King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 489: Go to the front line

Regarding Zhu Jinghong, the emperor and the empress were worried, while the emperor was looking forward to it, but some people were wary of him.

Prince Rui's Mansion, inner study room.

"Eighty-seven plus one hundred and twenty-five is... two hundred and twelve!"

"There are only about 500 people in our palace including the guards, and more than 200 is nearly half. How many people does this guy, Old Thirteen, have to kill!"

Hearing Chen Zhi compare figures with people from the palace, Zhu Jingyuan felt particularly uncomfortable, so he cast a dissatisfied look at his wife.

"Why don't you think it's unlucky to say that Old Thirteen killed nearly half of the palace?" Zhu Jingyuan said coldly.

Putting away the memorial, Chen Zhi sneered, and then said, "You can't stand this?"

"If Old Thirteen really raises his troops in the future, there won't be enough for him to kill us all in the palace!"

"Think about the fate of Lingshuren's family, and then think about the fate of Prince Li and King Ying'e. Not to mention you and me... Even Yu'er and the others will probably die by then!"

Each of these words was like a needle, pricking Zhu Jingyuan's heart.

After a long time, Zhu Jingyuan replied: "Old Thirteen is only interested in military affairs and has no intention of seizing the direct descendants..."

Chen Zhi sneered and said: "Hmph... He has no intention of seizing the direct descendants. Will those who have been promoted and made rich with him have different intentions?"

"You still boast that you are well-versed in classics and history, and you have even forgotten the allusion about Song Taizu wearing a yellow robe?"

Chen Zhi's last sentence was like a wake-up call to Zhu Jingyuan, instantly sending chills down his back.

Yes, no matter what Old Thirteen's thoughts are, as long as he reaches that position, many things will be out of his control... Zhu Jingyuan thought to himself.

For the first time, Zhu Jinghong's threat rose sharply in his mind, not much worse than that of the prince.

What Chen Zhi said just now, even if he is a close confidant, it is difficult for him to say it clearly without any scruples. Only a wife who is of the same mind can speak frankly.

So at this moment, Zhu Jingyuan and his wife were grateful to be in front of him, even though their chattering was quite annoying on weekdays.

Zhu Jingyuan stood up and bowed solemnly to Chen Zhi: "Thank you, my dear concubine, for your advice!"

"Why are you doing this, Your Majesty!" Chen Zhi quickly returned the gift.

In fact, Chen Zhi didn't really think that Zhu Jinghong had the intention to seize the throne. She said it so seriously before, just to serve as a better warning.

Now that she had achieved her goal, she changed her tone and said, "Even though Old Thirteen is ambitious, the prince will definitely win over someone as powerful as him..."

"With the Xue family girl here, I think Old Thirteen will return to the crown prince sooner or later, and then we will be in trouble!"

"I don't care about other things. I have to destroy the Xue family girl as soon as possible, and then help Ting girl up!"

Zhu Jingyuan nodded slightly, already planning in his mind how to get started.

Regarding the general approach to this matter, he and Chen Zhi had discussed it in detail before and had already come up with a rough strategy.

"It's time to start setting up..."

While Prince Rui and his wife were discussing in detail, the latest battle report also reached Baochai's ears.

When she learned that Zhu Jinghong was on the battlefield again, Baochai became even more worried. She was so angry that she went directly to Yin'an Hall and made a fuss about the things in the east wing.

"Let you show off your ability, let you show off your ability..."

Things like swords, guns, swords and halberds were pushed to pieces by Baochai, and she was almost injured several times.

Most of the time, Baochai can control her emotions very well, but when things are related to her husband's safety, it is difficult for her to keep a calm mind.

The so-called husband and wife are of the same mind. Baochai is really worried about Zhu Jinghong at this time. It is a typical "hate" caused by love, so she comes here to vent her anger.

Of course, her anger was so exaggerated, she had some acting purpose.

One shows the deep love between husband and wife, while the other shows that there is no prestige.

"I let you show off..."

After knocking down the last wooden frame, Baochai finally stopped and felt much better.

"I have to write him a letter to advise him not to put himself in danger again!" After calming down, Baochai came up with this idea.

Baochai simply straightened her sleeves and put herself back into the princess's style, then walked out of the room.

Outside the wing, more than a dozen officials and maids were kneeling on the ground. They were all on duty at the Yin'an Palace today.

Baochai was very majestic in the house, and he was so angry that he smashed things, which really scared these people.

So when Baochai appeared, everyone was so frightened that they were like chaff. They lowered their heads and wanted to find a crack to get in.

Standing still in front of everyone, Baochai glanced at everyone, and then said: "The things inside are messed up, please clean them up!"

The head eunuch immediately replied: "Yes!"

Then Baochai left. When he was gone, everyone stood up and entered the side room one after another to start cleaning up.

East Palace, back hall of the inner house.

The prince's health has not been good recently, so Yuanchun personally serves the soup and medicine.

"Your Highness, it's time to drink medicine!"

Hearing the voice, the prince who was bent down at his desk raised his head, and you could see the tired look on his face.

Seeing his appearance, Yuanchun couldn't help but persuade him: "Your Highness, stop looking at it and take a rest!"

Zhu Jingyuan squeezed out a smile and said, "You can't rest. You must know the situation in various places, especially the affairs in Jinling, so that your father can ask for advice at any time!"

No one wanted to read these boring reports, and the prince had no choice but to do so. Of course Yuanchun knew his difficulties.

"In the past two days, I have summoned Miaoyu into my house and chatted with her and learned a lot, especially about health preservation. I heard her say..."

Listening to Yuanchun's ramble, Zhu Jingyuan took the medicine bowl from her hand and drank it despite the unpleasant taste.

Miaoyu has a very good relationship with Yuan Chun. In recent days, Yuan Chun has often called her into the East Palace. Zhu Jingyuan has also met her several times.

"So, we have to balance work and rest, and have a certain amount of relaxation... Your Highness really needs to take a rest!"

Hearing Yuanchun's earnest advice, Zhu Jingyuan couldn't help but smile, and he replied with a smile: "Okay, just follow what my concubine said!"

Helping the prince to stand up, Yuanchun said: "Your Highness, let's go for a walk in the garden!"

"Alright!"

The two supported each other and walked to the back garden of the East Palace together, followed by the maid and eunuch far behind.

"Your Highness, does he know who has been talked about the most in the capital these two days?" Yuanchun tried his best to find some easy topics.

"You mean the thirteenth brother? I know everything about him!"

"Li Bai said that my talents will be useful, and now my thirteenth brother finally has a place to be useful!" Zhu Jingyuan said with emotion.

The prince is a kind man. Yuan Chun wanted to say something, but in the end he held it back.

She knew it was useless to say anything, not to mention she felt that she was overthinking it.

Of course, the most important reason is that the officials of the East Palace are involved in everything, so she really can't be too talkative.

Time passed, and another two days passed, and the time came to August 22nd.

After waiting for a day, the fourth military report from the northwest was delivered to Beijing by fast horse.

"Great victory in the northwest, great victory in the northwest..."

There was another great victory in the northwest, and the news spread among the people, immediately triggering a heated discussion.

"Ever since Prince Xiang took charge of the military affairs in the northwest, our soldiers have been winning consecutive battles. This is really a great thing..."

"I have always heard people say that Prince Xiang is ignorant and incompetent. I think these people are just talking nonsense..."

"Someone must be jealous of his talent and just made up some stories to slander him. These people are really bad..."

"The royal family, this kind of thing..."

"Hey, hey, don't talk anymore, the police patrol is here!" Then, the discussion at the entrance of the alley stopped, but similar scenes can be seen everywhere in Beijing.

There is no doubt that Zhu Jinghong, who has won consecutive games, has once again become the "top player" in Beijing, and will continue to do so for a long time.

According to normal procedures, the report passed through many hurdles and was delivered to Zhu Xianming again.

At this time, he was practicing archery. When he heard that the military report came back, he couldn't wait, so he put down the bow and arrow and took it in his hand.

Today's content is relatively simple. It talks about Zhenwei Zhongwei General Shi Chong's successful attack on the grain road behind enemy lines, forcing the Junggar army to retreat.

When he was retreating, Zhu Jinghong ordered Zhenwei Zhongwei to attack in a big way, and once again harvested a wave of heads, beheading around 2,000 levels.

"Isn't he lucky?"

After closing the report, Zhu Xianming expressed this emotion. He admitted that he was jealous again at that moment.

He has been fighting for decades, but he has never fought so smoothly.

Could it be that this boy is really so good at using soldiers like a god?

Thinking of Zhu Jinghong's endless talk about war and his analysis of the times and patterns from a high position, Zhu Xianming realized that he had indeed underestimated this boy.

"So, I really found a treasure?" Zhu Xianming had another strange idea.

Ning Huanxiang or Liu Fang, I'm afraid they won't be able to achieve such a good record, and they may have to readjust their deployment... Zhu Xianming thought to himself.

After pacing back and forth and thinking carefully, Zhu Xianming glanced at Cheng Ying and ordered: "Go to the Hanlin Academy again and ask him to draft a new decree. Let Lao Shisan continue to be in charge of the northwest military affairs, and Liu Fang will be responsible for assisting when he takes office!"

What what? The Lord actually ordered the Thirteenth Master to take charge of military affairs in the northwest. Did I hear it correctly?

It's normal for Cheng Ying to have such suspicions, because such an arrangement is indeed outrageous.

Regarding Zhu Jinghong’s departure or stay, this is already the third edict issued by the emperor. Isn’t this too childish?

"What are you still waiting for? Why don't you hurry up and go!" Zhu Xianming said in a bad tone.

"The slave obeys the order!"

Cheng Ying once again went to the Hanlin Academy to convey the decree, and the bachelors once again polished the text according to the holy will. After the document was completed, it was sent to the Supervisor of Ceremonies.

After the Supervisor of Ceremonies put on his red seal and used his seal, the imperial edict was sent out by a fast horse and galloped towards the northwest.

On the first day of September, in the northwest wilderness, Zhu Jinghong was stationed on the hillside.

The army is marching under the hillside, and it is the troops of the Northern Four Guards who are opening the border.

At this time, half a month had passed since he completed his strategic retreat, and his strategy of advancing northward had also continued for half a month.

In the past half month, he has made great adjustments to the deployment of frontline troops, completely changing the current battlefield pattern.

Generally speaking, both infantry and cavalry are moving north as a whole, and are now heading towards Hami.

In the process of executing this strategy, Zhu Jinghong also dispatched additional cavalry to the Tusheitu Khanate, and cooperated with the Anxi Xingdu Division to vigorously attack the rebels and stabilize the northeast side of the army's march.

Looking at the map in front of him, Zhu Jinghong pointed on it and said to his left and right at the same time: "Before dark today, all the ministries rushed to the predetermined location to camp. This was nailed down the day before yesterday. Everyone must strictly implement it!"

Around Zhu Jinghong, various guards were sent to work with the magistrates or ministers. The main purpose was to report the situation and point out the difficulties.

Marching and fighting are difficult at every turn. Some difficulties can be understood, while others must be overcome. Zhu Jinghong must grasp the right measures.

"Thirteenth Master, we encountered an enemy attack this afternoon, and our defensive forces are stretched thin. Can you please mobilize cavalry to assist in defense, so that our army can march at full strength..."

The person who spoke was Yang Renzhong, a fellow commander of Guo Yong's left guard. He had fought with Zhu Jinghong in Jinling and had supported Zhu Jinghong's troop deployment before. He had a closer relationship with Zhu Jinghong than most people.

So this time, Chen Baoxiang, the commander of Guo Yong's left guard, sent him to express his love, hoping to get Zhu Jinghong's forgiveness.

"The troops are stretched thin? Can you tell me which of the guards has enough troops now?"

Zhu Jinghong knocked Yang Renzhong back with just one sentence, making him swallow his next words.

What Zhu Jinghong said is true. As a defender, we will never have enough troops, so this is something that must be overcome.

"Go back and tell Chen Baoxiang that he must arrive at the predetermined location before dark. If he says that there are not enough troops, let him transfer my guards!"

"If it's still not enough, I can also listen to him!"

Zhu Jinghong's harsh tone shocked everyone present, and they all warned themselves not to complain easily again.

In fact, after Zhu Jinghong came to power, he did not know how many times he had reprimanded generals like this.

But because he always takes the right approach to the situation rather than the person, and all the credit for all previous achievements is given to his subordinates, and he is basically the same when making decisions, there is no resentment towards him in the army.

"Everyone, please be patient a little longer. In another half month... Yangwei's left guard will arrive, and by then the pressure on our army will be greatly reduced!"

Yangwei Zuowei was also a cavalryman. He was originally rotating back to the capital from the northern border town, but was temporarily transferred to the northwest by the emperor.

As for why they didn't make arrangements in advance, to be honest, it was due to lack of money.

Of course, it does not mean that the court really has no money, but Zhu Xianming has a silver reserve plan, which requires that the inner court's silver treasury must not be less than 10 million taels, and the outer court must not be less than 5 million taels.

Putting aside the matter of money, now that a powerful cavalry has joined, it will be easier to defend. After all, the range of the cavalry's radiation will be larger.

"It's nothing, you all can go back on your own!"

Compared with Ning Huanxiang, Zhu Jinghong is obviously more vigorous and decisive, and everyone is now used to him like this.

Everyone left one after another, and the only ones left by Zhu Jinghong's side were Yang Longshan and Fan Changchun. These two had become his right-hand men, making strategic plans with him.

Just when Zhu Jinghong was about to spread out the map and continue to talk with the two of them in detail, a cavalry team quickly approached him. Judging from its flag...

He was actually an imperial envoy carrying an edict? What the hell is the old man doing?

The day before yesterday and yesterday, he had received orders respectively. The first one asked him to return to Beijing immediately, the second one changed his mind and allowed him to stay in the northwest. Now the third one came again.

"Could it be that the old man has changed his mind again? I have already sent him a message to march north. Could it be that he really dares to change his generals on the battlefield?"

"Could it be that he can't trust me? Or is someone fanning the flames?"

For a moment, Zhu Jinghong thought of many things, but his face was as calm as ever.

After the visitor dismounted, he came to Zhu Jinghong and said, "Thirteenth Master, please summon all the generals. I want to announce the decree in public!"

These words made Zhu Jinghong even more confused. The first two decrees were not so complicated.

"it is good!"

So Zhu Jinghong immediately ordered people to find the generals who had left. At this time, the two supervisors also arrived.

When they learned that another decree had arrived, the generals were even more surprised than Zhu Jinghong. The density of this decree was really too much.

Under the leadership of Zhu Jinghong, all the generals knelt down and waited for the imperial envoy to read out the decree.

The imperial envoy who delivered the decree showed Kanhe in public, and after proving his identity, he took the imperial edict from his entourage.

"The emperor is destined to be carried by heaven, and he is said to be..."

"The war in the northwest is complicated today. The confrontation between the enemy and ourselves is urgent. It is really taboo to change generals on the spot. I have been thinking about it again and again..."

"The emperor's thirteenth son, Hong, will still be the commander-in-chief, and Liu Fang, the left governor of the later military governor's office, will be the assistant. They will jointly take charge of the northwest military affairs. I hope you and others..."

After reading this, the main content of the imperial edict came to an end, and everyone present was in a very exciting mood.

Among them, Zhu Jinghong was the most excited. He did not expect such a result at all.

With the old man's imperial edict endorsement, I am justified in being the head coach, and I will be more confident in commanding the army... Zhu Jinghong thought this way.

At this time, he really admired the emperor's magnanimity, and he actually dared to let him, a young man of seventeen or eighteen years old, command such an important battle to counter the rebellion in the northwest.

A soldier dies for his confidant, and then I have to fight even more beautifully to live up to the old man's high expectations... This is when Zhu Jinghong came up with this idea.

When his mind was wandering, the imperial edict came to an end, and he heard the imperial envoy announcing the edict read loudly: "I admire this..."

"My son, Zhu Jinghong, accepts the decree...Long live my emperor!"

(End of this chapter)