Chapter 495: The Beacon Rises
“Because I am there.”
This is said very confidently.
Once upon a time, Pingye Bo of Dayan and the little barbarian prince, Nian Yao, the general of Chu State, and Zhong Tianlang of Qian State were called the four heroes of the next generation of the army.
But now, no one insists on this statement anymore, even the people of Qianchu will not mention it again.
Literati can rely on flattery. After all, at any time, literati have always played high-brow things. If you brag in your own circle and praise each other's bad feet, it is difficult for outsiders to criticize you. If you dare to criticize, it means that you are ignorant and cannot produce good works. .
But military commanders cannot stand up simply by flattery. Moreover, the achievements of military commanders that can truly stand up to bragging are not within the military, but on the external battlefield.
It is said that the young barbarian prince set up troops in the desert to fight against many rebellious tribes. However, firstly, the desert was too far away from the eastern country. Secondly, his act of delegating himself to His Majesty the Emperor of Yan was too much for him. Image loss.
Zhong Tianlang once occupied several Yan people's forts on the border, but when the eldest prince came to Nanwang City, Zhong Tianlang also calmed down, and there was quite a sense of bullying the weak and fearing the strong.
In addition to capturing several princes at home, General Nian Yao's greatest achievement in foreign wars was that he relied on Zhennanguan to play chess with the Marquis of Jingnan.
Everyone knows how difficult it is to play against Jingnan Houtian Wujing, but this external record does sound a bit frustrating.
Only Uncle Zheng,
Three hundred riders descended from Mianzhou City, beheaded the prefect and left;
Thousands of riders went deep into the hinterland of Qian Kingdom, beheaded King Fu and left;< br>
Three thousand horsemen followed Li Fusheng into Qianqian, and went to enjoy the snow outside the capital;
Thousands of riders rushed thousands of miles to seize the snow customs, destroying the main force of the savages in one fell swoop.
Because Marquis Jingnan was not popular among the people, many people praised Pingye Bo. What's more, it was said that the more soldiers the better, the better.
For the big men of the Great Yan Chaotang present, they have actually passed the age of passion. If there are grades in being an official, they have already entered the immovable realm.
This is not nonsense, but the Tibetan master of Qian Kingdom who led his disciples to practice how to enter samadhi in the early years. He once took a group of disciples to Beijing and entered the Hanlin Academy.
The Hanlin Academy of the Qian Kingdom can be said to be extremely noble, but if you want to have a successful career in the future and be able to aspire to the position of Prime Minister, you must go through the Hanlin Academy.
The Hanlins were practicing hard in the Hanlin for the future Zhu Zigui and Qingliang Umbrella,
while the Qigong Masters were watching them in the cubicle practicing hard and entering concentration;
What’s more, Master Zang himself said that the state of mind of the ministers in the current dynasty was higher than his.
The adults in the imperial study are equivalent to the ministers of the Qian Kingdom. They don’t like Meng Lang. They only like to govern a big country like cooking small fresh food. They want to seek stability, and they are also disgusted with this kind of radical approach. color.
But faced with these words from Mr. Hirano,
There was nothing in their hearts.
After all, they were the high officials who were promoted by Emperor Yan himself after Ma stepped on the family. Because of the monopoly of power and the stability of the monarchy, when selecting these high officials, Emperor Yan did not have to think as much as the emperors of other countries. Political balance and the entanglements between aristocrats and scholar-bureaucrat factions.
Therefore, these senior officials may have different personalities, and they may inevitably have some personal quirks in private, but they stand with Emperor Yan in terms of big rights and wrongs.
Previously, many people stated their reasons.
But Hirano’s reason seems simple and crude, but it actually makes everyone feel that it is the most tenable.
This young uncle from Dayan has indeed never lost a battle since he joined the army. Moreover, every battle he participated in was a big victory, and he was also the best at using small things to make big gains.
Of course, besides him, there is also the Marquis of Jingnan standing behind him.
With the current situation in Dayan, forcing a national war is really a gamble. If you win, there will still be problems, but at least the stability of the country can be maintained in the general direction. If you lose, the country will be There will be a danger of overturning.
So,
What the big guys are thinking now, after Uncle Zheng said those words,
It turned out to be:
Since we are going to bet, why not play with someone who is very good and has never lost before?
Military and national affairs are not a child's play;
The major affairs of the country lie in sacrifice and military affairs;
But everyone just can't help thinking in that direction, for no other reason than for auspiciousness .
At this time,
Xu Qiutai said:
“Your Majesty, King Zhenbei needs to guard Beifeng County. The court will not send him away unless it is absolutely necessary. , must be the Marquis of Jingnan.
So, I think that we should attack Chu first.”
This time, Xu Qiutai, who was the minister, killed the Marquis of Jingnan directly. .
Because the eldest prince took command of the last Eastern Expedition, but something went wrong, resulting in a massive defeat for the left army and heavy casualties.
Although there was nothing inappropriate in the eldest prince’s command, and victory or defeat is a common occurrence for military strategists, everyone knew that if Marquis Jingnan was invited to take command at the first opportunity, the first defeat at Wangjiang would be It won't happen.
His Majesty wants to start a war, and we agree, but there are some things that His Majesty must be aware of.
Emperor Yan’s eyes darkened slightly.
He could hear the implication of Xu Qiutai's words. He was worried that if he attacked Gan, he would let the eldest prince lead the troops, or lead the troops in the early stage.
But
Emperor Yan was not angry, because it was his son who failed to live up to expectations.
The commander-in-chief of this national war must be Tian Wujing, because Li Liangting's health is not good and he is not suitable for traveling back and forth again.
Therefore,
Under the premise that Tian Wujing must be commanding the troops, it is the most appropriate choice for him to send troops from the Three Jin Land to attack Chu immediately. After all, the Three Jin Land The military power of the Ying Dynasty had actually fallen into the control of Marquis Jingnan very early.
On the previous way to Beijing,
Ping Yebo could directly dispatch various camps outside Yingdu City with the military order of Jingnan Marquis. This is the best evidence.
Finally,
Emperor Yan nodded,
said:
"Tomorrow, at the court meeting, we will start the battle first, and then directly attack Chu."
Below, all the court officials kowtowed together:
"I obey the order."
>"I obey the decree."
The meaning is very simple. The theme has been determined today. After you go back, you can communicate with your respective forces. Tomorrow, everyone will determine these two policies together. Let's go a form.
In fact, Emperor Yan's words, like the previous words of the prince, damaged the image of the "sage king".
It is obviously inappropriate to talk about this kind of secret manipulation and manipulation of government affairs so clearly and straightforwardly.
But everyone dared to criticize and question the prince,
but no one dared to question Emperor Yan.
“That’s it, Zheng Fan stays.”
"I, my ministers, retire."
"My ministers, my ministers, retire."
The adults and the two princes all left.
Wei Zhonghe led a group of eunuchs to move the chairs away, but still left one chair. He also moved the chair forward, signaling Uncle Zheng to sit closer to His Majesty.
The emperor has a lot to do every day. Wherever there is no time to waste on "giving a seat", "giving tea" and "sit closer" every day, he still has to rely on this personal eunuch to convey it.
Uncle Zheng sat down,
Huang Yan stood up and left the imperial case.
The emperor stood up, and Uncle Zheng could only stand up again.
"You and I haven't seen each other for a long time."
"If I reply to Your Majesty, it has been more than two years."
"Well, life flies by so fast."
"Although I have never seen Tian Yan again in the past two years, God's grace is so great that I am always by my side."
< br>After hearing this, Emperor Yan smiled and said;
“It’s hard for you. He is obviously a general, but he speaks nice words more smoothly than those sycophants.”
“………” Zheng Fan.
"Zheng Fan, do you think it is the times that create heroes, or the heroes that create times?"
"I think it can be both."
"I don't like hearing from my ministers the most. to the ambiguous answer.”
“Your Majesty, I don’t mean that. This is the time. Heroes are created by force. If I hadn't caught up with His Majesty's wise and powerful reign and opened up to the outside world, I would naturally not be able to rely on military merit to gain a title. Maybe, I am still just a Guizhou leader, or still be a captain and captain in Hutou City or Cuiliu Fort. Defense;
But in Your Majesty's case, it is the heroes who create the situation.
National wars are decided by His Majesty's thoughts. Thousands of tigers and tigers open up territories for Your Majesty. The ebb and flow are all controlled by His Majesty's thoughts. "
Yanhuang pointed at Wei Zhonghe who was waiting beside him,
said:
"Study. "
Wei Zhonghe immediately smiled and said: "I have been learning. ”
"Zheng Fan, now it's me and you. You tell me how difficult it is to defeat Zhennanguan."
"If I tell you, Your Majesty, the walls of Zhennanguan are towering and there are many troops stationed there. The Chu people are also working hard. It is really difficult to break through Zhennanguan."
"It is very difficult. It’s difficult, but you gave me your heartfelt promise.”
“In reply to your majesty, I always despise the enemy strategically and attach great importance to the enemy tactically.”
The Emperor Yan savored it carefully. With these words, he nodded slowly, "It's interesting."
"So that your majesty will know that Zhennan Pass is like a thorn in the throat of Jin. If this thorn is not pulled out, Jin will be uneasy."
"I know the importance of Zhennan Pass, but I know better. There is no wall in the world that cannot be conquered. I believe you can do it, and I believe Wu Jing can do it.
You are fighting on the front line,
What I can do is to sit in the capital and ensure that you have no worries. .”
"I will do my best and will not give up even if I die!"
"Come and tell me in detail what kind of character the regent of Chu State and the official of Qian State are like?"
>Uncle Zheng then realized that Emperor Yan had asked him to stay. The previous mention of Zhennanguan was just a casual mention. The real reason was that Emperor Yan wanted to understand his two colleagues through himself.
"Your Majesty, who should I talk to first?"
"That official from the Kingdom of Qian, I heard he is good at taking care of himself?"
"Replying to Your Majesty, the official from Qian Kingdom is indeed very good at maintaining his health. He should have practiced some meditation methods. When I saw him, he was wearing a Taoist robe with his body half uncovered."
"What is his character like? How does it compare with me?"
"I am terrified."
"Just speak frankly. I forgive you for your innocence. Don't ask mother-in-law or mother-in-law. Tell the truth."
"Yes, I believe that the official of Qianguo deserves to be a wise ruler. No matter who he is, Both his temperament and his methods are extremely brilliant. Compared with your Majesty, I feel that he lacks your magnanimity and courage.
Your Majesty is the hero who created the foundation for eternity, and he is the wise king who maintains success. "
"Then, where is the regent of Chu? "
"Back to Your Majesty, he is young. ”
As an emperor, the Regent of Chu is undoubtedly young.
Moreover, the Regent of Chu also has a spirit beside him, which means that the Regent of Chu himself is a spiritual practitioner. Who.
Yan Huangpin smacked these two words and let out a sigh.
Young,
If he could be ten years younger,
If Li Liangting was also in his prime,
In this world,
what’s so difficult about being completely wiped out?
"I understand, please step back. The day after tomorrow, you can leave the capital and go back."
"I obey the order."
"Do your job well, I, Don’t let the meritorious officials down.”
"I understand."
When Zheng Fan came out of the palace, he found Eunuch Zhang's carriage waiting at the gate of the palace.
After Ji Laoliu left the Imperial Study Room, he went to the Ministry of Household Affairs. The carriage was temporarily unavailable.
This carriage actually also means that the experts protecting the carriage nearby are also ready. After all, Zheng Fan knows that Ji Laoliu is not inferior to him in the matter of cherishing his life.
After Uncle Zheng got on the bus, Eunuch Zhang asked diligently:
"Uncle, are you going back to your home?"
"Prince Jin's Mansion."
Eunuch Zhang was stunned for a moment, then nodded and said, "I understand."
Actually,
The last time he visited the third prince, Uncle Zheng planned to visit Prince Jin’s Mansion, but who knew there was a sword master sitting next to him at that time.
At the moment, Ji Laoliu's master happened to be protecting him, so he could go and see it safely.
We are all old acquaintances. After I come to Beijing, I have to pay a visit.
The Prince of Jin's Mansion is located on Dongsan Street. To the west is the Inspection Department Yamen, and to the east is the Yanjing Mansion Yin Yamen. It can be said that it is heavily defended.
Of course, apart from this, Emperor Yan did not treat Prince Jin's family harshly. On this point, Emperor Yan had always been generous.
In the Jin Palace, there are hundreds of maids and slaves, and they are supported by the Yan treasury every year. Maintaining a luxurious life is not a problem.
Except for the New Year and festivals, when the King of Jin was required to wear formal attire to show his face, Emperor Yan did not issue any special edicts to announce his entry into the palace.
The gate of Prince Jin's Mansion is very grand, and there are many guards in front of it.
When Eunuch Zhang drove the carriage to the gate of the palace, a row of soldiers immediately came down and surrounded the carriage.
Prince Jin is already under house arrest in his mansion. He may give you glory and wealth, but it is impossible to give you freedom, and no one in Yanjing will come to visit him.
Even His Majesty would not treat him as a monkey and gave him the most basic face. Even if the other princes, princes and ministers wanted to show off their power, how could they have the courage?
When Uncle Zheng came out of the carriage,
the soldiers around him knelt down:
“See Uncle Hirano!”
“See Uncle Hirano!”
This golden armor is indeed very recognizable.
Today, Uncle Zheng is still wearing golden armor because he has to enter the palace to meet the saint.
"Uncle Ben, I just came out of the palace."
Uncle Zheng has already gained experience in pulling tiger skins. He just came out of the palace, but he can I didn't come to see Prince Jin's family as ordered, but the meaning is actually the same.
In Jin, Uncle Zheng was used to it, but in Yanjing, he actually didn't restrain himself much. The reason is that he has a rare place to live, he can fight and do things, and he is proud of being favored.
Even if Emperor Yan found out about this matter, he would not take it seriously. When he is using himself, nothing will matter;
But when I really want to take advantage of you,
even if you bathe and burn incense at home and pray for the longevity and good health of Emperor Yan every day, you can be punished for the crime of cursing the emperor.
Hearing this, the surrounding soldiers immediately retreated. The leading captain immediately ordered his subordinates,
"Open the door!"
The door of the mansion was opened.
But the captain stepped forward, kicked his subordinate, and cursed again.
The door of the mansion was closed again, and then the main door was opened.
The side door was opened previously.
"Uncle, please."
Zheng Fan shook his head with a smile and got off the carriage instead of letting the carriage go in directly through the main entrance.
In Prince Jin's mansion, flowers and plants are flourishing, and the garden is well-kept.
A group of servants were alerted by the sound of opening the door and rushed over.
"Excuse me, please inform His Highness the Prince of Jin that an old friend is here to visit."
......
Uncle Zheng was arranged in the living room by the servants of the Prince of Jin's palace. Tea was served.
After waiting for a while,
I noticed footsteps coming from outside the hall,
but the person who came in
was not King Yu Ciming of Jin, but the Queen Mother of Jin in a red dress.
Uncle Zheng immediately stood up and saluted:
"I have met the Queen Mother."
"I heard from my servants that a golden-armored general came to the house, and the Ai family guessed who it was. At a glance, it turned out to be Uncle Hirano."< br>
"Queen Mother, where is His Royal Highness Prince Jin?"
There is no reason for a woman to entertain guests.
“Unfortunately, yesterday was the day to worship the Ancestral Temple, and the prince had to serve his ancestors behind closed doors for three days.”
"It's quite a coincidence."
"..." Queen Mother.
Uncle Zheng sat down again and asked: "Queen Mother, how are your days in Beijing?"
"My life is going very well. Your Majesty has given us enough dignity. ”
“Hmm.”
Zheng Fan nodded and looked around. He knew that there must be many people from the Secret Service in this mansion, so it was inconvenient to say some words.
The scene,
cooled down.
The Queen Mother broke the silence and said; "The Ai family must also thank Uncle Pingye for helping us drive away the barbarians from Jin and save the people of Jin from water and fire."
"This is me. What should be done.”
Then,
there was awkward silence again.
The Queen Mother said:
“Uncle Hirano came here this time, what he did...”
“Oh, I don’t have many acquaintances in Beijing, and it’s rare for me to come back once. , I just wanted to visit.”
"I see. In fact, there are no guests in the palace on weekdays."
Then,
the silence continued.
Uncle Zheng felt a little uncomfortable sitting there, so he could only stand up and prepare to leave.
Seeing this, the Queen Mother also stood up and prepared to see him off.
She shouldn't have come out to meet guests, but firstly, Yu Ciming was still retreating in the palace's temple, and secondly, all the guests who could enter the palace were not ordinary nobles.
"Then, I will take my leave. Later I will send someone to deliver some Shanxi specialties."
"Thank you, uncle."
"The Queen Mother still needs some. What? I can send it right away."
The Queen Mother's face suddenly turned red, and she shook her head and said, "No, no, there is nothing missing here."
< br>
"Okay."
Uncle Zheng walked out of Prince Jin's Mansion and got back into the carriage.
"Tsk, tsk..."
This is boring.
Uncle Zheng felt a little unsatisfied.
"Uncle, are you going next?"
"Go back home."
"Yes, uncle."
The carriage went out from East Third Street, at the street entrance, I met another carriage, driven by little Eunuch Zhang.
Lifting the curtain, the blind man got out of the carriage and got into Zheng Fan's carriage.
"Has your Majesty gone to Prince Jin's Mansion?"
"Well, let's go and have a look. What about you?"
"I'm going to see my father-in-law."
"Oh, yes, you still have an old father-in-law in Beijing."
"Does the Lord want to go with his subordinates?"
"Let's go and have a look. We can be considered old friends."
"By the way, my lord, I haven't asked you about the results of today's imperial study?"
Uncle Zheng smiled,
Tao;
“Get ready for war.” (End of this chapter)