In the blink of an eye, it’s late summer and June.
The armies of Wei and Shu endured the extremely hot weather and had been facing each other on the Weishui River for a full month.
In the Wei army camp, the generals received the summons from the commander Sima Yi and came to the camp one after another, waiting for the commander's instructions.
General Sima Yi, who was fully clothed, looked around the tent and saw Zhang He, Guo Huai, Jia Xu, Xiahou Ba, Dai Ling, Sima Shi, Sima Zhao and other generals there, and then he said:
"Now that you are all here, there is one thing that I still need to decide with you."
Everyone was silent, ready to listen carefully.
"Today at Chen time, I received a report that the Shu army is low on food and fodder and is preparing to withdraw its troops to return to Shu. I want to take advantage of the Shu army's retreat to send an army to pursue it. I wonder which general is willing to go?"
Everyone in the tent had seen the combat power of the Shu army, and they all understood that Zhuge Kongming had always been familiar with warfare and the art of war, so no one dared to take the initiative to stand up at this moment.
"General, please."
At this time, General Zhang He stood up and loudly remonstrated:
"There is a saying in the art of war: 'Besiege the army and do not stop it when returning.' The Shu army has always advanced and retreated with a well-established basis. This time it was just a retreat after running out of food. It was not a retreat after defeat. I am afraid that it would be difficult to achieve results by pursuing the enemy at this time. Therefore, the last general does not agree with the general's efforts to prevent the Shu army from retreating."
"I have my own opinions, general, don't say any more!" Sima Yi's face was as gloomy as water at this moment, and he shouted sternly: "I have made up my mind, General Zhang He obeys the order!"
"The general is here!" Although Zhang He was unhappy at the moment, he could only obey the order because the commander was the most respected person in the army.
"I order you to lead an army of two thousand to pursue the Shu army. There must be no mistakes!"
Zhang He was shocked when he heard this. He raised his head and glanced at Sima Yi blankly, speechless for a moment.
With two thousand soldiers and horses, he was allowed to pursue the powerful and well-trained Shu army. It seemed that Sima Yi was going to send himself to death!
But what can I do to Sima?
Since he is the general of the Wei Dynasty, he cannot take the lead in disobeying the general's orders.
It seems that everything can only be left to fate...
Zhang He sighed, bowed and said the word "nuo", then strode out of the camp gate.
Sima Yi looked at Zhang He's burly figure disappearing at the camp gate and sneered in his heart: Zhang He, don't blame me for being ruthless. If you do, blame yourself. You are so pretentious and don't take our Sima family seriously. Since it can't be used by me, then... hum!
"The whole army obeys the order and advances at full speed to pursue the Shu army!" Zhang He was leading two thousand light cavalry under his command, galloping on the Qinling Mountain Road. Although he did not agree with Sima Yi's order, as a general of the Wei Dynasty, he understood that military orders are as important as mountains. For this reason, if you don't strictly carry out military orders, how can the generals of the Wei Dynasty convince the public in the future?
"Wait a minute!" Zhang He suddenly reined in his horse and looked at the surrounding terrain vigilantly. Suddenly, he had an ominous premonition. He asked the army guide beside him: "Where is this place?"
"General Qi, this place is called Mumen Road. It is named because its shape resembles a wooden door."
"Wooden Doorway..." Zhang He looked at the peaks on both sides warily. He felt that it was too quiet here, and it was a bit abnormal.
Maybe the Shu army is hiding in the jungle in this mountain right now!
"The whole army is ordered to retreat five miles and exit this mountain road immediately!" Zhang He said, turning his horse's head and retreating behind the rear.
————
In the main camp of the Wei army, all the generals were waiting with trepidation for news about Zhang He. Everyone knew that after this battle, they would be able to return to the court. They only hoped that Zhang He could win back for a while, so that they could be with His Majesty. Explain in front of you. But General Sima Yi didn't seem too worried.
Sima Yi thought that as long as he properly appeased Ke Bineng, the Xianbei master who was coordinating Zhuge Liang's rebellion, and that he did not allow Zhuge Liang to occupy an inch of Wei territory this time, he believed that he would be able to offset his merits and not be punished.
"Report!"
Everyone heard the shouts outside the camp gate and turned their heads towards the camp gate involuntarily. They saw a scout covered in scars rushing into the tent, lying on the ground wailing and reporting the battle situation: "General Zhang He He... was ambushed by the Shu army on Mumen Road, and was seriously injured... and died..."
"Ah!" Jia Xu and others exclaimed, unable to believe what the scout said. You must know that Zhang He was a general who had been granted the title of Marquis, and he did not expect to die so hastily.
Just when everyone was sighing in shock, an imperceptible sneer flashed across coach Sima Yi's face.
―――
On Yiyou day in July, the Luoyang palace was filled with joy from top to bottom.
Because the prince Cao Yin was born safely, the emperor was very happy. Not only did he order a general amnesty, but he also held a banquet in the palace to celebrate.
In Shiqian Hall, there was singing and dancing at this moment.
Tai Lecheng led the musicians and played the newly created songs of the Wei Dynasty in sequence, starting with "Ping of Chu", "Battle at Xingyang", "Winning Lu Bu", and then "Conquering Guandu", "Old Kingdom", "Ding Wugong" 》[Note 1], this magnificent Huangzhong Dalu makes the entire Luoyang Palace even more joyful.
[Note 1: Wei Chen Miao Xi modified Cao Wei Tai Le Song based on Han Dynasty Tai Le. 】
Because the emperor was so happy, even the literary ministers, the ministers of Sanqi, and other relatives and princes were invited to attend the royal family banquet.
Emperor Cao Rui and Empress Mao, who was holding Prince Cao Yin in her arms, sat side by side facing south.
The rest of the royal family, relatives and princes all sat casually on the seats at the foot of the stairs.
"Your Majesty, I have always heard that all the ministers and young masters at the banquet are talented people. Since everyone is here today, why not let them write poems and poems for the emperor to facilitate the banquet?"
Queen Mao nodded to Cao Rui and said with a smile.
"What the Queen said is absolutely true."
Cao Rui was in a good mood today and said to the literary attendants below:
"Today is the wedding banquet for the emperor's full moon. All of you here are well-educated people. You might as well recite poems and compose poems for the emperor to help the banquet. What do you think?"
"Ministers, I respectfully obey your Majesty's decree." At the foot of the stairs, Xia Houxuan, Cao Zhao, Bian Lan, Li Feng, He Zeng, Du Shu and others, as well as the queen's brother Mao Zeng and others bowed and replied.
"Okay, come here, prepare some pen and ink."
The chamberlain who was accompanying the emperor agreed and went to get ready. Not long after, the four treasures of the study were placed in front of several people downstairs.
The Marquis of Changling, Xia Houxuan, and the Marquis of Changping, Cao Zhao, were always quick-thinking, so they started writing as soon as they picked up their pens. However, Empress Mao's younger brother, Mao Zeng, only relied on his sister's status and power to serve as the emperor's official, but in fact he I have little talent and little knowledge, and I am not good at writing or martial arts. It is naturally not easy to write poems on the spot.
Not long after, Cao Rui saw that everyone on the stairs had already submitted their pens and nodded. He looked at Xia Houxuan at the table. It seemed that he wanted Xia Houxuan to present his poems first. There was no other reason than that Xia Houxuan was from the clan. As well as the most talented and famous among the royal in-laws and sons.
"Taichu, how about reciting your poem for the emperor?"
Xia Houxuan bowed slightly and answered the emperor:
"Wei Chen wrote an "Ode to the Emperor Yin" for Prince Yin. I would like to make some comments here, but please don't make fun of him."
Xia Houxuan said, then stood up and left the table, paced and recited:
"Looking at the body of the two rituals is the great chronicle of human ethics. There is no way to worship Taoism, and there is nothing more important than inheritance. The glory of Yihuang Qu is the origin of the world. In the fifth year of Taihe, Emperor Zhao Yin The beginning of its prosperity.”
After Xia Houxuan finished reciting a paragraph, everyone at the table showed admiration.
"At that time, it was Meng Qiu who was harmonious and gentle. When the good time came and the prince was born, you issued the imperial edict of Kaiti to show the abundance of Zhan Zhan's kindness. The special benefits were extended to the people, and the worship of charity was unparalleled. The omens of the nobles were used to bring good deeds. , to show benevolence by pardoning one's life. Guizhou chants and we all rejoice, may the Emperor Zuo be prosperous day by day."
After Xia Houxuan finished reciting, everyone at the table raised their hands to show their appreciation. Cao Rui was also very satisfied. He raised the wine bottle and walked down the hall steps in person, added a bottle of wine to Xia Houxuan, and said:
"I hope that Yin'er will be as safe and happy as what Taichu just said in the poem, and there will be no disasters forever. Come, have a glass of wine, and I respect Taichu!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Your Majesty, please."
Xia Houxuan raised the imperial wine given by the emperor himself and drank it in one gulp.
After three rounds of drinking, everyone was slightly tipsy. At this time, Queen Mao tugged on Cao Rui's sleeve, and Cao Rui suddenly remembered something.
"Taichu, the Queen's brother is diligent and studious, and he has always admired you. He wants to make friends with you. You two might as well have a drink at the same table today. When we meet one day, we will be close friends. I don't know what you think. ?”
Cao Rui was in a happy mood at the moment, and he was smiling all over his face when he spoke.
Everyone, including Xia Houxuan himself, understood that the emperor did this just to take this opportunity to enhance Mao Zeng's reputation.
"Shilang Mao is so generous, but I can't afford it. I have no talent or virtue. How can I compare to the noble status of Shilang Mao, a relative of the Emperor? It's okay to share the table today, but this is just a friendship. Please forgive me for not being too high."
As soon as Xia Houxuan finished speaking, everyone's expressions at the table changed.
Cao Rui was originally in a good mood, but after hearing Xia Houxuan's words, he became furious. Xia Houxuan clearly looked down on Mao Zeng!
Mao Zeng had already stood up and sat next to Xia Houxuan. After hearing what the other party said, Mao Zeng also turned red, ashamed and angry. He thought to himself: You Xia Houxuan are extremely talented, but you can't even compete with His Majesty. I won’t even give you the queen’s face, let’s see how you end up later!
Xia Houxuan naturally knew that doing so would anger Cao Rui, but he had never made friends indiscriminately. In his opinion, this was his principle, and even the emperor could not force him.
Cao Rui was afraid of ruining the fun of today's banquet and did not want to get angry during the banquet. He waved his hand and said:
"I think everyone is drunk now, so why don't we leave!"
"I obey!" Seeing the emperor speak, everyone left the table one after another.
"The Marquis of Changling."
When Cao Rui saw that everyone else was walking away, he called Xia Houxuan. Xia Houxuan, who was about to leave the table, heard the emperor's call, turned around and saluted and asked:
"What are your orders, Your Majesty?"
"I want to promote Guan Qiujian to the rank of captain of Luoyang Diannong School, so the post of Yulin Supervisor will be vacant. From tomorrow on, you can go and command Yulin Langzhong!"
After Cao Rui finished speaking coldly, he waved his sleeves and turned around.
"I thank your Majesty for your grace."
Xia Houxuan understands that the defense of the palace has always been handled by the new Forbidden Army forces such as the Forbidden Army Wuwei Battalion, the Zhongba Battalion, the Valiant Cavalry Battalion, the Zhonglian Battalion, and the Guerrilla Battalion. Although the Yulin Supervisor is named the Commander of the Yulin Army, in fact it is just a fake and has no It seems that His Majesty took this opportunity to punish himself.
Xia Houxuan smiled bitterly, stood up from the cold stone steps, and walked away.
What Xia Houxuan and Cao Rui didn't expect was that after the palace banquet that day, the news that Xia Houxuan and Mao had sat at the same table spread throughout Luoyang City, and people in the street gave this incident an elegant name. It's called "Jian Jia leaning against the jade tree". The meaning is that the hair was once like a reed, but it still wanted to rely on Xia Houxuan, a jade tree, to become famous. This incident has also been passed down as an interesting anecdote and has been passed down to later generations.
