Chapter 244 Overt and covert fighting, Wei Guogong

Chapter 244 Overt and covert fighting, Wei Guogong

Chapter 244 Overt and covert fighting, Wei Guogong
Autumn is already here, the air is less hot and humid than in summer, and more refreshing and cool. Winter is approaching quietly.
The leaves of the sycamore trees in Yingtian City turn from green to yellow, and then from yellow to brown. They dance in the wind and slowly fall, forming a golden path.

Pedestrians walked along the path covered with fallen leaves, their pace unconsciously quickening.

As the cold wind started to blow, some well-informed dignitaries in Yingtian City of Daming had already learned about what happened in Huguang.

Cao Guogong Li Jinglong was assassinated on Junshan Island. This major event almost made everyone silent.
Some dignitaries were keenly aware of the conspiracy.

But strangely, there was no movement in the imperial city located to the east of Yingtian City. It was eerily quiet, like the calm before a storm.

Many people were deeply afraid of the Ming Emperor Hongwu, who sat high in the imperial palace.

When the disturbance in the court began to spread, some people were afraid of being affected.

They all fled Yingtian City and settled in the manors outside the city to avoid the storm.

Some people even ran to Yangzhou City to visit relatives.

When a tiger is about to show its power, the best option is to stay away from it.

Although they have left Yingtian, their influence is still there and they are still well-informed about the news in Yingtian City.

Time passed day by day, and three days passed.
The cold wind became more and more biting, bringing a bit of chill.

Eventually, something unexpected happened in the quiet Yingtian.
It was like a huge rock thrown into a lake, causing ripples and attracting countless people to look over.

On this day, Heqing Marquis Zhang Yi rushed into the Imperial City from Xi'an Gate in ragged clothes.

He sued Yu Tongyuan, the Marquis of Nan'an, who had returned to the capital due to the illness of Lady Guo, for beating someone in the street and claiming that his arm was broken.

The Hongwu Emperor was furious and ordered Guo Ying, Marquis of Wuding, to investigate.

When they arrived at the scene, they found a carriage burning in flames on Xi'anmenwai Street.
The sixty-year-old Nan'an Marquis Yu Tongyuan had his legs broken and was thrown on the roadside. The servants of both sides fell to the ground.
When Marquis Wu Ding arrived, both sides were still beating each other with no sign of stopping.

The subsequent handling of the incident is also quite intriguing.

Both parties were under house arrest for one month and were allowed to reflect on their mistakes.

The next day, Zhou Shigu, the eldest son of Marquis Zhou Wu, and Yu Qilun, the eldest son of Governor Yu Tongyuan, had a fight on the banks of the Qinhuai River over a prostitute in a brothel.

The fight between the two sides turned into a melee involving hundreds of people. Yu Qilun had both his hands broken, and Zhou Shigu fell into the water and caught a cold, becoming seriously ill.

The next day, the second son of Wang Bi, the Marquis of Dingyuan, met the second son of Yu Tongyuan in a restaurant in the middle city of Yingtian.

There was a slight quarrel between the two sides, followed by a violent fight, and then another scuffle.

Yu Tongyuan's two sons had broken ribs and were bedridden.

Wang Bi's second son suffered from dizziness and headache and fell ill.

In the next few days, Yingtian City was full of turmoil, as if there were fights every moment.

The bleakness of autumn can no longer cover up the chill of winter.

Although it was chaotic, it was easy to tell who was behind the turmoil.

On one side was the Red Turban Army of Haozhou, led by the old men of Duke Cao's Mansion, and on the other side was the young generals, led by General Lan Yu.
The other side was the Chaohu navy.

As for the tit-for-tat confrontation, the powerful people in the capital saw it clearly, but also had some unclear speculations.

The Hongwu Emperor still had an unclear attitude and initially punished the people.
But in the end, because it was a dispute among the younger generation, the palace no longer paid attention to the matter.

The turmoil in the capital city gradually subsided, and it seemed that the situation was being calmed down.

On the tenth day, a huge convoy slowly arrived in front of General Lan Yu’s mansion.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao got off the carriage with a gloomy face, looked at the closed door of the Lan Mansion, and sighed.

As they got closer, the guards hurriedly opened the door, and a sense of desolation began to spread.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao paused, looked at the guards, and asked:

"Duke Liang is still bedridden?"

The guards widened their eyes and stammered:
"Reporting to His Royal Highness, the general is indeed ill. I will go and inform him right away."

"No need."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao pursed his lips and walked quickly inside.

When I walked to the main hall, I heard angry curses in the courtyard before I even got close.
When I got closer, I saw that it was Heqing Marquis Zhang Yi wrestling with Lan Chun.
The great general Lan Yu was squatting on the side directing the affairs of the country, sighing from time to time, and wishing he could go into the battle himself.

At this time, Lan Yu took a quick glance, his eyes widened immediately, he quickly stood up, and coughed lightly:
"I am still sick and a little tired. I will go to rest first."

After saying that, he walked back into the house, which made Zhang Yi suspicious, and Lan Chun also shouted:

"Father, don't cheat. I'm about to win!"

"What do you win?" A faint voice floated over.

The two looked over with confusion on their faces, and were immediately frightened, their eyes widened, and they quickly stood up straight, with a respectful look on their faces:

"His Royal Highness."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao came over, glanced at Zhang Yi, and looked up and down at his arm:

"Isn't your arm broken? How come you are so energetic?"

"Uh, reporting to His Royal Highness, my family has a secret method, and I have been practicing it rigorously over the years, so I recover faster."

Heqing Marquis Zhang Yi lowered his head, not knowing what to say.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao glanced at him and snorted coldly:
"It's time to practice some more. The Nan'an Marquis, who is over 60 years old and has limited mobility, was able to break your arm. If you go to the battlefield, won't you be cut in half by the enemy?"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao looked at Lan Chun and asked coldly:
"You don't read good books, but learn some crooked ways and beat people in the street. Who taught you that?"

"Your Highness, it was Zhao Ermao who started it first!"

"If you don't call him Zhao Ermao, will he fight with you?

Nanxiong Hou was so distressed when he got his son in his old age that he himself was reluctant to beat him, but you beat him first. How impressive! "

"Your Highness the Crown Prince has given you too much praise."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao's face darkened, and he stretched out his fingers and tapped repeatedly:

"From tomorrow on, stay at home and don't go out!"

Lan Chun's face suddenly fell and she wanted to explain something, but Crown Prince Zhu Biao walked straight into the hall.

As he entered, a strong smell of medicine hit him in the face, which made Crown Prince Zhu Biao's eyes narrow.

Following the smell of medicine, I walked into the inner room.

Soon, they saw the bedridden General Lan Yu, with a pale face, cracked lips and a scarf covering his head.

There were two maids busying around beside her, with sad faces, as if they were about to die.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao looked helpless and sighed:
"Uncle, what are you doing?"

"Cough cough."

General Lan Yu coughed twice, forced himself to sit up, and waved his hand casually. The two maids left with sobs.

"Your Highness, I just caught a cold. I'm fine now, but the doctor said I need to rest for a while. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."

There was a hint of fatigue in Lan Yu's voice, as if his life was hanging by a thread.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao sat on a bench beside him with a somewhat helpless look on his face, and said calmly:
"Uncle, I know you are angry, but please consider the overall situation. Now is not the time to start a dispute."

As soon as these words came out, Lan Yu sat up quickly as if he had taken the Nine Transformation Pill.
He even jumped off the bed, walked quickly to the side of the prince and sat down, speaking in a sonorous and powerful voice and at a fast speed:
"Prince, the rebels have already bullied us right to our doorstep. Are we just going to put up with it?"

There was a flash of hostility in Lan Yu's eyes, and her slightly reddish face turned even redder, as if she was breathing fire.

Seeing him like this, Crown Prince Zhu Biao's face darkened a bit and he sighed:

"Uncle, the troops from the two lakes are being transferred to Yunnan continuously, and even the capital has transferred 30,000 troops.

The Duke of Ying and his men were still attacking the chieftain of Yuezhou, Azi, and the battalion commander of Luoxiongzhou.
Now that the three borders of Yunnan are in turmoil, and Luchuan's Silunfa is still ready to make a move, it is not appropriate to start a court dispute at such a critical moment."

Lan Yu felt even more upset:

"Your Highness, to fight against foreign enemies, we must first stabilize the country. Now that border troubles are everywhere, we cannot retreat at home.

If we take a step back, they will think we are giving in and will become even more aggressive.

This time they dared to take action in Yuezhou, next time they will dare to take action in the capital.

Rather than running away, it is better to fight head-on and decide who is better."

"Uncle, killing people won't solve any problems."

"That's because we didn't kill enough people!"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao suddenly fell silent. He often heard this sentence in the palace.

Lan Yu's eyes flickered, and he asked in a deep voice:
"Prince, please tell me the truth. How did Yu Tongyuan get such courage? Who is backing him up? Is Zhao Yong unwilling to give in?"

A trace of annoyance flashed across Zhu Biao's eyes. He took a deep breath and said slowly:
“It must not be disclosed to outsiders.”

Lan Yu was stunned for a moment, then nodded thoughtfully:

"Of course, please let your highness know."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao's eyes flickered, and he spoke in a deep voice:
"Nanxiong Hou is already too old to be recognized, how could he do such a thing? There must be someone behind it."

Lan Yu's pupils suddenly contracted, and her expression darkened. There was no need to say more.
There are only a few people in the world who can support Zhao Yong and others in opposing the imperial court.

The atmosphere in the entire inner room was extremely solemn, and the two of them were silent for a long time.

After a long time, Crown Prince Zhu Biao spoke in a deep voice:
"Father has been unable to sleep recently because of this matter, and he can't make up his mind.
Please stay calm, uncle. I have been trying to persuade my father not to kill so many people, at least wait until the war in Yunnan is over."

"You're done?" Lan Yu's eyes widened, a little impatient:

"Your Highness, it's already the end of the year. The two wars in Yunnan may not be over by next year. If they are dragged on, won't they have to wait until the year after? Who knows how many unexpected events will happen!"

"Uncle, don't worry."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao felt helpless, pressed his hands, and whispered:

"Duke Xin has already started building a city in the area between Minyue and the sea, and it will be completed by the beginning of the year.

After returning to Fengyang, the palace would let him control the Fengyang Zhongdu Liaison Office.

This way there won’t be any major chaos, and even if it’s delayed, it will be delayed until the war is over.”

Lan Yu's expression changed back and forth, and he felt a little unwilling, but he thought this method was the best one at the moment.

After taking a deep breath, Lan Yu spoke in a deep voice:
"Li Cunyi is still under the protection of Zhao Yong on Chongming Island. The two are colluding with each other to oppose the imperial court. It is better to kill Li Cunyi first!"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao shook his head slowly:

"If you're going to do it, do it thoroughly. There's no point in alerting the enemy. This is just venting your anger, which will only cause trouble.

Uncle, please wait a moment.

I know you admire Lu Yunyi, but uncle, don't worry, he is very smart.
On Junshan Island, there are not only visible guards, but also secret guards. With such precautions, it can be seen that he is extremely cautious.

Jinglong Zigong and the others can stay safer if they follow him, and avoid getting involved in the muddy waters of the capital."

Having said this, Lan Yu nodded helplessly and immediately asked:

"Your Highness, the date for Yun Gong's succession to the title was originally set for October, but it's already November and there's still no final decision?"

At this point, Crown Prince Zhu Biao's eyes also showed some fatigue, and he pursed his lips:

"Because the Yuezhou matter has been delayed, but the memorial to inherit the title has been drafted and is just waiting for an auspicious day to be issued."

Lan Yu, who had been gloomy all along, finally showed a smile:

"Finally, there is some good news."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao also had a smile on his face:
"Uncle, don't cause any trouble these days.
The imperial physician said that Yu Tongyuan was weak and might not survive this.
It's fine if it's just a normal fight, but if someone dies, the court will have a hard time explaining it."

“Another good news!”

Lan Yu was overjoyed, but when she saw the darkened face of Crown Prince Zhu Biao, she stopped smiling:

"Yes, I know."

As he spoke, Lan Yu seemed to remember something and asked in a low voice:

"Your Highness, have you read the pamphlet I gave you? What do you think?"

"booklet?"

A trace of doubt flashed across the eyes of Crown Prince Zhu Biao, but he soon realized:
"I've seen it. Some of these protective methods are indeed unprecedented."

Lan Yu showed a look of joy on his face and said quickly:
"Your Highness, the court is in turmoil right now.

The Jinyiwei's method has been in existence for many years, so it is possible that they have already figured it out.
It would be better to transfer some trusted men from the Twelve Guards to serve as guards and implement the new law."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao thought for a moment and nodded gently:
"That makes sense. I'll have someone do it when I get back."

"So good!"

Two days later, the dispute among the three forces was temporarily settled over the issue of the Duke of Wei.

In the Duke of Wei's mansion, Xu Yungong, who had changed his name to Xu Huizu, knelt in the courtyard. A red-robed eunuch read out the imperial edict.
[The Emperor, by the Mandate of Heaven, proclaims:
In the past there was Xu Da, the King of Zhongshan, who was a loyal and important minister of mine. He had great achievements and was feared by all.

He fought on the battlefields throughout his life, made contributions to the country, expanded territory, and made outstanding achievements. He was the cornerstone of the Ming Dynasty and a pillar of the country.

Now that the King of Zhongshan has passed away, I am deeply saddened, but his virtues of loyalty and bravery will be recorded in the history books forever, and his legacy will live on.

The eldest son, Xu Huizu, inherited his father's aspirations since childhood, and was both civil and military, loyal and filial.

As an official in the court, he was diligent and dedicated, devoted himself to the public, and promoted the achievements of the King of Zhongshan and continued the glory of his family.

I hereby order Xu Huizu to inherit the title of Duke of Wei from now on, and enjoy the fiefdom and food, and the title shall be inherited by his descendants without interruption.

I hope you will follow your father’s example, be loyal to the emperor and patriotic, and be diligent in royal affairs.

All the ministers should also take this as an example, perform their duties well, work together for national affairs, and ensure that the Ming Dynasty will be forever stable and the country will prosper forever.

Announce it to the world, and the envoys will hear about it.

So ordered! ]
"Your Majesty, I bow to thank you for your grace. Long live the emperor!"

Entering December, the temperature dropped sharply and the weather suddenly became cold.

At this time, the northern border was covered with snow. Ordinary people would freeze their ears off if they stayed outside for half an hour.

But thousands of miles away in southern Xinjiang and Yunnan,

It was drizzling, and although it was a bit chilly, it was still bearable.

After the 30,000-strong Beijing army went down the Xiangjiang River, it took half a month before they finally left Guangxi and entered Yunnan.

It was only a ten-day walk from their destination, Yunnan Prefecture.

It was afternoon now, a thin layer of mist covered the sky, and fine rain fell silently on the winding official road.

Thirty thousand Beijing troops, in neat formation, along with their baggage and supplies, stretched out a huge black dragon over ten miles long.
The armor shone with a cold silver light under the rain, and raindrops slid down the soldiers' faces, but no one stopped.

The world was silent except for the sounds of horse hooves, armor colliding, and the occasional low horn, which echoed along the official road.

The trees along the way were washed by the drizzle and became even greener.
Even though winter has arrived, except for some fallen leaves, the trees here are still green, and you can even see a few wild flowers standing tenaciously by the roadside.

This made the Beijing troops, who had never been to Yunnan, stare wide-eyed.

Because the 5,000 soldiers in the front army's scout unit were all cavalry, they were walking in the front, and exclamations were heard from time to time.

Liu Heiying swayed back and forth on his horse, his eyes wide open, his head turning back and forth as if he was too busy to look around.

"Brother Yun'er, it's already December. It would be fine if it didn't snow, but how come even the trees are green?"

On one side, Lu Yunyi was also riding a warhorse and swaying gently.
Days of traveling and exposure to wind and sun had made his fair face darker and cracked.

He pulled the corner of his mouth, feeling the slight pain on his cheek, and said with a smile:

"Yunnan's terrain is high in the northwest and low in the southeast, descending step by step from north to south. It is a mountainous plateau.

We have just entered Qujing Prefecture, still in the east.
When you arrive in Yunnan, it will be colder and you will see bare trees.

Going further north, near Dali Prefecture, it was almost like a normal winter.

What we see are all large banyan trees in Yunnan, which are green all year round, with some yellow leaves at most.”

As he spoke, Lu Yunyi wiped the rain off his face, with some yearning in his eyes:

"Yunnan is full of good places. There is a Cheli Xuanwei Office in the southwest.
There, the four seasons are like spring. There is no need for ice in summer and no need for cotton clothes in winter.

Now it’s December, just after the rainy season, it’s a great place to take a vacation.”

When Liu Heiying heard this, his eyes lit up.
Some of the Qingzhou guards around couldn't help but widen their eyes and wanted to go and take a look.
In Gyeongju, people have to wear cotton clothes and stay indoors for most of the year. The cold and dry wind hurts people's faces.

Li Jinglong, who was not far away, turned around with a puzzled look on his face:

"Keep talking, Yun Yi. We are all waiting to listen."

As soon as these words came out, the soldiers all around laughed. As they walked along the road, the master kept talking.
The boring journey in the past has become interesting.

Before they arrived in Guangxi, they had been hearing from their superiors how beautiful Guilin was.

At first they didn't believe it, but when they finally entered Guangxi and took the land route,

The scenery of Guilin left them dumbfounded, and they also saw what the Ten Thousand Mountains were.

When they first arrived in Yunnan, they remembered Cheli Xuanweisi, a place with spring-like weather all year round.
It would be so comfortable to live there.

"Yun Yi, why don't you speak?" Seeing that he was reluctant to speak, Li Jinglong turned back and urged him.

Lu Yunyi rolled his eyes at him, then turned to look at the herald and ordered:
"Pass the order down, all soldiers in the front scout unit should drink plenty of water once every half an hour, and eat fruits once every two hours."

"Yes!!" More than ten messengers hurried away.

Liu Heiying suddenly realized, "So we brought those melons to eat. I thought they were of little use."

"Yunnan's winter climate is dry, so you should drink more water and eat more fruits to stay healthy.

If we are all sick by the time we reach Yunnan, how can we fight?"

Hearing this, Li Jinglong turned his head and smiled:

"Yun Yi is right. We have eaten a lot of good food along the way. The soldiers are full of energy.
Look at the soldiers of the Dragon and Tiger Guards, they all look dejected.

By the way, if you want to eat melons, why don’t you buy them in Yunnan? Why do you have to buy them in Guangxi? They got damaged a lot along the way.”

Lu Yunyi smiled and glanced at Liu Heiying: "Tell him."

Liu Heiying coughed lightly and said loudly:
"Duke Cao, you don't know how expensive firewood, rice, oil and salt are.

The fruits in Guangxi are cheap, and the broken ones can be fed to the horses without being wasted, saving several thousand taels of silver."

"It's a waste of thousands of taels of silver," Li Jinglong muttered to himself.

Liu Heiying heard it, his eyes lit up, and he quickly said:

"I have a fruit and vegetable shop in the capital. When it's open, you can invest some money and I'll give you a share.
If you run out of money in the future, come to the shop and eat melons. You will never starve to death."

"It's settled. We'll sell melons together when the time comes."

Many soldiers couldn't help but laugh.

(End of this chapter)