"I still have one concern," Dorgon said, standing up. "Once Zu Dashou is released, there is a strong possibility that the Zu family army within the Eight Banners will surrender to the Ming court. How should we handle that?"
Since the start of the war, defections from the Eight Banners Han Army had been a frequent occurrence. The only reason the Zu family army had been willing to serve the Great Qing was because of their deep ties to Zu Dashou. If he were released, many things could spiral out of control.
Fan Wencheng shook his head. "Zu Dashou is already seventy-two years old. Never mind fighting on the battlefield; he struggles just to mount a horse. Once he returns, the Ming court certainly won't entrust him with real power, and the Zu family army will surely lose heart when they realize this. Furthermore, ten years have passed since they first surrendered. Ten years ago, they were hot-blooded young men; now, they are mature, middle-aged men with families of their own. Ten years ago, they fought for their country. Ten years later, they will only fight for their families."
Chapter 1004