The temple blessings and Taoist priests in the Empress' Palace have long since disappeared, and the once prosperous fish market trade has been suspended at this moment. Instead, the Xuanfu Army sent people to supervise the newly recruited local people in Liaodong and transport them directly to various military camps. middle.
Nowadays, the palace is full of officers and soldiers of the Ming Dynasty. Especially outside the main hall, there are posts every three steps and sentries every five steps. There are officers and generals in helmets and armors inside and outside. Occasionally there is a trace of disharmony, which is what comes out from time to time. A high-pitched voice from the internal prison.
"Zhongchen, judging from this news, there are only traces of Tatar thieves in Changling Mountain, and they may not necessarily attack. Moreover, there are soldiers and horses of General Zuo and General Liu over there. They come to stalemate with the Tatars, and they should be ignored. Serious problem."
Zhang Ruoqi held an extremely delicate tea cup in his hand and continued while smelling the aroma of tea: "But it is different here. Our army has just captured Huangtu Ridge and is about to consolidate its defenses to prevent the Tatars from counterattacking. This river mouth is also an important place for our army to store food, so there is no room for mistakes."
Zhang Cheng heard that what he said was eloquent and reasonable, but after hearing this, Zhang Cheng just smiled slightly. Just as he was about to retort, he heard a rush of footsteps outside the hall.
"Is Director Zhang okay?"
Wang Pu, the commander-in-chief of Datong, opened the door of the palace and went straight in. When he came up, he looked at Zhang Ruoqi with great concern, and his mouth was filled with words of concern.
After some courtesy, Wang Pucai came to sit next to Zhang Cheng. He said very enthusiastically: "Zhang Shuai, the great victory at Hekou was made possible by several guerrillas in Xuan Mansion. Brother Zhang has a good command of the army and is super smart. Brother, I really I admire you so much!”
After defeating the Xianglan Banner Tatar soldiers at the mouth of the Xiaoling River, Wang Pu was in a great mood, but he, who had been in officialdom for many years, also knew that this military achievement was actually all about human nature.
In his opinion, Zhang Cheng has many powerful generals and abundant troops. He will not lack military exploits this time to help relieve the siege of Jinzhou.
The key to the issue now is how much military exploits Zhang Cheng is willing to give to everyone, and the most important thing is how much benefit he can get from it.
He has expressed his attitude many times before that Xuan Datong is one, and his Datong soldiers and horses must fight together with the Xuan Zhen army and advance and retreat together.
At this time, he naturally moved closer to Zhang Cheng.
In fact, in the battle at the mouth of the river, Zhang Guodong stood firm and waited for reinforcements. Later, Zhang Guangda led the Xuanfu cavalry and a section of the chariot camp to rush to the aid of the river mouth, forming a pincer attack on the Tatar thieves.
But Wang Pu dragged his feet all the way and arrived almost at the same time as the Xuanfu cavalry that was galloping towards him.
What contribution do you want him to make in this battle?
Perhaps it was precisely because he arrived in time with the Shanxi soldiers and horses that he formed an appropriate encirclement against the Tatar thieves, and finally defeated the Tatar thieves and captured many heads.
However, Zhang Cheng had another comment!
Just listen to him say: "General Wang saw the slightest and took precautions, this is the first merit; strategizing and fighting bravely, this is the second merit; sitting on one side, staying calm in the face of battle, and finally defeating the Tatar thieves, this is the third merit.
With these three merits, the battle at the mouth of the river should be led by Commander-in-Chief Wang! "
Wang Pu was so happy to receive such praise from Zhang Cheng, which meant that Zhang Cheng would not compete with him for the credit for the Hekou victory.
At the moment, he was modest at first: "Zhang Shuai is over-praised... over-praised."
Then he hurriedly expressed his position: "Today's great victory at the mouth of the river is due not only to His Majesty the Emperor, but also to the command of Director Zhang Ruoding, and even more to the soldiers of the Zhenbiao and Xuanfu battalions who can use their lives in front of the formation to achieve the success of the Hekou. .
Wang Pu worked hard to repay his kindness, so how could he take all the credit for the victory at Hekou? "
Zhang Cheng smiled kindly at Wang Pu. Both of them knew it clearly. Zhang Cheng gave up all the credit for his help to Wang Pu, and Wang Pu was not entirely greedy. His reward was Recommend Zhang Guodong, Zhang Guangda and others.
It can be seen that real wars are often not fought on the battlefield, nor are they fights with real swords and guns, but the struggle for interests and the game of human hearts.
The two of them had a tacit understanding here, so Zhang Chengcai ordered someone to show Wang Pu the book sent from Changling Mountain.
While Wang Pu was reading the book, Zhang Cheng said to Zhang Ruoqi: "Master Director, when we were in Huangtu Ridge, Lin Qingye of the Korean State once said that the Tatar thieves were hiding the elites of the Eight Banners in an attempt to cut off our Wang Shi's food route.
Now, the slave bandits are attacking at the mouth of the river. Only the soldiers and horses of the Xianglan Banner have appeared, and the other flags have not shown any trace. It can be seen that what Lin Qingye said is true. Now that the Xiangbai Banner has appeared near Changling Mountain, it must be the plan of the Tatar thieves. When it comes to my Xingta grain road, it is true. "
Zhang Cheng then reminded: "The general thinks that this news should be reported to the Governor's office immediately, and all actions should be decided by Governor Hong. In this way, even if there is a slight delay, it has nothing to do with the Governor, right?"
At this time, Wang Pu had also read the book, and he immediately continued: "I don't think it's a problem, the Xianglan Banner is so ferocious, and I, Xuanda, joined forces to repel it and made a lot of gains.
There are Zuo Shuai and Liu Shuai guarding there, and our Xuanfu tiger general Chen Zheng is assisting in guarding. In addition, there are tens of thousands of soldiers from various places in Xingta. They only have a Tatar flag with a white flag, so they can't do much.
In my opinion..."
Wang Pucai paused for a moment when he said this. He faintly felt a cold wind blowing around his neck. He involuntarily raised his head and looked at Zhang Cheng beside him. He saw his charming big eyes widened with a faint expression. A murderous spirit.
He couldn't help but get excited, and continued: "According to my opinion, since there are only Tatars with blue flags here, it is impossible to say that most of them are really interested in our Xingta grain road, and the Tatars with white flags are just their vanguard. , maybe..."
Wang Pu finished speaking stumblingly, but his heart was still as nervous as a bucket. He didn't know whether his words could be what Zhang Cheng meant.
At this time, Commander-in-Chief Zhang Ruoqi also understood what Zhang Cheng meant. He originally insisted that Xingta would be fine, but in fact he just wanted to keep Zhang Cheng's Xuanfu troops stationed on the Xiaoling River side to ensure his own safety.
But the current situation was like this. If he insisted too much, he was not sure what Zhang Cheng would do next. What's more, Zhang Cheng just proposed to report to Governor Hong Chengchou for a decision, and he had no reason to refuse.
After careful consideration, Zhang Ruoqi said: "Since General Zhongchen and Commander Wang both have such thoughts, I will send a Pegasus letter tomorrow morning to inform Governor Hong of the matter."
"No!"
Zhang Cheng shouted, even Wang Pu beside him was startled. He suddenly stood up from his seat, looking at a loss.
The commander-in-chief Zhang Ruoqi also had a look of astonishment. He never expected that Zhang Cheng would disregard his face and dare to openly contradict him in front of Wang Pu and a group of subordinates.
"Director Zhang, the military situation is on fire. The Xingta grain road is the lifeblood of the entire army. If it is really cut off by the Tatars, the general will lose his fighting spirit and his morale will collapse. In this case, the Liaodong defense line that the country has worked hard for decades will also be destroyed. You and I cannot afford to be destroyed once!"
Zhang Cheng didn't seem to have any intention of backing down. Instead, he continued to reason with Zhang Ruoqi righteously. This round of operations made him lose face.
"Snapped!"
Zhang Ruoqi slapped the desk hard with his palm. He endured the pain in his palm and said in a deep voice: "You are the acting commander-in-chief of the Xuanfu. Are you teaching me a lesson at this moment?"
Zhang Cheng obviously had no intention of admitting his mistake and repenting. Faced with Zhang Ruoqi's inquiry, he stood up quickly, but did not give Zhang Ruoqi a fist salute, but only bowed his body slightly.
Then, he said without being arrogant or arrogant: "The general is just concerned about national affairs and has no intention of offending Director Zhang. His words just now were too strong, so I ask Director Zhang to be magnanimous and not argue with me!"
After he finished speaking, he sat back in his seat again, leaving Zhang Ruoqi standing there blankly, with a look of confusion on his face.
Not to mention that Zhang Ruoqi was embarrassed on the spot. Even Wang Pu was stunned. Ten thousand idiots were flying in his heart. He secretly asked himself: "What's going on today? We are talking so well. How can we fall out with each other just like that?" Leh?"
He looked at Zhang Cheng, the commander-in-chief of the Xuanfu, and then at Zhang Ruoqi, the commander-in-chief. Instead, he looked even more confused. He didn't know how to persuade the two of them, but in order to avoid Zhang Ruoqi's embarrassment, he had no choice but to stand in the hall with Zhang Ruoqi.
After a long time, Zhang Ruoqi took a deep breath, as if he had just woken up from a big dream, and said with a slightly trembling voice: "Ahem. Zhong... What General Zhongchen said is indeed a heart for the country. The military situation is like a fire, and we should immediately report it to the General... The Governor is on his way to the camp, and ask Governor Hong to decide... to decide whether to seize the enemy or not."
After he said these words, he felt like a deflated ball. He slumped in the chair with a very lonely look on his face.
It was only then that Wang Pu dared to interject: "Yes, the director clearly sees thousands of miles and puts state affairs first. I really admire him as a warrior... as a warrior..."
Zhang Cheng did it deliberately today. His purpose was to establish his authority, and Zhang Ruoqi was just a victim.
Since Zhang Cheng led the army to aid Liaodong, he has found that the officials and generals in various places in the Ming Dynasty are no more than this. They are mediocre people who seize high positions and fight endlessly for personal gain all day long.
But people who really want to seek the country are attacked by them. Naturally, it is impossible to win over such people, just like Zhang Ruoqi is probably the same.
For the sake of profit, he could give up his mission. Now that he is blinded by money, how can he still remember Chen Xinjia's instructions before leaving?
Moreover, he only has personal interests in his heart now, and he does not remember how all this was obtained. He has forgotten the favor of his soldier Chen Xinjia for his promotion, and he has gradually forgotten that it was Zhang Cheng who made him rich.
This is what Zhang Cheng cannot tolerate the most!
If he didn't use some means to scare him, Zhang Cheng was afraid that he would be in trouble in the future. Not only would he lose control of him, but he might even be stabbed in the back if he couldn't keep it intact.
That's why there was this wonderful performance in the main hall of the Empress' Palace today.
Seeing that the fire was almost done at this time, Zhang Cheng smiled and said: "Director Zhang's boxing is the heart of the country. We have learned from each other day and night, and Zhang Cheng also admires him in his heart.
However, General Zhang Cheng is stationed on Changling Mountain. As the saying goes, caring leads to chaos. His words just now were offensive, so please don't argue with Zhang Cheng, a warrior! "
There was a trace of resentment in Zhang Ruoqi's blank eyes. He looked at Zhang Cheng with a very complicated expression. For a moment, he didn't know how to answer Zhang Cheng's words.
"Your Majesty, the Director is like this. Could it be that he has a grudge against Zhang Cheng?"
Zhang Cheng continued with a joking look on his face: "Zhang Cheng is very considerate of the Director. Not to mention the fish market here, Zhang Cheng first thought of Director Zhang, and even in the future business in Beijing, he did not consider the Director." Leave it out.”
When he said this, his face turned gloomy for a moment, and his eyes also turned to the servants waiting in the palace.
…………
After a long time, Zhang Ruoqi took a deep breath, as if he had just woken up from a big dream, and said with a slightly trembling voice: "Ahem. Zhong... What General Zhongchen said is indeed a heart for the country. The military situation is like a fire, and we should immediately report it to the General... The Governor is on his way to the camp, and ask Governor Hong to decide... to decide whether to seize the enemy or not."
After he said these words, he felt like a deflated ball. He slumped in the chair with a very lonely look on his face.
It was only then that Wang Pu dared to interject: "Yes, the director clearly sees thousands of miles and puts state affairs first. I really admire him as a warrior... as a warrior..."
Zhang Cheng did it deliberately today. His purpose was to establish his authority, and Zhang Ruoqi was just a victim.
Since Zhang Cheng led the army to aid Liaodong, he has found that the officials and generals in various places in the Ming Dynasty are no more than this. They are mediocre people who seize high positions and fight endlessly for personal gain all day long.
But people who really want to seek the country are attacked by them. Naturally, it is impossible to win over such people, just like Zhang Ruoqi is probably the same.
For the sake of profit, he could give up his mission. Now that he is blinded by money, how can he still remember Chen Xinjia's instructions before leaving?
Moreover, he only has personal interests in his heart now, and he does not remember how all this was obtained. He has forgotten the favor of his soldier Chen Xinjia for his promotion, and he has gradually forgotten that it was Zhang Cheng who made him rich.
This is what Zhang Cheng cannot tolerate the most!
If he didn't use some means to scare him, Zhang Cheng was afraid that he would be in trouble in the future. Not only would he lose control of him, but he might even be stabbed in the back if he couldn't keep it intact.
That's why there was this wonderful performance in the main hall of the Empress' Palace today.
Seeing that the fire was almost done at this time, Zhang Cheng smiled and said: "Director Zhang's boxing is the heart of the country. We have learned from each other day and night, and Zhang Cheng also admires him in his heart.
However, General Zhang Cheng is stationed on Changling Mountain. As the saying goes, caring leads to chaos. His words just now were offensive, so please don’t argue with Zhang Cheng, a warrior! "
There was a trace of resentment in Zhang Ruoqi's blank eyes. He looked at Zhang Cheng with a very complicated expression. For a moment, he didn't know how to answer Zhang Cheng's words.
"Your Majesty, the Director is like this. Could it be that he has a grudge against Zhang Cheng?"
Zhang Cheng continued with a joking look on his face: "Zhang Cheng is very considerate of the Director. Not to mention the fish market here, Zhang Cheng first thought of Director Zhang. Even in the future business in Beijing, he did not consider the Director." Leave it out.”
When he said this, his face turned gloomy for a moment, and his eyes also turned to the servants waiting in the palace.
