The sun rises and the moon sets, time flies like an arrow.
In the next few days, Jia Heng did not return home to linger in the land of gentleness. Instead, he stayed in the Beijing camp with the generals in the Beijing camp to prepare for various matters before dispatching troops.
First of all, Emperor Chongping sent a special decree in the morning to promote Han Huang, the second assistant to the cabinet, Shaofu, and minister of the Ministry of Rites, as the bachelor of Huagaidian and the chief assistant of the cabinet, and Li Zan, the bachelor of Wuyingdian and Shaobao, as the second assistant of the cabinet.
At this point, the situation of the Han Dynasty was initially determined.
Later, Lin Ruhai, the Minister of Household Affairs, served as an imperial envoy and went to Taiyuan to supervise the raising of money and food so that he could replenish military supplies on the spot.
Qi Kun, the Minister of Household Affairs, was responsible for the supply of grain and fodder to Beiping, while Chen Cheng, the Minister of Cangchang and Prince of Qi County, was responsible for escorting military grain to the front line of Datong.
Just like that, Jia Heng led the 60,000 cavalry troops in the Beijing camp and it was time to set off.
In the sixteenth year of Chongping, on the nineteenth day of the first lunar month, the weather turned overcast and cloudy, with a bit of biting cold wind blowing on the willow trees that had just sprouted outside Shenjing City, and on the city wall mottled with time, there was a word "Han" The big flag roared.
Shenjing City, North City Gate Gate Tower
"Woo!!!"
As the horn blew, Emperor Chongping stood on top of the city wall, raising his eyes to look at the mighty cavalry that stretched for several miles and gradually receded into the distance.
The 60,000 cavalry troops from the Beijing Battalion left Beijing in a mighty manner and headed for Taiyuan Military Town, while the 60,000 infantry behind them would head towards Taiyuan Military Town a few days later, carrying baggage and grain to replenish the army's food and baggage.
Emperor Chongping withdrew his gaze from the banners that were blocking the sky in the distance, and asked Li Zan, the second minister of the cabinet beside him, "When will Li Qing set out?"
Li Zan said: "Wei Chen is also ready and will leave immediately."
"With Li Qing in charge of Peiping, I can sit back and relax." Emperor Chongping praised, with emotion in his eyes, and said, "I hope everything goes well in this war."
This time it can be said that it was a crucial battle that he, Qian Gang, appointed Zi Yu to fight arbitrarily. If he wins a big victory again...
Ziyu, don’t let me down.
Han Huang looked at the galloping army in the distance, and his mood was a little agitated, not because of the Northern Expedition army, but because he had just been promoted to chief assistant.
The chief minister of the cabinet was courteous to hundreds of officials. He was subordinate to one person and superior to ten thousand people. He displayed his political ambitions and left his name in history.
On the other side, Princess Xianning, who had changed into a brocade dress and a flying fish suit, looked at the Beijing army from a distance, her clear and beautiful face looking regretful.
She originally wanted to go with her husband, but her mother-in-law didn't allow it, and her husband seemed to think that her going would cause trouble. After all, it was because of her cousin.
Li Chanyue looked worried on her beautiful face and said softly: "Cousin, Mr. Jia is gone."
My cousin was so attached to Mr. Jia. Now Mr. Jia has gone to Taiyuan and has not been seen for several months.
Princess Xianning took Li Chanyue's hand, looked at Li Chanyue with clear eyes, and whispered: "Chanyue."
Sometimes, she is not as good as her cousin, who can go to war with her husband.
"Cousin, let's go back first." Li Chanyue said.
Princess Xianning nodded, looking at the cavalry team that was gradually disappearing.
After three days of public opinion fermentation, the people in Beijing have turned their attention to this war. It can be said that not only the people in Shenjing, but also the entire Han Dynasty are paying attention to this major event involving the national destiny of the two countries.
Naturally, the two houses of Ning and Rong also received the news that Jia Heng was leading troops on an expedition. Jia's mother sent several rounds of servants to inquire about the situation. She was secretly worried when she learned that Jia Heng had led troops on an expedition.
Hengwuyuan
It was noon in spring, the spring light was bright and beautiful, and the temperature had risen a lot. The soft golden light fell on the girl in a honey-colored jacket. Her face was as pink as a pear, full of energy and blood, and white. Red, and when she lowered her head slightly, the earrings on her earlobes shone brightly.
Baochai was sitting on the Kang couch. There was a bamboo basket on the small table, which contained needles, thread, scissors and other items. Baochai was sewing a thin piece of clothing in his hands.
It's not Jia Heng's clothes, but the girl's clothes. Baochai and the girls in the garden made these intimate clothes with their own hands and did not pretend to be the hands of others.
Ying'er said softly: "Girl, the uncle is gone."
Baochai's face paused slightly, and she put down the clothes in her hands. A hint of sadness appeared on her pink and snowy jade face, and she sighed softly.
How could she not know.
Since coming back, I haven't said a word to her in her room. I only met her once during the Lantern Festival that day, but there were so many people watching at that time that I couldn't say much.
Thinking of this, I let out a deep sigh in my heart. It's probably like this when we gather less and leave more.
It would be great if you can pass the test.
Ying'er took the tea cup filled with tea and handed it over, saying, "Uncle, I was too busy, so I only went to Miss Lin's Xiaoxiang Pavilion once when I came back."
Hearing this, Baochai put down the needle and thread in his hand and said softly: "He has to be busy with other things outside. It wasn't Uncle Lin who came that day."
With that said, he took the tea cup and drank a cup of tea.
Ying'er looked at Baochai, lowered her voice and said: "There are many people around the uncle. The girl's matter must be settled early. At least the old lady and the madam should know about it. This time the uncle In this way, meritorious service has been achieved.”
In fact, after Jia Heng was awarded the title of First Class Wuhou, or Baochai grew up by one year, his mentality changed to some extent, and he wanted to make his relationship with Jia Heng public.
In other words, it's like a lover who is not open to the public in his circle of friends and begins to notice something is wrong.
And just when Baochai was thinking about it, another maid Wen Xing's voice came from under the eaves of the corridor, saying: "Miss, Miss Lin is here."
Not long after he finished speaking, Daiyu entered the house accompanied by Zijuan and Xiren.
"Sister Bao, what are you doing in the house?" Daiyu, wearing a lake blue embroidered orchid dress and a white collared jacket, looked at Baochai with clear and bright star eyes under her curved eyebrows.
Baochai stood up, with a smile on her face, she took Daiyu's hand naturally and said softly: "Zi'er, here you go."
Daiyu said coquettishly: "Come and see sister."
Brother Heng led the troops to go on an expedition again, and she could only talk to Sister Bao to say a few words of personal sincerity.
In the Ningguo Mansion, in front of Qin Keqing, Daiyu always had the feeling that she was a concubine (mistress). In fact, she didn't go to find Qin Keqing. Instead, because of the "letter exchange and reading" last time, she and Baochai became more familiar. How close they are to each other, and they have gradually become a bit like a plastic sisterly relationship.
Baochai took Daiyu and sat on the kang couch, and said with a chuckle: "He is going on an expedition today, and he didn't come to say goodbye to us."
Daiyu said: "Brother Heng has been in the capital camp these days. This war seems to be more dangerous than Jiangnan. Does Sister Bao know the reason?"
Baochai's almond-shaped eyes were surprised, her pink and jade-skinned face smiled slightly, and she asked, "Didn't he tell his sister?"
Daiyu gently shook her head, licked her pink lips, and said, "The words were unclear, so I didn't ask any more questions. Today I heard that my father is going to Taiyuan Mansion in two days. We need to raise military rations.”
"Then I don't know. After he returned to Beijing, he never came to my side." Baochai Lirui said with a faint smile on her face, seemingly casually.
Are you here to show off?
Daiyu: "..."
She really didn't mean it.
"Brother Heng is too busy, and it seems that Sister Qin only stayed there for one day." Daiyu said in a delicate voice.
Baochai seemed to sigh with emotion and said: "Yes, I just returned to Beijing for a few days and then I went out again. I have been away for the past two years."
Of course, the title was promoted as fast as anything.
Daiyu said softly: "This year's war, I hope we can win and return early."
She and Sister Bao are in the same boat. Ever since she fell in love with Brother Heng, they have spent less time together and more separation.
Chai and Dai were talking, and the maid from outside came in with a smile and said: "Miss Bao, Miss Lin, Grandma Heng said that the palace has given things, and she has sent some to the general for the girls to choose."
As he spoke, several nuns came in, holding beautifully crafted brocade boxes containing pearl necklaces and various patterns of gold, silver, and jade jewelry.
Baochai chuckled and said, "I don't usually wear these. My sister quickly picked out two pieces, which look better."
Daiyu said softly: "This is my sister's place. Of course, my sister will pick first."
This nanny is also very interesting. Can you send it to Sister Bao first?
Baochai looked at the jewelry that was holding the brocade box in front of him, smiled and said, "They all look good to me. The objects in the palace are indeed very different from those outside."
As he spoke, he picked two items at random, one was a bracelet and the other was earrings.
Daiyu also picked out a pair of earrings and a phoenix hairpin, and asked Zijuan and Xiren to put them away. The two sisters sat together and talked again, and only Jia Heng could talk.
Baochai's watery almond eyes turned to look at the girl and said softly: "Sister is just worried about him."
Daiyu nodded and said softly: "Isn't my sister also worried about me?"
Baochai sighed softly and said: "What can I do if I worry about him? It can't be of much help. We can only take care of the family affairs at home and not let him worry about it."
Daiyu said "hmm".
No wonder he asked Sister Bao to take care of the outside shop business, because he knew she was capable of this.
Baochai smiled and asked, "When my uncle came back this time, did he tell his sister about her life-long events?"
Daiyu looked stunned for a moment, pursed her pink lips, and said a little unnaturally: "I mentioned it."
If she told Sister Bao like this, she wouldn't be jealous, would she?
The doubt in Baochai's moist apricot eyes flashed away, and she chuckled: "Did he propose marriage to his uncle?"
You can all guess this, Zhao'er has reached his age, and based on his temperament.
Daiyu shook her head gently, nodded again, and said softly: "Tell dad about my affairs."
Thinking of how straightforward and passionate that person was that day, why he said it in front of his father without relying on anyone else.
Hearing this, Baochai took Daiyu's hand, with a bright smile on her plump and white face, and said, "What did uncle say?"
"Daddy agreed." Daiyu said in a charming voice with a slight shyness on her cheeks.
Baochai chuckled and said, "Sister Qi'er is a lucky one. Let's just wait for him to come back."
Now that Uncle Lin is in charge, the marriage is almost certain.
As he said that, he put his arms around Daiyu's shoulders, showing the deep love between sisters.
…
…
At this moment, the cavalry troops deployed from the 12th regiment of the Beijing camp were divided into several teams and quickly approached Taiyuan.
The five thousand cavalry vanguard led by Xie Zaiyi had already rushed to Taiyuan yesterday.
When night fell, the army was stationed in Tongzhou, with tents on a large open space southwest of the city. The magistrate of Tongzhou and the officials of the state government were busy preparing food, grass, luggage and other items.
In a slightly larger tent, an oil fire was lit in a brazier, and the blazing flames illuminated the entire room, dispersing the darkness.
Jia Heng put down the march map in his hand, came to the table, turned to look at the girl who was placing various dishes and dishes, and asked: "Xiaoxiao, sit down and eat."
The two people sat down.
Jia Heng looked at the girl and said softly: "I think there is already a fight over in Mongolia right now. By the time we get to Datong, it won't be too late."
Chen Xiao picked up a piece of egg and put it into Jia Heng's bowl, and said: "Although the Jurchens are brave, they should not be that fast. The Mongolian cavalry is not a mob."
Jia Heng said: "I hope so."
If we wait until Datong and Mongolia is destroyed, it will be somewhat embarrassing.
Chen Xiao looked at the young man with bright eyes under his eyebrows and asked, "Are you also nervous sometimes?"
Jia Heng shook his head and said softly: "It's not that I'm nervous, but that the emperor has high hopes. It's not yet known whether he can achieve full success."
Judging from the previous naval battles, the Jurchen bannermen are very brave. No one can say whether the Beijing cavalry can compete in the field.
Chen Xiao put down his chopsticks, gently took the young man's hand, and said comfortingly: "Just be normal, my father was not as good at fighting as you when he was young."
She could actually feel his pressure. If she couldn't win this battle, the man in the palace would be somewhat disappointed.
Jia Heng looked at the young girl and chuckled, "Then my son-in-law can be considered better than his predecessor."
When Chen Xiao heard this, a slight blush appeared on her beautiful cheeks, and a hint of embarrassment appeared in her eyes. She picked up the chopsticks and knocked on Jia Heng's bowl and said, "Eat your food."
The two ate their food in silence.
Jia Heng put down his chopsticks, took a handkerchief and wiped his mouth. His eyes turned to look clear and clear, and he whispered: "The official document has been sent to Shanxi, and the order is to allocate 400,000 shi of grain to prepare for military supplies. Most likely We can’t get it all together.”
According to the records of Bi Ziyan, the Minister of Household Affairs of the Ming Dynasty, in "Du Zhi Zou Yi", 10,000 people need 200 shi of rice per day, that is, 2 kilograms per person per day, and an army of 60,000 will consume 1,200 shi of rice per day. Stone, horses need a bunch of grass and three liters of bean feed a day.
Food and fodder must be prepared for one month, which is 360,000 dan, and 400,000 dan will be used leniently.
Chen Xiao looked at the young man with dazzling eyes on his pure and beautiful jade face, and said, "Are you trying to take advantage of the Shanxi merchants?"
Jia Heng said softly: "The eight major Shanxi merchants have shops selling rice grains in Taiyuan, and Qu Lang has previously collected evidence of smuggling crimes by eight Shanxi merchants. The news is only in the past few days, but there is still a breakthrough in this matter. "
Thinking of this, he put down the teacup in his hand and called, "Li Shu."
"Captain." Li Shu from the Hundred Households in Jinyi came from outside and cupped his hands and said, "Captain, please give me your orders."
Jia Heng looked serious and asked, "Did Qu Zhenfu send any news?"
Li Shudao: "Go back to the governor, but it hasn't been delivered yet."
Jia Heng pondered and said, "Send someone to keep a close eye on it. What about the grassland?"
"I'm about to report back to the Governor." Li Shu took out a short bamboo tube from his sleeve and said, "Captain, the Naiman tribe and the Aohan tribe have agreed to attack Mongolia and have already sent troops."
In the past few days, from the original preparation stage to the launch of the attack, the Jurchens' war to annex Mongolia has officially begun.
Jia Heng took out the paper from the bamboo tube, read it, and handed it to Chen Xiao aside.
Chen Xiao's clear eyes flickered. After reading the words on it, he raised his eyes and looked at Jia Heng. He lightly opened his pink lips and uttered a few words, saying: "Soldiers are valuable and quick."
Jia Heng said: "Let the generals pass the order. The officers and soldiers should rest early and set off early tomorrow morning."
"Yes." Li Shu handed over and left.
Jia Heng looked at Chen Xiao and said: "We are in a hurry because of time. Let's communicate with Ezhe from Chahar Mongolia first and let him resist for a while."
If we want to seize the military power of Taiyuan and Datong towns and seize Shanxi merchants, the whole process needs to be carried out vigorously and resolutely, and cannot be delayed.
"I will help you with the investigation of Shanxi merchants. You try your best to gather Datong's military power, mobilize troops and generals, and contact E Zhe." Chen Xiao said in a cold voice: "I'll tell you if you have anything."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "Well, that's fine."
Xiaoxiao is now considered his deputy general.
Time flies by, and three or four days have passed without realizing it. Jia Heng leads the cavalry army towards Taiyuan Prefecture in Shanxi Province non-stop.
Taiyuan General Military Office, official office
The front and rear entrance halls are tightly guarded by soldiers holding Yanling knives, and the words "Taiyuan General Army Yamen" are printed in Song style on the angry phoenix lantern under the eaves.
In the hall, there are crowds of people, and there are clear distinctions. The commander-in-chief Wang Chengyin, who is sitting on the lacquered pear chair on the left, is actually about fifty years old. He has a tall body, a majestic face, a unkempt beard under his chin, and piercing eyes.
The full name of the Commander-in-Chief is the Commander-in-Chief Military Affairs Officer. In border towns, he is the Commander-in-Chief, and in local areas, he is the Commander-in-Chief. He is usually a second-grade general, but there are also high-ranking first-grade generals, and Wang Chengyin is the latter.
Not far away sat Shanxi Governor Gu Binghe, Shanxi Chief Envoy Luo Jingwen, and Shanxi Commander Xiang Bin.
Because Taiyuan was governed by Shanxi Prefecture, it was not only the place where the governor was stationed, but also gathered many government offices. However, because Wang Chengyin had a large number of troops and Taiyuan's special military status, his authority was not under the governor's control.
Wang Chengyin's face paused slightly and he said in a deep voice: "Master Gu, the Beijing Cavalry Army will arrive in the next few days, and the official document to raise money and food has been sent to the governor's office. I wonder if you two have prepared the food and supplies needed for the army?"
This Yongning Hou Xing came with a large number of soldiers and insisted on participating in the battle of the Jurchens to destroy the Mongols after being fully fed. He was afraid that Xiang Zhuang was dancing his sword with the intention of Peigong and came to rectify Taiyuan's military affairs.
This Marquis of Yongning is not as easy to fool as King Beijing.
Gu Binghe glanced at Luo Jingwen, with a smile on his old face, and said, "Master Luo, have the feudal lord's provisions been fully prepared?"
Luo Jingwen looked hesitant and whispered: "There are still 300,000 shi of food in the treasury in the mansion, but this is emergency food between spring plowing and summer harvest. We can only spare 200,000 shi to temporarily supply the army, and then let the court transfer it. .”
Xiang Bin, the commander of the Shanxi capital, frowned and said in a deep voice: "The Beijing camp army dispatched 60,000 cavalry this time. These troops carry rations and don't carry much baggage. We need Shanxi to supply military rations for one month. The Ministry of Revenue means Shanxi. We will raise the funds first, and then the Ministry of Household Affairs will approve the reduction and exemption of this year's summer grain. We will first support the 400,000 dan of grain, and then raise the rest."
This is a strategy proposed by Lin Ruhai and Qi Kun. Firstly, it is to ensure that the cavalry is fully supplied, and secondly, it is to appropriately save manpower for transportation.
That is, the grain of hundreds of thousands of dan will no longer be allocated by the Ministry of Household Affairs, but will be supplied locally by the Shanxi vassal treasury, and then the full amount of the summer grain returned to the Ministry of Household will be subtracted.
Of course, the grain will need to be transferred from Shenjing in the future, otherwise, Shanxi will not be able to support so much grain.
Shanxi Governor Gu Binghe showed a serious look on his fair face and said in a deep voice: "What Xiang Dushuai said is true. The military situation is as urgent as a spark. It is urgent that there is no shortage of military rations. The remaining 100,000 shi will allow the prefectures and counties below Shanxi Province to continue to work." If we recruit some, one hundred thousand dan is not too much, and a few hundred dan evenly distributed in each county will be enough."
At this time, Luo Jingwen had a troubled look on his face and said: "Master Gu, last year a lot of Shanxi's autumn grain was transferred to Beijing for supply. Now every county is fighting famine. I'm afraid it's not easy to collect these 100,000 stones of grain. There are other beans and hay, but there is no replenishment in the feudal treasury.”
Gu Binghe said: "But the military situation is like a fire. If the military plane is delayed, it is not a joke. Then the people will suffer again."
The general who conquered the captives was equipped with the emperor's sword, which could be executed first and then played.
Luo Jingwen said: "If the official wants to stop thinking about it, does the official mean that if the Beijing camp buys grain from the merchants, it can also solve the difficulty of transshipment?"
Jiang Yan, the prefect of Taiyuan, was a middle-aged official with a thin cheek. He took over the conversation and said: "What Lord Fantai said is true. Since the imperial court wants to transfer grain from Shenjing, it is better to purchase rice in Shanxi and save the need for transportation. It’s a waste, this army probably won’t fight for just a month, I heard there are infantry coming from behind.”
If the imperial court spends money to buy grain and fodder, it will be a big deal.
Gu Binghe twirled his beard and said: "This matter was also mentioned in the official documents of the imperial court. The Ministry of Household Affairs sent a minister to buy grain."
"Father, the soldiers and horses from the Beijing camp have arrived." Wang Deng, Wang Chengyin's son, entered the flower hall of the back house in a hurry and raised his hands to Wang Chengyin.
Wang Chengyin looked at Gu Bingwen on the side and said, "Master Gu, Master Luo, Commander Xiang, and Master Jiang, please go together to welcome us."
Everyone nodded, left their seats and stood up.
At this moment, the 5,000 cavalry troops arrived first by Xie Zaiyi, the governor of Guoyong camp, who arrived the day before. At this moment, the cavalry general from the Beijing camp, who was famous for his cavalry shooting, stopped the cavalry troops behind him and looked towards the majestic, The tall Taiyuan City Wall.
As an important town protecting Guanzhong, the Taiyuan City Wall is much more towering than other city walls.
Accompanied by the heavy sound of "squeaking...", the winch rotated, and the copper ingot door slowly opened. After a while, I saw a dark crowd of officials coming from inside.
There are civil and military figures, gradually approaching the front.
"In front of us is General Xie." Wang Chengyin, the commander-in-chief of Datong on horseback, held the reins and clasped his fists towards Xie Zaiyi.
Xie Zaiyi returned the gift and said: "General Wang."
Wang Chengyin turned over and dismounted, and then, as if there was a signal, all the generals behind him dismounted one after another.
The governor of Shanxi, the chief envoy, the prefect of Taiyuan, and others also got off their sedan chairs, came from behind the cavalry, came up to the front, greeted Xie Zaiyi, and greeted him.
(End of chapter)
