Chapter 50 Selection
Returning to Nanjiang County brought a rather different feeling.
Although I was very busy during my time in Nanjiang County.
However, it is different from the city of Guangle Prefecture.
Many of the buildings here were constructed under her supervision.
Looking at the increasing number of pharmacies, the bustling docks, and the incredibly sturdy city walls.
Su Qing could hardly help but feel emotional.
However, news of the battle in Wuzhai County had already reached this area.
Most people were dejected.
They were afraid of being attacked here.
If Yan Xieshou hadn't sent troops there early, Wuzhai County would most likely have fallen.
The guards at the city gate of Nanjiang County couldn't help but rub their eyes.
He didn't see wrong, did he?
Is this Magistrate Su?
No, it's Prefect Su.
Why would Prefect Su come here?
Moreover, fighting has already broken out in Wuzhai County, which is not far from them.
Doesn't she know?
Su Qing dismounted and walked to the city gate.
Behind him, Scholar Fei and Clerk Zhu took the reins.
Then came the head constable Yunxi and several constables.
Their group naturally attracted the attention of those around them.
More than one person recognized Su Qing and couldn't help but step forward: "Lord Su, why are you back?"
"Sir, there is danger in Nanjiang County, you cannot come."
More and more people recognized Su Qing and subconsciously surrounded her, their faces showing different emotions.
Lord Su!
You shouldn't have come!
Su Qing, who is nineteen years old this year, is much taller than she was four years ago.
Although he was dressed in casual clothes, his aura was noticeably different.
For the people of Nanjiang County, seeing her is tantamount to seeing hope.
But everyone had the same idea.
This place is too dangerous.
You should stay in the prefectural city.
If you are in danger, not only Nanjiang County, but the entire Guangyue Prefecture will be doomed.
Su Qing walked to the city gate, gave his travel permit first, and after confirming that it was correct, he turned back to the people and said, "We will definitely defend Nanjiang County."
That one sentence alone was enough to excite everyone.
Yes.
They will definitely protect Nanjiang County.
The news of Lord Su's return to Nanjiang County spread throughout the entire county in an instant.
The first to react were the county government offices, which were on the verge of collapse.
As Su Qing expected, County Magistrate Tian was no longer able to make any decisions.
As the current acting magistrate, he is incapable of accomplishing anything. Although he can do his best to maintain order, the morale of the people is inevitably low.
Everyone knows about Magistrate Tian's experiences.
When everything around him was peaceful, he was the most reliable official.
During that year, Nanjiang County developed quite well under his leadership.
But when he heard that Prince Wuyong was leading his troops to attack Wuzhai County, which was just across the river, Magistrate Tian was speechless on the spot, as if he had returned to four years ago.
That night when the rebels entered the city and my whole family was killed.
The residents of the three shifts and six rooms are mostly elderly people brought up by Su Qing.
They knew these things, and could only try their best to do their jobs well.
In particular, Wang Bingfang and the current head constable are doing their best to maintain local security and keep in touch with the front lines.
One is the ability to deliver supplies in a timely manner.
Secondly, they knew the situation at the front lines and promptly organized the people to evacuate.
Yes, they've already thought of this.
I heard that Prince Wuyong is leading tens of thousands of troops, as well as specially made siege weapons.
Once they break through Wuzhai County, they will head straight for Nanjiang County.
As the richest county in Guangyue Prefecture, it was also the place that produced the most medicinal herbs in this area.
For Prince Wuyong, occupying Nanjiang County would be the greatest benefit.
Even if the general arrives, he will not be afraid.
The more you know about these things...
The more I understand how dangerous the situation in Nanjiang County is.
Therefore, I find it even more incomprehensible that Lord Su made this decision.
The first thing everyone said to Su Qing was, "My lord, you shouldn't have come back!"
Everyone's running away now.
Who's coming back?!
The arriving Dr. Bai and He Caoyun shared the same sentiment.
You shouldn't have come back!
Su Qing found it somewhat amusing: "I've only been in the county town for less than half an hour, and I've already heard this kind of talk at least ten times."
Since I've already gone back, what else is there to say?
Looking at the familiar faces, and then at the terrified and uneasy expression on Magistrate Tian's face.
Su Qing sighed: "Doctor Bai, arrange for someone to take care of County Magistrate Tian."
County Magistrate Tian was helped away, still in a daze.
His mind was filled with images of his wife and children's deaths, and he looked very unwell.
Su Qing instructed Wang Bingfang to maintain communication with the front lines and to contact Qi Neiguan to check on their supplies.
In addition, there is information on local medicinal herbs and statistics on various supplies.
Given the sudden outbreak of war, merchant ships will likely cease to arrive. If there are urgently needed supplies, they can be transported by land.
She can contact the Hua family in Fucheng.
However, the most important thing is to stockpile cotton cloth and recruit medical staff again.
This is the responsibility of the Department of Household Registration and the Department of Medical Training.
This was, of course, to prepare for taking care of the wounded.
After a series of arrangements were made, most of the people in Nanjiang County already knew that Lord Su had returned.
The once dull county town suddenly became cheerful.
Su Qing's reorganization of logistics and medical services brought great comfort to the soldiers on the front lines.
Lord Su has returned to Nanjiang County!
Although there was also a sanatorium for wounded soldiers set up by Lord Zhou in Yisong County.
With Lord Su joining them, they naturally felt more at ease!
Lord Zhou is naturally the same Lord Zhou from before.
He was in charge of matters concerning wounded soldiers.
Knowing that Su Qing was helping behind the scenes would likely put them at ease.
The sanatorium for the wounded, which had seen few casualties in the past year, has reopened.
The medical staff who had been trained were quickly put into their posts.
The local medicinal herbs will soon be ready for harvest.
There are enough medicinal herbs.
Su Qing had just arrived in Nanjiang County when he immediately began dealing with these matters.
However, receiving a letter from Lian Feiyang, the commander-in-chief, still surprised her slightly.
It turns out that Lian Feiyang is currently defending against the rebels in Wuzhai County.
He wrote the letter to let Su Qing know.
If Lord Zhou has too many wounded and cannot handle the situation, they can be sent to Nanjiang County immediately.
From the sixth day of the fourth lunar month to the ninth day of the fourth lunar month.
In just three days, Lian Feiyang was already considering the problem of too many wounded.
Needless to say, Su Qing knew the devastation on the front lines.
For the rebels, as long as they could capture Wuzhai County and then enter Nanjiang County, it would be a win-win situation.
Then good days will come.
They can plunder at will and turn their fortunes around instantly.
It doesn't matter if we are sent back to Gaoqing Prefecture.
Anyway, I'll be able to bring back a lot of gold and silver treasures.
With this in mind.
As long as you can break into Guangyuefu, it won't be a loss.
Therefore, these rebels wished they could kill everyone in front of them and exchange them for gold and silver treasures.
They have tasted the sweetness of plundering the people.
In this situation, the rebels' fighting spirit is unlike that of ordinary people.
Lian Feiyang wiped the blood off his face.
His already scarred eyes and brows added to his rebellious air.
He cursed a few times under his breath and continued to lead his men to defend the city.
Yan Xieshou said he could only defend.
They also said they had ample logistical support and could slowly wear down the rebels.
But Lian Feiyang knew that Yan Xieshou wanted to wait for the General to return.
After all, only when it's in the hands of the general can one have absolute certainty.
But if this continues, when will it end?
The other side also had a year to recuperate, so who knows their true strength?
Moreover, some of the remnants of the rebel army in the capital were causing trouble in various places, while others were heading straight for Guangyuefu.
In this situation.
Is it really feasible to only defend and not attack?
Lian Feiyang felt it wouldn't work, but he had no choice but to obey.
And we eagerly await the General's return!
Everything's alright in the capital now, isn't it?!
Fortunately, Lord Su returned in time.
Otherwise, fighting the rebels would only be more difficult.
It is hoped that the capital will receive the memorials from the army and the Guangyuefu and make a decision as soon as possible.
The memorials that Lian Feiyang mentioned were the documents that Yan Xieshou and Su Qing had submitted one after another.
From the moment the rebels attacked the city, battle reports were sent to the capital, requesting troop support and asking the General to take command.
Su Qing's document, on the other hand, was a request for logistical supplies.
Even when supplying the garrison, Guangyuefu was always struggling to make ends meet.
If a real war breaks out now, there will inevitably be a shortage of manpower and supplies.
Both parties' requests are legitimate.
However, after being sent to the capital, they were both met with indifference.
Even the secret letter from the garrison minister, Eunuch Liang, was ignored.
It differs from the memorials submitted by military and government officials.
They still need to practice reporting before it reaches the Emperor.
Liang Gonggong's secret letter could reach the Emperor directly, and through his confidants, the Emperor would be alerted to it immediately.
The Emperor did indeed read it, but he didn't say much, only a few vague words.
Those who know him well understand that this means he disapproves.
In contrast, the emperor has not yet made a real statement.
The Empress Dowager's opinion was very clear.
"no."
"The general is still stationed in the capital, how can he go to Guangyuefu?"
"Also, didn't we allocate silver to Guangyue Prefecture before? They built a weapons workshop, and I heard that the prefect also has grain in stockpiles, so they are still able to hold on."
"They are just rebels from the border. It's not too late to wipe them out once the court has had time to recuperate."
Yan Zhengzhou frowned upon hearing this and wanted to bring it up again, but the Empress Dowager said coldly, "General, you are tired. Go and rest."
The emperor coughed a few times and dismissed his younger brother, saying he needed to consider it further.
They walked out of the Hall of Diligent Governance.
The Minister of War and others stared intently at him.
General, are we really going to Guangyuefu?!
Upon learning that the answer was no, everyone breathed a sigh of relief and repeatedly advised, "There are many things to do in the capital, and it is also dangerous. You have just fought a tough battle for a year, so there is no need to rush to the front line."
"Yes, the Empress Dowager and His Majesty are thinking of you. Your injuries are so serious, you should rest and recuperate properly."
After offering some words of comfort, only Hanlin Academician Gu Congsi was left to look at General Yan Zhengzhou.
Yan Zhengzhou had some impression of this official.
He is Su Qing's fiancé.
Some people said that their engagement had been dissolved, but Gu Congsi did not acknowledge it and rejected all suitors.
Gu Congsi's opinion was naturally that he wanted the general to go to Guangyuefu as soon as possible.
Su Qing was there, and so were the families of both their families.
Even though he knew that Su Qing would definitely protect them.
But Gu Congsi knew even better that if Guangyuefu fell, Su Qing would definitely be the one left behind.
Therefore, Gu Congsi said earnestly, "Your Majesty, I will continue to persuade you to change your mind."
Yan Zhengzhou glanced at him, said nothing, and left without a word.
If your advice is effective.
That's an oversimplification.
Gu Congsi watched the man's back and, after being reminded, immediately entered the hall.
Inside the hall, people were divided into two groups.
Most people disagreed with the general leaving Beijing.
Only a few people agree.
In the end, the majority naturally prevails.
The state of Guangyuefu had little to do with the capital.
General, they are unwilling to let them go.
Everyone's safety depends on him.
We'll have to wait for the supplies.
The capital city is also eager to recover.
So many palaces need repair, but life must go on.
I simply don't have the time or resources to manage the Guangyuefu.
They're not in a rush; they've already allocated funds before.
The capital city, as the capital of Shunchang Kingdom, is of utmost importance.
By April 12th, the attitude of the capital was already known to the Guangyuefu.
There are no secrets that stay hidden forever.
The capital city's plan to let Guangyuefu defend itself against the rebels was met with disbelief by the local people, who were also deeply disappointed.
On the contrary, the wealthy and powerful families who had previously donated to the garrison had fewer complaints.
In Guangyuefu, who is most afraid of the rebel army entering the city?
They are more frightening than ordinary people.
What can an ordinary person lose? They can't afford to lose anything; they can just pack their meager belongings and leave.
Their family's wealth, accumulated over generations, is all here. When the rebels enter the city, their own storehouse will be the first target.
To say that companies abandon their owners and run away?
They are even less capable of doing it.
Therefore, when Su Qing called on the locals to donate cloth and grain, the Hua family thought it over and over again, but still stepped forward.
Working under Su Qing is still a safe and secure job, as it follows the rules.
She's already gone to the front lines; if they still don't trust her, then they're all fools.
Su Qing himself wasn't even a member of the Guangyuefu, yet he went to such lengths for them. What reason did he have not to donate money?
To put it bluntly.
Su Qing asked for money, not for herself.
It was for the Guangyuefu (a type of music bureau).
If it were for one's own benefit, people would inevitably complain.
But what she did was entirely selfless.
The more this happened, the deeper the resentment of the people of Guangyuefu towards the capital became.
Since the rebels entered the city four years ago, their Guangyue Prefecture has suffered greatly from the ravages of war.
Fortunately, the general stepped forward in time; otherwise, life would have been even harder.
Back then, there was a shortage of food and plague in various places. Apart from Nanjiang County, where Lord Su was located, where was the situation better?
Even so, the imperial court only exempted the taxes.
It took two years before the imperial court was willing to let various regions take charge of logistics, and finally reclaim the last four counties of Guangyue Prefecture.
I thought I could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
What they got in return was news of problems in the capital.
The capital city could be easily taken over, and he managed to escape all the way to Jiangnan; he was quite capable.
The rebels in the capital have now been wiped out.
Are we just going to ignore the Guangyuefu?
The weapons they produced in their weapons workshop were originally intended for the capital!
What is this now?!
The Guangyue Prefecture already had some grievances against the imperial court.
However, what had been bottled up inside has finally erupted.
If it weren't for Su Qing...
In many places, the people are harboring thoughts of rebellion.
It was at this time that news came from several border counties.
"Don't worry, everyone! The city walls of Yisong County and Wuzhai County have been reinforced."
"Moreover, the weapons and armor produced during this period have all been sent to the front lines."
"Now that Prefect Su is in charge of Nanjiang County, there is no need for other places to worry."
"Everyone should just focus on cultivating their fields and doing their jobs well."
"However, militias in various regions should be prepared, as manpower may need to be mobilized at any time on the front lines."
Su Qing received both good and bad news.
The good thing is that it puts everyone at ease.
Lord Su has been reinforcing the city walls since last year, and there's a steady stream of weapons and armor being sent over.
There's no need to worry about safety for now.
Everyone should just focus on farming; that's the biggest help you can give to the front lines.
These words did indeed reassure many people.
As long as life is manageable, who would willingly choose a life of constant wandering?
But the last one.
It's best to be prepared, as you may be sent to the front lines at any time.
This caused panic among families in Guangyue Prefecture with eligible male children.
It is said that good iron is not used for nails and good men do not become soldiers.
That statement is still true today.
But with the rebels practically at their doorstep, everyone had no choice but to join the army.
Everyone knows that the capital city will most likely not interfere with them.
Now we can only save ourselves.
Fortunately, Guangyue Prefecture still has a prefect, who not only didn't flee but also arranged logistics on the front lines.
Guangyuefu is actively trying to save itself.
The men in each household began registering their names. The first batch of volunteers numbered nearly 30,000, who were ready to assemble at any time.
Su Qing handed the roster to Yan Xieshou first, which was considered to be a thorough preparation.
The war had been going on for half a month.
This directly shattered the tranquility of Guangyuefu.
She did not give up writing memorials to the capital.
She wanted both supplies and Yan Zhengzhou.
Is it even human to expect the Guangyuefu to hold on so desperately?!
Perhaps it's because she sends out many memorials.
The capital finally replied to one of the letters, saying that the whole country was burdened by the war.
After more than four years, life has been tough everywhere, and we really can no longer send supplies to Guang Le Fu.
Therefore, Guangyuefu will have to wait for now.
Su Qing sneered as she read the memorial.
Fei Xiucai added, "That doesn't seem wrong."
Whether it's Guangyuefu or the capital, they've consumed far too much of the nation's resources.
If local governments cannot afford it, then it is indeed necessary to stop and allow them to recover.
Su Qing looked at him and said directly, "Take another look at these three letters."
One letter was sent by Ye Shanming from Jiangnan.
One letter was from Gu Congsi in the capital.
The last letter was from Su Qing's uncle in Zhao Town, Tongmin Prefecture, Su Qing's hometown.
These three letters all talk about the same thing.
The imperial court did not reduce taxes in various regions; on the contrary, it increased them considerably.
The reason given was that the capital city had been destroyed and urgently needed tax revenue for repairs.
To put it simply...
The capital city needs tax revenue to repair palaces and government offices, so that it can regain its former prosperity.
In other words...
The claim that the burden on the people is too heavy, so no funds can be allocated to Guangyue Prefecture, is all a lie.
In fact, the capital city was also eyeing this money, intending to use it to repair the palaces in the capital!
Scholar Fei, who had just been speaking up for the capital, was now speechless.
Zhu, the clerk, said coldly, "The capital is clearly out of danger, and the rebel leader over there has been killed. Why can't the general come over?"
"Taxes were not reduced or exempted in various places, nor were they given to Guangyue Prefecture, which was at war."
"But it's going to be used to build a palace?"
That's utterly absurd.
Zhu, the clerk, didn't say it aloud, but for someone as reserved as her to actually say those things, it was clear she was extremely dissatisfied.
No wonder Lord Su was so angry he laughed.
After reading the letter, Fei Xiucai was somewhat bewildered.
He must have studied the Classic of Filial Piety to have passed the imperial examination and become a scholar.
Everyone knows the Classic of Filial Piety. Here, filial piety refers to loyalty to the ruler, and it is said that the ruler and father are unlikely to make any major mistakes, so how should the son and his subjects respect and admire them?
What is happening now is truly hard for him to accept.
Fortunately, he was only a scholar and hadn't studied that much. After shaking his head, he immediately waited for Lord Su's instructions.
Lord Su will definitely not sit idly by and wait for his death.
Su Qing really doesn't know how.
The issue of supplies can be ignored for now.
The Guangyuefu (a type of music bureau) was barely sufficient.
But that person.
We have to come.
General Yan Zhengzhou.
You must come to Guangyuefu.
She recently corresponded with Lian Feiyang, which further confirmed this.
Yan Xie has no problem defending the city.
Both Yisong County and Wuzhai County were well defended under his command.
In a normal country, this wouldn't be a problem.
Anyway, with thirteen provinces behind us, we don't need to worry about logistics.
If this drags on, it will eventually wear down the small Gaoqing Prefecture.
The problem is that the situation in Shunchang Kingdom is not good.
The situation in the capital, the situation in Jiangnan.
Even the situation in the Central Plains Tongmin Prefecture was worse than the other.
There was nowhere else to provide logistical support.
It seems like other parts of Shunchang Kingdom are dealing with Gaoqing Prefecture.
In reality, it was Guangyue Prefecture that was paired with Gaoqing Prefecture.
Therefore, it cannot be delayed at all, nor can it be afforded to be delayed.
Prince Wuyong must understand this, hence his confidence.
He used to be a prince and had fought in many battles.
She probably knows more about the situation in Shunchang Kingdom than she does, and is even more familiar with its logistics.
No wonder they rushed to attack the city as soon as they recovered their strength; there is indeed a reason.
Therefore, Yan Zhengzhou had to come.
Their Guangyuefu cannot simply defend without attacking.
But those people in the capital were terribly afraid of dying.
How can we bring Yan Zhengzhou to this place?
Su Qingdu had a bit of a headache.
Because at this point, no amount of intimidation or deception will change anything.
It's highly unlikely that the capital will release him.
They were terrified when the rebels entered the city.
How could I possibly let the god of war beside me go?
The Emperor will not release the person unless he is forced to.
Su Qing closed her eyes.
What made her even more speechless did happen.
News has arrived from the capital.
Yan Zhengzhou cannot be released, but the imperial court will send an experienced general instead.
This veteran general was also a seasoned soldier, and had even led the valiant Prince.
If we appoint him as the new commander-in-chief, he will surely be able to lead Guangyuefu in resisting the rebels.
Judging from these facts alone, one might think this veteran is quite good.
But Prince Wuyong is already forty-six years old this year.
The old general who led him?!
How old are you?!
Sixty-nine!
In ancient times, this would be enough for five generations to live together!
Please don't mistreat the elderly!
But the emperor's mind was made up, and it seemed there was no way to change it.
Su Qing quickly wrote a letter: "Send it to the capital."
"Should it be given to Scholar Gu?" Scholar Fei asked.
Su Qing glanced at the letter, then took it back and changed the recipient to General Yan: "Let him handle this matter."
It wasn't that he didn't trust Gu Congsi.
However, the content of her letter might have some impact on these loyal and patriotic people.
Because she wrote in the letter that she wanted the recipient to spread rumors about the old general.
It is said that he and Prince Wuyong had a master-disciple relationship.
Sending him to the battlefield like this, aren't you afraid he'll rebel?
If the old general heard this, he would probably glare at him angrily and refute him directly.
This is simply throwing mud at someone.
But trying to persuade the emperor would definitely be useless.
It would be better to take advantage of the emperor's indecisiveness, which might have a surprising effect.
Taking advantage of the emperor's indecisiveness?
Su Qing suddenly realized something and almost burst into laughter.
She knew how to get Yan Zhengzhou transferred here.
She found out!
Su Qing wrote another letter, this time addressed to General Yan.
If the previous letter was intended to exploit the emperor's suspicions and prevent the old general from coming...
This letter, however, was intended to exploit the greed of the people in the capital.
April 22nd.
Having tried various methods without success, Yan Zhengzhou received two letters.
A letter that defamed the old general's reputation.
The other letter finally brought a smile to his face.
"Someone, spread the word."
"It is said that the small group of rebels carrying the treasures of the capital has been located in the vicinity of Guangyue Prefecture."
"These people are preparing to take a huge amount of wealth and join Prince Wuyong."
Upon hearing this, his subordinates felt their hair stand on end.
The emperor and empress dowager's private treasury over the years, as well as the storehouses of various families in the capital.
It contained countless silks, satins, treasures, and funerary objects.
If it really ends up in the hands of the valiant prince.
When the time comes to recruit soldiers and horses, the momentum will be unstoppable.
But another subordinate looked up, clearly puzzled.
Didn't the General just send people to investigate the whereabouts of the treasure?
The letter was sent yesterday, and we already have a result today?
Isn't this speed a bit too fast?
Yan Zhengzhou glanced at Su Qing's letter: "Someone found a trail and came to report it to me."
As for where the traces are, that's not important.
The key is to send out capable people to recover the property of the various families in the capital.
otherwise?
Otherwise, we'll just have to wait and see if these things ever come back.
Sure enough, the news spread throughout the capital and reached the ears of the Emperor and Empress Dowager.
Everyone is heartbroken over the years of accumulated pain.
These are treasures accumulated over generations!
If we could find it, everyone would beg and plead with us.
But the problem is...
Who can retrieve these treasures?
When someone goes to search for them, won't they embezzle these items?
General Yan Zhengzhou was a candidate.
But what if he leaves?
Who will protect our safety?
Sending him to retrieve the lost property could not guarantee his safety.
If we leave him here, his belongings will never be returned.
Should you choose money or safety?
Chaos ensued among all the families in the capital.
There are quite a few people arguing about this every day.
In other words, the old general escaped a disaster. He was still trembling as he prepared his battle robe, unaware that he had almost "colluded" with the Martial Prince.
There was also much debate about this within the palace.
Ultimately, Yan Zhengzhou was tasked with retrieving the treasures from the warehouse.
Let him stay and guard the capital.
How should I choose?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
