Chapter 559: Licorice Stage
Chapter 559: Talking about the World on the Licorice Stage
The news of Zhao Shixiong's public surrender could not be concealed, and there was no need to hide it.
On the contrary, the sooner this news is spread, the greater the positive impact it will have on the entire war situation in the State of Yu.
But Zhao Duan was not in a hurry and returned that night to report to the empress.
On the one hand, we need to wait for the imperial army to completely take over Yongjia Prefecture and confirm this matter.
In addition, you also need to get a good night's sleep, recharge your energy, and give your soul enough rest to cross the two places.
The next morning, it was confirmed that the surrender had been completed.
Zhao Duan then used the excuse of seclusion and meditation to return to the capital.
And this day happened to be the Mid-Autumn Festival.
……
In the capital city, deep inside the imperial palace.
Zhao Duan stepped out of the mural and his soul sank into his substitute who was sitting cross-legged next to the mural.
Then, he stretched his body, pushed the door, walked out of the old building, and headed straight towards the Martial Arts Hall.
Today is a clear and cool autumn day with clear skies. The morning sun shines evenly on the palace walls and the air is slightly cool.
When Zhao Duan saw Eunuch Hai in the Wugong Hall, the old eunuch in a dragon robe was sitting on the steps, holding a pair of scissors and trimming chrysanthemum branches.
Seeing him coming out, she raised her eyelids and asked, "Are you back?"
Zhao Duan nodded with a smile:
"I've been busy in Taicang these past few days, but it's finally over. I'm preparing to go see His Majesty."
Eunuch Hai glanced at him and smiled:
"You look relaxed, it seems like there is good news. But His Majesty is not in the palace right now."
"Not in the palace?"
"Have you forgotten? Today is a festive day. There is a Golden Autumn Gathering during the day. Your Majesty is having fun with the people and is going to climb the mountain with you gentlemen."
Zhao Duan was stunned for a moment before he remembered this.
The Golden Autumn Gathering... is the capital's annual literary gathering. Sun Lianying mentioned it to him some time ago, but he didn't expect that the empress would also attend.
Well, with Zhenbao's personality, she would not go out for pleasure. She would probably attend such gatherings in order to calm the people's hearts.
"Where is the Golden Autumn Gathering?" Zhao Duan asked.
Eunuch Hai raised his hand and pointed to the eastern suburbs:
"Leyouyuan, Gancaotai."
Then, the old eunuch in the dragon robe said without raising his head:
"If you go, change your clothes and pay attention to your appearance. Your body will go bad if you don't move for more than ten days."
"..."
……
Zhao Duan quickly left the palace and returned to the imperial court as advised, preparing to change clothes and wash up.
Inside Lihua Hall.
"Sir? Are you out of quarantine?" The secretary was surprised to see him coming back.
The Yu Kingdom did not give a holiday during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the imperial guards were on duty as usual.
Zhao Duan said "yeah", and a smile spread under the mask:
"Has anything important happened during this period?"
Qian Kerou reported:
"There are no important matters, most of them are the aftermath of the purge of traitors. However, you have not appeared in the palace for a while, and some matters have been handed over to the governor for handling. In addition... I received several invitations."
"Invitation?" Zhao Duan stopped and asked in surprise.
"Yes," the round-faced secretary took out a thick stack from the drawer and handed it to him:
"They are all different kinds of gatherings in Beijing that invite you to attend. Well, after autumn, there are many gatherings in Beijing. The latest one is inviting you to climb the mountain at the Golden Autumn Elegant Gathering."
Zhao Duan picked them up casually and flipped through two of them. He unexpectedly discovered that several of them were from the Privy Council and the Imperial College.
Are these two groups of people still jumping around?
He smiled, threw down the invitation, and said:
"Go call the people on duty today. I'm going to change my clothes. We'll go to Leyouyuan to climb the mountain and join in the fun."
Anyway, I have to go see Zhenbao and report this matter.
Since he had time to climb the mountain, he decided to relax.
"Really?" Qian Kerou was so excited that she nodded like a chick pecking at rice and ran to call for help.
Haitang from the Narcissus Hall next door brought her men to the Golden Autumn Gathering today. She was extremely envious, but unfortunately she could not leave her post without orders from her superior.
After a while, Zhao Du'an changed into new clothes, rode a tall horse, and led a group of people in brocade clothes from Lihua Hall to the outskirts of the east city.
……
The Golden Autumn Gathering is the grandest autumn outing event every year.
In autumn, the people of Yu State liked to climb high places to enjoy the beautiful scenery and go on autumn outings.
On the day of the festival, the solemnity and tension caused by the war in the capital over the past few months were much relieved.
Early in the morning, every household puts dogwood branches on their doors, and the air is filled with a festive atmosphere.
"Mom, come out quickly, the carriage is ready, don't miss the time!"
Inside the Zhao family mansion.
Zhao Pan'er dressed up early in the morning, wearing a green jacket that wrapped around her neck and a beige long skirt. Her bright eyes flashed as she blocked her mother's bedroom and clapped her hands.
The door opened with a creak and Eugene Hua walked out.
The noble lady, the mistress of the Zhao family, wore a dark green long dress, her hair was black and tied up behind her head, and she was adorned with pearls, gold and silver jewelry, which made her look round and smooth.
Today is an autumn outing, and the noble ladies in Beijing have also agreed to gather in the eastern suburbs.
Eugene Hua represents the Zhao family, so it is reasonable for her to attend the banquet.
The mother and daughter went out hand in hand, got on the carriage, and headed out of the city under the protection of servants and maids.
After turning the corner and walking for a while, another carriage next to them, also guarded by servants, sped up a bit, came closer, and drove side by side.
The curtain of the carriage next door was lifted, revealing a quiet and dignified woman, who was the wife of the Governor of the Grand Canal, Madam Ning.
"But is she the mistress of the Zhao family?" Madam Ning took the initiative to greet her.
Eugene Hua heard this and also opened the curtain, her eyes lit up:
"Mrs. Ning, are you going to the East Suburbs as well?"
After the Fengshan ceremony, the Governor of the Grand Canal Ning Zechen led his family and the Fengshan team northward.
Afterwards, Ning Zechen went south again and rushed to the battlefield on the east side of the Huai River to stop Prince Jing's army.
His family, wife and daughter were settled in the capital, which happened to be not far from the Zhao family. Mrs. Ning had just arrived in the capital, and Eugene Hua took good care of her, and the two families became increasingly familiar with each other.
The carriage was not going fast, and the two sides moved side by side, just enough time for them to talk.
Madam Ning nodded, and suddenly a cute and innocent girl rushed out from beside her. It was Ning Zechen's daughter. Miss Ning, with a chubby face, had her eyes flashing and shouted:
"Sister Pan'er, let's go play together later."
Zhao Pan, who was in the carriage, also smiled and stretched his neck in response.
The two girls chattered and talked to each other from a distance.
Eugene Hua and Madam Ning looked helpless, and were troubled by the fact that their daughters did not have the elegance and grace of ladies from wealthy families.
While chatting and laughing.
The two families have left East City.
Outside the East City is East Mountain, which is gentle and almost a dirt slope. There are pavilions and towers scattered along the mountain road, and the scenery is excellent.
This area was named "Leyouyuan".
On the mountain, there is an observation deck named "Licorice Terrace" which was built by order of the emperor three hundred years ago.
As soon as the two families arrived, they saw many carriages and sedans parked in front of them, and a dense crowd of people gathering.
Scattered in Leyouyuan.
"Wow, there are so many people." Zhao Pan jumped off the carriage and sighed at the lively crowd.
The innocent Miss Ning also ran over, her big eyes flickering, and suddenly said:
"It's a pity that Dad is not here. In previous autumn outings, Dad always took us with him and sailed on the canal."
Upon hearing this, Eugene Hua and Madam Ning, two beautiful ladies with their own unique styles, who were walking behind, both had their eyes dimmed.
Ning Zechen was in the eastern war zone and Zhao Duan was in the western war zone. Both had important responsibilities and were unable to return to Beijing to reunite with their families.
Eugene Hua tried to force a smile, walked over and comforted him, "Governor Ning is not here, your aunt and your sister Pan'er are here to accompany you."
The dignified and quiet Mrs. Ning also smiled and nodded.
Zhao Pan was a few years older than her and considered herself the elder sister. She grabbed Miss Ning's hand and said with a smile:
"Yes, we are."
Miss Ning's frustrated look eased a little, and she said quickly:
"My mother said that my father is heartless for not coming back. Sister Pan'er, does your eldest brother also have no conscience for not coming back?"
Zhao Paner: “…”
Eugene Hua: “…”
Madam Ning's body swayed slightly, her face turned pale, and she hurried forward to cover her daughter's mouth, trying her best to force a smile:
"My little girl doesn't know how to speak, don't take it seriously..."
"Wuwuwu..." Miss Ning tried to struggle, but her mother suddenly spanked her on the buttocks, and her eyes were immediately covered with tears.
Feeling very aggrieved: Mother just said that father has no conscience.
……
At this moment, the highest point in Leyouyuan is also the highest point on the hillside with the best scenery.
This is where the Licorice Terrace is.
The Queen of Dayu, Xu Zhenguan, has arrived today with all her ministers to celebrate with the people.
A canopy was erected on the licorice platform, and tables and chairs were arranged there. Plates of fruits and pastries were placed on the table covered with yellow silk.
Xu Zhenguan was dressed in a dragon robe and wore a golden crown. He was majestic, graceful, beautiful and majestic.
The narrow and long phoenix eyes on the fair face overlook the scenery of Dongshan in the distance. In autumn, the mountains are red or yellow, and there are large fields of chrysanthemums in full bloom. The sky is clear and the air is fresh, and the scenery is excellent.
Next to the empress, Sun Lianying, wearing a dragon robe and a hat, holding a whisk in his hand, replaced Mochou's ecological niche.
On the other side of the empress, the ministers of various ministries headed by Yuan Li and ministers of the third rank and above of the imperial court headed by Ma Yan took their seats in order.
There were also fourth-rank officials such as Mei Jijiu of the Imperial College accompanying him at a further distance.
Grand Tutor Dong Xuan did not come to climb the mountain due to his old age.
"After this autumn, winter will not be far away, and I will have been on the throne for three years."
Xu Zhenguan withdrew his gaze from the beautiful scenery in the distance and sighed with emotion at the sound of the light and elegant music.
Without waiting for the people around to join in the fun, the empress changed the subject and said:
"The capital is located in the north, and crops mature late. It's autumn harvest time on the Huai River. In previous years, grain ships heading to the capital would have clogged the docks before early winter, but this year I'm afraid not a single grain will be delivered."
Upon hearing this, the ministers on the Gancao Terrace all felt a sinking feeling in their hearts.
The Minister of War spoke first:
"Your Majesty is worried about state affairs, and so are we. However, a few days ago, Privy Councilor Xue defeated the Jiancheng bandit army. With Privy Councilor Xue's ability, he may be able to conquer half of the Huai River before winter. The Huai River is rich, and we can survive the winter just by storing grain."
The other officials also spoke up to agree.
Only the Minister of Revenue, who was in charge of money and grain, remained silent and pulled his beard with worry.
Xu Zhenguan shook his head, but he knew in his heart that these words were just to comfort him.
How could the war on the front line be won by just talking like these Beijing officials do?
As an emperor, she had read the memorial written by Xue Shence himself.
In the memorial, Xue Shence clearly relayed the details of the battle and also expressed his concerns about the upcoming war situation.
According to Xue Shence's judgment, his victory at the Huai River was fake.
There was the factor that Prince Jing Xuwen took the initiative to give in.
In other words, Prince Jing had no intention of fighting to the death with Xue Shence, let alone destroying the elite troops of Jiancheng Dao.
Obviously, Prince Jing understood that the court's biggest weakness was supplies, and what it lacked most was time.
Therefore, he would rather give up some territory and retain his strength. His purpose was to buy time, and when the imperial court ran into problems due to lack of supplies, he would send in elite troops to launch a counterattack.
However, the grain, gold and silver in the three counties that Xue Shence had recaptured had already been transferred away by Prince Jing in advance.
In other words, what Xue Shence took back was just a hole and a burden covering three counties.
Although it seems like a great victory, the real situation is not optimistic.
These... people outside don’t know, but the important officials of the six ministries naturally know.
Although it seemed like a prosperous scene and a good war situation, the court was actually in a precarious situation.
Whenever he thought of this, Xu Zhenguan couldn't sleep. He felt his heart was heavy and he had no strength in his body.
"Over on Xiping Road, the Duke of Zhenguo sent a message back saying that the Prince of Hejian is still holding on?" Xu Zhenguan changed the subject.
Yuan Li said:
"The people of Xipingdao are tough and the local underworld forces are stronger. Although the King of Hejian has won over many underworld forces, they are all scattered. If the Western Regions did not dare to relax, the troops under the Duke of Zhenguo would have wiped them out long ago."
Compared with the two rebel forces in Huaishui, the battle situation in Xiping Road and Tieguan Road was much better.
King Yanshan of Tieguandao had the least number of troops, and they were held back by Luo Kedi who was trapped in the northern city. They could not move south for a long time, and were on the verge of exhaustion.
As for the Prince of Hejian in Xiping Road… according to the memorial submitted by the Duke of Zhenguo Tang Daren, this man was not a capable person, but after the civil strife in the state of Yu, the Western Regions clearly began to become restless.
Even though Princess Wenzhu continued to exert influence, she still could not suppress the Western Regions countries' eagerness to make some profits.
Therefore, Duke Tang had to divide his troops, keeping an eye on the Western Regions on one hand and restraining Prince Hejian on the other.
Leading to insufficient manpower.
Xu Zhenguan snorted coldly:
"The Prince of Hejian is just waiting until the imperial court can no longer hold on and the situation on the Huai River changes, and then he will look for an opportunity. The snipe and the clam are fighting, and the Prince of Hejian wants to be the fisherman. With such a narrow mind, how dare he covet the throne?"
All the ministers nodded and agreed with this judgment.
Everyone understands that the battle situation in the Huai River will not only affect one place.
Whether it was the King of Hejian, the King of Yanshan, or the King of Chen who ruled Binhai Road, they were all actually watching the outcome of the Huaishui battlefield.
A third-rank military officer from the Privy Council suddenly said:
"Your Majesty, don't worry. With Privy Councilor Xue here, the rebels will never succeed."
Suddenly, officials from the imperial court and the military on the Gancao stage spoke up one after another, expressing similar views.
During the conversation, he constantly exaggerates the importance of Xue Shence, as if the future fate of the court depends on Xue Shence.
This is the military officials fighting for greater power. Ever since Xue Shence's great victory, the military officials headed by the Privy Council have been on the rise.
In public, he repeatedly suppressed civil officials.
"That's wrong. Although Xue Shence is the commander-in-chief, Commander Zhao has more victories. Now he is in charge of the western front. With Commander Zhao's past talents, there may be a breakthrough on the western front."
Suddenly, the new Minister of Personnel spoke.
As the member of the imperial party who succeeded Li Yanfu after he stepped down, he keenly sensed the slight displeasure in the empress's brow, so he spoke up and tried to turn the situation around.
The Minister of War said with a smile:
"Commander Zhao is a man of great talent, and everyone in the court knows this. I have also heard that Commander Zhao has indeed done something great recently."
Immediately, he revealed the latest information that Zhao Duan had sneaked into Yongjia City, assassinated the military supervisor, and rescued the Yongjia prefect.
There was no lack of praise in the words.
However, these were clearly flattery, but when heard by everyone, they took on a different meaning.
On the one hand, Xue Shence won a great victory on the front battlefield.
On the one hand, Zhao Duan sneaked behind enemy lines to assassinate and rescue people... Although it was indeed amazing and worthy of admiration...
but……
I am afraid of comparison in everything.
Comparing the two, what Zhao Duan did in Yongjia seemed a little...
Being petty.
The words of praise used by the Minister of War therefore had a hint of irony.
But others have no way to refute it.
Seeing this, the court military officials became more and more proud. The deputy privy councilor of the Privy Council suddenly looked at Ma Yan at the table and said with a smile:
“I think that what Governor Zhao did was more than just this.
For example, the newly appointed Chief of Police of the Imperial Court Lihua Hall was said to be a subordinate of Governor Zhao. He did something extraordinary.
Come on, has this person come today?"
(End of this chapter)