Chapter 599: Camp Breakout (Double Monthly Ticket Request)
inside the house.
"So that's roughly what happened."
Zhao Duan sat in the main seat, looked around at everyone, and narrated what happened in the Golden Palace from a "first-person perspective":
"So, under the current circumstances, if we want to rally the people, issuing a military order is the best solution.
As for the danger you are worried about, it does not exist. When the situation was most critical before, I was able to get rid of Xu Jingtang in a few months.
The situation on the Huai River is much better now, and it will be even easier to defeat Prince Jing."
The comforting effect had a certain effect.
But judging from the expressions of Eugene Hua and her daughter, Haitang and other colleagues, the effect of this comforting measure is limited.
After all, the people present here are not ordinary people who lack information, so it is even more difficult for them to ignore the difficulty of eliminating Prince Jing.
Fortunately, several colleagues were sensible and quickly lent their support, helping Zhao Duan to comfort the women in his family and reassure him.
The mother and daughter relaxed their tense expressions a little after learning that the empress would also guarantee them - even if the military order could not be fulfilled, with the emperor's words, Dalang would not really be forced to commit suicide.
Seeing this, Zhao Duan knew that it was almost noon, so he hurriedly asked Qian Kerou to take the mother and daughter out to have lunch in the yamen.
Eugene Hua and her daughter were sensible and knew that they wanted to discuss something, so they had no choice but to follow them away.
Wait until the people leave.
Haitang, who was sitting at the conference table at Lihua Hall, let out a breath and looked at Zhao Duan, her brows relaxed.
"You could have explained to your family that the so-called military order was just a delaying tactic, a pretext to appease them. I believe it wouldn't be spread outside."
Zhao Duan looked at her helplessly: "Do you think I'm lying?"
Several colleagues were stunned for a moment and said in unison: "What else?"
“…”
Zhao Duan fell silent.
The King of Volumes Zhang Han frowned and said:
"Could it be that the Governor really intends to defeat the bandits in March? Even if we count from the beginning of spring, there are only a few months left. To alienate Zhao Shixiong and eliminate Xu Jingtang is something that must be done once and not twice."
Different from the crabapple with the big background of "Hai Chunlin".
The other police officers no longer dared to treat Zhao Duan as a colleague today, and spoke to him in a respectful tone.
Zhao Duan finally understood.
It turned out that a considerable number of civil and military officials in the court believed that they were just working together with the empress to "put on a show", and that the so-called military order was a "blank check" that was never intended to be cashed.
He was a little amused and helpless. He was not joking. What he said was true.
But he couldn't explain it. He couldn't reveal the princess and other hidden people. He opened his mouth, but finally swallowed it back helplessly.
Haitang said, "No need to explain, we understand. We must act seriously and publicly. However, I'm afraid that your big talk will lead some people to question your boasting.
When the military order is invalidated, it will inevitably add another black mark on your history. If this happens, the reputation you have accumulated over several consecutive battles will probably be wasted."
Zhang Han looked at her with admiration and said:
"The governor is willing to bear the infamy for the sake of the world. We admire him."
"Yes, yes, the governor is righteous, and we are not as good as him. Fortunately, Your Majesty is a wise ruler and is willing to bear the responsibility as a king. This also leaves room for tearing up the military order in the future."
The others began to speak up and praise.
"..." Zhao Duan waved his hands tiredly, forget it, let the world think whatever they want.
He was used to some misunderstandings.
"Okay, let's leave this topic for now. How are the members of the delegation being captured?" Zhao Duan changed the subject.
Haitang said:
"They've all been thrown into the Imperial Prison for interrogation. Don't worry, we'll take care of the rest. By the way, what are your thoughts on the next step?"
What she was referring to was the change in the situation since the collapse of the peace talks.
Zhao Duan said calmly:
"What else can I think? Xiping and Tieguan will definitely fight to the death, but if a fight really happens, the imperial court will definitely win. The middle of winter can also buy some time. If people from the Western Regions want to enter the pass, they have to wait until the weather warms up. This is a 'time window'.
"In the coming days, you must be more vigilant and monitor public opinion. If you discover anyone spreading negative public opinion, do not hesitate."
Several police officers nodded. "Okay. We understand this."
In any war, boosting morale and unifying thoughts are the most important links.
Fortunately, due to several consecutive victories, Zhao Duan's prestige has reached a new height, and his previous bad reputation has been completely suppressed.
In the short term, public opinion should remain stable.
After sending a few people away, Zhao Duan instructed Qian Kerou to guard the door and not see anyone.
Then he went back to the backyard room and lay down.
After a while, a soul flew out of the imperial court and headed straight for the palace.
…
…
Huai River, Jingchuan Town.
Inside the Huai'an Palace.
Zhao Duan opened his eyes from the bed and slowly got up, feeling the hunger in his stomach like a tide. He poured out a fasting pill from the medicine bottle beside him and ate it, and then he felt better.
"I stayed in the capital for so long this time that I almost missed coming back for dinner..."
Zhao Duan lifted the thick quilt, put his legs down on the ground, put on his boots and put on his outer robe. He pushed open the door and saw the courtyard was filled with solemnity, dotted with green.
Unlike the snow-covered capital, there are still some cold-resistant plants growing in Jingchuan Town even at the end of the year.
There was no one in the courtyard. He followed the sound and walked through the palace. Along the way, he ran into the servants in the palace. The servants hurriedly saluted:
"Commander Zhao..."
"Shh." Zhao Duan put his finger on his lips, made a gesture of silence, and continued walking forward.
Go around another wall and enter the garden in the side courtyard of the palace.
Surrounded by rockery, I saw a group of familiar people wearing colorful cotton robes and long skirts, having fun around the fireplace in the pavilion.
Xu Junling, Xu Qian, Ji Yue, Yu Xiu... and Jin Jian, who was actually in high spirits even though it was daytime.
The young priestess was sitting by the stove, staring intently at the charcoal-roasted sweet potatoes. Suddenly, she looked up and saw Zhao Duan approaching. She adjusted her glasses and said,
"Have you delivered the things I asked you to deliver?"
Really getting straight to the point... Zhao Duan said helplessly:
"I've sent it, but you still don't trust me to do things?"
The others looked over.
Princess Xu Junling was wrapped in a red and white cloak, with a circle of white around her neck, which made her face seem smaller. She walked over in small steps and saluted, saying:
"Meet the Governor."
During this period of time, Zhao Duan lived in the palace, using the excuse of "seclusion for breakthrough" to stay out of sight for a long time.
He only came out occasionally to meet people, have meals, and inquire about the situation in the city, so Xu Junling was not surprised by his elusiveness.
"Well, where is the prince?" Zhao Duan didn't waste any words and went straight to the point.
Prince Xu Qian, who was squatting by the stove, holding a red-hot wooden stick and stirring the pigeons buried in the charcoal fire, stood up and puffed out his chest.
"My father is taking a nap. If the governor has any important matters, please tell me. This prince can represent the palace..."
Xu Junling didn't even look at his brother:
"I will take the governor to see my father."
"Okay. Also, send someone to call Yuan Feng over for a meeting." Zhao Duan said calmly.
Xu Qian: “…”
…
After a while.
Zhao Duan sat in the inner hall of the palace, waiting for Prince Huai'an to rush over after a hasty nap.
"What does the governor want to see me about?" King Huai'an asked hurriedly, not daring to be careless.
Now the entire Jingchuan town is in the hands of the imperial court, and Zhao Duan’s status here is like that of the emperor.
Zhao Duan raised his hand first, motioning His Majesty to take a seat, and then said calmly:
“The peace talks in the capital have failed, and His Majesty has detained the envoys and is about to launch an all-out war.
This Commander-in-Chief has issued a military order to destroy Prince Jing within three months of the beginning of spring. Time waits for no one, so arrangements must be made now. Please prepare."
"Bang!"
Prince Huai'an's butt had just touched the edge of the chair when he heard the news and almost fell down.
Fortunately, Xu Junling, who was standing by, was quick to help and helped him up. Xu Qian, who had followed closely to join in the fun, was also stunned.
"What the governor said is... true?!" Prince Huai'an steadied himself, a look of surprise flashing across his fat face.
Zhao Duan sat in the main seat, glanced at him coldly, and said lightly:
"Your Highness, do you think this governor is joking with you?"
"No...I dare not." King Huai'an said subconsciously, and then a cold sweat broke out.
Far away in Huai River, the news he received was not timely enough, but he also knew that the capital was negotiating.
Now Zhao Duan gave the result that the talks broke down... This is not so bad, it is one of the possibilities, but to capture Prince Jing in March at the beginning of spring... This is really too abrupt and almost unbelievable.
At this moment, King Huai'an couldn't help but look at Zhao Du'an meaningfully, thinking in his heart:
Could it be that this commander-in-chief has become arrogant after winning consecutive battles and killing Xu Jingtang?
Otherwise, why would such an unrealistic idea arise?
You know, Xu Jingtang's swift defeat was full of coincidences. It wasn't just Zhao Shixiong's rebellion, it was also caused by his thousand-mile pursuit of Zhao Duan. The Tianshi Mansion was also involved behind the scenes...
If Xu Jingtang had not been so reckless and insisted on chasing to Zhengyang Mountain, but instead chose to deal with the army and then retreat to Yunfu Road to develop, he would not have died.
But it is impossible for Prince Jing to imitate such a coincidence.
"Commander...it's just that this happened suddenly, and I was momentarily surprised...Is this..."
Zhao Duan said calmly:
"Your Highness, are you questioning my plans? Or are you not going to fulfill your promise to help eliminate the rebels when you surrendered to the imperial court?"
These are very serious words.
Xu Junling hurriedly said:
"My father definitely has no such intention. Whenever the governor asks us to contribute, the Huai'an Palace will not hesitate and will definitely do our utmost."
"Yes, yes, I'll do my best." Prince Huai'an also hurried to make amends.
He was really scared. After all, his image as a fence-sitter was too deeply rooted in people's hearts. Now the peace talks had failed. If Zhao Duan thought they were not trustworthy, then the destruction of the entire Huai'an Palace would really only take a few minutes.
"That's good. Don't worry, I won't make things difficult for you. The imperial court is still willing to treat the princes who sincerely surrender well. Only those who are not sincere, such as the Prince of Hejian and the Prince of Yanshan, will be destroyed."
Zhao Duan gave him a reassurance and said immediately:
"Specifically, what I want you to do is to use the connections and foundation that the Huai'an Palace has accumulated over the years in the Huai River to help the court gather intelligence. By the way, do you have any news on the movements of Prince Jing that I asked you to inquire about earlier?"
King Huai'an said hurriedly:
"Yes. The specific information has been sorted out and placed in my study. Qian'er, go get it immediately."
Why me...and not my sister?
It’s obvious that I am the prince...Xu Qian felt extremely aggrieved.
"Aren't you going yet?" Xu Junling glared at him.
"...Oh." Xu Qian walked out reluctantly.
Prince Huai'an forced a smile and continued:
"Aside from the details, the situation hasn't changed much. After Xu Jingtang's defeat, Xu Wen further contracted his defenses, abandoning some unimportant areas. Now, he's facing the imperial army led by Xue Shence at Huting."
Lake Pavilion...
What a familiar name.
Zhao Duan was distracted for a moment, still remembering that the imperial court had chosen Huting as the venue for opening the market.
At that time, as an imperial envoy, he led Eunuch Hai and others south along the Grand Canal and arrived at Huting. He fought with Xu Jinglong on the water for the first time, and it was also the first time he fought with Qingshan's senior brother Duan Shuiliu.
Including the first meeting with King Huai'an, it was also at the Dafeng Tower over there.
Prince Jing's assassination attempt on Zhao Duan on Yansuo Lake was the starting point for the real feud between the two sides... Well, the hidden chess piece of Princess Lu Yan'er was also planted at that time.
I didn't expect that after such a long time, I would rush to the Eastern Front, and my first stop would still be Huting.
Prince Huai'an continued:
"Oh, there's one more special thing. The latest intelligence says that Prince Jing suddenly has a mysterious strategist under his command.
Well, his origins are unknown, as if he suddenly appeared out of nowhere, and he doesn't even have a name. We only know that his surname is Xu, and he holds a very high position. He is very close to Prince Jing Xu Wen. Currently, he has been involved in many things in Hu Ting. However, to what extent, we are still investigating.
Mysterious man?
Also surnamed Xu?
Is he a relative of Prince Jing's branch?
It can't be his illegitimate child...
Zhao Duan was fooled and couldn't help but start imagining things.
The Dayu Dynasty ruled the country for six hundred years, and generations of descendants multiplied. There were many royal descendants with the surname Xu, and a lot of relatives with the surname Pang scattered around. Zhao Duan really had no idea what to do.
At this time, footsteps and the sound of armor colliding were heard outside the hall.
Xu Junling hurried to open the door, and saw Yuan Feng, who had a Chinese face, leading several local civil officials and military generals rushing in.
Before entering the door, he shouted:
"Commander-in-Chief, we are summoned, but what happened?"
Zhao Duan didn't even raise his eyelids, and asked everyone to sit down in the house first, and then asked about Zhao Shixiong's whereabouts.
"Reporting to the governor, General Zhao is doing very well and has now occupied most of Yunfu. He is currently encircling and suppressing the prince of Prince Mu's mansion. If he had not brought fewer soldiers with him, he would have completely conquered Yunfu by now." Yuan Feng said.
Zhao Duan nodded, not surprised.
Without a leader, no matter how many sheep there are, they will be like stray dogs if driven away by a lion.
"Very good. Now that there is no worry in Yunfu, get ready. After the New Year, you will move camp north and rush to Xiping Road." Zhao Duan ordered lightly.
"Okay, are we finally heading to the eastern route of the Huai River? We've been starving and thirsty for a long time...eh?"
Yuan Feng was excited at first, then froze, staring blankly at Zhao Duan:
"Commander-in-Chief, where are our Fifth Army Battalion going?"
"Xiping Road." Zhao Duan's expression was indifferent. He ignored the surprised looks of the crowd and said calmly:
"The peace talks have failed. All-out war has broken out between Xiping and Tieguan Pass. People from the Western Regions are likely to enter the pass after spring. The Huai River is quite far from Xiping, and travel is slow in winter. You must leave as soon as possible."
Then he recounted what happened in the Golden Palace.
After hearing what happened, Prince Huai'an, Yuan Feng, Xu Junling and others breathed a little harder, and the room became quiet.
(End of this chapter)
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