Linzhi

It is said that it is to avoid the limelight temporarily, not to move the capital, but everyone knows that it is not up to oneself to decide when to return after leaving.

At this time in the court, naturally there are still differences of opinion.Fan Yi, Zhang Song and others advocated that the Son of Heaven should enter Shu. Their reasons are naturally very good. Shu is a land of abundance.The most important thing is that this place is not far from Chang'an, it can be advanced, attacked, retreated or defended, and it will be convenient to come back in the future.

After the death of the crown prince, the children from poor families who surrounded the East Palace in the past scattered like a tree falling and hones. If the distance is far enough, it is impossible for the Turks to fight there. When Emperor Jiayou settles there, the Qin King's army from all over the place will also arrive, and the Turks will naturally be defeated by then.

Emperor Jiayou was hesitant, but in the end it was Li Kuan who made him make up his mind to move to Jiankang.Li Kuan gave two reasons: one is to go to Jinling to cross the river, and the Yangtze River is naturally dangerous. The Turkic people are good at riding and shooting, but they are not good at swimming, let alone crossing the river by boat. Absolute safety cannot be guaranteed.The second is to arrive at Jiankang, which is very close to King Wei of Suzhou and King Xing of Lingnan. They want to rush to protect them, which is faster than running all the way to central Shu with the army.Especially King Xing, who is good at leading troops to fight, has hundreds of thousands of elite soldiers under his command, and then unites with troops from all over the world, he can completely expel the Turkic people and reorganize the rivers and mountains.

These two reasons completely convinced Emperor Jiayou. He took the harem of his courtiers to the south to take refuge temporarily, and issued orders along the way, calling on the officials of the vassal princes from all over the country to go to King Jiankangqin and prevent the Turks from continuing to move forward.

Although communications were not smooth due to the war, the imperial court still had post stations and post kiosks. Ganzhou also received the decree, but after weighing the pros and cons, He Rong decided to temporarily suppress the decree and stand still.

Because the situation in Chang'an is moving in the worst direction as expected, but Ganzhou has made important progress.

Wutang Town, where Saburo Xiao's troops are stationed, is welcoming an unexpected visitor.

Xiao Chong looked at the person in front of him, his brows were already furrowed, but on the surface he had to treat the visitor with courtesy, even went out to greet him in person.

"I don't know what will Xu Shilang bring from His Majesty when he comes here?"

Xiao's court also has a set of institutional teams, and the officials in the court are also divided into factions, like Xu Shilang from the Ministry of War, who is the eldest son of the emperor, and is also an official of Brother Xiao.Xiao Yu's failure to establish a crown prince does not mean that the officials below are not standing in line, and the servants and maidservants in the high-ranking households are still intriguing, not to mention that Xiao Yu has been emperor for more than ten years, and the small court is also not peaceful.

Xu Shilang said with an official smile: "Third Highness, don't be so anxious. Your Majesty is just afraid that you will be fighting on the front line and neglect your own safety. That's why you ordered the officials to come here and tell Your Highness to take care of yourself. Now that the heat is in full swing, it's the easiest time to take care of yourself." If you are sick, you have to be more careful."

Xiao Chong frowned in his heart, but he had to cheer up and deal with the opponent.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. Thank you, Shi Lang, for taking this special trip. Since you are here, please go to the commander's tent to rest for a while. I have already sent people to prepare meals. Drinking is not suitable in the army. Please return to the humble place." Forgive me more."

Xu Shilang said: "Your Majesty is strict in governing the army. The lower officials have already heard about it. Now that I see it, it really lives up to its reputation. There is no rush for dinner. In fact, His Majesty does have an oral order for the lower officials to convey on your behalf."

Xiao Zhongsu stood up, straightened his robe, went to Xu Shilang and knelt down.

"Xiao Zhong listened to the order."

The general behind him also quickly knelt down.

Xu Shilang: "His Majesty learned that His Highness has been resting in Wutang Town for more than half a month, and would like to ask His Highness, what is the next step?"

Xiao Chong heard that this meant urging him to send troops to attack the city quickly, and said, "Your Majesty, Zhang Ye was almost at his fingertips in the previous siege battle, but he did not expect He Rong to lead troops to help, so that Ying Ziyu narrowly escaped death. Now that there are reinforcements, it will not be easy to capture Zhangye again. I have sent people to Anbei County to explore the road. In a few days, we can withdraw from Wutang Town, bypass Anbei County, and enter from the rear of Zhangye. Take the rest of Ganzhou first, and leave Zhangye as an isolated city, which they can't defend even if they want to."

Xu Shilang frowned: "The other side also has spies, so it's impossible to be unaware of it, right? Your Majesty said that He Rong is quite a soldier. Your Highness should not be careless."

Xiao Zhong said calmly: "Xu Shilang, don't worry, when the time comes to withdraw from Wutang Town, it must be withdrawn in batches. The tent commander flag here will be kept, and I will also leave some people here to confuse the enemy."

Xu Shilang said: "According to His Highness, how long will it take to win Ganzhou?"

Xiao Zhong replied: "According to this progress, within three months, it should be possible."

too long.Xu Shilang couldn't help but wanted to frown again, and he said tactfully: "Your Highness, now that the Turkic people are invading the south and the Central Plains are in chaos, it is our great opportunity. Back then, His Majesty formed an alliance with the Turks for exactly today. Three months later, only I am afraid that the Turkic people have already occupied most of the rivers and mountains, and other people will not be far behind, and will rise up one after another. The heroes will share the meat, and whoever is close to the water will naturally get the moon first. The future of Liangguo does not lie in a mere Ganzhou."

Xiao Zhong said lightly: "I also know Xu Shilang's truth, but if you don't accumulate a few steps, you can't reach a thousand miles. If you don't take Ganzhou, how can you take other places? Why don't you teach me."

Xu Shilang said with a smile: "Your Highness is serious, how dare I speak out? It's just to convey His Majesty's meaning. I heard that He Rong sent people here several times to persuade His Highness to surrender, and promised to pay him a lot?"

Xiao Zhong raised his eyebrows: "I didn't expect Xu Shilang to be a thousand miles ear? Is this what you want to ask, or your Majesty?"

Xu Shilang said with a smile: "Your Highness, please calm down. This is what I heard on the way here, and I just asked casually. Your Highness's loyalty can be shown by the sun and the moon. Naturally, this official knows it. It's just that people's words can be feared, and everyone's words can make money. Your Highness It's better to be more cautious, so as not to fall into the ground of others, this is the words of the lower officials, and please don't be overwhelmed, Your Highness."

Xiao Zhong's heart trembled.

"I've been away from the capital for a long time, and I don't know if there are any recent rumors related to me. I hope Minister Xu will let you know."

Xu Shilang was still smiling, but he didn't answer, he just said: "It's getting late, why don't we talk about it tomorrow, Your Highness?"

Xiao Zhong said: "I know that Xu Shilang is here to supervise the military discipline under the order of His Majesty. If I, Xiao Chong, have military achievements in the future, I will naturally have a share of Xu Shilang. It is doing my part.”

Xu Shilang couldn't hold back his face immediately, forced a smile and said: "Your Highness is serious."

He thought to himself that a warrior is a warrior, and speaking so bluntly, it seemed like he was rushing to ask for credit. In comparison, His Highness is gentle and elegant, more than 01:30 points better than Xiao Chong.

But now that he had opened his mouth, he didn't hold back any more, and said: "Recently, it has been rumored in Beijing that His Majesty loves you more, because His Majesty the Third Highness had a private affair with an unknown woman in the past."

Xiao Zhong was astonished, and then he said angrily: "What is the intention of those who spread such rumors! Everyone knows that my father is His Majesty's old robe, and His Majesty just adopted me as his adopted son because of his nostalgia for old love!"

Xu Shilang smiled: "Your Highness, there is no need to be excited. I did not spread the rumors. Your Majesty will not doubt you because of this."

It's not enough to doubt him because of this, but he sent a servant Xu to be the supervisor, isn't it still obvious that he doesn't believe him?

Because of Xiao Zhong's ability to lead troops, he was highly valued by his adoptive father, and he was called the Third Highness, but Xiao Zhong himself knew that a tree that is beautiful in the forest will be destroyed by the wind, especially since he is not Xiao Yu's parent and son, and his two righteous Brother, but a little mediocre, so it is inevitable that there will be some gossip.Xiao Zhong himself didn't pay much attention to these matters, in order to avoid suspicion, he did not often enter the palace when he was in the capital, because he knew very well that the mothers of the two righteous brothers, that is, the concubines of the righteous father, were very afraid of him, There are many precautions.Now, even the adoptive father has doubts about himself?

Thinking of this, he couldn't help feeling a little tired.

Sending Xu Shilang away, the generals in front of Xiao Zhong were filled with righteous indignation.

"Your Highness has been fighting with His Majesty all these years. At the beginning, he was able to defeat Pei Wuyang, and His Highness's merits should not be underestimated. Now that His Highness is required to make meritorious service for the court, and you still doubt you, how can there be such a reason in the world!"

"That's right, those two princes in the imperial court do nothing all day long, and they have a group of people cheering for them. His Highness has worked hard and has a high character, but they are suspected! They even suspect that you can't stay here. Colluding with He Rong, if that's the case, then it's better to do what they want!"

"Okay!" Xiao Zhong heard that their words were getting more and more outrageous, so he had no choice but to stop.

"The imperial court has concerns of the imperial court, we just need to obey!"

A general was unwilling to say: "But we have already made arrangements. Now that Xu Shilang comes, he will change it as soon as he says. Is it possible that we will go to attack the city tomorrow as he said?"

Xiao Chong resisted the urge to rub his forehead, he knew he couldn't show any depression, otherwise his subordinates would be more depressed than him, at this time, the most important thing is to calm people's minds.

"Everything is business as usual. I will find an opportunity to talk to Xu Shilang again tomorrow."

Several generals looked at each other, but they all felt that even if they talked, there would be no results.

……

"Your Highness is right, the old thief Xiao Yu sent a supervising army to Wutang Town, and now Xiao Zhong must be in a terrible state!"

In Ganzhou Governor's Mansion, Tao Xuan was very happy, and did not forget to flatter him a little.

"Your Highness has a wonderful plan, my generation is far away, and I can only respect him wholeheartedly!"

Although Tao Xuan was good at flattering, his ability to do things was not bad. Most of the officials who managed to get ahead in the court had some problems.

Ying Ziyu said: "How do you know that Xiao Zhong will be affected? He has a higher status than the superintendent, so he can ignore the other party's orders."

He didn't intend to argue with Tao Xuan, but he clearly knew the significance of Xiao Zhong to Xiao Shi.

The reason why Xiao Yu was able to start a family is that on the one hand, he himself is indeed a hero. He dared to seize the opportunity when the imperial court was restrained by the Turks and did not want to fight rashly. The masters were all those who fought with Emperor Gaozu back then, and Xiao Chong was brought out by him himself.Now that Xiao Yu is nearly eighty years old, no matter how good his hearing and eyes are, he is still an old man after all, and the people around Xiao Yu are either dying of old age, or they were cut off by him. It's just Xiao Zhong.

Ying Ziyu felt that no matter how good Xiao Yu was, he would not easily interfere with a son who was fighting on the front line.

Tao Xuan's opinion was completely opposite to his: "Xiao Yu's old thief is old, and he has been in the top position for a long time. He is used to saying the same thing, so he will not be less suspicious. Xiao Zhong, who is not a parent and child, will only be more defensive. Maybe the old thief himself sent someone to spread his respect for Xiao Zhong outside, otherwise he wouldn't have sent the supervising army to restrain Xiao Zhong!"

Not allowing them to continue arguing, He Rong asked, "How long has it been since Lin Miao and the others left?"

Ying Ziyu said, "It's been five days."

Five days ago, Lin Miao left Zhangye with a team of 1000 people, detoured through Qilian Mountains, and planned to attack the rear of Wutang Town, catching Xiao Zhonglai by surprise, and then Ying Ziyu echoed him head to tail, attacking from both sides.

So now the longer Xiao Zhong stays put, the more beneficial it will be for them.

Although Lin Miao's troops were small, their strength should not be underestimated. Most of the troops in this team were former Turkic cavalry, and there were also a few Lingzhou soldiers. They were all the best of the best.

He Rong nodded when he heard the words: "They are lightly dressed, and their marching speed will not be too slow. General Ying must be prepared at all times. Once he receives the fireworks signal from there, he will immediately lead his troops out of the city to attack."

Ying Ziyu was gearing up: "Your Highness, don't worry! I've waited long enough for this day, and I'm sure to give my mother a bad breath and beat Xiao Zhong to the ground!"

He was so excited that he forgot to lock the door when he spoke.

Tao Xuan reprimanded: "How can you be so disrespectful in front of Your Highness!"

Ying Ziyu rolled his eyes at him: "Your Highness is not as stingy as you, and he cares about every detail when he says something wrong."

Tao Xuan choked on him and stared at him angrily.

……

Compared to their ease here, Emperor Jiayou's side seemed to be struggling.

The Turkic people moved south very fast. After Jinzhou fell, they arrived in Puzhou in a short time. It seemed that they were only a short distance away from Chang'an. Emperor Jiayou and his party had a large number of people, including civil servants and women, and the officials brought their own The family members, with such a mighty group of people, plus all kinds of luggage, the speed of progress cannot be too fast, and they have just arrived in Xiangzhou.

The governor of Xiangzhou heard that the emperor was going south, so he had already made preparations in advance. On the one hand, he wanted to go out to meet him, and on the other hand, he wanted to run with the emperor's team, lest the Turks really come to Xiangzhou, and he would have to follow suit.

Unexpectedly, the scale of the royal family and the large number of people are still far beyond his expectations. There is no room for a mere Xiangzhou, and the accompanying army has to camp outside the city. Many scholars and merchants in the city have given up their houses to the nobles. , but the number is still not enough, and many nobles complained, which made the governor of Xiangzhou follow a few of them.

Emperor Jiayou was also not used to it everywhere.No matter how comfortable the governor's mansion is, it is impossible to be as comfortable as the imperial palace, but Chang'an will not be able to go back for a while. Several ministers in distress who went south with him.

"King Wei and King Xing, have you set off yet? And King An, haven't you received my order? Why haven't you heard from me at all?"