Chapter 373 Making a prompt decision

Chapter 373 Making a prompt decision

Chapter 373 Making a prompt decision
On September 17th of the fifth year of Yongjia in the Great Jin Dynasty, the sky was clear in Kaocheng.

Concubine Pei got up early in the morning. After reading the military reports sent from various places, she did not dare to delay and immediately sent people to find the left Sima Pei Shao, the right Sima Deng You, the four military officers Zou Jie, Liu Wei, Li Xing, Guan Junyi, the military supervisor Pei Miao, and the governor Mi Zhi.

Sima Pi, King of Donghai, also came, followed by Sima Que, King of Xincai.

After Sima Que was removed from his post as governor of Xuchang, he defected and became the second military supervisor of the shogunate.

"I won't say more about the rest." After Concubine Pei sat down, she saw that everyone was present and immediately said, "Sir Pei, please tell me the whole story in detail."

"Yes." Zuo Sima Pei Shao stood up and recounted in detail several military reports he had received recently.

The incident originated from Lingjin.

Team leader Peng Ling led his men across the river to meet the scouts, but failed. However, he discovered that the Xiongnu were transporting a large amount of food and grass, and after reporting it, it was not taken seriously at first.

A few days later, because the scouts suffered continuous losses in Hebei and the casualties were far greater than before, Tang Jian realized that something was wrong, so he went to discuss it with Yang Mao, the governor of Yanzhou.

Yang Mao judged that the Xiongnu had mobilized a large number of cavalry and intensified the efforts to search and kill scouts, most likely to cover up something, so he sent letters to Puyangjin, Baimajin, Wenshijin and other places to inquire.

Man Heng, Liu Qia and He Lun each sent a large number of people across the river, but without exception they were fiercely besieged by the enemy cavalry. As a last resort, they retreated back to Henan in embarrassment.

However, it was not a futile effort. They pieced together the information they had received and came to an astonishing conclusion: from Hanoi to the counties in Hebei, all of them were collecting supplies and troops.

What does this indicate? It indicates that the Xiongnu were preparing to cross the river and move south.

Just at this time, news came from Xingyang: the Xiongnu infantry and cavalry occupied Chenggao, built camps, dug up roads, and seemed to have some plans.

When Concubine Pei heard this, she felt something was not good, so she immediately summoned her officials from the shogunate to discuss countermeasures.

Maybe everyone here cannot lead troops to fight, but they are good at talking about military affairs on paper, although it may not be reliable.

After hearing Pei Shao's words, everyone looked surprised and started talking to each other on the spot.

Concubine Pei sat there patiently, waiting for everyone to fully exchange their opinions before she said, "When the former Minister of War was here, you all participated in the military affairs. Do you have any conclusions now?"

Everyone looked at each other, and soon, the military officer Zou Jie stood up and said, "Queen, Your Majesty, I think the Xiongnu may force their way across the river and head straight for Kaocheng."

As soon as these words were spoken, many people's faces changed and they started buzzing again.

Zou Jie, whose courtesy name was Taiying, was a native of Xinye, Jingzhou. His father and grandfather served as Shizhong and Zuo Jiangjun.

In the past year, Xinye had also been in chaos, and the family's property, troops, and even clan members had suffered many losses.

With Yanzhou in this situation again, Zou Jie is still quite anxious, fearing that his family, who had just moved to Kaocheng a few months ago, would be disturbed.

"Silence!" Supervisor Mi stood up and shouted, "How can you behave in front of the Queen Mother and the King?"

Mi Zhi now commands the only troop near Kaocheng.

The unit was based on the 1,000 Donghai soldiers stationed in Wenshijin, and absorbed 1,000 troops from the gentry in Jiyang and Chenliu, and recruited 1,000 new soldiers, totaling 3,000 people, including 500 cavalry. The vacancies created by He Lun's unit in Wenshijin were filled by recruiting new soldiers from the refugees.

When everyone saw Mi Zhi, the younger generation, coming out to teach others a lesson, they were immediately dissatisfied and some people started to reprimand him.

"Everyone, please be patient." Concubine Pei spoke first and asked, "Does anyone have any suggestions?"

"Queen, Your Majesty." Military officer Guan Junyi stood up and said, "I think the Xiongnu may be planning to cross the river from Ji County and then attack Xingyang and Xuchang. Lord Chen's family is in Xuchang. If they are plundered by the Xiongnu, it may damage his prestige. In addition, Xuchang is the seat of the governor. Once it is captured, the Yingchuan nobles may no longer trust Lord Chen, and people's hearts will inevitably be in turmoil."

This made sense, and everyone was talking about it, some even arguing loudly.

Concubine Pei's face did not look very good, and her hands subconsciously grasped her skirt, obviously she was very anxious.

Sima Pi was stunned.

Just now, when Zou the Lieutenant General said that the Xiongnu might attack Kaocheng, my mother was not so nervous. But when she heard that Chen Gong's prestige would plummet, she became very nervous. Why?
You know, even when my father was bullied by the civil and military officials in the court and was forced to go to a remote vassal state, my mother always looked calm and composed.

At that time, he was impressed by his mother's strong will, but now it seems that is not the case.

She was actually nervous about Mr. Chen!

"Actually, that's not the case!" Military Supervisor Pei Miao suddenly stood up, bowed to Concubine Pei and Sima Pi, then glanced at everyone and said confidently, "I think the Xiongnu have no goal, and their main intention is to plunder."

This was a fresh statement, and everyone fell silent to listen to what he had to say next.

Pei Miao walked around the hall, and just when everyone was getting impatient, he said, "The Xiongnu must cross the river at Dongwuyang, and then enter Dongping, Jibei, Gaoping, Taishan, and even the Lu State in Yuzhou to plunder."

At this point, he bowed to Concubine Pei and Sima Pi and said, "Concubine Dowager, Your Majesty, please guard against Dongping, Gaoping, Jibei and other counties. After being defeated by Lord Chen, Zhao Gu did not go far away and is still entrenched in Qinghe and Pingyuan areas. There is also Cao Yi in the direction of Qingzhou, with strong soldiers and horses. They are all Xiongnu bandit leaders. If a few bandits join forces, they can break in from the border of Yan, Xu and Yu. Our heavy troops are all in Puyang, and the rear is empty, so I am afraid it will be difficult to resist."

This is also a possibility.

After listening to this, Sima Pi became restless.

Concubine Pei frowned.

The staff members started whispering to each other again. Some of them looked frightened and secretly thought about running away.

Yanzhou is located on the front line, facing the Xiongnu directly, it is not a good place. Now it seems that Yuzhou is not safe either, it is better to cross the river directly to the south and seek a position in Jianye. Anyway, the King of Langya has always respected the former Situ and will not refuse anyone who comes.

Concubine Pei suddenly stood up.

Everyone stopped whispering and looked at her.

Concubine Pei took a deep breath and suddenly felt a little nauseous. She suppressed the urge to vomit, but her mood became more determined.

At this time, she couldn't fall down.

She wanted to help her husband, and at the same time help herself.

"I intend to send someone to Xuchang to ask Cao Gongfu to take charge of the overall situation." Concubine Pei said, "Yu and Yan are originally one. If they unite, both will benefit. If they separate, both will suffer. When facing a powerful enemy, we must work together to defeat the enemy. What do you think?"

Everyone knows that Cao Fu was appointed by Lord Chen as the governor of Xuchang.

The most important thing is that Cao Fu once served as the military commander of the former Prime Minister. Many people present had seen him or even worked with him.

Furthermore, Cao Gong may not know how to command troops, but he has planned military strategies and has a good understanding of the situation, so he knows the general situation. In addition, he is highly respected and has a wide network of contacts. If he is in charge of the military affairs of Yu and Yan states, it will be easier for people to accept him.

After Concubine Pei finished speaking, Pei Shao, Pei Miao, and Mi Zhi immediately expressed their agreement. The others looked at each other, and although they were a little unconvinced, they ultimately did not object.

Sima Pi subconsciously looked at the military officer Deng You.

Deng You shook his head slightly, signaling him not to speak.

After several months of governing, the concubine has gained the support of a considerable number of people and her prestige has been initially established. It is not appropriate to cause a conflict at this time.

"Since you have no objection, let's do it this way." Concubine Pei did not give anyone a chance to refuse, Qian Gang said arbitrarily: "Before Cao Gong responds, we have to do a few things first."

Having said that, she discussed it with Pei Miao and Pei Shao.

Finally, Pei Miao stood up and said, "There are six things in total that I need to trouble you with. The shogunate will also issue a written document to all the counties and states in a little while."

"First, send messengers to Pengcheng, Xiapi, and Donghai to inform Pei, Wang, and Mi of the unusual movements of the Xiongnu."

"Secondly, your families can temporarily take refuge in Junyi. This is a big city with strong soldiers, so it should be able to defend for a long time."

"Third, the people of the counties who can take refuge in the forts should do so, and those who cannot should go to the county town. We will give them as much equipment and food as possible and ask them to participate in defending the town."

"Fourth, send a message to Generals He, Man, Liu, and Tang, and tell them to guard their respective camps and not to act rashly, or they will fall into the enemy's trap."

"Fifth, inform Envoy Yang of Juancheng and ask him to prepare money and recruit warriors in case of emergency."

"Sixth, inform all the noble families in the nine counties and states one by one, especially those in Dongping, Jibei, Taishan and other counties. The shogunate still cares about them, so don't think too much about it."

"Yes." Everyone looked at Concubine Pei first, and seeing that she had no objection, they agreed.

At the same time, many people felt goose bumps all over their bodies and felt nervous.

The swords and guns in the hands of the Huns could really cause great harm to them and the people of Yu and Yan.

After everyone left, Concubine Pei didn't talk much with her son. She went straight to the bedroom in the backyard and vomited all over the place. Her eyes were blurred with tears and she felt a little resentful in her heart.

No matter how strong a woman is, she is vulnerable at this time and needs a man to be by her side.

Princess Liu of Nanyang sighed softly, walked over and hugged Princess Pei, and said, "Should we send a messenger to Luoyang? See if we can contact Lord Chen."

Concubine Pei's tears fell.

Liu was moved by her and shed a few tears.

They are all poor women, all of them got pregnant by that bastard, and he is not around.

After crying for a while, Concubine Pei gently stood up, wiped her tears with silk, subconsciously stroked her belly with both hands, and said in a calm tone: "At this moment, let's not distract him. I just thought about it, maybe the Huns are coming for him this time. He is careless. Cao Fu will find a way to pass on these things."

"After you're done with this busy period, you should go to Xuchang and take shelter. I'll take care of you," said Mrs. Liu.

Concubine Pei shook her head gently and said, "Everyone else can leave, but the heir and I cannot. If we leave, people will be in turmoil and the situation will be in turmoil. Henan is his foundation. If it is ruined, he..."

"What's so good about him?" For some reason, Liu suddenly became angry. Her eyes were red as she looked at Concubine Pei with a puzzled look. She said, "You are in this state, but you still miss him. What can he give you?"

Concubine Pei shook her head gently and hugged Liu in her arms.

Liu struggled for a moment and burst into tears sadly.

The King of Nanyang was captured by the Huns and his life or death is unknown.

She is a princess and the mistress of Guanzhong. It is inevitable that she is sad to have fallen to this state.

On September 19th, the messenger arrived in Xuchang.

Upon hearing this, Cao Fu, who was enjoying his retirement in his new house, immediately stood up.

His first order was to recruit government soldiers.

All the soldiers who can go into battle should be assembled, and no one should be left behind. If there are any sons of soldiers who are old enough to go into battle, they should also be conscripted and sent to Xuchang as soon as possible.

The second order was sent to Li Chong and Chen Yougen, ordering them to come immediately to discuss the matter without any mistakes.

Suddenly, everything started to speed up.

(End of this chapter)