The city of Hengyang, which had been bustling all night, calmed down.
No one is invincible, and the imperial army also needs a rest. Even the imagined rounds of attacks from the east or north of the city have not come.
Before the artillery fire started, Pu Zitong really fell asleep, and his soldiers did not call him.
Yan Chunsheng was thinking: Wasn't last night a good time?
He clearly fired several cannons and conveyed the signal with his voice.
There is so much chaos at night. As long as the king's master from the east comes, Si Cong's men and other Jinyiwei Huguang soldiers who have sneaked into Hengyang City disguised as bandits will suddenly break out and plunge the east side of the city into chaos.
Cai Jia went to the palace to protect Prince Rui's mother and son, then led his men to capture Pu Zitong alive, and opened the east gate of the city. Can Hengyang City still be destroyed?
Things did not develop as he imagined, so Yan Chunsheng had no choice but to wait.
Ma Yong had already met Gu Shilong in the camp east of the Xiang River.
Yao Rong, the new governor of Huguang who had just arrived in Huguang, was also here. He had stayed in the northwest town and said with certainty: "Puzitong is not as good as Tang Peiyu. Seeing Zhan Huabi come all the way from Changde to join him, we know that this rebellion is.
Pu Zitong is a more determined person. Judging from his preparations in Hengyang, his officers and soldiers are not comparable to Changsha Guards. Even if Pu Zitong dies, the Hengyang defenders will not necessarily collapse. This will make the city defenseless.
It succeeded, but it actually cost the lives of Prince Rui, mother and son."
Gu Shilong frowned: "What Dutai means is to continue to tire out the enemy and first disintegrate their morale?"
"There must be chaos in the city first, and only then can we achieve great success in the Imperial Guard."
"Commander Luo then sent a message, and Yan Chunsheng sent the message in code. He is already the commander-in-chief of the right army of the rebel army and the general guarding the east of the city."
Yao Rong shook his head: "There are not less than five thousand enemy troops in Hengyang City who are very determined to rebel, and there are even more brave ones. How many people can Yan Chunsheng trust? If Pu Zitong has another back-up plan, once Yan Chunsheng shows up.
It would be difficult to get rid of him. There was Tang Peiyu first and then Dan Zhaonian. We can’t bet that Pu Zitong is stupid!"
He immediately saluted Gu Shilong: "Gu Hou, I don't want to point fingers, but even if we want to drive the rebels in the city to the junction of Jiangxi and Fujian in the future, we can't release so many rebels at once. We have to wait for the south to be captured first.
The cities must be fortified and the wilderness cleared to reduce the losses caused by the rebels fleeing and plundering along the way; secondly, are all the officers and soldiers of the army now in vain, with no battle merit to be gained, and all the credit for this battle belongs to the Jin Yiwei and the selected frontmen of the Beijing camp? "
Gu Shilong really understood now.
It can only be said that people like Yao Rong have different things in mind, not just the battle itself.
He thought about the Huguang guards he had brought.
In the battle in Changsha, the main credit was due to the selection of forwards from the Shenji Camp and the Jinyiwei.
During the attack on Hengshan, it was also the Jin Yiwei who instigated Tang Peiyu's rebellion, making his backstab the key to defeating the city of Hengshan. Although the imperial army had merit, it was really not enough.
After conquering Hengyang, if the Fifth Army Camp and the Guangxi soldiers captured Guiyang Prefecture again, Luo An rebelled but Zhaonian captured the south of Shuikou Mountain and encircled the south. Yan Chunsheng rescued Prince Rui and his son and opened the city gate. When they were recounting their achievements, the court
How much credit can be given to so many troops that have been dispatched?
The problems after the war were the most troublesome for the court, and whether civil servants or military ministers, wouldn't they be more wary of such a powerful Jin Yiwei?
The final direction will not change, but the imperial army must have enough military exploits.
Yao Rong finally said something that Gu Shilong also agreed with in his heart: "Gu Hou, since you know that His Majesty intends to train troops, you need to understand that without going through blood and fire, whether it is Huguang soldiers or Guangxi soldiers, they will be soldiers in the future.
We can't be called soldiers capable of fighting. In the future, we will fight against the enemy at the border between Jiangxi and Fujian, but it won't be your turn to have made great achievements this time."
Gu Shilong nodded: "What Du Tai said makes sense, I understand."
After saying that, he looked at Ma Yong: "Brother Ma has come all the way and hopes that the Guangdong Navy will make new achievements. Next, I will divide six thousand troops to capture the Yin of Haoshui in the north of the city and approach Hengyang City!"
Ma Yong's eyes flashed: "The last general takes orders!"
…
The Battle of Hengyang entered a new stage after nightfall. As expected, Puzitong ushered in the main attack from the west and north of the city.
And it was a really bloody battle.
Yan Chunsheng could only sit still for the first time, because it was agreed in advance that he would send the signal in which direction and wait for the army to approach from that direction before taking action.
Before, he had already sent a signal in the east of the city.
But now, the imperial army mainly attacks from the north and west of the city.
The time has entered November. On this day, Cai Jia came over and said to him: "Gu Hou has captured the north bank of the city and is confronting the defenders of the north city. Now we must first remove the nail of Shitouzui. Anyone with a loud voice will come to the formation."
He insulted Pu Zitong before, saying that the remnant of the Pu family had tried to assassinate the Wu family on the canal outside Linqing City, but failed. His Majesty had ordered all the Pu clan to be exterminated.
real."
He lowered his voice and said: "Brother Yan, will Pu Zitong become so angry that he will directly eliminate Prince Rui, mother and son?"
Isn't it because they went to such great lengths to protect Prince Rui and his son?
At the beginning of Pu Zitong's incident, Cai Jia and other six Jinyi guards who were lurking in Hengyang City were unable to protect them and take them away, nor did they receive such an order.
In His Majesty's grand game of chess, perhaps Prince Rui was originally the bait. How could he catch those who dared to rebel despite being protected by heavy troops?
Cai Jia and others did not know how arrogant Pu Zitong had become, and they did not have the courage to speculate on the emperor's ruthless intentions.
But he knew that their current mission was to rescue Prince Rui and his son.
In that case, the reason for Pu Zitong and others' so-called "asking for rebellion" will no longer exist. If he still refuses to surrender, it means that he himself wants to usurp the throne, or is willing to become a bandit.
Now that Pu Zitong is in trouble, all members of the Pu family outside his nine clans have jumped out to assassinate him. Is this because the Pu family is loyal to Zhu Ming's orthodoxy, or is it because they have held a grudge against Taizu for killing the Quanzhou Pu family for more than a hundred years?
If Pu Zitong simply killed Prince Rui and his son, then Yan Chunsheng and Cai Jia's mission would have failed.
Yan Chunsheng shook his head: "No! Pu Zitong's prestige is not enough. Prince Rui is the key to the rebels persisting and waiting for changes. We will just keep waiting."
The second brother He Quan'an had already analyzed a lot with him before.
This is not a chaotic time when people are distracted. The current rebellion is nothing more than seeing the gentry unwilling to accept His Majesty's implementation of new laws and encountering a severe drought.
But if you want to succeed in the rebellion, Zhu Ming's legacy is still there, and the people of the world have not lost their support.
Even if Pu Zitong dies, as long as there are still people who refuse to surrender, he has to protect Prince Rui.
Yan Chunsheng decided to wait. Hengyang had become an isolated city. With his inner strength, it was not difficult to break the city. Therefore, the will of the imperial army was much firmer than Pu Zitong imagined.
He wanted to hold on and wait until there were changes in other parts of the Ming Dynasty. Commander Luo also said that Pu Zitong was thinking too much.
Why does Your Majesty want to tour the south?
In the west of the city, Zhu Qi deeply agreed with Yao Rong's views.
He needs credit.
He was not willing to let him carry out bombardment with such low efficiency in the west of the city.
In the Ming Dynasty, the main merits were the heads, the enemy generals, trapping the enemy, and breaking the city.
Although there are not many soldiers brought at the moment, the Guangxi soldiers want credit, and the Jiuxi guards also want credit.
In the north of the city, Gu Shilong witnessed the red eyes of the other generals because of the rebellion of the three Huguang guards. Some of them were worried about the trouble caused by the court's next liquidation of the Huguang guards, and some wanted to seize this opportunity to make contributions.
No matter which one it is, you need to take credit, avoid disaster, or climb up.
In the south of the city, Luo An had already figured it out.
He said to Dan Zhaonian: "If you rebel and surrender, your final destination in the future will be with me, Jin Yiwei."
After saying that, he looked at He Quan'an: "You have done enough. Next, just wait for them to make a contribution and we will catch up with these sheep."
Although Luo An dared to rush to the front line during this counter-rebellion, he also saw the dragon hidden in the original royal guards and the lying tiger.
After returning to Beijing this time, he was ready to quit and resign.
Luo An knew what he was worth. The Jin Yiwei had made such great contributions, and he would not block the way of so many dragons and tigers, which would not be conducive to the emperor's continued control of this powerful force.
Everyone wants to climb up, Wang Zuo wants to do it, He Quan'an wants to, and Yan Chunsheng wants to do the same.
Countering the rebellion is such a great achievement. Everyone can get a little bit, and His Majesty will have more loyal ministers.
Now, Zhu Houcong is already approaching Huai'an.
This is the territory of Southern Zhili. Just like in Shandong, most officials of the fourth rank and above in Southern Zhili have been ordered to come to Huai'an to prepare for the arrival.
But Nanjing garrison Guo Xun and coordinated garrison Song Liangchen did not come.
Zhang Jin, the eunuch guarding Nanjing, was not here either. He was in Jiading at the home of Gong Hong, who held the title of Minister of the Ministry of Industry.
Gong Hong accepted the order, knelt on the ground and looked up at Zhang Jin.
Now, the palm seal of the former Chief of Ceremonies represents the emperor.
After the decree is announced, it is time to ask questions on behalf of the emperor.
"I ask you, how much have you been greedy for in the Hedao Yamen for more than three years? I want to investigate the world's floods and water conservancy, so why did you resign in a hurry?"
Gong Hong is already seventy-four, and his beard and hair are all white.
In the three years since he became an official, his complexion has become more and more rosy.
At this time, his face was still rosy, and he was not flustered by the harsh words used in the emperor's questions and the murderous intent contained in these two questions. His face turned pale.
"I am ashamed. I can only build these two rivers like this." Gong Hong replied slowly, "I have successively served as the magistrate of Yanzhou, participated in politics on the right in Zhejiang, was in charge of politics in Huguang on the left, and was the prime minister of the river. How his official reputation is and whether he is honest or not can all be verified.
.I asked you to become an official because I am already in my late seventies and am too old to take up my duties."
Zhang Jin had dealt with Gong Hong. After all, during the Zhengde period, he, Zhang Jin, had already been working in the Supervisor of Ceremonies, and Gong Hong was a senior official.
Now the emperor specially sent him to ask questions, and Gong Hong answered with a clear conscience.
"The magistrate of Huizhou is your favorite pupil in Huguang. Song Liangchen went to Huizhou, and that person was taxing silk silk. Did you, Gong Hong, write that letter because I killed your grandson Gong Shimei who was knocking on the gate?"
Gong Hong still had a calm expression on his face: "The child is rebellious and ignorant of worldly affairs. His majesty's thunderous wrath is entirely his own fault. The prefect of Chu asked me for advice, but I just expressed my opinion briefly based on what I have gained from serving as an official throughout my life."
Zhang Jin nodded: "We will report the truth to Gong Shangshu's answer."
Gong Hong stood up silently and accepted the order.
Zhang Jin said: "Now please invite Gong Shangshu to set off for Huai'an. Your Majesty will summon you after returning to Huai'an from Fengyang and Sizhou."
Gong Hong looked at the doctor from the Nanjing Criminal Department he had brought, and after handing over the decree to his son, he said to Zhang Jin: "Eunuch Zhang, please."
His son looked worried, but Gong Hong calmly followed Zhang Jin out.
Zhang Jin kept looking at him, then walked back and said: "Gong Shangshu, the commander of the Shandong capital confessed in front of your majesty that he paid three thousand taels of silver to the Hedao Yamen every year."
Gong Hong stood in front of the carriage brought by Zhang Jin and smiled slightly: "I know Eunuch Zhang's loyalty. I am guilty or not. Someone will find out if I am guilty or not, and your Majesty will understand."
After saying that, he bowed his hands and walked into the carriage with the help of the old servant.
The carriage passed through the streets and alleys of Jiading City and headed west. The common people only knew the owner of Qiuxiapu. This high-ranking official in Jiading City was invited away again. Is it possible that he will become an official again?
But the more important figures all knew that it was the former Chief of Ceremonies who came, and also people from the Nanjing Criminal Department came with him.
From the Chenghua period to the 16th year of Zhengde, he did not serve as a minister before becoming an official, and he did not enter the Taiwan Pavilion. However, Gong Hong held many official positions, and his disciples may have more old friends.
He is not a Qingliu who was born in the Hanlin Academy and has been promoted in Beijing.
He is just like the river governor he once served, a turbid stream that could not be more turbid.
Time and life experience have left a mark on Gong Hong's face, both the insight into the world in his eyes and the calmness and calmness in his expression.
At this time, Zhu Houcong had just arrived in Huai'an Fucheng.
Huai'an Prefecture is located at the intersection of the Yellow River, Huaihe River and Canal, and has stronger throat properties than Linqing.
To the northwest is the Yellow River and the canal, which are almost parallel and merge at Qingjiangpu in the northwest of the city. To the east is the Huaihe River, which merges with the water of the Yellow River and then flows to the sea. On the southwest side, it is adjacent to the ancestral mausoleum of the Zhu family of the Ming Dynasty in Sizhou.
Hongze Lake.
Due to the unique terrain, Huai'an City was built with a huge investment of manpower, material and financial resources. The old city, new city and interlocking city together constitute Huai'an City, which is strong and steep, easy to defend and difficult to attack. In Huai'an Prefecture, there are Huai'an and Dahe.
Guards, and a large number of cavalry soldiers.
The governor's water transport department is here, and the water transport army is also centered here.
In addition, there is also Huaian Warehouse, which is only inferior to Linqing Warehouse and Xuzhou Warehouse. It ships 1.5 million shi of grain from Jiangxi, Huguang, Zhejiang and other places every year.
The Qingjiangdu Shipyard was the largest in the Ming Dynasty, with a factory area stretching for more than 20 miles and managing nearly 10,000 craftsmen, servants, and merchants.
Naturally, there is also Huaian Chaoguan.
But the population of Huai'an is far less than that of Linqing City.
Because there is no room for living in the city, and outside the city... there are often floods.
Zhu Houcong did not enter the city.
The escorting army was stationed south of Qingjiangpu and next to Hanhuai Weir across the river.
Next to it is the vast Hongze Lake.
Across the lake, to the west of Hongze Lake, is the Tomb of the Ming Dynasty in the north of Sizhou City.
Zhu Houcong stood on the Huaiyan weir, and Li Hao explained beside him: "According to legend, the Huaiyan weir was built by Chen Deng, the prefect of Guangling County in the late Han Dynasty. The weir is more than thirty miles long. In the past, Sima Yi was here to destroy Wu.
The fields were farmed to store grain, and the Huaiweir was constantly being built."
He knew what else the emperor was concerned about, so he said solemnly: "The Yellow River has diverted the Huaihe River into the sea for many years, and the sediment has been continuously accumulated. The Hongze Lake has become high, and defending the Huaiweir is the top priority. If this weir is lost, the Huaiyang River will be destroyed."
If it doesn’t exist, the canal will be cut off!”
Zhu Houcong nodded: "No one dares to make fun of this place, I know. Go back, Jiang Mian and the others are here too."
Yes, although there are many floods, no one dares to joke about it.
Because not far away is the Tomb of the Ming Dynasty.
Who is responsible for the flooding of the Ming Dynasty ancestral mausoleum?