Nan'an County Prince's Mansion
In the beautifully and luxuriously decorated flower hall, the lights are brightly lit and the figures are looking forward to it.
Nan'an County Prince Yan Ye was dressed in a sitting python robe, with an upright figure, sitting in the middle, with a rosy face, and a smile as he entertained Liu Fang, the grandson of Duke Li, as well as Hou Xiaokang, Shi Guangzhu, Ma Shang, Chen Ruiwen, Mu Sheng and others. .
Liu Fang, the grandson of Duke Li, had just returned from Peiping to deliver grain and grass. Because his mother was ill, he came back this time in the name of attending to her illness.
In fact, this is just an excuse, mainly because the war in the north is urgent, and the prince of Nan'an County has sent a letter to the capital to report the truth and falsehood. Liu Fang is afraid of being implicated after the defeat.
And this former military commander, Tongzhi, had been away from Beijing for more than half a year because he was on an errand from Peiping to escort grain and grass.
As soon as Liu Fang returned to Beijing, she found Hou Xiaokang, Shi Guangzhu and others, and came to visit the Prince of Nan'an County to ask for advice on the court situation and the war situation in the north.
The Prince of Nan'an County put down the wine cup, his tiger eyes were aggressive, and his voice was like a bell: "Don't worry, nephew Liu Xian, after this battle is over, the boy who harmed the country and the army will definitely be punished by the palace. At that time, we will have revenge and grievances." Complain!”
Shi Guangzhu had a solemn look on his face and asked, "Your Majesty, has there been no urgent military message from Datong?"
The Prince of Nan'an County smiled happily and said: "Don't think about it, it must be that the boy's war is not going well. Otherwise, with his temperament of doing little work and being diligent, he would have delivered the memorial by now."
"With a little effort and diligence, what the prince said is really to the point, bringing the shape of that villain to life." After hearing this, Liu Fang paused, nodded in agreement, and said with a smile: "The kid has a little merit, so he will have to do it." When the chaos in Henan was quelled, I heard Brother Ruiwen say that he communicated almost the entire process from going to Luoyang to going to Kaifeng, lest others would not know about his unremarkable achievements."
It can be said that if this is passed down to later generations, it can become an idiom and allusion.
It is a metaphor for being eager to show credit to superiors after having achieved a small amount of merit. It is often used to describe those villains in the officialdom who are sneaky and sneaky, asking for credit and reward.
"Although he is young, his heart is cunning, like a fox or a wolf. I remember rumors in the capital that Mr. Yang Ge, who resigned and retired to hermitage, once said that this man is a traitor but a loyal person." Ma Shang, the grandson of Ma Kui, the ruler of the country, took over and said.
The Prince of Nan'an County explained: "Judging from the urgent military situation at Xuan Mansion, those who came to attack should be a partial Jurchen army, and Datong is where the Jurchen troops will attack heavily. The Jurchens can only enter the three Jin areas." , can intimidate Shenjing, what the Jurchen people are thinking, I know it clearly!"
Shenjing is in the northwest, and Datong is the first gateway. The Nan'an County Prince is right.
Shi Guangzhu looked slumped, sighed, and said: "He killed his own general before he even used troops. Now the border soldiers are in danger, and the general is resentful and unwilling to move forward. This Yongning Marquis is so reckless, and he is really not afraid of causing a disaster." A big defeat?"
"What is he afraid of? He won a battle before, or he thought he was invincible." Chen Ruiwen said coldly.
Liu Fang said quietly: "I was lucky enough to win a battle at Chongming Sands with the help of barbarian firearms. Now I feel invincible. What is the combat power of the Beijing cavalry? Now that the country has poured out, is it a match for the Jurchens?" It’s just a pity that after this battle, it will be even more difficult for me, a big man, to revive.”
At the end of the sentence, although I didn't express my heart out with excessive force, I still felt a bit sad and sighing.
The prince of Nan'an County said: "What my nephew said is right. Even if we try hard to win over the heavens, it will take us ten or eight years to compete with the Jurchens again."
Everyone was drinking wine and scolding Jia Heng. Mu Sheng, the prince of Dongping County, raised his wine cup and took a sip without saying a word.
Deep down in my heart, I even began to regret coming to attend this right and wrong banquet.
Ma Kui, the grandson of the Governor, said: "Uncle Shi, I have received numerous military honors from the country and share the same fate with the country. If the situation is really in danger, we will definitely go through fire and water, no matter who else but me."
Chen Ruiwen's young face was very determined and he said: "Brother Ma's words must be obvious. I'd like to toast to you."
"It is well said by the two wise nephews. When the sea is flowing, a hero can show his true colors." The Prince of Nan'an County applauded and said loudly: "In the end, it is up to me to wait for Wu Xun."
For a time, the atmosphere above the wine table became even more noisy.
At this moment, the servant outside entered the extremely lively hall, bowed and saluted, and said: "Your Majesty, His Royal Highness the King of Wei is here."
In the past few days, Princess Wei Yan Yiliu went back to her natal home for two days, but King Wei didn't take it seriously at first. When he entered the palace to greet Queen Song, he received Queen Song's request and planned to come today to take Princess Wei Yan Yiliu back.
Prince Nan'an put down his wine cup, his square face flushed red, and said to the people around him: "His Royal Highness the King of Wei is here, I go over to greet you."
Although he is the father-in-law, the King of Wei is a nobleman of Tianhuang after all, and he cannot be neglected by relying on his old age.
During the dinner, Liu Fang's sleepy eyes lit up slightly, and she put down the wine cup in her hand, her thoughts rising involuntarily.
The King of Wei is the eldest son of the Emperor. If he can get in touch with him, the Liu family might be able to make a comeback, and Yixue would be humiliated by being bullied by his children?
At this time, Wei Wang Chen Ran, dressed in a splendid and colorful robe, entered the hall under the guidance of several long followers.
Chen Ran first saluted the Prince of Nan'an County and said humbly, "The little king has met my father-in-law."
Prince Nan'an smiled and supported King Wei, and said warmly: "Your Highness, King Wei, quickly excuse yourself."
At this time, all the generals stood up and saluted King Wei with clasped fists.
Seeing the scene of the strong man lowering his eyebrows and cupping his hands at the table, King Wei felt a little happy, and he quickly supported him and said: "Generals, please excuse me."
Everyone sat down one after another and looked at the courteous and regal young man, smiling and greeting each other.
The king of Wei smiled and asked: "Are you generals drinking?"
Prince Nan'an smiled and said, "This is not Liu Shi's nephew who has just returned from the border and is talking about the war at the border."
The King of Wei put on his face and looked calm, and asked for advice: "How is the war at the unknown border?"
The Prince of Nan'an County said: "There has been a war over there in Xuanfu, and the Han army is struggling to support it. There is no news about Datong so far, I'm afraid the situation is not good."
When the King of Wei heard this, his expression paused slightly, and he said thoughtfully: "With the ability of Marquis Yongning to command the troops, it should be no big deal to sweep across Monan."
Before coming, he had remembered his uncle's words, speak less and listen more.
The Prince of Nan'an County shook his head and said: "My son... Yongning Marquis is good at killing border generals. Now the morale of Xuanda Erzhen's army has become unstable. Now the Jurchens are coming again. How can he withstand it?"
The King of Wei frowned and said: "Didn't Yongning Marquis Shangshu say that before going outside, one must first calm down the inside? There are indeed irregularities in the generals of the three towns of Xuanda and Taiyuan."
"Your Majesty, this is an attempt to inflict a crime. It's just a deliberate attempt to gather military power." Liu Fang said anxiously, and said coldly: "But this kind of impetuous advance is most likely to cause resentment among the generals and soldiers. When encountering When the war comes, how can the seemingly incompatible border troops and the Beijing camp resist the Jurchen cavalry?"
Worried that the King of Wei did not understand, but also showing his knowledge, Liu Fang said proudly: "If I come to lead the army, I will definitely integrate the troops and horses, inspire them with righteousness, and defeat the barbarians together. How can we be like now, where we have not wiped out the enemy? Kill your own general first."
When King Wei heard this, his expression paused slightly and he was silent for a moment.
The Prince of Nan'an County sighed again: "Now that the Beijing army is out of the fortress, I'm afraid there will be a big defeat and the situation will be difficult to deal with."
When King Chen Ran of Wei heard this, he felt a little worried and asked, "Hou Yongning has won several battles in Chongmingsha in the south of the Yangtze River. He should have some experience in dealing with Jurchens."
"That was a naval battle. In addition to the Jurchen's expedition, he also obtained the firearms of the barbarians. He used the distance to control the close. No one else could have achieved such a great victory." Liu Fang said at the side.
Wei Wang Chen Ran looked at the people in front of him and said to himself, these old nobles and Jia Ziyu can't deal with each other.
And just when the hall fell into a brief silence, the faint sound of firecrackers came from outside the courtyard.
"Who is setting off firecrackers?" The prince of Nan'an County originally saw Wei Wang Chen Ran's face calm and unmoved. He secretly said that the city was deep and had the air of a king. At the same time, he was also a little annoyed in his heart by Wei Wang Chen Ran's treatment of Jia Heng. With a "close" attitude, he suddenly heard the sound of firecrackers, but his face was not worried.
A servant heard the reprimand of Prince Nan'an and quickly responded: "Your Majesty, please go out and take a look."
"It's not the New Year, it's not the festival, who set off the firecrackers?" Ma Shang said with a puzzled look on his face.
Chen Ruiwen put down the wine cup and gave an answer to himself, saying: "Don't be an old man."
"This is not just one family, but several directions." Mu Sheng, the crown prince of Dongping County, said quietly.
Not long after, a servant entered the hall, faced everyone's gaze, and said, "Your Majesty, this is a great victory. Marquis Yongning defeated the Jurchens in the north."
The prince of Nan'an County was drinking wine. The wine cup in his hand fell on the wine table with a clatter, and the wine splashed everywhere. The python suit with exquisite embroidery patterns was stained by the wine without even realizing it.
"Impossible!" Liu Fang blurted out, her face extremely ugly, and said: "How long can we lead the army? How can we win?"
Prince Nan'an's old face was blue and red. He also found it unbelievable and said anxiously: "How is this possible?"
King Wei frowned, glanced at Prince Nan'an and Liu Fang who said, "This is more uncomfortable than killing me." He shook his head secretly in his heart.
Is there any minister of the country who does not want to win but wants to lose?
At this time, Ma Shang hesitated and said: "If we say a great victory, we have just marched not long ago. Could it be that there is a misinformation from outside?"
The Prince of Nan'an County said: "Quickly, go out and find out what's going on?"
After waiting for a while, the person who went out to inquire came back and said: "Your Majesty, it was Yongning Marquis who annihilated the Jurchen Prince's more than 10,000 cavalry with blue flags and killed a Jurchen noble."
Prince Nan'an's face changed. Most of his initial drunkenness had dissipated, and he said anxiously: "How can the Jurchens defeat ten thousand people?"
Suddenly realizing that it was inappropriate to say so at this time, he changed his words and said: "No, the Jurchens are less than ten thousand, and they are invincible. How can they win?"
At this moment, Mu Sheng said: "If the entire Beijing cavalry army competes with the Jurchen inlaid blue flag, and the arrangement is proper, and the Jurchen underestimate the enemy and advance rashly, they may not be unable to achieve a great victory."
In fact, Mu Sheng revealed the secret in one sentence, why more defeats fewer, and he did not find out the strength of the Han army. It was all just an appearance!
The most essential reason is to underestimate the enemy and rush forward!
This is the psychological advantage that the Jurchens have established over a long period of time by suppressing the big men and winning continuously. These have entered into the bones of the Jurchens’ senior leaders and generals, and have become the underlying logic of decision-making in battlefield battles.
Even if he knew that the entire Beijing cavalry army was here, Jierhalang might be a little cautious. Azig and Hauge still dared to face the enemy with 10,000 soldiers and horses, but there were some changes in the layout.
There are less than ten thousand Jurchens, and they are invincible.
Since the rise of the Jurchens, they have fought many battles with less to win more.
The King of Wei couldn't help but blurt out and praised: "How powerful Marquis Yongning is! Such a great victory can dampen the Jurchen's spirit. From now on, the morale of our Han cavalry will be greatly boosted, which will increase their chances of victory."
The Prince of Nan'an County felt as if he had eaten Xiang at this moment, the expression on his old face changed, because the words he just said just fell out of his mouth, this...
Ma Shang, Liu Fang and others looked ugly, as if they were mourning for their heirs.
At this moment, the servant in the front yard entered the hall to resolve the quiet embarrassment, and said: "Your Majesty, the internal prison has come to the palace, summoning the ministers and military aircraft to enter the palace to discuss matters."
Prince Nan'an: "..."
Why do you feel that there is some evil intention in the palace?
Seeing that the Prince of Nan'an County was stunned, King Wei reminded him: "My father-in-law, since you have been summoned by the emperor, please go to the palace first to meet the emperor."
At this moment, Mu Sheng suddenly asked: "Did you say whether it was a whole class of military aircraft?"
The servant said: "Second Master Mu, it seems that the father-in-law said this."
Liu Fang, Ma Shang, Chen Ruiwen: "???"
No one is missing, right?
At this moment, Prince Nan'an's face was gloomy, he calmed down and said in a low voice: "Follow me to the palace to meet the saint."
No matter what, the emperor is in high spirits, and he has to bear the anger even if he doesn't want to.
Wei Wang Chen Ran looked at the hall where the generals were leaving and the cups and plates were scattered, and sighed.
But how could Zi Yu be so brave and good at fighting? Even on the grassland, he still maintains his sharpness. He is indeed a good general who defends the country and a minister who can support the sky. No wonder his father thinks so highly of him.
At this time, a nun said: "Your Majesty, the concubine invites the prince to go to the back house to talk."
After hearing this, Chen Ran calmed down his turbulent emotions and followed his grandma towards the backyard.
At the Queen's Residence in Nan'an County, Princess Nan'an has not yet received the news. She is holding her granddaughter Yan Yiliu's hand and persuading her: "It's fine. You two are newlyweds. Why are you so awkward?"
Yan Yiliu lowered his head, a look of depression covered his Yingli eyebrows, and said softly: "Grandma, I don't want to either."
In fact, the reason why Yan Yiliu returned to her parents' home these days was that King Wei had a new love, and Yan Yiliu had a lifelong obsession with being a couple.
But it's normal. One year after King Wei got married, Princess Wei still had no children. How could this be possible?
Concubine Nan'an said softly: "I have asked the imperial doctor to look at you these days. Have you taken the medicines I prescribed?"
Yan Yiliu shook his head and said: "I have taken it, but it has no effect."
Maybe it was because she had exhausted her energy by practicing martial arts that it was difficult for her to have children?
At this moment, the nun outside said: "Old lady, the prince just went to the palace in a hurry."
"Oh, did you say something?" Princess Nan'an said.
Mammy said: "The Marquis of Yongning won the battle, and the palace is anxiously summoning the prince to come into the palace."
Concubine Nan'an: "???"
No, Yongninghou won the battle and Yeer entered the palace...
Marquis Yongning? It was the boy named Jia who won the battle! How can this be? Didn't Jingli say that he was going to lose the battle these days?
Concubine Nan'an looked ugly and said, "How did you fight this battle?"
At this moment, Yan Yiliu also cast a pair of bright eyes at the nanny, and a trace of curiosity arose in his heart.
Then Yongning Hou won another battle?
The nanny said: "I don't know either, old lady, the prince is here."
Almost as soon as the news about Jia Heng arrived, the King of Wei came at the same time.
Yan Yiliu's face was as white as frost, and the look in his clear eyes under his beautiful eyebrows gradually dimmed. He pinched the handkerchief with his slender white hands and tightened his knuckles.
She didn't want to see him at the moment.
Not to mention the little quarrel between Prince Wei and his wife in Nan'an County Prince's Mansion, but the study in Daming Palace was as bright as daylight.
At this moment, Emperor Chongping was sitting behind the memorial table. At this moment, he only felt that his body was two ounces lighter, but he was full of energy and excited. He took the trouble to read the words on the memorial, and seemed to be able to find some new discoveries from it.
Xianglan Banner's 7,500 men were annihilated and pursued, and nearly 4,700 enemies were wiped out. This was truly a great victory.
Dai Quan, who was not far away, said: "Your Majesty, Mr. Han Ge and Mr. Zhao Ge from the Cabinet, Mr. Shi from the Military Aircraft Department."
Han and Zhao have been working in the cabinet duty room these days, and Shi Jie, who is on military aircraft duty, also heard the news.
Emperor Chongping said: "Xuan."
In fact, both Han and Zhao were shocked when they heard that they had won the first battle.
At this moment, lanterns were swaying in the wind under the eaves of the corridor, and the candlelight illuminated Han Huang's elegant and white face. His expression was slightly unclear, but there was a look of surprise in his eyes.
This... this Marquis Yongning is so good at fighting? How long had it been before the news came again?
Joy and worry were intertwined in the heart of the powerful chief minister.
Zhao Mo, the Secretary of the Ministry of Punishment, frowned, his face was silent, and his heart was also filled with turmoil.
There was joy on Shi Jie's face.
When Dai Quan came out, he looked at the three of them and said, "Your Majesty announces that the three of them have come to the palace to pay their respects."
Three important officials of the imperial court entered the palace as dusk fell.
"I have seen the Holy One, long live long live the Holy One." Han Huang led the way, followed by Zhao Mo and Shi Jie, one on the left and one on the right, kneeling down to salute Emperor Chongping.
Emperor Chongping glanced at the three of them and said slowly: "Three beloved ladies, please rise."
The three of them thanked each other and stood with their hands down, waiting for Emperor Chongping to speak.
Emperor Chongping took the memorial and said loudly: "Yongning Marquis has just delivered the memorial. He led the cavalry from the Beijing camp more than 70 miles to Datong. They were suddenly encountered by the captive cavalry. It was thanks to my Han cavalry that they died with their lives and defeated the Jurchen captive king Jierha. Lang led the troops with a blue banner and a rebel army with a yellow banner, four thousand soldiers."
With that, he handed the memorial to Dai Quan and said, "Let me show you the memorial written by Ziyu."
As the chief minister of the cabinet, Han Huang was naturally the first to read it and read the words on it.
"Dai Quan, hold the candlestick and help Han Qing light it." The emperor suddenly said after the case.
Yeah, that's very thoughtful.
After Han Huang finished reading the text above the memorial, his heart felt empty. He really had won, and judging from the situation of the battle, the victory was real and conclusive.
Forty thousand versus ten thousand...
Zhao Mo took the memorial, picked it up and looked at it, his face paused slightly, and his thoughts were incomprehensible, followed by Shi Jie, who was reading attentively.
Han Huang looked solemn, cupped his hands and said, "I would like to congratulate the Holy Emperor and congratulate the great Han. After this battle, the Jurchens have lost all their spirit. The Beijing camp will sing a song of victory, which is just around the corner."
Zhao Mo also held an ivory wat tablet and cupped his hands to congratulate him, and Shi Jie was not far behind.
Emperor Chongping looked a little calm and said: "Military and state affairs are related to the country. It's hard to say with certainty now. Let's wait until Marquis Yongning deploys troops in the north."
When the three cabinet ministers and military aircraft heard this, they could only whisper that it was true.
Emperor Chongping said: "In this victory, Ziyu also mentioned the Chahar Mongolia issue in his memorial, and mentioned the horse market trading strategy in the past. After the Jurchens are expelled, the horse market should be reopened and Chahar collected." For your own use.”
Shi Jie cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, I think that Chahar Mongolia can serve as our Han Ping vassal, but we must be careful of them looking left and right."
Han Huang frowned slightly at this moment, thinking about the role of national policy.
Emperor Chongping said: "Ziyu has gone to Jininghaizi to form an alliance with Chahar Mongolia. If nothing goes wrong, Chahar Mongolia should be able to annex our dynasty. I am a big man and I will not hesitate to give you the title of prince."
Zhao Mo's face changed slightly, and he cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, if you are not of my race, your heart must be different. You need to be careful when you are a prince."
Emperor Chongping turned his attention to Zhao Mo and was about to speak.
But at this moment, Dai Quan reported: "Your Majesty, the Prince of Nan'an County has arrived with all the military planes."
(End of chapter)
