In the Yin An Hall, the officials who were good at observing people's words and body language discovered that the two imperial envoys, the two inspectors-in-chief, and Yang Yiqing, who was in charge of the three borders, all had dark expressions on their faces. Even the acting Wang Qiansui, seeing the graceful sixteen or seventeen year old bride, did not seem to be happy. These local high-ranking officials did not know what was going on, they all became cautious and did not dare to laugh out loud.
A wang ye taking a fei was very different from a normal person taking a wife. The ceremony was more like an official taking office. The chief taijian first read out the Emperor's imperial edict. This imperial edict had been drafted by Yang Tinghe. Zhengde had only used a golden seal. However, this great scholar did not show his face. Even though he had not hidden his arrival at Datong, the number of people who knew of his arrival could be counted on one hand, so he hid in the rear hall.
Since the Emperor had come to Datong, unless he was willing to return, he could not be tied up and brought back. If Yang Ling did not cooperate, he could not do anything. Sitting in the rear hall and thinking for a while, Yang Tinghe was still at his wits' end. Listening to the joyous court music being played in the Yin An Hall in front, Yang Tinghe shook his head with a bitter smile.
After the complicated ceremony of taking in a fei, the bride bowed to the wang ye and wang fei. Then, under the instructions of the wang ye, she slowly walked over, holding the jade token in her hands, and toasted the two imperial envoys. Even though they did not have a high rank in front of the wang ye, but since they had the sign of patrolling the borders, they could not lose their etiquette in front of others. The ones toasting in place of the wang ye were not them, but the Emperor behind them.
The side wang fei was called Zhuo Ting. She was tall and wore a red robe with a phoenix coronet on her head. In front of her pretty face was a swaying curtain of beads, but there was no veil over her head. Her figure was soft and slender. Even though she was only sixteen or seventeen, she was very charming and charming. She looked elegant and refined, very different from the gentleness and delicateness of the women of the mainland. No wonder the Acting Wang favored her so much that he had requested an edict to grant her the status of a side fei.
After the Side Wang Fei had toasted the Imperial Envoy and received the toasts from the civil and military officials, she supported the Wang Fei back to the rear hall. The banquet began. All the officials raised their cups and the atmosphere became lively.
Hu Zan and Wang Yixiao, the two inspector-generals, raised their cups and toasted the Acting Prince, and then they went over to Yang Yiqing, Yang Ling and Zhang Yong's table. With faces full of smiles they said, "The two Imperial Envoy Daren have come to Datong from afar before the first month of the lunar calendar, you have worked hard and rendered great service. Yang Zongzhi personally led the battle, you commanded the troops like a deity.
The Chief of Bandits, Boyan, has suffered consecutive defeats. The people of Datong, Xuan Prefecture, and the other places have been able to keep their people safe all because of the soldiers. As local officials, we should offer you a toast to show our respect. Ah? Hahahaha … "
Hearing this, all the officials raised their cups and stood up, replying, "That's right, that's right. We toast the two Imperial Envoys and Yang Zongzhi, please have a toast to the three Daren."
Yang Yiqing's face broke into a smile as he said, "Not at all, not at all. Speaking of which, Yang Yiqing has been ordered to guard the three passes. From now on, I will be the Guardian General of Datong, a subordinate of the Acting Prince Qiansui. I should join the other Daren in toasting the two Imperial Envoys, wishing our Emperor a long life, Ming Destiny, and the prosperity of the country."
Hu Zan and Wang Yixiao smiled, as if the people who had been fighting with Yang Ling and Zhang Yong in the rear hall had nothing to do with them. Yang Ling and Zhang Yong looked at each other and laughed bitterly. They hurriedly squeezed out fake smiles and raised their cups in response.
When the civil and military officials toasted Wang Ye, they had to toast the two Imperial Envoys as well as Hu Zan, Wang Yixiao, and Yang Yiqing, the three highest civil and military officials of the border. Although this kind of officialdom socializing was boring, they were giving them face. Yang Ling and Hu Zan could only smile apologetically and wait.
After three rounds of wine, a palace eunuch quietly came in and whispered a few words into the Acting Prince's ear. The Acting Prince nodded. The eunuch then walked over to Yang Ling and whispered into his ear, "Imperial Envoy Daren, your Imperial Guard Commander says he has an important matter to report."
Yang Ling was startled. Although he had brought three hundred Imperial Guards with him, only twelve were allowed to enter the Prince's mansion. Where did the Imperial Guard Commander come from? If there was someone who could order these Imperial Guards, how could it only be Emperor Zhengde? He hurriedly got up and excused himself to Wang Ye before hurriedly walking out.
Although the Acting Prince and the others knew that Zhengde was in his army, they could not imagine that Zhengde, the Son of Heaven, would disguise himself as an Imperial Guard to accompany Yang Ling to a banquet. Moreover, he would stay alone in the outer hall, mingling with those vulgar servants and bodyguards.
Even Hu Zan, who had seen Zhengde dressed as an Imperial Guard with his own eyes, thought that it was a disguise he had put on during the journey. He did not believe that Emperor Zhengde, a descendant of the Emperor of Heaven, would always disguise himself as a lowly soldier. He did not believe that Yang Ling would dare to be so rebellious as to place the Emperor in such a position. That was why these people did not suspect anything.
Accompanied by the eunuch, Yang Ling left Yin An Palace and arrived outside Cheng Yun Gate after many doors. Sure enough, he saw Zhengde and two bodyguards standing at the door. Their eyes were bright and their faces were red as if they had drunk a lot of wine.
Yang Ling smiled politely at the eunuch and said: "Thank you for your trouble. Please wait here for a moment. I will go out for a moment."
Yang Ling walked out of the hall and went behind a pillar. Zhengde pounced on him and grabbed his hand and shook it repeatedly. He excitedly said in a trembling voice: "Yang, I am not dreaming. I have seen her. Hahaha, I am so happy."
Yang Ling saw his red face and incoherent speech. He hurriedly looked around and seeing that no one was paying attention, he curiously asked: "Your Majesty is drunk? Who are you so happy to see? "
Zhengde beamed with joy and said: "Tang Yixian! I have seen Tang Yixian. She is in the Acting Prince's mansion. Once in the Marquis's household, it is as deep as the sea. No wonder your spies could not find her. "
Yang Ling was stunned. He suddenly jumped up excitedly and said in a trembling voice: "Tang Yixian? She did not die? She is still alive? " Yang Ling held Zhengde's hand tightly. He suddenly closed his eyes and raised his face to the sky. After a long while, he let out a long sigh and said in an agitated voice: "Thank Heaven and Earth. It is good that she is safe and sound. Where is she?"
As Yang Ling spoke, his eyes were already looking around. In the past, he had met Su San, Tang Yixian and Sheridan at the Shihua House. It was because of Tang Yixian that Ma Yongcheng sent him money, allowing him to redeem the three ladies. Su San and Sheridan became his beloved concubines who were deeply in love with him.
And Tang Yixian, this young lady, in order to help him protect General Bao's criminal account book, was thrown off the cliff and her life and death was unknown. He had always felt extremely guilty about this.
Tang Yixian's unforeseen disaster was all because of him. And the so-called benevolence of him saving Tang Yixian from the brothel was actually Zhengde. He did not do anything for her. Instead, it was because she risked her life to protect the account book. Relying on this powerful evidence, he managed to overthrow General Bao. Because of her relationship, he met Su San and Sheridan, two beautiful and obedient little beauties. So every time Yang Ling thought of her experience, his heart would always feel like it was weighed down by a huge rock. Now that he heard that she was fine, Yang Ling's joy and joy could be imagined.
Zhengde hurriedly said anxiously: "Lower your voice. She went to see her foster parents. Later when you go to the banquet, how about you bring her back? But … … she has lost her soul. It's probably because she was hit when she fell off the cliff. She doesn't remember anything from the past. "
When Yang Ling heard this, he was stunned. His heart was somewhat sad. He said in a daze: "Lost … … soul? Memory loss? How could it be like this? She doesn't remember anything? Then how can I bring her back? Did she believe Your Majesty's words? "
Zhengde laughed dryly and scratched his head: "This … … She didn't really believe my words. She thought that I was a lecher. Zhen's thigh was hit by a stick from her, so it's probably bruised.
But zhen is just a little military officer. She doesn't believe the words of the grand General Yang, but she has no reason to not believe the words of the grand General Yang. I told her that she is your younger cousin. Her parents are dead and she has been by your side since she was young. When you see her later, you must not say that she was wearing a bra. Miss Tang has forgotten the past. Zhen … … did not want her to know those unhappy past. "
Towards the end, Zhengde's expression became very serious and solemn. There was something sparkling in his eyes. Yang Ling nodded. Suddenly he lightly patted Zhengde's shoulder. Although he did not speak, there was an understanding smile on his lips.
The wind blew on the eaves. Snow fell on their necks. But the two people's hearts were warm. Yang Ling's impulsive actions, if it fell into the eyes of the civil officials, it would be like the day when Wang Qiong saw Yang Ling sitting together with the Emperor. But Zhengde did not care at all. He understood the praise and appreciation in Yang Ling's eyes. His heart could not help but be happy and pleased.
* * *
"Biao … … cousin." Suddenly there was an unfamiliar and handsome cousin. Tang Yixian was not used to calling him that. She was a little embarrassed and her face became slightly red.
"En?" Yang Ling slowed his horse. He turned his head to look at Tang Yixian who was sitting in the carriage. He smiled softly: "What's the matter?"
"Cousin, is our house big? Cousin-in-law … … won't she like me to move in? "Tang Yixian frowned her delicate eyebrows in worry.
Yang Ling wanted to laugh. He looked at Zhengde who was smiling at Tang Yixian. He said: "Don't worry. Your Cousin-in-law is a good person. And … … she got along well with you before the accident. When they see you, I wonder how happy your three Cousin-in-law will be?"
"Wow! Three Cousin-in-law? " Tang Yixian stuck out her tongue in surprise. She smiled mischievously: "Cousin is amazing. The three Sisters-in-law must be the great beauties of the capital? Ai, I don't remember cousin. I don't remember them either. I don't even have an impression of what the capital is like. "
She leaned on the window and looked at the passersby on the street. She suddenly said: "Cousin, Father and Mother have lived here for generations. They can't bear to leave their relatives and old friends. They don't want to move to the capital. These few days … … I want to come and accompany them from time to time. Can I?"
Zhengde saw her timidly asking for Yang Ling's permission. His heart was filled with pity. He pulled the reins and got close to the carriage. He patted his chest and said in a clear voice: "Miss Xian 'er, don't worry. If you want to return to the Wangfu, you only need to let me know. I … … this subordinate will escort you back!"
Tang Yixian rolled her eyes at him. She said angrily: "If you don't speak, no one will sell you as a mute. You don't know anything. If I was cousin, I wouldn't need you as a bodyguard. Just go and clean the courtyard and guard the gates! Is the Wangfu a place you can enter as you please? Even if cousin is an imperial envoy, you have to invite Wangye. I am worried that it will cause trouble for cousin. "
After being scolded by Tang Yixian, Zhengde's bones instantly became lighter. His face beamed with joy, as if he had the potential to be abused.
The guards of the Imperial Palace saw that the Emperor was so happy even after being scolded. They very consciously put aside their duty of protecting the Emperor's safety and protecting the Son of Heaven's dignity. Following the principle of seeing no evil and hearing no evil, each of them buried their heads and hurried on their way, turning a deaf ear.
※ ※ ※
Tang Yixian was placed in the best room of the guest house. Yang Ling made arrangements for her before rushing back to the study to write a letter and have someone send it back to the capital. Firstly, it was to inform Yu 'er and the others of the good news as early as possible. Secondly, it was to let them prepare in advance so that it would be convenient to welcome Biao Meimei back to the capital.
Yang Tinghe had secretly come to see Zhengde. He was the Emperor's teacher and Zhengde still had some respect for him. Hearing that he was coming, he was afraid that he would persuade him to return to the capital and it would be hard to refuse. He hurriedly called for Yang Ling and Liu Jin, the two generals, to stand behind him to boost his courage. Only then did he invite Yang Tinghe in.
Yang Tinghe was used to sizing up the situation. Although he dared to fight with Yang Ling and Zhang Yong who instigated the Emperor to leave the capital, when facing the Emperor, his patience was much better than Li Dongyang's. As soon as he walked closer to the study and saw the situation inside, he understood the Emperor's determination. He did not say the speech that he had originally prepared to say, so as not to invite a rebuff.
Yang Tinghe narrated the situation after Zhengde left the capital. The Palace had already strictly blocked the news. All the eunuchs and palace maids who knew had received strict orders that whoever dared to spread rumors about the Emperor leaving the capital incognito would be executed on the spot. Therefore, before the news had spread, other than the six ministries and nine ministers and the three Grand Scholars, even all the civil and military officials in the court only knew that the Emperor was unwell and could not attend the court.
However, the Emperor not attending the court for more than ten days in a row was not a small matter. The Emperor was the ruler of a country. The system of the court was not a joke. Finding someone to pretend to be the Emperor, or falsely claiming that the Grand Scholar's memorials were signed and read by the Emperor, were all fanciful ideas that could not be used.
In the eyes of the hundreds of officials, the Emperor was so sick that he could not even read the memorials. Just guessing how serious the Emperor's illness was was enough to make people anxious. Even with the wisdom of the three Grand Scholars, they could not do anything about this matter. When mentioning it to Zhengde, Yang Tinghe could not help showing a bitter expression.
Zhengde frowned and thought for a moment before saying, "If that's the case, pick the most important memorials and deliver them to me on horseback every day. After I have read them, I will send them back to the capital. To the outside world, I will say that I am gradually recovering from my illness, but I still cannot see the wind or the light, so I cannot attend the court. Presumably, I can stabilize the hearts of the people."
Yang Tinghe sighed and said, "For this reason … this is the only way." He stood up worriedly and said, "The Grand Empress Dowager, Empress Dowager, and Her Majesty the Empress miss Your Majesty very much. The six ministries and nine ministers are also waiting for Your Majesty's news. Since Your Majesty has decided to stay in Datong, I do not dare to delay any longer. I will return to the capital to report the news."
He bowed to Zhengde and glanced at Yang Ling. With a serious expression, he said, "Sir Yang, the Emperor's safety and Ming Destiny's safety are all in your hands. Daren must be careful and must ensure the Emperor's safety."
Yang Ling solemnly said, "Don't worry, Daren. This lowly official knows the weight of this matter. I will not take it lightly."
Yang Tinghe nodded his head and sighed again. Only then did he dejectedly withdraw.
After waiting for another two days, Zhengde had nothing to do every day. He ran to Eldest Miss Tang's doorstep to be her personal guard. He accompanied her to play ice top in the courtyard. In addition, he also played Ma Diao with the two servant girls who were in charge of serving Xiao Tang. It not only relieved Tang YiXian's boredom, but also fulfilled his own wish.
Ma Diao had a long history. It was said that it had existed since the Han and Tang dynasties. Everyone in the court, regardless of whether it was the nobility, nobility, scholars, scholars, ladies, or merchants and commoners, they all loved it. Even monks and nuns loved to play.
Ma Diao was similar to modern mahjong. The Empress Dowager, Empress Dowager and the other concubines in the palace also loved to play when they had nothing to do. Zhengde would sometimes accompany them to play. He was talented and naturally learned quickly.
Tang YiXian and the two servant girls were no match for him. After a while, the silver that Yang Ling gave to Tang YiXian as pocket money and the two servant girls' worthless jewellery won a pile. Zhengde was overjoyed. He kept that pile of junk like a treasure. No matter how the two servant girls threw flirtatious glances at this handsome soldier, he would not return it to them.
His identity was Yang Ling's bodyguard. Tang YiXian was not a snobbish person. She did not disdain to make friends with him because of his lowly status. Although she scolded him as usual, her tone was more intimate.
※ ※ ※
That afternoon, in front of the courier house, a hurried figure galloped over from afar and dismounted in front of the courier house. Usually, there were only two couriers guarding the courier house. Now that there were two imperial envoys in the light and the Emperor in the dark, the couriers had been replaced by Yang Ling's personal army. The entire courier house was surrounded so tightly that not even a drop of water could trickle through. It was like a military camp.
The person galloping over came to the door and took out a silver badge that indicated his identity from the inner factory. After the guards carefully examined it, one of them led him into the courtyard. Opposite the courier house, there was a small restaurant with a tattered banner. A customer had already suddenly raised his head when the horse reached the door. Two sharp eyes looked at him.
This customer was wearing a dog skin short robe, straight trousers, and a light brown wolf hair hat on his head. Under the furry brim of the hat, there were two sword-like eyebrows and a touch of heroic spirit. He was actually a very handsome young lad.
When the person entered, he looked left and right. When the customer saw his side profile, his body could not help but tremble slightly. He thought to himself, "Wu Hanchao? Hey, he learned literature and martial arts and sold them to the Emperor's family. As expected, he has taken refuge with Yang Ling. With his martial arts, he should be Yang Ling's personal bodyguard. Looking at the tired gait of the horse, he must have just arrived after a long journey. Why didn't Yang Ling keep him by his side? What did he send him to do? "
The handsome lad pondered for a moment. In his heart, he faintly felt that Yang Ling seemed to be making a move. A trace of excitement could not help but flash through his eyes. Then, he became a little lost.
'He' looked around. A pair of clear eyes lightly swept across the faces of the pedestrians on the street. Since the Maitreya Sect has the idea of attacking the Emperor, they will definitely keep a close watch on the posthouse. But where are they?
And that bastard Yang Ling left in a fit of anger that day. I don't know where he and Fifth Uncle went. I hope that they are unfamiliar with this place and don't recklessly attack Yang Ling. Looking at the situation of the posthouse, it is heavily guarded and dangerous. Yang Ling can easily come in and out with hundreds of martial arts masters. If they want to attack, wouldn't it be like sending a sheep to the tiger's mouth?
"Alas!" The handsome lad sighed softly. His eyebrows were slightly knitted together, and he had a somewhat feminine charm.
"Good! Finally, the Emperor will be very happy to hear it! "Yang Ling said excitedly. Seeing Wu Hanchao's weather-beaten face, he said, "Quickly take a bath, eat something and rest. I will talk to you in detail at night."
The Duoyan Sanwei originally had an indifferent attitude when they asked the Ming court to form an alliance with the Emperor. They also expected that the Emperor Ming Destiny would not condescend to meet with them.
They knew that the Han court cared the most about their reputation. Others sought benefits, but the Ming court preferred reputation over benefits. Even when trading with other countries, they had to pay tribute to the other country. Would the Emperor Ming Destiny put down his arrogance for the Duoyan Sanwei, which was not even a country?
Who would have thought that the Khan of Heaven from the Eastern Kingdom would really come. Hua Dang and the tribal leaders were both surprised and flattered. Hua Dang immediately gathered four thousand Iron Horsemen and began to secretly advance towards the direction of Datong.
Seeing Wu Hanchao leave, Zhang Yong suddenly became nervous. He said to Yang Ling, "Mr Yang, Hua Dang is really coming. If Boyan knows the news, he will definitely do something to the Emperor. Are we … are we really going to meet with them?"
Yang Ling was also a little nervous. But if he showed fear and worry, wouldn't others be more afraid? He suppressed the nervousness in his heart and nodded, "Yes! There is no turning back. If we retreat now, not only will we be ridiculed by others, but in the future, you, me and the Emperor will also be ridiculed by others! "
Yang Ling stood up and paced a few steps in the room, saying, "Hua Dang only brought four thousand men and horses. This is not a small number, but if they were scattered in the desert grasslands, they would be like a grain of sand in the ocean. Moreover, Boyan's scouts only pay attention to the movements of Ming Destiny's army. There is no reason for them to place scouts in their own rear, so they may not find out."
Yang Ling walked to the table, picked up the teapot, and poured hot tea for himself and Zhang Yong. He continued, "The Duoyan Sanwei often come to the border to plunder. Even if Boyan knows, he will only think that they are taking advantage of the situation. The Tatars will not know the news of the Emperor leaving the capital and coming to Datong."
Speaking of this, Yang Ling suddenly remembered the delicate, fiery figure riding on a horse in the wind and snow said to him, "Strange, it's been so long, why hasn't the Maitreya Sect made a move? Is it because the Red Lady is lying to herself, or does the Maitreya Sect not know the Emperor has come to Datong, or do they know but have no chance to take advantage of it? "
It was not the time for the Maitreya Sect to openly rebel, especially since Datong was like a military camp. Outside the city were soldiers, inside the city were soldiers. Even if the Maitreya Sect dreamed of killing the Emperor, they would not have the chance to do so here.
Thinking of this, Yang Ling put aside this threat that could not pose a threat in the army and continued to consider Boyan Khan's movements. His army was now plundering and attacking the Huguan and Pingshun areas. It seemed that he did not know the Emperor was in Datong. But if there was a trap, his cavalry could gallop back within a day, and he was indeed the biggest threat.
Thinking of this, Yang Ling gently clapped his hands. A foreigner quietly flashed in through the door. Yang Ling said, "Go, inform the local people in the inner factory to speed up their search for information and pay attention to any suspicious people. If there is any news, report immediately!"
The foreigner acknowledged and turned around to leave. Yang Ling walked back to the table, grabbed the paper and inkstone, and said, "Yang Yiqing's army is close at hand, there is no hurry to inform him. Wait until Hua Dang is nearby and then let Yang Yiqing mobilize the army. I will now write a secret letter and ask the Imperial Envoy's golden seal to let the Taiyuan commander mobilize the army in Datong to prepare. Early tomorrow morning, I will personally take some people in disguise and rush to Mount Baishan to survey the terrain and make early preparations. "
Zhang Yong worriedly said, "Disguise? If you take too few people, you might run into danger. It's better to take two thousand cavalry. "
Yang Ling shook his head and said with a smile, "Not many people know the location of the alliance meeting. If I take a few thousand troops and run to Mount Baishan to sightsee, won't it be obvious to others that the Imperial Envoy has a purpose for coming here? Don't worry, it has always been peaceful and close to the city. The main Tatar force has also gone to Pingshun. Only you and I know that I am going to Mount Baishan. Who would wait there for me? Wouldn't that make me a living immortal? "
The jade merchant Sixth Master Bao walked down the stairs of the 'Hundred Charms Pavilion' to his heart's content. He swayed with a smile on his face and hummed a little tune. He has just concluded another business deal. It is not easy in this chaotic time of war.
The burly and honest-looking coachman cum bodyguard, the Mongolian Ah Man, dutifully followed by his side. From time to time, he would support him and help him fend off other customers.
When they reached the veranda outside the door, the servant in charge of the stables hurriedly led Master Bao's carriage over. Ah Man took the reins and quietly passed a ball of paper into his hand. Without batting an eyelid, Ah Man helped Master Bao onto the carriage. The curtain was drawn and the carriage drove onto the main street.
Ah Man quietly unfolded the small paper on his thigh. There was only one line of small words on it: "There is grain at the Li family village at the foot of Mount Baishan." Ah Man nonchalantly waved his whip and shouted, "Go!" The paper ball has already been stuffed into his mouth, chewed twice and swallowed.
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