Xuanfu, General Military Office
Jiang Yu, the commander-in-chief of the Xuanfu, was sitting in the study and looked at Kang Zexing. This was the third time Kang Zexing came here in two days.
Kang Zexing said: "Uncle, my brother has sent news that the Qing Dynasty has mobilized all its troops to besiege Xuanfu. The tens of thousands of people in the city alone will not be able to withstand it."
In the Xuanfu, if Jiang Quan still maintained correspondence with the Han ministers and Han generals among the Jurchen high-level officials, then the merchants in the Xuanfu had already secretly communicated with the Jurchens.
Just because he felt that Xuanfu was unreliable, Li Zan sent Wang Ziteng to assist in the defense. However, after the game the day before, Wang Ziteng led the army to Dushikou.
Jiang Quan said with a cold expression: "My Jiang family has been greatly favored by the emperor. My dear nephew, if you say such rebellious words again, don't blame me for not being kind to me in the past."
Kang Zexing said: "Uncle, news just came from my father's side that the guards of Jinyi Mansion have begun to pursue the smuggling matter."
Just when Jia Heng went to Datong to reorganize his army, the Jinyi guards who stayed in Taiyuan City were not idle. In the name of investigating Jurchen spies, they began to investigate the smuggling clues of the Kang family and other families, such as some people in Taiyuan who were selling Jurchen stuff. Shops selling beads, mink fur, and ginseng have arrested some people one after another to trace the origin of the goods.
For this reason, Kang Yisheng, Fan Hongqing and other Shanxi merchants and chambers of commerce have negotiated with Lin Ruhai, the Minister of Household Affairs, and Qijun Wang Chen Cheng, the Cangchang Minister who escorted the grain and grass, also complained about the Shanxi merchants.
Jiang Yan frowned and said, "Didn't Jinyi Mansion say they were checking for spies? It has nothing to do with smuggling, right?"
"My Uncle Jiang Shi, must the court sharpen his sword and sacrifice the butcher's knife before Uncle Jiang wakes up?" Kang Zexing persuaded.
Jiang Quan's face was gloomy and he said: "I know that the eldest young master of the Kang family took the errand of the Tatar household and fought fiercely with those surrendered ministers, but Jiang went to Jurchen, but he was driven by others and consumed the Han army's servant army. That’s all.”
As a Han general, he would be ostracized if he went to the Jurchens. It would be better for him to be free and at ease for a prince.
Seeing that Jiang Quan still refused to let go, Kang Zexing finally revealed his secret and said: "Uncle Jiang Shi, Prince Su's army is only two days away from the Xuan Mansion. Mr. Jiang, many people in the city are now dissatisfied with the imperial court's border restrictions. According to the strategy, the army will arrive, and once it responds, Datong will be in danger."
When Jiang Quan heard this, his expression suddenly became solemn and he said, "The soldiers and horses of the Eight Banners are now on Datong Road?"
Kang Zexing said: "Uncle Jiang Shi, when the imperial court wins the war, it is bound to liquidate the smuggling of Liaodong. With the ruthlessness of the Marquis of Yongning in killing Wang Chengyin, the commander-in-chief of Taiyuan, does Uncle Shi think he can still retain his wealth? Sooner or later, the Xuanfu will have to do something else. Change the general."
Jiang Yan's eyes flashed, and his fists hidden under the table clenched unconsciously.
He admitted that what the second young master of the Kang family said was reasonable, but this was treason. Once discovered by the court, it would be the crime of annihilating the nine tribes. How could he make such a determination?
In fact, if Jia Heng had directly sent people to arrest Kang Yisheng and other Shanxi merchants and track down the smuggling of Donglu, he would have had some confidence in Jiang Yu's determination.
But now that the butcher's knife has not yet fallen, it is difficult for Jiang Gan to make this determination.
Kang Zexing said: "Uncle Jiang, the Han general defected to the past, and now he has joined the Eight Banners of the Han Army. His Majesty the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty attaches great importance to it. Uncle Jiang, Hauge said that if you can defect to the general, at least you will be granted the title of Marquis. If we offer the Xuan Mansion in this way, even if we are granted the title of Duke, it is not beyond negotiation."
Although Hauge has a bad temper and is even a little brainless, Yue Tuan beside him not only values love and justice, but is also a resourceful man who can directly use his title to seduce him.
In fact, there is a saying that Huang Taiji treated Hanchen very well, and his treatment was generous, which was like buying a horse bone for a thousand gold, because the Manchu Qing Dynasty, which was in the process of starting a business, urgently needed Hanchen's help.
Jiang Yan felt a little moved, but still struggled a little in his heart. He waved his hand and said, "You go back first. This matter is of great importance. I need to consider it carefully."
It can be said that the determination to sacrifice the city is not so easy to make, unless the matter is really urgent.
"This is a matter of wealth and life. Uncle Jiang should be more cautious." Kang Zexing said, cupped his hands, then left the study, stood in the courtyard, looked at the white clouds above the sky, and let out a long breath. gas.
The reason why the Kang family actively seeks rebellion is not because they are full, but because they have an arrow on the string and have no choice but to launch it.
Because this is an opportunity to follow the merits of the dragon, the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty has promised that as long as he takes over Xuanfu and Datong, and can get a glimpse of the Central Plains, he can make the Kang family the head of the imperial merchants and receive the title of Minister of Household Affairs, which is no better than in the Han Dynasty. Is it better to be cautious when doing business?
When Kang Zexing left the General Military Office, a big man dressed as a woodcutter who was hiding in a noodle shop at the corner of the street also wiped his mouth, dropped a few coins, and then carried firewood and walked away into the distance.
After passing two alleys, I saw an ordinary house.
He stepped forward and quickly clicked the door three times, then slowly three times.
Then there was a "squeak" sound, and the red painted wooden door opened.
"The firewood you want."
"Pick it in and put it in the stove."
The two of them talked, and then led the big man with a bamboo hat on his head into the backyard.
At this moment, Qu Lang was wearing short clothes and had a beard under his chin and nose. Even if Jia Heng took a quick look, it was difficult to recognize him. He was discussing something in a low voice with several young people. When he saw the person coming, he said, "How is it?"
The man cupped his hands and said, "Commander, the second young master of the Kang family went to the General Army Yamen again."
Qu Lang nodded, with a thoughtful look on his face, and said: "In the past few days, Kang Zexing and the young master of the Qiao family have frequently contacted Wang Dengku and Jin Liangyu in the city, and also entertained the generals of Xuanfu Town. I’m afraid I might have thoughts of rebellion.”
Qu Lang immediately asked: "Where is General Xie?"
At this moment, the young man on the side said: "General Xie is already on his way with his troops. They should arrive at Dexuan Mansion tonight."
Qu Lang looked slightly cold and whispered: "Monitor Kang Zexing closely, and capture this person as soon as General Xie arrives."
Several young people in Jinyi whispered yes.
Qu Lang said: "You guys wait here first, I'll go see Zhongshan Wolf."
When Sun Shaozu was buried in Datong in advance by the Jinyi Mansion, he not only found out the details of the smuggling of Datong generals, but also got in touch with the Qiao family of Shanxi merchants, and then had a fierce fight with Jiang Yu, the general of the Xuan Mansion.
At this moment, the mansion where Sun Shaozu is located——
Sun Shaozu was talking to the incoming matchmaker, an aunt of his own clan.
The woman looked at Sun Shaozu and said: "Shaozu, the Qiao family has urged the marriage several times. They said that the Qiao family is not young anymore. When will they get married? It's not a good idea to keep delaying it."
Sun Shaozu said: "Auntie, this is not a critical moment. Didn't we agree to wait two more months?"
The woman smiled and said, "You don't know how anxious Mr. Qiao is. He was always urging you. Now if you get married earlier, you will be able to have a son and a half daughter earlier in the future, which will expand the branches and leaves of your Sun family." "
When Sun Shaozu heard the words, he responded calmly, but secretly complained in his heart.
How could this special lady marry Mr. Qiao's daughter? When the imperial court settles the accounts, the entire Qiao family will definitely be executed.
"Then it will take another two months. Now the war is in chaos. The court is about to fight against the Tatars, and it is not easy to hold a wedding." Sun Shaozu stalled for time.
The woman said: "Then tonight, you can talk to the eldest young master of the Qiao family. He has been in a hurry lately."
Back then, Sun Shaozu went to the grassland with the eldest young master of the Qiao family and encountered a group of horse bandits. Sun Shaozu led his servants to fight against the horse bandits with the Qiao family. From then on, he and the eldest young master of the Qiao family became brothers. Only then did Qiao Yunfa plan to bring him to the grassland. His daughter was promised to Sun Shaozu.
In fact, when it comes to appearance, military attachés like Sun Shaozu are almost considered handsome in the north.
After the woman left, Sun Shaozu's majestic face gradually showed a look of distress.
I have been doing this kind of deception for almost a year, and I am always worried about being discovered. Also, the daughter of the Qiao family is also very handsome, and she will have to ask for a reward and become a concubine for me in the future.
At this moment, a special bird song was heard outside, like a harrier or an eagle, with a special rhythm.
Sun Shaozu's face changed slightly, and he cursed secretly, thinking, the music conductor is here again, he put down the tea cup and hurriedly left the mansion. After a while, he came to a tea house, went up to the second floor, and entered a tea room box.
"Here we come." Qu Lang poured a cup of tea, raised his eyes to look at Sun Shaozu, pushed the tea cup over, and said, "Drink tea."
Sun Shaozu sat down and lowered his voice and said, "Jiang Gan has been quiet these days, but Beibian'er has already led his troops. They should attack Xuan Mansion in these two days."
Qu Lang said: "Jiang Yu is still undecided?"
"If there is any news, he will definitely tell me that I helped him with a lot of business." Sun Shaozu whispered, with a flash of light in his eyes, and asked: "When will the net be closed?" Sun Shaozu said said.
Qu Lang took a sip of tea and said, "It's almost here, it will only be in the next two days."
"Hurry up and close the Internet cafe." Sun Shaozu's eyes flashed and he lowered his voice and said.
If he doesn't close the net, is he really worried that he won't be able to stand the urging of the old man of the Qiao family, get married, and then vote for the Jurchen?
Qu Lang glanced at Sun Shaozu and said in a low voice: "My family asked me to tell you that after this incident, I will guarantee you a hereditary Jinyi Mansion to command the affairs."
When Sun Shaozu heard this, he felt happy. Ever since he was imprisoned in the imperial prison, he felt that all generals were bullshit and not as powerful as the officials of Jinyi Mansion.
Qu Lang said: "But what my family wants is for you to lead the Qiao family to Shengjing. There are our people there who can pick you up."
Among the Han generals in Shengjing, it was not without their admiration for the Han Dynasty. Especially after Jia Heng captured Duduo alive in the south and beheaded him, the Han generals who had surrendered earlier were also somewhat shaken.
Sun Shaozu: "???"
Still going to Shengjing? What if the Tatar emperor marries the princess to him?
Of course, this was a trivial thought, and he immediately laughed to himself that he only thought of good things.
Qu Lang's eyes narrowed slightly under his sharp eyebrows, and he stared at Sun Shaozu for a moment, and asked: "Of course, this matter depends on your decision. Didn't you fall in love with Qiao Yunfa's daughter? You never thought about making a fake show. , really voted for the Jurchens?"
Facing that penetrating gaze, Sun Shaozu's heart trembled, and he said with a smile, "My lord, you are joking."
The Jinyi Mansion definitely has an informant around him. No, it should be the Qiao family and the Jinyi Mansion's eyes and ears.
"I have to think about this matter." Sun Shaozu whispered under Qu Lang's cold gaze.
Qu Lang nodded and said: "Don't worry, my family will not treat you badly. If you come back with meritorious service in the future, you might even get a knighthood. This is what that person said."
Sun Shaozu's face paused, and the word "nobility" undoubtedly touched him.
Qu Lang said without saying much, and left the tea room, while the other plainclothes men who were drinking tea in the two rooms next door also left with Qu Lang.
Sun Shaozu looked at the steaming tea cup on the table, frowned, and cursed in his heart.
Damn it, are you on a pirate ship? Going to Shengjing? Isn't Jinyi Mansion afraid that he will really vote for the Jurchens? Passing false information?
Maybe there are other people in the court in Shengjing who want to keep an eye on him?
Thinking of this, my heart couldn't help but tremble.
Not to mention that Sun Shaozu was feeling uneasy. As time passed, at dusk, three miles outside Xuanfu City, the sound of horse hooves was heard, and the sound of nearly ten thousand cavalry marching could be heard far away.
Seeing the faint outline of the Xuanfu city wall, especially the fiery red flag with the word "Han" floating in the wind, the leading general had a gentle expression on his face and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
What worries me the most is that when we arrive at the gate of Xuanfu City, the King's Flag will change on top of the city.
As the sunset in the west dyed the sky red, and the dark night fell from the mountain peaks, nearly ten thousand cavalry troops approached Xuanfu City silently and quickly.
At this moment, the generals sent by Xie Zaiyi had already arrived at the gate of Xuanfu City on fast horses. After reporting to the generals guarding the city, they were led to the General Military Yamen.
In the official hall, the tables and chairs are neatly arranged and spotless. The oil lamps on the square pillars painted with black paint are dancing with candles. The orange candles are dancing, dispersing the falling night.
"Sir, General Xie from the Beijing Camp is here." A junior high school officer entered the hall and reported to Jiang Gu, the commander-in-chief of the Xuan Mansion.
Because he was worried that Xuanfu was unreliable and could be lost at any time, Xie Zaiyi only sent additional scouts and sentries along the way, and did not write a letter to Xuanfu in advance until he contacted the Jinyifu guards in Xuanfu city the day before yesterday.
With that said, he entered the official hall, handed over the official document in his hand, and said, "The primary school sent by General Xie is right outside the door."
As soon as these words came out, not only Jiang Gan, but also the five Xuanfu generals present were stunned and shocked.
Jiang Gan calmed down and took the official document. When he saw the seal of customs protection on it, his expression changed, and he felt an inexplicable fear in his heart. He asked, "Where is the person sent by General Xie? Bring him here quickly?"
After a while, hundreds of officials sent by Xie Zaiyi entered the hall. They first saluted Jiang Yu, who was sitting behind the commander's desk, and said, "General Jiang, my general has arrived outside the city and has entered the city to assist in the defense of Xuanfu. The Jurchen attack."
Hearing this, Jiang Guan's face calmed down and he said, "I don't know when General Xie will come and how many soldiers and horses he will bring, so I can prepare the barracks and food in advance."
"The general is already three miles outside the city. He should have arrived outside Xuanfu City by now." The hundred households in the capital camp said with their hands raised.
Jiang Yan's complexion changed suddenly, his eyes became a little darker, and the uneasiness in his heart became more intense.
General Xiao Yao said: "Sir, when the troops from the capital camp arrive, I will wait for them to go out of the city to greet them."
Several other generals and colonels also said this, and now the several generals and colonels in the city don't know that Jiang Guan has other thoughts.
Jiang Yuqiang smiled to himself and said, "The generals will follow me to greet General Xie."
He was not afraid of Wang Ziteng who came with the troops. He was forced to guard the difficult-to-defend Dushikou. He was just a second-grade general from the Beijing camp. What did he have to fear?
While everyone was talking, they headed to Xuanfu City under the leadership of Jiang Yu.
Jiang Gan stood on the city gate tower and looked at the Beijing army not far away. His face was as dark as the bottom of a pot. He couldn't see clearly in the night. He asked: "Send someone to verify the seal of the customs defense. Ask for clarification." Identity, in an emergency, beware of Donglu impersonating the imperial army to gain the city."
Immediately, a general was lowered out of the city with a rope and met the cavalry led by Xie Zaiyi. Soon after, he asked why and returned again.
Jiang Yan looked at the forest of flags in the distance under the moonlight, and for some reason he felt uneasy in his heart. He said to the general below: "It's getting late. Tell them to camp outside first and then go to the city tomorrow."
The expression of the general on the side changed slightly and he said: "My lord, this is the general's order to conquer the prisoners. If you are held accountable in the future, I am afraid that military law will be followed."
In the past few days, the fact that Taiyuan's commander-in-chief Wang Chengyin was beheaded to correct military law has gradually spread to the ears of the generals and majors in Xuanfu Town, and they are somewhat afraid of the general who has never met them.
Hearing this, Jiang Guan sighed secretly and said loudly: "Ask the number of cavalry troops and welcome the army into the city."
Just like that, after a period of time that could be described as dawdling, Xie Zaiyi finally entered Xuanfu City under the moonlight.
Xuanfu General Military Office
Xie Zaiyi, with an expressionless face, led a group of Beijing camp generals into the hall, stood in front of the commander's case, and asked: "Why didn't Commander Jiang enter the city just now?"
Jiang Gan's face was somewhat unnatural, and he said with a smile: "Don't be surprised, General Xie. Recently, the Peking Camp sent people to the city to warn that the Jurchens might attack the Xuan Mansion. It was just dark now and I couldn't distinguish the army, so I sent people to inquire. .”
Xie Zaiyi looked calm and noncommittal. He just took out an official document from his arms and said: "General Jiang, the general sent a junior general to help the city and also led the deputy general. I wonder where General Wang Ziteng is?"
As the general who conquered the captives, Jia Heng was naturally aware of the deployment of troops in Xuanfu Town. As for just sending Xie Zaiyi to lead ten thousand cavalry, he was also aware of the different attitudes of the generals within Xuanfu.
Jiang Gan smiled and said, "Because the Jurchens are in a hurry to plunder, after my discussion with General Wang Ziteng, General Wang Ziteng has led his troops to defend Dushikou."
Several paths the Jurchens used to enter the pass had monolithic entrances, so the heavy defense this time made sense.
Xie Zaiyi sat down and said: "General Jiang, according to the general's order, Wang Ziteng and General Jiang must be jointly in charge of the Xuanfu. At this time, we should go to inform General Ziteng overnight to lead the troops to return reinforcements."
Jiang Quan looked troubled and said: "General Xie, now the Jurchens are not sure when they will send troops to attack, so they have to withdraw their troops rashly. If the Jurchens invade, it will be difficult for those on the other side of Dushikou to resist."
Xie Zaiyi said: "General Jiang, the general's words are clear. Tomorrow we need to dispatch five thousand soldiers and horses from Xuanhua City to support Dushikou. Wang Ziteng may not have enough troops there."
After Jiang Yan heard this, he felt relieved, nodded and said, "Then I will follow General Xie's words."
Now that the imperial army is coming, his ideas are even more whimsical, and he has not seen the Jurchen soldiers. The thoughts of his generals have not been ventilated in advance, and he is not sure how many people are willing to defect to the Jurchens.
In general, those who betray the country and surrender to the enemy must first be unified in understanding, or those generals who are unwilling to follow must be purged first.
But Jiang Yu was so indecisive that he had not completed the first step until now. When the Beijing camp came, he was even more cautious.
Xie Zaiyi glanced at Jiang Guan, and now he wanted to stabilize Jiang Guan. News of the opportunity to seize his military power came from Jinyi Mansion.
Jiang Quan smiled and said: "Thank you, General. I have prepared a small banquet. The General and the generals from the capital camp have come all the way. They have been working hard, so why not have a meal first."
Xie Zaiyi cupped his hands in thanks and said, "Then General Lao Jiang will be here."
If nothing unexpected happens, we will be able to capture Jiang Guan and his men later, gather Datong's military power, kill Jiang Quan, and then use the cavalry to suppress the situation.
Jiang Yan secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and then asked the chef to prepare dinner while talking to Xie Zaiyi, also using Xie Zaiyi's words.
When he learned that the imperial court had sent hundreds of thousands of soldiers and horses from Beijing to fight, Jiang Yan's eyes were focused, and he couldn't help but feel a shiver in his heart, suppressing the strangeness in his heart.
Now that there are Beijing Cavalry troops in the city, those original ideas were too risky.
Moreover, the matter is not yet urgent.
As night fell, pine oil torches were lit in the courtyard. For a moment, the lights were bright, as bright as day. Just as the generals of the Xuanfu and the generals of the Beijing camp were drinking each other, a burst of noise and commotion suddenly came from outside.
Jiang Yan, who was drinking with Xie Zaiyi and other generals from the Beijing camp, changed his face slightly and asked, "Go and ask what's going on."
Not long after, the general who checked on the situation came back with a look of fear on his face and said: "General, the Jinyi guards in the city arrested members of the Kang family, saying they were colluding with the Jurchens and acting as spies."
As soon as these words came out, Jiang Yu felt like thunder, and his heart sank to the bottom.
How could Kang's family be arrested? Is the smuggling going to be exposed?
(End of chapter)
