The carriage returned to the mansion of the Qin family. The mansion was also holding a Chinese Valentine's Day banquet. Madam Qin and Yun Niang worked together to organize the banquet. Although the Qin family had just recovered, and many relatives had not arrived, but in the capital, the Right Minister's residence had invited a banquet, and there would be many people rushing to attend. Students, old friends, close relatives, and distant relatives, had already received invitations a few days ago and were preparing to come. Even if they did not receive an invitation, if they had some connections, they would have racked their brains to come in and see some important people.
A large sect would have a large system of operations. People inside or outside the sect might not be able to see the whole picture. Coming and going, what kind of words to write, what kind of gifts to give, what kind of invitation to hand, what kind of words to say, what kind of path to take, what kind of people to converse with, everything had its own rules. At this time, in the Right Minister's residence, in the midst of a warm atmosphere, everything was moving in a complicated and orderly manner. The guests were drinking and chatting in the hall, while the servants, housekeepers, servants, gatekeepers, chefs... were busily doing their own things in the residence. Of course, after the rules were set, there were always some people who did not need to care about these things.
Qin Siyuan got off the carriage and entered through the front door. After greeting the people in the hall and saying a few words, he walked towards the backyard. The stewards and servants followed beside him, reporting and obeying. Those rules wrapped around him like countless complicated and formless threads, following him to the back of the mansion. However, when he entered the study, he waved his hand to dismiss the people around him. Those people dispersed slightly, but of course, the rules were still there. The study was already lit. Closing the door, the surroundings quieted down. He opened a secret compartment in the bookshelf and took out two thin paper bags.
In this room, there were many secret compartments for filing, but he remembered every one of them clearly. Putting the paper bags on the table, the old man opened it and looked for a while under the oil lamp. They were all documents, and he did not know what was recorded in them. After roughly looking through them, the old man ground the ink, took out the paper, sat down and began to write a letter.
Outside the window came the sounds of the banquet in the hall. The old man's hands were very steady, and his thoughts were clear. He wrote a total of two letters without much pause. After he finished writing, he put them back into the envelope. He was about to get up, but after thinking about it, he sat down and wrote another letter. He put the three letters into his sleeves, picked up the two packets of files, and walked out of the room. The steward and the servants hurried over.
"Did Qixian come with Yubai?"
"The two young masters are already waiting in the side hall."
"… Don't let random people get close."
"Yes, Master."
The group of people went to the side of the Prime Minister's mansion. As they turned around a winding corridor, they could see the lights in the main hall and hear the lively laughter. The side hall was relatively quiet. When the old man walked in, two young men stood up. One of them was wearing a scholar's robe, and the other was wearing a general's uniform. The military uniform meant that this person was the commander of a region. Usually, he was in charge of an army and was the highest officer in the local army such as the Army of Martial or the Army of Martial. He must have returned to the capital for some other reason.
"Qin shi."
"Qin shi …"
"Sit, no need to be so polite." The scholar and the military stood up and bowed. Qin Siyuan waved his hand. "Qixian, Yubai, you already know what happened today, right?"
The young scholar named Fang Yubai nodded first. "Hangzhou has fallen. I also heard about the debate in the court today. These people are short-sighted …"
Before he could finish, the commander called Chen Qixian also frowned and said, "I heard that Wang Ling and Yang Keshi were sent to the north while Tong Shumi was sent to the south. They will regret it sooner or later …"
"We can talk about regret later. The important thing is how to deal with it. I have recommended the two of you to follow the army. The official letter will come tomorrow. In addition, Tang Sixian, Yu Rui, Shen Qipeng, Ji Haifang, and the others. You know each other. Now Wang Ling is the commander, Yang Keshi is the supervisor, and Sixian is the deputy general. Next is Qixian, and Yubai can assist you. The role you can play should not be underestimated. Although it will be very troublesome. "
As Qin Siyuan said this, he frowned. "I do not need to investigate to know that Tong Guan has already summoned his trusted subordinates to the residence and has begun to beat down Wang Ling and Yang Keshi. With his personality, he will definitely say that he has a lot of hopes for the Northern Expedition. This is a great achievement for the country and the people. The most important thing is for the country and the people. Although he … cannot go north for the time being, everyone must still work hard to fight for the country and recover Youyan. When the day of success comes, he will drink with everyone and ask for credit for the soldiers … "
*****
At the same time, in General Tong's residence, the generals had gathered as expected. Tong Guan was frowning and talking.
Although he was known as a eunuch, Tong Guan was completely different from the usual eunuchs. He was tall and burly, with dark skin. Not only did he look tall and straight, but he also had copper skin and iron bones. He gave people a feeling that he was extremely tough, and his voice was full of energy. To be able to climb as a eunuch to the position of commanding all the troops in the world, there was a domineering aura in his every movement. At this time, he was lecturing everyone about the matter in the court today.
"… The banditry in Fangla, the disaster of Hangzhou, is imminent. To quell external threats, we must first quell internal strife. The reason the Emperor has sent me south is because of the importance he places on this matter! But … in the current Wu dynasty, quelling the banditry is not the most important thing. The sixteen provinces of Yan and Yun have been lost for nearly two hundred years. My Wu dynasty has lost the barrier of the Northern Lands. As officials and soldiers, we must feel a sense of urgency every day! I have been planning to ally with the Jurchens to attack the Khitans for many years. Now is the best time. It is the time for a man to make a contribution and leave his name in history. When you go north, you must do your best to assist Commander Wang and Commander Yang in recovering the Northern Lands. I must quell the rebellion as soon as possible and head north. Although I cannot travel with you right now, my desire to kill the enemy is with you all … "
*****
"Wang Ling and Yang Keshi are not here. But since he has said this, the two of them know what to do. This Northern Expedition will definitely be delayed and waste rations. Because they know that if they take Tong Shumi's credit, even if they have a moment of glory, Tong Guan will certainly take revenge on them in the future. "
Qin Manor. As Qin Siyuan spoke, he took out two dossiers and three letters.
"But the Emperor also has high hopes for this Northern Expedition. They are like flies and dogs, without any results. Perhaps Tong Guan will compensate them later, but when the Emperor is angry, they must accept it."
Putting the documents on the table, Qin Siyuan's face turned cold. "Tong Guan will help them put in a few words. If it is only the Emperor, he can guarantee their safety for now. But if it is below the Emperor, including me and Minister Li, they will have to think about whether they can accept it or not … I have some evidence of their crimes here. They are arrogant and domineering, eating and drinking, their families causing trouble in the village, bullying men and women. I don't care. Just these cannot punish them. Even if they are punished, it will only be a small punishment. But if the matter of the Northern Expedition is added … "
"After you Northern Expedition, you can give this letter to Si Xian and the others to read. Tell them my thoughts. Although the south is in turmoil right now, most places are in the autumn harvest season. I will ensure that all rations and military supplies are supplied. Anything that the army wants, they can have. Grit your teeth and ensure that you fight this battle well. I will arrange for people to stir up trouble at the borders. You can also wait for an opportunity to act. The war must be fought. Don't miss the opportunity. "
The old man paused. "After the war, or before, if there is any problem with Wang Lin and Yang Keshi, give them these two things and two letters. Then tell them that I want to win the war. I want to win in front of the Female Zhenren. I can pay any price. It doesn't matter if it is a narrow or a pyrrhic victory. I want the kind of victory that can decide the situation. If they win, I, Minister Li, and the current Emperor will protect them. We will ensure that they will be remembered in history and have wealth for the rest of their lives. I, Qin Siyuan, will not lie. But if they don't fight, if they dare to lose, you also tell those two that Minister Li and I will spare no effort to spare their nine clans. In order to … warn the next person who will take over their position … "
His voice wasn't loud, but it was resolute and decisive. The two students talked with the old man for a while and then left to carry out the order. The old man sat in the side hall for a while. Someone came with a lamp. It was Madam Qin, dressed in splendid clothes. She held a small bowl in her hand. The two had been married for decades. Seeing Qin Siyuan's expression, the old woman also understood the seriousness of the matter. However, she only put the small bowl on the table.
"I saw your expression in the front hall just now. I'm afraid you haven't eaten. I just took some time out to ask. I heard that Qixian and Yubai had left, so I came to take a look. These are all your favorite dishes. These quail eggs are very good. Eat a few first. "
The old man nodded and picked up his chopsticks. "I've made Madam worry."
The side hall quieted down. The old man ate a few mouthfuls of food and remembered something. He tilted his head and said, "Hangzhou has fallen …"
The old woman blinked. "Ah … that Qian Xiwen and that child Liheng are both here right now …" "Yes.
I originally thought that Hangzhou's Wu De Camp was also an elite force. Even though there was an earthquake, a group of rebels should be able to defend the city. Who knew … before the reinforcements from both sides arrived, it would fall first. Alas, every time Fang La conquered a place, he almost killed all the officials, gentry, and rich families. Now that Hangzhou has fallen, it's surrounded by rebels. I can only hope … that they can escape and come out safe and sound … "
He sighed and cast his gaze outside the side hall. Beyond the courtyard wall, the starry sky thousands of miles away was also revealed in the sky of Bianjing. A firework rose in his field of vision and exploded.
On the same day of the Double Seventh Festival, the city of Jiangning thousands of miles away was also filled with a lively and festive atmosphere. On the Qinhuai River, ships were fluttering in the wind, and floats were patrolling the streets and alleys. In a small building by a slightly remote river bend, the cool wind was blowing through the balcony with a few lanterns hanging on it. There were all kinds of fruits and food on the balcony. Two women were holding a small begging banquet. The one in white with long flowing hair was Nie Yunzhu. On the other side was Yuan Jin 'er, who was wearing a light yellow dress and had her hands clasped together like a snake as she laughed and danced.
Not far away, there were bustling lights of the city. Occasionally, there were people and cars passing by on the riverside road. As the silver light flowed down from the sky, Yuan Jin 'er's dance merged with the surrounding orange lights, forming an incomparably pleasing scene. Nie Yunzhu just watched with a smile, casually playing the zither beside her, making fun of it. However, her smile always seemed a bit forced and distant. This woman's heart was no longer here.
Yuan Jin 'er naturally understood this. Over the past few days, the news of the earthquake in Hangzhou and the banditry in Fang La had more or less spread to Jiangning. As long as one wanted to, one could always find out. Sister Yunzhu was concerned about these things all day long. Although she did not show it on the surface at first, she was already terrified. At this time, even the fear could not be suppressed and was completely displayed on her face. If not for the fact that she also knew that it was useless to worry, she would have long packed up and left home, heading straight to Hangzhou.
Because of this, Yuan Jin 'er tried her best to laugh every day, trying to make her sister happier. The effect was naturally limited, but there was nothing else she could think of at the moment. On the other hand, she also somewhat hated the live-in scholar in Hangzhou. If not for him, Sister Yunzhu would not have met her, and everything would have been over. Everyone would have nothing to worry about …
In this small banquet, the two were the main characters. Yuan Jin 'er's maidservant, Kou' er, was responsible for bringing all kinds of things. Halfway through the banquet, Yunzhu's married maidservant, Hu Tao, also came over. Hu Tao seemed to be in a bit of a mood. When she was busy outside, she talked to Kou 'er for a while, then just attended the banquet as usual. However, Yuan Jin 'er saw that something was wrong with Hu Tao. When it was time to go to the washroom, she pulled Kou' er and asked her.
Kou 'er also frowned, "Hu Tao said, Hu Tao said … her family's Er Niu just heard a piece of news. It was brought by a merchant from the southeast, saying … the southeast is in chaos. I heard that Hangzhou has been breached, and there are bandits everywhere. Many bandits have risen up, over there … no one can escape over there …"
"What …" Yuan Jin 'er's eyes widened. For a moment, she did not know what kind of mood she was in. Before she could make up her mind, Yunzhu's voice came from behind, "What … did you say?"
Turning around, Yunzhu was standing at the door, looking at the master and maidservant. Her face was as white as paper, and her frail body was swaying slightly. It looked like her white clothes and white skirt were glowing faintly, making her look somewhat transparent, as if she could evaporate and float away from this world at any time.
That was naturally an illusion. The moment Yuan Jin 'er had such an impression, Yunzhu lifted the hem of her skirt and rushed out. Jin' er screamed, "Ah — —" and suddenly wrapped her arms around the other's waist, pressing her head against her body with all her might. She shouted, "Kou 'er! Prepare the carriage! Prepare the carriage! Sister Yunzhu, I'll go with you, I'll go with you — — Ah ah ah ah ah ah — — "
Not long after, the carriage drove through the streets of the city and stopped in front of Princess Cheng's mansion. Two women got off the carriage and rushed inside, but they were stopped by the guards. The beautiful woman in the white dress at the front was trembling slightly. She cried while putting her palms together and begging. The woman behind her also followed. After waiting for a while, someone came out of the mansion and welcomed the two women in. They saw Kang Xian in the side hall. As soon as she saw this old man, Yunzhu ran over and knelt down, crying. Jin 'er followed closely behind and knelt down. Kang Xian quickly came over and helped the two up …
At the same time, there was no festive light in the vicinity of Hangzhou.
The Milky Way stretched across the horizon. On the winding mountain road, only a few torches illuminated the surrounding roads. From afar, they looked like fireflies. Only when one got closer could they hear the voices of people, footsteps, and the sound of carriages and horses. Many people crowded together on the winding mountain road that was usually deserted, stretching into the darkness into the distance.
The sound of hooves galloping came from the darkness not far away. Ning Yi carried a child in his arms and held Su Tan 'er's hand. He was walking forward in the middle of the fleeing crowd. Almost everyone around him belonged to the Su family. He had suffered some light injuries in the battle in Peace Alley, but they had all been bandaged and were not a big deal. At this moment, other than the seemingly endless walking, there was only the wound on his right arm that gave off a faint sense of pain along with his pulse.
At this time, the vicinity of Hangzhou was full of refugees. They were originally driven here by Fang La after Hangzhou City was breached. Things like order had disappeared. There were massacres and killings everywhere. Only their group could be considered as the largest group of refugees. Among them were the army, the guards of the rich merchants gathered by Ning Yi, and so on. Most of the people with permanent property had joined this group. They were also the focus of Fang La's army. Behind them, there should be several troops chasing them with the momentum of breaching the city. On the way, they had been discovered once and fought a small battle. Some old, weak, women, and children were left behind while fleeing. They might have died by now.
The starry night gradually darkened, and the dark clouds gradually covered the night sky of the Double Seventh Festival. Not long after, a knight on a horse came with a torch, and was ordered to invite Ning Yi to a place in front of the procession to discuss some matters. Ning Yi nodded, and pulled his wife along, and walked towards that direction. When the night wind blew, he also felt a little cold. Maybe he had caught a cold after working hard for days …
*****
Today, when he got up and opened the book review and comment section, he was shocked. All the comments were red. Then he hurried to write in shame. But when he finished writing this chapter, it was already half past one. Uh, this chapter is not bad ^ _ ^
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
