prosperous age

At the junction of Pinggu and Miyun, the terrain here is gentle, and a Ming army camp was established not long ago.

Ma Fang frowned and looked at the official document and a decree sent by the Ministry of War on the table. He had been sitting there for a long time. From the moment he received the order, he had been sitting there in a daze, not knowing what he was thinking.

A big victory two days ago, Ma Fang hadn't waited for the reward, but unexpectedly received an order to lead his troops back to Xuanfu immediately.

Could it be that there was a mistake in winning the battle?

Or what happened in the capital that he didn't know about?
At this moment, a soldier outside the camp suddenly said loudly: "Commander, there are sentries returning to the camp, bringing back important news."

"Let him in."

Ma Fang replied immediately.

Soon, the curtain of the camp tent was lifted, and a sentry cavalry, accompanied by his own soldiers, walked into the military tent, and then half-kneeled to salute.

"See the commander."

"Get up, what happened?"

Ma Fang raised her hand to help, and then asked questions.

"Report to the Commander-in-Chief, I found a group of troops approaching from a distance more than ten miles north of the camp, and the number should be more than [-]."

The scout replied immediately.

Hearing this, Ma Fang sat up straight suddenly, and asked, "Have you ever confirmed the identity of the opponent? Is it a friendly army or an enemy?"

In the north, there is an army of tens of thousands of people. No matter how you think about it, something is wrong.

"It's getting late, and it's hard to judge the other party's identity without getting close. The whistle chief asked me to report back first, and they leaned over in the dark at night to have a look."

The sentinel hurriedly replied.

"Understood, you go down and rest first."

Ma Fang gave an order, then ignored the two people who went out, and fell into thinking.

To the north of the camp is a mountainous area. What kind of army is there?
Daming had troops in the mountains, but they were all guard camps guarding the Great Wall, and it was impossible to gather tens of thousands of soldiers.

But if it was a Tartar, I would not have received urgent calls for help from the surrounding guards here, and there was a beacon tower in Miyun not far from the camp, and there was no beacon fire there today.

Is it.
Thinking of this, Ma Fang couldn't help frowning, and looked west involuntarily.

He led the Xuanfu army through Juyongguan and entered King Qin of Gyeonggi. In addition to the imperial decree and the writing of the Ministry of War, he also received orders from Xuanda Governor Jiangdong on the way.

I have been in Beizhili for a few days, and I have not received any news from Jiang Dong and his relatives in command of the Datong Army. Could it be that they have gone to the north?

The two towns of Xuanda and Dacheng have undergone great changes over the years, and things have long changed.

Li Wenjin, the former governor of Xuanda, fell ill after serving for more than a year, and Jiangdong, the former governor of Xuanda, finally succeeded him.

At the beginning, Jiang Dong was temporarily in charge of Xuanda Defense as the Minister of the Ministry of War, and was later promoted to Minister of the Ministry of War in Nanjing due to his meritorious service.

Jiangdong's southern transfer is of course not to let him retire, but to make a transition for further promotion.

It's just that he didn't expect that after Zhang Lian's rebellion in Fujian and Guangdong, the Nanjing Military Department failed to suppress him, so he was impeached and was eventually dismissed from office for a period of time.

After Li Wenjin fell ill, the imperial court thought of him again, recalled him again, and moved him to the post of governor of Xuanda.

As for Liu Han, who cooperated with Yu Dayou and made meritorious service at the beginning, he was also demoted because of his defeat in several battles with the Tartars. Now the commander-in-chief of Datong is called Jiang Yingxiong.

While Ma Fang was paying close attention to the military situation in the north, Wei Guangde was also receiving a messenger in the capital, Wei Mansion. Strictly speaking, he was actually Ma Fang's personal soldier.

He was the messenger who came to the city early in the morning to deliver the victory report, but because the Ministry of War wanted to inquire about the results of the battle in detail, he was in the Ministry of War all day without a chance to leave, and came to Wei Mansion to deliver the letter.

You know, he reported victory to the capital as a messenger, but he dared not tell outsiders that he had another status, and he wanted to send a letter from the chief soldier to a certain adult in the capital.

It wasn't until now that he found an opportunity to leave the Ministry of War under the pretext of visiting the capital and taking a rest.

The letter, of course, was written by Ma Fang himself, and it was basically a brief description of the course of the battle, and there was news that three carts of gifts would be sent to Beijing.

Wei Guangde had already read Ma Fang's letter, and he didn't pay much attention to the gift he mentioned in the letter.

In the past two years, as a staff member of Prince Yu's Mansion, he has also received many gifts, and a storeroom in his family has been added for this reason.

"That Dong Yikui is very good at fighting?"

Holding the letter in his hand, he asked seemingly casually.

The messenger was stunned for a moment, not knowing whether Wei Guangde was asking about him or the housekeeper of the Wei residence next to him.

Zhang Ji was on the side. He knew Dong Yikui, Dong Yiyuan's elder brother, and had sent things to the mansion.

But what the master asked was whether this man was good at fighting. How could he know? If he asked what gifts he had given, he could probably say something. Although he couldn't remember clearly, he could probably tell.

With this in mind, he turned his head to look at the messenger who was standing there stunned, and said, "Ask you?"

I don't know, but I'm just asking this person from the Xuanfu?

"Oh, oh, yes."

The messenger was reminded by Zhang Ji, and then he realized it, and then he bowed his head and thought for a while before saying: "In Xuanfu, if we talk about fighting, it must be my general who is the most powerful.

But this Dong Yikui is usually close to my general, and he can complete orders.

The few battles he led the army against the Tartars also won and lost each other, and he can be regarded as a general that Xuanfu can fight. "

"Is he now a general or a deputy commander?"

Wei Guangde smiled, then asked again.

"It has been said that he will be promoted to the deputy commander of Xuanfu East Road, and he actually takes on this responsibility, but it seems that the official appointment of the Ministry of War has not come down."

The messenger was worthy of being Ma Fang's personal soldier, he also knew a lot about the inside story of the senior officials of the Xuan Mansion, and he was able to answer the questions Wei Guangde asked.

"Zhang Ji, give him money and send someone to send him back to rest."

Wei Guangde ordered: "I will send someone to deliver a letter to you tomorrow morning, and you can take it back to General Ma."

"Yes, my lord."

The messenger hurriedly bowed and clasped his fists in reply.

After waving his hand, Wei Guangde took out a piece of letter paper and watched Zhang Ji take the man out of the house, picked up a pen and began to write.

The sun was setting to the west, and the sky was about to darken. The gates of the capital city, which were full of traffic during the day, were much deserted at this time.

Those entering and exiting the city had already passed by here, and they would never wait for the gate to close before rushing in and out.

Soon the gates of the capital city will be closed. At that time, the Xuncheng Yushi will walk around the city and collect the keys of all the city gates.

Soon after, the capital city will start a night ban under the night sky.

Most of the people will go back to their homes at this time, have dinner, sleep, or do some exercise.

"crunch"

The thick city gate made harsh friction sounds under the push of the gatekeepers, and in the distance, a fast horse was galloping.

From a distance, seeing that the city gate was already closing, the soldiers immediately became impatient, and quickly swung their whips a few times, urging the horses under their crotches to increase their speed even though they were not slow.

"Da da da"

The sound of horseshoes gradually sounded, and the soldiers who closed the gate couldn't help but stop their movements and looked over.

It's okay to close the city gate early and late, but it will be a little troublesome if you provoke big shots who want to enter the city in a hurry, especially when watching you close the city gate.

Even if someone is not your boss and can't take care of you directly, but the relationship in the capital is so complicated that if you don't manage it, the superior will come to find fault tomorrow.

For ordinary people, they will give convenience if they can according to their mood. For those who have horses, it is best to let them pass the city gate first.

This is called "One thing more is worse than one thing less", "Convenience for others and convenience for yourself."

When the fast horse was about to approach the gate of the city, the soldiers could tell that the one on the horse was not the young master, but the Ming army's messenger. At this moment, the man on the horse shouted: "Urgent military report, Quickly open the city gate."

The city gate was only half closed, but there was a gap in the middle, allowing people to pass through.

However, the speed of this horse is a bit fast, and it seems that there is no intention of slowing down.

There was no other way, so the soldiers had to push open the city gate again to widen the gap so that the horses could pass quickly.

It's fine if you don't know, the city gate is closed, and there are naturally procedures to deal with these messengers.

But the city gate was not closed, and it was an urgent military situation, so naturally there was no delay.

The fast horse passed through the city gate like a gust of wind, and a small wind blew where it passed, blowing on the faces of several gatekeeper soldiers.

"What the hell, rush to reincarnate."

A young soldier cursed dissatisfiedly.

"Stop scolding, save some effort, and close the door."

"He's from the north, so nothing will happen again."

The few people next to him were talking in a hurry, but their movements were not slow.

There were two sounds of "creaking" and the city gate was closed.

Xiyuan, Yongshou Palace.

"Gao Zhong hasn't come yet?"

At this point, the Supervisor of Rituals sent the cabinet briefing to deal with it, but Gao Zhong didn't ask to see it for a long time today.

"My lord, I'm afraid the cabinet is busy with affairs, so we should delay for a while."

Huang Jin on the side hastily laughed along with him.

"Then you take the note sent by the factory guard these two days, I want to see it."

Emperor Jiajing said casually.

"Yes, my lord."

Huang Jin agreed, and quickly walked to the door of the hall to give instructions. After a while, the waiter brought a box, which was still locked.

Huang Jin took the box and checked it, then carried it into the hall, put it on the imperial book case, and took out a key from his pocket to open the small copper lock.

At this time, in the Wuyi Hall of Xiyuan, Yang Bo, Minister of the Ministry of War who had just entered the palace, intercepted Gao Zhong, the eunuch of Bingbi, who was about to go out.

"Eunuch Gao stay here, I still have an urgent military report to send to His Majesty."

"A military emergency? Good thing, bad thing?"

Hearing the urgent military situation, Gao Zhong felt his eyelids twitch.

Forget about good things, the emperor looked happy, and would reward them if they were not good, but if there was bad news
"Good news, good news."

Old Yang Bo replied with a smile on his face.

The conversation between the two naturally alarmed Xu Jie and Yuan Wei inside.

At this time, only the two bachelors who entered Zhixiyuan were left in the Wuyi Hall. They had just finished the work at hand and were drinking tea. They were going to eat and rest later.

Hearing the voice outside the palace gate, both of them looked over together, and then saw Yang Bo and Gao Zhong coming in.

"This is the battle report of Xuanda Governor Jiangdong, please take a look at the two elders."

While talking, Yang Bo took out an official document from his sleeve and handed it over
Emperor Jiajing had just read the note sent by the factory guard. This was his way to understand the big and small things happening inside and outside the capital.

"The notes for the past two days are all here?"

Put down the note and asked.

"My lord, it's all here."

Huang Jin on the side hurriedly replied.

"Ah."

Emperor Jiajing agreed, but just inadvertently, he took a deep look at Huang Jin who was bowing beside him, and didn't say anything more.

In Wuyi Palace, Gao Zhong had already left with today's memorial, heading for Yongshou Palace.

Yang Bo glanced at Xu Jie, then at Yuan Wei, and then asked, "I don't know Mr. Ge, but Chen has seen the memorial played by the Ministry of Punishment."

Xu Jie didn't answer, Yuan Wei just nodded.

They also knew why Yang Bo paid so little attention to that memorial.

It's all about figuring out what you want. As for how to deal with it in the end, it will be up to the emperor's instructions at that time.

Please send Yang Xuan, Xu Shen and others to prison first.

Although Yang Bo didn't wait for an answer, seeing Yuan Wei nodding, he knew the contents of the cabinet's proposal in general, and he was relieved.

Immediately, after chatting a few words, he said goodbye and left.

"My lord, Eunuch Gao is asking to see you outside."

Let Huang Jin put away the box, and a servant will come into the palace to report.

"Then let him come in."

Emperor Jiajing whispered.

Immediately, the servant went out, and Gao Zhong was brought in after a while, followed by two servants holding slow melodies.

"Is there an urgent memorial to deal with?"

Huang Jin next to him asked.

This is also a rule. If there are urgent matters to be dealt with, they are all taken out first, and the emperor personally approves them.

After all, the emperor may not have the leisure to read all the memorials. Now that His Majesty is present, he must do important things first.

"Governor Xuanda has an urgent military report. Since he entered the aid, Jiang Yingxiong, the commander-in-chief of Datong, and Ma Lu, the deputy commander-in-chief, have come down from the Great Wall to join the army, and joined the Gubei general Guo Hu to fight the enemy in Pigeon Cave.

Jiang, Ma and others will prepare firearms for them, and they will beat wood and roll stones. Some of the captives will die after being burned, so they should not escape through Longwangyu, Brick Kiln and other places.

Relying on your majesty's support and the efforts of all the generals, 290 nine levels of captives were beheaded before and after. Please report the victory to hear about it. "

Gao Zhong hastily recounted the news that Yang Bo sent to the palace, which he saw earlier, and then took a copy of the memorial from a servant behind him, and bowed to deliver it to him.

Emperor Jiajing received the battle report from Gao Zhong, lowered his head and looked at it carefully, and couldn't help muttering: "Everyone says that Xuanda produces good generals, it's not a lie."

Then he took a look at the cabinet proposal, and when the memorial was handed back to Gao Zhong, he said indifferently: "Call Jiangdong back to Beijing, and we will work with the Ministry of War to honor the meritorious officers and men."

These words were not included in the ticket draft, but Gao Zhong knew what it meant, it was redemption.

"According to the order."

Gao Zhong agreed, and then picked up a pen on the desk next to him, and quickly wrote down Emperor Jiajing's instructions.

"The Ministry of Punishment, the Metropolitan Procuratorate and the Dali Temple played together"

After writing the redemption of the Jiangdong Jiebao, Gao Zhong picked up another memorial and handed it up, saying in his mouth.

"Yang Xuan, Xu Shen, Feng Zhao."

Emperor Jiajing lowered his head and read Huang Guangsheng's memorabilia, the minister of punishment, and muttered in his mouth.

Yang Xuan is the minister appointed by him. This time the mistake is too great, and there must be someone with enough weight to take the blame.

As for Xu Shen, Feng Zhao and others, as well as Lu Yi and others, they are all guilty of ineffective defense, but they have to be imprisoned, and they can only be convicted after interrogation.

"Gao Zhong, tell Huang Guangsheng to focus on verifying Yang Xuan's collaboration with the enemy."

Emperor Jiajing said blankly, and then threw the memorial on the imperial book case, "Yes."