This year was probably the most boring year in the Capital.
On the first day of the month, the imperial court was shocked to hear that the city had fallen. That day, the imperial court sent people to reinforce Taiyuan. However, on the eve of the battle, the commander-in-chief was afraid and ran away. Only three thousand people were left to defend Taiyuan. The siege of Taiyuan had not been lifted yet, and the Capital was pushed ten miles away.
On the sixteenth day of the first month, there was news that Hsieh Hyun-chen was going to fight. Whether it was true or false, people did not know who to believe. Suddenly, there was news that Hsieh Hyun-chen was going to lead Mu Mingtang to battle. Otherwise, he would refuse to fight. The Emperor left in a rage. He and Hsieh Hyun-chen confronted each other for a few days. In the end, the Emperor could not wait any longer. In the end, he compromised and agreed to Hsieh Hyun-chen's wishes. However, as a price, Hsieh Hyun-chen could only take eight thousand people with him.
From a hundred thousand to eight thousand, the difference was not small. Everyone sighed at Prince An's impulsiveness. His heroic spirit was short-lived, and his love was long. He had ruined his own great plan. Unexpectedly, Hsieh Hyun-chen was not dissatisfied at all. He personally went to the Imperial Army camp to pick eight thousand people. On the twenty-first day of the month, he left in the afternoon.
Jiang Mingwei spent the New Year in a panic. Yesterday, she listened to the continuous movements next door. Even she was panicking. After noon today, the Imperial Residence of Prince An suddenly quieted down.
Jiang Mingwei did not go out to see, but she already guessed, "Prince An and Princess An have both left?"
"Yes." The maid went out to check the road. When she came back, she repeated to Jiang Mingwei, "Although the officials did not say anything, many people by the roadside were watching. Princess An's carriage was followed by three other carriages. Each carriage was filled to the brim. It was only a short journey out of the Capital, but Prince An came back to pick them up personally. I saw their carriages drive out of Vermillion Bird Street with my own eyes. I did not see the rest. "
Jiang Mingwei sighed. These days, not only Mu Mingtang was packing things, Jiang Mingwei was also secretly packing things to protect her life. According to the plot, Yelu Ji would soon cross the river smoothly and the soldiers would arrive at the Capital. Dongjing's one hundred thousand Imperial Guards were beaten to a pulp, and the fall of the capital was imminent. The Emperor, the imperial concubines, and the many royal relatives, ministers, and nobles panicked and could only retreat in a hurry. Along the way, they lost a lot of money, servants, and even their children when the situation was critical. They were chased in a very sorry state.
It was only after they crossed the river that they finally felt better. After this battle, the Emperor became fearful of the north, so he simply returned to Lin 'an, where he had once settled down, to build his capital and re-establish the imperial court there.
Lin 'an was backed by a natural moat and had the imperial court as its capital. It prospered in a few years and was as prosperous as Tokyo in the past. The imperial family was used to the comfortable life in the south and gradually became addicted to it. Later on, someone proposed to take over the old capital of Tokyo, but many people in the imperial court were already unwilling.
The Emperor's strength had been greatly damaged during his flight to the south, and by the time he had returned to Lin 'an, his last breath had relaxed, and his body had quickly collapsed. Along the way, Xie Xuanji stepped forward. He was a young man and was quite decisive, so the Empress, Empress Dowager, and the other women relied on him. Even the Emperor slowly gave him power and allowed him to arrange the journey. Xie Xuanji completely replaced the Emperor and became the spiritual leader of the group. After Lin 'an settled down, Xie Xuanji naturally became the Crown Prince.
Not long later, the Emperor passed away from illness and passed the throne to Xie Xuanji. After Xie Xuanji ascended the throne, he showed off his skills and expanded the imperial harem. He promoted his own people. However, although Xie Xuanji was ambitious, the Ye Dynasty's road to taking over their homeland had not been smooth.
That year, after the Emperor and the others abandoned the city and fled, Tokyo became a lamb under the iron hooves of the Northern Tribes. Yelu Ji took three months just to transport the treasures from the Imperial Palace. The common people were massacred, the strong young men were killed by sharp blades, and countless young women were raped. The once bustling and bustling city of Tokyo was now completely empty, becoming an empty city.
The imperial family fled to the south, and a large piece of land in the north was given away. Many common people were unwilling to submit to the Northern Tribes and formed resistance forces to survive. Many generals who stayed in the cities or refused to follow the imperial court to the south defended the cities and fought against the Northern Tribes. Although these cities fought against the enemy, they were far away from each other and did not have a leader to lead them. They could only fight for themselves. They repeatedly asked for reinforcements from the imperial court, but they did not come. They watched as they became isolated cities. In the end, they were like a burning star. They tried their best to fight, but in the end, they were extinguished.
Taiyuan, Hejian, Zhongshan, Xiangyang … no one survived. At first, it was adult men who defended the cities. Later, it was teenagers. In the end, even women went to the city walls to fight.
Year after year, the imperial court's reinforcements never came.
The resistance forces in the north were destroyed one by one. The Ye Dynasty was in a corner, and the northern expedition gradually became empty talk. Five or six years after Xie Xuanji ascended the throne, he thought that he had recuperated during his reign. The treasury was abundant, and with Wanyan Duo's help, he had the idea of crossing the river. However, until Jiang Mingwei's death, there was no news of Xie Xuanji's success.
In the past, Jiang Mingwei did not pay much attention to these things. In her previous life, she was the favored concubine of the Yelv Yan. Later, the Yelv Yan won the throne and she became the imperial concubine of the Northern Tribes. The chaos of the Ye Dynasty was no different from a play to her. However, now that she had changed sides and Jiang Mingwei became the imperial concubine of the Ye Dynasty, she thought back to how the noble women of the Ye Dynasty were treated when they were taken to the Northern Tribes. She shuddered.
Jiang Mingwei did not want to try it at all. Although she was the main wife of the male lead and the woman of the male lead should not fall into the hands of an outsider, this happened to her. No one could be indifferent. Jiang Mingwei secretly made many preparations to ensure that when the crisis of Dongjing came, she would be the first to escape.
She heard that Hsieh Hyun-chen went to the morning court and argued with the emperor. She also heard that the emperor agreed to Hsieh Hyun-chen's request, but only gave him 8,000 men. Now, Jiang Mingwei heard that Mu Mingtang left with Hsieh Hyun-chen.
Jiang Mingwei suddenly felt a sense of loss. She did not understand why Hsieh Hyun-chen would take Mu Mingtang with him. She also did not understand why Mu Mingtang was willing to leave the pampered Dongjing and follow Hsieh Hyun-chen to battle. Even if there were maidservants to take care of the army, it was still extremely difficult.
Not to mention, Hsieh Hyun-chen's 8,000 men could fight against the opposing army's 100,000 men. This trip was very likely to be a suicide mission.
In the end, Jiang Mingwei could only sigh and mock like many of the women in Dongjing: "Heroes have a weakness for the charms of a beauty. The An Wang and An Wang Fei's relationship is really good. They really are a celestial couple."
This time, the number of people on the trip was greatly reduced. Mu Mingtang only took the maidservants that she was used to and trusted. The other maidservants who were not named were simply grateful. Mu Mingtang openly purified the manpower. She did not touch the dowry that the Jiang family brought her. She only took her own personal furnishings, clothes, and gold.
At this time, she was incomparably glad that she had stored a lot of gold. Now it seemed that not only did she make use of the emperor's money to the greatest extent, but she also saved up for herself to protect her life in troubled times. Because Mu Mingtang had to accompany the army, she used the excuse that this was her dowry. In reality, she stuffed the chest full of gold and openly carried it onto the carriage. She left together with Hsieh Hyun-chen.
Mu Mingtang was protected at the center of the army's formation the entire time. Although Hsieh Hyun-chen said that Mu Mingtang would be wherever he was, Mu Mingtang was still a woman and could not go to the front lines. Hsieh Hyun-chen did not really want Mu Mingtang to go to the battlefield. He only wanted to take Mu Mingtang out of the capital and keep her by his side.
He knew his uncle too well. He did not trust the emperor.
Therefore, after they left Dongjing, Hsieh Hyun-chen settled Mu Mingtang in the nearest town. He then led his men to set up camp by the river and prepared for battle.
Qinghe Town was built by the river and relied on the river to make a living. Mu Mingtang's carriage drove into a local squire's courtyard. This squire's courtyard was one of the most spacious and luxurious in Qinghe Town. When he heard that Prince An's consort wanted to use it, he hurriedly vacated it.
They originally wanted to move to another residence, but Mu Mingtang did not have the heart to let the owner make room for them. She said that there was no need. She only needed one or two rooms.
This time, she only brought five maids with her. The rest stayed in the imperial residence. Those people were originally from the palace. Even if the emperor was angry, he would not vent his anger on the servants. Mu Mingtang left them to fend for themselves in the imperial residence.
In addition to the five maids, the young Daoist also followed. This was natural. Hsieh Hyun-chen could only be cured because of the young Daoist. Whether it was Mu Mingtang or Hsieh Hyun-chen, they would not burn the bridge after crossing the river and leave the young Daoist alone in the capital. Besides, Hsieh Hyun-chen's army was marching outside. Military doctors could not be lacking.
After the young Daoist left the capital in one piece, he let out a sigh of relief.
The five maids moved down tables, rugs, curtains and other things from the carriage. As they arranged, they complained that the squire Zhao family's house was too small and cramped. It was really wronging the princess. Mu Mingtang heard this and frowned, saying, "We are traveling outside. It is all thanks to the Zhao family for providing us shelter from the wind and rain. We can't thank them enough. How can we be picky? You are not allowed to say these words in the future. When you go out, you must also restrain yourselves. Do not cause trouble for the master's family. "
The maids were scolded by Mu Mingtang until they lowered their heads and agreed. In a short moment, Squire Zhao's house was renovated into a brand new appearance. There was a Su embroidered screen between the inside and outside. The bed inside was covered with bedding and canopy from the imperial residence. Outside the screen, there was a couch and tea table. Under the couch, there was a thick and gorgeous carpet. Even if one stepped on it barefoot, they would not feel cold.
When Madam Zhao brought her daughter to pay respects to An Wang Fei, the moment she entered, she was dazed by the array in front of her.
This … … was this still their house? The maid went inside to report to Mu Mingtang. Afterwards, she came out and opened the beaded curtain for Madam Zhao and Madam Zhao, saying, "The princess invites you in."
Madam Zhao accepted the maid's service with some fear and trepidation. When she walked inside, she became even more dizzy and felt that her eyes could not see enough. Madam Zhao, who was following beside her mother, was also very surprised. She wanted to look but did not dare to.
Madam Zhao and Madam Zhao bowed to Mu Mingtang according to the instructions of the people outside. Mu Mingtang sat sideways on the couch. Seeing this, she waved her hand and said, "Madam Zhao and Madam Zhao, please rise. Come, take a seat. "
Madam Zhao could not hold back anymore and secretly looked up at Mu Mingtang. So this was the princess of the capital. As expected, she was as beautiful as the immortals in the paintings. Her voice was also pleasant to hear.
In the end, Madam Zhao and Madam Zhao were not people of the capital. They did not have a deep understanding of the rules of the noble and large courtyards. When they saw the embroidered stools were brought in, they really sat down. They did not know that according to etiquette, they should sit with half their bodies empty.
Mu Mingtang naturally would not argue with Madam Zhao and the others about this. Mu Mingtang saw that they were seated and then asked, "Recently, the prince and I have disturbed you. If there is anything that we have disturbed you, Madam Zhao and Madam Zhao, please be magnanimous and forgive us."
Squire Zhao was a well-known squire in Qingshui Town. Mu Mingtang addressed him as Madam Zhao, clearly giving him face. Madam Zhao hurriedly declined, saying that she did not dare. She said, "Prince Qiyang came here to fight. He is the benefactor of our entire Qingshui Town. It is our family's honor that the princess can live in the Zhao family. How could we dare to find it troublesome?"
This was mutual understanding. Mu Mingtang did not decline. He nodded and said with a smile, "Thank you for your trouble, Madam Zhao and Madam Zhao."
Madam Zhao and Mu Mingtang chatted for a while. Madam Zhao felt that the princess in the capital was not as unattainable as she had imagined. An Princess Consort looked very amiable, even more amiable than the county magistrate's wife. Madam Zhao slowly relaxed and casually chatted with Mu Mingtang, "Those Northern Tribes people are really not good. They can't even let people have a peaceful New Year. On the fifteenth, we were originally going to happily go to the county to see the lanterns. In the end, we suddenly heard that there were Northern Tribes people on the other side of the river. It gave us quite a scare. We still have an unmarried daughter at home. When they come, how would I dare to let my daughter go out? "
Mu Mingtang glanced at Madam Zhao and immediately understood Madam Zhao's worries. Although the imperial court and the Northern Tribes seemed to be on good terms last year, discussing and negotiating with each other, in reality, the Ye Dynasty had a very serious conflict with the Northern Tribes Khitan people.
Even if the Yelv Yan and the other imperial family members could speak Chinese and learn Chinese culture, they were still people outside the Great Pass. They drank raw meat and drank blood, burned, killed, and plundered, and brought disaster to the Ye Dynasty's people. The Ye Dynasty and the Khitan people hated each other. Now that Madam Zhao spoke of the Northern Tribes people, she naturally had nothing good to say.
Mu Mingtang had also personally experienced the chaos of war, so she understood this very well. She was somewhat surprised, "Since Madam Zhao is worried about the Northern Tribes people, then why didn't Madam Zhao leave when the Northern Tribes are on the other side of the river?"
"Where can we go even if we leave?" Madam Zhao complained, "If it wasn't for the fact that there was no other way, who would be willing to leave such a good home? When I first heard that the Northern Tribes people were coming from the other side of the river, I was very scared. I even packed my luggage and planned to go to Tokyo to seek refuge with my relatives. I didn't expect that two or three days later, news came that Prince Qiyang was going to fight. When I heard this, my heart calmed down and I wanted to stay and observe for a few more days. Later, my relatives in the capital sent word that it was indeed Prince Qiyang who brought people to fight. Since Prince Qiyang is coming, we don't have to run anymore. "
Mu Mingtang was stunned and asked in surprise, "You all trust him that much?"
"Of course." Madam Zhao didn't even think and said, "If Prince Qiyang can't win, it's useless for us to hide anywhere. It's better for us to die together as a family. At least we can accompany each other on the road to the netherworld."
Hsieh Hyun-chen's title was changed to Prince An by the Emperor. The people in the capital also changed it verbally. But outside of Tokyo, the vast majority of the people outside still only recognized Prince Qiyang.
Mu Mingtang didn't expect that an ordinary person among the people would trust Hsieh Hyun-chen so much. Not only the Zhao Family, but Mu Mingtang also found that the other people in Qingshui Town didn't lock their doors. In other words, the other people in the town didn't move.
Everyone trusted Hsieh Hyun-chen so much. Because Hsieh Hyun-chen was coming, even if the enemy was on the other side of the river, there was no need to run.
Madam Zhao saw that Mu Mingtang's question was strange and asked doubtfully, "Why do you ask, Princess? Don't you trust Prince Qiyang? "
Mu Mingtang was startled and couldn't help laughing, "Of course I trust him."
She believed in her young hero wholeheartedly, so much so that she was willing to entrust the rest of her life to him and was willing to follow him to the end of the world.
While they were talking, the sound of horse hooves came from outside, followed by a series of greetings. Madam Zhao panicked when she heard this and immediately pulled her daughter to stand up. She saluted casually and said, "Prince is back. This humble woman will leave first."
As soon as Madam Zhao finished speaking, she quickly pulled her daughter and ran out. Madam Zhao was pulled by her mother and stumbled. When she went out, she inadvertently raised her head and saw a man in armor walking towards the main room. In a glance, she only remembered that the man was very tall and extraordinarily good-looking.
This was the most good-looking man Madam Zhao had ever seen. She didn't expect that this was the famous Prince Qiyang.
Hsieh Hyun-chen's camp was not far from Qinghe Town. It took him a quarter of an hour to go back and forth on horseback. This was the location that he had specially chosen. After he finished arranging the matters in the barracks, he immediately came back to see Mu Mingtang.
Hsieh Hyun-chen finally understood why those married men in the barracks would immediately return home when they were free. He ran between the barracks and his wife, but he didn't feel tired at all. Instead, he enjoyed it.
When Hsieh Hyun-chen came back, the courtyard was busy for a while. The commoners in Qinghe Town were afraid of the maids in the prince's mansion, and the maids were afraid of Hsieh Hyun-chen. When Hsieh Hyun-chen came back, they changed the tea and hurriedly left.
Hsieh Hyun-chen couldn't be happier. He looked around the room and slowly frowned, "You've been too accommodating. These days, you've been wronged."
Mu Mingtang was silent and said from the bottom of her heart, "I think it's okay. It's not considered wronged."
She really felt that the conditions were good. The room was clean and bright, and the courtyard was neat and tidy. How was it shabby?
Hsieh Hyun-chen felt that Mu Mingtang was comforting him. He blamed himself even more and said, "After we settle down, we'll buy a new residence. These days, you'll have to be wronged. "
Mu Mingtang thought to herself, who was wronged? It was clearly Hsieh Hyun-chen who couldn't accept this kind of small room. After Hsieh Hyun-chen finished speaking, he saw that Mu Mingtang didn't have any intention of asking, so he asked curiously, "You trust me so much that you won't ask anything and just come with me?"
From the beginning, Mu Mingtang had a feeling that Hsieh Hyun-chen didn't have any intention of coming back. That's why he insisted on bringing her along and even took away a large amount of gold.
Mu Mingtang had expected this and wasn't surprised by his words. She even deliberately smiled and said, "Who told me to be blinded by lust and fall for you? Eloping with a pretty boy, of course I don't care about anything else. "
Hsieh Hyun-chen also smiled when he heard this. He looked at her and said, "You're fearless, huh? Do you think I won't have time to torment you these few nights? "
Mu Mingtang didn't want to show her cowardice, but Hsieh Hyun-chen's eyes and smile were evil. Mu Mingtang really didn't dare to provoke him. Hsieh Hyun-chen was someone who didn't care about anything when he went crazy. She couldn't afford to provoke him.
Mu Mingtang admitted her cowardice and didn't dare to provoke him anymore. She wanted to change the topic, so she forcibly changed the topic. "How are the preparations at the front line?"
Hsieh Hyun-chen obviously saw that Mu Mingtang was deliberately changing the topic. He didn't force her and said, "It's okay. I've arranged everything. It can't be done in a short time. It's useless for me to keep an eye on it, so I came back to see you first."
Mu Mingtang was a little worried. "Yelu Ji is still on the other side of the river. Is it okay if you're not here?"
"It's okay." After Hsieh Hyun-chen said this, he revealed a very real look of disdain. "This is Ye Chao's match. They have the advantage of time and place. It's more difficult if they can't win."
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