In the palace of Hongshan County.
Gu Erha was sitting in the main hall, flipping through the latest intelligence reports. The news that had been collected over the past few days was all about the unrest in the city.
All the citizens were discussing Xia Xia's land policies and tax policies. Some of the soldiers who had escaped were also discussing this, causing the citizens' hearts to be unsettled. They all thought that the Ming Kingdom's taxes were too heavy.
While it was true that no one had rebelled for the time being, it was hard to say what would happen.
It made people worried.
Therefore, Gu Erha sent out scouts to keep an eye on the city, strictly monitoring the movements in the city. If anyone wanted to rebel, they would be killed immediately. They could not leave any hidden dangers.
At this time, Gu Erha had ordered the soldiers under his command to guard the four city gates. Only by firmly controlling the four city gates in his hands could Gu Erha feel more secure.
Otherwise, problems could easily arise.
While Gu Erha was flipping through the news, a eunuch rushed in and reported to Gu Erha, "Your Majesty, bad news. The Princess has fainted again."
"Let's go!"
Gu Erha stood up and went to the back of the palace.
Gu Erha doted on his wife very much. He did not have any other women by his side, only his wife. All these years, Gu Erha had never taken in a concubine, nor had he overstepped his boundaries.
He had a very good relationship with his wife.
Gu Erha hurried to the back of the palace and saw his wife, Lan Shi, lying on the bed. Seeing that Lan Shi's eyes were closed and she had not woken up, Gu Erha hurriedly said, "Imperial doctor, where is the imperial doctor? Where did he go? "
The palace maid replied, "Your Majesty, I've already sent a message. He'll be here soon."
Gu Erha sat beside Lan Shi anxiously, looking nervous. He and Lan Shi were a couple who had gone through hardships together. In the early years, Gu Erha was not from a big family, nor was he from a military family. He was just an ordinary person.
After Gu Erha and Lan Shi met, the two fell in love at first sight. Lan Shi married Gu Erha without hesitation. One had to know that the Lan family was also a prestigious family. Lan Shi's marriage to Gu Erha caused a huge uproar at that time.
Inside the Lan family, there was a lot of discussion. However, at that time, the Lan family also admitted it. After all, the Lan family was the pearl of the Lan family. With the Lan family's approval, the marriage was set.
Fortunately, Gu Erha did not disappoint. With the help of the Lan family's influence, he entered the county government to work. In the beginning, he was just an ordinary adjutant. He was promoted from adjutant to county officer, county officer, county deputy, and finally county magistrate.
Every step he took was firm and steady, and Guerha displayed extraordinary abilities.
Therefore, he quickly became the county magistrate.
In the end, he became the governor of Wakada Prefecture and enjoyed limitless glory.
The reason why Gu Erha could be where he was today was inseparable from the Lan family's support. At any time, the Lan family was a virtuous wife, gentle and virtuous. Moreover, when Gu Erha encountered a big problem, the Lan family could even give him advice.
This was the reason why Gu Erha and the Lan family had always treated each other with respect. The husband and wife had always worked hand in hand.
Now, Madam Lan had fallen ill.
Not long after, the imperial physician entered. After taking the Lan family's pulse, he sighed and said, "Your Majesty, the princess consort's illness is due to depression in her heart. She fainted because of excessive worry. The most important thing is to make the princess consort happy. As long as the princess consort's mood improves, everything will gradually get better. I'll prescribe two sets of medicine for the princess consort to nurse her body. I estimate that the princess consort will wake up in a while. Your Majesty, the most important thing is to make the princess consort's mood improve. "
"Understood!"
Gu Erha nodded.
The imperial physician turned and left, followed by the palace maid.
Gu Erha sat in front of the Lan family. His eyes were anxious, but he waited quietly. After a long while, the Lan family finally woke up. Gu Erha hurriedly said, "Princess consort, you're finally awake. You scared me to death when you fainted. "
The Lan family said, "Your Majesty, I've worried you."
Her expression was still gloomy.
Gu Erha knew the crux of the problem, but he did not know how to comfort her. After all, his son was dead. Gu Erha took a deep breath and persuaded, "Princess consort, Cheng Ye is dead. The dead can't be brought back to life. The dead are gone, and the living have to continue living. Aren't you going to consider me and our daughter? "
"It's useless for you to keep thinking about Cheng Ye's matter."
"You still have to live."
"Although Cheng Ye was naughty and mischievous, he was extremely filial. If Cheng Ye's spirit in heaven saw you washing your face with tears and living with sorrow, he would definitely be heartbroken. "
Gu Erha said, "Princess consort, don't you think so? No matter what, we still have to live with a smile. "
When the Lan family heard this, tears filled her eyes. Bean-sized teardrops rolled down her face. The knot in her heart was released at this moment. As she cried, she choked, "Your Majesty, my son was still young. He had not experienced anything and was killed. He died so miserably. I, I can't help it when I think about it …"
The Lan family kept crying.
She even sobbed.
Gu Erha held the Lan family in his arms. In the room, the palace maids had already retreated, leaving only the Lan family and Gu Erha.
Gu Erha let the Lan family vent. After a long while, the Lan family's sobs stopped. At this time, the Lan family was so exhausted that she fell asleep. Gu Erha was with the Lan family every day. He knew that the Lan family had been tossing and turning at night, unable to sleep. It was only now that she fell into a deep sleep.
There was something on her mind.
Gu Erha, however, sighed. There was nothing he could do about it. After all, his son was dead. The dead could not be brought back to life. He could not bring his son back to life.
Gu Erha held the Lan family in his arms and let her sleep.
Time passed unknowingly.
Gu Erha's arms were even a little numb, and he was about to lose all feeling. However, Gu Erha was still holding on. While Gu Erha was still holding the Lan family, Zhao Tianxin quietly entered.
When Zhao Tianxin saw this scene, he did not want to report the news. However, this was a serious matter and he had to report it. Therefore, when he arrived in front of Gu Erha, he took out the letter and spread it out in front of Gu Erha for him to read.
There were two things in the letter.
The first was that Lan Jiuzhen had convinced Chen Can that the Fire Nation's army was approaching. In a few days, the Fire Nation's army would arrive at Hongshan County.
The second was that Du Qi had divided his troops to meet the enemy. Du Qi had sent fifteen to sixteen thousand troops in the direction of Green Bull Mountain to stop the Fire Nation's reinforcements.
After Gu Erha finished reading, he nodded and tilted his head to look at the door.
He signaled for Zhao Tianxin to leave.
When Zhao Tianxin saw this, he bowed and turned to leave.
Gu Erha was still holding his wife.
Time passed little by little. After nearly an hour, the Lan family finally woke up. Seeing that she was still in Gu Erha's arms, she quickly got up and said, "Your Majesty, why are you holding me? Your body is not in good condition!"
Half of Gu Erha's body was stiff. He waited for a while until his body recovered a little before he moved his body and said, "Princess, I'm fine. In addition, I will avenge my son's death. I will use Du Qi's body as a sacrifice to our dead son. Now, you should rest well and wait for me to take my revenge. "
Lan said, "Your Majesty, you should act according to your strength. Du Qi is not easy to deal with."
Gu Erha said, "I know what to do. Princess, you don't have to worry about this. You only have one thing to do now, and that is to take care of your body. Once your body recovers, everything will be easy to handle. "
Lan nodded.
Gu Erha said no more and got up to leave.
He went straight to the palace and saw Zhao Tianxin waiting for him. He said, "Prime Minister, now that Du Qi has divided his troops, it means that Du Qi's forces outside the city are insufficient. What do you mean? "
Zhao Tianxin said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, what I mean is that we still have to attack. Du Qi probably thinks that we've suffered a series of crushing defeats, so he doesn't dare to fight outside the city. Or maybe Du Qi is confident that the few thousand soldiers he left behind are enough to fight. But in this situation, no matter which one it is, we can still fight. "
Zhao Tianxin couldn't be bothered to think about anything else now, because Gu Erha wanted revenge.
So, this was his starting point.
To avenge Gu Erha.
After hearing this, Gu Erha carefully pondered and said, "Prime Minister's suggestion is excellent. Now that Du Qi thinks he's right and has divided his forces, he's giving us a chance. However, I still think we should wait. "
Zhao Tianxin said, "What do you think, Your Majesty?"
A glint flashed in Gu Erha's eyes. "What if Du Qi's division is fake, and he's waiting for us to attack and then launch a pincer attack? So, for now, let's wait. When the soldiers he sent to Green Ox Mountain exchange fire with Chen Can's army, the battle has already begun. After confirming that Du Qi has really divided his forces, we'll attack Du Qi directly. "
Zhao Tianxin's eyes lit up when he heard this. He praised, "Your Majesty is wise. Your subject has failed in his duty and didn't consider everything."
Gu Erha said, "The Prime Minister has been busy with government affairs these days, and many things have affected him. Under the current circumstances, the Prime Minister is also facing great pressure. "
Zhao Tianxin said, "This is what your subject should do."
Gu Erha's words warmed Zhao Tianxin's heart. After all, Gu Erha knew what he had done.
Gu Erha asked, "Prime Minister, how many soldiers can we muster now?"
Zhao Tianxin said, "Your Majesty, including the newly recruited soldiers, we already have more than twenty thousand soldiers. This time, not many soldiers returned. Fortunately, the capital already has a group of soldiers. Including the recruits we have now, we have more than twenty thousand soldiers. This is already the last of our forces. Apart from this, it's really difficult to recruit more soldiers. "
Gu Erha's eyes flashed. "This group of soldiers is already enough. Du Qi's total forces are actually only about twenty thousand soldiers. At present, he has sent fifteen to sixteen thousand soldiers to resist Chen Can, so the remaining forces are definitely not many. Under the current circumstances, even if we consider that Du Qi still has a lot of soldiers, perhaps seven to eight thousand, and that Du Qi has recruits, the total number is about ten thousand. However, we still have the advantage in terms of numbers. "
Zhao Tianxin said, "Your Majesty is right."
Gu Erha said, "Prime Minister, keep a close watch on the forces Du Qi has sent out. Once the news is confirmed, come back immediately and report that we're ready to dispatch the troops. "
"Yes!"
Zhao Tianxin turned and left.
Zhao Tianxin returned to his office and continued working. At present, Zhao Tianxin was indeed under great pressure. After all, the Ming Nation was already on the brink of crisis.
After finishing his work, Zhao Tianxin returned to his home. He had just rested for a short time when an attendant came in and reported, "Prime Minister, Liao Qingsong has brought some men to seek an audience."
Liao Qingsong was the Minister of War in the Imperial Court and was considered an important minister.
Zhao Tianxin ordered, "Please enter!"
The attendant came and Liao Qingsong quickly came in with his men.
Zhao Tianxin glanced at them and raised his brows, somewhat surprised. It was because there were a lot of people, about fifteen or sixteen of them. Among these people, one was his son, Zhao Mincheng, and the other was his son-in-law, Cui Jiuzhao.
Apart from them, there were also many officials.
All of them were important ministers in the Imperial Court.
These officials in the Imperial Court were actually members of the big families in the Ming Nation and could represent their respective families.
"Greetings, Prime Minister!"
Liao Qingsong led a group of people and bowed to salute.
Zhao Tianxin waved his hand and said, "Have a seat!"
Everyone took their seats.
Zhao Tianxin said, "You all came together. Tell me, what's the matter?"
At this time, Liao Qingsong stood up and ordered, "Yang Zheng, go to the door and guard. Don't let anyone come near."
"Yes!"
Yang Zheng directly walked over.
Yang Zheng was the Ferocious General, a valiant general in the Imperial Court. He was Liao Qingsong's direct subordinate, so he came with Liao Qingsong this time.
Zhao Tianxin saw this scene and frowned. He was somewhat surprised.
What's going on?
What are these people trying to do?
Liao Qingsong said in a deep voice, "Prime Minister, we've also carefully discussed and discussed the recent matters. The Crown Prince is dead. To be honest, it's the Crown Prince's own fault. Which Crown Prince doesn't participate in government affairs and is generous and decent? Only our Ming Nation's Crown Prince goes to brothels when he has nothing to do and disappears when he has nothing to do. "
"That's great. He's also buried himself."
"He's also dead."
"Speaking of which, it's the Crown Prince's own fault. He can't blame anyone else. What's more, when two armies are at war, killing each other is inevitable. Therefore, it's normal for both sides to kill each other. "
Liao Qingsong said in a deep voice, "Now, we're joining forces with the Fire Nation to resist Du Qi. We've been fighting with the Fire Nation for many years. There's a deep hatred between us. Prime Minister, how can we do this? "
Zhao Tianxin scolded, "What do you mean by how can we do this? Haven't our Ming Nation's soldiers died in Xia Xia's hands?"
Liao Qingsong said, "Such a death is normal in the first place. In the beginning, we were considered Xia Xia. We were the ones who started the war with the Xia Kingdom. Therefore, it's our own fault that we lost. How can we blame others? But the Fire Nation is different. The Fire Nation has attacked us several times and caused countless deaths. With such a deep hatred, we're contacting Chen Can to ask for help. I'm not convinced. "
Zhao Mincheng said, "Father, I don't agree either. The King is obviously suffering from a demonic disease now. The current situation can't be stopped. But the King is disregarding everything and conscripting the people. You should know that the people are now loyal to Xia Xia. One by one, they're complaining to the King. You're now helping the evildoer. Father, please rein in the horse before it's too late. "
Cui Jiuzhao also said, "Father-in-law, please don't continue to make mistakes. We've put aside our hatred, regardless of whether it's with Xia Xia or the Fire Nation. Just take a look at the reactions of the people. Go out and walk around the place to take a look. The people everywhere are already complaining about the imperial court and can't wait to rise up. If we continue like this, we'll only be digging our own graves. We can't do things that go against the people's hearts. "
"Prime Minister, please reconsider!"
Another official spoke.
"Prime Minister, the imperial court has always treated the people badly. This time, countless people were killed in the battle with Xia Xia. But in the end, Du Qi released our people who were captured. This shows Du Qi's benevolence. "
"Du Qi is a wise ruler. At least, he's better than Guerha. The essence of this battle is us. Guerha wanted to scheme against Xia Xia and swallow him, so he suffered the consequences of his own actions. "
"We can't blame him for all this."
One by one, the officials were talking at the same time. Everyone had reached a unified opinion. They were all against taking action. They all thought that at the moment, they should submit to Xia Xia and not rely on the Fire Nation.
Zhao Tianxin's expression was cold and solemn. He scolded, "Are you rebelling?"
His heart sank.
If the imperial court was like this, how would the military be like? How would the local government be like? The current Guerha, because of the continuous battles and Du Qi's attack on the people's hearts, had caused the entire country to be in turmoil.
The people's hearts were against him!
This was Guerha's current situation.
Cui Jiuzhao said in a deep voice, "Father-in-law, we're not rebelling. If we were, we wouldn't have come to see you. We're just saying it now. If Father-in-law wants to take action, arrest us and put us in prison. "
Zhao Mincheng said, "Father, please reconsider."
Their words hit Zhao Tianxin's weak spot. His son and son-in-law were on the other side, no longer supporting the Ming Kingdom. It was clear that Guerha had failed.
Zhao Tianxin sighed and said, "Why do you have to do this? The king has treated you well, hasn't he? "
Liao Qingsong said, "If it were the king in the past, it would be different. But the king now has long gone crazy. So at the moment, there's no need for us to continue to be loyal. We can't let the fighting continue, or the casualties will be countless people of the Ming Kingdom. Besides, why would the people of the Fire Nation be so kind to help? It's nothing more than plundering for benefits. I'm afraid that Guerha is ready to submit to the Fire Nation and ask for help. We don't agree with this. "
The others spoke one after another.
All of them were against it.
They didn't support it.
Everyone had a conflict with the Fire Nation. They were not willing to submit to the Fire Nation, and they were not willing to become its people.
Zhao Tianxin sighed when he saw the crowd's anger.
The situation was hopeless!
It was impossible for Gu Erha to defend or even resist the attack.
Zhao Tianxin sighed and said, "Forget it, this old man will do as you wish. But even so, it's not easy to handle. Because the twenty thousand troops mobilized now are overseen by Lan Tianlin. Lan Tianlin is a member of the Lan family, and he stands on the king's side. With him in charge, it's almost impossible to take down this army. "
Lan Tianlin was Lan Jiuzhen's son. He was close to thirty years old and was extremely powerful.
He was also quite shrewd.
He was a valiant general in the army.
Previously, Lan Tianlin had been overseeing the capital and never participated in the war. Now that he had returned to the capital, all the troops were under Lan Tianlin's command. After all, Lan Tianlin was his family, so Guerha was relieved.
Liao Qingsong smiled and said, "It's fine. With the prime minister's support, everything is easy. As for Lan Tianlin, leave it to us. After all, we have many like-minded people in the army. "
Zhao Tianxin's pupils constricted when he heard that.
These people of the younger generation were not simple. They had gathered a group of people long ago.
If he didn't agree, the other party also had a way.
Zhao Tianxin sighed and said, "Alright, you guys go and take control of the army first. Next, if you need this old man's help, this old man will lend a hand. "
"Okay!"
Liao Qingsong immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
He immediately left with the crowd. After all, they still had to deal with Lan Tianlin next.
Only by taking down Lan Tianlin could they take control of the army.
Only then could it be considered a success.
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