The devil is coming

Chapter 495
"Because I am there."
This was said very confidently.
Once upon a time, Ping Yebo of Dayan and the young 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 clings to this statement anymore, even the people of Qian Chu will not mention it again.
Literati can rely on praise. 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 a military general cannot stand up simply by flattery. Moreover, the achievements of military generals that can truly stand up to praise are not made internally, but on the external battlefield.
It is said that the young prince of the barbarians 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 demotion to His Majesty the Great Yan Emperor hurt his image too much.
Zhong Tianlang once occupied several Yanren forts on the border, but when the eldest prince came to Nanwang City, Zhong Tianlang also calmed down, and he seemed to bully the weak and fear the strong.
In addition to capturing several princes at home, General Nian Yao's greatest achievement in foreign wars was that he once played chess with the Marquis of Jingnan by relying on Zhennang Pass.
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 men rode down from Mianzhou City, beheaded the prefect and left;
Qianqi went deep into the hinterland of Qian Kingdom, killed King Fu and left;
Three thousand cavalry followed Li Fusheng into Qian, and went to enjoy the snow outside the capital;
Thousands of people riding thousands of miles rushed 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, people spread Pingye Bo's words that the more soldiers the better.
For the big men of Dayan Chaotang present, they have actually passed the age of passion. If there are grades in being an official, they have already entered the realm of being as immovable as a mountain.
This is not nonsense, but the Tibetan master of Qian Kingdom 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 described as extremely noble, but if you want to have a successful career in the future and possibly aspire to the position of Prime Minister, you must go through the Hanlin Academy.
The Hanlins are practicing hard in the Hanlin for the future nobles and nobles.
The Qi Refiner watched them in the cubicle as they practiced hard and entered samadhi;
What's more, Master Zang himself said that the state of mind of the princes in the current dynasty was higher than his.
The adults in the Imperial Study Room were equivalent to the ministers of the Qian Kingdom. They didn't like Meng Lang. They only liked to run a big country like cooking small delicacies. They wanted to seek stability, and they were disgusted with this too radical 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 the horse stepped on the family. Because of the monopoly of power and the stable monarchy, when selecting these high officials, Emperor Yan did not need to consider the political balance, nobility and scholar-bureaucrats as much as the emperors of other countries did. Factional entanglements.
Therefore, these high-ranking officials may have different personalities, and they may inevitably have some personal quirks in private, but they stand with Emperor Yan when it comes to matters of right and wrong.
Many people have stated their reasons before.
But Mr. 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, even if there are still problems, you can at least maintain the stability of the country in the general direction. If you lose, the country will be in danger of overthrowing. .
Therefore,
What the big guys are thinking now, after Uncle Zheng said those words,
It actually became:
Since we are going to bet, why not bring in someone who is very good at playing and has never lost before?
Military and national affairs are not child’s play;
The great affairs of the country lie in sacrifice and military affairs;
But everyone just can't help but think in that direction, for no other reason than for good luck.
At this time,
Xu Qiutai said:
"Your Majesty, the King of Zhenbei needs to guard Beifeng County. The court will not send him away unless it is absolutely necessary. If there is a war in the country, the person who will be the commander must be the Marquis of Jingnan.
Therefore, I believe that attacking Chu should be the first priority. "
This time, Xu Qiutai, who was Shangshu Ling, killed Marquis Jingnan in one bite.
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 was a common occurrence for military strategists, everyone knew that if Marquis Jingnan had been asked to take command at the first opportunity, the first defeat at Wangjiang would not have happened.
His Majesty wants to start a national 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.
In this national war, the commander-in-chief 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 the commander of the army, it is the most appropriate choice to let him send troops from the Three Jin Land to attack Chu immediately. After all, the military power in the Three Jin Land has actually fallen to Jingnan a long time ago. Hou is in control.
On the way to Beijing earlier,
The best evidence is that Pingye Bo directly dispatched various camps outside Yingdu City with the military order of Jingnan Hou.
at last,
Emperor Yan nodded,
Road:
"Tomorrow we will meet at court. Let's start the battle first, and then attack Chu directly."
Below, all the court officials kowtow together:
"The ministers obey the order."
"The ministers obey the order."
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 as a formality.
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 of government affairs so clearly and straightforwardly.
But everyone dares to criticize and question the prince,
But no one dared to question Emperor Yan.
"That's it, Zheng Fan stays."
"I'm waiting to retire."
"My son retire."
The adults and the two princes left.
Wei Zhonghe led a group of eunuchs to move the chairs away, but still left one chair. He also moved the chair forward to signal Uncle Zheng to sit closer to His Majesty.
The emperor had a lot to do every day. Wherever there was no time to waste on "giving a seat", "giving tea" and "sitting closer" every day, he still had to rely on this personal eunuch to convey it.
Uncle Zheng sat down,
Emperor Yan stood up and left the imperial court.
The emperor stood up, and Uncle Zheng could only stand up again.
"I haven't seen you and I for a long time."
"As far as your Majesty is concerned, 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, Tian's grace is so great that I am always with you."
After hearing this, Emperor Yan smiled and said;
"It's hard for you. He's obviously a general, but he can say nice things better than those sycophants."
"..." Zheng Fan.
"Zheng Fan, tell me, do times create heroes, or do heroes create times?"
"I think both are possible."
"I don't like to hear ambiguous answers from my ministers."
"Your Majesty, forgive me. I didn't mean that. For me, the times make heroes. If I hadn't caught up with your wise and mighty Majesty and opened up to the outside world, I would naturally not be able to gain a title based on military merit. Maybe, I am still just a Guizhou leader, or I am still the same. Be a captain and guard in Hutou City or Cuiliu Fort;
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. "
Emperor Yan pointed at Wei Zhonghe who was waiting beside him.
Road:
"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 this Zhennan Pass."
"Replying to 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 Zhennanguan."
"It's difficult, but you promised me with all your heart."
"Replying to Your Majesty, I have always despised the enemy strategically and valued the enemy tactically."
Emperor Yan savored these words carefully and nodded slowly, "It's interesting."
"So that your majesty will know that Zhennan Pass is like a thorn in the throat of the Jin Dynasty. If this thorn is not pulled out, the Jin Dynasty will not be safe."
"I know the importance of Zhennan Pass, but I know even better that there is no wall in this world that cannot be conquered. I believe you can do it, and I also believe Wu Jing can do it.
You are fighting on the front lines,
What I can do,
Just 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, tell me in detail what kind of character the regent of Chu State and the official family of Qian State are like?"
Only then did Uncle Zheng realize that Emperor Yan had asked him to stay. The previous mention of Zhennanguan was just a passing 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 very 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."
"How is his character? How does he compare with me?"
"I am frightened."
"Just say it bluntly. I forgive you for not being guilty. Don't ask mother-in-law or mother-in-law. Tell the truth."
"Yes, I think that the official of Qian State deserves to be a wise master. He is extremely wise both in terms of temperament and methods. Compared with your Majesty, I feel that he lacks your majesty's broad-mindedness and wisdom." Vigor.
Your Majesty is the hero who established the foundation for eternity, and he is the wise king who maintains success. "
"Then, where is the regent of Chu?"
"Return 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 is himself a practitioner.
Yan Huangpin smacked these two words,
Let out a sigh.
young,
If he could be ten years younger,
If Li Liangting was also in his prime,
this world,
How difficult is it to completely wipe it out?
"I understand, please step back. The day after tomorrow, you can leave Beijing and go back."
"The minister obeys the order."
"Do a good job, I will live up to the meritorious service."
"I understand."
When Zheng Fan came out of the palace, he found Eunuch Zhang's carriage waiting at the palace gate.
After Ji Laoliu left the Imperial Study Room, he went to the Ministry of Household Affairs, and the carriage was temporarily unavailable.
This carriage actually also means that the experts who are 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 in the car, Eunuch Zhang asked diligently:
"Uncle, are you going back home?"
"Prince Jin's Mansion."
Eunuch Zhang was stunned for a moment, then nodded and said, "I understand."
in fact,
The last time he visited the Third Prince, Uncle Zheng planned to visit Prince Jin's Mansion, but who knew that the Sword Master was 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.
They are all old acquaintances. After arriving in 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. In this regard, Emperor Yan had always been generous.
There are hundreds of maids and servants in the Jin Palace, and they are supported every year by Yan's inner treasury. 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.
The King of Jin is already under house arrest in his mansion. He may give you glory and wealth, but he cannot 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 got out of the carriage,
The soldiers all around 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 did not come to see Prince Jin's family under the order, 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, he wouldn't take it seriously. When he was using himself, nothing would matter;
But when I really want to take advantage of you,
Even if you bathe and burn incense at home and pray to Emperor Yan for longevity and good health every day, you can be cured of the crime of cursing the emperor.
When the surrounding soldiers heard this, they 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 one that was opened previously was the side door.
"Uncle, please."
Zheng Fan smiled and shook his head, but got out of the carriage instead of letting the carriage go 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 the door opening and rushed over.
"Excuse me, please tell me, His Highness the King of Jin, that an old friend is here to visit."
……
Uncle Zheng was arranged in the living room by the servants of Prince Jin's Mansion and served tea.
Wait for a while,
I noticed footsteps coming from outside the hall,
But what comes in,
It turned out not to be the King of Jin Yu Ciming, but the Queen Mother of Jin in a red dress.
Uncle Zheng immediately stood up and saluted:
"I have seen 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. When I looked at it, it turned out to be Uncle Hirano."
"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. Your Majesty, he needs 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 was your time in Beijing?"
"Life is going very well. Your Majesty has given us enough dignity."
"Ah."
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.
scene,
It got colder by the way.
The Queen Mother broke the silence and said, "The Ai family must also thank Uncle Pingye for helping us drive out the barbarians from Jin and save the people of Jin from water and fire."
"That's what I should do."
then,
Just another awkward silence.
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, so I just wanted to visit them."
"I see. In fact, there are no guests in the palace on weekdays."
then,
Continue to be cold.
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'll take my leave. I'll send someone to deliver some Shanxi specialties later."
"Thank you, Uncle."
"Is there anything else your Queen Mother needs? I can send it to you immediately."
The Queen Mother's face suddenly turned red. She shook her head and said, "No, no, there is no shortage of anything here."
"Well."
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, where are you going next?"
"Go home."
"Yes, uncle."
The carriage went out from East Third Street and met another carriage at the intersection, driven by little Eunuch Zhang.
After opening 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 take a look, how about you?"
"I'm going to see my father-in-law."
"Oh, yes, you still have a father-in-law in Beijing."
"Master, do you want to go with your subordinates?"
"Let's go and see him. He can be considered an old friend."
"By the way, my lord, I haven't asked you about the results of today's study room?"
Uncle Zheng smiled and said,
road;
"Ready for war."
(End of this chapter)