[On the tenth day of April, Yongdu received a military report, which only said that the Yongjun army had suffered a tragic defeat in the Qinshui River Valley. When Taizong heard the news, he was angry and led an army to conquer the Northern Han Dynasty. He left the prince to supervise the country and went to Tongguan in person.
— "Zizhi Tongjian·Yongji III"〗
Qinyuan City, after dealing with the complicated military affairs, Duan Wudi stood up and moved his somewhat stiff body. Since the last poisonous injury, although the injury has healed, he still feels weak and weak, this time he was ordered to stay behind Qinyuan has been busy all day reasoning about the Qinshui River Valley, in case he can retreat here in case of defeat, so he has hardly seen each other these few days. Military reports from the front line are delivered every day. After chasing after the tail, the Yong army had already fled, but at this time today, why did not see the military report, Duan Wudi was extremely worried, but it was more than a hundred miles away from the Ji family, although he had sent scouts to investigate, But if there is really a problem ahead, it is impossible for him to get the news before tomorrow morning.
After a few laps in the study, Duan Wudi felt a little uneasy in his heart, and a flash of inspiration came to him. He remembered a person with an unusual identity. Maybe he had some unique insights into the situation in this fog. It will be easy to say, but there is still a chance to make some words. Thinking of this, he called his personal guard and walked to the dungeon behind the prefect's mansion.
Duan Wudi walked slowly down the bluestone corridor. The walls on both sides were cold and damp, and there was even moss growing near the ground. Except for the light of the torches, there was no light from the sky. This was where the felons were imprisoned. Strict, even a mouse, it is difficult to escape. At the end of the corridor, there is a fine steel iron door, but it may have been a long time, and there is a layer of rust on it. The two sergeants guarding the gate bowed.
Duan Wudi asked in a low voice, "How is the prisoner's condition?"
A sergeant replied: "General Qi, he has been silent since he woke up, but he never resisted. Now he can get up, but he can't walk."
Duan Wudi nodded and ordered them to open the iron door. As soon as the door opened, a strong smell of medicinal herbs mixed with moisture rushed out. Duan Wudi frowned slightly and walked in. The prison is about two feet in diameter. There is only a stone bed directly opposite, which is covered with thick straw and exudes moisture. An iron chain extends from the wall, and the shackles at the end lock the hands and feet of the person sitting on the stone bed. It is difficult for this person to move beyond the range of the chain. The man was wearing a coarse cloth prison uniform, and there were many wounds wrapped in cloth strips on his body. Obviously, he was seriously injured. Also wrapped in white cloth, the man described as embarrassed, but sitting there, he was still tall and straight, with a calm demeanor. Although he was in a prison, there was no trace of fear or depression at all.
Duan Wudi frowned slightly, this person was injured by fire, this dungeon is really not suitable for him, but this person is the general of Yong Jun, and it is inconvenient for him to tolerate him. Walking to the bed, Duan Wudi said, "General Xuan, has your injury improved?"
The man raised his head, raised his right hand and brushed away the long hair that covered his face, revealing a haggard face. The left cheek was covered with a white cloth, but the burn marks could still be seen, but his appearance was the same as Xuan Song Xuan Changqing. . He smiled slightly and said: "It turned out to be General Duan, and his injuries have not deteriorated. Thank you General for the diagnosis and treatment."
Duan Wudi sighed softly. On that day, Yong Jun desperately tried to rush out of Taniguchi, but was ordered by the general to block the way with bows and crossbows. Thousands of Yong Jun died in the fire. It is rare in recent years for a general Yong Jun to be captured under his body and protected by his body's blood. Therefore, Long Tingfei ordered him to be imprisoned and ordered a military doctor to diagnose and treat him. When Xuan Song woke up, Long Tingfei had already led his troops to set off, and Duan Wudi had the intention to learn some Yong Jun military aircraft from Xuan Song's mouth, but Xuan Song was almost silent after waking up. Without the heart to surrender, Duan Wudi was busy with military affairs, and Xuan Song was still injured, so he did not work hard on it. But now that the military situation is unknown, Duan Wudi can't be merciful, and he needs to find a way to learn Yong Jun's secrets from Xuan Song's mouth.
Xuan Song looked at Duan Wudi, who was a little dazed. He understood the purpose of this person in his heart. Although there was no light in this prison, he could know the approximate date based on the number of meals, plus the time when he was seriously injured and comatose. Presumably the Northern Han army has already entered the ambush now. It seems that Duan Wudi has not yet obtained accurate information, but he just found something wrong. After escaping from the battlefield, Xuan Song had no desire to sacrifice himself except for the sergeant who died. It was only because of what King Qi said when he was about to leave. Yes, but if the generals of the Northern Han Dynasty wanted to ask about the military aircraft from their own mouths, it would be impossible. Although Yiqiu went to battle again, he was not a person who was greedy for life and feared death. Thinking of this, Xuan Song opened his mouth and said, "Does General Duan know why Xuan is still alive?"
Duan Wudi's heart moved and said: "Duan Mou wants to declare that General is not the one who surrendered on his knees, he must want to see the Dayong flag again."
Xuan Song smiled and said: "Xuan has been familiar with military books since he was a child, but his martial arts are mediocre. The Dayong army was originally the most skilled in cavalry and archery. Therefore, although Xuan really wanted to lead the battle, he had no chance, and Xuan was lucky. Under the command of General Jing Chi, he joined the army. General Jing Chi was open-minded and did not care about the dispersion of power. He allowed Xuan to lead the army. Later, he was appreciated by the supervisor and His Royal Highness Qi. Qin Ze fought and Xuan’s name moved the world. He won the general. This fame and fame did not come easily, and Xuan had a longing in his heart, so that day when General Long set fire to Qinshui, Xuan knew that he would die, but he still led his army to his death.”
Duan Wudi frowned and said, "Actually, your Royal Highness King Qi had already led the army away that day. You can't retreat in time, so why not surrender? Unfortunately, General Xuan was so obsessed that he caused 20,000 warriors to die in the sea of fire. How could General Xuan bear it?"
Xuan Song said indifferently: "General Duan's words are bad, although I could still bow my knees and beg for my life that day, but I, the Great Yong Warrior, are people who are greedy for life and fear of death, if so, I am afraid that although I live in the world, I will never see face again. People. Some things are like this. Is General Duan in a desperate situation and will surrender in order to cherish the lives of his sergeants?"
Duan Wudi was speechless. If he could do this, why would he have to fight with Dayong? He knew that the situation was unfavorable, but he still had to work hard to deal with it. Some things seemed to be just a step back, but that step was ultimately unbearable. He also understands what Xuan Song said. Don't expect to ask about the military aircraft from his mouth, but this is the only way. How can he give up gently? After thinking about it, he can only attack from the side, hoping to learn more about it. . Thinking of this, Duan Wudi said respectfully: "It's Duan Meng Lang, General Xuan is a loyal person, and he will never defile himself, and Duan does not want to be boring, but this place is not suitable for recuperation, Duan I want to ask General Xuan to come to the house to recuperate, how do you respect it?"
Xuan Song knew that he was just trying to act in a roundabout way, but even if he didn't want to, it was difficult to stop his kindness. Besides, he was not a pedantic person, so he just smiled: "Thank you so much for this Xuan."
Duan Wudi was slightly overjoyed, and ordered the soldiers to support Xuan Song out of the dungeon and sent him to his residence. He found a well-guarded room for Xuan Song to recover from his injuries. No matter whether it could soften his heart, it was just the respect in his heart that was enough to make Xuan Song recover. Duan Wudi did so.
Unfortunately, the bad news came too quickly. When the scouts reported the presence of the Yong Army in the south of the Ji clan and General Long had been surrounded, Duan Wudi was almost stunned, and fidgetingly read all the information he could get, Duan Wudi was helpless. He found out that the only mobile military force of the Northern Han Dynasty had been trapped, and he had only tens of thousands of infantry soldiers in his hands. He only felt that all the energy in his body had been defeated by the bad news. After thinking for a moment, he ordered the news to be blocked, and immediately had people secretly report the military situation of the lord here, strengthen Qinyuan's defense, and then do everything he can do. After finishing, he walked into the residence where Xuan Song was under house arrest.
At this moment, Xuan Song had changed into a clean robe and was leaning on the soft collapse to recover from his injuries. When Duan Wudi walked in, he was reading an ancient book with relish. Hearing Duan Wudi's footsteps, he raised his head, and saw Duan Wudi's face dignified, his eyes filled with icy killing intent, a move in his heart, guessing that the military information that the Northern Han Army might be trapped came back, put down the book, Xuan Song lightly Said: "General Duan looks uneasy, but there is something wrong ahead?"
Duan Wudi took a deep look at Xuan Song and said, "General Xuan is a general in the army, and he has the trust of the Duke of Chu Xiang. Could it be that he doesn't know what happened today?"
Xuan Song said indifferently: "Hou Zhi of Chu Township is deep and brave, and he has millions of armored soldiers in his chest. I can't know his strategy, but if you think about the temple, no one in the central control of the Northern Han Dynasty is his opponent. Although the general uses his troops like a god , but unfortunately limited to the military situation, even if you win nine out of ten battles, this last defeat is enough to destroy the country.”
Duan Wudi only felt a pain in his heart, and the unrealistic illusion that still existed was shattered. He held the sword around his waist, wishing to kill the person in front of him with a sword, but after a long time, he finally subsided the murderous intention, cold He said coldly, "The general leads a hundred thousand iron cavalry and is assisted by Princess Jiaping. Although he is trapped, it is not easy to eat. The situation may not turn around. General Xuan should not be too happy."
A cold light flashed in Xuan Song's eyes, and he said, "The general is attacking with light cavalry. At most, he has only two days of food and grass around him. I don't know how many days he can support?"
A fluke flashed in Duan Wudi's eyes. From the information he got, before the Yong army encircled, the navy who was responsible for transporting the food and grain had entered the encirclement and joined the Long Tingfei army. Although the navy could not break through the encirclement, the dragon Ting Fei had at least half a month of food and grass by his side. If he saved a little, he could delay it for a while. Although the Northern Han army was trapped, there was not necessarily no hope of breaking out of the encirclement. It's just that he certainly didn't want to tell Xuan Song clearly about these things, but in order to continue to generate some information, Duan Wudi sneered: "Whether there is enough food and grass around the general will not bother General Xuan, it's just that Emperor Yong's army came out lightly, although the clues have been revealed so far. , but now everyone knows it, I am afraid that Emperor Yong will regret it too late."
Xuan Song knew that he was secretly guiding Chu Hu, and the instability of Dongchuan, but he did not know how to deal with these matters, so he just smiled: "Daizhou army is going south, I don't know what is the situation in Yanmen?"
Duan Wudi was stagnant, and the situation in Daizhou was tense. He didn't know that, but he couldn't do anything about it. Thinking of this, Duan Wudi couldn't help but smile slightly, thinking that he was just an ordinary general, and it was difficult to control the overall situation. Now the situation is corrupt. At this point, he is even more powerless, the only thing he can do is to ask the lord for help and try his best to defend Qinyuan City.
Looking at Duan Wudi's slightly sad back when he left, Xuan Song smiled lightly. He understood the person's mind, but the Beihan Building was about to collapse. How could a few people be able to turn the tide, but he didn't know if he had Hoping to survive, maybe the Northern Han court, in order to be firm and uncompromising, will order him to be executed.
In the capital of Dayong Emperor, in the Zhaotai Pavilion, Huang Chongai and Huang Li were beaming with joy, embroidering a bright yellow dragon robe every stitch and thread. These days, the emperor is quite fond of her, and she has been fortunate many times. In the past, he had given up his troubles, and he only tried his best to please Li Zhi every day, hoping to gain some more favors.
While she was concentrating on the embroidery, her confidant, Chan'er, came in with a cup of tea. Seeing Huang Chongai's dedicated expression, a trace of contempt flashed in her eyes, but it turned into a smile, and she stepped forward and said, "My lady's embroiderer. He has become more and more fascinated, this Yunlong is really about to fly away from his clothes, and the emperor must be very happy when he sees it."
Huang Chongai chuckled and said, "My little embroiderer can't compare to my cousin's fur. My cousin is the number one embroiderer in the old Shu. She embroidered a dragon robe to be alive."
Just talking about this, a hearty smile came from outside the door: "Yes, is Concubine Ai too modest? Your embroiderer looks very good."
Huang Li raised her head happily and saw Li Zhi walking in, followed by Song Wan, she hurriedly stepped forward to salute, and was picked up by Li Zhi. Li Zhi picked up the half-embroidered dragon robe, looked at the exquisite embroidery on it, and said, "Why, is your cousin better than you in embroidery?"
Huang Li's eyes were full of brilliance, and said: "Of course, the four famous embroiderers in the world, the first person in Su embroidery is Nanchu Gu Xiuniang, the first person in Hunan embroidery is Dayong Xue Lingyi, and the first person in Fujian embroidery is Nanmin Yueqingyan. The first person in Shu embroidery was the cousin Song Ying, the concubine's cousin. The concubine had learned embroidery with the cousin when she was young, but her talent was far inferior. If the cousin was in Yongdu, the concubine would definitely ask her to embroider a dragon robe for the emperor. "
Li Zhi said thoughtfully: "Min embroidery, Yue Qingyan, is Donghai Hou's bride?"
A look of confusion flashed in Huang Li's eyes, and he said, "I don't know, but I just heard people say that the southern Fujian and Yueqing smoke are the most like imitation of embroidered calligraphy and painting. If you can get one, it is often treasured and hidden, so the concubine has never seen it."
Li Zhi smiled and said, "If it's really the person I thought, it would be easy. In the future, I will definitely ask her to send you a pair of embroidery, but your cousin is also a famous embroiderer. I don't know where she is now?"
Huang Li's complexion changed, and she glanced at Li Zhi and lowered her head: "The cousin of the concubine was originally a female official in the dress of the Lord of Shu.
Li Zhi's brows inadvertently frowned slightly, and said, "So that's the case, Song Wan, is there this woman in the concubine of King Qing?"
Song Wan glanced at Huang Li and said, "Your Majesty, there is no such woman. Presumably this woman is only the concubine of His Royal Highness King Qing, so she did not report to Mingzong's mansion."
Li Zhi nodded and said with a smile: "It doesn't matter, I will give Song's concubine the title of concubine someday."
Huang Li was overjoyed and bowed down: "The concubine, on behalf of my sister, thanked the emperor for his grace."
Li Zhi picked her up and saw her bright and beautiful face, full of joy, his heart was also soft, he gently took her into his arms, Huang Li was weak and blushing, Song Wan and Chan'er pushed them out wisely. Just as the two were in love, Song Wan suddenly rushed in with a nervous look, and kowtowed, "Your Majesty, Zezhou has eight hundred miles to rush to report the military situation."
The annoyance on Li Zhi's face was immediately replaced by a look of shock, he let go of Huang Li, and he didn't care that he was still in the concubine's bedroom. He stepped forward to receive the military newspaper. At a glance, his body was shaky and his face was as pale as snow. After leaving, Song Wan hurriedly followed. Huang Li was shocked, and hurriedly knelt down and sent Li Zhi away. After Li Zhi left, Chan'er walked in in a panic and asked, "Niangniang, why did the emperor leave in such a hurry? Could it be that Niangniang did not serve me well?"
Huang Li shook his head and said, "No, the emperor suddenly received a letter from Zezhou and left like this. Looking at the emperor's expression, there must be something ahead that annoyed the emperor."
Chan'er's expression changed, and she said, "Niangniang, the emperor is so troubled. Niangniang may wish to inquire about it, so as not to accidentally touch the emperor's mind in his words."
Huang Li said in distress: "But how does Ben Gong inquire about it? If Ben Gong is too careful about this kind of thing, I am afraid that the Queen will scold you."
Chan'er smiled and said: "What's so difficult, isn't the empress grateful for the Queen's love, why don't you go to see the empress now, it's just that the emperor suddenly became angry, you are worried that the emperor is angry, ask the empress to ask about it, After the event, ask the Empress what is wrong, the Empress is merciful and kind, and will definitely not hide it from the Empress."
Huang Li thought the same, got up and said: "You are serving Ben Gong's dressing, and Ben Gong will go to the Empress to greet her." Chan'er was overjoyed, and hurriedly stepped forward to help Huang Li dress up, but Huang Li could not see the vicious smile on the corner of Chan'er's mouth.
When Huang Li came back from the Queen's Palace, her face was full of sadness, she complained to Chan'er, "How good is this one, Zezhou lost another battle, I heard that the Daizhou army appeared, and His Royal Highness Qi Wang was defeated. Thirty miles away, he was defeated by a fire again. It seems that there is still a general whose life and death are unknown after his independence. Isn't His Royal Highness King Qi a number of famous generals, and the concubine Jiang who is said to be extremely talented, but he failed like this. Sadly, the empress said that the emperor is gathering important ministers and is ready to go on an expedition in person. Alas, the emperor is a body of ten thousand gold, so why should he go in person? Chu, isn't there General Qin and the others?"
Chan'er comforted: "Niangniang, the emperor used to be the number one general of Dayong. If he fought in person, it would definitely be a success. Niangniang might as well embroider the dragon robe sooner. How nice."
Huang Li nodded after hearing this, and quickly picked up the unfinished dragon robe and started flying needles. Chan'er saw that she was so focused and couldn't take care of herself, so she quietly walked out and went to the imperial dining room under the pretext. That night, Li Zhi was about to collect information about himself. It was passed to Dongchuan.
Outside the Wenhua Hall, since several high-ranking officials from the court entered, all the servants and palace maids were expelled from the hall. These people were all trembling. Who didn't know that the emperor was furious in the hall. If he angered the emperor at this moment, I'm afraid Their lives are worrying, even in the eyes of the Holy Lord Mingjun, the lives of these people are just as cheap as ants, and the wrath of the Son of Heaven is no trivial matter. These people never imagined that the atmosphere in Wenhua Hall was not as tense as they imagined. In fact, Li Zhi was sitting behind the Longshu desk with a smile on his face, looking at a secret letter, which was the secret letter jointly signed by the King of Qi Li Xian and the Hou Jiangzhe of Chu Township, which was handed over through the most secret channel.
Zheng Xia, Shi Yu, Dong Zhi, Guan Xiu, Gou Lian, as well as Qin Yi and Cheng Shu were all summoned to the hall by Li Zhi. This situation made people believe that there was indeed an emergency military situation ahead. When the special purpose was summoned, I was also uneasy, and I didn't feel relieved until I learned the inside story.
Li Zhi put down the secret fold and said joyfully: "Sixth brother and Suiyun really lived up to my expectations. Now that the Northern Han army has entered the ambush, the overall situation has been settled. Sixth brother is not afraid of difficulties and dangers.
Shi Yu said with a smile: "Your Majesty has been planning for the Northern Han battle for a long time. Although General Changsun said that he was supporting General Pei, the 300,000-strong army rushed to Zezhou without a sound. His Majesty has exhausted his thoughts, and now he is finally taking the Northern Han Dynasty. The main force of the army is trapped, and with His Royal Highness King Qi's military means, Long Tingfei is unable to break through the siege even if he uses his troops like a god, and the main force of the Daizhou army is also trapped in a tight siege, which is very beneficial to the future acquisition of Daizhou."
Qin Yi frowned and said, "I have also seen Lin Yuanting in Daizhou. He is heroic, heroic, staunch and loyal. If you want to subdue this person, it will be very embarrassing. If the Lin family refuses to surrender, I am afraid that His Majesty will be embarrassed."
Gou Lian said, "Although Duke Xin's concerns are extremely serious, although the Daizhou Lin clan is famous, it is because they guarded Daizhou and defended against barbarians. For them, guarding their hometown is the most important thing. They were dissatisfied with the independence of the Northern Han Dynasty, and finally surrendered because they did not want to make enemies on both sides. They only needed to separate Daizhou and Jinyang. It will resist Dayong's rule, but it will not be an enemy of the imperial court."
Li Zhi nodded and said, "Nevertheless, I hope that the Lin family will be willing to surrender to Dayong, and the Lin family will be in Daizhou, defending against the barbarians. They have made great contributions. In the future, Dayong will dominate the world, and good generals will be needed to guard Daizhou. The Lin family is the best choice. , I have passed a letter to the King of Qi, ordering him to keep the life of Princess Lin Bi of Jiaping, and to force the landing of the Daizhou army."
Zheng Xia said respectfully, "Your Majesty, although the Lin family in Daizhou is suspected of being separatist, they have been loyal to the king's affairs and have no ambitions. The best way is to have the Northern Han emperor write a book to persuade him to surrender after the forced surrender of the royal family of the Northern Han Dynasty.
Li Zhi said: "The same is true of my intentions. This time I have decided to go to war in person. Although I have the intention to lure the enemy, the primary purpose is to pacify the overall situation of the Northern Han Dynasty. Although the king of Qi is heroic, he has never been indifferent to government affairs. , After Ping Han, there are thousands of things that need to be done by me."
Regarding Li Zhi's personal expedition, Zheng Xia and others did not object, not to mention that Li Zhi was originally Dayong's military god, and it was a matter of course to go out to victory, just for the sake of King Qi, Li Zhi went to the Northern Han battlefield in person. Although King Qi's achievements were not significant, if he hadn't taken risks and lured the Northern Han army into the trap, he would not have the current situation. Capital City, such a credit is too heavy for King Qi. If Li Zhi personally commanded the final battle to pacify the Northern Han Dynasty, this would be a more appropriate way to deal with either Dayong or King Qi. What's more, Li Zhi's personal expedition also has the effect of attracting snakes. Rather than letting King Qing of Dongchuan attack Dayong when he is most vulnerable, it is more secure to let him attack at the time selected by the court.
While Li Zhi and the others were discussing the personal expedition, Song Wan quietly walked into the hall and received a secret letter. After Li Zhi took it, Jianmei raised his eyebrows and said, "It's Xiahou's letter, he has already arranged it there. It is appropriate, it can be activated at any time, this is asking for instructions."
Hearing Xiahou Yuanfeng's name, everyone couldn't help frowning slightly. Although Xiahou Yuanfeng has become Emperor Yong's henchman in recent years, this handsome young man who used to be as rich as jade has long become darkness in everyone's heart. The shadow of Xiahou Yuanfeng's insidious and ruthless methods also made everyone criticized, but everyone knew the position of Mingjian Division in Li Zhi's heart, and there was Jiang Zhe's shadow behind Xiahou Yuanfeng. Although Jiang Zhe did not intervene in the affairs of Mingjian Division, Xiahou Yuanfeng used to serve King Yong through Jiang Zhe in the past, and his deputy Liu Hua was Jiang Zhe's old confidant. He is very respected, so everyone has long regarded him as a force in Jiang Zhe's lineage.
Even so, hearing that the biggest confidant's hidden danger was about to be eliminated, everyone showed a satisfied look on their faces. Li Zhi put down the secret book, but there was a slight worry in his heart. Xiahou Yuanfeng's secret book hinted that he would take the opportunity to take over Jiang Zhe. The secret power of the old Shu. In Li Zhi's heart, when Dongchuan falls under his control, he does not want any other forces independent of his control to exist, and the Splendid Alliance, no matter how much Jiang Zhe controls this force, after all For a rebellious organization, Li Zhi's only concern is whether this will cause Jiang Zhe's dissatisfaction