Chapter 187 Duke of Liang

Chapter 187 Duke of Liang

Chapter 187 Duke of Liang

Ten days later, the army, advancing faster and faster, finally arrived at Puzikou City in Yingtian.

Puzikou City is located on the bank of the Yangtze River, surrounded by mountains and rivers, with a strategic location.

It "strangles the north and the south and clamps down on the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers", and is a natural barrier for Yingtian. It has always been a place of contention for military strategists.

It is also the most important military town in the entire southern Ming Dynasty and an important defense area on the north bank of the Yangtze River in Yingtian Prefecture.

There are many guard posts in it, including Yingtian Guard established in the fourth year of Hongwu, Longhu Guard established in the ninth year of Hongwu,

As well as the Wude Guard, Heyang Guard, Henghai Guard, etc., which were relocated from outside the capital in the 11th year of Hongwu.
These garrisons were located inside and outside the city of Puzikou and were responsible for the defense of the land routes north of the Yangtze River.

The defense of Yingtian Prefecture was naturally not limited to this. There were also the Twelve Guards of Shangzhi established in the 15th year of Hongwu.

It is the imperial guards under the personal control of the emperor, independent of the Five Military Commands and the Ministry of War.

The twelve guards are the Jinyiwei, the flag-bearer guards, and the vanguard of the palace army.

The guards include the Imperial Guards, the Jinwu Vanguard, the Jinwu Rearguard, the Yulin Left Guard, the Yulin Right Guard, the Fujun Guard, the Fujun Left Guard, the Fujun Right Guard, the Fujun Rear Guard, and the Huben Left Guard.

Its main duties are guarding and patrolling, and it is responsible for the security of the palace.

The organization is the same as that of ordinary Beijing camp guards, with each guard having more than 5,600 people.

After the Battle of Tumu, except for the Jinyiwei, the other eleven guards were controlled by the Ministry of War, and the only imperial guards left were the four guards camps of the Imperial Stables.

At dawn, the sky was filled with mist and the beacon fire on the top of Puzikou City was faintly visible.
The city wall stretches as far as the eye can see. It is shaped like a full moon and is made of bluestone. It is built against the mountain and beside the water, and is magnificent.

On the city wall, there are many arrow towers.
There was an enemy tower every several dozen steps, with archers on the tower ready to serve at any time.
Outside the city wall, there is a moat that is about ten feet wide, bottomless, and the water is fast-flowing.

There are five gates on the city wall, namely the East Gate "Cangbo", the South Gate "Qingjiang", the West Gate "Wanfeng", the North Gate "Yanggu" and the South Gate "Wangjing".

On the city gate, huge copper nails were inlaid, flashing a cold light.

Each city gate has a urn with hidden mechanisms inside.

Once the enemy breaks in, you can close the door and beat the dog, trapping them in a jar and letting them struggle.

"Brother Yun'er, this... isn't this Yingtian? There are so many defensive fortifications."

Liu Heiying, who was at the forefront of the entire front army, stared blankly at the huge city in front of him and sighed.

Lu Yunyi was also somewhat shocked by the fortifications of the city in front of him.

On the wall before him,

There is an arrow tower and a corner tower at regular intervals to observe the enemy situation, so that archers can shoot accurately from a high position.

At the top of the city wall, a large number of rolling logs and stones were tied together.
If any enemy could cross the moat, rolling logs and rocks would surely pour down and crush the enemy!

There are suspension bridges and floating bridges on the moat, and iron chains and hidden piles seem to be looming in the surging river.
Lu Yunyi's eyes swept back and forth across the city wall.

The soldiers guarding the city were tall, wearing iron armor, holding swords, spears, bows and crossbows.

There were even a few cannons with their muzzles exposed, and muskets ready to fire beside them.
For a moment, Lu Yunyi fell into deep thought.
It seems that there is no way to take advantage of this important military town except to storm it.

Unless he can fly, he can jump over the city wall in front of him, or cross the natural barrier of the Yangtze River and attack Yingtian from behind.

Lu Yunyi shook his head violently, quickly getting rid of this thought.

Since we can already enter Yingtian, why bother with this Puzikou City.

He kept muttering in his heart: "Think about what Zhu Di did."

Soon, a flash of enlightenment came to Lu Yunyi's mind. Since it was difficult to attack a strong military town, it would be better not to attack.

He forced his way across the Huai River, crossed the river from Yangzhou, bypassed Puzikou City, and headed straight for Yingtian City.

"Brother Yun'er, Brother Yun'er?"

Seeing Lu Yunyi standing there in a daze without saying anything, Liu Heiying called out to him several times.

It was not until Lu Yunyi understood something in his mind that he turned around and looked:
"what happened?"

"What are you thinking?"

Liu Heiying's eyes looked a little strange. He quietly moved closer and lowered his voice to the extreme, reminding:

"Brother Yun'er, did you miss something?
Every time you think about your marching plan, your eyelids half droop and your face becomes dull. "

Lu Yunyi was stunned and straightened his body: "Is there?"

Liu Heiying nodded like pecking at rice:

"Brother Yun'er, this is a flaw, we need to correct it.
Yingtian is full of Jinyiwei. If we are targeted or discovered, it will be too late."

Lu Yunyi raised his hand and pinched his brows, trying to ignore the noise around him. Finally, he nodded in a daze:
"I see."

Lu Yunyi was a little surprised, turned his head to look at Liu Heiying, and asked:

"what have you found?"

"hey-hey."

Liu Heiying smiled cunningly on his dark face and moved closer.
He pointed at the vendor who was preparing to set up his stall a long way away and whispered:

"They are all Jinyiwei."

"Both?"

Lu Yunyi widened his eyes, looked straight ahead, and glanced at the distance with his peripheral vision. Soon he found a clue.

There was a wonton stall, the owner should be a family, a man and a woman, dressed simply, and moved briskly and cleverly.
Whether it is the tables, chairs, benches, or the pots and pans on the countertops, they are all very neat and clean.

Now the city gates are not open, and there are no visitors.
The two of them kept their heads down and worked, wiping the chopping board.
Lu Yunyi looked for a long time, but they didn't raise their heads to look at the army here, obviously trying to hide.

Not far from them, there was probably a vegetable vendor with a cart behind him.
There were baskets on top and some vegetable leaves around them.

Apparently, he was not familiar with setting up a stall to sell vegetables.
The basket was covered with a large cloth, and it looked extremely dry, without a trace of moisture.
For vegetable farmers, spraying water to preserve freshness is basic common sense, especially in today's hot weather.

Lu Yunyi looked at them one by one and couldn't help but take a breath of cold air.
There are more than ten stalls, and they are probably not legitimate businesses.
During his observation, he did not look up.

Lu Yunyi looked back at the big "Blue" flag standing not far from him.

If the big flag was not there, Lu Yunyi could still find some excuses for them. After all, it was located in a military stronghold and the coming and going of soldiers was commonplace.

But it would be a bit too deliberate not to take a look at the army returning from the Northern Expedition.

Lu Yunyi nodded and patted Liu Heiying on the shoulder: "You are right, all of them."

"Hehe, if we could go to Yingtian City Gate now, there should be more there now." Liu Heiying muttered softly.

Lu Yunyi nodded in agreement.

After entering Yingtian Prefecture, General Lan Yu and his army parted ways with the main army and headed straight for Yingtian City.
At this moment, only the vanguard general Wang Bi, Marquis of Dingyuan, was left in the army to take charge of settling the troops.

Thinking of this, Lu Yunyi began to understand why the Jinyiwei here were so unfamiliar. He thought that the elite troops had already gathered in Yingtian City.

At this time, Liu Heiying leaned over again and said excitedly:

"Brother Yun'er, after we're settled, shall we go to Yingtian to take a look?"

"Of course I will go." Lu Yunyi remembered something and added:
"I still have a house there."

Liu Heiying laughed again: "I will live in your house then."

Lu Yunyi was greatly shocked and pretended to be surprised:

“You don’t live in a brothel?

I heard that there are many kinds of brothels in Yingtian.
There are all kinds of exotic women and mature women, and it seems that there are also brothels with specific fetishes that specialize in catering to guests like you."

Lu Yunyi looked thoughtful, and he had forgotten who said this when he was a child.
But soon, he widened his eyes and looked at Liu Heiying.

Sure enough, Liu Heiying's face became even darker.

Just when Lu Yunyi wanted to continue teasing,
Suddenly, I heard the sound of horse hooves from behind. I looked in the direction of the sound.

It was Wang Bi, Marquis of Dingyuan, who had gone to inspect the rear-end troops.
He was accompanied by more than a hundred personal guards, all of whom were tall and strong.

Wang Bi, Marquis of Dingyuan, came to the front army and saw Lu Yunyi at a glance. He smiled gently:
"It's time to wait."

Lu Yunyi said respectfully: "My Lord, no,
I am looking at this Puzikou City. I have heard that it is the strongest city in the world. Now I see it with my own eyes and it is indeed worthy of its reputation. "

"Hahahaha, this was the renovation that Li Wenzhong and Geng Bingwen oversaw.
If the enemy attacks by force, it will be enough to resist 300,000 troops."

Wang Bi, Marquis of Dingyuan, looked at the city in front of him, sighed, and his pupils shook slightly.

Although this person has passed away, Wang Bi can still remember clearly,
When Puzikou City was first built, he was still young, and Li Wenzhong had just returned from Sichuan, so his old brothers came to welcome him. Now, more than ten years have passed, and there are not many familiar people left.

With a sigh, Wang Bi waved his hand and said, "Knock on the door."

As soon as he finished speaking, a personal guard rushed out from his side, holding a package in his hand. It contained a pass, an imperial edict for the expedition, and an imperial edict for the return of the army.

Soon, a slightly stagnant voice sounded from the high bridge.

The clanking sound of the iron chains lingered back and forth, and the erected bridge deck fell down little by little, and closed up little by little.

Finally, there was a loud bang and a wisp of dust filled the air.

The heavy gate of Puzikou City slowly opened.

A desolate horn sounded from the city wall, and the beacon fires were quickly lit.
A series of slightly louder shouts rang out:
“Triumph!!”

“Triumph!!”

"The army returns triumphantly!!"

The sound was distant and desolate, spreading little by little into the city, awakening this military town that had woken up early in the morning light.

In the city, countless soldiers were hurrying along.

They shuttled back and forth in the city and quickly arrived at the location of the big drum and horn.

The melodious and desolate voice echoed throughout the city, and the sound of triumph was heard everywhere.

The people who woke up slowly came to the streets with their children, cheering up and preparing to welcome the triumphant army into the city.

Some people were excited, hoping to see their relatives in the army.

At the city gate, the sound of triumph gradually faded,

Instead, there was the sound of "dong", "dong", "dong" of big drums.
It's getting more intense, more urgent, and louder.
The turbulent water in the moat outside the city seemed to become even more turbulent, creating waves.

More and more soldiers stood on the top of the city wall, revealing their sharp armor, with spears standing at their sides, emitting sharp light.

As the gates of the military camp in the city opened, a loud roar came from the city and quickly spread. Soldiers and civilians along the way opened their mouths and shouted:

"Enter the city!"

"Enter the city!!"

The sound spread like waves in Puzikou City, quickly spreading outward and finally reaching the city wall.

The city wall stretched as far as the eye could see, and so did the standing soldiers.

Just like the waves hitting the dam, the momentum slows down temporarily, but becomes even more intense.

The sound of drums on the top of the city walls became louder and louder, and the sound of people entering the city reached its loudest at this moment.

“Enter the city!!!”

Wang Bi, the Marquis of Dingyuan, stood in front of the entire army tent, holding a long sword, his eyes red.

Quietly enjoying this moment, even though he had heard it countless times,

But every time he came here, he couldn't hide his excitement, emotion and remembrance.

The northern expeditionary army fell into complete silence. All soldiers remained where they were, staring blankly at the city ahead.

At this moment, their excitement reached its peak, they shrugged their noses and narrowed their eyes.

After three calls of "enter the city",
Dingyuan Marquis Wang Bi raised his hand, sheathed his long sword, and let out a loud roar:
"Northern Expedition Army, seal your swords and enter the city!"

As the morning light breaks, a gentle pale light appears in the sky, and Yingtian, which is separated from Puzikou City by a river, also wakes up.

In the morning light, the entire Yingtian was covered with a layer of golden curtain, and the glazed tiles of the imperial city shone with softness and solemnity.

The palace gates appear more majestic and the doorways are deeper in the morning light.

A deep and powerful horn sounded, followed by the sound of drums.

The Hongwu Gate, Chengtian Gate, Duanmen Gate, and Wumen Gate were opened with a bang, and the entire Yingtian Imperial City’s palace gates were wide open to welcome the triumphant army.

woo-

The trumpet sounded,
From Hongwu Gate to Fengtian Hall, the wide and long imperial road was lined with palace eunuchs.
The sound of "the army is returning in triumph" continued from Hongwu Gate all the way to Fengtian Hall.

"Uncle, welcome back in triumph."

The Ming Crown Prince Zhu Biao wore a crown with nine tassels and a black top and red bottom robe, with nine patterns embroidered on it: dragon, mountain, Hua insect, Zong Yi, fire, algae, pink rice, Fu, and Fu.

General Lan Yu, who had always maintained a normal expression, showed a change of expression.
The old man's eyes turned red in an instant, his slightly graying hair danced, and his beard trembled slightly.

Lan Yu's eyes became sharper. He was wearing armor, with a long sword on his waist. He looked heroic and took a heavy step forward.

He led a group of soldiers and entered through Hongwu Gate in a line, like an iron stream, with great momentum.

The imperial road is wide and spacious, and the palaces and pavilions on both sides are simple and solemn.
The air was filled with a faint scent of pine and earth, and the occasional crisp bird calls amid the sounds of horns and drums added a touch of vitality.

They passed Hongwu Gate, Chengtian Gate, Duanmen Gate and Wumen Gate one after another. Every time they passed a gate, the sound of the horn became heavier.

As we went deeper, the outline of the Fengtian Hall gradually became clear.

This supreme palace of the Ming Dynasty symbolizes the imperial power. Under the sunlight, it shines with golden light, like a palace from heaven fallen to earth.

The white marble steps in front of the hall are stacked layer upon layer, solemn and sacred.

Lan Yu and the military officers walked to the front of the hall, stopped and waited silently.

At this moment, the entire Fengtian Hall was quiet, with only the rustling sound of the breeze.

"General Lan Yu, the great conqueror, enters the palace!"

Following a high-pitched command, Ming Crown Prince Zhu Biao raised his arm solemnly and dignifiedly:

"General, please."

Lan Yu let out a little bit of the turbid air in his heart, took a step forward, and entered the Fengtian Hall.

The hall is magnificent, with a dragon throne hanging high and carved beams and painted buildings.

Emperor Ming Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang sat high on the dragon throne, wearing a crown with twelve tassels and a crown robe embroidered with twelve patterns of the sun, moon, stars, mountains, dragons, Hua insects, Zong Yi, algae, fire, powdered rice, fu, and fu.

Lan Yu and the others walked steadily and with sharp eyes, they walked to the center of the hall and knelt on one knee:
"Your servant Lan Yu has lived up to the emperor's grace and will lead his army back in triumph!"

"I am very pleased to see the army's triumphant return." The voice rolled down from above.

At the top, the eunuch who was announcing the decree stepped forward, unfolded the imperial edict, and spoke in a calm and clear voice.

"Fengtian Chengyun Emperor, the imperial edict said:

I have heard that with the mandate of heaven in place, heroes are emerging to bring peace to the country and stabilize the world.

Today we have a great general named Lan Yu, who is both wise and brave, and is feared throughout the world. He has gone on expeditions to foreign lands, beheaded generals and captured flags, and defeated the enemy army. News of victory has come frequently, and his achievements are unparalleled. I am very pleased.

Their military achievements were brilliant and their merits were outstanding. They demonstrated the might of our Ming Dynasty soldiers and made the barbarians in all directions submit to them. Their power was feared throughout the world.

When I see Lan Yu’s bravery, wisdom and strategy, I can’t help but recall the famous generals Wei Qing of the Han Dynasty and Li Jing of the Tang Dynasty.

General Wei Qing won seven battles and seven victories, expelled the Huns, stabilized the border, and made great contributions;

General Li Jing pacified Xiao Xin in the south and destroyed the Eastern Turks in the north. He expanded the territory and made great influence on the whole of China.

These two people are both famous generals throughout history, and their reputation will last forever.

Although General Lan Yu's achievements were made in different times, his bravery, skill in fighting, wisdom and courage are comparable to our Wei Qing and Li Jing.

Thinking of General Lan Yu’s contributions, he is truly a national treasure and a Great Wall of the country.

I have been specially granted the title of Duke of Jinliang, and the title of Red Book and Iron Certificate.

The ancient county of Liangzhou borders the Western Regions and is the northwest gateway of our dynasty.

Duke Lan Yu, you should take this important responsibility into consideration, remain loyal, perform your duties conscientiously, and resist foreign aggression.

The enemy will be terrified and the people will live and work in peace.

Once the imperial edict was issued, it was known to the whole world.

Admire this. "

(End of this chapter)