After the dispersion of the dynasty, the three major bureaucracies, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Ministry of Personnel, all mobilized manpower and supplies to prepare for the enemy. However, some of them really mobilized, while others made false arrangements.
At the same time, spies and messengers from the major families in the capital were also dispatched, either crossing the Yellow River to the north, or returning to report to various family forces.
In the Hall of Cultivation of the Heart, Zhao Wuji was lying on the dragon couch, his body becoming heavier and heavier. Over the past few days, he felt that his body was becoming worse than before.
The imperial doctor also checked his pulse, but said that the loss of energy was not a serious problem. Zhao Wuji knew that it was caused by his indulgence in sex during this period.
He also wanted to control himself, but whenever he went to Qiulang Palace, he would always involuntarily want to do that thing, and he would do it several times every night.
What happened in the court today made him depressed and anxious, and now he just feels dizzy.
The eunuch Liu Zhi felt that something was not good and hurriedly summoned the imperial doctor. After examination, the imperial doctor gave him a Dingshen Pill before he felt some relief.
At the court hall on the second day, the ministers reported on the progress, and Zhao Wuji felt a little relieved.
Dai Yan, the Secretary of the Ministry of Punishment, came out and said: "Your Majesty, all Zhang Da's family members in Beijing have been captured, and there are other family members who are still in their hometown in Guanzhong. His father Zhang Bangyan is now commanding troops to guard Ningxia Town. What should we do about this matter?"
As soon as this statement came out, the finger was immediately pointed at the Zhang family. Although Zhang Bangyan was a foreign branch of the Zhang family, he had military power in his hands. If he acted rashly, it might cause a mutiny.
Zhao Wuji looked at Prince Zhao Chong and said, "Prince, what do you think we should do?"
Zhao Chong left the class and said: "Father, from a legal point of view, this matter should be handled impartially. Whether Zhang Da abandoned the pass and fled, or surrendered to the enemy and rebelled, it was a serious crime, and the whole family should be punished.
However, Zhang Da is currently on the run with his army, and Zhang Bangyan is in control of an important border town. This matter cannot be done forcefully and can only be done slowly, otherwise the father and son will be angered and the consequences will be disastrous.
Zhang Bangyan is now very old, so he can be commended by a decree and ordered to retire to his hometown. When he returns to Guanzhong, he will be captured. However, my son hopes that his father will spend his life guarding the border for me in Daxia to resist the Xiongnu, so as to prevent him from being killed. capital offense. "
"The Left Minister of the Ministry of War"
Zhao Wuji shouted softly. At this time, he was upset when he saw the Zhang family.
Zhang Rang stood out of the queue and replied: "I'm here!"
"Zhang Bangyan is your uncle, right?"
"Your Majesty, the Zhang Bangyan clan is a foreign branch of the Zhang family. According to seniority, they are indeed the uncles of Wei Chen." Zhang Rang lowered his head and replied.
"In that case, it's up to you to handle this matter," Zhao Wuji said.
"Weak ministers receive orders"
Zhang Rang didn't say a word, because in their eyes, the death of two branch disciples was nothing, and the loss of Hebei Road was nothing. As long as they could kill King Yan, it would all be worth it.
Now the salt market in the capital is almost completely occupied by the fine salt made by King Yan, as well as the Fang family and the Liu family. These two families rely on cooperation with King Yan to continuously encroach on their markets in various places, making the salt of other families Industry income has been greatly reduced.
What's even more annoying is that the emperor actually gave him military power. This kind of sign is the most dangerous and must be killed at all costs, otherwise it will be more difficult to deal with him in the future when he becomes angry.
Just as the ministers were discussing how to deal with Zhang Da, the border report entered the capital again.
"Report, your majesty, Zhang Da led an army to attack Yancheng, and was shot dead on the spot by King Yan! Now King Yan has surrendered the army and is preparing to recapture Xiguan."
"Wow!" A sound of surprise erupted again from the main hall.
Zhao Wuji seemed to have regained his energy. He stood up from the dragon chair excitedly and said, "What did you just say?"
"Your Majesty, Zhang Da led an army to attack Yancheng and was shot dead on the spot by King Yan! King Yan has now subdued the army and is preparing to retake Xiguan. Your Majesty, please send reinforcements as soon as possible!"
"Hahaha, great, King Yan is indeed a real prince," Zhao Wuji laughed.
The faces of the prince and the Zhang brothers had turned pale and bloodless at this moment, and Zhang Da, who had tens of thousands of troops in his hands, would be easily shot.
They could not imagine that Zhang Da did not know why even at the moment before his death.
He was obviously far away from the city wall, far beyond the shooting distance of the bow and arrow, but he was still shot and died miserably.
Xue Qing also frowned, thinking that this child is a monster and must not be kept, as it will definitely become a disaster in the future.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty, Your Majesty, His Royal Highness the King of Yan is such a talented young man. The old minister is willing to go into battle again and lead the army straight to Yan City to help the King of Yan." Yang Guozhong, the right minister of the Ministry of War, said.
"Hahaha, Yang Aiqing is commendable for your loyalty and bravery, but you are too old to march long distances, so let others go."
"Send an order to Dou Mao to lead his army north immediately to join the King of Yan and to recapture Xiguan." Zhao Wuji said excitedly.
Xue Qing left the mission and said: "Your Majesty, after looking at this matter, I always feel that there is something fishy about it.
There are 50,000 troops stationed in Xiguan. Even if there are several times more Jie people, they may not be able to easily break through Xiguan.
The battle report said that the Jie tribe only had 30,000 troops, but Zhang Da led the defenders to retreat. This is unreasonable.
Zhang Da grew up in the army with his father Zhang Bangyan since he was a child. He also made military exploits in frontier battles. This small military strength should not scare him.
However, he abandoned the pass and went straight to Yancheng. The reason behind this was really beyond the comprehension of the old minister. "
"Also, with tens of thousands of troops in hand, after arriving in Yancheng, he was easily killed by the King of Yan. It seems that such a general in the army was shot and killed in front of the battle. It has never been heard of. There are many doubts about the whole incident. Your Majesty, please take a closer look!"
"Old minister seconded the proposal!" Dai Yan came out and agreed.
"If Xue Aiqing thinks anything, you might as well say so."
"Back to Your Majesty, I am just confused. It seems that Zhang Da intends to let the Jie people enter the pass, and is trying to draw the war to Yancheng. I just don't know why. Of course, this is just the speculation of the veteran, and there is no evidence." Xue Qing He said calmly.
"Master Xue may have overthought it. It seems that Zhang Da must have taken refuge with the Jie people and then sent troops to attack Yancheng. There is nothing to doubt about this." Zhang Ju, the right servant of the Ministry of Personnel, said.
"Since you have surrendered to the Jie tribe, why do you still leave a small number of troops to garrison Xiguan? Can't you just let the Jie tribe enter the pass?"
"This? Who knows!" Zhang Ju didn't know how to defend himself, so he had to bite his tongue and reply.
Xue Qing no longer paid attention to Zhang Ju, but turned to look at Dai Yan, the Minister of Punishment, and said, "Sir Dai, I think we should check Zhang Da's past carefully to see how he achieved the position of guard general of Xiguan. Everything is related to the safety of the imperial court."
Dai Yan didn't answer, just smiled slightly, and then looked at Zhang Zhi.
"Father, my son and I think it is inappropriate. Recommending talents to the imperial court is a matter of etiquette. If the recommended person is implicated in this, then who will dare to recommend talents to the imperial court in the future." The prince explained.
"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince must have misunderstood. Mr. Xue just said to investigate. We will make a conclusion after the investigation." Fang Shutong hurriedly added.
"Master Fang, this person was jointly recommended by the Ministry of War, and he must have been approved by Master Fang," Meng Xiangli, the Minister of Personnel, said.
"Yes, so I urge you to investigate clearly. I don't know the person I know, so you can start with the investigation first."
Fang Shuyi said with an indifferent expression. Fang Shutong's words completely rejected the prince's faction.
The prince looked back at the three of them and said, "Okay, you three old men have agreed to let you check and see what you can find out?"
"That's enough!"
Zhao Wuji, who was sitting on the dragon throne, interrupted the argument below, "The most important thing right now is to recapture Xiguan. This matter will be investigated in detail after Xiguan is recaptured."
All the officials in the audience agreed.
