The capital was full of life. The Ministry of Appointments was implementing the official examination law. The Ministry of Revenue was carrying out large-scale reforms in immigration, land, and taxation. The results of these government affairs were all quantified and linked to the Ministry of Appointments' examination results.
At the same time, the Ministry of Rites was conducting careful research on the Fall Quarter Examinations and the strengthening of the Theory of Current Situation in schools across the country. This was only the first step. As the students climbed out of the pile of stale old papers and turned their attention to the real world, they would discover that the ancient sages' opinions could not solve all the current problems. They would naturally think and research things more suitable for the real world.
The reform of education was the most important and basic thing. It was also the most difficult thing to abolish because of people. At the same time, it was the most deeply rooted and difficult to shake. Thus, Yang Ling used this roundabout method. Ming Destiny was open. Many scholars had already begun to question the Cheng and Zhu School of Thought. The increase of the Theory of Current Situation would accelerate the speed of seeking knowledge and reason. It was a primer.
Through this primer, more and more knowledgeable people would gradually begin to think about the future through the emphasis and understanding of the current situation, and thus derive many new theories and theories. At this time, the open sea trade would continuously bring in foreign information and knowledge, and these new knowledge would play a role in promoting, enlightening, and complementing each other.
The wisdom of the ancients could not be underestimated. The scholars of the ancient times were the backbone of this era. They were the ones who were most familiar with the ways of the world and the development of society in this era. They corrected and promoted the general direction, just like building canals and controlling floods. They would naturally follow the smoothest path. This was Yang Ling's method.
Other than these three, the Ministry of War was the busiest of the six yamens. They deployed troops, surrounded, and intercepted. On one hand, they gradually closed the encirclement and compressed the White Uniform Army into a smaller and smaller area of activity. On the other hand, they began to deploy troops to suppress the bandits in Shanxi. The spies sent outside the pass also continuously sent intelligence from the north and the west. This allowed the Ministry of War to know the Mongolian's movements at any time.
Taihang, Luliang, Luoyang, Tongguan, Pujin Ferry, and Longmen Ferry — these important passes and cities connected to the Taihang waterways and mountain roads — began to increase their troops and install cannons. Zhongtiao Mountain was a dense cluster of mountains, and all the passes leading to the east, west, north, and south had begun to gather a large number of soldiers. Before Yang Ling had even left the capital, he had already begun to set up defenses and quietly surround them.
Appeasing Madman Zhao was the best plan. It would be best if they did not resort to weapons. However, if Madman Zhao was unwilling to submit, then they could only resort to force. One hand was soft, the other was hard. He had to be prepared for both. As for how to get along with Red Madame once he mobilized his troops, Yang Ling couldn't afford to be hard on her and neither could he be soft on her. He could only take one step at a time and adapt to the circumstances.
Cheng Qiyun went to Liaodong first. Adeni was also not a person who could be trapped in a big house, so she went with her to Liaodong. If it weren't for the fact that she was pregnant, the quiet Sheridan would probably have followed them. The women in the Yang Family's courtyard were becoming more and more restless.
Yang Ling's indulgence and the achievements of Cheng Qiyun, Ma Lian 'er, and Adeni made them no longer think that once a woman married, she had to stay at home to support her husband and raise their children. Now, even Han Youniang, who had always regarded observing women's virtues as the first rule of a wife, was eager to try.
They were actually only sixteen or seventeen years old girls, full of youthful energy. Yang Ling didn't want them to stay at home all day, so when he left the capital, he handed over the medicinal herbs business from the northeast to the capital to Gao Wenxin, and the leather goods and grain business to Han Youniang, so that they could try to familiarize themselves with it first.
However, it was impossible for the dignified Duchess Wei to do these things in public. There were experienced shopkeepers taking care of things at the front desk, and they were only checking behind the scenes. Yutang Chun and Sheridan were the general accountants of the Yang Family. Now that the business was their own, of course, they had to control the last pass.
When Yang Ling sent his troops to Shanxi, he wanted to arrange for Wu Hanchao and Song Ai, a pair of little lovers, to go south by water to Jinling City to pick up Ma Lian 'er and return to the capital. At this time, he received a letter from Ma Lian' er from Nanjing. Their business in Jiangnan was really too big. Now that Yu Yong was in Yizhou and Cheng Qiyun was in Liaodong, she was the only one left in Jiangnan. She had to clear up all the various matters, and it would take a long time to finish.
After all, this business did not belong to Yang Ling alone. There were many relatives of the royal family, wealthy families of Jiangnan who had invested in the business and received dividends, or had invested in it as a joint venture. As the main operator, if she left without giving a clear explanation, these joint venture investors would be suspicious of her while the White Shirt Army was wreaking havoc in Jiangnan. Thus, she had to stay for a few more days to sort out the accounts and give a clear explanation to the managers of the various businesses in Jiangnan before she left.
The White Coat Army suffered a setback in attacking Jinling and turned to Jiangxi. They might not return for a while. Moreover, there was a valiant general like Zhou Dean in Stone City, so it wouldn't be easy to break through. Although he had a strong murderous aura and was overly eager for fame and fortune, he was undoubtedly a valiant general in battle.
In this way, Xiao Wu and Xiao Ai didn't have to rush south, so Yang Ling brought them to Shanxi. These two people had a certain amount of experience in fighting in the mountains. They might come in handy at a critical moment.
The horses neighed and the wind whistled, and the red sun shone on the great flag!
There was a pass on the precipitous cliff in front of them. The pass was built next to the mountain. The city wall on the right was the peak of the mountain, and the left was the precipitous cliff. It looked inexplicably dangerous from a distance, as if the pass tower would fall at any time. It was truly a dangerous place where one person could guard against ten thousand men.
They had arrived at the ninth pass of the Great Wall.
Once they passed this pass, they would enter Shanxi.
The armor clanked and the banners fluttered. Yang Ling was still in command of three thousand cavalry. The bugle horn on the pass wailed and the gate opened. The general guarding the pass came out to welcome them from afar. Yang Ling took the lead and walked in front. He didn't wear armor and wore a turban on his head. He wore a green muslin robe and a leather belt around his waist. He looked at ease and at ease, like a scholar.
When a bird is about to attack, it lowly flies and folds its wings. When a ferocious beast is about to fight, it lowers its ears and crouches. Since the signboard was an offer of amnesty, they had to show some sincerity for peace. Therefore, Scholar Yang led the troops here.
※ ※ ※
"Scholar Zhao, why did you retreat?" Red Lady quickly entered the cave. Her footsteps were light and her waist was like a light willow. Feng Lei followed behind and stared at her small waist. His eyes were erratic and sometimes straight.
Suddenly noticing Zhao Sui's meaningful gaze, Feng Lei came to his senses. He couldn't help but blush and saluted, "Greetings, Marshal Zhao!"
Tiger Xing was the Commander-in-Chief of the Ringing Horse Bandits in Shanxi, and Zhao Sui was the Deputy Marshal. After Red Lady went up the mountain to join them, she also became the Deputy Marshal. But Cui Ying 'er's rebellion was one thing, but she never had the consciousness of fighting for the throne. Therefore, she felt it was quite awkward to be addressed as Marshal. When she saw Tiger Xing, Madman Zhao, and others, she would call them Brother Xing and Scholar Zhao. Probably in her heart, only the scholar in the robe on Mount Bai was worthy of being called Marshal.
Red Lady was wearing men's clothes, a short jacket, and a cloth wrapped around her head. The cloth was tied around her waist, and a short sword was sheathed diagonally. On his feet was a pair of Boston ivy boots, and on his legs was a pair of leggings that rolled back a thousand layers of waves, making him look very heroic.
Red Lady sat down on a stone bench and looked at Zhao Sui with her hands on her knees. She said majestically, "Xu Tai and Jiang Bin are both valiant generals in the imperial court. But we have the geographical advantage. We can attack on the ground and defend when we retreat. Currently, we still have the upper hand, so we can't easily withdraw our troops.
In a few months, the mountains will be sealed by the heavy snow. Now we need to store as much food as possible. Therefore, we can't let the soldiers occupy the main roads. My men have been stationed in the West Hills and haven't done anything yet. If Scholar Zhao's troops are tired and weak, then let's change the guard and let my men be stationed in the Northeast. "
Zhao Sui sighed and said, "Marshal Cui, the imperial court has changed their leader. The Commander-in-Chief is not Xu Tai."
Cui Ying 'er raised her eyebrows and said, "So what? When the soldiers come, we'll deal with them. When the water comes, we'll use earth to block it. When the soldiers change their leader, it's because they are confused. What are you afraid of? "
Zhao Sui smiled indifferently and said, "This time it's different. The one coming from the imperial court is Yang Ling!"
"Yang … Yang Ling?" Cui Ying 'er's heart skipped a beat. She suddenly felt uncomfortable sitting down. She moved her body and said, "He … uh … didn't you say he's in the capital presiding over the reform and reform? Why … why did the imperial court send him here again?"
Red Madam was dressed in martial attire and looked imposing. She originally had the air of a man, but at this moment, her shoulders slumped, her eyebrows smoothed and her voice became softer.
Madman Zhao sighed and said, "Yang Ling must have seen through our plan of hiding our strength and biding our time. That's why he couldn't wait to send his troops to attack. The moment Yang Ling arrived, he restrained the soldiers from attacking. I don't know what his intention is. He's coming with ill intentions. I have no choice but to be more cautious. "
He sighed with regret and said, "Shanxi's situation is the most stable. On the outside, there's Taihang, Luliang, Wangwu, Xiecheng, Zhongtiao and other mountains forming the outer barrier. On the west side, there's the Yellow River. On the inside, there's Mount Heng, Mount Wutai, Mount Guan, Mount Zhou, Mount Tai Yue, Mount Yun, Mount Huo, Mount Ji Wang and other mountains intersecting, forming the inner perimeter.
This is the best place to fight on the inside. As long as I have a year or two to expand here, I can take over the whole of Shanxi. When I leave, I can pass through Jin, Longmen, Jing and Wei. I can also leave Tian Jing, Xia Huguan, Handan and Jingxing to the east. The vanguard of the army will point directly at the capital. When the situation is unfavorable, I can take advantage of this to defend. Unfortunately, time waits for no man. "
"What's wrong with Yang Ling? Isn't he also carrying a pig head on his shoulders? Bah! Why should I be afraid of him? He's nothing! "Feng Lei stared at her and roared, unconvinced.
"Pig head! I'm discussing with the scholar, why are you interrupting? Go and rest! " Cui Ying 'er was unhappy and glared at him. Feng Lei obediently kept his mouth shut and lowered his head, not daring to let out a fart.
Madman Zhao furrowed his brows and said, "Yang Ling is a strategist when it comes to war. Although he may not be the world's number one famous general, looking at his battles from the south to the north, in the water, on land and in the mountains, he has his own merits.
The most important thing is, war is not just about tactics. Whether there are people in the court holding him back, whether the strategy is approved, whether the generals under him listen to his orders, whether the rations are supplied in time, all these are the key to victory or defeat. If these key points are not met, even if Wu Mu is reborn, or Wu Hou is reborn, he will still be defeated.
Yang Ling is the current Emperor's favourite official. If he wants soldiers, he gives them soldiers. If he wants money, he gives them money. The court will respond positively. No matter how arrogant the soldiers are, under his command, they will not dare to be careless. That's why when he, Yang Ling, goes into battle, as long as he does not make any stupid moves, he will definitely be successful. I can handle Miao Kui and Xu Tai's elite troops, but I can't handle Yang Ling's overwhelming power. "
Cui Ying 'er's eyes flashed and she blurted out, "You are preparing to … leave?"
Zhao Sui was silent for a moment and said, "Great Marshal is ill and it is gradually getting worse. Being trapped in this Zhongtiao Mountain without medicine is really worrying. Besides, Liu Liu and his brother are cooperating with us from afar. Only by cooperating with each other can we develop in peace. Now they are gradually being suppressed by the official army and are in a difficult situation in Jiangnan. Liu Liu has written a letter to us, requesting us to send troops to the south to rescue him. Big Brother Xing also has the same intention … "
Zhao Sui stopped here and Red Madam already understood what he meant. Zhao Sui was smart and resourceful, so he was elected as the actual commander of this revolutionary army. But the backbone and senior generals of his army, including the nominal Great Marshal Xing Laohu, were all Liu Liu's men. Although the so-called Yang Ling's army was strong and resourceful was one of the reasons, the reason why he wanted to go south was also because of the strong internal pressure.
When Feng Lei heard that they were going south to meet up with Liu Liu and Liu Qi, he could not help but rub his palms together excitedly. He was about to express his opinion but saw that Red Madam was deep in thought, so he quickly shut his mouth.
"What are you going to do?" Red Madam had made up her mind. Her original intention was not to control the country but to use the strength of the revolutionary army to deal with the enemy who killed her father, Zhou De 'an. Although Yang Hu was now in Jiangnan and he was someone she did not want to see, but Zhao Sui sending troops to the south was undoubtedly a good opportunity.
Zhao Sui waved his hand to dismiss his attendants and quietly explained his idea to Red Madam. Red Madam accepted the order and left. Just when Feng Lei was about to leave, Zhao Sui suddenly said, "General Feng, please wait."
After Red Madam left, Zhao Sui walked to Feng Lei and stared at him for a long time. Then he said in a low voice, "Feng Lei, immediately pick three to five hundred men who are highly skilled in martial arts and are smart and loyal. Then take a shortcut down the mountain, cross the river and enter the Central Plains first."
Feng Lei was stunned, "Me? Only a few hundred men first? "
Zhao Sui nodded and said, "Yes, you and Liu Twenty-Seven will go together. Nowadays, in order to make a profit, there are many peddling merchants transporting grain from the west to the east. I have already prepared gold and silver for you. First go to Shaanxi, then buy some carts, mules and grains, disguise yourself as a peddling merchant and head east. I want you to go …"
Feng Lei was suddenly enlightened. He said excitedly, "Marshal Zhao has a brilliant plan. I will go prepare now."
After saying that, Feng Lei cupped his hands and left excitedly.
Watching Feng Lei leave, Zhao Sui sighed softly and shook his head. Ever since Red Madam came up the mountain, Feng Lei's expression and behavior had been a little strange. He thought he had concealed it well, but in fact, not only Zhao Sui, but Red Madam also noticed it. Otherwise, she would not have suddenly changed her red dress and appeared in men's clothes all day long.
Feng Lei was one of the strong competitors in the Cui family's marriage contest in the past. His martial arts were not inferior to Yang Hu's. Unfortunately, he was illiterate, so he did not have an advantage over Yang Hu. Although his martial arts were high, he was not as good as Red Madam. If Miss Cui did not go easy on him, how could he pass this test?
Feng Lei was defeated by the shrewish and beautiful Red Madam, but since then, he had a special liking for her and could not forget her. He did not want to see Yang Hu and his wife loving each other, and even more did not want to be below Yang Hu. Yang Hu was the leader of the Northern Woods, so he withdrew from the Woods and joined the Ringing Horse Bandits.
When he heard that Yang Hu and his wife had fallen out and that Cui Ying 'er had moved back to the Cui family's stronghold, Feng Lei's thoughts became active again. In Bazhou, when Zhang Mao, Liu Liu, and the others had a discussion, Feng Lei often encouraged them to join the bandits and go to Mount Taihang to seek refuge with Yang Hu. But in fact, he had ulterior motives.
If Yang Hu did not divorce his wife, then Red Madam would always be the daughter-in-law of the Yang Family. The punishment for committing lewd acts in the Woods was extremely heavy, but Feng Lei did not have any unbearable thoughts. It was just that after Red Madam left Yang Hu, in his eyes, she was still the Miss Cui whom he had a crush on.
Thinking of her made his heart sweet. If he could stay by her side for a long time, see her smile and listen to her words, it would be the happiness he dreamed of. With Red Madam's sudden arrival at Mount Zhongtiao, Feng Lei could see her every day and could not help but be overjoyed. It was inevitable that he would lose his composure sometimes.
Zhao Sui saw this and was afraid that his subordinate would make a mistake and do something rebellious. Especially when Red Madam was not only a married woman, but also the wife of the leader of another volunteer army. If they really had some relations, such as the White Coat Army fighting the Ringing Horse Bandits, Zhang Fei killing Yue Fei, and killing all over the sky, it would be a big joke.
But he really could not bring this up. After hesitating again and again, he could only let him go to Jiangnan to handle some important matters and temporarily divert him away. When his own army also arrived at Jiangnan and joined forces with Yang Hu's army, in front of his husband, Feng Lei should be able to dispel this evil thought, right? Otherwise, this would be a hidden danger of internal strife.
His subordinate did not have foresight, disregarding the fact that the imperial court was loose on the outside but tight on the inside. They were taking things one step at a time with the intention of trapping the Jiangnan White Coat Army and blindly requested to join forces with Yang Hu and Liu Liu. Before they could stabilize their footing in Shanxi, a strong enemy like Yang Ling came. After thinking about it, Madman Zhao slapped his thigh and sighed, "Ai! Women are the source of trouble, the ancients did not deceive me! "
Madman Zhao had just finished sighing when a guard ran in from outside, panting and said, "Marshal Zhao, the soldiers have come up the mountain."
Madman Zhao was shocked and suddenly stood up and said, "Quickly meet the enemy!"
The guard was stunned and hurriedly said, "The soldiers have sent people … up the mountain, they want to see the Grand Marshal and you."
Madman Zhao was so angry that he wanted to give this idiot a big slap. He glared at him and said, "Why did they send people up the mountain?"
"Enlistment!"
* * *
In the study of the commander of Taiyuan Guards, Li Fuda and Jiang Nanyan were sitting across from each other and drinking wine. Li Fuda said complacently, "Dali has already persuaded Yang Hu, Liu Liu, and the rest to go to Jiangxi. With this, King Ning's seizure of military power is justifiable.
Daren incited King Ning to take the lead in responding to Zhengde's reform and even donated a large sum of money. This matter is also very much in line with my intentions. This will definitely dispel Zhengde's wariness. His people will operate well in the capital. As long as the high-ranking officials in the capital turn a blind eye to King Ning's interference in military affairs, then King Ning will be able to control enough troops to rise up. "
Jiang Nanyan reminded him, "Chief, Yang Ling has come to Shanxi again. The last time he went to Datong, our 'Trapped Dragon Plan' was destroyed by him. Our cult's many years of development in Datong were completely wiped out. This person is not simple. Chief, you must not be careless. "
Li Fuda calmly said, "There is no need to be nervous. Miao Kui, Xu Tai, and the rest have failed in suppressing the bandits in Shanxi. Madman Zhao's power is growing day by day. Yang Ling cannot not come. But he is coming for Madman Zhao on Mount Zhongtiao. What can he do to me? "
Jiang Nanyan anxiously said, "Chief, subordinate means … this person is a great scourge to our cult. Since he has come to Shanxi, shouldn't we find a chance to get rid of him?"
Li Fuda's gaze focused. He said in a deep voice, "He is now a Duke. His guards are as many as clouds. How can we make a move? If we fail on the verge of success and give the game away, won't everything I have painstakingly built here go down the drain? Besides, Taiyuan is my defensive area. If something happens to him here, even Prince Jin will be punished. I am only a commander of the guards. Can I still keep my official position and military power? Don't do stupid things! "
Seeing the unwillingness on Jiang Nanyan's face, Li Fuda softened his tone and said, "Yang Ling has ruined our cult's important matter time and time again. Righteousness … Do you think I don't hate him? I wish I could eat his flesh and drink his blood! But the more it is like this, the more we cannot lose the big picture because of a small gain. If there is an opportunity for me to get rid of this responsibility, naturally I will not let him go. Otherwise, I cannot act blindly without thinking.
Killing a strong potential opponent, but losing a good opportunity to aspire to the throne, won't that be losing the big picture because of a small gain? Challenging the imperial court of Ming Destiny, which has been established for more than a hundred years and has deep roots, is it difficult? I am not afraid of this. Do you think I will be afraid of Yang Ling like a tiger? It's just that whether we kill him or not, we have to consider the whole picture. We have to calculate what we gain and what we lose. Nanyan, endure, it is especially difficult! "
Hearing Li Fuda's voice slightly trembling, Jiang Nanyan busily said, "Jiaozhu, the overall situation is important. This subordinate was emotional."
Li Fuda sighed and was silent for a long time before he said, "The imperial court has issued an edict, ordering the local regions to vigorously establish civilian militia to participate in suppressing bandits. I think the treasury has no silver to use, so they can only use civilian militia to replace the army. Hey! The old Zhu family's people will calculate how to take advantage of the situation. Zhu Yuanzhang planted fields to raise troops, and Zhu Houzhao is even more promising, establishing civilian militia to replace the army to suppress bandits.
Nanyan, today I asked you to come because of this matter. Didn't the imperial court order the local regions to vigorously establish civilian militia and use it to suppress bandits? I deliberately went to Jin Wangfu and gave a generous gift to the commander-in-chief, asking for the position of Shanxi Army Training Envoy for you. "
Jiang Nanyan doubtfully said, "Establishing civilian militia?"
Li Fuda coldly smiled and said, "That's right, establishing civilian militia. Didn't the imperial court want to save money and not raise troops? I, Li Fuda, will raise them for him. "
He held the cup in his hand and lightly said, "Now that the civilian militia is established, there is no need to be limited to one place. Nanyan, do you still not understand what I mean?"
Jiang Nanyan's eyes brightened and he suddenly cried out involuntarily, "This subordinate understands! Jiaozhu wants this subordinate to gather the people of our sect, openly establish civilian militia, secretly establish … "
Just as he said this, Li Fuda put a finger to his lips and said with a slight smile, "If you understand, then do it. If I want wind, Zhengde will send me wind. If I want rain, Zhengde will send me rain. Emperor Ming Destiny is so tactful, why should our sect worry about not being able to accomplish great things? "
Thinking through the key points, Jiang Nanyan couldn't help but be radiant with joy, "Jiaozhu is wise, we …"
"Be quiet, someone is coming."
As expected, a series of footsteps came from outside the door. Li Fuda's personal guard said, "Reporting to Sir, Duke Wei has sent a military order."
Li Fuda and Jiang Nanyan looked at each other and quickly walked out of the study. They saw a middle-aged soldier standing in front of the hall, dressed in full armor and travel-worn. Seeing Li Fuda appear, the middle-aged soldier immediately stepped forward and raised the commander's seal arrow in his right hand. He said in a deep voice, "Grand Palace Guard Zhang Yin, upon seeing this military order, immediately lead two guards to Mount Donghua."
"This general receives the order!" Li Fuda bowed and answered in a clear voice. He then stepped forward and received the commander's seal arrow with both hands. He suddenly turned around and ordered sternly, "Come, beat the drums and gather! Those who don't beat the drums three times, behead! "
His gaze met Jiang Nan Yan's, and his heart was already clear. The military order passed down by Yang Ling last time was, "Assess the enemy's strength, divide the battle and defend. Since the defense is solid, resume the attack. "
Obviously, it was time to execute the second step of the strategy.
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