Hastily rushing to a room in the front courtyard of the Leopard House, Yang Ling immediately nervously asked the military courier, "In the end, what is the Steadfast Guard's intention? Is there any further information?"
In one night, two urgent battle reports came from the military courier station.
One was the good news: Red Madame was surrounded. Her troops and horses had entered the mountain, but how could the temporary camp in the mountain, which was used to temporarily house the old and the young, have enough provisions for everyone to eat?
Although Red Madame wanted to live in seclusion in the depths of the mountain, opening up wastelands in order to make a living, with the current situation, it was impossible for them to survive even this winter. At that time, it was unknown how many old, weak, women and children would starve to death. Forced to do nothing, she had no choice but to secretly send people down the mountain to see if they could get a batch of provisions.
Their station was located in the dense jungle on the border between Hebei and Shanxi, therefore, Miao Kui transferred several troops from Shanxi and Hebei to cooperate with the officers and soldiers of the Taihang relay stations to suppress the bandits. When he was in Shanxi's Datong, his relationship with Wang Shouren was not bad, he knew that Wang Shouren's military strategy was outstanding. Although right now Wang Shouren was the military commander of the three towns and could not easily leave the important place, Miao Kui still wrote him a letter, asking him for a plan.
Wang Shouren analyzed the situation before and after the rest of Red Madame's troops entered the mountain. He also knew that due to the special geographical situation of Taihang Mountains, to exterminate them in the mountain was as difficult as ascending to the sky. The best way was to lure them out, and their fatal weakness: provisions, determined that they would definitely come out of the mountain in search of provisions. Thereupon, he proposed a plan to Miao Kui.
Very soon, it was said that a convoy of autumn provisions from Shaanxi crossed the river to the capital appeared in Shanxi, and began to advance toward Juyong Pass, preparing to take this route to Beijing. When Red Madame's people heard that there was such a huge grain transport team, as long as they snatched a part of it, it would be enough for them to survive the harsh winter. Immediately they excitedly returned to the mountain to report. Hearing this, Red Madame was greatly delighted. Thereupon she sent several mounted scouts to track the news of the grain transport team, with the intention of seizing this batch of grain carts.
When Miao Kui heard that the Emperor was getting married, he also knew that the one he married was the Emperor's most beloved Miss Tang, so he had no choice but to flatter the Emperor. His plan to lure the enemy had already been meticulously arranged, but the grain carts were very slow, it would take many days before they could reach the Capital. He did not know whether the Red Lady would fall into the trap or not, and if she did, when would he make his move. Therefore, after weighing the pros and cons, he reported this matter to the commanding officer and then hurriedly returned to the Capital.
Who would have thought that Red Madame would make her move right at this time? They fell into an ambush that had been set up earlier. What was even more frightening was that the first thing the officers and soldiers did was not to encircle and annihilate them. Rather, as soon as they rushed out of the mountain, they immediately assembled their troops and horses to block all the main roads leading to the mountain, sealing their retreat, and then steadily encircled them.
Right now, Red Madame's army was besieged in a relatively isolated mountain valley. Admittedly, if the officers and soldiers wanted to attack, they would suffer heavy casualties, but if they wanted to defend, it would be as easy as turning over their hand. Although they could defend the mountain, the problem was that the grain they brought with them, no matter how they tried to save it, they would not be able to last more than seven days. If they also had wild vegetables, wild fruits, and hunted wild beasts on the mountain, they might be able to hold on for a while longer, but if they wanted to leave, it would be impossible.
In other words, at the fastest, they would be completely wiped out within seven days. With such a great victory, how could the commanding officer of the Taihang Post wait for the military supervisor, Miao Kui, to come back before reporting to the Emperor? Although the plan was' formulated 'by Miao Kui, if he reported it now, he would definitely get some credit. Therefore, as soon as he saw that the overall situation had been determined, he did not wait for the Red Lady's entire army to be annihilated, so he impatiently submitted the military report to the Capital.
This commanding officer was also cautious. He was afraid of provoking Miao Kui, so he did not dare to report the victory to the Emperor. Instead, he used the excuse of reporting the military situation to the Ministry of War, pretending to ask for instructions on the next step of the operation. In this way, the Emperor would naturally know about the results they had achieved.
When Yang Ling heard that Red Lady was besieged and would be completely wiped out within ten days, his heart clenched. He was so sad that he could not describe what he was feeling. But before he could think about it, another bolt of lightning struck him, almost knocking him out.
Due to Hua Dang's sudden death, Boyan Guards had repeatedly won back large areas of their lost land and tribes, and for a time, their prestige rose. Due to Hua Dang's death, the Three Duoyan Guards were unable to recover, and they lacked a strong leader to control them. Therefore, even though their own strength was not greatly damaged, their momentum was not as strong as before, and there were already people who were disloyal.
In particular, Fuyu Guards' Bai Yin was now entrusted by Yin Qi to take charge of the overall situation, and her position was equivalent to a regent. Steadfast Guards' Aguda Mu had always been at odds with him, so naturally, he was not convinced. Now, he often did not respond to the joint operation of the Three Duoyan Guards, and strangely, Boyan's troops also never invaded his territory. Now, there were rumors everywhere on the grasslands that Steadfast Guards had betrayed the Three Duoyan Guards and were going to rely on Boyan.
When this news came, the imperial court had officially conferred Yin Qi the title of Queen of Shunming, and stated that Ming Destiny would provide material assistance and keep an eye on the situation on the grasslands. However, if Steadfast Guards' Aguda Mu had really become rebellious and colluded with Boyan, it was likely that even if the imperial edict was delivered, it would not be able to intimidate him.
"Is the military strategy in the north that I have painstakingly planned and carefully managed for two years really going to fail? If Fire Sieve and Boyan are in a stalemate, then Ming Destiny can still strive to recover in a few years, and begin to conquer the grasslands.
However, if the Three Duoyan Guards are divided and annexed, then Ming Destiny will immediately be drawn into the flames of war. Ming Destiny's army needs a large number of supplies to fight, and the imperial court will inevitably be dragged down by this war.
If they shrink back and do not participate in the war, once the Three Duoyan Guards are lost, all the guards outside the Great Wall will be separated, and will not be able to coordinate with each other, and will soon be eaten up. Even if the imperial court works hard to develop, when Ming Destiny recovers, the entire land outside the Great Wall will become the world of the Mongols. At that time, the war will be even more difficult, and they may not be able to achieve the desired goal.
What should I do? Hong Niangzi must have robbed the food because thousands of people will not be able to survive, and she has no other choice. Can I just sit and watch her die on the battlefield? The situation outside the Great Wall is so tense, and we can't fight, nor can we make peace. Am I just going to do nothing and watch the situation there worsen? "
A rope of love, and a responsibility, like two hemp ropes, tightly twisted Yang Ling's heart. What should I do? What should I do?
Yang Ling was restless. He quickly walked to the window and suddenly pushed it open. The late autumn wind blew, and his long hair fluttered. Yang Ling looked up at the sky and looked at the gloomy starlight. He clenched his fists, and there was a crazy impulse to shout in his heart: God, what should I do? What should I do!
Mou Bin saw that his cheeks were twitching and his face was ashen. He was so frightened that he did not dare to make a sound. He thought for a while and quietly snuck out of the room. He wanted to invite the few eunuchs who were eating and drinking in the main hall to discuss a strategy together. If he was alone, he would not dare to face the furious Duke Wei.
* * *
Yongfu's worried heart finally calmed down when the plan to deliver the medicine failed. That kind of fear, anticipation, joy, and anxiety finally subsided.
This kind of thing was really too shady. With her temperament, just thinking about it made her flustered. This time, it was really because her younger sister had taken care of it all by herself that she had allowed them to do it with a self-deceiving ostrich mentality. But her heart was still as nervous as if she was going to the execution ground.
Now that she heard that it did not succeed, Yongfu felt a sense of relief, and at the same time a little shy. She was too embarrassed to even meet her two sisters, so she used fatigue as an excuse and hurried back to the room that was arranged for her.
Yongchun and Xiang 'er also went back to the room hand in hand. Yongchun frowned with her hands behind her back, and with a cunning look, she slowly paced around the room: Next time, how should I deal with him? Hmm … bath? Bathing won't work. Outside officials are not allowed to enter the inner court of the palace. Moreover, there is a special palace for bathing. If I let him go there, it would be strange if he did not suspect something.
Xiang 'er sat on the bed, and her pair of eyes became more and more gentle, and more and more moist. It was hazy like the moonlight hidden in the fog, and like flowing water under the grass.
Her face became redder and redder, and she felt that her whole body was hot. The little Bei Lei on her chest also seemed to swell up, and she wanted to rub it to relieve the itch.
Xiang 'er's breathing became more and more rapid, and she gritted her teeth to resist the strange feeling. Gradually, she was in a trance, but there was still a question lingering in her mind: What's wrong with me? Could it be that the drug … was it that powerful? I just took a sip, and didn't swallow much. Two packets, it must be because there were two packets, Yongchun this … this wicked girl … "
A charming moan came out of her throat, and she was almost unable to control herself.
Princess Yongchun, who was bent on completing her great career as a matchmaker, wishfully took her moan as agreement with her opinion. She narrowed her eyes and nodded, pinched her sharp chin, and said very sinisterly: "You agree with me too? Hmm … Otherwise, I'll clearly trick him. What do you think? I'll invite my imperial sister back to the palace, or at the imperial nunnery, and I'll have the palace experts tie up Yang Ling, strip him, and throw him into my sister's room. Would he dare to say that it was my Princess Yongchun who did this? Hehehe … "
"Hmm? Xiang 'er, what's wrong? " She turned her head and suddenly found Xiang 'er sitting on the edge of the bed, biting her lower lip. Her pretty face was red, and her eyes were watery. Her legs were twisted together in a strange position, and her body was swaying.
Yongchun rushed over to support her, and then touched her face. She said in surprise: "Why is it so hot? Did you catch a cold? I'll go find the imperial physician … Hey, hey, you … What are you doing? You … Why are you touching me? I can't go there, aiya, it's so itchy, hehehe … Don't play around, don't play around. "
"It seems … It's not the usual kind of play?" Little Princess Yongchun was pushed onto the bed. Her little mouth was open, and her eyes were wide open. She looked in horror at the blushing Xiang 'er who was pressing on her body. She couldn't bear it, panting, and moaning like a female cat in heat: "Yongchun, I … It's so hot, so … itchy, so uncomfortable. Quickly save me, find the imperial physician …"
Seeing Xiang 'er's red, puffy lips slowly pressing down on her own lips, and a devil's hand actually grasping her petite breasts, Yong Chun, who was paralyzed with fear, had goosebumps all over her body. She suddenly came back to her senses and abruptly turned her head to avoid Xiang' er, that burning hot lips kissed her neck.
Yongchun was so scared that her limbs fell to the ground, and she screamed at the top of her lungs: "Help! Molestation! Molestation! Sister, come quickly! Imperial physician, maid, Imperial Bodyguard, Little Chap Ding, Little Bean, Royal Brother, save me ~ ~ ~ "
Like a chicken being slaughtered, the pitiful cries spread far and wide in the quiet night sky …
* * *
Tang Yixian lay on the bed with her butt up. She raised her head to listen, and then brushed her sweaty hair. Panting, she said: "It seems … Someone is calling me Royal Brother."
"Really?" Zhengde also lay on the bed with his butt up. They were half a foot apart, and their foreheads were touching. He raised his head to listen: "There's no movement. Maybe that girl Yongchun drank too much and is acting crazy again. Ignore her, she's just a crazy girl. Let's continue."
"Okay." Tang Yixian wiped her sweat, and continued to rummage under the quilt and under the mattress. Copper coins, silver ingots, golden beans, gems, pearls, pomegranates, chestnuts, red dates … There was already a big pile between the two of them.
"Phew … I'm so tired. When can I sleep?" Emperor Zhengde said gloomily: "It must be that girl Yongchun. She scattered so many fruits and hid them everywhere."
"Sigh!" Tang Yixian sighed lazily: "Why don't we just shake it a bit? Wouldn't it be clean?"
"No, no," Emperor Zhengde said nervously: "These pearls and jades represent wealth and auspiciousness, safety forever, and a smooth life. These fruits represent giving birth to children early and having many grandchildren. We have to find them one by one and keep them well. We can't shake them. "
Tang Yixian sat on her calves and massaged her small waist: "Haven't I already found so many? Isn't it rich and auspicious enough and full of grandchildren? You wish, but I can't afford it. "
"Hehe, that won't do. One every year. You have to give me a hundred years. Give me a lot of little princes and princesses. Only then will it be enough." Zhengde laughed as he searched for the fruits.
Tang Yixian rolled her eyes and said angrily: "Then I don't have to do anything else. You think I'm a pig?"
"If there's such a cute little sow like you in the world, then I'd rather be a big boar." Emperor Zhengde said affectionately.
Tang Yixian snorted. With a sweet voice she said: "You're a pig. A big stupid pig. A boar!"
That flirtatious expression made Zhengde hug her. The two of them fell onto the bed with their clothes on.
"Ouch, it's so painful." Tang Yixian groaned.
Emperor Zhengde got up nervously and said, "Continue, continue, continue to search, continue to search..."
…
"Princess!" A few maids who had rushed into the boudoir after hearing the news covered their mouths in shock. They had witnessed an extremely tragic "scandal" in the palace with their own eyes, and this had really shocked them.
"Quickly pull Princess Xiang 'er away. Call the imperial doctor. Quickly, anyone who doesn't keep their mouth shut and dares to leak anything will be beaten to death!" Princess Yongfu who had arrived in time immediately understood what had happened. She immediately brought out the prestige that the Eldest Princess should have and sternly ordered.
Xiang 'er did not do anything. She was still an immature virgin. She was ignorant of the matters between men and women. She only felt that kissing and rubbing against each other would lessen the burning sensation on her skin. This was why she could not help but hug Yongchun.
This medicine was taken by the princesses who had been in a state of hunger and thirst all year round when their son-in-law occasionally came to visit. It did not contain any aphrodisiac. So although the flames of desire were burning, her consciousness was very clear. It was just that she could not control herself.
Princess Xiang 'er was helped out by the palace maids. Yongchun crawled up and wiped the saliva off her face. She waved her little fist at the depressed Yongfu. She angrily shouted: "I will not give in. Next time, I will definitely succeed. Definitely! Definitely! "
※ ※ ※
"The remnants in white are trapped? Hahaha, good, good! This is a joyous occasion. Tomorrow morning, I'll report this to His Majesty. His Majesty will definitely be happy. His Majesty has just gotten married, so this can be considered a big congratulatory gift. Double happiness, double happiness! "Miao Kui's old face bloomed with joy.
Dai Yi tugged at his sleeve and pouted at Yang Ling, who had a dark expression on his face. He whispered, "Look at you. You've done a great service, so be it. The Duke is worried about the situation outside the borders. You should help him think of a solution."
"Ah?" When Miao Kui looked at Yang Ling, he realized that he had gotten carried away. He quickly stopped smiling and carefully calculated for a while: "Ah! The national treasury was already empty. The gold and silver taken from Liu Jin was used to suppress bandits, labor for the army, the construction of refugee villages, the distribution of relief grain for farming, the purchase of cattle and farming tools for the farmers, and the purchase of armors, ordnance, and food. All of it was almost spent.
Now that the imperial court is frugal, they have saved some money. But if the money is used for the war, it can only last for one or two months. This is still within Ming Destiny. If we use the local forces to fight outside the border, the cost will be more than ten times.
The Mongolians use war to sustain war. Our Celestial Kingdom's soldiers can't be like them and rob on the spot. And it will be winter soon. It will be even harder to say if we want to send troops in winter. "
Zhang Yong let out a heavy sigh. He was also well-versed in military affairs, so he naturally felt the same way about Miao Kui's words. He knitted his brows, spread his hands, and said, "But isn't this a stalemate? The current situation outside the border is not something that we can control by sending an envoy and saying some beautiful words.
If the Tai Ning Wei really wants to change their mind, the Duoyan Wei Wei will not get any real support and will be attacked from both inside and outside. But to send troops? If we can't take them down in a month or two, it'll be winter soon. We won't be able to keep up with the rations and armaments, and the troops we send out will either starve to death or start a mutiny. No matter how I think about it, it won't work. "
Mou Bin thought for a moment and said: "Duke, Eunuchs, I have an idea. We must send an army to control the Duoyan Guards and annihilate the Fire Sieve Boyan. We can't dispatch a large number of troops with our current conditions. What if we do it like last year when Eunuch Miao and General Xu Tai launched a surprise attack on Boyan's camp? What if we only send a surprise attack? As long as we can restrain Bayan and Fire Sieve and ensure the balance of the three forces, won't we achieve our goal? "
The eyes of Miao Kui and the others lit up, and they all turned to look at Yang Ling. Yang Ling was not only thinking about the worsening situation outside the Great Wall, he was also thinking about Red Lady. What would happen to her? Would she be shot to death by arrows on the battlefield, starve to death in the mountains, or fall into the hands of some soldiers who didn't abide by military discipline, and be …
Moreover, the war outside the Great Ming Dynasty was involved in the political, economic, and military development. If they were unable to extricate themselves from it, the current situation would become even more serious. It might even cause the poor and destitute people to rise up and rebel. The old forces would take the opportunity to counterattack and send themselves and their reforms to the guillotine.
Yang Ling was confused. After listening to Mou Bin's suggestion, he just shook his head and said with a bitter smile: "It's difficult! Who are we going to attack? It's going to be winter soon, and the whole prairie hasn't had a good time these two years. As long as we send out troops, no matter which of the three forces we deal with, the other two forces will take the opportunity to take a breather to survive the harsh winter, including our temporary allies, the Duoyan Guards.
For their own sake, they would even secretly provide convenience to their mortal enemy, letting him fight against our Great Ming, in order to lure us in and achieve their goal. Don't look at me, this is possible. On the journey of hegemony, there are only eternal benefits, not eternal friends. They will do this.
Moreover, last year we used Bayan to attack our border and attacked them when they were empty. Now we are sending an isolated army to join the war, to the place where their forces are the most concentrated. The three forces on the prairie are fighting among themselves, and at least two of them will take advantage of the situation. It is too dangerous to go in alone.
In addition, if we, the Great Ming Dynasty, send out troops, regardless of the number of troops, it will show our attitude. We still have to consider whether the Duoyan Guards will deliberately lead us into a deeper trap, whether the Fire Sieve Tribe or Bayan Mengke Tribe will attack the border to retaliate, and if they discover our intentions, will we help them to temporarily reconcile and unite against a common enemy? "
Their considerations were purely from a military perspective, but Yang Ling's words had taken into consideration political factors, the feelings of the nation, the common interests, and the trade-off of local interests. Dai Yi and the rest felt a headache coming on. The eunuchs looked at each other in dismay, unable to come up with any other opinions.
Seeing this, Yang Ling waved his hand and said, "The situation outside the borders is now a mess. If we step on it, it will be a quagmire that we can't get out of. If we don't step on it, we will still be implicated.
This matter is of great importance. To come up with a plan, we still need to deliberate and discuss it with the important ministers in the court. We are not in a hurry at this moment. Today is His Majesty's joyous day. Everyone, don't be unhappy. Hehe, it's already late. Let's go back to rest. We will report these matters to His Majesty tomorrow and discuss it properly. "
Miao Kui and the others cupped their hands and said goodbye. Yang Ling was not in a hurry to return to his room. He sat for a while and waved his hand to let the servant leave first. Then he turned around and looked at the stars outside the window.
※ ※ ※
The window was not closed, and the night wind kept pouring into the room. The cold moonlight shone into the room, and it was cool and desolate.
His eyes were filled with tears, and the stars in the sky became blurry, as though it had turned into a misty flying snow.
Amidst the fluttering snow, there was a small house with only one guest drinking by himself at the door. Dressed in black, her waist was slender, her hair was tied behind her shoulders, and a white silk was tied on her forehead. Slender waist, proud curves of her breasts, and the silhouette of her beautiful face … …
She slowly turned her face. Her black and white eyes, her beautiful and exquisite facial features, were separated by the blurry curtain of snow, but could still be seen. That pair of eyes, was filled with helplessness and weakness. When she looked at him, the faint charm in her eyes made one's heart ache … …
Ying 'er!
Yang Ling's body trembled, and the figure in the night sky disappeared. He blinked his eyes, and it was still a sky full of stars and moon, and the room was filled with a cool breeze. But Ying 'er's stubborn voice became abnormally clear in his ears, "You are a man, and there are things that you should not do. As a little girl, I will also take note of my words! What I want to do, I will definitely be able to do it, even if I turn the world upside down! I can go anywhere in the world, who can stop me? You care about me? Based on what? "
"Based on the fact that we are husband and wife! Based on the fact that Yang Hu is not worthy of you! Based on the fact that you are messing around now, regardless of right or wrong! Based on the fact that Cui Ying 'er, as a girl, should not be sent to the execution ground for these responsibilities that she should not bear. I have the responsibility to take care of you, and I have the right to control you! From now on, you are my woman!
Give yourself a chance, and also give me a chance. I cannot keep you today, but sooner or later, I will be able to keep you. Not only will I keep you, but I will also keep your heart. We will definitely meet again. Regardless of whether it is the battlefield or the execution ground, I will turn it into a field of love. "
She smiled, and her smile was like the moon breaking through the clouds, and it was indescribably breathtaking. "Alright, Mr. Yang, then you can treat the battlefield or the execution ground as a field of love. When I poke a big hole in the sky, if you still have the ability to mend it for me, I, Red Lady, will follow you for the rest of my life."
"Just you wait, Mr. Yang. Wait for me to turn the world upside down. I want to see what ability you have to mend the sky!" Her voice was still echoing in his ears, and that breathtaking beauty had already blended into the curling curtain of snow.
The conversation between the two of them resounded in his ears, and a helpless and bitter smile appeared on Yang Ling's lips. "I let you off once, but you fell into my trap again. Ying 'er, how can I bear to watch you fall into hell? How can I help you mend the sky? How can I save you? How can I help you escape from your crimes? How can I not watch you die without doing anything! "
He slammed his fist on the table. The eunuch outside heard the commotion and hurriedly rushed in. He bowed and said, "High Duke."
"Oh, it's nothing." After Yang Ling finished speaking, he stood still for a moment. He flicked his sleeves and turned around. He lightly said, "Let's go, bring me back to the guest room. I'm a little tired."
"Yes, yes." The eunuch retreated and took a lantern from the side of the door. He carried the lantern and led the way in front. With his hands behind his back, Yang Ling leisurely followed behind him to the guest room. His mind was still replaying the scene of Cui Ying 'er holding a sword and mounting a horse. She valiantly and energetically left through the snow.
As he walked, his footsteps became slower and slower. In the end, he actually stopped. The eunuch led the way, and from time to time, he turned back to look at Yang Ling. Seeing that he had stopped, the eunuch hurriedly carried the lantern and rushed back. He smiled apologetically and said, "High Duke, you … this …"
He only heard Yang Ling mumbling, "Valiantly and energetically, cross the Yalu River. Hmm … valiantly and energetically, cross the Shanhai Pass … "
The eunuch had never heard of the Yalu River, but how could he not have heard of the Shanhai Pass? He smiled apologetically and bowed as he stood at the side. He did not understand what the High Duke was talking about.
"Hahaha." Yang Ling looked up to the sky and laughed a few times. He clenched his fists and banged them together. Then, he walked valiantly and energetically, leaving the eunuch carrying the lantern far behind.
Red Lady could be saved! The situation outside the Great Wall could be saved! Cutting the grass to hit the rabbit, the two difficult problems could be solved at the same time. There was no obstacle in the world that I, Yang Ling, could not overcome!
However, if he wanted to have a volunteer army with red hearts and bandits' skins to help Ming Destiny's imperial court balance the forces outside the Great Wall, the prerequisite was … to first subdue that wild and untameable rouge horse!
For a moment, Yang Ling was eager to get into action.
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