As the cold of the night swept over, the same information was fermenting in different places. In the Wu dynasty, Zhang Jue's death in the north was the result of a series of complicated reasons. But in terms of information, there was actually not a single person who was happy that this had happened.
In Yanfu Palace in the Imperial City, the burning candles created a warm atmosphere. Eunuchs, guards, and palace maids guarded the surroundings. But in the darkness of the night, only the sound of chess pieces falling could be heard occasionally. The Emperor was not in a good mood. The empress, who was playing chess with him to relieve his boredom, was tactfully silent and did not speak.
"We have done something … I do not know if it was right or wrong."
After a long time, Zhou Zhe slowly and quietly spoke. He held a chess piece in his hand and did not put it down for a long time. The empress waited for a while. "What Your Majesty has done, it is inevitable that there are some things that are right and some things that are wrong. But I know that regardless of whether it is right or wrong, what Your Majesty has chosen is something that must be done."
If an ordinary person were to say that an emperor had done something wrong in front of him, he would probably be punished immediately. But the empress had a deep relationship with him and knew that Zhou Zhe liked to say it this way. As expected, after he finished speaking, Zhou Zhe's brows relaxed slightly. A moment later, a wry smile appeared on his face.
"We killed Zhang Jue. Other people do not know and will probably think that we are muddle-headed. But how can they know the difficulties in our hearts? This court full of civil and military officials, Cai Jing, Li Gang, Qin Siyuan, Tong Guan, Li Bangyan, Wang Ci … count them all! They … have wronged me … "
He put down the chess piece and spoke through gritted teeth, but he had implicated all the civil and military officials in the court. The empress was silent and did not know how to continue. "They … probably also have their difficulties …"
"Difficulties! We placed them in the positions of court officials. We gave them power. We paved the way for them to do things. But in the end, what did they give us? A … messy mess … "Zhou Zhe waved his hand forcefully." In the end, we can only take the blame for them. These … old things! "
He gritted his teeth, the pain in his heart was indescribable. Back when he was actively mobilizing troops and pushing for the northern expedition, he had great ambitions in his heart. This ambition began when he first ascended to the throne, stirring up civil strife among the Liao people, infiltrating the Northern Kingdom with the Office of Secret Investigations, and investing large amounts of money and resources to arouse the greed of the people. Later on, he formed the Blackwater Alliance. He really wanted to be an overlord. The imperial court really needed money to invest in the North by recruiting all kinds of flowers and stones. Although he kept a lot of it, it was because the north did not need to invest anymore. As an emperor, he had painstakingly done a lot of things, and in the end, these things had indeed worked.
The Wu dynasty had waited for a good opportunity when the Lady Zhenren rose to power. He made great use of Li Gang, revived Qin Siyuan, and had Cai Jing and the others make way for them, actively promoting Tong Guan's northern expedition. Of course, there were many obstacles and unsatisfactory areas. Of the sixteen prefectures of Yan Yun, only six were taken back, but Guo Yaoshi's achievements still made him proud. This was originally a strategy of buying a talent with a thousand gold. Before Guo Yaoshi had made a great contribution, he had given him countless rewards, including forgiving him for his mistake in attacking Yanjing. Later, Guo Yaoshi killed Xiao Gan, proving to the world that his vision was correct. He was very happy.
Zhou Zhe did not like the arrogant and domineering Lady Zhenren. At least, he wanted to take back the sixteen prefectures of Yan Yun. Once they were taken back, the north was heavily guarded, and it would be impossible for the Hu Lu to invade the south. He could also comfort the spirits of his ancestors in heaven and become a pioneer. This kind of thinking made him more aggressive toward the Lady Zhenren. Subduing Zhang Jue was a follow-up to subduing Guo Yaoshi. However, after this, a huge problem still pulled him back to reality.
If the Lady Zhenren was overreacting to Zhang Jue's betrayal, should they fight this battle or not?
In the beginning, after Zhang Jue's betrayal, they were still very happy. "I used to talk to you about sixteen prefectures, but you didn't want to. Now we can sit down and talk." It was not that the Wu dynasty did not have their guard up against the Lady Zhenren, but they had a common understanding of certain things. The Lady Zhenren was few, and it was not easy to conquer all of Liao and manage Liao. They did not have the strength to invade the south. At the same time, Guo Yaoshi had trained his troops outside Yanmen Pass, defeated Xiao Gan, and destroyed Xiao Gan's forces. At this time, Zhang Jue was not a pushover. Logically speaking, he had a certain degree of deterrence. On the table, they had the right to talk.
But reality proved that these considerations belonged to the civil officials, and they were overthinking things. One could weigh the pros and cons a thousand times and feel that the Wu dynasty's strength had greatly increased, but they were not happy with the Lady Zhenren. There was only one way to resolve this: Come, let's fight once and see who wins and who loses.
When Wanyan Jaya's mother directly attacked Zhang Jue, Zhou Zhe had to seriously consider this matter.
In the past month or two, he had indirectly asked for the views and opinions of many people, including Tong Guan, Cai Jing, Gao Qiu, Li Gang, Qin Siyuan, various high-ranking officials of the Ministry of War, and some high-ranking officials who were privy to the situation in Liao and had served as envoys. In the end, the combined impression made his heart sink.
On the surface, he asked the other side if they could fight, and of course they said yes. But Zhou Zhe was not a fool. At least he could hear some of the hidden meanings of these high-ranking officials. He could see that Tong Guan, Cai Jing, Gao Qiu, and the others had doubts about the military's strength. Li Gang and Qin Siyuan, on the other hand, said, "No matter what, we have to fight!"
"Are you kidding me? You can fight now. Even if you die, you can still be a stubborn and upright official. How can I be so careless as an emperor?" Considering the situation, he suddenly realized that after preparing for so long, his side still looked like a paper tiger. If they really had to fight the Jins, had they made all the preparations?
Therefore, he issued a secret edict in the capital, informing Wang Anzhong that if the Jins did not go too far, they must not provoke the border. If necessary, Zhang Jue could give up — and he could only give up. No one could understand his painstaking efforts behind this.
He hated Cai Jing, Tong Guan, and the others. They were in charge of the overall situation, at least in the military. He also hated Li Gang, Qin Siyuan, and the others. He had given them so much support, but in the end, they had not done anything decisive or satisfactory. It was difficult for the army to win. They only knew how to fight and fight. What if they lost the first battle?
As he thought about these things, he remembered that he had really given Qin Siyuan and the others too much power and convenience in the disaster relief. Recently, he had been on their side in the struggle between the factions and suppressed many opposing voices. The influence of the two Prime Ministers in the capital was growing. Even Grand Tutor Cai and the others had to avoid them. This was a bit too much.
After weighing the pros and cons, disaster relief still had to be done. The matter of Zhang Jue could be considered a way to suppress them. Otherwise, it would be their credit to convince Zhang Jue to surrender. After that, they would support Zhang Jue with all their might. It would be too reckless of them to wage war against the Jins for the sake of Zhang Jue. He, the Emperor, would be no better than a puppet. He could support all the officials, but this kind of action that put the fate of the country on the line could not be done recklessly.
On the other hand, disaster relief was not a small matter, but compared to the northern expedition, it was still more important. Li Gang and Qin Siyuan had invested a lot in disaster relief, which was a good thing, but they had offended too many people. After this matter, he would suppress the power of Li Gang and Qin Siyuan, and let Grand Tutor Cai and the others rise. In a way, it was actually to protect their positions. They should understand his painstaking efforts with a few private hints …
All kinds of thoughts, all kinds of considerations, even in front of the Empress, some could be said, and some could not. In the end, he could only sigh. As the Son of Heaven, it was indeed lonely at the top. He could only hope that his painstaking efforts would eventually be exchanged for a good result in the future, and that he would be able to obtain a fair evaluation in the history books …
*****
Zhou Zhe's feelings were complicated when he received the news of Zhang Jue's death. In the Right Minister's residence, Qin Siyuan almost fainted on the spot from the shock. Left Minister Li Gang was also dumbfounded and speechless when he saw the news. In the Grand Tutor's residence, Cai Jing read the news after writing a piece of calligraphy. The complicated look in his eyes turned into a sigh. Tong Guan looked at the map of his residence for half a night with his hands behind his back. He sighed to the people around him. "In the end, it was a last resort." He was about to retire and his merits and demerits had been determined, so he did not feel any pressure.
In the Imperial Censorate, Qin Hui had not yet returned home when he received the news. He looked at the news and narrowed his eyes. He gritted his teeth and his throat trembled. "Stupid, stupid …"
He returned to the room where he dealt with official affairs. He unfolded a piece of white paper and wrote down the beginning of a memorial. He had been captured by the northerners, and because of this, he knew the savagery and savagery of the people there. Facing such people, how could one blindly give in and show weakness? Showing weakness to the enemy would only incite the other party's savagery, and in the end, it would be difficult to deal with.
He was always hot-blooded and straightforward in admonishing righteousness. This was his usual state. Many high-ranking officials were also pulled down by his impassioned speeches. However, there were always more things that he needed to consider. Halfway through the memorial, he felt that the wording was too intense and stopped. He took out a few new pieces of paper and wrote the beginning two more times. However, the next two articles did not even have the beginning.
In his heart, he understood who the instigator of this matter was. He also understood that the matter had already happened, and the Emperor would not want people like him to give advice like a cannon fired after the fact.
What was the use of him writing such things? It would only make people hate him …
He rubbed his forehead and thought for a long time before he started writing again. This time, he wrote a memorial about Qin Siyuan's inconsiderate decision to recruit Zhang Jue. He quickly wrote halfway and stopped again. His thinking was still wrong. Qin Siyuan's decision to recruit Zhang Jue was not wrong. Although the one who killed Zhang Jue was the Emperor, with the current Emperor's wisdom, he might not be complacent. He could not criticize Qin Siyuan too much, but if he wanted to quell some doubts, what should he do?
After thinking for a while, he changed the content of the third memorial to the assassination of Zhang Jue's Proclamation Envoy, Wang Anzhong. However, his words were not too harsh. He understood that the Emperor did not want Wang Anzhong to be suspected of doing wrong. He could not really nail Wang Anzhong to the pillar of shame. If he used a gentler tone, there would be room for discussion. Once there was discussion, he could lead Wang Anzhong to the image of being right and painstaking. At that time, he would be the villain, and the Emperor could remove both Wang Anzhong and himself. He believed that the Emperor would reprimand him, but in his heart, he would remember his efforts.
At the same time, the matter could be settled in the court. Everyone calmed down again and worked together to plan for the future. After thinking it through, the memorial was written very smoothly and quickly. He finished writing it and handed it in the next day.
In Yan Jing City, Wang Anzhong was also in a huge dilemma.
As for the killing of Zhang Jue, he was also helpless and wronged. Medicine Master Guo always wanted to fight with the Golden Man, but the real problem was whether he could win or not. After the killing of Zhang Jue, the atmosphere in Yan Jing City was very bad. The Victorious Army was gloomy and mourning for the death of the rabbit. It seemed that they, the civil officials, were regarded as treacherous officials. In the beginning, Medicine Master Guo almost had to wear white clothes to mourn for Zhang Jue. Wang Anzhong visited him several times, but he refused to see him, saying that he was sick. Wang Anzhong was angry. If this was the south, a general like you, just watch me …
But although he was unhappy, he still had to do his best to ease the impact of this matter. He thought that he had really done his best as an official. Every day, he came to visit Medicine Master Guo, but he was given the cold shoulder. What did he want? Wasn't it for the peace of the north?
Fortunately, Medicine Master Guo did not lose his temper for too long. Three days later, he opened the door to see Wang Anzhong. Wang Anzhong told him about the situation, compared the strength of the two sides, and told him the imperial court's order not to provoke the border. The haggard Medicine Master Guo finally said, "In the end, I was not considerate enough and made Lord Wang feel wronged."
"We are all working for the country. I can feel General Guo's dissatisfaction with this matter. But this matter concerns the fate of the country, we can't be reckless. We can only seek stability. In the future, I hope that General Guo will continue to do your best and work for the country. I will do my best to cooperate with General Guo. "
"Lord Wang is righteous. I was stingy. In the future, I will offer local products and visit you to make amends. I hope Lord Wang can forgive me …"
Medicine Master Guo cupped his hands and replied. After that, he prepared a large amount of gold and silver to send to Wang Anzhong's residence. Wang Anzhong knew that Medicine Master Guo must have a grudge, but these things could only be resolved slowly.
*****
The ripples caused by Zhang Jue's death could not be calmed down. In the north and south of the Wu dynasty, those who were qualified to know about this matter were mostly in a complicated mood. Amidst this chaos, in the north, in the royal court of the Gold Men, there was a different situation.
Shangjing, a city that had recently experienced the chaos of war, was no longer as prosperous as it used to be. After the Jin people invaded, most of the original Liao nobles were killed or enslaved. Now, the imperial city was in a state of disrepair. The Jurchens were still busy fighting and hadn't put the restoration of the city on the agenda. But as the end of the year approached and the wind and snow came, they still returned to the originally bustling city, waiting for the wind and snow to pass before making plans for the new year.
Wanyan Zongwang's triumphant return was a pleasant surprise for all the Jurchens.
Although recently, the Jurchens had somewhat looked down on the people of the Wu dynasty for not being able to fight, they still subconsciously had the impression that the other side was a powerful and prosperous nation. Zhang Jue's rebellion had enraged Aguda, and everyone was clamoring to teach the Wu dynasty a lesson. But when it came to actual fighting, everyone was still cautious.
Everyone was waiting for the result of this battle.
In the battle between Wanyan Zhai's mother and Zhang Jue, they won two and lost one. But this wasn't something that everyone paid too much attention to. What was really waiting in the rear was the colossus in the south. The first battle with the Wu dynasty was what really affected everyone's mind. Therefore, the one who left to lead the troops was Wanyan Zongwang, who was the best at fighting among the Jurchens. The wind and snow had already arrived, so it wouldn't be easy to besiege the city. If the southerners defended the city, theoretically speaking, the battle wouldn't have a result until next spring.
Therefore, most people thought that Wanyan Zongwang would spend the New Year in Yan Jing.
Who would have thought that the result would be so easy to force the other side to concede? Even they were somewhat surprised.
In the Golden Palace of the Imperial City, a huge bonfire was burning in a huge cauldron. Wanyan Zongwang was laughing heartily as he walked into the banquet. Apart from Aguda's family, Zong Gan, Zong Yao, Zong Bi, and the others, there were also many ministers who had followed Aguda's uprising in the beginning, such as Valley Deity Wanyan Xiyin, Lou Shi, Yin Shuke, Ba Lisu, and others. In a sense, they were the most dazzling stars of this era.
Of course, as people involved in the situation, they wouldn't necessarily think of themselves as such. However, as members of a rising dynasty, their savagery couldn't hide their high spirits. Although it was in the Golden Palace, such a banquet didn't have too many rules. Everyone drank and sang merrily. When Wanyan Zongwang entered, several of his brothers jumped up to greet him and chatted with him.
Wanyan Zongwang laughed heartily as he walked forward. He arrived in front of a table and placed a human head on the table. He raised his chin and said, "Haha, how is it?" Then he walked to the side and greeted his father, Aguda.
The only person who ate in a refined manner in the Golden Palace was sitting at the table. He wiped his oily mouth and smiled at the head on the table. Wanyan Zongbi walked over. "Haha, Zhang Jue … Wu Shi, how is it? I've already told you that the southerners are weak and incompetent. They can't even withstand a single blow. How is it? Are you dumbfounded now?"
Wanyan Xiyin's real name was Wanyan Xiyin. He was the most knowledgeable person among the Jurchen people. He was tall and well-versed in both the pen and the sword. Recently, under Aguda's orders, he had created a set of Jurchen characters. In the past, because he admired the Han culture, he was also the one who held the Wu dynasty in high esteem. He told everyone not to let their guard down. But now, he felt somewhat helpless. "I think I was wrong. Let's find a place to bury him."
"What's there to bury?" Wanyan Zongbi waved his hand and Zhang Jue's head flew out of the Golden Palace. Wanyan Zongbi propped himself up on the table and said, "Wu Shi, you have nothing to say … Hey, brothers, after we defeat Liao, let's also defeat the Wu dynasty."
His words caused the crowd to clamor. Someone said, "After all, we don't have enough manpower." Someone else said, "The south is too far." Amidst the discussion, everyone was looking at Aguda. At this moment, Aguda, who was in his fifties and dressed in fur clothing, was sitting on the throne. He said a few words to Wanyan Zongwang and said with a smile, "This time, although Er Li Bu caused the Wu dynasty to send Zhang Jue to his grave, we haven't really fought him yet. One reason is that we don't have enough manpower. Liao hasn't been decided. You can say whatever you want, but don't be too arrogant. A cautious warrior won't be eaten by a bear. Only an arrogant warrior will be eaten by a bear. "
Everyone happily agreed. Not long after, the banquet ended and the crowd walked out of the Golden Palace in twos and threes. Wanyan Zongbi looked at Wanyan Xiyin and snorted coldly. In the future, people would be more familiar with his fearsome true name: Wu Shu. But at this moment, he was even afraid of Wanyan Xiyin, who was skilled in both the pen and the sword. Since childhood, Wu Shu had been fond of fighting and had a good impression of many of his brothers who were skilled in martial arts. Only Wanyan Xiyin, who had read too many Han books and acted in a genteel manner, made him uncomfortable. But even in terms of martial arts, he couldn't beat him.
At this moment, apart from them, there were also people who would leave their names in the history books of the future. They would either establish a new career or become the Emperor of the Jin Kingdom. Most of them had experienced mountains of corpses and seas of blood. Outside the Golden Palace, white snow covered the ground and the north wind whistled. No one frowned at such weather. To them, this kind of cold was the norm in this world.
On this day, this group of people set their sights on the Wu dynasty in the south. Then, they indifferently retracted their gazes and focused on the fat piece of meat in their mouths.
After all, Liao was still young …
The snow fell silently. Only Zhang Jue's head rolled down the steps. At this moment, it was buried alone in the white snow, facing the sky. No one cared about it.
Not long after, the head was carried away in a bamboo basket by the cleaning servants and thrown into the wilderness.
*****
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.
