The Red Mansions

Chapter 553 The Lion Fights the Rabbit

Jingying
Surrounded by the guards of the Jinyi Mansion, Jia Heng came to the Jieshuai camp in the south of the city. At this moment, as the military order came, cavalrymen rushed out from the entire barracks, assembled outside the Beijing camp, and marched towards Luoyang.

Entering the barracks under the guards of the Jinyi Mansion, at this time, Song Yuan, the commander of the march, Xiao Lin, the general of the guard, Xie Zaiyi, the general of the Yangwei camp, Pang Shili, the general of the Yangwei camp, Qi Jianhui, the governor of the Fenwu camp, and Xie Jing, the guerrilla general, and others All the generals greeted him in a dense manner, clasped their fists together and called out: "Jie Shuai."

Jia Heng nodded in greeting, strode into the barracks, sat behind the desk, glanced at Xiao Lin and Xie Zaiyi, and asked in a deep voice: "How about the deployment of soldiers and horses?"

Song Yuan cupped his hands and said: "Since hearing the order from Commander-in-Chief, General Shan Ming, General Qu Guang, and Cai Guerrilla have ordered the cavalry to finish their lunch in advance, bring their dry rations, and lead [-] troops to Luoyang to help."

Because the situation in Luoyang was extremely urgent, the three generals received an order from Jia Heng and did not dare to delay. The Beijing camp first dispatched [-] cavalry soldiers to help Luoyang day and night.

The reason why the three men were sent there was because the three men had a stable temperament and would not underestimate the enemy and make rash advances. It was Jia Heng's selfishness to let Cai Quan follow the army as the deputy general, so that Cai Quan could be promoted and appointed after he made contributions.

Jia Heng's face was solemn, and his voice was as clear as gold and stone: "Luoyang can't afford to lose. Can Master Song explain to them that as long as they defend Luoyang, they will be meritorious?"

Song Yuan's complexion changed, and he said in a concentrated voice: "I have made an explanation. After rushing to Luoyang, I will send troops to control the pass and stand there waiting for reinforcements. I will not rush forward until I wait for the Beijing army led by Jieshuai to go."

Ten days ago, Jia Heng not only dispatched troops to maneuver and quickly react, but also deduced the changes in the situation in Henan with the generals and schools under Guoyong Battalion, and the current dispatch of troops is a strategy that has been deduced countless times.

For example, Luoyang is rushing to defend the pass and city, the direction of Runing is rushing to attack, and the direction of Kaifeng is to encircle on all sides.

Therefore, after the three generals arrived in Luoyang, it was imperative to stick to it and not to go out lightly.

In fact, from the previous tricks of crossing the sea, it can be seen that the bandits are good at tricks and have to guard against them. They also need to rest and recuperate when they rush thousands of miles to rescue Luoyang. What is needed most in war is patience.

Jia Heng got up, pointed at the map of Henan behind him, and said in a deep voice: "Strategically, you must not go lightly, so as not to be ambushed by the bandits. Shuai then went to Luoyang to personally command."

"The two generals Xiao and Xie have just transferred the Siyong Battalion out of the camp, but they still have some doubts about the strategy of marching troops, and they need to be taught by the Commander-in-Chief." Song Yuan cupped his hands.

At this moment, Xie Zaiyi and Xiao Lin clasped their fists together and called out, "Jie Shuai."

Xie Zaiyi looked excitedly at the young man on the opposite side. Although he was nominally a lieutenant general this time, as long as he made contributions, he would be promoted to another level.

Jia Heng looked at Xiao Lin and Xie Zaiyi, remained silent for a while, and said with a solemn expression: "Before, after many deductions, we went to Ru Ning, and the cavalry rushed to attack, so we must enter the army to cover up, take advantage of the emptiness and attack, and strive to take down Runing in one fell swoop. After the situation in Runing stabilized, General Xie waited for the opportunity to lead a partial army to force Xuzhou northward, and then waited for the news that the commander was in Luoyang. Then attack the thieves together and block the way for the thieves to escape to the south, and the Jinyi Mansion will also accompany them this time, so that it is convenient to pass on military information."

Although the thieves and bandits who caused the chaos in Henan are said to be one hundred thousand, the main force of the thieves should actually be four to five thousand. If you add some "heroes and righteous men" who served in the service, there are about six or seven thousand. The military power of any province around Henan.

However, the officers and soldiers of the Beijing camp have to face these bandits from beginning to end, so how to prevent their main force from moving to other provinces, destroying the fragile bureaucratic system in the provinces along the Henan and Zhou regions, and maximizing the combat against the bandits' vital forces, naturally became the top priority. .

That's why he didn't rush to rescue Kaifeng in a hurry. Gao Yue's thieves were probably celebrating each other at the moment, and were even ecstatic about the court's slow response.

In fact, Yang Sichang, Shangshu of the Ministry of War at the end of the Ming Dynasty, also used the strategy of "four points and six corners, and ten sides to spread the net" to encircle and suppress the bandits. Otherwise, the officers and soldiers would run behind the bandits, and they would only be exhausted in the opponent's "movement warfare".

When Xiao Lin and Xie Zaiyi heard the words, they clasped their fists together and agreed.

"In addition, Runing Mansion is different from other places. It was originally poor and has been occupied by the enemy bandits. The military supplies and supplies are supplied by Nanyang. After you march to Runing Mansion, the most important thing is to appease the people who are attached to the rebels and not to kill innocent people indiscriminately. For thieves and bandits, only the culprits are taken, and the threats are not asked. I will not emphasize military discipline." Jia Heng said indifferently.

Xiao Lin bowed his hands and Xie Zaiyi clasped his fists to accept the order, and then the two left the barracks and led more than ten thousand fine cavalry to attack the Runing Mansion by surprise.

Jia Heng turned to look at Qi Jianhui and Shao Chao, a member of the Guoyong Camp, and met their eager eyes, and said in a deep voice: "Qi Tongzhi, you and General Shao have ordered the remaining Guoyong Camp, Siwei Camp and Fenwu Camp, The Yaowu Battalion has a total of [-] infantry, and they are behind this commander, supporting Luoyang."

Although more than half of the Beijing cavalry was transferred to reinforce Luoyang, it did not mean that infantry was not used. It was useful to mobilize infantry to guard various places, to block the escape of bandits, and to encircle and suppress Gao Yue's troops.

The lion fights the rabbit with all his strength.

This time he suppressed bandits, he dispatched more than 8 soldiers and horses, and fought steadily, making sure that nothing would go wrong.

This battle can't be protracted, but it can't be rushed to achieve success, defeating and chasing down with cavalry, and regaining lost ground with infantry.

"The last general obeys orders." Qi Jianhui and Guoyong Battalion Counselor Shao Chao handed over each other, and then went back to dispatch troops.

Jia Heng turned to look at Pang Shili, Xie Jing and the others, and said in a deep voice: "General Pang Can, organize the remaining two battalions of cavalry and prepare military supplies, and follow the general to Luoyang later."

Pang Shili and Xie Jing bowed their hands in agreement, and then left.

Jia Heng then looked at Song Yuan, and said, "Master Song, I will leave the defense arrangement of the remaining soldiers and horses in the Beijing camp to you, sir."

Of course, there is actually not much need to guard against Shenjing, because the emperor is more concerned about Shenjing's defense than him at the moment.

Song Yuan looked solemn, cupped his hands and said, "Don't worry, Commander Jie."

The scholar died for his confidant, he stayed in the capital camp, and wanted to sit in the rear for the commander-in-chief.

Jia Heng didn't say much else, and was about to leave the barracks, at this moment, the general outside reported: "Marshal Jie, Princess Xianning is here."

Not long after, I saw that Princess Xianning had changed into the flying fish uniform of the guards of Jinyi Mansion, with an embroidered spring knife on her waist, and a red cloak. There were three or four guards in Jinyi mansion behind her. It looked like the guards of the palace.

Looking at the girl with a quiet and glamorous complexion, she was wearing a flying fish suit at the moment, which set off her tall and bright figure, Jia Heng smiled lightly, and said: "Your Highness is very heroic in this outfit."

In fact, I was hesitant to bring this princess with me before, but Silai also had to bring it, not only because I agreed to Xianning, but because I had scruples about the emperor's heart.

It's "cutting first and then playing", and "acting cheaply", so as time goes by, will the emperor become suspicious?
So, what could be more reassuring to the Son of Heaven than bringing the Son of Heaven's daughter with him and asking him to supervise the army?
What's more, if he leads an army of 20 to fight against the Eastern captives in the north, will the emperor suspect that he has too much military power and is difficult to control?
Needless to say, it was almost inevitable, even if a man as talented as Qin Wang Yingzheng had suspicions about Wang Jian who led an army of hundreds of thousands to destroy Chu, Wang Jian had to ask for a beautiful woman to clear his doubts.

And Princess Xianning is the bond of trust that he and the emperor have always maintained. No matter how much his own daughter turns her elbows, she has no reason to betray her biological father. One of them is holding him back, and the family members in Beijing are hostages. Can dispel the suspicion of the emperor.

Otherwise, if you don't bring Xianning with you, you may bring civil servants to supervise the army, internal supervisors, or even vassal kings to supervise the army. Do you want to work with them?
So from now on, Xianning will follow him to Henan, and he will naturally be able to follow him to conquer the northern and eastern captives in the future.

Also, if a disobedient civil servant was really beheaded in a local area, there would be criticisms from the government and the public, and when the emperor was dubious, Xianning happened to write a memorial to explain it for him.

Not to mention, Xianning acted as a book by his side to help him write victory reports and memorials, which brought a sense of participation to the emperor.

As for the criticisms that have been attracted, the faces of all civil and military officials have been swollen, even if there are criticisms, they can only hold back for now!

Princess Xianning looked at the boy excitedly, and said in a clear voice, "Sir, when are we going to leave?"

Jia Heng smiled and said: "Your Highness, please be safe and don't be impatient. The soldiers and horses of all ministries are being assembled. I'll go home first and simply tidy up."

In fact, I was a little hesitant about whether to take Tanchun with me. Tanchun was relatively young, and he didn't know whether he would suffer from the bumps and fatigue.

Baochai should still be at home, and Keqing should be back by now.

Princess Jinyang is not suitable to see her. She is probably still visiting Emperor Chongping in the palace at this moment, or comforting Empress Dowager Feng who learned that Emperor Chongping vomited blood.

In fact, after Jia Heng left in Xihe Palace, each family ordered them to leave the stand of colorful embroidery and brocade makeup under the orders of Empress Song, and return to their respective residences.

Originally, a luncheon was prepared in Kunning Palace, but after the incident in Henan, Emperor Chongping vomited blood and fainted, several orders were not in the mood at all, no one was short of that meal, they gathered together, in a dull mood, It's better to go home separately.

"Then, sir, shall I go with you?" Princess Xianning asked hastily, her heart fluttering.

Jia Heng thought for a while, nodded and said, "It's okay."

As the two talked, they rode on horses with Princess Xianning, left the barracks, and returned to Ningguo Mansion.

The two generals Xiao Lin and Xie Zaiyi also led the troops to advance towards Nanyang Mansion. For a while, the sound of horseshoes was chaotic, people roared and horses neighed, and the army headed towards the southeast in a mighty manner.

……

……

Rongguofu, Lixiangyuan

In the wing room, on the kang next to the Xuan window, Baochai sewed a spring dress with an embroidery needle, lowered her head and bit off the last thread, her plump, white and rosy cheeks were rosy, and her cheeks were flushed. She took the handkerchief to collect the sweat from her forehead and temples, her almond eyes filled with water, and asked, "Ying'er, what time is it?"

"Hey, girl." Ying'er responded, put down the embroidery stand in her hand, came to the coffee table, picked up a teapot and poured a cup of tea for Baochai, and said with a chuckle, "Miss, it's already noon, it's time for lunch , the girl also rests."

Seeing Chunshang in Baochai's book at a glance, he said with a smile, "Girl, is this dress ready yet?"

Baochai gave a "hmm" and lightly folded the spring clothes in her hand, saying softly, "It's finished, I'll send it over there in the afternoon."

As he spoke, he realized something and quickly lowered his voice.

"Madam went to the shop early in the morning, but she will be back soon." Ying'er smiled, said in a playful voice, and handed over the teacup: "Miss, drink some tea to moisten your throat."

Baochai gave a soft "hmm", took the teacup, put her pink lips on the porcelain cup, and took a sip.

Ying'er laughed and said: "Girl, I heard that this is the son of the King of Wei. The old lady, the lady, and Grandma Heng from Dongfu passed away early in the morning. .”

Baochai pursed her lips, held the teacup in her hand, and said softly, "Perhaps it is more grand and lively than ordinary houses."

"It's a pity that you have to order my wife to watch the ceremony, and we can't see it." Ying'er sighed, and said with emotion: "Grandma's life is really good, and she found a beloved man like Uncle who can't be found in decades."

If her girl followed Uncle Heng early, now she is the one who is ordered by the first grade, and now she is talking about asking the palace to marry her and grant her orders, but the girl still does not know how long she has to wait.

When Baochai heard this, she was silent for a while, her moist apricot eyes were full of autumn waves, and she was a little absent-minded.

At this moment, Wen Xing's voice came from the outside maid, and it was clearly Aunt Xue who had returned.

While speaking, Aunt Xue lifted the curtain and entered the wing room, and called out with a smile: "My dear girl, are you in the room?"

Baochai gave Yinger a wink, told her to put away her brocade robe and spring clothes, stood up to respond, and then came to the wing.

"Mom, you're back." Baochai sat close to her and said with a light smile, "It's already noon, it's time for lunch, I think it's time for Mom to come back."

Aunt Xue picked up the teacup and drank it, the maids Tongxi and Tonggui rubbed her shoulders behind her, raised her eyes to look at Baochai, put down the teacup in her hand, and said with a smile: "My dear girl, what are you doing in the house? "

Baochai said softly: "Make some female celebrities, has Mom looked at the warehouse in the shop?"

There are some goods in the warehouse of the shop, and Aunt Xue needs to check them with the account book.

"After reading it, the business will be fine after the spring. I heard from shopkeeper Yao in the shop that thanks to brother Heng, the officials have taken care of me a lot." Aunt Xue said with a smile, and asked curiously: "What about the old lady?" Bian'er hasn't come back yet?"

If Jia's mother comes back, she will definitely send someone to call Baochai because of her lively temperament, so Aunt Xue asked this question.

"I went to the palace, but I haven't come back yet." Baochai said softly, "I think it will be late in the evening when I come back. All the families who watched the ceremony ordered a luncheon, or enjoyed other music. Such a big ceremony, What a busy day."

Apparently the girl wasn't indifferent.

Speaking of the concubine ceremony, the smile on Aunt Xue's plump face froze in the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, and she said in an unnatural tone: "I don't know why it's so lively, anyway, I heard from the Qian family who also worked in the household department that in order to entertain guests, we only I bought [-] to [-] carts of all kinds of seasonal fruits, candied fruit and snacks, and they didn’t have enough goods in their shops, so they helped turn around a few carts from several of our shops.”

As he said that, his heart became more and more complicated.

People are going to a banquet, and their family is providing fruits and snacks.

Speaking of this, I couldn't help but feel a little unbalanced. Looking at my daughter, I finally sighed. Her daughter's appearance is more than enough for a princess.

Baochai listened, but she didn't know that her mother was feeling sour again, and she didn't know how to persuade her.

But elder sister Qing and him both went to the palace, and she could only wait for the news at home, listening to the bustle outside, why didn't she feel a little strange in her heart?
And just when Baochai was puzzled, a servant girl stood on the eaves of the corridor. It was clearly Jiamu's maid, Amber, and called: "Concubine, Miss Bao, the old lady and the wife have come back from the palace, and they said they are calling for the concubine to use Where's lunch?"

Aunt Xue heard the words, suppressed the sourness in her heart, got up quickly, took her daughter's soft little hand, and said with a smile: "My dear girl, come with me to have a look."

Baochai responded with an "Yes", and followed Aunt Xue to Rongqing Hall.

(End of this chapter)