Chapter 410 No luck, all depends on strength (asking for monthly votes)
Before this, Luo Guanlin had never thought that one day he would feel so relieved for Chang Suining's striving for honor, or even feel so relieved.
But at this juncture, he did not have time to reflect on his inner changes.
Hearing this rather sarcastic remark, the officials could not utter a single word of rebuttal, nor did they dare to show their strange expressions on the surface. They could only echo against their will, "That's right! Such a great victory should be reported to the capital as soon as possible and presented to the emperor!"
But they still couldn't figure out how such a victory was achieved.
Noticing the officials' confusion, Wang Yue stroked his goatee, a hint of pride showing on his brows, "Can't figure it out, right?"
It’s right that he can’t think of it. Even he, one of their own, can’t think of it. How can a group of outsiders think of it!
Although he seemed quite proud at the moment, it was actually like a dream. However, his beard had already proved it for him - he secretly pulled out two hairs of his beard, and he grimaced in pain!
"Such good news must be reported to Mr. Yu as soon as possible!" An official asked someone to invite Yu Zeng to come over under this pretext.
They still had doubts about this unexpected victory news, but they did not dare to express their doubts easily, so they wanted to ask Yu Zeng to come forward to further confirm the matter.
However, there was no need to wait for Yu Zeng to come. They only heard the retainer of the governor's mansion couldn't help asking, "Tell me quickly, how did you win this battle?"
The person asking the questions was Wang Yue, who had sacrificed two of his personal beards.
He is so curious!
Yao Ran asked the yamen runner to hand the soldier who brought the news a large bowl of warm tea to moisten his throat first.
The soldier took the tea and gulped it down, while his mind had already begun to make drastic preparations without stopping.
He was not a sailor returning from the sea to report the victory. The sailors who had just arrived at the military camp were "intercepted" by them. They had not contributed much to the battle at sea. If they could not even run errands and report the victory, wouldn't they have no sense of existence in this battle? Therefore, the sailors were forced to stay in the army to recuperate and rest.
But their days were obviously destined to be "not easy". Countless comrades asked them about the battle, and the military tents were almost crowded to bursting. Although they recovered from their injuries, their mouths were also covered with sores.
The soldier who was drinking water at this moment had naturally heard the story of the battle long ago. He held the empty bowl, wiped his mouth, and began to repeat it vividly.
Yu Zengben was on his way after hearing the news. When he arrived, he heard the soldier saying, "...General Chang was righteous. In order to get the captives back, he had to come out and compete with Fujiwara Maro. Who knew that Fujiwara, the bastard, repeatedly used insidious tricks, causing General Chang to be seriously injured. Then he went back on his word and suddenly mobilized his troops!"
"When the situation was critical, fortunately the commander rushed back from the Runzhou defense line in time and stabilized the morale of the troops!"
Until now, the army still believed that Chang Suining went to Runzhou to provide assistance, and then returned to the Jiangdu defense line. However, they did not know that she was returning from Xingzhou at that time. That way back was ten times more dangerous than the way from Runzhou.
"The commander-in-chief used his troops like a god. He quickly stabilized the situation and did not allow the Japanese army to advance even a little bit!"
The soldier's voice got louder as he spoke: "...After the Japanese army was exhausted from the battle, the commander suddenly ordered us to create a huge smoke screen over the sea, which made the Japanese army unable to see and thus disrupted their formation!"
"A huge cloud of smoke..." Yu Zeng's eyebrows moved slightly: "What do you use to make the smoke? Burn wet straw?"
This move may be useful when defending a city, but if used in naval battles, it lacks flexibility and is greatly affected by wind direction. It is difficult to cause large-scale and precise strikes on the enemy.
"Not only that!" The soldiers were full of pride: "Our commander-in-chief has people use gunpowder to make something that can burn smoke in water... They say it's called 'Chiyou's Divine Smoke'!"
The name "Chiyou Shenyan" is an extension of Yuanxiang's saying that it is Chiyou's reincarnation.
"Chiyou Divine Smoke? What a good name, what a good name!" Wang Yue was amazed.
Then the soldier said, "Not only is there the Chiyou Divine Smoke, but the commander's craftsmen have also created a double-acting bellows. It is said that the wind power of this bellows is far greater than that of ordinary bellows. In this battle, the strong wind used to propel the smoke screen was created by two hundred bellows!"
Wang Yue was almost dumbfounded, and said in a daze: "The fog is made, and the wind is also made?"
What is this called? His master won this battle without any luck, but only by strength!
Yu Zeng's eyes moved slightly. So... Sui Ning, that girl, not only used gunpowder to create new weapons, but also improved the bellows? In this way, he could understand why she was able to win so much in this battle.
She has enough in her hands to achieve victory by surprise, and she chooses to release them in the most crucial battles to exert the greatest power... What is revealed behind this is her composure and strategy.
Hearing this, Luo Guanlin's mind was also turning. The bellows were not weapons, but they were related to the art of smelting. If there were major improvements, would it mean that her smelting workshop would also be able to create "artifacts" that others could not? Compared to the "Chiyou Divine Smoke" that was first released, Luo Guanlin believed that this new type of bellows might be more useful and more significant!
The soldier had laid the groundwork so far, and the rest of the great victory was almost a natural progression.
"Then the commander ordered an attack with fire ships and rockets. When the Japanese army was almost powerless to respond, our army attacked in one fell swoop!"
"I heard that when our army was killing the enemy, the reinforcements from Runzhou also arrived in time. Together, they fought for a whole night and killed more than 30,000 Japanese soldiers!"
“…”
After repeating this, the imperial envoys could no longer raise any doubts.
With unknown mixed feelings, one of them sighed, "God blesses the people of Dasheng!"
Listening to this silent transfer of merit, Luo Guanlin sneered in his heart and said, "If it is all God's favor, why do our soldiers need to use bellows to create wind? The way of heaven is constant, and it is important for people to save themselves and respect themselves."
The official's face froze: "...If you like to scold people so much, wouldn't it be a waste of talent to be just a small retainer? If you really have the ability, why don't you take the exam to become an imperial censor in the capital!"
In a tense atmosphere, Yu Zeng spoke and asked about Chang Kuo's current situation.
The soldier replied: "General Chang is seriously injured and unconscious, but fortunately his life is not in danger for the time being."
Yu Zengwei nodded and felt relieved.
Personally, he did not want to see Chang Kuo and the girl get into trouble. Publicly, he came here on the orders of the emperor, and did not want to see Jiangdu fall.
He is different from these officials who have their own masters behind the scenes - at least, he is different when it comes to this matter.
It was at this time that he vaguely understood the intention of the saint. The saint seemed to believe that Jiangdu would not be lost, so he allowed these officials with different thoughts to accompany him...
But why did the saint believe so firmly? Who did the saint believe in?
The girl's familiar yet unfamiliar face flashed in Yu Zeng's mind almost immediately.
——Why? He has asked this question in his heart countless times.
There are so many "whys" about her.
Maybe he should meet her and seek answers in person.
But before that, he might need to think about another question first... Since the sage firmly believed that Jiangdu would not fail, why did he send him out of the capital? Was it just to comply with the suggestions of the officials, or was there another purpose? So, this day is finally coming, right?
Yu Zengwei raised his head, his pair of phoenix eyes showing no emotion as he looked into the silent night outside the hall.
Since the Japanese army invaded with heavy forces, everyone in Jiangdu City has been in danger. Although there is no curfew, most people close their doors after dark and dare not go out.
But tonight, this anxious silence was suddenly broken by the sound of a gong.
Along with the loud gong sounds, there were also the voices of the governor's servants announcing victory: "Great victory at Huangshuiyang!"
"The governor led his troops and killed tens of thousands of Japanese soldiers in one fell swoop!"
"The Japanese army was defeated and retreated!"
"Our army has won a great victory!"
"Big victory!"
“…”
The yamen runners walked through the streets and alleys, and wherever they went, lights were lit up one after another.
Meng Lie, who had been living in the other courtyard for the past two days, immediately threw off his quilt when he heard the sound and walked outside in his slippers.
“——Bang!”
Yao Ran struck the gong heavily in her hand. The sound of the gong vibrated, and her voice was clear and powerful: "Our army has won a great victory. Jiangdu can be at peace!"
She, Li Tong, Yuan Miao and others rode in a carriage. When they passed Wueryuan, she got off the carriage and rang the gong to announce the news.
Normally, she didn't need to do such things personally, and she had never been one to like joining in the fun, but when Li Tong mentioned going to the city to report the news, she was the first to follow.
At this point, Yao Ran's agitated emotions were still not calmed down. To put it simply, when the good news came back tonight, in front of those so-called imperial envoys, she even felt proud.
Although the master has not returned, he has already crushed those arrogant taunts and left no chance for anyone to extend his claws to Jiangdu.
She thought again, how could there be people like adults in this world?
How could she be so worthy of following such a person? Yao Ran struck the gong again, and the sound made the corners of her eyes red.
All the teachers and students in Wueryuan put on their robes and held lamps and stood up.
It was a dark night, but there was a lot of noise everywhere. Among those students, there were many female faces. Many of them gathered around Yao Ran and asked her to confirm the matter.
Some young students almost covered their faces and cried, but it was because they were happy and relieved.
Recently, people in the academy have been in a panic. Some classmates have even packed up and fled, fearing that the Japanese army will attack. They are all trying to avoid disaster in advance, and they call this "a gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall."
The director and teachers did not severely reprimand or stop this, but only made a public statement that anyone who left the academy without permission would be regarded as dropping out of school and would not be allowed to study at Wuer Academy again.
Fortunately, they took the literati's dignity into consideration and did not run after them... This shows that it is beneficial for people to have some dignity!
It is expected that in the future, it will become increasingly difficult to get into Wuer Hospital... Let those who ran away cry far away with a belly full of regret!
The students were so excited that they spontaneously went to various places in the city to loudly announce the victory.
"With the help of Governor Chang and his soldiers, we can protect Jiangdu with our lives. From now on, the crisis will be over!"
They ran around to tell each other, shouting all the way.
The minds of literati are very sensitive, and this can be regarded as surviving a disaster together with Jiangdu. After this night, they are destined to develop a deeper bond and belonging to the land beneath their feet.
The lights in the city became brighter and brighter, as if it were daytime.
It is freezing cold in early winter, but no one has time to experience this insignificant cold.
The people cheered and banged their pots, just to let more people know the good news.
"Mother... is the Tengu here?"
A little girl was awakened from her sleep, and clutched the corner of her mother's clothes anxiously, following her mother out of the yard.
"No, the heavenly dog left." Qiao Niang suppressed the tears in her eyes and said, "No, the heavenly dog was chased away and killed, and it dares not come again."
"Who is so powerful that he can even kill the celestial dog?" The girl asked in amazement, "Is it Hou Yi?"
Qiao Niang said very seriously: "It's not Hou Yi, it's our Jiangdu's Chang Governor, Lord Chang."
The girl's eyes lit up even more: "Is this the Mr. Chang that my mother always talked about?"
"Yes..." Qiao Niang nodded, bent down to help the girl adjust her new clothes, with gratitude in her eyes: "Remember, you can go out to work because of the grace of Governor Chang. Every new dress of our daughter has the grace of Governor Chang."
Not only were the residential areas bustling with noise, but the shops on the streets were also woken up by the news.
Jiang Hai was extremely happy when he heard this, and hurriedly urged the servant: "Quick... polish my plaque to make it brighter!"
His Jiang family has been in the official salt business for generations, and their business is closely linked to the lifeline of Jiangdu. If the Japanese army is allowed to land, there will no longer be a Jiang family in Jiangdu.
Or maybe it was because people got the news at night, which made them more emotional, and Jiang Hai almost burst into tears.
Although he was a bit cunning and treated him as a goose that laid eggs, he was not only given money to earn, but also kept alive. How could he be called a governor? He was clearly Jiang Hai's adopted parents!
I hope his "adopted parents" come back safely.
As long as Governor Chang returns safely, he will take good care of him in the future!
In Jiangdu city, everyone was completely sleepless because of this good news.
Many people could not express their feelings clearly, but after daybreak, as the morning market opened, many people happily flocked to the streets, and some even began to discuss preparing New Year's goods.
This year, I can celebrate the New Year with peace of mind!
These days, fishermen along the coast are also staying indoors and not daring to go out.
In the next two days, many fishermen spontaneously came to the beach, took small boats, and released water lanterns into the sea.
In their old customs, this lantern is a guiding light at sea, which can lead the dead souls to the afterlife and pray for the living to return safely as soon as possible.
The good news from Jiangdu was soon reported back to the capital.
At the morning court, when all the officials were discussing matters, they suddenly heard the news of victory. When they heard the astonishing number of Japanese killed, they were all shocked.
In fact, the Japanese army has been approaching for more than half a year, but Jiangdu has not been diligent in reporting news, so it has become less and less optimistic. This is the first serious news of victory that has been sent back!
This news was not only serious, but also beyond everyone's expectations... It felt like the youngest daughter of a family who was originally the least favored suddenly became the most outstanding one among all the children in the family one day, and when the family was in the most difficult situation, she suddenly sent back a letter that brought honor to the family! And this letter, if it is not reported easily, it will continue to be reported -
Under Luo Guanlin's suggestion, the Jiangdu Governor's Office followed the principle of never missing any news of victory sent back from the sea, no matter how big or small it was.
So, within five days after the great victory in the first battle, a second victory report arrived in the capital.
Then, the third, the fourth...
Within a month, six reports of victory were sent back... Six battles and six victories! In the words of those officials who disliked Chang Suining - there was nothing else to do during the morning court except listening to her reports of victory!
Thousands of miles away, Chang Suining was planning to make this battle the seventh victory.
She had asked Wu Jue to calculate, and the number "seven" was enough to bring her good luck - if that was the case, then that was it.
4200 words, good night!
(End of this chapter)
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