Chapter 4957 Outside Chengtian Gate
In the heavy snow, the soldiers of Youjin Wuwei were galloping north along Zhuque Street. The darkness was like a tide, which gave people great psychological oppression. These soldiers were wearing armor, holding swords and shields, and carrying muskets on their backs. Although they moved quickly and at extremely high speeds, they always maintained a coordinated distance between each other. Once they encountered an attack, they would immediately react and take up the formation on the spot to fight back.
Zheng Rentai is a man who knows the military. He can tell at a glance that this army formed from the left and right garrison is the strongest army in the world. In particular, the right garrison is the first to equip firearms and the first to change the tactics. This advantage ranks first among the Sixteen Guards of the Tang Dynasty.
The only one who can keep pace with it is probably its "sister army" Zuo Jinwu Guard...
Arriving at the junction of the Imperial City and Zaitian Street, the Right Jinwu Guards quickly spread out and moved towards the east and west sides. Their formation was rigorous and their military appearance was in full glory. They faced off across the street from the Right Leading Guards.
The sword and shield were raised, the musket was aimed, and the murderous intent was fierce.
A large group of civil servants who arrived first and were blocked were inexplicably caught between two armies. The armies on both sides were at war with each other, and a war seemed about to break out...
Among the civil servants, Liu Jie was even more ghostly and sweating. The conflict between the military and the civil servants has been going on for more than a day or two. Both sides are complaining about each other and want to get rid of each other quickly. These Qiu Ba gang will not take advantage of Tai Chi Palace. At this time of chaos and possible mutiny, the civil servants like them can be solved by starting a war, right?
Anyway, when the time comes to shirk responsibility with the word "accidental injury", thousands of soldiers are fighting in a melee and I don't even know who did it...
"Everyone, calm down! Calm down!"
Liu Jie quickly stood up and asked his servants to hold torches and move closer to him, so that the firelight could shine on his face so that the army could see more clearly, so as not to "accidentally hurt" him. Prevaricate...
When Zheng Rentai saw that it was Liu Ji, he immediately clasped his fists and said, "It turns out that Zhongshu Ling is also here. I couldn't recognize him before, so I'm offended."
Just as Liu Ji was about to speak, Han Ai, the Minister of Punishment behind him, stood up, pointed at Zheng Rentai and shouted: "You have been ordered by the emperor to guard Sheji and Suwei Palace. Now the situation in the palace is critical. His Majesty's situation is unknown. Not only do you not know how to enter the palace, King Qin will do it." He tried to save him, but he prevented us from visiting the palace. I don’t know what he wanted.”
This is tantamount to pointing Zheng Rentai's nose and scolding him for treason.
However, he does have this qualification. His father, Han Zhongliang, supported Emperor Gaozu Jinyang when he first launched his army. He also sacrificed his family and business to fund the military expenditure. Later, he served as minister of Dali Temple for a time and was a hero in the founding of the country.
Not counting this, later on, he clearly expressed his support for Li Er in the dispute between Qin King Li Er and the crown prince, and followed Li Er to fight in all directions and contributed a lot. He was the "hero of Qin Di" and "the merit of Cong Long". The "Emperor Eagle Dog" of ten.
Compared with Zheng Rentai, the "second minister" who was originally loyal to Prince Yin and was the brother-in-law of Prince Yin, Han Ai was naturally confident and did not take him lightly at all.
Liu Ji suddenly broke out in sweat and quickly pulled Han Ai, feeling helpless for this colleague who, although he was not young, had always had a "dandy habit".
If in normal times, not to mention a few words of criticism against Zheng Rentai, even if he spit in Zheng Rentai's face, instead of blaming him, Liu Ji would not blame him, but would praise him as a "real man". But what time is it now?
When the emperor is in danger and the country is in turmoil, "the one with strong soldiers and horses is the king"!
The more chaotic the situation, the more decisive it becomes. If you anger him at this time, you will only be the unlucky one!
The key is that it’s just you who are unlucky, but it won’t be good if it affects all of us...
Zheng Rentai was very well-educated and did not get angry because of Han Ai's rebuke. Instead, he patiently explained: "It's not that I am preventing you from entering the palace. It's because the situation is unclear. I will not do it without receiving the edict." Let anyone enter the palace.”
In a way, he's right.
But the problem is that the East Palace is currently in a raging war, and there is no movement in the Taiji Palace. This is inconsistent with common sense. Obviously, there is something wrong with the Taiji Palace.
Blindly adhering to principles, sitting back and watching the king fall into danger and turning a blind eye, is this any different from standing by and watching?
Furthermore, if the king dies, where will the edict come from?
Sun Renshi, the general of Youjin Wuwei, was far away, but he heard Zheng Rentai's words clearly, and suddenly said loudly: "Fart! I have received a message from Li Junxian, saying that I have invited all the prime ministers and ministers to come to the palace to discuss important matters. You actually turned a deaf ear and turned a blind eye, which shows that you have ulterior motives!”
Zheng Rentai snorted coldly, and faced the suspicious looks of the ministers, and explained: "Li Junxi is no more than the leader of the 'Hundred Cavalry Division'. He has no rank and no job. How can he give orders on behalf of His Majesty? If you obey his words and If something big goes wrong, who will bear the responsibility?”
"This..."
Liu Jie and others were silent and hesitant.
I have to say that Zheng Rentai's words are reasonable. His Majesty's situation is unknown now, because Li Junxian rushed into the palace with just one word. The consequences are unpredictable and no one can afford it.
Civil servants are rigorous in their work and think a lot, so they are inevitably hesitant.
Sun Renshi said loudly: "If Tong'an County Duke is wise enough to protect himself and is unwilling to take any risks for your majesty's safety, then you might as well get out of the way and let me enter Chengtian Gate. If your majesty blames you in the future, I will bear the blame!"
Zheng Rentai was furious: "How presumptuous! How dare a mere deputy general show off his power over me even if he holds the position of a general? Get away quickly, otherwise don't blame me for treating you as a traitor!"
Although he was unwilling to help Li Shenfu, Li Fuhu and others enter the Taiji Palace to usurp the throne, he was leaning towards them in his heart. How could he be willing to let Master Sun Ren lead his army to enter the Taiji Palace in a situation where major events were still undecided?
We must buy as much time as possible for Li Shenfu...
Master Sun Ren refused to give in and responded tit for tat: "Tong'an County Duke is also a veteran of Zhenguan and a veteran on the battlefield, but he also plays the trick of shouting to catch the thief? Well, today I will see if you are consistent in your words and deeds and have no selfish intentions!"
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Immediately, he urged his war horses to step directly onto Tianjie, heading towards Chengtian Gate.
Zheng Rentai was so angry that he pointed his halberd at his head and cursed: "Master Sun Ren, please don't bully me too much! Do you really think I dare not shoot you under the horse?"
"Hoola!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the guards of the right leading army behind him had not made any move, but the guards of You Jinwu on the opposite side all unsheathed their swords, raised their muskets, and launched an attack immediately after the commander gave the order. situation.
At the same time, Master Sun Ren walked non-stop across the long street and directly entered the military formation of the right leading military guard, less than one foot away from the opponent's soldiers.
The right-leading guardsmen holding knives, spears, and bowstrings were a little nervous. Naturally, they did not dare to make any move without waiting for the command from the commander-in-chief. But even if the commander-in-chief really ordered Sun Renshi to be shot, would they dare to shoot him?
That's General Youjin Wuwei!
One of the Sixteenth Generals of the Tang Army, he can be called a "commander"!
Although it is the duty of soldiers to obey orders, everyone knows that once the order to shoot Sun Renshi is given, Zheng Rentai's position will be self-evident. Even if there is no rebellion, he must sympathize with the rebellion or even participate in the rebellion.
That's rebellion!
He's a traitor!
Do you want to rebel with the commander?
Even if everyone understands the principle of "the winner is the king, the loser is the bandit", no one can make the decision easily.
Zheng Rentai pursed his lips and looked at Master Sun Renshi who broke into his own army without hesitation. His eyes were bloodshot and he gritted his teeth, but it was difficult to order him to be shot.
Even the soldiers understand the truth, how could he not understand it?
It's just that he doesn't taboo the word "rebellion", but once he orders Sun Renshi to be shot, he will be on a road of no return. He can only follow Li Shenfu to the dark side, without any room for change. .
The risk is too great...
On the opposite side, Liu Ji looked at the back of Sun Renshi with admiration. This general who was not famous in the past but was recommended by Fang Jun and entrusted with important tasks was using his own life to test Zheng Rentai's position.
If Zheng Rentai had no objection, he would definitely get out of the way at this moment and let Master Sun Ren enter the palace to rescue him.
If Zheng Rentai had conspired to rebel, he would definitely shoot Sun Renshi and buy time for his accomplices at the cost of an all-out war with Youjin Wuwei.
No matter what, we cannot continue to delay or obstruct.
Sun Renshi used his own life to overcome the current predicament, otherwise the delay would continue and the palace would be in danger...
Many civil servants also reacted one after another, looking at Master Sun Ren's back with complicated eyes. There was a desolation of "the wind is rustling and the water is cold", tragic and majestic.
Zheng Rentai's palms tightly grasped the handle of the horizontal sword at his waist, and he stared at Master Sun Rentai with wide eyes as he marched straight into his formation. The soldiers failed to get his order, so they let out a long breath and fled to both sides. Get out of the way, cut through the waves to make way for a passage...
And Zheng Rentai felt relieved?
Zuo Jinwu's guards have remained stationary until now, and Fang Jun has disappeared. Especially since the civil war in the East Palace has not ended yet, it means that the Li Zheng Palace is as solid as a rock and the prince is safe... All signs indicate that the situation is not good for Li Shen The talisman is extremely unfavorable.
Master Sun Renzhi was not afraid of life and death, which helped Zheng Rentai make up his mind.
But from now on, he, the right-leading General Wei, may have come to an end. How can a person with lofty ideals shoulder the heavy responsibility of guarding the capital?
Returning to Xingyang and retiring to the countryside with dignity is already the best ending...
After breathing out his breath, Zheng Rentai seemed to have aged a few years. He sat on the horse and watched helplessly as Sun Renshi, Liu Jie and others opened the Chengtian Gate and swarmed in. He shook his head helplessly, waved his hand and ordered to his general: " Return to Anfumen to station and give this place to Youjinwu Guards.”
"Commander!"
The generals were stunned and refused to accept the order.
Everyone knows that something happened in Tai Chi Palace. If you can protect Chengtianmen and Tai Chi Palace at this time, it will be a great achievement no matter what. How can you give this credit to others in vain?
Zheng Rentai no longer had any ambition to make progress. He sighed, said no more, and rode westward.
The long streets are covered with snow and the palace walls are towering. From now on, I am far away from the struggle for power, and I can be considered a happy ending. Meeting a rising star like Sun Renshi gave him a fatal blow and finally punished his indecisive and hesitant character. It was not a loss.