Shenjing, Ningguo Mansion
In the back house, it was early afternoon and everyone had already had lunch. As the turn of summer and autumn gradually approached in the 16th year of Chongping, the heat subsided a lot and the cicadas chirped less on the plane trees in the courtyard.
Qin Keqing was dressed in a goose-yellow dress, sitting crookedly on the Arhat bed in the hall, talking with Mrs. You, Second Sister You, and Third Sister You. Since August, the beauty has become heavier and her movements have become more and more inconvenient.
Qin Keqing usually doesn't dress up much anymore, but just ties up her lush hair casually.
But her hibiscus-like cheeks were as white as snow, and her fragrant skin became plumper and brighter because of her pregnancy, and there was a maternal softness lingering between her brows and eyes.
You handed over the account book in his hand and said softly: "Ke Qing, here are the monthly records for this month, as well as the harvest of the farmland delivered by the servants, please take a look."
"Sister-in-law You just has to deal with it herself. Isn't it usually Sister-in-law You who takes care of these things herself?" Qin Keqing said softly, stroking her slender belly that was almost bulging into a ball.
Youshi smiled softly, and the young Huaxin woman in a blue dress had a gentle charm and soft eyes, and said: "But Qing, you should take a look, just to relieve your boredom."
He was leading troops to fight in the northwest, which kept Ke Qing from thinking wildly.
Third Sister You said with a smile on her face, "Yes, Sister Qin still needs to take a look."
Qin Keqing smiled and said, "Then I'll take a look later."
Third Sister You's eyes flickered, and she suddenly said: "It's been more than a month since I went to the Northwest. I don't know how it is. In the past few days, there has been a lot of discussion in the capital about the war against the Northwest."
"Third sister." You Shi glanced at Third Sister You angrily, and said softly: "Your sister Qin is having an abortion, so don't worry about this."
A look of sadness appeared on Qin Keqing's beautiful face, and she said softly: "Although I don't pay much attention to the news outside, I am still a little worried. I heard from Baozhu that my husband seems to be having trouble advancing the army in the northwest."
"This orb, why are you telling me this?" Youshi frowned and said softly.
Qin Keqing said: "Sister-in-law You, how can I not miss you in the house? But there are all the things outside. If you listen to them, you are just scaring yourself. Besides, my husband has never worried about us when he goes to war."
Second Sister You put down her needlework, her gentle and quiet face also cast a look of worry. The silk fabric she was embroidering in her hand was obviously a belt used by men.
I don’t know who it was embroidered for.
When Uncle Heng comes back from the northwest this time, he should probably accept the third sister as his wife.
Second Sister You's beautiful eyebrows under her dark eyebrows were soft and plump, she thought to herself.
At this moment, the sound of crackling firecrackers and the sound of cheers were vaguely heard from outside the tall house, causing several beauties sitting in the hall to look at each other with surprise on their faces. .
Under You's curved eyebrows, her beautiful eyes sparkled, and she said in surprise: "What kind of firecrackers are being set off outside at this time? Could it be that someone's family is having a happy event?"
With that said, he sent Yindie, the maid waiting at the side, to go outside to inquire about the situation.
However, before Yindie could go out, Baozhu, a maid in a pink and white dress, ran over and said with a smile: "Grandma, it's a great event. The uncle outside won a great victory in the northwest, and the whole city of Shenjing is celebrating."
The city of Shenjing is indeed full of celebrations now, with firecrackers blasting to celebrate the great victory in the northwest.
Not only the people in Shenjing City were overjoyed, but also some relatives of the generals and commanders of Shenjing City were paying homage and comforting their families who died in the war.
Youshi clenched the handkerchief in her hand and asked with concern: "What do you say outside?"
This beauty is wearing a blue dress embellished with plum blossoms. She has a plump figure. At this moment, her charming face is gently overflowing with charm and plumpness.
Baozhu smiled happily and said in a playful voice: "It is said outside that the uncle killed 50,000 people in this battle, and even the Jurchen prince who was full of bad ideas in the northwest was caught. That dog-headed military advisor plotted against our 100,000-strong army."
Just like when great powers compete, netizens often use some derogatory names for senior politicians of enemy countries. At this moment, among the people of Shenjing City, the Jurchen Prince Yue Tuo is like He Shuote's dog-headed strategist.
It is conceivable that in some opera dramas, Yue Tuo is mostly portrayed as a white-faced traitor.
Third Sister You's bright and beautiful face showed joy, but she still frowned and said, "But even with fifty thousand elite troops, this has not offset the losses of our Beijing camp."
My man is the governor of the Beijing camp, and the soldiers in the Beijing camp who were framed by the Nan'an family were originally my men's subordinates.
Youshi's beautiful face was overjoyed, and she asked Baozhu softly: "After this battle is won, it won't be long before I can teach you, right?"
It's been a long time since I last saw him.
Baozhu said softly: "I haven't said it outside, but they say that with my ability, it won't take long for the teacher to return to the capital."
The previous concern about the war in the northwest was mainly due to the military stalemate. It was easy to say that the army would not be able to advance for more than half a month, but the daily casualties of thousands of soldiers made the people in Shenjing City murmur.
In other words, there were more than 10,000 casualties, coupled with the lack of progress, it gave people the impression that even Duke Wei could not handle the northwest war.
However, as the civil and military officials came out of the palace, details about the public troops used to defend the country were gradually revealed. It turned out that it was not a matter of standing still, but a method of luring troops, gathering them and annihilating them.
As for the counter-intuitive plan, it made the people of Shenjing City more interesting to listen to storytelling in the teahouse.
In a word, all this is within Jia Heng's plan.
Third Sister You's pink lips, painted with vermilion rouge, suddenly opened slightly and said softly: "This is still the first battle, but with this victory, the rest of the matter will be much easier to handle."
Qin Keqing thought for a while, and saw a bright smile on her face. This gave this plump-faced beauty a hint of familiarity, and she said softly: "My husband, this time he fought quickly."
When Jia Heng sent out troops this time, he basically said, "take your time, it's faster."
There was no progress in the beginning, and the war became increasingly fierce, but when the decisive victory came, it was as crisp as mercury falling on the ground and a rainbow piercing the sun.
A smile appeared on Sister You's beautiful face and she said: "Sister, I really got it right just now. The uncle has never worried us here during the war. People say that everything is difficult at the beginning. How many people were wiped out this time?" With thousands of Heshuote Mongolian soldiers and horses, it will be much easier to fight in future wars. How many elites do the Heshuote Mongolians have?"
After all, she is also the female author who wrote the storybook "The Romance of the Sui and Tang Dynasties", so she is somewhat familiar with the comparison of military situations.
Qin Keqing said softly: "Actually, I have been on tenterhooks these days, but fortunately I finally received the news."
As he spoke, he stroked his swollen belly.
She was worried every time her husband had a fight, but now she could only endure it for the sake of the child in her belly.
"The mandarin duck girl from the old lady's house in Xifu is here." A nanny entered the jewel-filled hall and said to the beauties with bright smiles on their faces.
As she spoke, a tall girl wearing an aqua dress walked into the hall with a slim figure and a fair face with a few freckles, a smile on her face, and said softly: "Grandma. , the old lady asked us to congratulate you, the uncle won a great victory in the northwest."
At this moment, the girl looked at the beautiful Sanyou and Qin Keqing, and a thought suddenly came to her heart. In a few years, she would probably be sitting here talking.
Qin Keqing looked at Yuanyang with a smile and asked, "Has the old lady also received the news?"
Yuanyang smiled and said: "The old lady heard that my uncle won another battle in the northwest, and she was as happy as anything. At this time, I should have come from the palace after the court."
Qin Keqing sighed: "During this period, the old lady has been thinking about her a lot."
As he said that, he looked at Yuanyang who was still standing talking, his gentle eyes softened a little, and said: "Sister Yuanyang, come sit here. I often mentioned you to me when I was at home."
Well, the mandarin duck in front of her will also be her sister from now on.
Two faint blushes could not help but appear on the pink cheeks of the mandarin duck egg-shaped face, and then he sat down slightly awkwardly.
Third Sister You looked at the slim-figured Yuanyang with a hint of amusement in her eyes.
This Yuanyang must be the most outstanding person in the old lady's house. No wonder she was noticed by the uncle at a glance. Her features are picturesque and graceful.
Just when the Jia family, Ning Rong and the two families were overjoyed for Jia Heng's great victory in the northwest, the entire Shenjing City was also in a festive atmosphere.
The twists and turns of this northwest war almost proved Jia Heng's absolute say in military matters at a heavy price.
At this point, even ordinary people in Shenjing City know that in the military affairs of the Han Dynasty, only Wei Guogong can be called the pinnacle of the sea!
This kind of consensus from the temple to the world is the real popularity, which is invisible and has no quality, but it is more precious than the promotion of title.
In short, it is a valuable piece of political capital.
…
…
Palace Garden, Daming Palace
After Emperor Chongping came out of the Hanyuan Hall, accompanied by Dai Quan and other internal eunuchs, he could not conceal his excitement on his thin and sunken cheeks, and there was still a strange blush like drunkenness. Because of his excitement, even I feel a little light when I walk.
A great victory in the northwest, the main Mongol forces in Qinghai and Shuote were completely lost to the Han army, the Jurchen Prince Yue Tuo was captured alive, and the situation in Qinghai was stabilized.
The recovery of the two cities of Huangyuan and Haiyan is probably already in progress, but Ziyu is not Yan Ye's temperament and waits for the situation to stabilize before there will be new military reports.
Thinking of this, Emperor Chongping ordered: "Dai Quan, go to Jinyi Mansion and ask someone to ask. Let Jinyi Mansion in the northwest send a letter via flying pigeon to deliver the latest situation. I want to check it."
"Yes." Dai Quan noticed the middle-aged emperor's happy mood, a smile spread across his fair face, and he responded softly.
While they were talking, the master and servant had already arrived at the Kunning Palace in the harem.
Kunning Palace, in the palace——
Empress Song was sitting and talking with Concubine Duanrong. In the past few days, many letters had been delivered from Southern Province. The first was a letter from Song Sanguo's uncle in Hangzhou Prefecture, Zhejiang Province, mentioning that Song Taigong had been diagnosed and treated by a doctor, and his condition had stabilized for the time being. Queen Song need not worry.
Then Princess Xianning delivered a letter from the south of the Yangtze River, asking about the health of Emperor Chongping, Queen Song, Concubine Duanrong and others, and asked about Jia Heng's situation in the northwest.
Finally, there was a letter from Princess Jinyang, but it was sent to Queen Mother Feng, asking about Emperor Chongping's physical condition.
Empress Song put down the letter in her hand, breathed a sigh of relief, and looked into a pair of cold, clear eyes like a lone star, and said, "My father's side is much better."
Concubine Duanrong sighed softly and said, "Father, he has stayed in Shenjing City for so many years. When he returns to his hometown this time, he may be homesick and in a trance."
"Maybe." Queen Song's beautiful eyes were lost for a moment, and she said softly: "When things are settled in the capital, I still have to go and see my father."
She also misses the mountains and rivers of West Lake in Hangzhou and the red and green Jiangnan scenery.
Concubine Duanrong nodded, pursed her pink lips, and said with emotion: "If Ze'er wasn't still young, I would have planned to go back."
Empress Song didn't say anything else, and said softly: "Your Majesty went to court early today. Look at the sky, it's time to disperse the court now."
Concubine Duanrong licked her lips to moisten her lips and said softly: "Your Majesty has just recovered and is so busy with state affairs. My sister usually advises Your Majesty."
"What's your Majesty's temper? It's not like you don't know that I haven't tried to persuade you before?" A trace of sadness appeared on Queen Song's beautiful face, and she sighed: "This time, because of the war in the northwest, her body has become even weaker. ”
I heard from the imperial doctor at the imperial hospital that your majesty's blood and blood are attacking your heart and your body and bones are severely weakened. If this continues, will it last long?
When mentioning the affairs in the northwest, Concubine Duanrong's beautiful face was filled with worry, and she said softly: "Speaking of which, it has been more than a month since Ziyu went to the northwest. Did Ziyu really encounter difficulties there? Recently in Beijing. It contains everything, and it makes everyone panic."
Jia Heng was unable to move in the northwest village, which made the mother-in-law start to worry.
Empress Song's face, as charming as a spring flower, paused slightly and said softly: "We can't talk about this. However, he hasn't delivered any letters in the past few days. Otherwise, we can see what he has to say."
Her son helped raise food in the northwest. If he had made a contribution, he would be more valued by His Majesty.
And that little fox, wasn't he very powerful in the past? Why is it unfavorable to use troops in the northwest? Is it really true that the horse has lost its momentum and failed?
While the two eminent concubines were discussing, the noisy voices of the eunuchs and maids seemed to be faintly heard from outside the vermilion palace wall.
Concubine Duanrong was worried and irritable, her beautiful eyebrows almost stood up, her cold jade face was covered with layers of frost, and she shouted coldly: "What's so noisy outside."
Queen Song's fair-skinned face was full of curiosity, her beautiful eyes were flowing, and she said softly: "Xia Shouzhong, go and have a look."
Normally in the palace, the maids and eunuchs would be very cautious and cautious, and would not allow such a noisy sound.
Xia Shouzhong responded to the order, and after a while, he left and returned, entered the palace, and said with a smile: "Reporting to the queen, it is said that Duke Wei won the battle in the northwest, and the whole Shenjing City is celebrating."
As soon as these words came out, Empress Song and Concubine Duanrong were overjoyed, and their faces showed joy.
Empress Song couldn't wait to ask: "What should I say?"
That little fox won another victory?
She thought the little fox was in trouble this time.
Sure enough, she said that the little fox might be worthy of mentioning other things, but in terms of room... well, few people should be able to match him in military affairs.
Doesn't that mean that Ran'er can also make contributions, and he must be much better than the King of Qi who accompanied the army before.
When the beauty thinks of this, her heart is filled with joy.
Xia Shouzhong put a smile on his face and said: "It is said outside that Duke Wei won a great victory this time and defeated 50,000 Heshuote Mongolian elites. Even the Jurchen Prince Yue Tuan was captured. Empress, Heshuote Mongolia is not like us Han people. Their family background is very poor. This time they are almost exhausted. Most of the issues in the northwest have been solved."
Concubine Duanrong's beautiful face was filled with a bright smile, and she said softly: "Sister, let's put it this way, the trouble in the northwest will be solved soon."
Queen Song's crystal-clear jade face was filled with joy, and she said happily: "It's almost the same. Let's ask again when His Majesty comes over later."
As he said that, he cast his clear and charming phoenix eyes at Xia Shouzhong and said softly: "Go and send someone to invite your Majesty to come over for lunch."
Xia Shouzhong quickly lowered his head in response, before turning around and leaving.
"Your Majesty has arrived!" Accompanied by the shrill voice of a drake, Dai Quan surrounded Emperor Chongping and entered the palace.
"I have met your Majesty." Empress Song and Concubine Duanrong stood up and hurried to greet Emperor Chongping. Their voices were soft and charming, and they said softly.
Emperor Chongping couldn't hide the joy on his face, and said in a brisk tone: "Zitong, Concubine Rong, please get up."
The emperor is obviously in a good mood today.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Empress Song and Concubine Duanrong said softly.
Empress Song came forward and supported Emperor Chongping's arm. Her beautiful face was full of smiles, her voice was soft and charming, and she said softly: "Your Majesty, I heard that Ziyu achieved a great victory in the northwest."
Emperor Chongping sighed with emotion: "Yes, the stalemate lasted for nearly half a month, and thousands of soldiers were injured every day. Once the enemy was defeated, Ziyu had been preparing for it for a long time. The military aircraft department said that this was because he was worried that the soldiers and horses of Heshuote Mongolia would escape to the vast desert. , our pursuit was unfavorable, so we lured them to the stronghold, gathered together and annihilated them."
Compared with Yan Ye, Liu Fang and others who were greedy for success and ignorant of the enemy's situation, they were lacking in structure and knowledge from the beginning.
It can be said that with Jia Heng's victory this time, the emperor has repeatedly whipped Yan Ye and Liu Fang to death in his heart. It seems that the inner suffering is easing amidst the resentment.
Empress Song smiled sweetly, her beautiful eyes as bright as the ripples of autumn water, and said: "I just told my sister that Ziyu has won many battles, and even the Jurchen who was helpless by many generals was no match for him. The people from the northwest are no big deal, I guess they have some kind of plan, as expected."
Concubine Duanrong: "???"
Was sister very sure just now? Why did she feel like she was a little unsure that Zi Yu could win?
Of course, biological sisters will never tear each other down.
Emperor Chongping's eyes also showed emotion, and he said: "Yes, it's a pity that the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty did not know the depth of military strategy. Today, they clamored in the palace to withdraw their troops and return to the army. They knelt down to invite you. I almost thought they would make another mistake and recalled me to the envoy. Ziyu, who can handle the situation in the northwest?"
The civil servants' talk about peace talks is very popular, but it is nothing more than a rotten Confucian talk about being submissive and contented. How can he listen to a word of it?
Empress Song said softly: "Your Majesty said that since the situation in the northwest is stable, the imperial court will be able to deal with the situation in the south of the Yangtze River."
Recently, the most frequent words in Emperor Chongping's mouth are Jiangnan New Deal and Northwest Chaos.
This beauty listened a lot, and basically understood what the emperor was worried about.
Emperor Chongping's eyes were sharper and he said: "Over there in the south of the Yangtze River, I want to wait until the situation in the northwest stabilizes before looking at Ziyu's opinion. He rushed from the south of the Yangtze River to the northwest. The New Deal in the south of the Yangtze River, which was originally in full swing, has come to a standstill. Gao Zhongping has told me several times about the idea of dividing households into acres, and Ziyu was the first to propose it, and he is relatively clear about the situation of the prefecture and county offices in Jiangnan."
It’s not that Gao Zhongping is completely dedicated to the public and has no selfish motives, because Jia Heng, the first advocate, does not contribute. Even if it succeeds in the end, Jia Heng still has to take the lead, so it is better to use Jia Heng, an upright minister, to become Yitian. The divine sword cuts through thorns and paves the way for the New Deal.
Empress Song's phoenix eyes flashed, and she said softly: "Your Majesty, it's getting late, let's have lunch first."
Emperor Chongping looked silent for a while, and suddenly asked: "How is Xianning's situation recently? Has there been any letter?"
Concubine Duanrong answered and said, "Your Majesty, she has sent letters from Xianning in the past few days to wish you well."
Emperor Chongping nodded and said: "A few days ago, Jinyang Shangshu asked Xianning and Chanyue to help take care of the affairs of Tirenyuan in Jiangnan. It would be better to have a minister who is busy, and we can't wait. How long will it take until Ziyu decides on matters in the northwest, and then he can go south to reunite with the two of them."
After all, Ziyu is also his son-in-law, so he should be as busy as possible.
