Chapter 128: Counterattack Wait for Me to Come Back

Winter snow swept across Kyoto City madly in the first month of the year. Snow shovels were shoveling snow on the streets all day long. Yansheng Hall was bustling with people every night. In the shadows of the snowy night, figures could sometimes be seen reflected in the window. The desks, writing desks, low couches, and windowsills were all covered with the sticky residue left by the love affair.

Kyoto had a peaceful New Year. After the Lantern Festival, urgent news from the northwest reached the capital. The documents from the six ministries piled up like a mountain. Cheng Xianzhi was unable to handle them all. Lu Tingwan rushed to various palaces and courtyards. She walked in the palace corridor with a chatterbox, followed by the head of the six bureaus of the Shanggong. As the head of the female officials in the harem, she was responsible for all the details.

The discussion in Hanzhang Palace was difficult to decide. Empress Dowager Jiang had a headache again. The little emperor couldn't understand and was dozing off. All the officials were hesitant to speak.

There was calculation in Jiang Haiyi's eyes, and Cheng Xianzhi stood at the head of the group. On New Year's Eve, the Turks invaded, and the northwest troops were unable to resist. The city gates were defended for half a month before the petition for troops was sent to Kyoto.

The capital's 20,000-strong Imperial Guards were there to defend the imperial city. It would have been feasible to call on troops from the Ministry of War, but Jiang Haiyi still had 50,000 troops stranded in the capital, and they would soon return to Shanhaiguan.

If troops were sent there now, and the Jiang Party showed signs of rebellion, Kyoto would undoubtedly be in their hands. The emperor was young and inexperienced, and although the situation seemed calm, there were actually undercurrents.

The court was deadlocked. The little emperor was so sleepy that he fell asleep and couldn't make up his mind. Queen Mother Jiang had no intention of sending troops. Was this to leave the northwest to fend for itself?

Lu Tingwan came out of Guangling Palace. Cheng Xianzhi stood under the palace eaves, with his hands behind his back, looking at the rising morning sun in the distance. After seeing her, the gloom of the court meeting disappeared, and his eyes were filled with tenderness.

"Has the emperor gone to bed?"

"Yeah." Lu Tingwan glanced around. The eunuchs and palace maids all lowered their heads and leaned against the stone pillars. Lu Tingwan walked closer to him, revealing her slender fingers from under her palace dress, and took the initiative to search for the palm hidden under the wide sleeves.

Cheng Xianzhi felt her warmth and his eyes narrowed, becoming unspeakably gentle. "Ah Wan, stay with me for a while."

He knew that Lu Tingwan would return to Jinhua Palace after finishing her work in Guangling Palace, and they would not have much time to spend together. If he wanted her to leave the palace completely, there was only one way, but if she left the palace, would she stay in Yansheng Hall forever?

His long arms went around his waist, holding the body close to him in his arms. Lu Tingwan looked around and lowered his voice.

"The northwest has been turbulent recently, and the soldiers haven't had a good New Year. Why didn't the court mention the issue of increasing troops? The Turks must have other intentions by sending troops at this time."

"Ah Wan also knows," Cheng Xianzhi straightened her hairpin, "Of course we need to increase the number of troops in the northwest, but how, how many, and when are the key issues."

"The first month of the year has ended, and Duke Jiang is also going to set off to return to Shanhaiguan. But now that the Lantern Festival is over, the court and the Ministry of War have not mentioned this matter. Are you worried that something has happened?" Lu Tingwan guessed something. Jiang Haiyi has been coming to Jinhua Palace more often recently, and whenever he discusses with the empress dowager, he does not allow anyone to accompany him.

Cheng Xianzhi thought for a long time, not wanting her to worry, so he said, "Ah Wan, if you don't need to stay in Jinhua Palace any longer, come back to Yansheng Hall with me someday, okay?"

His dark eyes were clear and sincere. Lu Tingwan nodded vaguely. Cheng Xianzhi felt relieved after receiving the response, and the burden on his shoulders seemed to be lighter.

The two of them stood in the wind for a long time. Lu Tingwan had important matters of her own, and Cheng Xianzhi was also busy, so she took the lead and said, "I should go back."

Not long after Lu Tingwan left, Cheng Xianzhi was about to go to the Six Ministries and gave Han Zhou some instructions.

"Han Zhou, go to Fenglin Lane." Cheng Xianzhi said in a steady voice, "Also, send people to keep a close eye on the movements outside the capital. The Imperial Guards will change their shifts from three days to daily, and no public announcements are allowed."

"yes."

"Have we received any reply from the spies we sent to the northwest?"

"As Your Excellency predicted, the war situation in the northwest is urgent. Xie Zhao led the garrison in Huangsha for many days. The military pay can only last for a month at most. Shanhaiguan is calm."

"Send another letter to the prefect of Guanzhou." That was an order to increase troops, and the document needed to be drafted by the Minister of the Central Secretariat before the troops could be dispatched.

In an emergency, Cheng Xianzhi had to go against the rules and wait for the court to discuss it before sending reinforcements. The northwest might not be able to hold out until then. Guanzhou transferred troops from the rear of several northwestern cities to the border battlefield, avoiding the eyes of the Turks. Neither Jiang Haiyi nor the Turks could have imagined that even if Dalan sent reinforcements, it would not choose Guanzhou, the farthest from the battlefield, to borrow troops, so it was caught off guard.

In Jinhua Palace, Jiang Haiyi came out of the inner hall and happened to see Lu Tingwan who had returned. Lu Tingwan bowed respectfully. Jiang Haiyi stayed for a moment. He was the person who would not talk much to her even if they met in the past, but today, for some reason, he did not know what was wrong.

Jiang Haiyi looked at him and said, "Palace Master Lu? He looks somewhat similar to Lu Pushe."

"My Lord, it has been said since ancient times that daughters follow their fathers."

"It's both similar and not similar." Duke Jiang's words had a hidden meaning. Lu Tingwan didn't understand what he meant, but he didn't show any fear.

"Lu Pushe is a man of foresight, but he is no match for his daughter. He has his own decisions to make."

"Second Young Master Jiang, my brother-in-law," Lu Tingwan said, "is not as decisive and forgiving as the Duke. Otherwise, how could he have been unable to forget my sister's death for so long? I wonder if my brother-in-law is doing better?"

Duke Jiang's face was ashen. His two sons, one literary and one military, had once been the heyday of the Jiang family, but unfortunately, one went mad and the other died.

Jiang Haiyi snorted coldly and left with his sleeves shaking. Lu Tingwan stared at his back. The Lu family was raided for no reason. There was solid evidence in the case file, but how did the evidence get out? She pondered for a moment and stepped into Jinhua Palace.

Queen Mother Jiang took off her court attire and looked a little tired. "Your Majesty, have you rested?"

"Your Majesty, His Majesty is young and gets up before dawn every day to attend to state affairs. He must be sleeping soundly now." Lu Tingwan thought of the child on the dragon couch in Guangling Palace and felt distressed.

"What do you think about sending more troops in response to the Turkic invasion?" asked Queen Mother Jiang.

"The northwest has limited military strength. The main Turkic army was originally outside Shanhaiguan. They suddenly bypassed Shanhaiguan and traveled thousands of miles to the northwest. This must have been premeditated. At this time, the Turkic forces in Shanhaiguan are weak. They are not afraid of Dalan's offensive. There is something strange about this." Lu Tingwan massaged Queen Mother Jiang's back.

"So, in your opinion, should we send more troops to the northwest right now?"

Lu Tingwan's face showed a half-understanding. "The reinforcement of troops in the northwest must be urgent, but the Queen Mother didn't mention it, and the other court officials also kept their troops on hold. Tingwan couldn't figure out the reason."

If the imperial court sent more troops, the capital would be left empty-handed. If those holding heavy military power intended to rebel and force the emperor to abdicate, the capital would be handed over to others, and the imperial power would change hands. If Shanhaiguan sent troops to attack the Turks at this time, they were afraid that the Turks would be prepared, plunging Dalan into internal and external troubles.

There is only one way, that is for Jiang Haiyi to lead the troops back to Shanhaiguan first, and the Ministry of War will then reinforce the northwest.

Otherwise, Cheng Xianzhi would definitely not send reinforcements from Kyoto, giving Jiang Haiyi an opportunity to take advantage of. The emperor is young and does not care about state affairs, so he must be extremely cautious. If he makes a mistake, he will be doomed.

Queen Mother Jiang smiled narrowly, "You are intelligent and clever, and the government affairs are complicated. It is understandable that you cannot understand it. If it were you, what would you do?"

"The war in the northwest is urgent right now. If the Turks break through the city, the first to bear the brunt will be the people behind the city. It is of course the most important thing to solve the current difficulties." She is not the one who manipulates the situation. If she ignores the forces of several parties, there will naturally be no problem with this move.

Queen Mother Jiang accepted Jiang Haiyi's proposal, which required that after the army entered the city, she help him open the southeast gate, let the army into the palace, and use the emperor to command the princes. Queen Mother Jiang would sit behind him and naturally be the coercer.

After Gongsun Yan ascended the throne, she remained the Empress Dowager, ruling from behind the scenes. The Jiang family had eradicated the dissident faction, and its prosperity remained intact, which was naturally the best thing.

"My opinion coincides with yours." Queen Mother Jiang said slowly.

The next day in Hanzhang Palace, Queen Mother Jiang suggested that Kyoto send reinforcements and Shanhaiguan should strengthen its defenses to prevent a sudden invasion by the Turks and repeat the same fate in the northwest.

No one in the court objected, so Cheng Xianzhi agreed with a glance, and ordered the Minister of the Central Secretariat and the Ministry of Chancellery to draft the documents for the uprising, and the army was ready to go.

It had been two days since they arrived in Binzhou. The capital was unusually quiet, and Cheng Xianzhi's journey between the six ministries and the imperial palace was no different from the past.

The troops sent out should have arrived in the northwest by now, and the army that had originally left the city for Shanhaiguan arrived at the gates of the city after nightfall, their black armor reflected in the firelight.

Han Zhou reported the military situation, "Sir, as you expected, Jiang Haiyi has returned. The guards at the southeast gate of the palace opened the gate, and he has already entered the palace."

Cheng Xianzhi looked calm as he sat at his desk and wrote. Han Zhou held his breath and waited for a moment, feeling anxious but not rushing him.

"Send this transfer letter to Jingzhao Prefecture."

"The palace has already been defended, and Han Jinzhang is in the imperial guards, so the emperor will be fine for the time being." Han Zhou said after accepting it.

The winter in Kyoto has not yet gone away. There are some white flakes mixed in the cold wind, and it is snowing again.

Cheng Xianzhi stood up, placing a long sword behind him, the blade's light reflecting the candlelight. "I promised the late emperor that I would protect the young emperor and secure his throne. Whether I can keep my promise depends on tonight."

The cold wind blew in through the window. Han Zhou saw that he looked normal, and he felt as happy as if he were going to fight the enemy. "Then Han Zhou will go for you first."

The rebels entered the city gates without being stopped by the guards. Jiang Haiyi held the document of release from the Minister of the Central Secretariat. On Suzaku Street, Jiang Haiyi stood on horseback, spear in hand. The bluestone slabs were covered with a layer of white frost, and the soldiers' armor was white.

A cold figure appeared from the dark alley. There was no moon tonight, and the man was like the bright moon. His expression showed no emotion, except for the sword in his hand, slung at his waist, and the black armor on his body reflecting the firelight.

"Duke Jiang, the road to Shanhaiguan is the way back." Cheng Xianzhi said grimly.

"What are you talking about, Minister Cheng? I'm on the right track." Jiang Haiyi didn't show any shock, he just took out the letter of release.

With the letter of release, it was natural for him to enter the capital, and those who blocked him were the dissidents.

Cheng Xianzhi's fingers clenched the reins, "Is it the right path or a dead end? The Duke can't tell!"

Snow fell on his long sword. Cheng Xianzhi snorted lightly, "This release letter was approved by the Minister of the Central Secretariat for the Duke long ago. I just don't know how honored the Duke is to have given the Minister of the Central Secretariat. He is willing to sacrifice his reputation as a veteran of three dynasties to confront the Duke."

"I have to thank Minister Cheng for the unborn child he left behind." Duke Jiang raised his spear and pointed it forward. "Tonight, anyone who stands in my way will die!"

Cheng Xianzhi understood clearly. As expected, Jiang Haiyi and Gongsun Yin were going to restore the puppet emperor to the throne. "If you allow Gongsun Yin to let his grandson sit on the throne, then he will be the emperor's tutor with the final say."

Jiang Haiyi looked very proud, as if he was sure of victory.

"Jiang Qing died and died at Shanhaiguan. The Duke personally beheaded him, sending his young son to his doom. The Second Young Master also went insane for years because of his first wife. Ultimately, it was all due to imperial power. Is the Duke really willing to support a child emperor? I'm afraid there's more to this scheme than just this."

"What does it matter how great your military achievements are? You still have to obey the imperial decree. Is what Cheng said correct?"

"Minister Cheng sees it clearly, yet is he willing to support a young boy as emperor?"

"Gongsun Yin, do you know that you used the documents approved by him as the Minister of the Central Secretariat to use this child as a delaying tactic to form a temporary alliance, but in fact, you only fulfilled your own overwhelming ambition. You wanted to become emperor, but did Queen Mother Jiang know?"

Jiang Haiyi sneered, "As expected of you, Minister Cheng. Gongsun Yin is right. You are a great talent. If you can show some understanding and withdraw these troops, I will still consider your talent and grant you a position in Kyoto."

"Thank you for your kindness, Duke. I'm afraid that I am not worthy of the promise made by this traitor who is plotting to usurp the throne." Cheng Xianzhi's eyes fixed and he drew his sword. As he did so, archers on the two buildings on the street drew their bows and gathered strength until their swords were unsheathed, and then a volley of arrows was shot towards the rebels.

Jiang Haiyi is also a veteran who has fought on the battlefield for decades and has experienced hundreds of battles. The army immediately used shields for protection.

"If you wish to enter Suzaku Street tonight, you must step over my corpse."

The thunder of war drums, mingled with the solemn roar of killing on the wind, filled the long streets with murderous intent. The two armies were in strict formation, the roar of horses' hooves echoed like thunder, and the air was filled with the smell of blood.

The north wind whistled past, and sharp spears and arrows scraped across the soldiers' cheeks. Suzaku Street was engulfed in the tension of fighting.

The firelight made the armor look particularly shiny. Cheng Xianzhi's eyes were as sharp as knives as he ordered the army to form a battle line.

The archers on the buildings on both sides withdrew, and the imperial guards rushed into the camp.

The armor was like a forest, the shields like a wall. The rebels, clad in black armor and holding sharp swords, glanced coldly at the other side with eagle-like eyes.

Archers on both sides drew their bows once again, their arrows raining down like raindrops, their eyes filled with murderous intent. Jiang Haiyi ordered his men to break out of the encirclement and disrupt Cheng Xianzhi's plans.

At a single command, the two armies charged forward like unbridled beasts, the air on the battlefield instantly freezing. Splashing snow shattered onto armor, and the warhorses neighed.

The rebels swept in like a strong wind from the north, disturbing the hidden tranquility of Kyoto City. The imperial guards roared, gripped their swords tightly, and charged forward with all their might.

The sound of the sword colliding with the iron shield was deafening, the blade tore through the air, and blood splattered everywhere.

The sound of fighting on the long street was like thunder piercing the snowy night. Arrows hit the shields with metallic clanging sounds. Many arrows penetrated the shield formation and shot into the armor of the rebels.

The blood washed the snow, wailing and screaming penetrated the houses, and the people closed their doors.

Cheng Xianzhi blocked Jiang Haiyi's falling spear with the sword in his hand. The 30,000 rebel troops rushed in like an iron wall, pressing forward.

There were 20,000 imperial guards, 10,000 of whom intercepted at Suzaku Street and 10,000 stayed to guard the palace.

The horse's hooves crushed the snow into the cracks of the rocks. He swung the long sword in his hand like the wind, with flashes of swords and shadows, and the sound of collisions continued. The sound almost shook the palace.

The rebels who broke in from the southeast gate massacred people in various palaces. The news of the rebels breaking into the palace spread to all palaces and courtyards. Lu Tingwan was waiting for Li Hongzhi to rest in Guangling Palace and was about to return to Jinhua Palace to report when the news of the rebels entering the city came in.

She lifted up the apricot-colored fox fur coat she was wearing and took out the jade pendant from her neck.

"If one day the imperial city falls, the jade bamboo pendant I gave you can protect you." This was what Cheng Xianzhi told her in front of Guangling Palace that day.

"The Third Battalion is no longer the same Third Battalion it once was. Is it appropriate for me to use this jade pendant again?"

Every time he made love with her, when she was naked, he would only wear this green jade pendant. The whole pink and white body had only a touch of his color. Cheng Xianzhi held the jade pendant warmed by her body heat, "If I say yes, then it's yes!"

"Yeah." Lu Tingwan responded to his firmness, as if except for agreeing to divorce her, he had never broken his promise.

The wind blew her hair, and it fell into Cheng Xianzhi's palm. He was very gentle: "Are you scared?"

Lu Tingwan shook his head.

"Wait for me to pick you up!" Cheng Xianzhi let the strand of hair fall back and smoothed the hair on his forehead. Under the palace wall, there were two figures leaning against each other, blocking the murderous north wind.

In the dark night, the wind blew up the hem of his clothes. Lu Tingwan peeked into the darkness and said, "Come out."

Two rows of imperial guards appeared behind the Guangling Palace. The leader was a sturdy man, and the darkness obscured his originally bronze skin color.

"You all swear to defend Guangling Palace to the death tonight." Lu Tingwan held the jade pendant in his hand, and the two pieces combined together formed a transfer order.

"Yes!" The sword brushed against the armor, making a deafening sound.

"Xie Zhao!" Lu Tingwan's voice pierced the darkness. "Lead the three battalions of imperial guards to strangle the traitors in the palace!"

"Yes!" The palace lantern shone on the deep outline, and the figure was stretched out!

As early as after the troops from Guanzhou reinforced the northwest, Cheng Xianzhi summoned Xie Zhao to return to Beijing secretly. Jiang Haiyi was able to instigate the Turks to attack the northwest fortress, so he undoubtedly provided military pay and supplies, which Cheng Xianzhi could also provide!

The Turks in the northwest did not withdraw their troops, but they did not let the entire northwest fall. The troops left behind were just a cover-up. The reinforcements sent to Shanhaiguan secretly returned to Kyoto with Jiang Haiyi!

At this moment in Zhuque Street, Jiang Haiyi had already been attacked from all sides!

Outside the Zhongshu Ling's residence, the people from Jingzhao Prefecture had already surrounded them tightly. A cold light swept over Gongsun Yin, but Han Zhou remained polite. "Zhongshu Ling, my master has asked me to tell you something: Seeking the skin of a tiger is not a good idea. Your master's dream of being the emperor's tutor will be shattered after tonight!"

Gongsun Yin's lips twitched, and his fists trembled. "Hahaha, hahaha, Cheng Xianzhi, what a great disciple!"

"My Lord also asked me to tell you that you chose him as your disciple and promised your daughter to him as your wife. My Lord is grateful for your kindness."

Han Zhou was spinning a hidden weapon in his hand, and tiny arrowheads fell in the firelight, and the snow fell even heavier.

"This is a gift that the master asked me to send. He also said that if he doesn't die in the assassination outside the capital, he will definitely repay me in the future. Our relationship as master and disciple has ended now." Gongsun Yin saw the familiar hidden weapon and hesitated to speak.

"Gongsun Jie was colluding with the Turks in the northwest and was executed on the spot by Xie Zhao. The Minister of the Central Secretariat, please go with Jingzhao Prefecture. My master is waiting in Hanzhang Palace!"