Because of a Western envoy, the morning court was so noisy that everyone was dizzy. After the court was dismissed, Chang Geng ignored the large group of people who each had their own thoughts and wanted to sound him out. He helped the elderly Duke Feng Han out of the palace.
The people in the capital were in a state of panic, and there was a shortage of carriages and horses. Usually, Gu Yun had Huo Dan wait for him outside the palace with a horse. Today, Huo Dan was delayed for some reason and was nowhere to be seen.
At first, Chang Geng did not pay attention to it. He walked side by side with the old dean of the Lingshu Temple and slowly walked back.
Duke Feng Han lived in the Lingshu Temple all day long. His eyes were sunken, and he looked like a drained radish. Only a pair of thievish eyes were left, and he looked particularly uncomfortable.
"It must be difficult for Your Highness to have the patience to accompany old things like us who have bad legs." Duke Feng Han sighed. "Is there any news of the reinforcements? When will they come?"
Chang Geng said, "The chaos of the Four Territories has hindered the five military regions. You also know what the local garrisons are like. In the past few years, the military budget and purple gold quotas of the various provinces have been reduced again and again. Basically, they can't afford to provide heavy armor, so they are all wearing light fur coats. Although light fur coats can move quickly and are easy to mobilize, they are also very easy to obstruct. Once the enemy sets heavy armor or chariots along the way to intercept them, if the commander is slightly inexperienced, it is very easy for the troops to fall into the enemy's encirclement. The foreigners don't even need to send many people."
"Your Highness really makes this old one feel ashamed. The Spiritual Pivot Yard hasn't produced anything decent for several years," Zhang Fenghan shook his head in self-mockery, "I'm a useless old man, and I'm just sitting there doing nothing. I originally wanted to retire to the Emperor after the New Year, but I didn't expect to encounter a national disaster. I'm afraid I won't have a good ending.
Chang Geng warmly said, "Duke Feng Han's contributions will last for a thousand years. Don't belittle yourself."
"Qianqiu … After Qianqiu, will there still be a Daliang?" Zhang Fenghan pursed his lips and said, "I thought that after entering the Lingshu Temple, I would be able to ignore the outside world and deal with fire engines and steel armor for the rest of my life and concentrate on my own work. But it turns out that the world is so crowded that even if gentlemen and villains go their separate ways, they will always run into each other. The more you don't want to get involved in anything, the more you want to stand out from the crowd, the more you can't do anything, even if you just want to be a lowly person whose hands are covered in engine oil."
Changgeng knew that Duke Feng Han was just lamenting and didn't want to hear his reply. Thus, he smiled and didn't say anything.
For Daliang to end up like this, the conflict between the imperial power and the military power was the fuse, but it was not the most fundamental reason. When the state treasury became poorer and poorer year after year, it was already destined to end up in such a miserable state.
Zhang Fenghan said, "The No Sky Net of Qiyuan Restaurant is being adjusted every day. Those westerners now only dare to use military carriages and don't dare to use a large number of eagle armor. However, the power of the hidden posts is always limited. I heard that the westerners use a string to pull the wood kites outside the city every day. I'm afraid that in a few days, the stored iron arrows in the hidden posts will be unable to continue. What should we do then? Does General Gu have a plan? "
There were less than 100 Black Eagle in Beidaying, including the ones that were missing arms and legs. Once the No Sky Net was ineffective, the city would be broken.
Changgeng said, "Yes, he knows. He is thinking of a way."
Zhang Fenghan, who was full of worries, didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He didn't know whether to say that Yanbei Of Gojoseon was a "young hero" or that he was stupid. It seemed that even if the sky collapsed in front of him, the young prince would still say "I know" as if it didn't matter to him.
Zhang Fenghan deliberately lowered his voice and said, "Today, Commander Han of the Imperial Guards went missing from court. Did Your Highness see him? There are rumors in court that the Emperor is angrily rebuking the westerners, but he is actually planning to move the capital. "
Changgeng smiled and said calmly, "The Emperor won't. We are not at a dead end yet. I saw a carriage from the Lingshu Temple. I'll help you get in … Oh, Uncle Huo is here?"
Huo Dan walked in hurriedly. His face was filled with unease as he came in front of Changgeng, "This old servant came late today. Your Highness, please forgive me."
"It's no problem," Changgeng waved his hand, "Uncle Huo, what happened today that delayed you?"
"… …" Huo Dan carefully looked at his expression, "Marquis was injured by an arrow from the westerners last night. I only heard about it this morning and just went … … Ai, Your Highness!"
Under the stunned gazes of Huo Dan and Zhang Fenghan, Changgeng, who had been strolling around, suddenly changed his expression. He jumped onto the back of his horse and disappeared like a gust of wind.
The smell of gunpowder in front of the nine gates hadn't dissipated yet. The western army only retreated at dawn. Gu Yun also had a moment to catch his breath.
There was a dent in the shoulder of the Xuan Tie. The arrowhead had already been pulled out. Two military doctors surrounded Gu Yun. They used pliers and scissors to carefully pry open the deformed shoulder. The clothes and flesh inside were already mixed together.
Changgeng rushed in. His gaze fell on Gu Yun. He couldn't help but look away. His expression was even uglier than the injured one.
"Si … …" Gu Yun sucked in a cold breath, "I say, can the two of you be more straightforward? Embroidery … … How is it? "
Chang Geng did not answer. He took a deep breath and stepped forward, waving the two military doctors away. He bent down and carefully observed the pieces of armor that could not be removed from Gu Yun's body. He took out a small iron pincer the length of a finger from his bosom, held Gu Yun's shoulder tightly, and cut it from the other side. His hands were extremely fast. The sharp pincer cut open a hole in the deformed shoulder armor as if it was mud. Blood immediately stained his hand.
Changgeng's face tightened. He couldn't breathe for a moment. He said in a low voice, "Why didn't you tell me that you were injured like this?"
Gu Yun, who was still grimacing in pain just now, suppressed the pain. He gritted his teeth and said, "It's a small matter. What did the western envoy say in the court meeting?"
"What else could he say? He talked nonsense in the golden palace," Changgeng moved his unsteady fingers and uncovered the broken pieces of armor that were stuck to Gu Yun's body. "He said that we should stop the 'persecution and plundering' of the countries in the Western Region. We should give up the territory outside Jiayu Pass as the Wan Kingdom Commercial Zone. The commercial zone should be governed according to their domestic laws. Also … …"
The deformed shoulder was completely removed. Changgeng stared at Gu Yun's wound and sucked in a deep breath. He stood up straight with difficulty and paused for a moment.
"Also … … What?" Gu Yun shivered and broke out in cold sweat, "I say, doctor, why are you still scared of blood?"
Changgeng was as stiff as an iron rod, "I am scared of your blood."
He snatched Gu Yun's wine pot and drank two mouthfuls. He was so dizzy that he wanted to vomit. He forced himself to breathe for a moment. Changgeng then picked up the scissors at the side and cut open the clothes that he couldn't see the color of.
"Also, the three Shi Liu Counties in the Northern Borderline, from Xijing to Zhili Youzhou, will be given to the 18 tribes. The capital of Daliang will be moved to the Eastern Capital of the Central Plains. Princess He Ning will also be sent to the 18 tribes as a hostage. From then on, I will submit to the 18 tribes and pay tribute every year … …"
He Ning was Li Feng's only daughter. She was only seven years old.
Gu Yun said angrily, "Bullshit!"
As soon as he struggled, blood gushed out. Changgeng couldn't bear it anymore and shouted, "Don't move!"
The two of them were silent for a moment. Gu Yun's expression was uncertain. After a while, he said, "… … Continue."
"In addition, they also forced Li Feng to order Shen Yi to withdraw the Southern Borderline garrison that occupied the islands of Nanyang. The East Sea Canal will be divided into rivers. The Jiangnan navy will retreat to Hanoi. The East Sea Canal will be divided into the East Sea." Changgeng's eyes were heavy, but his hands were very gently wiping his wound. He paused and said, "There is also compensation … …"
Gu Yun tensed his muscles without saying a word.
"During the morning court, Li Feng wanted to kill the envoy, but he was persuaded by the officials." Changgeng held Gu Yun's uninjured shoulder, "I want to clean the wound. Godfather, can you temporarily seal your consciousness?"
Gu Yun shook his head.
Changgeng persuaded him kindly, "I will only use a little medicine. You have a strong resistance to drugs. You won't be able to sleep for long. If there are changes in the outer city, I will guard for you … …"
"If you want to wash it, then wash it," Gu Yun interrupted him, "Don't talk nonsense."
Changgeng glanced at him and realized that it was useless to reason with this person.
At this moment, Tan Hongfei ran over and said, "Marshal … …"
As soon as Gu Yun turned around, he smelled a strange fragrance. He was caught off guard and inhaled a mouthful. His entire body immediately went limp.
The wise and powerful Marquis of Stability never expected that His Highness the Royal Prince would know such an unconventional Jianghu method like "World in One's Sleeve". Moreover, he used it on himself!
Gu Yun, "You … …"
Changgeng didn't even blink. He quickly pierced the thin needle into Gu Yun's acupuncture point. Then, he caught Gu Yun's unconscious body.
Tan Hongfei, who had watched the commander-in-chief being put down, was stunned at the door. He and His Highness the Royal Prince stared at each other, "… …"
Changgeng's expression didn't change as he made a shushing gesture at him. Then, he picked up Gu Yun and laid him flat. Then, he began to carefully clean his wounds.
Tan Hongfei was flabbergasted, "This … … that … …"
Changgeng, "It's fine. Let him sleep for a while. He won't suffer so much."
Tan Hongfei blinked. A long time ago, he had always thought that His Highness Yanbei Of Gojoseon was an amiable scholar. Later, he discovered that he was good at calculating. He was very impressed and wanted to get close to him … … It wasn't until this moment that Commander Tan felt a burning reverence for him.
Tan Hongfei subconsciously reached out to touch his face. The scar on his face from Gu Yun's slaps had yet to fade. He thought, "His Highness is too daring."
Changgeng, "Oh right, what's the matter?"
Only then did Tan Hongfei come back to his senses. He hurriedly said, "Your Highness, the Emperor is here. The carriage is behind us. Look … …"
As he spoke, the haggard Li Feng arrived in casual clothes. He only brought Zhu Xiaojiao with him.
Li Feng lowered his head to look at the unconscious Gu Yun. He then reached out to touch his forehead, "Is Imperial Uncle okay?"
"It's just a flesh wound." Changgeng bandaged the wound and draped a thin silk robe over Gu Yun's body. Then, he put away his silver needles, "It's just that I gave him some anesthetic. He won't wake up for a while. Imperial Brother, please don't take offense."
After Changgeng finished speaking, he stood up and picked up Gu Yun's wind-cutting blade. He didn't even put on his armor as he turned around and walked out.
Li Feng hurriedly asked, "What's wrong?"
"I'll guard the city for adoptive father for a while," Changgeng said, "Although the emissary is in the capital, I'm afraid that it's a trap set by the westerners. They might attack the city when we let down our guard. It's better to be cautious."
Li Feng stood in place for a moment. Then, he suddenly grabbed a sword and followed out. Zhu Xiaojiao was shocked, "Your Majesty!"
Li Feng ignored him and went up the city wall.
With the help of his clairvoyance, the Emperor Long An saw that the Western Army's camp was not far away. The fertile land on the outskirts of the capital was now in ruins. The capital's nine gates, which used to be bustling with carriages and horses, was now desolate. A corner of the city wall that had collapsed was supported by the scrapped Xuan Tie Armor. It was on the verge of collapse, but stubbornly refused to change.
The ordinary soldiers of Beidaying all recognized Changgeng and came forward to greet him. However, they didn't recognize Li Feng. They only saw that he was well-dressed and had an extraordinary bearing. They thought he was a civil official and called him "Daren".
The two brothers of the Li Family stood side by side on the city wall. From their appearance to their figure, they didn't look alike at all. Their familial relationship was so weak that it was like a piece of paper that could be poked through with a finger.
Li Feng suddenly said to Changgeng, "Han Qi should be back in the afternoon. Tell Imperial Uncle to find someone he can trust to receive him."
Changgeng didn't inquire. He didn't seem to be curious at all. He just casually said, "Yes."
Li Feng asked, "Aren't you going to ask where I sent Han Qi?"
Changgeng lowered his eyes slightly and looked at the stone bricks on the city wall. After a moment of silence, he said, "Recently, I have been moving the Purple Gold from the Ministry of Revenue and military supplies. I found that there are some problems with the Purple Gold from the court … but it might be my brother's arrangement."
When the Emperor Long An heard this, he knew that Changgeng had found out about his private stash of Purple Gold.
Li Feng said somewhat awkwardly, "Well, there is a secret passage inside the Desheng Gate that leads to Jinghua Garden. I had Han Qi lead the troops out of the city through this passage and open the private storehouse in Jinghua Garden. Inside there is … cough, I haven't had time to release the Shi Liu Ten Thousand Jin of Purple Gold. Don't spread the news. Right now, the people in the court are not stable. If they know about the secret passage, I'm afraid that some people will be moved."
Changgeng nodded. He wasn't surprised. Li Feng was taking out his family's wealth.
As headstrong and self-opinionated as the Emperor Long An, it was impossible for him to lose his power and humiliate the country. He would rather be buried under the Nine Gates.
When he was silent, there was nothing to say between the two. In fact, it had always been like this. Other than the government affairs and the polite nonsense when paying respects, there was really nothing to say between the Li brothers.
Li Feng asked, "How old were you when you met Imperial Uncle?"
Changgeng, "… Twelve years old."
Li Feng said, "Oh, he didn't have a family and led the troops in the northwest for a long time. I don't think he took care of you, right?"
Changgeng's eyes flickered slightly, "No, he was very good at doting on people."
Li Feng narrowed his eyes and looked at the dim sky. He remembered that he had grown up with Gu Yun. When he was young, he was sometimes jealous that his father treated Gu Yun better and more gently. But most of the time, he felt that although this little Imperial Uncle didn't play with them much, he was a very good person.
He also once thought that this little bit of youthful affection could last a lifetime.
But it had only been ten years, and it had already become like this.
"Ah Min," Li Feng said, "If the city is breached, zhen will pass the throne to you. You take the harem and the officials first through the secret passage and move the capital to Luoyang … Then slowly plan. There will be a day when we can make a comeback."
Changgeng finally looked at him.
"If there really is such a day," Li Feng's eyes were flat as he looked into the distance and continued, "You don't need to be the Crown Prince anymore. You just need to let your nephews have a place to stay."
Changgeng didn't respond. After a moment, he said indifferently, "Imperial Brother is too serious. It hasn't reached that point."
Li Feng looked at his younger brother and vaguely remembered what he heard from his mother when he was young.
She said that the women who came to Bei Man were all monsters. They were the best at playing with poison and bewitching people's hearts. In the future, they would give birth to monsters that would stain Daliang's imperial bloodline.
Later, the Marquis of Stability brought the Fourth Prince, who had been wandering among the common people for many years, back to the palace. For the sake of xiandi's wishes and his own benevolence, Li Feng kept him. The Ministry of Internal Affairs only had one more exception. Out of sight, out of mind.
But it wasn't until this moment that the Emperor Long An realized that he couldn't see through this young man.
He didn't change his expression in the face of a national disaster or a great enemy. Even the dignity of the Emperor couldn't move his heart. The clothes he wore seemed to be from last year. He didn't change his sleeves even when they were worn thin.
He was even more unpredictable than Huguo Temple's Master Liao Chi. He didn't love anything. It was as if nothing in this world could move him.
Li Feng opened his mouth. At this time, Zhu Xiaojiao reminded him in a low voice, "Your Majesty, it's time to go back to the palace."
Li Feng came back to his senses. He handed his sword to a soldier on the side and silently patted Changgeng's shoulder. He glanced at the young man's tall and straight back and turned to leave.
After Li Feng left, a monk with a dusty face went up the gate tower. It was Liao Ran.
The monks of Huguo Temple had all withdrawn into the city. He followed the abbot and recited sutras every day during the day to pray for the fate of the country. At night, he secretly used an informant to investigate the people around Li Feng.
Changgeng glanced at him.
Liao Ran shook his head and gestured, "I investigated. The people around His Majesty all have clean records. None of them had close contact with the witches of the Eighteen Ministries and their subordinates."
Changgeng said, "His Majesty is naturally suspicious. He's not someone who can't hide things. Our side has repeatedly leaked secrets. The informant must be his confidant. Have you investigated Eunuch Zhu?"
Liao Ran shook his head with a solemn expression. He had investigated, and there was no problem.
Changgeng frowned slightly.
At this time, Gu Yun, who was put down by Changgeng with acupuncture and medicine, finally woke up. He slept so deeply that he almost didn't know what day it was. It wasn't until the dull pain from the wound on his shoulder that he realized what had happened.
Gu Yun got up and put on his clothes, preparing to find Changgeng to settle the score.
Who knew that as soon as he came out, he heard a loud noise coming from afar. The entire capital shook. Gu Yun supported himself on the city wall and thought, "Earthquake?"
Changgeng, who was on the city gate tower, suddenly turned his head. A malicious look flashed across his face. He always thought that the spy in the imperial city was Li Feng's palace servant. But Li Feng was cautious and suspicious. How could he reveal the matter of Jing Hua Garden to his servant?
Gu Yun asked, "What's wrong?"
"I don't know," Changgeng walked down quickly, "Li Feng just came and said that he had Han Qi set off from the secret passage to Jing Hua Garden to transport the Purple Gold … Is that the direction of the western suburbs?"
Gu Yun woke up with a start.
On the ninth day of the fifth month, the secret of Jing Hua Garden was leaked. The western people's peace talk was indeed a pretense. They didn't want to take the opportunity to attack the city. Instead, they sent troops to the western part of the capital to kill Han Qi halfway.
After a final struggle, Han Qi was finally defeated. He made a prompt decision and ignited the hundred thousand pieces of Purple Gold. He directly blew up the entrance of the secret passage and destroyed everything.
The fire engulfed the entire western suburbs like a prairie fire. The endless Purple Gold was like karmic fire from the underground. It burned the Imperial Guards who were escorting the Purple Gold, the westerners who were caught off guard, and even the beautiful scenery and pavilions of Jing Hua Garden. The special purple gas illuminated half the sky like an auspicious sign. It was as if a thick and colorful ray of light was flowing down from the horizon.
The heart of the earth was burning, and the entire capital was trembling.
The heat flow stretched for dozens of miles. It slowly flowed from the western suburbs into the Nine Gates that were as solid as a rock. The capital could be considered cool in the early summer, but in an instant, it was comparable to the furnace of Nanjiang.
The originally light and difficult to distinguish smell of the Purple Gold diffused against the east wind. Everyone finally tasted that special smell. It was actually an indescribable fragrance.
It was like the scent of pine mixed with a little bit of grass and wood.
All the remaining heavy armors were mobilized by Gu Yun. The string of the White Rainbow was stretched taut.
Just as he expected, the western army also moved at this time.
Gu Yun didn't know how many Western Army were burned by the fire. He also didn't know how long the Pope could last under such heavy losses. After many days of siege, both sides had reached their limits.
Just a while ago, the first wave of crazy attacks arrived. Heavy armors and chariots alternated. Artillery fire and White Rainbows rose and fell one after another. There was almost no gap between the fierce artillery fire of both sides.
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