Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

"My Lords, just now, Mr. Zhou, the Director of the Imperial Examinations Department of the Ministry of Rites, Mr. Zheng, the Deputy Director of the Jiangxi Li Department of the Ministry of Revenue, Mr. Qian, the Director of the Construction Li Department of the Ministry of Works, Mr. Shen, the Right Counselor of the Ministry of Public Administration... and more than ten others were arrested by the East Factory, saying that they were investigating the corruption case."

"What?" Everyone was shocked. Although these officials were not high-ranking, they were the backbone of each party and held important positions. They were the elite among the reserve talents, but they were arrested all at once.

Feng Yuan gritted his teeth and sneered, "It seems that Dai Quan has also met his end. I never thought that the quasi-official, who is so famous all over the world, would secretly make peace with the eunuch party. Pah!"

Everyone shared the same hatred and cursed in unison, not thinking that there was anything wrong with their cooperation with the Jinyiwei, the emperor's lackeys.

Guan Pu and Jiang Feng looked at each other and said slowly, "Just now I was a little hesitant, but now it seems that I have no choice but to trouble Master Feng to make another trip."

Feng Yuan deliberately asked, "Where does Minister Guan want me to go?"

"Of course it's the Shaobao Mansion."

Hearing this, Feng Yuan frowned, and the fat on his face was squeezed into a ball. He said with a bitter face: "When I went there the other day, Shao Bao made it clear that he was in mourning and could not interfere in the affairs of the court. Even this time, he only dared to help secretly. It would be difficult to ask him to take action."

Guan Pu said: "Zheng Fang and Shao Bao are close friends, can't they think of a solution? The situation is critical now. If we are not forced to do so, we will not disturb Shao Bao's mourning. We really have to do it."

Feng Yuan smiled bitterly and said, "My dear elders, although I, Fatty Feng, have some friendship with Shao Bao, filial piety is as important as heaven. Even if I have an eloquent tongue, how can I persuade him?"

Guan Pu glared at him, knowing that he was a guy who would not do anything without profit, so he said, "Forget it, Lord Feng, thank you for your hard work. After the matter is completed, I will give you three fifth-rank official hats, how about it?"

"Five." Feng Yuan's eyes lit up and he stretched out five fingers.

A fifth-rank official is a governor outside the capital, a backbone in the capital, and an absolute power holder. Even if he doesn't promote his own people, he can still make a fortune by selling the property.

"Asshole. You're blinded by money!" Everyone laughed and cursed.

Jiang Feng laughed dumbly and said, "Just five, as long as you can hire Shao Bao."

Feng Yuan bowed generously and said, "I will give it a try." Then he left.

Jia Cong had already received news in his house that the New Party and others were using the imperial examination to eliminate dissidents. He was discussing the matter with Pang Chao when he suddenly heard Feng Yuan coming to visit him and hurriedly invited him in.

Feng Yuan walked in with his fat body shaking, and bowed his head and said, "Zilong, help me..."

Jia Cong smiled bitterly, "You fat guy, you are doing this again." He hurriedly supported him and said, "Brother Zhengfang, please sit down and talk slowly. Why are you being so polite?"

Feng Yuan's face was filled with sorrow, and he sighed, "If I don't perform this great gift, I will not be able to rest in peace. Thinking of the many times I have come to your house to bother you during your mourning period, I feel so ashamed."

Pang Chao asked: "Is it about the imperial examination?"

Feng Yuan said: "Mr. Pang is right. Right now, the New Party and the East Factory are in cahoots with each other, framing loyal officials and forcing them to confess. The court is filled with evil spirits. Only Zilong can come out and eliminate the evil spirits."

Jia Cong shook his head and said, "Brother, I am in mourning. Even if I am willing, I am powerless. If I speak carelessly, I will be accused of not observing filial piety. What will happen?

The emperor's decree came down the other day, asking me to stay at home and mourn for my father, and not to worry about official business.

The Queen Mother has repeatedly warned me to behave myself. What can I do?"

Feng Yuan hurriedly said: "There is no need for Zilong to write a letter to the emperor to make suggestions, let alone go to the court to advise. They do it on the first day of the month, and we do it on the fifteenth day. If he arrests our people, we will also arrest his people.

Zilong can ask the Jinyiwei to arrest the members of the New Party as well. Then... hehe, the two Zhongtangs have said that as long as they survive this disaster, they will never let Zilong down again. "

Jia Cong sneered, "Brother, please forgive me for being unable to help you. I can ask the Royal Guards to send you some information, but if I ask them to arrest people, who will dare to take the blame if His Majesty asks about it?"

You are just putting the blame on me. When the time comes, you, Lord Feng, will explain to the Emperor on my behalf why he dared to order the Jinyiwei to arrest people at will during the period of mourning.

Don't forget, I am now free from my duties as an official. I am no longer the commander of the Imperial Guards. I don't even have this empty title anymore. How can you let me give orders?"

Feng Yuan said: "With your prestige, there is no need to issue orders. Just give a signal and the people below will do it for you, right?
Besides, those arrested are all corrupt officials, which is the job of the Jinyiwei. If Zilong is not here, will the Jinyiwei not arrest anyone?"

Jia Cong glanced at Pang Chao and saw him shaking his head slightly, so he said, "Cong is helpless about the matter of the imperial examination. Please forgive me, Brother Zhengfang." Then he took the tea bowl.

Seeing this, Feng Yuan had no choice but to say goodbye and leave.

After he left, Pang Chao said, "At this time, we should stick to the strategy of keeping a low profile and wait for the right opportunity."

Jia Cong asked, "Sir, since you said that the emperor has murderous intentions towards me, what does that intention mean?"

Pang Chao said: "Wait until the emperor changes his mind, or insists on killing you."

Jia Cong nodded slowly. The outcome would be clear once the news from Goryeo was passed back to the court. He did not want to point his gun at his own people unless it was absolutely necessary.

Feng Yuan went back dejectedly and told Jiang, Guan and others about Jia Cong's attitude, shaking his head and saying, "Young Master Bao is keeping a low profile and is unwilling to take action. What can we do? I think we have to rely on ourselves this time."

Everyone frowned when they heard this. Rely on yourself? If you can rely on yourself, you won't ask Jia Cong for help. Now that the New Party holds the power of the Beijing Inspection and is mixed up with the East Factory, who can turn the tide?

Guan Pu pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "I think it is better to provoke than to persuade. Shao Bao is worried that the emperor will be suspicious, but he has forgotten the principle that the lips and teeth are cold. Do you agree with me, Jiang Zhongtang?"

Jiang Feng said: "Good. What's the plan?"

Guan Pu smiled and said, "Have you ever heard why Shao Bao suddenly advocated war before the second Western Expedition?"

Jiang Feng smiled and said, "I have heard a little bit about it, but I don't know if it is true or not."

Feng Yuan smiled and said, "After all, even heroes can't resist the temptation of beautiful women."

Everyone smiled and nodded.

Wu Zizhen's eyes turned, a sharp light flashed in his eyes, and he said, "Why not take this opportunity to get rid of this vicious dog Fu Shi?

Guan Pu said calmly: "Not only that, I think it's time for Shao Bao to make a choice between Ru Hai Gong and my like-minded colleagues. If we delay, not only will we wither away, but I'm afraid one day it will be disadvantageous to Shao Bao."

"That's absolutely true." Everyone was a shrewd official, so they naturally saw the New Party's sinister intention of using Lin Ruhai to deal with Jia Cong sooner or later.

Feng Yuan said, "Distance does not separate relatives. I'm afraid that the young master values ​​friendship and loyalty, and may not listen to our advice." Guan Pu smiled and said, "Everything is difficult at the beginning. Some things, once you take a step, you can't turn back. We just need to help the young master take this step."

Everyone nodded in agreement and asked what the plan was.

"I only have some vague ideas. Please discuss with me how to do it specifically." Guan Pu said.

He was very smart and did not take on too much responsibility. He said it was a "collective decision" at that time. Even if Jia Cong got angry when he knew about it, it would still be better.

Because "collective responsibility" is often equal to "collective irresponsibility."
-
The atmosphere in the capital was depressing, and there seemed to be a storm brewing. However, thousands of miles away, the battlefield in Goryeo was advancing at a rapid pace and with unstoppable force.

In recent days, the three armies led by Yan Shuangying and Wei Wuji were not in a hurry to capture Seoul, but only used it as the center to attack and seize cities, and captured dozens of cities in a row. Every time they captured a city, they killed 80% of the powerful people and distributed the surplus wealth, food and land to the poor. The people were all grateful, and they knelt down to beg the royal army to stay permanently with them, offering them food and drink.

The remaining 20% ​​of the powerful were all intimidated and bowed their heads in order to survive. They tried their best to act as "loyal and righteous men" who were loyal to the Heavenly Dynasty, for fear that if they were not careful, the "royal army" would become angry and kill them.

In just over two months, they had completely controlled Hwanghae Province, Gangwon Province, Gyeonggi Province, Chungcheong Province, and parts of Pyeongan Province, Hamgyong Province, and Gyeongsang Province around Seoul, and surrounded Seoul.

There was already a gloomy atmosphere in Seoul, and the emperor and his ministers were terrified and at a loss as to what to do. They didn't know what the Celestial Empire's army wanted to do and to what extent they wanted to fight. Did they really want to depose the emperor?
King Li Cheng was very puzzled. Since he ascended the throne, he had been respectful to the Imperial Court and had never behaved disrespectfully. He had never offended Duke Dingguo. He even had close contacts with the former Duke Daishan of the Jia family when he was stationed in Liaodong. So why did Jia Cong target him?

A minister reported in a trembling voice: "Your Majesty, the imperial army has been killing the powerful, distributing money and grain, and equalizing land in various cities for days. The people are all sincerely supporting them. They have also re-established government offices and officials according to the regulations of the imperial dynasty. I am afraid... I am afraid that they have coveted our country. Now there are ambushes on all sides outside the city, and Seoul has become an isolated city..."

Li Cheng's hands trembled, and he murmured, "Killing the powerful, distributing money and grain, and equalizing land, winning the hearts of the people in this way is undermining the foundation of my Goryeo! This is too much! Where is the delegation?"

"According to the schedule, we should be arriving in Shenjing soon."

Li Cheng said in a hateful voice: "The Celestial Empire has always been benevolent and promotes the kingly way. It will never punish without teaching! I don't believe this is the intention of the Celestial Emperor. Send an order to defend Seoul to the death, and order the troops from all over the country to rush to the king's defense!"

"Yes."

Outside the city, inside the big tent, generals including Yan Shuangying, Wei Wuji, and Li Ke gathered to discuss strategies for attacking Seoul.

Although they had an absolute advantage in terms of weapons and soldiers' quality, Seoul was, after all, the capital of a country, and the city was tall and strong, so how to capture it still required careful planning.

Yan Shuangying knew that this group of elite new troops were the hard work and foundation of Jia Cong, so he dared not fight a battle without confidence and die in vain in Goryeo. He besieged Seoul for more than ten days without taking any action, but only issued an ultimatum, hoping that the Goryeo court would surrender.

Wei Wuji said: "In recent days, we have already rotated the new troops. In addition to the 5,000 reserve troops who have returned to Jinzhouwei and are ready to rush to Shenjing, there are still 12,000 troops left in Goryeo.

Apart from the 4,000 troops stationed in various cities to block reinforcements, there are only 8,000 people under the city, and the enemy defenders are at least 20,000 to 30,000, not counting the civilians. If we storm, we can take it, but I am afraid the casualties will be too heavy. "

Yan Shuangying said in a deep voice: "General Wei is right, so I would rather surround the enemy without attacking, and wait for the enemy to collapse and fall into disarray. Even if we don't attack Seoul, we have already shown our prestige in this battle, which can be regarded as a successful completion of the Duke's instructions.

What I mean is, either don’t fight, or if you fight you have to win, and win beautifully, otherwise it’s better not to fight.”

Everyone nodded in agreement. Jia Cong only had so much fire in his hands. If it was lost easily, it would be extremely disadvantageous for future military expansion.

Li Ke said: "General Yan, tonight is the deadline for the ultimatum. If we do nothing after the deadline, won't the Korean barbarians look down on us?
I'm afraid they might think we are being cautious and become fearless."

Yan Shuangying said, "That's right. So when the time comes, let's make a feint attack first to let them see the power of firearms. The enemy army may collapse without a fight."

Wei Wuji hesitated for a moment and said, "I think it's better to attack the heart first, and attack the city second, sow discord, and cooperate with the outside world."

Yan Shuangying knew that he was a military scholar from the same class as Jia Cong, and that he was both civil and military, so he asked humbly, "General Wei, do you have any good ideas?"

Wei Wuji waved his hand and smiled, "It's not a great plan. Now we have the upper hand, and the enemy is at the gates of the city. Any small trick should have a very good effect. I think... this is what you think?"

"Okay, let's do it." Everyone laughed.

Seeing that it was almost midnight and the deadline for the ultimatum had passed, Yan Shuangying led his men out and shouted, "Attack the city!"

Before he finished speaking, the majestic war drums rumbled, and several fireworks whistled into the dark night sky, exploding into thousands of bright red flames.

Eight thousand new troops lit countless torches, surrounded the city on three sides and left one person missing, and marched in unison to the beat of drums, advancing towards the city. Behind them were hundreds of artillery carts of various types, all of which were concentrated under the south city and slowly advanced, pulled by horses.

The defenders on the city were horrified upon seeing this. They shouted in panic, calling on their comrades for support. Countless defenders who had just laid down quickly turned over and went up to the city trembling.

The bone-chilling winter night wind whistled past, taking away the white mist in front of the mouths and noses of the Goryeo soldiers, but what made them feel even colder in their hearts was the cold and sharp light from the royal army's guns and cannons.

The Five Guards Headquarters, which Goryeo established in imitation of the military system of the Celestial Empire, sent the chief of the Defense Office, the second-rank general, Kim Jun-ho, to personally guard the southern city wall.

Jin Junhao was dressed in military uniform, with a serious look on his face. He patrolled the city with his sword in hand, patted the soldiers on the shoulders from time to time to encourage them, and said loudly: "My men, the enemy has few soldiers and generals, and they will not be able to last long after a long expedition.

We will surely win if we defend the city. They will understand that the royal city of Goryeo is just like the cold winter here, invincible!"

"Long live!"

"Long live!"

The defenders were encouraged by his words and their morale was slightly boosted. They roared in unison twice. Thousands of people roared together, which was quite impressive. It even suppressed the howling cold wind for a moment. However, what responded to them was the even more deafening sound of gunfire.

Boom boom boom!
In the pungent smoke, shells and bullets rained down on the city walls like crazy. Bangs were heard everywhere, bricks and stones on the wall broke, blood and flesh flew everywhere, it was a horrible sight.

The Korean defenders who reacted quickly hid under the women's wall and escaped with their lives. The slow ones were either shot with blood gushing from their chests or had their heads exploded with brains splattered.

Those who were even more unlucky were directly hit by the shells, instantly shattered into pieces and blown everywhere within a radius of several feet.

Jin Junhao was pinned to the ground by his personal soldiers. He was so frightened that his face turned pale. He had never seen such a scene before. He shouted in panic, "Fire! Fight back!"

After enduring the first wave of bombardment, the defenders found that most of the few old cannons on the city wall were destroyed. They hurriedly adjusted the muzzles of the remaining two cannons and fired at the city.

I only felt the city wall vibrating, and the bullets had flown away to who knows where. It turned out that the Goryeo defenders neglected training on a daily basis and could only fire a few shots in a year. Now that they suddenly had to fight a war, they had no accuracy at all and didn't even know how much gunpowder to use.

Yan Shuangying and others laughed loudly under the city and ordered the artillery to continue firing.

The sound of cannon fire came again, and the second round of bombardment was coming. (End of this chapter)