allendalepharm Chapter 1678 Chen Ze: Mother, I woke up very quickly
Chapter 1678 Chen Ze: Mother, I woke up very quickly
Chapter 1678 Chen Ze: Mother, I woke up very well...
The third day of April, the first year of the Qiande reign of the Han Dynasty.
This day was the day when Duke Ying led his troops to return to Beijing from Sichuan. At this moment, outside the capital city, the grass was lush, the orioles were flying, and the peach blossoms and willows were green.
On the towering city walls, teams of soldiers in shining helmets and holding long spears stood on the city walls with dignified faces and bright eyes.
Tens of thousands of Han soldiers from the capital camp of Shu marched slowly forward, and their fiery flags were fluttering and swaying in the wind.
The desolate and distant sound of the horn is ringing between heaven and earth, and has spread to the streets and alleys of the entire Shenjing.
The Duke of England, Xie Zaiyi, was wearing a black cloak and a mountain-shaped armor underneath. He stood on a horse with a high saddle and long reins. His square and broad-mouthed face was filled with a gloomy look.
The Duke of England held the sheathed sword at his waist, his face solemn, and said, "Commanders, salute the King of Wei."
The officers and soldiers behind him all held long swords and saluted King Wei on the city wall.
Xie Zaiyi dismounted, took a few quick steps, clasped his fists toward Jia Heng, and said, "This humble general greets the King of Wei."
Jia Heng came forward, took Xie Zaiyi's arm with both hands, and said in a warm voice, "Duke Ying, please get up quickly."
Upon hearing this, Xie Zaiyi stood up and thanked Jia Heng.
Jia Heng looked at Xie Zaiyi, who looked exhausted from his high-spirited face, and asked, "Duke Yingguo, I have set up a banquet in Hanyuan Hall to entertain the meritorious soldiers who conquered Shu. I would like to invite you to the hall to talk about your merits."
Xie Zaiyi nodded, his expression paused, and said, "Thank you, King Wei."
Then, Xie Zaiyi stood up and followed Jia Heng into the Hanyuan Hall. At this moment, the hall was crowded with people, and all the civil and military officials had gathered. Looking around, one could see the civil and military officials lined up on the left and right sides.
The chief minister Qi Kun, the second chief minister Lin Ruhai, cabinet minister Zhao Yi, cabinet minister Liu Zheng and others were among them, and they looked up at Xie Zaiyi and Jia Heng.
Jia Heng walked quickly into the hall and sat down behind a red lacquered wooden table. He looked at Xie Zaiyi with burning eyes and said, "Duke Ying has made great contributions in this expedition to Bashu. He can be said to have wiped out the rebels of the Gao family in Bashu for the Han Dynasty."
Xie Zaiyi was silent for a moment, and then said, "As a general leading an army, it is my duty to lead the troops to battle, so I dare not say it is hard work."
Jia Heng nodded and asked in a deep voice, "Duke Ying, what exactly do the Sichuan chieftains think?"
Xie Zaiyi said: "Your Majesty, under the threat of our great Han warriors, they have surrendered. Previously, several chieftains wanted to resist the imperial court's orders, but they have been crushed to pieces."
Jia Heng nodded, his eyes flashing fiercely, and said, "That's good."
After Jia Heng hosted a banquet for Xie Zaiyi and other meritorious officers, they finally came to the back hall of Hanyuan Hall in Daming Palace, and the two of them sat down as host and guest.
Xie Zaiyi whispered, "Prince Wei is now the regent, do you have any idea of taking the next step?"
As Jia Heng spoke, he put down the blue and white porcelain teacup in his hand and asked, "Why do you say that, Brother Xie?"
Xie Zaiyi looked surprised for a moment, then said in a gentle voice: "Your Highness is now second only to one person and above ten thousand people. You are only one step away from the throne that dominates the universe."
Jia Heng said: "Although I have this idea, the world has never been well governed, and I have not made any great achievements that will shock the world. How can I win the support of the people?"
After all, he usurped the throne and seized power illegitimately, so it is not easy to succeed to the throne legitimately.
Xie Zaiyi raised his sword-like eyebrows and whispered, "Your Majesty, are you planning to wait a few more years?"
Jia Heng nodded and said, "When the country is under control and people all over the world feel the prosperity brought by my assistance, then everyone in the world will support me from the bottom of their hearts."
Xie Zaiyi thought for a moment and asked, "It's a good idea for Your Majesty. Chen Han has been established for more than a hundred years. People's hearts are in favor of it. Loyal officials and righteous men are watching from the sidelines. If Your Majesty wants to ascend to the throne, you must take them into consideration."
Jia Heng nodded, a thoughtful look in his eyes, and said, "That's exactly what I mean."
Xie Zaiyi stared at Jia Heng, stood up, clasped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, the whole Beijing camp will follow your lead."
Seeing this, Jia Heng stood up, held Xie Zaiyi's arm, and said with deep affection in his eyes: "Duke Yingguo, you and I are brothers, I know your heart."
Xie Zaiyi hummed and said, "Your Majesty is right."
Jia Heng met the pair of trusting tiger eyes, nodded heavily, and said: "Brother Xie has just returned to Beijing, and his sister-in-law must be very worried about him. It is better for Brother Xie to go back earlier."
Upon hearing this, Xie Zaiyi did not say anything else, but bowed in response.
After Xie Zaiyi left, Jia Heng's clear eyes flickered under his sword-like brows, and a thoughtful look appeared on his calm face.
As Xie Zaiyi led tens of thousands of soldiers from the Beijing camp back to the capital, the originally restless and noisy atmosphere in the capital suddenly quieted down.
Palace Garden, Funing Palace
Imperial Concubine Duanrong was wearing a scarlet dress, sitting on a soft couch covered with a cool mat. Her snow-white face was filled with worry under her exquisite bun. She whispered, "Ze'er, what are people saying?"
Chen Ze had a handsome and straight brow, and his clear eyes were filled with gloom. He whispered, "The Duke of England, Xie Zaiyi, is back."
It’s no wonder that Chen Ze’s temperament began to turn sinister. Anyone who misses out on the throne will become mentally unbalanced.
When Concubine Duanrong heard this, she frowned and said in a gentle voice, "Xie Zaiyi is your brother-in-law's trusted brother. Now that he is leading the troops of the Beijing Camp back to the capital, your brother-in-law will be even more difficult to shake."
Chen Ze raised his eyebrows and whispered, "That may not be the case. If we can use a strategy to alienate them and make them suspicious of each other, it may not be impossible."
Concubine Duanrong asked, "Why are you suspicious? My brother-in-law gave him the title of First-Class Duke for suppressing Gao Zhongping's rebellion. I'm afraid Xie Zaiyi still wants to be a loyal minister. How could there be any grudge between the two?"
Chen Ze looked thoughtful and said, "Don't worry, mother. I will think of a solution slowly."
Concubine Duanrong said in a deep voice: "Next, you must not act rashly. There are many spies in the palace now. If we are not careful, you and I, mother and son..."
Although he might not really lose his life because of his connection with Xianning, it was not impossible that he would be put under complete house arrest.
Chen Ze's expression became more serious, and he said, "Mother, I woke up very quickly."
Concubine Duanrong responded lightly and did not persuade her any further.
……
……
Jiangnan, the capital of the gods
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye it is June of the first year of Qiande.
The weather has since entered the hot summer, and the sound of cicadas can be heard in the woods, making the summer even more restless and quiet.
After more than a month of planning, Hao Jiru, the Hao family, Shen Fang and others have already opened up all the connections, or in other words, the early process of forming cliques and factions has been completed.
Liangjiang Governor's Mansion, back hall——
The tiger descending from the mountain above the plaque in the Mingtang looks fierce and domineering, and the atmosphere in the hall is solemn and dignified.
Li Shouzhong sat on a pearwood chair with an armrest under the Mingtang. He was wearing a crimson official robe, his black hair was combed into a bun, and he was not wearing a black gauze hat. The teacup beside him was steaming.
Li Shouzhong's dignified face now showed a thoughtful expression.
Liang An, the chief clerk at the bottom, sat down and said, "Master Governor, the King of Wu and the Hao family have been making frequent moves recently, and they seem to be communicating secretly."
Li Shouzhong's fair and elegant face showed a thoughtful expression, and he asked, "Has there been any movement from the Jinyi Mansion recently?"
It was also difficult for him to grasp the movements of the Jinyi Mansion.
Liang An was silent for a moment, and said, "Master Governor, there is no news from the Jinyi Palace yet."
Li Shouzhong said: "Then let Jinyifu send someone over."
Liang An said: "The Jinyifu should always monitor the movements in Jiangnan."
At this moment, a tall servant walked into the wing room and said, "Master Governor, Captain Han from the Jinyi Palace is here."
Li Shouzhong was surprised when he heard this, and he stretched out his hand to beckon him, saying, "Come here, please come in quickly."
After a while, a young captain wearing a flying fish uniform and carrying an embroidered spring sword on his waist appeared. He said without saying anything else, "I greet the governor."
Li Shouzhong stood up and bowed to Captain Han, saying, "Captain Han, there is no need to be polite. Please stand up quickly."
The captain surnamed Han stood up, looked at Li Shouzhong, and said, "Sir Li, the King of Wei has the latest urgent message."
As he spoke, he quickly took out a pale yellow envelope from his sleeve and handed it over.
Li Shouzhong's eyes showed an eager look under his thick eyebrows, and he whispered, "Bring it here and let me have a look."
Captain Han nodded, took a few quick steps, bowed, and handed it over.
Li Shouzhong lowered his eyes and took a closer look. A hint of surprise appeared in his eyes. His expression changed constantly, and a thoughtful look appeared in his narrow eyes.
"Mr. Governor." Chief Clerk Liang An spoke with a hint of inquiry in his eyes under his thick eyebrows.
Li Shouzhong nodded, waved his hand, and said in a low voice: "Master Hu, it's nothing for me."
On the letter, Jia Heng asked Li Shouzhong to cooperate with Nan'an Marquis Ye Zhen to lure out the Hao family, King Wu and others.
Han's face became solemn, and he said in a clear voice: "Then, my Lord, if there is nothing else, I will take my leave first."
Li Shouzhong nodded and said, "Captain Han can go and get busy first."
Captain Han bowed, turned around and left without saying anything else.
Jinling, Hao's House——
The house occupies a large area and is shaded by trees. Looking around, you can see lush greenery that is eye-catching.
At some point, the foggy sky appeared and a drizzle began to fall. The raindrops hit the rugged rocks in the courtyard, making them wet.
Above the eaves of the green brick and black tile roof, rainwater trickles down, landing on the bricks and stones, looking lush and green.
In the backyard, on the attic——
Hao Jiru sat down on a red lacquered wooden armchair, his skinny hands resting on the armrests of the armchair, his old and thin face looking dazed.
At this moment, you can see the summer rain crackling and hitting the banana trees, and the trickling rain water flowing along the banana leaves.
At this moment, hearing the footsteps approaching from afar, Hao Jiru said, "How is it?"
Not far away, Hao Huaizhen walked up quickly while talking and said in a gentle voice: "Father, Annan Hou said that the soldiers in the Beijing camp are ready and are waiting for the right opportunity."
Hao Jiru was silent for a moment, then asked, "What did the Liangjiang Governor's Office say?"
Hao Huaizhen's face was filled with anger, and he said in a cold voice: "Don't worry, father. Li Shouzhong is a close confidant of Prince Wei. If there is a real uprising, the Marquis of Annan will be the first to deal with him."
Hao Jiru nodded and said, "In the Jiangnan officialdom, there are not too many followers of Prince Wei, but not too few either. After we start the rebellion, we should immediately eliminate all of Prince Wei's followers to prevent them from tipping off Prince Wei."
Hao Huaizhen said: "Father, there is still no clear answer from the Minister of War Tan Jie."
Hao Jiru paused for a moment and said, "That old fox, no wonder Emperor Shizong trusted him so much back then. Now that the country is in crisis, it is time for loyal officials and righteous men to serve the country, but he doesn't even care about this old body. Tan Jie, he is still a thief even though he is old. He really wasted the word Jie!"
Hao Huaizhen nodded and agreed: "Father is right."
Hao Jiru said in a cold voice: "Tell those families to come over and discuss this matter again."
Upon hearing this, Hao Huaizheng responded loudly with a "yes", then turned and left without saying anything else.
At this moment, the heavy rain outside the courtyard was getting heavier, the banana trees were swaying in the wind, and dark clouds were rolling in the sky, as if a more violent storm was brewing.
……
……
Ye's House, Jinling
At this moment, Ye Zhen, Marquis of Annan, was also sitting in the courtyard in a long green robe, watching the rain through the curtains and gazing at the overlapping and flickering rockery in the courtyard.
Ye Chengxing came closer, bowed and said, "Lord Ye, the young master is here."
Ye Zhen's broad and resolute face showed a slight change in expression. His bright eyes flickered under his dark green eyebrows, and he whispered, "Let him come over."
After a while, Ye Kai climbed up the stairs, walked around the screen with splendid mountains and rivers, and bowed to him, saying, "Father."
Ye Zhen asked: "How is it?"
Ye Kai was silent for a moment, then said, "Father, everything is ready. We are just waiting for your order."
Ye Zhenrong paused for a moment, then said in a clear voice: "I still need to communicate with the Governor's Office."
This time, he accompanied the Hao family in performing a "supporting the king and pacifying the rebellion" drama in order to lure out the entire opposition forces in Jiangnan.
The soldiers and generals of the Ye family, like Cao Bianjiao in the Beijing camp, also gave the bureaucrats and gentry in the south of the Yangtze River more confidence.
It is worth mentioning that the secret news of Li Zan's dethronement and enthronement in Shenjing City not long ago, and the cooperation and betrayal of the Beijing camp, did not spread to Jiangnan.
In the eyes of officials and gentry in Jiangnan, it was more because of Jia Heng's prestige that directly led to the rebellion of the Beijing camp, so they did not realize that it was a strategy to lure the enemy, and therefore did not arouse vigilance.
Yangzhou, Jiangbei Camp——
The rain was heavy and crackling at night, and only a little light in the barracks was foggy and shone with orange light.
At this moment, the sound of "da da" from teams of cavalry was heard. Soldiers holding torches on the three-story wooden watchtower were looking in the direction of the sound.
The general near the gate approached and asked, "Is General Cai here in person?"
"It is me." Cai Quan, wearing a straw hat and raincoat, with the rain dripping down his body, shouted loudly: "Open the city gate quickly."
As he spoke, he flashed the bronze plate in his hand and shook it at the general guarding the gate.
When the general saw this, his expression suddenly changed, and he quickly ordered the soldiers around him to open the gate of the village with a creaky sound.
Then, accompanied by the sound of horses' hooves whirring through the mud, Cai Quan led a group of soldiers who had come from the Beijing camp to rush to the rescue, and entered the mountain stronghold in armor.
At this moment, in the central military tent of the Jiangbei camp, Shui Yu, who originally held the power over military affairs, was sitting on a pearwood armchair in the middle of the tent. Hearing the soldiers approaching, Shui Yu stood up to greet them and looked at Cai Quan, whose hat was still dripping with water.
Shui Yu looked respectful, clasped his fists and said, "General Cai."
Cai Quan stared at the young man in the python robe and said, "General Shui, please read the letter from King Wei."
As he spoke, he took out a sealed letter from his sleeve and handed it to Shui Yu.
Shui Yu quickly stretched out his hands to take the letter, lowered his eyes to read it, and then his expression suddenly changed. He clasped his fists and said, "This general will obey the order of King Wei."
As he spoke, Shui Yu took out a bronze tiger talisman from his sleeve, handed it over, and said, "General Cai, this is the tiger talisman for mobilizing troops from the Jiangbei camp."
In fact, when Jia Heng led his troops to Jiangnan to quell the rebellions of Duoduo and others, he had already taken control of the military power of the Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps.
It can be said that all the officers and soldiers in the Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps were promoted by Jia Heng, and Shui Yu was only the deputy envoy of the governor in name only.
Cai Quan said, "General Shui, in the next few days, in name only, you will still be in charge of the soldiers in the Jiangbei camp. Don't let the news leak out."
Shui Yu was slightly startled, his face thoughtful, and he cupped his hands and said, "I obey your command."
Cai Quan said: "General Shui, go and summon the officers above the rank of lieutenant general in the Jiangbei camp. I want to assign tasks."
Upon hearing this, Shui Yu bowed and agreed.
……
……
Godly City, Ningguo Mansion
Jia Heng was sitting in the square courtyard at the moment, also looking at the dense rain in the courtyard through the curtain hanging from the eaves. He said to Chen Xiao beside him, "Xiaoxiao, Jiangnan should be about the same."
The so-called luring the snake out of its hole and catching it in one fell swoop.
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiao continued, "Cai Quan has been gone for nearly half a month."
Jia Heng said confidently: "After this incident, there will be no more hidden dangers in Jiangnan."
Just as when Wu Zetian ascended the throne, Xu Jingye and other important officials of the Li Tang Dynasty would unite to rebel. After his assistance in the administration, after Bashu, there would be Jiangnan.
If the rebellion in Bashu had not been put down quickly, Jiangnan might have followed suit, resulting in a situation where two ghosts were knocking on the door.
Chen Xiao stared at the young man in the python robe and said, "It's too early to say now. Cleansing and winning over are equally important."
"Yes." Jia Heng nodded and said, "Once you have some free time, time flies by really fast."
In the blink of an eye, it was summer and the first year of Qiande was already halfway through. It really felt like time was flying by and I was chasing the stars and the moon.
Chen Xiao gently stroked her belly and said, "Yes, in two months, the pregnancy will be obvious."
Hearing this, Jia Heng stood up from his chair with a pear-shaped backrest and said gently, "What did the imperial physician say?"
Chen Xiao's snow-white face showed a hint of happiness, and he said softly, "The pulse is stable, there should be no problem with the fetus."
Jia Heng nodded and said softly, "You need to take a good rest recently."
Chen Xiao responded softly, her beautiful eyes sparkling with soft light, and an indescribable joy welled up in her heart.
Jia Heng stood up, stretched out his hands and gently embraced Chen Xiao's plump body, sniffing the rich fragrance between the beautiful woman's hair, and said: "Xiaoxiao, you must take good care of your pregnancy recently. I will let Qu Lang take care of Jiangnan's affairs first."
Chen Xiao's snow-white face showed a faint smile, and he said in a gentle voice: "I can help keep an eye on it, it won't be a problem."
Jia Heng hummed and said, "This is your first child, so be careful."
Chen Xiao said angrily: "First child? Why, do you want to have a second child?"
Jia Heng gently put his arm around Chen Xiao's shoulders and said, "Don't you want to have it?"
Chen Xiao's face flushed red, and her tone was full of annoyance. She said, "Humph, we'll see what happens when the time comes."
Didn't continue to insist.
On this side, Jia Heng and Chen Xiao stayed together for a while. Jia Heng did not stay in the study for long, and went to Hengwu Garden in the backyard.