The Red Mansions

Chapter 1594 Daiyu: What about her?

Chapter 1594 Daiyu: What about her...

Han Dynasty, the first year of Jianxing

Xie Zaiyi, the third-rank Duke of Liao, led tens of thousands of brave and battle-hardened soldiers from the Beijing camp to conquer Sichuan. The army stayed in Hanzhong for a day and then marched non-stop towards Baoning Prefecture in Bashu.

On the spacious and straight official road, one can see military flags covering the sky. The Beijing camp is composed of the best troops of the time. At this moment, the Han army is advancing rapidly.

Troops from Sichuan and other places were also urgently transferred to Baoning Prefecture to deal with the Han army's expedition.

Chengdu Prefecture, Governor's Office

Gao Cheng sat down in the hall. The former Sichuan military officers gathered together, most of them with solemn expressions on their faces.

How could it not be solemn?

Because they were facing the court's elite troops who had fought in many battles in the south and the north, and who had just pacified the Liaodong bandits and had been invincible in the past three years.

"Brother, the imperial court's vanguard troops have arrived at Baoning Prefecture." Gao Bo said worriedly with a dignified look on his face.

Gao Cheng was silent for a moment, not taking it seriously, and said loudly: "If the vanguard troops cannot break through the city pass, all efforts will be in vain."

Gao Bo nodded and asked, "Brother, are our Shu soldiers only in Shu to defend the city?"

Gao Cheng said: "Defend instead of attack, take advantage of the strategic location of Shu, tie down the imperial army, wait for the right moment, and strike with one blow!"

Gao Bo said: "Brother, can the Northwest and Khoshut forces meet and march together?"

Gao Cheng said: "The two places are far apart, and we can't communicate through letters, so it's difficult to respond."

In this era without telegraphs and telephones, the key is to have strategic tacit understanding among military strategists, that is, when to send troops and when and how to respond to each other, all based on prediction and telepathy.

A burly officer stood up and said, "General, the King of Wei sent someone to ask if we could send troops from Huguang directly to the hinterland of Jiangnan to disrupt the situation in Jiangnan. The gentry in Jiangnan are already dissatisfied with the King of Wei, and the army's momentum is enough to deal with it."

Gao Cheng's eyes lit up at first, but then dimmed again. He shook his head and said, "The journey is too long. It will be very difficult for our Shu army to leave Shu."

Gao Bo said in a deep voice: "Brother, the soldiers of Huguang have little experience in war and may not be able to withstand our offensive. Once our army attacks Huguang, we will be able to defeat them step by step."

"The journey is long and the troops are insufficient. Not to mention other things, the supply of food and fodder is a big problem." Gao Cheng shook his head and said in a deep voice.

This is actually the biggest difference between the official army of Bashu and bandits like Li Chuang. Li Chuang can fight in Sichuan, Huguang, and Jiangnan, and receive supplies from prefectures and counties along the way, but the official army of Bashu cannot do so.

When foreign troops are fighting far away from home, their soldiers may scatter as soon as they leave Shu.

Therefore, Shu has always been a trapped dragon. Sichuan people are greedy for comfort and it is okay for them to fight at their doorstep, but if they go out of Sichuan to fight, they will definitely feel afraid of difficulties.

At this moment, Sichuan Governor Zeng Shuhong was silent for a moment, and said in a deep voice: "The previous anti-rebellion manifesto has been sent out. It won't be long before the people of all walks of life will respond in unison."

"Local prefectures and counties will most likely not respond to military affairs." Gao Cheng shook his head, his face seeming a little pessimistic.

Again, Jia Heng did not commit any evil deeds, nor did he persecute loyal and good people. He simply conferred him the title of king. These were not enough to arouse the rebellion of the people of integrity and ambition all over the world.

Sichuan Governor Zeng Shuhong whispered: "As long as Sichuan can resist the suppression of the imperial army, the local governors will definitely hesitate and wait and see."

Gao Cheng pondered for a moment, raised his eyebrows, his eyes flashed, and said loudly: "Master Zeng is right."

Zeng Shuhong said: "The food and fodder in the warehouses are ready and can be used to meet the army's food and fodder needs at any time."

Gao Cheng nodded, and said nothing more, "Thank you for your hard work in this war, Lord Zeng. If it weren't for my father's unfortunate death, Sichuan wouldn't have to confront the imperial court like this."

Zeng Shuhong's resolute and calm face seemed to show a righteous and awe-inspiring expression, and he said loudly: "We are trusted by the elder Gao, as the saying goes, a scholar will die for his friend."

Gao Cheng nodded, was silent for a moment, and said loudly: "Master Zeng, after defeating the imperial army, we in Bashu can go to the capital to support the king and help the country. At that time, our names will be recorded in history and will be remembered for generations to come.

Zeng Shuhong nodded, but sighed in his heart.

If the army is defeated, both the man and the clan will be destroyed.

……

……

Godly City, Ningguo Mansion

At this moment, Jia Heng did not chat with his wives and concubines anymore, but hurried to the Beijing camp to meet with the soldiers from the twelve camps in the capital.

As Xie Zaiyi transferred some soldiers to Sichuan, the soldiers in the Beijing camp stayed behind. Cai Quan temporarily commanded the entire army, and Dong Qian, as the general of the guard army, also stayed in the Beijing camp.

At this moment, a group of officers and soldiers hurried out of the central army camp, looking at the young man in the python robe with piercing eyes, bowing and saying, "This humble general greets the King of Wei."

Jia Heng glanced at the officers with a cold gaze and said, "Generals, please stand up quickly."

As he spoke, he entered the central army barracks, surrounded by a large number of officers and soldiers from the Beijing camp, like a moon surrounded by stars.

Jia Heng entered the central army barracks and sat down, saying in a deep voice: "Everyone, although we are not on the list of the expedition to Bashu, the safety of Shenjing City is also of top priority. All officers in Shenjing City must work hard and be vigilant against the enemy."

When the generals present heard this, they all agreed.

Jia Heng said in a deep voice: "During this period, the Beijing camp still needs to intensify its training to prepare soldiers."

It is said that raising an army for a thousand days, but using it for a while.

In this way, Jia Heng sat in the Beijing camp for a while, without lingering for long, and went to the Jinyi Mansion again.

Jinyifu, Guanting——

Ever since Gao Zhongping nearly escaped a few days ago, the Jinyi Palace had launched a strict rectification campaign, starting with the reorganization of the Jinyi spies that were densely deployed in the capital.

Immediately, they began to sort out and organize the personnel within the Jinyifu Yamen.

In fact, this can be regarded as a historical legacy from the time when Jia Heng was in charge of the Jinyi Mansion.

When Jia Heng was in charge of the Jinyi Palace, in order to obtain restrictions from Emperor Chongping, he mainly took control of the Outer Five Thousand Households, which were responsible for investigating foreign affairs, and did not take over the Inner Five Thousand Households, which were in charge of the palace guards.

Not to mention the most secretive vigilance and precautions against the internal security spies of the ministers in the capital, this part has always been controlled by the internal security under Dai Quan.

In other words, Jia Heng's ability to infiltrate important officials in the Beijing court was originally relatively weak, and this was a problem he had inherited from his mother.

Without innate genes and lacking foundation, the internal guards who took over the monitoring of officials during the Chongping Emperor's era were not yet in Jia Heng's hands.

Therefore, although Gao Zhongping's escape was unexpected, it was also reasonable.

After this incident, Qu Lang reorganized some of the long-time spies and detectives in the Jinyi Mansion.

At this moment, Qu Lang was giving a lecture to the 14th Guards of the Jinyi Palace, and he said in a loud voice: "Re-monitor the investigations surrounding the civil and military officials in the capital, and make sure there are no mistakes."

At this moment, the Jinyifu's detective forces in the capital will be fully mobilized.

At this moment, the officers in the royal uniforms below looked serious, looked at Qu Lang with sharp eyes, and said, "Commander Qu, the Internal Guard Division is still in the capital. Will you take over the Internal Guard's secret spy investigation?"

Qu Lang said: "The inner guards are now under the control of the current queen mother. You and I must not move lightly."

When the officer heard this, he looked extremely sullen and retreated with his hands clasped.

At this moment, a tall and burly Jinyifu guard quickly entered the official hall, bowed to Qu Lang, and said, "Commander Qu, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wei is here."

Upon hearing this, Qu Lang hurriedly called over a group of officers in embroidered uniforms, walked out of the official hall, and came to the eaves of the corridor to greet them.

"Your humble servant greets His Majesty." Qu Lang bowed.

Jia Heng looked at Qu Lang and the Jinyifu officers and said, "This is not a place for conversation. Please go to the hall to talk."

"Yes." Qu Lang responded without saying anything else.

Jia Heng sat closer, his eyes flickering as he looked at Qu Lang and asked, "How is the Jinyi Mansion doing lately?"

Qu Lang said: "Reporting to the prince, the Jinyifu's investigation has been re-filed and sorted out, and can be used at any time."

Jia Heng nodded and said in a deep voice: "It is still up to the Internal Guard to take charge. In the next few days, I will have the Internal Guard hand over to the Jinyifu."

Zhen Qing probably won't agree.

At this point, Jia Heng asked, "Commander Qu, did Kuang Shouzheng and Wu Xiancheng confess before?"

Qu Lang's face became solemn, his eyes flashed fiercely, and he cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, the two have already given their statements, and they will be delivered to Your Highness for review later."

Jia Heng said in a deep voice: "This case must be handled as an ironclad case. At the same time, the Gao family's accomplices in Beijing must also be arrested and questioned to completely eliminate the trouble for the court."

This is an opportunity to thoroughly clean up Gao Zhongping's party.

In fact, Gao Zhongping's faction was not large in the court or the country, because Gao Zhongping's previous base had always been in Sichuan, and his trusted old subordinates were also in Sichuan, so there were not many of them in Beijing.

As for the original plan to lure the snake out of its hole, it was for the Kings of Wei and Liang to cause chaos in Sichuan, so as to lure out Gao Zhongping and the old ministers of the court who were loyal to the Han Dynasty. Then, while catching them all in one fell swoop, they would cultivate their wings and establish the prestige of the Wei Wang faction.

Jia Heng said in a deep voice: "Have you got any reliable information about Liaodong recently?"

Although Liaodong was pacified, it did not mean that the aftermath of the war was completely over. Setting up prefectures and counties and selecting officials all took time.

Qu Lang was silent for a moment, then whispered, "Your Highness, Liaodong is currently registering all men and women as civilians and distributing oxen and grain seeds."

Jia Heng nodded, remained silent for a moment, and whispered: "Although Liaodong has been pacified, we must also guard against the Jurchen nobles' rebellion against the restoration of their country."

In fact, the Han Dynasty is still far from the time to put away its weapons and horses and let them go to the mountains. Once the central government is in turmoil, Liaodong may be in turmoil again, and these remnants of the Qing Dynasty may restore their country.

Therefore, the rebellion in Bashu needs to be quelled as soon as possible. We cannot allow the situation to deteriorate and get out of control.

Qu Lang bowed and said, "I will remember your Majesty's orders."

Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said, "As for external affairs, the Jinyi Mansion will follow the old rules, and the surveillance within the capital must not be relaxed at all."

The Internal Guard is now under the control of Zhen Qing, so Zhen Lin, a member of his clan, should be in charge of the Internal Guard's investigation matters.

Jia Heng also asked Qu Lang about military training matters and planned to transfer Xu Kai back to the capital.

In fact, Xu Kai had been in Taiwan for two or three years. He was transferred to Liaodong to serve as the governor and was in charge of Liaodong affairs. In the future, he would be the cabinet minister chosen by him.

After September, the capital would also hold a special imperial examination. At that time, Lin Ruhai would recruit some candidates and select those with both moral integrity and talent for promotion and appointment. Over time, he would have a foundation in the court and in the local areas.

Jia Heng stayed in the Jinyi Mansion for a while and then returned to Ningguo Mansion.

In the study -

Looking at the young man in the python robe, Chen Xiao quickly stepped forward, holding a thin book in his hand, and said, "Just now, the secret agent came to report the military situation. Xie Zaiyi has led the Beijing camp army to Bashu."

Jia Heng asked, "What about the Northwest Hami Guard?"

Chen Xiao's eyebrows were curved like crescent moons, and her face, as white as jade, paused for a moment, and whispered, "The two sides have already fought, and the red cannons that I transported from the capital have also arrived in Xining."

Jia Heng asked, "What about Tibet? How is the war going on with the King of Meng?"

Chen Xiao pondered for a moment and said, "The Mongolian king took over Qamdo first, and the Tibetan troops were blocked outside Qamdo."

Jia Heng said in a deep voice: "The problem of Tibet should be solved. Let the Mongolian king use his own troops and when the time is right, severely damage the Khoshut."

Chen Xiao didn't say anything else and just responded with "yes".

Jia Heng asked, "Have you made an appointment to meet your master?"

Chen Xiao snorted coldly and said, "Master is free these few days, we can meet."

Jia Heng said: "Then let's meet in the next two days."

While they were talking, Qingwen came in from the outer room. She stepped into the room, her eyes and eyebrows filled with a bit of depression, as if covered with a layer of shame and anger. She said, "Sir, Ying'er from Hengwu Garden came over and said she has something important to tell you."

Although Qingwen had been listed as a noble lady in the Imperial Household Department's Jade Spy, she was not actually alone in a certain house. She was still serving Jia Heng as usual.

Jia Heng asked, "Ying'er?"

He has never liked Ying'er's worldly nature.

"Let her in." Jia Heng said gently.

After a while, Ying'er came in from outside, with a look of surprise on her white and jade-like face.

Ying'er said, "My Lord, the girl is pregnant."

When Jia Heng heard this, his calm face showed a look of surprise, and he said softly, "Got it? Got what?"

For a moment, I didn't react.

Ying'er said, "The girl is pregnant."

Jia Heng: "..."

Does Baochai have a child?

This is really...

Chen Xiao stared at the young man in the python costume and said, "Go and have a look."

Jia Heng didn't say anything else. He left the hall and walked quickly towards Hengwu Garden in the Grand View Garden.

Grand View Garden, Hengwu Garden

At this moment, Aunt Xue had already heard the good news, and came to Hengwu Garden with a beaming smile on her plump and lovely face.

Baochai was now sitting on the bed under the window. Her face, as white as a pear blossom, had a faint blush on both sides. At this moment, one hand was gently stroking her belly, which had not yet bulged.

Just now, the imperial physician has confirmed that it is undoubtedly a pregnancy pulse.

Aunt Xue's eyebrows were curved, her beautiful eyes were as clear as water, and she said in a trembling voice, "My dear, you have to be careful recently. Now is a dangerous time. I will send a few more maids and servants over in the next two days."

"My dear, you should rest more from now on." Aunt Xue couldn't hide her joy and said, "This is your first child, take good care of him."

Baochai responded softly, and two blushes appeared on her plump and lovely face.

Aunt Xue smiled and said, "Where's Heng'er? Heng'er hasn't come yet."

Baochai said, "Mother, the prince is busy with matters in the court outside, he should still be in the government office now."

Aunt Xue chuckled and said, "You've given him a child, so he should pay more attention to it."

When Baochai heard this, her heart was filled with sweetness.

If she has a child in the future and it is a boy, maybe he will be conferred the title of a prince?

At this moment, Tongxi entered the wing room and said with a smile: "Madam, Miss, the prince is here."

Aunt Xue heard this and said with a smile, "Brother Heng is finally here."

Baochai also raised her pair of watery almond-shaped eyes, turned her beautiful head with long black hair like a waterfall, and looked in the direction of the voice. Her fair and shiny face showed a look of infatuation and longing.

I saw a young man wearing a python robe and black and red satin and a brocade robe walking into the warm room.

"Heng'er, you're here." Aunt Xue couldn't help but show an eager smile on her face and called out.

"Sister Xue." Jia Heng nodded to Aunt Xue, then looked at Baochai and said softly.

Baochai called out, "Prince."

Jia Heng sat nearby and asked, "I heard from Ying'er that you are pregnant."

Baochai's plump, white face blushed as she said timidly, "I just had the imperial physician check it out, and he said it's pregnancy pulse. My period hasn't come since last month."

Jia Heng smiled and whispered, "That means you are having a child."

As he spoke, he looked at that plump and lovely face, and a hint of gentleness and joy appeared in his eyes.

In the blink of an eye, Baochai has been married to him for two or three years. The girl who was once heartless but charming has now become even more plump and bright.

Jia Heng immediately grasped Baochai's soft and tender hand and said, "Take good care of yourself in the near future. You don't have to worry about other things."

Baochai hummed softly, and felt a little puzzled as she listened to the earnest advice of the young man in the python robe.

Aunt Xue felt a little happy when she heard the two talking.

Jia Heng nodded and said, "Sister Xue, I will ask Sister Feng to send more maids and servants to serve you so that Sister Xue can have a good rest."

Aunt Xue smiled and said, "Just now, I was just saying that I would send some maids and nurses from my room to serve you."

Maybe she will be pregnant with a little prince. If Keqing has no son, then her grandson will inherit the title of prince in the future.

The two were talking, and at this moment, a voice came from outside, saying softly: "Is Sister Bao in the room?"

Soon, a petite and beautiful girl, who was none other than Daiyu, walked quickly into the room, her pretty face full of inexplicable joy.

Jia Heng's eyes showed a hint of joy, and he whispered, "Sister Lin is here too."

Daiyu's eyes were smiling under her smoky eyebrows, as if there were stars shining brightly. She asked, "Brother Heng is here too now."

Jia Heng chuckled and said, "Your sister Xue is pregnant, so I came to see her."

Daiyu was inexplicably shocked when she heard this. Her pretty and bright face was full of surprise. She whispered, "Sister Bao is pregnant."

Sister Bao is pregnant, so she will have a child in the future.

What about her...