Red Lady, Adeni, and the others were restlessly pacing back and forth outside the tent, while a group of generals stood further away and watched. It was not until a long time later that they saw Cheng Qiyun lift the curtain and walk out.
Red Lady and Adeni hurriedly went forward and did not speak, only conveying questions with their eyes.
Cheng Qiyun also did not speak and only nodded heavily. Adeni was overjoyed and immediately turned to the generals to signal success. Uncontrollable cheers rang out around the central army tent.
Yang Ling heard the cheers of his generals in the tent and could not help but sigh softly. Cheng Qiyun was right, the needs of these generals who have been bathed in blood on the battlefield must also be taken into account. Everything that a person in a high position did not necessarily come from his original intention. Many times, it was because he had no other choice.
When one was in his position, he had to consider the interests and feelings of his followers. If he couldn't even take care of the interests of his followers, or even completely destroyed them, then he was basically pushing them to the opposite side. In this world, how many people could abandon their family and work to support and follow a person without any complaints or regrets, and not care about personal interests at all?
However, he did not completely agree with Cheng Qiyun's plan. At least, he wanted to stay outside the pass and send people to request for a title. On the basis of creating an established fact, making the Emperor unwillingly grant him a title, Yang Ling absolutely could not do it. He fully understood that this was the inevitable choice of an ambitious and ruthless person, and the safest and most certain path to success. The conditions he offered were also of great benefit to Ming Destiny, but in that case, the personal friendship between him and Zhengde would also be completely over. No matter how much he explained or how much he did, he could not escape the reality of betrayal.
In this world, he had many subordinates and many affectionate beauties, but he only had one brother, Zhengde. Although the two did not say it to each other, they both understood in their hearts that they already regarded each other as good brothers whose blood was thicker than water.
Emperor Zhengde was lonely. In this world, he only had one brother, Yang Ling. In the emperor's heart, he was not only a subject, but also his best friend and best brother. On him, Zhengde's trust and feelings were entrusted. If he did this, Zhengde would not be able to bear such a blow. From then on, he would no longer trust others and become an emperor full of suspicion.
This kind of monarch would not be broad-minded. He would not be at ease to let his officials expand their territory and bring glory to the Great Ming. From then on, he would tightly hold on to his power. He would rather have a flock of mediocre sheep than an eagle that could only spread its wings and soar. If Ming Destiny's peak ruler was such a person, how could Ming Destiny develop?
Yang Ling had to resolve this matter satisfactorily, even though he would have to bear considerable risks. For the sake of brotherhood, friendship, and sincere cooperation between the emperor and his subjects, he did not want to have a dispute with Ming Destiny when he was expanding to the north. In the end, he had to stifle his development and put all his energy into the internal friction and battle between the two brothers.
When the army reached the Zhuo 'er River and crossed the river to the east, they would reach the Duoyan Mountains. At that time, they would have to think of a way to resolve the matter of Yin Qiqige. Peng Xiaobu had already led the army to the northeast and rushed to the capital commander of Nuzi. The court guards would return to their encampment, while the militia trained by Peng Xiaobu would stay in the newly moved Xing 'an Mountains. They would choose a strategic location to build Beiying City and cooperate with the White Coat Army.
Jing Fuer had also rushed back to the Wonan River to expand her power and take over the nearby Wala and Tatar tribes. As the rebellion with the Duoyan Queen had not started, it was still unknown whether the two families would become in-laws or enemies. As a precaution, Red Lady and Feng Lei led 10,000 cavalry and rushed back to the Duoyan Tribe with the army of the Duoyan Guards.
At the Zhuo 'er River, it was the golden autumn of the ninth month. The river water flowed leisurely and was reflected by the setting sun.
The river water was plentiful. Fortunately, it was not very wide. Four simple wooden bridges were built and the four armies crossed the river at the same time. The scenery here was very good. There was no polluted water, air, and green mountains and clear waters. It made people feel relaxed and happy.
Yang Ling got off the carriage and slowly walked across the bridge with Red Lady and the others. Strolling on the bridge without guardrails, looking at the clear blue river flowing southeast, the autumn wind blowing on his face made him feel refreshed and all his worries were swept away. Yang Ling had just raised his spirits when Liu Da Bang Chui ran along the swaying bridge and said while panting, "High Duke, Your Highness, she … she has come to welcome you."
Yang Ling frowned and scolded, "You are now a general of an army. Be more steady and speak incoherently. Who will come to welcome me …"
As Yang Ling spoke, he looked towards the direction where Liu Da Bang Chui was pointing. There was a small tree by the river. Under the tree, there was a girl with waist-length hair, dressed in white, graceful and picturesque. At this time, the setting sun was as red as blood. The beautiful rays of light illuminated her golden body. If it was not Queen Yinqi, who else could it be?
Yang Ling's face changed. He subconsciously looked at Cui Ying 'er. Fortunately, she returned with the army of the Duoyan Guards. Cui Ying' er was still dressed as a man. He was relieved.
"Your Excellency." Cheng Qiyun's eyes glanced at Yang Ling.
"Ahem, Ying 'er." Yang Ling's eyes glanced at Red Lady.
Red Lady smiled awkwardly. She tightened her clothes and looked to see if there were any flaws. Only then did she stride forward.
"Yang, you can't always let Sister Ying appear. The deeper the Queen falls in love, the harder it will be for her to extricate herself. You should take the initiative to pursue her."
Yang Ling glared at her and said hatefully, "What do you want me to say? If I say that your man is actually my woman, why don't you marry me too? "
Cheng Qiyun giggled. Yang Ling rolled his eyes at her and coldly snorted, "In fact, it is enough for the two families to form an alliance. Why do you have to cause so much trouble? Just thinking about it makes me angry!"
Cheng Qiyun smiled and said, "Your Excellency, it is easy to form an alliance because of benefits, but it is difficult to defend together when there are difficulties. If she is not firmly tied to Your Excellency, will the powerful force of the Duoyan Guards, the future masters of the entire grassland, be able to exert pressure on the imperial court for Your Excellency's safety? Will they be able to march north for Your Excellency's ambition? Will they be able to easily persuade them to leave the Duoyan Mountains and move to the Onan River so that the Liaodong Ming Destiny Guards can smoothly form a line?
Your Excellency has always done his best for the country and the people. Even if this time you are 'sacrificing your life for the country', I believe that Your Excellency will have no regrets. Moreover … Sister Yinqi is not ugly. "
Yang Ling nodded with a smile that was not a smile, "What you said is reasonable! Yun 'er really knows me. Good! Very good! Master will definitely reward you handsomely! "
As long as Yang Ling agreed to the plan, Cheng Qiyun had nothing to be afraid of. She was not afraid when she heard what he said. She just looked at him with her foxy eyes and said in a sweet voice, "What does Your Excellency want to reward me with?"
Yang Ling said with a straight face, "Come and see me tonight. Your Excellency will reward you with bamboo shoots and meat!"
"Okay, okay, I want it too." Adeni looked at him with envious eyes. She quickly ran to his side and hugged his arm with a coquettish look.
Yang Ling groaned and almost fell into the river …
※ ※ ※
Upstream of the Zhuoer River, Li Daren climbed up the riverbank. The frogs and grasshoppers jumped in the grass.
This was a forest that was rarely visited by people. The surroundings were full of vines and shrubs. Li Daren threw the things in his hands to the ground and lay down on the ground, panting heavily.
Although he was skilled in martial arts, he was still made of flesh and blood. He had followed the imperial army all the way here and had to tread on water to cross the river. Because of the rapid flow of the river, he was afraid of wetting the things in his hands, so he tried his best to tread on water to cross the river. He was exhausted and really tired.
When Red Lady and Yang Ling joined hands to attack Bayan Mengke, Li Daren and Bayan Mengke were separated from each other. In the end, Li Daren escaped with a small group of several dozen people. When he wanted to find Bayan Mengke again, he had already lost the opportunity. The White Army was originally fighting against the imperial court. However, when the White Army and the Tartars had a dispute over territory, Li Daren, who had just arrived at the border, naturally went to Bayan Mengke's side.
First, the two sides had a foundation for cooperation. Secondly, the golden name of the Gold Family was more important than the White Army. Unexpectedly, Bayan Mengke, who was a hero for a lifetime, ended up like this.
Now, the imperial court had formed an alliance with the Duoyan Guards and the White Army. In the matters of the imperial court, there had never been personal grudges. Because of mutual benefits, it was normal to fight to the death today and be as close as a family tomorrow. However, this had cut off his path of retreat.
The Duoyan Guards, the White Army, and the Nu 'er Gan Guards divided the prisoners of war equally and captured them as slaves. Many of them knew that he was a Han who was often by Bayan Mengke's side and was highly valued. If he went to one side, it was hard to guarantee that he wouldn't be recognized and bring about a fatal disaster.
But he was unwilling to leave like this. He had nowhere to go. He once had such great ambitions, but they were shattered again and again. Now that he had fallen to this point, where else could he go? With his ability, it was easy for him to live a carefree life. However, how could the descendants of the Li Family be so unambitious?
"Yang Ling!" Li Daren looked at the golden clouds in the sky and secretly clenched his teeth. It turned out that all of this was done by Yang Ling. He was the one who led the troops here. He was the one who broke his last fantasy. He was the murderer who killed his father and brother, the murderer who destroyed the Li Family's great cause!
Li Daren once dreamed of conquering the country and sitting in the Royal Court. However, all of this was forced to give up because of the fiasco of the Maitreya Sect and the deaths of his father and brother. So he settled for the next best thing. He hoped to use the power of King Ning or Bayan Mengke to overthrow Ming Destiny and avenge his family. However, these two people also failed. Now, his goal was lowered again. That was to kill Yang Ling!
How much bitterness and bitterness was contained in the process, from the ambitious ambition of seeking power to following the example of a boorish man, bleeding five steps and showing off one's own will?
He took a deep breath and turned over to carefully examine the package that he had been protecting in his hand. Fortunately, the package was not wet. Three black iron balls in the shape of tortoise shells were still lying there.
Li Daren's lips couldn't help but reveal a smile of relief. These were the weapons he stole from the barracks at night when he followed Yang Ling's army. He had seen the fearsomeness of these weapons. It was precisely under the assault of these frightening firearms that Bayan Meng's army had been utterly routed.
A metal bullet exploded, and hundreds of steel needles and metal pieces shot out in all directions at an alarming speed. The area of effect was large, and it was difficult for a human to block them. With such a terrifying firearm, he would definitely be able to charge into the circle of Yang Ling's guards and kill this mortal enemy of the Li family.
He had stolen a total of four grenades. He had already tested one in the wilderness and mastered how to use it. He kept the remaining three grenades with him as if they were treasures. The Maitreya Army was unreliable. King Ning was unreliable. The untimely Bayan Mengke was unreliable. But this real grenade should be reliable, right?
"Yang Ling, just you wait! Cut off all means of retreat! Even if I have to pay with my life, I will send you to the afterlife! " Li Daren's strength recovered a little. He gritted his teeth and got up. He picked up the package and quietly escaped into the bushes …
※ ※ ※
Queen Yin Qi welcomed him from hundreds of miles away. She had finally received her fiancé, whom she had been longing for day and night. The victory of the Duoyan Guards had pushed her prestige to the peak. There was no one else qualified to rule the grasslands except her. Queen Yin Qi's promotion to Khan Yin Qi was just around the corner.
But problems followed. Some of them were encountered by her subordinates, and some were problems that Yang Ying had painstakingly planned and thought about for her. This gave Yin Qi a headache.
The grasslands could not be without a ruler. Even if the Wala people did not fight for it, if the Duoyan Guards gave up on taking over, then these grassland tribes would regroup as soon as possible and choose a new leader to be the ruler. If the Duoyan Guards took over, then they would have to face an important responsibility as a ruler: let the herdsmen have food to eat.
The destruction caused by the war was huge. The grassland was burned, and the food was used up. Because of the war, the grazing was affected, and the breeding of cattle and sheep missed the best time. It was already October, and winter was coming. Where could they find so much food?
The generals under her command were some guys who were proficient in destruction, but none of them were good at financial management and governance. Usually, when faced with these problems, the tribal leaders would turn the internal desire for survival into a battle and lead it to the frontier of Ming Destiny. On the one hand, they would consume the population in the war, and on the other hand, they would seize as much food as possible to meet the needs of their own people. But now, did they still have to fight with Ming Destiny?
At the same time, the war had caused the increase of Horse Gang on the grasslands. To take over these tribes, they had to crack down on these Horse Gang and stabilize the order of the grasslands. Then, among the three subordinates, who would carry out this difficult task in the harsh winter? How to balance the interests between the three guards?
Moreover, the Duoyan Guards were originally Mongolian soldiers who surrendered to Ming Destiny and were stationed here. This was the edge of the entire grasslands. Now, if they wanted to rule the grasslands, then their ruling center was too remote. It was difficult to have a strong political influence and control the political situation of the entire grasslands.
If they wanted to move the tribes, where would they move to? The relocation of such a large tribe would have to face such matters as the relocation of the entire tribe, the relocation of the grasslands, and the re-division of the grasslands. If they were not careful, it would inevitably cause friction within the three guards. As a queen, what did she not consider?
The White Coat Army was now poorer than her. These matters all required a strong financial foundation. Yang Ying's problem could not help her at all. Yin Qi put away her love affair and thought hard for a long time, but still could not come up with a solution.
When so many problems had to be solved by Queen Yin Qi, this little girl realized that even without Bai Yin's hindrance, there were too many things that she could not solve with her ability. She had no choice but to use Yang Ling, hoping to get Ming Destiny's cooperation and help.
Ever since Yang Ling came to the Duoyan Guards, he did not move. Although he was stationed here, he did not seem to have anything important to do. Every day, he hunted and played. No one knew what he was planning.
Yin Qi always felt that such an important person as Ming Destiny would not stay here to hunt after the war. This guy must have some conspiracy, just like when he lied to her father on Mount Bai and tried to push her down the mountain.
Therefore, other than the necessary courtesy invitations, Yin Qi had always kept a respectful distance from him. But now, she had no choice but to deal with this difficult Mr Yang.
Queen Yin Qi's ink-like eyebrows were furrowed. She was pacing slowly in the study, thinking about the negotiation with Yang Ling after he came and evaluating the conditions that Ming Destiny might offer. Just as she was thinking, Bayar rushed in and said loudly, "Your Highness, I'm back."
Yin Qi quickly greeted, "Is State Duke Wei here?"
Bayar stared at her and said, "I didn't invite him. That pretty boy said he was busy and said he would come another day to pay his respects to Your Highness. "
Yin Qi asked curiously, "What is he busy with?"
Bayar said, "People from Wala are here. The leader of the Ordos tribe, Leguci Akla, is now promoted to be the Wala Khan. They sent messengers to meet him. When I arrived, I saw him holding a banquet in his tent to entertain the Wala messengers."
Queen Yin Qi was shocked and cried out, "Wala? Why would the Wala want to meet him? "
She hurriedly paced two steps and ordered, "Men, prepare a horse. I will personally invite State Duke Ming Destiny."
Bayar said in a daze: "Your Highness, then let's wait for him to come another day. No matter what, you are a prince and he is a duke. Your status is still one level lower than yours. How can you personally go to his door to invite him? How can he be so arrogant? "
Yin Qi glared and said unhappily, "Lord Bayar, use your brain too! Both Wala and Tatars have suffered heavy losses. At this time, they suddenly send someone to meet Yang Ling. Why do you think it is? "
"Why?" Bayar asked in a charmingly naive manner.
Yin Qi said, "Of course they are using sweet words and good looks to persuade the Great Ming, to ask for the Great Ming's protection and help. As long as the Great Ming nod their head, they will dare to gradually take over the Tatar territories near Wala, we are too far away to help. If Ming Destiny agrees to help, Ming Destiny's guards are right behind us and we dare not send out all our troops, Wala can take the opportunity to take over the grasslands. "
She paused for a moment, then snorted coldly and said, "Perhaps the Great Ming Dynasty will even bestow their leaders the title of Prince and cultivate several forces to balance the power of the grasslands. The Great Ming Dynasty has been doing this for the past hundred years."
"What?" Bayar was annoyed, "They have just allied with us and now they are going to help the Wala against us? This is ridiculous, how can Ming Destiny do this? "
Yin Qi shook her head and sighed faintly, "We can't just say that they are wrong. If I were Ming Destiny's man, I would do the same."
Bayar blinked his eyes in confusion. His relatively simple brain could not understand such a complicated principle.
"I will go ask High Duke Yang. Invite the King of Northern Ying here immediately," Yin Qi said hurriedly as she walked out.
Now it seemed that it was necessary to join forces with Brother Yang to put some pressure on Ming Destiny. They could not allow Ming Destiny to support the ambitious Wala. Otherwise, in three to five years, the grasslands would repeat the battle between the Tatars and the Wala. It was just that she had replaced Boyan's role and Ming Destiny would be the fisherman who reaped the benefits.
"Why is the great High Duke Ming Destiny staying here instead of leaving?" When Yin Qi got on her horse and the Vanguard Guards slowly left the mansion, Yin Qi, who had been busy with tribe affairs and had no energy to think about this question, suddenly asked herself, "The grasslands are our grasslands after all. He won't make a ridiculous request to get a share of the profits just because he helped us win the war, right?"
But now she had to rely on Ming Destiny for many things. What if he really made an excessive request of her?
The little queen, who could not find anyone to discuss with, frowned pitifully as she rode on her horse and thought, The damn Wala people have come to see him. Now he has more capital. If he takes the opportunity to make some requests, what would he want?
Thinking of this, Yin Qi's heart suddenly shook. She thought of the most likely place, a place that was of utmost importance to the Great Ming Dynasty, "Could it be that the Great Ming Dynasty's Duke Wei has been staying here all this while to find an opportunity to take back the He Tao region?"
The more Yin Qi thought about it, the more likely it seemed. Perhaps this was the main reason why Yang Ling had been staying here all this time. Now that the Wala people were wagging their tails at Ming Destiny and increasing Ming Destiny's bargaining chip, this guy could finally tear off the fig leaf and openly ask for the land that Ming Destiny had always wanted but could not get.
Yin Qi thought uneasily, "If this is really his purpose, should I give it to him or not? Should I give him the front or the back? He can't be so greedy that he wants both the front and the back, right? "
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