Ningguo Mansion
The night was misty, the rain was pouring, and rain and mist were rising in the courtyard. The rainwater dripping from the green eaves trickled down and fell into the water tank filled with rainwater, making a "crackling" sound.
The beautiful face of the beauty showed the richness and sweetness of pregnancy. Under the curved willow-leaf slender eyebrows, the beautiful eyes were sparkling, and she seemed to be showing friendship. She said softly: "Husband, what's going on over there in the south of the Yangtze River?" How's it going? Is it going well?"
Jia Heng said softly: "With such a big incident happening in the imperial court, we can only take a break for the time being."
Qin Keqing nodded, paused slightly, and said, "Husband."
Youshi smiled sweetly, looked at the couple who were talking, and said softly: "You two keep talking, my second sister and I will go back first."
After You left, Jia Heng held Qin Keqing's delicate hand and said warmly: "Keqing, Third Sister and I will help you go back and rest."
Qin Keqing said "hmm" and, with Jia Heng's support, headed towards the backyard room.
The three of them sat down slowly, with Jia Heng sitting in the middle, flanked by Qin Keqing on one side and Sanjie You on the other.
Jia Heng stared at Qin Keqing and said, "Keqing, have you seen the doctor in the past few days? Are you and the fetus okay?"
Qin Keqing said softly: "The doctor has looked at it and said that the fetal pulse is stable, but I have been feeling sleepy recently."
Jia Heng held the beauty's slender crotch and said, "The heavier you are, the more sleepy you will become. This is normal."
Qin Keqing asked: "My husband is coming back alone this time?"
Jia Heng looked at the beauty and said, "But do you want to ask Xianning?"
Qin Keqing said: "My husband and her are newly married, and they are separated again."
Although the beauty spoke softly, there was a faint sadness in her voice.
Jia Heng said softly: "It's such a long journey, so it's hard to travel around and work hard."
At this time, the maids Baozhu and Ruizhu brought a basin of hot water to the couple and prepared to wash their feet.
Sanjie You knelt down, pushed away Baozhu, who was about to wash Jia Heng's feet, and said, "I'll do it."
Baozhu looked slightly startled, hesitated for a moment, and didn't know what to say. He gave way to Third Sister You, but sighed quietly in his heart.
It was obvious that she and Ruizhu were the maids of the same house, but the second sister took the lead.
Qin Keqing said: "Third sister, she has been talking about her husband these days."
Jia Heng said: "I left in a hurry last time and never had time."
Previously, he had promised the third sister that he would accept her, but the matter was delayed again and again.
Qin Keqing chuckled lightly and said, "Husband, don't be in a hurry. When the time comes, the third sister and the second sister will marry you together."
Jia Heng: "..."
Where did the second sister start?
Third Sister You raised her eyes to look at the young man and said softly: "Second Sister is getting older too, and the uncle has always been short of maids to serve him. Third Sister You and I should just be regarded as maids serving tea and water."
Jia Heng said: "Stop talking nonsense. How can the innocence of my daughter's family be easily tarnished?"
Third Sister You said with a smile: "Everyone in the entire Shenjing City knows that my second sister and I are both uncle's concubines."
Jia Heng looked a little unnatural and said, "Don't use random words."
Qin Keqing watched the two talking with a smile.
After the couple had washed their feet, Jia Heng took Qin Keqing's hand and went to the bed. He gently put his arm around the beauty's shoulders and said softly: "Ke Qing, I've been neglecting you during this time."
Qin Keqing leaned her head against Jia Heng's arms and said, "I never feel wronged."
She went from being the daughter of a humble eunuch to becoming the wife of a duke in just three years. She was blessed with honor and glory, and now she has her husband's child. She has no grievances.
Jia Heng said softly: "When the world is at peace, let's travel around the Han world, visit the famous mountains and rivers, and go boating on the rivers and lakes."
Qin Keqing looked at the young man with a smile and said softly: "At that time, we will also bring the sisters in the garden with us."
Jia Heng said warmly: "You still have a long life, but Qing, let's just go together."
At this moment, the entire Shenjing City heard the news of Jia Heng's return to the capital, and private discussions continued.
In Prince Wei's Mansion, the night rain was miserable and everything was silent.
In the spacious and bright study room, there is a lamp like a bean, and the circles of orange light spread out very far in the quiet rainy night.
Wei Wang Chen Ran was sitting in the hall, looking at Deng Wei beside him, and asked softly: "Mr. Deng, Duke Wei has returned to Beijing. How do you think Duke Wei will clean up the mess?"
Deng Wei didn't answer and asked instead: "How do you think the Patriotic Association will clean up the mess?"
The King of Wei pondered for a moment and said loudly: "The matter has come to this, we can only stop fighting. More than 100,000 soldiers and horses have been lost in the northwest. My big man can no longer withstand the torment for the time being, and the ministers in the court can't stand it anymore." We will send out troops again. There are currently only 150,000 or 60,000 soldiers in the capital. We are still sending troops to conquer. Another big defeat will shake the country. The previous Sui Dynasty conquered Goguryeo three times and the country was destroyed. I, a big man, cannot repeat the same mistake."
In fact, this is also the common view of the ministers in Beijing, that is, the Chen and Han court is no longer able to fight anymore.
Deng Wei picked up the tea cup in his hand, took the tureen and gently stirred up the tea foam, without saying anything.
King Wei added: "Now the New Deal in Jiangnan has also been greatly affected. My father is very depressed about this and can no longer continue to be so militaristic."
After he went to see his father before, he could see that his face was gloomy and his spirit was listless.
Even if a young man vomits a mouthful of blood, his vitality will be damaged, let alone his father who has been working hard on state affairs for a long time.
Deng Wei put down the tea cup and said: "But now the Qinghai and Mongolia in the northwest are getting bigger and they are in trouble with the Eastern captives. If our court rests and rests, the next year will be when the two sides are far apart and it will be more difficult for the court to control them."
King Wei frowned and said, "Sir, I didn't take it into consideration just now. So what do you mean, sir, the imperial court will send troops?"
Deng Wei said: "Now that the army that conquered the west has been wiped out in one fell swoop, the country's prestige has been greatly damaged. If the imperial court still wants to implement the New Deal, sending troops to the northwest is still the best choice, and it must be won. Otherwise, as His Highness said, the foundation of the country will be shaken."
King Wei looked hesitant and said, "This... this is too risky."
"Duke Wei has returned to the capital. With his military skills, he should be searching for things." Deng Wei said softly.
"Sir's words are unavoidable..." King Wei frowned, with a bright light in his eyes, and said: "Some people in the capital said that Nan'an's defeat was due to the fact that Hongyi Cannon did not join the expedition. If Duke Wei led With the Hongyi cannon, maybe we can pacify the northwest?"
Deng Wei pondered and said: "Your Majesty, this time the army in the Western Expedition was cut off from its food route and fell into a dead end. It has little to do with whether Hongyi Cannon was slacking off. However, Duke Wei returned to Beijing alone, and Hongyi Cannon wanted to re-enter from the south. The mobilization is often short of time."
Moreover, there is another question. If the Red Yi cannons are transferred back, wouldn't it be true for the rumors in the capital that the Red Yi cannons caused the defeat of Nan'an's Western Expeditionary Army? Based on Wei Guogong's plan, this should not be the case. yes.
King Wei said: "Sir, Duke Wei will not use that cannon to conquer the northwest. How can we win?"
Deng Wei said: "With the power of the Duke of Wei, he should be able to think of a way even if he doesn't use the sharp weapons of red barbarian fire and blunderbuss. Previously, when the north faced the Eastern invaders, except for the battle of Ping'an Prefecture, we have never heard of the army winning by relying on the sharp weapons of artillery and blunderbuss."
King Wei nodded and said thoughtfully: "Yes."
This is something that is obvious to both the government and the opposition. Before the great victory in Ping An Province, they had already won a great victory.
Deng Weidao said: "If Duke Wei sends troops, all the ministers in the court will definitely oppose it. At that time, His Highness can step down and support Duke Wei."
King Wei: "???"
With doubts in his mind, he looked at Deng Wei in surprise.
Deng Weidao said: "If Duke Wei proposed to send troops, most of the emperor would believe him and accept it, but the courtiers would not. Because they had lost two games in a row, the courtiers were already frightened and wanted to negotiate peace."
King Wei gradually understood, nodded and said: "Sir."
"This is the way to obtain the Sacred Heart." Deng Wei said: "The Holy One has just been worried about the war in the northwest, so he is bound to think about the future. Your Highness is the direct descendant of the Queen, and the Holy One is a promising king. , For the heirs, it is necessary to select talents and promote talents. Now is not the time for His Highness to hide his clumsiness. It is necessary for the Holy One to know His Highness' talents and abilities."
King Wei nodded and said, "Sir, what you said is true."
He originally supported Jia Ziyu unconditionally, and Ziyu was also his brother-in-law.
Deng Weidao said: "Now the military war in the northwest is an opportunity. If Duke Wei sends troops, His Highness must actively participate in it. It is best to join the military to help win this war."
King Wei said: "I understand what you mean, sir, which is to conquer the west with Duke Wei."
Stand unwaveringly on the side of Duke Wei and unwaveringly support Duke Wei's right to speak in military matters.
These vassal kings who were watching the government could all go to the palace.
Deng Wei said softly: "The King of Chu is not in the capital right now. During this period, His Highness can often come to the palace to pay his respects."
The King of Chu just went south to visit relatives some time ago. In addition, he was responsible for the suppression of bandits in Fujian and Zhejiang and other places.
King Wei nodded and said, "The lonely king is awake."
At this moment, a maid outside called out: "Your Highness, Concubine Wei called your Highness over."
Concubine Wei was the concubine accepted by King Wei not long ago, and she was also the concubine who entered the imperial palace. She was Wei Xian, the daughter of Wei Qi, the Marquis of Runan, and her younger brother was Wei Ruolan.
Deng Wei said softly: "Your Majesty, it's getting late. I'll take my leave."
King Wei nodded and said, "I'll see you off, sir."
With that said, he sent Deng Wei away from Prince Wei's Mansion.
Nan'an County Prince's Mansion——
The mansion became more and more gloomy in the night. Princess Nan'an sat down, with a gloomy look on her fair face. She turned to look at Princess Luo Shi who was not far away, and said warmly: "That kid has returned to Beijing."
Princess Luo lowered her voice and said: "Old lady, people have spread the news in Beijing now. It was because the Duke of Wei refused to let me take away the Hongyi cannon."
Princess Nan'an's eyes were dark and she whispered: "Sixty thousand soldiers and horses from the Beijing camp died in the northwest, and every family in the sacred city was in a state of poverty. During this period, the people in the capital didn't know how much they should blame Ye'er for this. After all, It was the boy from the Jia family who deliberately caused trouble and did not give the Hongyi cannon to the master, otherwise he would have won the battle long ago. He, a minister of military aircraft, actually ignored the national affairs for his own selfishness, which is really despicable. "
Luo Shi said angrily: "What the old lady said is that she should go to Rongguo Mansion to raise an army to investigate the crime. Now she is half as guilty as the Jia family."
Concubine Nan'an sneered and said, "Now that Jia's house is closed, she clearly knows that she is in the wrong and has a guilty conscience."
Ever since Prince Nan'an was defeated in the northwest, Jia Mu did not receive many guests. When Princess Nan'an arrived, Jia Mu informed her servants that she was feeling unwell.
Princess Nan'an said: "Now that he has returned to Beijing, after the court discusses the war, I must seek justice from him!"
The next day, the sky was bright and bright, but the sky was still gray, and the dark clouds kept rolling, as if an unprecedented thunder storm was brewing.
Jia Heng got up and put on his clothes in front of the bronze mirror on the wardrobe under the service of Sanjie You. Not long after, he heard the maid coming to report. The angel in the palace sent a message. At noon, the Sixth Department of the Cabinet and the Military Aircraft Department When the courtiers were about to go to Hanyuan Hall to discuss matters, Jia Heng finished his breakfast, stayed with Qin Keqing at home for a while, then mounted his horse and headed towards Anshun Gate.
Daming Palace, Hanyuan Hall
Emperor Chongping held a meeting of ministers for the first time after he vomited blood and fainted for several days. Taking advantage of the window when Duke Wei returned from the south of the Yangtze River, the ministers discussed the northwest border affairs.
Accompanied by the shrill voice of the eunuch, the hanging bead curtain stirred, Emperor Chongping, wearing a bright yellow dragon robe, with a gray complexion and listless spirit, came to sit on the throne.
"I have seen Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty." The ministers below shouted long live.
"Your Majesty, please be safe," Emperor Chongping said.
When the ministers below heard Emperor Chongping's voice, they felt relieved and cupped their hands and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
It can be said that this afternoon meeting between the emperor and his ministers, in addition to discussing side affairs, was also an opportunity for Emperor Chongping to show to the civil and military officials that his dragon body was not seriously ill and to calm people's hearts.
Jia Heng was among the courtiers at the moment, but he didn't know how many eyes and minds fell on Duke Wei who had just returned.
"Your Majesty, the northwest suffered a great defeat. The prince of Nan'an County and the army conquering the west were lost in the northwest. The report from Jinxuantang of Xining Prefecture has been urgently delivered. I ask your Majesty to make a decision." Minister of Military Aircraft Shi Jie came out of the court train and saluted the emperor who was sitting on the throne. said.
Emperor Chongping did not beat around the bush and asked directly: "What does Duke Wei stand for?"
As soon as these words came out, the ministers in Hanyuan Palace were shocked, and they all looked at the young man in unison.
After the battle in Nan'an in the northwest wiped out the Jingying army, today's Han ministers have realized that today's Han military affairs cannot be separated from Wei Guogong.
Jia Heng held an ivory and jade wat in his hands and left the squad, saying loudly: "Your Majesty, I think we should send troops quickly."
As soon as these words came out, all the ministers in the palace were in an uproar and discussed secretly. Only King Wei in the courtroom had bright and sharp eyes, which seemed to contain an inexplicable light.
At this time, Han Huang, the chief minister of the cabinet, frowned and felt a little worried.
Today's Han Dynasty had just suffered a huge defeat, and one hundred thousand troops were buried in the northwest. Why did Jia Ziyu want to raise troops to conquer the west again?
Aren't you afraid of another big defeat?
Not only Han Huang was puzzled, but also all the officials in the court were confused.
Emperor Chongping looked indifferent and said loudly: "Everyone, please discuss this."
Qi Kun, the Secretary of the Ministry of Revenue, frowned and went out to announce: "Your Majesty, I think this is unacceptable. Now the imperial court has just suffered a defeat in the northwest. Not only did the war consume a huge amount of money and food, but the soldiers who died in the battle will be compensated by the generals." The money and food supplies are running out by the tens of thousands every day. If we fight another war and it drags on for a long time, it will be difficult to maintain the national treasury. I ask your Majesty to think twice."
Jia Heng looked at Qi Kun, who was not far away. It was not surprising that compared to some Kedao officials who opposed for the sake of opposition, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue should have really felt the pressure of military supplies.
Yao Yu, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, said: "Your Majesty, I have my second opinion."
Wang Shu, the minister of Dali Temple, said: "I also second my opinion."
At this time, Wang Xueqin, the censor of Shanxi Dao, came out of his duty and said loudly: "Your Majesty, our army in Beijing has been newly defeated. The morale of the army is low. It is time for the court to recuperate. Since the beginning of the year, the court has just fought a war in the north. After a war, it’s time to call it quits.”
For a time, everyone from Kedao came out to support the proposal.
It can be said that at this moment, everyone from the six cabinet ministries to Ke Dao Qingliu opposed the Han Dynasty's further war.
The King of Wei calmed down and said loudly: "Father, I think we should send troops to the northwest. Otherwise, when Heshuote Mongolia becomes a climate and joins forces with the Jurchens in Liaodong, we will be attacked from two directions. My big man will be even more embarrassed. I think we should select elite soldiers and strong generals to send troops to pacify Qinghai."
At this moment, the ministers in the palace felt somewhat strange as they listened to King Wei's words.
Emperor Chongping looked at Wei Wang Chen Ran with a hint of doubt in his eyes.
The king of Wei actually had such knowledge?
The King of Wei cupped his hands and said: "Father, Duke Wei is a famous general in the world. He said that he can send troops to conquer the northwest. I think that the Holy One will accept his words and send him to lead the troops to quell the Qinghai border troubles."
At this moment, Hang Min, the director of the Military Aircraft Department, said: "Your Majesty, General Jin Xuan of Fuyuan came to report this morning, and Heshuote Mongolia submitted the letter of credence for peace negotiation."
Emperor Chongping frowned and said in a deep voice: "Heshuote is no more than a tribe of northwestern Tartars. How can he submit his credentials to my court?"
Hang Min's heart was shocked, and he cupped his hands and said, "It's the humble minister who made a mistake."
Emperor Chongping's face remained as usual and he said warmly: "Hang Qing continues, what did Heshuote Mongolia say?"
Hang Min said: "Your Majesty, Heshuote Mongolia has proposed that we can negotiate peace with the Han Dynasty and stop entering Xining Mansion, but we need the Han Dynasty to agree to three things."
Emperor Chongping's eyes narrowed slightly and asked: "What three things are they?"
Hang Min muttered: "Your Majesty, Haiyan and Huangyuan counties will be owned by Heshuote Mongolia from now on. Secondly, Nan'an County Prince, Liu Fang and others will be exchanged to the imperial court for the Jurchen mission that was detained in Shenjing City last year. "
At this moment, Han Huang, the chief minister of the cabinet, frowned, his eyes flickered, and then his brows relaxed.
It would be okay if that was all.
The two counties of Haiyan and Huangyuan were barren lands that could just be given to the barbarians. It would also be feasible to exchange the prince of Nan'an County for the Jurchen mission and send them to the capital for questioning.
Emperor Chongping frowned, with a gloomy expression on his originally gray face, and said coldly: "Nan'an and the others are still alive?"
Hang Min: "???"
After calming down, he said in a deep voice: "Reporting to Your Majesty, Prince Nan'an and Liu Fang were ambushed by the enemy when they escaped from Haiyan City and were captured by the enemy."
At this moment, the ministers in the palace looked at each other with a bit of surprise in their hearts.
Prince Nan'an is still alive? Such an incompetent person who has lost his master and humiliated his country is still alive in this world?
Hang Min compiled his words and said: "Third, I hope to open mutual trade with the Han Dynasty, and ask the Han Dynasty to marry the princess or the daughter of a prince, and the two countries will establish an alliance together."
The last item is actually the latest instruction given by Gushi Khan to Dorji. The purpose is to turn the war with the Han Dynasty into friendship and not to interfere with the national dispute between the Jurchens and Chen Han.
When Emperor Chongping heard this, his cold and stern face was as gloomy as iron, and he said in a low voice: "Those barbarians occupy our Han land, and they still demand to marry Han women. It is simply unreasonable!"
As he spoke, his sharp eyes scanned the courtiers below, and he muttered: "Do you have any good ideas?"
At this time, Yao Yu, the Minister of Civil Affairs, came out first and said with cupped hands: "Your Majesty, it is not appropriate for the Han Dynasty to raise troops to invade the enemy's territory now. We should shake hands and make peace to put an end to the flames of war."
The former Minister of Rites was a Confucian master who rose to prominence. He was highly praised by the scholars for his knowledge and ethics, as well as his leadership of the Ministry of Personnel.
Emperor Chongping glanced at Yao Yu and said nothing.
At this time, Zhao Mo, the Secretary of the Ministry of Punishment, cupped his hands and said: "We think that the current situation is not suitable for a major war. Since Heshuote Mongolia is willing to send people to negotiate for peace, I, the big man, should take advantage of the trend, make peace as the priority, and stop the army as soon as possible."
Even though the emperor was angry with him because of the imperial examination scandal, he still wanted to speak out for the country. Today's big man really can't keep tossing it anymore.
(End of chapter)
