The Ugly Empress

After reading the words on the letter, Xue Junliang suddenly laughed, and then said: "It is said that Xue Yu is coming to the palace, and Lang Jing will also come along the way."

Hearing what he said, Xue Houyang immediately understood that the note that Teng Yun brought from the border must have recommended Xue Yu.

Xue Houyang retreated, found Lang Jing at the military plane, and said, "Your Majesty summoned Lord Zhenjiang and Lord Lang to enter the palace."

Lang Jing agreed, and went out of the palace to report to Xue Yu.

Xue Yu was still drinking tea in the mansion at this time, and a maid was fanning him, looking leisurely.

When Lang Jing saw Xue Yu, Xue Yu smiled unhurriedly and said, "Master Lang is free to leave the palace?"

Lang Jing replied: "The Holy Majesty summons the Lord."

"Oh?"

Xue Yu laughed, and said: "He is busy beating Fengguo, what did he summon me for, and is he still looking for something to do with me?"

Lang Jing said: "Yi Lang doesn't think so, just now the Military Aircraft Department received the border secret security and submitted it to the Holy Majesty after ten thousand years, it may be related to Mingshui."

Xue Yu said with a smile: "Although King Xue said that he would let me go to the court regardless of past suspicions, is it possible that he still asked me to lead the army? Does Xue Junliang have this kind of bearing?"

Lang Jing said: "Master, you might as well enter the palace, you will know."

Xue Yu changed his official uniform unhurriedly, then asked his servants to prepare the horses, and then went into the palace with Lang Jing.

As soon as the sign was handed over, some palace servants immediately led Xue Yu and Lang Jing over.

They entered the main hall, Xue Junliang didn't look up, said: "Sit down when you come."

The two thanked them, and sat down, Xue Junliang looked at Zhezi, and said, "Xue Yu, I remember that you have made a lot of military exploits, don't you?"

"Indeed."

Xue Junliang said again: "When the late emperor was alive, he was said to be smart and brave... At this time, you are serving the country and raising troops, but you are drinking tea and listening to operas in the mansion. Are you worthy of the late emperor's respect?"

Xue Yu said with a smile: "Your Majesty, you are joking. Xue Guo is full of talents, even noble concubines can fight the enemy. What else do I need to do as a young and ignorant person? Feng Guo will definitely be frightened."

Xue Junliang finally raised his eyes and smiled lightly, "Don't mock me, the festival between the two of us can't be explained clearly in just one or two sentences, but what you said about Teng Nanhou is really a wolf. Fortunately, he was on the front line and wrote a letter to recommend you."

Xue Yu stood up abruptly, with an expression of disbelief, and said, "Marquis Tengnan recommends me?"

"That's right, he recommended you to me to be in charge of the military, Xue Yu, what's your opinion?"

Xue Yu stared at Xue Junliang for a long time, with some doubts in his eyes. Of course Xue Junliang knew what he was thinking. How could a king like himself who centralized power give military power to a rebel.

Xue Junliang said: "Sit down, don't stand up, we are talking openly now, the national crisis is at stake, I don't want there to be any estrangement between our Weiji brothers, we have been fighting in the nest for so many years, there are some What do you mean, did anyone get any benefits? You wanted to sit on the dragon chair, but you didn't get it, and I wanted to kill you, but I couldn't kill you, so why bother if this continues."

"Humph." Xue Yu sneered, and said, "Your Majesty is very straightforward. Is it soon enough to admit that you want to get rid of your younger brother?"

Xue Junliang smiled and threw away the pen, leaned back on the dragon chair, and said: "I have always been a straightforward person, but after being a king for so many years, I can't say some refreshing words. Now the door is closed, just the three of us."

Xue Yu said: "Your Majesty, tell me everything."

Xue Junliang nodded, and said: "Mingshui sent a report to the mansion, Teng Nanhou won the first battle, repelled Lu Shichen, and regained the food and grass... Although the first battle was well fought, Teng Nanhou and I felt that this was not happy. , Mingshui stretches for a long time, and Fengguo's army is defeated in the lower reaches, so they will definitely find other breakthroughs, water warfare is one thing, our soldiers and horses will definitely fight Fengguo on Mingshui, and there is another place."

"It's Peng County."

At this time Lang Jing coolly interjected a word.

Xue Junliang didn't blame him for interrupting, nodded and said: "It's Peng County. There is a small county not far upstream of Mingshui. Although there are not many residents, it is an important place for military strategists. The canyon, because the terrain is dangerous, is generally not dangerous."

Lang Jing continued: "Although Peng County is easy to defend and difficult to attack, if it is captured, there will be a large plain to the north of Peng County, and you can only fight with large armies. Such a confrontation with large troops will definitely cause heavy losses. In addition to the fall of the fortress, the morale of the army will be greatly reduced." It's not stable, it's hard to guarantee a win."

Xue Junliang immediately turned his head to look at Xue Yu, and said: "Because Peng County is the source of Mingshui, the water flows like a big roc spreading its wings..."

He said, laughed, and said: "Xue Yu, you have always been conceited, you are young and capable, and you always hate the sky for being too low, then I will give you soldiers and horses, and give you the trust you deserve. Peng, you can't fly high!"

Xue Yu also stared at Xue Junliang for a long time, and said: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, although Xue Yu is impulsive and irritable, he also understands that if there is no Xue Guo, I will not even be the Marquis of Zhenjiang. Only when Xue Guo is prosperous can I consider what to do." Rebellion, isn't it?"

Xue Junliang smiled and said: "It's hard for you to think so clearly, it's rare."

Xue Yu said: "Your brother will issue a military order. If you lose Peng County, you will join Mingshui. Your Majesty does not need to make any effort."

"Okay."

Xue Junliang agreed unceremoniously, and said: "You can take Lang Jing with you. Lang Jing is loyal to you. You take him with you. As a king, you should show your trust to your subjects, right?"

"Your Majesty is wise."

Xue Junliang turned to Lang Jing and said, "How many soldiers and horses are needed to guard Peng County?"

Lang Jing didn't answer, but just said to Xue Yu: "I still need to ask the Lord to inform me."

Xue Yu just paused, and immediately replied: "Two thousand and five elite soldiers are enough."

"Okay," Xue Junliang said, "Looking like Wannianhou wants [-] cavalry, let's set off as soon as possible."

Xue Yu left the palace, led two thousand and five soldiers in the camp on the outskirts of Beijing, and soon left for Peng County.

On the way, Lang Jing also analyzed the terrain and situation of Peng County. Lu Shichen was defeated, and Teng Nanhou's army had already confronted Feng's army in Mingshui. Soon, Fengguo would send troops here to cover Ming Water can also surprise.

The advantage of Peng County is that it is located in the upper reaches of the Mingshui River. There are canyons that are not easy to pass, and there are fortifications that are easy to defend and difficult to attack.

Lang Jing said: "My lord, you can just defend and not attack. Fengjun's battle line is too long, and he can't respond to save himself. If he can't attack for a long time, he will withdraw his troops. At this time, he will send a letter to Tengnanhou on Mingshui and the four in Zheng'an. Tiger generals, attacking and clashing from three sides, the Feng army will surely be defeated."

Xue Yu said: "It's nice to say, how does Pengjun guard?"

Lang Jing smiled, and said: "My lord has always been lucky. For a city that cannot be attacked for a long time, the enemy would usually think of a fire encirclement. Unfortunately, Peng County is always rainy and humid, and there is a water source. Even if the fire encirclement can be put out quickly, it is impossible Nothing to be afraid of."

Xue Yu nodded, but said: "Then what if it's a water attack? The upper reaches of Mingshui are turbulent, and the enemy army digs ditches to divert water to irrigate the city?"

Lang Jing said: "I have also thought about this section. In fact, we might as well let Feng Jun dig the ditches. When the work is completed, we might as well act first, divert water to fill the army, and reap the benefits of the fisherman."

Xue Yu thought it was a good idea, and he had to admire Lang Jing's quick thinking. In the past, Lang Jing often advised himself, but Xue Yu never thought of listening to it. After all, he is also a young hero. Frustration, you can only understand it if you have truly failed.

When Xue Yu arrived in Peng County, he personally inspected the problems of building the city and sentry towers, and ordered soldiers to reinforce the city walls and gates, moved the residents close to Mingshui to higher ground, and sent spies to investigate along the vicinity of Mingshui. Get news from Fengjun.

Everything is ready, just waiting for Fengjun to send troops to attack the city.

In less than half a month, the Feng army came. General Feng Guo personally led three thousand elite soldiers to attack the city. Xue Yu had already prepared himself. Digging traps in the canyon, Fengjun fell into the trap as soon as they arrived, Xue Yu asked the soldiers to stand on the canyon and push down the boulder, the boulder rolled down from the mountain, Fengjun fled for their lives, although only a small number of Fengjun were killed Getting stuck in the canyon or falling into a pit, but this is also Xue Yu's first dismount.

Feng Jun counted the troops and lost more than [-] soldiers, which was evenly matched with Xue Yu's [-] troops.

While the Feng army was attacking the city, they really began to secretly dig ditches, preparing to divert water to irrigate the city. Xue Yu had already made preparations and made people stare at him, but pretended not to know, and just concentrated on fighting the enemy. Although the enemy could not attack for a long time, but He wasn't afraid, and he was full of joy thinking that he had attracted Xue Jun's attention, and felt that he was bound to win.

Xue Yu also quietly organized the soldiers and the people to dig ditches from the deserted parts of the city to attract water.

Just when the Fengjun was done and was about to take down Pengjun without a single soldier, the spies from the Fengjun reported that something was wrong in Pengjun. Only then did the enemy know that Xue Yu had also dug a ditch and wanted to lead his troops back. When we arrived at the canyon, we couldn’t pass through because of huge boulders blocking the road. If we had to make a detour, we had to turn back, and we were in a dilemma.

Xue Junliang was filled with emotion when the report of Pengjun's great victory was delivered to the capital. If Teng Yun hadn't recommended Xue Yu, even though Xue Junliang knew that Marquis Zhenjiang was a general, he couldn't let go of his grudge and reuse him.

Although Xue Junliang was guarding the capital, his nerves could not be relaxed for a moment. He was afraid that there would be an accident on the front line. The Military Aircraft Department would send many reports to report about Mingshui every day.

Xue Junliang received Mingshui's residence report again, and Xue Yu's residence report was delivered almost one after another. He thought it was a good news, but in fact it was a good news. It was the first time that Marquis Teng Nan and the governor of Fengguo, Qi Zi, met Mingshui. During the war, not to mention repelling Qi Zijie, he also captured nearly 300 prisoners of Fengguo.

The only thing is, Teng Nanhou was poisoned by the sword, so in order not to let Feng Jun know, he broke the shaft of the arrow and held it until Feng Jun retreated to the south of Mingshui.

Although the sword poison is not a poison that seals the throat when it sees blood, because of too long time, Teng Nanhou passed out when he returned to the camp, and the military doctor is trying his best to treat him.

Xue Junliang looked at the letter for a long time, then suddenly said: "Does Fengguo know?"

The visitor replied: "According to the Mingshui army's report, before the governor fainted, he ordered to keep the secret, and not let everyone reveal a single bit, for fear that Fengguo would take advantage of the opportunity to send troops to attack."

Xue Junliang nodded and said, "That's good."

But the next moment, his heart came up again, and he said: "Teng Nanhou's injury, can it be cured?"

The visitor said: "The end will not be known."

Xue Junliang didn't speak any more, just stayed up all night, and the next day came the military report, Teng Nanhou hadn't woken up yet, there seemed to be spies from the state of Feng in the barracks, and he had heard that the governor of the state of Xue had died of poison soon, and Feng The country seems to be ready to take the opportunity to capture Mingshui.

Xue Junliang panicked for a moment, and then ordered the ministers to be summoned in the main hall.

The ministers had just retreated from the court and left the palace, but they were called back again. Xue Junliang asked people to read the residence newspaper and asked everyone for their opinions.

Xue Houyang said: "No leader in the army is a big taboo... Marquis Tengnan managed to subdue the hearts of the army. If he sends people to Mingshui to replace Marquis Tengnan, and if he changes people rashly, he is afraid that he will not be able to convince the crowd. This is not appropriate."

"Gu also thinks the same way. If Teng Nanhou, the chief governor, does not do well, it is only natural to send people there, but..."

Some officials suggested that the soldiers and generals could say that Marquis Teng Nan was well, so that it could be delayed for a while.

Shen Yi stood up and said: "This method is not appropriate, now the two armies are facing each other, since the enemy army has heard that Tengnanhou is seriously ill, even if it is a rumor, they will definitely seize the opportunity, so that Tengnanhou can recover after taking a walk. The speech, I am afraid that there is no 300 taels of silver here, which makes Fengjun even more confident."

Xue Junliang said: "Then according to the Taifu, what should I do?"

Shen Yi said: "I do have a solution, and it is definitely a useful solution, it just depends on what your Majesty does."

"But it doesn't matter."

Shen Yi raised his head and glanced at Xue Junliang, and slowly uttered four words, "Yu Jia's personal conquest."

As soon as he finished speaking, there was an uproar in the hall. Xue Houyang said: "If your Majesty conquests personally, it will indeed boost morale, but... what should be done within the capital, without the Holy Lord, if Peng County falls, the capital will be in danger."

Shen Yi said: "For now, there is only a dangerous road for soldiers. The capital has been guarded for ten thousand years, and the camp in the suburbs of Beijing is well guarded. Considering the loss, we will not rashly attack Peng County again."

Xue Junliang was indeed moved by Shen Yi's words. The imperial conquest can not only boost morale, but also see Teng Yun. Teng Yun was poisoned by the sword and has not yet woken up. He can't let it go.

Xue Houyang also felt that what Shen Yi said was reasonable, but he still felt that he had no idea in letting himself take on this important task.

Shen Yi said again: "Your Majesty might as well hand over the affairs of the capital to the Crown Prince, so that the Marquis of Wannian can assist the government, and any important matters will be sent to Mingshui for imperial approval...Although the Crown Prince is young, he is very witty. You can adapt to the situation without fear.”

Xue Junliang thought of Xue Pei, when he was so old, he didn't just finish studying in the study, he also started to solve problems for the former emperor, and started wandering around to do errands.

Xue Junliang pondered for a long time, and everyone stood in the main hall, not even daring to vent their anger, waiting for King Xue's decision.

It seemed that after a long time, Xue Junliang finally said: "The Taifu is right. I am alone preparing for the imperial conquest. The crown prince Xue Pei will act as an agent for the affairs of the capital, and the ten thousand year Marquis Xue Houyang will assist the government."

As soon as his words fell, all the officials knelt down and kowtowed: "Your Majesty is wise."

Personal conquest is not a small matter, and it is impossible to leave immediately, but before the departure, the statement has already spread to Mingshui, and the generals are still worried about the matter of the governor, fearing that Fengjun will take this opportunity to make a large-scale invasion. Here comes the news that King Xue is preparing to go on a personal conquest.

This news is not uninspiring. The troops to be conscripted will be ready soon, with sufficient food and wages, and they will set off in a few days.

When Xue Junliang rushed to Mingshui, the Feng army sent troops to fight again. Although this time they saw the banner of Marquis Tengnan, it was not Teng Yun himself, but Zhao Tong who stood in front.

Teng Nanhou had been in a coma for several days. The military doctors tried their best to treat him, but he didn't get better.

Everyone advised Zhao Tong to be careful in meeting the enemy and not to be arrogant, but Zhao Tong was always irritable and didn't listen to advice very much. Twenty small boats faced Fengguo's army.

Qi Zijie sent his generals to fight, but Zhao Tong didn't even carry any weapons, but only copied the big flag, and the small boat and the big ship joined the deck. Without three tricks, Zhao Tong used the military flag to pick the general of Fengguo into the water. Jie sent people to fight again, but also lost to Zhao Tong.

Zhao Tong stood alone at the bow of the boat, and Feng Jun was so intimidated by his aura that no one dared to fight again.

Qi Zijie lost two generals in a row and did not dare to fight again, so he ordered to retreat to the south of Mingshui. Zhao Tong was not sure, and he used twenty small boats to win the Feng army's large force, but he did not pursue, and also ordered to turn the bow of the boat, Back to the North Shore.

Zhao Tong won the battle by himself, and when he returned to the camp, a general came up to meet him and said, "The general is awake!"

Zhao Tongtong was stunned, and then he was overjoyed. Before he had time to rush to the main tent, the sentinel ran over and said, "It seems that there are military horses coming this way."

Zhao Tong hurriedly boarded the sentry tower, there was indeed a large army coming here, but they were very close, and the word "Xue" was impressively written on the military flag.

Only then did Zhao Tong realize that it was King Xue's own army that had arrived.

Everyone rushed out of the camp and knelt down to welcome King Xue. Xue Junliang got off his horse and let the generals flatten out. The first thing he said was, "What happened to Marquis Tengnan?"

Zhao Tong said: "The general just woke up."

"woke up……"

Xue Junliang repeated, immediately left the crowd and walked directly in. Zhao Tong naturally knew that His Majesty was anxious to see the chief governor's injury, so he immediately led King Xue to the main tent.

When Xue Junliang arrived at the main tent, his own soldiers disliked the curtain for him, but he didn't expect that before he went in, he would see Teng Yun who was about to come out with a pale face.

Teng Yun's lips were pale, his face was bloodless, his whole body was a little thin, and he seemed to have no energy, because all the soldiers came out to greet him, so naturally there was no one to serve him in the main tent. After Teng Yun woke up, he was worried about the war, so he even wore a The inner garment staggered to come out.

Teng Yun stared at Xue Junliang in the python robe for a long time, seemingly unbelievable.

When Xue Junliang saw his haggard appearance, he twisted his heart hard, stretched out his hand to support Teng Yun, turned his head and said: "Everyone go out, I have something to say to Teng Nanhou."

As soon as the words fell, he stretched out his hand and lowered the curtain, blocking the sight of people outside, and then hugged Teng Yun horizontally, and walked into the tent.

Teng Yun was startled, as if he was about to straighten up, but he just woke up, and he didn't have any strength. When he saw Xue Junliang's expression was unkind, he didn't struggle anymore, and leaned on Xue Junliang obediently, and heaved a sigh of relief.