The imperial court was horrified when they learned that King Ning had joined King Yan in rebellion. Not only were they worried that King Ning and King Yan would increase their power by joining forces, but they were also worried that these two rebel kings joining forces would create a chain reaction that would bring down other kings.

They are also ready to make a move, especially Zhu Zhi, the king of Liao in the east of Liao. If he also rebels, then the northeast and northwest will be connected, and Zhu Di will have enough qualifications to challenge the court.

But at this time, it is obviously not feasible to kill the King of Liao again. All idiots understand that this is to force the King of Liao to surrender to the King of Yan. But putting him in Liaodong, Zhu Yun really can't worry about it. He, Huang Zicheng, Fang Xiaoru, Qi Tai

, Lian Zining and others discussed for a long time, and finally decided to use the gentle method, that is, the strategy of reducing the vassal that Gao Wei, the judge of the fifth army, and Zhuo Jing, the minister of household affairs, had originally suggested to him but was not adopted: to change the place to become the king, and to cut the vassal.

its foundation.

Zhu Yun sent his trusted ministers to travel through the night to Guangning Prefecture in Liaodong (now Beizhen City, Liaoning Province). After Zhu Zhi received the imperial edict, he did not resist. However, by this time King Ning had followed King Yan into the pass, and the land route was no longer possible.

Zhu Zhi was afraid that the court would be suspicious of him if he returned late, so he took a large ship and took the sea route to bypass the area controlled by King Yan, landed in Shandong, and then rushed to Nanjing by horse.

Zhu Yun was so happy that he immediately changed his fiefdom to Jingzhou, assigned some people to him, and asked him to go to Jingzhou and take office, so as to calm the minds of the kings. But that Jingzhou... Jingzhou is the place where the King of Hunan, Zhu Baihe, has his family.

Everyone, old and young, was dead, and even the palace was completely burned down. Zhu Yun couldn't make arrangements, so he sent him to Jingzhou instead. He was not afraid that he would have other ideas after looking at the ruins of the twelfth brother's house all day long.

The King of Liao obeyed and went to Jingzhou, which made Zhu Yun greatly relieved. The King of Liao, Zhu Zhi, who came from the sea, had no soldiers and generals, so he could not make waves in Jingzhou, and he could still appease the other kings with his "happy ending".

After the King of Liao left Liaodong, he no longer had to worry about Liaodong soldiers and horses being taken to King Yan by him, and Zhu Yunchong felt relieved again.

If King Ning and King Yan join forces, Zhu Yunlai will have some troubles, but they still can't affect the situation of the battle. Fifty thousand to half a million is about the same as 150,000 to half a million. The imperial army still maintains an absolute advantage.

With his teachers Huang Zicheng and Qi Tai around, he didn't need to worry too much about these matters, so he still spent most of his time discussing things with Fang Xiaoru.

Zhu Yunzhang had much more time to review memorials during the meeting than his grandfather. Zhu Yuanzhang was very hands-on and a workaholic. At most, he had to review thousands of memorials in a day. The memorials of many ministers were like old ladies' foot wraps.

, the writing is smelly and long. You have to find something useful among a lot of useless clichés and give a clear answer. And there are more than a thousand such foot bindings. You can imagine the workload.

However, what Zhu Yun admired was to govern by doing nothing and to govern by doing nothing. All major affairs of the government were handed over to Huang Zicheng and his group. The time he spared was mainly used to talk about Zhou rites with Fang Xiaoru. Zhou rites are profound and profound. Of course, such a treasure book

It is not something that can be mastered quickly. The roles played by Fang Xiaoru and Huang Zicheng around him are like religious leaders and political leaders. One instills ideals in him, and the other manages the political power for him.

After the court went to court today, Zhu Yun had some free time after approving a few important memorials that Huang Zicheng had forwarded. The weather turned cold, and Mr. Xiaozhi occasionally caught wind and cold, so he did not come to teach for the past two days, so Zhu Yun did not learn the Zhou rites today, but

The weekly rituals have begun.

Zhou etiquette must be learned and practiced. It can be reflected everywhere, from a small family to a large country, such as... the etiquette of Zhou Gong. It is said that people in ancient times were very simple, so simple that their folk customs were very primitive, and the relationship between the sexes was very chaotic.

So Zhou Gong made the ceremony, and when the wedding was scheduled, he formulated seven links: Nacai, asking for names, Naji, Nazheng, asking for dates, personal greetings, and Dunlun. Each link has specific and detailed regulations, collectively called

"Seven Rites of Wedding".

Duke Zhou also summoned the children of scholars to Piyong (school) and performed the ceremony for them in person with his wife. However, when it came time to perform the ceremony of Dunlun, Duke Zhou's wife was very embarrassed and refused to perform in public. Duke Zhou had no choice but to have an idea, so he

A gourd is cut into two halves, one half represents the male and the other half represents the female. The male bends down and the female looks up, which is the reason why all things in the sky and the earth are inferred.

Later, when Confucius established etiquette, Confucius felt that times had changed and people's wisdom had become enlightened, so there was no need to teach the etiquette of Dunlun. So the seven etiquettes became six etiquettes, but they said they were no longer taught. In fact, when his daughter's family got married, they

Mothers always have to teach them secretly, or get some erotic paintings to teach their daughters. As for men..., cough! There really is no need to teach them.

The weather was relatively cold today. Zhu Yun read for a while in the warm spring-like Zhengxin Hall. When he got interested, he asked someone to bring food and wine and wanted to have a few drinks. The person serving the banquet was a female waitress.

Her name is Murong Linshuang, Linzhe is also a beautiful jade. Her skin is really as warm and moist as jade, and it can be broken by blows. Frost, in this palace as warm as spring, and in front of the current emperor, of course the frost will eliminate the snowflakes, and her smile will disappear.

flowery.

After Zhu Yun drank two cups of rice wine, he saw the charming appearance of the female official named Murong Linshuang. He felt a little emotional. He took her hand and asked her name and age before taking her to the inner hall to pay homage to Duke Zhou.

Went. Those who can become palace maids are all older. Murong Linshuang never expected that she would be favored by the emperor in her early twenties. Naturally, she was surprised and happy. How could she care about her daughter's family?

Shy.

However, even if she wanted to flatter her, there was actually no way to flatter her, because Zhu Yun came to Dunlun very strictly according to the etiquette of Duke Zhou, which is what the West calls the missionary posture. The priests, like Duke Zhou, thought that

It is most reasonable for men to be in charge, and they are opposed to messy tricks, so Miss Linshuang just needs to lie there obediently.

The man in her body didn't know how to caress or say a few words of love, or he was too lazy to do this to a little female official like her. He picked up a gun and mounted his horse and went on a rampage. Miss Murong could not help but raise her eyebrows and wince, as if she was in agony.

This made Zhu Yun feel like a manly man.

After the blessing, Miss Murong endured the pain of breaking the melon and waited on Zhu Yun to bathe and change clothes. Zhu Yun walked out with a cheerful look and told Xiao Linzi who was waiting outside: "I am here to visit Miss Murong today. I have written it down and give it to you."

She was given the title of lady."

"My slave obeys the order!"

Xiao Linzi agreed and hurried to the Department of Internal Affairs to convey the emperor's oral instructions.

The rank of concubines of the Ming Dynasty is empress; imperial concubine; noble concubine; Xian concubine, Shu concubine, Zhuang concubine, Jing concubine, Hui concubine, Shun concubine, Kang concubine, Ning concubine; De concubine, Xian concubine, Zhuang concubine, Li concubine, Hui concubine

, An concubine, He concubine, Xi concubine, Kang concubine; Zhaoyi, Jieyu, Cairen, selected attendant, lady. Murong Linshuang has just been named a lady, and she still has a long, long life ahead of her.

.

Zhu Yun walked to the corridor with a cheerful expression, and saw curls of snowflakes floating in the sky. He couldn't help being surprised and happy. It is not easy to get snow in Jiangnan. Zhu Yun hurriedly asked someone to get his robe and walked in the snow, although there was only a thin layer of snow on the ground. It was a thin layer, but it still felt quite artistic, so I waved away the few servants who were following me, and walked alone in the snow.

The snowflakes were curling up and swaying slightly. After walking around for a while, he saw a small pavilion in front of him. Two green pines next to the pavilion were covered with a thin layer of white snow. Zhu Yun wanted to stop under the pavilion. As soon as he reached the pine tree, he Tingting said in a clear voice: "Godfather, are you telling the truth?"

"What are you doing to coax your godfather? It has been spread outside that my godfather is in charge of the imperial kitchen. I heard it when I was out of the palace for shopping. Alas, the army of half a million people was completely defeated!"

Zhu Yun was startled, and hurriedly stood still and listened. He could tell that the crisp voice was the eunuch Xiao Linzi who was waiting beside him. The other person in charge of the imperial kitchen was naturally Huang Ruoxi from the imperial kitchen department. .

Zhu Yun listened attentively for a long time, and the more he listened, the more surprised and suspicious he became. He couldn't hold back his anger, and immediately returned to the Zhengxin Palace. He said with a stern face: "Quickly, bring the two adults Huang Zicheng and Qitai into the palace immediately!"

※※※

"Li Jiujiang is incompetent! Li Jiujiang is incompetent!"

Huang Zicheng was so angry that his face turned purple, he smashed a fine celadon cup to pieces, and shouted angrily: "An army of five hundred thousand, even if it is led by a pig, it will not make people fall into pieces, he... …he……"

Stars were flying in front of Huang Zicheng's eyes, and he almost fainted and fell to the ground. His family members quickly stepped forward to help him.

There were still unmelted snowflakes on his cloak. Qi Tai, who hurriedly came to report the news, said with a solemn expression: "Brother Yixing, the matter has come to this, what's the use of anger. Let's quickly enter the palace and report this to the emperor. Hurry up. Let’s get another general.”

"No! No, thank you. Let me think about it carefully."

Huang Zicheng held the old man's arm, returned to the table and sat down slowly.

Li Jinglong is the general he strongly recommends. According to the rules, Li Jinglong is guilty, and he, the recommender, is also to blame. The half-million-strong army was completely defeated. It is heartbreaking to think about it. If the emperor is furious and pursues the investigation...

Huang Zicheng twirled his beard and thought for a long time, then shook his head and said: "Thank you, I regret that I didn't listen to your good advice. Changing generals before the formation is indeed a taboo in the army. It is not appropriate to change the coach now. Li Jinglong's defeat is not a sign of arrogance." He suffered such a heavy setback because of the soldiers, so he will definitely learn a lesson."

"What? You want to hide such a big thing from the emperor?"

Qi Tai stared and said: "Brother Yi Xing, don't make the same mistake again and again! An army of 500,000 went out to fight, and the battle was fought like this, which shows that Li Jinglong is unfit to be a general. The country and the country are not child's play. At this time, we are not changing." Handsome, when will you wait?"

Huang Zicheng said sternly: "Thank you for your courtesy. Victory and defeat are common matters for military officers. Li Jinglong's defeat was due to his carelessness and arrogance. After receiving this lesson, he may not be able to fight again. Thank you for your courtesy, don't forget that you and I were promoted by the emperor. How many people in the court are jealous of you when you take on such a big responsibility? Nowadays, you and I are in control of the government and the military. If Li Jinglong suffered such a big defeat, you and I cannot escape the blame. According to the crime, Li Jinglong should be executed. What about you and me? How can we still be shy? Yan stands in the court?

You and I have been favored by His Majesty, and our honor and disgrace are nothing. But once we reach this point, you and I will have to take the blame and resign. Resigning from this official position is okay, but the emperor's new policy depends entirely on you and me to implement it. If you and I stay away from the temple A long time ago, the emperor lost his left and right arms, and the generals will inevitably make a comeback. Then won’t your majesty become their puppet?"

Qi Tai was silent after hearing this, and then said for a long time: "Then... what should we do?"

Huang Zicheng said: "This matter cannot be reported! Shangli is in charge of the Ministry of War, and he has all the military information. Mr. Xiaozhi, as well as Jingqing, Zhuo Jing, Lian Zining and other colleagues, you and I will rush over and explain them one by one.

I ask you all to protect your interests and not to let your mouth slip in front of the emperor. I will write a letter to Li Jiujiang, telling him to make meritorious service and win a great victory to make up for his mistakes."

Qi Tai was at a loss for a long time, and could only let out a long sigh.

"Sir, Qi Aiqing, I heard that the war ahead is unfavorable and Jiujiang was defeated. Has he fled to Texas?"

Huang Zicheng and Qi Tai were summoned into the palace just after they had decided on their plan. They didn't know why the emperor called them here. When they heard this, they couldn't help being secretly surprised and said in a hurry: "This is unreasonable. Who made this?"

Rumors? Ah! I know it. Since Yan Ni’s rebellion, he has repeatedly spread rumors to disturb the morale of our army and the people. This must be another plan of Yan Ni. The people in the countryside are ignorant and like to spread these shocking and ridiculous things.

.”

After Zhu Yun heard this, his face relaxed and he quickly asked: "Why, isn't that the case?"

"of course not."

Huang Zicheng laughed: "Your Majesty, Cao Guogong led his army to the north and made many gains. Yan Ni was cornered. However, the weather in the north is extremely cold in winter. Your Majesty, even the city of Jinling has snowflakes. The northern land is simply blown by the cold wind.

The snow is several feet thick. Most of our soldiers are soldiers from the South and cannot stand the severe cold weather. Duke Cao Guo cherishes his soldiers, so he temporarily withdraws his troops and returns to Dezhou. He will wait until next spring to continue the attack on Peiping. Alas! I didn't expect Yan Ni to be full of tricks.

, the soldiers and horses of the imperial court were temporarily retired due to the weather, but they were used to spread such ridiculous rumors."

Zhu Yun was surprised and happy: "Is this so? Has Qi Aiqing received the battle report from Duke Cao Guo?"

Qi Tai glanced to the side, Huang Zicheng's eyes were staring at him. Qi Tai sighed helplessly and had to lean down and said: "Yes, I have received the battle report. After Cao Guogong sent troops, he first captured Yongping and trapped Peiping again.

Yan Ni was defeated in a row, so he took up the idea of ​​King Ning and went out to join forces with him. Although the city of Beiping is high and thick, it has been broken into by our army several times and was almost defeated. Now...the weather is extremely cold now.

, our army was mostly from the south and could not withstand the severe cold in the north. Many soldiers suffered from frostbite. Cao Guo reviewed the situation before returning to Dezhou to prepare for another battle next spring."

"I see!"

Zhu Yun let go of his worries and beamed with joy: "That's the truth. I just walked in the palace for a while and felt extremely cold. What's more, the bitter cold land in the north is really difficult for the soldiers of the Northern Expedition and Jiujiang.

I persisted until this moment before retreating. I want to reward the troops of the Northern Expedition, I want to reward Jiujiang, the rewards and punishments are clear, hahaha..."

Zhu Yun laughed heartily and immediately ordered: "Here we go, draw up a decree and give Li Cao the title of Duke Li Jinglong, Crown Prince and Grand Master, and give him a seal, gold coins, royal wine, and mink fur to reward the three armies!"

Qi Tai and Huang Zicheng looked at each other. Huang Zicheng gritted his teeth and said, "Your Majesty loves the three armies so much. The three armies will fight to the death. In the battle next spring, Peiping will be captured and Yan Ni will be eliminated."

Zhu Yun smiled broadly and nodded repeatedly. Qi Tai couldn't bear it anymore, but Huang Zicheng was not only his staunch ally, but also the current emperor's master. Qi Tai advanced and retreated with him, and his interests were at stake. He must not hold him back, but

He was really worried about the Duke of Cao and the remaining defeated generals. Now that this stage had been prevaricated, what would he do next spring?

He had no choice but to cough and said: "However, when Cao Guogong returned to Dezhou, half a million troops were on the way. Cao Guogong and his generals were mostly good at attacking but not good at defending. As a result, the Yan army could take advantage of the cavalry.

Taking away the advantages of being as fast as the wind, it really hurt a lot of my troops at the rear. Moreover, Yan Ni obtained the troops of King Ning, which greatly increased his strength. I thought that I could raise more troops and horses to supplement the military strength. At the same time, I should send an experienced officer.

General, assist Cao Guogong, in this way, we will fight again next spring, and we will be determined in one fell swoop!"
To be continued...