The new year is approaching, and the government has been stable in recent days. From the emperor to the civil and military officials, everyone is in a happy mood, just waiting for the day of "seal the pen".
However, on this day, a censor surnamed Chen publicly impeached Xiao Yi, the heir of Zhennan Prince, in the early court, accusing him of "disregarding the court's laws, privately lending loan sharks, and seeking huge profits!"
Every word and every sentence of his was resounding, like a huge thunder, shaking the Golden Luan Hall.
As soon as this remark came out, all civil and military officials couldn't help whispering.
In just one year, the son of Zhennan Prince was impeached twice. The last time it ended in a hasty way, but he was fined and grounded. I don't know what will happen this time.
Although Xiao Yi's reputation has not been very good, since he went to southern Xinjiang, there have been frequent success reports. Chen Yushi chose to impeach Xiao Yi at this time, and he does not know what is the reason for it.
All the courtiers waited and watched.
The emperor's face sank slightly, and he asked, "Is what Ai Qing said true?"
"Report to the emperor." Chen Yushi bowed and said, "everything I said is true.... As far as I know, Xiao Yi, the son of Prince Zhennan, opened a Kaiyuan pawnshop in Huaiyuan County. , in private, there is usury, and it is extremely profitable! I don’t know how many people have been forced to ruin their families. And just yesterday, an old woman was forced to beat drums in the Huaiyuan County Government. Everyone in Huaiyuan County knows that I dare not speak falsely! Your Majesty, the world is clear, how can Xiao Yi be allowed to act recklessly!"
Listening to what Chen Yushi said in such detail, it seems that there is nothing wrong.
I knew that Xiao Yi was stubborn and lawless, but I didn't expect him to be so bold that he even dared to release loan sharks.
You know, what the late emperor hated most was lending loan sharks.
When the first emperor was still alive, there was an official's relative who secretly gave silver to a bank for loan sharks. In the end, the official was dismissed, and even the whole family was exiled.
Although the first emperor has passed away, the remaining prestige is still there, this Xiao Yi is simply audacious.
The emperor's face sank like water.
There was no sound in the Golden Luan Hall. At this moment, Nangong Qin stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I think this matter is of great importance, and we can't just listen to one side's words."
Chen Yushi said unhappily: "Master Nangong thinks that this official is not going to succeed?"
"Your Majesty." Nangong Qin bowed and said, "Although I have an in-law relationship with Prince Xiao, since he does not evade relatives, it is normal for me to argue on behalf of Prince Xiao. Prince Xiao is not in the capital now. If there is impeachment, a decision must be made after a thorough investigation."
"Your minister seconded the proposal." Chen Yuanzhou, Minister of the Ministry of War, also came out and said, "Your Majesty, Prince Xiao is leading the army to fight against the Southern Barbarians, and he has made great contributions to me..."
"This statement is wrong." Fang Zhijing, Minister of the Household Department, interrupted his words, and said righteously, "Your Majesty, Prince Xiao did indeed have merit in defeating the Nanman, but mistakes should not be ignored. Merit is merit, and demerit is demerit, otherwise What else can the court say about it?"
"Okay, stop arguing." The emperor raised his voice in displeasure, his brows furrowed.
Xiao Yi can be regarded as the one he watched growing up, and the emperor felt that he couldn't be more clear about how he behaved.
Xiao Yi would privately release loan sharks for profit? The emperor always felt a little weird. He pondered for a moment, and then said, "Master of Dali Temple!"
"The minister is here!" Dali Temple Minister Wang Jing bowed and came out.
"I order you to go to Huaiyuan County immediately, and do a thorough investigation for me..." the emperor said, "You have three days to do a thorough investigation for me!"
"I obey the order." Wang Jing quickly accepted the order.
The emperor's decree has been made, so naturally there will be no more arguments at the court, but after the court, Wang Jing immediately rushed back to Huaiyuan County.
At the same time, Xiao Yi, the eldest son of Prince Zhennan who was far away in southern Xinjiang, was still unaware of this matter. As for Princess Zhennan, who was also in southern Xinjiang, she came to Fengjiang City after a two-day journey with her two children.
The carriage ran all the way, and finally entered the city when the sun moved westward.
The general guarding the city gate knew that it was the princess who came, so he personally led Xiao Fang's carriage to the guarding mansion. The young servant at the door ordered people to inform Zhennan Wang, and opened the main gate of the mansion to welcome Xiao Fang's carriage into the mansion.
As soon as Xiao Fang got out of the carriage, the head of Zhennan King hurried over after hearing the news, and saluted, "Young one has seen the princess, the second young master, and the eldest girl."
"Get up." Xiao Fang waved his hand casually and asked, "Is the prince here?"
The long follower hurriedly replied: "Go back to the princess, the prince is waiting for the princess in the main courtyard. The prince ordered the younger one to come to welcome the princess, please come to the princess!"
Xiaofang's mother and son followed the elders to the main courtyard.
In the main courtyard, the King of Zhennan had been looking forward to it for a long time. When he saw Xiao Fang came in with Xiao Luan and Xiao Fei, he got up and greeted him, "Princess, we are fighting now, why did you bring Brother Luan and Sister Fei with you?" Are you here? How dangerous this journey is." Although he complained, he couldn't hide the smile and emotion in his eyes, and he felt that the concubine really had her whole heart for him.
In fact, now that the battle situation has stabilized, the southern barbarian army has been driven to the Lingchuan Canyon and the two cities of Kailian and Fuzhong to the south, and the whole southern border can be said to be very peaceful. Especially in Fengjiang City, there is Zhennan King stationed with an army of tens of thousands, so there is no danger, otherwise Xiao Fang would not be so bold and dare to take a pair of children to come here to look for Zhennan King.
But Xiao Fang's face was full of affection, and he said gently: "After the prince has been away for several months, brother Luan and sister Fei have missed their father... the same is true for the concubine. I brought them here to visit the prince." Then he turned to Xiao Luan and Xiao Fei and said, "Brother Luan, sister Fei, come and see your father soon."
Both Xiao Luan and Xiao Fei stepped forward to salute King Zhennan: "My child has seen Father."
"Okay, okay..." King Zhennan looked at the pair of children in front of him with relief, "They are all good children."
After the three of Xiao Fang's mother and son talked with Zhennan King for a while, Xiao Fang said to the pair of children: "Brother Luan, Sister Fei, mother and concubine have something to say to your father and king, you should step back first. .”
Brothers and sisters Xiao Luan and Xiao Fei bowed to King Zhennan and Xiao Fang, and then they both retreated.
"My lord... I have to tell my lord personally if I have something to do. A Yi married Princess Yaoguang as his concubine in the capital before returning to southern Xinjiang this time." Xiao Fang embarrassingly blessed her, and told Guii said, "When the concubine received the imperial edict, the prince was fighting outside, and the concubine failed to inform the prince in time... This is the fault of the concubine."
The King of Zhennan waved his hand casually, and said indifferently: "Princess, I can't blame you for this matter. This king already knows about A Yi's wedding."
"It turns out that the prince already knew about it, that's right, Ah Yi should have come to Fengjiang City to pay a visit to the prince." Xiao Fang pretended to suddenly realize. In fact, the news that Xiao Yi led the troops to solve the crisis in Fengjiang City had already spread throughout southern Xinjiang, so how could the Xiaofang family not know about it.
Even if she didn't know it before, she just learned it from Zhennan Wang's long casual words.
Originally, Xiao Fang was afraid that Xiao Yi's solution to the crisis in Fengjiang City would ease the relationship between the father and son, but seeing Zhennan Wang's unconcealed expression now, he knew that Xiao Yi was really difficult to grow up. Damn, at such a good opportunity, he would actually have a big fight with the prince!
As soon as Xiao Yi was mentioned, King Zhennan frowned, his face sinking like water.
Xiao Fang continued: "My lord, actually I am here this time, and I also want to talk to my lord about the concubine..." She pretended to be hesitant, as if she hesitated to speak.
"Concubine Shizi? You mean that Nangong clan, what did that Nangong clan do?" King Zhennan frowned, his eyes showing disgust.
"My lord, when I found out that A Yi and Princess Yaoguang were married, I immediately sent Nanny Yi to the capital. Firstly, it was for congratulations, and secondly, it was also for the purpose of letting the princess be familiar with the family rules and regulations of our royal residence. However, two days ago, the concubine concubine Yi sent Nanny Yi back. I heard from nanny Yi that the concubine did not take me seriously as a mother concubine at all, and even Sister Teng came to ask for help when she was in trouble. , The concubine Shizi even made trouble, and tied Sister Teng back to Qi Wangfu, and let Qi Wangfei deal with it."
Xiao Fang pretended to wipe the tears from the corners of her eyes, her brows were worried, "The concubine is such a character, how can she be worthy of A Yi! After thinking about it, I feel that our A Yi is really wronged, so I just leave Thinking about taking a good side concubine for A Yin, who can also help the concubine to preside over the concubine in the future, what does the lord think?"
Xiao Fang sneered in her heart, she was almost 100% sure that the prince would agree to her request. Hmph, once the prince makes the decision and accepts Xiao Yin as a side concubine, then Nangong Yue will have to recognize her if she doesn't!
Side concubine?! Zhennan Wang's face sank, and he said angrily: "Princess, why do you bother about that rebellious son!" As he said, Zhennan Wang couldn't help but think of the day when he and Xiao Yi were on guard here. The reason for the quarrel in the mansion was that I wanted to accept a side concubine for this rebellious son, but who knew that the rebellious son not only refused to accept my kindness, but also disobeyed himself because of it, it was extremely unfilial!
Xiao Fang was very happy in his heart, but he said: "My lord, although A Yi has become more and more stubborn recently, it is because he has stayed in the capital for a long time, and Nan Gong is around to encourage him. But we are parents Yes, why don't you think about your children. The Nangong family is still young, so you can't let us Ayi wait forever. It just so happens that the concubine's aunt has a grand-niece, her boudoir name is Niu Wanxi, and she is fifteen years old this year , if Ah Yin accepts her, maybe the prince will be able to embrace a fat grandson next year... "
While talking, Xiao Fang carefully observed the expression of King Zhennan, but saw that his face was becoming more and more ugly, and finally raised his hand impatiently, and said: "Let me think about this matter carefully. "
King Zhennan clenched his hands tightly into fists, feeling restless in his heart, as if there was a knife hanging high above his head. In the past, Xiao Yi never dared to resist him, but after not seeing him for a few years, Xiao Yi became more and more arrogant, not only dared to speak up to refute, but even started fighting with him!
Where did Xiao Yi get the courage to confront him like this, just because he won several battles? Or did the emperor make some promises to him? Once he has the emperor's support, wouldn't Xiao Yi...
The Xiaofang family on the side felt that Zhennan Wang's expression was really a bit wrong, and was about to speak, when someone reported from outside the door: "To the lord, General Tian He returned to Fengjiang, saying that the son has an urgent military situation to report."
Military situation
King Zhennan's eyes froze. A few days ago, Xiao Yi disregarded his objection and led troops to attack Lingchuan Canyon, which made him very unhappy. Now there is a military situation... Could it be that this battle has been lost
Thinking of this, King Zhennan's heart sank slightly, and he hurriedly got up and said, "I'll go there now." He couldn't care about Xiao Fang anymore, and hurried to the study in the outer courtyard.
Tian He was waiting outside the study, and when he saw King Zhennan, he hurriedly bowed and saluted, "My lord."
King Zhennan nodded and said, "Go in and talk."
After entering the study, as soon as he sat down, King Zhennan couldn't wait to ask: "But that Nizi failed in the battle? This king told him not to act rashly, but he didn't listen! This time he suffered a lot..."
Tian He couldn't help frowning, it was the first time he saw a father who didn't hope for his son's well-being, how could he say failure without even asking!
"My lord!" Tian He couldn't help interrupting him, and said, "My lord has captured Lingchuan Canyon."
"What?"
Zhennan Wang couldn't believe it at first, and then blurted out overjoyed: "It's really great!"
Lingchuan Canyon is easy to defend and difficult to attack. He originally thought it would be a tough battle, and it would drag on for at least a few months. Unexpectedly, it took only half a month to win!? Without the barrier of Lingchuan Canyon, just After taking Fuzhong and Kailian, the war in southern Xinjiang will be over.
It seems that this rebellious son still has some skills.
The king of Zhennan felt slightly happier, and said, "Sit down quickly. Tell me how this battle is going to be."
"Thank you, my lord." Tian He sat down as ordered, and said happily, "Your Majesty fought this battle beautifully."
The King of Zhennan frowned and did not speak. After hearing this, Tian He continued: "Your Majesty is brave and resourceful. On the one hand, he ordered the last generals to feign an attack, and on the other hand, he personally reduced his troops and walked around from the small path to the back of the Nanman army to show the enemy. Weakness, trick to lure out the main general, and then use the swamp of Lingchuan Canyon to make him cornered. In the end, nearly 10,000 enemy troops were wiped out in the coniferous forest, and the Nanban general Shamoke was also captured!"
Tian Heyue said the more excited he was, and couldn't help but recall that great victory.
Although he said it simply, but in fact that battle was really dangerous.
Whether it was going around the path or luring the enemy out, every step of the son of the son was like stepping on a cliff, which made them all worry, but the master of the world still won, and the victory was extremely beautiful. In his opinion Come on, this battle can definitely be listed as one of the exciting battles in recent years!
If the old prince is still alive, he will be very pleased.
After this battle, Tian He was completely convinced by Xiao Yi, and was about to talk to Zhennan Wang Haosheng about the wonderfulness of this battle, but he saw Zhennan Wang's brows getting deeper and deeper.
Tian He was a little hard to understand. Winning the Lingchuan Canyon was obviously a great victory, but the prince seemed not too happy? He asked tentatively, "Why is the prince unhappy?"
King Zhennan was indeed a little unhappy, and the flashing thought just now popped up in his mind again.
Although this battle was a great victory, benefiting the country and the people, but the rebellious son became more and more arrogant and arrogant because he won several battles in a row. Even his father and king can't control him. Will become more and more disobedient and unfilial.
Having said that, how could he win the Lingchuan Canyon battle so easily!
It must be because of the consecutive defeats of the Nanban, some dare not fight anymore, and this is why this rebellious son took advantage of it!
King Zhennan was a little annoyed, so he asked instead: "Is Xiao Yi still in Lingchuan Canyon now? When will he come back?"
His expression made Tian He's heart feel cold, but he still replied respectfully: "The last general came back this time for this purpose. The son thinks that since we have won the Lingchuan Canyon, we should take advantage of the victory and pursue it. Take down the two cities of Fuzhong and Kailian in one fell swoop to end the war. However, at present, most of the food and grass in the army have been used up, and the arrows are in short supply. The son wants to ask the prince to dispatch some food, grass and arrows urgently so that he can continue to march. Straight to the mansion."
Zhennan Wang's face was as deep as water, and his eyes were deep and incomprehensible.
Xiao Yi didn't stop?! He has made many military exploits when he came back this time. If he recovers Fuzhong and Kailian cities in succession, not only will his arrogance become even more arrogant, but also from now on, the army who is afraid of It's because he only knows the eldest son Xiao Yi, but not himself, the King of Zhennan!
At that time, Xiao Yi probably won't take his father seriously.
The Zhennan King's face was as deep as water, and his eyes were deep and incomprehensible. It seemed that he had to suppress Xiao Yi's spirit and let him know that he, the Zhennan King, was the master in southern Xinjiang!
Thinking of this, King Zhennan said with a straight face, "Who will allow him to continue marching? On this battlefield, one hair will affect the whole body. He is only old this year and what he knows. It is only because of the presence of veterans like you, That's why you act recklessly! I don't know how to measure!"
Tian He was dumbfounded, and hurriedly said: "My lord, this statement is wrong, my son..."
"No need to say much, you go and call that Nizi back for this king now. As for the two cities of Fuzhong and Kailian, this King has his own decision." Zhennan Wang said coldly, "You tell that Nizi, this time without authorization to send troops to Lingchuan The matter of the canyon can be regarded as making amends, and this king can not pursue it." He paused, and his voice became a little colder, "But if he dares to act arbitrarily, don't blame this king for not thinking about the relationship between father and son."
Tian He only felt a chill rising from the bottom of his heart, as if he was in a cold cave.
They had heard about the fact that the king of Zhennan didn't like his son, but at that time, the son was a dude, playful, and he could not succeed in literature, so it was reasonable for the king of Zhennan to dislike him. But this time, when they really fought side by side with the prince, they realized that he was definitely not what the rumors said, and that he was very courageous and resourceful, and definitely worthy of the title of "The Prince of Zhennan".
An ordinary father should be gratified when he sees his son is so outstanding, why is this King of Zhennan just... wishing that his son can't be reused?!
Taking a step back, no matter how bad the relationship between father and son is, the military plane should not be delayed for personal reasons.
It is obviously the best choice to attack Fuzhong while taking advantage of the victory. If we retreat at this moment, wouldn't it give Nanman a chance to recuperate
Once the Nanman makes a comeback, maybe it will repeat the same mistakes!
"My lord!" Tian He wanted to persuade him again, but the King of Zhennan had already waved his hand.
In King Zhennan's view, since the Lingchuan Valley had been recaptured, the Nanman had nothing to fear, and the most important thing was to teach that Nizi a lesson first. It's just Fuzhong and Kailian. At worst, he will personally lead the troops to take them down later to boost the army's prestige.
Therefore, the King of Zhennan said decisively: "You don't need to say it!... General Tian, don't forget that this king is the one who leads the southern border!"
Tian He's shoulders trembled, he stood up, and remained silent for a long time, until the anger on Zhennan Wang's face showed, he cupped his fists and said, "I will obey."
King Zhennan was satisfied, but he didn't realize that there was no emotion in Tian He's voice, and his eyes were full of disappointment.
Tian He didn't know how he left the Garrison Mansion, and his expression was a little dazed along the way.
When he followed the old prince back then, by chance, he once heard the old prince sigh helplessly, "I'm afraid I have no successor, but my grandson is still so young, so I can't take care of him when he grows up." At that time, He felt that the old prince was really worrying too much. Although the king of Zhennan was a little confused, he still had no problem with his success. Unexpectedly...
Perhaps the old prince had already expected it.
Tian He's heart was very heavy, he didn't even know how he left the defense mansion.
Originally, he was full of enthusiasm and came with good news, but he didn't expect that it would end like this in the end.
"General Tian."
Outside the garrison mansion, the two young generals who came with him cupped their hands and saluted.
Tian He nodded slightly, led his horse, got on the horse, and said in a deep voice, "Let's go."
"Let's go now?" The young general Mo Xiuyu said with some doubts, "The food..."
Without saying a word, Tian He grabbed his horse's belly and rushed forward first.
The two young generals looked at each other and quickly followed.
After leaving Fengjiang City, Mo Xiuyu finally couldn't bear it any longer, he rode forward and asked: "General, is it possible that the prince is unwilling to help?" Even though he said so, he felt that it was impossible. After all, everyone in southern Xinjiang is not looking forward to driving Nanman out as soon as possible, and now is a great opportunity!
Tian He let out a long sigh, and said noncommittally: "The prince may have other considerations. Let's go back and report to the son as soon as possible."
Mo Xiuyu and another young general, Xi Jue, looked at each other, and followed closely without asking any more questions.
After rushing all the way, they finally returned to Lingchuan Canyon before dawn.
At this time, a camp had already been stationed in the canyon, and Xiao Yi and his officers and soldiers were all resting in this camp and waiting for orders.
The news of Tian He's return was quickly reported to Xiao Yi by someone.
At this time, Xiao Yi had already got up, had just finished a set of punches, and before he had time to wash up, he ordered someone to call Tian He in, and then ordered: "Go and call some generals here together. General Tian should Good news."
"yes!"
A soldier took the order and immediately went to beat the drum.
So, when Tian He entered Xiao Yi's camp, the other generals in the army were almost all there.
Tian He smiled wryly. He originally wanted to tell the prince the whole story in secret and then discuss it, but... But thinking about it, the whole army is waiting for news from the prince. As long as the food and arrows arrive, they can Immediately set off, it's no wonder Shizi is so anxious.
However, I am afraid that even the son of the world would not have imagined that there would be such a result...
"I will see my son at the end."
Xiao Yi raised his hand graciously, and said, "General Tian, please sit down."
As soon as Tian He sat down, Xiao Yi couldn't wait to ask: "General Tian, did my father tell you when the food, grass and arrows will arrive?"
Facing the expectant eyes of Xiao Yi and the surrounding generals, the bitterness on Tian He's face became a little bit heavier, he gritted his teeth, and said: "My son, my lord... My lord ordered my son to withdraw his troops and return to Fengjiang immediately."
Sure enough... "he" really hit the mark!
A gleam of sharpness flashed across Xiao Yi's eyes, but on the surface he was surprised, and he hurriedly asked: "What?! How is this possible? Doesn't the father know that now is the best time to take advantage of the victory? If you withdraw now Then, wouldn’t the results of our hard-fought victory be completely ruined?!”
All the generals around showed expressions of disbelief.
"My son..." Tian He struggled to find an excuse for King Zhennan and said, "My lord is afraid that the southern barbarians will set up a trap to lure our army to go deep. That's why I want my son to go back to Fengjiang for further discussions."
"Trap?!" Xiao Yi sneered, but didn't speak.
Fu Yunhe, who was sitting on the side, said pointedly: "I see that the prince is not afraid of traps, but he is afraid that the elder brother will gain the morale of the army after repeated victories."
As soon as this remark came out, there was an uproar.
Anyone can see this kind of thing, but no one can say it fearlessly like Fu Yunhe.
Fu Yunhe has experienced this experience in southern Xinjiang, and he has already shown his sharpness. His brows have a bit of the ability of Princess Yongyang, so he sneered and continued: "The king of Zhennan is so arbitrary, how could he Considering the safety of Nanjiang, it is no wonder that Nanjiang will suffer such a catastrophe. Some things, my grandmother is really right... This king of Zhennan is a self-righteous bastard."
This kind of words, only Fu Yunhe can say this kind of words, after all, his backer is the majestic Princess Yongyang.
Fu Yunhe seemed to be afraid that they would not be enough to stimulate them, so he continued: "With such a master, I am really worried for you all. Today he can ignore the people in southern Xinjiang in order to suppress my elder brother, and he may not be able to do it for the sake of it in the future." For some strange reason, all the birds are hiding."
"Little Crane." When he was almost finished, Xiao Yi pretended to raise his hand to stop him from continuing, and looked at Tian He to confirm, "General Tian, what did my father say?... It's rare that you didn't tell me Father, is our victory this time?"
Perhaps influenced by Fu Yunhe's words just now, Tian He was a little helpless, and said a little irritably: "The prince doesn't want to listen more, so the general didn't say much."
With such a great victory, the prince is not even willing to listen to it
The faces of the soldiers below were all different, but they all had a sense of shame spontaneously.
For them, they are fighting to protect the land and people of Dayu. They are not afraid of being shrouded in horse leather and dying in battle.
A general with a rough temper couldn't help but blurted out: "My lord is too..." Finally, he still remembered his sense of propriety, and he didn't finish his sentence, but the indignation on his face was still lingering.
In the camp, there was silence, and that terrifying silence made people's hearts even heavier.
Are you really going to retreat
All the generals present couldn't help but have this thought in their hearts. But, they are not reconciled! How difficult it was to take down the Lingchuan Canyon! If this was handed over to the Nanban for nothing, it would make the soldiers who died feel so miserable.
"Master." A veteran Feng Xin spoke first, breaking the silence, "What do you think?"
Xiao Yi looked at him, but didn't speak.
Feng Xin stood up, clasped his fists and said resolutely: "The final general is willing to obey the order of the son."
After saying this, Feng Xin was still a little nervous. After all, the prince is not only the father to the son, but also the coach. The prince's order, the son should obey both emotionally and rationally. Even he himself didn't know what he was expecting, maybe he hoped that they would not withdraw their troops in despair after winning a big victory.
Xiao Yi was silent, and finally said: "What about you?" He naturally asked other soldiers present.
The others looked at each other in blank dismay, this time Xiao Yi did not get the consent of Zhennan King to send troops to the Lingchuan Valley, so he would follow him, so he had some confidence in him.
But persuasion and allegiance are two different things.
Thinking of what he saw and heard in the study room of the garrison mansion in Fengjiang City, Tian He closed his eyes and resolutely said: "The final general is willing to obey the order of the son!"
His voice seemed to open a gap, and all the generals stood up one by one, and responded in unison: "The final general is willing to obey the order of the son!"
"Okay!" Xiao Yi clapped his hands on the table, and said decisively: "I will never agree to retreat here! The government must fight, for the sake of Dayu, for the southern border, for those people who died under the atrocities of the southern barbarians, and for us who died on the battlefield. Soldiers, I, Xiao Yi, will never retreat in this battle!"
There was no sign of retreat on his face, he was confident and flamboyant.