serious man in the red chamber

Chapter 162 The Unsettled Dust
Surrounded by clouds and mist, the capital city is full of fairy spirit after the rain.

Suddenly, a mighty sound of horns resounded through the sky and the earth, and the morning fog that was so thick that no one could be seen on the opposite side also faded at this moment.

As the clouds gradually faded, the big camp of the Yongwei Battalion was also revealed. At this time, the gate was wide open, and outside the big camp, the cavalry had already formed a square formation, waiting for the final military order.

At this moment, Jia Hu galloped from the camp on a big white horse, behind him were Liu Kun and other cavalry generals.

There was silence inside and outside the entire camp.

Jia Hu rode his horse and walked slowly in front of the army formation, his eyes slowly sweeping over the faces of everyone.

All the people held their heads high.

Walking to the flag of the cavalry commander, Jia Hu reined in the reins and said to Liu Kun who was following behind, "Let's go."

"The army is moving!" Liu Kun shouted.

The herald will wave the flag.

The drums were loud.

Teams of cavalry set off in a row, mighty and mighty, Jia Hu secretly sighed as he watched the cavalry set off quickly towards Juyongguan. After six hundred miles, the Manchus broke through Helinger, and the defenders of Dongshengwei's old city withdrew into Guihua City ahead of schedule.

The emperor ordered the cavalry of the Yongwei Battalion to move out immediately to support Datongwei.

The war came too suddenly, the imperial court had no preparations, and it had been raining heavily before the third watch, so the military supplies and food could not be shipped at all, and the ammunition of the Firearms Battalion was still in the warehouse of the Military Weapons Bureau.

It will be the day after tomorrow at the earliest!
After the Chinese army had passed, Jia Hu said to Liu Kun, "Go."

Liu Kun gave a military salute and said loudly: "No!" With a wave of his horsewhip, he galloped towards the front army.

The generals followed suit.

"Master, someone wants to see you."

At this time, Lin San came over and pointed to the rear.

Jia Hu turned his head and saw that it was the captain of Niu Jizong's personal army. He waved his hand, and the man came over.

The man walked up to Jia Hu and stopped, saluted and said, "Master Hou, my master invites you to come over."

Jia Hu pondered for a while, and said to Xie Qiong beside him, "Take someone to the Military Weapons Bureau to escort the ammunition back to the camp."

Xie Qiong: "Yes."

"Let's go."

Jia Hu swung his whip and galloped towards Guang'anmen.

West city
Zhen Guogong Mansion
Jia Hu arrived on his horse, got off his horse, and strode in.

In the study room, Niu Jizong was sitting in front of the desk, his eyes looking up and down in a daze.

The door was pushed open, and Jia Hu walked in.

Niu Jizong came back to his senses and nodded to Jia Hu.

Jia Hu dragged a chair, moved to the desk and sat down.

Niu Jizong: "I just heard the news that Wang Ziteng won a big victory in Chuzhou. He not only regained the city of Chuzhou, but also wiped out [-] to [-] rebels."

Jia Hu was startled, pondered for a while, and then said: "Prince is going too far."

Niu Jizong smiled wryly, "Whether he wiped out the rebels of the Cao Gang or the refugees, the imperial court will recognize his military exploits. If there is another such victory, he will be named uncle."

Jia Hu understood, looked at Niu Jizong and said, "As for the Minister of the Ministry of War, I mentioned it in front of the chief assistant and others in the upper study room the other afternoon, but your Majesty's attitude still allows me to take care of it."

Niu Jizong waved his hand: "As expected, I didn't come to you for this."

Jia Hu: "Oh?"

Niu Jizong said in a low voice: "I heard some rumors that Ma Shang visited Qi State Duke's Mansion, Xiu Guo Duke Mansion, Pingyuanhou Mansion, Lin'an Bo Mansion, etc., and promised that the children of their families would enter the Fifth Army Battalion. It seems that the position is not low. .If they are really drawn over by him, we will be greatly affected."

Paused, "It's this time, and he still plays such a trick, I really doubt whether he is crazy"

Jia Hu glanced at him, but didn't make a sound.

Niu Jizong sighed: "The old man has gone south to Jiangsu, and you will lead the troops to the north in a few days. This time, you will not be able to return for at least half a year. The two old county kings of Dongping and Xining don't care about things. I don't have an official position. I'm afraid that by the time you come back, the noble clan will have been completely split. Adding Shi Nai and Shi Ding brothers, by the way, and an ambitious Prince Teng, it's a mess!"

Jia Hu smiled and stood up: "There is nothing to be angry about. As long as they can be good officials and contribute more to the court, it is also good."

Niu Jizong was startled: "You really think so?"

Jia Hu: "Why not?"

A look of relief flashed across Niu Jizong's eyes, then he sighed and said, "It's impossible to say, in order to maintain the stability of power inheritance, each family cultivates the eldest son, as long as the other children can live.

Now these children only know how to enjoy themselves, their martial arts have long been abandoned, how can they go to battle to kill the enemy!Last year, it was to drive ducks to the shelves, and I haven't made any military achievements yet.Now that there are better options, they will definitely accept the kindness of the palace. "

Jia Hu: "Uncle Niu, please tell them, I won't be angry, and I won't ruin everyone's future."

Hearing this, Niu Jizong smiled awkwardly.

Jia Hu smiled and asked, "Where is Niu Ben?"

Niu Jizong's face immediately became solemn: "Everyone knows that our family has always been hugged together. How could I let Niu Ben go to work in the Beijing camp at this time. I have detained him at home for more than half a year and forced him to practice Martial arts, read through military strategies. Now that you have learned something, it is natural that you should go out with you and make contributions."

Jia Hu was stunned, and it took him a long time to say: "You are always such a son!"

After being silent for a while, Niu Jizong said: "If he can die on the battlefield like his elder brother, it will be considered his luck."

Jia Hu thought for a while: "Well, let him go under Xie Qiong's command, the commander of the Firearms Battalion."

Niu Jizong didn't speak, but just gave a "huh".

Jia Hu saw the opportunity and said: "Uncle Niu, don't be discouraged, the position of minister of the Ministry of War will still be yours sooner or later."

Niu Jizong was startled: "You mean, you won't hand over this seat to Jia Yucun?!"

Jia Hu: "His surname is Jia, but he is not from the Jia family, and his heart is not in the Jia family."

Niu Jizong seemed to have realized something, and then a cold light flashed in his eyes: "This man is capable and talented, and he is a rare talent. Since he can't be used by us, then he will be abolished! Don't let him become a knife in the hands of others." .”

Jia Hu smiled: "This old boy has stepped on many boats, not only won the respect of Wang Hetang, but also intends to train him now, keep it for now, it will be of great use sooner or later."

Niu Jizong: "Don't be careless!" Suddenly remembered something, and said in a low voice: "This time you go north to conquer the Manchus, you must not keep a hand like last year. It will be good for you and us."

Jia Hu pretended to be surprised: "How can this work?!"

Niu Jizong also stood up and said as he walked: "It shouldn't be like this. After all, this was not done by a minister. But the Dragon Head Palace is still unwilling to let us go, so we can't blame us for having a different heart. Maybe wait He's gone, forget it, you decide according to the situation. The Manchus are not so easy to deal with, you must be careful." After finishing speaking, he glanced at the chiming clock in the corner, "It's already time,

Go back after breakfast? "

Jia Hu: "No, I've been so busy in the middle of the night, and I'm going back to rest."

Niu Jizong nodded: "Then I won't see you off."

Jia Hu: "Uncle Niu was joking. Let me go." After speaking, he walked out.

Qianqing Palace

study room

Since the Datong Military News arrived in the middle of the night, Song Chengliang, Wang Hetang, Zhao Zixun and others entered the palace in the middle of the night, and they were busy until the early morning. This meeting just had some free time, and the emperor was not short of hungry soldiers, let alone these cabinet officials. Soon, the Imperial Dining Room sent a pot of lotus seed soup, and now they are drinking there with the emperor.

Emperor Jianwu put down the bowl, took the towel, and said, "Qin Tianjian predicts that the weather will be good for the next two days. Take advantage of the time, hurry up and transport the grain and grass to Shanxi, and the Yongwei Battalion will also move out as soon as possible."

Zhao Zixun quickly put down the bowl and replied, "Yes."

At this time, Song Chengliang said: "I have another worry."

Emperor Jianwu: "Tell me about it."

Song Chengliang: "In two days, it will be April. In two months, it will enter the rainy season outside the customs. Although it is mostly torrential rain, the torrential rain is fierce and the amount of rainfall is heavy, which will have a great impact on firearms. You must be careful. ah."

Elder Yang Ge immediately answered: "That's exactly what you said. In the Battle of Yinshan last year, it was because of the sudden heavy rain that the Yongwei Battalion suffered nearly [-] more casualties, and almost lost the battle."

Wang Hetang: "Because of the sudden incident, the Datong Guard lost 5000 people outside the customs. Counting the [-] Dongshengwei old city defenders who withdrew into Guihua City, there were more than [-] people in Suiyuan. In this way, Datong Wei can draw up to [-] elite cavalry. Any more will affect the Great Wall defense line, and in addition, the safety of the food road must be ensured."

Song Chengliang: "Then draw another [-] elite riders from the Xuanfu."

Emperor Jianwu pondered for a moment, and then said: "Let's draw up the purpose according to Shoufu's opinion."

After finishing speaking, he sighed slightly in his heart. In the two battles last year, the two towns of Datong and Xuanfu lost troops and lost their generals.

Ningguo Mansion

Ning'an Hall Backyard

"amber!"

Jia Hu dragged his tired legs into the courtyard gate.

"Hey--"

The curtain of the west wing was raised, Hu Po walked over lightly, and supported Jia Hu by one arm.

Jia Hu patted her hand, "I haven't eaten yet, what's there, bring it to me."

Amber: "That's a coincidence."

Jia Hu: "What?"

Amber pointed at the west wing, and then showed a smile like an emoji.

The west wing was Hu Po's residence. Jia Hu became curious and turned around and walked over. At this moment, the door curtain was lifted and Xue Baochai came out.

Jia Hu stopped and said with a smile, "Miss Bao is here."

After a pause, "Don't worry, I've told the people in the riding camp to find out about your brother's whereabouts."

"me"

Xue Baochai faltered, and Hu Po covered her mouth and smiled, "Miss Bao has brought food to the second master."

Jia Hu looked a little strange and looked at her.

Xue Baochai blushed all of a sudden, and still looked at Jia Hu courageously: "The old butler is back, and he talked about some things outside the customs. I think it might be helpful to you, so I'll tell you. By the way, by the way"

Said and lowered his head.

Hu Po leaned close to Jia Hu's ear and whispered: "Just now Lin Zhixiao's family came from the old lady's room and said that Miss Lin is having dinner with the old lady."

After a pause, "I can't come here for a while."

"."

Jia Hu was stunned for a moment, feeling that this was not right, and didn't know how to say it. Suddenly, his stomach groaned.

Amber smiled and said, "Let's eat first."

"Eat. Oh, let's eat first."

Looking at Xue Baochai who was blocking the door, Jia Hu reminded: "Miss Bao?"

"Huh? Oh."

Xue Baochai came to his senses and walked into the room with his head down.

Jia Hu followed him in, and saw Baochai open the food box, and took out a large tureen from inside, followed by several dishes of delicate side dishes, and a plate containing six steamed buns.

Baochai lifted the lid of the bowl, Hu Po took the bowl and chopsticks and came in, "I'll do it." Passed the chopsticks to Jia Hu, picked up the spoon and stirred, then put two spoonfuls of porridge into the bowl, held it down in front of Jia Hu.

Jia Hu took a look at the jujube kernel and millet porridge, looked up at Xue Baochai, and took a sip, "Yes, it tastes good." He picked up another bun and took a bite, "Have you eaten yet?"

"Well, I made a bowl of bird's nest and lotus seed soup for the second master."

"and then?"

"After Si time, I thought that the second master would not come back for breakfast, so I asked Lin Zhixiao's family to send it to Miss Lin."

"Miss Bao?"

Jia Hu reached out to get the bun, and saw Baochai sitting there in a daze.

"what?"

"."

Jia Hu glanced at her again, is this girl here to act surprised?

After eating three steamed buns in a row, he drank half of the porridge in the bowl and asked Amber to fill a bowl for herself, then said to Baochai, "What do you old housekeepers say?"

When it came to business, Baochai breathed a sigh of relief and calmed down, "The old housekeeper met many fleeing businessmen on the road. He heard from them that it was not the Manchus who attacked the stronghold, but Han Chinese with firearms. These people The firearms they used were not only able to hit far, but they were also accurate, and the defenders in the stronghold suffered heavy casualties in no time. By the way, they also have artillery.”

Hearing this, Jia Hu's heart skipped a beat. These people were the Second Tartars of the Han Army Camp equipped with self-generating firecrackers. However, didn't Dai Quan say that the weapons and ammunition depots of the Han Army Camp were blown up by the secret agents of the Criminal Division?
I don't know how powerful these self-generated firecrackers purchased from the Raksha Kingdom are?
After thinking about it, she suddenly felt that something was wrong. Baochai had stood up, lowered her head, and looked back, only to see Lin Daiyu standing by the door, smiling.

"Hey, it's a bad luck for me to come!"

Lin Daiyu looked at Xue Baochai, then at Jia Hu, paused, and walked over, "If I had known she was coming, I wouldn't have come."

"What are you talking about this early in the morning!"

Jia Hu smiled, squeezed one of her hands, "Sit, sit down."

"What's delicious?"

Lin Daiyu took a look, "Hey, jujube kernel porridge and steamed stuffed buns, this side dish. It's so good to eat early in the morning."

"You try it too."

Jia Hu smiled and handed the freshly served porridge to her mouth. Lin Daiyu shook her head and said with a smile, "Of course the things from Auntie's house are good." Then she looked at Baochai, "Sister Bao?"

"Ah."

"Why stand? Sit down."

Baochai looked up at Lin Daiyu, the smile in her eyes made her at a loss.

Jia Hu grinned, took a big bite of the meat bun, then picked up the bowl and started to drink the porridge. Only when he was full would he have strength.

"I, I have to go back"

Xue Baochai twisted the handkerchief with both hands, lowered her head, "I still have to serve my mother to take medicine." After finishing speaking, she hurried out.

Lin Daiyu curled her lips and sat down beside her, "When are you going to fight?"

Jia Hu swallowed the steamed stuffed bun in his mouth, took another big mouthful of porridge, and then said, "I can't tell, it may be the day after tomorrow, or it may take two more days."

Lin Daiyu thought for a while: "What's your birthday?"

Jia Hu: "I'm sure we won't be able to wait until then. It's too late. The Manchus probably even leveled Suiyuan City."

Hearing this, Lin Daiyu lowered her head slightly, bit her lower lip tightly, and looked at the ground silently.

Jia Hu put down the bowl, took her hand slowly, and said in a low voice: "When I'm not around, the house will be handed over to you. You have to take good care of our house. After this battle is over, you will leave The Duke's Madam is not far away."

Lin Daiyu smiled bitterly, then nodded vigorously.

Jia Hu stood up and cupped her little face, "Cry if you want to."

After hearing his words, Lin Daiyu couldn't hold back the tears in her eyes any longer, but bit her lower lip tightly to prevent herself from crying.

Jia Hu sighed, touched Lin Daiyu's armhole, missed the handkerchief, then took her hand, and then wiped her own tears with her cuff.

Lin Daiyu was startled for a moment, then became angry, bursting out with laughter and crying, she buried her head tightly on Jia Hu's chest, laughed and turned back and forth, wiping tears on Jia Hu's chest.

Jia Hu laughed, picked up Lin Daiyu, and strode out.

"ah!"

Lin Daiyu was shocked at first, and quickly shouted: "I'm dying, let me down!"

"It's broad daylight and no one sees you. Don't move. I have something to tell you. I'll leave you a few more letters. They will be useful at critical times." As he said, Jia Hu walked into the main room with Lin Daiyu in his arms.

Zijuan and Qingwen looked at each other, blinked their eyes wildly, and made no sound.

(End of this chapter)