Jiangdu was prosperous because of the Grand Canal. When war broke out north of the Huai River and the shipping of canal was interrupted, the prosperity of Jiangdu began to fade. A large number of boatmen and dock porters were unemployed, businesses were in decline, and the population dropped sharply. A large number of people returned home. In just half a year, Jiangdu's population dropped sharply from one million to half a million.

The only transportation and commerce is trade with the Jiangnan region. Several major commercial banks controlled by the Jiangnan Association have gradually monopolized the business of Jiangdu, and the Jiangnan Association's power has penetrated deeper and deeper into every corner of Jiangdu. Therefore, Chen Ling only controlled the security of Jiangdu City, but Jiangdu's economy and people's livelihood have been controlled by the Jiangnan Association. Even the local governments in Jiangdu had to look at the face of Jiangnan Association.

The life of General Chen Ling in the past two months was indeed very sad. Two months ago, the Jiangnan Association sent Chen Jian to surrender Chen Ling, hoping that he would be loyal to the Jiangnan Association. However, Chen Ling refused, the Jiangnan Association immediately cut off the grain transaction with Jiangdu. The grain supply in Jiangdu became increasingly tight. The land of Jiangdu County alone could not support the millions of people in Jiangdu City, let alone Chen Ling's army.

The consequence of the shortage of grain in Jiangnan is the first step to soaring grain prices. The price of grain in Jiangdu has risen from 80 ciders to 500 ciders of rice, and then to 800 ciders of rice. In just two months, the price of grain has increased tenfold.

The soaring grain prices made many merchants see business opportunities and organized fleets to go to Jingzhou to buy grain, but the Jiangnan Association sent troops to intercept them on the river, causing heavy losses to many merchants, and the grain purchase plan failed.

Chen Len also suffered great pressure. He did not want to be a prince, but he did not want to stand in the wrong team, so he kept watching the situation. He either surrendered to Li Yuan or Zhang Xuan, and would never surrender to the Jiangnan Association. However, as the food pressure gradually increased, he had to face a choice.

Just a month ago, Chen Ling sent people to Chang'an and Zhongdu at the same time. Although it was just a test, it caused an uproar between Zhongdu and Chang'an. There was no need to say much about Jiangdu's strategic position. Everyone got Jiangdu and everyone got half of the southeast. For this reason, Chang'an and Zhongdu sent envoys to Jiangdu to contact Chen Ling at almost the same time.

The Jiangdu Bingma Mansion is located outside the East City of Jiangdu. It was originally the Xiaoguo Army Military Office, but now it has become Chen Ling's military office. The military office is heavily guarded inside and outside. A carriage is parked at the entrance of the military office, and several followers are waiting bored.

In the military yamen hall, Chen Ling was entertaining the special envoy from Chang'an. The envoy was none other than Chen Ling's younger brother Chen Tong. Chen Ling had three brothers, two of whom were local gentry in his hometown, and the youngest was Chen Tong, who was currently serving as a military officer in the Ministry of War in Chang'an.

This time, Chen Tong came to Jiangdu with important tasks. Before leaving, the emperor Li Yuan met him specifically and promised him that if he could persuade Chen Leong to surrender to Chang'an, the court would promote him to Minister of War.

From the Ministry of War to the Ministry of War, this is a two-level leap, and it requires 20 years of experience in the officialdom. Now the opportunity suddenly comes to Chen Tong, which greatly inspires Chen Tong to persuade his elder brother to return to Tang.

There were wine and food on the small table in the inner hall, and Chen Ling drank glass by cup, and remained silent all the time. Chen Tong was patient and persuaded his brother over and over again.

"My brother must have seen that the territory of the Tang Dynasty from Bingzhou to Guanlong to Bashu controls the richest place in the world. Military rations are no problem at all. The strength is much higher than that of the pseudo-Sui Dynasty in Zhongdu. The strength comparison determines the future trend of the world. Some people say that Zhang Xuan is far-sighted, and I also admit that Zhang Xuan has outstanding features. However, the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty is also respectful to the wise and humble, and also has great ambitions, which is no less than Zhang Xuan. Therefore, the world can be restored and established the Tang Dynasty. Brother, please don't hesitate anymore. Look at the sincerity of the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty!"

Seeing that his brother was silent, Chen Tong was a little anxious and put down the wine glass in his hand and said, "Brother, the emperor has expressed his willingness to appoint you as General of the Cavalry and Prince of Jiangdu. What else can I be picky about with such sincerity? What else can I not satisfy in life with such honor? Why is the eldest brother silent and unwilling to agree?"

Chen Ling sighed and said, "I can understand my brother's mood. Everyone wants to be promoted and get rich. You have finally got this opportunity. Of course you don't want to lose it. Although I really want to help you, the reality is very cruel. This is related to the lives of 30,000 soldiers and the future of Jiangdu. Don't make things difficult for Brother Yu."

"But is it unrealistic for brother to surrender to Chang'an?"

"If you have to ask, then I will only say one thing. After surrendering to Li Yuan, how to solve our military food problem? Who will support the 500,000 people in Jiangdu? Li Yuan is far away in Chang'an, how did he give me the food?"

"this--"

Chen Tong thought for a while and said, "You can travel from Bashu to the Yangtze River to deliver food, or put pressure on Jiangnan to restore food trade. There is always a way to solve it."

"I have considered all these, but they are not realistic. The Yangtze River will only provide cheap food. Xiao Xian. As for the pressure on Jiangnan, it is even more nonsense. How much can I believe Zhang Xuan puts pressure on Jiangnan? What pressure on Chang'an? I'm afraid even Li Yuan dares to say this!"

Chen Tong's face turned red after a while, and said, "Did that brother decide to surrender to the Sui Dynasty?"

"I was originally a general of the Sui Dynasty, so why did I say "submission"? But I didn't think it clearly. Let's not mention this matter for now, let's talk about the situation at home! How is the situation of my two nephews?"

Chen Tong was helpless and had to temporarily suppress the idea of ​​persuading his brother, but he was not discouraged. He believed that even Zhong could not give such generous conditions as the Tang Dynasty.

Not long after, Chen Tong said goodbye and left. Chen Ling sat at the table and didn't get up for a long time. I don't know how long it took, Chen Ling sighed and slowly stood up. Only then did he find that his aide Du Wenxun was standing not far beside him.

Chen Ling smiled awkwardly, "I was a little distracted just now and didn't see the sir, I'm sorry!"

"I can understand the General's difficulties and report to the General that I have met Lu Zhuo."

Lu Zhuo was the special envoy sent by Zhongdu. He was Zhang Xuan's father-in-law and the Minister of Rites of the Northern Sui Dynasty. He had a high status and was much heavier than Chen Tong's weight. Li Yuan asked Chen Tong to take the route of family affection, but Zhang Xuan asked Lu Zhuo to take the route of important officials. The effect was no less than that of Chen Tong's mission, and even showed the attention of the Northern Sui court.

"What did he say?"

Chen Len asked casually, but his steps stopped, showing an listening attitude, and his body language betrayed his heart.

Du Wenxun saw the tension in Chen Len's heart and said in a deep voice: "The Northern Sui Dynasty has offered two conditions. The general can choose one. The first is to take up the position of general and station troops in Liaodong. The second is to abandon the military and follow the civil service and serve as the Minister of Rites."

Chen Ling was stunned, "Isn't the Minister of Rites Lu Zhuo?"

"Lu Zhuo told me that he had resigned from the position of Minister of Rites and was currently serving as the Southern Tour Pacification Envoy to appease the victims of Langya County and Donghai County. If the general goes north to Zhongdu, he will serve as the prefect of Jiangdu."

Chen Ling's face looked a little disappointed. Compared to the General of the Cavalry that Li Yuan gave him, the Prince of Jiangdu, Zhang Xuan was indeed a little stingy. He actually only gave him the position of general. The Minister of Rites is not bad, and what about the title? It seems that he did not mention it.

He was silent for a moment and said, "Don't you think Zhang Xuan gave too low?"

Du Wenxun smiled and shook his head, "I don't think so."

"Why?" Chen Ling raised her eyes and stared at Du Wenxun sharply.

"The general is the highest military position in the Sui Dynasty. Even Lai Hu'er willingly accepted the position of general, which shows that this is a very real thing. Lai Hu'er commanded the navy and obtained real power. The general will also station in Liaodong and gain real power in the army. On the contrary, what is the general of the cavalry of the Tang Dynasty? It is just a nice title of scattered official. Where is the military power? Li Yuan did not mention it at all."

After pausing, Du Wenxun said again: "As for the Prince of Jiangdu, the general can refer to Luo Yi. He is the Prince of Beiping. What else does he have now after Youzhou is lost? Who still remembers him? If the general can protect Jiangdu, it would be good to be the Prince of Jiangdu, but if it cannot be preserved, what is the meaning of this Prince of Jiangdu?"

Du Wenxun mentioned the point, the key is whether Chen Ling can protect Jiangdu, not only to protect Jiangdu, but also to solve the food problem.

Although Chen Len told his brother that the biggest problem in Jiangdu is the shortage of food at present, Chen Len still has a way to solve the problem of insufficient food, and goes directly to Jiangnan. Using force to deter Jiangnan will reopen the grain trade. But what Chen Len really finds difficult for him to speak is whether he can save Jiangdu.

Chen Ling sighed and took two pieces of information to Du Wenxun, "This is the express report I received this afternoon. Thirty thousand Sui cavalry have arrived in Gaoyou County, and more than 300 warships have also been killed on the Yangtze River outside Jiangyang County. This is the Sui navy, with at least 20,000 people. Once I surrender to the Tang Dynasty, the Sui army will attack from north to south, and the troops are at the city. Do you think I can still defend Jiangdu?"

Du Wenxun was stunned. The Sui army actually sent troops to threaten it, and it was attacked by north and south. No wonder the general looked worried from the afternoon to now. So that's it.

"The general thinks he is insulted by Zhang Xuan?" Du Wenxun asked tentatively.

Chen Ling shook his head, "I'm not a three-year-old child, so I don't even know how to use both soft and hard. I'm just thinking about which one should I choose, civil or military?"

Du Wenxun smiled and said, "Actually, I personally think that the Minister of Rites is more desirable. Didn't Li Jing just give up stationing in Youzhou and be willing to serve as the Minister of War? The general, the military power is for a while, and the descendants of Quan Hui of the court."
Chapter completed!