As Shen Fang of the Governor-General's Office of Liangjiang received the news that the Jurchen army was approaching the territory in the evening and that the troops had arrived at the old capital of Jinling, the news spread rapidly throughout Jinling City.
The Southern Province was originally open-minded and had a lot of active scholars. In just one night, on the morning of the next day, some details about the military situation were leaked by some scribes with great eyes and hands.
Especially compared to the 50,000 naval divisions, the nearly 10,000 naval divisions that have just been built by Jiangnan and Jiangbei Camp cannot compete with them in terms of book strength, not to mention that Uncle Yongning is not yet in Jinling City.
Jinling is about to be in disaster!
This panic slowly spread in the city of Jinling, and a hidden undercurrent also emerged, mainly trying to blame Jurchens and pirates for attacking the old capital of Jinling on Jia Heng's head.
He went to Haojing and left his post without permission!
On the morning of the next day, the heavy autumn dew from last night stained the black eaves and tiles. The weather was gloomy, as if an autumn rain was brewing. In front of the archway with the inscription "Liangjiang Governor's Yamen", carriages were lined up from the main entrance. Street intersection.
After more than a month, the official hall of this weather-beaten yamen was once again filled with officials from the Six Ministries of Nanjing, the Metropolitan Procuratorate, and the Imperial College. A group of officials in scarlet robes and green robes gathered in the hall, noisily.
Lin Yingqi, the minister of the Ministry of Industry, was nearly fifty years old. His hair was a little gray, and his face was full of wrinkles and furrows. He was frightened and prayed: "Shenzhen Tai, Uncle Yongning is not in Jinling. The Jurchen army is approaching. We need to make an idea." yes."
Shen Tiyuan, Minister of the Ministry of Punishments, twirled his beard with his hands and whispered: "This time the Jurchens came, fifty thousand people, Jinling soldiers and horses are only sixty thousand, most of them are newly recruited soldiers, I heard that the Ministry of War left the arsenal not long ago The corruption case in the Qing Dynasty's official affairs department has caused the military camps in the south and north of the Yangtze River to be unprepared. Now we are in the Jurchen bandit territory. I would like to ask you, how can we withstand this?"
"Sir Shen is right. Uncle Yongning, who originally went south to lead the army and strengthen military operations, neglected his real job and went to the east of Guangdong to enforce the maritime ban. Now the entire Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps are filled with assistant generals who are embarrassed by their responsibilities. How can this stop the vicious female Real person? Ishigu, the Minister of Rites, sighed and said in a slightly hoarse voice.
When other officials heard this, they all agreed.
Shen Fang said: "My lords, please be patient. I have sent people to invite the Marquis of Annan, Qu Guang from the Jiangnan Camp, the water commander from the Jiangbei Camp and other relevant generals. My lords, please be patient."
Dong Chongxue, the Minister of Civil Affairs in Nanjing, frowned in the character "Chuan" and said worriedly: "Master Shen, why don't we wait in a hurry? You all know what is going on in the camp in the south and north of the Yangtze River. This time is different from the last time. There are 50,000 women. Real person, relying solely on the Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps, I am afraid that they will collapse at the first touch. At that time, the Jinling City will be under fire of war, and there is even the worry of the country being shaken."
As soon as these words came out, the faces of the officials in the official hall all showed fear.
As soon as these words came out, Fang Yaochun, who was offering wine at the Imperial Academy, took over the conversation and said loudly: "Sir Shen, these northern generals may not fight on the water, and they are not as good as Annan Hou Lao Cheng to seek the country. From the perspective of lower officials, Annan Hou and the Governor of Liangjiang should be allowed to The government temporarily co-managed the Jiangnan camp, and dispatched elite soldiers and generals to the mouth of the river to guard against the bandits landing, burning, killing and looting."
"What Mr. Fang said is absolutely true. Now that there is a vacancy for the Minister of War, Mr. Fang might as well recommend himself to supervise the naval battle with the Jiangbei Camp Naval Division and try to turn the tide?" A censor suddenly said.
When Fang Yaochun heard this, his expression suddenly changed and he said angrily: "I am also feeling the difficult situation, so I make suggestions for the country. Why do you need to be sarcastic? I am a scholar and have no power to tie a chicken. Wouldn't it be adding trouble to the two armies? ?”
When the censor heard this, he was also stunned for a moment. He originally meant it as a compliment, but who knew...
In the blink of an eye, there was another argument and a lot of talk.
At this time, Shen Fang suddenly stood up and said, "Everyone, stop for a moment."
As he said that, he stretched out his hand and pressed it.
Then, seeing the voices of the officials arguing gradually subsided, Shen Fang said: "Master Fang's words are not unreasonable. It's just that the previous imperial edict was clearly issued at home and abroad, and Yongningbo was responsible for commanding the camp in the south and north of the Yangtze River. It was natural for him to plan the strategy to defeat the enemy. I think with Uncle Yongning's intelligence and general strategy, even if the Jiangnan camp has uneven troops and weapons, it won't hurt. He will definitely be able to achieve great honors for the imperial court, so you sir don't have to worry."
He just used this to roast Yongning Bojia Heng on the fire. Jurchen had led 50,000 navy troops this time, so he wanted to see how this battle would be fought!
As for the safety of Jinling, reinforcements from all provinces will arrive soon, so it should be no big deal.
It can be said that after the previous defeat of Zhen Zhu, the governor of Liangjiang had suffered a lot and was no longer willing to take charge.
But Wu Maozu, the Minister of Rites, clearly didn't buy it. He said in a cangsheng voice: "Unfortunately, Uncle Yongning didn't organize his army in Jinling. He had to go to the Guangdong Sea. Now that the enemy camp in Jiangnan and Jiangbei is in danger, no one can be found. How can we do that?" Can you count on it?"
Mei Dunben, the right deputy censor of the Nanjing Metropolitan Procuratorate, also said: "What Mr. Shen said is true. Uncle Yongning has left his post without permission. I thought it was better for Annanhou and the Liangjiang Governor-General to gather troops together." Horses, it is good to fight against the invaders together."
When Shen Fang heard this, he glanced at Mei Dunben indifferently and thought to himself, does this person have a grudge against him?
Shen Fang's face was slightly solemn, and he said with righteous words: "Soldiers are a major matter of the country, the place of life and death, and the way of survival. I am a civil servant who is not good at economic planning. How can I guard Jinling and live and die with the city of Jinling! I have already pledged my life to the country. , It is my duty! I have already informed the commanders of Annanhou and Qudu, and I think these two army generals should have strategies to retreat from the enemy."
As soon as these words were said, the officials from the Six Ministries of Nanjing in the official hall expressed their admiration.
Then they were all thinking that when they got back, they would have to let their family members pack up their gold and silver, and first flee along the Yangtze River to Jingzhou, Xiangyang and other places.
Living or dying with Jinling City... the situation seems not good?
As a group of officials were noisy and noisy, they finally failed to come up with a charter. It was not until noon that they left the Liangjiang Governor's Mansion in twos and threes with complaints and anxiety about Jia Heng.
At this time, among several young people, a young man with an elegant face swept his eyes through the crowd, walked up against the flow of people, and called out: "Father, what did Master Shen say?"
This young man with the Six Horses of Jinling is tall and tall, with majestic weapons, sword-shaped eyebrows and starry eyes. He is dressed in blue silk clothes and has a jade pendant hanging around his waist.
And this piece of jade pendant was a keepsake given to each other in the presence of the elders of both parties after they arranged their marriage to Zhen Lan, the third daughter of the Zhen family.
"What else can I say? I'm just waiting for Uncle Yong Ning to return from Guangdong Province and say that all military matters will be decided by the generals left behind in the Jiangnan camp." Fang Yaochun said angrily and got into the carriage through the curtain raised by the butler on the side. Immediately he lifted the car curtain and said, "You go and have dinner with a few of your friends. My father also wants to visit Master Jie."
Shaobao, Xie Yue, Minister of the Ministry of War in Nanjing, is living in Jinling for his old age. This Xie Shaobao who once tried his best to save the situation during the defeat of Liaodong in the 27th year of Longzhi is now living in Jiangnan and does not pay much attention to things. .
Hearing this, Fang Kuang frowned and could only bow to the carriage that was slowly driving away, watching his father's carriage merge into the traffic.
Du Ding, a well-known Jiangnan scholar on the side, said: "Brother Fang, after the battle at Haimen, Lord Shen can no longer take care of the affairs of the Jiangnan camp. Everything has to be settled by the return of Uncle Yongning."
Another Jiangnan celebrity, Ruan Yin, smiled and said: "Master Shen was frightened by what happened last time. He was dismissed and retained. There is no demoted official who has been reinstated."
This gentleman named Ruan is usually bold and open-minded, and does not stick to trivial matters. Everyone knows his temperament, and they don't feel dissatisfied after getting familiar with him.
Xiang Shizhang reminded: "Brother Ruan, why do you say that Master Shen is also our master? You can't do that."
Ruan Yin said with a smile: "Brother Xiang remembered it wrong. Ruan passed the exam in the Bingchen year. At that time, Mr. Lei from the Ministry of Rites was the examiner. His co-examiner was the governor of Jiangnan and Mr. Zhao from the former school who was transferred to Fujian. But he and Shen Your Excellency has never had the friendship of a teacher."
Wang Guo was a young man in his mid-twenties, with an ancient appearance, sharp eyebrows, and calm eyes. He said: "Uncle Yongning went to eastern Guangdong, and the Customs and Taxation Department also spent a lot of time preparing for it. It should be said that he should be on his way back." On the way."
Du Ding nodded and said: "What Brother Wang said is true. These Jurchens must be investigating this matter and intend to take advantage of the opportunity to attack."
When Jia Heng defeated Duduo in Haimen, it still attracted the favor of some scholars throughout Jinling City. In addition, Xu Kai, a former Hanlin scholar, also frequently made Jia Heng famous in letters to friends in Jiangnan.
Therefore, not all Jiangnan scholars disagreed.
"Brothers, I'm going to a restaurant for dinner. It looks like it's going to rain today." Fang Kuang's eyes were a little more focused, and his elegant face was almost as gloomy as the sky at this moment.
Everyone responded loudly, then took the umbrella from the Chang Sui's hand and held it up before walking.
Several people went to the restaurant and entered a commonly used private room. Among the scholars, Fang Kuang was of the most aristocratic origin. Today, he was entertaining guests, so he sat in the first place.
At this time, Ruan Yin asked with a smile: "Zi Ye, when will you get married to the Zhen family's young lady?"
Everyone also looked at Fang Kuang with a joking look.
Although the marriage between Zhen Lan and Fang Kuang was ordered by their parents and suggested by a matchmaker, they were also famous for each other because Fang Kuang was one of the Six Horses of Jinling, and Miss Zhen San and Miss Zhen Si were famous talented women in Jinling.
Therefore, during the Mid-Autumn Poetry Recital, witnessed by the third master of the Zhen family, they had met once and liked each other.
Fang Kuang frowned, smiled and said: "The Zhen family has just held a funeral, and it will have to wait for another two years. All brothers also know that I want to get married after passing the college entrance examination and taking the exam. Woolen cloth."
When I mentioned this, I felt a sense of confusion in my heart.
Things like Zhen Zhu happened to the Zhen family, and Mrs. Zhen went west again. The Zhen family was not as powerful as before. I heard that there was still a difficulty to overcome, which affected his career in the imperial examination...
But when I think of the beautiful red damask snow face, as well as the knowledge, knowledge, poetry and diction of the daily correspondence, it is hard to let go.
In fact, Zhen Lan can be his concubine, just like Zhen Xi who was sent to Ningguo Mansion.
Thinking of this, Fang Kuang's heart skipped a beat, and he felt an unbalanced mood welling up.
Jia Ziyu was one year younger than him. If his surname was not Jia, how could he be so virtuous?
Since Jia Ziyu can take the fourth lady of the Zhen family into his house as a maid, can't Fang Ziye do the same?
As the saying goes, there is no airtight wall in the world. The fact that Zhen Xi was entrusted to Jia Heng by Mrs. Zhen before her death could not be hidden from anyone who cared, let alone in-laws like the Fang family.
The Fang family may not have other ideas in mind.
She is also the legitimate daughter of the Zhen family, and she is the concubine of Uncle Yongning. The Fang family treats her as a head wife? Is his Fang family inferior to others?
Seeing that Fang Kuang's face was blank and lost, Xiang Shizhang smiled and complimented him, and woke the young man up from his lost state, saying: "Ziye has lofty aspirations, I admire him."
With that said, he raised his wine cup and toasted Fang Kuang.
"There's no need for a real man to have a wife." Ruan Yin smiled, raised his wine cup, and toasted Fang Kuang.
Everyone also tacitly agreed not to mention the Zhen family anymore.
In fact, no one said it, but they felt that the Zhen family daughter was not worthy of Fang Kuang.
There is no other reason, because the Zhen family is not a scholarly family, and looks a bit like a nouveau riche in the eyes of many scholar-official families in the south of the Yangtze River.
At this moment, Jinyang Princess Mansion
It was in the afternoon, and indeed a light rain fell from the sky. The branches and leaves of a few sycamore trees swayed in the wind, and the branches and leaves became dense and smoky. After the rain, they became more green and green, and the rainwater gathered into a trickle, flowing from the bottom of the roof. The eaves tiles flow down and hit the stone steps.
The eldest princess of Jinyang wore a light red dress and a heart-shaped bun. There were no complicated and gorgeous hairpins. She put down the needles and fabrics in her hands. Under the willow leaves' slender eyebrows, a worried look floated in her beautiful eyes.
In the past few days, Beauty suddenly thought about sewing children's clothes, which she might prepare in the future, so the skills she had been unfamiliar with for a long time finally came into use again, and what she was sewing was children's silk fabrics.
After listening to Lianxue's narration, the beauty's gentle and soft jade face showed a worried look, and asked: "What do you say outside?"
Lianxue whispered: "Your Highness, tens of thousands of Jurchen navy troops have arrived this time. The ships are gathered at the mouth of Songjiang Prefecture, Suzhou Prefecture, and Taicang Prefecture. I don't know when they will come ashore to harass them."
The eldest princess of Jinyang showed thoughts on her face. She put the needlework in her hand aside and said in a clear voice: "Is the Jiangnan and Jiangbei camp ready for war?"
"I heard that preparations for war have begun, and the navy has been sent to Haimen." Lianxue said softly.
The eldest princess of Jinyang was silent for a moment, and suddenly said in a confused voice: "It's... been a while, and he should be back. Besides, such a big thing happened again."
In fact, when the patrol boat of Jiangbei Camp detected the enemy situation at sea, it sent an urgent message to Jia Heng via flying pigeons. Jia Heng also knew earlier that the "North Korean Navy" that Duduo had moved in for reinforcements , has arrived at Jinling.
At this moment, Jia Heng and Chen Xiao abandoned their entourage first, and quickly returned to Jinling on fast horses under the retinue of Jinyi Mansion Guards.
Lianxue said softly: "Your Highness, why don't we go back to Kaifeng first, or go to Xiangyang to hide?"
Princess Jinyang's face was as frosty as she whispered: "What is there to hide here? The two camps in the south and north of the Yangtze River are not without soldiers and horses. The leaders of the troops now are not all sent by him. There is no one more powerful than Jinling." safe place."
The Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps now have a total of 80,000 soldiers and horses. They may not be able to handle naval battles, but they are still more than enough to protect Jinling.
And as time goes by, according to Chen Han's emphasis on the ancient capital of Jinling and the important place of wealth in the south of the Yangtze River, supporting troops from all walks of life will continue to gather towards Jinling.
Even if the Fuzhou Navy and Zhejiang Navy heard that the pirates were harassing Jiangnan, they also sent warships and naval forces to attack and contain them from the flanks.
Lianxue said: "Your Highness, would you like to send another flying pigeon letter to Uncle Yongning?"
The eldest princess of Jinyang nodded and said: "It's okay to send a letter. He is probably on the way now. Send someone to call Xianning and Chanyue. I will give them a few words."
After the two little girls arrived in Jinling, they visited many famous and historic sites in the past two days. However, it rained today, and they were still tinkering in the embroidery building. According to the eldest princess of Jinyang, they were rehearsing a dance. .
Lianxue responded softly, and while the two of them were talking, a girl of more than 20 years old with a plump face suddenly came from outside. Has a natural and well-shaped blush.
Yuanchun was dressed in light yellow clothes, with her hair tied up in a bun. She came over and called out in a low voice: "Your Highness."
"You're here too." Princess Jinyang looked at the girl gently with beautiful eyes, and asked: "But have you heard the news in Jinling City?"
Yuan Chun nodded and said softly: "Your Highness, it has been spread throughout the city that pirates are causing trouble in the sea area. There are less than 20,000 new troops in the Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps. They cannot resist the 50,000 pirates and Jurchens. , now the big families in the city are packing up their gold and silver, thinking of escaping from Jinling."
Princess Jinyang's beautiful eyes flashed with cold light, and she said in a cold voice: "These people who are greedy for life and afraid of death were like this when Zhen Haijun was defeated last time. Now they really have no memory at all."
Yuan Chun came forward and sat down, looking expectantly and asked: "Your Highness, is there no news about Brother Heng yet?"
Princess Jinyang sighed softly, her eyes filled with resentment, and said, "I don't know where I am now, maybe just for the past two days."
Hearing this, Yuanchun's snowy jade face was covered with a layer of gloomy color, and he said softly: "People in Jinling City are in panic now. If Brother Heng is not here, it feels like there is missing a backbone."
The eldest princess of Jinyang patted Yuan Chun's hand gently and whispered: "There are still many generals and colonels from the Beijing camp left in the Jiangbei camp and the Jiangnan camp. At this time, news should have been sent to the capital. Soldiers and horses will support Jinling, so don’t worry too much."
Yuan Chun nodded slightly, but a strong longing for Jia Heng surged in his heart.
At this moment, the voices of Princess Xianning and Princess Qinghe came from outside, and then the two entered the wing.
Princess Jinyang said softly: "Xianning and Chanyue are here."
Princess Xianning and Li Chanyue were also discussing the invasion with 50,000 navy troops. At this moment, they entered the wing, saluted the eldest princess of Jinyang, and asked about Jia Heng's itinerary. Naturally, they were as excited as Yuan Chun. disappointment.
…
…
Ningguo Mansion
In the backyard, mist and rain shrouded the courtyard, and the sky and the earth were vast. Because the sky was dark, candles had been lit in the wing. Sometimes the wind came, and the candles swayed with the wind, casting several exquisite and graceful figures, or plump figures, in the backyard. On the screen.
Today, Mrs. Cao brought her two daughters, Li Wen and Li Qi, to visit and was talking to Mrs. You in the back hall.
"It's raining now, one autumn rain and another cold." Youshi looked at the wind and rain outside and sighed softly.
Grandma You was wearing a plain orchid dress, with plain makeup on her head and face. She was looking at the wind and rain outside, her eyes slightly dazed under her beautiful eyebrows.
At this time, the maid Yindie brought hot tea and handed it to Mrs. Cao and Mrs. You.
Ms. Cao whispered: "Recently, the city has been in chaos and chaos, and people are in panic."
Youshi asked in surprise: "Auntie also heard it."
In the past few days, she had been chanting sutras and praying for him in the Buddhist hall in the backyard of the mansion, and also heard some news.
Mrs. Cao sighed and said, "There are discussions in the streets and alleys now. I heard that this time it is more dangerous than the Zhen family's defeat. It is really about to happen."
There are also people in the Cao family's boudoir who have read books, otherwise they would not be married into the Li family of Jinling eunuchs who have heirlooms of poems and books. Moreover, as a widow, she has two little girls, Li Wen and Li Qi, and usually teaches them more. Write poems and songs.
You's face was filled with sadness, and she said, "I originally thought that the south would be more peaceful, but I didn't want these Jurchens to come to Jiangnan to make trouble. I just hope that Jinling City will not be exposed to the flames of war."
The last time he went to fight, she was worried. Fortunately, he won the battle at Haimen, but he didn't want the Jurchen to be reluctant and led his people to come back again.
Across the screen behind a painting of a lady, there is a spacious and elegantly furnished interior. The candles are also bright, and the fragrance is lingering in the incense cage. The rain hits the sycamores outside the window, and the world is so quiet that it is indescribable, while the interior is filled with the fragrance of orchids and musk deer. Warm and pleasant fragrance.
Orioles and swallows are beautiful, and their faces are either plump, white, or delicate, and there is also a look of worry on them.
In addition to Chai Dai, Yun Tan, Wen Qi, Zhen Xi and other young girls, there was also Zhen Lan who came to visit her sister.
(End of chapter)
