It was late June in the 40th year of Jiajing reign in the Ming Dynasty.
Huguang Province, outside Wuchang Prefecture, inside the Ming Army camp.
Outside the Chinese army's tent, Shi Bangxian and other Ming army generals were standing on both sides of the Chinese army's tent, wearing helmets and carrying armor.
Near the camp, there were heavily armed soldiers everywhere, and a chilling atmosphere gradually filled the camp.
After the imperial court transported the last batch of food, grass, and new weapons to Huguang Province, Huguang Governor Feng Yue began to summon his generals and assemble the army.
'Da da da--'
I heard the rapid sound of horse hooves in the distance, and not long after, a group of cavalry was already heading towards the Chinese army camp.
The most eye-catching one is the war horse under Feng Yue. The hair on the war horse is chestnut color. In addition, there is a small tuft of white hair on the horse's head.
Today, Feng Yue has taken off the civilian robes he wore in the past, but instead put on armor and was fully armed.
At this moment, the scholarly temperament in him had long disappeared, replaced by a chilling air.
After all, the civil servants of the Ming Dynasty never lacked the courage to go into battle to kill the enemy!
Many Ming army generals who were waiting on both sides of the Chinese army's tent, as well as the soldiers around them, saw Feng Yue's arrival, and immediately lowered their heads and worshiped, saying in a deep voice.
"I've met the governor!"
"Um."
Then, Feng Yue was seen getting off his horse, holding a whip in one hand and holding a sword in the other. He responded with a subtle sound, and immediately stepped into the Chinese army camp.
After Feng Yue entered the Chinese army camp, the Ming army generals who had been waiting aside entered the camp in batches according to their rank and official rank.
Inside the Chinese military camp, there is a huge map. On the map, the mountains, rivers, and every city in Bozhou are clearly marked.
After Feng Yue took his seat, the generals who then entered the Chinese army camp also stood on both sides.
Feng Yue looked around, and after seeing that everyone was here, he nodded and turned to ask.
"Currently, is there any news from Sichuan-Shishi Third Road and Qianshi Second Road?"
As soon as Feng Yue finished speaking, a general stood up and said in a deep voice.
"Reporting to the Governor, three days ago, two of the three Sichuan divisions, General Chen Lin and Deputy General Cao Xibin, commanded 25,000 troops and set off according to the established route!"
"In addition, there is also news from Commander-in-Chief Wu Guang that the army's food and supplies are still slightly lacking. Only after the preparations are completed can we set off!"
"As for the Qian Division, the 30,000 soldiers and horses commanded by General Li Yingxiang and General Tan Jian have also officially set off to march in the direction of Xinglong."
Feng Yue, who was sitting in the main seat, couldn't help but frowned and ordered in a cold voice after listening to the general's report.
"You bastard, you actually dare to use raising food and fodder as an excuse to delay time. You immediately send someone to send a message to Commander-in-Chief Wu Guang and tell him that if the fighter plane is delayed, I will report to the court and remove him from duty and investigate! "
When the general heard Feng Yue's words, he immediately looked stern and said in a deep voice.
"Yes, Lord Governor!"
After that, Feng Yue changed the topic, glanced at the many generals present, and then spoke.
"Not long ago, the imperial court officially announced the proclamation against thieves and sent it to the whole country via inns. Someone, come and bring up the proclamation against thieves!"
"As you command, Lord Governor!"
As soon as the voice fell, a soldier came forward and carefully took out the thief-calling document.
Feng Yue looked at the words written on the memorandum to beg thieves, and couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. Then, he picked up the memorandum to beg thieves and read it in a deep voice to the many generals in the Chinese army camp.
"Since ancient times, emperors have ruled the world. They have always lived in China to control the barbarians, and the barbarians have lived outside to serve China. It is unheard of to say that the barbarians live in China and control the world!"
"The Yang family of Bozhou respected thieves, trusted traitors, killed the loyal, exploited the people, increased their wealth and tax, so that the people cried in the streets, the dead were exposed, the living were scattered, and the orphans and young women were homeless. prisoner!"
"The Yang family of Bozhou ignored the general principles, deliberately conspired to rebel, and did this perverse and rebellious thing. This has already caused the wrath of heaven and the people!"
"With the responsibility of guarding the land and the love for the people, I have set up a benevolent and righteous army to kill the unjust and defeat the enemy invaders. I issue this proclamation to conquer them!"
"Anyone who wins the title of Yang Lie, the envoy of Bozhou Xuanwei, will be rewarded with five thousand gold coins and promoted to two levels. Anyone who wins the title of Yang Lie's disciples will be rewarded with three thousand gold coins and promoted to one level!"
When many generals in the camp heard that as long as they could capture the head of Yang Lie, the governor of Bozhou, they would be rewarded with five thousand gold, and that they would be promoted to two levels in a row, their breathing became rapid.
As for the crimes committed by the Yang family in Bozhou, they don't care. At this moment, they only know one thing. As long as they capture the head of Yang Lie, the envoy of Bozhou, they will be able to rise to great heights from then on!
After General Feng Yue finished reading out his message to punish thieves, the faces of the generals present were already full of eagerness. At this moment, they could not wait to lead their troops and rush to Bozhou immediately.
"I have finished reading out the proclamation issued by the imperial court to punish thieves. I hope you will fight bravely to save the local Liming people in Bozhou from the fire and water!"
When Feng Yue's words fell, all the generals in the Chinese military camp bowed their heads and bowed, and responded in a deep voice.
"As you command, Lord Governor!"
"Um."
When Feng Yue heard the words, he responded in a subtle way. After looking around, he immediately gave instructions.
"Okay, now my order is passed on. Shi Bangxian will lead 20,000 soldiers and horses as the forward force. I will lead 30,000 soldiers and horses as the middle force. The remaining 10,000 soldiers and horses will serve as the rear force. We will march to Sangmuguan immediately!"
"As you command, Lord Governor!"
When many generals in the Chinese army camp heard what Feng Yue said, they all followed the order and left without making any pause.
At this moment, they were extremely excited, because the next battle between equal broadcasts would be their step forward.
Soon, the order from Feng Yue, the governor of Huguang, was passed down word of mouth among officers at all levels.
After that, the army, personally commanded by Feng Yue, the governor of Huguang, marched toward their destination through the official road.
The sound of horse hooves resounded loudly and continuously on the official road. Looking from mid-air, it was a black torrent with no end in sight, sweeping towards the distance.
I saw Shi Bangxian retracting his gaze from the endless road in the distance, then tightening the reins of the horse under him, and giving these instructions to the officers on the side.
"Pass this general's order and immediately send out scouts to the front to find out the news!"
"Yes, General!"
…
Just as the army commanded by Feng Yue was marching toward its destination in a mighty manner, the capital on the other side was not very peaceful either.
Although the imperial court's appeal against thieves has been published for some time, its popularity has not diminished. It has become the hottest topic in the capital. From time to time, you can see many scholars discussing this matter at various gatherings. discuss.
Before this, except for the cabinet and officials responsible for transporting baggage and food, not many officials in the court knew about this matter. Therefore, when the court officially issued a memorandum against the thieves, it shocked countless officials.
After all, in this battle, as many as 130,000 troops were dispatched!
Even when the imperial court was exterminating Japanese pirates along the southeast coast, it did not dispatch so many troops.
Despite this, some officials in the DPRK and China still criticized this move, believing that this move was a waste of national funds and should be focused on appeasement in accordance with past policies.
Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.
At this moment, Jiajing was sitting on the dragon chair, listening to the report from Lu Fang.
"Your Majesty, news came from the Department of Arms not long ago that they have opened several workshops near the capital and recruited enough craftsmen. Currently, they are working hard to manufacture flintlock guns!"
"Well, I know!"
After listening to Lu Fang's report, Jiajing nodded and gave instructions.
"Lu Fang, the weather is nice today, please go out for a walk with me!"
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
After Lu Fang responded, she immediately followed Jiajing's steps and walked out of the Qianqing Palace. Behind them, there were also a large number of eunuchs and maids to serve.
At this moment, the sun is shining brightly outside, and the sun shines on people, making people feel a little bit hot.
"Well, it looks like the day is going to get hot soon!"
Jiajing looked away from the distance, stroked his forehead, and said with emotion.
"Your Majesty, there is no need to worry. Last winter, the servants had already ordered people to transport a large amount of ice cubes and store them in the ice cellar. It should not be a problem to spend this summer. In addition, the imperial kitchen is also preparing iced sour plum soup! "
"Well, Lu Fang, you are still thoughtful!"
When Jiajing heard this, he glanced at Lu Fang and said with emotion.
"Your Majesty is serious, this is what a slave should do!"
When Lu Fang on the side heard what Jiajing said, a look of humility suddenly appeared on his face and he said respectfully.
Afterwards, Jiajing and Lu Fang followed the stone paved path to a garden.
Different from the green appearance before, at this moment, there are many unnamed flowers in the garden, which are already blooming. You don't need to smell them carefully to smell the refreshing fragrance of flowers.
"Let's rest here for a while, I'm a little tired too!"
Then, Jiajing was seen pointing at the stone table not far away and giving such instructions.
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
After Lu Fang responded, she immediately followed Jiajing and came to the stone table. Then, she saw Jiajing sitting down on the stone bench next to the stone table.
When the eunuchs and maids behind him saw this, they immediately stepped forward and placed the jade-like green teapot and tea cups on the stone table. In addition, there were several plates of extremely exquisite snacks.
Immediately, Jiajing picked up the teapot on the stone table and poured a cup of hot tea for himself and Lu Fang.
After doing this, Jiajing glanced at Lu Fang and gave the order.
"Sit down and drink tea with me!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Regarding Jiajing's request, Lu Fang showed no intention of declining and sat down directly opposite Jiajing.
After Jiajing picked up the teacup and took a sip, he picked up a piece of mung bean cake and put it into his mouth.
"Well, this mung bean cake tastes pretty good. It seems that the imperial kitchen has made some improvements. Lu Fang, please try it!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
After Jiajing finished speaking, Lu Fang picked up a piece of mung bean cake and put it into his mouth, and then couldn't help but praise it.
"Your Majesty, you are right. It seems that there has indeed been some improvement in the imperial dining room!"
When Jiajing heard Lu Fang's words, he sneered and spoke immediately.
"This is natural. If there is no improvement in the imperial dining room, I will have to consider replacing a new batch of imperial chefs!"
After that, Jiajing changed the subject, turned his gaze to Lu Fang, and asked.
"By the way, Lu Fang, have those officials who have been criticizing me recently about my sending troops stopped?"
"Your Majesty, as far as I know, those officials have been punished by Mr. Yan Ge. They are all submissive now and don't dare to say anything about this matter anymore!"
As soon as Jiajing finished speaking, Lu Fang on the side responded without thinking.
After listening to Lu Fang's report, Jiajing nodded slightly and said with emotion.
"That's the good thing about Yan Song. There are some things that I don't even need to tell him, he just does them for me!"
After finishing his emotion, Jiajing looked away from Lu Fang and looked at the blooming flowers in the garden, and then pretended to mention it in front of Lu Fang inadvertently.
"Summer is coming soon, and correspondingly, the rainy season will also come. I am really worried about whether the dams built earlier can survive this rainy season?"
Lu Fang, who was on the side, heard Jiajing's words. After hesitating for a long time, he spoke cautiously.
"Your Majesty, to be honest, I have found out some information in recent days!"
"Oh, Lu Fang, what did you find out?"
When Jiajing heard this, a look of curiosity suddenly appeared on his face. He looked at Lu Fang and asked.
After Lu Fang noticed Jiajing's eyes on her, she gritted her teeth and said in a deep voice.
"Your Majesty, Xiaoge Lao Yan Shifan has been sending people to secretly strengthen and repair the dams near the Yellow River. The amount of work and the cost of the dams near the Yellow River are far from what is shown in the report!"
"According to my estimation, the manpower and silver spent in the whole process are enough to tear down all the dams originally built near the Yellow River and start over!"
After listening to Lu Fang's report, Jiajing couldn't help but become interested. He raised his eyebrows and continued to ask.
"Oh, who was in charge of building the dams near the Yellow River in the first place?"
"Your Majesty, the people who were responsible for building the dams near the Yellow River were Zhao Wenhua, Yan Maoqing, and the river supervisor Li Xuan!"
Regarding Jiajing's inquiry, Lu Fang did not dare to hide anything, so she had to tell everything she knew about the situation.
After saying this, Lu Fang seemed quite nervous, her body began to tremble slightly uncontrollably, and thin sweat broke out on her forehead.
"Zhao Wenhua, Yan Maoqing, Li Xuan!"
Jiajing silently recited the names of these three people in his heart, then came back to his senses, looked at Lu Fang aside, and said with a half-smile.
"Zhao Wenhua and Yan Maoqing are from Yan Song, Li Xuan is Yang Jinshui's godson, and Yang Jinshui is your godson, Lu Fang. When you tell me these things, aren't you afraid that I will anger you?"
When Lu Fang heard what Jiajing said, a look of panic suddenly flashed across her face, she knelt on the ground tremblingly and said in a deep voice.
"Your Majesty, it is true that Yang Jinshui is the godson of this slave. The crimes he has committed are too numerous to describe!"
"My success today depends entirely on Your Majesty. Even if Yang Jinshui is my godson, I will not protect you..."
Before Lu Fang finished speaking, a warm smile appeared on Jiajing's face. He leaned down and personally helped Lu Fang up from the ground.
"Okay, Lu Fang, there's no need to say any more, I understand what you mean!"
After helping Lu Fang up from the ground, Jiajing looked at Lu Fang up and down and said slowly.
When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, an expression of surviving a disaster suddenly appeared on her face.
Then, Jiajing's slightly pleased voice sounded in Lu Fang's ears again.
"Lu Fang, I am very pleased that you took the risk and told me this!"
When Lu Fang heard what Jiajing said, a look of gratitude suddenly appeared on her face, and she said respectfully.
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, slave..."
Jiajing seemed to have guessed what Lu Fang was going to say next, and waved his hand to indicate that he did not need to continue.
Seeing this situation, Lu Fang paused for a moment before stepping forward and cautiously asked Jiajing.
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, how do you plan to handle this matter?"
When Jiajing heard what Lu Fang said, he glanced at him rather indifferently and then spoke.
"Since they have started to remedy the situation, I will just turn a blind eye and pretend this never happened!"
"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"
Seeing that Jiajing had made a decision, Lu Fang on the side immediately looked stern and responded in a deep voice.
Lu Fang knew very well that the reason why Jiajing chose to turn a blind eye to this matter was because Jiajing still needed Yan Song and his son, and needed them to scare the officials for him and complete the inconvenient tasks. things.
"His Majesty's tactics and tactics are truly superb. Everyone is under His Majesty's firm control and will obediently do things for him and implement his will!"
Lu Fang thought so and looked at Jiajing with more and more reverence.
Just as Lu Fang's thoughts were racing, Jiajing's voice without any emotion sounded in his ears.
"Let's go, Lu Fang, come and have a nice stroll with me!"
When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, she suddenly came back to her senses, immediately lowered her head and bowed down, and responded respectfully.
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
…
On the other side, the capital, Yan Mansion.
After being released from duty, Yan Song, Yan Shifan and his son took a sedan chair directly back to Yan's Mansion without stopping at all.
At the gate of Yan's Mansion, as usual, there were many officials, big and small, who came to visit, as well as scholars who thought that their talents were not appreciated and wanted to be recommended by the current court elder.
Yan Shifan has long been accustomed to this scene. At this moment, he can already treat these people with a normal heart like his father Yan Song.
Yan Shifan turned his gaze away, lowered the sedan curtain, and ordered the sedan bearer.
"Stick to the old rules and take the side door!"
"Yes, Mr. Xiaoge!"
Soon, the sedan chair carried by Yan Song, Yan Shifan and his son entered the Yan Mansion through the side door.
After Yan Song's sedan stopped, Yan Shifan stepped forward and carefully supported Yan Song as usual.
"Father, please slow down and pay more attention to your steps!"
"Um."
Yan Song responded and did not refuse Yan Shifan's support. The father and son walked slowly towards Yan's study.
On the way to the study, Yan Song suddenly stopped, turned around, looked at Yan Shifan beside him, and gave instructions.
"Yan Shifan, keep an eye on those people. If they dare to gossip behind their backs again, you can take care of it!"
After Yan Shifan listened to Yan Song's instructions, he immediately responded without thinking.
"Yes, father, the child knows what to do next!"
When Yan Shifan said this, he still seemed a little aggrieved, and then added.
"Hmph, now that the national treasury is abundant, what does it mean to spend a few million taels of silver?"
"Your Majesty's move can be said to be far-sighted and achieves multiple things with one stone!"
"The imperial court's dispatch of troops to level the spread will not only greatly intimidate those chieftains with evil intentions, but also bring the power of victory to implement land reform in the southwest and appoint exiled officials to rule. At that time, the imperial court will be able to collect more taxes , will also be significantly increased!”
After Yan Song heard this, he immediately expressed his agreement with Yan Shifan's words.
"No matter what, it is much better to leave the place to us civil servants to govern than those chieftains!"
After that, Yan Song changed the subject, looked away from Yan Shifan, and asked instead.
"By the way, Yan Shifan, it looks like summer is coming soon. How is the work of repairing and strengthening the dams near the Yellow River going?"
"Father, everything is going well so far. Before the rainy season comes, all the dams near the Yellow River should be reinforced!"
After Yan Shifan heard this, he thought about it for a moment and then responded without thinking.
After listening to Yan Shifan's report, Yan Song couldn't help but have a look of worry on his face, and he immediately gave instructions.
"Well, we must be very careful and never let the news leak out. Do you understand?"
"Yes, father, the child understands!"
At this moment, the housekeeper came to Yan Song, Yan Shifan and his son, bent down, and reported respectfully.
"Mr. Yan Ge, here is a handwritten letter sent to you by your student Hu Zongxian!"
After the butler finished speaking, he carefully took out the letter from his sleeve and handed it to Yan Song.
"Oh, Hu Ruzhen's letter?"
After hearing the butler's report, Yan Song immediately became energetic. He stretched out his skinny hand and took the envelope from the butler's hand.
After that, Yan Song couldn't help but quicken his pace and entered Yan Mansion's study.
After entering the study, Yan Song was seen sitting directly behind the desk. He couldn't wait to open the envelope and began to read the contents carefully.
Yan Shifan on the side saw this situation, his face full of anxiety. Then, after Yan Song finished browsing the contents of the letter, he plucked up the courage and stepped forward to ask.
"Father, what's the reason why Hu Zongxian wrote to you?"
Yan Song seemed to be in a good mood at the moment. He put the letter in his hand aside, looked in the direction of Yan Shifan, and explained.
"Actually, it's not a big deal. Hu Zongxian mentioned in his letter that the local mulberry seedlings in Zhejiang are approaching maturity!"
"In addition, he also said in the letter that when he arrives in the capital, he will personally come to visit me as a teacher!"
When Yan Song said this, his face was filled with relief, while Yan Shifan on the side felt an inexplicable emotion in his heart when he saw this situation.
After all, the expression on Yan Song's face right now was something he rarely saw on a daily basis.
(End of chapter)
