Seeing the fake eunuch kowtow and beg for mercy, Shao Yan couldn't help but secretly rejoice, "Oh, if you don't do something hard, you just don't say anything, grandma, you still want to deceive me with your tricks, even if you are the reincarnation of a monster,
There is no way you can escape my fiery eyes.
"The younger one's name is Chen Xiaoer, and he lives in Chen Po Village in the north of Luojing City. Because he looks a bit like Eunuch Xiao Shunzi, Marshal Jin asked him to confuse the false with the real one..."
As soon as these words came out, both Zhang Baihu and Mu Ying were dumbfounded. Although they felt that this 'Xiao Shunzi''s words and demeanor were a bit awkward, they were just suspicions and no one thought about it deeply.
, Unexpectedly, this 'guest' from afar actually has a great background.
Zhang Baihu was furious, grabbed him from the ground, and said angrily: "Chen Xiaoer, you said you are from the capital, but why did you help outsiders design to harm the emperor?" As he spoke, his arms seemed to be
Full of power, it actually lifted Chen Xiaoer into the air
Chen Xiaoer couldn't breathe for a long time, and his face became more and more ugly. He looked like he might suffocate to death at any time. Shao Yan didn't want to take his life, so he waved his hand towards Zhang Baihu and said: "That's all, I'm thinking of you."
He is repentant, so let’s spare his life this time.”
Zhang Baihu then threw Chen Xiaoer heavily to the ground. Chen Xiaoer broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly threw himself on the ground and said: "I thank you, Your Majesty, the general for not killing me."
Shao Yan walked up to him and said disdainfully: "Don't be too busy thanking me for now. I will ask you again. You must answer honestly. If you tell a lie..."
"I don't dare, I don't dare." Chen Xiaoer was obviously too frightened. He never thought that his elaborate disguise would actually show flaws. It seemed that the extremely articulate emperor in front of him was by no means an ordinary smart person.
He kowtowed tremblingly: "Your Majesty, just ask, I will tell you everything you know, and I will tell you everything. If I lie, I will be struck by five thunders, and you will die badly."
"That's not necessary. If you tell lies, I will cut you into pieces, and you will not be able to reincarnate in the underworld. So I hope you think clearly before answering the question. You know the pros and cons of this."
When Shao Yan finished saying this, he couldn't help but stare. Oh, is this me? When did I learn to threaten others with such a bad tone? Damn it, it's so easy to say.
Chen Xiaoer was trembling all over. He was obviously frightened by the words "Five Horses Dismembered". Shao Yan didn't want to waste words with him, so he said straight to the point: "Since you are pretending to be Xiao Shunzi, does that mean
What you said before does not count. For example, you said that the Queen Mother and the ministers will be beheaded in two days. Is this true? "
Chen Xiaoer hurriedly shook his head and said: "That's not the case. Before I left, I overheard the conversation between General Qin and Fatty Jin."
"Oh, what did you say?" Shao Yan couldn't wait to take a step forward.
"They decided to escort the old queen mother and all the gentlemen to the execution ground in two days, and set up a dragnet there in advance. In this way, you will fall into a trap by yourself. On the contrary, if you do not show up by then, they will also set up a trap at the prescribed time.
Kill the Queen Mother and others within the time limit”
After hearing this, Shao Yan frowned and thought to himself, if it is true as Chen Xiaoer said, then the Queen Mother and Mr. Deng may be in trouble this time, but even if I want to save them, the enemy will be there early.
Be prepared. My visit will have no effect at all except adding a few corpses to the execution ground.
When Chen Xiaoer saw that the emperor didn't speak, he thought he didn't believe him, so he said anxiously: "Your Majesty, every sentence is true. If any of the sentences are false, please pray that the sky will strike with thunder, the body will be divided by five horses, and there will be no burial place..."
Mu Ying heard him swearing viciously incessantly, and interrupted sharply: "Okay, no one has said that they don't believe you. If you have the heart to repent, don't work for Fatty Jin in the future. We are all our own people."
, your own people will not beat your own people." After saying that, he called two soldiers
"I will follow the girl's teachings. I will definitely change my mind when I go back and focus on my life." Chen Xiaoer glanced at Mu Ying gratefully and was taken out of the room by the soldiers.
…
At this moment, Shao Yan was sitting sideways on the Grand Master's chair, but he saw a trace of sadness in his eyebrows, his eyes were dull, and he let out a few faint sighs from time to time. His mind was full of imagining the situation in two days.
Since the fall of the capital, he has been thinking about the Queen Mother Guo and the ministers headed by Dongfang Yi and Deng Bingtang. The Queen Mother is not his biological mother, but she is better than his biological mother in every way. Dongfang Yi and Deng Bingtang are rare loyal ministers. The other ministers
Although he is usually mediocre and incompetent, he is not worthy of death, but now he is facing the disaster of annihilation, as well as those unexperienced maids, eunuchs and other servants... Thinking of this, he felt more and more miserable in his heart.
Mu Ying couldn't bear to see him so sad, so she deliberately broke his thoughts and asked with a smile: "Your Majesty, I don't understand, how did you know that Eunuch Xiaoshunzi was a fake?"
Shao Yan calmed down and smiled calmly: "Actually, it's nothing. Just when you and Zhang Lian were talking to Chen Xiaoer, I paid special attention to his words, deeds, demeanor, especially his mouth."
"By the mouth?" Mu Ying was very surprised, and Zhang Baihu also felt puzzled.
Seeing the two people looking at him blankly, Shao Yan pursed his lips and smiled and said: "Have you ever seen the eunuch president grow a beard? If you look carefully, you will find that Chen Xiaoer, who is pretending to be Xiao Shunzi, has been
I’ve shaved my beard, but since it’s still a few days’ journey from Luojing to here, it will still grow out.”
He went on to say: "Not only that, Chen Xiaoer considers himself smart and imitates Xiao Shunzi in every way he speaks. Unfortunately, he imitates Xiao Shunzi, and the more he imitates, the worse he gets. The most obvious one is the sentence, 'Now the Donglin Kingdom is over.' The time I spent with Xiao Shunzi
Not long, but not short either. He will never say such depressing words. Even if the country is ruined and the family is destroyed, he will hold the thought of being glorious despite defeat. Where is Chen Xiaoer's harsh face?"
Mu Ying suddenly realized: "I see. No wonder Minnu felt that he was very observant when she received him. Minnu once remembered that you said that Mr. Xiaoshunzi dislikes observing etiquette."
"Yes, sometimes I have meetings in the imperial study room, and he will rush in rashly, making me and several ministers dumbfounded several times." As he said this, Shao Yan couldn't help but think of many past events.
Zhang Baihu understood it completely and said casually: "The emperor asked him where he came from, but he said he came from west to east. But he didn't know that there is only one grand canal from the west to here, and there is no mountain range at all. Therefore,
The emperor decided that he was a fake."
Shao Yan nodded with a smile, but Mu Ying stamped her foot and said ashamedly: "Thankfully, I have herded sheep before, why didn't I think about this? I'm so stupid."
Shao Yan smiled, but his face quickly turned gloomy again.
Mu Ying knew that he was thinking about Luo Jing's situation, so he made a cup of tea and handed it over, saying: "Your Majesty, you don't have to worry so much. No matter what you decide, the daughter of the people will stay by your side.
protect you"
This girl's meaning is very clear. No matter whether it is a mountain of swords or a sea of fire, she is willing to follow Shao Yan. Even if Shao Yan goes to the capital to rob a prison, she will follow him without hesitation. How could Zhang Baihu not hear the meaning in her words?
He said categorically: "Miss Mu, if the emperor wants to go to the capital to save people, General Mo will be the first to object."
Shao Yan was silent for a long time, then straightened up and said solemnly: "I have decided to return to the capital."
Mu Ying knew that Shao Yan was a man of his word, so he simply followed: "Your Majesty, the daughter of the people is willing to go with you."
Zhang Baihu hurriedly took two steps forward and said: "Your Majesty, you must not do it. Not only is the road dangerous, but you are also caught in a traitor's plot. Even if you risk your life, I will not let you take the risk."
"
Shao Yan was moved by his loyalty. Among so many people under his command, there were not many who made Shao Yan most at ease. Apart from Bai Mei who died in the battle, Dongfang Yi and Deng Bingtang in the court, the only one left was Zhang
There are hundreds of households. Although other generals are not very brave, there are always many things that make people worry. Chang Yixiao and Zhang Huaide are two living treasures. Every time he thinks of these two troublesome guys, Shao Yan is both funny and angry.
"If the emperor is determined to return to the capital, please kill the general first." Zhang Baihu knelt on the ground and said plausibly: "The general promised Lord Deng that he would always protect the emperor. The general failed to fulfill his duty some time ago, and now
We will definitely fulfill our mission. As long as the general is still breathing, we will never let the emperor set foot in dangerous territory again."
Shao Yan leaned down to hold his arms, but Zhang Baihu refused to get up and threatened: "If the emperor does not agree to this, the general will never be able to kneel down."
"Come here, capture Zhang Baihu quickly." Shao Yan knew his personality, so he had to use tough methods and forcibly ordered someone to tie him up.
Zhang Baihu was so loyal that he naturally would not make any resistance. Facing the emperor's arbitrary decision, he could only cry without tears, but he kept struggling with the rope with both hands and shouted: "Your Majesty, you can tie up the general.
, you can even kill the last general with one sword, as long as you can take back your life, the last general will not hesitate to die."
"Your Majesty, General Zhang also has good intentions. Just--" Seeing that Shao Yan really arrested Zhang Baihu, Mu Ying was very anxious. She was about to plead for him, but was interrupted by Shao Yan in the middle of her words.
Got it
"How could I not know Brother Zhang's painstaking efforts?" Shao Yan shook his head and sighed, then walked to Zhang Baihu, patted his shoulder gently, and said: "Brother Zhang, you and I are in Nanliang Kingdom.
We know each other in Beijing and have known each other for several months. On the surface, we have a relationship between monarch and minister. In fact, I have always regarded you as my good brother. My vision is not wrong. Master Deng recommended it to me.
You are a rare talent. It is because of your existence that Changqing City has persisted for so long. I have to say that you have sacrificed too much for me and for the entire Donglin Kingdom. I cannot repay you. Please give me your thanks.
On behalf of the people of Changqing City and all the people of the world, I would like to express my most sincere respect to you." As he said this, he bowed deeply to Zhang Baihu.
"Your Majesty must not do this, I will be ashamed of it——" Zhang Baihu shook his head desperately, tears had already burst out of his eyes, and he said with teary eyes: "I am lucky to have the opportunity to be brothers with the Emperor. I have been cultivating him for several lifetimes.
The blessing that comes, even if the general is killed immediately on the battlefield, the life of the general will be worth it."
Mu Ying couldn't help but get wet in her eyes when she saw the deep brotherhood between the monarch and his minister.
Shao Yan wiped away a few tears from the corner of his eyes and said with a calm smile: "Although our Donglin Kingdom has been defeated now, I will not give in just like that. I believe that I will one day come back in the future, and now is the time
At this critical moment, we should save the last seed for the future. Listen to me. You will take all the troops to move to the southwest later. I will meet you later."
"But, Your Majesty..."
"Stop being so cool," Shao Yan said with a hearty smile: "No matter what, I have to go to the capital. Even if I can't save my mother and the others, I can just go and see them off. I only have a few decades in my life."
I dare not forget the person who raised me, otherwise God will not let me go. Don’t worry, I am not that fragile. With your strength behind me, I will keep this tone till the end of my life.
Finally, in the future, I will command thousands of troops and horses to conquer personally."
Seeing him joking with him with tears in his eyes, Zhang Baihu's eyes were completely covered with tears. In desperation, he could only nodded silently: "Since the emperor has made up his mind to go, it is useless to persuade him. Not long ago, he
A death squad of fifty people has been trained. The emperor can take them with him this time to protect your safety on the road."
"No, it's better to wait until I come back to meet your death squad. There are many checkpoints on the way to the capital, and too many people will only get in the way, so I decided to go with only four masters."
Mu Ying hurriedly stepped forward and said: "There are also civilian girls here. The civilian girls are familiar with the way to the capital. Please allow the emperor to allow the civilian girls to lead the way for you."
Shao Yan thought for a moment and realized what this girl was saying. It was a long way to the capital. It would take at least three days even if the horse was on horseback. However, Empress Dowager Guo and the others were beheaded in two days. It was obvious that they would not be able to catch up in time. If there was someone to lead the way, it would be less.
There were many detours, so he could have gone straight. Thinking of this, he nodded with joy.
In order not to alarm Chang Yixiao, Zhang Huaide and other generals, Shao Yan, Mu Ying and the four masters disguised themselves as soldiers and infiltrated into the team. Together with Zhang Baihu's army, they withdrew from Changqing City. They slipped out of the team on the way and turned around.
Walk in the direction of Luojing
Under Zhang Baihu's careful arrangement, the whole process was done without anyone noticing. Chang Yixiao, Zhang Huaide had not seen the emperor for a long time, and had doubts. Zhang Baihu told them that the emperor had contacted the vanguard.
Rushing to the southwest, the two men were convinced and scolded him severely, saying that he should not let the emperor take risks. At the same time, they ordered the army to speed up their march and set off in the southwest.
…
Early the next morning, Sun Chaozong, King of the Golden Spear, led an army to Changqing City. As before, the city towers were filled with flags of the Donglin Kingdom, but they did not see a single soldier, only some wearing commoners.
The common people were running around on the tower with their bodies bent over, looking as if they were carrying something.
It turned out that last night, the people in the city learned that the large forces were about to move, and they all expressed their intention to withdraw from Changqing City with them. On the one hand, Zhang Baihu was moved by them and analyzed the current situation rationally.
Following Shao Yan's instructions, he evenly allocated part of the military pay and left it to them, and told them to live a peaceful and peaceful life in the future.
Unexpectedly, Shao Yan's hard work was mistaken by these honest people as motivation. After the large group of people left, a common belief emerged in their hearts, that is, they must defend Changqing City for the emperor at all costs.
, in order to welcome the return of the emperor one day, so the people in the city spontaneously picked up the hoes, nails, poles, etc. at home, and went up to the tower overnight to prepare to resist the invaders.
"Brother Jin, which song is your emperor singing with us?" Sun Chaozong sat on horseback, pointed at the tower, and said to the King of Golden Guns on the side.
The Golden Gun King looked for a long time without seeing anything clear. He frowned and shook his head and said: "The best emperor has always been full of tricks, and he doesn't know what tricks he wants to play at this moment? But looking at these people in the city, they don't look like his soldiers.
, It seems that there are some unruly people in the city. Could it be that after yesterday's battle, he had very few soldiers left, so he used some unruly people to make up for it?"
Sun Chaozong smiled and waved his hand: "No, in yesterday's battle, although they suffered casualties, they were not defeated. If you look at these people on the tower, you can tell at a glance that they are ordinary people who have never been on the battlefield. Could it be...,
Is this an empty city?"
"Empty city?" The King of the Golden Gun was stunned and said in surprise: "Probably not? There are at least tens of thousands of people in the city. How can they evacuate quietly?"
"In your opinion..."
"In my opinion, I'm afraid that the best emperor has reached the end of his rope, and now he can only use these unscrupulous people to stop him for a while." A fierce light shot out from the eyes of the Golden Gun King, and he gritted his teeth and said: "No matter what, we must win today
Here, to avenge yesterday’s arrow.”
Sun Chaozong nodded: "Yes, yesterday's Chen Long was really abominable. You and I can rest assured that Liang Guo's 200,000-strong