On April 21st, it was raining slightly. In the daytime, the Sima brothers summoned the imperial guards to discuss matters related to the march and deposing the Dragon Gang. The above gathered together at the former residence of Sima Zheng and Lai Zhan'er, the general manager. They had not yet settled down, and the inner history house Ren Fengchang suddenly came from outside in the rain, claiming that he was here to declare an imperial edict, and then announced the decree of Prime Minister Sima Huada.
The incident happened so suddenly that most people were almost at a loss. In addition, the atmosphere of the previous military coup was still there, so no one opposed it.
The matter was done, and there was not much resistance to the remaining matters... Prime Minister Sima sat on the throne with the support of several cronies, and issued orders one after another. He sent Yu Changnan to follow Xiong Bonan and Xie Minghe to appease the Deposed Dragon Gang, and found out that Shi Lang Wang Hou He is a general of Yingyanglang and guards the "palace".
Then he announced in public that he would contact Tuwanchanglun and Yujieluo. Three days later, on April 24, the entire army marched westward and returned to the eastern capital.
Everyone dispersed, naturally talking about it, but most people were actually a little relieved.
Many people feel that it would be strange if Sima Huada did not become the prime minister. He refused to leave before. Although he was surrendered one after another and the envoys came to see him, could it be that Sima Huada used this as a threat and refused to leave without becoming the prime minister?
Who really doesn’t understand?
The only problem is of course that Sima Deke, who was originally Zuopushe in the same column, is now half down and has lost the power and responsibility to control the emperor, which means he is somewhat suppressed. But Smadek was also present at the time. Although he had a dark face throughout the whole process, he had no objection, as if he had already communicated with him.
By the afternoon, everything was calm in Xuzhou City. Sima Deke honestly gave up the Xuzhou Cangcheng where the Queen Mother, the Emperor, the palace servants and civil and military officials were temporarily resting. The Grandmaster of the Deposed Dragon Gang, Xiong Bonan, even brought the Deposed Dragon Xie Minghe, the foreign affairs manager of the gang, left together with the envoy Yu Changnan. Everyone felt that a piece of the fortress had been removed, and naturally everything was fine and they were ready to go west.
In this way, in the evening, when the soldiers and horses of the other battalions began to pack their bags, General Zhao Guang, the right Houwei general who returned to his base camp, chose to hold a wine banquet in the camp outside the west gate of Xuzhou City.
In the middle of the banquet, General Zhao, who was nicknamed Moyun Golden Winged Dapeng and was probably the best master in the army, suddenly covered his face and sighed, and then began to burst into tears. , called a lingering sorrow.
There were many people around, but the subordinates and guards looked at each other, but no one said anything. It was the invited guest Mai Jicai who was the closest and asked helplessly: "Why is the general crying?"
"I can't help but think about the late Emperor and Your Majesty." Zhao Guang answered with his face covered.
Hearing this, there was no silence in the audience... In fact, except for Zhao Guang's subordinates, the several guests invited were carefully selected by Zhao Guang, such as Mai Jicai, the youngest son of Mai Tiegang, His family was exactly the same as the defeated Laizhan'er, they were all reckless military generals from the south who were grateful to the late emperor; like Qian Ying, he was Zhao Guang's own sworn brother; like Wei Dun, he was found by Zhao Guang based on his own experience. A civilian general promoted by the late emperor.
The subordinates present were also carefully selected by Zhao Guangjing. They were either old brothers who had followed him all the way, or close associates who had been promoted by him.
In fact, Mai Jicai, as another independent leader in the audience, immediately made a statement: "No matter what, others can ignore the kindness of the late emperor, but we can't pretend that it doesn't exist... When my late father was alive, every day He said, if the great Wei Dynasty had not been as kind as a mountain, he would still be a river thief. Later, the Yang family rebelled, and my father passed away. We brothers were always worried that we would be implicated, but His Majesty still used us as before... In public and private affairs, I, Mai, have How could it be possible to forget the late emperor’s kindness?”
Zhao Guang nodded repeatedly and went to see Qian Ying.
Qian Ying was silent for a moment and replied: "I don't think the late emperor died unjustly, but don't ask me unnecessary questions. Since we have made an appointment about life and death, I will follow you no matter what you do... Just like that Bai Sanniang, I gave up all my family career for Zhang San, and I’m just a team general, so why not?”
Zhao Guang became more cheerful and went to see Wei Dun.
Wei Dun thought for a while, then put down his glass and gave another explanation: "I don't think the late emperor died unjustly. It doesn't matter that he deserved it. That day in Jiangdu, there was a fierce situation. Tens of thousands of people gathered at once to kill him. Could it be that he was pretending? In the main hall, he himself admitted that he was sorry to the people of the world, and was scolded by Zhao Xingmi speechlessly. Although I was promoted by him, I did not feel that I had to pay for it with my life, and I have no life and death covenant with you, General Zhao. "
Zhao Guang was startled and almost touched the sword before he could wipe the snot off his face.
Unexpectedly, Wei Dun continued to wave his hand: "However, the former emperor's violence does not mean that the Wei Dynasty should die. The Empress Dowager has always been virtuous, and the new emperor is only eighteen years old and has not issued a single government decree. What does Brother Sima do today? How can he easily abolish the one who established King Zhao in his own family? It would be okay to abolish it. If the rumors are true, their brothers wanted to protect the Sima family on behalf of the Wei Dynasty, and colluded with the Deposed Dragon Gang a long time ago. This Zhishi Lang is here to fetch the king of Zhao who gave Zhang Xing abdication when he proclaimed himself emperor. So how can those of us who have received the salary of the Wei Dynasty for more than ten decades have a foothold in the world? Therefore, before today, it will hinder the overall situation. , it’s not that I can’t bear it, but after today, I absolutely can’t bear it anymore!”
"That's what I mean!" Zhao Guang was overjoyed after wiping his face. "That's what I mean! Brother Wei said everything I wanted to say!"
Even Mai Jicai nodded accordingly.
And Wei Dun also continued to analyze: "Actually, if it hadn't been for what happened today, I would never have come here, because no matter what I do, I will definitely fail. But after today, there is something to say... Because the Sima brothers themselves are too He was anxious and exposed his ambition.
"Think about it, today he became the prime minister. Although Sima Huben, who was originally in alliance with them, recognized it, he must not be convinced. In addition, although Du Gong Niu also chose neutrality, it was not because of him, but because of him. What about the chamberlain and Beiya? Now, according to the old thief Sima's idea, His Majesty is sent out. Then I dare to ask, without the emperor, what is the chamberlain? It will definitely not be safe. As for the other battalions, they probably have nothing to do with them. , I just want to leave as soon as possible, as evidenced by the fact that I am packing my bags now!
"This gives us an opportunity!"
Several people were refreshed.
Zhao Guang even took the initiative to ask: "You can really do it?!"
"Okay." Wei Dun replied proudly. "However, if we want to take action, there are several key points..."
Wei Dun didn't want to betray him at all, but Zhao Guang still couldn't wait.
"For one thing, don't use the name of revenge for the late emperor, otherwise you will be the enemy of the entire Forbidden Army, and Smadek will fight to the death, but don't use the name of a few of us, otherwise you will not be able to convince the crowd, and you will also be suppressed. But Sima's reputation..." Wei Dun hurriedly spoke.
"What should we do?" Mai Jicai was also a little anxious.
"His Royal Highness the King of Qi has always been prestigious, and he is a serious person who deserves to be in a high position. Everyone is dissatisfied with his unprovoked killing this time. However, there are rumors that the King of Qi never saw his body alive or dead, so we used his banner and directly invaded. In Cangcheng, they only said that the old thief Sima was going to send His Majesty to the deposed dragon thief, and we were going to rescue His Majesty! In this way, Lord Niu would not resist, so Chishiro's soldiers and horses were extremely weak, so we just came to kill him! We succeeded! Afterwards, the whole army will be filled with fear and suspicion!"
"Okay!" Even Qian Ying couldn't help but accuse the case. This method was definitely not something that he and Zhao Guang, who had been rogues since they were young, could have thought of.
But Zhao Guang nodded and frowned slightly.
"Not only that, once we recapture His Majesty and the Empress Dowager, we can convince Duke Niu, and then issue an order to kill only Brother Sima, and continue to return to the east capital from the west. In this way, as long as we send troops to attack Brother Sima, Either kill them or drive them away, and the situation will be settled!" Wei Dun continued to make plans. "In addition, if you want to take action, in my opinion, there are two important points..."
No one said anything at this time, everyone listened with bated breath.
"The first thing is the timing. We should not act too hastily or too slowly. After we set off, we will be surrounded by the army. When the troops start to move, it will be difficult to act. However, we cannot act immediately. We need to be prepared. It is best tomorrow night or The night after tomorrow; the other thing is the strength of the army. It cannot be too many, as too much is useless and it is easy to leak information. It cannot be too few, otherwise it may not be possible!" Wei Dun continued.
"General Wei has the right idea!" Mai Jicai immediately expressed his stance.
"General Wei's idea is indeed correct, but there are two things that I think are inappropriate." Zhao Guang was silent for a moment and gave the answer under the eyes of the other people. "The first one, I think we should not attack Cangcheng first, but capture the thieves first and capture the king first, then directly send troops to attack Brother Sima!"
Everyone was stunned, and Wei Dun even came to argue: "We defeated Cangcheng and protected His Majesty and the Empress Dowager. We have great righteousness and have Governor Niu!"
"Master Niu will definitely not participate in this kind of fighting." Mai Jicai immediately woke up and waved his hand. "After protecting His Majesty, Lord Niu will not kill the head of the Sima family, the majestic Prime Minister."
"That also makes sense." Wei Dun continued to insist. "It will be easy to beat Sima again."
"It's still inappropriate." Zhao Guang disagreed. "Killing Sima Huada is the goal. Once he dies, His Majesty will surely be safe."
"Not bad." Qian Ying also woke up. "Killing Sima Huada is the foundation, and the biggest reliance on such a move is to attack him unprepared at the beginning. Naturally, Sima Huada is the first choice."
"Indeed, and Sima Huada's cultivation level is not high and he likes to drink. If he suddenly attacks him, he can't be captured directly." Mai Jicai also completely sided with Zhao Guang.
Under the attention of several people, Wei Dun was silent for a while and tried his best to speak: "General Zhao, I will tell you the truth. What you said makes sense, but I am willing to do things with you, not because of the kindness of the late emperor. , but to prevent the current Emperor of Wei from being taken away by the Deposed Dragon Gang, the place where you took action was Sima Huada, and the place where I took action was that Wang Hou of Cangcheng... If you insist on doing this, I'm afraid it will be difficult for me Great things will come from you.”
Zhao Guang was silent for a while, but then said: "If this is the case, I will not force it. I just ask General Wei not to leak it."
"It's natural." Wei Dun immediately responded with a drink.
"Then please ask General Wei to stay in this camp for a day and night, and only tell others that he is drunk." Qian Ying suddenly reminded him, as if he didn't trust him.
Wei Dun was startled and wanted to refuse.
Zhao Guang immediately waved his hand: "One day and night is too long. If you don't go back during the day tomorrow, General Wei's subordinates will become suspicious, especially since General Wei is guarding the city gate."
Several people nodded immediately, but instead of feeling relieved, Wei Dun became even more vigilant.
Sure enough, Zhao Guang continued to speak: "I just said that there is another thing that I think is inappropriate. Soldiers need to be quick... We have few people and rely on a surprise attack. If it is delayed, if the news leaks, basically there will be nothing." We have no hope... So, the first is to kill Sima Huada, and the second is to take action immediately! Let's go back now and mobilize the available troops and horses. There is no need for more, eight hundred or one thousand is enough. We can start before dawn! "
Qian Ying nodded first: "I'll go back right now, I can bring fifty people with me!"
"It doesn't matter if you don't bring anyone with you, what matters is your cultivation!" Zhao Guang reminded. "The Sima family seems to be tyrannical, but in fact, once Sima Zheng leaves, Sima Huada is a waste. I'll keep an eye on Sima Jinda. If you just go in and kill Sima Huada, everything will be settled."
Qian Ying nodded: "If that's the case, I will stay and lead your elite troops!"
Zhao Guang nodded and looked at Mai Jicai again: "General Mai, please send troops to attack Cangcheng with great fanfare at the same time..."
Mai Jicai understood and immediately responded: "I know, being your cover is also another trick."
At this time, Zhao Guangcai looked at Wei Dun: "General Wei, just stay here. Just send someone to tell the camp how about you get drunk and come back with us at dawn? We just want to take the opportunity to open the door!"
Wei Dun's face was livid. He looked around, but then turned his head and lowered his head to face each other: "If you have made up your mind, after tomorrow morning, it will be successful. If it fails, how can I, the one who opened the door, not count? That's fine. , whatever you originally wanted me to do, I'll take the gamble with you!"
Zhao Guang couldn't help but be overjoyed: "If that's the case, we don't need anything else, just ask General Wei to open the city gate with us after dawn, and then order the troops and horses to go with me!"
Wei Dun was stunned for a moment, but then he realized that the other party had no intention of letting him leave early, but there was nothing he could do about it. At this point, he only regretted that he didn't know what to do and had to stick to his own plan on this occasion, which made the other party suspicious.
In this way, Zhao Guang immediately started preparations after detaining Wei Dun, who was once wavering but was necessary to launch the raid. At the third watch, the three core people came to communicate with Wei Dun in the tent again, and the preparations were completed, and then only in the tent Take a nap in the middle of the holiday, and prepare to start before dawn.
It was at this time that Sima Jinda, who was fully clothed, broke into his eldest brother's bedroom and snatched his nearly naked brother from the embrace of a beautiful concubine. He was shocked that this man was Cao Che a month ago. The concubine's daughter fled in panic to the corner of the bed.
The new prime minister came to his senses and was confused for a moment, but then seemed to come to his senses and immediately asked: "Wei Dun is back?"
"Wei Dun didn't come back!" Sima Jinda immediately shook his head.
Sima Huada was angry for a moment: "Then why are you, Seventh, in such a hurry? Why can't you shout if something happens? It rained on half of my bed!"
"Wei Dun didn't come back!" Sima Jinda waited for the other party to finish scolding him, and then reminded him in a more serious tone. "It's the third watch and Wei Dun hasn't come back yet!"
Sima Huada was stunned for a moment and finally realized: "You mean he was discovered by Zhao Guang and chopped down directly?!"
"It's possible." Sima Jinda also returned to his normal tone. "But it is also possible that they are being detained, but the detention cannot last too long, or more simply, they feel that there is no need to let Wei Dun back. In addition, Zhao Guang is a pure martial artist with an impatient personality, so they may be there before dawn tonight. Then start it.”
"Not bad." Sima Huada thought for a moment and nodded immediately. "You go find Smadek and get ready. I'll get up and rest for a while. I'll go over there when the business is over."
"Then there is another possibility, that is, Wei Dun was discovered and detained at the same time." Sima Jinda continued to remind. "That's why I'm so anxious to find my brother."
Sima Huada thought about it for a while, but he didn't understand it for a while. Instead, he was a little confused and asked: "What does this mean?"
"Is it possible that Zhao Guang knew that Cangcheng was a bait and instead realized that he could come directly to you, brother?" Sima Jinda reminded coldly.
Prime Minister Sima thought for a moment, then was stunned, pointing his finger at his face: "Zhao Guang is coming to me?!"
Sima Jinda remained silent.
The next moment, Prime Minister Sima did not hesitate and immediately jumped up from the bed. While pulling his clothes, he called for someone to help him put on his clothes and armor. He hurriedly put on his clothes and put on the armor that actually didn't fit. He took a look at it. The concubine on the bed left directly.
Panting, Prime Minister Sima walked out of the backyard bedroom of the General Manager's Mansion. He looked at his seventh brother, who was following him, and just ordered: "Old Seventh, you stay here. The woman in the house asked her to continue sleeping. The official slaves, servants and guards here also continued to sleep. , I will go to find Zhao Xingmi first, and then Simadeke. If Zhao Guang really comes here, I will immediately urge Simadeke to send a large army to surround him!"
Sima Jinda nodded slowly, and then looked at the back of his brother in the dark night as he hurried away without waiting for a reply, without saying a word.
The light rain soon ended, and soon, Zhao Guang realized that dawn had come earlier than expected. He no longer hesitated and launched decisively. The troops of about a thousand people immediately launched under his order, and then Together with Qian Ying and Wei Dun, they went straight to the west gate of Xuzhou City.
Arriving at the west gate, Wei Dun ordered the city to open under the eyes of Zhao Guang. At this time, Mai Jicai's troops had also arrived outside the west gate and were waiting on the other side of the city gate due to their stationed location.
The city gate opened without any disturbance, and immediately, Mai Jicai got on his horse, led his troops in first, and then immediately turned to Cangcheng, located in the southwest of the city.
His troops were flying war horses under banners and could not move more than a hundred steps. Taking advantage of the dim light in the morning, they encountered the first group of patrolling soldiers and horses who were at a loss what to do. They immediately shouted loudly and shouted to kill.
But it was precisely "according to the order of King Qi, only Sima Huada was killed"!
For a moment, the whole city was shaken, and then the outside of the city was also shaken.
It was amid these shouts of death and chaos that Zhao Guang, Qian Ying, and Wei Dun led more than a thousand elite troops, fully armored, and poured into Xuzhou City on foot with a city wall several feet high. Wei Dun was left behind to summon his headquarters to defend the city. After the troops gathered, they turned to the General Manager's Mansion in the center of the city's due north without hesitation.
At this time, Sima Jinda in the General Manager's Mansion and Sima Huada in Simadeke's residence in the east of the city were both a little surprised, but not too serious. They just had the same idea almost at the same time - could it be themselves (the old man) 7) Thinking more, Zhao Guang only kept Wei Dun because he was determined to take action now, and he didn't notice Wei Dun?
After this idea, which they didn't know whether it was right or wrong, the two of them instantly fell into a key hesitation - should they immediately send troops to Cangcheng as planned?
After all, now that Sima Jinda has led his troops back to the General Manager's Mansion, what if the emperor and the empress dowager in Cangcheng are succeeded by Zhao Guang?
After hesitating for a moment, both of them quickly made their choice.
"Wait a minute, although this guy fell into the trap, you might as well wait two quarters of an hour before making a move." Sima Huada looked confident, and he had good reasons. "Let's take a look at the quality of that Chishiro and see if he is a trustworthy person."
The only person qualified to sway Sima Huada's military order was Sima Deke. The only Zuo Pushe did not say a word. Instead, he looked at the slightly bright sky outside and was a little dazed listening to the shouts all over the city. Frankly speaking, He was a little disappointed with the situation, and now he actually hoped that Zhao Guang had not fallen into the trap and entered the city.
Why bother?
On the other side, Sima Jinda, who was standing in the backyard of the General Manager's Mansion, hesitated for a moment and suddenly ordered the guards beside him: "Let's go! Get ready to go to Cangcheng with me!"
The general manager's office was instantly in chaos.
Just as he was about to hold the sword and leave, Sima Jinda suddenly remembered something and returned to the bedroom. After a moment, he came out with the bloody sword and inserted it into the scabbard again. After doing this, he did not mount his horse, but led the more than a thousand elite men he brought last night to quickly withdraw from the inside and outside of the General Manager's Mansion and headed for Cangcheng, the planned ambush point.
So, a quarter of an hour later, he and Moyun Golden-winged Dapeng collided face to face on the street.
When Sima Jinda saw Zhao Guang coming with his troops, he actually breathed a sigh of relief. Even though he knew that he was no match for the opponent, he did not hesitate to use his true energy to fight against him... After all, Sima's right servant knew this well. It was clear that as long as the roc bird on the opposite side could not kill him quickly, reinforcements would immediately come from all directions, and this time the bird hunting plan would eventually succeed.
When Zhao Guang saw Sima Jinda leading his troops from the General Manager's Mansion, he was also not surprised but overjoyed. He immediately pumped up his energy and leaped high. Moreover, he started from behind but was much faster than the opponent, and then he was like a bird. The Dapeng bird usually pounces directly on its prey... Zhao Guang also knew that he could not kill the most outstanding person of Sima's generation before the reinforcements arrived, but it didn't matter, as long as those people surrounded him and killed him, he could secretly kill him. Qian Ying can bypass the warring street from the alley and kill Sima Huada in the manager's house behind.
This is not to say that this will definitely reverse the situation, but at least it can ruin the Sima family's situation, which can be regarded as avenging the late emperor!
that's enough!
How can a mere ordinary person think so much?
ps: Thank you to the new alliance leader for letting the female monkey master join the alliance! Grateful!
(End of chapter)
