It was an early morning in deep winter, the year was coming to an end, and as the sun and moon moved, another New Year was about to come. However, Chang'an had no intention of welcoming the new year.
Half of the city's population poured out of the main southern gate of the imperial city to watch the ceremony held by the imperial court in Nanye to mark the departure of the army for the expedition.
The six armies were heavily armored, with flags and banners covering the fields. In the midst of the solemn battle of swords and spears, the imperial guards and guards in helmets and armor arrived with the dragon chariot. The emperor, who had not been seen for a long time, appeared in front of all officials and people in his royal robes. His face was hidden behind the twelve pearl tassels. Under the jade algae, his dragon face was deep and majestic. Under the royal robes, his body looked so majestic and tall. Princess Shouchang, who had been trusted since he returned to the court and accompanied him in almost every occasion, walked behind him.
Under the gaze of the crowd, the emperor took his seat on the ceremonial platform step by step. He burned animals, offered sacrifices to flags, and gave his generals swords. The ceremonial officer read the emperor's announcement to the world. Finally, with the sound of "punishing the rebels in Jiannan and commanding the world", the army set out. After leaving the capital, they will join forces with the troops rushing to the capital from other places, and crush the rebellious areas with swords and drums.
Just before today, rumors had begun to circulate not only in the court but also among the people that the emperor had been devastated by the loss of two sons, or that he had become physically disabled and was dying.
Although the emperor had seldom attended court in recent years and ordinary court officials had difficulty seeing him, the situation this time was really special. After the death of the deposed crown prince and Prince Kang, the emperor had retired to the deep palace. The princess was no different from the regent, except for a title. It was inevitable that suspicion would arise.
Out of fear and taboo, although no court official has dared to publicly express concerns about the state system after the emperor's death, various speculations have already spread.
The emperor's public appearance today boosted the morale of the army and refuted the rumors. It was hard to know what the court officials would think, but for the ordinary people, the emperor was in good health, and seeing the majestic appearance of the government army, it was like the dark clouds above their heads retreating. All day long, Chang'an City was not overshadowed by the sudden war. Instead, one could hear excited discussions everywhere about the emperor and the princess personally sending the army off.
In the evening, it started snowing again.
Unlike the first wet sleet that ended at nightfall and dawn more than half a month ago, today's snow fell heavily and filled the sky. The streets were filled with the laughter of children chasing and playing in the snow. Some people even set off firecrackers prepared for New Year's Eve in advance.
Pei Xiaoyuan was walking in a military camp outside Kaiyuan Gate in the west of the city.
The snow was falling heavily. In a short while, a layer of crystal white snow like salt had accumulated on the walls of the camp and the tops of the surrounding trees.
A corner of the camp was temporarily set up as his base.
Accompanying him were former members of the Divine Tiger Army, such as Chen Shao, who were split up and scattered in various military camps in Chang'an and the capital area, as well as young men and children from their families who continued to serve in the army. These people were only a small part of the former Divine Tiger Army, and many of them were still scattered elsewhere. Although they had low ranks and were skilled in bows, crossbows, cavalry and infantry, they were all professional soldiers. Once the news was sent out, they were quickly summoned from all directions.
The other group was led by Gu Twelve, who came from the market, but after being incorporated into the Luwu Division, they often joined the training. Many of them, like Gu Twelve, had various military experiences in their early years and were suitable for going north. In addition, there were a few voluntary followers from various guards in Chang'an who were allowed by Pei Xiaoyuan, such as Liu Bo, but not many. The three groups added up to nearly a thousand people.