Chapter 418 Rongzhen's Worries
After the day off.
Every day, Ouyang Rong would go to the main hall of Jiangzhou for his shift. The first thing he did upon entering the hall was to browse the battle reports from the front lines.
Half a month has passed since Qin Jingzhen led his troops out on the expedition, and no important news has come from the front lines yet.
The latest intelligence this morning is that the vanguard has entered Hongzhou territory.
In addition, there are some new developments regarding Li Zhengyan's army in the Southwest.
However, compared to the previous news, the latter news is less timely and needs to be estimated.
The old scout, Yuan Huaimin, had not yet arrived. The main hall was empty in the morning, and the courtyard was shrouded in the mist of an autumn morning. Not far away, officials in black robes occasionally walked by on the long corridor to take their shifts.
Ouyang Rong, who arrived early, breathed hot air into his palm, then went to get a map and began to work on it.
It will be some time before the expeditionary force and Li Zhengyan's army clash.
It seems that the vanguard of the expeditionary force should be able to reach Hongzhou before Li Zhengyan. The only question is whether they can capture Hongzhou before Li Zhengyan's army arrives...
Actually, neither side's marching speed was particularly fast, which is normal.
Because the march of tens of thousands of people is a massive and complex undertaking. This military machine may seem slow, but once it is started, it is difficult to stop it easily.
Not only in the current initial stage, but also when the two armies meet in the future, barring any unforeseen circumstances, it will still be a slow and hesitant process of maneuvering until a head-on battle becomes inevitable. Only then will they "collide" like mountains at a time and place when both generals believe they have the advantage.
The tug-of-war before the final battle might look to an outsider like an old man practicing Tai Chi in a public square.
As for the so-called surprise attacks, divine interventions, and unexpected moves... these exciting scenarios are mostly just wishful thinking.
All the examples of extraordinary military campaigns that have made it into history are victories, which has led to great triumphs that have made them famous throughout history, as if they were all dramatic and fascinating ingenious schemes.
However, throughout history, from the pre-Qin period to the present-day Zhou Dynasty, countless battles, large and small, have taken place, most of which were dull and monotonous "head-to-head" battles.
Even the most renowned military generals, whose achievements are unparalleled throughout history, conducted most of their battles in this disciplined manner.
So if you can eliminate the enemy's manpower in a head-on battle, then just fight them head-on. Don't keep thinking about your big meteor spell, big flood spell, big fate spell...
Take the current marching route of the expeditionary army westward to Hongzhou, for example. It was decided long ago at an internal military meeting, and Ouyang Rongmenqing would not easily change it, because it involves the army's logistics.
Meanwhile, Cai Qin in Hongzhou could also guess the general marching route of the expeditionary army.
The reason is simple: given the transportation conditions of that era, there were not many roads that could support a large number of military horses, let alone the Jiangnan region with its mild climate and abundant vegetation.
If you insist on leading tens of thousands of troops into the deep mountains and forests, disregarding everything else and only wanting speed and surprise, what about logistics and transportation?
Even if someone in the back row wants to nurse you, it'll be a struggle.
Who knows, the emperor might suddenly feel like issuing an imperial edict and then not be able to find you. What a bold fellow.
In addition, after the army set off, the vanguard, the front army, the central army, and the rear army set off in batches. In order to cooperate with the strategic goals put forward by the commander, they would discuss their respective marching tasks in advance before setting off.
For example, a certain army unit must arrive at a certain location on a certain day.
If you go out and have a strong sense of initiative, and suddenly decide to take a "convenient new route" provided by a farmer or hunter by the roadside, what if you get lost or late?
Yes, it not only surprised the enemy, but also exceeded the expectations of our own commander.
This is called disobeying military orders and delaying the battle.
On the contrary, the well-known main roads, which our predecessors have traveled hundreds of times during battles, are the easiest to estimate the approximate marching time before the army sets off.
So just stick to the planned route, which will not only make logistics easier but also prevent "missing opportunities".
These realities have led to some places becoming strategic locations fought over by military strategists, important gateways and routes through a region, and even turning points where offense and defense are easily accomplished.
This is because it was discovered and refined through countless battles fought by cavalry, infantry, and other military forces in ancient times. It was a place that both armies had to fight for, where they had to clash, and where logistics had to pass through because it was difficult to detour...
Inside the lobby, Ouyang Rong finished browsing and put down the latest frontline battle report.
Recently, in addition to practicing the "True Teachings" at night, Ouyang Rong has also been quietly studying military books of this era, and has gained some insights that would have been difficult to comprehend without firsthand experience in his previous life.
Sometimes, for officials stationed in the rear, the lack of major news from the front lines was actually good news.
This means that all military units are executing the strategic plan step by step, and there is currently no disruption or delay in any link or aircraft.
Currently, with the main army on campaign and Qin Jingzhen in full command of the war, Ouyang Rong only needs to cooperate diligently with the newly appointed Chief of the Marching Camp to ensure the smooth operation of the most crucial logistical link in Xunyang City, Jiangzhou.
This also gave him a great opportunity to observe the warfare patterns of this era up close.
In fact, Ouyang Rong's surprising and eloquent remarks at the family dinner that night were more strategic and theoretical, making him seem more like a senior advisor or strategist.
After all, he had spent his past life lurking in political forums for thousands of years, so his high-level rhetoric was bound to be impressive; he could talk for three days and three nights without repeating himself.
If Qin Jingzhen were to vacate the position and let him take the lead as commander, it would actually be a bit of a stretch, even though the strategic judgment might not be wrong.
However, even the best strategy needs an excellent and capable executor. No matter how good the theory is, putting it into practice is another matter entirely.
However, Qin Jingzhen, Xie Xue'e, Xie Lingjiang, and Qin Ying seemed to be very impressed with Ouyang Rong's ideas, and were amazed by his vision and strategy.
This was also a drawback of the aristocratic politics of the Great Gan and Great Zhou dynasties. The aristocratic elites monopolized certain channels of knowledge, and ordinary scholars could not learn the kind of vision and knowledge that Ouyang Rong possessed.
Where did the general public learn this kind of rare knowledge that is neither good at housework nor conducive to the imperial examinations?
With the imperial examination system as the guiding principle, most scholars from humble backgrounds focused on the path laid out by the upper-class elites, such as poetry, prose, and the Four Books and Five Classics.
Therefore, when faced with Ouyang Rong, this extraordinary individual, these aristocratic elites who monopolized scarce knowledge such as military affairs, Confucianism, and Qi cultivation were naturally stunned.
Moreover, Ouyang Rong's strategy was not wrong. In the eyes of an expert like Qin Jingzhen, it was highly feasible and ahead of its time.
Although he might be a bit inexperienced and clumsy on his first mission, lacking practical experience and needing to work through some stumbles, fortunately, he doesn't need to come immediately. Qin Jingzhen, this veteran, is definitely not lacking in practical skills.
A renowned general of the Great Zhou Dynasty who was certified by the border military system, his prestige goes without saying.
Because Qin Jingzhen also had his own military methodology, his appreciation of Ouyang Rong's methodology was more of an appreciation of his fellow "cooks," and a way of learning from their strengths and making up for his weaknesses.
With Qin Jingzhen personally taking the stage, it was a perfect opportunity for Ouyang Rong to secretly learn military skills and, incidentally, fill in some gaps in his understanding of the differences between his past and future lives.
These days, he diligently observes intelligence and logistics every day without fail, and after reading them carefully, he takes notes diligently, which is the reason why.
It's true that Ouyang Rong's knowledge system is ahead of its time, but if he doesn't apply it to real-world situations and integrate it with other knowledge, it's all for naught...
Therefore, learning must never stop.
Ouyang Rong was well aware of this.
In addition, due to its geographical location, the prosperous southeastern states of Jiangnan Circuit were continuously transporting supplies and soldiers from the south and north to Jiangzhou via the Yangtze River waterway, making Xunyang City a crucial transit hub.
Although it was considered a wartime front, the crisis and danger also bred huge profits, and many merchants from the southeast risked their lives to transport goods here.
Officials, scholars, and wealthy merchants from the southwest who were fleeing eastward also continuously disembarked at Xunyang Ferry.
This indirectly boosted the prosperity of Xunyang City's "wartime economy".
Ouyang Rong, the Chief Secretary of Jiangzhou who was in charge of civil affairs, became a popular figure of high status and power in the eyes of these outsiders.
However, Ouyang Rong didn't have time to leech off them for money; his focus during the day was mainly on building the Buddha statues for the Xunyang Grottoes.
The most important matters of state are sacrifice and war.
This is absolutely true. This is the foundation of the nation. Even though the army on the front lines is about to face off against the rebels, the official documents exchanged between the Jiangzhou government and the imperial court mainly concern the construction of the Donglin Buddha, which is a "national sacrifice."
This matter was ordered to proceed without any delay.
Even a certain aloof palace-dressed girl would occasionally come over to check on things and urge them on.
Ouyang Rong was somewhat speechless, but he didn't say much. A few days ago, he summoned the "Great Master of Wisdom" from Dagushan in Longcheng. Taking advantage of the opportunity of the wealthy people from the west of Jiangnan Road fleeing eastward and gathering in Xunyang, he had Master Shandao gather many wealthy and devout Buddhists who generously donated money to build the grottoes, which saved him a lot of money.
Inside the main hall, after Yuan Huaimin entered just as the bell rang, Ouyang Rong tossed him some of the month's official duties. He lowered his eyes in thought for a moment, glanced at the bright sunlight streaming through the floor by the door, and called out:
"Military Advisor Chen, where is Lady Rongzhen? Is she in the city? Have you seen her?"
"Reporting to the Prefect, the Lady Hermit sent someone over this morning to urge the manpower. We, your subordinates, followed your instructions and cooperated with you diligently... According to those who have been there, they should be investigating the Zhuxiang Paper Mill in Xingzifang, west of the city, today."
"Has Military Advisor Yan gone?"
“I’ve gone. As you instructed, every time Lady Historian comes to ask for people, it is Military Advisor Yan who arranges for someone to go and help.”
"knew."
After listening to Chen You's report, Ouyang Rong nodded calmly.
Rongzhen has recently been focusing on investigating the owner of the poem "Butterfly Loves Flowers".
In Ouyang Rong's view, she had become somewhat obsessed with this truth, and even neglected to pay more attention to the construction progress of the Donglin Buddha, which she was supposed to be in charge of.
Moreover, Rong Zhen was originally supposed to accompany Qin Jingzhen's army to the front lines in Hongzhou as the supervising officer of the expeditionary force.
However, it is unclear what she said to those above, but the position of military supervisor was transferred to Miaozhen, who was in charge of supervising the Xunyang Prince's Mansion.
The latter went out of the city on his behalf, while Rongzhen remained in Xunyang to investigate the owner of the Butterfly Love Flower...
Ouyang Rong rubbed his face.
Since Rongzhen wanted to investigate, he had no choice but to cooperate.
She did her duty, and he did his duty.
Ouyang Rong nodded, stood up, changed out of his official robes into casual clothes, and left the Jiangzhou main hall.
He took a car to Xingzifang.
The Zhuxiang Paper Mill is located near the west city wall.
Ouyang Rong walked into the papermaking workshop with his hands behind his back, and without looking to the side, he entered a spacious backyard where the paper was drying, and saw the cold figure of the girl in palace attire.
Rongzhen stood under the eaves, gently twirling a new piece of paper between two fingers. In the sunlight, she tilted her head back and squinted to examine the thin paper through which her fingers cast shadows.
Ouyang Rong saw this and stopped in his tracks:
What were the findings?
Rong Zhen didn't turn around. After a moment of silence, she said coldly:
"The direction is correct. The paper used for this 'Butterfly Loves Flowers' poem is produced in this workshop. It is called Bamboo Fragrance Paper, which is one of the three major bamboo papers of Xunyang. The date of completion of drying should be two months and three days ago."
Ouyang Rong smiled: "You've investigated quite thoroughly."
At present, bamboo paper is not the mainstream in the Great Zhou Dynasty; it is only popular in the south.
Located near Kuanglu Mountain, Xunyang is rich in bitter bamboo, and Xunyang bamboo paper is renowned in Jiangnan.
The imperial court and government documents used blue, white, and yellow rattan paper, as did the main hall in Jiangzhou. Many officials who were taking advantage of the system used rattan paper in their homes.
Rongzhen ignored her and said softly:
"The question now is whether the author of Butterfly Loves Flowers was in Xunyang when he wrote the lyrics, or whether the bamboo-scented paper was lost in another place."
Ouyang Rong thought for a moment: "It must be in Xunyang."
"Oh?" Rongzhen finally turned around: "Why are you so sure?"
"Two months and three days ago, if I remember correctly, it was when Cai Qin and Zhu Lingxu's army from Hongzhou attacked Jiangzhou. Xunyang was under strict lockdown. I was the in charge of guarding the city, and at that time there was an order that certain supplies were not allowed to leave the city gates, including all kinds of paper."
"The martial law was in place for the next two weeks... so this bamboo-scented paper could only be sold within the city."
Rongzhen looked at him for a while.
"Prefect Ouyang is truly intelligent." She nodded gently, her tone softening.
"I also think so, but the reason is that the pine ink used by the owner of Butterfly Love Flower is also a new product of Xunyang. The combination of the two is not a coincidence."
"Oh." Ouyang Rong's eyes showed curiosity: "There have been new discoveries regarding the ink as well?"
"Hmm." Rong Zhen's answer was vague: "It's just starting to look promising."
"Should we ask Military Advisor Yan to send some more men?"
"See? I'll call him if I need him."
"Alright. Don't stand on ceremony with him; Military Advisor Yan also enjoys investigating cases."
Rong Zhen suddenly said, "Prefect Ouyang seems very enthusiastic."
"I'm afraid of being passive and uncooperative, and being labeled by the Lady Historian."
Ouyang Rong chuckled, and Rong Zhen remained silent.
A moment later, sensing that the latter was distracted and began to drift off, Ouyang Rong calmly left.
Rong Zhen raised her head and looked expressionlessly at the back of the young man in the white fox fur coat who was cooperating perfectly with her.
That night in the darkness, the frail scholar wearing a fox mask was taller and thinner than Ouyang Lianghan.
Rong Zhen withdrew her gaze.
The date on the paper and ink, along with Ouyang Lianghan's recent addition, indicates that the author of the poem "Butterfly Loves Flowers" was in Xunyang City when he wrote it.
The death of Zhao Rushi, the county magistrate and guerrilla general of Jishui County, was vaguely related to the suspicious defection of Zhu Lingxu and his son.
Upon closer analysis, there are two groups of motivated beneficiaries.
On one side was Li Zhengyan, and on the other side were the pro-Li faction, including the Prince of Xunyang's Mansion.
The latter's motivation stemmed from his desire to strike at the Wei family in the imperial court behind Zhu Lingxu.
Based on the clues currently held by Rongzhen and the Imperial Observatory.
The former is the most suspicious.
Whether it was to kill Zhao Rushi to deter Zhu Lingxu and his son from defecting again;
The poem about butterflies and flowers happens to involve the Yue woman.
Or perhaps, the latest news suggests that they possess a more accurate speculation about a certain cauldron and sword.
All the clues pointed to Li Zhengyan and his group.
But this leads to another problem.
Is it too risky for Li Zhengyan to send a rare swordsman and a mythical cauldron sword to ambush the enemy in Xunyang City right under their noses?
"Are they lurking and keeping an eye on the Xunyang Prince's Mansion?"
Rong Zhen frowned slightly and muttered to herself:
"Or did you discover that thing by working backward after you took over the Guizhou Buddha statue facilities?"
"To be able to write such elegant and refined words, this person could not possibly be unknown in the city... but he is not a gentleman either!"
Her face suddenly turned frosty and cold, as if she had remembered something, and she gritted her teeth.
(End of this chapter)
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