In the main hall of Qianqing Palace, the civil and military ministers of the DPRK and China gathered together. Emperor Chongzhen also rarely changed into the imperial robes that were only worn for grand ceremonies, and sat on the dragon chair.
At this time, Yang Sichang already knew about the victory of Julu and stood in the main hall with a cold face. All the Donglin Party members were not very happy either, and they all bowed their heads and remained silent.
At this time, Wang Chengen said loudly: "Announcement: Supervisor Lu Xiangsheng, Xuanfu Town Chief Military Officer Yang Guozhu, Shaanxi Town Chief Military Officer Hu Dawei, Shandong Dusi Lingshan Guard Qianhu Station in front of Xiahe Village Liu Yan, the defense officer, come to the palace to pay homage!"
"Announcement: Guan Ning Army Supervisor Gao Qiqian, former Tun Guard Chief Wang Tingchen, Shanhaiguan Town Chief Soldier Ma Ke, Miyun Town Chief Soldier Tang Tong, and Yutian Town Chief Soldier Cao Bianjiao come to the palace to pay their respects!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Xiangsheng, Yang Guozhu, Hu Dawei, and Liu Yan went to the palace together. Under the gaze of the civil and military ministers of the Manchu Dynasty, they walked in with their heads held high. Then, under the leadership of Lu Xiangsheng, everyone kowtowed three times and bowed nine times, shouting long live.
Immediately afterwards, Gao Qiqian also walked into the hall with a cheerful face, followed by former Tun Guard Chief Wang Tingchen, Shanhaiguan Town Chief Soldier Ma Ke, Miyun Town Chief Soldier Tang Tong, Yutian Town Chief Soldier Cao Bianjiao and others. Kneel down next to Lu Xiangsheng, Liu Yan and others.
Emperor Chongzhen looked at everyone smiling happily and said: "My dear friends, please get up!"
"Long live thanks!"
Everyone stood up, and then Liu Yan, Yang Guozhu, and Hu Dawei saw Gao Qiqian next to them. The three of them glared unabashedly. Liu Yan could hold it back, but Yang Guozhu and Hu Dawei were both veterans. At this time, the anger was clearly written on his face, causing everyone in the court to look at him in surprise.
Lu Xiangsheng was also angry when he saw Gao Qiqian, but at this time Emperor Chongzhen and the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty were all there. Lu Xiangsheng suppressed the anger in his heart with restraint, glared at Gao Qiqian coldly, and then ignored him.
Not to be outdone, Gao Qiqian glared back and even snorted lightly.
As for former garrison chief Wang Tingchen, Shanhaiguan Town chief Ma Ke, Miyun Town chief Tang Tong, Yutian Town chief Cao Bianjiao and others, Ma Ke and Tang Tong looked at Lu Xiangsheng and Liu Yan with faces full of expressions. Cold color, no good expression. Wang Tingchen and Cao Bianjiao looked ashamed and looked at Lu Xiangsheng with a look of admiration and reverence.
Emperor Chongzhen also noticed the tense situation between the two sides, so he spoke, first praising the victory, and then praising the soldiers of Lu Xiangsheng's and Gao Qiqian's troops for their bloody battles and their contribution to the country's killing of thieves.
But what Emperor Chongzhen didn't expect at this time was that Lu Xiangsheng, who had always been elegant and elegant, stood up directly after taking the lead in thanking him. In front of the civil and military ministers of the dynasty, he impeached Gao Qiqian for failing to save his troops, and annihilated the main force of the Qing army. It was a great opportunity to ask Emperor Chongzhen to severely punish Gao Qiqian and the generals of Guan Ning's army.
At this time, all civil and military officials in the court were dumbfounded, and a cold light flashed in Yang Sichang's eyes.
Immediately afterwards, Yang Guozhu and Hu Dawei impeached Gao Qiqian one after another, and their words became even more fierce. Hu Dawei even "roared" directly in the hall, thinking that if Emperor Chongzhen did not severely punish Gao Qiqian, then Xuanda, The blood of the Shandong Army officers and soldiers was shed in vain!
Although Liu Yan was very similar to impeaching Gao Qiqian and others on the spot, it was just that his official position was too small. The reason why he was able to face the saint this time was entirely because of the great victory in Julu. He still had no role to speak here. He could forcefully speak. All we can do is let Gao Qiqian and others seize the opportunity to criticize him.
Emperor Chongzhen frowned. This scene was something he had not expected, so he looked at Wang Chengen. Wang Chengen came over and whispered, "Your Majesty, take a look again!"
Emperor Chongzhen understood that Lu Xiangsheng's command was originally due to his greater contribution, but the rewards could not be given favorably to one, otherwise Guan Ning's army would definitely be dissatisfied. Just take this opportunity to let Lu Xiangsheng and others suppress Guan Ning's army, and I can also take the opportunity to award rewards separately, focusing on Lu Xiangsheng's troops.
So Emperor Chongzhen went beyond everyone's expectations and did not speak. He just looked at Lu Xiangsheng, Gao Qiqian and others quietly.
Upon seeing this, Gao Qiqian thought that Emperor Chongzhen was favoring him, so he said arrogantly: "What does Governor Lu mean by this? Although the Za family does not understand military affairs, but the generals of Guan Ning under his command, none of them are strong generals in hundreds of battles." ? If the rush to the Julu battlefield can really encircle and annihilate the Qing army, even if the Zajia family dies, they will not hesitate to lead the army to the rescue! But is this really the case? "
Tang Tong, the chief military officer of Miyun Town, jumped out immediately and said: "Tens of thousands of elite slaves and thieves gathered in Julu. Even Lu Governor had to avoid their edge. Being surrounded by slaves and thieves, I could only hold on. I Even if the army rushes to help, the best result is that both sides will suffer losses. When the elite of the imperial court is defeated, who will bear the responsibility!"
Ma Ke, the chief military officer of Shanhaiguan Town, sneered, glanced at Yang Guozhu and Hu Dawei, and said, "I'm afraid you only have military achievements in mind, but not the safety of the imperial court, right?"
Wang Tingchen and Cao Bianjiao looked at each other, but they did not speak. They just stood there with their heads lowered, not daring to look directly at Lu Xiangsheng, Liu Yan, Yang Guozhu, and Hu Dawei.
"Asshole!"
"presumptuous!"
Yang Guozhu pointed at Tang Tong and Ma Ke and said angrily: "Our army beheaded more than 5,000 people in the first battle. The actual number of casualties among the slave thieves was at least 8,000 and possibly even over 10,000. With such heavy casualties, as long as Guan Ning's army comes for reinforcements, , the slave thieves will definitely collapse, and everything can be settled in one battle, but you still support your troops and respect yourself, what are your intentions!"
Hu Dawei angrily rebuked: "We fought bloody battles with the slaves and thieves, but you followed behind and took advantage. Now you are here with us, and you shamelessly ask for credit and rewards from His Majesty. How shameless!"
At this time, Hu Dawei was so angry that he started to curse directly in front of Emperor Chongzhen. A group of censors on the side jumped out immediately. They ignored the rights and wrongs of both parties and took advantage of Hu Dawei's negligence in his words. , began to impeach Hu Dawei for his "imperial gaffe".
When Hu Dawei saw this, he started to quarrel with everyone, and one person quarreled with several censors.
Upon seeing this, Ma Ke and Tang Tong also joined the battle group and besieged Hu Dawei together with several censors. Upon seeing this, Yang Guozhu began to support Hu Dawei. In the end, even Lu Xiangsheng and Gao Qiqian began to join in the quarrel, and the main hall of Qianqing Palace suddenly became a mess, leaving Emperor Chongzhen stunned.
At this time, Liu Yan looked at the crowd and noticed that Wang Tingchen and Cao Bianjiao were not involved, and he felt a little more favorable towards the two of them. After all, Wang Tingchen and Cao Bianjiao were both famous generals in the late Ming Dynasty in history. They both encircled and suppressed bandits internally and fought fiercely against the Qing army externally. Use the word hero.
Then Liu Yan noticed another person among the ministers, Yang Sichang over there.
Although Liu Yan did not know Yang Sichang, he recognized the official uniform of the second-rank official. Coupled with his age and other factors, he could infer that this person was Yang Sichang.
"Those censors were all ordered by Yang Sichang!"
Liu Yan had just seen Yang Sichang flirting with several censors, and the meaning was self-evident.
"Pity!"
Liu Yan sighed, Yang Sichang was actually very talented. He proposed the strategy of "four positives and six corners" to encircle and suppress the bandit army, and at the same time advocated peace with the Manchus.
To be honest, judging from the current situation facing the Ming Dynasty, these two points are actually very correct. It is a pity that the "Four Righteousness and Six Corners" policy could not be implemented, and the policy of negotiating peace with the Manchu Qing Dynasty was also due to the same party. Donglin Party members stood on the moral high ground and repeatedly restricted their efforts, and Yang Sichang did not dare to persist.
Yang Sichang was very talented, but he could not really save the situation. At the same time, Yang Sichang was also keen on party struggle. For the death of Lu Xiangsheng in history, Yang Sichang should bear the main responsibility!
Liu Yan glanced at Yang Sichang coldly, and then turned his attention to the two parties who were still arguing.
At this time, Hu Dawei and Yang Guozhu were confronting Tang Tong, Ma Ke and several censors. Several people were gathered together, and it could even be said that they were face to face. Hu Dawei's roaring voice shocked some civil servants.
Lu Xiangsheng was also arguing with Gao Qiqian. Lu Xiangsheng kept presenting the facts and emphasizing the regret of the Battle of Julu. However, Gao Qiqian always avoided the important and ignored the easy. He did not argue with Lu Xiangsheng at all. He only emphasized that Lu Xiangsheng was very happy with his achievements and always forced himself on himself with unrealistic strategies.
At this moment, Emperor Chongzhen knocked on the imperial bookcase with his hand. Wang Chengen next to him waved his whisk, took a step forward, and said loudly: "Quiet!"
The two parties who were arguing suddenly became quiet, returned to their respective positions, and quickly apologized to Emperor Chongzhen.
Emperor Chongzhen looked at everyone, his expression not very good. This was the first time he had seen such a scene since he ascended the throne, which was an eye-opener.
Emperor Chongzhen first reprimanded Lu Xiangsheng and others and Gao Qiqian respectively, and praised Liu Yan, Wang Tingchen and Cao Bianjiao who did not participate in the quarrel, and then said: "Although Gao Jianjun rescued the people and seized a large amount of money, food and materials, after all, No matter how good the reason is for not participating in the bloody battle of Julu, it is human nature for Lu Aiqing and others to have hatred in their hearts. Gao Jianjun, Tang Aiqing, and Ma Aiqing, please just bear with it."
Upon seeing this, Gao Qiqian, Tang Tong, and Ma Ke all agreed. When the censors saw this, they glanced at Yang Sichang. Yang Sichang shook his head slightly, and they all stopped making noise.
Afterwards, Emperor Chongzhen smiled and said to Lu Xiangsheng, Yang Guozhu, and Hu Dawei: "The three beloved ministers have meritorious service in bloody battles. I understand it in my heart." 33
"There is also Liu Aiqing. Although he is only a small defense officer, he has achieved two great victories. It shows that Liu Aiqing's talents are rare in this world. I am very happy!"
Lu Xiangsheng, Liu Yan, Yang Guozhu, and Hu Dawei hurriedly kowtowed and thanked him.
Afterwards, Emperor Chongzhen praised Lu Xiangsheng and Gao Qiqian each, and then called out Yang Sichang and said: "Now that the country has ushered in a great victory, this is a matter of universal celebration. Your Majesty should carefully consider it and come up with a reward as soon as possible. Plan to reward meritorious officers and soldiers as soon as possible to reassure the officers and soldiers and the wishes of the meritorious officials!"
At this time, Liu Yan finally learned what "acting school" means. He saw Yang Sichang tremblingly kowtow to the ground and said in a tearful tone: "Your Majesty, I was ecstatic when I heard about the victory of Julu. I once cried in the direction of Your Majesty. Our country The dynasty finally has elite soldiers and generals who can severely inflict heavy losses on the slaves and thieves. This is your majesty’s blessing and the country’s fortune. I am so excited!”
After saying that, Yang Sichang actually lay on the ground and started crying. Many civil servants on the side also cried loudly. Liu Yan knew without thinking that most of these people were Donglin Party members, and he was full of feelings for these ministers. Disdainful.
Emperor Chongzhen was very late to this behavior. When he saw this, he covered his face with his sleeves and was obviously in tears.
After Yang Sichang made Emperor Chongzhen cry, his expression suddenly changed, from crying with excitement to being righteous, and he said loudly: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will discuss the reward with the Ministry of War today, and I will come up with a reward strategy as soon as possible." , to be generous to the king, to comfort the soldiers, and will never neglect the meritorious soldiers' desire to serve the country!"
"So, very good!"
Liu Yan watched the performance of Yang Sichang and the Donglin Party members coldly, and secretly cursed in his heart: "It's superficial! It's superficial, but when it comes to the actual operation of state affairs, it's all useless!"
But at this time, Lu Xiangsheng, Yang Guozhu, Hu Dawei, Gao Qiqian and others all kowtowed to the ground. It was obvious that everyone still attached great importance to the reward, so Liu Yan naturally followed suit and knelt to the ground.
That night, Emperor Chongzhen gave a banquet in the palace. During the banquet, Lu Xiangsheng, Yang Guozhu, Hu Dawei, Wang Tingchen, Cao Bianjiao and others were so excited that they burst into tears of gratitude.
Although Liu Yan was not as exaggerated as the others, he was still very proud and excited. After all, not everyone can get this kind of honor.
After the banquet that night, Liu Yan followed Lu Xiangsheng out of the palace, and everyone was preparing to return to the military camp outside the city. Lu Xiangsheng was still excited and said to Liu Yan: "... This is your Majesty's reward. We will work harder in the future to fight for the country. Repay your kindness!"
Liu Yan clasped his fists and said yes, but at this moment he was thinking that it was time to lead his troops back to Xiahe Village, and it was time to go home.
Some people died, but not completely...
