Liang Jiajun
The city of Lin'an was shrouded in a strange calm.
A few days later, in her Lin'an residence, Liang Hongyu was polishing the armor she had worn during years of battle. Sunlight filtered through the window lattice, illuminating the scales of her armor with silvery, white starlight.
"Madam, an imperial decree has arrived." The housekeeper hurried in with a serious expression.
Liang Hongyu didn't stop her movements, just raised her eyes slightly and said: "Read."
"I hereby order Privy Councilor Han Shizhong to remain at the academy and serve from now on. He need not return to Zhenjiang. I also order Privy Councilor Zhang Jun and Deputy Privy Councilor Yue Fei to go to Chuzhou to review the troops."
The armor was gently placed on the table, making a crisp sound. Liang Hongyu frowned slightly. "Chuzhou is the defense zone that my husband has managed for over ten years, but now he has sent Zhang Jun and Yue Fei to inspect it. This is not a simple matter."
Han Shizhong emerged from the inner chamber, took the imperial edict, and examined it carefully, his thick brows gradually furrowing. "Your Majesty, what do you mean by this? My Han army has been stationed in Chuzhou for many years, and the Jin soldiers dare not even cross the line. Why do we need others to review it?"
Liang Hongyu stood up and walked to the window. "Qin Hui has close ties with the Jin people. Now that the Jin people are unable to invade the south, it's a good time to negotiate peace. But you and I, along with Yue Fei, have always advocated war, so we are naturally thorns in their eyes."
"You mean..." Han Shizhong hadn't finished speaking when a voice came from outside the door: "Zhang Jun and Yue Fei are visiting!"
Liang Hongyu and Han Shizhong looked at each other and saw doubt in each other's eyes.
In the front hall, Zhang Jun was in high spirits, but Yue Fei looked solemn.
"Brother Han, His Majesty has ordered the two of us to go to Chuzhou to review military affairs, and I've come here specifically to ask for your advice." Zhang Jun bowed, but a hint of imperceptible pride flashed in his eyes.
Yue Fei continued, "General Han is strict in military discipline, and Chuzhou's defense is impregnable. Our trip here is really unnecessary." There was helplessness in his words.
Before Han Shizhong could reply, Liang Hongyu emerged from behind the screen. "Since you two have received the Emperor's order, you must fulfill your duties with all your heart. However, the Chuzhou soldiers have fought alongside my wife and I for many years and are known for their upright character. I hope you will forgive me if I have offended you."
Zhang Jun chuckled dryly. "Madam, you're worrying too much. By the way, before we left, Prime Minister Qin specifically instructed us to be careful in self-defense and to be on guard against any rebellion by the army."
As soon as the words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly became stagnant.
Yue Fei frowned. "Prime Minister Qin is wrong. The Chuzhou soldiers are from the imperial court. How can they be considered for self-defense?"
Qin Hui's words clearly hinted at the Han army's ulterior motives. Liang Hongyu observed Zhang Jun calmly, and when she saw the flicker in his eyes, she understood something.
After seeing them off, Liang Hongyu immediately called her confidant and said, "Hurry up and prepare. I need to go back to Chuzhou first."
Han Shizhong held her back and said, "Your Majesty has ordered me to stay in Lin'an. If you go back now, it will give people something to talk about."
Liang Hongyu's eyes were firm. "That's why I have to go back. Zhang Jun is on good terms with Qin Hui, and although Yue Fei is upright, he may not be able to deal with it comprehensively. I'm worried that they will harm the Chuzhou army."
That night, Liang Hongyu quietly left Beijing and rode at full speed to Chuzhou.
In May in Chuzhou, the river breeze is cool.
Liang Hongyu stood on the city wall, gazing out at the rolling Yangtze River. She had arrived two days earlier than Zhang Jun and Yue Fei, and had already made her arrangements.
"Madam, Zhang Jun and Yue Fei's boat has arrived at the dock." Deputy General Li Sheng came to report.
Liang Hongyu nodded: "Meet as planned. Remember not to be impolite, but also don't be overly attentive."
"I understand."
On the parade grounds, the Han army was in full formation. Though only a few thousand strong, they were all in high spirits and in meticulous order. This was the scene Zhang Jun and Yue Fei encountered upon their arrival.
Zhang Jun's expression changed slightly. He turned to Yue Fei and whispered, "Han Shizhong raised such a strong army, but he refused to hand it over to the imperial court. He deserves death."
Yue Fei said sternly, "General Han has guarded Chuzhou for over ten years, and the Jin soldiers dared not invade, thanks to these elite soldiers and generals. Why do you say that, Lord Zhang?"
Zhang Jun sneered and said nothing.
During the review, Zhang Jun suddenly proposed: "Chuzhou has a strong army and horses. Why not send half of them to garrison in Ezhou and Jiankang?"
Yue Fei immediately objected: "Absolutely not! Although General Han is in Lin'an, if Your Majesty orders him to lead the troops again, how will we explain it?"
Liang Hongyu, who was observing from the side, became more certain of Zhang Jun's intention. He came to Chuzhou City this time probably to split the military power of the Han family army.
That night, Zhang Jun stayed at an inn outside the city, while Yue Fei was invited to the provincial government office by Liang Hongyu.
"General Yue, please." Liang Hongyu personally poured tea for Yue Fei. "Thank you for protecting the Chuzhou army during the day."
Yue Fei: "General Han and his wife are defending the country. I am only discussing the matter at hand."
Liang Hongyu's expression was solemn. "General Yue, do you know why Prime Minister Qin specifically told you to be careful and defend yourself?"
Yue Fei pondered for a moment. "I also find this strange. The Chuzhou Army is part of the Song Dynasty. How can they be dangerous?"
"Because someone wants to kill my wife and me." Liang Hongyu looked Yue Fei straight in the eye. "One of the Jin people's conditions for peace is to eliminate the generals who advocated for war. General Yue, are you aware that Wanyan Zongbi once wrote to Qin Hui, explicitly stating that General Yue must be killed before peace can be reached?"
Yue Fei was stunned: "How did Madam know this?"
Liang Hongyu smiled slightly. "I have my own sources. General Yue, Zhang Jun's attempt to divide the Chuzhou army today is no accident. I'm afraid the next step will be to fabricate charges and frame loyal officials."
As they were talking, a personal guard came hurriedly to report: "Madam, Geng Zhuo and Hu Fang are having a secret conversation in the camp, and the content involves the purpose of the two Privy Councilors' visit!"
Liang Hongyu's expression was stern: "Tell me in detail."
......
The next day, when Li Sheng and his soldiers arrived for a military roll call, Zhang Jun became nervous and spoke with caution.
Liang Hongyu observed in secret and saw that Zhang Jun still looked unhappy after Li Sheng's explanation. She knew that this misunderstanding had planted the seeds of disaster.
Sure enough, a few days later, Hu Fang secretly sent a memorial to Lin'an, falsely accusing Geng Zhuo of "spreading rumors and misleading the public." Meanwhile, Qiu Feng received an urgent report from Lin'an: Qin Hui and Zhang Jun were exchanging frequent letters regarding the "dealing with Han's former subordinates."
"Madam, Geng Zhuo has been taken to Lin'an!" Li Sheng hurriedly reported, looking anxious.
Liang Hongyu pondered for a moment and said, "Quickly invite General Yue."
When Yue Fei arrived, Liang Hongyu pushed a copy of Hu Fang's memorial in front of him and said, "General Yue, please take a look."
After reading it, Yue Fei's expression suddenly changed: "This... This is a false accusation!"
"It's not just a false accusation, it's a conspiracy," Liang Hongyu said. "Hu Fang was once promoted by General Han, and now he's biting back. Qin Hui will definitely make a big fuss about this and pin the crime of spreading rumors and misleading the public on my husband."
Yue Fei slammed the table and stood up: "How can this be! I will write a letter to Your Majesty to explain the situation!"
Liang Hongyu shook her head. "The general's letter may not reach the emperor directly. The most urgent thing is to let my husband know about this matter and make a statement to the emperor."
She took out a letter she had already written and said, "I have written the details in it. Please send it to Lin'an as soon as possible."
Yue Fei took the letter and said solemnly, "Madam, rest assured. I will definitely fulfill your mission."
After Yue Fei left, Liang Hongyu called Li Sheng and said, "Take a group of your trusted men and secretly protect Geng Zhuo's family. I'm worried someone might kill them to silence them."
"I obey your orders!"
......
In Lin'an, Han Shizhong received a secret letter from Liang Hongyu, and was shocked and angry. He immediately asked to see Zhao Gou, but was refused for two consecutive days on the grounds that "Your Majesty was unwell."
On the morning of the third day, Han Shizhong ignored the guards' attempts to stop him and rushed straight into the palace. He knelt and shouted, "Your Majesty! I, Han Shizhong, have something important to report!"
Gaozong finally summoned him.
Han Shizhong knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face, and said, "I beg the Emperor to spare me for my service in saving you during the Miao-Liu Rebellion. I am willing to hand over the Tiger Talisman of the Han Family Army."
Zhao Gou looked coldly at the awe-inspiring general who had once galloped across the battlefield and crushed the Jin army, now groveling at his feet in such a humble manner. His vanity was greatly satisfied at this moment. As for Hongyu...
Zhao Gou asked him sinisterly, "General Han, how can I forgive you? You stole my woman."
Han Shizhong bowed his head even lower. "I know I'm guilty, but Your Majesty rules the entire world, and all women bow down before you. I only want her, and I'm willing to offer you one million strings of cash, nine hundred thousand dan of rice, and fifteen wine cellars, all accumulated over the years. Please allow me to return home."
Zhao Gou thought after hearing this: No matter when, Hongyu never belonged to him. What's the point of snatching her away? She is just a body without a heart. It is better to let her go. If I kill two generals, it may cause trouble.
So he said, "I will immediately order Qin Hui to investigate those who framed the general, and I will allow you to return home."
The next day, Emperor Gaozong confronted Qin Hui in person. Qin Hui was caught off guard and had no choice but to shift all the blame onto Geng Zhuo, hastily closing the case.
When the news reached Chuzhou, Liang Hongyu felt no relief. Standing on the city wall, gazing towards Lin'an, her worries deepened.
"Madam, the matter has been settled. Why are you still frowning?" Li Sheng asked.
Liang Hongyu sighed softly, "Although we've escaped danger this time, Qin Hui and Zhang Jun's schemes won't stop. If they can frame Geng Zhuo today, they could frame General Yue tomorrow, or even Your Majesty..."
She turned to face Li Sheng, her gaze piercing. "Pass the order down. Strengthen patrols, especially along the river. Although the Jin people have spoken of peace, their wolfish ambitions remain."
"yes!"
......
A month later, Han Shizhong was allowed to return to Chuzhou. The couple's reunion seemed like a lifetime ago.
"If my wife hadn't written to me asking me to hand over my military power first, I would probably be imprisoned." Han Shizhong sighed.
Liang Hongyu poured him some wine and said, "My husband, you are too kind. But after this incident, I am even more convinced that Qin Hui is colluding with the Jin people and will continue to persecute loyal officials."
Han Shizhong held her hand and said, "Madam, you are very far-sighted. I cannot match you. But now I am really left alone. I even spent all my wealth to save my life. Do you despise me, Madam?"
"How could that be? General, don't forget." Liang Hongyu handed the Liang Family Army's tiger talisman to Han Shizhong. "I still have a thousand female soldiers and three thousand elite soldiers at your disposal."
Han Shizhong's eyes flashed with a complex expression when he heard this, and his knuckles holding the wine glass turned slightly white. "Madam, your army is indeed elite. But the situation in the court is treacherous now, and Qin Hui's followers are everywhere. If we take control of the army again, I'm afraid..."
Liang Hongyu suddenly leaned forward, the candlelight dancing in her eyes. "My dear husband, do you know why I mention female soldiers now?" She dipped her fingertips into the wine, leaving a wet streak on the table. "Tomorrow, the Privy Council will transfer the city defense battalion to Huaibei. This is the secret report we received this morning."
Han Shizhong looked up suddenly. "The city defense battalion has been transferred? Wouldn't that make Chuzhou an empty city?"
"That's right." A cold smile appeared on Liang Hongyu's lips. "Three days ago, I asked female soldiers to disguise themselves as refugees and enter the city in batches. Now they are..." She suddenly stopped talking and tapped the table three times with her fingertips.
Immediately, three cuckoo calls were heard outside the window in response.
Han Shizhong suddenly realized, and his beard trembled with excitement: "Could it be that Madam has already..."
Liang Hongyu took out the city defense map and spread it out. "Although the general has no military power, the Liang family army is still there, as well as some former members of the Han family army. They do not want to be affiliated with the court and have retired to the countryside. If needed in the future, they will put on their armor and be at your command."
The candlelight crackled and Han Shizhong shook Liang Hongyu's hand tightly. "Having your wife is like having a thousand soldiers."
A couple drank together, moonlight bathing the courtyard. In the distance, the Yangtze River roared like the sound of war drums.
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