[I usually don’t care about Western holidays, but I still want to wish all my book friends a happy Valentine’s Day, and may all lovers in the world finally be together]
*****
Although Xingjiao Temple has not yet been completed and only has the outline structure of the mountain gate, meditation hall, and sutra collection building, the transplanting of trees within the temple has been completed. At this time, the autumn rain is blowing across the cold wind, and the fallen leaves in the mountains and forests are rustling.
It can be said that "the wild color is withered and rainy, the sparse forest is cold and cold, the autumn wind and autumn rain are refreshing and cool, the fallen leaves are rustling and the ground is yellow"...
Cheng Yaojin was sitting in the Sutra Library, drinking hot tea, listening to Niu Jinda's report on the military situation, and heard that Liang Jianfang neither retreated to avoid trouble nor surrendered to the King of Jin, but instead led his three thousand soldiers to block Du Qu and his right guard. Fighting to the death, his face was silent and he was speechless for a long time.
Once upon a time, he was so full of blood and passion, never putting life and death in his eyes, honor and disgrace, and determined that the right thing would not change even if he was shattered to pieces. Be assertive.
A man's life-long struggle is said to be nothing more than building a career and finding a wife and children. But now that he has become famous, his family, property, wife and children have become a constraint for him. He can no longer live and die happily in pursuit of his heart's desire as before...
How sad!
Niu Jinda stood aside, feeling a little confused.
If the earthen pot is not broken from the edge of the well, the general will inevitably die in battle. As a soldier, it is the highest honor to fight for the country and wrap his body in horse leather, and he has long regarded life and death as indifferent. But the premise is to protect the territory and protect the people. It is a pity that such a rising general star is lost in the civil war.
There are also those arrogant generals who crossed the border and swept across Liaodong who died in Guanzhong at this moment. Their deaths were worthless...
After a long silence, Niu Jinda asked hesitantly: "Do you need to put some pressure on Prince Jin?"
He couldn't bear the tragic death of Liang Jianfang in the rebellion...
Cheng Yaojin pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said: "Since this guy has committed a disease and wants to be benevolent, why should we be evil and ruin his chance of being remembered in history? If you are serious about it, take care of his heirs in the future. That’s it, when King Jin ascends to the throne, life will be difficult for the Liang family.”
Niu Jinda had obeyed Cheng Yaojin all his life. Although he couldn't bear it, he also knew that the pressure he was putting on King Jin to let Liang Jianfang live would be endless. Cheng Yaojin had to pay a huge price for betraying the emperor and submitting to King Jin. How could he be willing to do so? Is this time laying hidden dangers for the future?
"Liang Jianfang cannot stop Yuchi Gong. When his entire army is annihilated, King Jin's army successfully crosses Fanchuan. They will camp at Shenheyuan tonight. The news has also reached Chang'an, and there must be something to deal with there... We are heading south. Retreat completely and leave the battlefield, or follow the Jin army to Chang'an?"
"Let's do nothing." Cheng Yaojin took a sip of tea, holding the teacup in both hands and said leisurely, "Just stay here and wait."
Niu Jinda was puzzled: "What are you waiting for?"
Since you surrendered to the King of Jin, why not follow the King of Jin and attack Chang'an to achieve the "success of following the dragon"? If you don't fight side by side with King Jin, your achievements will be at least one level weaker, and it will leave a "centrifugal" impression on King Jin. This is a hidden danger.
If you don't care about this "power of following the dragon", then you must prioritize preserving your strength. This place is too close to Shenheyuan. If the imperial court reacts quickly and sends troops to intercept the King of Jin, it will be easy to drag Zuo Wuwei in. The flames of war...
Cheng Yaojin stared: "Are you the commander-in-chief or am I the commander-in-chief? How can I tell you all the major military events? You only need to obey the orders. How come there are so many curious questions? Big or small!”
Niu Jinda felt his heart pounding with fear. He swallowed and looked at Cheng Yaojin: "...Don't you have any hidden agendas? Mother! Now it's the battle for the throne. You've been acting like a monster a lot. Thousands of people. Don’t seek death!”
The two had fought side by side for many years. They were subordinates but were like brothers. They knew each other too well. One look at Cheng Yaojin's expression and attitude, and he knew that things were definitely not as simple as they seemed.
Moreover, this demon king is so bold that there is nothing he dare not do...
*****
The rain washed the glazed tiles on the roof of the Tai Chi Palace until they looked brand new. The servants and guards walked hurriedly on the water-stained path. The huge palace was quiet and peaceful. Except for the drizzle and the gentle breeze, the fallen leaves rustled, as if they had no idea that the rebels had marched in. Coming to attack Chang'an...
In the Hall of Wude, the atmosphere was solemn. Li Jing presented various military reports on the royal eucalyptus, looked around at the summoned ministers, and said in a serious tone: "The rebels have left Bailuyuan and rushed towards Chang'an. Former Lieutenant Chi Gong's troops bypassed The positions of Zuowuwei and Rightwei are in the gap between the two armies, heading towards Fanchuan and Shenheyuan via Duqu. Until now, Zuowuwei has remained stationary, and Liang Jianfang has led his troops to form Duqu to resist the rebels."
The hall was quiet for a while, and then suddenly became noisy.
Zhongshu Ling Liu Zi ignored his status as a civil servant and yelled like a common man in the market: "What is Cheng Yaojin doing? He has tens of thousands of soldiers, all of whom are the most powerful generals in the Tang army, rampaging across Liaodong. You are invincible for thousands of miles, but now you sit back and watch the rebels march straight into Chang'an. Their behavior is no different from treason! Your Majesty, you must kill this beast!"
Li Chengqian remained silent. I also want to kill him, but how?
It would be nice if they didn't rush into Chang'an and kill me...
Li Jidan said calmly: "The current issue is not to hold anyone responsible, but to prevent the rebels from reaching Chang'an City. Otherwise, it will easily lead to unpredictable changes. Then there will be enemies both inside and outside, and the sky will be full of rebellion, which will be the real trouble. Moreover, Liang Jianfang has only led 3,000 troops to reach the more than 100,000 rebels, so he should try his best to rescue them."
The hall was quiet again. Although many people knew what Liang Jianfang's behavior meant, it would not be an exaggeration to say that "the mantis' arms are blocking the car". However, even though he knew there was no way to survive, he still stood in front of the rebels without hesitation. Who wouldn't sincerely admire such a loyal and loyal man?
But thinking that Liang Jianfang's entire army had probably been wiped out at this moment, a sad atmosphere filled the hall...
Zhang Liang, Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishment, suggested: "The rebels are so powerful, and there are many people in Guanzhong who are in cahoots with them, that I think they should be stopped outside Chang'an and not allowed to attack the city of Chang'an. In this way, not only must we We need to dispatch elite troops to intercept, and we must choose a general who is qualified to do the job. We recommend the Duke of Yue to lead his army to Shenheyuan, set up positions first, wait for work, and completely annihilate the rebels."
Three thousand Right Guard soldiers faced nearly 40,000 Right Hou Guards who looked like wolves and tigers. The other side was commanded by a powerful general like Yu Chi Gong. I am afraid that the army would be defeated and the entire army would be wiped out with just one charge. Why would there be any need to rescue Liang Jianfang?
On the contrary, if you are focused on rescue, the reinforcements will be timid, and they may be completely defeated, which will be troublesome...
Liu Zi also agreed: "Wei ministers agree that the current predicament requires a world-famous general like the Duke of Yue to be qualified."
Li Ji glanced at Liu Zi indifferently, picked up the tea cup and took a sip without comment.
This remark was somewhat intended to sow discord. If he was even remotely dissatisfied with Liu Zi for exalting Fang Jun and looking down on the world's heroes, he would most likely agree with Liu Zi and Zhang Liang's suggestions and agree with Fang Jun. Jun led the army to fight. After all, the rebels were powerful and Fang Jun had not been in charge of troops for many times. Even if an army was recruited for him to command, it was very likely that the general would be defeated without knowing the troops.
When Fang Jun's prestige is lost and the Holy Scroll is gone, the civil servant group will gain greater benefits.
But he didn't take the turmoil and danger that Jiangshan State was suffering at all. This Liu Zi was short-sighted and narrow-minded. No matter how capable he was in government affairs, he was just an "official beetle"...
Li Jing frowned and said: "The Duke of Yue is currently guarding Xuandemen. The task is arduous. How can he be easily mobilized and rushed outside the city? Besides, the Bashui defense line is composed of loyal troops from south to north. If the Duke of Yue is allowed to lead the army to go south to block the rebellion, Army, and where will the military leaders be placed? Zhongshu Ling is not familiar with military affairs and does not know what is going on, so he should be cautious."
These words were not polite, and were equivalent to pointing at Liu Zi’s nose: “You are a civil servant who knows nothing about fighting, so just stay aside and go”…
Liu Zi's face turned red and he was waiting for a retort.
Li Chengqian knocked on the table with the paperweight on the imperial eucalyptus, and said directly: "The Duke of Yue has an arduous task and must not be tampered with. Duke Wei is the marshal of the army. I entrust all military affairs to you. How to meet the enemy and how to deal with it, you can Make your own decision.”
In one sentence, it not only completely confirmed Li Jing's status as the number one person in the military, but also directly refuted Liu Zi and Zhang Liang's idea of sending Fang Jun to fight.
Of course he would not agree to Fang Jun leading the army into the war. It was not that he thought Fang Jun would not be able to hold a big position, but that the current situation in the government and the public was turbulent and ever-changing. Without Fang Jun sitting in Xuandemen and guarding the imperial palace, he could not even sleep...
Li Jing responded: "Here!"
Today, he is no longer in the state of pursuing fame and wealth and fighting for power. He was idle and depressed because of the suspicion of His Majesty Li Er. He has been hiding in the mansion for many years, studying the art of war and writing books, which makes him extremely indifferent to fame and power. I just want to be able to use what I have learned throughout my life in the final stage of my military career, which will benefit both the country and the people. It is enough to be able to record such a feat in the history.
As for Li Chengqian's unparalleled trust and respect for him, he could also deal with it calmly.
Without him, since you treat me as a national scholar, I will naturally repay you as a national scholar, that's all...
Li Chengqian said to Li Junxian, who was standing silently aside: "'Baiqisi' not only wants to inquire about the military situation outside the city, but the surveillance inside the city must not be relaxed at all. In particular, the clan and nobles must be placed under strict surveillance. If there is any trouble, report it immediately."
The enemy outside is exposed to the sun, and it is clear at a glance how many troops there are and how strong their combat power is. If the soldiers come, they will be covered by water and earth. There is nothing to be afraid of.
What is really scary is the internal enemies. Just because the father had many thoughts about Yi Chu, he, the just and righteous emperor, was looked down upon by many people. Li Yuanjing and Li Zhi were definitely not the only ones in the clan who had any interest in the throne. Coveted, once the opportunity comes, those guys will definitely fight back and try to see if they can sit on the throne and rule the world...
