Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 528 Hongnong Dianwei enters Beijing

The next morning,

The rooster crowed, and the dazzling morning light illuminated the earth.

Beijing,

It has been noisy for a long time, and people who have rushed early have begun to wait at the city gate, hoping to enter the city early and earn some big money to maintain their livelihood or subsidize their families.

And outside the city, Anhu camp,

The melodious trumpet sound had just sounded. It turned out that after receiving the imperial order from Hongnong City, which is the closest city to the capital, Hongnong Dianwei ordered 10,000 soldiers from the government to be assembled together with their baggage overnight.

Speeding through the starry night, we headed towards the official road in the direction of the capital. In one day, we saw the outline of the capital. We dispatched a messenger and entered the Anhu camp as ordered.

After receiving the letter from Hongnong Dianwei, Wang Ziteng immediately ordered the camp gate to be opened wide and sent Wang Ren to gather the elite troops from the Beijing camp to practice in the camp, while Jia Lian led a guard of troops to the camp gate to greet the government troops. arrival.

After a while,

From far to near,

The Hongnong Mansion Army, who had been traveling all the way, arrived not far from the camp. The leader was a tall and mighty middle-aged man with thick eyebrows and big eyes, riding a red date horse and wearing a uniform. Wearing a brocade robe, with a long sword tied to his waist, and holding a long ax in his hand, he looked like a fierce general. He rode a horse and came close, with a surprisingly loud voice.

"The last general, Hongnong Dianwei Hu Le, following the imperial order, hastily led 10,000 troops to support the capital. I dare to ask where Wang Jieshuai is."

Jia Lian was startled by the loud voice. He raised his head and saw that this person must be tall and powerful. He had a heroic look on his face. Even with his appearance, his face was bearded and unsightly. When he heard the question, He hugged his fist and replied,

"General Hu has worked hard and came all the way. Please enter the camp quickly. The camp has already prepared tents and meals for the brothers to rest. As for Wang Jieshuai, he is waiting for the general in the tent."

Hu Le saw that although the person who greeted him was young, he behaved in a sophisticated manner and was quite handsome. His face was somewhat familiar, and he felt good about him.

Asked aloud,

"Then thank you, Commander-in-Chief. Thanks to Commander-in-Chief for still remembering me. This young general, may I ask who you are. You look familiar."

Jia Lian was startled, he looked familiar, no, why didn't he remember?

"Ahem, Infantry Lieutenant Jia Lian, I have met the general,"

"Oh, Jia Lian, your surname is Jia, so you are from the Jia family in the capital?"

Hu Le also looked over suspiciously. Could this be the descendant of the old Duke? He finally had someone to support his family. Jia Lian smiled unnaturally.

"Back to General, yes, Jia Lian, a descendant of Rongguo Mansion."

"Hey, it turns out that he is a descendant of the old Duke. It's good that someone has finally been able to enter the capital camp. Let's go and see Commander-in-Chief."

"General Hu, please."

Jia Lian also saw that General Hu must have some connection with Rong Guofu, so he became more careful and polite, which made the middle-aged general look more and more pleasing to his eyes.

"Good boy, you have become an infantry lieutenant. This time, following my general, I won't be able to win military honors. I need to be promoted to a general to give honor to Jia's family."

"Thank you for your kindness, General. I have embarrassed my ancestors. I just don't know what the relationship between the general and our ancestors is. I really don't know. Please forgive me, General."

Jia Lian also made a trick. Although he said it happily, after all, he had to ask what was going on, otherwise there would be no beginning and no end. If the old lady asked, how would he explain it?

Hu Le laughed and touched the sword in his hand.

"This sword was given to me by the old Duke. I was young and ignorant at that time, that is, I was just a corps commander. Because of my bravery in battle, I was appreciated by the old Duke and promoted to general. If it hadn't been for the promotion by the old Duke, I would have been a corps commander. I've got such a bad temper, I'd have to get out a long time ago,"

After saying that, there was still some reflection. After all, time is not forgiving. Over the past ten years, not many of the old brothers are left.

"The general is heroic,"

It was the first time for Jia Lian to meet such a straightforward person, and he was flattered by him and praised him a lot.

"Haha, you're right, haha."

"Report, Governor, over at Anhu Camp, Hongnong's 10,000 troops, led by Dian Wei Hu Le, have arrived. Now they have entered the camp. I am here to report."

"Oh, so fast. Hu Le is the strong general who often got into trouble back then. Although he is not popular, he is still loyal."

Dai Quan stood in the courtyard and listened to the report from the Imperial City Secret Service. He finally had an explanation in his heart. The matter in Jingnan left a thorn in His Majesty's heart.

Dai Quan clearly felt that His Majesty no longer had so much trust in the courtiers around him, but had more trust in the nobles, especially the Marquis of Luo Yun, Marquis Baoning and others. Therefore, in the past two days, all the eunuchs in the chamber were It's more careful service,

But you can’t enter the Yangxin Hall at this time because the Queen just entered.

"You go down first and keep an eye on it. There will be a reward for you. Go back to the Yamen to receive the reward."

"Thank you, Lord Governor, I will obey your orders."

The secret agent knelt down on the ground, thanked him, and went out. Only Xiao Yunzi behind him said,

"Godfather, Hongnong's army is also very fast. It took more than a day to arrive. It is still an army of 10,000. It seems that General Hu is not easy to manage the army."

"Haha, you are right. Do you know who this Hu Le is?"

Dai Quan laughed happily, and then asked, how did Xiao Yunzi know who Hu Le was? Although Hongnong was close, there were no foreign generals that their eunuchs dared to befriend.

"My godfather was joking, how could my son know that General Hu? I guess he must be a brave general who is brave and resolute, acting vigorously and resolutely."

Dai Quan glanced at Xiao Yunzi lightly, he looked at her with eyes, and said with a satisfied smile,

"It is true that he is vigorous and resolute, but Yushu Linfeng is not relevant. He was the pioneer officer of Ning Rong and the two princes back then. He was brave and brave, but he had no brains. If the old prince hadn't protected him, the Supreme Emperor would have kept him. , otherwise I would have returned home long ago.”

Xiao Yunzi was stunned. There was such a thing. He was a simple-minded protagonist. However, when one of the government troops came, the rest of the troops would be faster. The capital would be bustling by then. Then The public security in the capital is probably a bit corrupt.

"Dad, there are so many people from the government army. If the border troops flood into the capital like last time, there will be some chaos. I'm afraid the people in the Military and Horse Division will complain about this again."

"Now, don't worry. They are not as good as the border troops. Although they are training, it is also time to prepare food and wages for the court. When the court prepares the food and supplies, they will go south in a few days. I won’t stay in the capital for long,”

"Yes, godfather, then the people from the Imperial City Department in the capital can spare their manpower and no longer worry about trivial matters in the capital. After all, there are not enough government officials in Shuntian Mansion."

The reason why Dai Quan was so sure was because the grain, grass, wages and money were all prepared by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. As for the grain, the grain stored in the Beijing warehouse was first misappropriated and then replenished after autumn. Thinking of grain, Dai Quan asked,

"Xiao Yunzi, how much grain has been checked by the prince of the Ministry of Internal Affairs?"

inside the hospital,

After being asked by "godfather" Dai Quan, Xiao Yunzi remembered what he had explained before, but the Ministry of Internal Affairs didn't hear anything, so he thought he hadn't made a decision yet.

"Godfather, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has not taken action yet. According to my son's understanding, the prince wants to check more companies and leave more goods for the Ministry of Internal Affairs for godfather to spare."

"Haha, Wang Xiu is considered loyal. He has been with the Za family for many years, and he finally understands some things. Let's take care of this matter. The salary and food for these hundreds of thousands of troops are not a small amount. Your Majesty requires the Ministry of Internal Affairs to release the money. But this money is also what our in-house service staff have worked hard to save. To go out with so much money all at once makes the Za family feel distressed, don’t you think?"

Dai Quan was really distressed. Logically speaking, the money should be provided by the Ministry of Revenue. However, Gu Yichen, the Secretary of the Ministry of Revenue, used the excuse that it involved the Ministry of Revenue deposits and the industry income had not been counted. He could only provide food and grass. As for the payment of money, he had to leave it to the Ministry of Internal Affairs first. Dai Quan was not happy with the advance payment and would make up for it after the Household Department's inventory was completed. But His Majesty was anxious and there were a lot of unsettled matters in the Household Department, so His Majesty agreed. Therefore, the grain was sent out from the Household Department's Jingcang. All the salary and money are paid by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which makes everyone in the Ministry of Internal Affairs reluctant.

"What the godfather said is absolutely true. Not to mention anything else, the monthly salary for the 150,000-strong army is more than 300,000 taels of silver, not to mention the subsequent rewards. Only after the prince knew about this, did he I delayed it for a day to see if I could make up for the shortfall."

"That's reasonable. It doesn't matter whether they have money or not, but making trouble like this and making ill-gotten gains when the court is in crisis should really be killed. The Za family will never watch them act so recklessly."

"My godfather is righteous, and my son admires him."

Xiao Yunzi is flattering.

In the Yangxin Hall,

The warm pavilion on the east side,

Emperor Wu Zhou Shihong and Empress Jiang Yuqing rarely sat down to have a meal together. They had a sumptuous meal in the morning, which was the emperor's favorite food.

"Your Majesty, how does it taste?" "Well, it's really good. I haven't eaten the lotus seed soup made by Yu Qing in a long time."

The emperor and empress sat opposite each other. Emperor Wu held chopsticks in his right hand and held the bowl lightly in his left hand, eating hot food with a satisfied smile on his old face.

The dignified Empress Jiang beside her wiped the corners of His Majesty's mouth with light movements.

"Your Majesty, please slow down. If you want to eat, I can make it for you at any time. These days, Your Majesty often doesn't go to bed until late at night. I am also worried about your Majesty's dragon body. Although the government is difficult, your Majesty's body is the most important."

Seeing the worry on Queen Jiang's face, Zhou Shihong was a little surprised. It was rare to see the Queen looking so anxious. He took the last bite of rice, brought some tea and asked,

"I know that Yuqing is worried about me, but there are many things that I can't help myself with, so I have to ask. Yuqing is quite different today, but is there something wrong?"

"Nothing can hide from His Majesty's discerning eyes. I originally wanted to ask for one thing, but now that I'm here, it becomes two things."

Empress Jiang filled another cup of tea for Emperor Wu and replied with a smile on her face. Zhou Shihong also became interested after hearing this.

"Tell me, Yuqing, why are there two things?"

"The first thing happened yesterday, when Marquis Luo Yun entered the Kunning Palace and had a conversation with his concubine. The concubine asked why he would rather go against the Jia family than marry Chang'an at that time. In the end, it became "If you love the country or the beauty, does your Majesty know how Marquis Luo Yun answered?"

Then he showed a melancholy expression, not sure whether it was sadness or longing, and said,

"I really didn't expect that someone could say such a thing. Not only is it audacious, but it is also deviant. But why does it sound so real to me?"

Emperor Wu was stunned. He understood what the queen said, but he didn't understand. As for whether he loves the country or the beauty, the country is of course the most important thing. Not to mention the learning of saints, even if he learned from the past, he could not be the same as the later master of the Southern Tang Dynasty. This question also made Emperor Wu feel tempted to test Luo Yunhou. Does Marquis Luo Yun love the country, the beauty, or both.

"Oh, what can he say to make Yu Qing feel this way? Could it be that he is still greedy and wants to take care of both."

"Your Majesty is wrong. Marquis Luo Yun is a lover. It's not that you don't know about Chang'an. It's not that you don't know about it. It's just that your majesty just listens to what he said. Luo Yunhou replied, and everyone in the world will respond. The country, the country, and the country are the most important thing, but I prefer beauties. The court and your majesty decide all the major events in the world. I am a follower. I will go through wind and rain, and I will go through mountains and fires for your majesty. Even if my country is lost, I believe I can still fight. Come back, a person's life is only a few decades, and it is not easy to live. Why bother to embarrass yourself, especially when the one you love is the same person. If you lose your hand, where can you find it in this life? There are thousands of rivers and mountains. What’s the use of coming?”

Queen Jiang recounted it again, with an inexplicable look in her eyes and a hint of jealousy. Changan met her beloved in this life.

Even Emperor Wu was silent for a long time after hearing this. He never thought that Marquis Luo Yun could achieve such a situation. Yes, life is only a few decades and it is very difficult to live. Why should it be difficult for himself? Since he became the prince, He was also conscientious in his work, fearing that he would give his father and other royal brothers an excuse to suppress him.

The weather is unpredictable. I never thought that I would be able to ascend the throne. I have been walking on thin ice for so many years and I am getting older. But have I ever been happy?

It seems not. Even Yu Qing, who has been by his side, now has wrinkles on his face. It is because he has neglected her. Such a Luo Yunhou, such a person who loves beauty but not the country, is not in vain. Not everyone can say that he is confident in his cultivation.

"Haha, you are worthy of being the Marquis of Luo Yun. He is young and energetic. Although his words are deviant, they may not be unreasonable. Sometimes ordinary people can do it, but Yuqing was born in the royal family and cannot help himself. These years, Yuqing has suffered a lot. "

Emperor Wu looked at Jiang Yuqing affectionately, stretched out his hand to hold the queen's Rouyi, even if he had a thousand words he could not say,

"His Majesty,"

With a call, the queen leaned excitedly into Zhou Shihong's arms and was hugged tightly.

After a while,

Emperor Wu asked again,

"Yu Qing, what is the second thing you said?"

Empress Jiang blushed and came over,

"Your Majesty, I just wanted to leave the palace to see the three princes and see how they have been these past few days. I am very worried."

As soon as the words came out, Zhou Shihong was confused. Why not? You can go at any time.

"It's enough for Yu Qing to come out of the palace and have a look. You don't need to tell me. Can I still stop Yu Qing from letting you go?"

Queen Jiang finally reacted, but she didn't speak clearly. After thinking about it for a moment, she asked truthfully,

"Your Majesty, when I left the palace, I went with your Majesty, put on ordinary people's clothes, and then went to see it in private,"

Seeing the Queen's tactful words, Zhou Shihong didn't know that this was how he looked when he went on patrol incognito last time. No need to ask, only Marquis Luo Yun was so bold and dared to speak openly.

"It's done. I agreed. Did that boy from Marquis Luo Yun say it? He is the only one who is so bold. I will reprimand him when he comes back. Come on, go to Marquis Luo Yun's Mansion and let him change his clothes." Come to the palace to pick him up and go quickly."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Your Majesty, why are you doing this?"

The Queen was also confused as to whether it was too much to call someone here to reprimand him so early in the morning.

Emperor Wu took a sip of tea and said angrily,

"Yu Qing thinks too much. Even if you go out, you don't go out casually. Secret guards and bodyguards must be arranged. As for Luo Yunhou, if he doesn't come to escort you, who will."

"That's true!"

last night,

After talking nonsense in Kunning Palace, Queen Jiang didn't say much. On the contrary, after Qin Keqing came back, she felt the same. After a good night of tossing, Zhang Jinyu enjoyed the blessing of everyone, and she couldn't sleep in bed early in the morning. He said that other people in the house were also used to this.

After all, the Marquis was not on time, no one could tell when he would wake up or when he would eat, so he could only prepare and warm it.

In the house in Dongyuan,

Zhang Jinyu had already gotten up. Under Qin Keqing's service, she changed into a smart outfit and moved her arms. They were still a little sore. She didn't realize that Qin Keqing was so thin and heavy, and it was tiring to hold her.

"Mr. Lang, I have something else to do today."

"There are too many things to do. It's okay if you don't want to do it. Why, is there something wrong with you?"

Zhang Jinyu looked at the lovely person next to him, thinking that something must be wrong, and asked back. Qin Keqing had a smile on her face and plump lips. She thought she had rested.

"Since Mr. Lang is fine, why don't you go out for a walk, buy some snacks and pastries, and go to Rongguo Mansion together to see how Yu'er, Baochai and the others are living. How are they doing?"

This is strange. Why did Qin Keqing think of this place? Besides, he was a frequent visitor to Rongguo Mansion these days. Yu'er often saw him, but he ignored Xue Baochai. He really shouldn't have looked at Qin Keqing's face. She didn't look like she could refuse. Although she didn't know what kind of medicine she was selling, she could only nod her head and agree.

"Okay, it's whatever Madam says. Let's go shopping around the east side market today. There are a lot of things there. How about we go there after buying some?"

"Mr. Lang is indeed very thoughtful. It seems that he is very familiar there. In that case, let's do it. Baozhu, take the two boxes of jewelry in the back room with you and prepare to leave the house."

"Yes, grandma!"

Outside the screen, the echo of the orb came, and then the sound of leaving footsteps came, but Qin Keqing was called "grandma". Zhang Jinyu really didn't understand this, why the wives of these eldest ladies of high families, She will be called "Grandma."

It’s unbelievable. Madam, isn’t she nice? Or maybe it’s something else. As soon as she goes out, she’s surrounded by maids and servants, including servants and guards. But concubines also like this, especially It was Wang Xifeng of the Rongguo Mansion, who appointed a group of family members as bodyguards, and even asked his stewards to change their names!

I heard that servants can't call Second Grandma, they must call her "Grandma". I don't know how addicted she is to calling her "Grandma", so why did Li Wan call her "Grandma".

I wanted to ask Qin Keqing, but I couldn't. After all, there were many maids brought from the palace in Yang Hanyu's courtyard. In comparison, it's no wonder that Qin Keqing had only a few people to serve.

As soon as Zhang Jinyu changed her clothes, Lan Yue'er walked in outside the door.

"Mr. Lang, General Duan sent someone outside the city to report that 10,000 troops from the Hongnong Prefecture have arrived in Jingjing City."

"What, so fast!"

(End of this chapter)