In the blink of an eye, two days had passed since the assassination attempt on the street and the appearance of Tong Guan. The atmosphere in the capital was gradually warming up.
This warming naturally did not refer to the weather.
When the Jins invaded the south and foreign invaders attacked, it was not too difficult to arouse the people's fighting spirit in the face of the calamity of destroying the city. However, after the arousal, a large number of people died. When the external pressure faded, many people's families had been completely destroyed. When people came to their senses, the future had already become a pale color. Just like how people in the face of a crisis would arouse their potential, when the danger was over, people who were seriously overdrawn would eventually fall.
How to let people recover after this was a big problem.
In fact, during the period when the siege of the city came to an end, the death of a large number of family members who did not participate in the defense of the city, either from starvation or suicide, had been constantly reported. When the public opinion system of the Right Minister's residence and Takeshi was fully operational, although the number of discovered deaths was still increasing, there was more or less a trace of color on the face of the Bianliang giant that had overdrawn itself.
The tragic and stirring of the dead, the sacrifice of the warriors, the inheritance of the will, and the warning that the danger had not yet faded, were all fermenting and spreading in the city along with the operation of the Right Minister's residence and Takeshi. For this era, the directional dissemination of public opinion was actually a relatively simple thing, because the channels for ordinary people to obtain information were really too narrow. As long as they heard something, the government would cooperate a little, and it would often turn into an irrefutable fact.
Therefore, after a few days of brewing, at least in terms of the social atmosphere after the war, there had already been some results.
First of all, the government began to collect the identity and life information of the dead and began to make a register, and later to build a martyr's shrine. They also expressed that they would explain to the families of the dead. Although the specific explanation was still being discussed, they had already begun to consult the opinions of the social officials and elders. Even if it was only at the stage of drawing a cake, this cake was drawn with sincerity for the time being.
Secondly, under the coordination of the government and Takeshi's propaganda, the rich and officials who had spare money began to give out porridge and food, and expressed their willingness to take care of the families of those who died in the defense of the city. This happened because the Prime Minister's residence had come forward to appeal, and because Takeshi had publicized for those who took the lead and left them a reputation. Thirdly, the court was discussing that in the future, the families of the dead, whether they were businessmen, officials, or farmers, would be given a lot of convenience. Just like the policy of preferential treatment for the disabled in later generations, there would naturally be a lot of benefits for those who took the disabled to work.
Thirdly, the scholars had not finished paying attention to this matter. Due to Takeshi's emphasis on exaggerating the threat of the Female Zhenren, how to deal with this crisis had become the main topic of discussion for those who were worried about the country and the people. These scholars were either discussing preparing to throw away their pen and join the army, or discussing in restaurants and teahouses the topic of eliminating the current political maladies. For example, some small groups of scholars in the name of "National Calamity Society" and "Plum Society" were secretly established, attracting people everywhere, and exaggerating the feelings of concern for the country and the people. In the past, there were many such groups, most of which were poetry societies. This time, there was a more radical goal.
Of course, no matter what the goal was, the ultimate meaning of most of the groups was only one: Do not forget each other when you become rich.
Fourthly, at this time, the martial artists and soldiers in the city were greatly valued. The uncivilized people who were not liked in the past were now looked up to in a teahouse if they talked about those who had participated in the defense of the city, or those who were still wounded. The soldiers in Bianliang City were originally not much different from the ruffians, but at this time, with the deliberate exaggeration of the Prime Minister's Mansion and Takeshi, and the strengthening of people's recognition, they began to pay attention to their image every time they appeared on various occasions.
These things influenced and promoted each other. Within a few days, the atmosphere in the city became positive and harmonious. The number of things that people cared about and helped each other gradually increased. Every time there was a place where people gave out porridge and rice, heartwarming things happened from time to time. In some restaurants and teahouses, including Takeshi's, although the food was rough, when people talked about the Female Zhenren outside the city and the situation in the city, they all expressed that they wanted to work together, which encouraged people to see the scene.
Being among them, Yue Fei often felt warmth in his heart.
He was one of the attendants who accompanied Ning Yi into the city. In the past few days, Ning Yi took him to secretly meet many generals in the capital. As a small commander of the local prefectural army, Ning Yi deliberately brought him to meet these high-ranking generals in the capital, saying that he wanted to familiarize himself with them, but it went without saying that he wanted to promote and help him. But in addition to his gratitude, what moved him the most was the heartwarming scene he saw around him in the past few days.
Although he didn't participate in it, he naturally understood the purpose of Takeshi and the Prime Minister's residence's actions. A seriously injured person couldn't immediately fall asleep. No matter how painful it was, he had to force himself through it. The daily storytelling of Takeshi and the Prime Minister's residence seemed simple, but Yue Fei could still see all of Ning Yi's actions outside of meeting with the generals. He met with some of the noble families, chose the place where he gave out porridge and rice, and planned the storytelling and helping activities. These actions seemed natural and spontaneous, but in reality, with Ning Yi at the head, Takeshi's shopkeepers and advisors had carefully planned them out.
They treated manipulating and inciting people's hearts as a field of study. Many things and steps were planned out, one after another. He had never heard of such a thing before, but Yue Fei didn't think it was hypocritical. Being in the middle of it all, he knew that the goal of the Prime Minister's residence and Takeshi was to prolong the life of this city. And when each sign of improvement appeared, he felt a flourishing vitality and joy from the bottom of his heart.
As long as they could continue like this, perhaps the world could be saved.
After a few days, the only thing that made him feel indignant was the assassination attempt on Ning Yi two days earlier on Chang Street. He had practiced martial arts with Zhou Dong since he was a child and could be said to be half a person of the Greenwood Forest. However, he didn't have deep dealings with the Greenwood Forest. Even if he did know some people through his relationship with Zhou Dong, his impression of them was mostly okay. But this time, he truly felt that these people deserved to be killed.
Of course, it was fortunate that there were even more formidable figures surrounding this Young Master Ning and protecting him.
Most of the matters around him were proceeding smoothly, which made him feel at ease about the future. As long as things continued to develop like this, it didn't matter how many battles they won or lost when they fought to Taiyuan. When he chatted with a few of the shopkeepers that Takeshi was familiar with, he often said the same thing.
"People always have to be in great pain before they can wake up. If my master was still alive and saw the situation in the capital, he would feel gratified. "
When he said this, he was sitting on the second floor of a shop in Takeshi, chatting with an advisor of Takeshi named Cui Hao. This person was a scholar. His parents died when he was young and he had a wife. When his wife fell ill, he joined Takeshi. Unfortunately, the woman died in the end. When Ning Yi left the city, most of the people he summoned were people who had no worries. Cui Hao followed him. Yue Fei had saved him once on the battlefield, so they were familiar with each other.
"Everyone cherishes their lives, but if they can die a worthy death, there are still people who are willing to die generously." After his wife passed away, Cui Hao's personality became somewhat gloomy. It was only after he narrowly escaped death on the battlefield that he became cheerful again. At this time, he smiled with reservation. "During this period of time, the government has indeed spared no effort to help us. Even those who had conflicts in the past didn't hinder us."
"The affairs of the country are like this. There are still people who know the importance." Yue Fei laughed heartily. "Moreover, this time, the Prince of Guangyang met with Young Master Ning. Yesterday, I heard from several generals that His Highness was full of praise for Young Master Ning in private. "
"… This matter needs to be discussed." Cui Hao said in a low voice.
"Hmm?"
"Nothing." Cui Hao tilted his head to look out the window. This part of the city had already calmed down today and had become slightly more lively. He paused for a moment and then added, "Our matter seems to be going well. But the upper echelons of the court still can't see clearly. I heard that the situation is a bit strange. It seems that the owner's side is also having a headache. Of course, this matter is not for us to consider. "
He didn't say this loudly. After he finished speaking, the two of them quieted down. At this time, at the other end of the restaurant, there was a table of people talking loudly. It was people talking about the battle with the Female Zhenren. Several people were preparing to follow the army to Taiyuan. Hearing a few words, Yue Fei smiled and picked up a teacup.
"In the face of national crisis, His Majesty is wise. We have a lot to do. It's a pity that there is no wine. Otherwise, we would also drink a lot like them. "
"The battle of Taiyuan will not be easy. As for what will happen next, we have discussed internally. We may stay to help stabilize the situation in the capital. Pengju, if you go north, take care of your own life. When you come back, there will be plenty of wine. "
The capital was short of resources. Since they came back with Ning Yi to work, they were forbidden to drink. The two raised their teacups and drank tea instead of wine. After drinking, Yue Fei smiled and said, "Brother Cui, you don't need to worry about this. In the battle of Taiyuan, as long as we are willing to risk our lives, it will not be a battle to the death. According to our estimates, after Zong Wang and Zong Han meet up, there will definitely be a face-to-face battle. But as long as we are willing to risk our lives, the Female Zhenren will definitely retreat in order to plan for the future. Although we lost badly this time, as long as we learn from the pain, we can look forward to the future. "
After saying this, he tilted his head and looked out of the window. The snowy white of the city spread out in front of him. This winter, Bianliang City had really suffered too many wounds. But looking at it now, he also faintly felt that there was an unyielding will between heaven and earth.
Then, he thought of his master who died trying to assassinate Zong Han at the beginning of the battle. The old man's face seemed to appear.
If he could go north to fight, what was there to fear?
Then there was another simple day. After this day, it was the 26th of December. From yesterday to today, Ning Yi did not go to see the generals in the capital. Yue Fei did not follow him at all times. Near noon, he came to the courtyard where Takeshi's aides discussed matters. A strange atmosphere lingered. Everyone was discussing fiercely, and some people even cursed in a suppressed tone. Yue Fei found Cui Hao and asked what had happened.
Cui Hao hesitated for a moment and said, "Today, in the golden hall, the Right Minister asked to resign."
"Wha, what?"
"The Right Minister sent a memorial, asking to retire … retire …"
Yue Fei was stunned for a while. He knew that Takeshi's faction was the power of the Right Minister's Residence. During this period of time, he was also working behind them. After returning to the capital, he saw and felt that the two ministers in charge of the defense of the capital were at the height of their power. He couldn't believe what had happened. But he was just inexperienced in officialdom, not stupid. Then he thought of something. "Is the Right Minister … too much credit?"
"It's not a big deal." Cui Hao was still calm. "As you think, the Right Minister is in charge of the capital, the Xia Village is under General Qin and the Right Minister's second son, and Taiyuan is under the Eldest Young Master. If I'm right, the Right Minister saw that the negotiation was about to be settled, so he retreated in order to advance and gave up the position to protect Taiyuan. Which of the top officials in the country didn't have a few ups and downs? Even Grand Tutor Cai was dismissed several times. As long as we can win this battle, the Eldest Young Master and the Second Young Master can be saved, and the Right Minister can recover in the future and even go further. Retiring now is a good move to hide his strength and bide his time. "
"Then His Majesty …"
"Rejected." Cui Hao said with a smile. "This kind of thing, at this time, has to be pushed a few times."
*****
The war wasn't over yet, but the Right Minister resigned on the grounds of illness. For the top officials in the court, it was not a small shock. The Emperor even lost his temper and said, "Is it possible that I'm jealous of the virtuous and not rewarding the meritorious?!" He reprimanded Qin Siyuan and then comforted him with kind words. It was a temporary ending.
In fact, for the people in the center of the political situation, Qin Siyuan's action more or less made them heave a sigh of relief. Because since the beginning of the negotiation, the situation in the court these days was somewhat confusing to many people. Even for the high officials like Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Li Gang, and Qin Siyuan, the future situation was more or less hidden in a fog. They could see some, but there were always parts that they couldn't see.
After the war, some people rose and some fell. If a big dispute really broke out in the court, no one could say for sure whether Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Li Gang, or Qin Siyuan would fall. Everyone was biding their time and secretly contacted each other, including the issue of Taiyuan after the negotiation. No one was completely confident, and no one was 90% sure.
Because of this, Qin Siyuan finally made his move at the end of the negotiation. His resignation made many people heave a sigh of relief. Of course, there were still doubts. For example, in Takeshi, a group of advisors would argue about it. In the Prime Minister's Mansion, when Ning Yi met with Jueming and the others, he sighed and said, "Ginger is still spicier with age." That night, he persuaded Qin Siyuan to take a step forward and seize power. Even if he became a powerful official like Cai Jing, if he had to face a long period of war, perhaps it wouldn't be a dead end. On the other hand, Qin Siyuan's clear attack was much more stable.
In the court, many people might have sighed like this.
That afternoon, Qin Siyuan submitted his resignation letter for the second time and was rejected again.
On the 27th of December, his third resignation letter was rejected.
On the afternoon of the 27th of December, Li Gang and Zong Wang negotiated the terms of the peace talks, which included the Wu dynasty calling the Jin Kingdom its brother, a million coins, and compensating the Jurchen for their return journey. That afternoon, the transfer of provisions began.
On the 28th of December, Qin Siyuan's fourth resignation letter was rejected.
On the 29th of December, Wu Ruiying's request for Zhou Zhe's inspection was approved. As for the inspection time, it would be discussed another day.
Zhou Zhe supported Qin Siyuan so firmly that the Prime Minister's Mansion was more or less relieved. They more or less guessed that the Emperor had made up his mind to use the Right Minister. And the Right Minister's attitude was clear, and he didn't ask for more.
Another day passed, and it was the New Year's Eve of the 13th year of Jinghan's reign. On that day, snowflakes began to fall again. Outside the city, large amounts of provisions were being sent to the Jurchen army camp. At the same time, the Right Minister's Mansion in charge of logistics was operating at full speed, collecting every grain of provisions that could be collected in preparation for the army's journey north to Taiyuan. Although many things were still unclear, the following preparations had to be done.
On the second day of the first month, the Jurchen army broke camp and headed north. In the camp outside the city, the siege weapons they left behind were all set on fire. The fire burned and reflected the sky north of the city. That night, Bianliang broke out in an even grander celebration. Fireworks rose into the night sky, exploding one after another. The sturdy city and the snowy mountains were exceptionally enchanting.
On the third and fourth day of the first month, the requests to send troops grew louder and louder. On the fifth day, Zhou Zhe ordered Chen Yanshu of the Wu Sheng Army to lead 40,000 troops north, along with the surrounding prefectural armies, volunteer armies, and western armies, to intimidate Taiyuan. Wu Ruiying's request for war was rejected.
On the sixth day, memorials urging them to go all out to save Taiyuan were sent up like snowflakes, but they were all rejected. Zhou Zhe once again flew into a rage in the throne room. "The Jurchen is in a hurry to go. Moreover, we have already signed an agreement of one million coins. How can we make a fuss over nothing and mobilize an army of several hundred thousand, wasting manpower and money! Can't we just celebrate the new year! "Qin Siyuan once again asked to resign, but he was reprimanded and rejected.
This was the beginning of the 14th year of Jinghan's reign. After this day, the throne room became chaotic. The military faction raised the issue of requests for merits and compensation for the deceased. Wu Ruiying was the main contributor, and Zhou Zhe praised them all the way. All requests were granted, and he was prepared to personally receive the heroes and inspect the troops. On the other hand, he insisted that the troops had already been dispatched for Taiyuan and that there was no need to make a fuss. A large number of retorts also began to appear. Memorials about the importance of Taiyuan were continuously sent up. Meanwhile, Cai Jing and Tong Guanxi began to watch from the sidelines.
On the ninth day, Grand Scholar Li Li argued with Zhou Zhe about the importance of Taiyuan and that time was of the essence. He got into an argument with Zhou Zhe in the throne room and hit his head on the steps, bleeding profusely. After being treated by the imperial physician, he was saved and imprisoned.
Time passed by slowly. Some people felt that Li Li and the others were making a fuss over nothing, while others were hoping for a fluke. Indeed, the Jurchen had already decided to leave. Moreover, there were annual coins. Speaking of the siege of Taiyuan, the troops had already been dispatched. There seemed to be no need to make a fuss over nothing. As the Jurchen continued to head north in this snowstorm, the discussions about Taiyuan in the capital gradually became silent. Although there were people who continuously requested to send troops to Taiyuan to seize this last opportunity, the voices gradually decreased.
The Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first month arrived.
This was the liveliest festival in the 14th year of Jinghan's reign. On the first day, because the ban on the city had not been lifted and supplies were limited, it was impossible to celebrate without restraint. At this time, the Jurchen had left. Large amounts of supplies had already been transported from all directions. The survivors in the city were sincerely celebrating the Jurchen's departure. Fireworks lit up the entire night sky. Light flowed through the city and it was a night of dancing fish and dragons.
In the Imperial City, Zhou Zhe walked up the city wall and quietly looked at the bustling scene. After a while, the Empress came with a large cloak and wanted to drape it over him.
"Recently, I heard that the court has been too chaotic. Your Majesty has been working hard and can't even relax during the festival?"
Zhou Zhe waved his hand. He didn't want the cloak. He looked at the fireworks and the streets outside.
"I have already wasted too much time. I want to pull myself together. How can I be tired …" He paused and tilted his head. "I have been reading ancient poems recently. Every time I feel something, there is one that I like the most. Empress, do you want to know?"
"Your Majesty is worried about the country and the people. That's why Bianliang suffered the disaster of war. It must be a poem about worrying about the people in the chaos of war?"
"Wrong guess." Zhou Zhe shook his head. After a while, he took a deep breath. His eyes were distant and blurred. "Come and go! The fields are about to be barren, Hu does not return … Since I am enslaved by my heart, I am melancholy and sad alone … I understand that the past is not remonstrated, and I know that the future can be pursued. I am truly lost and not far away. I feel that the present is not the past … "
"Your Majesty …"
"I feel that the present is not the past!" Zhou Zhe sighed. His tone suddenly became louder. "I used to think that as an emperor, the most important thing is to use people and balance! These scholar-bureaucrats and the like, even though their hearts are unbearably wretched, they all have their own abilities. Zhen only need to sit firmly on the high platform, order them to fight, order them to compete, there will always be people who can do something, there will always be people who can do something. But who would have thought that after a series of checks and balances, they would lose their courage and bones! They only know how to weigh my intentions and only know how to report and shirk responsibility! Empress, I have done wrong for the past dozen years … "
"Your Majesty …" The Empress froze. She didn't expect Zhou Zhe to say something like this.
Zhou Zhe smiled. "It is ridiculous to entrust the affairs of the country to others. My Wu dynasty has nurtured scholars for nearly three hundred years. These people have learned to scheme and manipulate people better than anyone else. All of them pretend to be loyal subjects and good generals in front of me! Scheming and scheming! Shirking responsibility and weighing responsibility! You've ruined my country. If it weren't for this war, I wouldn't have been able to wake up and see that there are hot-blooded people among the people! Look at Cai Jing. He is submissive. We have treated him well. Even when the country is in danger, he is submissive and doesn't say a word! Look at Tong Guan, the Prince of Guangyang. We have treated him well! When the Perfected Woman went south, he saw that the situation was bad and left! Look at Qin Siyuan. His second son is in Bianliang. His eldest son is guarding Taiyuan. He is the Prime Minister! Recently, he has resigned and begged for help. What has he been doing? Does he think I don't understand? Advancing by retreating! First protect his son. Then he will still have the influence to control the court, just like Cai Jing! He is trying to figure out my thoughts. He is so clever! He is … he is trying to use me and manipulate me! "
"Taiyuan!" He waved his hand. "How can we not know the importance of Taiyuan! How can we not save Taiyuan! But they … what kind of war are they fighting? Push everyone to Taiyuan and protect Taiyuan. The Qin family will be able to cover the sky with one hand! We are not afraid of them covering the sky with one hand, but what if we lose? If Zong Wang and Zong Han work together and the Perfected Woman counterattack with all her strength, all of them will be buried there. What will we use to protect this country! Staking everything on one throw, going all out, they say it so easily! They are using our country to gamble! If we lose, they are loyal martyrs. If we win, they are the white jade pillars that hold up the sky, the purple golden beams that support the sea! "
"If they had not fought such a war! If Qin Shaohe was not in Taiyuan! If they had not forced us, how could we have used such a strategy! "
"We have been wrong for thirteen years."
He spoke slowly and placed his hand on the snow on the parapet wall. The snow was cold, but it made him feel as if his blood was burning.
"This country, this people … cannot be handed over to them to wantonly trample on …"
"Our country, our people …"
"… We will personally protect them."
Amidst the resolute tone, fireworks rose and illuminated his resolute and determined face.
There were no fireworks in Taiyuan, a thousand miles to the north.
The thin faced Qin Shaohe walked up the city wall and looked at the Jurchen camp opposite. The light from the camp stretched out as if it was going to penetrate the city wall. The city was also somewhat lively today. At least in the barracks and other places, the fires burned brighter.
"Cough cough … are you alright?" He patted the shoulder of a soldier on duty. "Today is the Shangyuan Festival. There are glutinous rice balls below, go eat some later."
He said the same thing to everyone as he moved forward.
The city had been besieged for a long time, and the rations in the city were starting to run out. Starting from a month ago, the rations had been halved. Although it was not that there was nothing to eat, most people were in a state of half-starvation. Because there were fewer objects to keep warm in the city, standing guard on the city wall in such a state still made people shiver.
After a while, he saw Li Pin standing guard on the city wall. Although he currently controlled the logistics of the city, as a Confucian scholar who followed the path of a gentleman, he also did not have enough to eat, and his face was emaciated.
Qin Shaohe handed him a small food box.
"Glutinous rice balls, I brought you a few. Go to the side and eat them secretly."
Li Pin declined and finally accepted it, but he did not open it. The two walked for a while, discussing the situation in low voices, and also looking far south.
"It's the Shangyuan Festival. I wonder how the situation in the capital is. Has the siege been resolved?"
"Looking at the motionless outside the city, there probably hasn't been any progress."
"The city is suffering from hunger and cold. Although there is still food, we don't dare to distribute it carelessly. We can only live frugally. Many old people have died of cold and hunger … "Qin Shaohe said in a low voice." I wonder how long we can stand guard. "
"We will stand guard as long as the Wu dynasty stands." Li Pin smiled generously and glanced at the barracks outside the city. "We are men. How can we give up this great country?"
"Ahem, haha … you're right!" Qin Shaohe reached out and patted Li Pin's shoulder. Li Pin staggered. After a while, the two on the city wall laughed.
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