Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 841 The Two Religions Leave Endless Troubles
Daliang City,
Jiedushi's residence,
Lu Daiyuan looked solemn, and hurriedly led his personal soldiers into the mansion, where he met the deputy general Feng Shoujie at the door. Then, he quickly waved his hand, called for someone, and gave an order;
"Quick, Shoujie, prepare the weapons in the armory today, bring plenty of bows and arrows, and lead the army south tomorrow. My army will be the central army. You can ask Congyun and Shiwen to leave 10,000 soldiers to guard Daliang City, and the rest of you, follow me and lead the central army."

"Well, uncle, we are leading the central army. Then, General Wang Jie, do you want to march south tomorrow and fight head-on?"

Feng Shoujie was a little hesitant. How could he put the Jiedushi in the central army? Isn't this too risky? He already knew about the county city. The main force of the Taiping Rebellion army was coming with great force, which was not the style of bandits at all. It was obvious that there was someone supporting them from behind.

"Yes, the commander is ready to fight and will march south tomorrow. If the enemy army gains a foothold and loses the county town, the consequences will be unpredictable."

Lu Daiyuan did not hide it. The victory was fleeting. If he won in one battle, it would surely shock the court and the public. It would be easy for the Lu family to give the second son a title. By then, the Lu family's position would be as stable as Mount Tai.

However, the deputy general Feng Shoujie frowned, somewhat uncertain. In the way of war, although the central army is the most stable, it cannot retreat in a frontal fight, even if it is defeated, otherwise the main formation will collapse and be entangled and killed by the enemy, the consequences will be disastrous.
Although this battle will not be like this, this position is not very safe. I am trying to persuade you.

"Jiedushi, I feel that although the central army is stable, it is not as flexible as the flanks. If there is any change, there will be no way to retreat."

Lu Daiyuan smiled and patted Feng Shoujie's arm.

"Shoujie, I understand what you mean, but you have to know that among the troops heading south, only the troops from Daliang City can hold their ground. The others, including Dianwei Hu Le and Shoujiang He Yong, are all fierce vanguards. The two generals from Hexi and Hedong can only be dependent. If you were the commander-in-chief, you would make the same arrangement."

Lu Daiyuan knew that although the central army was stable, it was also the backbone of the troops. He had fought all his life and had a clear vision. Therefore, Wang Ziteng's arrangement was still sophisticated. If he didn't take over, who could go?
Seeing my uncle like this, I was overly suspicious. Alas, everything was wrong. The court only requested 35,000 soldiers, but my uncle brought 40,000. The other 5,000 soldiers were extra.

"Jiedushi, if that's the case, be careful. The court has ordered 35,000 troops for Daliang City, but Jiedushi asked me to gather 40,000 troops. What's the meaning?"

"The two camps on the left and right will not withdraw. Each camp will have 2,500 soldiers stationed there. You will make the arrangements. The troops heading south will be led by you."

After speaking,
Lü Daiyuan, the governor of Daliang City, threw away his whip and went into the inner hall.
inside the house,

The two sons had been waiting in the house for a long time. When they saw their father coming back, they bowed to him. The eldest son, Lu Congyun, asked anxiously;
"Father, what about tomorrow?"

"We will march south tomorrow. Let Cong Yun lead the troops to inspect the left and right camps. Shi Wen will stay in Daliang City. I will take Shou Jie south. This battle is dangerous. We must keep a retreat route."

Lu Daiyuan didn't know why, but he suddenly felt a little worried. The words on his lips changed immediately. He asked his son to stay in the city to defend it, and he led the troops south. He didn't know if he said it too hastily.
Lu Congyun was a little unhappy. How could he be left behind?

"Father, why did you leave your son behind? In this battle, your son should follow you. There is nothing wrong with the stability of the central army."

I wanted to ask a few more questions, but was stopped by Lu Daiyuan.

"Just guard the camp outside the city and leave a retreat. The soldiers in the city must not slack off. The enemy is so bold that I feel a little uneasy. Therefore, I need you two brothers to provide backup for this matter. Do you understand?"

Although it was an excuse, standing in the Jiedushi Mansion, no matter how good the reason was, it was not too much. Lu Congyun opened his mouth, but could not defend himself. He looked at his second brother Shiwen beside him anxiously and asked;

"Shiwen, say something."

"Well, big brother, I think what father said is reasonable. Big brother, I am not good at leading an army. It is such a big city, and I feel a little guilty. Big brother, you should stay and let father rest assured."

Seeing that his second brother was also trying to persuade him, Lu Congyun was speechless for a moment. It was just defending the city. What was there to defend?

"Okay, in that case, it's decided."

Lu Daiyuan waved his hand, took the military token and hurried to the camp, leaving the two brothers in the house.

"Second brother, you, hey."

"All troops retreat, all troops retreat."

"Everyone, return to the camp!"

With the sound of cavalry dispatches, the Taiping Sect troops stationed on the official road returned to their camps one after another.

Du Shaoqing, the right protector of the rear army, also asked the followers to return to the camp. In just one afternoon, the refugee slave army he led suffered more than 30,000 casualties. The number of people was still too small.

"Right Protector, it seems that the nobles in the county city have withdrawn all the elite troops. With the help of the refugees, we can attack the city several times. In a few days, even if they don't let us, we can capture the county city."

A cheerful laugh came from the rear army camp. Han Douming, the leader of the Five Elements Banner, rode on a horse and led the soldiers to follow behind the Dharma Protector. Not only was he happy, but there was also a hint of contempt in his eyes.

Du Shaoqing was different. He looked at Linshan County not far away. A bonfire had been lit on the top of the city wall, shining on the flickering figures of the soldiers. It seemed that the nobleman had been prepared. Maybe he had already left a way out.
"Don't be careless. Look at the top of the city. Even if they are new troops, they must have a lot of people. Since that nobleman dared to stay here, he might be using himself as bait to lure the court or us. The court army will arrive tomorrow. Don't be careless and don't let unnecessary troubles arise."

This was also strictly instructed by Master Chu. There were still many people who kept their thoughts on that noble man. Unfortunately, there was no chance.
"Yes, Right Protector, I just think this opportunity is rare."

Han Douming pouted. It was such a good opportunity. If he let it go this time, he might never see the real person again in the future. After all, someone in the sect had sent a letter about what happened in the south.

"Okay, tomorrow, send 30,000 troops to keep a close eye on the north. If necessary, send reinforcements immediately. The rest will remain the same as today, but with a stronger momentum."

"Yes, Right Protector."

Han Douming's face straightened and he agreed.
Du Shaoqing stared at the top of the city wall, vaguely saw something, paused for a moment, turned around and left.

"Go back."

With a sigh, he led his troops back to the camp.

The attic on the city wall,
At this time, the former crown prince Zhou Yongxiao, wearing a black armor and a cloak, was followed by the left wing of Datong Road, the new army commander, Kou Zijing, and others.
When we reached the top of the city wall and looked far to the north, we saw the Taiping Sect camp stretching for dozens of miles, with bonfires all over the sky, like a long dragon hovering over the wilderness, its momentum surging and unstoppable like a raging tide.

This time, Zhou Yongxiao really saw the strength of the Taiping Sect, and his face looked a little ugly.
"Zuo Feng, why does the Taiping Cult have so many people? Where did they come from? Do you know?"

"Your Highness, most of the troops came from Lingdong County, and the rest are all early followers in Jingnan. They changed their weapons in Linyue Mansion and are now no weaker than the imperial court's troops. Although their battle formations are not as good as the imperial court's troops, they are more numerous after all. This time, Wang Ziteng may not be able to escape back."

In the past, Zuo Feng never took the Taiping Sect's troops seriously. Bandits are still bandits. So what if they have weapons? The most important thing for soldiers is their elite, not their quantity.

But now seeing the large camp stretching for dozens of miles outside the city, he was obviously not indifferent. He underestimated the leader Chu. Suddenly, he had an idea. If the Taiping Sect had such strength, would the White Lotus Sect be so powerful as well? They were deeply rooted in southern Beijing.

"Your Highness, I was negligent. I never thought that the leader of the Taiping Sect, Chu, was hiding so deeply. Moreover, in the east, the leader of the White Lotus Sect, Bai Shuiyue, has already arrived in Huaizhou. It seems that he wants to attack the important town of Runan. So this time, I want to divert the trouble to the north."

The so-called transfer of trouble to the north was to make the White Lotus Sect's troops go north to Xihe County. Xihe County was already in a mess and was definitely no match for the White Lotus Sect. In this way, once Xihe County was lost, it would directly threaten the safety of Jiangnan from the west. The south was guarded by Tang County, but the north had nowhere to defend.

Zhou Yongxiao stood on the top of the city wall. The wind blowing from outside the city carried a faint smell of fireworks. He looked thoughtful. The 100,000 troops ambushed on the north side might not let Wang Ziteng stay here. Otherwise, if Daliang City was lost, he would find it difficult to maintain the balance of the Taiping Sect. After all, Chu Yiyue was not the leader yet.
"Zuo Feng, let Shen Rang lead 50,000 troops to retreat to the county city to support our withdrawal. Then let Chai Qing wait for an opportunity to act and only kill people and horses. But remember, you must be careful not to hurt their main force and Wang Ziteng's life. Once we come into contact with them, just make a few casualties and immediately withdraw to Weizhou. After this battle, we need to be on guard against the people of Taiping Sect." Although there is an agreement with Taiping Sect, the most unreliable thing is the agreement. If you are not on the same path, you will definitely go your separate ways when you walk to the back. It is never too cautious.

"Yes, Your Highness, I will issue the order immediately."

Zuo Feng clasped his fists, waved his hand, and asked the secret guards beside him to pass on the message. He was prepared for the worst. The people of the Taiping Sect could not be trusted. Moreover, the opponent's strength had surpassed his own.

Just after I finished giving the order, I heard His Highness' voice again.

"Also, what you just said about transferring the trouble to the north is a good thing. I didn't expect the White Lotus Sect to revive. In the early years, Duke Ning and Duke Rong led their troops to defeat the main force of the White Lotus Sect, and then sent a large army to encircle and suppress the remnants of the White Lotus Sect for more than three months. I thought they had killed them all, but I didn't expect that they still had this strength. So, we should have kept some backup plans earlier."

Zhou Yongxiao felt a little bit tricky at this time. Although they were united in dealing with the imperial court, they were people who did not believe in the two religions in their hearts. They were not good men and women. In addition, some of them were growing in strength too fast. Although they were all refugees, they were difficult to deal with without heavy troops.

Especially what we saw today, even the refugees were fearless and brave. The new troops in the city were climbed onto the city walls by the refugees several times. If Kou Zijing hadn't led his troops to guard the city, there would have been trouble.
"Don't worry, Your Highness. The military advisor has already sent people to investigate. Although the White Lotus Sect has made a comeback, its strength is still unknown. The defender of the important town of Runan is Wei Xiangping, who has 30,000 elite troops, and that's a real number. The city walls are strong and high. It will cost too much to take Runan City."

Although Zuo Feng had a good strategy, Runan City had always been an important east-west road junction. The government army had 30,000 soldiers, and the city defender Wei Xiangping was a capable man with very sophisticated tactics. It was impossible to take Runan City without paying a price.
"That's good. We can't let them have it too easy. I always feel that the White Lotus Sect is the biggest concern. Although the Taiping Sect is in the limelight, it is in the open and can't hide. However, the White Lotus Sect has changed its style and sent its main force south to attack Chizhou City in Qiongshan County. They think the same as us. It's obvious that they are being guided by a master."

Turning back, Zhou Yongxiao led his men down the city wall again. There were still three days left before the agreed time. The sound of footsteps echoed throughout the city wall.

"Your Highness, whether the White Lotus Sect is really hiding its true abilities or has a master's guidance, as long as they dare to attack Runan City, they will be exposed to the eyes of the court."

Zuo Feng followed carefully behind him, and with a wave of his hand, a large number of personal guards followed him, circling the city walls, and when they reached the foot of the city, Zuo Feng helped His Highness get on the carriage, climbed on the horse, and drove slowly towards the Governor's Office, saying on the way;
"Your Highness, according to the spies, the Marquis of Luo Yun in the capital has been appointed by the pseudo-Emperor to lead the troops of the Beijing camp. It seems that the court and the palace have noticed something strange in the south of the capital."

"Ahaha, I just realized it now, but it's too late. Even if Wang Ziteng already knew something was wrong, he would not watch the county city fall. The Taiping Sect is short of food, how could he not know that? Therefore, this battle will not be abandoned."

After Zhou Yongxiao got on the carriage, he sat down steadily, curled his lips and laughed out loud. After ten years of preparation, he finally got what he wanted. How could he not laugh happily?
But what the teacher said was buried in his heart. Whether to be king or return to the capital, a trace of sadness flashed across Zhou Yongxiao's face.
I don't know how my mother is doing in the capital, and where my little daughter is. At that time, she left in a hurry, and all her affairs were handed over to Jia Jing to handle. Now I don't know if Jia Jing is safe.

"We need to leave some people in the capital to check the news. Also, how is Jinghui doing? Is he still in Xuanzhen Temple?"

Jia Jing of Ningguo Mansion has been hiding in Xuanzhen Temple outside the city, overseeing the affairs of the capital for ten years. It is very difficult for him.

But the words fell into the ears of Zuo Feng outside the car, making the commander-in-chief Zuo Feng look a little embarrassed. The news of the capital has spread here. Scholar Jia has gone now. How should he answer?
"Your Highness, Scholar Jia, he, he."

Zuo Feng hesitated and didn't dare to reply, which made Zhou Yongxiao, who was still relatively calm in the car, suspicious and asked;
"Tell me, how is Jinghui?"

"Your Highness, Master Jia has passed away. He committed suicide in front of the Meridian Gate three days ago."

Zuo Feng had no choice but to tell the truth.
Zhou Yongxiao sat there in a daze upon hearing the sad news. The scenes of him and Jinghui studying together as children kept coming to his mind. He was overwhelmed with emotions. They had not yet met again, but had to part ways in this world. How sad it was.
He committed suicide in front of the Meridian Gate. What was the reason? Could it be that he was exposed? He opened his mouth with difficulty and asked word by word;
"King Hui, what caused him to die?"

Zuo Feng felt a little ashamed. It was because of the unfilial children in the clan that such a disaster happened. He sighed and told Zhou Yongxiao about the recent events in Ningguo Mansion in the capital, especially the evil Taoist priest who caused chaos in Ningguo Mansion, which led to such a disaster. Zhou Yongxiao hated him so much.
"What's the point of having an unfilial son? Jinghui has been working hard for many years, but has not been able to reunite with him. I feel regretful. That evil Taoist who ruined my plans, is he really a member of the Taiping Sect?"

"Your Highness, I don't have much information. I haven't found out the origin of the demon yet."

Zuo Feng shook his head. After all, the capital was too far away and the forces were mixed. The demon was also an old hand, so it was hard to predict.

"Send someone to look for him, and if you find him, kill him."

"Yes, Your Highness,"

On the bluestone road, only the squeaking sounds of horse hooves and wheel wheels could be heard from far away on the street.

Beijing,

The night is bright,

Zhang Jinyu returned home a little tipsy. When he reached the street corner, he saw several monks standing there, seemingly waiting for someone.

Then,

Zhang Jinyu's convoy was approaching slowly from afar. Suddenly, the leading strategist spoke.

"My Lord, I am here to pick you up."

The words came out before he opened his mouth. It was obvious that he was a master. The guards around him immediately drew their weapons and stood guard. Ning Bian's eyes condensed and he scolded;
"Who is coming?"

"Amitabha, General Ning,"

Master Wu Xin said the name of the Buddha,
Ningbian then realized that it was the abbot of Beishan Jing'an Temple who approached the car and whispered;
"My Lord, it's Abbot Wuxin,"

"Oh, I see."

Zhang Jinyu stretched lazily. It is said that people feel sleepy after eating and drinking enough. It is absolutely true. He is almost asleep.
He reached out and opened the curtain, took the cloak and put it on, then jumped out and saw Master Wuxin, who was leading three monks, blocking the way. It was the first time for him to be stopped by a monk, so he asked helplessly;

"Master Chan, you are not at Ningguo Mansion to perform rituals to pray for the souls of the dead, but are here to block the door. You don't look like a monk at all. Isn't this breaking the rules?"

Zhang Jinyu opened his mouth and made a rare sarcastic remark. He didn't know why these so-called masters and abbots had a lot of philosophy, but they didn't seem to be able to transcend it. They still had seven emotions and six desires.

"Amitabha, Lord, you are wrong. Mr. Jia from Ningguo Mansion will be buried tomorrow, so the ritual for his soul-resurrection has already been completed. As for coming to the mansion, no one dares to block the door. Lord, should we let the person go?"

Master Wu Xin put his hands together, neither hurried nor slow, and he was very confident and justified, which made Zhang Jinyu feel a little annoyed. He was so good at sophistry that no one could compare to him.

Also, why are you in such a hurry to bury Jia Jing tomorrow? Didn't they say that the body should be kept for three days and then buried seven days later? What does that mean?
"If you want someone, you have to ask for someone. Why don't you come during the day but come at night? How can there be such a rule? Also, why did Ningguo Mansion want to bury Jia Jing early?"

"My Lord, please don't worry. I came here tonight just to avoid any trouble. There are too many people during the day. The matter of Ningguo Mansion was arranged by the old lady of the West Mansion."

It was simple and clear, without any nonsense, so Zhang Jinyu wanted to say something, but he didn't know where to start. He just waved his hand.
"All right, come on, bring that bald donkey, ahem, bring Master Wuwei out, and hand him over to the abbot, and we'll be clear of this matter."

"Thank you, Lord Marquis!"

(End of this chapter)