Chapter 88: Withdrawal, Madness, Xun Xun's Buddhist Medicine, and Earth-shaking Changes
It was a long silk letter, but actually there were not many words. What she said about wanting to see the majestic ocean waves and the northwest desert was actually what she had said when the two of them were snuggling in the shabby room of the old palace on a winter night during the most difficult year. Now it was only a few short words: "I am going, can you watch it for me?"
The large, crooked and messy characters were stained with blood.
Suddenly, Feng Kun burst into tears. "...Is she dead?"
He held the blood-red, blurred silk cloth in his hands, motionless for a moment. Tears fell, and his voice was hoarse, a congestion in his blood. In the dark, bloody night, he sang a mournful song, "...Where is her body?"
Yin Luo choked. This was his first lie. If he went back into the tunnel, he would have no chance of escaping. "The queen fell into a well and was swept away."
Even in the depths of winter, Taiye Lake wasn't completely frozen, and water still flowed through the underground canals, though it was much less turbulent than on rainy summer days. The tunnels and canals, with their numerous twists and turns, connected to the drainage channels through an extremely complex mechanism that they still hadn't fully understood.
There were loud shouts and sounds of fighting all around. With Huang Zongxi joining the battlefield in the imperial city, the whole body was moved. The enemy shouted loudly, and many soldiers put down their weapons one after another. The noise swept over here.
Yin Luo stood up suddenly and chopped Feng Kun on the back of the neck with a knife. The latter fell down. Yin Luo leaned over and carried him on his back.
Another expert who had been accompanying Feng Kun in this bloody battle was Tian Yu, one of the eunuchs Feng Kun had originally taken in and instructed in martial arts. Tian Yu immediately stood guard on Yin Luo's other side, sword in hand. Wang Jingzhao, the deputy head of the Imperial Household Department, immediately ripped off Feng Kun's vibrant red cape, swapped it with his own black cloak, and gave it to Tian Yu to wear. He then donned the blood-stained red cape and exchanged Feng Kun's Yishan crown and sword.
Wang Jingzhao tightened his sword, and Yin Luo said to him, "One quarter of an hour, you retreat immediately!"
Wang Jingzhao smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'll remember it!"
Yin Luotianyu: "See you in Fengzhou!"
"Goodbye!"
Wang Jingzhao shook his sword, shouted sharply, and led the remaining troops to charge forward.
They protected Feng Kun, Dawei, Yin Luo, Tian Yu and others without stopping for a moment, and immediately turned around and rushed towards the palace gate behind the winding palace road.
They quickly fought their way through a bloody path and disappeared into the darkness of the night.
…
At the end of the fierce battle, the sounds of fighting finally subsided.
This battle to force the emperor to abdicate ended with the old emperor's side winning a great victory.
Although it was a bit regrettable that the culprits headed by Feng Kun and Wang Jingzhao disappeared, this battle showed that Feng Kun's party had been completely defeated by the imperial power, and the entire party collapsed and turned to ashes.
There was no need for the lingering Lin Guozhang to stay any longer.
The sporadic fighting had not yet been completely extinguished, but the imperial guards, wearing blood-stained armor, had already filed out in groups and headed straight for the residences of the leaders of the two parties.
After today, there will no longer be any powerful party in the entire dynasty, and the old emperor will have the final say in this world!
Amidst the howling north wind and the stinging smell of blood, the old emperor ordered a small sedan chair to be carried out of the Yuquan Palace gate and stop atop the tall white marble pedestal. Overlooking Feng Kun's army, he saw a crushing defeat. Blood was everywhere, and he felt his blood boiling as it rushed to his head. The pain was unbearable. "Hahahahahahaha, Feng Kun! Die!"
A eunuch, a criminal official, finally forced him to the point of despair, his throat was squeezed so hard that he could hardly breathe. The greater the pressure in the past, the more exhilarating he felt at this moment.
The old emperor drew out the royal sword held by Lu Haide with his side hand, and shouted: "Kill without mercy! Leave no one alive! Kill them all! Kill——"
By mid-afternoon, Long Qian and Hu Weiyi had rushed to Yuquan Palace to report. They quickly climbed the steps to the fourth floor and knelt on one knee with a thud. With deep energy, they said, "Your Majesty, we have achieved a resounding victory. All of Feng Kun's rebels who stubbornly resisted have been executed!"
The armor was stained with blood, and murderous aura filled the air. The old emperor said a short and powerful sentence, and laughed heartily: "Good! Very good——"
The cold wind whistled past, the bright yellow dragon robe fluttered in the wind, and the old emperor laughed wildly. He was even so ecstatic and excited that he stood up suddenly with his hands on the armrests of the sedan chair. He was extremely happy and relaxed!
However, at this peak moment of ecstasy.
Too much joy leads to sorrow.
The old emperor's laughter stopped abruptly. He suddenly felt dizzy, frowned, covered his head, and fell down suddenly.
With a "bang", the entire sedan chair turned over and the old emperor fell out from the armrest. Lu Haide jumped in shock and narrowly avoided a bloody head injury. The people around him rushed over in panic, terrified. Lu Haide cushioned the old emperor and raised his head, only to find that the old emperor's face had turned ashen.
Long Qian and Hu Weiyi noticed something was wrong and looked up in panic. They threw the bloody sword on the ground and jumped up. "What's going on? What's going on? Quick, call the imperial physician! Go--"
Long Qian and Hu Weiyi took a closer look and were horrified on the spot. There was chaos on the Sumeru stage. Long Qian didn't bother to talk nonsense and immediately turned around and rushed to the Imperial Hospital. They were much faster than ordinary palace servants.
The old emperor wasn't unconscious yet, but he was choking, clutching his throat and hoarse as if he had asthma. His face was livid and he looked horrible, as if he were dying. Long Qian had already rushed down to fetch the imperial physician, and several others hurried to follow. The old emperor was screaming with all his might, "...No! Go, find the Imperial Preceptor and the Great Master Gesang, come!"
The old emperor's veins bulged as he clutched Lu Haide's hand tightly. Lu Haide crawled and rolled to his feet, "Quick, bring the horse! General Hu! Quick, call someone to go to Jingong Temple—"
Jingong Temple is one of the royal temples. However, the early emperors of this dynasty did not believe in Buddhism very much, so apart from being named a royal temple, it was just that.
Every abbot of Jingong Temple would be granted the title of National Master, but this National Master was not the same as that National Master. It was just an honorary title for a monk, and it had nothing to do with the government.
It is just one of the emperor's religious means.
The old emperor did not believe in Buddhism either, but recently he had visited Jingong Temple in disguise many times.
——The answer to the question that Gu Wan had previously wondered about is actually here.
The emperor had not taken the medicine prescribed by the imperial physician for a long time. It was useless to pretend to deceive the Fourth Prince.
Long Qian quickly carried the imperial physician over on his back, but the old physician had been shaking like a sieve since he was carried on his back. He staggered into the hall and could not even stand steadily. He pulled out the golden needle with trembling hands. The old emperor saw that it was another useless thing and was furious. "Oh, oh, useless rubbish! Get out of here!"
As early as half a year ago, the imperial physician had run out of medicine to prescribe.
No one dared to say that the old emperor was on his last legs, they just said that he needed to rest and recuperate, but the prescriptions they prescribed were all too strict.
Most scholars in ancient times had some knowledge of medicine, and the emperor was especially so. The old emperor could not take a pulse, but he could understand pharmacology and prescriptions.
The imperial physician made several adjustments with trepidation, but the prescriptions he gave were not much better than the Taifangzi one.
They are beyond cure.
Three months ago, unknown to the outside world, the emperor was once in critical condition and almost could not be saved. After that, his health took a sharp turn for the worse. Even he himself clearly felt that his life was coming to an end and he was about to die.
But how could the old emperor be willing to die?
Famous folk doctors, various folk remedies, and private experiments have never stopped since the old emperor became seriously ill and paralyzed.
But it's useless.
Fortunately, at the last moment, the old emperor was very lucky and found a pill of Buddhist medicine.
Human power was helpless and the old emperor tried every possible means to help. He ordered Lu Haide to go to Jingong Temple privately to light a hundred eternal lamps for longevity. He even went out of the palace in disguise to pray despite his illness.
It was during that time that he stumbled upon the Buddhist medicine available at Jingong Temple. If a believer were lucky enough to obtain it and it was suitable for their condition, they would give it away. It was said to be very effective, and a man who had made a vow was said to have nearly died, but actually survived after taking the medicine.
The old emperor, as if grasping the last straw, immediately ordered an investigation and discovered that it was not a fabricated story. There had been examples of this happening five or six years ago. However, some people benefited from it while others did not, depending entirely on their fate and the symptoms they had.
The old emperor's condition had become so bad that he had gone mad and tried everything. He immediately summoned Zen Master Sanjie, who presented him with Buddhist medicine and took his pulse, saying, "Amitabha, this should be effective."
The old emperor had someone try it and took it three days later. Unexpectedly, after going through so many twists and turns, he found a new way out.
He was soon overjoyed!
After this Buddhist medicine entered the stomach, a warm current rose from the abdomen. In just a quarter of an hour or so, the whole person seemed to be injected with new vitality and became more energetic than ever before.
Then, the old emperor really got better, and he really survived the ordeal of life and death!
Moreover, his previous state of heavy, tired and drowsy limbs was reversed, and he became full of energy. Whenever he fell ill, he would take a pill of Buddhist medicine and he would get better immediately.
The old emperor was ecstatic.
If it weren't for the purpose of covering up his tracks, the old emperor would have dragged out and beheaded all those useless people in the Imperial Hospital.
From then on, he believed in Buddhist medicine, Zen Master Sanjie and Great Master Gesang to the extreme, and regarded them as his life-saving straw. Several imperial doctors were helpless. They could clearly see from their pulse that the old emperor had overdrawn his vitality, but they could not even stimulate the remaining vitality. However, the Buddhist medicine did it.
Somehow, he managed to stimulate the vitality of the old emperor's battered body.
However, the old emperor showed some signs of addiction. Once the day for taking medicine approached, he would become extremely irritable, and the intervals between his medications became shorter and shorter.
The old imperial doctors were terrified. The old emperor didn't believe them at all, and they didn't dare to say anything. If they said it, they would die immediately, and if they didn't say it, they might die later or even not die at all. No one dared to say a word.
…
Lu Haide led his men to Jingong Temple on horseback and quickly invited the abbot, Zen Master Sanjie, and Master Gesang.
The great monk Gesang was a Tibetan monk, and Zen Master Sanjie introduced him as the owner of the Buddhist medicine. Gesang had traveled far and wide from Tibet and befriended Zen Master Sanjie, who had gifted him the Buddhist medicine. Zen Master Sanjie wrote to the old emperor and sent someone to finally find Gesang, who was staying at Jiming Temple in Xiwu, and finally invited him back.
The two carriages rushed all the way to the steps of Yuquan Palace, and a fifty-year-old monk with a long white beard and wearing a three-robed cassock and a thirty- or forty-year-old monk in Tibetan clothes and wearing a red lama robe got off the carriages.
The two masters walked quickly under Lu Haide's repeated urging. After climbing onto the base of the Sumeru throne, they strode in. The bright lights of the hall shone on the face of the red-robed Tibetan monk. He was tall and strong, with deep facial features and high brow arches.
If Gu Guanxieci and the others were here, he would be shocked because this is an acquaintance!
——It was Xun Xun, who they guessed should be in Zhongdu but whose whereabouts were unknown!
Xun Xun, the cousin of Huyan De, the King of Beirong, who had been hiding for many years and had colluded with Huyan Deli to almost cause a great defeat in the Northwest War.
After the Northwest War, he was forced to give up his position as the governor of Suzhou and escape back to the grassland. No one expected that he would sneak back to Wei and transform himself into a Dharma friend and guest of Master Sanjie of Jingong Temple, and presented a pill of Buddhist medicine to the old emperor.
…
Opium, a heavy dose of opium is the key to this Buddhist medicine that can temporarily stimulate the old emperor's vitality and make him feel refreshed and energetic, and his condition has improved significantly.
The old emperor wanted to study the prescription thoroughly, but it was destined to be impossible in the short term, at least not while he was alive.
Xun Xun originally estimated that after the old emperor survived the crisis, he should be able to live for at least one to two years.
Unexpectedly, the old emperor stayed up late at night, feeling both hot and cold, and endured the cold wind of December for half the night. His emotions suddenly soared to the point of collapse, and he collapsed.
As he rushed to the palace, he was furious and cursing in his heart. He rushed to the old emperor's dragon bed, only to see that the old emperor's face was ashen and he had fallen into a deep coma. His face suddenly darkened.
He quickly dissolved two pills and gave them to the old emperor to swallow. He was also worried that the old emperor would die. It all depended on whether he could survive.
But fortunately, the old emperor persevered and survived.
The sound of wooden fish and chanting continued until noon of the next day. The old emperor finally woke up. Before he had time to savor the joy of victory, he felt his body suddenly become much heavier, and he had a vague feeling of being on the verge of death.
"Two masters, why is it that I always seem to be on the verge of recovery, but never fully recover? This has been the case for the past two years."
Everyone is afraid of death, especially the old emperor. He had experienced the feeling of being on the verge of death three months ago, which was unforgettable for his whole life. He immediately panicked.
After the doctor gave the diagnosis and treatment instructions, and a few words of intimidation and guidance, the old emperor became very anxious.
Xun Xiao raised his eyes and glanced at Sanjie.
Zen Master Sanjie understood what he meant.
The old monk with a long white beard said slowly, "Your Majesty, human and medical resources have been exhausted. It is probably the law of fate and destiny that has brought this about."
The old emperor frowned upon hearing this, but he knew full well that all human and medical resources had been exhausted. He remained gloomy for a moment, "Then how can my fortune improve and overcome this hurdle?"
The old emperor was still the old emperor, and the necessary precautions needed no further explanation; they were always there. However, the kind-hearted old Zen master was not concerned with personal gain or self-interest; this was his job. The Jingong Temple and the Imperial Observatory actually served the same purpose. After calculating with his hands for a long time, Zen Master Sanjie bowed and offered a Buddhist salute: "Amitabha, Your Majesty is born under the sign of Fire. In this year of the waning Purple Star, it is unsuitable for you to be near Water. Wood generates Fire, so Your Majesty should associate with those born under the sign of Wood. I remember that Your Majesty has a son born under the sign of Wood. If he were to be placed in the Eastern Palace, it would greatly strengthen and benefit the Purple Star Palace."
Concubine Mu happened to be of the water element. When the old emperor heard this, his face immediately darkened and he became angry and regretful.
And he does have a son who is of the wood element, the third prince. Wood produces fire, and he is in the East Palace, which can maximize the benefits to the old emperor. This logic makes sense.
More importantly, once Lin Guozhang was removed, the country relied on the eldest prince, and the old emperor had originally planned to make the third prince the crown prince.
He really couldn't wait for the little prince to grow up.
Upon hearing this, the old emperor immediately summoned the third prince. The third prince stayed by his side for a long time, and he really began to feel better.
After the third prince served the old emperor medicine for three days, he was able to sit up.
——But in fact, Xun Xun gave him two pills of heavy medicine, one of which was a sustained-release pure medicine. As long as the old emperor could survive it, he would gradually feel better afterwards.
But the old emperor finally became convinced. He had originally planned to confer a title on the third prince, so he issued an edict in advance, appointing the third prince as the crown prince, and allowing him to offer sacrifices to the heaven, earth, and state in the Taimiao, and take the throne in the Eastern Palace.
At this moment, Xun Xun finally breathed a sigh of relief. He stood on the Sumeru pedestal and overlooked the entire imperial city.
This time it was really dangerous and we almost failed.
It was an unexpected turn of events. Fortunately, Feng Kun's confrontation with the old emperor ended as they had prayed, and the third prince was successfully promoted to the throne. The situation was similar, and the conditions were almost ripe.
We can't wait any longer.
He immediately ordered a message to be sent back.
Let’s get started!
…
Everything happened like a landslide, with an unexpected turning point, and things took a sharp turn for the worse.
But at this moment, no one knows.
The old emperor who was recuperating in Yuquan Palace and the new crown prince who had been appointed by imperial decree did not know about it. The Jinwu guards who were cleaning up outside did not know about it either. The Southern and Northern Yamen had all returned to their respective positions. General Gao Minggong, who had cleanly put an end to the chaos on the city walls and had led his troops back to the Beijing camp, did not know about it either.
As for Xie Ci and Gu Wan, who had already returned to Shuofang and were happily reunited with the Xie family, they had no idea.
Xie Ci, Gu Wan, Mrs. Xun and Xie Mingming were all happier than ever before at this moment.
The former had been out of contact for a long time, and Mrs. Xun and the others knew that something bad must have happened. They were frightened and worried about saying goodbye to them outside, while paying close attention to their surroundings and trying not to go out if possible. The whole family was on high alert every day to watch out for any unusual signs around them.
If they protect themselves well, it will be the greatest support for Xie Ci and others.
Xie Mingming, a young boy who just turned fifteen, has grown up a lot under pressure, as have his siblings Xie Mingyu and Xie Rou. Xie Wulang is a little stupid, but he works hard every day to help Zhang Wang and takes on all the heavy work at home. He is two years younger than Xie Mingming and is only twelve years old.
Xie Mingming was moving between the town and outside every day. He even went to Lingzhou City twice to inquire about the news, but there was no news on the surface. After he came back, he searched all the nearby ravines and prepared four retreat routes for his family.
In fact, living in this small mountain town, the Xie family was a household that attracted a lot of gossip. They had several beautiful widows, and even Third Sister Xie was a truly stunning beauty, so she never left the house. Even Mrs. Xun, who was over fifty, looked only in her forties, still possessing a graceful demeanor. The graceful demeanor bestowed by good upbringing was indelible, no matter how crudely she tried to imitate it.
There is also the growing little girl Xie Rou and her sister Niuniu.
But there is no adult man to set up a household.
Others, especially those idlers and self-proclaimed powerful clan leaders and town officials, were drooling over their family. Xie Mingming once did not dare to leave the house. He would beat anyone he caught to death and even found ways to make those clan leaders and town officials afraid and give up the idea of taking advantage of his family.
As his reputation for ferocity spread, and as he grew up and was about to become an adult, those ruffians stopped plotting against him, and the Xie family's life finally settled down.
But there is bound to be gossip, side-glances, jealousy, and idle talk, such as rumors that Mr. Dashang's concubine was chased away by his first wife, or that she had caused some kind of disaster that led to the destruction of her family.
The townspeople live a decent life, but in the winter they have less time and tend to gossip more.
Until one day.
Yesterday, a flying horse galloped into the town and headed straight for the Xie family's home. After the door of the small two-story house was opened, cheers were heard from inside.
Someone from the family who got along well with her came to inquire about the situation. Mrs. Xie, who was helping Mrs. Xun with the housework in the front yard, burst into tears of joy and said, "It's our family who's here to pick us up!"
At noon the next day, the faint sound of thousands of horses galloping was suddenly heard, and a line of vibration rumbled like drumbeats. A ray of sunlight poured down from the gray-blue sky, and above the vast plains of white snow and brown and yellow grass, a red cloak fluttered in the wind.
In the vast wilderness, tens of thousands of infantry and cavalry soldiers rushed forward like a line of water. Their black armor reflected dazzling light under the golden winter sun. The army finally stopped in front of the mountain pass of the small town.
Leading the group was a young warrior in black armor and helmet, who was extremely handsome, agile and stunning.
He rode alongside a young woman in a green cloak and light armor. The closer they got to the mountain pass, the faster they whipped the horse, and their four hooves flew as if they were about to leave the ground.
Xie Ci was finally one length ahead of Gu Guan, and his eagerness made him rush out.
The Xie family, both young and old, rushed out of the small town. Familiar faces were weeping with joy. Leading the way was Xie Mingming, who rode out on a mule. Seeing the man at the head of the army in the distance, tears welled up in his eyes. He was overjoyed: "Fourth Uncle—"
There was a loud shout, and the townspeople who had rushed out to watch the excitement heard it. Everyone was in an uproar and talking about it.
But these have nothing to do with Madam Xun and the others.
Everyone couldn't control their tears, jumped off their horses, held their heads and cried, knelt on the ground and kowtowed, then stood up while crying, with tears and laughter.
It took a while before I finally calmed down.
Gu Guan also smiled and dismounted. Together with Qin Ying, he hugged Mrs. Xie Da and Mrs. Xie San. The two did not go forward to disturb Mrs. Xun, Xie Mingming and Xie Ci. The younger ones rushed forward and hugged their fourth uncle's thighs.
Her eyes and brows curved until the little man Xie Mingming wiped his tears with tears and laughter, turned around to see her, smiled, and said something. Xie Ci turned around and waved at her with a smile.
Xie Ci said, "Did you call Fourth Aunt?"
“Shouted!”
"I didn't," he said with a shameful face.
A group of children, big and small, all shouted loudly: "Fourth Aunt——"
The tender and crisp duck voices, regardless of whether they were crying or not, all smiled and shouted at her at the top of their lungs.
Gu Guan scratched the back of his neck, his face feeling slightly hot. He turned his head and made eye contact with Xie Ci. His eyes were so bright with joy that it seemed as if they were about to overflow.
He smiled, and she smiled too. Well, okay, let her be the Fourth Aunt, she will almost be the real Fourth Aunt anyway!
"Um!"
She responded quickly, quickly distributed the small gifts she brought to the children, and then bowed to Madam Xun, "Mother."
She was wondering if she should kneel down and kowtow like Xie Ci. Just as she bent down, Madam Xun pulled her up. It felt like Madam Xun's arms had become much stronger from working a lot, but she loved her as much as ever. She pulled her into a warm and soft embrace. Madam Xun touched her hair lovingly, "Good, good! Good child!"
…
After picking up the Xie family, the family was reunited and left the small town of Shan'ao that day and headed for Shuofang Protectorate.
All the thrills were downplayed and they only talked about happy things to each other.
Qin Xian, Su Zhen and Kou Wenshao came out fifty miles to meet him, and it was another exciting reunion. I won’t go into details.
Next up was Xie Ci, who took over both military and political duties. His military prestige was immense, and there were no setbacks, but there's nothing much to say about that. He brought Xie Mingming and Xie Wulang with him, intending to personally mentor them for a while before handing them off. There were many other details, but I won't go into them here.
The most noteworthy thing is a private matter. Xie Ci and Gu Wan’s wedding is officially on the agenda.
Xie Ci couldn't wait. Of the five auspicious days, he circled the closest one, which was the second day of February, when the dragon raises its head, bringing double good luck and happiness.
After he talked to Madam Xun privately, Madam Xun readily agreed, thinking that this was the right way to hold another grand wedding.
So, along with Xie Ersao, Xie Sansao and Xie Rou, the whole family happily got busy.
Gu Guan is extremely busy every day. In addition to the things outside, there are also various wedding trivialities, such as taking measurements, making wedding dresses, trying them on, bed curtains and chair curtains, furniture and door pillars. There are so many things to prepare for a wedding.
In addition to the wedding room, the yard where she lived, which served as her boudoir, was also tidied up.
Seeing all kinds of cages, boxes, red cloths and things of all sizes being slowly moved in, she walked into the house and saw the bright red joyful colors. She finally felt the reality of the upcoming wedding.
On the last day of the twelfth lunar month, after the government offices were sealed, the two finally had a chance to relax. Gu Guan stood at the threshold, looking at the house filled with brand new furniture and the red window decorations with double happiness patterns. She couldn't help but sigh, "It seems like a long time, and yet it seems like it's gone so quickly!"
Are you getting married already?
I'm a little nervous.
Xie Ci happily leaned over, took her hands, and said solemnly, "Wanwan, I will treat you well for the rest of my life."
Gu Wan couldn't help but smile and glanced at him: "Don't you dare to be bad?"
Today is a very good day. The sun is big and round, and the golden red afterglow spreads across the entire northern land.
However, just when Gu Wan thought that she would definitely become a married woman this time, something big happened!
First, Xun Xiao and Wen Xuan woke up one after another.
Just as Xie Ci and Gu Wan finished their conversation, footsteps came running over to announce: "Master! Young Madam Master! Mr. Xun and Miss Qin are awake——"
Before Xie Ci and Gu Wan showed any joy, Xie Ping said solemnly, "Mr. Xun said he wanted to see you as soon as he woke up! I'm afraid there's something important going on."
Xun Xiao was in a terrible state when he first woke up. He frowned tightly, covered his forehead, and vomited continuously. But he didn't actually eat anything. He vomited a pool of yellow bile along with the medicine he had taken today. But he gritted his teeth and said, "Quick!... Call Xie Ci, come!..."
Xie Ci and Gu Wan hurried over. The court physician had just given him an acupuncture injection, and the headache and nausea were finally easing. Xie Ci hurried to the bedside, and before the medicine boy could even put down the stool, Xun Xiao pushed himself up and sat up. His hair was disheveled, and the scar covering half his face looked a little scary, but no one cared to notice.
Xun Xiao grabbed Xie Ci's hand and coughed twice: "... Xun Xun traveled thousands of miles to the Jiming Temple in Xiqiang, disguised as a monk!" He pretended very carefully and convincingly. A few days later, monks from the Middle Earth and a group of people who were obviously wearing official black boots and military boots came to look for him, and then Xun Xun followed these people away.
Xun Xun looked like a real Tibetan monk, the great master Gesang, and then he hurried all the way, and his final destination turned out to be the Jingong Temple which was conferred by the Wei Kingdom!
Qin Wenxuan also woke up. She was pale and ran over from the next room. When she heard this, she looked at Xun Xiao with disheveled hair and tears welled up in her eyes.
On the way, Xun Xiao actually had the opportunity to kill Xun Xun in revenge. However, Xun Xun's behavior clearly concealed a big secret, and the group of people were obviously wearing official black boots and military boots. Even without Xun Xun, there were still others. In the end, he chose not to kill him, but to follow him to find out what Beirong and Xun Xun were plotting.
If it weren't for this purpose, they wouldn't have been poisoned.
Xun Xiao never said it, but he really tried hard to change himself.
He was as withdrawn as ever, but she could sense it.
But the people present, including Xun Xiao himself and even Qin Wenxuan, soon shifted their attention away from these private matters.
"National temple, Jin Gong Temple?"
Xie Ci couldn't help but frown. He had traveled thousands of miles back and forth, with such a large movement, and considering the various special place names like Zhongdu and Jingong Temple, his heart couldn't help but skip a beat!
Xie Ci was in Shuofang, but news from Zhongdu continued uninterrupted. He already knew about Feng Kun's affairs and the crown prince's appointment. However, because the incident occurred during a curfew, chaos reigned within Zhongdu, and the emperor's sudden illness and the arrival of the monks from Jingong Temple in a chariot were suppressed by the old emperor.
The old emperor was afraid that someone would tamper with his medicine, so he killed everyone except a few who knew about it.
Xie Ci stood up abruptly, with an extremely ominous premonition that made his heart beat fast.
He immediately shouted, "Send a message back to Zhongdu! Investigate immediately!"
He even instructed Xie Yun, Xie Feng, and Qin Guan to immediately put down everything they were doing and start the mission. He thought for a moment and said, "If necessary, Gao Ming, Gong Wen, Grand Tutor Long Qian, and Zhang Yuanrang can inform these people and ask for support!"
…
On that day, Xie Feng and Xie Yun from Qinguan set off, but before they could reach the capital, they arrived.
The smell of gunpowder from firecrackers in early spring had not yet dissipated when an urgent military report from eight hundred miles away rushed into Zhongdu!
Shocking the world!
On the fourth day of the first lunar month, the Northern Rong Hanercha tribe suddenly attacked Yehuling and Xiguan! On that day, Yehuling was broken, and the Northern Rong army reached the bottom of Xiguan. Just as the soldiers guarding Xiguan were about to light the signal fire and prepare for battle, the gate of Xiguan was suddenly opened from the inside!
The national goal is broken!
Once the two lines of defense were broken, the Northern Rong vanguard marched straight into the Yannan Plain! The entire Northern Rong army was instantly mobilized, rapidly gathering troops and horses. A well-prepared army of 300,000 marched in. The Yannan Plain occupied most of Guandong, reaching south to Xuhuai and upstream to Sishui Pass!
On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, something even more terrifying happened!
——The Northern Rong abandoned the Yinshan Mountains in the northwest and marched from the Hengzhou area in the east. The beginning of spring this year was very early. It had not snowed for half a month during the Spring Festival and the weather had warmed up. After breaking through the pass, the Northern Rong were unstoppable. Wherever they went, they burned, killed, looted, and no one could stop them.
Crown Prince Li Yi requested permission to lead the army to fight against the Northern Rong army, and the emperor agreed.
The Crown Prince was the chief commander, Zhang Shen and Gao Minggong were deputy commanders, and they led 350,000 troops from the Beijing camp and mobilized the northern army and local troops from many places to assemble an army of 800,000 to quickly meet the northern army.
Smoke of war rose everywhere, and the troops were divided into three groups. The Crown Prince was in the center. However, in order to gain merit and rescue Lin Guozhang from prison, the Crown Prince ignored the advice. Half a month after the war began, he suddenly led his troops to raid the right wing of Beirong in the middle of the night. The entire army he led was wiped out, and the Crown Prince was captured!
However, it was this crown prince who was threatened and forced to open the gate of Sishui Pass!
Sishui Pass is known as the most important pass in Guanzhong. One man can guard the pass against ten thousand. Behind it is the Guanzhong Plain where the capital is located. There is no natural barrier to enter!
Before everyone could react.
Gyeonggi Province is broken!
All 350,000 troops of the Beijing camp were sent out, and the Northern Rong army locked the gates and besieged the capital city for 21 days. During this period, wars were in full swing both inside and outside the city.
On February 17th, the Zhongdu city wall was breached, and 50,000 Jinwu Guards and the imperial guards from the Northern and Southern Yamen escorted the emperor out of the city!
The old emperor fled in a panic and ordered the capital to be moved to Jiazhou.
The entire capital was engulfed in war.
Xie Ci and Gu Wan’s wedding was interrupted long ago, on the third day after Xun Xiao woke up.
But even Gu Wan did not expect the war situation to deteriorate to this extent so quickly.
Zhongdu was severely damaged, and the capital and 26 counties in the surrounding area were plunged into war.
Xie Ci received an order to mobilize troops and led 130,000 troops of Shuofang eastward to Xiguan, preparing to confront the heavy troops guarding the pass of Beirong.
However, on this forced march, he suddenly received an imperial edict to support the king!
Xie Ci was horrified: "What? Zhongdu has been destroyed——"
His voice changed. Zhongdu City has high mountains and deep moats and stores countless food. If they hold out, they can't hold out for more than a year!
No matter how the fighting goes on outside, China will definitely be able to wait for Gao Minggong and Zhang Shen to break through Sishui Pass again and cross the Yellow River!
How did it break down?!
All the generals and captains under his command who heard the news changed their expressions drastically.
The emperor took away all the imperial guards and opened the city gates. What about the 600,000 civilians in Zhongdu?!
Qin Xian's voice was hoarse, "Major General?!"
Xie Ci sat frozen on his horse for more than five seconds before he shouted, "Order! The rear troops will turn to the front! Follow the Fen River down and advance at full speed!"
"quick--"
The author has something to say:
The incident happened very quickly. Perhaps the Northern Rong had been preparing for it for a long time, so it was not a surprise to them. However, when many people were caught off guard, the country's borders were breached, and the capital and Zhongdu were breached!
It is time to embark on a new and unforgettable journey.
Phew, today is another super fat chapter! Heart to heart~ See you tomorrow, babies!! (づ￣3￣)づ
Finally, I also want to thank the babies who voted for Wenwen, jiu mi jiu mi!
Throwing a mine into the sky
An unknown squirrel spirit threw a mine
An unknown squirrel spirit threw a mine
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And to the big babies who irrigated Wenwen with nutrient solution, give me a heart~
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