Three days had passed since the first month, more than half of the civil and military officials had not returned to the capital to perform their duties, but early in the morning on the fourth day, the Emperor had to attend the court. As soon as he arrived at the court, Zhengde issued an edict: because of Yang Yiqing and Wang Shouren's victory in the first battle, which greatly dampened the Tatar army's spirit, Yang Yiqing was specially appointed as the commander-in-chief of the three borders, Wang Shouren as his deputy general, with the commander-in-chief of the three towns under his command, with full authority.
The Tatars' attack on the border was like the Han people celebrating the New Year; it happened every year. In the beginning, the Ming army had the upper hand, and later on, both sides were evenly matched. In the last few years, whenever the Tatars sent out a large number of troops, the Ming army would not be able to stop them unless they had twice the number of troops and horses.
Yang Yiqing was an upright person, his temperament was resolute and incorruptible, he was even appreciated by the Grand Secretary Li Dongyang. Moreover, he came from a civil official background, so with this victory, he was given an important position, the civil and military officials in the court did not have any objection. Taking advantage of everyone's happiness, Zhengde also announced that in order to reward the officers and soldiers of the three borders, he specially appointed the Commander of the Imperial Bodyguards, Yang Ling, to lead the troops to Datong on the sixth day of the month.
Early in the morning on the fifth day, dozens of vigorous and vigorous Imperial Bodyguards in black stood quietly in front of the Count of Weiwu's Yang House. Two horse carriages were parked on the side, the plump and strong horses impatiently scratched their hooves, their noses made noises and puffed out wisps of white smoke.
Yang Ling and his three wives, as well as Gao Wenxin, accompanied Cheng Qiyun and Yang Quan, uncle and nephew, walked out. Cheng Qiyun was draped in a bright red feather satin cloak, reflecting the white of the sky and the earth, shimmering with vitality, like a proud plum flower in the snow, making people's hearts beat faster, unexpectedly there was also a hint of heroism in her charm.
Yang Ling cast a sidelong glance and could not help laughing, he said, "Looking at your appearance, you are just like a Red Madame. All the way to the south, if not for these Imperial Bodyguards accompanying you, I don't know how many times you would have been arrested by the government."
Both of Cheng Qiyun's hands were tucked into her sleeves, revealing a patch of her embroidered satin sleeves. The white fox fur on her sleeves gently shook in the wind.
She was a little excited to be able to return to the south that she was familiar with and have something to do. She looked at Yang Ling, but she was also a little reluctant to part with him. She glanced at Yang Ling from the corner of her eyes and replied as if she was joking, "Even if what? If worst comes to worst, I'll order my guards to arrest you, Mr. Yang. With your protection, where can't we go to? "
Yang Ling looked at Cheng Qiyun. She was speaking casually, but her eyes were filled with deep affection. Yang Ling's heart skipped a beat. He coughed twice and turned to look at her. "It's not even the end of the New Year, but you're already on your way. I really have no choice. I'll leave the matters of Jin Ling to you."
Cheng Qiyun sighed in her heart and forced a smile on her lips. She said softly, "Don't worry, Daren, I … understand."
Han Youniang was less than two months pregnant and there were no visible changes in her waist. However, as soon as she left the house, she had become an important target of protection. She was wearing a soft and warm camel fur cloak and a pair of mink gloves. She was chatting with Gao Wenxin. Hearing the two of them talking, she smiled at Cheng Qiyun and said, "Jiejie, we've been together these days and I really can't bear to see you go on a long journey. Husband said that you are going to do something important, so I can't stop you. Husband often says that Young-niang is skilled in martial arts, Wen Xin jiejie is skilled in medicine, Cher and Yu 'er are clever and clever, and are proficient in the four arts. However, when it comes to intelligence, there are not many men in the world who can compare to you. Husband will be of great help to you. Jiejie, after you finish your important matter, I hope you can come north as soon as possible. "
Cheng Qiyun suddenly felt a surge of warmth in her heart. 'This little girl is really a good girl. She and Gao Wenxin are close friends, so she must have long known about my background. In the past … even though I lived a life of luxury, a village woman on the street would look at me with disdain. But this Lady of Nobility didn't show any disdain or contempt. She really respected me as a human being.' Cheng Qiyun thought to herself.
Cheng Qiyun's eyes were a little moist. She gently held Han Youniang's hand and said softly, "Thank you for your concern, Madam. Qiyun will be back in early February. Madam is pregnant, please take care of yourself. Qiyun is looking forward to this year's Mid-Autumn Festival when the osmanthus tree is fragrant and I can hug the white and chubby Count Weiwu. "
Han Youniang blushed and looked at Yang Ling with shyness and joy. She gently shook Cheng Qiyun's hand and said, "Jiejie, don't say it. I don't know yet. Maybe … maybe it's a girl."
She said and looked at Yang Ling worriedly. Yang Ling smiled and said, "So what if it's a girl? Your husband likes girls. "
As Yang Ling said this, he waved his hand to call the old housekeeper over. He took a bundle and said, "Miss Cheng, here is something. Young-niang and I are giving to Miss Ma Lian 'er of Chang Gan Li Chang Ting Restaurant. After returning to Jin Ling, please pass it to her for me."
Cheng Qiyun's heart moved when she heard this. Yang Ling came from Xuan Fu and had no relatives in the south. She had heard about this. Who was this Miss Lian 'er to him? Cheng Qiyun quickly glanced at Han Youniang and vaguely guessed what was going on. Her heart was filled with surprise and jealousy.
She didn't know about Yang Ling and Ma Lian 'er's past. She thought that this was a girl that Yang Ling had met at first sight in Jiangnan. This girl was able to make him unable to forget her. What kind of beauty was she?
Cheng Qiyun was a woman in the end. She was a woman who was proud of her beauty and also had the heart of Yang Ling. Even if she was a man with a big chest and a woman's husband, how could she not care about this kind of thing?
Looking at the women around Yang Ling, Young-niang was like a rose, Su San was like a lily, Wen Xin was like an orchid, and Cher was like a cuckoo. Although they were all charming and had their own strengths, in terms of beauty and style, none could compare to her. This girl could make Yang Ling so concerned. Was she an outstanding beauty? Cheng Qiyun paid attention. The first thing she wanted to do when she returned to Jin Ling was to meet this Miss Ma.
She calmly took the bundle and said with a faint smile, "Daren, don't worry, I will not fail you."
Cheng Qiyun politely nodded to each of the women and turned to enter the sedan. Lifting the curtain, she said, "Daren, the weather is cold. Everyone, please return. Qiyun will depart now."
Hearing this, Yang Quan felt like he had been pardoned. Nowadays, Yang Ling was heavily guarded when he came in and out. Even a muddle-headed person like him could feel the increasingly authoritative presence clearly. Ever since he had come to the Yang House, he had followed the rules for a while. He hadn't thought that the first time he wanted to act like a tyrant and try to act like a master, he would be discovered by Yang Ling.
These past few days, he had been shrinking his head and tail, not daring to show his face. Now that he could leave Yang Ling and go far away to Jiangnan, the wealthiest city in the world, his heart relaxed and he felt a great deal of pressure disappear. With his current identity, he was nothing at Yang Ling's side. But when he left Yang Ling, with the golden signboard of being the supervisor of the inner factories, he would be successful in every endeavor. When you beat a dog, you still have to look at its owner, right?
What's more, that Miss Cheng was a rare beauty. Although she was usually cold and indifferent, when she occasionally revealed a smile, that moment of quick-witted beauty made him dazzled and his soul fluttered. To be able to follow beside this beauty … he heard that she was his cousin's subordinate? Heh heh …
Yang Quan hurriedly said goodbye to the Yang Ling couple and quickly climbed into the second carriage. Looking at his back, Yang Ling imperceptibly frowned. This plaster had finally been removed. But with his relationship with him, if he went to Jiangnan and acted like a tyrant, would Cheng Qiyun dare to control him?
Yang Ling was a little worried, but he did not have any other good ideas. No matter how disappointing Yang Quan was, with his family and lowly status, he would easily attract the sympathy of others. If Yang Ling did not take good care of Yang Quan, that would mean that he had disregarded his morals, despised the poor, and despised his kin. This was an evil behavior that everyone, from the nobles to the commoners, despised and despised.
When Gao Wenxin saw the worried expression on Yang Ling's face, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but float into a shallow smile.
She was Han Youniang's only sister who was slightly older than her, so she would always tell her what was on her mind. She had long heard of this Third Master Yang's shameful acts of molesting and oppressing his sister-in-law. When she knew that Cheng Qiyun was going to take Yang Quan to the South, Gao Wenxin had skillfully revealed it to her.
No one could see Yang Ling's thoughts better than Cheng Qiyun. She believed that Cheng Qiyun would spare no effort to protect Yang Ling, even by fair means or foul.
Whoever tried to destroy Yang Ling's prestige, power, and happiness, this amorous beauty would immediately tear off her mask and reveal her sharp fangs and claws. This Third Master Yang was right under Yang Ling's nose. Even if Yang Ling didn't have the heart to protect him, others wouldn't be able to do anything to him. But if he were to go far away and do evil, it would be strange if Miss Cheng didn't put him in his place.
Cheng Qiyun let down the curtain of the sedan and sat down. Only then did she suddenly realize that the interior of the sedan was abnormally comfortable. The seat cushion was made of white bear skin, the beautiful and dazzling Persian plush carpet, and the snow-fox collar was covered with a thin cotton quilt. On one side was a shiny copper stove, and on the other side of the shelf were several books and all kinds of snacks and wine.
Cheng Qiyun's heart palpitated. She suddenly stretched out her hand to touch the curtain. Her fingers touched the curtain, but she only lifted a corner before she froze. As the carriage swayed gently, she quietly withdrew her hand after a moment. She gently wiped the corner of her eyes, and then softly sank into the soft fur. Her body felt warm, and so did her heart. A trace of a sweet smile appeared on her face, and the tenderness of her eyebrows and the corner of her eyes was indescribably enchanting.
As the carriage started, the smile on Han Youniang's face gradually disappeared. Alas! Miss Cheng had gone south today, and tomorrow her husband would go to Datong. How could she not worry about her husband when he left?
They all had their own thoughts as they watched the carriage rumble away, and in the blink of an eye, it turned the corner …
* * *
On the sixth day of the first month, soldiers were called up on the drill ground.
Flags fluttered in the wind, red flags with high horns, sabers, axes, swords, and halberds.
Five thousand elite soldiers were selected from the hundred thousand soldiers. They all rode on strong warhorses bought from the He Tao area, and all of them wore light armor. They were made up of archers, spear throwers, spear throwers, cavalry shields, sabers, iron cudgels, firearms, and five hundred core bodyguards.
Light armor, fast horses, and sharp weapons were completely different from the Ming army's usual equipment for large scale battles and siege battles. This troop required quick reactions, fast attacks, and even faster retreats. Not only did they have to surpass the Mongols in battle, they also had to have high mobility. It could be said that they had put in a lot of effort.
The generals in the capital's 12 battalions, the Ministry of War, and the Commander in Chief's Office of the Five Armies saw this and couldn't help but snicker. A Commander in Chief's Office of the Five Armies said in a low voice, "Factory Supervisor Yang is really thoughtful. He's just sending him to Datong to work for the army, not to send him to the battlefield. Did he choose this elite troop from the 12 battalions just to prepare for an escape?"
The generals at the side all chuckled. Yang Ling's reputation in the army was quite high. These generals did not have any ill intentions towards him, otherwise they would not have been so cooperative with him when he chose the elite troops. However, if there was a chance to make a joke out of Factory Supervisor Yang and show off the might of the older generation in the army, they would not let go of this opportunity.
Yang Ling was dressed in a bright silver chainmail armor and a battle robe with a red coat and skirt. The red embellishments on his helmet fluttered as he walked into the academy under the protection of eight spear-wielding captains. The crowd instantly fell silent as thousands of pairs of eyes turned toward him.
It had been a long time since Yang Ling had experienced such a scene. The five thousand elite troops on the field were not only filled with a murderous aura, forming a formless and austere air. Below the platform were a large group of high-ranking officers. He held his breath and solemnly passed through the crowd. His riding boots clattered as he stepped onto the platform.
After a while, the war drums thundered and a yellow umbrella slowly floated over from afar. Emperor Zhengde personally stepped onto the platform to pick the generals and send Yang Ling off. The imperial entourage had personally arrived. The soldiers and generals on the field all knelt down to welcome the Emperor.
The young Emperor of Zhengde wore a black dragon robe, which made his lips even redder and his teeth even whiter. He walked up the stairs, the pearls on the Winged Dragon Crown trembling slightly. When he arrived at the center of the platform, Yang Ling hurriedly knelt down to welcome the Emperor.
Behind Zhengde followed Liu Jin and four little eunuchs. The imperial edict, command arrows, seal ribbons, and the Emperor's sword were placed on a red lacquer and gilded tray. In the center of the platform, a red carpet, a yellow silk covered dragon desk, and a dragon chair had already been arranged. Emperor Zhengde walked to the back of the desk and sat down. In a loud voice, he said, "Everyone, please rise!"
A series of rustling noise was heard, more than five thousand officers and men stood up in unison. Three cannons were fired across the sky. The sound of the bugle horn and the low thunder-like beating of the war drums were heard again, making Emperor Zhengde feel his blood was boiling.
His jade-like handsome face blushed crimson with excitement. It was only then that he remembered that there were rules in this place. Thereupon he cast a glance toward Liu Jin. Liu Jin hastily called out, "By imperial edict, patrolling generals, come forward and listen to the imperial edict!"
Yang Ling rushed forward again. He bowed and said, "Lowly general is here!"
Liu Jin took the imperial edict and sang in a loud voice, "By Heaven's will the Emperor, the imperial edict says: There are Tatars from the north who have violated our Ming Destiny, harassed our common people, causing the people's discontent to boil. Zhen has sent out troops to deal with them. Yang Yiqing and Wang Shouren have rendered meritorious service and should be rewarded. Zhen has decided to bestow Yang Ling with the military rank of formidable general, and specially bestow the Emperor's sword. He is to patrol the border on behalf of Zhen, to comfort the officers and soldiers, as well as to settle the battle at the front. At the same time, the capital's commander-in-chief, Zhang Yong, is appointed as his deputy, and is bestowed with a python dragon robe. The two of them are to depart immediately without delay.
Thus Emperor! "Yang Ling accepted the imperial edict and expressed his gratitude. Zhang Yong also hastily knelt down below the platform and respectfully accepted the imperial edict.
Yang Ling took the Emperor's sword and hung it on his waist. He presented the golden seal and the arrow of command, and ordered the army to depart. The five thousand elite troops majestically left the drill ground. A few days ago Zhengde bestowed Yang Ling, Liu Jin and Gu Daeyong with a python dragon robe, but Zhang Yong was not the only one who did not have a share. His heart had always been very envious. This time he was patrolling the border on behalf of the imperial edict, and finally he was rewarded with a python dragon robe. He was so happy that Zhang Yong was beaming with joy. He took the robe and put it on neatly. He also climbed onto the saddle and mounted his horse. In all seriousness, he cupped his fist and saluted Emperor Zhengde. Turning his horse's head, he followed the army.
Emperor Zhengde watched with a smile as Yang Ling walked down the platform and rode away on his horse. He couldn't wait to return to the Imperial Palace. The drill ground was located in the Shenji Battalion, which was located outside of the capital. Today Zhengde insisted on holding a solemn ceremony to dispatch the troops. The civil and military officials in the imperial court only thought that the young emperor liked to make trouble again, so nobody paid much attention to it.
He couldn't go to the imperial court, but the important affairs of the imperial court had to be handled by someone else. As a result, the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet, the Six Ministries and the Nine Ministers all stayed in the capital to carry out their duties. The Emperor's imperial entourage left the drill ground. All the military officials knelt down to see him off. No one dared to go out of the gate with him. It wasn't until the Yellow Silk Umbrella Canopy turned the corner of a mountain in the distance that the generals had their personal guards lead their horses over. They cupped their fists to each other and took their leave.
The imperial entourage and the ceremonial entourage caught up with Yang Ling's army. The three-forked road ahead led to the capital and to Changping. As the two entourages headed in different directions and were slowly separating, a dozen captains on horseback with sabers strapped to their ribs suddenly dashed out from the unusually grand entourage of Emperor Zhengde and quietly hid themselves in the midst of Yang Ling's army.
Emperor Zhengde's ceremonial entourage was still swaying back to the capital. The military officials in the distance didn't dare to surpass the Emperor's ceremonial entourage. They held their horses' heads and waited patiently at the back. On both sides of the road, there was a sentry every three steps and a sentry every five steps. The soldiers on the road were heavily guarded, not allowing any unauthorized people to come within a hundred feet of them.
In Yang Ling's army, dozens of junior colonels followed closely behind him. Among them, there was a junior captain following beside Yang Ling, beaming with joy and contentment, looking around uncomfortably.
Yang Ling pulled the reins of his horse and waited for the captain to come to his side before saying in a low voice, "Your Majesty, the carriage in front looks like a carriage used to transport military supplies, but the interior is very comfortable. You'd better get in the carriage and rest. The wind is cold, don't catch a cold."
The five thousand elite soldiers only knew that they were following Yang Ling to Datong to inspect and reward the army. The people who really knew that the Emperor was in the army, other than the three hundred Imperial Bodyguards who had been sent to the army in advance, only Yang Ling, Zhang Yong, and a few other core high-ranking military officers knew. Other than a few of Yang Ling's trusted aides, the rest were all expert Imperial Bodyguards. That was why Yang Ling dared to address him as' Your Majesty '.
Zhengde giggled and waved the horsewhip in his hand. He cast a sidelong glance at Yang Ling and said with a smile, "If you want to go, you go. You are the Great General carrying out imperial edict patrolling the border. I am just a junior captain under your command, I should travel together with the soldiers and receive the same treatment. Besides, in terms of physique, I am a lot stronger than you. Phew … turns out I don't need to call myself 'Zhen' all the time, it's so comfortable, wahahahaha … "
Zhengde smiled from ear to ear. He whipped the horse's buttocks fiercely and galloped forward. The dozens of expert Imperial Bodyguards around him hurriedly whipped their horses to keep up.
Yang Ling gave a bitter laugh and helplessly shook his head. In the eyes of the scholarly officials, the Emperor leaving the capital incognito and disguised himself as a lowly soldier was a disgrace to the Emperor's dignity. But this Emperor seemed to be addicted to it. Even after leaving the capital, he was unwilling to change his clothes. Instead, he was in high spirits and seemed to be enjoying his life.
As the army advanced, Yang Ling organized ten squads of mounted scouts using the original scouts from the Inner Faction Scouts. Three squads followed from the left and right, two squads followed from behind, and the four squads in front took turns reporting back. The army was made up of Steel Cavalry, and even the supplies they carried were pulled by four sets of carriages, so the army moved very quickly.
After traveling for more than four hours, it was noon. The army stopped at the foot of a hill to bury pots and cook rice. This was a sunny slope, surrounded by mountains to the left and right, so it was very warm. Yang Ling arranged for four hundred-man squads to be stationed one li away to guard against accidents. He dismounted and accompanied Zhengde to rest on the hillside with Zhang Yong.
Because there was plenty of sunlight and the air was warm, the Red Reflection Flowers on this sunny hillside had already sprouted slightly red flower buds. Although they did not have leaves, the branches had absorbed enough water, and there was a hint of green on the surface. Underneath the flowers, there was still a layer of pure white snow.
Zhengde curiously said, "This place is strange. These flowers are not plum blossoms, but they can sprout in the snow. It looks like in a few more days, the flowers will be in full bloom."
Yang Ling laughed and said, "Exactly, this flower is called Red Reflection Flowers. The sudden change from warm to cold, all the flowers have submitted to the threat of the cold winter, the Red Reflection of the Mountains has begun to bloom in the clear snow. When His Majesty returns with success, the entire mountain will be as red as fire, just in time to congratulate His Majesty. "
Zhengde laughed heartily. He stood on the hillside and looked to the far north. After a long time, he turned back to Yang Ling and said, "I was thinking, that Boyan Khan, who is known as the eagle of the grasslands, and the warrior Huo Sieve, who is like a wild horse, they led thousands of men and horses to sweep the grasslands, galloping on the battlefield, how comfortable and awe-inspiring they must be. Do you think I am weaker than them? No!
This time, it is for political strategy. One day, I will personally lead the troops to meet this Boyan and Huo Sieve. Emperor Hongwu chased them back to the desert, Emperor Yongle chased them into hiding, and now it is my turn to be the Emperor. Do I have to sit back and watch as Ming Destiny's country becomes their pasture, and Ming Destiny's people become their cattle and sheep? "
He said confidently, "Just wait and see. One day, I will personally tell them that the Emperor of the Han people is a divine dragon who can summon clouds and rain, and roam above the nine heavens, and not a soft worm that can be pecked and bitten by them!"
Yang Ling was secretly delighted. It is better to let the Emperor see his country and people with his own eyes than to preach a hundred great principles. The decadence of Ming Destiny started from this, started from their leader. If the last of the seven states was not Ying Zheng, would there be a first Emperor? If the seventh Han Emperor was not Liu Che, would there be a saying, 'Those who offend the strong Han must be killed no matter how far away'?
Yang Ling said happily, "Your Majesty is right. Whatever eagle or wild horse, they will all be tamed! When Your Majesty is in the mood to go hunting, you will ride on a Huo Sieve horse and mount a Boyan eagle, and you will be free and unfettered! "
Zhang Yong laughed and said, "Oh no, then wouldn't Your Majesty become a playboy who rides a horse and mounts an eagle?"
Yang Ling spread his hands and said, "There is no other way. The world is at peace. If Your Majesty doesn't ride a horse and mount an eagle, what else can you do?"
Zhengde was beaming with joy at their echoing words. His ambition was aroused. He straightened his clothes and said, "Who said there is nothing to do? At that time, when the sea is at peace, I will set sail to the East Ocean and sail out to sea! "
Yang Ling said with joy, "Your Majesty is indeed talented and bold. You want our Ming Destiny to create an invincible navy, to spread its power to the four seas, and to become the overlord of the universe?"
Zhengde rolled his eyes and said, "Nonsense! What's the point of that? I want to be like the one in the story you told me. I want to be bare-chested, carry a demon-headed sword, tie a red strip of cloth on my head, and wear a one-eyed black blindfold. I want to be a pirate on the sea! "
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