Chapter 44: Ming Dynasty's Plan

Chapter 44: Ming Dynasty's Plan

Chapter 44: Ming Dynasty's Plan
The central military tent still maintains its former simplicity.
A huge map was spread out on the central sand table, and Lan Yu was surrounded by mountains of documents and military newspapers.

As usual, Lan Yu showed half of his forehead.

After hearing the footsteps, he sat up slightly, revealing two sharp eyes.

Seeing that it was Lu Yunyi, Lan Yu nodded at him:

"Wait a moment while I finish processing this military report."

Lu Yunyi had no objection. He stood quietly aside, his eyes fixed on the huge map beside him.

However, with just a quick glance, his brows were furrowed.

The map has changed a lot since the last time I looked at it.

The most obvious is the two thin lines extending from Beijing Datong.

According to his last idea, he left Juyong Pass, took the Pingyingchang route, bypassed Yinshan, and went to Halamanglai.

But what is strange is that the thin line from Halamang to Yemachuan suddenly stops in the middle and is marked with a big X.

Lu Yunyi's face changed slightly. The whole army was wiped out?
At this time, Lan Yu's voice sounded from behind, with a cold tone:

"Have you figured out anything?"

Lu Yunyi was startled. He was so focused on what he was watching that he didn't realize Lan Yu had already arrived beside him.

"Please forgive me, General. When I saw the entire map of the Northern Frontier, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed."

"It's okay. You are a scout of the front army. If you only focus on one place, the information you collect will not be summarized. You can look at this map."

"Thank you, General." Lu Yunyi paused, took a step forward, pointed at the big X, and asked:
"Excuse me, General. Does this sign refer to the scout team sent out from Datong and Beiping?"

Lan Yu nodded: "Yes, after the first exploration of the Yemachuan River, there were signs of Yuan Ting's activities.

Peking and Datong sent out more than a thousand people to investigate, and they took the route you mentioned last time.

But they failed.
During the march, they encountered the elite troops of the Tatar tribe and were wiped out on the road, with only a hundred people escaping back. "

Lu Yunyi was shocked. This was somewhat different from what he had expected.
The Tatars and Oirat are still under the jurisdiction of the Northern Yuan Dynasty.
In order to disrupt its politics, the Ming Dynasty court adopted the strategy of balance of power on the continent to support the two tribes, stabbed the Northern Yuan Dynasty in the back, and caused internal strife in the grassland.

But why did the Tatars attack the Ming army now?
Lu Yunyi frowned more and more, and simply asked:
"May I ask, General, does the imperial court intend to support the Tatars?"

Lan Yu's eyes narrowed immediately, and he turned his head to look at Lu Yunyi, with scrutiny and a hint of doubt in his eyes. After looking for a long time, he slowly nodded:

"This matter has always been handled by the King of Jin, and the King of Qin is in charge of the Wala tribe."

It was not until this moment that Lu Yunyi finally confirmed,

The Yuan court's eastward migration was a last resort, and was also intentional by the Ming court and the grassland tribes.

As the saying goes, the weak miss opportunities, the strong create them.
The Ming Dynasty was now the undisputed strong power, and it had single-handedly pushed the Yuan Dynasty's power eastward.
Lu Yunyi's pupils shrank slightly, and he suddenly thought of this.
Last year, the imperial court launched the sixth northern expedition against Nahachu.
He mobilized 200,000 troops and sent out three dukes and five marquises to seize Liaodong.

Now it seems that the Northern Yuan Dynasty court is being squeezed from west to east!

Lu Yunyi's breathing slowed down a little bit, and he raised his head and scanned the map.
If we exclude the northwest occupied by the Oirat, the north occupied by the Tatars, and Liaodong occupied by the Ming Dynasty,

The location of the Northern Yuan Dynasty court...was only a small area in the northeast and north, which is near Buyuer Lake.

this.
Shock flashed across Lu Yunyi's eyes, and the biggest doubt in his heart was solved.

If he had not gone to investigate, how would the imperial court know that the Yuan court was in Buir Lake?
Why did they transfer the army to Gyeongju so early?

Now, even if the entire front scout army does not exist,

As long as the army arrives and marches towards Buir Lake, we can slowly look for it.

Yuan Ting can only be there.

Lan Yu stood there quietly, watching Lu Yunyi's expression change back and forth, frowning slightly:

"What are you thinking?"

At this time, Lu Yunyi finally broke free from the huge shadow that enveloped him. A trace of palpitation flashed in his eyes, and he quickly bowed:

"Reporting to the general, I am still in shock after confirming this.
Thinking back to the imperial court's expedition to the north to seize Liaodong last year, I suddenly felt a sense of admiration for the imperial court's far-reaching planning.

I am also ashamed of my subordinates' complacency after they found Yuan Ting's whereabouts."

A hint of surprise flashed across Lan Yu's eyes, and the smile on her lips was no longer concealed. She looked at Lu Yunyi with more appreciation in her eyes:

"Tell me, what did you think of?"

Lan Yu said this and went back to the desk and sat down, pushing the documents and military newspapers in front of him to one side.

Seeing this, Lu Yunyi also told him what he was thinking.

A quarter of an hour later, Lan Yu's laughter was so loud that it could even be heard outside the military tent.
"Okay, okay, I've said long ago that I'll let the scholars fight.

They have sharp minds, can see far ahead, and are most suitable for marching and fighting.
Studying for the imperial examination all day long, an eighteen-year-old boy lives like a sixty-year-old man. What's the point of living?
You are the same, I have reminded you to be more domineering,
But instead of repenting, you became even more humble.
This is the bad habit of scholars, and it is worthy of being passed down from Old Man Liu."

Lan Yu's voice was no longer as cold as before. Instead, it was loud, rough and arrogant.
Although it was an insult, Lu Yunyi could hear the compliment in it and could only stand there in a daze.

After a while, Lan Yu looked at him with a smile on his face and asked:
"I've been promoted three levels. How about you come and work under me as a clerk?
The army is full of rough men with narrow vision, and few of them can see clearly what the court is planning.
I didn't expect to meet one in this bitter cold place of Gyeongju, not bad, not bad."

Lu Yunyi said quickly:
"Thank you for your kindness, General. This was done by my father. I am just repeating it."

Lan Yu looked him up and down and snorted coldly:
"If you don't want to, then don't. I won't force you. Tell me, what did you gain from this trip?"

Lu Yunyi let out a long sigh, and hurried forward to hand over the general's report and documents.

Lan Yu did not hesitate and opened it to check. Lu Yunyi also spoke:

"Reporting to the general, we have eliminated sixteen Yuan strongholds and killed more than five hundred people. We also found seven spy strongholds and killed more than a hundred people.
We also found several groups of more than 100 cavalrymen patrolling near Bui'er Lake. Finally, they joined together.
We destroyed them in their original camp, relying on the terrain and the right time, killing more than a thousand and capturing more than two hundred.

I got a lot of information from them.
After gathering the information, I found that Yuan Ting had fled north, so I returned overnight and reported the matter to the general.

Lu Yunyi looked solemn, and took out a few more booklets and handed them over:

"General, these are the messages from the torture. The messages recorded in them have been corroborated by at least ten people and are completely credible."

Lan Yu finished reading the military report with a serious expression, then picked up the booklet and looked through it carefully.

After a while, he nodded: "Yes, you are very methodical in your work, and your battle tactics are also acceptable, but your skills are not good enough."

Lu Yunyi looked surprised, and Lan Yu continued:

"The new army is about to be established, and you are the chief officer. It is also the first battle, so you should take actions to establish your authority and gain merit.
He has made achievements, but lacks authority.
Liao Xinyuan, who refused to obey military orders, should be executed.

But since we have already returned to the camp, we won't bother about it any more.

What do you think about the Northern Yuan court's escape? "

Lu Yunyi thought for a moment and said aloud:

"Reporting to the general, I think the Tatars are two-faced.
He informed the Northern Yuan court of the discovery of our Ming scouts in the northern border, and even found some clues from the scouts. "

Lan Yu nodded gently:

"The Tatars are originally grassland people. They also know the principle of losing one's lips and teeth. It is understandable that they told the Yuan court about this matter.
You did a good job burying the bodies of the steppe men on your return trip.

This can at least delay some time and allow the Northern Yuan court to stay for a few more days."

Lu Yunyi looked surprised and asked:

"May I ask, General, when will the army set out? I am afraid that the Yuan court will flee north, or join forces with the Tatars again."

“You have the courage to speak out.

But I cannot disclose the specific time of the action as we must wait until all the soldiers are assembled.

Especially when fighting overseas, it is better to return empty-handed than to act rashly and wait until after the new year to decide everything.

Besides, even if Yuan Ting fled north, it would be fine. Where could he escape to if he fled with his family? "

Lan Yu sneered, rummaged around on the table, and finally threw a piece of paper over.
"have a look."

Lu Yunyi quickly took it, opened it and looked at it, his eyes widened immediately.

Why is there another fine?

He had only been transferred to the army for a month and he hadn't seen a penny of salary, but was owed nine months' salary?
Selling your life for a loan?

"Yan Wujian killed soldiers and should be executed according to the law.
But instead of punishing him, you let him go back to the barracks.
This is dereliction of duty and the punishment is three months in prison as a warning to others. "

Lan Yu spoke silently, and added:

"The army must be strictly disciplined, and punishments must be carried out with thunderous means, not indecisive." "Thank you, General. I will remember this."

"Well, go ahead. The pension for this trip will be issued immediately, and the reward for military merit will have to wait for the court to award it together."

"Thank you, General. I'll take my leave now!"

Only Lan Yu was left in the military tent. The cold wind blew through the gaps in the tent, causing the candlelight to shake slightly.

A hoarse and stagnant voice sounded: "Border affairs are court secrets. If you reveal them so easily, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will punish the general."

Lan Yu was not doing anything, his eyes stayed on the military newspaper, and he snorted:
"The twelve tactics of the military are to lure the enemy with advantage, to seize the enemy when he is in disorder, to prepare for the enemy when he is strong, to avoid the enemy when he is strong, to attack the enemy when he is least prepared, and to surprise the enemy when he is least expected.

Anyone who has read military books knows this method. The court's actions in the northern border can be hidden from the common people, but not from these smart people.

The cost of fighting a war is too high, so it is better to let the country go to war internally."

"It will not be good if this action gets out." The hoarse voice sounded again.

"Lu Yunyi knows his limits."

"Oh? The General is so sure?"

Lan Yu raised a smile:
"He is a smart man and will choose the most advantageous method. Jiang Li, do you think he will come here again tonight?"

There was silence in the darkness for a moment, and then he said softly, "Yes."

"That's it."

Lu Yunyi let out a long breath and walked out of the military tent with steady steps.

After exchanging pleasantries with Shi Zhengyu outside the military tent, he returned to the front scout station.

As soon as he reached the training ground, he saw Liu Heiying running towards him excitedly with unprecedented excitement on his face!
"Brother Yun'er!! Brother Yun'er!!"

The earth seemed to be shaking slightly, making Lu Yunyi wonder if he should die outside.

Liu Heiying rushed to the front, trying to lower his voice, but it was still deafening:

"Found it, found it!"

"What?" A trace of doubt flashed across Lu Yunyi's face, and he quickly remembered the Sun Khan Seal, and his eyes widened immediately:

"where?"

"At your house. My father has delivered the things to your house. He just asked someone to tell me."

Seeing his excited and childish look, Lu Yunyi realized that
Liu Heiying is just a child, and this moment is his true self.

Lu Yunyi also smiled and patted his shoulder vigorously:

"First settle the soldiers, and we will leave the camp together at night.
Oh, there is one more thing. Please help me find out who is the person who caused trouble in Madam Ning's Rouge Shop today?"

"Didn't you say it's none of her business?" Liu Heiying stood up, a little surprised.

In his impression, Brother Yun'er is a man who doesn't care about his relatives and never meddles in other people's affairs.

Lu Yunyi shook his head: "Mrs. Ning is on good terms with my mother. Sooner or later, the news about the rouge shop will spread throughout Qingzhou City.
My mother will find out sooner or later. It would be easier to deal with it if we investigate first instead of waiting for her to tell us.”

Liu Heiying nodded thoughtfully:

"Okay, my aunt is kind-hearted and can't bear to see these widows being bullied."

There was some disappointment in Liu Heiying's eyes as he couldn't see the seal right away, but he still nodded vigorously, and his eyes were replaced by anticipation.

Two hours later, the sky gradually darkened.

The gloomy sky turned completely dark, the sun slid down silently, and was replaced by a moon with only sporadic moonlight.

The weather is getting colder, and snowflakes are falling.

At three quarters after the evening, Lu Yunyi and Liu Heiying rode their war horses side by side, through the night, and returned to the Lu Mansion.

Old Zhang, who had been waiting at the gatehouse, came over with a smile and took the reins:
"My two young masters, the master and the mistress have been waiting for a long time, waiting for you to come back for dinner."

Lu Yunyi and Liu Heiying went straight to the main room, and the sound of silent footsteps rang out in the courtyard.
At this time, a little head popped out from behind the door. It was the maid Qiu He who had not been seen for a long time.

Qiu He's mouth grew bigger and bigger, joy was evident on her face, and her eyes curved like the moon:
"The young master is back, the young master is back."

As he said this, he stepped over the threshold, ran quickly towards the two of them, and finally stopped in front of Lu Yunyi and looked him over.

"What are you looking at?" Lu Yunyi touched her head.

Qiu He's face suddenly turned red: "It's been a long time since we last met. Qiu He misses you, Master."

"Sister Qiuhe, what about me? What about me?" Liu Heying came over and asked hurriedly.

"Ah~" Qiu He pretended to be surprised:
"It's Master Liu. It's getting darker after not seeing you for a while. Please don't blame me, Master Liu. Qiu He didn't see it just now."

Liu Heiying's face darkened, and he immediately opened his mouth, showing his white teeth, and said to Lu Yunyi:
"Brother Yun'er, I will walk like this at night from now on."

"Very good, very good!"

Qiu He couldn't help laughing out loud. She skipped to Lu Yunyi, took his arm affectionately, and pulled him towards the main room.

At this time, Liu appeared at the door of the room, with a trace of concern in her eyes, but her face was pale:
"Qiu He, you are disrespectful."

Hearing this voice, the three of them shrank their necks at the same time.
Qiu He stuck out her tongue, and finally touched Lu Yunyi's arm hard before letting go.

Liu Heiying on the side quickly closed his grinning mouth, followed the two of them, and quickly entered the main room.

As the head of the family, Mr. Lu was sitting at the table with a stern face, as steady as a rock.

"Father."

"uncle."

Lu nodded gently: "Please take a seat."

The food was delicious. Lu Yunyi and Liu Heiying ate it with relish. Before joining the army,
They think the food at home is not as good as that wonton stall.

But after eating the military rations and feeling the loneliness of the grassland with no village in front and no shop behind,
The food at home tastes especially delicious.

Seeing that the two men particularly liked the stewed meat, General Lu only ate the side dishes and drank a sip of wine from time to time.

Mrs. Liu had a kind face and kept picking up food for the two of them.

"Black Eagle, this is the meat your father sent. It was brought from the grassland. You should eat more."

Liu Heiying raised his eyebrows and looked at Lu Yunyi, and immediately realized that this was the spoils of the two men, which was beef!
Silently, the two of them chewed faster.

Nowadays, even if a family is not short of money, they will not go to the trouble of eating beef.

It’s rare to come across it nowadays, so naturally I have to eat more.

The two men served in the army and ate very quickly. They finished the battle in less than a quarter of an hour.
There was not a single drop of rice left in the big pot, and all the dishes were eaten up cleanly.

Liu nodded, a trace of heartache flashed in her eyes:
"You work hard in the army, and you don't get to eat anything good. Why don't you come home and eat every day?"

The head of the Lu family at the side had a serious expression on his face and said in a deep voice:
"The army has its own rules. Even if you don't eat and live with the soldiers, you can't go too far."

"The food in the army is too harsh." Liu muttered and asked:

"Yier, the New Year is coming soon, let's not go to the battle before the New Year."

Lu Yunyi drank the soup in the bowl, puffed up his cheeks and nodded.
Liu Heiying said hurriedly on the side:
"I won't go on the expedition. It will take nearly a month to go back and forth. If I go out again, I won't be able to celebrate the New Year."

Liu's solemn expression suddenly relaxed, replaced by a bright smile:
"That's great."

The old Mr. Lu, who had a straight back and a stern face, showed a hint of tenderness on his face and poured another glass of wine.

After eating and drinking, Liu left with Qiu He who was reluctant to leave, causing her to pout.

Mr. Lu stood up and walked towards the study. After a while, he came back.
Holding a large bronze seal in his hand, an ancient and vicissitudes of life atmosphere permeated the air.

Lu Yunyi and Liu Heiying couldn't help but sit up straight with their eyes wide open.

Mr. Lu placed the seal on the table and said:

"This is the seal. I have read a lot of ancient books these days.

Although there is no specific record of the Great Seal of the Sun Khan, this blue ox does symbolize respect in the Naiman tribe.”

(End of this chapter)