The Minister of Rites, Mo Wenchui, has been extremely excited these past two days. A while ago, he was depressed and couldn't sleep because of the delay in crossing the river with military rations, but these two days, he couldn't sleep because of excitement.
He suddenly understood why the emperor valued the Protector so highly. In the past, he just felt that the Protector could not receive the favor from his ancestors, but now he truly understood that although the Protector was young, he was very skilled. But it’s really remarkable.
A fire broke out in the city, destroying the main force of the Dong Qi Navy, and even brought back Shentu Luo, the world-famous first navy general.
Moventry couldn't suppress the ecstasy in his heart. He knew that for a memorial like this to express his merits, the Protector of the Country, a great hero, would never write it in person. Han Yu was a military general, and he didn't even know how to word it. The task of writing a memorial letter to express his merits was right and wrong. He was none other than himself, so the day Shentu Luo was brought back to Huize City, he immediately crafted a memorial and sent it to the capital as quickly as possible.
In the memorial, it is inevitable that the Protector will be praised. The Protector not only strategized and carefully planned the strategy, but also bravely took the lead, entered the tiger's den alone, and destroyed the main force of the Eastern Qi navy.
What Qi Ning did this time was so unbelievable that Moventry inevitably embellished it in the memorial. When reading this memorial, it was like a fairy tale.
In Moventry's view, in just a few days, Qining not only opened up the grain route, destroyed the main force of the navy, and even made Shen Tuluo surrender to the Chu Dynasty, this was almost no different from a myth.
The grain stored in the city was quickly transported to the Huaihe River, and the boats crossing the river had actually been prepared. The grain teams were like ants, working day and night to transport the grain forward. Soldiers and horses were also sent to the other side of the Huaihe River in advance, and even more people were sent. Report to Dingtao Pegasus.
When the Qinhuai Army learned that the food had been transported across the Huaihe River, they were naturally overjoyed, and Yue Huanshan immediately sent troops and horses to respond.
As the general manager of the granary in Huize City, Moventry had to work very hard these days. Han Yu was responsible for escorting the grain team, and he also had a heavy responsibility.
In addition to the thousands of soldiers and horses guarding the city who participated in transporting grain, Moventry also recruited a large number of civilians. The distance from Huize City to Huai River was not that far. It took three days to transport half of the grain in the city. When they arrived at the Huai River, half of them crossed the river.
Although Qi Ning did not personally participate in transporting grain, once Han Yu left the city, he took on the responsibility of maintaining order in the city. Previously, Huize City had implemented a curfew and strict governance, which had created an orderly atmosphere, so Qi Ning still You really don’t need to put too much thought into it.
As for Qi Ning, he is just waiting for Xuanyuan Po to successfully bring Duan Shao back.
Shentu Luo abandoned his ship and landed in Huize City. Ultimately, it was because of Duan Shao.
Qi Ning never thought that there was an absolutely perfect plan in this world.
Although the deployment is careful, Qining himself does not dare to have any guarantee as to whether Xuanyuan Po can be foolproof and safely bring Duan Shao back. Because of this, even Han Yu and Mo Wenchui have no idea that Xuanyuan Po is gone. Where.
Shen Tuluo was able to follow him to Huize City, which was smoother than planned, but for Shen Tuluo, this was also a gamble.
Although he was not completely sure that Duan Shao would definitely fall into the hands of the Chu people, he still followed him. He didn't care about his own wealth and life, and resolutely came to the city to save Duan Shao's life.
After arriving in Huize City, Shentu Luo stayed at home in the house that had been arranged for him. He neither took the initiative to see Qining, nor did Qining take the initiative to see him again.
Both are smart people and know the other's purpose.
One is to save Duan Shao's life, and the other is to use Shentu Luo to deal with the Puyang soldiers and horses. Before Duan Shao arrives, Shentu Luo will naturally not have any more transactions with Qi Ning, and Qi Ning knows this, so naturally he will not If you are interested, go talk to Shentu Luo again.
At dusk, Moventui hurriedly came to see Qi Ning. As soon as he saw Qi Ning, he beamed with joy, held his hands in his hands and said with a smile: "My lord, good things happen!"
"oh?"
"I just found out that another fleet of the Dongqi Navy is upstream of Huangyan Ferry, half a day's journey from Huangyan Ferry. It is parked there and has no action." Moventry said softly: "They must be targeting Huangyan Ferry. The situation on the other side is just waiting for those fake grain and grass crossings from Huangyan to cross the river before launching an offensive."
Qi Ning smiled and said: "It seems that they are very patient. It has been almost four days since Huangyandu took action, and they are still waiting."
"Half of the food and grass here have been transported. In three or four days, all the food can be transported." Moventui said: "General Yue has sent people to handle it...!" He couldn't help but laugh: " Even if the Dongqi navy discovers that there is a fraud on Huangyandu and wants to rush here, it will still take two days. By the time they arrive, the situation is already over. What's more, judging from the current situation, waiting for us Even if all the grain is transported across the river, they may not be able to find it.”
Qi Ning nodded slightly, and Mo Wenchui let out a long breath and said: "The Duke has made an unparalleled contribution this time, and the Emperor will definitely be very happy. I'm afraid it won't take a few days for the Emperor's reward to come."
"Reward?" Qining said: "I am now a duke, how can I give a reward?"
Moventui was startled for a moment, then suddenly realized that above the duke was the king. To ministers with different surnames, the duke was already a very human minister. Since the founding of the Chu Kingdom, no one with a different surname had ever been crowned king.
It was not easy to establish the country of Chu, and the requirements for rewards were actually very high. It was difficult to get a title without making great contributions.
The four hereditary princes of the empire were all founding heroes with countless meritorious deeds. Even so, they were all just marquises and dukes with different surnames, and they only started from Ma Lan, the Zhenguo Company.
Qi Ning was promoted to the title of Protector of the Country from Jinyi Hou, which was already a long and graceful event. Now that he has been awarded the title of Duke not long ago, the emperor will not issue an order to make him a king.
Although Qining made great contributions to the northwest, opened up the Huai River, and broke the water division, the achievements of several hereditary princes in those years were not as good as Qining's. If Qining was granted successive titles in a short period of time, Not only is it unprecedented, but more importantly, it will inevitably lead to jealousy.
"The Northern Han Dynasty has not been defeated. No one knows what the outcome of this battle will be." Qining said: "If the Northern Expedition is really successful, I would like to ask the emperor to reward ten or eight beauties."
When Mo Wenchui heard this, he immediately laughed, thinking that the Lord Protector was young and it was human nature to like beauties. But now that you are the Duke of the state, there is no need to get any kind of beauty you want. Let the emperor reward you.
Qi Ning mentioned the beauty just casually, but suddenly thought of the family members in Beijing.
Not long after the wedding, he left Beijing. He and his wife were not yet warm enough. When he thought of Ximen Zhanying, he naturally thought of Ximen Wuhen. She didn't know if Ximen Zhanying already knew about Ximen Wuhen's death.
Ximen Wuhen's body was brought back to the capital by Hongmendao. Naturally, this matter had to be reported to the young emperor, but of course the court had to keep the news of Ximen Wuhen's death strictly confidential.
Now is the time of the Northern Expedition. Ximen Wuhen is the presence that intimidates the domestic Jianghu forces. If the Jianghu factions know that Ximen Wuhen has passed away, although they will not rebel, but without the checks and balances of Ximen Wuhen, the major factions will inevitably attack each other. Killing would re-change the situation in the world, which would naturally be very detrimental to Chu's Northern Expedition.
As long as the major sects are not sure that Ximen Wuhen has passed away, they will not dare to act rashly.
The imperial court is naturally aware of this, so it is absolutely impossible to publicize the news of Shenhou's death to the outside world, let alone arrange Ximen Wuhen's funeral.
Qi Ning lamented in his heart that although Ximen Wuhen was famous during his lifetime, after his death, he could not even organize the funeral in an honest manner.
The Shenhou Mansion has no leader. Although Ximen Wuhen did not directly say that Xuanyuan Po was the successor during his lifetime, Xuanyuan Po has been recognized as the successor within the Shenhou Mansion. If Xuanyuan Po brings Duan Shao back this time, it will be an immediate success. The next great achievement, the position of God Lord, belongs to him.
It would be fine if the Shenhou Mansion had informed Ximen Zhanying about Ximen Wuhen's death. Otherwise, he would have to explain the matter to Ximen Zhanying personally. Thinking of Ximen Zhanying's grief after knowing the truth, Qi Ning felt heartbroken. Also sad.
He knew that even if he was not in the capital, Gu Qinghan would take good care of Ximen Zhanying. Naturally, Qining would not have any doubts about Gu Qinghan's thoughtfulness.
He and Gu Qinghan were inseparable. From the first moment he saw Gu Qinghan, he made up his mind to get together with her. However, he also knew that it was not easy to get together. In addition to Gu Qinghan's many worries, now he also had many worries. Ximen Zhanying was among them, but in the middle of the war, these children couldn't think too much about their personal relationship. They could only wait for a while and then come up with a more appropriate method.
Seeing that the young master was deep in thought, Moventu did not dare to disturb him and quietly retreated.
Two more days passed, and Xuanyuan Po, whom Qin Ning had been looking forward to day and night, never returned. Although he knew that Xuanyuan Po was cautious and cautious, he still felt a little worried in his heart. After all, whether Duan Shao could be brought back smoothly was related to the great cause of the Northern Expedition. Without Duan Shao , even if Shen Tuluo died, he would not write that letter of persuasion to surrender.
Although Xuanyuan Po didn't come, he welcomed another old acquaintance.
When Chi Fengdian arrived at Qining's residence, the sun was setting and Chi Fengdian appeared in front of Qining in armor, which really surprised Qining.
Chi Fengdian is the commander of the Royal Yulin Camp. Since the reign of the previous emperor, Chi Fengdian has commanded the Yulin Camp in the imperial city to guard the palace. After the young emperor ascended the throne, Chi Fengdian has stood firm in the position of Yulin Camp. .
Qi Ning has dealt with Chi Fengdian many times and knows that this person is usually quite slick in his speech and behavior, but in several critical moments, he always stays in the wrong team and is extremely calm.
Qi Ning was naturally surprised when Chi Fengdian came suddenly today. When Chi Fengdian saw Qi Ning, he had already rushed forward, held his hands in his hands and said with a smile: "I will pay my respects to the Duke of the country, Chi Fengdian!" He made a gesture of bowing down. , but Qi Ning had already smiled and supported him and said: "You don't need to be polite, Commander Chi. I didn't expect that our little Huize City would welcome Commander Chi to visit us today. This is really rare!"
"The Duke is making fun of you." Chi Fengdian laughed and said, "Even the Duke is stationed in this city. I am really happy to see the Duke here." He leaned closer and whispered: "The Duke He was missing in the northwest, and the emperor was worried day and night. Not long ago, a secret message from Governor Wei was sent from Xichuan, and he felt relieved when he learned that the Duke was on his way to Huai River."
Qi Ning bowed to the upper left and said: "Your Majesty has favored you, and the Emperor's kindness is so great. It is really a grave sin for me to worry the Emperor!" He invited Chi Fengdian to take a seat, and then asked with a smile: "Chief Commander, the Imperial City in the capital You are guarding it, how can you be free this time?"