This situation was learned by Taichang Shaoqing Li Gang. Li Gang knew very well that the Supreme Emperor's difficulty in escaping from Beijing had caused great confusion and instability in Bianjing's defense. If the Holy Emperor also fled southward, the entire Bianjing would completely lose the possibility of defense, and the army and civilians would collapse. Ba Ban abandoned the city and fled, leaving the Jin Kingdom with an undefended capital. To protect Bianjing, the Holy Emperor must be retained. In this way, the people, soldiers and civilians in the city will have a backbone and the confidence to defend Bianjing.
After Li Gang learned that Qinzong Zhao Huan also planned to move to Xiangyang under the temptation of Geng Nanzhong, Bai Shizhong, Li Bangyan and others, he rushed to the palace and asked to see Emperor Qinzong. The duty officer came in with a message, and Taichang Shaoqing Li Gang requested an audience.
When Qinzong was hesitating whether to see or not see him, Geng Nanzhong said: "Since Li Shaoqing is requesting an audience with His Majesty, it must be to prevent His Majesty from moving to Xiangyang, so it would be better not to see him."
Qin Zong said: "Li Shaoqing asked for an audience. I'm afraid it won't be good if I don't see you. It's better to send the general in and see what Li Shaoqing has to say. It's not too late to make a decision."
Bai Shizhong said: "Your Majesty. Li Shaoqing's request for an audience is nothing more than repeating the old clichés, advocating to resist the Jin and defend Bianjing. The Jin must be resisted, and Bianjing must be protected. The key is that the Jin army is sharp and powerful. The imperial troops and horses have not yet been assembled, and the Western Army is on its way to Bianjing. Seeing that the city of Bianjing is difficult to protect, under this situation, the body of thousands of saints cannot take any risks. This is related to the long-term peace and stability of the country. Initiation Your Majesty, Li Shaoqing asks for an audience. You can meet me once, but you must not agree to Li Shaoqing's request."
Qinzong nodded and said: "What the prime minister said is absolutely true. I sent an order for Li Shaoqing to come to the palace to see you."
Li Gang was immediately summoned to enter the palace.
Li Gang entered the palace, prostrated on the ground, and shouted, "Long live the Holy One! Long live the Holy One! Long live the Holy One!"
Qin Zong said: "Li Shaoqing escaped from the ceremony and escaped."
Li Gang got up and did not look at Geng Nazhong, Bai Shizhong, Li Bangyan and others. He looked straight at Qinzong and said: "Your Majesty, I have a question."
Qin Zong said: "Li Shaoqing, it's okay to just ask."
Li Gang said: "I heard that the Holy One wants to move to Xiangyang. Is this possible?"
Qinzong replied: "The Jin army is coming with a fierce force. The imperial troops have not yet assembled. Bianjing is in danger. Geng Xueshi, Prime Minister Bai, and Prime Minister Li have asked me to move to Xiangyang to make long-term plans. I have approved the report and are arranging for the palace to move to Xiangyang." Drive to Xiangyang."
"No! Your Majesty." Li Gang said: "Emperor Daojun surrendered the country and the country to your Majesty. When the capital was in crisis, your Majesty abandoned it. Is this appropriate?"
Qinzong didn't answer in silence.
Geng Nanzhong interrupted and said: "Li Shaoqing, please don't try to change the situation, confuse the public with evil words, and seduce the Holy One! When did the Holy One abandon Jiangshan Sheji and leave? The Holy One just moved to Xiangyang. There are still more than 100,000 soldiers and horses in Bianjing City. The Holy One has ordered Liu Yanqing to take charge of it." For city defense, the Holy One is not unable to resist the Jin, nor is he unable to protect Bianjing. Li Shaoqing’s intention is to have the Holy One go to the top of the city in person, wield swords and spears, and guard the city gates?! The Holy One has gone up to guard the city wall, and he still wants to defend the city. What are the generals doing?! At this time, Li Shaoqing is not worried about the safety of His Majesty, but is forcing His Majesty to stay in the city. What is his intention?! It is simply unfaithful and unfilial, with ulterior motives."
Geng Nanzhong slapped the label of "disloyal, unfilial, and with ulterior motives" on Li Gang's head.
Bai Shizhong said sideways: "Li Shaoqing, right now, seeing that the capital is in danger, the Holy Emperor can only take shelter temporarily. Bianjing will be recaptured sooner or later."
Li Bangyan also said: "What Academician Geng and Prime Minister Bai said is absolutely true. The emperor's transfer to Xiangyang is the best choice under the current situation. Li Shaoqing should not force the emperor to stay, but should consider the emperor's safety."
Faced with the hard and soft tactics of the three traitors, Li Gang took the initiative and refuted Bai Shizhong: "What the prime minister said is wrong! Just think of all the cities in the world, which city's walls are stronger than the walls of the capital? Why can't the capital be saved?" If the capital city cannot hold such a strong wall, which city can withstand it?”
Bai Shizhong was rendered speechless by Li Gang's refutation.
Li Gang turned to Li Bangyan and said: "What Prime Minister Li said is also very ridiculous. At present, the imperial ancestral temple, the government, hundreds of officials, and all the people are in the capital. How come moving to Xiangyang is the best choice? How can Bianjing be lost? ? For the current plan, the most important thing to do is to rectify the army and horses, unite the army and the people, stick to the capital, and wait for King Qin's army to relieve the capital's difficulties, rather than moving to Xiangyang. Prime Minister Li should also know that the prosperous capital is easy to see when you leave. Times are difficult. If the Jin army captures the capital and then recaptures the capital, the price will be high. The Holy One is the Lord of the people. When the Holy One is there, the people, soldiers and civilians are there; when the people, soldiers and civilians are there, the capital is there; When the capital is there, the country and the country are there."
After saying that, Li Gang turned to Qin Zong and implored him: "For the sake of the country and the country, I sincerely ask your Majesty to stay in the capital."
Bai Shizhong and Li Bangyan were refuted by Li Gang in front of Qin Zong. They blushed at first, and then became angry with embarrassment. They said to Li Gang: "Li Shaoqing said very well, Bianjing can also be held. Then let us ask you, who can take on the responsibility of Bianjing?" Defense commander? Who will command the anti-jin forces? Who promises the safety of His Majesty?"
Li Gang was also very angry and replied directly: "Although Prime Minister Bai and Prime Minister Li are civil servants and may not be familiar with military affairs, as prime ministers of the imperial court, it is your duty to comfort the soldiers, resist the Jin soldiers, defend Bianjing, and protect the Holy Emperor. The responsibility is unavoidable. Do we still need to ask who will serve as the commander-in-chief, who will direct the resistance against Jin, and who will promise the safety of the Holy One?"
Bai Shizhong said, "Li Shaoqing is righteous and impassioned. I think I have a lot of responsibility, but it turns out that we still have to rely on you! Can't you, Li Gang, lead the troops to fight?"
Li Gang saw this and replied firmly: "If the Holy One does not think that I am cowardly and incompetent, and if the Holy One orders me to be responsible for the defense of Bianjing, I am willing to assist General Liu and defend Bianjing. I will die to repay the Holy Spirit for your trust and shoulder the responsibility with my death." Responsibility."
Through the verbal exchange between Li Gang and Geng Nanzhong, Bai Shizhong, and Li Bangyan just now, Qinzong Zhao Huan also felt that it was indeed inappropriate to leave the capital at this time, as it would shake the confidence of the soldiers and civilians of the capital to defend Bianjing. In addition, the Western Army of Zhong Shidao, Yao Pingzhong and others were rushing to Bianjing to escort King Qin. There were still more than 100,000 soldiers and horses in Bianjing city. The walls of Bianjing city were high and solid. If he gave up Bianjing easily, the consequences would be very serious, so he was shaken. I want to move to Xiangyang. Li Gang also said that he was willing to die to shoulder the responsibility of defending Bianjing. Emperor Qinzong Zhao Huan was very satisfied, so he ordered Li Gang to stay in Tokyo and lead the soldiers and civilians of Bianjing to defend Bianjing and resist the Jin army.
Qinzong's order had just been issued, and the chamberlain entered the palace and reported to Qinzong: "Your Majesty, the Queen is ready to leave Bianjing and go to Xiangyang." When Qinzong heard that Queen Zhu was ready, When he was about to leave Bianjing, his face suddenly changed. He stood up in a hurry, and while leaving the throne, he said to Li Gang: "I can't stay here anymore, and Li Shaoqing shouldn't force me to stay anymore. I want to be with the Queen." Let’s set off together to Xiangyang.” After saying that, he walked out of the palace.
When Li Gang saw this, he knelt down on the ground, crying, and said: "My lord! You must not leave Bianjing at this time. If your lord leaves Bianjing at this time, Bianjing will not be protected, and the country and the country will not be safe." No guarantee! Your Majesty! If you leave Bianjing at this time, where is your safe place? As long as your Majesty leaves Bianjing, any Jin Army soldiers and horses can pursue your Majesty. At that time, your safety cannot be guaranteed. Your Majesty, I am speaking from the bottom of my heart. I am willing to die to retain Your Majesty. If Your Majesty leaves Beijing, I will bang my head against a pillar and die."
Li Gang's heartfelt words moved Qinzong Zhao Huan. The most important thing was that Li Gang said that if Zhao Huan left Bianjing, any Jin soldiers and horses could pursue him, and the safety of the emperor could not be guaranteed. This made Qinzong Zhao Huan dare not leave. I thought of going to Jingnan. Qinzong thought to himself, Bianjing has a tall and solid city wall, more than 100,000 soldiers and horses, and nearly a million ordinary people. If Bianjing is not safe, where is the safe place? If you are attacked by golden soldiers on the road, it will be really troublesome. At that time, the sky will not respond and the earth will not work, and you will be in trouble. Therefore, Qinzong Zhao Huan did not dare to move to Xiangyang.
After listening to Li Gang's words, Zhao Huan did not go out of the palace again. Instead, he came to Li Gang, helped Li Gang who was kneeling on the ground, and said to Li Gang in a trembling voice: "Queen, get up quickly." Zhao Huan helped Li Gang while helping him. Looking at Li Gang, he said sincerely: "I accept your request and stay in the capital. You must ensure my safety!"
Li Gang cried and said: "I am going to report to the Holy One. I will defend the safety of the Holy One with my life."
Qin Zong said: "Don't talk about life and death lightly. I won't let you die. I want you to live well. Only when you are alive can Bianjing be saved. If Bianjing cannot be saved, even if you repay me with death, there will be another one." What’s the point? Issue an edict!”
Li Gang, Geng Nanzhong, Bai Shizhong, Li Bangyan and other ministers knelt on the ground.
Qin Zong once again issued an order: "Taichang Shaoqing Li Gang will stay in Tokyo and be fully responsible for the defense of the capital. All troops and horses in the capital will be deployed by Li Shaoqing. I do this!"
Li Gang, Geng Nanzhong, Bai Shizhong, Li Bangyan and other ministers replied loudly: "I will obey the imperial edict!"
After speaking, Li Gang, Geng Nanzhong, Bai Shizhong, Li Bangyan and other ministers got up. Qinzong Zhao Huan said to Li Gang again: "I will leave the matter of military management and defense to Shaoqing. Shaoqing must pay more attention to it and never let a slight negligence lead to disaster."
Geng Nanzhong also said to Li Gang: "Your Majesty, we will leave it to Li Shaoqing. Li Shaoqing, you can take care of it yourself. If there is any slight discrepancy, it will be up to you to explain to the Holy Majesty."
At that time, Li Gang received the order and immediately left the palace to arrange the deployment of Bianjing's defense.
At this time, the Jin army was approaching the northern suburbs of Bianjing. Li Gang urgently sent people to Tongguan to urge the Western Army to quickly assist Bianjing. He also ordered Liu Yanqing to organize troops and horses to form formations in the northern suburbs of Bianjing to meet the Jin army. At the same time, Li Gang sent people to Jinyang and ordered Wang Zhen and others to resist the Jin State's West Route Army and prevent them from breaking through Jinyang and joining the Jin State's East Route Army.
