"Snapped!"
The heavy beating sound echoed in the imperial study room, and there was a choking smell of gunpowder in the air, ready to explode at any moment.
"Damn it!" The emperor said angrily, "The Zhennan Prince's Mansion is so unrepentant and so daring!"
The emperor lost his temper. Thanks to the persuasion of his ministers, he wanted to give the Zhennan Palace a chance. He didn't expect them to be so arrogant. Sure enough, people without long-term considerations must have near-term worries. My worries for many years have come true. As expected, Nanwangfu has been disobedient for a long time, and his tolerance these years is nothing more than breeding tigers into trouble!
On the other side of the imperial case, there was a middle-aged man wearing a brown gold-woven brocade robe kneeling. His face was dignified and he bowed his head in silence. He was the Marquis of Pingyang who had just returned from southern Xinjiang.
Although he had already left Southern Border and seemed to be out of Xiao Yi's control, only he knew that he had already boarded Xiao Yi's thief ship, his arrows had been fired, and he could never turn back.
Marquis Pingyang's eyes flickered, he gritted his teeth, and he could only tell himself in his heart that people don't want to be destroyed by heaven and earth for themselves, he just wants to protect his own family and let the Marquis of Pingyang's mansion retreat completely in this storm of seizing the heir.
He is also a last resort!
"Your Majesty," Marquis Pingyang prostrated himself on the ground seemingly respectfully, pleading guilty, "It's all due to the incompetence of my ministers, so please punish me..."
The emperor took a deep breath. Although he was angry, he also knew that Marquis Pingyang had only brought hundreds of troops with him on his trip to southern Xinjiang. what to do? !
The emperor casually comforted Pingyang Hou with a few words, then sent him away, and then ordered Eunuch Liu to urgently call several cabinet ministers into the palace.
At this time, it was already evening, the sun was setting, and the palace gate had already been locked, but the emperor ordered, who dared not obey, the palace gate became commotion again, but it took more than half an hour, several people headed by Cheng Dongyang The cabinet ministers have already entered the palace one after another in various forms.
They all knew well that the reason why the emperor summoned them into the palace this time must be the conspiracy of the Zhennan Palace.
really-
After the ministers saluted, the furious emperor said at the beginning: "The Zhennan Palace has been disobedient for a long time, this battle must be fought, and my heart is determined!"
Several cabinet ministers exchanged glances quickly below. Everyone knew that no one would be able to persuade the emperor this time.
The words and deeds of the Zhennan Palace have already slapped the emperor fiercely in the face. If the emperor does not fight, it is tantamount to agreeing with the seemingly "blood and tears" of the Zhennan Palace. This battle is inevitable. OK.
Several cabinet ministers bowed their heads and knelt down, declaring in unison: "Your Majesty is wise!"
So far, Nanzheng is tantamount to a certainty.
Looking down at the elders below, the emperor's frown slightly relaxed.
After several adults got up again, the chief assistant Cheng Dongyang lowered his head a little more, and bowed respectfully: "Your Majesty, it is midsummer in July, and it is the hottest time in southern Xinjiang. The southern border army is used to the scorching heat in southern Xinjiang. , the king's capital is in the north, not like the extreme heat in southern Xinjiang, my ministers are afraid that our Dayu soldiers will not be able to endure the heat..."
The emperor's complexion was slightly gloomy, and he seemed displeased.
Gu Mo, Shangshu of the Ministry of Criminal Justice, immediately raised an objection: "Master Cheng, I think that what I should consider now is how to mobilize troops, food and grass from various places, rather than boosting other people's ambitions!"
The Minister of the Household Department said: "Your Majesty, Jiangnan has had a bumper harvest in recent years, and there must be grain in storage. We can mobilize grain and grass from Jiangnan."
Li Henglian, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, claimed that it was true, and suggested that troops could be transferred from the western and northern borders to march south, and then another cabinet minister suggested that the civilians could be recruited and so on.
The elders expressed their opinions and waited for an hour before leaving...
Early the next morning, several cabinet ministers who barely slept for two hours had to drag their exhausted bodies to enter the palace again before dawn.
All the officials seem to vaguely know that today's morning is unusual, the atmosphere is particularly dignified, and many people almost dare not even take a breath.
After the emperor was ascended to the throne, he couldn't wait to express his determination to "take back the southern border and rectify the country".
The whole court was in an uproar, and all the courtiers looked at each other in blank dismay, but no one made a sound for a while.
At this time, a tall and handsome figure came out from the queue on the right, which immediately attracted the attention of all the officials.
Most of the officials in the Manchu Dynasty were middle-aged and elderly men over thirty or forty years old, but this man was only in his early twenties, young, handsome, and gentle. At first glance, he stood out from the crowd. He was Han Lingfu, the king of Gongjun.
"Father," Han Lingfu bowed and bowed impassionedly in the eyes of everyone, "I am willing to share my father's worries and go to southern Xinjiang."
The emperor looked at Han Lingfu in surprise, his eyes couldn't hide the surprise, but then he was relieved, he only felt that the third son was worthy of being the blood of their Han family, with a bit of blood.
"Your Majesty, Prince Gong wants to share the Emperor's worries. His filial piety is very touching..." Immediately, a middle-aged general came out and said loudly, "But the general thought it was wrong. Although King Gong is talented, intelligent, brave and mighty, but He has never led an army before." As he said that, he looked at Han Lingfu and persuaded him in a loud voice, "My lord, the war is discussed on paper, but the bloody battlefield is a real sword and gun, and you will fight with your life!"
The military general had just finished speaking when another minister stepped forward and said in agreement: "Your Majesty, General Sun said it very well. There is a saying: 'A son of a thousand gold can't sit in the hall, and a son of a hundred gold can't ride a horse." On the battlefield A sword has no eyes, so it is better for King Gong not to risk his life. Besides, the father and son of Zhennan King have experienced many battles, so they should not be ignored, and they must choose a good general who is brave and good at fighting..."
The minister talked endlessly, implying that Han Lingfu, a delicate dragon son, should stop meddling and compete with his ministers, and suggested that the emperor choose a soldier who had experienced many battles to lead the army.
What the two adults said was not unreasonable, and the emperor was moved.
A haze flashed in Han Lingfu's eyes. He knew that these two belonged to the second emperor brother Han Lingguan. Their purpose was self-evident, and naturally they wanted to fight for military power.
I will not let them succeed easily!
Han Lingfu quickly winked at Li Heng, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, Li Heng nodded slightly, and followed closely...
The two parties fought each other, and the early court finally turned into a confrontation and scolding.
Anyway, there is still a lot of preparation work required for the southern expedition, and the expedition cannot be completed in two or three days.
The emperor simply put an end to this topic with the sentence "You don't need to say too much, I have my own opinion", and only ordered the household department and the military department to make preparations for the battle.
In recent years, there have always been wars in Dayu, neither food nor military strength is sufficient, but the emperor has decided to fight, who dares to disobey the emperor again, several adults in the household department and the military department are all in a state of desperation, and the candidates for the leadership , is the focus of attention from the top and bottom of the court. Obviously, Shun County King Han Lingguan and Gong County King Han Lingfu are bound to win this position!
Next, it depends on where the emperor's sacred heart is...
After the morning court that day, Duke En Guo, who was full of worries, did not leave the palace, but rushed to the upper study to meet the Fifth Prince Han Lingfan.
The grandfather and grandson were locked in the upper study room, and En Guogong told Han Lingfan about the early morning affairs, and then said solemnly: "Your Highness Fifth Prince, the matter has come to an end, since there is no power to stop the war , we might as well follow the trend and fight for military power.”
"Grandfather, what do you mean..." Han Lingfan looked at En Guogong solemnly.
En Guogong continued: "I don't avoid relatives in internal selection. In my opinion, Your Highness might as well propose to recommend Lord Han Huai of the Qi Palace. Lord Huai has the experience of fighting Changdi, and he has won the emperor's heart... I have 90% certainty that things will come true." "Mr. Han Huai's surname is Han, and he is the son-in-law of Duke Enguo's mansion. If he can win the military power, it will benefit the fifth prince without any harm.
Han Lingfan didn't speak for a while, his lips were tightly pursed into a straight line, his eyes were downcast, as if he was in deep thought.
After a long time, he said seriously: "Grandfather, based on what I know about Cousin Jun, he would not be willing to lead the army... and I also don't want to fight for the military power."
Han Lingfan looked straight at En Guogong without blinking, and said righteously: "Grandfather, if the enemy of Dayu today is Changdi, Xiye, or Baiyue, I will do my best Fighting for the country, sacrifice your life on the battlefield is not hesitating! But Zhennan Wangfu is not a foreign enemy. Zhennan Wangfu has protected the peace of Dayu for decades, and this palace cannot go against its heart in order to fight for power and profit. A gentleman has something to do No, I believe Cousin Jun will definitely not!"
His pair of jet-black eyes were clear and firm, obviously after careful consideration, he would not be easily shaken.
En Guogong looked at Han Lingfan, his lips moved, and in the end he didn't say anything, but he sighed in his heart: His Highness the Fifth Prince has a pure nature and an open mind, and he is a gentleman. Teaching too honestly. If there is peace and prosperity, His Highness will surely be a wise king.
But now, the emperor is getting more and more confused day by day, and the brothers of His Royal Highness the Fifth Prince are all ruthless and merciless, staring at the throne like wolves that smell blood. The position of supremacy is getting further and further away...
And with the means of several county kings, even if they are on the Dabao, will they easily let go of those who oppose them
Dayu is afraid that there will be a bloodbath in the future...
Thinking about it, Duke Enguo clenched his hands tightly into fists in his sleeves, Duke Enguo's mansion has long been tied to the Fifth Prince, so what should we do...
Han Lingfan thought that Mr. En Guo was persuaded by himself, and after pondering for a moment, he said: "Grandfather, now that things have happened, I can only ask you to contact Aunt Yongyang and Grandmother as soon as possible, so that she can return to the capital as soon as possible..."
The emperor's decision to march south has been made, and if there is anyone who can change the emperor's mind, the only one is Aunt Yongyang. The fifth prince thought.
Duke En Guo felt an indescribable feeling in his heart, took a deep breath, and finally responded: "Yes, Your Highness."
Going to the study room, it became quiet. Whether it was the fifth prince or Duke En Guo, they all felt heavy on their shoulders and worried about Dayu's future.
The fifth prince has made a decision, but the court has not yet come to a conclusion, and all the governments are planning for their own interests.
The morning court was shrouded in a storm for several consecutive days. All officials were passionate about the South Expedition, boiling like a pot of hot water, and the situation intensified.
The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Households are busy stating their respective progress and difficulties, while the Shunjun Wangdang and Gongjun Wangdang are fighting for military power, and even start attacking each other's weaknesses, showing their ugly faces.
Looking down at the officials below, the emperor rubbed the center of his brows, his complexion became more and more ugly, and the veins on his forehead became even more swollen. Just when the word "shut up" came to the emperor's mouth, there was a sudden commotion outside the Jinluan Hall...
A travel-worn soldier was running towards this side, panting, apparently shouting something.
The officials on the Golden Luan Hall also saw the movement outside and looked at each other. When the soldier got close, he could vaguely hear him shouting: "Military report! Hurry up for three thousand miles, urgent military report!"
There was a sudden silence in the Golden Luan Hall, and an ominous premonition rose in the hearts of all the ministers.
Soon, the soldier quickly came to the hall, knelt down on one knee on the marble floor with a "plop", took a deep breath, and clasped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, there is an urgent military report. Hengshan Pass, entered Bingzhou, and smashed three cities in a row. Our army has retreated to Shangdang County, and the military situation is in crisis. General Li sent his last general to ask for help!"
Every word and every sentence made Manchao turn pale with fright, looked at each other in blank dismay, and whispered to each other.
Western Xinjiang has only been at peace for a few years, yet war broke out again!
Moreover, the war in southern Xinjiang has not yet chosen a leading general. This military report suddenly placed Dayu in a situation of external and internal troubles. Can Dayu support two battles that are enough to shake Dayu at the same time
The faces of the courtiers were all different, and many people already felt that this military report from the western border might bring unexpected changes to the court, and the wind direction of the court was about to change again.
Among the ministers, only Marquis Pingyang was not surprised. He stood quietly aside with his face half down. Fangzheng's face was half-lit and half-dark, and there was a turmoil hidden in those deep eyes.
finally come!
Xiao Yi has been waiting for this moment!
Looking at the uncertain look of civil and military officials in the Manchu Dynasty, Marquis Pingyang had a feeling of "everyone is drunk and I am alone", with a sigh of almost pity in his heart.
Except for him, no one knows that everything is in the hands of someone who is thousands of miles away...
The western sky is beginning to gather overcast clouds, while the southern sky is still bright and sunny.
Countless birds flapped their wings and chased the sun, flying farther and higher...
As a gray pigeon flew into Bixiao Hall, news of Xirong's rebellion spread to southern Xinjiang.
Compared with the wind and rain in the royal capital, Luoyue City is still leisurely and comfortable, enjoying the lazy summer time in the city.
At this time, the sky was dim yellow, and the cool summer breeze at dusk was blowing gently on the surface of the lake in the small garden and the dense lotus leaves on the lake.
Suddenly, a hand stretched out from the gazebo by the lake, and rudely tore off a green lotus pod from among the lotus leaves.
Several white lotus seeds were stripped out of the lotus pod, and two more were thrown out, one fell into someone's mouth, and the other was caught by another person, and said with a smile: "Xiao Si, you This man is really moody. We are here to appreciate the lotus, not to pick the lotus pods."
Xiao Yi said so, but unceremoniously threw the received lotus seeds into his mouth.
"Crack, click..."
The fresh and tender lotus seeds are sweet, cool and refreshing between the lips and teeth, which is refreshing and refreshing.
"Xiaobai, these lotus seeds are crisp and sweet, very good. Xiaosi, hurry up and give it to your son to try too!" Xiao Yi said while breaking off a lotus pod.
Xiao Si gave Xiao Yi a contemptuous look, didn't bother to pay attention to him, and concentrated on digging lotus seeds for his son.
Xiao Yi stared at the lotus pod, and suddenly changed the topic: "Xiaobai, Xiye will solve my urgent need this time. Tell me, do you want me to send a basket of lotus seeds to the new king of Xiye, and express my heart?"
Xiao Yi's smile was as bright as the scorching sun in midsummer, but there was unabashed sarcasm in his tone.
Although Guan Yubai had long expected that Xiye would come again in a few years, it was impossible to accurately estimate the date until the Marquis of Pingyang told them at the end of February that Xiye was ready to go, and he would be there in the future. After coming to Dayu within half a year, they were able to take advantage of the situation...to this step today!
Guan Yubai looked at the green lotus leaves and fragrant lotus flowers in front of him with a smile, and said calmly: "Next, there will be a battle in the Western Night, and our emperor will definitely want to appease Southern Xinjiang..."
Xiao Yi never had the intention of the Northern Expedition, nor did he want to be an enemy of Dayu.
It's just that no matter who sits on the supreme seat, the existence of the Zhennan Palace will become a thorn in his side. Therefore, Xiao Yi can only integrate the Southern Region and develop forces secretly. When the Southern Region is really stabilized, the Zhennan Palace and the South Only the frontier army can stand in an invincible position where "advance can be attacked, retreat can be defended", and it no longer needs to be a man step by step under the eyes of the emperor, with its tail between its legs.
This plan changed abruptly until the end of February...
Xiao Yi received a letter from Feige from Wangdu, and learned that the emperor wanted Nangong Yue and Xiao Xiaoyu to go to Wangdu as protons, which completely angered Xiao Yi.
Xiao Yi has never been a person who is willing to forbear. After discussing with Guan Yubai, the two decided to take advantage of the "opportunity" given by the emperor based on the information revealed by Marquis Pingyang about the upcoming attack on Xiye. The emperor directly provoked the emperor with the decree of resistance, and urged the emperor to attack Nanjiang. Only in this way can all the prefectures in southern Xinjiang witness this scene with their own eyes, and let the people in Nanjiang know that the emperor was benevolent first; The dissatisfaction and anger towards the emperor in his heart made thousands of soldiers and people in southern Xinjiang unite as one.
Since the emperor is not benevolent first, no matter what the Zhennan Prince's Mansion does next, it will only be chilling, and it is a "last resort". From now on, Southern Border will no longer be subject to the emperor...
Sure enough, every step was carried out as expected by Guan Yubai.
Now that the Xi Rong invaded the territory, the emperor would be unable to conquer the southern border. In this case, he had to appease the southern border!
Xiao Yi raised his eyebrows, put his arms across his chest, and sighed, "But, everyone knows that Xiao Yi is rebellious, and I have a real temper! Even if others want to appease me, it depends on whether I agree or not. Accept it?"
When Xiaosi heard this, she almost slipped her hand and dropped the lotus pod in the lake, and said in her belly: "True temperament", bragging! Still so cheeky!
Of course Xiao Yi saw Xiao Si's thoughts, and said with a smile: "I must let the world know that I, Xiao Yi, are not offended at will!"
Whoever dares to set his mind on his wife and children, he will make him unable to live in peace!
Xiao Yi's eyes shone with the sharpness of a beast, no one would take his words as a joke!
Guan Yubai smiled lightly, and the smile on his lips became even stronger. What he admired most was A Yi's wantonness...
Guan Yu's white eyes flashed, and he said again: "Our emperor is probably worrying about who to blame..." He took the lotus seeds handed over by Xiao Si and played with it in his palm. Although the lotus seeds are sweet, the lotus heart is bitter and unbearable …
Now that the emperor has made a clear decree to reprimand Zhennan Wangfu for several major crimes, now he wants to appease Nanjiang, but he can't blame himself, he must find someone to take the blame... After all, how can the emperor "know" make mistakes!
who cares! Xiao Yi shrugged indifferently, and said: "This time, we have won for Nanjiang for at least a year or two. This deal is worth it!"
The emperor paid attention to "one word and one word", once he announced to the world with "golden words and jade words", that the Zhennan Palace has nothing to do. Although that is not a final conclusion, it is not something that can be overturned casually every few days. Then for at least one or two years, the southern border will be as safe as a rock.
As for one or two years later... Dayu will never be able to do anything to Zhennan Palace!
The summer wind blows in the evening, making the lotus leaves sway and rustle, and the lotus fragrance comes to the nostrils.
Xiao Yi looked at the sky and said: "Xiao Bai, the night is cool, let's go back." After a pause, he thought of something again, and reminded, "Xiao Bai, don't forget that we are going to go boating on Danhu Lake tomorrow to enjoy the lotus. , you go to bed earlier at night."
He blinked his right eye, which clearly meant that if Guan Yubai dared not show up, he would come to invite someone in person.