The Yan army bypassed Jinan, crossed the river from Guantao, and successively captured Dong'a, Wenshang, and Zouxian. The army in Shandong was shocked when they learned that King Yan was driving directly to the capital. Wu Jie, the commander-in-chief on the left and right, hurriedly rushed out and chased the Yan army. In March, the Yan army captured Peixian and Xuzhou.
War reports flew to the capital like snowflakes. In the Fengtian Palace, Zhu Yunwen looked solemn.
Qi Tai's head was covered with sweat and he said: "I would like to summon troops to guard the Yan bandits. There are still large armies in Jingzhou and Fuzhou nearby. Please go there with the imperial decree."
Zhu Yunwen frowned and said nothing. The Zhili Army smashed in more than 500,000 yuan, which had already damaged the vitality of the Ming Dynasty; how about adding Jingzhou and Fuzhou into it again? What's more, it is an army further south than the Zhili Army. Is it possible to deal with the Yan Army? In Zhu Yunwen's heart, he didn't quite believe Qitai's words at this time.
"My lord, please fight!"
"My lord, please fight!"
Two people stood out from the ranks of officials, and loud calls for battle resounded throughout Fengtian Hall. Zhu Yunwen looked over and saw that one was Wei Guogong Xu Huizu and the other was the consort Mei Yin. The two of them were impassioned, but also a little anxious.
Zhu Yunwen couldn't help but hesitate. Xu Huizu was the uncle of King Yan's wife, and the two had always had a good relationship. King Yan stayed in the Duke of Wei's mansion when he came to the capital. I heard that he and Princess Yan also had a close brother-in-law relationship. Even if he didn't mean to be selfish, he was definitely in some trouble. Mei Yin is the consort, and he has no eyesight on the battlefield. If he is slightly injured, how will the eldest princess of Ning state explain it
When Xu Huizu saw that the emperor was silent, he took another step forward and said anxiously: "The Yan thieves have passed Xuzhou, and the situation is critical! Your Majesty, please let me lead a group of troops to intercept them, and attack them from the front and back with the Ping An soldiers. We will definitely defeat the Yan thieves!"
Zhu Yunwen shook his head: "Xu Qing's loyalty is commendable, but that is King Yan. How sure is Xu Qing?" He looked at Duke Wei with clear eyes.
Xu Huizu heard the implication of the emperor's words and became even more anxious: "Your Majesty! My family has been loyal for generations. I have studied sages since I was a child. How can I sacrifice my loyalty for personal gain? Even my sister has committed such a heinous crime. I will never show any mercy!"
Zhu Yunwen saw the veins on his forehead popping out as he spoke, and comforted him: "I trust Xu Qing, but I govern the country with benevolence and filial piety. How can I bear to let you kill each other? Princess Yan is Xu Qing's eldest sister, wouldn't it be better for Xu Qing to stay out of the way?"
Xu Huizu was really anxious. In the past three years, the imperial court has sent generals again and again, but he has been asking for war but has not been allowed. It turns out that this is what the emperor thought!
With a "stab" sound, Wei Guogong Xu Huizu tore off the corner of his robe, raised his hand and bit his finger, blood dripping from it. Amidst the exclamations of the officials, Xu Huizu waved his fingers and wrote two big words "Please fight!" Then he knelt down in front of the Jinluan throne, raised his hands above his head: "Your Majesty!" Blood dripped from his fingers.
Zhu Yunwen was startled for a moment, then said warmly for a long time: "Okay! I will appoint you as the Commander-in-Chief of the Chinese Army, and lead the people of the Commander-in-Chief's Mansion to reinforce the Shandong pursuers!"
Xu Huizu was overjoyed: "Thank you, Your Majesty!" He hesitated and asked, "How many troops are there in the Governor's Mansion?"
Zhu Yunwen frowned, and Qi Tai took a step forward and muttered: "There are still eight thousand people in the Zuo Army Governor's Mansion, and the others are gone."
Xu Huizu was shocked: "There are only 8,000 people in the entire Fifth Army Governor's Mansion? How will your capital defend the city?"
Qitai didn't answer, sweat dripping on the ground.
Zhu Yunwen frowned and said: "Xu Qing, let's go with these eight thousand people first! Licheng Hou Shengyong has arranged the defense of Dezhou and will lead a large army to reinforce the Ping An Army from Dezhou. Our army still has an advantage in numbers. There are still more soldiers in the capital to defend the city. The Beijing Camp and the Twelve Guards Guards Army."
Xu Huizu felt extremely regretful at this time. Why didn't he fight to the death as soon as possible? How come there are only 8,000 troops left in the Fifth Army Commander's Mansion
Looking at the emperor's frown, Xu Huizu suppressed the anger in his heart and said with emotion: "My lord, I obey the order!"
Mei Yin, like Xu Huizu, was also extremely upset. He only said that dispatching troops and generals was a matter for the Ministry of War. He never expected that Qitai would reduce the capital to only 8,000 people! No matter how powerful Wei Guogong is, he cannot compete with the Yan army with this. As for Pingan and Shengyong, one was behind the Yan army and the other was still in Dezhou, and Xu Huizu could not command them. This trip is really worrying.
Mei Yin took another step forward: "Your Majesty! Please send me to Huai'an to garrison, just in case, in case the Yan bandits pass through Suzhou, Huai'an is an important road that must pass through. I will defend it to the death."
Zhu Yunwen hesitated: "Auntie Huang..."
Mei Yin said anxiously: "If a man protects his family and country, how can he tolerate the love of so many children? The eldest princess is not a person who disregards the righteousness. Don't worry, Your Majesty!" Seeing that Zhu Yunwen was still hesitant, Mei Yin said: "Your Majesty is an important minister and also wrote A blood letter?"
Zhu Yunwen said with a heart: "Okay! The quasi-consort, Captain Mei Yin, will guard Huai'an!"
In April, the Southern Army's deputy commander-in-chief Zuo safely caught up with the Yan army in Suzhou. Xu Huizu arrived just in time, and the two attacked from front to back. There was a battle at Qimeishan, and the imperial army won a great victory. The Yan army suffered heavy losses. Wang Zhen, Chen Wen and other generals were killed, but they refused to retreat. The northern and southern armies were in a stalemate across the Fei River.
The Yan army was stationed in Lingbi, near the Huaihe River. The weather in April was very rainy and humid, making it difficult to walk in the mud. Most of the Yan army were from the north and were accustomed to dry and clear skies. In this continuous rain, some people kept getting sick and fell down.
Dao Yan then came up with an idea. Every day, the sick soldiers were deliberately wandering around outside, and the serious ones were carried in and out. He also went around looking for doctors and medical officers to buy up all the medicinal materials in Lingbi County. Then he asked the sergeants to spread rumors that the Yan army was infected with the epidemic and was preparing to withdraw.
The Confederate Army was overjoyed. After receiving the battle report, the imperial court ordered Xu Huizu to lead the troops from the Dudu Mansion back to the capital. Ping An Wu Jie also breathed a sigh of relief and prepared to wait for the Yan army to withdraw, so that his own army could take the opportunity to rest.
Unexpectedly, the Yan army waited for Wei Guogong to leave and attacked the Confederate camp overnight. Both Wu Jie and Wu Jie were captured, and the Confederate army was defeated.
Sheng Yong arranged the defense of Dezhou and led his army to pursue them from Shandong. On the way, I heard the news that Lingbi was defeated and Wu Jie was captured. Sheng Yong sighed deeply and went south alone, forming a formation on the south bank of the Huai River to wait for the Yan army. However, the Yan army secretly crossed the Huaihe River from Xuyi to the east and appeared behind Sheng Yong.
The weather in May was already a bit dry. The door curtain of the Chinese army tent was open, and a gentle breeze blew in to feel cool. Several people were sitting in the Chinese military tent discussing the military situation. Zhu Di still had the usual careless look on his face, Zhu Quan had a complicated expression, Zhu Gaoxu kept rubbing his hands excitedly, Zhu Gaosui was also in high spirits, and Zhu Neng had a solemn expression. Ma Sanbao stood solemnly behind King Yan, motionless.
Zhu Neng said: "Your Majesty! There are 83,567 troops surrendered this time. Our army, excluding the defenders in Beiping, has a total of 380,000 troops."
Zhu Gaoxu laughed happily: "Ha! The court didn't expect this, right?"
Zhu Quan let out a long breath: "At least I won't be driven back."
Zhu Di looked at everyone and was about to speak when Wang Jinghong hurried in from outside: "Your Majesty! Zhu Mei is back! But..."
Zhu Di frowned: "What?"
Wang Jinghong waved, and two soldiers came in supporting a man covered in blood. It's Zhu Mei, but her ears are missing and there are only two holes left in her nose!
Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui stood up in a hurry. Ma Sanbao rushed to meet him and supported Zhu Mei.
Zhu Mei is a personal soldier of the palace and a subordinate of Wang Jinghong. When the King of Yan heard that Mei Yin was in Huai'an, he wrote a letter in person, stating that his five younger brothers had been demoted, moved, or set themselves on fire. He stated that he was just trying to calm the situation, and went to the capital to see the emperor and deal with the treacherous officials before returning to Peiping. In a few days it would be the anniversary of Taizu's death, and I hoped that he would give way so that the two brothers could visit the mausoleum in time to pay their respects. Based on Zhu Di's understanding of Mei Yin, it is estimated that he will not give way, but as long as he is willing to listen to the conversation, Zhu Di is full of bitterness and really wants to have a good talk, even if he goes to Huai'an alone to see her.
Unexpectedly, Zhu Mei came back like this.
Zhu Di's face turned a little blue: "Have you seen Prince Consort Mei?"
Zhu Mei had no ears, no nose, and her face was covered in blood. She looked a little scared. But Zhu Mei was born as a soldier in Prince Yan's palace. He was very tough and showed no fear or sadness. Looking at King Yan, he said: "The prince consort received him in person. At that time, he opened the prince's letter and read it. He just scolded him while reading it." He hesitated here.
Zhu Di waved his hand: "Just say it."
Zhu Mei had lost his nose, and his voice was buzzing: "The prince-in-law called King Ning of Yan a rebellious minister and a traitor. Jingnan is just a cover, and he is treason."
Ning Wang Zhu Quan was about to jump up as soon as he hit the chair, but Zhu Di held it down and said, "Go on."
"The prince-in-law also said that Taizu Quanxia was a wise man, so he definitely didn't recognize the two of you as his sons. You two are not worthy of going to the mausoleum, and how could you have the face to pay tribute on the anniversary of his death. Cutting off my ears and nose was a sign of severing ties, and the mouth was left to convey the prince-in-law's words. Let you two think carefully about loyalty, filial piety and justice!" Zhu Mei finished speaking in one breath, a little breathless.
Zhu Di waved his hand, Ma Sanbao understood, and Wang Jinghong helped Zhu Mei to heal his injuries.
Zhu Quan was so angry that he trembled all over: "Fourth brother! They, why did they say that!" He was so angry that he couldn't help crying. Zhu Di stretched out his arms and patted his younger brother gently, his face also ashen. The grievances and sufferings suffered by his brothers were not worth mentioning in the eyes of these courtiers. The so-called loyalty means unconditional obedience to the court and the little emperor, even if it is a bad idea from a treacherous villain.
Zhu Quan choked and said: "Fourth brother! When are we going to rebel? I just want to see my eldest nephew and argue with him face to face. I can't treat my uncles like this. The one I hate the most is Qi Tai and Huang Zicheng. These two traitorous ministers have harmed We will turn our flesh and blood against each other!" He then cried again: "Huang Kao, will Huang Kao really disown us?"
Seeing that Zhu Quan was sad, Zhu Di felt sad and patted him gently, speechless.
Zhu Gaoxu said loudly: "Seventeenth uncle! Don't be stupid. If the emperor's grandfather were here, would the fifth uncle move to Yunnan? Will the twelfth uncle be burned to death? When the thirteenth uncle entered the palace, the emperor said a few words to him and let it go. Let’s have dinner together!”
Zhu Gaosui also said: "Yes! There are seven uncles, eighteen uncles, and fifteen uncles, and they will not be as miserable as now. Let me tell you, the emperor has no face to see Taizu!"
Zhu Quan stopped crying and looked at Zhu Di: "Fourth brother! I thought so too, that's why I came out from Daning. But what Consort Mei said must represent the thoughts of most of the courtiers. I'm afraid everyone thinks that We are rebelling. How are we prepared?"
This problem also troubled King Yan.
When they first raised their troops, they were full of enthusiasm and pride, but they simply felt that they could not live in humiliation. How could the thousands of guards in the palace resist the imperial court in a corner of the north? What I was thinking in my mind was that I would rather die than die, which is similar to the idea of the twelfth brother setting himself on fire. Later, Daning moved to Peiping to attack Shandong. I was quite overjoyed that the journey went smoothly, but I also felt that being separated from the imperial court would be the best outcome. Jinan suffered continuous setbacks and only wanted to stick to the north.
But now, we have crossed the Huaihe River. There are already 380,000 people, but in the capital, I heard that there are less than 10,000 people...
King Ning is right to ask, what should I do if I enter the capital
Zhu Di looked at Zhu Quan: "First, the traitors in the imperial court, such as Qi Tai, Huang Zicheng, and Fang Xiaoru, must be eliminated. Second, the imperial code is in chaos and must be rectified. Third, the emperor has arbitrarily changed the imperial examination legacy system without authorization, and there are piles of them. Everything must be changed back to the same as it was when Taizu was here. Including the policy towards our brother vassal king."
Seeing Zhu Quan nod, Zhu Di continued: "How about you and I, brothers, be the Duke of Zhou for a time, assisting the emperor, and then retire when we are successful?"
Zhu Quan cheered up and said, "Okay! Duke Zhou became the king and returned to power in seven years. We will be 'Zhu Gong', and then we will show Mei Prince Consort what a villain's heart is!" Zhu Di saw the second brother. At the age of fourteen, he is still as unbearable as he was when he was a child. His heart is full of enthusiasm, he is both funny and loving, and he says with a smile: "Okay, it's settled like that."
Zhu Neng interjected: "Your Majesty! Now that Huai'an is intercepted by Mei Consort, it will definitely be difficult to attack. As a general, why don't we attack the south from Zhongdu?"
Zhu Di shook his head: "There are imperial mausoleums of the Ming Dynasty in the city. How can we disturb our grandparents there? Now we can only go straight to Yangzhou, direct Yizheng, and cross the river from Guazhou."
Zhu Neng was a little worried: "Sheng Yong's army has already defended the river. If we move like this, I'm afraid there will be a water battle."
Zhu Gaoxu said loudly: "Just fight! He is the defeated general of my father, and he is no match for my father in the river." He raised his thumb and said, "He is no match for this county king!"
Everyone couldn't help laughing when they saw his triumphant look.
Zhu Di patted his head: "Good boy, you are so arrogant! Just like you!" He turned sideways and told Zhu Neng: "That's it, go straight to Yangzhou!"
By May 25th, the Yan army successively captured Tongzhou, Taizhou, Gaoyou, Yangzhou, and stationed troops in Guazhou.
"Between Jingkou and Guazhou, Zhongshan is only separated by a few mountains. The spring breeze is green again on the south bank of the river. When will the bright moon shine on me again?"
Zhu Di stood by the river, looking at the vast river, and murmured.
I left Beijing at the age of twenty, and now I am finally going back. The river water has not changed at all, but the man has grown from a graceful young man to a solemn middle-aged man. The last time I went to Beijing, the joys and sorrows of winter three years ago were even more unforgettable. Is she okay? But do you often think of yourself? As time goes by, this lovesickness becomes more and more profound, etched in my heart and unforgettable.
Zhu Di took out the glazed tower, and the colorful rays of light wandered and circled in the tower as if trying to break out of the tower. Can you survive this calamity