Chapter 563 Shocking Secrets
The former governor of Lingnan died tragically outside the imperial city gates of the capital. The forces of Jiannan Road and Qianzhong Road have begun to infiltrate Lingnan Road. The half-month period mentioned by Xiao Min is really not negotiable for the imperial envoy. And the battle of Bianchunliang, which is already coming to an end, seems to be unnecessary for negotiation.
At this time, Xiao Min's army had a total of 150,000 troops available in Daozhou, while Bian Chunliang had only 5,000 remaining soldiers.
The emperor's secret order stated that Xiao Min was to lead an army of 100,000 to Lingnan Road to take charge of the overall situation, and to leave 50,000 troops to continue to eliminate Bian Chunliang.
Having an army of 50,000 victorious soldiers to end this war, which was already a foregone conclusion, was not a rash decision in any sense of the word. It even showed how much the emperor feared Bian Chunliang.
The imperial envoy explained all the pros and cons to Xiao Min. The eunuch who had been with the army for a long time said at the right time: "General Xiao, just go to Lingnan without worry. I and General Lou will wipe out the remaining troops of Bian Chunliang as soon as possible, and we will definitely give your majesty and the court a satisfactory explanation before the end of the year."
The battle between the court and the rebel army led by Bian Chunliang had lasted for nearly three years, from its infancy to its fierceness, and was now about to end.
At this point, if Xiao Min said anything more, he would be suspected of refusing to obey the order.
The eunuch supervisor had more power in the army than Xiao Min. Xiao Min knew very well that if a civil strife was caused because of this, it would be a very bad strategy for both the Bian army and the situation in Lingnan, and it was really unnecessary.
Afterwards, Lou Jingshan, the former deputy commander who took over Xiao Min's position as commander-in-chief by imperial order, had a long talk with Xiao Min alone.
Lou Jingshan was a commander of the imperial guards. After Li Xian's death, he was ordered to go to the battlefield in the western part of Jiangnan together with the eunuchs supervising the army, and served as the deputy commander in the army.
[General Xiao, please rest assured.] Lou Jingshan and Xiao Min said: [I will definitely fight this battle for you and win it.]
Having fought side by side all the way, Xiao Min had a good impression of this young man. Although he was young and lacked battlefield experience, he was humble and not impetuous. After this period of time of tempering, he had already shown the qualities of a good general.
In Xiao Min's opinion, this seedling selected and cultivated by the current saint is still very useful and will become a great man in the future.
As a fellow military commander, Xiao Min treated him with sympathy and never hesitated to cultivate and advise him. He also warned him seriously: [Although the war is coming to an end, you must not take it lightly. Remember what I told you. Never try to make enemies with the people at any time. If the people rebel, disasters will come back...]
Lou Jingshan responded seriously, looked at Xiao Min with some worry, and said with a folded hand: "General Xiao, please take care of yourself when you go to Lingnan."
[I will.] Xiao Min smiled and patted the young man on the shoulder: [If you really care about me, then end the war here as soon as possible and bring your 50,000 troops to Lingnan to help me.]
The sage attached great importance to the ownership of Lingnan Road, and intended to use Lingnan's geographical location to attack Jiannan Road and Qianzhong Road in the future. Therefore, the secret decree stated that after the rebellion of the Bian army was completely quelled, Lou Jingshan would lead his army to meet Xiao Min.
When Lou Jingshan heard Xiao Min say "your 50,000 soldiers and horses", he was startled and suddenly felt a sense of responsibility on his shoulders, so he bowed deeply to Xiao Min: "I will not let General Xiao down."
After handing over all affairs and doing everything he could, Xiao Min took 100,000 troops and set off for Lingnan Road, which is adjacent to Daozhou.
On this day, the weather in the south was sunny.
Over the past few days, Deputy General Ao has vaguely sensed that his general seems to have other plans in mind. When they were about to set off, he tried to ask, "General, where are we going..."
On horseback, Xiao Min smiled happily and said, "Pacify the chaos in Lingnan and stabilize the overall situation in the world!"
Deputy General Ao stood straight, and then saw Xiao Min turned his head away and said to him again: "Not for the court."
Deputy General Ao's eyes trembled slightly, he raised his fist holding the reins, and said loudly: "I swear to follow you to the death!"
Xiao Min finally looked back in the direction of Daozhou military camp.
Under the court's repeated decisions, he has fulfilled all his responsibilities and has no regrets about leaving.
When the plague broke out in Yuezhou, in that bloody purgatory that lasted until dawn, he was in great confusion and saw the true face of those in power and the end of the dynasty.
Now, he is finally going to take the path he really wants to take.
It is inevitable that he lacks sincerity when he goes to the new master alone. Since the court still needs him, he will use these 100,000 troops to conquer Lingnan, sharpen his sword, await the orders of the new master, and fulfill the promise of peace.
Xiao Min looked towards the north and rode away on his horse.
In the winter month, a light snow fell in Jiangdu City.
On this day, a caravan coming from the west was allowed to enter the city after inspection.
In a carriage in the caravan, a young man opened the curtains and took in the street scenes along the way.
The caravan stopped temporarily in an inn in the city to relax. As it was getting close to evening, the light snow had stopped. The young man in the caravan tied on a deep blue cloak, put on a windproof hood, took two people with him, and left the inn.
There is no curfew in Jiangdu. A light snow covers the green tiles. The streets are crowded with people. The lights and the light of the snow complement each other, as if adding a touch of natural beauty to the city.
When young people walk among them, they often feel that it is unrealistic.
At this time, Wuer Academy had already finished classes, and students were walking in and out chatting and laughing. The young man came to this legendary academy, explained his purpose of wanting to see the academy's head, Zheng Chao, and claimed to be an old acquaintance.
The steward saw that the young man had an extraordinary aura, so he asked him to wait for a moment and passed the message to Zheng Chao.
Zheng Chao was alone and had declined Chang Suining's offer to buy him a place to live in the city. He had been living in the academy. It was snowing today, so he had dinner early and was about to go to bed, but he never expected a late guest to visit.
He was also very surprised by the identity of the visitor.
Zheng Chao looked at the young man who took off his hood in front of him, revealing a handsome face and bowed to him. He was quite surprised: "Lord Changsun?"
"Mr. Zheng, long time no see." Changsun Ji stood up.
Zheng Chao hurriedly asked him to sit down and talk.
The servant boy brought hot tea and then left.
During the greetings, Zheng Chao silently guessed the purpose of Chang Sun Ji's visit.
Previously, when he passed through Qianzhou, he was invited by the Changsun family and met the young head of the Changsun family.
At that time, Changsun Ji tried to invite him to assist Prince Rong together. After he declined, Changsun Ji mentioned Chang Suining again, and the general idea was that he wanted to work with Chang Suining to choose a master and assist him.
Zheng Chao thought this idea was too fantastic at the time, and only tactfully suggested that Changsun Ji could write a letter to Chang Suining to give it a try.
Who would have thought that this young master would come to Jiangdu in person...
So, what was the purpose of Chang Sun Ji's visit, Zheng Chao or Chang Suining? If he was still obsessed with Zheng Chao, then he really had to praise the young man for his courage. He dared to come to Jiangdu to poach people, which was like plucking hair from a tiger's head. If he was trying to persuade Chang Suining to submit to King Rong, then it was not as simple as plucking hair. Zheng Chao would rather call it a sheep walking into a tiger's mouth.
Although Chang Sun Ji was only fifteen or sixteen years old, his growth rate was obvious to all. He did not rush to get to the point. After a cup of tea, he said, "Since we parted in Qianzhou, you seem to have changed a lot, sir."
Zheng Chao smiled and nodded: "Jiangdu Feng Shui nourishes people."
Chang Sun Ji also smiled: "It seems that you have found your home in this place with pleasant feng shui."
He said: "Jiangdu is indeed a good place. I have come all the way here and often feel that I have strayed into a paradise... The way of learning and politics that you pursue can only be provided by Jiangdu and Changjieshi."
Zheng Chao smiled and sighed, indirectly expressing his attitude: "Yes, I will do my best to repay this kindness."
At this point, Changsun Ji said, "To be honest, sir, I came to Jiangdu secretly this time because I was invited by Envoy Chang to discuss the important matter of choosing a master."
Zheng Chao was slightly surprised - what happened?
So this Changsun Langjun tried to write a letter to persuade Chang Suining but failed, and was instead tricked by Chang Suining into coming to Jiangdu?
The hand she held on the sack stretched really far.
"Discuss the important matter of choosing a master together"...
Zheng Chao pondered over this sentence in his heart, and then looked at the boy in front of him who obviously believed it. He felt a sense of sympathy in his heart, and said "I see", and couldn't help asking: "...The world is so chaotic, and Lord Changsun is going to Jiangdu in person. Are the family members willing to agree?"
There was another hidden meaning in these words. After all, it was hard for Zheng Chao to believe that there would be anyone willing to believe that Chang Suining had no ambition to be independent, let alone a member of the Changsun clan.
"My clan members didn't agree at first, but I insisted on coming." Chang Sun Ji said seriously, "I met Madam Chang when we were in the capital. I trust her and believe she won't lie to me."
He knew that the tribesmen who had experienced countless hardships were more mature, but after hesitating again and again, he still trusted his own judgment more.
Now that he is the head of the Changsun family, it is his duty to listen to the opinions of his clansmen, but he cannot lose his own judgment - it was because of this sentence that he was able to convince several uncles.
The truth about his aunt being murdered by Mingjin was revealed by Madam Chang, who set herself up to expose the truth. As an eyewitness, he had witnessed Madam Chang's courage and justice.
For this reason, he is willing to insist on coming, which is his sincerity in expressing trust.
Qianzhong Road, where Qianzhou is located, has been controlled by Prince Rong. Facing Prince Rong's recruitment, the Changsun clan has always maintained an ambiguous attitude, but this is ultimately not a long-term solution.
During the many days and nights of confusion, Chang Sun Ji wanted to hear Chang Suining's thoughts - she was a courageous person and one of the heroes who could not be ignored. Regardless of whether they could reach a consensus in the end, her words were worth listening to.
After hearing the news that Chang Suining had recaptured Luoyang on the way, Changsun Ji became more determined in his opinion.
Zheng Chao listened to the young man's sincere words, "I believe she won't lie to me," and was silent for a moment, then smiled without comment.
There was no sarcasm in Zheng Chao's smile. As a former top rebel among the children of the aristocracy, Zheng Chao never tried to make fun of those with loyal hearts.
He was just a little confused. Changsun Langjun believed so firmly that Chang Suining would not deceive him and came with this trust. If he was let down, he would never compromise easily... Chang Suining was so well-planned, would he not have thought of this consequence?
Zheng Chao felt that it was his responsibility to share his emperor's worries and to test the waters: "I wonder if Changsun's intention to support Li has changed?"
Chang Sun Ji's expression was firm, and he shook his head slightly: "I will never change it."
This was his grandfather's last wish, and also the mission of his eldest grandson's family. This mission itself was even more important than any other interests.
Zheng Chao nodded and didn't rush to say anything more.
Chang Sun Ji stated the purpose of his visit: "It took me several months to come to Jiangdu. Halfway through the journey, I learned that Envoy Chang had led his troops to leave Jiangdu. In addition, it is getting late today, so I plan to formally visit the Jiangdu Governor's Mansion early tomorrow morning. Before that, I would like to meet Mr. Zheng, who is a person that Envoy Chang values. I dare to ask, do you know who Envoy Chang chose as his leader?"
Chang Suining was not in Jiangdu, so the young man was unfamiliar with the people in the governor's mansion, so he wanted to have some idea of what was going on before visiting them.
Seeing Zheng Chao was silent for a moment, Chang Sun Ji said frankly: "Envoy Chang Jie said in the letter that she also intends to support Li."
Zheng Chao nodded in understanding, but he was worried in his heart - the envoy had said something so serious? How could he explain it? Zheng Chao showed a trace of shame on his face, and said with a smile: "Zheng knows that I lack wisdom and strategy. I have always been responsible for the affairs of Wuer Academy and never asked the envoy about these important decisions... I can't help Changsun Langjun."
Chang Sun Ji did not show any disappointment upon hearing this. Instead, he showed genuine surprise, and his eyes brightened a little: "Mr. Zheng did not know where Envoy Chang Jie was going, but he still entrusted him with his whole heart... What kind of trust does this show?"
The young man looked as if he realized, "This shows that Envoy Chang Jie really has many extraordinary qualities," which made Zheng Chao shocked.
In the end, he had no choice but to pick up the teacup, respect the young man's sincerity, and said, "In this way, I hope that Changsun Langjun can fulfill his wish when I go to the governor's mansion tomorrow."
He could only give his blessing up to this point.
Chang Sun Ji served tea and performed the ceremony, his eyes sparkling: "Thank you for your good wishes, I also hope to travel with Envoy Chang Jie and you."
The next morning, the snow outside the Jiangdu Governor's Mansion had just been cleared when Changsun Ji came to visit.
Chang Sun Ji came with a handwritten reply from Chang Suining. Because Chang Suining had made instructions before leaving Jiangdu, he received the highest level of reception and was taken by Gu Erlang to meet Wang Yue.
The moment he saw Changsun Ji, Wang Yue was cheered up - the lord was sincere and the person really came.
"Although my envoy is not in Jiangdu, I have already made arrangements. I have been worried about Mr. Changsun's arrival as scheduled..." Wang Yue took out a letter: "This is the letter that the envoy sent back from Luoyang before he led his troops north. I was specially asked to hand it over to Mr. Changsun in person."
"The envoy has said that when Young Master Changsun reads this letter, he will understand everything."
Apart from this, Wang Yue did not say anything else on his own initiative and just handed over the letter.
Chang Sun Ji did not dare to be negligent. He took the letter with both hands and opened it on the spot.
After a moment, the young man, who thought he had developed a calm demeanor, trembled when he read what was written in the letter.
He kept his promise with a sincere heart, and Chang Suining also treated him with sincerity.
But the latter's sincerity completely exceeded all the former's expectations.
The handwriting on the letter paper in his hand is free and calm, showing that the writer's mind is calm and orderly. However, what is revealed is a shocking secret that has never been revealed to the world.
Zhang Sunji's eyes were filled with disbelief. He raised his eyes and almost subconsciously asked Wang Yue who was standing opposite him: "... Envoy... your surname is Li?!"
Wang Yue: “……?!”
(4200 words, no breaks, please beg for a monthly ticket!)
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