The words of Mr. Li left everyone stunned.
The final point—that they should divide their forces to support Zhang Xianzhong—was particularly incomprehensible to the group. While both Li Zicheng and Zhang Xianzhong were leaders of the "insurgent armies" and shared a common enemy in the Great Ming Dynasty, theoretically suggesting they should support each other in the rebellion, the reality was quite different.
Li Zicheng and Zhang Xianzhong were not originally enemies, but a series of intersections had left them on very sour terms; one could even say they had an old grudge. Back in the sixteenth year of Chongzhen, after Li Zicheng had soundly defeated Zuo Liangyu, he had intended to seize Hanyang and then occupy Wuchang. Zhang Xianzhong, however, had gotten there first. When Li Zicheng learned of this, he was furious and issued a public proclamation: "Whoever can capture Xianzhong and deliver him to me shall be rewarded with a thousand taels of gold."
Chapter 315