Jinling, Princess Jinyang’s Mansion
In the wing room, the lights are like beans, the sound of rain outside the window is passing through the forest and the leaves, creating a bleak autumn scene.
The beauty put down the letter in her hand, her fair-skinned face regained her smile, and looked at a pair of bright or gentle eyes, saying: "What do you want me to do? Just do whatever you have to do."
Maybe she hadn't seen him for a long time, or maybe she became sentimental after becoming pregnant with the child.
Yuan Chun's jade face paused slightly, and sighed secretly in her heart, and said with relief: "Your Highness, Brother Heng should be able to return to the capital soon."
She still has the letter Hengdi wrote to her, so she can read it carefully in the evening.
The eldest princess of Jinyang had a look of hope on her face, and she said softly: "From the newspaper, Hami has been recovered, the Seven Guards of Guanxi have all fallen into the hands of the Han army, and there is only a little bit left in the northwest war. But I probably won’t be able to catch up.”
When she gave birth to the child, she still hoped that he could be by her side, but looking at the situation, she would definitely not be able to make it.
Princess Xianning said softly: "Zungar left tens of thousands of people behind this time. Logically speaking, there are not many Fanyi people on the grassland. If this continues, it won't be long before they can withdraw their troops."
Li Chanyue said softly: "Mr. Xiao Jia should be back soon, so as not to delay the child's full moon wine."
Princess Xianning: "..."
You know that, right?
The eldest princess of Jinyang glanced at the girl with crescent-shaped eyebrows angrily, and chuckled: "Then just wait a little longer."
As he said this, under Liu Ye's slender eyebrows, strong longing filled his beautiful eyes.
At this moment, Ningguo Mansion in Jinling, not far from Jinyang Princess Mansion——
In the back house, the jagged rocks and pavilions in the courtyard are all shrouded in the breeze and drizzle, enjoying the wind and rain, looking graceful and graceful.
In the hall, there are many warblers and swallows gathering together. Hairpin skirts and coats, green flowers and green flowers come into view. Just a glance at it makes people's eyes brighten.
There is no beauty in the world, and beauty is what pleases the eye.
Under the Xuan window, Daiyu and Baochai were sitting on pearwood chairs, playing chess across a chess field. At this moment, there was a sense of sight that Chaiyu and Dai were in the same frame, competing for beauty.
Daiyu's starry eyes flashed under her smoky eyebrows, she looked at the girl opposite who was deep in thought, and said with a smile: "Sister Bao, it's your turn."
"Zhen'er's chess skills are getting better and better." Baochai chuckled, picked up a chess piece and placed it on the chess surface. Then he took the teacup handed over by Ying'er and took a sip.
Daiyu smiled and said as if on purpose: "I have played a lot with Sister Bao these days, and my chess skills have been sharpened."
Baoqin held her hat in one hand and listened to the conversation between the two, with a hint of thoughtfulness on her face as white as snow.
She always felt that the two of them were playing a riddle.
"Girl, newspaper from outside." At this moment, Tanchun's maidservant came in from outside, causing all the gold hairpins who were playing around to stop what they were doing and follow the sound in unison.
Zhen Lan put down the "Martial Arts Summary" in her hand, and under her curved and beautiful eyebrows, her narrow and clear eyes slightly raised, with a trace of surprise in her eyes as she said, "Take it." Come, let me take a look."
Tan Chun also cast his bright and clear eyes under Yingxiu's slender eyebrows and asked curiously: "What was written in the newspaper?"
The servant is her maid, so even if there is a newspaper, she will read it first.
The third young lady of the Zhen family used to treat herself as sister-in-law in front of her because she was in brother Heng's house.
With this thought in mind, when I got up, I was about to get the Di newspaper.
The servant handed it over and said in surprise: "Girl, I won the battle in the northwest. I defeated the 40,000 soldiers of the Yi people and recaptured the city of Hami in one fell swoop."
Although the servant didn't know where Hami City was and how important its strategic position was, the literate girl could tell that this was a brilliant victory through the Di newspaper.
As soon as these words came out, it was like a joyful spring breeze blowing into the garden full of colorful flowers.
Xiangyun Pingguo had a bright and cute smile on his round face, and said with a smile: "Brother Heng has won the battle again."
Wenqi and the other two raised their heads from the books, one quietly, the other with lively eyes, looked at the newspaper in the hand of the servant.
Baoqin's white and chubby little hand was holding his face to watch Baochai and Daiyu playing chess. Upon hearing this, his plump, snowy face lifted up and he stared blankly at Di Bao.
Xing Xiuyan put down the embroidery bag she was sewing in her hands, and as if Izumo, Lanxiu's eyebrows were filled with traces of joy, and Xichun opposite her also put down the paintbrush in her hand.
Daiyu put down the white chess piece in her hand, her pretty face also covered with a layer of joy, but she caught Baochai from the corner of her eye and glanced at the girl with a beautiful face, her starry eyes lowered. .
I secretly thought that I would probably wait for the victory in the northwest to become the wife of Gaoming.
Under Baochai's two curved green-feathered eyebrows, her moist, clear apricot eyes were hazy, and her heart was filled with great joy.
He won another victory.
Zhen Lan picked up the newspaper, read it attentively, and said in surprise: "In this way, Hami, the leader of the Seven Guards of Guanxi, has also been recovered. It will be much easier to invade the Western Region in the future."
Tanchun murmured: "Zunggar suffered 40,000 casualties this time. Will they raise a large number of troops again?"
Zhen Lan smiled and said: "Third sister, I don't know. There are not so many soldiers and horses on the grassland. Forty thousand of them are exhausted. Brother Heng should be able to take care of the rest soon. "
The man she likes is not only skilled in government affairs, but also invincible in military affairs. Such a versatile man is his destiny.
"When Emperor Gao of the Han Dynasty was besieging Baideng, the Xiongnu had 400,000 men who controlled the strings. If they really pissed off the barbarians, they might not be able to get together." Tan Chun said quietly.
Hearing this, Zhen Lan opened her mouth to argue.
"You two, your home has almost become a military aircraft office." At this moment, Sister Feng opened the bead curtain, swaying her plump and delicate body, and slowly entered the hall, with a smile on her beautiful face. linger.
Why are the sister-in-law and sister-in-law bickering again?
Li Wan put the plate with washed pears on the table and said with a smile: "They two have the same temperament. They can usually talk about these war matters together."
Everyone started talking and laughing, and the little dispute between the two was resolved invisible.
Seeing several people eating fruits, Sister Feng showed an inexplicable sadness on her beautiful face, and said softly: "Speaking of which, it's time for you to give birth. I keep fighting here in the northwest, and I'm afraid I won't be able to catch up again. This is for When it comes to matters related to the imperial court, everyone in the family is indifferent."
To put it bluntly, she was left out in the cold.
Tan Chun said softly: "Brother Heng, even if the teacher returns to Beijing now, it will take a long time. I probably won't be able to make the trip."
Xiangyun seemed to sigh and said: "Brother Heng has been fighting in the past few years, fighting in the south and fighting in the north, and he never got much rest."
"It is not unusual for a family of Wu Xun to be established in war." A faint smile appeared on Li Wan's elegant and graceful face, and he responded softly: "A real man originally cared about merit. .”
Li Wan's beautiful eyes under her curved eyebrows suddenly saw Mrs. Cao looking at him with a pair of eyes that seemed to be smiling but not smiling.
Li Wanfang's heart skipped a beat and she thought to herself, ever since she left the prison-like city of Shenjing, she was really... bad for people to spot her.
Fortunately, everyone just thought it was Li Wan who commented casually, and they didn't doubt him.
Everyone talked for a while and began to think about Jia Heng's return to the capital.
In the evening, Zhen Lan and Zhen Xi returned to their wing along the corridor filled with lanterns.
Zhen Xi said softly: "What's going on with elder sister and third elder sister? Don't you usually play well?"
Zhen Lan snorted softly, picked up the tea cup and took a sip, saying: "She always targets me, and I don't want to quarrel with her."
Zhen Xi pursed her pink lips, worry appeared on her palm-sized face, and said, "Sister, it's better for the family to be in harmony."
"She will get married sooner or later anyway, and I can't bear her much longer." Zhen Lan said softly.
Zhen Xi was speechless for a moment, and her eyes as spiritual as a stream were lost for a moment.
I had a vague feeling that it wouldn't be that simple.
Zhen Lan put down the tea cup and said with a smile: "Brother Heng has won a big victory this time. When he comes back, his title will definitely be promoted."
Zhen Xi said in surprise: "Brother Heng is already a third-class Duke. If he gets promoted... he should be a second-class Duke."
"I can see that after regaining the lost ground this time, it's a bit hard to repay the merit. There may be other rewards." Zhen Lan's bright eyes flickered and she guessed.
In the past few days, she had vaguely heard some rumors. After the Northwest War, Brother Heng might take the opportunity to ask for a marriage from the palace.
Although this move was spread by the maids of the Xue family, it is not impossible. It is not only to worry about the self-destruction of "the master with great achievements", but also to prevent the court from failing to reward him.
In fact, the news that Ying'er deliberately spread reached Daiyu's ears yesterday.
There is only one purpose, to prevent queue jumping!
Daiyu was originally a carefree person with a clear mind, and she guessed the purpose of the rumor.
Zhen Xi said in a soft voice: "Brother Heng's title has been promoted too quickly."
"Where are you now? Remember what I told my sister, if Brother Heng continues to perform such meritorious service, sooner or later he will be granted the title of county king." Zhen Lan smiled and took Zhen Xi's hand, and said softly: "And I can't tell you. In his twenties, he will be able to become a county king."
At that time, she and Brother Heng were both in their prime, and they would definitely be able to marry her in a glorious way.
She is just like Empress Changsun who followed Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty early.
Under Zhen Xi's willow-leaf slender eyebrows, her spiritual eyes blinked, she said "hmm" and said, "I also think Brother Heng should be able to do it."
Zhen Lan said: "Now the girls in the house know what I can do, and when the time comes, there will be nothing left to fight for."
Zhen Xi glanced in the direction of the door and lowered her voice: "Brother Heng has the final say on this matter."
"He will agree." Zhen Lan's bright eyes flashed and she took a sip of tea. As she got older, the girl with red silk face had become somewhat cold and elegant.
The four sisters of the Zhen family have all followed him, and two more are giving birth to his children. They are just concubines, and he will not deny them.
…
…
Jinling, the General Customs and Taxation Department's Yamen not far from the Hubu Yamen. In the official office, because of the continuous rain outside, candles were lit inside the Yamen and the lights were bright.
Lin Ruhai was picking up a newspaper and talking to King Chu.
The King of Chu had arrived in Jiangnan not long ago. In addition to visiting Zhen Qing, who was expecting childbirth, he frequently visited the newly established General Customs and Taxation Department as a guest, and also became familiar with Lin Ruhai.
The King of Chu sighed with emotion: "Ziyu not only defeated the Heshuote people, but also defeated the Junggar people. With only 50,000 troops in the capital, he was able to win consecutive battles. He is truly a born general."
Recalling the 60,000 elite troops of the capital camp that Prince Nan'an and others had left behind, Ziyu achieved greater results with fewer troops than Prince Nan'an.
If Ziyu is allowed to lead an army of 100,000 to the Western Regions, wouldn't it be possible to recover the Western Regions?
Lin Ruhai said: "This war consumes a lot of money and food. Fortunately, Her Royal Highness the Princess actively raised food and fodder in the south, so the northwest war was peaceful and smooth."
The King of Chu nodded and said, "My aunt runs the Weaving Bureau of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the south, takes charge of maritime trade and other affairs, and raises money and food for the court. She has indeed worked hard and made great achievements."
He had visited once before, but was rejected and his aunt did not see him.
The King of Chu suppressed the sadness in his heart and said with emotion to Lin Ruhai: "I heard that there are frequent good news over the sea. Recently, there was a confrontation with the enemy at Jilong Mountain. I wonder what the situation is like over the sea?"
He didn't expect Shui Rong to be so good at fighting, and he might have relied on the power of Hongyi's cannon and Jiangnan Navy.
It would be nice if he could go south earlier and follow the Jiangnan Navy to suppress the bandits, and maybe he could get some credit back.
Lin Ruhai said: "Once the sea is calm, the customs will be able to collect more tax this year."
During this time, he took over the Customs and Excise Department and deeply felt that sea trade was the key to enriching the country and strengthening the army.
Liangjiang Governor's Office
Gao Zhongping was also mentioning the great victory in the northwest to his staff. Di Bao was circulated among his staff and said: "This defeat of Junggar should make it impossible to recapture the northwest."
Kuang Shouzheng whispered: "Dong Weng, Duke Wei's military campaign in the northwest is almost over."
"This battle has been going on for a long time. Since the beginning of spring in the 16th year of Chongping, there has been constant smoke in the north." Wu Xiancheng, the general judge, said.
Gao Zhongping mused: "In one or two months, the war will be almost over. The autumn grain collection here in the south of the Yangtze River will also have to be based on the newly measured acres."
The two staff nodded.
At this moment, not only the officials in the Governor's Mansion of Liangjiang, but also the entire Jiangnan officialdom were enthusiastically discussing the Northwest War. Hami returned, and the Seven Guards of Kansai returned to the hands of the Han after a hundred years. Such achievements in opening up the territory and expanding the territory , Duke Wei is truly worthy of being Duke Wei.
What a victorious general!
At this moment, it can be said that through the comparison of Nan'an and Jia Heng's winning streak, Jia Heng's core position in military affairs has been basically established among the entire Han Dynasty's north and south. This is a rare consensus.
However, the imperial court has won another great victory. If they follow the trend and implement the new law, how can they resist?
…
…
Hami City
Unconsciously, another three days have passed. The official army and the soldiers and horses of the Junggar tribe have been fighting for more than ten days. The two sides have been fighting on the vast grassland for several days. The scouts and rangers fought against each other, and the battle was tense.
In the official office, all the generals gathered together, high-spirited and looking towards the young man in python suit sitting behind the handsome desk.
Jia Heng picked up the battle report in his hand and said in a deep voice: "The Junggar offensive has stopped a little in the past few days. It is obvious that they have been beaten and hurt."
In the past few days, the two sides continued to fight. The soldiers and horses of the Junggar tribe suffered heavy casualties under the fire and sharp weapons. About four to five thousand riders retreated steadily under the confrontation with the Han army.
With excitement on her face, Jia Fang said: "Commander Jie, that fire blunderbuss is really the nemesis of the Mongolian cavalry. With the three-way gunshot, most of the Mongolian cavalry were killed and wounded, and they couldn't get close at all."
Xie Zaiyi clasped his fists and said, "Commander, has the time for the decisive battle arrived?"
Jia Heng glanced at the generals present and said loudly: "That's almost it. Early tomorrow morning, my army will leave the city, approach the Junggar camp, and take the initiative to invite Junggar to fight."
When Xie Zaiyi and other generals heard this, their faces were filled with excitement.
Although the Han army has repeatedly gained the upper hand in hunting and killing in the past few days, everyone in the Beijing camp is holding back their energy and wants to have a decisive battle with the Junggar soldiers and horses in the field battle.
When the generals dispersed in twos and threes, Chen Xiao said softly with a look of concern on his face: "The Junggars have suffered such a big loss, and they will probably withdraw their troops and escape."
Jia Heng said: "It is not so easy to withdraw troops from the grassland. Without the cover of mountains and forests, if the troops are not withdrawn well, it will easily lead to a rout."
In the history of warfare in ancient China, there were many strategies for withdrawing troops, such as the beating of sheep drums, the two pursuits of Cao Cao by Jia Xu and Yuan Shao, and the withdrawal of troops by Tan Daoji.
Because once the retreating troops are pursued by the enemy, it can easily lead to a rout, and it can easily turn into a battle royale on the grassland.
Chen Xiao said softly: "How many troops does the Beijing camp plan to send tomorrow?"
Jia Heng said: "There are still more troops than the Junggar tribe. We have a strength advantage."
As they talked, the two came to the study. Jia Heng took the girl's delicate hand and said, "Xiaoxiao, let's go have a rest first and recharge our batteries. There will be a big battle tomorrow."
Chen Xiao rolled his eyes at the young man and snorted coldly, his cold jade face turning red.
No matter how much you raise your essence, it’s almost the same as consuming it.
At this moment, under a low hill about three miles away from Hami City, in the military tent, soldiers and generals were crowded, and the atmosphere was depressing.
Baturhun is convening a group of Junggar Mongolians to discuss matters with his son.
"Father Khan, the warriors in the clan have suffered a lot of damage recently." Seng Ge said in a deep voice with an ugly face.
Baturhui said in a deep voice: "I have seen them hijacking the Han army's food route in the past few days. What is the situation?"
Seng Ge said: "The Han army's food supply will not have much impact. The fifth brother originally hoarded a lot of food in Hami City, but now it is all available to the Han army. If we add some requisitions from the city, I am afraid we can still last for more than half a month."
To this day, Seng Ge still does not forget to give Wen Chun eye drops.
Baturhun had a look of boredom on his face and said, "The casualties are too great. This battle cannot be fought."
He still underestimated the fighting power of the Han people, and he was indeed a Han army that could defeat the fierce Jurchens.
Baturhun had heard about the ferocity of the Jurchens even in the Western Regions, but he still suffered a loss at the hands of the Han people. This Han army was different from what he had seen before.
Baturhun said: "Send an envoy to Hami City to delineate the boundary. As long as the Han people no longer rush westward, our army can withdraw."
Galdan said anxiously: "Father Khan, do you want Hami City to be abandoned?"
Baturhui's firm eyes showed reflection and said: "This time, we brought too few troops and horses, and we are no match for the Han people. If we want to recapture Hami, we need to contact the Heshuote people and the Jurchens. We can’t defeat the Han people on our own, so we can’t fight this battle.”
Sengge sighed and said, "Father Khan is right. We have suffered four to five thousand casualties in the past few days. We really cannot continue to fight."
After all, it is still Wen Chun's fault for messing up the matter. Forty thousand soldiers and horses went to Shazhou, but the result was a huge defeat. Now they are no better or worse.
Baturhui made up his mind and ordered: "Get ready to withdraw. The Han people cannot keep a large army in Hami all the time. After they withdraw, this will be our opportunity."
As Jia Heng expected, Baturhun could not bear even the casualties of 5,000 people and had already begun to want to withdraw his troops.
…
…
The next day, the sky was bright, the sun was rising from the east, the morning sun was brilliant and bright, and the rays of rays shone across the entire courtyard, as if the roof beams were covered with a layer of golden gauze.
Jia Heng was wearing his helmet and shaking his armor. He took the special iron sword and got on his horse.
In fact, you don't wear armor when you march normally, because the armor is very heavy on your body. Only before fighting, you put on the armor and charge into battle.
This is why when marching, there is usually chaos after being attacked, and more Tangqi will be sent to investigate, but everything is not absolute. It depends on how to define the word march.
Chen Xiao also put on his armor beside him, holding a bright silver spear and a wrought copper helmet in his hand. Under his two thin eyebrows with willow leaves, his clear eyes were as sharp and bright as stars.
In the early morning, the sun was rising, the air was fresh, but the weather was a bit cold.
Rays of golden morning light shone on the brick wall of the city with a layer of autumn dew, and the drummer with a red cloth tied on his head picked up the drumstick and beat the cowhide drum.
“Dong dong!!!”
The war drums sounded, as dense as raindrops, and the sounds were rapid and powerful.
The two west gates of Hami City opened with a creak, and countless elite cavalry poured out in large numbers. They lined up outside the city. At a glance, they all saw the red flaming flags and bright armor of the Han army.
Under the flying saucer helmets are young faces, and there is an indescribable evil spirit in the silence.
Xie Zaiyi held a long sword and took the lead, leading the cavalry to charge towards the Junggar camp three miles away.
Baturhun, who was having a meal in the camp, was shocked when he heard the news from the scouts. He looked at Seng Ge and Wen Chun and said in a deep voice: "The Han army is going to rob the camp."
At this time, Baturhun's son Dalma, with anger surging on his bronze face, said: "Father Khan, let your son lead the people to repel them!"
Baturhui nodded and said: "You lead Wanhu on the right wing to resist the Han army's offensive in the south. Zhuoliktu, lead Wanhu on the left wing to meet the Han army in the north."
After several days of consumption, the Junggar tribe could now dispatch only a little over 40,000 cavalry troops. This time, they dispatched 20,000 troops and two of Baturhun's central troops to confront the main force of the Han army.
"yes."
The two "tool man" sons, who were powerful, firm and brave, with slightly dull expressions, stood up and answered the orders with clasped fists.
As the gate of the camp opened, the cavalry with black wolf flags like a black torrent rushed towards the Han army that was also surging forward.
Baturhun looked at Sengge and Wen Chun and said: "Sengge, Wen Chun, follow me and lead the Chinese army to escort us. If the Han people want to defeat us, let's fight them first!"
