The conspiracy to force the marriage of the empress
The heavy snow did not cover the feet, but the army had to move forward at full speed. The dense ruts and horseshoe prints melted the snow on the road, and it was quickly formed into ice crystals by the bitter north wind. The first horse team was acceptable, and the follow-up The soldiers' journey was very hard.
Even so, no one complained. There seemed to be only the sound of wind, horses' hooves, and the sound of instruments knocking on the armor.
The three armies all know: their commander Han Yun issued a military order at the time. If this battle is defeated, the commander will be beheaded, and the other soldiers will also be punished. This is the usual system in the military. No one is spared.
In such a cold weather, the hardest camping is the soldiers at the bottom. Those adults and officers are okay, and they can sleep in a carriage for the last time. Maybe there is a stove, and the soldiers at the bottom can only sit around the fire in the cold wind. One night. It was because of this that Han Yun ordered the soldiers to move forward at full speed, so that they could reach the next important military town before sunset, a city that could accommodate a hundred thousand troops. The soldiers knew this in their hearts, so no one complained, even if it was slippery. He fell to the ground and immediately got up to catch up with the team.
There is a saying in the art of war: before the army moves, food and grass go first.
However, due to the lack of time, the entire army only brought a small amount of food and grass, which could probably be supported to Linjiang City.
Qi Yan huddled in the corner of the carriage, wrapped in the fox fur coat that Nangong Jingnu had given her before she left. In the middle of the carriage was a copper stove. The silver and carbon in the stove were burning red, releasing heat. No one in the army was more comfortable than Qi Yan, but she still felt cold.
The windows of the carriage were opened by the cold wind from time to time, and the cold wind rushed in with a "wheeze". Every time Qi Yan smelled the cold air, she felt that the cold wind pierced directly into her lungs along her nose and mouth.
"Cough cough..." Qi Yan turned her head and coughed a few times. Gu Ruolan saw it and opened an inconspicuous cloth bag. She grabbed a handful of herbs and threw them into the stove. It was very comfortable to get up, Qi Yan took a few deep breaths, and felt that the desire to cough was not so strong.
Gu Ruolan: "Brother, are you feeling better?"
Qi Yan: "Thank you."
Gu Ruolan lifted the seat cushion of the carriage again, took out a quilt and put it on Qi Yan's body: "Your water disease is the most afraid of cold. The further north you go, the colder you are, so you should be more careful."
Qi Yan did not refuse, but pulled the quilt to cover her mouth and nose, Gu Ruolan could only sigh silently in her heart when she saw it.
Her "eldest brother"'s body was fine in the southern capital, but when she came to this thousand-mile frozen northern country, even if she took good care of her... the biting cold wind alone was enough for her to endure.
Gu Ruolan didn't speak any more, she took out two steamed buns from her rucksack and baked them on a tripod with a clean cloth. The march was difficult. This belly.
Fortunately, the team arrived at the next city before dark, and the snow was still falling, breaking Han Yunye's idea of marching, and had to order a rest.
Qi Yan was placed in a small courtyard in the backyard of the prefect's mansion, and Gu Ruolan asked someone to prepare a wooden barrel for Qi Yan to take a medicinal bath.
After drinking the medicine, Qi Yanban leaned on the bed and chatted with Gu Ruolan.
Qi Yan: "Sister."
Gu Ruolan: "Yes, big brother."
Qi Yan: "I have something I want to ask you."
Gu Ruolan: "Brother, just say it."
Qi Yan: "I want to know... Does my illness have any effect on this...?" As she spoke, Qi Yan stretched out her index finger and pointed at her temple.
Gu Ruolan was a little surprised, because Her Majesty the Empress had also asked the same question, and she had already given the answer... Could it be that Her Majesty the Empress did not mention this to her eldest brother
If so, should I tell the truth
Qi Yan saw Gu Ruolan who had always been hearty and hesitant, and already knew it in her heart, but she still wanted to know how serious it could be, so she showed a relieved smile and said softly, "Don't worry, girl, I am still clear about my own body. , I just want to know how long the status quo can last and what the most serious consequences are."
Gu Ruolan pursed her lips, and twisted her hands on her legs together. After thinking for a long time, she replied, "Big brother's current physical condition... On the one hand, it is caused by water disease, and on the other hand, there seems to be a toxin flowing in the body of big brother. , I have tried a lot of methods but I can only reluctantly suppress it. Big brother’s body should not be labored the most. If you can choose a place where the four seasons are like spring, you can take care of yourself with peace of mind, suppress medicines, and supplement your diet… Although you can’t fully recover, you can still enjoy some ordinary people. day."
Qi Yan: "Don't take into account my feelings and choose those conservative words. I want to know... Does my illness have any effect on the mind? If I can't suppress it, what will happen in the end?"
Gu Ruolan took a deep breath and answered truthfully: "It has an impact. And the impact is almost irreversible, not only the brain... The impact of each attack on most organs in the body is irreversible, but the current situation of the eldest brother is irreversible. Your health is still in good condition. If you can take good care of it, it is possible to maintain the status quo. I really don't understand why Her Majesty the Empress sent you to this bitter cold place... Your Majesty also knows about your illness."
Qi Yan was stunned, and murmured, "Does she know?"
Gu Ruolan: "Yes."
Qi Yan still felt melancholy, not because of anything else, but because she didn't want Nangong Jingnu to know her current physical condition.
However, Qi Yan heard the dissatisfaction in Gu Ruolan's words, and took the initiative to explain: "This trip to Luobei was not sent by her, but requested by me. Don't blame her, if I hadn't begged again and again, She will never send me here... I am very grateful that she respects my wishes, in fact, making such a decision, His Majesty's heart is more painful than anyone else. It is I... embarrassing her."
Gu Ruolan: "Brother, it's been so hard after only one day's walk, why not...?"
Qi Yan said firmly: "Since you are my sister-in-law, you shouldn't hide some things from you. I am the princess of Beijing, and Luobei is my hometown. There are my Anda and my people. The reason why the war was able to start, there are some reasons for me. My sworn brothers thought that I was dead, and this time the army was raised to avenge me. Now the imperial army is strong and strong, the capital is far away from the battlefield, and the grassland has no chance of winning. When Luochuan is thawed, the supply of grasslands will become a dead end, and it will be difficult to turn back. Since his enthronement, His Majesty has been diligent in politics and love for the people, and he has been benevolent in his administration. There are thousands of people, and the foundation of the grassland has long been eaten up. Although it has been slowed down for all these years, the population is not necessarily restored to its heyday. If it wasn't for the fact that there was still a me between the Jingwei and Wei, Your Majesty could completely lift the whole country. Take advantage of this opportunity to completely conquer the grasslands, so as to avoid future troubles…”
Speaking of this, a trace of tenderness flashed in Qi Yan's eyes: "Your Majesty... She is thinking of my feelings and gave me this chance. This is also the last chance for the grassland."
After Gu Ruolan heard Qi Yan's words, she felt inexplicably sad.
Gu Ruolan also heard about the Jingwei incident. Back then, when the late emperor ordered the purge, she also saw the tragic mass graves on the way to practice medicine with her grandfather.
She really can't imagine, two people who are hated by the country and the family, or two women... How much courage and mind, how much pain and obstacles to resist to get to where they are today.
Gu Ruolan's last trace of resentment towards Nangong Jingnu has also dissipated. Although there are still some things she can't understand, Gu Ruolan knows... Her Majesty the Empress must be the "big brother" who loves her to the core.
Love so much that she can't be selfish, love so much... willing to bear everything to fulfill her wishes.
Going to another place, Gu Ruolan braved the crime of trespassing and secretly changed her position in her heart to think, if she were the Empress... Would she risk her death to fulfill her wish
The answer is obviously no. If you love someone so much, you will never let the other person leave you.
Regardless of the dangers of the battlefield, it is very likely that the body of the person you love will never return.
If you lose your loved one, how will the one who survived survive the rest of your life
Just thinking about it will make my heart hurt, but Gu Ruolan also understands her determination from Qi Yan's words. If she fails to stop this war, it will definitely become her lifelong regret.
Perhaps it is precisely because of this: Her Majesty the Empress is willing to bear some unknown results and fulfill her lover.
The room was very quiet, Qi Yan and Gu Ruolan were silent with their own thoughts, and a knock on the door broke the silence.
Gu Ruolan: "It's so late, who could it be?"
Qi Yan: "General Han."
Gu Ruolan: "How do you know, eldest brother?"
Qi Yan smiled without saying a word, picked up the mask by the pillow and put it on her face.
Gu Ruolan opened the door, and it turned out that General Han Yun was standing outside the door. Gu Ruolan couldn't help but admire her. She asked General Han to enter, and she went out and took the door with her.
Facing Qi Yan who was still wearing a mask in the middle of the night, Han Yun showed no surprise at all. He bowed his hands to Qi Yan as usual: "Master Imperial Commissioner."
Qi Yan: "General Han is very polite. You are the commander-in-chief. I should have come to salute, but you are not in good health. When you lie down, your whole body is weak. I also hope that Lord Han will forgive you."
In fact, at this moment, Han Yun doesn't even know the name of the imperial envoy. Han Yun doesn't seem to care about Qiyan's identity, or maybe he has suffered from being excluded and learned to be smart.
Han Yun: "It's okay, the rush on the snowy road is much harder than usual, and Han took the liberty to disturb it late at night."
Qi Yan: "What's the matter with Master Han?"
Han Yun smiled slightly, and took out a slap-sized ceramic jar from his arms. He rode past the adult's carriage during the day and heard a cough. This was a jar of Qiu Lilu, which the lower official asked the steward of the prefectural mansion to ask for. , If the imperial envoy does not dislike it, I hope to accept it with a smile.
Qi Yan thanked him calmly, raised her hand to take Qiu Lilu, but made a comment on Han Yun in her heart. This person is a delicate and careful person. Although he has no official or rank, he is arranged by the empress. The person who came in, Qiu Lilu was not valuable, and it would not constitute a crime of bribery if it was spread out, but in the end it was what he wanted.
Seeing Qi Yan smiling, Han Yun was even more delighted. He leaned forward with his hands on his knees: "Sir, Xiaguan has just looked at the map, and I want to share some thoughts with my lord. I wonder if it's okay?"
Qi Yan: "Master Han, please speak."
Han Yun said, "Ashamed, even though the subordinate official has been in the army for half his life, Doluobei knows very little. Fortunately, he did some homework before leaving." Then he took out a sheepskin roll from his cuff to hand over To Qi Yan.
Qi Yan unfolded it and saw that this was a map of Luochuan, which recorded all the prefectures, counties and counties through which Luochuan flowed.
Han Yun straightened his waist and continued: "Luochuan flows through nine prefectures, more than thirty counties, and twenty-eight cities in total. According to the report before leaving, the two cities of Luoshui County and Jiao County have been They have fallen one after another, please see the picture, adults... These two cities can be regarded as the rear of Linjiang City, so the current Linjiang City has become an isolated island, and the connection with the outside world has been basically cut off."
Qi Yan nodded, and Han Yun continued: "If the army wants to support Linjiang City, it is bound to break through the blockade of these two cities, or take a detour to Luochuan from other counties, then march on Luochuan, and go around behind. When you arrive at Linjiang City, which way do you think is feasible?"
Qi Yan did not answer, but instead asked: "What does Master Han mean?"
Han Yun: "Xiaguan believes that since this unit is a reinforcement, it must arrive at Linjiang City safely without any loss, so no matter what the odds of winning, it is not appropriate to have a head-on conflict with the enemy, and should go to the rear to directly support Linjiang City. "
In this regard, Qi Yan agreed, but the worry in his heart was deeper.
Han Yun sighed and suddenly said, "It's a pity that a military order has been issued."
Qi Yan asked, "Why is it a pity?"
Han Yun: "Don't hide it from your lord, a subordinate officer has a clever plan, which may easily defeat the enemy."
Qi Yan: "Please also ask Mr. Han to talk about it."
Han Yun got up and came to Qi Yan's side, drew a circle on the map, and said, "Sir, this is the twenty-eight cities that Xiaguan Shicai said, some of which have strong walls and plenty of food and people. The rest They are just some border towns, the walls are mostly adobe, short and weak, and there are few people."
Having said that, Qi Yan has roughly understood what Han Yun wants to express, and her worries are even deeper. This Han Yun has exceeded the description in the file back then, so this ability... is definitely not something Bayin can resist.
Han Yun: "Xiaguan felt that, while the war didn't burn over, it would be better to order all the people in these cities to move southward, take all the food in the city that could be taken away, and bury those that could not be taken away or burn them down. There are also all the defense equipment to be destroyed. These cities are easy to attack and difficult to defend, it is better to let them all out, so that even if the city falls, the enemy will only get an empty city, and Linjiang City does not have to be exhausted to rescue. "
Qi Yan: "You want to divide the grasslands?"
Han Yun showed admiration and said happily: "That's right! Please see, sir, as far as I know, most of the aliens gather in this area, and it is three hundred miles from Luochuan. So I think we lost two seats. The city, but there are not necessarily many people dispatched by the aliens this time, maybe only tens of thousands, or even less. With the addition of these 100,000 soldiers and horses, there are 200,000 troops in Linjiang City. Let the empty city where they live, they are bound to attack it. Defending the city requires troops, so the combat capability of a single city of aliens will be greatly reduced. We only need to inform other important towns adjacent to Luoshui to beware of reinforcements from the grasslands, and snipe them with all their strength. Luochuan will be able to cut off the enemy's food supply, and it will not take long for their food and grass to run out. Just wait for the spring of the next year, Luochuan will defrost at the latest in May, and then these aliens will become turtles in the urn. At that time, our army will be iron cavalry. When the whole nest is dispatched, it will definitely be able to take back the lost ground in one fell swoop, and destroy all the rebels!"
Qi Yan suddenly clenched the quilt on her body, and quickly loosened it again. After a long while, she replied, "But... Didn't Master Han make a military order? For losing so many cities in a row, Your Majesty is afraid that he will be blamed."
Han Yun sighed: "Having said that, the subordinate really thinks this is the best way. I don't know if the imperial envoy... can you tell your majesty?"
Qi Yan: "I'm afraid this won't work. General Han has issued a military order in the presence of the ministers. Even if His Majesty is willing to believe it, the courtiers will be held accountable. Although this plan is good, Lord Han should not seek another way."
Han Yun sighed heavily: "In this way, Xiaguan will not be embarrassed by the imperial envoy. It's getting late, Xiaguan will retire."
Qi Yan: "No."
After Han Yun left, Qi Yan sat up straight, and the white shirt on his back was almost soaked by sweat. At this moment, Qi Yan was extremely happy that he insisted on going to the battlefield. Just now, Han Yun kept saying "killed"... With his ability, Coupled with the military strength of the court, it may really be possible.
Qi Yan slammed the quilt on her body: Bayin, Bayin... Why didn't you listen to my original advice
Even if he has no feelings for Nangong Jingnu, in all fairness: he does not agree with the revival of war on the grasslands. Over the years, the prairie people have undergone several purges, and the tribal population has gone to nine save one, how to fight against the imperial court.
Bayin, Bayin, I know the hatred and pain in your heart, but... Why do you have to fight a battle you know you will lose
…
In a blink of an eye, Qi Yan had left the capital for more than half a month.
In the past, Nangong Jingnv would go to half of the forbidden palace when she went to court, but now she has nowhere to go, and she is at a loss.
However, on the third day after Qi Yan left, Nangong Jingnu found a new place to replace it, which was the former palace of Concubine Liang.
Now the palace is empty, but Nangong Jingnu remembers that Concubine Liang believed in Buddhism in the past, so there is a small Buddhist hall in her palace and several Buddha statues are enshrined.
On the third day after Qi Yan left, Nangong Jingnv would come to the Buddhist hall every day, copy the scriptures, and then kneel on the futon to pray for a while.
If she can explain, Nangong Jingnv has already explained it to Han Yun, and Gu Ruolan is also by Qi Yan's side, and she has filled Qi Yan with a lot of medicinal materials she needs. It seems that Nangong Jingnv has done everything she can do...
Even so, Nangong Jingnu would still feel uneasy. She wanted to do something for Qi Yan, but found that she couldn't do anything...
After watching her board the carriage and head north, it seemed that the only thing she could do was pray to God and worship Buddha.
Nangong Jingnv has always believed in these things, but when Qi Yan was "poisoned" last time, Nangong Jingnv also prayed, and Qi Yan was really cured. Although the truth came out later, it was just Qi Yan's plan That's all, but this kind of thought took root in Nangong Jingnu's heart.
It seems that as long as she prays sincerely, Qi Yan can really be at peace.
For more than 20 years since she was born, Nangong Jingnu has never prayed for herself once, and seldom burns incense to tell the Buddha, but for the sake of Qi Yan... even if it is something illusory, she is willing to give it a try.
On the other hand, the courtiers, especially the left and right Pushe and the six ministers, felt that this war was likely to be related to the "mandate of heaven". Just think about it: Why did Luochuan go up to the front feet to have stone carvings, and then start the war on the back feet
The north and the south have been peaceful for so many years, why did the war suddenly break out? Perhaps it was Her Majesty the Empress who disrespected the mandate of Heaven, God's punishment!
The officials of the Ministry of Household acted quickly and quickly collected all the men with the surname of Long in Wei State. The surname of Long was not a common surname. After deducting those who were inappropriate in age, and deducting those who were already married, there were less than ten people left.
The Minister of Hubu carefully selected three men whose birthplace and time of birth were also related to the "dragon", and the portraits were re-beautified by the court painters and became three scrolls.
That night, the left and right Pushe and the six ministers once again gathered at the residence of the minister of the household, and the minister of the household took out the portraits of the three: "Look, my colleagues, these three portraits are the birthplaces carefully selected by the old man. There are men of the right age whose surname is 'Dragon'. The north and the south have been peaceful for so many years, and this sudden war is likely to be a warning from God. Since there is a cloud in the stone, 'The dragon and the phoenix are in harmony, so we can keep the peace.' Give it a try. If you don't respect the destiny, what will happen is unknown."
Everyone claimed that only Qin De, Minister of War, remained silent.
He was originally from Jinzhou Prefecture, and Qi Yan, who was fortunate in his career, has come to this day step by step. Even though Qi Yan's identity from Jinzhou seems to have been overthrown, Qin De still admits Qi Yan as his teacher.
There are men in the world who continue, women... Although it is not impossible to remarry, Qin De's heart is always a little uncomfortable.
But Qin De didn't defend Qi Yan in the end, because he knew that the current situation was the general trend, and he was powerless to recover.
Besides, the Marquis of Bei'an has been missing for more than half a year, and no one knows whether he is dead or alive, maybe... the person is gone.
An even more terrifying possibility is that the Marquis of Bei'an sneaked back to Luobei by disappearing. Is the Marquis of Bei'an the mastermind behind this war? If I take the lead, will I be implicated in the future when the truth is revealed
In the end, Qin De fell silent. All the adults only thought that Qin De was the acquiescence. A drama of forced marriage of the empress was secretly planned in the highest institution of imperial power.