Chapter 49 Departure

The security measures here are different from those in Guangyuefu.

The people in Nanjing were overjoyed.

The royal family and others couldn't wait to return to the capital.

The locals, on the other hand, couldn't wait to send them away.

Praise for General Yan Zhengzhou was endless.

Merchants from Jiangnan who came to Guangyuefu to do business all spoke highly of Yan Zhengzhou.

It is said that he fought a bloody battle and finally defeated the rebels.

In order to retake the capital as soon as possible, he even suffered considerable injuries.

Anyway, no matter what.

With the capital city recaptured, they could finally go back.

Other parts of Shunchang Kingdom also breathed a sigh of relief.

Two years ago, I transported supplies to Guangyuefu.

Last year and this year, supplies were transported to the suburbs of Beijing.

It consumes a huge amount of resources across the country.

The repeated grain requisitions, especially by ordinary people, have made their lives increasingly difficult.

Those landlords and gentry who wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to make money would not let this chance pass them by.

In short, the recapture of the capital is a joyous occasion.

This seems to signify the return of Shunchang Kingdom to normalcy.

Besides Guangyuefu.

There are two rebel groups.

One force is in the capital, and the other is in Gaoqing Prefecture.

But in this one year...

Few people mention the "Martial Prince" anymore.

For many people, simply annihilating the rebel army in the capital would already be a great achievement.

As for Gaoqing Prefecture?

Anyway, they haven't made a move.

Perhaps they were so badly beaten by the general that they couldn't even lift their heads.

Su Qing was fully aware of this idea.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have asked for so many things after the fighting in the suburbs of Beijing.

The capital was captured on the sixth day of the third month.

On March 16, Jinling and his companions set off to return to the capital.

The more panicked they were when they fled, the happier they were when they returned.

I heard that His Majesty's cough has improved considerably.

The Empress Dowager was already in good health, and now she is even more joyful.

The mother and son supported each other as they embarked on their journey back to Beijing.

I heard that their relationship has improved a lot.

Some of these messages came from Gu Congsi, while the rest were definitely from Ye Shanming's sources.

Ye Shanming put it more bluntly and ironically.

He also mentioned the general who made great contributions this time, and he didn't say anything bad about him, clearly showing some respect.

Su Qing put away the two letters and sent some supplies to Yisong County.

From an outsider's perspective

Guangyue Prefecture had a good tax revenue situation last year.

A batch of weapons has also been ordered from Nanjing.

Even though they were responsible for the garrison's food and supplies, the situation was better than in other places.

In reality, only Luo, the registrar, and the head of the household affairs office knew about the situation in the prefectural government.

Pay a little more silver.

They will be sent to Yisong County, and even Jiangbei County, Jiangwu County, and Shangkou County.

Everyone else was focused on the weapons workshop in Guangyuefu.

Behind the scenes, that's where they really put their money and effort.

The two dikes and city walls that were mentioned before are actually located in these four places.

Recruiting workers and building fortifications.

It has created many jobs for the locals and enabled most people to have money to farm this year.

Fei Xiucai and Zhu Shuli, who followed Su Qing around, naturally knew these things.

If it weren't for these matters, would their prefects need to be so busy every day?

By late March, the number of cultivated fields in the seventeen counties of Guangyue Prefecture had been reported.

That's why many people took notice.

Leading the way, the four counties of Jiangbei, Jiangwu, Shangkou, and Yisong have recovered 80 percent of their arable land area compared to before the war.

In other places, the cleanup of corrupt officials, local tyrants and bullies also took place.

Many tenant farmers have returned to being self-sufficient farmers.

This would motivate more people to reclaim new land.

The total cultivated land area in Guangyue Prefecture has increased by 30% compared to last year.

Don't underestimate this 30%.

With more grain, local grain prices will stabilize completely.

It is often said that destruction is easy but construction is difficult.

Many officials were unwilling to serve as prefects in this area.

It's just that I find these things difficult to do.

It is indeed difficult to do.

But Lord Su still got everything done one by one.

If you didn't know her age, you'd probably think she was a seasoned veteran.

Su Qing didn't say much, but just rubbed his temples and continued to stockpile grain and repair the city.

At this moment in the capital, Yan Zhengzhou stood on the street, looking at the city after the rebel army had passed through.

Over the years, he has witnessed such scenes more than once.

The counties of Guangyue Prefecture are now part of the capital.

Corpses littered the field, a truly horrific sight.

These days seem to have no end.

Yan Zhengzhou could only do his best to restore the streets of the capital in order to welcome the Empress Dowager and the Emperor back to the capital.

However, he didn't have much time, so the streets lost their former glory.

Yan Zhengzhou could clearly see the disappointment in the eyes of the Emperor and Empress Dowager.

It took them a year to retake the capital.

It still looks the same today.

Yan Zhengzhou had no intention of explaining further, but simply asked the Emperor and Empress Dowager to return to the palace.

The palace was in complete disarray.

Many palaces were burned down, leaving only dark, broken walls and ruins.

I heard that the Imperial College was the worst-hit by the fire, with its largest library being burned down.

It contains various Confucian doctrines, and some people have already gone there to cry.

"How could this happen?" The Empress Dowager looked at her Yongle Palace and said angrily, "How could this happen!"

She could hardly believe her eyes.

The once luxurious palace is now reduced to ashes.

The precious artifacts inside had long been looted by thieves, and even the carpets on the ground, sewn by thousands of people, had all been taken away.

In just one year.

The capital city, the imperial palace.

The changes are nothing short of earth-shattering.

"If you had taken back the capital sooner, this wouldn't have happened!" The Empress Dowager thought to herself as she looked at her second son.

She didn't say it aloud, but her expression said it all.

The emperor stepped forward, took his second brother's hand, and said, "Zhengzhou, you have done very well. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have been able to come back."

"It's alright, we can rebuild here gradually. I believe the palace will surely regain its former glory."

The emperor and empress dowager were not the only ones who shared the same idea.

The princes and nobles who had finally returned to the capital looked at their empty storehouses and couldn't help but cry out to the heavens.

Why is God treating them like this?!

This is so unfair!

So much stuff, the belongings of generations, all of it was stolen!

If only we had taken back the capital sooner!

The loss certainly couldn't be that great!

Yan Zhengzhou's subordinate looked at his bleeding shoulder and couldn't help but say, "Sir, please stop."

His subordinates didn't even know what he meant by "stop worrying about it."

But then the general said, "Write a memorial requesting to return to Yisong County, Guangyue Prefecture."

It's been a year.

I wonder how Gaoqing Prefecture has developed.

He always felt uneasy.

If Su Qing hadn't been forcibly placed in the position of prefect...

Everything will only get worse.

Yan Zhengzhou sighed.

He knew all too well that appointing Su Qing to the position of prefect at that time was not for her own good.

On the contrary, it's a hassle.

Although she wasn't afraid, she did have ulterior motives.

"My lord, your injuries have not yet healed." His subordinate disagreed.

Yan Zhengzhou's expression remained icy: "We must go back."

Su Qing and Yan Xieshou were indeed waiting for Yan Zhengzhou to return.

His military prowess goes without saying.

He was the only one who could stand against the Martial Prince.

However, three days have passed since Yan Zhengzhou submitted his memorial, and there has been no reply yet.

The Emperor's attitude was also ambiguous.

As if he couldn't make up his mind, he said, "My brother's injuries have not yet healed, so it is not advisable for him to travel long distances. Let's wait until his injuries are better before making a decision."

Yan Zhengzhou said directly, "Gao Qingzhou is eyeing us covetously."

The Emperor waved his hand dismissively: "You have already suppressed the arrogance of the rebels. Nothing has happened in the past year, has it? There's no rush."

Before Yan Zhengzhou could say anything more, he was assigned many tasks.

The task was to restore the streets of the capital, crack down on scattered rebels and deserters in the suburbs, and maintain order in the capital.

When Su Qing received these messages, her brows furrowed so deeply that she could hardly open them.

She didn't see wrong, did she?!

Why should the general be made to do these things?

If it's truly a case of recuperation, shouldn't one do absolutely nothing?!

The clerk asked, "What exactly does Your Majesty mean by this?"

Fei Kaiyu remained silent.

In truth, both of them knew it.

As expected, Lord Su said directly, "His Majesty does not want the General to leave the capital."

Why? !

It's highly likely they were terrified by the rebels entering the city.

Therefore, it is necessary to keep this war god by one's side to protect one's safety.

"Why should we?!" Fei Kaiyu immediately retorted, "The people of the imperial family in the capital are people, but what about the Guangyuefu?!"

Knowing the danger here, why won't you let the general come?

This won't do.

Su Qing sensed something was wrong and contacted Yan Xieshou.

As expected, Yan Xieshou knew more about the situation.

Not to mention the Emperor and Empress Dowager, any large family in the capital would not want the general to leave.

The reasons are also perfectly valid.

The capital city is not out of danger yet.

The rebels could re-enter the city at any time, and bandits roam the area outside; they desperately need protection.

Not only can the general not leave, but the 100,000 troops he brought must also be stationed nearby and absolutely cannot leave.

As for feeding and drinking 100,000 people?

It is still supplied locally.

The imperial court is temporarily out of money; this time, it's truly out of money.

After reading the letter, Su Qing, who was already hesitant to speak, now really wanted to curse.

But fate is unpredictable.

Yan Xieshou's letter arrived not long ago.

Meanwhile, troops were being assembled in Gaoqing Prefecture.

During the year, they were not idle; they recruited soldiers, stockpiled grain, and stored land.

They could even incite rebellions in other places.

The enemy's ability to act is remarkable.

Let's take a look at their ability to act.

No wonder Prince Wuyong was able to acquire so much land before Yan Zhengzhou came out.

If it weren't for this prince's excessively cruel actions, allowing his men to slaughter the common people...

She thought the opposite was a good thing.

Of course, that's absolutely not possible right now.

The imperial court is no good.

This prince is no good person either.

All Su Qing could do was to have his subordinates reclaim as much wasteland as possible.

Each county organized its militia, and those with spare capacity built defensive fortifications.

And weapons workshops, working day and night.

The prefectural school will not take him into consideration for the time being.

Even this year's imperial examination for children, Su Qing did not participate much.

Having heard that Nanjiang County still produced many scholars, she only glanced at the list before sending everyone back.

Most people did not understand the coldness of Prefect Su.

However, the prominent families of Guangyuefu, led by the Hua family, were awakened.

Everyone has their own channels.

Although he knew less about the things than Su Qing, he understood everything he needed to understand.

Therefore, Su Qing asked the Hua family to take the lead in organizing all the families in the prefecture to donate money for the garrison. Although Master Hua was not satisfied, he still nodded.

Not only the prefectural city, but also the wealthy families in the remaining seventeen counties could not escape responsibility.

Moreover, it only requires the money of wealthy families, without touching a single penny of the money of ordinary people.

The purpose, of course, was to supply the garrison.

Su Qing had previously investigated officials in various counties several times, placing his own people in their positions.

Therefore, things went smoothly in this matter.

Silver was sent to the government office, then to the weapons workshop, and finally transformed into weapons and armor to be sent to the front lines.

Meanwhile, Prince Wuyong's forces have been assembled.

He was anxious too.

He had to capture Guangle Prefecture as soon as possible before his good nephew Yan Zhengzhou returned.

The fiefdom is now quite barren.

If we control Guangyuefu, we can control this canal.

He could then fight his way all the way to Jiangnan.

Back in the first year of Yongsheng, he almost succeeded by missing a crucial step.

But Yan Zhengzhou was indeed a remarkable commander.

They kept him under control for several years and beat him so badly he almost surrendered.

If it weren't for his trusted confidants in Yizhou...

Meanwhile, the generals on the other side were also being suppressed by the imperial court to the point of wishing they were dead.

They wouldn't act rashly and attack the capital.

He originally intended to use a diversionary tactic to lure the cowardly nobles and officials away from Yan Zhengzhou, thus giving himself some breathing room.

Unexpectedly, they actually managed to capture the capital.

I also bought myself a year.

This time.

He will surely raze Guangyuefu to the ground.

I heard that the current prefect of Guangyue Prefecture is actually a woman.

She was the daughter of the magistrate of Nanjiang County.

I have some impression of him.

He refused to reveal where the stored grain was, forcing him to kill someone.

I can kill him, and I can kill his daughter.

It would be best to send them down to reunite as a family.

Prince Wu Yong didn't think much of it.

Instead, they were studying Yan Xieshou.

This man is somewhat skilled at defending the city, but otherwise he's just average.

Yan Zhengzhou had no one else to rely on, so he had to send him to guard the area.

There are so many counties along the way in the Guangyuefu.

Did he really head straight for Yisong County?

That's ridiculous.

Prince Wu Yong looked towards Shunchang Kingdom and said to his men, "If you conquer any county in Guangle Prefecture, I will give you three days. I will not interfere in any of your affairs."

"Women or treasure, it's up to you."

"You have three days. Go and get whatever you want!"

Gao Qingbing, who had suffered for several years, immediately became excited.

OK!

I've heard that Guangyuefu is doing very well!

They're sure to make a fortune!

They want all the women, treasures, and food!

"Charge into the Guangyue Mansion!"

"rush!"

The fourth year of Yongsheng, the sixth day of the fourth month.

Su Qing, a resident of Guangle Prefecture, suddenly awoke.

It started raining heavily outside, which made her feel uneasy.

In fact, she hadn't had a good night's sleep in a long time.

I've always served as the prefect here.

Then, after hearing that the general wasn't coming.

Her heart was never at peace.

And this day proved her point.

Suddenly someone rushed in to report.

It's military intelligence again.

"The Martial Prince is currently outside Wuzhai County!"

The rebels did not launch a main attack on Yisong County, but instead feigned an attack while their main force bypassed the original route and headed east towards Wuzhai County.

Su Qing immediately stood up.

Wuzhai County?

Wuzhai County is right next to Jiangbei County.

Jiangbei County is separated by a river.

That is Nanjiang County.

"Oh no, they're trying to cross the river."

The attack on Wuzhai County was a hoax.

The real goal is to cross the river and seize Nanjiang County, which has boats and ferry crossings.

They occupied Nanjiang County.

The entire Guangyue Prefecture followed his attack.

Wherever the rebels storm, it's a riot, no less than a natural disaster.

Without hesitation, Su Qing immediately said, "Prepare the horses, quickly."

"I'm going to Nanjiang County."

You're going to Nanjiang County?!

Mei Niang, who rushed over upon hearing the news, was the first to disagree.

But Su Qing shook her head: "Mother, I have to go."

Nanjiang County must be defended.

That place wasn't just where she served as county magistrate.

There were also countless supplies.

food.

drug.

There were even well-trained medical staff.

Su Qing's eyes widened.

So that's what it is.

The valiant prince was determined to cross the river no matter what.

That's why.

She has to go.

Before dawn, Su Qing entrusted the prefectural office to Registrar Luo and Registrar Wu.

He then led Fei Kaiyu, Zhu Shuli, and Wu Butou to Nanjiang County.

Mei Niang watched her daughter's retreating figure and silently shed tears.

Four years ago, she watched her husband's back like this.

Four years have passed, and it's still the same.

Everyone knows that the prefect doesn't need to go to the front lines.

If the previous prefect encountered such a situation, he could simply run away.

But Prefect Su went in the opposite direction.

She was determined to protect the people here, without hesitation.