In Jiankang City, merchants brought the news that Song Gong had retreated to Pengcheng, and that Peixian, Fengxian, Xiayi and other cities had been captured by Yong's army. There was a lot of discussion between the government and the public, and people's hearts were floating.
The Military Intelligence Department heard that Taichang and Liang Wang Sima Zhenzhi were having a banquet in the mansion and said that Song Gong Liu Yu was away from home all year round and had no time to take care of the affairs of the capital. King Langya should take care of the affairs of the state, according to the story of Sima Zun, the king of Wuling at that time.
During the banquet, many nobles and nobles agreed, and everyone discussed and prepared to report to the emperor for approval on September 1st.
After hearing the news, Wang Shaozhi was very anxious and asked to see Xu Xianzhi all night. Xu Xianzhi discussed with Zhao Lunzhi and others and went to visit Liu Muzhi to ask his opinion.
When he learned that the war was not going well and the nobles in the capital wanted to take the opportunity to cause chaos, Liu Muzhi's eyes flashed with a fierce light and said: "My lord is away at war, so there must be no chaos in the capital. This matter was advocated by Sima Zhenzhi, and he can be recruited in the name of Song Gong. He went to Pengcheng to discuss military affairs, and no one mentioned him without the person in charge."
On August 22, Sima Zhenzhi, the king of Liang, took a boat to Pengcheng. The boat capsized in a storm while passing Gaoyou, and Sima Zhenzhi drowned.
When the news came back to the capital, King Langya was frightened and uneasy. He woke up from nightmares for several days in a row. He became ill in bed and could not go to the East Hall to discuss politics. Those families who planned to follow Sima Zhenzhi's suggestion sent their nephews out of the capital to avoid trouble. When aristocratic families get together, they only talk about the romance and the moon, never mentioning Song Gong.
Soon, Liu Muzhi, Xu Xianzhi and other ministers asked Chu Xiuzhi, the servant, to take over as Taichang, and King Langya approved it in the name of the emperor.
On September 2, Yang Anxuan led 20,000 reinforcements to Xiayi and asked Zhao Tian to return to Xiangyang to take charge of logistics and military affairs. Zhao Tian asked for merit for Pei Fangming, and Yang Anxuan promoted him to the fifth rank of General Ningyuan.
On September 6, Yong's army marched eastward, and Yang Anxuan led his army to Xiao County. Xiao County is more than seventy miles away from Pengcheng. Yang Anxuan ordered grain, grass and baggage to be stored in Xiao County, and ordered Chen Yu to lead the navy to set up a stronghold on the Bian River outside Xiao County. He was not in a hurry to attack Pengcheng.
Pei Fangming asked for a battle, and Yang Anxuan showed his courage and asked him to lead 12,000 troops to the west of Pengcheng to set up a stronghold. He also ordered Yan Gang to move from Feng County to Pei County, and asked Zhu Lingshi to free up his troops and go south to camp north of Pengcheng.
When Liu Yu heard that Yong's army was arriving, he sent Xiang Mi and Mao Dezu to fight Zhu Lingshi, and he led Liu Zunkao to fight Pei Fangming. Liu Yu learned from Xiang Mi that Pei Fangming was extremely brave and good at fighting, and ordered Liu Zunkao to lead 3,000 troops to ambush him halfway.
Twelve miles west of Pengcheng, Liu Yu's army met Yong's army led by Pei Fangming. Pei Fangming saw an old man in Dahu Banner and asked those who knew him around him to find out that it was Song Gong Liu Yu. He impatiently urged his horse to fight.
Although Liu Yu was over fifty years old, his momentum was not weak at all. He rode his horse to fight with swords and guns, fighting in one place.
Pei Fangming secretly admired Liu Yu. Even though he was over fifty years old, Liu Yu was still agile and his strength was not weaker than his own. It was rumored that he had beaten a thousand with one more than ten years ago, which seemed to be true.
The two sides fought for a while, and Pei Fangming clung to Liu Yu. Liu Yu seemed to be out of strength and led his troops to retreat towards Pengcheng.
Pei Fangming was not willing to let him go and pursued him with his troops. Seeing Liu Yu dozens of steps away, Pei Fangming picked up his bow and arrow and shot it towards Liu Yu's back.
Liu Yu was guarded by his own soldiers. When he saw the arrows coming with his shield, Pei Fangming shot the quiver empty and got closer to Liu Yu.
The war horse Pei Fangming rode was a good horse from Beiyongzhou. He rushed in front with more than 30 riders, and unknowingly distanced himself from the rear team.
Liu Yu observed the pursuit of troops behind him and saw that Pei Fangming had already chased Liu Zunkao where he set up an ambush. He did not give orders to attack, but continued to lead Pei Fangming forward for a while. When the Yong army behind them followed closely and entered the ambush, the horn sounded. , the Song army shot out from both sides.
When Pei Fangming heard the trumpet sound behind him, he realized that he had been tricked. Song troops from both sides rushed out and blocked the return route.
Liu Yu turned his horse's head and charged back at Pei Fangming. There were only about thirty riders beside him. If he was surrounded by the Song army, he would definitely die. xь.
Turning his horse's head sideways, Pei Fangming led his men towards the north. To the north was Bianshui River, and the Song army had no ambush in the north.
The war horses rushed to the river. Pei Fangming and his son galloped along the river bank for a while, looking for a wide river where the water was not urgent and jumped into the water. Fortunately, the river was only five feet deep and the war horses could pass through.
Liu Yu chased after him and saw Pei Fangming leaping into the river. He raised his whip and said with a smile: "Son, spare your life. Next time
Come again, I will kill you without mercy. "
The besieged Yong army broke out back, and when Yang Anxuan heard the news, he led his light cavalry to come to the rescue and lost more than a thousand soldiers and horses. Pei Fangming came to plead guilty dejectedly, and Yang Anxuan demoted him to General Yingyang again.
Stepping out of Yang Anxuan with a stern expression, Pei Fangming immediately burst into laughter. He originally thought that the lord would punish him, but unexpectedly it was only a light punishment. It seemed that the lord valued him very much.
To the north, Zhu Lingshi drew on the previous lesson and sent out reconnaissance cavalry to inquire about the enemy's situation, and made preparations step by step. When they heard that the Song army was coming, they lined up to meet the enemy first. They defended tightly and did not advance in a hurry. Xiang Mi and Mao Dezu had no chance to take advantage of them and had to retreat.
The Song army won for a while, and its morale was strong. Liu Yu was preparing to take advantage of the victory to pursue the victory, when an urgent report from Jiankang arrived.
Liu Yu was furious when he learned that the powerful family planned to seize power from him. This matter must not be tolerated. Xu Xianzhi secretly reported that when Sima Zhenzhi's ship arrived at Gaoyou, he sent people to cut the ship and drowned Sima Zhenzhi in the river.
"You deserve to die," Liu Yu cursed angrily. The soldiers on the front line were fighting bloody battles, but the elites at the rear actually wanted to change the situation, which is intolerable.
After hurriedly returning to Pengcheng, Liu Yu invited Liu Zunkao, Xiang Mi, Mao Dezu, Xie Hui, Fu Liang, Wang Xiu and others to inform the important officials in Beijing about the unrest and asked how to deal with it.
Xie Hui took the lead and said: "There are Liu Pushe, Xu Sima and five ministers in the capital, so Bao Bao is safe and sound. This time the imperial examination focuses on poor students, and it is reasonable for the rich and powerful families to be dissatisfied. I just need to choose more." This problem can be solved by bringing talented people from a good family background into official positions."
Liu Yu felt unhappy and said coldly: "Are the aristocratic family trying to force me to bow my head?"
Xie Hui heard the murderous intent in Liu Yu's words and said in shock: "My lord is a man of extraordinary talent, and his prowess is greater than that of Wei Wu. His merits have been applied to the world, and his virtues have benefited the common people. All the people in the world respect him. He should make great achievements, and his family will be born." Follow the scene."
Xiang Misenran said: "My lord, your Majesty is too generous, which is why some people have evil intentions."
Liu Yudao: "Taohe is diseased, scholars are deeply tired of politics, Zongwen and the five ministers are ineffective in governing, which leads to instability in the court. It is hard to escape the blame for the foolishness of being the prime minister and the chief minister. Ji You, take care of the foolishness. Please forgive me."
Everyone looked at each other in disbelief, unaware of Liu Yu's plan, and only heard Liu Yu continue: "When Huan Xuan usurped the throne, the order of the tripod was moved. The foolish leader advocated righteousness and restored the imperial family. Then the southern expedition and the northern expedition, Ping Yan destroyed Shu, and Lu Xunzhi was wiped out. During the chaos, the imperial court added meritorious service and conferred the title of Duke of Song on ten counties, which was so lofty ideal. However, things must be reversed, and peace cannot last long. After the foolish plan was to annihilate Yang Anxuan, he would return his title and return home to live in his old age."
When Liu Yu said these words, everyone had different expressions. Xie Hui was shocked, and finally understood Liu Yu's intention of asking Fu Liang to write a confession. Liu Yu was not asking for forgiveness, he was clearly trying to force him into the palace.
Fu Liang frowned and then relaxed. He took up a pen and wrote a memorial in his hand, and handed it to Liu Yu to read. Liu Yu flicked his sleeves and said, without reading the memorial, "Ji You will return to the capital immediately to go to the emperor on behalf of Yu."
In the evening, Fu Liang came to see Liu Yu alone and asked, "What do you want my lord to say when you return to Beijing this time?"
Liu Yu was silent for a moment and said, "We might as well discuss it with Xiutai."
After that, Liu Yu closed his eyes and said nothing, Fu Liang saluted, turned and left.
On September 20th, Fu Liang returned to Jiankang and handed in an apology letter on behalf of Song Gong Liu Yu, which shocked the court.
Some people shouted "no" and asked the emperor to issue an edict to appease him; some people thought that Song Gong's hard work was great and he should work with Jiuxi to help him; some people thought that Song Gong was highly righteous, so his reputation should be preserved and his performance should be allowed.
Asking for guilt is like throwing a huge stone into a pond, the sediment rises up, and the capital is abuzz with endless discussions.
Fu Liang came to see Wang Shaozhi for a secret discussion. Wang Shaozhi asked directly: "What does Duke Song mean?"
Fu Liang said without hesitation: "Today's Jin Dynasty and the world were all created by Song Gong, and the people's hearts are attached to it. Song Gong was appointed by destiny, and the Jin Dynasty was established."
Wang Shaozhi's expression changed, and he asked in surprise: "Ji You, is what you said the Duke of Song meant?"
Fu Liang smiled silently and drank tea slowly.
Wang Shaozhi calmed down his mind and thought: "The emperor has close eunuchs Li Ying and Liu Yi who are close to him. They have received great favor from Song Gong, so they should be able to die for Song Gong."
Fu Liang put down his tea cup and said, "My lord knows that Xiutai is doing things safely, so he specifically asked Yu to discuss it with you. Yu will be waiting for good news."
Wang Shao stayed up all night and entered the palace at noon the next day. Wang Shaozhi is the minister of Huangmen and can enter and leave the palace freely. The eunuchs and maids in the palace bowed to him when they saw him.
Arriving at the Xianyang Palace where the emperor lived, he was greeted by his attendants Li Ying and Liu Yi. Wang Shaozhi first entered the palace to pay homage to the emperor and saw Sima Dezong leaning on the brocade couch and falling asleep.
Signaling Li Ying and Liu Yi to follow him out of the palace and to a remote place, Wang Shaozhi asked, "Has King Langya been here today?"
Li Ying reported: "King Langya has been feeling unwell these days and has not entered the palace."
Wang Shaozhi listened to the report from the secret spy of the Military Intelligence Department that King Langya fell ill from fear due to the death of Liang Wang Sima Zhen. It seems that his illness has not recovered.
"Li Ying, Liu Yi, there is a confidential matter for you two to handle. Afterwards, you will be rich and powerful." Wang Shaozhi whispered.
Li Ying and Liu Yi looked at each other, knelt down on the ground and said, "Master Wang, please give me your orders. I will not hesitate to kill my two servants to pieces."
Wang Shaozhi knew that there was trouble in the family of these two people, and it was Song Gong who came to help to get out of trouble. Liu Yu transferred these two people to Sima Dezong for the convenience of future operations.
"The emperor has gangrene on his back. This disease is dangerous. You should take care of it carefully." Wang Shaozhi squeezed out a few words between his teeth. He took out a medicine bag from his arms and handed it to Li Ying. He said: "This is the medicine prescribed by Dr. Lu. You might as well give it to the emperor." Down."
Li Ying and Liu Yi trembled all over. They were the emperor's servants and knew that although the emperor was stupid, he was strong and not sick. The meaning of Wang Shaozhi's words made people shudder.
Liu Yi took the paper package with trembling hands and said tremblingly: "Don't worry, Mr. Wang, I know how to do it."
That night, Wang Shaozhi was on duty at the palace gate. Li Ying and Liu Yi gave Sima Dezong the dove medicine. Liu Yi covered Sima Dezong's head with a cotton pillow to prevent him from making any sound. Li Ying held Sima Dezong firmly to prevent him from struggling for half a quarter of an hour. After that, Sima Dezong stopped struggling.
On September 23, Emperor Sima Dezong passed away at the age of thirty-seven.
Li Ying and Liu Yi wiped the blood from Sima Dezong's mouth and nose and sent a letter to Wang Shaozhi, saying that the emperor "died of gangrene on his back" (1).
When Sima Dewen heard the news, he entered the palace and saw his blue-faced brother dead (2) on the couch. He knew that Liu Yu had sent someone to kill him, and he was afraid that Liu Yu would kill him, so he did not dare to say anything. He just lay down on the body and cried bitterly.
At 3 o'clock in the morning, Liu Muzhi received the notification that the emperor collapsed. He suddenly sat up from the couch, vomited blood with his face flushed, fell back, and passed out.
A mourning shed was set up in the west hall, with white flags, white tents and other objects hung up. Hundreds of civil and military officials paid their respects. Xu Xianzhi sent someone to deliver an obituary notice to Liu Yu in Pengcheng, asking him to return to Beijing to preside over the funeral.
"Note (1): Famous people who "died from gangrene on their backs" recorded in historical books include Fan Zeng, Xu Da and Zongze.
(2): There are different opinions on the cause of Emperor Jin'an's death. "Book of Jin" states that Liu Yu had him hanged to death, and "History of the South" states that Liu Yu ordered Emperor An to poison him to death. "
