Done! Your Majesty is going to prostitute me for free!

The kneeling man under the Guantang made Lin Xiaofeng feel a chill in his heart. Dang Chongya, though dressed neatly, looked exhausted and frightened. He was the leader of the Jin Party! Lin Xiaofeng's eyes passed through Dang Chongya, as if he could see the huge and complex network of the Jin Party, which permeated every corner of the court.

How did the Jian Nu prosper so much? The Jin Party was at work in the court, and the Jin merchants were secretly helping the local people. These Jin merchants, fat and big-eared, dressed in silk and satin, secretly transported military supplies to the Jian Nu outside of normal trade, and drove the members of the Jin Party to spy on the secrets of the court, frame loyal officials, exclude dissidents, and take this opportunity to be greedy. Their mansions were magnificent, like small palaces, and they hid countless ill-gotten gains.

When the Jiannu invaded the country, Emperor Shunzhi did not forget the contributions of the eight Shanxi merchants. He specially held a banquet in the side hall of the Forbidden City, summoned them personally, and gave them gorgeous clothes. The eight Shanxi merchants were arrogant, as if they were the heroes of the country, not the parasites behind it.

However, are they just the eight Shanxi merchants? No, these are just the eight with the most outstanding contributions! Merchants from Shaanxi, Shanxi, Shandong, Zhejiang, Huizhou, Huguang and other places have all done this kind of business! Their hands have reached every corner of the country, greedily sucking the blood of the country.

These people all deserved death! However, death might be too merciful. Their property should be confiscated, the men should be cut into pieces, and the women should all be sent to the army to suffer humiliation in the barracks as a warning to others.

However, the most urgent task is to capture the leader first, and first eliminate the Jin party and Jin merchants who are the most traitors. Jin merchants are rich, and their mansions are full of gold, silver and treasures. As long as they get their wealth, the court will have the confidence to exempt the land tax across the country and let the people live a stable life.

Although the headquarters of Shanxi merchants were not in the capital, Tongzhou, east of the capital, was a canal wharf. In order to do business, merchants often kept a large amount of silver in the capital. Those silvers were like huge rocks pressing on Lin Xiaofeng's heart, making him unable to let go.

As for other businesses, Lin Xiaofeng had no plans to attack them in the short term. He knew that once he took action, he had to be absolutely sure, otherwise it would only alert the enemy.

The imperial court's transportation capacity is no longer sufficient to meet the needs of the border. If all the businesses are destroyed in one fell swoop, the border troops will surely fall into chaos! Lin Xiaofeng looked at the people in the court, their faces were full of fear and anxiety, he knew that they were all waiting for his decision.

He asked calmly, "Lord Li, what do you think about this matter?" His voice was calm and firm, like a clear stream flowing in the court.

Everyone's eyes turned to Li Banghua. Li Banghua held the letter in his hand, frowning, as if he was thinking about something important. He asked, "Hai Ke, are you really not involved in this?" His voice was deep and powerful, like a sharp sword, piercing Tu Yuhua's heart.

"Your Excellency, I have never communicated with the bandits," Tu Yuhua said in defense. His voice was trembling, and he was obviously trying hard to hide his panic.

"However, this letter is attached with your letter to Jing Changhao, and the handwriting is also from your hand. How do you explain it?" Li Banghua's voice became even more severe, like a thunder, exploding in the court.

Tu Yuhua felt a chill down his spine. He took the letter from Li Banghua in surprise and read it carefully. The handwriting on the letter was indeed very similar to his own, but upon closer inspection, there were still some subtle differences. He held up the letter and explained, "Please look, although the handwriting of these words is similar to my handwriting, upon closer inspection, there are three differences. Therefore, this letter is an imitation." His voice was a little hurried, and it was obvious that he was trying to defend himself.

Several people who were familiar with Tu Yuhua took a closer look and nodded, indeed finding some subtle differences. They showed puzzled expressions on their faces, obviously thinking about the authenticity of the letter.

Gongsun Yuchun said leisurely: "Is there a possibility that these three or two differences were made intentionally by Lord Shen? So as to distance himself from the matter when it happens?" His voice was filled with a hint of sarcasm and doubt, like a sharp blade, piercing Tu Yuhua's heart.

"You" Tu Yuhua pointed at Gongsun Yuchun and wanted to scold him, but he swallowed the words back. This man is the commander of the Jinyiwei, you can't afford to offend him! His face showed helplessness and anger, like a beast trapped in a cage.

Lin Xiaofeng looked around at everyone, his eyes like a cold light, sweeping through everyone's heart. He saw that Donglin Party and Jin Party were in trouble at the same time, and other parties stopped to watch and kept silent. At this time, the more you keep silent, otherwise it is very easy to get into trouble.

This was exactly the effect Lin Xiaofeng wanted. He sneered and said, "Tu Yuhua, Dang Chongya, don't be in a hurry to deny it. Since the Jinyiwei has obtained the account books, we must verify it regardless of whether it is true or false. Whether it is black or white, loyal or treacherous, we will know it once we check it." His voice was firm and powerful, like an order that no one could resist.

"This is a serious matter. The Jinyiwei are required to solve the case within two days." Lin Xiaofeng's voice was like a thunder, exploding in the court. His eyes were cold and firm, like a cheetah staring at its prey.

"Your Majesty, I am innocent!" Tu Yuhua wanted to cry but had no tears. He had never expected that he would suffer such a fate today. According to the Jinyiwei's style of doing things, it would be difficult for him to get out alive. His face showed a look of despair and panic, like a lamb to be slaughtered.

Apart from the dozen or so people from the Donglin Party, no one else pleaded for him. Tu Yuhua turned his gaze to the cabinet chief, Li Banghua, his eyes full of begging and despair.

Although Li Banghua belonged to the Donglin Party, he never participated in party disputes. He would only stand up and plead for mercy when a member of the Donglin Party was harmed. He looked at the letter in his hand and shook his head slowly: "Hai Ke, it's not that I don't want to help you, but the evidence is conclusive and I can't help you. Let's do this, you go to the Zhenfu Division and explain the whole story. They will understand and won't embarrass you." His voice was low and powerful, like a warm current, trying to warm Tu Yuhua's cold heart.

"Really? Commander Li?" Tu Yuhua looked at Gongsun Yuchun, his eyes full of doubt and uneasiness. He knew that the methods of the Jinyiwei were very cruel.

Gongsun Yuchun said solemnly: "Don't worry, Mr. Li, the Pacification Office never wrongly accuses good people." His voice was firm and powerful, like a promise, which gave Tu Yuhua a glimmer of hope. However, that hope was as weak as a candle and could go out at any time.

Tu Yuhua took a half step back and fell to the ground. His heart was filled with despair and helplessness, like a bird trapped in a cage, unable to escape the shackles of fate.

Dang Chongya looked at Tu Yuhua's panic with disgust. His eyes swept across the court and finally fell on Zhang Xin, the left vice minister of the Ministry of Justice. He had a close personal relationship with Xie Haojie, the former leader of the Qi Party, and Zhang Xin was the new leader of the Qi Party. It was reasonable for him to step forward and help.

After receiving Dang Chongya's signal, Zhang Xin pondered for a moment, then bowed and said, "Your Majesty, this matter is inappropriate! Since it is a serious matter and a case assigned by Your Majesty personally, it should be jointly tried by the three judicial officials and the Jinyiwei." His voice was firm and powerful, like a barrier, trying to stop the Jinyiwei's dictatorship.

According to the laws of the Ming Dynasty, major cases should be tried jointly by the Dali Temple, the Ministry of Justice, and the Censorate; in the case of particularly large cases, the three law courts should conduct a "round trial" together with the ministers of various ministries and the Tongzhengshi; and cases personally assigned by the emperor should be tried by the three law courts together with the Jinyiwei.

This case belongs to the last case. According to the regulations, it must be tried jointly by the three judicial departments and the Jinyiwei. As soon as this was said, Dang Chongya was instantly impressed by Zhang Xin! This is a real professional! With the participation of the three judicial departments, the Jinyiwei could not torture them into confessing.

"Minister Zhang is absolutely right. I second the opinion." A minister stood up. Although his voice was trembling, it was full of determination.

"I second the motion." Another minister also stood up, his face full of justice and courage.

Led by Zhang Xin, the officials in the court knelt down and seconded the motion, requesting that the case be tried jointly by the three judicial officials and the Jinyiwei. Although their voices were different, they were all full of justice and firmness.

Even the cabinet chief Li Banghua participated in it. This is the rule of the court. As the head of the civil officials, he should take the lead. His face is full of seriousness and justice, like a fair judge.

Lin Xiaofeng glanced at the crowd calmly and guessed their thoughts in an instant. Tu Yuhua and Dang Chongya could die, but if the three judicial officials and the Jinyiwei tried the case together, the worst result would be that the two of them would be killed. And if the Jinyiwei tried the case alone, who knows how many people would be implicated. There was a hint of sarcasm and indifference in his eyes, like a cheetah staring at its prey.

Gongsun Yuchun was unwilling to let such a thing happen. This was a great achievement! How could he let it go? He hurriedly said, "My Lords, this is a clue found by the Jinyiwei! Logically, it should be handled by the Jinyiwei! How can they change people in the middle of the process?" His voice was filled with anxiety and doubt, like a wolf eager to protect its territory.

"Commander Li, don't be anxious! This matter concerns two third-rank officials! We have to take a long-term view and act according to the rules of the court! We can neither let a bad guy go nor wrongly accuse a good guy!" Someone responded. His voice was a little cunning and witty, like a clever fox.

"You said the Jinyiwei would wrongly accuse a good person?" Gongsun Yuchun said angrily. His voice was full of anger and doubt, like an enraged lion.

"I didn't say that! It was the commander who said that himself!" the man said cunningly.
After the morning court session, the sun shone through the clouds, dappling on the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City, gleaming with the luster of historical sedimentation. Gongsun Yuchun followed Lin Xiaofeng's steps closely, with a barely perceptible heaviness in his steps. He showed a hint of embarrassment on his face, frowning slightly, as if there was a huge rock pressing on his heart, and said to the emperor: "Your Majesty, Dang Chongya and Tu Yuhua are not easy to deal with. It will be difficult to get them to speak without punishment."

After hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng smiled indifferently. There was something profound and unpredictable in that smile. He said slowly, "Who said that we can't use torture?" Yuchun heard this and doubts grew wildly in his heart like weeds in spring. He secretly wondered if the emperor was going to regret his decision. He was worried about how other officials would view the emperor after hearing this. And how would those scholars, those scholars who advocated benevolence, righteousness and morality, view this?

Lin Xiaofeng just smiled and ignored his doubts, and continued: "They are insidious and cunning, so I will naturally use more insidious means to deal with them! They are cunning, and I will also use cunning to subdue them." "The civil and military officials in the court all talk about benevolence and morality verbally, but they are doing the work of thieves and prostitutes in private. They can't restrain themselves, but want to use benevolence and morality to restrain me?" "How ridiculous!" "You are my confidant, I will do the public affairs, and leave the private affairs to you, understand?"

Yuchun swallowed his saliva, and in shock, he quickly responded, "I understand." He felt mixed emotions, with awe of the emperor's methods and uncertainty about the future. Lin Xiaofeng nodded, his eyes were sharp, and he said, "Okay, I have a secret method to force a confession. All you need is a piece of paper and a bucket of water." He taught this method to Yuchun, and Yuchun's eyes lit up after hearing it, as if he saw a ray of light in the darkness. He thanked him and hurried away, wanting to try the power of this secret method.

At this time, the sky outside the Forbidden City began to be filled with sunset clouds, like a magnificent painting. Officials from various departments were busy, their figures stretched out in the sunset, like tired silhouettes. Whether they really wanted to or not, they had to carry out government orders step by step. In the evening, dealing with the piles of memorials and petitions became their compulsory course, and the flickering candlelight reflected their sad or helpless faces.

Lin Xiaofeng was walking hurriedly on the way to Kunning Palace, but suddenly he remembered something and asked Guo Tianyang beside him hurriedly: "How is the prince now?" There was some urgency in his tone, and it was obvious that he was very concerned about the safety of the prince.

……

As night fell, there was silence outside Wuqing City, broken only by the occasional sound of wind and insects. There were few trees near this ancient city, either cut down by the common people for firewood or cut down by the government to ensure safety. The common people cut down trees for firewood to survive, while the government cut down trees to prevent the enemy from hiding. Therefore, there were almost no trees in this area, only bare land and sparse grass.

Cao Guodong, a captain of the Imperial Guard, led two thousand men to camp twenty miles west of the city, waiting for the arrival of the prince. These two thousand men consisted of three forces: five hundred Imperial Guards, five hundred Dongchang guards, and one thousand Tianjin garrison troops, led by Shan Rongqing. The Imperial Guards' tents were in the middle, the Dongchang's tents were in the north, and the Tianjin garrison's tents were in the south, like three independent camps, each acting independently.

In the central army tent, Cao Guodong, eunuch Zhang Rong, and Tianjin garrison commander Deng Hun were sitting together, eating toasted buns and drinking hot water. The flickering candlelight illuminated their tired but resolute faces. While eating, Deng Hun asked, "Captain Gao, is the prince coming soon?" His tone was filled with anticipation and anxiety.

Cao Guodong replied, "According to the spies, the prince's carriage is less than ten miles away from us and will arrive within two hours at the latest." His voice was steady and powerful, as if to give Deng Hun a reassurance.

After hearing this, Deng Hun ate the steamed buns and drank hot water with peace of mind. He wiped his mouth and continued to ask: "Captain Gao, I don't mean anything else. I just want to ask you Jinyiwei, are you used to eating this kind of food?" There was some concern and curiosity in his eyes.

Cao Guodong answered without hesitation: "Why do you say that, Commander Deng? The imperial court needs money everywhere, and the Jinyiwei are also human beings. Our treatment is almost the same as yours. It's good enough to have food to eat." There was a hint of self-mockery and helplessness in his tone.

Deng Hun smiled awkwardly and turned to look at Zhang Rong. Zhang Rong was a eunuch of the Imperial Household Department and also worked for the Eastern Depot. He was ordered to accompany the prince to Nanjing. His face was thin and his eyes were deep, as if he was hiding countless secrets.

Deng Hun asked Zhang Rong: "Eunuch Zhang, what do you think of this toasted bun with hot water?" There was a hint of tentativeness and curiosity in his tone.

Zhang Rong said calmly: "It's very good, better than the food in the palace." There was a bit of sincerity and satisfaction in his tone, as if he really felt that the toasted buns with hot water were a rare delicacy.

Deng Hun said in surprise: "No way? His Majesty eats beasts in the mountains, swallows in the clouds, cattle and sheep on land, and delicacies from the bottom of the sea. You are all favorites of his Majesty, so how come you don't have meat to eat?" There was some confusion and doubt in his eyes.

Zhang Rong rolled his eyes at him and said, "Since Lin Xiaofeng passed away three years ago, His Majesty has not eaten meat. He usually only eats cabbage, radish and potatoes. We servants dare not hope to eat steamed buns. We are lucky to have corn bread to eat. If it weren't for the salary we received a few days ago, I would still be walking unsteadily now." There was a hint of bitterness and helplessness in his tone, as if he was thinking of those difficult days.

Hearing the word "pay", Deng Hun's eyes flashed. He calmly poured himself a bowl of hot water and asked casually, "Pay? Do you guarding the emperor also need pay?" His tone was filled with concern and curiosity.

Zhang Rong replied, "Don't you know? The court's money is first distributed to the border troops, and then it's our turn. Didn't you get paid before you came?" There was a hint of helplessness and bitterness in his tone, as if he knew the court's financial situation very well.

Deng Hun's expression darkened and he said, "The court has owed us eight months' wages, and hasn't paid us a penny yet. My brothers and I can't even make ends meet at home." There was a hint of anxiety and helplessness in his tone, as if he had really reached a desperate situation.

Cao Guodong finished the last steamed bun, took a sip of water, and said, "Don't worry, Captain Deng. The court has money now. The pay will arrive within ten days or half a month." There was some comfort and confidence in his tone, as if he really believed that the court would pay the pay on time.

Deng Hun said anxiously, "I can't wait any longer! I have a request today." Without waiting for Cao Guodong and Zhang Rong to ask, he continued, "Can my brothers and I borrow some money from you two? We don't know when we can come back from Nanjing this time. We have an old mother and children at home who need to be taken care of. If we don't leave some money for them, we dare not leave!" There was a bit of pleading and helplessness in his tone, as if he had really reached a desperate situation.

Cao Guodong opened his mouth but could not speak. Deng Hun was a garrison commander, a fifth-rank official; Cao Guodong was a captain, also a fifth-rank official. Cao Guodong had also experienced Deng Hun's predicament. Fortunately, they were all reimbursed for their salaries before leaving the capital. They left most of the money at home and only took pocket money with them. So now they can't borrow money even if they want to. Zhang Rong remained silent and deliberately avoided the topic. He had money in his hand but was unwilling to lend it to others. Eunuchs were different from other people. They had no children, so they saved all the money they earned for their old age. Even if they wanted to borrow, they didn't have enough money to lend to others.

Seeing that both of them were silent, the smile on Deng Hun's face gradually disappeared. Cao Guodong sighed and said, "Captain Deng, you are a few years younger than me, so I will call you brother! We are in similar situations. Although the court has issued salaries, we have kept the money at home." "If you really want to borrow, we don't have the money! And you shouldn't say these things to us, but to Tu Wenzhuang and Governor Liu. They are in charge of the entire southward migration team, so it should be no problem for them to pay 18,000 taels of silver, right?" His tone was a bit helpless and persuasive, as if he really hoped that Deng Hun could find a solution.

Deng Hun stood up expressionlessly and asked, "You really don't want to lend it to me?" There was a bit of determination and indifference in his tone, as if he had already prepared for the worst.

Cao Guodong and Zhang Rong looked at each other, stood up and replied at the same time: "Captain Deng, how can we lend you money if we don't have any?" There was a hint of helplessness and bitterness in their tone, as if they really could not help Deng Hun.

Deng Hun sneered and said, "Then don't blame us brothers for being disloyal!" He was about to take action. His eyes flashed with determination and indifference, as if he was ready to break away from this world. Cao Guodong put his right hand on the hilt of the knife and was alert. Zhang Rong drew his knife directly. Their actions were swift and decisive, as if they were ready to deal with any unexpected situation.

The guards outside heard the noise and rushed in with their swords drawn. "What are you doing?" They asked in unison, with a hint of vigilance and uneasiness in their voices.

Deng Hun sneered and said, "I quit!" There was a bit of determination and indifference in his tone, as if he was ready to break with this world.

"Do you dare to be a deserter?" Zhang Rong stepped forward and put a knife on Deng Hun's neck. His action was swift and decisive, as if he was ready to execute Deng Hun on the spot.

Deng Hun pointed at Zhang Rong fearlessly and said, "It's easy to kill me, but I have more than a thousand brothers under my command who are willing to go through life and death together. Can you kill them all?" There was a hint of determination and provocation in his tone, as if he was ready to break with this world.

At this moment, a Jinyiwei rushed into the tent and shouted: "Sir, there are unusual movements among the Tianjin garrison!" There was a bit of anxiety and uneasiness in his tone, as if something really happened.

Then another Jinyiwei ran in in panic and shouted, "Captain Qianhu's scout reported that a cavalry force of more than two thousand people was spotted twenty miles northwest!" There was a bit of fear and uneasiness in his tone, as if he had really seen that mysterious cavalry team.

Cao Guodong suddenly felt his head swell, as if an invisible pressure surged from all directions, making him almost breathless. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his heartbeat, and with a sharp gaze, he tightly grasped the collar of the Jinyiwei beside him and asked anxiously: "Two thousand cavalrymen are attacking, are they enemies or friends? Tell me!" His voice was full of unquestionable majesty, but also mixed with a hint of imperceptible panic.

The Jinyiwei answered with a trembling voice, his voice as thin as a mosquito: "They are wearing the armor of the border troops and look like friendly troops." Under the moonlight, his face was pale and his eyes were full of fear.

"Friendly troops?" Cao Guodong was furious. He waved his arm violently, pointed at the Jinyiwei's head and cursed, "Don't you have a brain? These cavalrymen are elite. The elite troops nearby have been transferred to the capital by His Majesty. These people must be enemies wearing border army armor, trying to confuse us!" His voice echoed in the night sky with an unquestionable determination.

"Order the entire army to prepare for battle!" Cao Guodong shouted loudly, his voice piercing the silent night sky like a flash of lightning cutting through the darkness.

Eunuch Zhang Rong was standing aside with an anxious look on his face. He asked cautiously, "Captain Gao, how should we deal with Deng Hun?" There was a hint of hesitation in his voice, and he obviously felt at a loss as to what to do with the current situation.

Cao Guodong looked at Deng Hun's resolute look, and felt very upset. The prince's carriage was only ten miles away from here, and the enemy cavalry had already approached within twenty miles. Once the two sides met, the consequences would be disastrous. Those cavalry regarded the prince's carriage as fish, and they could kill him with a single blow. He had to quickly arrange defenses to stop the enemy's attack. However, Deng Hun led his thousand-man army, like a frightened bird, and wanted to escape from this dangerous place.

What should I do? Cao Guodong's heart was like a surging sea. He stared at Deng Hun, trying to find a trace of compromise on that resolute face. However, Deng Hun's eyes were full of determination and indifference, as if he had already prepared for the worst.

"Captain Deng, General Liu will be here soon. You can get the money when he arrives. Why rush?" Cao Guodong tried to impress Deng Hun with money. There was a hint of pleading in his voice, and it was obvious that he had run out of ideas.

Deng Hun sneered, his voice sounded particularly harsh in the night sky: "We have money but no life to spend it. Once we arrive in Nanjing, how can Tu Wenzhuang let us go?" There was a gleam of wisdom in his eyes, and he had obviously seen through the essence of this power struggle.

Cao Guodong was speechless. He knew that what Deng Hun said was true. Indeed, although Tu Wenzhuang gave them money temporarily, they would definitely settle the accounts in Nanjing. He stared at Deng Hun, trying to find a trace of compromise on that resolute face. However, Deng Hun's eyes were full of determination and indifference, as if he had already made the worst plan.

"We only eat the court's food and work for the court. If the court doesn't give us food, we won't work." Deng Hun's words were filled with sarcasm and helplessness. "We are all soldiers. If you let us go now, my brothers and I will leave immediately and will never harass you."

"Otherwise, every moment of delay will put the prince in greater danger." Deng Hun's words were filled with determination and threat, and his eyes were like a sharp sword piercing Cao Guodong's heart.

Cao Guodong stared at Deng Hun for a long time, then slowly said, "Let them go." There was a hint of helplessness and compromise in his voice, and it was obvious that he had made a difficult decision.

Zhang Rong wanted to stop him, his voice filled with anxiety and anger: "Captain Gao, those who desert in battle are guilty of a capital crime. Execute them to enforce strict military discipline!" There was a firm light in his eyes, and he was obviously unwilling to let Deng Hun go.

Cao Guodong shook his head and ordered firmly: "Let them go." There was an unquestionable majesty in his voice, and it was obvious that he had made the final decision.

Deng Hui nodded to Cao Guodong, a trace of gratitude and determination flashed in his eyes: "Captain Gao, see you later." Then he turned to Zhang Rong with a meaningful smile and left in a hurry. His figure gradually faded away in the night, like a faint trace of ink disappearing in the endless darkness.

After Deng Hun left, Cao Guodong sighed helplessly: "If they dare to come, I already have a countermeasure. But with one thousand infantry against three thousand cavalry, what are the chances of winning?" There was a hint of bitterness and helplessness in his voice, and he obviously felt helpless about the current situation.

"Besides, the matter of deserters is not something we can decide. He is a fifth-rank official, and so am I. The decision has to be made by senior officials." There was a hint of helplessness and indignation in Cao Guodong's words, and he was obviously deeply disappointed with the corruption and incompetence of the court.

"Alas, there is no point in talking any more. Now we have to quickly meet up with the governor and protect the prince." Cao Guodong shook his head, trying to get his mind back to reality. He knew that the situation before him could not be delayed any longer, and he had to meet up with Tu Wenzhuang as soon as possible to protect the prince's safety together.

When we walked out of the tent, the Tianjin defenders had already retreated. They were very agile and cleaned up everything in an instant, and left as fast as the wind. Cao Guodong and his men did not hesitate, abandoned their tents, and galloped after them. Their figures were like lightning that cut through the darkness, rushing towards the unknown ahead.

Meeting Tu Wenzhuang on the way, Cao Guodong sighed repeatedly. He knew very well that Deng Hun's departure was not a cowardice, but a helpless resistance to the corruption and incompetence of the court. Did they do something wrong? It seemed wrong and not wrong. According to national laws and military discipline, they were indeed wrong; but emotionally and rationally, they were not wrong. How could they let their families go to defend their country on an empty stomach?

The horses galloped, and under the moonlight, Cao Guodong and others finally reunited with Tu Wenzhuang. When the Left Commander Tu Wenzhuang heard about Deng Hun's escape, he was furious, but it was too late to reverse it, so he could only record the account and settle it later. His eyes flashed with anger and helplessness, and he was obviously deeply disappointed and indignant about Deng Hun's departure.

"Report... Governor, cavalry was spotted ten miles northwest, about three thousand of them, heading towards us." The scout reported hastily, his voice filled with anxiety and nervousness. The Jinyiwei immediately passed the message and whipped away before they could stop. Their figures were like meteors streaking across the sky in the night, rushing towards the unknown enemy.

Tu Wenzhuang knew that he could not hesitate any longer. If he hesitated, the prince and the people who were migrating south would be in danger. His eyes flashed with determination, as if he had already made the final decision.

"Cao Guodong!" Tu Wenzhuang shouted loudly, his voice resounding through the night sky like thunder.

"I am here!" Cao Guodong responded, and his figure appeared in front of Tu Wenzhuang like a flash of lightning. His eyes flashed with determination, as if he was ready for a decisive battle.

"I will give you another thousand men, and you will lead two thousand men to fight the enemy. You must stop them at all costs. Remember?" Tu Wenzhuang gave the order sternly, with an unquestionable majesty in his voice.

"Yes, sir!" Cao Guodong answered firmly, his voice as firm and powerful as steel. He knew that the situation before him could not be delayed any longer, and he had to stop the enemy's attack as soon as possible to protect the prince's safety.

He turned to face the soldiers and said loudly: "A powerful enemy is coming, everyone listen to my orders." His voice resounded through the night sky like thunder, making every soldier feel his determination and courage.

"The prince is the heir to the throne and the future of the Ming Dynasty." There was a hint of solemnity and sacredness in Cao Guodong's words. "As long as the prince is here, the future of the Ming Dynasty is here." There was a firm light flashing in his eyes, as if he had already seen the future victory.

"We are ordered to protect the prince as he moves south. Now someone wants to kill him. Do you agree?" Cao Guodong's voice resounded through the night sky like thunder, making every soldier feel his anger and determination.

"No!" The soldiers shouted in unison. Their voices were as surging as the waves, full of endless courage and strength.

"Tonight, we will have a decisive battle with the enemy under the moonlight!" Cao Guodong's voice was passionate and firm, with a fearless light flashing in his eyes. "Whether you are afraid or not, as soldiers, we should die on the battlefield and be wrapped in our horse's hide!" There was a hint of tragedy and heroism in his words, which made every soldier feel the glory and mission of a soldier.

"Your parents are my parents! Your brothers are my brothers! I will treat your wives and children as guests of honor!" There was a hint of warmth and care in Cao Guodong's words, making every soldier feel his deep affection and kindness.

"In this battle, we must protect the prince's safety in exchange for the future of the Ming Dynasty!" Cao Guodong's voice resounded through the night sky like thunder, and his eyes flashed with determination. "Those who bravely kill the enemy will be rewarded with 50 taels of silver. Those who are injured will be promoted by one level, rewarded with 100 taels of silver, and awarded with flying fish clothing. Those who die in battle will be promoted by three levels, rewarded with 200 taels of silver, and have their names engraved in the Martyrs' Shrine." There was a hint of generosity and excitement in his words, making every soldier feel the joy and glory of victory.

Three thousand soldiers stood under the moonlight, their blood boiling and their emotions high. Their eyes flashed with determination, as if they had seen the future victory. They held their swords and spears tightly in their hands, ready to face the upcoming battle.

"Raise your troops and meet the enemy!" Tu Wenzhuang drew his sword and slashed through the night sky, pointing to the northwest. His voice resounded through the night sky like thunder, making every soldier feel his determination and courage.

The team split into two. Tu Wenzhuang led a thousand people and abandoned their baggage to rush to Zhigu. Cao Guodong led another team to turn around and meet the enemy. Their figures were like lightning that cut through the darkness, rushing towards the unknown enemy.

The moon was dim and the wind was howling. Scouts were coming and going frequently, and the enemy was getting closer and closer. Finally, they came to an open area, and the two armies confronted each other. Cao Guodong observed carefully in the moonlight, and saw 3,000 cavalrymen all over the mountains and plains, a dark mass. Their eyes flashed with cruelty and bloodthirstiness, as if they had seen the upcoming victory.

"Kill!" The enemy commander ordered a charge without hesitation. The sound of iron hooves stomping on the ground was as deafening as thunder; the flying dust was as unstoppable as a dark cloud pressing down on the city. Their figures were like black lightning streaking through the night sky, rushing towards Cao Guodong's troops.

Cao Guodong looked back and saw fear flashing in the eyes of the soldiers. A thousand infantrymen against three thousand cavalrymen, without the protection of chevaux de frise and chariots, the chances of winning were almost zero.

The night wind blew across his clothes, making a rustling sound, as if carrying a bit of biting cold, but it jumped on Cao Guodong's gorgeous clothes like a dancing elf. His eyes were as red as torches, burning with unyielding fighting spirit, his blood seemed to be boiling, his heartbeat accelerated, and every beat seemed to tell of the passion for battle. The shouts and horse hooves behind him gradually weakened, but he did not dare to slack off, because the enemy was still following him.

He raised his saber high, the blade flashing coldly in the night, as if it could cut off all obstacles. He slashed the bandit's neck with a huge force, causing the bandit to fall to the ground, blood splattering everywhere, dyeing the land red. Cao Guodong leaned back on the horse's back, flipped his wrist, and moved smoothly, and he killed another enemy. Under his leadership, the Ming cavalry charged like a gust of wind, tearing through the enemy's formation like tearing cloth, and was invincible.

In a blink of an eye, the two armies were caught in a melee. Looking down from a high altitude, the Ming army was in a triangular formation, with cavalry in front and infantry in the back, like a beast ready to attack. The cavalry disrupted the enemy's formation like leaves falling in the wind, while the infantry took the opportunity to make up the blow. They were wearing solid armor and holding spears, piercing the enemy's flesh and blood, blood splattered, and they roared and fought hard, knocking the enemies off their horses one by one.

Bows and crossbows were fired at the same time, and even the iron armor could not resist the rain of arrows and bullets. The enemies fell off their horses one after another, and wailing sounded one after another. The cavalry who lost their horses instantly became the target of the infantry, and they were killed by swords and guns. Their figures gradually blurred in the night.

The Dashun Army formed a long snake formation, wearing Ming Army armor and with white cloth tied on their right arms to distinguish them, like a poisonous snake slithering on the battlefield. They blocked the Ming Army in the long snake formation, and the two wings made a roundabout way to trap the Ming Army. In the chaotic military formation, bows and crossbows were fired at the same time, and the armor of the Ming Army soldiers was broken, bleeding profusely, and some died on the spot. The fallen soldiers were trampled by horses before they could get up, screaming in pain.

However, at this critical moment of life and death, no one backed down. Even if there were mountains of swords and seas of fire ahead, they would move forward bravely, not afraid of life and death. Because they knew that dying on the battlefield would show their military merits, their names would be engraved on the Martyrs' Shrine, and their families would be supported by the court. This is an honor, but also a responsibility.

A moment later, Cao Guodong led the cavalry out of the enemy formation. He stood on the earth slope and looked back, only to see the cavalry rushing out with him, while the infantry had been surrounded by the enemy. It turned out that because they were too fast, the infantry could not catch up in time. His heart tightened, but then he calmed down. He knew that now was not the time to grieve.

Without the cover of the cavalry, the infantry were surrounded by the enemy. They raised their shields and waved their spears, trying to break through. However, how could the enemy miss this opportunity? They were in a high position, and every time they pulled the bowstring, there were casualties in the Ming army. Arrows fell like rain, the infantry's shields were pierced, the spears were broken, and their figures gradually fell in the rain of arrows.

Cao Guodong was in charge of the Jinyiwei prison, and such a bloody scene was not enough to scare him. His only worry was that under the moonlight, more than a thousand bandit cavalrymen gave up fighting and rushed towards the direction of the prince. They wanted to make a quick decision and capture the prince alive to gain great merit. Cao Guodong was horrified and wanted to chase them, but the night wind calmed him down. What was the point of chasing them if he didn't eliminate the enemy in front of him first?
So he raised his sword and shouted: "Generals, follow me and charge the enemy camp again!" "Kill!" His voice resounded through the night sky like thunder, inspiring the hearts of every soldier. Hundreds of cavalry quickly formed a team and launched another charge. Their figures flashed across the night like black lightning.

The bandits were led by General Guoyi Hou Chongfu, a high-ranking officer in the Dashun Army, second only to General Quan and General Zhi, and at the same level as General Weiwu. They had a total of five battalions and twenty-two generals, all of whom were the core force in Li Zicheng's army. Hou Chongfu had followed Li Zicheng since he started his army, and his troops were the main force. This time he took the initiative to intercept the Ming prince, wanting to take the credit. Since the Northern Expedition, the Ming army collapsed at the first touch, so how could the credit of capturing the prince alive be taken away by others?
He led 3,000 light cavalrymen to travel at night and finally found the target near Wuqing City. He thought that he could disperse the enemy with one blow, but he didn't expect that the enemy did not retreat and had strong fighting power, obviously waiting for the enemy to tire out. It is a taboo for military strategists to advance alone deep into the enemy's territory. Seeing that it was difficult to win in a short period of time, Hou Chongfu wanted to capture the enemy leader in order to achieve a quick victory. If he could get Prince Ming, the enemy might collapse or surrender.

After dividing his troops, he personally led a thousand men in pursuit. Abandoned vehicles and scattered items were seen along the way, including gorgeous clothes, exquisite weapons, silver, and gold. These valuables shone with an alluring light under the moonlight, as if telling of endless temptation. Although he repeatedly warned the soldiers not to pick them up, the soldiers still couldn't resist the temptation and dismounted to pick them up. They forgot the danger of the battlefield and the harshness of the military order, and only wanted to take these valuables for themselves.

Hou Chongfu noticed something was wrong, and the team was gradually reduced, with only 700 to 800 people left. He saw the Ming army's convoy in front of him, so he gave up the idea of ​​gathering the team and shouted: "Capture Zhu Cilang alive, and you will be promoted six levels and rewarded with 10,000 taels of gold!" "Kill!" His voice resounded through the night sky like a wolf's howl, inspiring the hearts of every soldier. They forgot their fatigue and pain, and only thought about capturing the prince alive to achieve great merit.

As the bandits approached, the drivers abandoned their vehicles and fled into the woods out of fear. They hid in the bushes, trembling as they watched the bandits approach. However, they were eventually captured and brought before Hou Chongfu. Hou Chongfu put a knife to the neck of a driver and asked, "Where is the prince's carriage?" "Junjun, I don't know." With a snap! Hou Chongfu raised his knife and asked another driver. "Junjun, the prince's carriage is pulled by four horses, not far ahead." With a snap! Even if Hou Chongfu got the answer, he would not forgive him, because he thought that selling out for fame was even more hateful. His knife flashed coldly in the night, harvesting lives like the scythe of the god of death.

Hou Chongfu led the cavalry to chase and hack, and quickly approached the prince's carriage. After stopping, the personal soldiers jumped on the carriage and pulled out the people inside. There were three people in the carriage, one of whom was a young man with a pale face, wearing a yellow robe embroidered with dragon patterns and a winged hat. He was frail and looked terrified. The other two seemed to be servants, wearing eunuchs' clothes, and their faces were also very pale, and their crotches were wet. They looked at Hou Chongfu tremblingly, as if they had seen the god of death.

Hou Chongfu felt strange. The process was too smooth and there was no strong resistance. Could it be that the Ming army had declined to such an extent? Or was this prince a fake? He put the tip of the knife against the boy's neck and asked coldly, "Are you the prince of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Cilang?" "I am." The boy's voice trembled, revealing endless fear. Hou Chongfu swung his knife at the eunuch beside him, his head rolled, and blood splattered. "I ask again, is he the prince of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Cilang?" Hou Chongfu raised his knife and asked another eunuch. The eunuch was extremely frightened, his lips were pale, his body was trembling, and he was hesitant to answer.

Hou Chongfu was extremely anxious. He slapped his shoulder with the back of his knife and asked sternly: "I'll ask one last time, is this man the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty?" The eunuch trembled and said tremblingly: "He is not." "No?" Hou Chongfu was half-believing and half-doubting, "If he is not the crown prince, then where is he?" "Since we set out from the capital, our mission is to imitate the crown prince. The crown prince is not in the convoy at all." The eunuch's words were like a bolt from the blue, which made Hou Chongfu stunned. He realized that he had fallen into the trap of the Ming army, and the real crown prince had long disappeared. (End of this chapter)