Zhu Houzhao has never led troops to fight a war and has zero practical experience. No matter how arrogant he is, he hopes that there are people around him to assist and guide him at any time, and Chen Xi is the best candidate.

So once Chen Xi led his troops outside and left him, he subconsciously felt that it was inappropriate.

In fact, in Zhu Houzhao's heart, the ideal state is that Chen Xi will go out with him. He is the head coach Chen Xi and the deputy coach. Once anything can be pushed to Chen Xi, he will not have to bear too much responsibility, he just needs to enjoy the pleasure of the battle.

But Chen Xi must not act according to Zhu Houzhao's idea, which is far from the combat plan he formulated, and Chen Xi could not let Zhu Houzhao be on the front line of the war.

Zhu Houzhao looked like a flag. If it was directly exposed to the Tatars' attack range, the war might develop in a direction that was unfavorable to the Ming Dynasty.

Chen Xi made a compromise and agreed to Zhu Houzhao that the place where the troops were sent was changed from Bitou Pass to Datong Town, but Zhu Houzhao felt that the two were not much different because he had no intuitive concept of the distance between these two places and Xuanfu.

Facing an emperor who knew nothing but food, drink, and entertainment, Chen Xi was helpless and had to say, "After your Majesty has seen the marching strategy, please make a decision as soon as possible... I have been training troops outside for many days, and have been traveling for several days recently. I am very tired, afraid that I can't drink with Your Majesty... Please allow me to return home."

Zhu Houzhao was unhappy, but nodded: "Then go back, sir, I will gather together again in the past two days to discuss... I will take this matter to heart."

Chen Xi saw that Zhu Houzhao was dissatisfied with the plan to send troops, but at this time he continued to entangle and let the emperor compromise, which was obviously not so suitable, so he simply decided to let Zhu Houzhao go back and think about it by himself, while Chen Xi himself wanted to leave early and go home to see his wife and children.

Chen Xi bowed and said he left. When he left, Su Tong and Zheng Qian in the yard were very surprised. They wanted to go up and say a few words to Chen Xi, but when they saw that the other party was cold and looked like they were not allowed to move in or approach, they stopped walking. Chen Xi nodded to the two of them to say hello, and then left.

Zhu Houzhao came out of the living room, holding Chen Xi's memorial in one hand and holding his forehead with the other, as if thinking about something difficult.

Su Tong stepped forward and asked, "Young Master Chi, why are you in a hurry to leave?"

Zheng Qian pulled Su Tong and reminded his friends not to disturb the emperor's thoughts, but Zhu Houzhao was awakened and shook his head and said, "I will lead troops to fight in two days. I have not considered many things about marching and fighting, and I have a disagreement with Mr. Chen... This matter has nothing to do with you. Let's go into the house to drink."

Zhu Houzhao was only temporarily depressed and threw everything away. For him, as long as he could go to the front line to fight, the rest could be discussed. Even if the plan made by Chen Xi was different from his idea, it would not be forced. He was now confused and it was basically impossible to ask him to come up with an effective strategy for sending troops. In the end, everything had to obey Chen Xi's arrangements.

...

...

Chen Xi came out of the civil courtyard and was in a bad mood.

He got on the carriage, the vehicle started, and he moved forward slowly... Even in the capital, the roads were not smooth, with pits everywhere, and the swaying Shenxi was drowsy. However, at least he was still a little clear and clear. When he remembered his differences with Zhu Houzhao, he suddenly realized that things were not as easy as he had imagined.

"...It seems that I have underestimated the difficulties. Now not only the ministers, but even His Majesty cannot fully support my plan..."

Thinking of this, Chen Xi was disappointed and couldn't help but yawn. In the past, Chen Xi's work and rest were unstable and his sleep time was seriously insufficient... After all, he had adopted the strategy of practical training before. Long-distance training was easy to get tired, and he had to be always guarded against sneak attacks from the thieves. As the Minister of War, he had to deal with some urgent official duties from time to time, which was common overnight.

After running around for more than a month, Chen Xi's mental state is on the verge of collapse and must rest and recuperate.

It was already the time to go home. He did not rush to see his family. He went straight from the study to his yard. After entering the room, he went to bed and slept with his head covering. When he woke up, it was noon the next day. He slept for eight or nine hours.

"Honey husband is awake?"

Xie Yuner heard the sound and looked inside through the half-closed window from the yard. Seeing Chen Xi sitting up, she hurried into the house and said, "Early early this morning, officials from the court came to pay their respects, but you were sleeping soundly, so I was inconvenient to disturb you... Why don't my husband go out and have a look?"

Chen Xi put on his coat, covered his mouth and yawned, shook his head and said, "No need, what these people come to me and say, you can probably guess... You just say I am sick and it is not convenient to see guests."

Xie Yuner said: "There are many visitors, so why should I refuse one by one? Fortunately, they didn't force it, so they left the post and left on their own. They should have written what they wanted to say to their husband in the post."

Chen Xi nodded: "Then I'll sort it out a little and see if there is any important content." Chen Xi was not keen on someone visiting him because he knew that he had become the target of public criticism. After Xie Qian left Beijing, the Chinese officials in the court were in a state of being headless. Zhu Houzhao was lazy in the government affairs, so that when he was about to send troops, there was no detailed constitution to announce the government and the government, which made the officials in the court nervous.

Chen Xi's return to Beijing was regarded as a prelude to the emperor's military service. Everyone wanted to get some inside information from him, the emperor's close minister. Unfortunately, even Chen Xi himself was not sure because Zhu Houzhao did not settle the matter.

Xie Yun'er had asked the servants to prepare the meal. After Chen Xi finished washing up, she sat down at the dining table in the dining room, digged a few bites of the meal before she was in the mood to see the prayer received from the mansion.

There were many people visiting today, but except for Li Jue, there were no officials of the other yamen at the level of Shangshu or Minister-level officials who came to ask for their visit.

Seeing that Chen Xi seemed to be very careful about the visits from the Minister of Works Li Yu, Xie Yuner explained on his behalf: "Shangs Li has been here, but when he knew that his husband was resting, he took the initiative to say goodbye. If he had something to do, he could go to the Ministry of Works to discuss, or he would visit the Ministry of War in person, as long as the husband notifies him, he would just give him a notice."

Chen Xi nodded without saying anything. Just as he was about to finish his meal, Zhu Qi appeared at the door of the dining room and reported: "Master, the British bus has arrived in front of the mansion, and it seems that the Duke is here to visit in person."

Chen Xi frowned when she heard this. Seeing that her husband had not put down his bowls and chopsticks, Xie Yuner ordered: "Dad Zhu goes out to arrange something, and the master will come afterwards."

"Why!"

Zhu Qi took the order and left in a hurry.

Chen Xi swallowed the food in his mouth and sighed, "The more I don't want to see anyone, everyone will come uninvited."

Xie Yun'er asked her servant to come into the room to clean up the dishes, and then helped Chen Xi to sort out a little, saying, "Go quickly, my husband, you are the elders of all dynasties. It is our honor to be able to come to the mansion to visit us."

Chen Xi smiled and calmed down and headed towards the front yard. When he arrived at the gate, Zhang Maozheng got out of the carriage, looked at the lintel of the Shen family, and bowed to Emperor Xiaozong's inscription.

Chen Xi went forward to salute: "The prince is here to visit, and he is far away to welcome him."

Zhang Mao replied: "Zhihou, you have just returned from another place. You have worked hard all the way. I came to visit you rashly. I really disturbed you. Please come out to greet me in person. Why are you so embarrassed? Let's go in and talk."

Zhang Mao looked familiar. When he arrived at Chen Xi's house, he was like his own house and was not at all. However, Chen Xi asked himself that his relationship with Zhang Mao was not so good.

After entering the courtyard side by side, Zhang Mao turned his head and asked, "...It's said that you went to the south to train soldiers. I don't know what the situation is? He actually raised his hand to eliminate the local thieves. It's rare that you have such a behavior when you train soldiers with your sick..."

Zhang Mao's words made Chen Xi feel uncomfortable because the old fox asked without anyone answering what he asked. Chen Xi thought to himself: "You want to tell me that you know everything about me, let me explain it honestly?"

Entering the main hall, Chen Xi invited Zhang Mao to sit down and wait for the servants to serve tea. Zhang Mao picked up the teacup and sipped: "Zhihou, I will send troops the day after tomorrow. You see that Your Majesty has not made any arrangements now. What's the matter? Time is so tight that there will probably be no discussions on the court. Now all the civil and military officials in the court are worried. I wonder who will control the affairs of the capital after Your Majesty personally commands? You and Yu Qiao both leave the capital..."

Chen Xi hesitated and said, "This...isn't something I can ask about, right?"

"oh?"

Zhang Mao asked with a smile, "Didn't you mention it to His Majesty?"

Chen Xi secretly wondered whether Zhang Mao had any plans to go further, because Zhu Houzhao always had to arrange a candidate for the state supervision. As Zhang Mao was a senior of the four dynasties, he was qualified to be a state supervision, but Chen Xi did not think this was a good choice. He immediately shook his head and said, "As the grandfather said, I have just returned to Beijing from another place and have not talked about this with Your Majesty... and I think I am not qualified to tell Your Majesty these..."

Zhang Mao nodded with a smile: "Yes, as a minister, of course, you have to avoid some things. Now there are rumors in the court and the country that it is said that the Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Li to seal Eunuch Zhang, who will be responsible for the affairs of the capital after His Majesty's departure. I don't know whether it is true or false..."

Chen Xidao: "Even Mr. Zhang doesn't know the authenticity, let alone the fake one."

Zhang Mao seemed to have come with a mission and said unyieldingly: "Zhihou, in fact, before coming, I was a little doubtful. After all, you just returned to Beijing and were facing a war. It seems inhumane to come and disturb me. However, if you don't ask for some things clearly, it is irresponsible to the court... Your Majesty left the capital, and Master Xie and you are not here, how can no one in the court be in charge of the overall situation? Speaking of which, Yu Qiao would entrust me to ask you before leaving."

Hearing this, Chen Xi narrowed his eyes.

"When Xie Lao'er left Beijing, it was very desolate. No one saw him off, and I never heard of him. At most, He Jian had gone to see Lao'er. Are you bullying me and I don't know what happened in the capital?"

But after thinking about it again, Chen Xi felt relieved: "Xie Laoer is like a shit pot now. Anyone can find it to use it when encountering things, but no one has verified it anyway."

Chen Xidao: "I wonder what Mr. Xie said to Mr. Zhang before leaving the capital?"

"this……"

Zhang Mao noticed that Chen Xi was suspicious of what he said and frowned, "Zhihou, don't worry about these minor issues. Don't you believe me?"

Chen Xi thought to himself: "If you believe me, you will blame me. If I think I am a three-year-old child, I believe whatever you say?" He immediately said: "I don't have this intention, I just want to know how Mr. Xie explained it before leaving the capital."

Zhang Mao thought for a while and said, "Before Yu Qiao left, he was very worried about you. You also know what the situation was in the capital... It was really a mess. Your Majesty was in charge of the army and did not even arrange for the country to supervise the country. If there were brothers, it would be better to say that the descendants were... It's a pity that no one even has the royal family and relatives to take charge of the capital. Do you think what if His Majesty was on the front line... who could take the overall situation of the capital?"

Chen Xidao: "With Mr. Zhang here, are you still worried about the unexpected success?"

"Yes, don't lift me up. I'm old and old, and my body is almost covered with loess. I'm ashamed that I can't follow His Majesty to go to war this time. How dare I steal the high position?" Zhang Mao said sincerely.

Hearing this, Chen Xi muttered in his heart: "The purpose of your visit is, besides inquiring about His Majesty's movements, the most concerned thing is the emperor's arrangement for you, right?"

Chen Xi realized that Zhu Houzhao had not announced the details of the troops, and even the ministers went to the battle with him did not give an answer. This made the people in the capital panic. There were two days left to go to the battle, and no one knew whether he was on the list of accompanying the battle. On the one hand, he had to pack his bags at home and prepare to set off at any time. On the other hand, he was also given a yamen to handle official duties, which was extremely miserable.

Military generals, especially hereditary nobles, should be the most nervous at this moment, because marching is their duty, so the British Duke would come to ask.

Chen Xidao: "Your Majesty has any arrangements? I don't know anything about it. Mr. Zhang came to ask, it's really unnecessary. It's better to obey the sages in everything."

Zhang Mao looked disbelief, "I heard that Zhihou, you will go to meet the saint when you return to Beijing. You should get some news from His Majesty, right?"

Chen Xi felt something was said in Zhang Mao's words. Obviously, the other party sent someone to stare at the Leopard Room and also stare at him. Otherwise, the incident of his meeting with Zhu Houzhao in private outside the palace would not have been revealed.

Chen Xi shook his head: "Your Majesty is very impatient. If you ask a little more, he will lose his temper... Oh, Mr. Zhang should not ask questions anymore. If you know Your Majesty's arrangements, you will definitely inform me... Mr. Zhang, please come back."

Zhang Mao didn't expect that Chen Xi actually ordered to expel the guest after just saying a few words.

As his identity, he was always admired and praised wherever he went. He thought that even if he could not understand the problem, he could at least understand a rough idea and respond to it after he went back. Unexpectedly, Chen Xi's secretive look made him unable to start.

"Zhihou, you can't do this. I'm so old that I finally come to your mansion and say as much as you know. I can't... I'll send you away so easily, right?" Zhang Mao said with his seniority.

Chen Xi stood up and saluted respectfully: "I really don't know. If Mr. Zhang asks again, it's just a scheming intention. If Mr. Zhang really wants to know, then I'll go to the leopard room to face the saint."

"Um?"

Zhang Mao frowned, but he didn't expect Chen Xi to copy Zhu Hou out, and he was upset: "This kid has many tricks, no wonder Yu Qiao can't deal with it. He is simply a personal spoiler."

Thinking of this, he sighed and stood up: "Zhihou, don't worry, rest well at home, don't rush to see the host. What I asked was just a situation that everyone in the court wanted to know. Unfortunately, Your Majesty is busy and has little time to come out to see the ministers, so there are so many unreasonable speculations..."

At this time, Zhang Mao became very considerate.

Chen Xi saluted again: "Give me a gift to Mr. Zhang."

Zhang Mao looked embarrassed and was expelled from the guest. He was embarrassed not to leave.

Before Shen Xixiang was sent out, Zhang Mao was still a little depressed: "I came to this kid's mansion to ask him about it, but he was sent to this... He didn't even give me my face, who else would he give me? He was so arrogant and thought he was in power?"

Despite his anger, Zhang Mao still got on the carriage and left unhappily.
Chapter completed!