In Xia Kingdom, in the imperial palace of Jinling City, lanterns, big red lanterns, and peach charms can be seen everywhere. At first glance, it looks very festive.
Although with the complete fall of Jiangzhou County, the situation in the southwest has completely collapsed, and there is no room for recovery. But tomorrow is New Year's Eve, and such a folk festival cannot be ignored, right?
Of course, at this time, the Xia Kingdom's palace only looked festive. In fact, the Xia Kingdom's palace, court, and even the people were filled with a solemn atmosphere.
At this moment, a muffled sound of "pop" and angry scoldings suddenly came from the Jinshen Hall.
Emperor Xia Yu Zhaoling slapped the royal table angrily, and said angrily to the civil and military officials in the palace:
"The Marquis of Deyang fought hard and sacrificed his life for the country. Why can't I give him the honor he deserves?"
Seeing Yu Zhaoling's furious expression, all the officials in the palace could not help but shrink their heads slightly and sell their heads even lower.
At the front of the line of military ministers in the Xia Dynasty, Dong Wei, a confidant of the old Emperor Xia and now a general of cavalry, gritted his teeth, stepped out of the line, bowed his hands, and admonished:
"Your Majesty, we are also aware of the loyalty, bravery and bloody nature of Marquis Deyang. In the southwest war, Marquis Deyang also tried his best..."
"But Your Majesty, this Jiangzhou County fell in the hands of Marquis Deyang after all. Between the government and the public, because of the defeat in the Southwest, the subjects were dissatisfied and talked about it. Now that Your Majesty insists on honoring Marquis Deyang after his death, what will happen to the people of the world?
think?"
Seeing this, several senior officials in the court also came out one after another and bowed to persuade:
"Your Majesty, you should estimate the hearts of the people in the world!"
"The honor of Marquis Deyang can be given, but we might as well pass this period of time."
"Your Majesty, please think again!"
Since the founding of the Xia Kingdom by Emperor Taizu, all the nations came to court when it was strong, but even when it was at its weakest, its national power ranked first among all the nations in the world.
The people of the Xia Kingdom, who were accustomed to the status of a superior country, were naturally extremely dissatisfied with the repeated defeats against their enemy Yun Kingdom in the southwest.
Zimmer was previously the deputy envoy of the Southwest Recruitment Department. He was responsible for controlling the civil and military affairs of the Southwest and supervising the war. The loss of Jiangzhou County was inseparable from him in any case.
At this juncture when public opinion is boiling, Yu Zhaoling insists on giving Zimo a posthumous honor. What will the people of Xia think?
Although Yu Zhaoling is in a state of anger, after going through so many experiences, he is no longer the impulsive and reckless King Qi he was before.
After listening to the persuasion of the ministers, Yu Zhaoling suppressed the anger in his heart, took a deep breath, and then gritted his teeth and said:
"Send envoys to the Yun Kingdom immediately to ask for the corpses of our Daxia generals and return them for burial!"
Yu Zhaoling served in the army for many years when he was still King Qi. He naturally knew that for those who served in the army, shrouding a body in horse leather was not an unacceptable thing.
But at this time, due to the resistance from the government and the opposition, the only thing he could do for Zimmer was this...
Seeing that Yu Zhaoling no longer insisted at this time, and that asking the enemy for the general's body was not a big deal, the court officials did not stop him and silently agreed.
After many matters were discussed, all the ministers retired. Only Yu Zhaoling's former ministers remained in the palace to continue discussing important matters.
Yu Zhaoling had a serious face at this time, glanced at the people left in the hall, and said in a deep voice:
"Marquis Deyang left a letter before his death. It is very likely that the secret agents of the Yanyun Kingdom used the identity of the Yongzhou Embroidered Clothes Envoy to act..."
As soon as he said this, Zhong Zizuo, who was hiding in the queue, subconsciously raised his head, showing a look of panic and fear.
Not to mention Yongzhou, with the secret cooperation of Zhong Zizuo and Nian Ganchu, among the embroidered envoys from Jiangnan, Jin, Yu, Huainan, Yan, Qi, it can be said that all the counties in Xia Kingdom,
Those are all more or less placed by the hands of people at the sticky pole.
At this time, Yu Zhaoling suddenly mentioned this matter. How could Zhong Zizuo, who already had a ghost in his heart, not feel frightened?
But soon, Zhong Zizuo realized that his frightened expression at this time would very likely expose himself, so he quickly restrained himself a little and lowered his head slightly.
Fortunately, everyone in the hall was extremely shocked when they heard the news from Yu Zhaoling. This made Zhong Zizuo, who looked frightened in the crowd, not look so obvious.
Yu Zhaoling looked at the expressions of the ministers in the palace and continued to say solemnly:
"This incident doesn't surprise me at all. The deposed prince Yu Zhaoli of Jin Dynasty was provoked by Yun Guo Nianzhang and caused turmoil in the capital. At that time, the people of Yun State had already extended their tentacles to Xiu Xiu.
Among the clothes envoys. Afterwards, Zhong Zizuo cleaned up the embroidered clothes envoys and caught many hidden people of the Yun Kingdom."
Having said this, everyone in the hall subconsciously focused their attention on Zhong Zizuo.
"I have gone through the files you sent me. The roster of spies at Niangan, the bribes collected, account books and other evidence are all there. Even Feng Chu can't find anything wrong with it," Yu Zhaoling said solemnly.
.
Feng Chu had previously suspected that Zhong Zizuo was using the pretext of thoroughly investigating the embroidery envoys in the capital to eliminate dissidents. However, after checking the files, he found nothing wrong, so he put down his suspicions.
No one would have thought that Zhong Zizuo, a high-ranking second-grade embroidery envoy from Qiandi, would actually be a spy from the Yun Kingdom!
Hearing Yu Zhaoling's words at this time, Zhong Zizhao breathed a sigh of relief subconsciously and wanted to wipe the cold sweat from his forehead.
But at this time, Zhong Zizuo felt that everyone's eyes were focused on him. As his mind suddenly changed, Zhong Zizuo suddenly pretended to be frightened, fell to his knees with a thud, kowtowed and apologized:
"I made an oversight and failed to catch the Yun State spy hidden among the Embroidered Clothes Envoys. I have betrayed your Majesty's trust. Please punish me!"
When Yu Zhaoling saw this, he said in a deep voice:
"At the beginning, I only gave you the power to thoroughly investigate the embroidery envoys in the capital, but I forgot that since the Yun Kingdom can infiltrate Jinling City, it is naturally not difficult to infiltrate and win over the local embroidery envoys. I can't blame you.
!”
Hearing this, Zhong Zizuo finally relaxed completely, leaned forward to salute again, and said with tears of gratitude:
"I would like to thank Your Majesty for your kindness!"
Yu Zhaoling continued with a sullen face:
"You have made great achievements in thoroughly investigating the Embroidered Clothes Envoy before. This time, I will leave this matter to you again. Starting from the Yongzhou Embroidered Clothes Envoy, I will dig out all the spies of the Yun Kingdom!"
When Zhong Zizuo heard this, his eyes lit up, he swallowed subconsciously, and immediately agreed:
"My lord, I obey the order!"
Not only was he not suspected, he would also be ordered to conduct a thorough investigation of the local embroidery envoys. Wouldn't this mean that he would continue to capture the "Yun Kingdom spy" to claim credit from Emperor Xia, while at the same time conveniently placing people at the sticky pole to ask for favors from Emperor Yun, thus benefiting both sides?
What a chance!
What is an unexpected surprise? This is it!
After saying this, Yu Zhaoling paused and then continued:
"There is one more thing I want to discuss with you."
"After the Marquis of Deyang withdrew from Hengyang Prefecture, he selected more than ten thousand elite soldiers under his command and dispersed them into the mountains of Shaoyang County and Jiangzhou County. They can serve as a back-up when our army counterattacks. I am thinking, now Yun
The army has not yet gained a firm foothold, and the people of Jiangzhou County have their hearts set on our Daxia court. Should we take advantage of this opportunity to send out a large army to counterattack in order to recapture a few cities and boost the morale of the army and the people?"
After successive defeats, the morale of officials, soldiers and civilians in both the government and the public depended on the remaining power of the Xia Kingdom.
But if things go on like this for a long time and the spirit is gone, the Xia Kingdom will be just like the Li Dynasty who feared the Yun Kingdom. The government and the public dare not speak out and fear the clouds like tigers. At that time, there will be no way to turn around.
So at this time, Yu Zhaoling wanted to rely on a few victories to boost the morale of the people.
Qimo's arrangement before his death was based on the Li Dynasty's surrender to the Yun Kingdom, and after accepting the title of King An, a large number of soldiers and civilians who cherished the Li Dynasty's society hid in the mountains and forests to resist the Yun army's operations.
Although this group of loyal soldiers and civilians of Jiu Li were completely destroyed some time ago, they still restrained a lot of Yun Guo's energy, so Qimo came up with this idea.
It was precisely because these men and horses dispersed into the mountains and forests, they could only serve as a containment and sneak attack, and they must not be noticed by the Yun State. After retreating from the officials, Yu Zhaoling asked his confidants for advice.
When everyone in the palace heard the words and were still hesitating, Feng Chu stepped forward and said in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, I'm afraid this matter needs to be considered in the long run."
Hearing this, Yu Zhaoling frowned and said:
"Why?"
Feng Chu replied in a deep voice:
"The Envoy of the Northern Territory Embroidered Clothes urgently reports that there has been a sudden heavy snowfall in the northern grasslands this year. The Turkic tribes have lost countless cattle and sheep. The tribes have been mobilized frequently, and they may have the intention of going south to plunder!"
As soon as these words came out, everyone in the hall frowned.
In fact, this incident is not too surprising to everyone, and they even think that the Turkic reaction is a bit too slow...
The Xia Kingdom suffered successive defeats in the southwest, losing troops, generals, cities and territory. The situation in the court was in turmoil, and the national power was greatly damaged. The whole world knew it. Seeing this, how could the Turks resist their desire to go south?
Zhu Feiang, an old minister of Yu Zhaoling's dormitory, spoke at this time:
"As a result, the troops and horses of Jin and Yan cannot be easily mobilized."
The Turks had millions of fine cavalry. Although they were not as well-equipped as the Xia army, they had superb riding skills and could attack like the wind, but they were not easy to deal with.
Moreover, this time the grassland suffered a snowstorm, in order to survive, the Turkic tribes may recruit their herdsmen to go south to plunder together! If this is the case, the pressure on the northern border will be even more alarming. And if elites cannot be mobilized from the northern border, naturally
It would be impossible to launch a counterattack against Yun State...
Yu Zhaoling's eyes sharpened and he hummed:
"Hmph, the Turks bullied and bullied small countries like the Western Regions, Tubo, Koryo, and Bohai, but they actually dared to move south? The lessons they have learned over the past few decades have probably not made them remember it!"
When the Xia Dynasty was in chaos in the early Xia Dynasty, the Turks moved south many times and indeed took advantage of it. However, since the old Xia Emperor took over the throne and took power, he spent ten years rectifying the northern border. The Turks' southward marches have repeatedly encountered obstacles in the north.
I can't get any cheaper anymore.
"Your Majesty, I feel that this may not be an opportunity!" At this time, a voice suddenly sounded.
Gong Yingzong walked out slowly from the end of the queue and bowed to Yu Zhaoling.
Yu Zhaoling was very impressed by Gong Yingzong, who was praised by both Feng Chu and Qi Mo. He nodded and said:
"What chance?"
"Both the state of Daxia and the state of Yun, both in terms of their national system and folk customs, are inherited from the Central Plains. They can be said to have the same culture and the same species. The dispute between the two countries is mostly regarded as a civil war in the Central Plains. Now that the Turks are raising their armies, it is an invasion by foreign enemies. Your Majesty can use this reason
, agreed to a truce with Yun State."
Having said this, Gong Yingzong raised his head slightly and saw that Yu Zhaoling did not show any displeasure because he wanted to cease war with Yun State, so he continued:
"The Emperor of the Yun Kingdom has always been praised by the world for his benevolence. If he is unwilling to cease the war at this time, his reputation as a virtuous and benevolent person will be completely ruined and the hearts of the people of the world will be abandoned. If the Yun Kingdom ceases the war, we, Daxia, can reorganize our troops in Henan, Huainan, Jiangnan and other places.
Horse. Build a defense line to resist the attack of the Yun Kingdom army!"
Yu Zhaoling has been on the battlefield for a long time, but his vision is extremely vicious. At this time, he said in a deep voice:
"The two counties of Anshun and Shaoyang are newly attached. It is difficult to guarantee the logistics of the Yun army. It is also the depth of winter. It is difficult for the army to move. Swallowing Jiangzhou County is the limit. We should not continue to send troops!"
Gong Yingzong stood up slightly and said calmly:
"I thought so before... But since the Yun army entered Jiangzhou County, it has been unstoppable and has been able to do it with ease. I'm afraid that it may have the intention of making another meritorious feat!"
"Suizhou and Xiangzhou fell into the hands of the Yun Kingdom. The Yun Army could send troops at any time to attack Nanyang County in Yudi. Yang Dayan, the general of Andong of the Yun Army, led tens of thousands of his troops to wander outside Yuzhang County. There were spies.
Xin. In Rong County along the coast, there are also Yun Kingdom naval forces who are constantly harassing us."
"On the other hand, our Daxia troops have just withdrawn from Jiangzhou County. They have not yet established a stable footing. Their morale and morale are no longer good. I am afraid that they will not be able to be used. Your Majesty, I am afraid that no one can guarantee that the Yun Army will be withdrawn as soon as possible... Moreover, even if I
If you guess wrong, this strategy will only ensure that the Yun Kingdom stops its troops."
Hearing this, Yu Zhaoling's face darkened slightly.
Indeed, even if the Yun Army planned to capture Jiangzhou City at the beginning, it would be over. But at this time, the situation was so smooth for the Yun Army, and no one was sure that they would just give up.
It would be great if the Turks could use the reason for using troops to make Yun Guo ensure the withdrawal of troops.
Thinking of this, Yu Zhaoling no longer hesitated and nodded immediately:
"Okay, let's do it like this!"
"It's cold and freezing in the north now, so it's difficult to send troops. Please send an order to the north to strengthen the walls and clear the fields. Evacuate the people outside the city and stick to the city. Wait until winter is over before sending out troops to attack the Turks in the north and clear the holes!" Yu Zhaoling said solemnly.
Even if I can't defeat the Yun Kingdom, I still can't defeat you, the Turks?
Attacking the Turks in the north can also boost the morale of the army and the people. It is obviously a good choice when we are not completely sure of defeating the Yun Kingdom!
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately bowed and bowed, shouting:
"My lord, please obey your order!"
After deciding on the strategy, all the confidants stood up and left, walking out of Jinshen Hall.
Just when Yu Zhaoling was about to continue processing the memorial, he saw Feng Chu returning alone at this time, and couldn't help but ask:
"Come back like this?"
Feng Chu shook his head slightly and glanced at the palace attendants standing nearby.
Yu Zhaoling's eyes moved and he said in a deep voice:
"You all stand down first!"
Upon hearing this, all the palace attendants immediately bowed down, bowed and quickly exited the palace.
After there was no one around, Feng Fangfang said in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, the Embroidered Clothes Envoy has also received a piece of news. The current Emperor Yun plans to tour Jiangzhou County in the near future..."
"Everyone says that the reason why the Yun Kingdom is so strong now is because the current Emperor Yun, the Holy Emperor, is in the court. The two princes of the Yun Kingdom have just been born and are not yet one year old. If Emperor Yun suddenly dies at this time,
What does Your Majesty think of Yunguo?"
When Yu Zhaoling heard this, his eyes narrowed.
What will happen to the Yun Kingdom? Not to mention falling apart and declining, at least it will be in chaos for a while. When the time comes, it will be a matter of course to conquer the lost ground and wash away the shame!
Thinking of this, Yu Zhaoling understood clearly and said in a deep voice:
