The army is like a swarm of ants, quietly flowing through the official road of Qingshan.
Liangjun is not far from Zhongzhou, and it only takes about ten days for the army to march, which is extremely convenient for the expedition.
Seven or eight days after the squadron, the army had entered the borders of Gyeonggi.
After setting up camp that day, the soldiers prepared wine and food for the British prince diligently and said with a smile: "I wonder what reward the court will give to the commander this time. I think there will be a lot of noise in the court now, right?"
The British father silently picked up the wine glass and took a sip.
What reward does he want?
As a hereditary British duke, he didn't want any reward.
What he wants is to give his good grandson an extra chip.
However, I don’t know if His Majesty will give him this bargaining chip?
Your Majesty has a tendency and choice in your heart?
He asked calmly: "How is Xiao Fengshan?"
Seeing that the commander was not interested in the topic he carefully selected, the soldier did not dare to smile playfully anymore, and quickly said seriously: "It's still the same as before, saying nothing and just staying in the carriage."
The British Duke sighed, "A generation of heroes, once they lose power, are like a tiger with its teeth pulled out, perhaps worse than a cat raised for fun."
The private soldiers were somewhat discerning and did not dare to interfere with such remarks, so they stood aside silently with their heads lowered.
After a while, when the British Duke took a few bites and then drank heavily from the wine glass with dissatisfaction, another soldier opened the curtain and came in, knelt down on one knee and said, "Commander, the envoy from Beijing is here!"
The British father put down his wine glass, straightened his clothes, and said, "Invite him in."
Soon, Jin Zhong, the palace attendant, lifted the curtain and walked in, "My servant pays homage to the British Duke!"
The British duke smiled and said: "Eunuch Jin, please get up. Eunuch Jin has come a long way. Thank you for your hard work. Please sit down quickly."
Jin Zhong also smiled extremely sincerely, even with a bit of humility, "You are so polite, Mr. British. I am here today to congratulate you."
He paused slightly, then continued: "Your Majesty and the Central Committee have agreed to grant the title of Grand Master Ronglu, Zuo Zhuguo, and Taifu. This is the ultimate honor and favor. Congratulations to the Master!"
The British duke was stunned for a moment by the list of titles, and then he was filled with gratitude, "Your Majesty is so determined. How can I deserve such honor with my humble merits?"
Jin Zhong smiled and said: "If you can't afford it, then no one can. This time, the Central Committee feels that this reward is too much. His Majesty insists on it, saying that you deserve it for your hard work and merit!" "
The British Duke burst into tears of gratitude and knelt down, facing north, "Old minister, thank you for your kindness!"
Jin Zhong stood up immediately and said, "Your Majesty, your Majesty has one more thing to tell you before you come here. I wonder if I can make it easier for you?"
The British father-in-law understood it as soon as he heard it, but he pretended not to understand, "My father-in-law said something serious. As long as it is your majesty's order, the old minister will be smashed to pieces, so why do you say it conveniently?"
Jin Zhong had no choice but to say: "Your Majesty asked this slave to go and see Xiaozhou Mu."
"This is the right thing to do." The British Duke did not hesitate and stood up immediately, "Father-in-law, please follow me."
The two walked out of the military tent and, under the protection of their own soldiers, arrived outside the heavily guarded carriage.
"Xiao Sanlang, can you get out of the car and have a chat?"
There was no sound in the carriage.
Britain raised his chin openly, and the two soldiers directly opened the car curtain.
It's rude, almost humiliating, but that's the attitude a winner can have.
And as a loser, you are destined to endure such humiliation if I give you no face.
In the carriage, Xiao Fengshan looked haggard and his eyes were gloomy, like an unyielding tiger that had fallen into a trap. Jin Zhong was startled by his gnawing eyes, but he still confirmed that this was indeed the dazzling Xiao who had once been all over China. Lang.
He subconsciously lowered his head to avoid looking, and the soldiers also lowered the car curtains wisely.
The British Duke smiled and said: "Eunuch Jin, can you see clearly?"
Jin Zhong cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Lord Laoguo. I will go back and resume my life right now."
The British duke nodded and said: "Father, please go slowly. I am in the military today, so I cannot thank you. I will definitely give you a generous gift from the Duke's office in the future."
"Oh, you are so polite, Lord!"
Jin Zhong thanked him profusely, took two attendants and several guards, mounted his horse and left.
The British prince watched calmly until the smoke of the fast horses gradually subsided, and then he silently turned back to the military tent.
That enviable glory didn't seem to leave much mark on his heart.
I don't know if Xiao Fengshan's downfall and humiliation touched him too much. That night, the head of the Great Xia Dynasty, the biological father of the current noble concubine, sat alone in the tent for a long time.
One day later in the evening, a fast horse entered Beijing and entered the Heibingtai Yamen.
After a while, Xuan Hu entered the palace.
"Your Majesty, the British Duke has set up camp twenty miles outside the city."
After listening to Xuanhu's report, Emperor Chongning stood up and walked slowly in the palace.
After a moment, he muttered: "Promote business sincerity."
Soon, Shang Zhicheng, the commander of the Forbidden Army, walked in and said, "Your Majesty."
"Tonight, the palace is under strict security. Just like when the old military god passed away that day, no one is allowed in or out unless I am here in person."
Upon hearing this, Shang Zhicheng knew that His Majesty was leaving the palace again, and he quickly agreed in a deep voice, "Don't worry, Your Majesty!"
"Okay, go down and make arrangements!"
Emperor Chongning waved his hand and said: "Gao Yi, Yang Yinghui, the commander of the patrol camp."
Gao Yi nodded in agreement and was about to go out when he was stopped by Emperor Chongning, "Wait a minute."
Gao Yi hurriedly walked back and heard Emperor Chongning say, "Let Jin Zhong go and tell Yang Yinghui, the commander of the patrol camp, that the victorious army is coming, and ask him to keep an eye on every place in the city to guard against riots in order to debase tomorrow's ceremony." .”
"yes!"
After the arrangements were made, Emperor Chongning ordered him to go to Changle Palace.
Lying on Concubine De's soft legs, he closed his eyes slightly, but what came to his mind was the face of the late empress.
Just as he had thought when he first made this plan, tomorrow would be the triumphal celebration, and before that, he had to meet Xiao Fengshan.
Take a look at this late empress's biological brother, take a look at this young man who was once the most dazzling in the capital, take a look at this man who has given him a lot of trouble in recent years, and then decide whether to kill or keep him, and then This will completely end the fight between father and son.
Once the emperor's personal concerns are resolved, he will be able to completely free up his hands and concentrate on dealing with the current internal and external troubles of the empire.
At this time, he suddenly thought of a question: Will Xia Jingyun become the next Xiao Fengshan in ten or twenty years?
"What's wrong, Your Majesty? But where does it feel uncomfortable for me, my concubine?"
Emperor Chongning smiled and said, "No, how successful do you think that kid Gao Yang will be in the future?"
Concubine De sighed softly, "I may be a short-sighted woman. I am only worried that he is weak and extremely intelligent. Worrying about the king and the country is not a sign of longevity!"
After hearing this, Emperor Chongning secretly said: That's right, Xiao Fengshan is a warrior after all, and his body is far beyond that of Xia Jingyun, a frail scholar. He may not live long himself. What are his plans? Let's wait until his death.
"This is not a woman's opinion, this is caring and causing chaos."
Emperor Chongning said with a smile: "The country is in a troubled time. It is a time when he is doing his best. God is not willing to take away a talent like him for the sake of our national destiny in Great Xia."
"Your Majesty is wise! I am indeed ignorant."
After talking for a while, Emperor Chongning closed his eyes and took a nap, then got up and walked outside.
When he walked to the door, he turned around and said with a smile: "I haven't seen Shi'er for a few days, and I still miss him a little. I will take him back to stay for two days in a few days."
Concubine De smiled and nodded in agreement.
After leaving Changle Palace, Emperor Chongning glanced at Zhaoyang Palace from a distance and went straight out of the palace.
Under the strict protection of the black knights of Heibingtai, under the cover of twilight, they headed towards the outside of the city.
The official roads in the Gyeonggi area are still well maintained, and the horse can move at a high speed. It didn't take long to reach the military camp at nightfall.
The vanguard troops had already notified them immediately, so the carriage drove straight in and stopped at the Chinese army's tent.
After lifting the curtain and walking in, the British man in military uniform knelt down on one knee and said, "Old minister, I pay my respects to Your Majesty!"
Emperor Chongning strode forward, stretched out his hand to lift the British prince up, "My dear, please don't be too polite. You have worked hard for your country this time. It's my turn to express my condolences to you."
"The old minister is frightened." The British Duke said quickly: "The Lu family has received favor from the emperor, and they should repay it wholeheartedly and be loyal to the country. There is no need to mention hard work."
Emperor Chongning held his arm and said, "Of all the ministers of the country, you are the one I trust most! You have lived up to my expectations!"
The British Duke bowed and said, "Your Majesty, please take a seat."
When Emperor Chongning sat down, Xuanhu stood silently in the corner of the tent, as if hiding in the shadows that could not be illuminated by the lights. The British Duke said again: "Your Majesty, I will bring Xiao Fengshan, the governor of Longshou Prefecture, into the capital this time. You are in the army now, would you like to meet your Majesty?"
Emperor Chongning nodded slowly, "Since you are here, let's meet him."
A pair of monarchs and ministers spoke a few words in tacit understanding, and soon Xiao Fengshan was brought in.
Unlike before, because he was afraid that this tiger general would show off his power in front of His Majesty, the British Duke had his hands tied.
This look between brother-in-law and brother-in-law after many years seemed to go back more than ten years in time.
At that time, my sister was gentle and virtuous, my brother-in-law worked hard to govern, and my brother-in-law was both civil and military. The family was harmonious and beautiful, just like the country at that time, and had a bright future.
But things in the world are often unsatisfactory, just like the gentle spring breeze is often followed by scorching heat in summer, bleak autumn wind and bitter cold in winter.
With the death of the late empress, the last link that maintained their relationship was severed, and everything became strange.
"Sanlang, why do you want to come after I invite you like this?"
Emperor Chongning spoke first, breaking the silence and setting the tone for the conversation.
Xiao Fengshan sneered and raised his hands, "Is this what you call a please?"
Emperor Chongning's tone turned cold, "If that's not the case? How could you come? Everything the British Lord did was my instruction! You separat one side and dominate the territory. I don't want to start a war and cause the lives of the people. I only have this You forced me to follow this path!"
Xiao Fengshan refused to give in, as if he was not afraid at all of the emperor who had the important officials of the dynasty at his fingertips. "Then you have never thought about me. I am a person who never hesitates to fight for my country on the battlefield and works tirelessly for the people." , why did it become like this?”
"As a minister, how can you still be justified in not respecting the emperor's orders?" In front of Xiao Fengshan, Emperor Chongning seemed to be unable to maintain the carefree posture in front of his ministers, and said angrily like a quarrel on the street: "After your sister leaves, Have I ever treated your Xiao family badly? You are still a feudal official, and your Xiao family's favor is even greater than before. Is this how you repay me?"
After hearing this, Xiao Fengshan just raised his eyelids slightly and said, "You still like to be so high-sounding. Even in front of these people, you still have to maintain your ridiculous image of a saint and a benevolent king, pushing all your sins onto On others. You have done some things, but you still have to press others’ heads and make them tell a few self-deceptive lies to satisfy your ridiculous and pathetic image.”
After speaking, he looked at Emperor Chongning mockingly, and raised his tied hands, "Just like today, it's like this. You came here in person, but you still have to go through such a big circle. Chi Why are you so reluctant to get to the point? Is your eldest son so shameless and unable to speak out? "
At the end of the sentence, his tone suddenly rose, and his expression instantly became cold and sharp.
Emperor Chongning was also startled by this sharp energy, and he recovered quickly, with a cold tone, "I want to save you some face, but it seems you don't want it anymore."
Xiao Fengshan smiled sarcastically, "Face? A father is so suspicious of his son, withdraws his favor, deprives him of his glory, reduces his power, and finally openly tramples on his dignity. Is this the face you care about? He repeatedly gave in, Showing weakness again and again only makes you become more aggressive, and you quickly become ruthless in order to get rid of him. Is this the face you care about?"
"Do you still remember the joy and excitement you felt when you held your newborn baby? Do you remember the piety you felt when you held the hand of your sister who just gave birth and made a promise to her? Do you still remember that you held him on your knees?"
"enough!"
Emperor Chongning suddenly roared, "Xiao Fengshan, don't try to confuse the public with your lies here!"
Killing intent surged in his heart, and he said sternly: "People will change. Not only will I change, but you will also change, and so will your nephew who you miss so much!"
"He is no longer the son who obeyed me, but an ambitious person who deliberately wants to replace me!"
"He is no longer the son who looks up to his father and clings to his tail. What he looks up to is the supreme dragon chair!"
"All his concessions and weakness are just forbearance when his strength is inferior. As long as there is an opportunity, he will not hesitate to raise the butcher's knife to me!"
"What is imperial power? Imperial power is a stable bed. It needs a strong army to serve as a shelter from the wind and rain, and rich people to provide softness and comfort, but no one can sleep on this bed. On the bed, you may stick out a bayonet at the person on the bed at any time! This is an iron rule from ancient times to the present!"
Xiao Fengshan looked at Emperor Chongning's appearance, sneered and shook his head, "If you were really a good emperor who worked hard and devoted himself to the country, all this would be fine. But what you are like now, you can't understand, the world People still can’t understand?”
"You only know how to amass money and squander it all day long, and live extravagantly. In your eyes, the only way to govern the country is to play with power, balance the court, and maintain the imperial power that you respect. The people of the people? You are worthy of saying that the people of the people? Do you really think that all the people in the world are here? Is the war going on here just because the old military god passed away? Doesn’t he have any deep resentment towards you, an independent man?”
Emperor Chongning was extremely angry, but unexpectedly calmed down, "Do you want to anger me and make me give you pleasure?"
Xiao Fengshan smiled disdainfully, "Your Majesty, just kill if you want. Why are you so pretentious? I can also go to see my sister as soon as possible and tell her that she was blind and believed in the vows you made before she died. .”
"That's right. Why do I have to compete with a crazy and rebellious person like you? If you hadn't gone astray long ago, you wouldn't have done so many things without a king and a father. I'm fighting with you. If you fall into the inferior category, your merits and demerits will be left to future generations to judge."
There was a cold smile on his lips, "Don't worry, after you leave, I will not take back the favor of the Xiao family. I will regard it as your contribution to sending troops this time. The prince, I will not kill him, I will destroy him." , and then take good care of him, he will be worthy of the queen and worthy of my vow back then."
Xiao Fengshan sighed softly.
Behind the tent, a chuckle sounded, "So, I want to thank my father for being so kind and sparing my life?"
Emperor Chongning suddenly looked back and saw the figure walking out from the side with a look of horror that he had not seen in many years.
(End of chapter)
