In a few days, it will be the New Year.
This is Shao Qing's third year in this world.
There was the rustling sound of snow and Wei Jing's deep voice. "It's very snowy. There's a thick layer of snow on the eaves and treetops. A branch of your favorite crabapple tree was broken. The yard was just swept, but there's another layer of snow."
"…Red silk lanterns were hung under the eaves, half a person's height, one was hung every ten feet, all the way to the gate of the courtyard…"
Black tiles, white snow, the world is covered in silver. The big red lanterns emit soft light, reflecting the red color of the thin snow on the ground. The cold wind is howling, and the branches of the old crabapple tree are swaying with a "creaking" sound.
A detailed picture unfolded, and although the eyes could not see it, Shao Qing was more interested than ever before. She snuggled up against a familiar warm chest, the baby in her belly kicking excitedly. It was a little painful but she was very happy.
Her husband held her in his arms while she was pregnant with their child. This child continued her bloodline and he would be born in four months.
An unprecedented joy took over her. She was very excited. She took a breath of the cool and fresh air, and her heart and lungs relaxed. Shao Qing found that she was happier this year than the previous two.
Even if she can't see it for the time being.
"Let's go back to the house, okay?"
A big hand carefully tucked the collar of her big fur cloak. He lowered his head, rubbed her affectionately, and kissed her on the forehead, very gently.
"Um!"
Shao Qing responded happily.
She was very happy, and Wei Jing couldn't shake off the smile on his lips. He stood up and held her in his arms and strode back to the house. He whispered, "The lanterns on the fifteenth day will be more beautiful. They will be prepared in the mansion by then. Shall we go and see them together?"
"good!"
He gently placed her on the soft couch, and placed his big hands on Gao Long's waist and abdomen. He kissed her, looked up at her, and said with a smile, "Next year, we will hold this little thing and watch it together."
"good!"
Shao Qing responded again. She smiled happily with a small dimple at the corner of her lips, and her lacquer-like pupils shone brightly under the candlelight.
Wei Jing brushed past gently, gave her a kiss, and silently thought.
Tomorrow we can really watch it together.
…
On New Year's Day, Wei Jing brought his wife and children to pay homage to his mother and brother, and then was busy accepting congratulations from officials from various counties and prefectures of Jing and Yi states, as well as the ministers and generals of Pingcheng.
He was extremely busy, but he did not forget to personally arrange the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month.
"Lü Jian donated several skilled craftsmen to make a deer lantern, ten feet high. It is said that after the candle is lit, the deer can walk around in a circle, which is very exquisite."
Wei Jing smiled and said, "We will be able to see it tomorrow."
If a burning candle can move, isn't that a revolving lantern?
It’s ten feet high, so big!
Shao Qing had seen the revolving lantern many times in her previous life, but she was still looking forward to it excitedly.
The next day was the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. As dusk fell, the garden of the county magistrate's mansion was ablaze with lights and flowers. From afar, Shao Qing could hear the cheers of many women and children.
It would be a waste for only two people to see the Lantern Festival, so naturally everyone should enjoy it together. She became more and more excited, "Let's hurry up!"
There has been no heavy snow since the New Year, and spring has come quietly. Shao Qing changed into a pink apricot jacquard cloak. Apart from her bulging waist and abdomen, her figure did not look bloated. Her pretty face gradually lost its childishness, like a dewy spring apricot.
Wei Jing agreed with a smile and ordered the sedan to speed up.
“What does a deer lantern look like?”
Shao Qing's eyes were smiling. He spoke softly all the way, telling her in detail the styles and sizes of the lanterns. She could imagine the scene of the brilliant lights.
"It's ten feet high, has tassels, and is orange-red. The deer is clearly visible, walking around the outer circle of the lantern..."
Even though the two were present, Shao Qing could still hear whispers of exclamations from nearby from time to time. It was conceivable that this deer lantern was truly a work of art.
Wei Jing held her hand and said softly, "After the Lantern Festival, we will put it away and you can look at it next year, okay?"
Shao Qing's heart was as soft as his voice, and he happily replied, "Okay!"
Wei Jing immediately called the chief steward, whispered a few instructions, held her hand and walked slowly, smiling: "Next year, we will watch it with the children."
Shao Qing couldn't see it, but she knew he must be looking down at her at this moment, his black eyes were soft, as if stars were falling in them.
"good."
They came with excitement and left with satisfaction, but before Shao Qing could get on the sedan chair and return to the main courtyard, there was a sound of hurried running.
At this time, in this place, it must be an urgent report.
The garden immediately became quiet when the footsteps were heard. Shao Qing stopped with a serious expression, and Ji Huan, Zhang Yong and others also hurried over.
Wei Jing took the letter and unfolded it, but the impatient Zhang Yong asked, "My lord, is this Yangzhou?"
Why do you ask?
Because the news came out a few days ago that Qu Da, the second son of Qu Mouxi of Yangzhou, was secretly contacting Wang Ji, the leader of the Zhenquan Army, and Prince Ji.
The three-way battlefield is close to Yangzhou, and the forces are intertwined. Both Wang Ji and King Ji have borders on Yangzhou.
Qu Mou, the governor of Yangzhou, had seven sons, all of whom were from different mothers. They fought fiercely with each other. Among them, the eldest and second sons were the strongest.
However, Qu Mou prefers the eldest son.
Why did the second son Qu Da contact Wang Ji and Prince Ji for no reason?
You have to know that these two are not easy people to deal with. The war in the north has ceased due to heavy snow and severe cold, and when they have free time, they might be eyeing Yangzhou.
Wei Jing immediately judged that something had happened in Yangzhou.
He sent out orders to the Yangzhou scouts again and again, and sent more personnel, ordering them to get to the bottom of the matter.
Counting the days, it’s about time the news is reported back.
Wei Jing read ten lines at a glance and said in a deep voice: "Qu Mou is seriously ill and in danger."
…
Qu Mou was seriously ill, but he kept it a secret. Except for his eldest son, he did not inform his other sons.
He knew that there were powerful enemies all around, so he wanted to quietly arrange for his eldest son to take over the throne to prevent the foreign enemies from taking advantage of the situation.
However, the other six men had been operating for many years, but could not find any trace at all. They all pretended not to know, but had already made preparations secretly.
Beneath the calm surface of Yangzhou, there was commotion.
Ji Huan was overjoyed when he heard this and said, "My lord, Qu Mou is seriously ill and the people of Yangzhou are in disarray. This is a golden opportunity to attack Yangzhou!"
Zhang Yong and others suppressed their excitement, knelt on one knee, and echoed in unison.
"good!"
Wei Jing looked around at everyone and said, "Pass my order, prepare for war today and attack Yangzhou!"
…
This was indeed a golden opportunity, and Wei Jing ordered the attack on Yang without hesitation, but he was not ashamed of his pregnant wife.
During the ten months of pregnancy, he left her twice and spent less than half of the time with her.
"Ah Qing, I..."
"Didn't I tell you? It's best to go out in the spring."
Shao Qing shook his big hand back and winked playfully: "The opportunity for war is excellent." She pulled his big hand to cover her abdomen and smiled: "It is very likely that the war will be over in a few months, and you can come back just in time to see the baby being born."
She pushed him and said, "Go quickly, Boyan and the others are waiting."
After the order was given, the Lantern Festival was immediately dispersed. Ji Huan, Zhang Yong and others rushed to the meeting room, while Wei Jing sent his wife back to the courtyard first.
Shao Qing was pregnant, so she would not participate in the overnight meeting. It would be the same if she waited to hear the result tomorrow.
Time was indeed precious now, so Wei Jing did not delay any longer. After instructing Nanny Ping and others to serve him carefully, he hurried forward.
"Madam, may I wait for you to rest?"
Shao Qing's mentality is indeed very good. Good fighter planes are hard to come by, so how much manpower and resources can be saved? And it is indeed very likely that the war will be over in a few months.
After thinking this, she smiled and said "hmm".
…
Shao Qing went to bed without saying anything, but the candles in the meeting room burned all night.
There was no need to discuss the war strategy any more, as both the land and sea forces would advance simultaneously. There was no doubt that the waterway was the Yangtze River. Wei Jing also ordered his confidant to send a message back to Yizhou on horseback, asking Chen Qi to be prepared.
Chen Qi was ordered to return to Yongchang County, Yizhou, a few years ago to work with the navy. At that time, he will lead the army eastward together with Geng Ming, Gan Quan and other generals.
As for the land entry nodes, we have already considered several of them. Xunyang and Xinchun in Lujiang County, and Chaisang in Yuzhang County are all close to the Yangtze River. At that time, they can cooperate with the navy that is marching down and advance eastward together.
Everyone discussed it for most of the night and finally decided to go to Xunyang.
Zhuang Yan was a little worried: "My lord, Qu Da and Prince Ji and Wang Ji have been in frequent contact. I'm afraid that the two of them will also seek to seize Yangzhou at the same time."
Yangzhou, with its fertile land and extensive water network, is a major grain-producing area in the world. It has always been a prosperous place with a good population. No one would believe that Wang Ji and Prince Ji did not covet it.
Qu Mou had been operating in Yangzhou for decades and had deep roots there. He was also a very cautious person and had been unable to find any loopholes to exploit in the past. Furthermore, he was also at war with the imperial court, so he could only salivate but not take any action.
But this is different from other times.
Yedu, the capital of Yangzhou, is actually very close to Xuzhou and the three-party battlefield. No wonder Zhuang Yan is worried.
This is indeed the case.
However, Ji Huan hesitated for a moment and said, "Wang Ji has no navy, and the scale of Prince Ji's navy is far less than ours."
Ye City was on the south bank of the Yangtze River, and both Wang Ji and Prince Ji were driven to the north. Qu Mu relied on a surging river to defend against the two men for several years.
Although Yangzhou is in chaos now, the river is still there.
Wei Jing nodded: "Even if Wei Qin Wang Ji is close at hand, his marching speed is far slower than mine."
The warships sailing downstream the Yangtze River were incredibly fast. Before Prince Ji Wang Ji could cross the river, Wei Jing had already entered Yangzhou.
His voice was steady and unhurried, and there was a kind of arrogant look in his eyes that impressed people.
Wei Jing indeed did not feel nervous or anxious at all. On the contrary, his blood was coursing faster as he was expecting, clamoring, and determined to win.
After taking Yangzhou, he controlled half of the country. Sitting firmly in the south and gazing covetously at the Central Plains, revenge is in sight and is no longer a distant and unattainable prospect.
Wei Jing raised his eyes, his sight passed through the door of the meeting hall and fell on the fire sticks in the distance. He said slowly: "Whether it is Wang Ji or Wei Qin, if they dare to advance, they will be annihilated."
"good!"
"Indeed!"
…
The generals were full of fighting spirit. After they responded in unison, they immediately began to discuss the tedious and specific matters such as baggage and food. For several days in a row, they almost took root in the conference hall.
By the fifth day, everything was basically ready, and the troops stationed in various places also rushed to Pingcheng and gathered together.
Wei Jing ordered that on the 21st day of the first lunar month, the army should set out for Hanshou County; on the 25th day of the first lunar month, the army should march towards Yangzhou by both land and sea routes at the same time.
The surging Yangtze River passes through Hanshou County and enters Yangzhou. Warships can advance faster than land, so the army needs to set off earlier.
It was a chilly spring day. Wei Jing looked far into the east under the starry sky. After a moment, he pulled the reins and rode back to the city.
As the troops were about to be dispatched, he was filled with the desire to fight and was reluctant to leave his wife.
He spurred his horse back to the mansion and quickly passed through the second gate into the main courtyard.
The candlelight was dim and warm. He had sharp eyes and ears, and he could hear his wife instructing Nanny Ping and others to pack his travel clothes while he was still in the corridor.
A smile spread across his face, tinging his eyebrows and eyes. He strode forward and pushed open the door.
"Husband?"
Shao Qing has heard familiar footsteps.
Wei Jing responded softly and walked over to sit next to her. The charcoal fire in the incense burner was burning brightly in the room. After bathing, she was only wearing a thin silk nightgown. Through the thin fabric, he could clearly feel her warm body temperature.
Reluctant, distressed, and pity.
But the going to the war was inevitable. He leaned over and hugged her, with his big hand covering her bulging waist and abdomen. The child was almost six months old.
"I'll leave Han Xi to guard the rear. Just tell him if you have anything to say."
In fact, Wei Jing had issued a death order, and his wife must be kept safe. He whispered, "Within four months, I will end the battle and return, and wait for him to come out with you."
Shao Qing was naturally looking forward to welcoming the birth of the child with the child's father, but she hugged him with her backhand and said, "Come back if you can. It doesn't matter if there is a delay. I am safe here and will write to you when the time comes."
She only asked for one thing, to be safe and sound.
Shao Qing gently stroked the scar several inches below his heart through his clothes and warned him, "Prince Ji Zhenquan's army also covets Yangzhou, you must not be careless."
These two men have been raising the banner of rebellion for several years, and their power has not decreased but increased. They have defeated the imperial army step by step. They are not easy to deal with.
She naturally knew his abilities, but she was worried about him and couldn't help but give him more instructions.
Wei Jing knew it, so he lowered his head, pressed it against the top of her head, and responded solemnly.
In fact, the couple both were reluctant to leave each other. They were very affectionate and inseparable that night. Unfortunately, the next day would eventually come.
…
At the beginning of the morning, the Pingcheng County Magistrate's Mansion was brightly lit.
Shao Qing was too heavy to help Wei Jing put on the armor, so Nanny Ping led a group of strong servants to help him get dressed.
Shao Qing tied a handsome cloak on him.
Wei Jing knelt on one knee and kissed her belly, then stood up and gave her a big kiss on the lips.
The couple stared at each other for a long time.
"Ah Qing, wait for me to come back."
Finally, he took a deep breath, suppressed his reluctance, turned around and strode out.
Shao Qing subconsciously took two steps forward and was supported by Nanny Ping and others. She took a deep breath and tried to suppress the heat in her eyes.
"good!"
"My child and I are waiting for you!"
The author has something to say: Yangzhou, and then it’s the Northern Expedition, but, the buns have to be steamed first! Student Wei needs to work harder and not miss the birth of the little bun! !
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