Daliang and the western army had been confronting each other on the front line for a long time. Neither side was willing to back down. They had fought countless battles, big and small. Overall, they were basically evenly matched. No one could do anything to the other.
On the first month of the Shi Liu period, a batch of Daliang's navy ships set off in the early morning and left the port without anyone noticing. Under the situation where the supplies were already tight, they once again split off a portion of the troops and quietly went along the river.
At that time, the morning sun had not yet risen. Shen Yi said to Gu Yun in the darkness, "You are too risky."
Gu Yun ignored him and said, "Get someone to cook a bowl of noodles for me in the morning. I want an egg."
Shen Yi was so busy that he was confused. After a long time, he remembered what day it was. He muttered, "You are quite free."
He whispered a few words to the bodyguard next to him. Then, he continued to nag, "Didn't we say that we should at least wait for the railway line to be repaired? If the Ziliu Gold line is really opened, our chances of winning will be much higher. If you make a move now and there is a slight problem with the cooperation between the two sides, then … this is too risky!"
"Seeking riches and honor in danger," Gu Yun said without changing his expression, "I am a man in my prime. Why should I be as cautious as the old man opposite me?"
Shen Yi heard that he did not speak human language again. He said angrily, "Gu Zi Xi!"
Gu Yun sighed and looked towards the north. At this time, his vision was no longer able to penetrate thousands of mountains and rivers.
"Jiping," Gu Yun said in a low voice, "If things had gone smoothly in the capital, we would have defeated them without fighting. Do you think the risk of this battle is greater? Or do you think it's greater to let them drag it out until the imperial court becomes more dangerous?"
Shen Yi was stunned and speechless. He was a general in charge of one side. He only needed to arrange the troops and did not need to think about the layout of the Four Territories. He also did not need to worry about whether Daliang would have another war in the next 50 years.
Even if we rest and recuperate, it can't be more than three to five years. Otherwise, the nobles in Bei Du will gradually forget the pain after their scars have healed. When our generation dies, future generations will think that the southern half of the country was born to be ruled by both sides. "Gu Yun glanced at Shen Yi and said," It is worth the risk. At that time, I will leave the Xuan Tie Tiger Tally to you. In case … you quickly gather the remaining troops. When they come, you don't have to panic. Immediately transfer the Black Iron Battalion for temporary support. The westerners are at most capable on the water.... there is nothing to be afraid of them on land....... we..........
. "Shen Yi's brows were about to wrinkle.
At this moment, the cookery soldiers brought the cooked noodles over. The subordinates had meticulously prepared the noodles for the marshal. The longevity noodles were one strand after another, and the thickness was uniform. The eggs were just right. The soup was soup and the meat was meat. There were also thin bamboo shoots soaked in the broth.
Gu Yun took the noodles and ate two chopsticks. Suddenly, he asked, "Why are there no green leaves?"
Shen Yi asked curiously, "Didn't you say you don't want to eat?"
"When did I say I don't want to eat …" Gu Yun muttered and casually took a few mouthfuls. He still felt that there was something missing in this bowl of noodles. He stood there thinking for a while and suddenly realized.
It turned out that the so-called birthdays and festivals were actually just because of people. There was someone who was willing to hold a small "ceremony" for him on this day. It was a way to express "I have you in my heart."
The feeling was actually hidden in the words under the broth, and not in these few mouthfuls of bland food.
Five days later, Gu Yun officially received the Foreign Affairs Regiment's list. He only glanced at it and then stuffed it to Shen Yi. He casually instructed, "See? We can only prepare to take action."
Shen Yi had no other choice but to obey.
"Just in case, Jiping, I want to tell you a few things. If something really happens, you will be in charge of the army for me. You can fight the westerners on the ground, but remember not to go into the water. You have too little experience in water battles. You are not a match for that old thing." As Gu Yun spoke, he took out four written letters from the commander's tent. "If there are no mistakes, send the first battle report to the capital. If fate doesn't favor us and we really have an accident, send the second letter. Ask the Grand Council to fully cooperate with the remedy. Don't forget to attach a letter of apology. Xuan Tie the Tiger Seal. I will bear the responsibility alone … The last two letters are private letters. Send the third letter to Changgeng first to calm him down. When the matter calms down, if there is a chance, send the fourth letter to him."
Shen Yi said angrily, "Are you telling me what to do after your death?"
"Is it worth it for me to tell you what to do after my death because of a few western monkeys?" Gu Yun raised his eyebrows indifferently. "This is called being thoughtful. It saves me the time to write it again. Military orders are absolute. Don't talk nonsense with me. Get back to work!"
The next night, the Daliang Navy suddenly launched an attack without warning. They invaded the Western Army's position with great fanfare. Both sides were familiar with each other. When they met, they immediately became furious. Although the Western Army did not expect this, they still quickly organized a counterattack. As soon as they started, they felt that the large number of navy this time was particularly fierce.
Mr. Ya directly put on a coat over his nightgown. No matter how hard he tried, he could not figure out what made Gu Yun suddenly want to break the stalemate at the front line. According to the information they had received, there should not be such an opportunity in Daliang.
This time, Gu Yun even skipped the routine process of probing. It was as if he did not care about the enemy's reserves at all. He directly used the heavy artillery and the "squid" shot out like raindrops. The Western main ship was caught off guard and was hit several times. The side oar that had just been repaired sank again and was almost paralyzed.
For a moment, the Western main ship was in chaos.
"Don't panic, don't panic!" Mr. Ya grabbed a copper roar. "Stay where you are and wait for orders! Short Jiaos, assemble immediately and stop them … Your Majesty! "
The Pope slowly walked out to the deck and looked out through the Clairvoyance.
"Calm down," he ordered in a low voice.
This elderly leader seemed to have a divine power that could pacify people's hearts. With just a few words, the messy crew and guards immediately quieted down, waiting for him to give orders.
"The enemy's vanguard is about half the size of their usual fleet. Such a powerful charge is not Gu Yun's style," the Pope whispered. "Why?"
Mr. Ya forced himself to calm down. "The people of Liang are too crazy. I don't think they are charging. It's more like they are going to fight to the death."
The Pope ordered the orderly to adjust the formation of the escort fleet. He shook his head. "This doesn't make sense."
Mr. Ya frowned and thought for a long time. Suddenly, he said, "Right! I remember that His Majesty received a message from the enemy's foreign affairs team that was about to arrive at the frontline. Could it be related to that? "
The Pope said, "You mean that there are cracks in the internal affairs of the Liang people, and someone wants to compromise and end the war?"
"There is evidence to support it," Mr. Ya said quickly. "Think about it. We once estimated the time when the train in Daliang would be completed. His Majesty also said that after the entire line was completed, we would be in a passive position. Didn't we also design a few plans to destroy the line? But according to our calculations, the railway line should have been completed by the end of last year. It might even have started the trial run. But they haven't done anything yet. This means that there is indeed an internal problem! "
The Pope crossed his arms in front of his chest and rubbed his chin with one finger. At this time, Gu Yun's vanguard had pierced through the Western warship's defense line like a sharp knife and was coming murderously through the waves.
The Western escort fleet surrounded the main ship into a solid ball. The stored Eagle Armor flew out from the main ship and attacked from above like raindrops.
"If it were me," Mr. Ya said to himself. "I would retreat the main ship and quickly form an encirclement. I would lure the vanguard into the encirclement and annihilate them. They won't be able to hold on for long under such fierce fire. Once they are cut off from the rear, they will die here!"
The Pope asked quietly, "Do you think Gu Yun would make such a low-level mistake?"
Mr. Ya was speechless.
"Before going to the battlefield, the most important thing you have to do is to understand your opponent. Pass down the order. Pull back the two wings and focus on defense. Move to the southeast and call for reinforcements immediately." The Pope gave orders in an orderly manner and said to Mr. Ya, "If you have seriously studied the classic cases of Gu Yun quelling the rebellion in the East Sea and arresting the mountain bandits in the Southwest, and seriously reflected on the few times we fought with him in the North, you should have a rough understanding of Gu Yun. When he is at a disadvantage in terms of resources, not only will he not let you see it, but he will also seamlessly pull the whole Black Iron Battalion in front of you. You will be scared out of your wits when you see them … The Liang people call this' the false is the real, the true is the false. '"
Mr. Ya did not agree, but he did not dare to object. He could only follow the Pope's words and said, "Yes, Your Majesty."
"Look, this is just a bait." The Pope smiled and said, "We have to be patient and drag his hook further away. Soon, we will see the real bargaining chip in his hands."
At this moment, a messenger ran over to report, "Your Majesty, the first, second, and third fleets are not at the port. They are on a 'distant sea mission.' What do you think …"
The "distant sea mission" was specifically to escort the supply ships from the Holy Land.
The Pope did not turn his head and said, "They should not have gone far. Call them back immediately. The distant sea route is very safe. Three fleets are not needed to escort the supplies. When dealing with our dear old enemy, we must show respect and sincerity."
"Yes!"
"Turn back! Pull back the two wings! "
"Escort fleet to the southeast. Pay attention to the speed —"
"Eagle! Withdraw temporarily. Put down all the defense plates of the main ship. Start the drainage — "
The entire western fleet quickly gathered into a compact behemoth. The escort fleet that had just left the port quickly returned. They stared covetously at the fearless Daliang navy in front of them and formed a thick defense.
Every time, it was Gu Yun who led the Westerners. This time, the situation suddenly changed. The Westerners used a thick defense to lead the Daliang vanguard in search of a place to eat.
After half an hour, the Daliang vanguard that was like a mad dog finally slowed down. It was obvious that they were exhausted.
The Pope said, "Jacques, look."
Before he finished speaking, a large number of support and supply fleets came down from the three sides. Daliang could no longer hide their trump card. They bared their ferocious fangs in the night.
Mr Ya was shocked. If they really did as he said and immediately surrounded the Liang vanguard, then without three fleets, their two sides would be stretched and weakened by the enemy. They would be easily torn apart by the ambushing Liang vanguard!
"I said," the Pope looked at him with a slight reproach, "Only by understanding your enemy will you know where your real opportunity lies. All fleets, prepare to counterattack! Before they 'gain a firm footing', give them a head-on blow! "
As soon as he finished speaking, the Westerners' cannon fire swept out like a tsunami. Daliang's three main forces suffered heavy losses. They didn't even have time to return fire before the frontmost Kraken warships were sunk.
At a glance, the effective supply this time had almost wiped out a quarter of the Daliang Navy's strength.
The Western Navy's fleet was boiling. Ever since the day Gu Yun took charge of the two rivers, they had never gotten such a big advantage from him!
However, Gu Yun himself wasn't as angry or anxious as people imagined.
At this time, on an inconspicuous medium-sized Kraken in the Daliang Navy, Gu Yun was watching a large number of his "warships" being sunk. He didn't even blink as he said to the guard beside him, "See, what did I say? Know yourself and know your enemy. That old thing can prepare for a war for more than ten years. He probably studied me very carefully. "
If it was daytime, the Westerners would probably find it easier to discover the uniqueness of the sunk ships.
The ships were empty, more like another form of the "Sea Squid".
This was the rotten idea of the poor Lingshu Temple. They gathered the scrapped warships on the frontline, and then imitated the power system of the Sea Squid to empty the entire ship. This kind of empty warship was very light. With very little power, it could automatically glide a long distance on the surface of the water. Although it was useless, it was a powerful weapon to intimidate people.
Gu Yun sent out part of his navy. If he really went directly to the battlefield, the Westerners would definitely be suspicious. Therefore, he simply used this method to make a feint.
"It would be better if they can be blinded by a momentary victory," Gu Yun sat on the side with his legs crossed. "Spread out. Remember, our mission today is to delay the enemy."
The guard licked his lips. "Marshal, can 'that side' make it in time?"
"I dare not say. If I can't make it in time, then it's my end," Gu Yun laughed softly. "Pay attention to maneuvering."
On the Western main ship, Mr. Ya was overjoyed. Unfortunately, there was His Majesty the Pope next to him, so he didn't dare to get too carried away.
And soon, he found that the Daliang Navy, which was at a disadvantage, was not so easy to deal with. After the Liang people lost, they quickly adjusted. Gu Yun's fighting style was also in front of the formation, causing the Westerners to be in a terrible state. This battle, which was supposed to be a battle of numbers, was almost evenly matched.
The main forces of the two armies were entangled from the middle of the night until the next morning.
When the first ray of sunlight pierced the sea surface, the chaotic battlefield that had been fighting in the darkness for a night was suddenly exposed to the sunlight.
On the Daliang main ship, the guard said anxiously, "Marshal, there's still no news from that side. Let's retreat. If this goes on, the position of the main ship will be exposed. We don't have their big iron monster that won't sink no matter what. You can't take the risk!"
Gu Yun reached out and stroked the frame of his glass mirror. "Don't be impatient."
At this moment, the Pope suddenly stuffed the Clairvoyance in his hand into Mr. Ya's hand. "That Wuyue! That must be the enemy's main ship. Gu Yun must be on it. Take it! "
The dense artillery fire followed the Pope's order, and the main ship Gu Yun was on couldn't avoid it for a while.
The guard said, "Marshal!"
At this critical moment, four or five short ships rushed out without Gu Yun's order and blocked the main ship with their own ships. Then, the sound of explosions rose from the ground.
Gu Yun's face suddenly tensed up. At this moment, a marine soldier stumbled in. "Marshal, we can't hold on any longer!"
Gu Yun narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Marshal!"
"It's okay, don't panic … The rear team will change to the front team. Walk them for a while," Gu Yun ordered in a low voice. "From …"
Before he could finish his sentence, an eagle's cry suddenly came from the sky. The sound was sharp like an alarm whistle. Even Gu Yun, who was half-deaf, heard it.
Gu Yun suddenly turned his head.
It was the secret signal given to him by Shen Yi, who was in charge of the overall dispatch on the shore. The other side succeeded!
The guard was stunned for a moment, then jumped up. "Our eagle!"
Gu Yun said, "Give me the Clairvoyance."
The guard licked his dry lips. "Marshal, we …"
"Be careful!"
"Boom!"
At this moment, a stray bullet passed through the gap between the corvettes and hit the tail of Daliang's main ship. The entire Hai Jiao warship shook violently. Smoke and sparks flew everywhere.
Amidst the chaos, a glass mirror flew out and shattered completely.
On the 24th day of the first lunar month, the foreign affairs team that couldn't catch up to the heat had not yet arrived at the front line. Li Feng was already woken up in the middle of the night by the urgent battle report from the front line.
Xuan Tie Tiger Tally was signed — Great victory at the front line!
Gu Yun's arrangements over the past six months were beginning to show signs of success. He had sent people south to Nanyang and secretly instigated a bunch of Nanyang islands that were occupied by the Western Army. A large number of troops were ambushed at the southwest border.
On the night of the 21st day of the first lunar month, the Daliang Navy used a portion of its main forces to launch a surprise attack on the enemy's frontline. They took advantage of the enemy's cautious nature to pin down the enemy's forces. At the same time, the Hai Jiao warship group ambushed at the southwest border swept across the Nanyang islands. They worked together to annihilate the foreign forces entrenched there. Then, they immediately dispatched troops to intercept the enemy's ocean supply line and strangled the enemy's neck without anyone noticing!
Who said that the Daliang Navy couldn't fight a war in the distant seas?
The battle report was very concise. It only mentioned the results and didn't elaborate on the details and casualties.
After this battle, the Western Army retreated to Japan's waters in a sorry state. The militias from various places took the opportunity to launch attacks on the enemy on the ground. The southern half of the country was blown up in all directions. It was the first light at the front line that had been silent for a long time.
Li Feng jumped up and got dressed in the middle of the night. He wanted to call for a court meeting.
What bullshit foreign affairs group. They could beat the foreigners back to their hometown and didn't even leave a single piece of dirt for them.
The eunuchs circled around him. Ever since Zhu Xiaojiao's death, Li Feng had changed a few eunuchs, but none of them were to his liking. The eunuchs serving him now was an old man. He didn't say much, but he was smart enough to say, "Congratulations, Your Majesty. With Marshal Gu around, the retaking of Jiangnan is just around the corner!"
Li Feng laughed and said almost incoherently, "I finally don't have to worry about not being able to explain to my ancestors in the underworld. Really."
Li Feng, who had been limping for a long time, ran out like the wind. Halfway through, he was blown by the early morning night wind. The Emperor Long An's feverish mind finally cooled down. The joy on his face also dimmed a little.
Yes, this battle was a great victory. Then what?
Many of the government decrees promoted by the Grand Council were under the banner of "putting war first." The aristocratic families, other than bringing out red ink and iron certificates every day to flaunt their seniority, only wanted to stop the war.
If Li Feng was a little hesitant about war and peace before, Gu Yun's victory added a lot of chips to one side. It made Li Feng's balance in his heart lean toward one side.
"These aristocratic families are getting more and more ambitious. They can even interfere in the war." The Emperor thought silently. "What are their intentions?"
Li Feng paused in his steps and said to the eunuch without rhyme or reason, "My wet nurse, Lady Zhao, hasn't entered the palace for a few years. Do you still remember her?"
The eunuch didn't understand. He lowered his head and answered, "I heard that Lady Zhao only has one daughter now. She is still working in the palace and has recognized Third Young Master Fang as her adopted son. A while ago, she frequently handed over tokens. She must be here to plead for leniency."
Li Feng made an "oh" sound and half-closed his eyes, "When a prince breaks the law, he is punished the same as a commoner. Back then, when the Prince of Wei was imprisoned, no one stood out to say a word of justice. Why are the sons of these aristocratic families more precious than the other?"
The eunuch heard a hint of murderous intent in his words. He carefully glanced at Li Feng and didn't dare to make a sound.
Li Feng's hot sweat was blown away by the cold wind. He covered his chest and coughed a few times. The eunuch hurriedly draped a fox fur coat over his body.
The Crown Prince looked old when he was seven years old. He could be considered smart, but his personality was too docile and weak. He wasn't like himself. Instead, he was more like the late Emperor Yuanhe. What was the situation like during the Yuanhe era?
Even now, Li Feng still remembered that the previous Emperor had always felt that his title was not rightful and proper. He had relied on this and that, but he could not even control the military power. Even though the Gu family only had a half-grown child left, he still allowed the deadly Black Iron Tiger Talisman to circulate outside. He had to ask for the opinion of this and that on every small matter, and he was always soft-hearted and soft-hearted. He had raised a large group of national parasites, and had almost completely ruined the solid foundation left by the Emperor Wu.
Li Feng spent ten years and still couldn't clean up the mess left by the late Emperor.
In these two years, Li Feng felt more and more powerless. He didn't want his son to fall into the same predicament as his father.
But in this situation, who should he believe?
Yan Wang?
Yan Wang "didn't marry", "didn't have children", and "was willing to die for the Shang Dynasty" were all said by himself. There were many better words in the world. When those rebels and traitors had conclusive evidence, they would still cry bitterly and say that they had difficulties for the country and the people. Li Feng could be moved by them for a while, but after a long time, he would always calm down.
Li Feng was protecting Changgeng now because he also saw the value of this reform. Yan Wang was right about one thing. The system and rules were the most important. No matter how Yan Wang wanted to change it, this broken society was indeed developing well. Li Feng hoped to borrow Yan Wang's hand to completely clean up the previous dynasty and leave a bright world for the Crown Prince in the future.
However, at the same time, he definitely couldn't hand over his weak son to this decisive younger brother. If one day he wanted to follow the late Emperor, then the first person he would deal with would be Yan Wang, and the second would be Gu Yun.
"Don't go, return to the palace. Summon again tomorrow morning. When the sun rises, have the Crown Prince come over." Li Feng suddenly ordered without rhyme or reason.
The eunuch was confused. He didn't know why the Emperor, who had been silent for a while, suddenly changed the topic to the Crown Prince.
"Also," Li Feng continued, "where is the memorial I brought back? Let me see it. "
The memorial had been written by Xu Ling. It was about reforming the rules of the Imperial Academy. The idea wasn't very mature and was even a bit immature. However, it didn't matter. It could be given to the Grand Council to coordinate and perfect. The entire court was clamoring for people to be beheaded and severely punished for cheating in the imperial examinations. Only a few scholars could think of the future.
If possible, Li Feng would be like a normal father and hope to protect his young son for a few more years. He would do his best to let him play in the harem. However, who knew what would happen in this era where the winds and clouds gathered?
The next morning, the news of the victory on the front lines of the two rivers came crashing down. The various powers didn't have time to react to this sudden result.
For the first time, Li Feng made his position clear. He forcefully pushed two new policies in the court. First, he agreed to the Grand Council's "Long An New Policy" on abolishing the fire beacon tickets and changing the coinage policy.
Second, in principle, he agreed to Xu Ling's and the others' joint request to reform the rules of the Imperial Academy. The imperfections would be led by the Grand Council. The Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Directorate would work together to amend them.
At the same time, Li Feng pulled out Jiang Chong and the Lingshu Temple in the main hall and reprimanded them. He demanded that they immediately speed up the investigation of the fraud in the nine provinces. Everyone involved, regardless of their background, would be severely punished. He also ordered the Lingshu Temple to immediately draft rules to open the steam railway from the capital to Jiangnan. They couldn't give the westerners any breathing room. They couldn't waste this victory. They had to win in one spurt of energy.
When the court was dismissed, Li Feng announced his final decision. The eleven-year-old Crown Prince was about to attend court.
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