This is by no means Xu Jingzong’s unfounded worries and random thoughts.
The current situation is critical, and the foundry bureau is always in danger of falling. These students all have the idea of coexisting with the foundry bureau. Since he has put life and death on the line, how can he care whether his boss is happy or not?
In particular, students such as Cen Changqian and Ouyang Tong have always admired Fang Jun the most, and highly respected his every word and deed, resulting in his temperament becoming more and more unruly and his behavior becoming more and more domineering. For these proud men, it is really easy to take advantage of the chaos of war to kill an obstructive boss without any psychological pressure.
Especially since his son-in-law happens to be away from the Foundry Bureau, he is not even the only one who can stop Cen Changqian and others from committing crimes...
Xu Jingzong didn't want to provoke this group of gangsters who were obviously getting angry under the pressure of the rebels.
His words almost made his attitude clear. The three people in the room were all smart people, so they naturally understood them.
Liu Shi looked at the serious-looking Xu Jingzong with interest, smiled in his heart, and was somewhat impressed. Even with Xu Jingzong's qualifications, he had to be so cautious and courteous when facing a group of proud students in the academy. His character could be said to be both flexible and flexible, which was really powerful.
Ouyang Tong scratched his head and smiled sheepishly. He felt that Xu Jingzong was also the master of the academy and could be regarded as a teacher. It was indeed unkind that he, Cen Changqian and others ignored him when they arrived at the foundry bureau.
Now that Xu Jingzong had lowered his status and surrendered, he thought for a while and discussed with Cen Changqian: "Brother Cen, how about..."
Cen Changqian glanced at him and interrupted his words: "Our students admire Master Xu for his loyalty to the country! Just as Master Bo said just now, the Crown Prince ordered us to defend the foundry bureau, which is crucial to the success or failure of this battle. It is really the top priority. And the purpose of guarding the Foundry Bureau is to guard the warehouse and never let the rebels get the firearms in the warehouse!"
Xu Jingzong nodded subconsciously. It would be okay if the Foundry Bureau was lost. The rebels could not produce firearms. However, once the firearms in the warehouse were obtained by the rebels and used to attack the imperial city, it would be a serious problem.
Cen Changqian continued: "...We are young, have insufficient experience, and have weak minds. When faced with danger, we will naturally be swayed by fear and do things that go against our true intentions."
Xu Jingzong nodded again, somewhat pleased.
Young people are competitive and impulsive, and fighting with their own lives is a good thing. However, when life and death are really at stake, it is difficult to stick to their hearts and make the right decision. There is no doubt about this.
Obviously, Cen Changqian thought that she, the boss, would be better than them at the critical moment...
Seeing Xu Jingzong nodding repeatedly, Cen Changqian said his intention: "...since the firearms in the warehouse are a top priority, then naturally we need someone who can make the best decision at a critical moment to guard it. , this person must be Zhu Bo! The students have already sent people to plant explosives near the warehouse. If they really can't do anything and can't prevent the rebels from entering the warehouse, they still ask Zhu Bo to ignite the explosives and cut off the rebels' thoughts. We cannot let the firearms in the warehouse fall into the hands of the rebels!"
As soon as these words came out, the whole room fell into silence.
Ouyang Tong looked at the excited and upright Cen Changqian, and admired him in his heart: Brother Cen is really calm in the face of danger. He can still know people well and choose the best candidates to take charge of the warehouse. He is far inferior to him. .
Liu Shi stared at the tall and handsome Cen Changqian with his mouth agape. He wondered in his heart, are all the young people today so ruthless? !
Xu Jingzong was speechless and stared at Cen Changqian in disbelief, wishing he could pull out his sword and kill this idiot who disrespected his teacher and didn't understand dignity!
You actually asked me to sit on the explosives and guard the warehouse, waiting for you to decide the winner from the front, and then decide whether to live or die?
Mother!
He felt extremely humiliated. His face turned red at first, and then turned livid. His whole face was distorted, and the teeth in his mouth were almost broken. He said word by word: "Very good! Cen Changqian, you are really a terrible young man!" Since you are trying to seize the command power in the foundry bureau, I will help you. I only hope that you can shoulder the important responsibility seriously and do not let down the trust of His Highness the Crown Prince! Otherwise, I will definitely impeach you in front of the Crown Prince! You should do it yourself. !”
After saying that, Xu Jingzong angrily kicked over a table nearby, turned around and walked out angrily, and kicked the door open with a "bang" sound.
"Tsk, tsk,"
Liu Xi clicked his tongue, looked up and down at Cen Changqian, and said with a smile: "I admire the successor of Prime Minister Cen."
Regardless of whether Cen Changqian wanted to seize the command or did not trust Xu Jingzong, she still dared to take the power in her hands without hesitation at such a critical moment, kicked Xu Jingzong away, and shouldered the success or failure of her life and death alone. , all show this person's great courage and decisive style.
Is a character.
Cen Changqian held up his hand and said modestly: "I am not overstepping my bounds, but the current situation is pressing and I have to do this."
Ouyang Tong sighed at the side and said: "If you say this, it is too urgent and it will damage Lord Xu's face..."
Cen Changqian's handsome face was serious and he said decisively: "At this time, how can we talk about worldliness? From now on, there can only be one voice in the foundry bureau, and that is to fight to the end! All uncertain factors must be eliminated, otherwise the morale of the army will be disturbed. Defeat is certain!"
When he said this last sentence, he looked at Liu Shi and said it.
Liu Shi laughed and nodded: "Don't worry, Cen Langjun. Since I said before that you will take the lead, I will never break my promise. There are not many soldiers guarding the foundry bureau. If you want to guard the foundry bureau, you can only rely on the academy students. Those people are all I listen to you, I know it well."
I couldn't help but feel funny. Judging from the attitudes of Cen Changqian and Ouyang Tong, it was obvious that Xu Jingzong had no prestige in the academy. However, if you think about it carefully, you can understand that the power of the academy is in the hands of Fang Jun. Although His Majesty Li Er is the official priest of the academy, he has great trust in Fang Jun and allows him to do whatever he wants. And with Fang Jun's methods, and the support of His Majesty Li Er behind him, he naturally has the power alone. Others will either rely on him or kick him away, and there is absolutely no possibility of resistance.
Just seeing that the Ministry of War has already become Fang Junzhi's hall, one can imagine that the situation in the academy must be the same...
Cen Changqian saw that Liu Shi was not dissatisfied because he sidestepped Xu Jingzong and then seized the command of the foundry bureau. She couldn't help but let out a breath and saluted: "It's not that I'm crazy, but the current situation is critical. We are ordered by the prince. To defend this place, I can only use my body and a shot of blood to repay the prince's trust! It's just a matter of life and death, and it's hard to guarantee that some people will adapt to the wind and survive, so I have to do this."
Liu Shi nodded repeatedly and said: "I understand, I understand. This is what I want, so I am willing to step down and give way to others. If necessary, at the beginning of my official career, whether it is dispatching baggage or charging into battle, as long as there is an order, never disobey."
His goal is the same as Cen Changqian's, which is to defend the foundry.
Others may not know that he, Liu Shi, participated in the planning, construction, operation and even expansion of the Foundry Bureau under Fang Jun. Naturally, he knew how much Fang Jun's vision was placed in this place, how much effort Fang Jun spent on it, and how much money he invested.
If he failed to hold on to the foundry and fell into the hands of the rebels, eventually turning into ashes, then he would not be able to appear in front of Fang Jun for the rest of his life.
…
Immediately, while the rebels were temporarily retreating due to fear of artillery bombing, Cen Changqian and Ouyang Tong led their students to pile bunkers, bury gunpowder, and place resisting horses at pre-selected locations, preparing to fight step by step and fight to the end.
*****
Changsun Wuji rode a carriage to Prince Qi's Mansion. When he got out of the car, his foot slipped and he almost fell to the ground. Fortunately, the servants around him had quick eyesight and quick hands, and supported him steadily.
Changsun Wuji let out a long breath, got rid of the servant's support, and slowly took a few steps. He felt sore all over his body, and every bone and joint seemed to be filled with cold air. He rushed all the way back to Guanzhong from Liaodong in wind and snow. The boat and carriage were bumpy and the horse was riding fast. There were even times when heavy snow blocked the road and he had to abandon his horse and walk. This long journey almost cost him half his life. Even though his muscles and bones were strong, I can't stand the torture...
He raised his eyes and saw that the door of Prince Qi's Mansion had been opened in front of him. Chang Shi Yin Hongzhi walked out quickly, took a few steps to the stone steps, bowed in front of Chang Sun Wuji and said, "I have met Duke Zhao Guo."
Changsun Wuji stood up straight, put his hands behind his back, hiding all fatigue and haggard, looked at Yin Hongzhi with burning eyes, and said slowly: "Do you know the intention of my coming here?"
Yin Hongzhi hurriedly said: "Of course I know!"
There was a hint of excitement in his words.
If he could push his nephew to ascend to the throne or even the throne, it would be a great thing. But even if he couldn't, he would still be willing to follow Changsun Wuji and stir up troubles in the Li and Tang royal family, so that he could dispel the hatred in his heart... …
(End of chapter)
