The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 508 Consort Cui’s Awakening
Ningxia, earthen fortress on the bank of the Yellow River.

Yang Yiqing's more than 7000 troops "watched" the Tatars retreat. Although there was a small confrontation along the way, like previous wars in the northwest, the two sides were more of a show-off, and no direct battle broke out. .

After the battle of crossing the Yellow River, all the battles with casualties occurred on the northwest bank of the Yellow River, that is, Cui Yuan's side, while Yang Yiqing's side seemed very calm.

"Sir, the Tatars have withdrawn like this. If appropriate, should we send troops out to fight the Tatars again?"

Guo Jun also looked a bit brave and good at fighting, as if he hadn't had enough of this battle and wanted to have a second half.

Yang Yiqing thought that before the Battle of the Yellow River, his military orders could hardly be conveyed, and the soldiers were so resistant to the battle that they almost mutinied. He knew that these soldiers did not mean what they said.

To reason with a soldier who has never read a book and cannot read Chinese characters is to argue with a scholar who cannot explain clearly when he encounters a soldier.

Yang Yiqing said: "This battle is over."

Zhang Xu, the eunuch guarding Ningxia, said: "Yang Junmen, it's not that our family is going against the grain. Based on the information our family knows, I'm afraid the Shaanxi supervisory censor won't give us much face. I'm afraid they will join the people from the Central Science and Technology Road to attack us. The fact that we have the ability to fight the Tatars but avoid fighting is an impeachment for us. In this matter, you should also know... our family is in a dilemma."

Originally, Zhang He was the nominal supervisor of this group of troops. He could catch up with the Tatars without chasing them, and he could fight without beating them. It was a crime in itself to follow behind and watch the Tatars leave the Ming Dynasty.

Yang Yiqing said with a firm tone: "I have already reported to Your Majesty the reason why we can no longer fight, and the imperial court will understand our hard work. Even if there is a crime of slackness, it should not be borne by us."

Zhang Xun smiled and said: "That's right. Duke Baoguo hasn't arrived yet. By the way, how far is Duke Baoguo from here?"

A general next to Guo Jun replied: "It is said that there is still seventy or eighty miles. If we hurry, we may arrive tonight. Previously, Baoguo Gong also said that we should intercept the Tatars first and wait for them to arrive. , we can annihilate all the Tatars, and even capture the little Tatar prince alive."

"What are you dreaming about?" Zhang Xun said rudely, "Let our people intercept it. The dead and injured are ours. He is waiting to pick it up. Is there such a good thing in the world? But I am afraid that he will take it later. , saying that Yang Junmen is not doing things well."

Yang Yiqing shook his head and said indifferently: "How he wants to attack me is his business, don't worry about it."

A coach who was fearful of fighting the whole time actually had the nerve to go to court and accuse the local generals of not cooperating with him?Prevent him from achieving great victory on the battlefield?
Even if you are really so shameless, no one will take your suggestion seriously. After all, it is Ningxia's frontier troops who have the credit now, not the miscellaneous troops led by you, Zhu Hui, who are everywhere. military.

"Sir, there seems to be some trouble on the other side. Is there already... a battle?"

Deputy Commander-in-Chief Gao Pi arrived later. He stood on the edge of the battlements of the Great Wall and pointed into the distance.

Zhang Xun quickly picked up the telescope and looked at it and said: "It seems to be Cui's consort. He is quite persistent. Is he crossing the river? If he dares to cross the river, he is afraid... he will die as many as he comes."

Gao Pi said: "Looking at the situation, the Tatars have no intention of fighting to the death. I guess they won't be able to fight."

Yang Yiqing nodded and said: "After all, Cui Yuan was brought here by Zhu Hui. Zhu Hui said that the chasing troops should set up an ambush to intercept. We can ignore it, but Cui Yuan wanted to do something after all. This shows that he is still responsible. . But it doesn’t matter. Now that we have the Ming Dynasty’s border troops on our side, the Tatars also know that this battle cannot be extended, so they will mainly retreat.”

Zhang He smiled bitterly and said: "This Prince Consort Cui is quite reckless. He is really a newborn calf."

Yang Yiqing said: "Cui Yuan will naturally choose to withdraw his troops when he sees that there is no profit to be made. He does not have many troops under his command, and more than half of them are sent by his own troops to reinforce the other side. He should know this point of propriety."

It's just a show, just to fool Zhu Hui.

In Yang Yiqing's opinion, Cui Yuan should have the same idea, and this battle will not continue.

……

……

Yang Yiqing's troops began to rest and recuperate.

After nightfall, tents were set up continuously in the earthen fort, and the soldiers got into the tents early to rest.

After the Battle of the Yellow River, although the Tatars and the Ningxia frontier army no longer marched day and night, they had very little time to rest and recuperate in the middle. One rest only lasted three or four hours. The soldiers fought continuously for more than ten days and were already exhausted.

Yang Yiqing also leaned on the back of his chair and took a nap for a while, until Gao Pi came in and reported that Cui Yuan came to see him in person.

"Let him come." Yang Yiqing nodded.

Then Gao Pi went out and personally brought Cui Yuan in. When Yang Yiqing saw Cui Yuan covered in dust, he nodded and said, "Consort Cui, you have worked hard on this trip."

Cui Yuandao: "The land in the northwest is filled with yellow sand. I heard that a few dozen miles to less than a hundred miles further north is the Gobi desert. If we pursue it like this, the Tatar horses will definitely get stuck in the sand and dust." Unable to move, this terrain is very conducive to the performance of our Ming soldiers."

Yang Yiqing stood up and walked to Cui Yuan, waving his hand to signal Gao Pi to leave.

Gao Pi smiled and said: "It seems that Cui Prince Consort is very eager to fight. I have resigned from my humble position!"

Yang Yiqing glanced at Gao Pi, as if blaming Gao Pi for talking too much.

Even if you don't want to accept the challenge, you can't say it directly in front of a relative of the emperor like Cui Yuan. Who knows what he will tell the emperor after he returns to the court?What if he thinks the same as Zhu Hui and thinks that our Ningxia border troops are all opportunists, and accuses us of avoiding war like Zhu Hui?

After Gao Pi left, Yang Yiqing brought Cui Yuan to the hung map, and then took the candlestick so that Cui Yuan could see more clearly.

"Cui Prince Consort, look here, this is no longer the hinterland of the Hetao. It is only more than 100 miles further north, where the Tatars usually graze and move. The Tatars invaded with about [-] elite soldiers. Do you think they will not Arrange some defensive troops and horses in these places to respond at any time?" Yang Yiqing said, and gestured around the Hetao with his hand.

Cui Yuan lowered his head and said, "Yang Zhongcheng is really knowledgeable and insightful. I hope you can forgive me for not thinking carefully."

Yang Yiqing didn't expect Cui Yuan to admit his mistake so quickly, and now he felt that Cui Yuan looked very cute. This showed that Cui Yuan usually did not have a strong personality when communicating with others.

He was also thinking, no wonder this Consort Cui had a good reputation in the capital in the past. They said he was good at making friends from all over the world. It seemed that the rumors were true.

Yang Yiqing said: "I know that Baoguo Gong sent a fast horse to convey the message, so that we can intercept the Tatars and wait for his troops to arrive before we can fight again."

"Yes." Cui Yuan nodded, indicating that it was for this reason that he chose to continue the pursuit.

"But has Cui Prince Consort ever thought about it? If we wait for Duke Baoguo to come, I'm afraid we won't be able to wait tonight, and even tomorrow afternoon will be difficult." Yang Yiqing said.

Cui Yuan said in surprise: "Isn't it only sixty or seventy miles away? How could it be..."

Yang Yiqing said: "What kind of character Baoguo Gong is, I think you know as well as I do. He always seeks stability in his work. To put it bluntly, he is too timid and too conservative. Since he gave us the order to intercept, as I expected, He will definitely not be marching tonight, but will be stationed where he is to rest and prepare to recharge his batteries before marching again tomorrow."

"No...it can't be right?" Cui Yuan frowned, "Isn't he afraid? We can't stop him. By the time he arrives, we will have..."

You, Yang Yiqing, are looking down upon you. No matter what Zhu Hui says, he knows that the opportunity must not come back. He already needs such a war to restore his reputation and status, but he still dares to slack off?
Yang Yiqing sighed: "We have been defeated, and we were even driven away by the Tatars, right?"

"Yeah." Cui Yuan nodded, his eyes still a little confused.

Yang Yiqing said: "Maybe he just wants to wait for this result?"

"what?"

Cui Yuan was shocked.

Yang Yiqing said coldly: "Since the battle of Huamachi, he has done nothing to protect the country, and he has watched us achieve achievements one after another. Based on his character, would he prefer that we continue our efforts or be defeated? , find a balance?”

Cui Yuan looked away, not wanting to look at Yang Yiqing.

If you think about it carefully, you will know that Yang Yiqing is not slandering Zhu Hui.

From Zhu Hui's point of view, he hoped that the troops led by Yang Yiqing and Cui Yuan would be defeated in the interception battle, and when he arrived, he could reverse the situation.

Even if Zhu Hui is unable to compete head-on with the Tatars, as long as the Tatars are forced back, then Zhu Hui can boast that he has made great contributions to rescuing the friendly forces, and Yang Yiqing and Cui Yuan's troops Moreover, because of the loss of troops and generals in this interception battle, the meritorious service was greatly reduced.

Then... Zhu Hui can not only make up for his mistakes, but even become the number one hero.

Yang Yiqing said again: "Perhaps I am a villain, but we are indeed unable to block the Tatars for too long. Besides, the Tatars are very tightly connected and there is no way to follow them." Cui Yuandao: "Yang Zhongcheng, I still I think Duke Baoguo will not be like this. If he...if he arrives tonight and finds that we have not stopped him, what will he do if he discusses military law with us?"

Yang Yiqing said: "If the general is not willing to accept your orders, why should he use military law to punish these soldiers who are fighting to the death on the front line? You have to remember that if he wants to call you, you don't have to go, I have already called for you. After your military exploits, you have to break away from him now instead of continuing to stand by his side."

"Oh?" Cui Yuan was still a little confused.

At this time, Zhang Xu walked in from outside the tent. There was a shadow at the door before. Apparently Zhang Xu had been eavesdropping for a while.

Zhang Xun walked in and said with a smile: "Consort Cui, our Zhang Xun is so polite."

"Eunuch Zhang." Cui Yuan saluted hurriedly.

Zhang Xun said with a smile: "What Yang Junmen means is that we are now one. This battle was accomplished by the two of us working together. If Baoguo Gong still wants to maintain his current status, he can only Let’s talk about your achievements, Prince Consort Cui, and make your achievements his, so Prince Consort Cui should know which side to stand on.”

"Uh……"

Cui Yuan seemed hesitant.

After all, he is not a big shot. In the army, he is not even a partial general. It is only through some combination of circumstances that he has the opportunity to become a leader and achieve meritorious deeds.

At first, when others asked him to lead the army, they did not give him a chance to make meritorious deeds, but pushed him to die.

Therefore, Cui Yuan seemed very embarrassed when facing the struggle between the big guys. He did not want to get involved, and he wanted to maintain an attitude that no party would be offended. But with the achievements he has made today, it is obvious that It's impossible.

Yang Yiqing saw the cowardice in Cui Yuan's bones and reminded: "In the future, if you want to make the soldiers obey and issue orders, you must have confidence. The achievements in this battle are the confidence. Cui Prince Consort does not need to give anything to Duke Bao. Face, because after this battle, others will only know that you are Consort Cui, but not Duke Baoguo."

"Haha." Cui Yuan continued to smile bitterly, he didn't think so.

Because in these battles, he got the credit in a daze, which was a bit unreal. He felt that after he returned to the capital, the credit would be taken away.

Just as he was talking, Gao Pi's voice came from outside: "Master Yang, there is a messenger sent by Duke Baoguo."

"not see!"

Yang Yiqing made his choice very rudely this time.

"Yes." Gao Pi immediately went to send the message.

Zhang Xun smiled and said: "Consort Cui, have you seen it? The one who is anxious now is Duke Baoguo. He is afraid that he will send people to deliver messages one after another tonight, forcing people like us to die, but he is not in a hurry. Reinforcements are coming, we just have to wait and see what he can do."

"This..." Cui Yuan can't even speak seriously now, with a look of helplessness in his eyes.

Just like a doormat.

However, in Yang Yiqing's view, this is in line with Cui Yuan's character. This is really a relative who is on the battlefield for the first time. For a while, he can be expected to achieve miraculous results with his recklessness, but he cannot be expected to manage the army, stabilize the morale of the army, or even Peace of mind.

……

……

Cui Yuan returned to his military camp in panic.

Faced with the inquiries from his soldiers, Cui Yuan chose to remain silent. Then he received news from Xiangcheng Bo Li Ao, who also arrived at the pass in the middle of the night. Li Ao was also surprised after arriving with his troops. The Tatars were let go, but Li Nuo's thoughts were different from Zhu Hui's because he was bound to Cui Yuan.

He doesn’t have much credit as Cui Yuanda, so he’s not expected to be at least as likely to be accused as Zhu Hui, right?
"Cui Prince Consort assessed the situation and saw that the situation was not suitable for leading troops to pursue him. He did not deliberately disobey Duke Bao Guo's military orders. When I see Duke Bao Guo, I will defend you." Li Nao was very enthusiastic.

Cui Yuandao: "Dong Baoguo said that he would lead troops to help tonight, but there has been no movement yet."

"Well... there may be obstacles to the march. If we come tonight, we will definitely not wait until dawn." Li Tao said, "But it doesn't make much difference whether we come now or not, unless Lord Baoguo is prepared to continue leading the pursuit. From then on. Judging from matters such as soldiers, horses, food and grass, it is quite difficult to continue pursuing, and it may not be adopted."

Cui Yuan asked: "Then the Baoguo Guild will use this as a punishment?"

Li Nuo smiled and did not answer.

Cui Yuandao said: "Yang Zhongcheng, the governor of Ningxia, is not very enthusiastic about chasing the Tatars. The soldiers are exhausted and the men and horses are exhausted. If we march into Hetao at this time, we are afraid that there will be a backlash. Baoguo Gong's delay in advancing the troops is a mistake. The culprit of the fighter jets.”

"Huh?" Li Na was stunned on the spot.

You Prince Consort Cui, you were so cowardly and afraid of being held accountable just now, why are you starting to fight back now?

What do you mean by this, do you want to strike first to gain strength and impeach Zhu Hui first?
Cui Yuan asked: "Uncle Xiangcheng, do you think what I said makes sense? Or do you have other high opinions?"

Li Tao looked around, leaned closer and asked, "Did Yang Zhongcheng teach you this?"

"No one taught me, what I said is the truth." Cui Yuan looked a little angry and said, "From the beginning, Duke Baoguo had no intention of fighting the Tatars. Hearing that the little Tatar prince invaded Ningxia, he still insisted on leading troops. He headed north without any intention of helping. It was not until news of the Battle of Huamachi came that he was reluctant to lead his troops there. More than ten days had passed since the incident, and his troops had marched less than [-] miles. This was a What should a leader do?"

Li Wei reminded: "Consort Cui, it's not me who said that this Baoguo Gong has a very hard relationship in the court. I heard that Eunuch Xiao, the Yin Gong who was the Supervisor of Ceremonies, had many contacts with him secretly. Even the ministers in the court He also respects him, His Majesty has high hopes for him, he was even promoted to a high-ranking official before, and even Cai Guogong wanted to give him some face."

Cui Yuandao: "You mean, I can't impeach His Majesty?"

"As you wish." Li Na smiled bitterly.

Who are you? You are a relative of the emperor. You have never sought a position in the court before. You can impeach anyone you want.

But those of us who make a living by running the army are not as careless as you. We have to think about our own future and the future of our children and grandchildren. Who wants to offend someone with a more senior official background than ourselves?

Cui Yuan looked at Li Hao and said, "But I want to get your co-signature."

"Ah? This... this..." Li Wei immediately backed down.

Cui Yuandao: "In this battle, even Uncle Xiangcheng has been at the rear and has not participated in any key battles. Don't you have no responsibility yourself? Are you willing to side with Duke Baoguo, or are you willing to side with Duke Baoguo?" On the side of justice?"

Li Hao frowned after hearing this.

Supporting you emotionally means supporting justice, and supporting Lord Baoguo means standing on the side of evil, right?
Before the change, Li Na would definitely have to struggle, but now...

He knows how to choose sides.

"Of course I can't stand the evil behavior of Baoguo Gong." Li Wei's words were a bit decisive, "Such a cowardly and incompetent person leading the army is a disgrace to the Ming Dynasty soldiers. If we don't impeach him, how can we do it?" Dingjun Zhongmao? Who has signed it? I am willing to sign one of them."

Cui Yuandao: "No one else but me."

"..."

Li Nuo was a little speechless.

You are on the same side as Yang Yiqing and the others, right?Now you actually want me to co-sign with you alone?You are... pushing me to the forefront.

"If you regret it, I won't stop you." Cui Yuandao.

"How can this be so? Now that the war has subsided, let's ask Prince Consort Cui to write." Li Wei decided to be an "upright man" and went out with Cui Yuan to take the lead in impeaching Zhu Hui.

Cui Yuandao: "Okay, I'll write a memorial about the impeachment now, and I'd like you to give me some more suggestions. There are some things I don't quite understand. If there's anything wrong... I'll find someone to come back for more details."

"Don't leak this news." Li Bo said, "Dong Baoguo has a lot of troops, and I'm afraid he will take the opportunity to retaliate. We should keep a low profile."

(End of this chapter)