Chapter 383 Planning
morning.
After attending the impromptu pre-battle meeting in the main hall of Jiangzhou, Zhu Yuheng
After paying homage to the King of Xunyang, he took the fish tally and went to the military camp outside the city to muster his troops for the expedition.
He was accompanied by a female military supervisor chosen by Rongzhen.
The vanguard of the Jiangzhou army consisted of 1,500 soldiers.
They were all surrendered soldiers who had followed Zhu Lingxu and his son in turning against the enemy. In a sense, they were Zhu Lingxu and his son's private army, led by Zhu Yuheng, who went on the expedition as the vanguard, which can be regarded as setting an example.
As a veteran general, Zhu Lingxu did not lead his more than 8,000 vanguard troops out of the city all at once; they had to proceed in an orderly manner.
Moreover, when a large army is mobilized, supplies must be delivered first.
With so many troops, if you just decide to send them all out on a whim, the corresponding logistical support would be absolutely overwhelming.
The tasks of securing provisions, equipment, soldiers, and horses for the vanguard were numerous and complex, making it a tedious undertaking.
Zhu Yuheng's vanguard was in a better position, traveling light and setting out ahead to scout ahead.
Zhu Lingxu's central command tent remained temporarily in Xunyang City to continue training the remaining 6,500-plus soldiers. After the training, they were gradually deployed over the next few days...
The so-called reorganization and training meant that after the generals and other personnel were arranged, the troops sent by the military governments in various places were randomly divided into units and reorganized according to the marching system.
To prevent the local militia from forming cliques and factions.
This task took a little time, but Zhu Lingxu understood its importance and carried it out strictly.
This point made Ouyang Rong think highly of him.
Zhu Lingxu, as expected of an old hand, employed a very traditional and experienced military style, emphasizing stability and impeccable defense.
It is more suitable for large-scale head-on battles, without relying on surprise attacks or night raids.
This makes it difficult for the enemy on the main battlefield to find any loopholes.
A head-on showdown is a contest of each side's war potential.
In this way, the side with the advantage will naturally win.
However, the steady and methodical style of these classic, old-fashioned generals also means that almost every subsequent order or action is predictable and traceable.
Having attended these pre-battle meetings and thoroughly understood Zhu Lingxu's leadership style, Ouyang Rong could practically predict the old man's next move with his eyes closed.
For example, the fact that striker Zhu Yuheng was the first to go on the field was expected long ago...
Regardless, everything is proceeding smoothly and in an orderly manner according to the arrangements made at the pre-war meeting.
Li Xian, Ouyang Rong, Wang Lengran, and others escorted Zhu Lingxu and his son to the city gate.
"Your Highness, gentlemen, please wait. We will escort you to the city gate. Yuheng has already understood Your Highness's intentions. Haha, let him go on his own from here on out. He has to be able to stand on his own eventually."
Zhu Lingxu bowed and, with a smile, called out to the crowd to a halt.
Zhu Yuheng nodded. He was wearing chainmail today. He saluted Li Xian and then cupped his hands to Ouyang Rong, Wang Lengran and others.
However, when his gaze passed over Ouyang Rong, he ignored him completely.
Since Zhu Lingxu and his son arrived in Xunyang City, Ouyang Rong and Zhu Yuheng, who had previously attended Li Zhengyan's banquets together, have not spoken a word to each other and have become like strangers.
A moment later, Li Xian led the way forward, symbolically poured Zhu Yuheng a farewell drink, and exchanged pleasantries.
During a break from drinking.
Ouyang Rong, who was standing quietly not far away, watched Zhu Lingxu and his group.
To facilitate military affairs, Wang Lengran arranged for Zhu Lingxu to stay in a large house in the city for the past two days, near the Jiangzhou Grand Hall. Zhu Lingxu began to swagger into the city every day.
Today, Zhu Lingxu still only brought ten personal guards, as strictly stipulated by someone, with him when entering and leaving Xunyang City.
However, in the past two days, a group of ten personal guards around Zhu Lingxu have been replaced, and they have become somewhat different.
Besides the six former guards whom Ouyang Rong had often seen and remembered, the other four were completely unfamiliar faces.
These four people,
A monk,
One,
Two different people.
The leading monk was old and hunchbacked, wearing a dark black robe, with extremely long earlobes and a meek and submissive demeanor.
The Taoist priest was young, around twenty or thirty years old, wearing a Nanhua turban, with a frivolous and carefree expression. He wore a dirty yellow and white Taoist robe and carried two long swords on his back, looking like a wandering Taoist priest from the north.
As for the remaining two barbarians, one tall and one short, both dressed in gray outfits and with dreadlocks, they looked like brothers.
However, Ouyang Rong recognized this look; it must be that of a Xianbei person. Qiu Shenji had dressed similarly before.
Four strange guards appeared around him after the Heavenly King coldly informed Zhu Lingxu that the King of Wei had sent people to protect his safety.
These four must be the experts chosen by the King of Wei.
Ouyang Rong nodded slightly.
He couldn't discern much from the monk and the Taoist priest at that moment.
However, not long ago, Ouyang Rong had noticed a trace of spiritual energy circulating among the two Xianbei men, one tall and one short.
A light red ethereal color.
Seventh-grade cultivation, two seventh-grade cultivators.
As for the remaining monk and Taoist priest, the situation is at least even.
A certain aloof, palace-dressed girl also came to the city gate with the others today.
She sent one of her rigid female officials out of the city to accompany the vanguard and act as a military supervisor.
As for Rong Zhen himself, as the military supervisor, he naturally stayed in the central command tent in Xunyang City.
Ouyang Rong noticed that Zhu Lingxu slightly tilted his head toward the four strange guards behind him.
The two Xianbei men immediately mounted their horses and followed closely behind Zhu Yuheng.
Clearly, she was accompanying him on the expedition as a bodyguard.
Ouyang Rong suddenly noticed something out of the corner of his eye.
The swordsman behind Zhu Lingxu seemed to find the polite greetings and toasts in front of him boring. He looked around, then turned to Rong Zhen with a smile and struck up a conversation.
Rongzhen didn't even glance at him.
At one moment, his cold gaze shifted, glancing at the ascetic monk whose aura had vanished and whose presence seemed nonexistent.
A short while later, they finished drinking the farewell wine.
"Then I congratulate Commandant Zhu on the successful report. Upon returning to Xunyang City, the Prince's Palace will host a banquet to celebrate the victory with Chief Steward Zhu and Commandant Zhu."
She lingered, smiling as she departed.
"Haha, Your Highness is too kind." Zhu Lingxu waved his hand.
"Thank you for your kind words, Your Highness." Zhu Yuheng, still on horseback, bowed slightly without changing his expression.
Zhu Lingxu didn't forget to turn back and give his eldest son some instructions:
"Your Majesty and the princes are watching. This time, you are leading the army on a mission and must not act rashly... Speed is of the essence in war. You must arrive at Fushui County on time and not delay the military order."
"yes."
Today is Chen You's turn to be on duty at the West Gate, guarding the city gate.
Just as Li Xian was chatting with Zhu Lingxu and his son Zhu Yuheng, Ouyang Rong went to talk to Chen You and happened to be standing at the city gate.
At this moment, with the pilgrimage coming to an end, Zhu Lingxu and his son prepared to leave the city.
Chen You immediately led his men to open the city gate.
Ouyang Rong, who remained where he was, stood under the bridge in front of the city gate, turning back with his sleeves tucked in.
Zhu Lingxu and his son, along with ten personal guards, rode forward and stopped under the bridge in front of the city gate.
The latter group was larger and taller.
As Ouyang Rong walked towards them, his position seemed to block the main path.
So he turned slightly to the side and automatically made way for the main road.
Apart from Zhu Lingxu, Zhu Yuheng, and the black-robed ascetic monk who kept their eyes straight ahead, the other guards, including the frivolous Taoist priest, all turned to look.
Both groups of people were in the darkness under the city gate bridge.
Ouyang Rong was tall and slender, dressed in a thin scholar's robe, standing alone on the ground, squeezed to the edge.
The others rode on tall horses, looking down at the frail-looking scholar.
The atmosphere was quiet.
As the creaking of the iron chains echoed, the city gate slowly opened.
"laugh--!"
Suddenly, a sneer rang out, sounding extremely jarring even in the creaking underpass, and everyone heard it.
Ouyang Rong calmly turned his head and glanced at the person who was sneering. He discovered that it was one of the six former personal guards who accompanied Zhu Lingxu.
The man had faint whip marks on his neck that hadn't healed, which he covered with the collar of his black robe. At this moment, he gripped the reins, head held high, waiting without looking at Ouyang Rong, but the corners of his mouth were full of sarcasm.
The other guards, seeing this or knowing what was going on, chuckled and laughed.
Or perhaps, like the frivolous Taoist priest, he glanced with considerable curiosity at the handsome young man on the ground who seemed to have been humiliated, wondering how this boy had managed to offend Zhu Lingxu and his guards.
Zhu Lingxu seemed to be temporarily deaf. It was only after a long while, just as the city gates were about to open, that he belatedly turned his head.
He first glared at the guard named Chen Laosan, then turned back, his old face showing apology:
"Prefect Ouyang, don't misunderstand. This fellow is a rogue... but that's definitely not what he meant..."
Then, with a loud thud, the city gate was fully opened. Ouyang Rong shook his head, calmly turned to the side, and gesturing with his palms.
Upon seeing this, Zhu Lingxu nodded calmly and led ten close followers out on horseback.
As for Zhu Yuheng, he kept his eyes glued to the screen the entire time, as if he hadn't seen Ouyang Rong at all.
A group of martial artists strode away.
"This is outrageous! These martial artists are far too arrogant..." Chen You muttered, suppressing his anger.
"It's alright, let's just focus on our own business. Warriors often go to the battlefield, risking their lives, so they naturally speak more freely."
Instead of looking away, Ouyang Rong comforted Chen You, who admired him.
After the farewell ceremony, everyone dispersed, and Ouyang Rong escorted Li Xian back to the Prince's Mansion.
In the following days, Ouyang Rong continued as usual, focusing on his work, while the reorganization and training of the Jiangzhou vanguard were gradually completed.
According to the latest news from Zhu Yuheng, the forward.
The vanguard has already broken into Hongzhou territory, scouting a route for the main army.
Upon receiving the military report, Zhu Lingxu's vanguard was preparing to set off.
The date is tentatively set for the day after tomorrow.
When Ouyang Rong received the message, he was sitting in the main hall processing official documents. In the current wartime situation, the Jiangzhou main hall needed to cooperate with Zhu Lingxu's vanguard, so things were quite busy.
This is probably one of the reasons why Zhu Lingxu has never openly turned against him; he still needs the help of this chief secretary who is familiar with Jiangzhou affairs to assist with logistical work.
"Your Excellency."
Yan Liulang arrived breathless, caught his breath, handed over a note, and whispered in Ouyang Rong's ear:
"These are some of the addresses where Li Li frequently appears in Xunyang City..."
"And the news about Jishui County that you asked me to find out... that Jishui County Commandant Zhao Rushi was promoted by His Majesty and appointed as a guerrilla general."
"It's just a nominal title. However, a few days ago, Wang Lengran and Zhu Lingxu sent him to lead troops to handle the recovery of several surrendered county towns around Jishui County... As of yesterday, the recovery was completed."
"This person is expected to return to Xunyang City in the next two days to report to Zhu Lingxu and Wang Lengran. It seems he is going to be promoted. This trend suggests that his official rank may be transferred to the vanguard of the expedition, leading a force and solidifying his title as a guerrilla general."
"Heh, Zhu Lingxu specifically entrusted this person with the task of retaking a lost city, which is an easy way to gain credit. They must have a close relationship..."
"Also, news came back from Zhu Yuheng that he arrived in Fushui County within Hongzhou territory as scheduled yesterday and easily occupied it, half a day ahead of schedule."
"Zhu Yuheng's vanguard is not far from Hongzhou City. According to intelligence, Cai Qin is making hasty preparations for battle in Hongzhou..."
Yan Liulang finished recounting everything in great detail.
Ouyang Rong put down what he was doing, listened silently for a moment, then dipped his fingertips in water and began to write on the table.
This drew Yan Liulang's attention; even though there was inkstone and brush right next to him, Ouyang Rong deliberately used water.
Then, the young clerk wrote some strange, crooked characters on the table, as if he had calculated some distance and time.
"The distance is just right, not too far, not too close... Finally, everything is in place."
He muttered to himself, head down.
A moment later, Ouyang Rong flicked his sleeve, not minding the dirt, and wiped away the water stains on the table.
Raise your head and nod slightly:
"Thanks for your hard work."
"It is the Prefect who has worked hard."
Ouyang Rong suddenly smiled:
"It's been a long time since I've had a vacation. My eldest brother invited me to the newly built Juxian Garden to appreciate music and recite poetry. I'll ask for a day off tomorrow. Will my sixth brother come along?"
Yan Liulang shook his head: "This humble servant has matters to attend to and cannot go for the time being. Your Excellency, please go and relax."
Ouyang Rong nodded:
"Very well, let's meet again the day after tomorrow. It just so happens that Chief Steward Zhu is leading the main army to war the day after tomorrow. I'll come back to offer him a toast and send him off properly."
His tone was very serious.
Yan Liulang was slightly taken aback.
Half an hour later, Ouyang Rong finished handling all his affairs in an orderly manner, left a leave letter, finished his shift early, and returned to his residence in Huaiye Lane.
Taking a day off for the first time ever, Ouyang Rong felt completely relaxed.
It was approaching evening.
"I'm going to the Prince's mansion. I won't be back tonight, and I might not be back tomorrow night either. Don't wait for me, go to sleep early."
After giving these instructions, Ouyang Rong unusually changed into a red casual outfit, which was quite flamboyant.
He went to the hidden compartment, took out a bronze mask, and silently tucked it into his sleeve.
Then, take out a brand new violin case that was prepared beforehand, inside which is a real violin;
Ouyang Rong turned his head and wrapped the zither-shaped sword box containing the True Cauldron Sword, a Wei-character black iron token, the Ink Dragon Pill box, and other items together in a gray cloth.
He carried the gray package and the harp case together in his arms and took them out.
Before leaving, Ouyang Rong took out a felt hat from the cabinet, shook off the dust, put it on, and strode away.
A short while later, at the back gate of the mansion, Ouyang Rong boarded a carriage that had been waiting for a long time.
As he lifted the carriage curtain, Xie Lingjiang's graceful figure in a red dress could be faintly seen waiting, considerately taking the bundle from his hands...
Half an hour later.
Xiushuifang, a winding carriage stopped at the entrance of the bustling Xunyang Prince's Mansion.
At first, it did not attract the attention of messengers or travelers.
Ouyang Rong bent down to get out of the car, the gray package in his hand had disappeared, leaving only a long and narrow violin case, which he held in his arms.
Prince Li Fusu appeared at the door and came out to personally greet the guests, which immediately surprised the messengers and guests who had come from afar.
Ouyang Rong, eyes fixed on the entrance, picked up his zither and walked through the gates of the Prince's mansion. Li Dalang greeted him with a smile.
"Lianghan has finally arrived! The weather is lovely today, the sunset is fiery red, and it's the fifteenth of the month, so there must be stars and a bright moon, perfect for drinking and singing..."
Ouyang Rong smiled and nodded, gently patting the zither case: "We won't leave until we're drunk."
They exchanged a smile, ignored everyone else, and entered the house, shoulder to shoulder.
However, many people in Jiangzhou City knew that Ouyang Lianghan had a good relationship with the heir of the Prince of Xunyang and visited him frequently in private, so the onlookers were not surprised for long.
The two had been inside for a short time.
Fifteen minutes later, Princess Wei Mei suddenly led a group of maids out in a grand manner, seemingly to go shopping.
Among the accompanying maids was a young woman with very thin lips. She followed silently behind Wei Mei and was not conspicuous among the large group of maids traveling with her.
Fifteen minutes later.
On the bustling West Market Street of Xiushuifang, Wei Mei and her maids went shopping along the street. One of the thin-lipped maids who had gone out with them disappeared from sight.
(End of this chapter)
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