Chapter 898: The enemy is fierce and drives up prices
Zhu Han clenched his spear tightly with a firm gaze: "Give me the order, the entire army must stand firm and not retreat! At the same time, order the scouts to continue to detect the enemy's movements and look for opportunities to counterattack!"
He turned to the deputy general beside him and said: "Vice General Li, you must ensure the safety of the scouts. Their intelligence is vital to us."
Lieutenant General Li accepted the order with his hands in his hand and said in a firm voice: "The last general has received the order and will do his best to protect the scouts and ensure that the intelligence is correct."
At this time, a seriously injured soldier was carried in front of Zhu Han. He struggled to get up and salute, but was gently held down by Zhu Han. The soldier's eyes flashed with unyielding light, and he used his last strength to say: "Your Majesty
, the enemy's offensive is too fierce, our arrows and rolling stones are almost exhausted..."
Zhu Han frowned when he heard this. He looked at General Wang, who was in charge of logistics: "General Wang, how is the supply situation?"
General Wang looked troubled, but still replied firmly: "Your Majesty, the supply line has been attacked by enemy troops, and the delivery of supplies has been blocked. However, the last general has sent elite troops to escort, and I believe that supplies will be restored soon."
Zhu Han nodded, determination revealed in his eyes: "Okay, tell the soldiers, persistence is victory. We must never give up any inch of land or any brother."
At this moment, a scout covered in dust stumbled into the camp. Before he could catch his breath, he hurriedly reported: "Your Majesty, there is something strange happening behind the enemy's rear. It seems that a large number of reinforcements are coming for reinforcements!"
A hint of coldness flashed in Zhu Han's eyes. He quickly analyzed the battle situation and ordered in a deep voice: "General Zhang, you immediately lead the elite cavalry to detour behind the enemy's rear and be sure to cut off their reinforcements. Remember, you must be careful and don't be too eager to fight."
General Zhang accepted the order, with a fighting spirit in his eyes: "I will definitely live up to the prince's trust!" After saying that, he turned around and left in a hurry, summoning his cavalry to prepare for a surprise attack.
Zhu Han turned to Vice General Li: "Continue to strengthen your reconnaissance and reconnaissance, and be sure to grasp all the enemy's movements. At the same time, notify all generals to prepare for more intense battles."
Lieutenant General Li bowed and obeyed the order, then turned and left. Only Zhu Han and a few confidants were left in the camp. Zhu Han took a deep breath, his eyes were like a torch, and said to everyone: "This battle is about the safety of the Ming Dynasty, and it is also about the safety of each of us.
Life and death, honor and disgrace. We must work together to overcome the difficulties."
Zhao Shenjun took a step forward and said in a firm voice: "Your Majesty, don't worry, we will follow you to the death and fight against the national calamity together."
Mr. Li also nodded in agreement: "What the prince said is absolutely true. We will do our best to help the prince."
While everyone was discussing, a guard hurriedly walked into the camp and knelt down on one knee to report: "Your Majesty, there is an urgent report from the capital. His Highness the Crown Prince has ordered the Ministry of Revenue to step up the raising of supplies and they will be delivered to the frontier in the near future."
When Zhu Han heard this, a smile of relief appeared on his face: "Okay! Your Highness the Crown Prince's move will undoubtedly increase our chances of winning. Send the order to let the soldiers know this news and boost their morale."
The guards took the order and left, and the camp fell into a brief silence again. Zhu Han looked at the battle outside the window, feeling both worried and determined in his heart.
At the same time, the atmosphere in Zhu Di's mansion was equally solemn. Zhu Di was sitting in the study, playing with a delicate jade ring in his hand, with a cold light shining in his eyes. A confidant hurriedly walked into the study and reported in a low voice.
: "Your Highness, the Qingliu people are becoming more and more popular among the people, and the dissatisfaction between the government and the public towards Your Highness is also increasing day by day."
Zhu Di snorted coldly and slapped his jade ring finger on the table: "How dare these scholars who can only talk empty words dare to be enemies of this king! Send the order, let the spies step up their actions, be sure to find their handle, and give them a profound punishment.
lesson."
The confidant adviser took the order and was about to leave, but was stopped by Zhu Di: "Also, strengthen the surveillance of Prince Han's palace, especially Prince Han's family. I don't believe it and can't find their weakness."
The confidants bowed to the order and were about to retreat when Zhu Di added: "In addition, contact the officials in the court who are dissatisfied with King Han and provide them with more support so that they can attack King Han more actively in the court.
.”
The confidant advisor accepted the order and was about to turn around and leave, but Zhu Di seemed to remember something and stopped him: "Wait, there is one more thing to pay attention to. Although the Qingliu people have no real power, their influence among the people cannot be underestimated.
Watch out. We must let the spies pay attention to their movements, especially when they gather or make speeches. We must grasp the information as soon as possible."
The confidant and counselor nodded in agreement, secretly thinking about how to arrange the spy network more carefully to ensure that no trace of trouble was missed. After bowing and saluting, he hurriedly stepped back to execute the order.
Zhu Di was once again the only one left in the study. He caressed the jade ring in his hand, his eyes revealing deep thoughts.
"Humph, Zhu Han, Zhu Han, although you are both wise and brave, how can it be so easy for me to be seen through by you?" Zhu Di said to himself, with a sneer on his lips, "I want to not only win against you, but also to defeat you.
Winning beautifully will let everyone know that this Ming Dynasty will ultimately depend on me to stabilize it."
Just as Zhu Di was immersed in his own thoughts, there was a gentle knock on the door outside the study, and an attendant reported respectfully: "Your Highness, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue is here to see you. There are urgent official matters that need to be reported in person."
Zhu Di frowned slightly, but then regained his composure and said in a deep voice: "Let him come in."
The Minister of the Ministry of Revenue hurriedly walked into the study, looking a little nervous and not daring to show any signs of neglect. After saluting, he hurriedly said: "Your Highness, the war on the border is tense and the supply of food, grass and baggage is unsustainable. I am here to ask for advice on countermeasures."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Di's eyes sharpened. He said in a deep voice: "The Ministry of Household Affairs must do its best to raise funds without making any mistakes. At the same time, we can contact local wealthy businessmen to purchase grain at a fair price to ensure that the supply line is unimpeded."
Hearing this, the Minister of Household Affairs felt a little relieved, but then he looked troubled: "Your Highness, although the local wealthy merchants have surplus grain, they are afraid that they will take the opportunity to raise prices, which will be detrimental to the country."
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Zhu Di sneered, with a flash of fierceness in his eyes: "Raise the price? Huh, tell them, if they dare to drive up prices and disrupt the morale of the army, I will not give you mercy! At the same time,
, send an imperial envoy to supervise and ensure fair trade of grain and grass, and violators will be severely punished!"
The Secretary of the Ministry of Finance was shocked, and he quickly bowed and promised: "I obey my order, and I will do it immediately." After saying that, he hurriedly retreated, secretly glad that he had received Zhu Di's clear instructions in time.
At the same time, the atmosphere in Zhu Han's study was equally solemn. Zhu Han was discussing with several close aides how to deal with Zhu Di's offensive. Zhao Canjun hurried into the study and reported nervously: "Your Majesty, there is news from the capital.
Zhu Di is intensifying his suppression of Qingliu people and at the same time strengthening his surveillance of Prince Han's Mansion."
Zhu Han frowned when he heard this, but he quickly regained his composure and said in a deep voice: "Zhu Di's move is intended to shake our foundation. We must strengthen our precautions and at the same time increase our support for the Qingliu people to ensure that they
The voices of both the government and the public will not be drowned."
Mr. Li took over the conversation with a firm tone: "What the prince said is absolutely true. We can secretly contact the local officials and gentry who are dissatisfied with Zhu Di to form a civil force that can echo the Qingliu people and jointly fight against Zhu Di."
Zhu Han nodded in agreement, with approval in his eyes: "This is a wonderful plan. Mr. Li, I will leave this matter to you. You must act carefully to ensure nothing goes wrong."
Mr. Li bowed to accept the order and was about to retreat, but he seemed to think of something. After hesitating for a moment, he said: "Your Majesty, there is one more thing that needs to be reported. The soldiers on the border fought bloody battles and their morale is high, but if the food and grass supplies cannot be delivered in time, I am afraid that
Something unexpected happened."
When Zhu Han heard this, his face darkened. He said in a deep voice: "Send the order and ask the Ministry of Revenue to step up the raising of food and grass, and at the same time dispatch elite troops to escort the supply line to ensure nothing goes wrong."
Zhao Shenjun took the order and was about to leave, but Zhu Han stopped him again: "Also, strengthen contact with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to ensure that he can learn about the situation in the border areas and in Beijing in time, and jointly respond to Zhu Di's offensive."
Zhao Shenjun responded: "General, please go and do it immediately." He turned around to start, but seemed to think of something, turned around and said, "Your Majesty, there is one more thing to pay attention to. Those courtiers in the court who have a wait-and-see attitude towards reform, we
Do we also need to strengthen contact and win their support?”
Zhu Han nodded slightly, with a flash of deep thought in his eyes: "Indeed, the attitude of these courtiers is crucial. You send people to contact them privately, clarify the significance and urgency of the reform to them, and at the same time promise to give them certain political benefits in exchange for
their support.”
Zhao Canjun took the order and left, and the study fell into a moment of silence again. Zhu Han gently rubbed his temples, looking a little tired, but his eyes were still firm. At this time, Mr. Li stepped forward and said softly: "Your Majesty, please continue
I haven’t had a good rest for several days and my health is in serious condition. It’s better to take a nap first and wait for news from Zhao Shenjun and others before making a decision.”
Zhu Han shook his head and said with a smile: "It doesn't matter, state affairs are the most important thing. However, what Mr. Li said is absolutely true. I really need to keep a clear mind. So, you go and prepare some light tea, and I will take a rest.
good."
Mr. Li bowed and retreated, and soon a cup of hot tea was brought. Zhu Han took a sip, and the aroma of tea overflowed, which relaxed his tense nerves a little.
Just as he was closing his eyes and concentrating, there was suddenly a rush of footsteps outside the door, and then a guard hurried into the study, knelt down on one knee and reported: "Your Majesty, urgent report from the border! The enemy suddenly changed tactics.
Send an elite team to bypass our army's defense line with the intention of sneak attack on our army's food, grass and baggage supplies!"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Han opened his eyes suddenly, with a flash of coldness in his eyes: "What a cunning enemy, how dare you take such a dangerous move! Send the order, immediately strengthen the guards of the grain and grass camp, and at the same time send elite cavalry to intercept the enemy team. Be sure to
Ensure the safety of food and grass without any mistakes!"
The personal guards took the order and left, and the study room once again fell into a tense atmosphere. Zhu Han stood up and paced back and forth, secretly thinking about how to deal with this sudden change.
At the same time, the atmosphere in Zhu Di's mansion was equally tense. Zhu Di was standing in front of the window, staring at the capital in the night, playing with an exquisite jade ring in his hand, with a cold light shining in his eyes. A confidant.
He hurried into the study and reported in a low voice: "Your Highness, the spies have come to report. Prince Han's Mansion has stepped up its vigilance and seems to be aware of our surveillance."
Zhu Di nodded slightly, with a sneer at the corner of his mouth: "Prince Han is indeed not simple. However, the more cautious he is, the more it shows that he has something evil in his heart. Pass on the order, let the spies act more covertly, and be sure to find the flaw in Prince Han's palace."
The confidant and counselor accepted the order and was about to leave, but Zhu Di stopped him again: "Also, regarding the Qingliu people, how is the progress of our actions?"
The confidant adviser bowed and replied: "Your Highness, don't worry, although the Qingliu people are very popular among the people, many officials in the court are skeptical of their remarks. We are taking advantage of this to spread rumors and sow discord between them and King Han.
relation."
Zhu Di nodded with satisfaction: "Very good, continue to increase the intensity. At the same time, contact the officials in the court who are dissatisfied with King Han, provide them with more evidence and support, and let them attack King Han more actively in the court.
"
The confidants and advisors were ordered to retreat, and Zhu Di was once again the only one left in the study. He turned around slowly, looking deeply into the distance, secretly planning his next move.
"Your Majesty, the enemy team has been successfully intercepted by our army, and the food and grass camp is safe and sound!" A messenger hurried over and reported excitedly.
When Zhu Han heard this, a smile of relief appeared on his face: "Okay! Pass the order and commend those brave soldiers. At the same time, strengthen the vigilance to prevent the enemy from sneak attacks again."
The messenger took the order and left, but Zhu Han's eyes did not relax, but became more solemn.
"Your Majesty, Zhu Di is very scheming, we must be on guard." Zhao Canjun stepped forward and reminded him in a low voice.
Zhu Han nodded slightly and said in a deep voice: "Yes, Zhu Di is cunning and changeable. We must proceed step by step without any carelessness. Pass on the order, strengthen intelligence collection, and be sure to understand Zhu Di's every move."
Mr. Li also took a step forward and added: "Your Majesty, I also suggest that we strengthen our ties with the people of high rank in the DPRK to ensure that they can speak for us at critical moments. At the same time, we also need to prevent Zhu Di from using their reputation to cause trouble.
"
Zhu Han nodded in agreement: "What Mr. Li said is absolutely true. I will leave this matter to you. We must ensure the safety of the Qingliu people and let them understand our true intentions."
While the three were discussing, a scout rushed into the camp and knelt down on one knee to report urgently: "Your Majesty, there is urgent information! Zhu Di spread rumors in the court that the prince is investigating corruption, but in fact he is trying to eliminate corruption.
Dissidents and consolidate their position."
When Zhu Han heard this, his brows furrowed, and a trace of anger flashed in his eyes: "Zhu Di is indeed despicable and shameless. Send an order to all officials involved in the investigation of corruption to keep a low profile and not to leak any details of their actions. At the same time, strengthen the guidance of public opinion so that
The people and officials should see the truth clearly."
Zhao Shenjun took the order and was about to leave, but seemed to remember something, turned around and asked: "Your Majesty, those courtiers in the court who are on the fence about reform, do we need to take some measures to win their support?"