son-in-law

Chapter 672 Fireworks

Chapter 672 Fireworks

Two days passed in the blink of an eye from the assassination on the long street that day and the appearance of Tong Guan.The atmosphere in the capital gradually tended to warm up.

Naturally, this warming does not refer to the weather.

When the Jin people went south and foreign aggression struck, it was not too difficult to arouse the blood of the people in the face of the catastrophe.However, after the excitation, a large number of people died, and when the external pressure subsided, many people's families were completely destroyed. When people reacted, the future had turned pale.Just as people facing a crisis stimulate their own potential, when the danger passes, people who are seriously overdrawn will eventually fall down.

How to recover people after this is a big problem.

In fact, during the period when the siege battle came to an end, the deaths of a large number of family members who had not participated in the defense of the city—either from starvation or suicide—had been continuously reported.When the public opinion system of Youxiangfu and Zhuji was fully operational, although the number of deaths discovered continued to increase, there was a trace of blood on the face of Bianliang, a giant who had overdrawn too much.

The tragedy of the deceased, the dedication of the warriors, the inheritance of will, and the warning that the danger has not faded, all fermented and spread in the city with the operation of Xiangfu and Zhuji.For this era, the directional diffusion of public opinion is actually a relatively simple matter, because the channels for ordinary people to obtain information are really too narrow. As long as they hear something and the government cooperates a little bit, it will often turn into Hard facts.

So with a few days of brewing, at least in terms of the social atmosphere after the war, some results have already appeared.

First of all, the government collected information on the identities and lives of the war dead, and began to compile a book, and will build the Hall of Martyrs in the future. It also expressed that it would give an explanation to the families of the deceased. Although the specific explanation is still under discussion, consultation has already begun The opinions of social officials, gentry and veterans, even if they are only in the stage of drawing cakes, are still sincerely drawn for the time being.

Secondly, under the coordination of the government and the publicity of Zhuji, the rich officials, gentry and wealthy households who had spare capacity began to give out porridge and food, and expressed their willingness to take care of the families of those who died in the defense of the city. The Minister's Office came forward to appeal, secondly because Zhuji publicized the big families who took the lead and left them a reputation, and thirdly because the court was discussing that in the future, no matter whether the family members of the victims were businessmen, officials or farmers, they would Give them a lot of convenience, just like the policy of preferential treatment for the disabled in later generations, those who take in the disabled to work will naturally have a lot of benefits.

Thirdly, scholars have not finished paying attention to this incident. Because Zhu Ji emphasized the threat of the Jurchens, how to deal with this crisis has become the main topic of discussion among those who worry about the country and the people.These scholars are either discussing about preparing to join the army, or discussing the topic of eradicating current political ills in restaurants and teahouses. For example, some small groups of scholars named "National Disaster Society" and "Mei Society" secretly established to attract people everywhere. Render the feelings of worrying about the country and the people.In the past, there were quite a few of these groups, mostly poetry clubs. This time, they had more radical goals.

Of course, no matter what the goal is, the ultimate meaning of most groups is only one: to be rich and noble, not to forget each other.

Fourth, at this time, the attention of warriors and soldiers in the city has also been greatly improved. If the reckless people who were not liked in the past, if they talk in a teahouse, they will talk about those who participated in the defense of the city, or they will Those with injuries are often looked up to by others.The soldiers in Bianliang City were originally similar to gangsters, but at this time, with the deliberate exaggeration of Xiangfu and Zhuji and the strengthening of people's recognition, they began to pay attention to their own image whenever they appeared on various occasions.

These things influence each other and promote each other. In a few days, the atmosphere in the city becomes positive and harmonious. People care about each other and help each other. happens sometimes.In some restaurants and teahouses including Zhuji, although the food is crude, people talk about the Jurchens outside the city and the situation in the city, and they all express their willingness to work together, which makes people feel encouraged.

Being in it, Yue Fei always felt warm in his heart.

He is one of the attendants who accompanied Ning Yi into the city. In the past few days, Ning Yi took him and secretly met many generals in Beijing.As the little commander of the local Xiang army, Ning Yi specially brought him to meet these high-ranking generals in Beijing, saying that they were familiar, but it was self-evident that he wanted to promote and help him.But apart from being grateful, what moved him the most was the heart-warming scenes he had seen around him in the past few days.

Although he was not involved in the middle, he was naturally clear about the purpose of Zhuji and Xiangfu's actions.A seriously injured person cannot fall asleep immediately, even if it hurts, he has to endure it. These actions of Zhuji and Xiangfu seem simple in daily storytelling, but Yue Fei can still see Ning Yi Various actions other than meeting with military generals, meeting with some high-ranking families, choosing a venue for soup kitchens, planning storytelling and some assistance activities, these seemingly spontaneous behaviors are actually rather spontaneous. Headed by Yi, Zhuji's shopkeeper and staff have made quite careful planning.

Doing things that manipulate people's hearts and incite people's hearts as a science, many things and steps are planned in a chain, this kind of thing has never been heard before, but Yue Fei does not think it is hypocritical.Being in it, he knew that the purpose of Xiangfu and Zhuji was to renew the life of the city, and when signs of improvement appeared one by one, he felt vigorous vitality and joy from the bottom of his heart.

As long as we can keep doing this, the morals of the world may be saved...

After a few days, the only thing that made him feel indignant was the assassination of Ning Yi on the long street two days earlier.He has practiced martial arts with Zhou Tong since he was a child, and he is also a half-green forest man, but he doesn't have a deep relationship with Green Forest. Even if he knows him because of Zhou Tong's relationship, most of the impressions are okay.But this time, he really felt that these people should be killed.

Of course, fortunately, there are more powerful people around Mr. Ning, protecting him.

Most of the things around him went well, which made him quite relieved about the future situation.As long as things continue like this, it doesn't matter how many battles we win or lose when we fight in Taiyuan.Chatting with several shopkeepers who are familiar with Zhuji, he often said the same.

"People always have to be in severe pain before they can wake up. If the master is still there, seeing the situation in Beijing at this time, there will be a sense of relief."

When he said this, he was sitting on the second floor of a shop in Zhuji, chatting with a staff member of Zhuji named Cui Hao. Remember, it's a pity that the woman died in the end.When Ning Yi left the city, most of the people he summoned were people who had nothing to worry about. Cui Hao followed him. On the battlefield, Yue Fei saved him once, so he became familiar with him.

"Everyone cherishes their lives, but if they can die well, there are still some who are willing to die generously." After his wife left, Cui Hao's personality became a little gloomy, and he became cheerful again when he narrowly escaped death on the battlefield. He smiled with reservations, "During this time, the government has indeed spared no effort to help us, and even those who had conflicts before did not make trouble."

"The state affairs are like this, and there are still people who know the importance." Yue Fei laughed heartily, "What's more, the king of Guangyang County has met Mr. Ning this time. I heard from several generals yesterday that the prince also praised Mr. Ning in private. I can't stop talking."

"...This matter is open to discussion." Cui Hao said in a low voice.

"Ok?"

"It's nothing." Cui Hao turned his head and looked out the window. Today, this part of the city has slowed down and become a little lively.He paused for a moment, and then added: "Our affairs seem to be in good condition, but the upper floor of the court can't see clearly. I heard that the situation is a bit strange, and the boss seems to be having a headache. Of course, this is not the case. I'm waiting to think about it."

He didn't say this very high, and after he finished speaking, both of them fell silent.At this time, there was a table of people at the other end of the restaurant talking loudly, but it was everyone talking about the battle with the Jurchen, and several people were going to go to Taiyuan with the army.Hearing a few words here, Yue Fei laughed and picked up his teacup as a gesture.

"The current national crisis, Your Majesty is wise, we have a lot to do. It's a pity that there is no wine, otherwise we should learn from them and make a fool of ourselves."

"The battle of Taiyuan will not be easy. Regarding the next matter, there have been internal discussions. I may stay and help stabilize the situation in the capital. If you go north, Pengju, take care of your own life. When you come back, you will have plenty of wine."

Supplies in the capital are in short supply, and everyone came back with Ning Yi to do things. They were ordered not to drink alcohol. The two raised their teacups and replaced them with tea. A battle, as long as you are willing to work hard, it is definitely not a deadly battle. According to our estimates, after Zong Wang and Zong Han meet, there will definitely be a face-to-face battle, but as long as we dare to fight, the Jurchens will definitely fight Retire, with plans for the future. Although we have suffered a severe defeat this time, as long as we learn from the pain, we can look forward to the future."

After he finished speaking, he tilted his head and looked out the window. The whiteness of the city spread before his eyes. This winter, Bianliang City has suffered too much trauma. There is an unyielding will.

Then, he thought of the master who died for assassinating Zong Han at the beginning of the war, and the old man's face seemed to emerge.

If you can go north to fight, what fear is there in death!

Another simple day followed, and after that, it was December 26.From yesterday to today, Ning Yi did not go to see the generals in Beijing, and Yue Fei did not follow him from time to time. Around noon, he came to the courtyard where Zhuji staff members were discussing matters. A strange atmosphere lingered in it, and everyone discussed fiercely. Someone yelled loudly, with a suppressed tone.Yue Fei found Cui Hao and asked what happened.

Cui Hao hesitated for a moment: "Above the Golden Palace today, Prime Minister Right, please resign."

"What, what?"

"The Prime Minister on the right handed over the papers and asked to be old... to be an official..."

Yue Fei was stunned for a while, he knew that Zhu Ji's department was the power of the Right Prime Minister's House, and he had followed behind him for a while.After returning to Beijing, what he saw and felt, this time the Second Prime Minister in charge of the defense of the capital was at the height of his power, and he was so dazed that he couldn't believe it.But he is only inexperienced in the officialdom, and he is not a fool, and then he thought of something: "Your Prime Minister, this is... too much credit?"

"It's not a big deal." Cui Hao remained calm, "As you can imagine, the right minister in Beijing is in charge. Seeing that the negotiations are about to be settled, retreat is the advance, and the position is abandoned to protect Taiyuan. The top officials of the country, who is not a few ups and downs, and Cai Taishi has been dismissed several times. As long as this battle can compete for all merits, the eldest son and the second son will be able to Gu Quan, the Right Prime Minister will be able to recover in the future, and even go one step further. To be an official right now is a move to hide your strength and bide your time."

"Then His Majesty..."

"Rejected." Cui Hao smiled, "This kind of thing, at this time, has to be pushed back several times."

*****************

The war was not over yet, the prime minister resigned on the grounds of injury, which was a big shock to the upper echelons of the court. The emperor even lost his temper, saying: "Could it be that I am jealous of the virtuous and capable, and do not reward me for my merits!?" General Qin Yuyuan After reprimanding, and then comforting words, it can be regarded as the end for the time being.

In fact, for those who were at the center of the political situation during this period of time, Qin Yuyuan's actions made them more or less relieved.Because since the negotiations started, the situation in the court these days has made many people somewhat incomprehensible. Even for senior officials such as Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Li Gang, and Qin Yuyuan, the future situation is more or less like Hidden in a fog, you can see some, but there are always parts you can't see.

After the great war, there were people going up and others going down, and if a big court dispute really broke out, no one could tell whether it was Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Li Gang, or Qin Yuyuan who fell.Everyone is standing still and joining forces in private, including the Taiyuan issue after the negotiation. No one is fully sure, and no one is sure.

It was also because of this that at the end of the negotiation, Qin Yuyuan made a formal move. His resignation made many people breathe a sigh of relief.Of course, there are still some doubts. Just like in Zhuji, a group of staff will argue about it. In the prime minister's mansion, when Ning Yi met with Jueming and others, they sighed: "Jiang is still old and spicy." That night, he persuaded Qin Yuyuan to take a step forward and seize power, even if he became a power minister like Cai Jing, if he had to face long-term wars and disputes, it might not be a dead end.However, Qin Yuyuan's clear moves appeared to be more stable.

In the court, many people may have sighed in this way.

This afternoon, Qin Yuyuan submitted his resignation letter for the second time, which was rejected again.

On December 27, the third resignation was rejected.

On the afternoon of December 27th, Li Yan and Zongwang negotiated the terms of the peace talks, including the conditions that the Wu Dynasty called Jin Guo his brother, millions of coins, and compensation for the Jurchen's return journey. In the afternoon, the transfer of food and grass began .

28. Qin Yuyuan resigned for the fourth time and was rejected.

On 29, Wu Ruiying's request for Zhou Zhe's review was allowed, but he said that he would discuss the time of the review at another date.

Zhou Zhe was so resolute in standing up for Qin Yuyuan, the chancellor's mansion was more or less relieved, and more or less guessed that the emperor had made up his mind to use the right chancellor this time.And the right minister's attitude has been expressed, and he will no longer ask for it.

Another day later, it was the New Year's Eve of Jinghan's 13th year. On this day, snowflakes began to float again. Outside the city, a large amount of food and grass were being sent to the Jurchen military camp. At the same time, the Youxiang Mansion in charge of logistics was operating at full capacity. , search for every grain that can be collected, and prepare for the army's journey northward to Taiyuan-although many of the above things are still vague, the next preparations are always to be done.

On the second day of the first lunar month, the Jurchen army pulled out their camp and went north. In the camp outside the city, all the siege equipment they left behind were ignited. The fire burned, and the sky in the north of the city was red. On this night, a grander celebration broke out in Bianliang. , The fireworks rose into the night sky, exploding in clusters, and the strong city and snowy mountains were extremely enchanting.

On the third and fourth day of the lunar new year, the voices of requests to send troops became louder and louder. On the fifth day of the new year, Zhou Zhe ordered, led by Wu Shengjun Chen Yanshu, to lead an army of [-] troops to the north, together with the Xiang Army, Rebel Army, and Western Army troops from all over the surrounding areas. , To deter Taiyuan, Wu Ruiying asked for a battle, but was rejected.

On the sixth day of the lunar new year, Li Chenying tried his best to go north to rescue Taiyuan's Zhezi, who flew up like a snowflake and rejected them all.Zhou Zhe was furious once again at the Golden Temple: "The Jurchens are eager to go, and we have already signed an agreement on a million-year-old coin. How can we make a big fuss and mobilize hundreds of thousands of troops, wasting people and money! This year is not over yet. !" Qin Yuyuan resigned again, but was reprimanded and dismissed.

This was the beginning of Jinghan's 14th year. After that day, the Jinluan Hall became chaotic.The military department raised the issue of asking for credit and pensions for this battle. Wu Ruiying was the first to contribute, and Zhou Zhe praised him all the way. All requests were accepted, and he was going to personally meet the heroes and inspect the troops .On the other hand, he insisted that troops have been dispatched for the Taiyuan incident, so there is no need to make a fuss.And a large number of rebounds have also begun to appear, and people continue to hand over the importance of Taiyuan.But Cai Jing and Tong Guanxi began to stand aside and watch.

On the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, Li Lili, an academician, was very important to Chen Taiyuan. The time was pressing and he would never come back. He had a dispute with Zhou Zhe in the Golden Palace. He bumped his head on the steps, bleeding freely. After being diagnosed and treated by the imperial physician, he saved his life and was sent to prison.

Time passed by one thread at a time. Some people felt that Li Li and others made a fuss, while others thought it was a fluke.Indeed, the Jurchens have already decided to leave, and there are annual coins. Speaking of the siege of Taiyuan, the soldiers have already been sent out, so there seems to be no need to make such a fuss.As the Jurchens continued to move northward in the snowstorm, discussions about Taiyuan gradually became silent in the capital. Although some people continued to ask to send troops to Taiyuan to seize the last chance, their voices finally became less and less.

The Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month is here.

This is the most lively festival of Jinghan in 14.In the first day of junior high school, due to the unresolved city ban and limited supplies, it was impossible to celebrate vigorously.At this time, the Jurchen was gone, and a large amount of supplies had been transported from all directions. The surviving people in the city sincerely celebrated that they had driven away the Jurchen.

In the imperial city, Zhou Zhe walked up to the city wall and watched the bustling scene quietly.After a while, the queen came, holding a big bag, and wanted to put it on him.

"Recently, I heard that the court is too chaotic, and His Majesty has been working hard. Can't you relax a little even on festivals?"

Zhou Zhe waved his hand, not wanting the clothes, and stared at the fireworks and the market outside.

"I've wasted too much time. How can I be tired if I want to cheer myself up..." He paused, then tilted his head and said, "I've been reading ancient poems recently, and every time I feel something, there's one that I like the most. Empress, what do you want?" Want to know?"

"Your Majesty is concerned about the country and the people, and Bianliang suffered a military disaster. It must be some kind of Ci that worries about the war and the people?"

"Wrong guess." Zhou Zhe shook his head, and after a while, he took a deep breath, his eyes blurred and lofty: "Go back! The fields will be overgrown, and the Hu will not return... Since he regards his heart as his form, Xi is melancholy and lonely... I understand the past and don't remonstrate, and I know that the coming ones can be pursued. The truth is that the lost road is not far away, and I feel that today is right and yesterday was not..."

"His Majesty……"

"I feel that today is true, but yesterday was not!" Zhou Zhe sighed, his tone suddenly raised, "I used to think that for an emperor, the most important thing is to employ people, and the most important thing is to check and balance! These scholar-bureaucrats, even if they are wretched in their hearts, they always With their own abilities, I just need to sit firmly on the high platform and let them compete and compete. There will always be something that can be done. There will always be someone who can do something. But who knows, with some checks and balances, They have lost their blood and lost their bones! In everything, they only know how to balance my will, only know how to make mistakes and pass the buck! Queen, I have done wrong for more than ten years..."

"Your Majesty..." The queen froze there, she never thought that Zhou Zhe would say such a thing.

Zhou Zhe smiled: "It's ridiculous to entrust other people with state affairs. I have raised scholars for nearly 300 years in the Wu Dynasty. These people are better than anyone else at learning how to manipulate people's hearts. They pretend to be loyal ministers and good generals in front of me! Intrigue! Prevarication and trade-offs! My country has been corrupted. If it were not for this great war, I would not be able to wake up to the fact that there are passionate people among the people! Every time righteousness kills more dogs! Look at Cai Jing, bow your eyebrows and obey your eyes. He treated him well, and when the country was in great danger this time, he lowered his eyebrows and said nothing! Look at Tong Guan, the king of Guangyang County, I treated him well! When the Jurchen went south, he turned around when he saw that the situation was not good Let’s go! Look at Qin Yuyuan, his second son is in Bianliang, the eldest son is in Taiyuan, and he is in position! Recently, he resigned and begged to go, what is he doing? Think I can’t understand? Retreat to advance! Protect his son first , and then he still has the influence to control the court, just like Cai Jing! He figured out my thoughts, he is so clever! This is...he is trying to use me and manipulate me!"

"Taiyuan!" He waved his hand, "I don't know how important Taiyuan is! I don't know how to save Taiyuan! But they... what kind of battle are they fighting! Push everyone to Taiyuan, save Taiyuan, and the Qin family will be defeated." Can cover the sky with one hand! I'm not afraid of him covering the sky with one hand, but what if I lose? Zongwang Zonghan joined forces, and the Jurchens counterattacked with all their strength. All of them were buried there. What will I use to guard this country! Put all your eggs in one basket and let them go, they say Delicate! They gamble with my country! If you lose, they are loyal ministers and martyrs;

"If they hadn't fought such a battle! If Qin Shaohe hadn't been in Taiyuan! If they hadn't forced me, how could I have made such a bad plan!"

"I have been wrong for thirteen years."

He spoke slowly, and put his hands on the snow on the female wall. The snow was cold, but it made him feel like his blood was burning.

"This country, this people... can no longer be handed over to them, and wantonly ruined..."

"My country, my people..."

"...I, protect it myself."

In the decisive tone, the fireworks rose, illuminating his resolute and resolute face.

Going north to Taiyuan, thousands of miles away, there are no fireworks.

The emaciated Qin Shaohe walked up the city wall and looked at the Jurchen barracks on the opposite side. The light from the camp stretched all over, as if it was about to penetrate the city wall.The city also seemed a little lively today, at least the fires in the barracks and other places were a little brighter.

"Ahem... are you okay?" He patted a soldier on duty on the shoulder, "Today is the Lantern Festival, there are glutinous rice balls below, I'll go eat some later."

He went all the way and said that to everyone.

The siege has lasted for a long time, and the food and grass in the city began to bottom out. Since a month ago, the food ration has been halved. Although it is not without food, most people are half-starved.Since the heating objects in the city have also begun to decrease, standing guard at the top of the city in such a state will still make people shiver.

After a while, he saw Li Pin who was guarding the city wall. Although he currently controls the logistics of the city, as a Confucian scholar who pursues the way of a gentleman, he also can't eat enough, and now he has food on his face.

Qin Shaohe handed him a snack box.

"Tangyuan, I brought you a few, go to the side and eat secretly."

Li Pin declined and finally accepted it, but he didn't open it. The two walked for a while, exchanged the situation in a low voice, and looked far away to the south for a while.

"It's Shangyuan, I don't know how the situation in the capital is, whether it has been relieved."

"Looking at the way the soldiers are standing still outside the city, I'm afraid there is no progress."

"The city is suffering from hunger and cold. Although there is still food, I dare not distribute it indiscriminately. I can only save food and clothing. Many old people died of cold and starvation..." Qin Shaohe whispered, "I don't know how long I can wait."

"As long as the Wu Dynasty guards, I will guard as long as I wait." Li Pin smiled generously and glanced at the military camp outside the city.

"Cough, haha...that's right!" Qin Shaohe stretched out his hand, and patted Li Pin's shoulder vigorously. Li Pin staggered, and for a moment, the two people at the top of the city laughed.

The heroic laughter spread far and wide in the snowy city.

(End of this chapter)