Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 363: Make a decision and go on an emergency expedition

"Don't worry about the Shenji Camp for now. It's early April now. Find Captain Longjin to find out whether there has been any white disaster in the south of the desert in the past four months." Jia Lian stared at the map without raising his head, and his whole body fell into a special state.

The confused expressions of the people present could not be concealed at all. Yue Qi, the only one who could understand, made a hissing sound, turned his head and growled, "Go quickly."

What's going on? You dare to order the elder around? Pan Jixun was a little annoyed after being glared at, but he turned around to look for someone. He saw Emperor Chenghui and got a gesture to keep quiet.

Emperor Chenghui turned around and told the eunuchs, then slowly walked forward to watch. Jia Lian was still talking to himself: "If there is a white disaster, there is no need to worry about the Shanhaiguan line. Even if Li Ni is a fool, the chieftains of the grassland don't have the time to waste. It takes time to pass on information. Well, in order to ensure the endurance of the livestock, is a hundred miles a day the limit?"

Yue Qi had a long history of dealing with grassland tribes, so he quickly answered: "One hundred miles is the limit. We have six or seven days at most."

Jia Lian straightened up from his crouching position. "Six or seven days is enough! The Nanyuan camp should immediately move north to strengthen the defenses of the passes along the Great Wall, such as Juyong Pass and Xifengkou."

Yue Qi frowned and said, "If the enemy dispatches first and releases the news later, I'm afraid the army has already reached Juyong Pass. If we lose, 100,000 elite troops will break through the pass and enter."

"We can only put our hopes on the defenders now. Now think about it, why did Li Nifa send the message to Zhangjiakou and Shanhaiguan? His intention is very clear. He wants to disrupt our thinking and make our army's defenses weak everywhere."

Yue Qi said: "The King of Dongping will not make a statement easily. Li Ni does not have the capital to impress him. The King of Dongping should have received the news. He did not report it to the capital because he was waiting and waiting for an opportunity to increase his bargaining chips."

Jia Lian sneered contemptuously, "You want to establish your own kingdom outside the Great Wall? That's wishful thinking! Luanzhou can transfer some of its forces to reinforce Shanhaiguan, and just show him how to do it."

As soon as he finished speaking, Emperor Chenghui said, "Do you understand, my dear ministers?"

Everyone was awakened and hurriedly clasped their hands to greet the emperor. Kong Zhao took the lead and said, "Your Highness and I understand Li Ni's intentions. We will make targeted deployments. There is no dispute."

Emperor Chenghui nodded slightly and was satisfied. As expected, he still had to see professionals. As soon as Yue Qi and Jia Lian arrived, the fog immediately dissipated and everything could be seen clearly.

"Jia Lian, give a summary!" Emperor Chenghui decided to give Jia Lian a chance to shine.

Jia Lian smiled and took a step back: "I am young, so I'd better let Master Yue make the summary."

Emperor Chenghui did not force it and nodded: "Okay, Yue Qing will summarize it for everyone!"

Yue Qi's eyes lit up, and his eyes were slightly agitated. He immediately took a deep breath to calm himself, then raised his hand and pointed at the map: "Your Majesty, fellow ministers, at this stage, there is insufficient intelligence to determine whether the grassland tribes use Li Ni as a puppet or obey his orders. Based on past experience, the grassland tribes have always been independent of each other and have attacked each other, so most of them are the latter. After the white disaster, in order to survive, they temporarily banded together, and Li Ni was the leader, which was also a last resort. In this case, as long as the tribes encounter a slight setback, they will have the idea of ​​self-preservation. There are only three ways for the grassland to enter the Central Plains to plunder and survive: Liaodong, Juyongguan, and Zhangjiakou."

After the simple and clear opening, Yue Qi paused to allow the emperors and ministers to digest it.

When it comes to war, civil officials pointing at a map is just like a blind man groping in the dark. If you don't understand the specific terrain, talking about commanding a battle is just asking for failure.

This is why the founding generals always went to the front line to survey the terrain before each battle so that they would have a clear idea of ​​the situation.

Yue Qi had been in Sanbian for a long time and had sufficient knowledge of the terrain, although he was actually quite surprised as to why Jia Lian was also familiar with the terrain of Sanbian. Perhaps it was a family inheritance.

This is the fundamental prerequisite for two people to communicate tacitly. If someone who doesn't understand the terrain comes in, communicating by looking at the map will be like talking to a deaf person.

"Look at the map. Let's talk about Liaodong first. The Dongping King has at least 30,000 infantry and cavalry under his command, not counting the Dongping Iron Cavalry. This is the result of three generations of accumulation. Most of the generals outside the Great Wall also obey his orders."

Yue Qi paused again, and everyone understood at this time. They had already colluded with each other and became a group of interests. They said they didn't understand war, but they were experts in this.

"The King of Dongping cannot allow the cavalry from the south of the desert to enter the country and plunder at will. Because of the white disaster, the grassland tribes have no time to tangle with them. The purpose of informing him of the news is to give him a signal to seize the opportunity. Therefore, Liaodong can be ruled out. Next is Juyongguan and the passes of the Great Wall. This area is closest to the capital. If a breakthrough is made, they can swarm in. Therefore, the limited troops should be given priority to reinforce this line. Finally, there is Zhangjiakou and Datong. It is not a problem for the local garrison to hold out for a month. The problem is the terrain in this area. If there is no advance preparation, it is suitable for grassland cavalry to plunder everywhere."

When Emperor Chenghui heard this, he could not help but snorted heavily: "The court lacks cavalry, and the fault lies with the Mu family (Prince of Dongping)."

Ning Ke couldn't help coughing and said, "Your Majesty, I think that the lax military preparations in Zhangjiakou and Datong are a grave sin."

Jia Lian looked at Ning Ke speechlessly, you dare to tell the truth. Who here doesn't know what's going on? Raising horses costs much more than raising people. Jia Lian had been in Zhangjiakou for a while and knew that the quota of a cavalry battalion under the local general was three thousand, but in fact there were only one thousand. The reason, is there any other reason? The court's funding is insufficient, so they can't afford to raise them. Even if they can afford it, wouldn't it be nice to put the money in their pockets? It's normal for peace to last for a long time. Jia Lian has been there and never exposed them, but you want to cause collateral damage, right?
Jia Lian decisively interrupted Ning Ke's magic: "The war is imminent, this is not the time to discuss responsibility. If we have to discuss responsibility, who will bear the responsibility for Datong Town?"

Ning Ke understood what Jia Lian meant and stiffened his neck to argue. After all, he was the former governor of Shanxi. If there were problems in Datong Military Town, he must have the leadership responsibility.

"Okay, stop arguing! Yue Qing, please continue!" Emperor Chenghui interrupted Ning Ke. This beloved minister was very straightforward, regardless of the occasion.

No one knew whether Ning Ke was acting or not, but he secretly glanced at Jia Lian with an unfriendly look, which caught everyone's attention.

"Your Majesty, fellow ministers, after communicating with Lord Jia, we have determined a basic response strategy. The Nanyuan Camp will reinforce the northern line, while the Shenji Camp and the Xishan Camp will move north at the same time. If there is no trace of the enemy outside Juyongguan, they will continue to move northwest to Huailai-Xuanhua and reinforce the Zhangjiakou line from the flank. I have finished speaking!" Although he had finished speaking, Yue Qi hesitated and finally shut up.

Emperor Chenghui saw the change in his expression but did not ask any further questions. Yue Qi was probably worried about the defense of the capital and felt that leaving a camp in Tongzhou would be enough to reinforce the capital in time if anything happened.

"Jia Lian, do you have anything to add?" Emperor Chenghui changed his target.

"In principle, Lord Yue's strategy is fine. I have only one question. The Shenji Battalion currently has a little over 8,000 soldiers, which is a little insufficient. Secondly, there is a lack of coordinated training between the Shenji Battalion and the Xishan Battalion. When the two armies act together, we must determine the priorities of command. Finally, who will lead the troops to reinforce the Huailai and Xuanhua fronts? According to previous inferences, Li Ni is likely to send troops first and then send a message. At the latest, the enemy army can reach the Xuanda line in three days. I suggest that we immediately inform the Zhangjiakou garrison to abandon the city and retreat to Datong."

After Jia Lian made this suggestion, Ning Ke became anxious again and shouted loudly: "Jia Lian, how can you give up Zhangjiakou? You are afraid of war and you are harming the country."

Jia Lian was not angry. He smiled and asked, "Has Lord Ning ever been to Zhangjiakou?"

Ning Ke paused for a moment and said, "Of course I have been there. What's the matter?"

Jia Lian sighed and said, "The full complement of the garrison at Zhangjiakou is no more than 8,000 infantry and cavalry. The city wall is no more than 20 feet high and has no moat! This is the wall built after the reconstruction of this dynasty!" Ning Ke paused. Jia Lian was more reserved. He did not say that after the repair, it had never been raised or repaired. How long can this wall hold out? The full complement is 8,000, but what about the actual number? Is there 5,000?

"The people are innocent!" Ning Ke stamped his feet. Before Jia Lian could answer him, Yue Qi had already taken over the conversation: "As expected, the rich families have already fled, leaving the ordinary people behind, alas...!"

Jia Lian's expression was heavy, as he understood Yue Qi's hidden message, "The people suffer when a country rises or falls, and this has been the case since ancient times. Even without a military order, the defenders would probably run away first and would not stay to defend it to the death."

At the same time, Jia Lian developed a feeling of disgust towards Ning Ke's performance. If it was really his character, it would be fine. But if it was just an act, it was too hypocritical. He would keep his distance from him in the future.

[I understand that you want to have a bad relationship with me, but it's only once, isn't it? It depends on the time? ]

Emperor Chenghui waved his hand decisively and said, "Now is not the time to argue. Yue Qing and Jia Qing have already made a complete plan. The capital has the Nine Gates Garrison and the Imperial Horse Administration, and Tongzhou has promised to provide reinforcements at any time. The defense is foolproof. Prime Minister Kong, draft the decree!"

As the Prime Minister, Kong Zhao did not have much to show for himself in military and national affairs, which made him a little embarrassed, but he quickly put it aside and didn't care about it anymore.

The pen and ink were quickly prepared. Kong Zhao personally took out the pen and paper. Emperor Chenghui dictated and Kong Zhao took the pen. An imperial edict was quickly written. Kong Zhao took out the seal and stamped it. Emperor Chenghui then used the seal and the procedure was quickly completed.

"Jia Lian, accept the order!" Emperor Chenghui said solemnly. Jia Lian knelt on one knee, raised his hands to receive the order, and then stood up and said, "Your Majesty, time is running out. I, your humble servant..."

Emperor Chenghui waved his hand to interrupt him: "Hurry up, stop talking nonsense! If you are dissatisfied, show me your gold medal and I will kill you first and report later."

Everyone's eyes widened suddenly when they heard this. The emperor's words revealed something incredible: Jia Lian, the damned one, had a gold medal on him. Everyone except the emperor and Qiu Shi'an felt a chill down their spines, and they couldn't help but sweat. It was fine when he was in the Qianqing Palace and the emperor was around, but when he was not around, if Jia Lian, the damned one, showed his gold medal and killed a few ministers, he would be imprisoned for two years at most.

Jia Lian held the imperial edict in his arms, quickly left the hall, and after going out of Xihua Gate and meeting up with the family generals who had come later, he quickly gave instructions to Zhang San and others, asking them to go back and gather the people and then go to the Shenji Camp to wait.

After giving his instructions, Jia Lian rode his horse straight to the Shenji Camp, with only four family guards following him.

It was two o'clock in the morning. Jia Lian put away his pocket watch and gently squeezed the horse's belly, causing the warhorse to trot away.

The crisp sound of horse hooves broke the dead silence of the night, and the camp of the Shenji Camp soon came into sight. Dim lanterns swayed in the night, and the soldiers on the tower had their sleepiness dispelled and their eyes widened.

Outside the camp gate, Jia Lian reined in his horse, dismounted, and raised the imperial edict in his hand: "The imperial edict has arrived. Please ask the commander of the Shenji Camp to come out to greet it."

The soldier on duty saw who was coming and did not open the door according to the rules. He just retracted the gun pointed at Jia Lian, told his companions to pass the message quickly, and explained himself: "Young Master, I'm sorry, I can't open the door."

"Why apologize? Military law is enforced in the army. Am I someone who doesn't understand military law?" It was good enough that Jia Lian could still laugh.

The quiet Jia Mansion was broken by a commotion. Many doors of the residents in Rongning Street were opened, and the family guards carrying armor and wearing swords led horses out, briefly explained a few words to their families, and quickly gathered at the gate of Rongguo Mansion. Ningguo Mansion was also alarmed, and soon Jiao Da came out, leading two horses, one of which had a set of armor on its back.

Wang Xifeng and others were also awakened. They came out to ask about the situation and learned that Jia Lian had gone to the battlefield urgently and only sent someone to bring back a verbal message. They all looked worried.

When they got on the sedan chair and arrived outside the main gate, all the retainers from the East and West Mansions had arrived. Grandmother Jia had arrived first, followed by Lady Wang, and Jia She, the household servants, Jia Zhen, and Jia Rong also appeared.

At this time, there were nearly three hundred generals from the two mansions, each with two horses and fully equipped with swords and bows. This was the most concentrated display of the Jia family's military strength.

Compared to their masters' worries, the family generals were actually excited. They finally had another chance to risk their lives for fame and fortune.

Of course, the family generals were also afraid of death, but more than being afraid of death, they were more afraid of not having the chance to change their fate.

Living on Rongning Street, wasting time day after day without seeing any opportunities, is the greatest torment for them.

After the family soldiers had gathered, Jia's mother stepped forward with her cane and said, "Each household will receive two hundred taels of silver for the expedition. I will give it to you now. If Lian Ge'er comes back alive, I will give him another three hundred taels."

Zhang San took the lead and raised his hand to hit his chest fiercely. After a neat muffled sound, Zhang San said, "Before we die, I will never let you get hurt even a hair."

………………

Boom, boom, boom. The dull sound of drums woke up every soldier in the camp and also alarmed the family quarters near the south of the city.

From the first day, the family members knew the fate of serving in the army and risking their lives. The wives, children and the elderly would get up quickly, light a fire, boil eggs, make pancakes, and prepare shoes, socks and other things.

After seeing the commander announce the imperial decree, Jia Lian said, "Listen to my orders, all members of the Shenji Battalion will return to the team, make all preparations for the expedition, and head directly to Changping to wait for the reunion."

Jia Lian did not stay any longer. After leaving the military camp, he mounted his horse and headed west. He ordered the city gate to be opened with the imperial edict and headed straight for the West Mountain.

Not long after Jia Lian left the city, three hundred generals arrived outside the Shenji Camp, along with a convoy from the R&D Department.

Five hundred percussion-cap short rifles (carbines) and the accompanying ammunition were urgently delivered. The Jia family's retainers quickly took over the equipment. Zhang San sent someone to inform Jia Lian that after daybreak, he would follow the Shenji Battalion to meet up in Changping.

The noise was so loud at night that everyone in the capital city knew about it. The families of the Shenjiying kept handing over the prepared packages to their families and waving goodbye.

Horses pulled cannons and supply vehicles, soldiers carried flintlock rifles, secretly wiped away the tears from their eyes as they bid farewell to their loved ones, and followed the team out of the city gate, heading north.

(End of this chapter)