Jingying
Jia Heng, surrounded by Jinyi Mansion guards, arrived at the commander's camp in the south of the city. At this moment, as the military order came, the cavalry poured out of the entire barracks, assembled outside the Beijing camp, and advanced towards Luoyang.
After entering the barracks under the guards of Jinyi Mansion, at this time, marching chief Song Yuan, staff general Xiao Lin, guard general Xie Zaiyi, Yangwei camp staff general Pang Shili, Fenwu camp commander Tongzhi Qi Jianhui, guerrilla general Xie Jing and others The generals came over in darkness, clasping their fists and shouting in unison: "Jie Shuai."
Jia Heng nodded in greeting, strode into the barracks, sat behind the barracks, glanced at Xiao Lin and Xie Zaiyi, and asked in a deep voice: "How is the deployment of troops and horses?"
Song Yuan cupped his hands and said, "Since I heard the order from the Commander-in-Chief, General Shan Ming, General Qu Guang, and Cai Youyi have asked the cavalry to finish lunch in advance, bring dry food, and lead 20,000 troops to Luoyang to help."
Because the situation in Luoyang was extremely urgent, the three generals received orders from Jia Heng and did not dare to delay. The Beijing camp first dispatched 20,000 cavalry and marched day and night to aid Luoyang.
The reason for sending three people there was because they were of stable temperament and would not underestimate the enemy's aggressive advance. It was Jia Heng's selfishness to let Cai Quan follow him as deputy general to lead the troops, so that Cai Quan could be promoted and appointed after he had made meritorious service.
Jia Heng's face was solemn, and his voice was as clear as gold and stone: "There is no room for loss in Luoyang. Can Chief Secretary Song tell them that as long as they defend Luoyang, it will be a meritorious service?"
Song Yuan's face straightened, and he said in a serious voice: "We have been told that after we rush to Luoyang, we will send troops to control the pass and wait for reinforcements. We are not allowed to advance rashly until we wait for the Beijing army led by the Commander-in-Chief to arrive."
About ten days ago, Jia Heng not only mobilized troops and generals for a quick reaction, but also deduced the changes in the situation in Henan with the generals under Guo Yongying. The current deployment of troops and generals is a strategy that has been deduced countless times.
For example, the troops from Luoyang were sent to Luoyang to defend the passes and cities, the troops to Runing were to be attacked urgently, and the troops to Kaifeng were surrounded on all sides.
Therefore, after the three generals arrived in Luoyang, their top priority was to hold on and not leave lightly.
In fact, it can be seen from the previous concealment of the enemy that the thieves are good at using tricks and have to be on guard. Even if they rush to attack Luoyang thousands of miles away, they also need to rest and recuperate. The most important thing in fighting is patience.
Jia Heng stood up, pointed at the map of Henan behind him, and said in a deep voice: "Strategically, we must not move lightly to avoid being ambushed by the bandits. However, if the bandits from Kaifeng abduct the refugees and invade Luo, they must also use maneuvers to annihilate the invading enemies. These and other basic principles The commander then went to Luoyang to take command personally."
"Generals Xiao and Xie have just mobilized the Siyong Battalion out of the camp, but they still have some doubts about the strategy of advancing the army. They need to be given instructions by the commander in chief." Song Yuan said with a cupped hand.
At this time, Xie Zaiyi and Xiao Lin clasped their fists and called out: "Jie Shuai."
Xie Zaiyi looked at the young man opposite with excitement. Although he was nominally a deputy general this time, as long as he made meritorious service, he would be promoted to another level.
Jia Heng looked at Xiao Lin and Xie Zaiyi, was silent for a while, and said solemnly: "Previously, we have gone through many deductions. Now when we go to Runing, the cavalry will attack. We must hide our troops, take advantage of the weakness, and try to capture Runing in one fell swoop." After the situation in Runing stabilized, General Xie took the opportunity to lead a partial division to the north to attack Xuzhou, and then waited for news that the commander was in Luoyang. Then we will attack the bandits together and block their escape route to the south. Jinyi Mansion will also accompany us this time to facilitate the exchange of military information."
Although the bandits who caused the Henan Rebellion were said to number one hundred thousand, the main force of the bandits should actually be four to five thousand. If we add in some "heroes and martyrs" who surrendered, there would be about six or seven thousand, which is incredible and enough to destroy The military strength of any province around Henan.
The officers and soldiers of the Beijing camp have to face these bandits from beginning to end, so how to prevent their main force from moving to fight in other provinces, destroy the fragile bureaucracy of the surrounding provinces along the Henan River, and attack the effective strength of the bandits to the maximum extent has naturally become a top priority. .
This was the reason why he did not rush to Kaifeng for rescue. Most of Gao Yue's bandits were celebrating at this moment, and even overjoyed at the imperial court's slow response.
In fact, in the late Ming Dynasty, Yang Sichang, Minister of War, also adopted the strategy of "four squares and six corners, and ten sides of the net" to encircle and suppress the rogue bandits. Otherwise, the officers and soldiers would run behind the bandits and would be exhausted in the opponent's "mobile warfare".
When Xiao Lin and Xie Zaiyi heard this, they both clasped their fists in response.
"In addition, Runing Mansion is different from other places. It is originally poor and has been occupied by the enemy. Military supplies are provided by Nanyang. After you march to Runing Mansion, you must appease the rebellious people and do not kill innocent people indiscriminately. , I will only focus on the culprits of thieves and bandits, and never ask for threats. I will not emphasize military discipline." Jia Heng warned with an indifferent expression.
Xiao Lin cupped his hands in response, and Xie Zaiyi also clasped his fists in response. Then the two of them left the barracks and led more than ten thousand elite cavalry to surprise Runing Mansion.
Jia Heng turned to look at Qi Jianhui and General Shao Chao of Guoyong Camp. Facing their eager eyes, he said in a deep voice: "Qi Tongzhi, you and General Shao have ordered the remaining Guoyong Camp, Siwei Camp, Fenwu Camp, Yaowu Camp has a total of 40,000 infantry, behind me, supporting Luoyang."
Although most of the cavalry from the Beijing camp were mobilized to reinforce Luoyang, it did not mean that infantry was not used. It was useful to mobilize infantry to guard various places, to contain the fleeing bandits, and to encircle and suppress Gaoyue's troops.
The lion fights the rabbit with all his strength.
This time he mobilized more than 80,000 soldiers and horses to suppress the bandits, and he carried out the attack steadily and without fail. He defeated the bandits in one fell swoop and did not give them a chance to struggle.
This battle cannot be protracted, but it cannot be rushed for success, defeating the enemy with cavalry or chasing and recovering the lost ground with infantry.
"I will obey your orders." Qi Jianhui and Guo Yong's battalion commander Shao Chao agreed, and then went back to dispatch their troops.
Jia Heng turned to look at Pang Shili, Xie Jing and others, and said in a deep voice: "General Pang, organize the remaining two battalions of cavalry, prepare military supplies, and follow the general to Luoyang later."
Pang Shili and Xie Jing bowed their hands and said yes, then left.
Jia Heng then looked at Song Yuan and said: "Master Song, now I leave it to you, sir, for the defense arrangements of the remaining troops and horses in the Beijing camp."
Of course, there is actually not much need to guard against Shenjing, because the emperor is more concerned about the defense of Shenjing than he is at the moment.
Song Yuan looked solemn, cupped his hands and said, "Don't worry, Commander-in-Chief."
A soldier dies for his confidant, and he stays in the capital camp to guard the rear for the general.
Jia Heng didn't say much else, and was about to leave the barracks. At this moment, the general outside reported: "Commander Jie, Princess Xianning is here."
Not long after, they saw that Princess Xianning had changed into the flying fish uniform of the Jinyi Palace Guards, with an embroidered spring knife on her waist and a red cloak. There were three or four Jinyi Guards retinues behind her, who looked like palace guards at first sight.
Looking at the girl with a quiet and cold face, who was now wearing a flying fish suit, which highlighted her tall and bright figure, Jia Heng chuckled and said, "His Royal Highness is so handsome in this outfit."
In fact, I had hesitated to take the princess with me before, but I thought it was necessary to take her with me, not only because I agreed to Xianning, but because I was concerned about the emperor's character.
It's "kill first and show later", and it's "acting cheaply". So as time goes by, will the emperor become suspicious?
Therefore, what better way to appease the emperor than to bring the emperor's daughter and ask for the supervisory army?
Even if he leads an army of 200,000 to fight against the Eastern invaders in the north, will the emperor suspect that his military power is too heavy and difficult to control?
Needless to say, it is almost inevitable that even a talented and strategist such as King Yingzheng of Qin will be suspicious of Wang Jian who led hundreds of thousands of troops to destroy Chu. Wang Jian needs to ask for beautiful women to clear up his doubts.
And Princess Xianning was the bond between him and the emperor that always maintained trust. No matter how much his daughter turned her elbows outward, she had no reason to betray her biological father. She had someone holding her back, and her family members in Beijing were hostages. This was It can dispel the emperor's suspicion.
Otherwise, if we don’t bring Xianning with us, we may bring civil servants to supervise the army, internal supervisors, or even vassal kings to supervise the army. Do we want to work with them?
So from now on, Xianning will follow him to Henan, and he will naturally follow him in the northern expedition to the Eastern Han Dynasty in the future.
Also, if a disobedient civil servant is really killed in the local area, criticism will spread from both the government and the public, and when the emperor is half-convinced, Xianning will just write a memorial to explain it to him.
Not to mention, Xianning acted as a secretary by his side to help him write victory reports and memorials, which gave the emperor a sense of participation in the battle.
As for the criticism it has attracted, all the civil and military officials have their faces swollen now. Even if there is any criticism, they can only hold it in for now!
Princess Xianning looked at the young man excitedly and said in a clear voice: "Sir, when will we set off?"
Jia Heng smiled and said: "Your Highness, please be patient. All troops are being assembled. I'll go home first and give some instructions."
I was actually a little hesitant about whether I should take Tanchun with me. Tanchun was a bit young, and he didn’t know whether to eat or not, so he was suffering from hardships and fatigue. Besides, going back was also a good time to say goodbye to his family.
Baochai should still be at home, and Keqing should be back by now.
The eldest princess of Jinyang was not suitable to be seen. At this moment, she was probably still visiting Emperor Chongping in the palace, or comforting Empress Dowager Feng who learned that Emperor Chongping had vomited blood.
In fact, after Jia Heng left the Xihe Palace, all the families left the colorful stands and returned to their respective homes under the instructions of Queen Song.
Originally, a luncheon was prepared in Kunning Palace, but after the Henan Incident and Emperor Chongping vomiting blood and fainting, the imperial concubines were in no mood to speak of. No one was short of the meal, and they gathered together in a gloomy mood. It's better to go back to each other's homes.
"Sir, can I go with you?" Princess Xianning's heart moved and she asked quickly.
Jia Heng thought for a while, nodded and said, "Okay."
As they talked, they mounted their horses with Princess Xianning, left the barracks, and returned to Ningguo Mansion.
The two generals, Xiao Lin and Xie Zaiyi, also led their troops to advance towards Nanyang Mansion. For a moment, the sound of horse hooves was chaotic, people roared and horses neighed, and the army moved toward the southeast in a mighty manner.
…
…
Rongguofu, Lixiangyuan
In the side room, leaning against the Kang by the Xuan window, Baochai was sewing spring clothes with an embroidery needle. He lowered his head and bit off the last thread. His face was plump and white, with a rosy face, and his pear cheeks were flushed. He took the handkerchief to collect the sweat on his forehead and temples, and asked, "Ying'er, what time is it?" His apricot eyes were as full as water.
"Hey, girl." Ying'er responded, put down the embroidery frame in her hand, came to the coffee table, picked up a teapot and poured Baochai a cup of tea, and said with a chuckle: "Girl, it's already noon, it's time to have lunch. , the girl also has a rest."
When he saw the spring clothes in Baochai's book, he smiled and said, "Girl, have you finished sewing this clothes?"
Baochai said "hmm", took the spring clothes in her hand and folded them gently, and said softly: "It's sewn, and I'll send it over there when I get there in the afternoon."
As he spoke, he realized something and quickly lowered his voice.
"My wife went to the shop early in the morning, but she will be back soon." Ying'er smiled and said in a charming voice, passing the teacup: "Girl, drink some tea to moisten your throat."
Baochai said softly, "Hmm", took the tea cup, closed her pink lips on the porcelain cup, and took a sip.
Ying'er smiled and said: "Girl, I heard that this is the son of King Wei. The old lady, my wife and Grandma Heng from Dongfu went there early in the morning. I don't know what the ceremony of the prince's concubine ceremony is. .”
Baochai pursed her pink lips, held the tea cup in her hand, and said softly: "Maybe it's more grand and lively than ordinary people."
"It's a pity that Mrs. Gaoming can only watch the ceremony, and we can't see it either." Ying'er sighed and said with emotion: "My life is really good. I can't find a good man like this for decades."
If her girl had followed Uncle Heng a long time ago, she would be the one to be granted the imperial title. Now she is asking the palace for a marriage and a royal decree, but she doesn't know how long she will wait.
When Baochai heard the words, he was silent for a moment, his moist apricot eyes filled with autumn waves, and he was a little absent-minded.
At this moment, the voice of the maid Wen Xing came from outside. It was clearly Aunt Xue's return.
While Aunt Xue was talking, she opened the curtain and entered the wing, and called with a smile: "My dear, are you in the house?"
Baochai winked at Ying'er and asked her to put away her brocade robe and spring clothes. She stood up and answered, and then came to the side room.
"Mom, you're back." Baochai sat close and said with a chuckle: "It's already noon, it's time to have lunch, I thought it was time for Mom to come back."
Aunt Xue picked up the tea cup and drank the tea. The maids Tongxi and Tonggui were behind her, rubbing her shoulders. She raised her eyes to Baochai, put down the tea cup in her hand, and said with a smile: "My dear, what are you doing in the house?" "
Baochai said softly: "Make some female celebrities. Have you seen the warehouse in the shop?"
There are some goods in the store's warehouse, and Aunt Xue needs to check them with the account books.
"After reading it, the business will be good after the spring. I heard that shopkeeper Yao in the shop said that thanks to brother Heng, the officials have taken a lot of care of him." Aunt Xue said with a smile and asked curiously: "What about the old lady? Bian'er hasn't come back yet?"
If Jia Mu comes back, with her lively nature, she will definitely send someone to call Baochai, so Aunt Xue has this question.
"I went to the palace, but I haven't come back yet." Baochai said softly: "I thought it would be late in the evening when I come back. Everyone who is watching the ceremony will have a luncheon or enjoy other music. For such a big ceremony, It’s a busy day no matter what.”
Apparently the girl was not unconcerned at all.
Mentioning the concubine ceremony, the smile on Aunt Xue's plump face froze in the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, and she said in an unnatural tone: "I don't know why it is so lively. Anyway, I heard from the Qian family, who is also on errands at the Ministry of Household Affairs, that in order to entertain guests, just We bought twenty or thirty carts of all kinds of seasonal fruits and candied snacks. Their stores didn’t have enough goods, so they helped turn around a few carts from several of our stores.”
As he spoke, his heart became more and more complicated.
People are going to have a banquet, and their family provides fruits and snacks.
Speaking of this, I couldn't help but feel a little unbalanced. I looked at my daughter and finally sighed. Her daughter's appearance was more than enough to be a princess.
As Baochai listened, she didn't know that her mother was feeling sour again, and she didn't know how to persuade her.
But Sister Qing and he both went to the palace, and she could only wait for the news at home. Listening to the excitement outside, didn't she feel a little strange in her heart?
Just when Baochai was confused, a maid stood on the eaves of the corridor. She was clearly Jia Mu's maid Hubo, and called out: "My aunt, Miss Baochai, the old lady and my wife are back from the palace. They say they are calling my aunt to come over and use the It’s lunch.”
Hearing this, Aunt Xue suppressed the sourness in her heart, stood up quickly, took her daughter's soft little hand, and said with a smile: "Good girl, come with me to have a look."
Baochai responded with a "hmm" and followed Aunt Xue to Rongqing Hall.
(End of chapter)
