?" Zhu Cixiang pointed at Zhao Zhilong and shouted angrily, "You should be the mastermind of this incident! Why did you come here to die on your own?"

What do you mean? Zhao Zhilong was stunned: How can I be the mastermind? I am an undercover!

"Qian, Qian Suiye," Zhao Zhilong stammered, "I have already stated my intention in the secret report to you. I also exposed the rebels in Nanjing."

What? Are you a traitor!? Prince Zhu was stunned.

After hearing this, Zhang Shenyan and Han Zanzhou looked at Zhao Zhilong angrily.

"Your secret memorial?" Zhu Cixiang was confused, "When did it happen? Why didn't I know about it?"

Don't know? Zhao Zhilong was really scared now! He trembled and said, "I asked Zuo Maodi to bring it to Lord Qiantose."

"Oh." Zhu Cihong nodded, "But Zuo Maodi didn't hand over your memorial, nor did he say that such a thing happened."

What? Zuo Maodi, you are a treacherous villain! Zhao Zhilong could hear his own heart breaking.

"Master Qian Sui, Master Qian Sui" Zhao Zhilong said and knelt down to Zhu Cixiang, "You have to believe me! I am really an undercover agent and I am loyal to Master Qian Sui!"

Zhu Cihong smiled, took a piece of fried rice cake rolled with bacon and pickled vegetables and a wine gourd from Huang Xiaobao who came in at some unknown time, and started eating and drinking.

At the same time, the generals under Zhu Cihong who were present also took the same rolls and wine gourds from the East Palace guards and began to eat and drink.

Zhang Shenyan and Han Zanzhou were stunned when they saw this scene.

Are these people really the prince, Duke Cheng, and Uncle Xiangcheng? They just eat and drink like this. They are really not particular at all! It seems that they haven’t washed their hands and they taste so rough. Why do they look like bandits and Tatars?

Zhu Cixi seemed to notice the surprise of the two of them, and he laughed and said: "It is not easy for us to be so vulgar along the way, and we would have lost our lives long ago! These heroes who have overcome difficulties are no longer the same as before!

Zhao Zhilong, please tell me quickly. I will go to the battlefield soon, and time is tight!"

"Go to the battlefield?" Zhao Zhilong was stunned, "It's almost dark."

Zhu Cixiang smiled and said, "It's dark so we can fight at night!"

"Night battle" Zhao Zhilong took a breath, "Qiantose's army has been traveling for a whole day."

"It's okay, I'm not tired at all!" Zhu Cixiang smiled, "Stop talking nonsense and explain it!"

Zhao Zhilong asked with a trembling voice: "What do you want to explain?"
Chapter completed!