PFC Chapter 654 We can treat it as the last line of defense
Chapter 654 We can treat it as the last line of defense
Inside the Pingxi Earl's residence.
Based on Liu Bang's performance during this period, Wu Sangui had come to trust him to some extent.
When the group met, no one was sent to monitor them.
It was precisely because of this that he had the opportunity to speak with the two of them alone.
"Perhaps you are right, and we understand these principles ourselves."
"But the problem is that we ourselves are already living in constant fear, and we don't know when we will die in this chaotic world, so what can we do to change anything?"
Zhang the tailor said with a wry smile.
He was not at all surprised that Liu Bang knew these inside details.
There were some things that both the old shopkeeper and he had been holding back for far too long.
When you finally find someone suitable to confide in, you naturally can't help but confide in them.
But once these words are uttered, they are forgotten.
They did want to atone for their sins, but they didn't know what they could do.
After all, they can't even guarantee their own life or death.
“There is actually a lot you can do. Don’t think I can’t see it. Not only are you and that old shopkeeper from the Ming army, but many people in this city should also have the same background as you, right?”
"Why have you secluded yourselves here?"
"If it's just about surviving, then there's no need to stay at the border. There are far better places in the world than here."
"What do you think?"
Liu Bang asked with a light laugh.
What for?
Zhang the tailor thought for a moment.
"The idea at the time was probably that if the Tartars broke through the pass, we could serve as the last line of defense and do our best to hold off the enemy for the Duke of Pingxi."
"Isn't this exactly what we joined the army for back then?"
"But now it seems that we were overthinking things, and we were wrong."
"All our plans now seem like a joke."
If nothing unexpected happens, the moment Wu Sangui lets the Manchus into the pass, they will become a common obstacle for both sides.
By then, their efforts to stop both sides would be futile, like a mantis trying to stop a chariot.
"joke?"
"Perhaps. If things really go as you think, you will indeed be a joke when Wu Sangui surrenders to the Qing."
"But things are different now. With me here, everything you do has meaning!"
Liu Bang said decisively.
Zhang the tailor looked up at him, and seeing the certainty in his eyes, he couldn't help but smile wryly.
“Meaningful? I also want all of this to become meaningful, but now Xiao Er and I are trapped in this mansion, and Wu Sangui won’t let us out.”
“Those outside are unaware of the inside story, and those of us who do know the inside story have no opportunity to inform them. As for you, it is difficult for most people to believe your words.”
Even if he knew that Wu Sangui intended to surrender to the Qing, and that Liu Bang intended to resist the Manchus, what could he do?
Since there's no chance to get this information out, it's better to stay in the dark and remain clueless!
"Opportunities are created and earned through hard work. There is no point in simply waiting."
"Zhang Tailor, if you want to take the plunge, I will create that opportunity for you. If you don't want to, I won't force you."
"Now, I'm giving you the choice to make yourselves."
After all, if they really went to risk it, it would be equivalent to making the two of them gamble their lives for a chance.
"Create opportunities? What do you want me to do?"
Zhang the tailor did not hesitate at all.
"It's very simple."
"Soon afterward, Wu Sangui will reach a complete agreement with the Manchus, at which time the Manchus will penetrate deep into the Central Plains through Shanhaiguan."
“At that time, I need you to step forward and stop your former comrades from dying in vain.”
"Stop them? Let the Tartars enter the pass and do nothing?"
Zhang the tailor was a little confused.
He knew perfectly well the purpose behind their choice to live in seclusion on the frontier.
Once the Manchus entered the pass, even if they knew they were no match for them, the vast majority of people would choose to rise up in resistance.
Even if we are no match for them, we can at least take a piece of flesh from those Tartars.
That was what they used to think.
But now, Liu Bang's suggestion seems to be just like Wu Sangui's.
"Are we to follow in the footsteps of Wu Sangui, betraying everything and allowing the Tartars to occupy the entire Central Plains?"
"To be honest, I would rather let the rebels take over the Central Plains than see the Manchu Tartars gain control of the country!"
"I have witnessed their cruelty. If we let them into the pass, the entire Central Plains will become a living hell!"
"Sir, although we have become deserters and dare not go home, it does not mean that we are all alone."
Most of them will never have the chance to return to their hometown in their lifetime, but their parents, brothers, and even wives and children are all in their hometown.
Preventing the Manchus from entering the Central Plains was not only about defending their former mission, but also about protecting their own families.
Faced with Liu Bang's suggestion, Zhang the tailor refused without hesitation.
"Don't rush to refuse. It is true that we will let the Manchus into the pass, but we will not give them the opportunity to wreak havoc in the Central Plains."
"My troops have already laid a tight net inside the pass. What I need you to do is to let the Manchus into the pass while simultaneously blocking their retreat."
"It would be too difficult to wipe them out outside the pass, and I don't have that much time to waste with them."
"You can rest assured that I have sent people to evacuate the people near the border and have done my best to minimize the possible costs."
"Can you understand what I say?"
I understand!
Zhang the tailor nodded blankly.
If he weren't a fool, he would have understood what Liu Bang was saying.
Completely annihilate the Manchu Tartars!
Isn't this exactly what they've been trying to do all these years?
"Of course I understand, but sir, can your troops really guarantee that the Tartar army will be annihilated within the border?"
"You must understand, once they penetrate deep into the heart of the Central Plains, there will be no chance of turning back!"
Although he wasn't well-educated, he knew that similar things had happened before.
The chaos caused by the Xiongnu, the Five Barbarian Invasions, and the Mongol Yuan dynasty's iron hooves trampling across the Central Plains.
These bloody historical events seem to be unfolding before my eyes.
If we hadn't been able to stop the Manchus, these events would no longer be just history, but the present!
"I am absolutely certain."
"As long as you cooperate, and as long as we can seize the opportunity to take the border, I assure you that we will completely surround and annihilate them inside the pass!"
Liu Bang's eyes were full of confidence.
This was not only confidence in himself, but also confidence in Xiang Yu.
As the one who suffered repeated defeats, he knew clearly how terrifying Xiang Yu's power could be on the front lines.
Not to mention that Han Xin was also there to assist him.
When these two join forces, there are very few who can rival them throughout thousands of years of history!