Two days have passed since the assassination on the long street that day and the appearance of Tong Guan. The atmosphere in the capital gradually became warmer.
This warming does not refer to the weather, of course.
When the Jin people go south and foreign aggression strikes, it is not too difficult to arouse the blood of the people in the face of the disaster. However, after the excitation, a large number of people died, when the external pressures faded, many people's families have been completely destroyed, when people reacted, the future has become a pale color. Just as people facing a crisis unleash their potential, when the danger passes and those with serious overdrafts will eventually fall.
How to recover after this is the big question.
In fact, during the period when the siege battle came to an end, the death of a large number of family members who had not participated in the defense of the city was either due to starvation or suicide, which had been continuously reported. When the public opinion systems of the Right Prime Minister's Mansion and Zhuji were fully operational, although the number of deaths discovered was still increasing, there was a bit of blood on the face of Bianliang, a giant with too much overdraft.
The tragic death of the dead, the sacrifice of the warriors, the inheritance of will and the warning that the danger has not faded, all fermented and spread in the city with the operation of the Xiangfu and Zhuji. In this era, the directional diffusion of public opinion is actually a relatively simple matter, because the channels for ordinary people to obtain information are really too narrow. The hard truth.
So after a few days of brewing, at least in terms of the social atmosphere after the war, there have been some results.
First of all, the government collected the identity and life information of the dead and began to make a book. The Martyrs' Shrine will be built in the future, and the family of the deceased will also be explained. Although the specific explanation is still under discussion, the opinions of social officials, gentry and elders have also been consulted. Even if it is only at the stage of painting the cake, this cake is still painted with sincerity for the time being.
Secondly, under the coordination of the government and the propaganda of Zhuji, the wealthy and wealthy households with spare resources began to distribute porridge and food, and expressed their willingness to take care of the families of those who died in the battle of defending the city. Appeal to. The second is that Zhuji promoted the big households who took the lead and left them famous. The third is that the court is negotiating that the families of the deceased will give them a lot of convenience in the future, whether they are in business, officialdom or farming. . Just like the policy of preferential treatment for disabled people in later generations, there will naturally be a lot of benefits for those who take in disabled people to work.
Thirdly, the attention of scholars on this matter is not over. Due to the emphasis on the threat of Jurchen by Zhuji, how to deal with this crisis has become the main topic of discussion among those who are concerned about the country and the people. These scholars are either discussing preparing to write and joining the army, or discussing the topic of eradicating the ills of current politics in restaurants and teahouses. For example, some small groups of scholars under the name of "National Crisis Society Meishe" have been secretly established, pulling people everywhere, exaggerating the feelings of worrying about the country and the people. There are many of these groups in the past. Most of them are poetry clubs, but this time, they have a more radical goal.
Of course, no matter what the goal is, the ultimate meaning of most groups is only one: to be rich and honorable, and not to forget each other.
Fourth, the warriors and soldiers in the city at this time. The degree of attention has also been greatly improved. In the past, people who were not liked in the past were reckless. Now if you are talking in a teahouse, you will talk about those who participated in the battle of defending the city. Or those with injuries on their bodies are often looked at several times. The soldiers in Bianliang City were originally similar to the hooligans, but at this time, with the deliberate exaggeration of Xiangfu and Zhuji and the strengthening of people's recognition, they began to pay attention to their own image every time they appeared on various occasions.
These things affect each other and promote each other. In a few days, the atmosphere in the city has become positive and harmonious. People care about and help each other gradually more and more. Every time in some places where porridge and rice are served, heart-warming things are also happens sometimes. In some restaurants, including Zhuji, although the food is crude, people talk about the Jurchen outside the city and the situation in the city, and they all express the scene that they must work together, which is encouraging to see.
Being in it, Yue Fei always felt warm in his heart.
He was one of the entourage who accompanied Ning Yi into the city. In the past few days, Ning Yi took him and secretly met many military generals in the capital. As the little commander of the local armies, Ning Yi specially brought him to see these high-ranking generals in Beijing, saying that he was familiar with him, but it was self-evident that he wanted to promote his fists to help him. But in addition to being grateful, what moved him the most was the heartwarming scenes he had seen around him in the past few days.
Although he did not participate in the middle, he was naturally clear about the purpose of the actions of Zhuji and the Xiangfu. A seriously injured person cannot fall asleep immediately. No matter how painful it is, he has to endure it. The actions of Zhuji and Xiangfu seem to be simple in daily storytelling, but Yue Fei can still see Ning Yi. Various actions other than meeting military generals, meeting with some high-profile families, choosing a venue for cooking porridge and meals, planning for storytelling and propaganda and planning of some assistance activities, these seemingly natural and spontaneous behaviors actually Headed by Yi, the treasurer and staff of Zhuji have made a very careful plan.
Treating manipulative and inciting things as a kind of knowledge, many things and steps are well planned, such a thing has never been heard before, but Yue Fei does not feel hypocritical because of this. Being in it, he knew that the purpose of Xiangfu and Zhuji was to prolong the life of the city, and when a sign of a better turn appeared, he felt the vigorous vitality and joy from the heart.
As long as this can continue, the world may be saved...
After a few days, the only thing that made him feel indignant was the assassination against Ning Yi on the long street two days earlier. He has been practicing martial arts with Zhou Tong since he was a child, and he is also half a member of Lulin, but his relationship with Lulin is not deep. But this time, he really felt that these people should be killed.
Of course, it is fortunate that there are more powerful people around this Young Master Ning to protect him.
Most of the things around him went smoothly, which made him feel quite relieved about the future situation. As long as things go on like this, they will fight in Taiyuan and win a few battles and lose a few battles. What does it matter. When chatting with several familiar shopkeepers in Zhuji, he often said the same thing.
"People always have to be in severe pain before they can wake up. If the tutor is still there, it will be gratifying to see the situation in Beijing at this time."
when saying this. He was sitting on the second floor of a shop in Zhuji, chatting with Zhuji's staff named Cui Hao. Sadly, the woman died in the end. When Ning Yi went out of the city, most of the people he called were unconcerned. Cui Hao followed him. On the battle formation, Yue Fei rescued him once, so he became familiar with him.
"Everyone cherishes their lives. But if they can die well and are willing to go generously, there are still some." Since his wife's departure, Cui Hao's personality has become a little gloomy. He smiled reservedly, "During this period of time, the government has indeed spared no effort to help us, even if there were conflicts before. It didn't make any troubles."
"If the state affairs are like this, there are still people who know the seriousness." Yue Fei laughed heartily, "What's more, the Prince of Guangyang County has met Ning Gongzi this time. I heard from several generals yesterday that the prince also praised Ning Gongzi in private. Unstoppable."
"... This matter is up for discussion." Cui Hao said in a low voice.
"Um?"
"It's nothing." Cui Hao tilted his head and looked out the window, this part of the city. By today, it has slowed down. It became a little lively atmosphere. He paused for a moment and then added: "Our affairs seem to be in good shape. But the upper floors of the court are still unclear. I heard that the situation is a bit strange, and the owner seems to have a headache. Of course, this is not the case. I've been thinking about it."
His words were not high, and after speaking, both of them were quiet. At this time, there was a table of people talking loudly at the other end of the restaurant, but it was everyone who talked about the battle with Jurchen, and several people were preparing to go to Taiyuan with the army. Hearing a few words here, Yue Fei laughed and picked up the teacup.
"At the moment of the national disaster, Your Majesty Shengming, I have a lot to do. It's a pity that there is no wine, otherwise I should learn from them, and it will be a big ignorance."
"The battle of Taiyuan will not be easy. There have been internal discussions about what to do next. I may stay and help stabilize the capital's situation. Pengju, if you go north, take care of your own life. After you come back, there will be some wine."
The capital was in short supply, and everyone came back with Ning Yi to work. They were ordered to prohibit drinking. The two raised their teacups to replace the wine with tea. A battle, as long as you are willing to work hard, is by no means a deadly battle. According to my estimation, after Zongwang and Zonghan meet, there will definitely be a face-to-face battle, but as long as I dare to fight, the location is right and the Jurchen is below. Retreat, in order to hope for the future. Although we have been defeated badly this time, as long as the pain is overcome, the future can be expected."
After he finished speaking, he tilted his head and looked out the window. The snow in the city stretched out in front of his eyes. Bianliang City in this winter has really suffered too many traumas, but looking at it at this time, he also faintly felt that between heaven and earth, There is an unyielding will.
Then, thinking of the master who died in the assassination of Zonghan at the beginning of the war, the old man's face suddenly appeared.
If you can fight in the north, what fear of death!
Then came another simple day, and after this day, it was the twenty-sixth of December. From yesterday to today, Ning Yi did not go to see the generals in Beijing, and Yue Fei did not follow him from time to time. When it was near noon, he came to the courtyard of Zhuji's staff to discuss matters. A strange atmosphere lingered in it. Someone yelled, with a suppressed tone. Yue Fei found Cui Hao and asked what happened.
Cui Hao hesitated for a moment: "On the Golden Palace today, the Prime Minister of the Right resigned and asked to go."
"What, what?"
"The Right Prime Minister handed me a book and asked to retire... to serve..."
Yue Fei was stunned for a while, he knew that the Zhuji department was the power of the Right Prime Minister's Mansion, and he had been following behind for a while. After returning to the capital, what he saw and felt, this time the second prime minister in charge of the capital's defense was in full swing. He was stunned and couldn't believe it. But he was only inexperienced in officialdom, not an idiot, and then he thought of something: "The right minister is... the credit is too high?"
"It's not a big deal." Cui Hao was still calm, "As you think, the right minister in Beijing is in charge, Xia Village is General Qin, the second son of the right minister, and the eldest son of Taiyuan is there. If I expected it right, the right minister is Seeing that the negotiation will be settled, we will retreat to advance, and abandon the phase to protect Taiyuan. The top officials of the state, which one is not a few ups and downs, have been dismissed several times. Preservation. The Right Prime Minister will be able to resume his career in the future, and even go further. To serve in front of you is a move of keeping a low profile."
"Then over there, Your Majesty..."
"Rejected." Cui Hao smiled, "Such a thing, at this time. It has to be pushed a few times."
****************
The war was not over yet, and the Chancellor of the Right resigned on the grounds of injury, which was a big shock to the upper class of the court. The emperor even lost his temper and said, "Is it possible that I am jealous of the virtuous. There is no reward for merit!?" General Qin Siyuan After reprimanding, and then comforting with kind words, it is a temporary ending.
In fact, for the people at the center of the political situation during this time. Qin Siyuan's actions made them more or less relieved. Because since the negotiation started, the situation of the court these days has made many people a little bit incomprehensible. Even for such high-ranking officials as Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Li Gang, and Qin Siyuan, the future situation is more or less like Hidden in a fog, I can see some. But there are always parts that are not visible.
After the war, some people went up and some went down, and if a big court dispute really broke out. Whether it was Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Li Gang or Qin Siyuan who fell, no one could tell. Everyone is holding back and connecting in private, including the Taiyuan issue after the negotiation, no one is fully sure, no one is sure.
So it is. At the end of the negotiation, Qin Siyuan made an official move. His resignation made many people breathe a sigh of relief. certainly. There are still doubts. Just like in Zhu Ji, a group of aides would quarrel over it. In the prime minister's mansion, when Ning Yi and Jue Ming and others met, they sighed: "Jiang is still old and hot." He was that night. To persuade Qin Siyuan to take a step forward and seize power, even if he becomes a powerful minister like Cai Jing, if he faces a long period of war and disputes, it may not be a dead end. And Qin Siyuan's clear move seemed more stable.
In the hall, many people may sigh like this.
This afternoon, Qin Siyuan submitted his resignation letter for the second time, but it was rejected again.
On December 27, he resigned for the third time and was rejected.
On the afternoon of December 27th, Li Hao and Zong Wang negotiated the terms of the peace talks, including the Wu Dynasty calling Jin Guo his brother, one million Guansui coins, and compensation for Jurchen's return journey food and forage. On this afternoon, the handover of the food and forage was easy. here we go.
Twenty-eight, Qin Siyuan resigned for the fourth time and rejected.
Twenty-ninth, Wu Ruiying's request for Zhou Zhe's review was allowed, but the time for the review would be discussed at another date.
Zhou Zhe supported Qin Siyuan so resolutely that the Prime Minister's mansion was somewhat relieved, more or less guessing that the emperor had already made up his mind to use the right prime minister this time. The Right Prime Minister's attitude has already been expressed, and he will no longer ask for it.
Another day passed, and it was the New Year's Eve of the thirteenth year of Jinghan. On this day, snowflakes began to float again. Outside the city, a large amount of food and grass were being sent to the Jurchen military camp. At the same time, searching for every grain of food that can be collected, and preparing the itinerary for the army to go north to Taiyuan. Although many of the above things are still vague, the next preparations are always to be done.
On the second day of the first lunar month, the Jurchen army went north. In the camp outside the city, all the siege equipment they left behind was ignited, and the fire burned, reflecting the sky in the north of the city. That night, a grander celebration broke out in Bianliang. , the fireworks rose into the night sky, exploded in groups, and the snowy mountains in the fortified city were extraordinarily enchanting.
On the third and fourth day of the junior high school, the voices calling for troops to be dispatched rose from one wave to the next. On the fifth day of the first month, Zhou Zhe ordered that Chen Yanshu, the Wusheng Army, led a 40,000-strong army northward, together with the surrounding Xiang Army, Rebel Army, and Western Army troops. , to deter Taiyuan, Wu Ruiying invited to fight, and was subsequently dismissed.
On the sixth day of the sixth day, Li Chen Ying went north with all his strength to save Taiyuan's Zhezi flying up like a snowflake, and all rejected. Zhou Zhe was once again furious at the Golden Palace: "The Jurchen is eager to go, and besides, we have already signed an agreement for a million-year-old coin, how can we make a big deal out of it, mobilize hundreds of thousands of troops, and waste people and money! This year is over. !" Qin Siyuan resigned again, but was reprimanded and dismissed.
This was the beginning of Jinghan's fourteenth year. After this day, chaos broke out in the Golden Palace. The military department raised the issue of merits and pensions for this war. Wu Ruiying was the first meritorious deed. Zhou Zhe was praised and praised all the way. . On the other hand, he insisted that Taiyuan had dispatched troops, no need to make a fuss. And a large number of rebounds have also begun to appear, and people have been handing over the importance of Taiyuan. Cai Jing and Tong Guanxi began to stand aside and watch.
On the ninth day of the first year, the great scholar Li Lili and Chen Taiyuan are important, the time is pressing, and the loss will never come. There was a dispute with Zhou Zhe in the golden hall. He slammed his head on the steps and blood flowed freely. After being diagnosed and treated by the imperial physician, his life was saved, and he was later imprisoned.
Time passed by little by little. Some people think that Li Li and others are making a fuss, and some people are lucky. Indeed, the Jurchen has decided to leave, and there is an annual year's coin. When it comes to the siege of Taiyuan, the soldiers have also been sent out. Everything seems to be unnecessary. When the Jurchen continued to go north in this snowstorm, the capital, the discussion of Taiyuan gradually became silent, although some people kept asking to send troops to Taiyuan to seize the last chance. But the sound finally became less and less.
The Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month has arrived.
This is the most lively festival in the 14th year of Jinghan. In the first day of the first year, because the city ban was not lifted and the supplies were limited, it was impossible to celebrate. At this time, the Jurchen had left, and a large amount of supplies had been transported from all directions. The surviving people in the city sincerely celebrated and drove away the Jurchen. The fireworks lit up the whole night sky, and the light in the city flowed. A night of fish and dragon dance.
In the imperial city, Zhou Zhe walked up the city wall and quietly watched this bustling scene. After a while. The queen came, holding a big shawl, to put it on him.
"In the recent days, I heard that facing upwards is too chaotic. Your Majesty has worked hard. Can't you relax a little even on holidays?"
Zhou Zhe waved his hand. Don't want that clothes, and look at the fireworks and the street outside.
"I've wasted too much time. If you want to cheer up, how can you be tired..." He paused. He tilted his head and said, "I have been reading ancient poems recently. Every time I feel something, there is one that I like the most. Queen, do you want to know?"
"Your Majesty is worried about the country and the people, and Bianliang was only hit by the military disaster. It must be some kind of poem that worries about the war and the people?"
"I guessed wrong." Zhou Zhe shook his head, and after a while, he took a deep breath, and his eyes were blurred: "Go back! Sad and lonely... I realize that the past is not admonishing, and I know that those who come can follow. I have lost my way and it is not far, and I feel that this is what it is and what was yesterday... "
"Your Majesty..."
"I feel that today is true and yesterday is not!" Zhou Zhe sighed, and his tone suddenly rose, "I used to think that being an emperor, the emphasis is on employing people, and the emphasis is on checks and balances! These scholar-bureaucrats, even if they are wretched in their hearts, always Everyone has their own skills, I just need to sit firmly on the high platform, let them compete, let them compete, and they can always do something, and there will always be someone who can do something. But who knows, with checks and balances, They have lost their blood and bones! In everything they only know how to weigh our will, and they only know how to negotiate and shirk the blame! Queen, I have done everything wrong for more than ten years..."
"Your Majesty..." The queen froze there, she never imagined that Zhou Zhe would say such a thing.
Zhou Zhe smiled and said, "It's ridiculous to entrust other people with state affairs. I have supported the military for nearly 300 years. These people have learned more about power and people than anyone else. They pretend to be loyal ministers and good generals in front of me! Excuses and weighs! I've ruined my country. If it wasn't for this war, I wouldn't be able to wake up to the fact that there are people with passion in the people! Kill chickens and kill dogs! Look at Cai Jing, with a low eyebrow , I don't treat him lightly. When it comes to the great disaster of the country's subjugation, he lowered his eyebrows and said nothing! Look at Tong Guan, the king of Guangyang County, I treat him well! Miao U-turn and leave! Look at Qin Siyuan, his second son is in Bianliang, the eldest son is in Taiyuan, he is in phase! Recently, he resigned and asked to go, what is he doing? Think I don't understand? His son, and then he still has the influence to control the court, just like Cai Jing! He figured out my thoughts, he is so clever! He is... he is going to use me and manipulate me!"
"Taiyuan!" He waved his hand, "I don't know how important Taiyuan is! Why don't I know that I want to save Taiyuan! But they... What kind of battle are they fighting! Push everyone to Taiyuan, and protect Taiyuan, the Qin family will be able to Cover the sky with one hand! I'm not afraid that he will cover the sky with one hand, but what if we lose? They gamble with our country! If they lose, they are loyal ministers and martyrs, and if they win, they are the white jade pillars of the sky and the golden beams of the sea!"
"If they hadn't fought such a battle! If it hadn't been for Qin Shaohe in Taiyuan! If it hadn't been for them to force me, how could I have done this!"
"I have been wrong for thirteen years."
He spoke slowly and put his hand on the snow on the parapet. The snow was cold, but it made him feel like blood was burning.
"This country, this people... can no longer be handed over to them, wantonly abuse... "
"My country, my people..."
"... I, protect myself."
In the resolute tone, fireworks rose, illuminating his resolute and determined face.
To the north to Taiyuan, thousands of miles away, there are no fireworks.
The thin-faced Qin Shaohe walked up to the city wall and looked at the Jurchen military camp opposite. The city also seemed a bit lively today, at least in the military camp and other places, the fire was a little brighter.
"Cough cough... Are you alright?" He patted a soldier on duty on the shoulder, "Today's Shangyuan Festival, there are glutinous rice balls below, I'll eat some later."
He went all the way and said so to everyone.
After the siege of the city for a long time, the food and grass in the city began to bottom out. Since a month ago, the food ration has been halved. Although it is not without food, most of the people are in a state of half hunger. Since the number of heating objects in the city has also begun to decrease, standing guard at the head of the city in such a state will still make people tremble.
After a while, he saw Li Pin, who was guarding the city wall. Although he was currently in control of the logistics in the city, as a Confucian scholar who followed the way of a gentleman, he was also unable to eat enough, and now his face was disheveled.
Qin Shaohe handed him a snack box.
"Dumplings, I brought you a few, go to the side and eat them secretly."
Li Pin refused and finally accepted it, but he didn't open it. The two walked for a while, exchanged the situation in a low voice, and looked far and south for a while.
"Shangyuan, I don't know how the situation in the capital is, whether the siege has been cleared."
"Looking at the fact that the soldiers are not moving outside the city, I'm afraid there is no progress."
"There is hunger and cold in the city. Although there is still food, I don't dare to lose hair, so I can only eat less. Many old people are starving to death..." Qin Shaohe said in a low voice, "I don't know how long I can wait."
"As long as the Wu Dynasty guards, I will wait for as long as I wait." Li Pin smiled generously and glanced at the military camp outside the city, "My men, how can I give up this great river and mountain."
"Cough, haha... That's right!" Qin Shaohe stretched out his hand and patted Li Pin's shoulder hard. Li Pin stumbled, and for a moment, the two people at the top of the city laughed.
The heroic laughter spread far and wide in the city head of the wind and snow. ()