When Yang Ling returned to the inner residence, Han Youniang came up to him and said, "Hubby, I heard that the family has received a few guests?"
Yang Ling grunted and said, "A scholar who is seriously injured and unconscious. I heard that he is skilled in martial arts …" As he said this, he suddenly remembered something and casually asked, "Oh right, Young-niang, if it was you, could you jump ten feet?"
Han Youniang asked curiously, "Why is Hubby asking this?" She raised her little face and smiled proudly, "Hubby has forgotten that I jumped onto the execution platform from ten feet away?"
Yang Ling scratched her nose and said with a smile, "I know you are powerful. Hubby is asking if you can jump ten feet from where you are."
Han Youniang thought about it and shook her head, saying, "I can't. Even Father can't do it. The Vertical Lifting Technique cannot jump ten feet with just the strength of the legs. The Hard Qigong that I learned from Father can only be used to strengthen the body. Only those who know the best breathing and breathing techniques can do it. There are very few experts like that."
Her eyes brightened and she pulled on Yang Ling's sleeve, asking, "Has Hubby seen such an expert?"
Yang Ling chuckled, "Not very tall. At most half a head taller than you." Hearing Young-niang's words, he felt slightly suspicious. After hanging around with Liu Biao and the rest for so long, he had some understanding of martial arts. As the saying goes, the poor study while the rich practice martial arts. Even though the majority of people who practiced martial arts were poor, they mostly practiced external martial arts. How could a girl from the horse caravan find a famous teacher to teach her such superior martial arts and practice them so well?
But when he thought that the red-dressed woman did not know how to read, he dispelled his suspicions that she had another identity. Han Youniang asked, "What is Hubby thinking about?"
Yang Ling hurriedly said, "Oh? No, I am … there are people in my hometown who have come to the capital to seek refuge because of the chaos of war. It seems that they do not intend to return. I am thinking about how to arrange for them. "
Han Youniang said happily, "People from our hometown have come? Which relative? "
Yang Ling laughed dryly: "It's … Third Brother Yang Quan and Eldest Brother's second son, Yun Long."
Han Youniang's smile suddenly froze. Yang Ling also knew that this Eldest Uncle of his was really outrageous in the past. After all, those were all private scandals that had not been made public. Now that he had come all the way here to seek shelter, if he were to reject him, he would be drowned in his own saliva.
At that time, the concept of the clan and the concept of home was very strong. People like Jiao Fang, who was passionate about fame and fortune, who was wise and prudent to protect themselves, once people from her hometown came to ask for help, she did not dare to not think hard about helping them to speak up to the Emperor. Moreover, Yang Quan was her cousin. In terms of blood relationship, recently, in the concept of the clan, Yang Quan was one level closer than his wife.
Usually when Yang Ling was in contact with Liu Jin and the others, he had heard them mention that the Hongzhi Emperor once favored an attendant surnamed Zhang. When that eunuch Zhang was nine years old, because his family was poor, his father castrated him and sent him to the palace. Twenty years later, he became one of the most favored eunuchs by the Hongzhi Emperor's side.
His old father came to the capital in dire straits and asked to see him. Eunuch Zhang was still brooding over the past events. Although the eunuchs by his side repeatedly persuaded him, he still refused to see him. As a result, he immediately became the target of public criticism. Later on, when the Emperor heard of this matter, he also became distant and cold towards him, saying that he had no family rules and was disgraceful.
He came from the modern era and did not have so many scruples in his heart. But he could not not consider the concept of the people of the modern era. Not recognizing ancestral relatives was against the moral principles. In the world controlled by the Confucian school, this alone could cause one to be impeached and removed from office.
Yang Ling said awkwardly, "Now that they have just entered the capital, I also do not have any way. In a couple of days, I will help them find a place to live and provide them with some food. If he is no longer so idle, I will help him find a job. That will be enough."
Han Youniang thought of this heartless thing. Her cousin was still sick and bedridden, but he was already touching her sister-in-law. Thinking of this shameless behavior, she felt uncomfortable. When the Cock Crow Clan came to seek refuge, she could not lose her etiquette in front of the elders of her husband's imperial family. Now that her husband had become a high-ranking official, he should pay more attention to these places that could easily be criticized by others.
Seeing Yang Ling's awkward appearance, she hurriedly took out her clothes and put them on. In a soft voice, she said, "It is indeed inconvenient for them to live at home for a long time. But huanggong does not need to be in a hurry to find another place for them to live. If outsiders see this, who knows what ugly things they will say."
Seeing her put on her outer clothes, Yang Ling asked, "Do you want to go out for a walk? The wind is strong today, so it is better not to go out for a walk. "
Han Youniang said with a gentle smile, "Go and see them and that injured guest. Yang Quan said no matter what, that is your Third Older Brother. Yun Long also calls me Aunt. Young-niang is your wife. How can you not care about their food and drink?"
Yang Ling happily said, "Good wife, you really have the appearance of the Mistress of the Yang Family. I was worried that you were unhappy and wanted to cover it up."
Han Youniang wrinkled her nose and said with a mischievous smile, "I am not that narrow-minded. When I first heard his crazy words, if it was not for the fact that huanggong's branch of the Yang Family was alone and Young-niang was afraid that huanggong would not be able to live in the Yang Family, she would have long beaten him out with a stick. Now there is no need for Young-niang to use a stick. My huanggong is powerful … he wants … humph, lend him two guts … "
The young couple chatted and laughed as they arrived at the front hall. Yang Quan and his nephew had just eaten and had not slept. Hearing that the couple had arrived, they hurriedly welcomed them in. The current Yang Ling was like heaven and earth compared to the past. The luxurious residence, the respectful and cautious servants, the ostentatious manner, Yang Quan had never seen such an extravagant manner.
Thinking of his previous rudeness, his heart was restless. He had heard that Han Youniang had even seen the Emperor and was now a third rank official. Even the annals of Chicken Cry County had recorded it. Yang Ling loved her very much. If she took the opportunity to punish him, then it would be terrible. But he could not bear to give up the glory and wealth that was at his fingertips.
When he saw that Han Youniang's attitude was amiable and natural, Yang Quan's heart was finally at ease. He hurriedly flattered her, afraid that she would hold a grudge against his actions in the past.
Although Yang Yun Long was older than Yang Ling by three years, he was indeed the son of his cousin. He was very respectful towards this Little Uncle and Little Aunt. He had also studied before, but after taking the imperial examinations twice, he was unable to pass the imperial examinations. Feeling that he had no hope of becoming an official, he followed his Third Uncle to the capital to seek refuge with Yang Ling.
After leaving the room, Yang Ling whispered to Han Youniang with a smile, "Young-niang today is much more magnanimous than before. After coming to the capital, your knowledge has broadened, and you have been influenced by Yu 'er and Cher. You have become more courteous when dealing with people.
It's just that … you didn't know how to put on an act before. That fake smile just now was still a little stiff. In the future, you must not act like this in front of your husband, or else … you will be punished according to the family rules. This face below does not know how to put on a fake smile. "
As he said this, he gently patted Young-niang's perky buttocks. Han Youniang let out a cry and chuckled as she jumped two steps forward. In a panic, Yang Ling hurriedly pulled her back.
Han Youniang held onto his arm and placed her cheek on his arm. She whispered, "When I think of his hateful ways, I can't help it. But … when Third Brother Yang was in his hometown, he ate, drank, and gambled. He was ignorant and incompetent. If you want to give him a job, you have to think carefully.
Big Brother is working in the Ministry of Punishments. He often told me that all the officials there are somewhat afraid of him. Even with his candid character, it is difficult for him to make close friends. Isn't it because those people are afraid of you? With Third Brother Yang's character … if he uses your name as a tiger's skin and uses your name to commit crimes … "
This kind of thing was really not uncommon since ancient times. Yang Ling listened to it and nodded slightly. He also felt that this thorn came to the capital. It was really a bit difficult to keep him, but it was also not good to send him away. Although he was timid now, it was easy to change mountains and rivers, but it was hard to change a person's nature. When he was in the Yang Family, he used the fact that he was from the biggest family in the village to steal chickens and dogs, which annoyed the neighbors. It seemed that he couldn't casually find a job to send him away.
Gao Wenxin summoned up the courage to confess her love to Yang Ling, but it scared him away. She was so angry that she sat on the chair and sulked for a while. She imagined that at this time next year, Yang Ling would be alive and well, and he would have to wear a red veil to marry her. The more she thought about it, the more she felt it was interesting. She couldn't help but burst into laughter. Her anger had long disappeared.
She walked to the bedside, raised the lamp and looked down. The scholar's breath was stable. After the blood clots in his chest were drained, his high fever was gradually under control. The medicine that was given to the kitchen had been delivered, but it was too hot to take. Gao Wenxin wanted to give him acupuncture first.
She turned around to take the acupuncture bag and moved a chair to sit on the bedside. Just when she spread out the needle bag, the scholar gently moaned and slowly opened his eyes. Gao Wenxin was surprised and said: "Gongzi, you're awake?"
At this time, the scholar didn't pay attention to his appearance. His face was full of hawthorn, but although he was seriously injured, his eyes were still bright and smart. He looked at the beautiful girl in front of him with doubt. After a long time, he weakly said: "Yes, I'm much better. Thank you for saving my life. Where … is this place?"
Gao Wenxin happily said: "This is the Yang House in the capital. You were saved by my family's master … my family's daren. Don't rush to get up. Your body's injury is still serious. It's good that you're awake. I'll give you acupuncture first. As long as you can maintain your consciousness, your injury won't worsen."
Seeing that the girl was busy opening the cloth bag and taking out the silver needles, the scholar shut his mouth. At this time, the sky was getting dark. Under the candlelight, he saw that the girl's beautiful hair was tied up high, graceful and charming. He couldn't help but say: "Miss, I remember that you were injured in Yanqing. How did you arrive in the capital in the blink of an eye?"
Gao Wenxin's hand was holding the silver needles. Her beautiful eyes were looking at him. She faintly smiled and said: "Although gongzi's injury is serious, it's not enough to make you unconscious all the way. Who saved you and where you're going? Don't tell me you don't know?"
The scholar only saw that she was pretty and elegant, and wanted to use this as an excuse to chat with her. He didn't expect that this girl was so astute that she immediately saw through his intention. Being secretly ridiculed by her, the scholar's face couldn't help but turn hot. He was embarrassed and speechless.
Gao Wenxin snorted lightly. She slightly rolled up her jade sleeves and said with a straight face: "Can you sit up? Since you're awake and still have the strength to talk so much, move up a bit. This Miss is going to use the needles. "
Gao Wenxin had studied medicine since she was a child. At a young age, she had made a name for herself as the Female Divine Doctor. She had always been proud and arrogant. She had always looked down on others. When she was treating high officials and noble people, she had always been stingy. It was only on that soul-stirring night when Yang Ling rescued her from the abyss of bitterness. He saw her naked body only in her underwear. Later on, Han Youniang hinted that they would share the same husband. Only then did she treat him gently like water.
Now that she saw through the scholar's admiration, she naturally didn't have a good expression. The scholar used his arm to move up. After all, he had just woken up and his body was weak. When Gao Wenxin saw this, she quickly took the opportunity to push the pillow down and said: "It's done. Just lie down like this."
The scholar took several deep breaths. Seeing Gao Wenxin standing with the candle in her hand, her cloud-like hair slightly disheveled, her elegant and graceful countenance, he could not help but blurt out a compliment, "The cloud-like bun is gently pulled up, it's a very elegant outfit. The green smoke and purple fog cover is light and graceful. There's no gossamer in the air … "
He had not finished speaking when a silver ray flashed and a silver needle pierced his cheek. The scholar felt a tingling sensation on his lower jaw, he could not close his mouth. Gao Wenxin raised her willowy eyebrows and snorted coldly, "Your words are frivolous, very annoying!"
At this moment, someone outside the door said: "Wen Xin, are you still there?"
When Gao Wenxin heard that it was Yang Ling's voice, she jumped up happily and made a threatening expression at the scholar. She then turned around and hurriedly went out to welcome him.
The scholar was able to injure the evil Taoist Li Fuda. His skills must be very good. A small silver needle naturally can't stop him. But when he saw Gao Wenxin's slight anger, there was actually a special charm to her. For a moment his heart was shaken and he didn't dare to pull out the needle in case he angered the beauty.
Gao Wenxin welcomed Yang Ling and Han Youniang in. When Yang Ling heard that this person had woken up, he happily went to the bed and said: "Brother, you're awake? How do you feel? "
The scholar opened his mouth and groaned. He looked at Yang Ling and then looked at Gao Wenxin. He was about to pull out the needle when he saw Gao Wenxin's almond-shaped eyes glaring at him. He quickly withdrew his hand. Gao Wenxin said with a smile that wasn't a smile: "He's just been treated with needles. He still can't move."
The scholar listened with a bitter face and nodded. Yang Ling asked suspiciously: "Is there a need to use needles on the cheek when his chest is injured? The Gao family's medical skills are really amazing. "
Han Youniang moved her chair and said: "What's the hurry? Since this warrior has woken up, it won't be too late to chat later. Sister, is her injury a hindrance? "
When the scholar heard this pretty girl call the handsome young man in front of him 'Husband' and the beautiful woman he admired as' Sister ', he couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart. He knew that the wives and concubines of rich families would address each other as sisters. Could it be that the beauty already had a husband?
He kept his mouth open and his saliva almost flowed out. Since the beauty already had a husband, there was no need to make a fool of himself. The scholar pulled out the silver needle from his cheek. He twisted his mouth and laughed dryly: "Many thanks to young master and madam for saving my life. I can't thank you enough."
Yang Ling saw that the scholar's face was slightly dark. Although he looked haggard, he looked very handsome and pleasing to the eye. He pressed his shoulder and said: "Lie down. Brother, where are you from? What's your name? I heard … it was a Taoist who injured you?"
The scholar lay down. He saw that this young man was even more handsome than himself and had an extraordinary bearing. The beautiful couple must be someone's wife and concubine. He felt a little ashamed of his frivolous words just now. He smiled and replied: "Yes, I am from Songzi in Hubei. My surname is Wu and my name is Hanchao. I learned martial arts in Wudang when I was young. That day I saw a demon bewitching the villagers so I wanted to send him to the authorities. It's a pity that my skills aren't as good as his …"
He shook his head and smiled: "Young master need not be suspicious. My father is the new Prefect of Chengdu. His name is Wending. I am also from an official's family. I am not a thief."
Yang Ling thought for a while and said: "Wu Wending? Oh … I remember, I remember. Hehe, so you are Wu Wending's son. I have heard of your father's name before. "
Wu Wending was originally a Prefect of Changzhou. A few days ago, the Duke of Wei, Xu Ke, was fighting with the commoners over land. The lawsuit reached the prefecture. Wu Wending cut off the land and gave it to the commoner. The Duke of Wei was furious and used his connections to transfer the case to the capital. He wanted to punish Wu Wending severely. Fortunately, Han Wei was in the Ministry of Punishments. When he was visiting Yang Ling and his wife, he mentioned this matter. Yang Ling took care of Jiao Fang. Not only was this Prefect not punished, but he was also promoted to the Prefect of Chengdu. Yang Ling did not expect that the person he saved was his son.
Wu Wending heard him call his father by his name without any sense of propriety. He looked slightly displeased. Gao Wenxin saw his displeasure and said: "My father is the Commander of the Imperial Bodyguards and the Governor of the Inner Works, Mr Yang. Has Young Master Wu heard of him?"
Wu Hanchao was shocked. Jiao Fang was good at winning people's hearts. She also knew that her backer, Yang Ling, was still very weak in the local area. Therefore, since she did Wu Wending a favor, she had already secretly leaked the information to him. She said that it was Yang Ling who asked about it. That was why the Duke of Wei did not frame him.
Wu Hanchao had already met his father. Naturally, he knew the crux of the matter. He also knew that Yang Ling's power was like the sun in the sky. If he called his father by his name, even if the Prefect was right in front of him, he would still have to kneel down and greet his superior.
Wu Hanchao was the son of an official. Once he heard that this was a high-ranking official in the court, his original carefree nature was immediately swept away. He said with an uneasy expression: "So … so it is Mr Yang. I have long heard of your great name. This commoner is injured and cannot fully greet you …"
Yang Ling said: "Ai, aren't you and I calling each other brothers fine? Why do we need to use those bureaucratic and red tape? You are still injured. Let's not talk so much. Wen Xin, quickly help Brother Hanchao treat his injury. "
Gao Wenxin responded and went forward to take the silver needle from Wu Hanchao's hand. She changed it to another needle and aimed at the acupoint on the neck. The beautiful person was right in front of him. A faint fragrance filled his nose. The jade-like skin glowed with a warm luster under the candlelight. Wu Hanchao dared not have any wild thoughts. He could only hold his breath and quietly let her treat him.
* * *
It had been five days since Yang Quan and his nephew arrived at the Yang House. On the second day, Yang Ling and his wives and concubines invited the uncle and nephew pair to a banquet. Yutang Chun and Sheridan were already stunning beauties. Coupled with the beautiful silk satin, pearls and jade rings, they looked like fairies from the Ninth Heaven.
Even though Yang Quan did not dare to have any improper thoughts about his cousin's family members, he was still dazzled and his eyes stared blankly. Fortunately, these family members returned to the inner courtyard after a courteous meeting. Even though Yang Quan coveted them, he could only stare at them like the moon in the well.
The weather was good these past few days. It did not snow. Yang Ling was secretly glad. If there was another heavy snowfall, it would be difficult for the refugees around the city to survive.
He was inspired by Cheng Qiyun. He knew that it was not difficult to get those rich families to provide disaster relief. The daily cost of rice was less than a hundred taels of silver. To those rich families, it was a drop in the bucket. As long as he enticed them, they would take action.
Yang Ling went to see Li Dongyang and personally visited Zhu Gang and Zhang Heling. These two families took the lead in providing disaster relief. Li Dongyang personally wrote a monument of merit and virtue and erected it in the capital's Huguo Temple. For a time, the rich and powerful people of the capital responded. Government and private relief sheds were set up everywhere in the capital. The strong laborers were also allowed to enter the city to find jobs. They were paid low wages and were willing to work hard. For a time, everyone was happy.
At this time, Yang Ling had just rushed into the Palace with a heavy heart. These days, the court was constantly receiving reports of the army recovering lost territory and driving away the Tatars. For a time, the court and the people were excited.
But according to the reports from the inner factory, in the first few battles, the Ming army relied on their drive and won. They beheaded more than a thousand enemies and seized thousands of horses and camels. At the same time, they recovered a large number of people and property that had been taken away.
But perhaps Miao Kui was blinded by victory and became greedy for achievements. When the enemy retreated, he pursued them with all his might. The Ming cavalry was limited and they did not have enough mobility. They also had to divide their forces to pursue the Tatars who had split into three groups. In the end, Boyan Khan's army sent a large army to encircle the lone vanguard unit. Three thousand elite soldiers lost their lives to the enemy. Now the enemy took advantage of the fact that the Ming army was scattered and could not return in time and began to assemble a large number of troops to counterattack Datong.
After Yang Ling thought about it, he decided to send Yang Yiqing and Wang Shouren to the border to lead the troops and assume command. But these two people, one was unemployed at home, the other was in prison, both had offended Liu Jin. If he rashly recommended them, there would inevitably be a grudge between him and Liu Jin. Yang Ling thought for a long time and decided to persuade Liu Jin first before going to see Zhengde. He had prepared a set of excuses. Unexpectedly, as soon as he saw Liu Jin and explained his purpose, Liu Jin hesitated for a moment and then readily agreed. This greatly surprised Yang Ling. But the battle at the border was urgent, he did not have time to think too much. Hastily he pulled Liu Jin along to see Zhengde.
Led by Ma Yongcheng, the two of them hurried to the Imperial Garden. They saw Zhengde, under the service of several palace maids and eunuchs, was playing on the ice playing with an ice top. There was a whistle on the top, making a whining sound.
Zhengde was wearing a red arrow sleeve and a sleeveless stone blue mink coat. He was in high spirits and when he saw Yang Ling, he quickly pointed at a lady wearing a purple mink coat beside him and said with a smile, "Quick, quick. If the top falls, zhen will punish you."
Zhengde reluctantly turned his head and said as he walked to the shallow lake. He lifted up Yang Ling's kneeling body and said with a smile, "There's no need. Subject Yang, do you know how to play with this top? Zhen just learned it from Shyflower and it's very fun. "
Yang Ling shook his head and said with a smile, "This official doesn't know how to play. When I was young, I played with an ice plow. It had to be a two-legged one, or else I would wrestle."
Zhengde's eyes lit up and he asked happily, "How do you play? Quickly teach zhen! "
Yang Ling coughed and said, "Your Majesty, forget it. It's not fun to play with two legs, but it's very fast to play with one leg. If you fall and your face is swollen, won't Empress Dowager take this official's head?"
Zheng De scratched his ears and cheeks, unable to think of anything. One moment, it had two legs, and the next moment, it had only one leg. Just as he was about to ask for clarification, Yang Ling had already rushed to brief him on the latest battle situation at the frontier fortress. Zheng De was furious when he heard this, cursing loudly, "Bastard!"
Ma Yongcheng was so frightened that he knelt down. The people on the ice heard him and didn't dare to play anymore. They all gathered but stood far away, not daring to come closer. Only two girls, one tall and one short, wearing black sable fur coats and black sable fur hats, with bright eyes and white teeth, walked over. The short one smiled widely and said, "Imperial Brother, don't be like a firecracker that will go off at the slightest touch. What did Official Yang do to provoke you?"
Yang Ling took a look and saw that the smiling girl was Princess Yongchun. The slender and elegant girl in black beside her was Yongfu. He quickly bowed and greeted, "Greetings to Princess Royal and Your Highness, Princess Yongchun!"
Zhengde's face turned red and said angrily, "Before they left, I repeatedly reminded them not to split up their troops and not to advance rashly, but they ignored my words. Ma Yongcheng, immediately pass down my decree to capture these three fools and bring them back to the capital to be punished!"
Little Princess Yongchun saw that her brother was really angry. She playfully stuck out her tongue and didn't say anything. Princess Yongfu's starry eyes quickly glanced at Yang Ling. She saw that he was wearing a pure black fox fur cloak with gold trimmings. He was handsome and his temperament was even more mature and steady. She couldn't help but blushed slightly and said softly, "Mister Yang, please get up. There's no need to stand on ceremony."
Zhengde angrily threw his whip to one side. His whip was made from butterfly joints. The handle was wrapped with gold and the handle was even inlaid with gems. Ma Yongcheng hurriedly jumped into the snow and picked it up. He used his sleeve to wipe away the snow like it was a treasure.
Zhengde didn't even look at it. He pulled Yang Ling up and said, "Let's go. Follow me back to the Palace of Heavenly Purity. We'll discuss this properly."
Liu Jin and Ma Yongcheng ran after them. Princess Yongfu slowly walked to the lakeside veranda. Her black velvet sleeves were placed on the carved railing. She looked at the direction in which the several people left. Her elegant and quiet countenance looked slightly lonely.
Zhengde returned to the West Warm Pavilion. He sat down on a chair and said, "East of Datong is connected to the Upper Valley, south to the Bingheng, west to the Yellow River, north to the desert, three sides to the border. It is indeed our Capital's protective screen. If the Tatars' tens of thousands of troops directly kill their way into the heart of the Central Plains, the consequences will be unthinkable. These three … these three … Minister Yang, do you think Zhen should send more troops? "
"Your Majesty," Yang Ling said, "Miao Kui can be considered to be very careful. He has gathered forty thousand troops to defend Datong. If the Tatars don't have several times the number of enemies and sharp siege weapons, it won't be easy for them to take down this high wall and strong city. Moreover, the troops and horses attacking from all directions are also returning at top speed. Datong shouldn't be lost."
Although Zhengde was playful, he also knew the importance of military strategy. Hearing this, he was slightly relieved. Yang Ling continued, "What your subject is worried about is that the Tatars will attack our vital area. The army will be restrained and led by the nose by them. The original deployment will be completely disrupted. It will be difficult to reverse the situation."
Zhengde slammed the table heavily. Suddenly he stood up excitedly and said, "Zhen will personally lead the expedition. Minister Yang will be the vanguard. Let's fight a great victory for others to see."
Ma Yongcheng wanted to say something but hesitated. Yang Ling quickly said, "Your Majesty, the art of military strategy is not that simple. Your subject is thinking that Ming Destiny's elite division is the Capital army. But the Capital army's battle power is inferior to the simple and crude armed border army. This is because they lack battle training.
After this battle is over, Your Majesty might as well transfer the Capital army to the border fortress. With the valiant Tatars as the best teacher, each division will take turns to defend the border and train the troops. At the same time, the border army will be transferred to the Capital. Your Majesty and I will each lead the troops to fight. From these troops with rich battle experience, we can learn the ability to command troops and assume command. At that time, all of Ming Destiny's troops will have rich battle experience. The troops will be able to fight, the officials will be able to lead the troops. Your Majesty can then personally lead the troops out of the fortress and reenact the awe-inspiring power of Emperor Hongwu and Emperor Yongle. What do you think? "
Zhengde's eyebrows danced as he listened. He repeatedly said, "Good, very good. Then in your opinion, what should I do now?"
Yang Ling took a look at Liu Jin. Liu Jin hurriedly smiled charmingly, "The battle at the front is not favorable. It is not that the troops are few and the generals are afraid. It is because there is no good general to command the troops. Your servant has checked on Grand Secretary Li's recommendation of Yang Yiqing. It is said that this person is well-versed in the art of war and is familiar with the border fortress. He is good at fighting in the field and can be the commander of Datong."
Zhengde nodded his head and said, "Approved. Where is this Yang Yiqing now?"
Yang Ling smiled and said, "A few days ago he did not understand the current situation and submitted a memorial to the throne on behalf of Liu Jian and Xie Qian. At present he is unemployed and staying at home. However, if Your Majesty issues an imperial edict, he will gladly comply. In addition, your subject will recommend another person, Wang Shouren, the son of the Minister of Ministry of Rites Wang Hua. He is the manager of the Ministry of War who helped Your Majesty come up with a plan to restrain the Wokou's sharp blades. This person does not confine himself to strategy and likes to adapt to changing circumstances. The situation on the battlefield is ever-changing. He can be used to assist Yang Yiqing. "
Liu Jin was on tenterhooks, he was afraid that Zhengde would ask him where this person was. Fortunately, as soon as Zhengde heard that he was the manager of the Ministry of War, he thought that he was still the current manager, hence he did not ask too much.
Yang Ling continued, "Your Majesty, Yang Yiqing has been removed from his post because of his crime. This time Your Majesty has placed him in an important position again, he will certainly be deeply grateful. However, he is a criminal, if he is sent to supervise the army, Yang Yiqing will inevitably feel guilty and short of breath, he will be constrained and unable to display his full strength.
As the saying goes, 'don't use a suspicious person, don't doubt the person you use'. There is no harm in Your Majesty putting him in charge of the war with all his strength, he will be in charge of the three passes, Taiyuan and Bianguan, three towns. If he is able to render meritorious service and severely defeat the Tatars, he will be promoted to be the commander of the three borders. Using both kindness and appeasement, Yang Yiqing will definitely go all out, he will do his utmost to use his life! "
As soon as Liu Jin heard that as soon as he rendered meritorious service, he would be promoted, just like Wang Yue in the past, to be the commander of the three borders, with one hundred thousand troops under his command. In his heart he felt that it was inappropriate. He was about to say something when Zhengde said, "Alright, don't use a suspicious person, don't doubt the person you use. As long as he helps Zhen vent this resentment, Zhen will bestow him the commander of the three borders."
While saying that, Zhengde personally wrote an imperial edict, and ordered Ma Yongcheng to summon the Treasured Minister Shang and seal it, ordering him to immediately go forward to deliver the imperial edict. Remembering that he still had a trick up his sleeve, Liu Jin didn't say anything else.
It wasn't until the two of them left the Palace of Heavenly Purity that Liu Jin grumbled, "Mr. Yang, that Yang Yiqing and we are not on the same path. If by any chance we allow him to render great meritorious service and command a large number of troops, won't we be creating trouble for ourselves?"
Yang Ling laughed and said, "What are you afraid of? In the past, Wang Yue was also the commander of the three borders. Didn't an imperial edict enter the capital just because he said so? Gong-gong is Ming Destiny's Minister of Internal Affairs, in charge of half the imperial court. As the saying goes, the Prime Minister's stomach can carry a boat. He spoke up to plead for Liu Jian and Xie Qian, which shows that this person is also a person who values friendship and righteousness. Gong-gong, why do you need to be so calculative? "
Liu Jin's expression immediately softened greatly. With a reserved smile, he said, "You're right. Heh heh, when the time comes, we'll just have to tamper with the provisions and military equipment a bit, so that he won't be able to accomplish great things."
Yang Ling was shocked and hastily said, "Absolutely not!"
"Hmm?" Liu Jin glanced at him suspiciously and said, "Didn't Sir Yang send these two eyesores to the battlefield to help Miao Kui absolve his crime and find a scapegoat? Why protect them like this? "
Yang Ling composed himself and then said, "Uh … of course. Miao Kui and you and I are one. One's loss and one's glory are bound together. If he is called back to the capital after an irretrievable defeat, you and I will certainly be impeached by the foreign officials. However, Gong-gong, you must not forget that Yang Yiqing is not currently being recommended by Grand Secretary Li but by you personally. That Wang Shouren was also recommended by me.
The two of them have achieved military service, which means that you and I are good at recognizing people and using them. The boat will rise with the tide, and our prestige will grow day by day. If they are defeated, even though they are on the same side as Li Dongyang, the people from the foreign court will certainly blame this debt on our heads. Gong-gong, this is the first time you have been appointed as the Minister of Internal Affairs. If you manage to defeat the valiant, brave, and skilled Tatars, who would dare to not acknowledge Gong-gong's ability to assist the government? No matter how great their merit is, isn't the greatest merit still yours? "
Liu Jin slapped his forehead and said, "That's right, Sir Yang is right. It looks like we can't be careless with the supply of military supplies. Hey! It's just that these two things who don't understand the times actually oppose us. Now that we've given them a great merit, it's really letting them off easy. "
Liu Jin's mouth was unsatisfied as he spoke, but he was already secretly calculating in his heart. He was a person who was corrupt, but he couldn't stand others being corrupt. He used his relatives and trusted aides, but he hated others who relied on nepotism the most. Moreover, although he was a eunuch, he didn't trust eunuchs the most. That was why he had always wanted to put some people in important positions in the foreign court to develop his own power. Now that this Yang Yiqing couldn't be pulled down, he was secretly planning how to make him work for himself.
Seeing that he had persuaded Liu Jin, Yang Ling secretly let out a sigh of relief. When the army was fighting a war, if there was such a person in the imperial court who wielded great power to secretly cause trouble, then even if Yue Wumu was reincarnated, he would not be able to win.
In the Yang House, Han Youniang, Yutang Chun, Sheridan, and Gao Wenxin saw off Madame Ouyang. They were chatting and laughing, as if they were congenial.
Yan Song's wife was older than her husband by a year, but she was well-educated, gentle, and virtuous. Just like Young-niang, she had accompanied her husband through the bitter cold, so she was deeply respected by Yan Song.
She would often come over to chat with Han Youniang and the others about family trifles. On one hand, it was because her husband had hinted that he wanted to make friends with a powerful figure, so that her husband, who had no background, could establish himself in the capital. On the other hand, it was because she and Han Youniang and the others hit it off very well.
She and her husband had been married for many years, and now she was twenty-six years old, but they had never had a child. Now that her husband had an official title, and his family's financial condition had also allowed him to have a child, she had also thought of taking a concubine for her husband, but Yan Song had sternly refused, which made Madame Ouyang feel even more ashamed.
Today, when she came to visit the Yang House, she was delighted to hear that Han Youniang was pregnant, and the Ouyang Clan was endlessly envious. When Gao Wenxin heard that she had something on her mind, she took her pulse and copied a prescription for her, telling her to take it back and try it. She had also heard of the Goddess Doctor's great name, and that prescription was like a treasure to her bosom. She couldn't stay there for even a moment longer, and wished that she could immediately grow a pair of wings and fly to the pharmacy.
Seeing her absent-minded appearance, Han Youniang and a few of her sisters saw her out. At this time, Wu Hanchao was practicing his swordsmanship in the vestibule. His body had not yet fully recovered, but as a person who had practiced superior internal energy, the speed of his recovery was extremely fast.
Han Youniang accompanied Madame Ouyang as she walked in front. Just as she turned from the side corridor, she saw Wu Tongzhi's young master pick, stab, lift, and cut. His swordsmanship was carried out with continuous strength, combining hardness and softness, and his swordsmanship was smooth and vigorous. Although she didn't know this was an internal energy swordsmanship, she knew how powerful it was. She couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, "Good kung fu!"
Hearing this, Wu Hanchao withdrew his sword. Seeing that it was Madame Yang and a few of the family members, he quickly looked straight ahead and cupped his hands in salute, saying, "This little one has seen Madame."
Han Youniang and the others came out from the side corridor. Han Youniang chuckled and said, "Young master Wu's injury was so serious, I didn't expect that he would recover so quickly."
Wu Hanchao smiled apologetically and said, "This is all because of … Miss Gao's miraculous hands. I still have to thank Daren and Madame for taking care of me." As he said this, he couldn't help but glance at Gao Wenxin.
That day when he heard Gao Wenxin call Yang Ling 'my Daren'. Her tone didn't sound like she was his concubine. His heart couldn't help but become lively again. Under the candlelight, Miss Gao's lovely figure and noble temperament were deeply imprinted in his mind the moment he woke up. This young man who had studied martial arts on the mountain for ten years had already fallen in love with her.
In his mind, his father was a fifth-ranked prefectural official, and he himself was talented in both literature and martial arts. If Gao Wenxin was only a servant of the Yang House, no matter what, he would be a good match for her.
But it was inconvenient for him to ask the servants of the Yang House about Miss Gao. Ever since that day, whenever Gao Wenxin came to see him, she would always bring the old housekeeper with her. Until now, he was still puzzled and could not figure out Miss Gao's true identity. Now that he saw her walking with two beautiful married women, and she didn't look like a servant, he had an idea in his mind.
Han Youniang had seen his martial arts earlier and recognized that it was a very high level one. Her own martial arts was a strong and powerful external martial art. Her husband argued for a long time but was still unable to learn it. This person's martial arts was suitable for her husband to learn. Although her husband was already past the age to learn martial arts, it would still be good to use it to strengthen his body. Moreover, this person was skilled in both literature and martial arts and had a clean family background. If he could stay and assist her husband, he would be considered a talent.
With this idea in mind, Han Youniang was even more polite to him. She stopped and chatted with him for a while before she took the Ouyang Clan's hand and walked out of the door. Gao Wenxin gave him a sidelong glance and followed behind Han Youniang.
Yutang Chun and Sheridan were talking quietly and walking behind them. A whirlwind blew. Yutang Chun did not notice that a Su embroidered scarf on her neck was lifted by the wind and hung on a high tree branch.
This scarf was personally given to her by Yang Ling when he came back from Jiangnan. How could Yutang Chun bear to throw it away? She quickly ran to the tree and looked up at the two, three feet high branch. She stamped her feet and said, "Cher, quickly find someone to bring a ladder."
Wu Hanchao lifted his head to look at the tree trunk and said, "The ladder can't reach this treetop. Madame, please step aside a little, let me help you take it down."
Yutang Chun lifted the hem of her skirt and retreated a few steps. She and Sheridan looked at him in astonishment. Wu Hanchao took a deep breath and inserted his sword into the snow. He lightly sprang forward a few steps and with one leap, he jumped about twelve feet high. His foot lightly tapped on a branch that he was aiming at. The snow suddenly fell down. Taking advantage of the momentum, he leaped up another ten feet or so. With two leaps, he reached out his hand and took the scarf. He curled his body in midair and landed lightly like a sparrowhawk.
His internal injury had not healed, the wound on his chest had not healed, so he did not dare to jump with all his strength. When he landed, his face was slightly red. He coughed lightly twice before handing over the scarf and said, "Madame, your scarf."
Yutang Chun took the scarf and exclaimed in surprise, "Amazing, can a person jump so high?"
Wu Hanchao laughed, "Insignificant skill, please don't laugh at me. Mr Yang is the Governor of the Inner Faction, there are many hidden dragons and crouching tigers under his banner. There are many highly skilled people who are far better than me."
Sheridan did not know what kind of people her husband had under his banner, but in front of outsiders, she would not let her husband show his timidity. She chuckled and mischievously said, "At least you know your place. Our master's camp is indeed full of highly skilled people. In the capture of Dongchang, five thousand against eight thousand, less than forty people were injured."
Wu Hanchao saw that this young madame was still childish and easier to deal with than the one next to her, so he took the opportunity to say, "I am temporarily staying at the Yang House, but I do not know the two madams. Just now I did not greet you, it was really disrespectful. How should I address you?"
Sheridan and Yutang Chun were startled. Normally, the concubines of a large family would be divided into two furen and three furen. The two entered the house at the same time, but Yang Ling did not give them seniority.
Yutang Chun hesitated for a moment. Just now she saw that Han Youniang was very respectful to him, and it was not good for her to be impolite. She lightly said, "Gongzi need not be so polite. The family has always called me Madame Yu, and she is Madame Xue."
Wu Hanchao solemnly bowed again and said, "Greetings to Madame Yu, Madame Xue, er … is that Miss Gao who treated my illness also Madame Yang? It is not convenient for me to ask in person, and I am afraid that the way I address you is inappropriate and impolite. "
Yutang Chun and Sheridan looked at each other, and for some reason, they suddenly remembered the erotic painting. For a moment, their expressions were somewhat awkward. The relationship between the two has already developed to this point, but Master is still not anxious. Could it be that he is afraid that people will laugh at him for bringing in three concubines in one year, so he must wait until next year?
Yutang Chun hesitated and said, "Miss Gao is … an imperial physician appointed by the Emperor to the Yang House. She is not a member of the Yang Family."
Hearing this, Wu Hanchao was overjoyed. Just as joy appeared on his face, Sheridan was already giggling. Like a happy magpie, she added, "If gongzi wants to call her Madame Yang, she will not be angry with you. She is not now, but in a few months, she will definitely be."
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