Drive a RV and go farming in ancient times.

After the peace talks were settled, the court selected some officials from relevant departments to form a peace talks team. In the middle of winter, braving the cold wind, they marched towards the northwest in a mighty manner.

The round trip alone would take more than three months, plus the time spent on negotiations, so it would take at least half a year to complete.

Fortunately, the war has stopped temporarily, and the court can take a break and focus all its energy on suppressing the rebellion. There are more and more rebels in the east, and they have become powerful. It is not an easy task to take them down.

A few days after the peace negotiation team left, the army that came to support the suppression of the rebellion also left Beijing. Sun Yu was appointed as the commander-in-chief, leading a force of 50,000 men, all of whom were the elites of the army. He looked awe-inspiring and unstoppable.

After seeing them off, Xu Huaiyi said to Gu Huanxi with a worried look on his face, "All the best soldiers and generals have been transferred away, leaving only a bunch of crooked people to guard the capital. What is the court thinking? Isn't Emperor Jianxing worried at all that the King of Chu will lead his men into the palace at this time? No matter how much he wants to find fault with the Crown Prince, he can't tolerate it to this extent, right?"

This is simply gambling with one's own life! Don't emperors cherish their lives?

Gu Huanxi pondered and said, "Perhaps Emperor Jianxing has some other arrangements?"

Xu Huaiyi's mind was stirred. "Does he have a trick up his sleeve? Move the elite troops to show the King of Chu, so as to tempt the King of Chu to take action? And then use the tactic of luring the enemy into a trap and then closing the door to beat the dog?"

If that's the case, I can figure it out.

"It's very possible, but I don't know if the King of Chu will be fooled."

"That depends on whether he is willing to continue to endure. He is not young anymore. If he doesn't take action, even if he seizes the position, he won't be able to sit there for many days. He has been planning for so many years, and he is willing to do this for his children and grandchildren."

"Do you think the Crown Prince and the two princes could have thought of this?"

"Humph, their eyes are just covered. Even if they think of it, they will pretend to be deaf and dumb, so that they can take advantage of the situation and fish in troubled waters. They are all self-righteous and want to sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight and be the fishermen who benefit. Little do they know that they are the snipe and the clam. If a fight really breaks out, they will just be wiped out. Idiots."

After cursing and complaining, you still have to live your life as usual.

Not only Xu Huaiyi, many families in the capital city also kept a low profile, as if they had smelled the scent of impending storm and were instinctively alert.

As a result, the streets became deserted, and the playboys no longer wandered around playing with cats and dogs. However, there were more people inquiring about news in teahouses and taverns.

The progress of the peace talks, the outcome of the war in the east, where the rebels are causing trouble, how much the grain price in the capital has increased today, how many more disaster victims have arrived at the city gate...

This is something that can be discussed quietly in public and it is not considered taboo.

There are also those who whisper secretly, talking about some gossips that came from nowhere, the so-called secrets.

For example, a concubine in the prince's backyard had a miscarriage, and it was found out that it was the work of a spy planted by Prince Qi, and the tea Prince Qi drank was poisoned. After some investigation, the evidence pointed to the prince.

There was also the Prince of Jin, who frequently visited the Marquis Dingyuan's mansion, had close contacts with several military generals in the court, and even took a niece's granddaughter from the Empress Dowager's family as a concubine.

Not only that, he also went to the palace every day to show his filial piety. When Emperor Jianxing was in poor health in winter, he personally tasted the medicine and took care of the illness, acting like a filial son and a good grandson.

There is something even more secretive. It is rumored that the Empress Dowager was so ill that she could not get out of bed. There are many different opinions as to whether it was due to natural aging or she was murdered.

After the King of Chu visited the palace, he was carried back to his palace. It is said that he fainted from grief.

When the first heavy snow fell, there were even fewer pedestrians on the streets, and the capital city seemed to be losing its vitality.

The Gu family is an exception.

Although Xu Huaiyi was hiding outside, he would not let himself be a quail when he returned home. He would take the children out to play almost every day. After the lake froze, he let them play in various ways and they were reluctant to go into the house until dark.

During my rest time, I go to Hutian Village for skiing, ice fishing, or to the farm for a hot spring bath, and think about how to eat and enjoy three meals a day.

At night, they have to tell another bedtime story. The bizarre and twists and turns of the plot often make the children so excited that they can’t fall asleep.

At this time, Xu Huaiyi would laugh triumphantly, and Gu Huanxi would beat him up so angry that he would get angry.

If you feel too depressed outside, you can only do bad things at home.

Fortunately, Mr. Jiang is there, so the children finally have someone to be afraid of and their studies have not fallen behind.

Ali played the craziest, but with Doctor Jiao watching over her, she persisted in reciting knowledge of Chinese medicine every day. She also became more and more adept at growing medicinal herbs and could easily control the amount of tears to use.

I thought life would go on so comfortably, however, an urgent war report from eight hundred miles away in the east broke the peace.

The army that went to suppress the rebellion was defeated.

Although we had been unable to capture the city after a long siege, we had not suffered too much loss. The two sides were in a stalemate, with each having its wins and losses. At least in the short term, neither side could do anything to the other.

But in the long run, the imperial army is more advantageous. After all, if they just besiege the city without attacking, they can wear out the rebels in the city.

It's just a matter of time.

Therefore, even though the number of rebels was large and they had many civilians join them, the imperial court was not too panicked at the beginning, but was only worried about the shortage of food and fodder.

But now, we have suffered a crushing defeat, and we can no longer remain calm.

This is a serious concern!

You know, the imperial court sent a total of 100,000 troops, half of which were elite soldiers, and what were the rebels? To put it bluntly, they were just a makeshift team, how could they be the opponent of the regular army?

However, reality is so disappointing.

The imperial court suffered a miserable defeat, being attacked from both sides by troops who appeared out of nowhere. In the middle of the night, the camp was raided and explosives were used. There were screams everywhere and countless casualties.

Sun Yu was also injured. Although his life was not in danger, he could not get out of bed in the short term.

When the news reached the capital, the court was in an uproar.

Emperor Jianxing did not attend court. The crown prince was regent, sitting below the dragon throne. After reading the war report, his face became extremely ugly and he could not hold back his anger on the spot.

His anger was naturally directed at the army that was suppressing the rebellion. In his words, he almost called them cowards. The rebels initially numbered about 50,000, so the court also sent 50,000. Later, the war was not going well, and the court was anxious to end it, so it generously sent another 50,000. In this way, the rebels should have been crushed by numbers alone.

But in fact, he was pressed to the ground and rubbed by the other party.

What does this mean? It means that we are incompetent!

How could the prince not get angry?

Especially since he was not sitting firmly in this position, what annoyed him most was that there were troubles everywhere, and everywhere there was no peace. His self-cultivation and patience were almost exhausted in the past six months. He was like a trapped beast, and he could not help but bite people with red eyes at the slightest provocation.

He gave a severe rebuke and asked the cabinet and court officials to come up with a response as soon as possible.

What can the court officials say?

We can only continue to send people to quell the rebellion. We can't negotiate, right?

They are rebels, and it is very difficult to recruit them, because they have become powerful and have the upper hand. Especially since the King of Chu is likely to be behind the rebels, there is no hope of reconciliation with the court.

However, who to send, how many people to mobilize, and where to get food and supplies are all difficult problems to solve.

There was a great deal of noise in the court, with all kinds of things being said, but no one was able to come up with any serious ideas.

Finally, someone mentioned Xu Huaiyi's name, and strangely enough, he got the support of most of the court officials.

Those who did not support it did not oppose it, but remained silent.

Thus, the general who would lead the troops to provide support was decided.

When Xu Huaiyi received the imperial edict, he was not surprised at all, but he was depressed because he could not stay at home to spend the New Year with his wife and children this year.

What's even more depressing is that when the integrated team was about to set off, Prince Qi suddenly went crazy and took the initiative to ask Emperor Jianxing to go with them to quell the rebellion. He also issued a high-profile military order, vowing not to return to the capital until all the rebels were wiped out.

Emperor Jianxing readily agreed and praised Prince Qi for having the demeanor of Emperor Taizu.

Who is Taizu? He was the founding emperor, who fought wars in the south and the north and pacified the world. With his style, what a high praise!

For a time, Prince Qi was in the limelight even before he went to the battle, as if he had returned victoriously.

Xu Huaiyi was almost mad to death. He complained to Gu Huanxi behind closed doors, "Is Dayong not in chaos enough? He's involved in everything. Is Prince Qi's head full of shit? Does he think that suppressing the rebellion at this time is a good opportunity to make merit? Or does he want to seize the military power so that he can return to Beijing and depose the crown prince? What a fool. He must have been brainwashed by the King of Chu's people again...

He didn't even think about the fact that if he went to fight in the war and something really happened in the capital, by the time he came back, the opportunity would have been lost. Would it still be his turn to take the throne?

Besides, does he know how to fight? If he goes to the front and gives blind orders, what the hell is the point of suppressing the rebellion? It's better to just give up, at least everyone can save their lives.

I’m afraid that he will be eager to make achievements and force his soldiers to charge into battle, which would be too bad.

Emperor Jianxing is also getting old and confused, right? Doesn't he know what kind of person his own son is? He is sending such a stick to the battlefield. Even if he wants to promote him to compete with the crown prince, he should consider the overall situation, right?

The prince actually agreed. Haha, maybe he wants to take the opportunity to shoot an arrow and kill someone on the battlefield?

Even if he cannot kill him, the King of Chu will probably help secretly and then put the blame on the Crown Prince or the King of Jin. By then, the court will be even more chaotic.

Damn it, they are all crazy, none of them are good. "

It's just a pity for the people and those who want to serve the country.

Gu Huanxi was also upset by the news. She was already very unhappy when Xu Huaiyi was recruited by the court to quell the rebellion. She had clearly agreed to stay low-key, but in the end she had to be in the spotlight again. It would have been fine if he was just in the spotlight, but now with the addition of Prince Qi, things became out of control.

No matter how capable Xu Huaiyi is in fighting, he cannot act arbitrarily and still has to take orders from King Qi. With someone holding him back, who knows what the outcome will be?

"Can you find a reason to refuse?" Gu Huanxi really didn't want him to go. "How about asking Doctor Jiao to prescribe some medicine for your internal injuries?"

Xu Huaiyi shook his head. "No, this excuse is fine if used once, but if used too often it will arouse suspicion. Besides, the imperial decree has already been issued. If I continue to make trouble and refuse, wouldn't that be a slap in the face of the court?"

"But……"

"Wife, I know what you are worried about, but I have to go this time."

"Because of Master Sun?"

"Master is injured for one thing. As a disciple, it would be inappropriate for me not to go and take a look. Although Master did not say it clearly in the letter, I can guess something. The battle is not going well, so there must be a problem. Master is injured, perhaps he was plotted against. There may be spies in the court. If we don't solve these problems, no matter how many people we send, they will all be cannon fodder..."

Yun Ting wrote to me before, and he also suspected that there were accomplices of the rebels in the team. Otherwise, we would not have fallen into the trap this time. Someone raided the camp and made dumplings. I have to check it out, otherwise I will be worried.

Second, this civil war cannot be dragged on any longer. Soldiers’ lives and food supplies cannot be wasted. The people will suffer and we are the unlucky ones who have to pay the price. It has been going on for long enough and it is time to end it.”

Gu Huanxi was silent for a moment, then asked helplessly, "Are you sure you can win if you go?"

Xu Huaiyi smiled bitterly and said, "About 60 to 70 percent, provided that Prince Qi does not cause any trouble."

"What if he causes trouble?"

"Then for the sake of the overall situation, we can only think of a way to stop him from jumping around."

Hearing this, Gu Huanxi's eyelids twitched, "Don't mess around."

Xu Huaiyi smiled calmly, "Don't worry, I'm not rebelling, how can I murder the prince? At most, I can just go with the flow and pretend to be deaf and dumb, or create a small accident to keep him quiet for a few days."

Gu Huanxi looked at him steadily, "It's good that you know what's going on in your mind. You still have to be more respectful of the imperial power on the surface. Also, don't tell these things to your master."

Xu Huaiyi nodded, "I understand. The master is probably someone from Emperor Jianxing's family. I won't tell him everything."

Seeing that he had listened, Gu Huanxi breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "Can you come back before the New Year?"

Xu Huaiyi sighed, "It's probably going to be tough. It will take more than half a month to get there. If we get there and the roads are blocked by heavy snow, we won't be able to start the battle right away. I want to end it as soon as possible, but if it doesn't go our way, we can only grind it out. We can't ignore the lives of our soldiers and attack the city. The price will be too high."

Gu Huanxi reminded again, "Don't be too prominent this time. Follow the rules."

Xu Huaiyi smiled awkwardly, "I'll try my best."

The day before departure, Xu Huaiyi went to Sun's house. When he came back, Su Zhe was waiting for him at home. He gave him some medicinal herbs and promised to secretly support him with a batch of food and fodder, so that if the court failed to deliver the food in time, he would not go hungry on the battlefield.

After all, there are precedents for this kind of thing. When Xu Huaiyi was fighting against Japanese pirates in the south, the imperial court's food and fodder were delivered late several times, and bran and wheat chaff were mixed in them. If the food had not been replenished in the name of suppressing bandits, everyone would have been starving to death. What's the point of fighting?

Su Zhe was willing to donate generously only out of respect for him.

Otherwise, who would dare to throw money into this bottomless pit of the imperial court?

After Xu Huaiyi thanked him and sent him away, he did not expect that Qiao Huaijin, who had not visited for a long time, would come again.

The purpose of Qiao Huaijin's visit really made Xu Huaiyi laugh and cry. He actually asked him to take care of King Qi on the battlefield. Not to mention helping him to achieve merit, but at least to keep him from getting hurt.

For this purpose, he specially prepared a stack of silver bills, which, at a rough glance, were estimated to be tens of thousands of taels.

Xu Huaiyi refused without hesitation.

He doesn't have the ability to save Prince Qi's life. With so many people wanting to kill him, can he handle it?

If you are really afraid of death, you might as well stay in Beijing. If you must go to the battlefield to seek merit and gain opportunities, then you must be prepared to take the risk of failure.

He doesn't want to get involved.