. East gate of Jiankang Palace, Guards Qingqi Camp
It is similar to the personal guard that serves as both the emperor's personal army and a quick reaction force. As an elite Guards force, apart from going on expeditions, the Guards spend most of their time stationed on the east and west sides of the palace, with light cavalry at the east gate and heavy cavalry at the west gate. They are nominally responsible for guarding the periphery of the palace. In fact, apart from training, they serve as The empire's duty troops are ready to respond to emergencies.
Among the Three Guards Army, except for the escort force, which is a mixed force with independent combat missions, the personal guard and the personal guard are both auxiliary single arms. They appear as battlefield surprises or decisive forces, rather than as the main force on the battlefield. . This characteristic allows the personal guards and close guards to remain elite while also having the ability to respond quickly and appear where needed quickly. Therefore, in many cases, Zhao Yun's emergency orders are executed by the personal guards and close guards, assisted by the escort army and the Huanglong Legion.
The same goes for the search for Wanyan Yunhua this time. Because Wangxue and Mengxue were with Zhao Yun at the time, the main force of the search naturally fell on them. The heavy cavalry of the Guards is of little use in this situation. The heavy infantry and crossbowmen of the escort can take on the task of blockade, and its wing cavalry can also assist in the search. For this reason, Mo Ping and Wang Xue were in charge this time, with Ju assisting them.
Because two-thirds of the Huanglong Corps¡¯ troops were sent to the flood-fighting front line, and most of the remaining troops were outside the city, they could only be used for peripheral tasks. In other words, the Yellow Dragon Army will take action this time and listen to Mo Ping and Wang Xue's orders. Under such circumstances, Yue Feng, who was the actual person in charge of the Yellow Dragon Army, was of course unable to come, but he didn't do anything bad and sent General Zheng Tian, ??who also served as the commander of the Imperial City Forbidden Army, to express his full support for this matter.
Although Zheng Tian is a general, his status is comparable to that of Mo Ping Wangxue. It's just a little bit worse. Don't look at Wangxue. She is a female general and she is young. But in terms of military prestige, she is no less than Zheng Tian. In terms of qualifications, Zheng Tian can't be higher than Mo Ping. What's more, Mo Ping now has a vague talent. Army Chief Instructor Xi's meaning, Zheng Tian couldn't compare with him.
In addition, Zheng Tian also understood the importance and knew that this matter was urgent. I don't care much at all, I just work hard and take on the responsibility without complaining. Mo Ping and Wang Xue had no grudge against him, and the Three Guards Army was nominally affiliated with the Yellow Dragon Army. He didn't deliberately mess with him just because of this opportunity. Instead, he was asked to serve as an intelligence collector, sorting out the feedback information at any time for Mo Ping and Wang Xue's reference.
This position, which is similar to the intelligence general staff officer, makes Zheng Tian very satisfied and full of motivation. Under his command and coordination, the Yellow Dragon Army, the Imperial City Forbidden Army and the Three Guards Army cooperated effectively. Many unexpected results were obtained, especially reports from his subordinates that a group of infantry from the Yellow Dragon Army accidentally found the remnants of a group of rebels outside the city. After annihilating them all, he was even more happy. However, when he learned that Wangxue appeared at the ferry outside the city but failed to catch Wanyan Yunhua, his face darkened. This time Wangxue led the troops out with the support of Ju's intelligence, and the entire camp. Expectations were high for this capture. It can even be said that the desire to capture Wanyan Yunhua failed this time. It was a big blow to him.
After pondering for a moment, he gathered his mood, picked up the information, and went to report to Mo Ping. Although he didn't know the specific details, he told Mo Ping about Wangxue's failure, and Ju who was waiting aside.
This news caused the two people who were discussing the matter to be silent for a moment, before Mo Ping said: "General Zheng, continue to collect intelligence from all parties, and don't let go of any suspicious things."
Zheng Tian nodded heavily, turned around and went out again, sifting through various useful clues from the collected intelligence, and from time to time sending his men to verify some information. On the surface, it seemed that he had recovered his mood and was continuing to work hard.
After Zheng Tian left, Mo Ping glanced at Ju with a strange expression, hesitated for a moment, and then asked: "Miss Ju, the general is not doubting your intelligence, but didn't you say that Wanyan Yunhua will definitely be there? Why? Will this happen?"
Ju Dao looked calm and said very naturally: "The specific situation is not clear yet. We will wait until General Qiu Shan comes back."
Mo Ping wanted to ask something, his eyes wandered for a moment, but in the end he didn't say anything, silently thinking about his thoughts. From the scale of this search, he felt that it was something big, but he only knew that Wanyan Yunhua had stolen something, but he didn't know what it was specifically. Mo Ping is not an idiot, but he is definitely not the kind of person who has a quick-thinking mind and thinks about things. He only knows that this is an order given by Zhao Yun himself. No matter what, he will try his best to complete it. As for what is inside He doesn't want to know or understand things. He just wants to catch Wanyan Yunhua now, and nothing else matters.
But the mission has been arranged. Unless they lead the team in person, they can only wait here.
They didn't wait long when Wangxue came back with a worried look on her face. Before they could speak, she firstHe said: "The information is correct, but Wanyan Yunhua didn't show up. That team of escorts are hidden members of the Jin Kingdom, but they are just peripheral personnel. I can't ask anything. I asked Mengxue to be sent to Baizhang Courtyard. Let¡¯s see if we can discover anything new.¡±
After Ju heard this, she was not too surprised. She didn¡¯t even say much. She immediately turned around and went out to report to Bai Nu. Instead, Mo Ping comforted Wangxue and said casually: "After Baizhangyuan cleansed Jiankang, these fleas are under our control. I believe Wanyan Yunhua will not be able to escape."
Wangxue sighed and said casually: "I hope, alas, the problem is too serious this time, Wanyan Yunhua won't be caught alas" Halfway through, he realized that he had made a mistake. Wangxue did not say any more, and Mo Mo Ping Ye wisely did not ask any more questions, and casually talked to Wang Xue about some newly obtained news and the arrangements for the new land.
While the two were discussing, the sky gradually darkened, and until night, there was still no news. Mo Ping and Wang Xue decided to search all night. At this moment, they did not care about disturbing the people. They first blocked off several important areas and then investigated section by section. After searching for several days, they found nothing. Instead, they caught some unrelated criminals, which made Jiankang's fox rats honest for a few days.
This matter has been going on for many days, and no one knows who leaked the news. Rumors that Wanyan Yunhua stole the secrets of the Song Dynasty spread among the soldiers, and soon people in many places also knew about it. Seeing such a large-scale search, everyone knew that things were not small.
Several Jiankang elders even said frankly that since King Huai took over Jiankang, this was the first time such a large-scale search of the city had occurred. Even on the day of the great purge, such a thing had never happened.
Both officials and citizens were shocked and puzzled by this incident. Many people began to speculate as to what exactly Wanyan Yunhua had stolen that made the Song Dynasty so anxious and angry.
No one can explain this clearly. Some people say that he stole priceless treasures, some say that he stole the garrison map of the Song Dynasty, and still others say. What was stolen was a detailed list of the Song Dynasty's works in various countries, etc. In short, no matter which theory, everyone knows that Wanyan Yunhua stole something extraordinary from the Song Dynasty, which was even related to the national destiny of the Song Dynasty.
This news is driven by the concerns of some people, the resentment of some people, and the operation of some people. Word spread quickly, and not long after, Jin and Xia. Even Mongolia has heard about it.
After the pursuit was fruitless, the Song Dynasty also gave up the search because of flood control, and turned all its energy to flood control and disaster relief. Except for some special personnel who were still working hard, the troops began to withdraw their troops and returned to their camps, and Jiankang gradually recovered. normal.
Jin Emperor Wanyan Shouxu looked at the secret report in front of him with a frown. I was in a state of confusion and didn't know how to deal with it.
Prime Minister Zuo Wukulihao. Prime Minister Sabu on the right, Privy Councilor Fu Zhuli, Deputy Privy Councilor Yici Pu'a, Marshal's Mansion Wanyan Chenglin, all remained indifferent and silent, paying attention to Wanyan Shouxu from the corner of their eyes, constantly trying to figure out his thoughts.
After being quiet for about a quarter of an hour, Wanyan Shouxu withdrew his gaze, looked at the few close ministers in front of him, hesitated for a moment, and then said calmly: "What do you think of Yunhua's matter?"
The next five people looked at each other, but none of them spoke. They were like eminent monks who had practiced silent meditation. They looked at their noses with their eyes, and their hearts with their noses, and they seemed to ignore Wanyan Shouxu's questions.
Wanyan Shouxu rubbed his forehead with a headache, feeling quite annoyed, and said in a bad tone: "Aren't you usually very good at speaking? Why did you stop speaking when I asked you to speak today? This is a critical moment. If at this time We are at odds with the Song State Well, that nobleman from the Song State is coming to Kaifeng soon. If we don't come up with a solution today, neither I nor you will have an easy time."
The five people below hesitated for a moment, but they still spoke uprightly. Prime Minister Wu Kulihao, who was loyal to the king, spoke first: "This matter has been spread throughout the Song Dynasty, I'm afraid it is true. I don't know why the princess is so unwise. , maybe, what you get is so important that it has to be like this.¡±
" This is like saying nothing. The person here does not know Wanyan Yunhua's nature. With her steady personality, she actually directed the theft personally and was implicated. This shows the importance of this matter. But the problem is that Wanyan Yunhua went there as an envoy to make good relations with the Song Dynasty and consolidate the Song-Jin alliance. If such a thing happened, it was impossible for the Jin State to stay out of the matter. If it really angered the Song State, just the fire phoenix in Shandong The army is enough to turn the Jin Kingdom upside down and beyond redemption. Who doesn't know the key here?
Everyone knows that this matter is difficult. Wanyan Yunhua may have had no choice but to steal something that was really important, but that will be discussed later. What is urgent now is to deal with the anger of the Song Dynasty. This is not something they can decide. A bad situation is a situation that gets you into trouble.
Although Prime Minister Zuo Wukulihao¡¯s speech pointed out the key to the problem and made some excuses for Wanyan Yunhua, it did not help the reality. The Song Dynasty is now aggressive. If this is not settled first, no one will be able to solve the matter.
? ?After hearing this, Yan Shouxu's frown deepened. It was not easy for him to be the emperor. Most of the Jin Kingdom's family fortune was stolen by the Mongols. Later, a smaller half was lost at the hands of the Song Kingdom. When it was passed to him, it was already in tatters. It was unbearable and the ship was broken with water leaking everywhere. Just relying on the financial and military resources he currently has in his hands to fight against the Song Dynasty is really an egg hitting a stone. He originally made up his mind to stabilize the Song State first, and then Xu Tu would regain Hebei and other places, then recruit the refugees, reorganize his troops, and then fight against the Song State. How much he endured for this purpose. Every time there was an emergency report from the border, saying what was happening to the Song Dynasty, Mongolia was invading the border again, etc., he could only endure it. He was aware of the changes in the northwest. Horses were robbed and people were killed. He could only knock out his teeth and swallow blood. He also strictly ordered Jin Heda not to act rashly, accept the good intentions of the Song Dynasty, retreat thirty miles, and maintain The border is stable. He is in trouble, everyone says how he is, but what can he do? Falling out with the Song Dynasty? Or fight Mongolia again?
He has tried his best. He really tried his best, but there was nothing he could do, there was really nothing he could do. Originally, this time Song and Meng fought for the enemy, allowing him to see an opportunity, but in the end, the losses were even greater, all the elite troops were lost, and the country was devastated. But it was not all bad. He at least saw that because of Mongolia's weakness, its control over Hebei was greatly weakened. If he can make a difference at this time, he may not be able to reverse the situation and give him three to five years.
But the premise of all this is that the Song Dynasty will not cause trouble.
Everything was fine originally. Although he was sent to the Song Dynasty as an abandoned son, Wanyan Yunhua still gave him a surprise. Not only did they stabilize Zhao Yun, but they also heard that the Song Dynasty was interested in a marriage, and even sent important ministers to discuss the matter. He was already prepared, and as long as the Song Dynasty relented in certain aspects, he would accept the marriage. Although no one values ??political marriage, it is a guarantee after all.
But just as he was pondering this matter, Wanyan Yunhua gave him an even bigger surprise. He was wanted by the Song State for stealing, which he never expected, just from the description in the secret report. You can know how angry Song Ting was this time. Based on his understanding of Zhao Yun, Zhao Yun would definitely retaliate for this matter, but Jin Guo was not ready to bear it at this moment.
He also knew the thoughts of these ministers. Not only was it difficult to appease the Song Dynasty, but he also knew his own thoughts, so he did not dare to say nonsense. Even Wukulihao only dared to say a few irrelevant words. other people. well¡¡
Wanyan Shouxu became increasingly depressed and frowned. His eyes unconsciously glanced around, and finally stopped at the old god Yi Ci Pu'a who seemed to be confident.
Wanyan Shouxu still trusted this confidant and his beloved general. He was at fault for the failure of the Northern Expedition, but it was mainly because of the two rebels, Monk Wanyancheng and Guo Zhongyuan. However, Yici Pua was loyal, brave and worthy of trust. Although he was relieved of his military post, this was only temporary. As long as the storm of the Northern Expedition was completely over, sooner or later the land would have to be reused, especially if he was left in the capital. He had no complaints and instead handled government affairs seriously. Compared with Others, that's much better.
Thinking of this, Wanyan Shouxu¡¯s eyes fell on Yici Pua and motioned for him to come out and speak.
Yici Pu'a didn't hesitate, stood up and said straightforwardly: "Your Majesty, those meandering generals don't understand. The general only thinks that the princess did this without considering my great gold. Even if she wants to steal , and it cannot be made known to everyone, not to mention that the princess is still an envoy representing our country, Dajin. If this spreads, it will have a great impact on our country, the general"
"That's enough." Wanyan Chenglin stood up and shouted. He was also a member of the royal family and had a very good relationship with Wanyan Shouxu. He didn't have too many concerns and said directly to Yici Pu'a, "Although I don't know why Yunhua did this, but It must be because of our country, Dajin. Now we have to try to deal with the aftermath of Yunhua and prevent this matter from affecting His Majesty's plan, instead of holding Yunhua responsible here. What's more, this matter has already happened and is irreversible. It is better to simply dispatch Manpower is available to help Yunhua return to China, and there may be another turning point."
Yicipua glanced at him dissatisfied, then lowered his head and said unconvinced: "Your Majesty, the general just wants to say that there is nothing terrible in the Song Dynasty. If your majesty is not at ease, you can send the general to the front line." , the general will fight to the death to resist the Song army and not let it take a step into our country."
Wanyan Shouxu glanced at him happily, then looked at Yan Chenglin, and said calmly: "The deputy privy envoy is right. If there is really nothing we can do, we can only postpone the matter in the north. Have you read it?"
After a moment of silence, Right Prime Minister Sabu suddenly said: "The situation is still unclear now. It's better to wait until the princess comes back. Maybe the thing the princess got will be very helpful to us."
"Even so, we have to deal with the threat from the Song State first." Privy Councilor Fu Zhuli stepped forward with an uneasy expression, "We have received the news. It is said that after this incident, the Song Army strengthened its troops on the Jinghu Road. , even Shandong also sent a large number of troops and civilians to HuaiheNorth, in name, it is for flood control, but in fact no one can say for sure. There are even rumors that the Fire Phoenix General has organized an elite force. The specific situation is not clear, but it is enough to make us vigilant. Your Majesty must take precautions. "
Wanyan Shouxu felt his head hurt again. After all, it was still an issue with the Song Dynasty. After deliberation for so long, we still returned to the original point. Do we really have to change the plan, abandon the north and defend the south?
After thinking for a long time, he still couldn't make a decision. Wanyan Shouxu finally said feebly: "This is how it is now. After that noble man comes, we will take a look at the situation. Chenglin, please send more people to find Yunhua. Everyone go back. .¡±
"I obey the order." Wanyan Chenglin slowly left after receiving the order. The others bowed and left with Wanyan Chenglin.
Wanyan Shouxu was the only one left in such a large imperial study.
Looking at the empty room, Wanyan Shouxu sighed, stood up tiredly, rubbed his still aching forehead, and walked slowly towards the palace.