"Boom!" "Boom!" "Boom!" "Boom!" The thunderous explosions in Bianliang, Tokyo, continued from the Jinming Pool to the Wende Hall deep in the Song Dynasty Palace.
In the Hall of Wende, Zhao Heng, an official of the Song Dynasty, dropped his ink brush irritably, frowned and grabbed the strong tea on the desk.
It is said that the emperor is the supreme being in the world, and he follows the law as he says. However, whoever sits in this position knows how difficult this mission is.
In such a vast country, there are few safe places.
Every year there would be floods here or droughts there. Finally, there was a good year and the party leader Li Jiqian led his cavalry to knock on the pass.
After finally pushing back that old bastard Li Jiqian, the Red Lotus Sect rebelled again in the northwest...
"Crash!" The tea cup fell to the ground and shattered into pieces.
Zhao Heng was stunned for a moment, then quickly realized that he was distracted and accidentally knocked the tea cup to the ground.
This is not a good sign, especially when there is an emergency military situation in the northwest and Anhwaseong, the administrative center of Gyeongju, has been occupied by thieves.
Immediately, dark clouds rolled over his face.
"Your Majesty, good luck, good luck!" Everyone in the right class knew that the old eunuch Liu Chenggui, who had served Taizu, Taizong and Zhao Heng as emperor for three consecutive times, reacted quickly and decisively shouted congratulations before Zhao Heng could express his anger to others.
"Good luck?" Zhao Heng's anger was interrupted. He lowered his head hesitantly and asked with a stern face. "You said the tea cup I accidentally broke is a good omen?!"
"Your Majesty, peace every year, peace every time!" Liu Chenggui, a mature man, bowed and responded with a smile on his face, "Old slave, I heard that every leaf beside the Holy Emperor means one state and one county. Nowadays,
, the traitor has just taken advantage, and your tea cup has broken by itself. It means that the traitor's luck has been broken, and sooner or later he will be shattered to pieces!"
"Nonsense, how does this have anything to do with it?" Zhao Heng was so angry that he shook his head and laughed, but his mood instantly felt much better.
A leaf beside the emperor represents a state and county. It comes from the allusion that King Cheng of Zhou used sycamore leaves to confer the title of Marquis of Tang to his younger brother Shu Yu. So, it’s really not nonsense.
And broken peace is the mantra of common people after they accidentally break the dishes. It means that bad luck also goes with the broken dishes.
For Zhao Heng, whether the thief's luck is shattered or misfortune has gone away from him, it is a first-class auspicious word.
Therefore, he clearly knew that Liu Chenggui was talking nonsense, but he wished in his heart that this person's words could really be combined with some mysterious truth, so that he could live a happy life in the next four years of Xianping.
Gotta go smoothly.
And Liu Chenggui, who served three emperors in succession, how could he not know how to figure out the emperor's thoughts?
After hearing Zhao Heng scolding himself casually, he stopped talking. He quickly took another half step forward, bowed and added: "Your Majesty, your thoughts are all on the people of the world, so you don't have time to pay attention to these miscellaneous little things. Just now.
Thunder rolled outside the window, and then, the tea cup shattered with the sound. It meant that the thunder broke the evil luck. The Red Lotus Sect pretended to be a ghost, and what they were most afraid of was the thunder... "
"You old guy, you keep talking more and more energetically!" Zhao Heng glared at Liu Chenggui and interrupted with a smile, "Where did the thunder come from in the winter? It was clearly the sons of the Imperial City Division who were testing Li
The gunpowder formula sent back by the Governor? The Imperial City Department will be under your control, you old guy, don’t tell me you don’t know!”
"Holy Master, of course I know that it is the sound of gunpowder explosion. However, those Red Lotus Sect gangsters who are pretending to be gods may not know that." Liu Chenggui bowed again, and the smile on his face became more and more flattering, "Think about it, they are pretending to be gods.
, when I was deceiving the people, when I suddenly heard bursts of thunder from the sky, I must have been frightened to death, how could I coax anyone else!"
"They even dare to rebel, how can they be so cowardly?" Zhao Heng glared at him again and retorted in a low voice.
However, he then shook his head and sighed, "I hope so. When they hear the thunder, they will be frightened and unable to use any deception. Alas, I thought that after agreeing to Li Jiqian's peace negotiation, there would be a few days on the Yongxing Military Road.
It’s time to recuperate, but who would have thought that the demon from the Red Lotus Sect would pop up again!”
"It's just scabies, don't worry about it, Your Majesty!" Liu Chenggui squatted down and picked up the broken porcelain pieces and tea leaves on the ground with his own hands, while comforting him with a smile.
"I hope so!" Zhao Heng sighed again, the worry between his eyebrows still gathering.
Only at this moment did several young eunuchs and palace maids have the courage to step forward and help Liu Chenggui put the broken porcelain pieces and tea leaves into the wooden dustpan. Then they quickly fetched new cups and served Zhao again.
Always fill the cup with tea.
Most of the unknown karma in the official family of the Song Dynasty had been resolved by Liu Chenggui. Therefore, he had no intention of venting his anger on the eunuchs and maids.
Picking up the newly replaced tea cup, he took a few sips of the strong tea, and then said softly, "Okay, let them be busy. You are old. Don't do this kind of thing yourself in the future."
"Thank you for Your Majesty's concern. I am willing to serve Your Majesty myself. If I don't do some work next to Your Majesty every day, I will not feel at ease!" Liu Chenggui stood up with a smile and explained with cupped hands.
"Then when you have time, go and see for me how the gunpowder is being prepared? What is its specific power? Then by the way, tell the men of the Imperial City Department that when you try gunpowder in the future, go to far places and don't always go to Jinming.
Let's go to the pool." Zhao Heng knew that being able to serve by his side meant power and trust for Liu Chenggui, so he smiled and continued to give instructions.
Both were the fine craftsmen favored by the Song Dynasty royal family, but the personnel selection of the Imperial City Division was far different from that of the Controlling Crane Division.
There are all eunuchs inside. Therefore, they have always been trusted by Zhao Heng. Some magical weapons were first secretly tested by the Imperial City Division before deciding whether to deploy them into the army.
The formula of gunpowder was sent by Li Jihe, the superintendent of the Zhenrong Army, eight hundred miles away and sent to Zhao Heng's desk. He has been arranging for the Imperial City Department to trial-produce it. Including some specific applications of gunpowder, the Imperial City Department is also responsible for it.
Explore.
Liu Chenggui, as Zhao Heng's absolute confidant, has always been in charge of the Imperial City Department. Not only does this person have eyes, but he is also a good hand at doing business. After listening to Zhao Heng's instructions, he immediately reported to him with a smile: "The Holy Emperor, the gunpowder is in accordance with Li's instructions."
The secret recipe sent back by the governor, the one that emits poisonous smoke and the one that does not emit poisonous smoke, has been prepared for more than three thousand kilograms each. More than five hundred gunpowder arrows have also been made. The slave went to see it once in the afternoon, but never had time to follow.
The Holy Spirit reports."
"Have you prepared so much? Have you tried the power?" Zhao Heng had no intention of reviewing the memorial anyway, so he simply turned his attention to the gunpowder.
"I tried gunpowder arrows, and it was exactly what Li Dujian said. Dozens of gunpowder arrows were fired in a volley, and no war horse was frightened and ran around!" Liu Chenggui thought for a while, lowered his voice and added, "Things
The stakes were so high that the old slave didn’t dare to let people find too many horses to try. However, the old slave believed that what Li Dujian said in the letter was true. If this thing is used properly, whether it is the Dangxiang kite or the Liao Kingdom,
It will be very difficult for the cavalry to charge towards our Great Song Army formation in the future!"
"Really?" Zhao Heng was overjoyed and instantly forgot his previous worries, "If that happens, I, I won't have to worry about Li Jihe breaking his promise anymore."
"The old slave borrowed a hundred of the best horses from the Forbidden Army. Only the first round of gunpowder arrows was fired, and all the horses were scared out of their wits. No matter how the grooms greeted him, he could not make them obey orders anymore!
"Liu Chenggui raised his hands and responded seriously, "More gunpowder arrows and horses, I didn't dare to try them. I always feel that such a powerful weapon to control the country, I have to wait for the officials to be free one day, and go to the countryside to draw a place in person to see how many of them I have.
Good eyesight!"
"Well, you are thoughtful!" What Zhao Heng admired was Liu Chenggui's caution. He smiled and praised in a low voice.
"Right now, the men at the Imperial City Department are testing how to use gunpowder to destroy the city wall according to the secret letter sent by Li Dujian a few days ago." Liu Chenggui's face showed no trace of pride, and he raised his hand again and continued to lower his voice.
He added in a voice, "But the operation is too complicated, and there is no method for the time being. However, the old slave thought that Li Dujian must have verified it himself before writing a letter home and reporting it to the emperor. Therefore, he asked the sons to continue to explore slowly.
, as long as there are results, report them immediately."
"Well, it should be so!" Zhao Heng thought for a moment and nodded lightly.
However, immediately after, he suddenly opened his eyes wide and said, "What did you say? Destroy the city wall with gunpowder? In which letter did your uncle write that? Why don't I remember it?"
"It's the letter that was sent directly to the palace three days ago in the evening after a 800-mile rush. At that time, the Holy Father also said that for such an important matter, the uncle should write a letter instead of writing a letter home." Liu Chenggui has a very good memory and immediately
Specific times are given.
After hearing what he said, Zhao Heng immediately remembered the contents of the letter home.
It did mention that gunpowder could destroy the city wall, and Li Jihe also reported the specific method very carefully in the letter.
However, what he was more concerned about at that time was that his uncle Li Jihe, the commander of the Zhenrong Army with a heavy army, led his troops to attack Anhua City without waiting for his imperial edict. However, he had no intention to look carefully at the details.
How to use gunpowder to blow up an earthen wall.
Therefore, he casually threw the family letter to Liu Chenggui and asked the latter to verify the contents of the relevant gunpowder. Then, he locked himself in the Hall of Wende and sulked for a whole night.
As an official of the Song Dynasty, not just Li Jihe's nephew, in Zhao Heng's eyes, compared to whether gunpowder could destroy the earthen wall, the military commander sending troops without purpose was a first-class event.
However, the next day, Li Jihe's petition for war was transferred to his desk through the Privy Council.
Judging from Yousi's mark when he received it, it was obvious that he arrived at Bianliang at the same time as the letter from home. However, the memorial had to go through relevant procedures, so it arrived on his desk later than the letter from home.
Therefore, he immediately forgot his dissatisfaction with Li Jihe, and at the same time, he also forgot all the other contents in the family letter.
At the moment, Liu Chenggui reported to him that the annoying voices on the other side of Jinmingchi were the eunuchs of the Imperial City Department, who were trying to blow up the city wall according to the description in the family letter. In Zhao Heng's heart, he immediately considered sending troops and blowing up the city.
Things got in touch quickly.
If gunpowder can really blow up the city wall, how many days can the Red Lotus Sect hold Anhua City after they capture it?
How could a group of rabble gathered temporarily, with no fortified city to defend, be able to withstand the full blow of the Zhenrong Army?
And if the party members did not wait to gather enough troops, the Red Lotus Sect would have been wiped out by the Zhenrong Army. With Li Jiqian's old cunning, how could he risk breaking the contract?
As a result, all the troubles may really be shattered into pieces in an instant just like when he accidentally hit the tea cup on the ground!
"Your Majesty is the destined emperor, and naturally he has the protection of the Supreme Lord. Those who pretend to be gods and ghosts will never be able to make trouble under your rule!" Liu Chenggui keenly guessed what Zhao Heng was thinking, and smiled deeply.
Bowing deeply, "Old slave, congratulations to the Holy Spirit in advance. As long as Anhua City is destroyed, all troubles will be solved!"
"I hope it's as you said!" Zhao Heng felt relieved and smiled and waved.
"I believe that when the Holy Emperor reigns, no ne'er-do-well will be able to accomplish anything!" Liu Chenggui thought for a while and continued to flatter Zhao Heng, "The leader of the Red Lotus Sect didn't know that he had been kicked in the head by a donkey.
How many times did he dare to rebel under the rule of the Holy Emperor! Moreover, he did not rebel either early or late. He rebelled just when the Zhenrong Army was passing by the Yongxing Army Road according to the order, and when Kou Shenzhi was sent to Yongxing according to the order.
On the military road, we will rebel."
"He didn't just happen to rebel at this time, but my uncle caught the real evidence of rebellion, so he had to start in advance!" Zhao Heng waved his hand and corrected with a smile.
However, deep down in his heart, he vaguely felt that he was indeed blessed with good luck. Otherwise, everything would not have happened by such a coincidence.
"I don't know the specific details. Anyway, in my eyes, this proves that the Holy Lord is the son of destiny. Anyone who dares to go against you in the world will not end well!" Liu Chenggui is serious.
He can speak, and every sentence he speaks makes Zhao Heng feel comfortable in his bones. "Originally, with Li Dujian and Kou participating in politics, Wu Yiwen was able to suppress the Red Lotus Sect to death. As a result, God has blessed me again.
Give me the gunpowder that can destroy a fortified city!"
"If gunpowder can really destroy a fortified city, it will indeed be God's blessing for the Song Dynasty!" Zhao Heng did not remain modest this time, but smiled and said with some expectation.
"The kind bought from the market will definitely not work. But Li Dujian presented this kind, and I believe it will definitely work." Liu Chenggui nodded and assured. Then he added with regret, "It's just the manipulation of men.
I still can't figure it out. If Director Li's letter could be more detailed, or someone could be sent to give me some advice..."
"My uncle may not know it carefully. The gunpowder was given to him by Han Chonggui's grandson Han Qing, as was the method of destroying the city." Zhao Heng was in a good mood, thought about it, and explained with a smile, "You don't have to worry, since uncle
He reported this method to me in the letter, and I think he will use it directly when he captures Anhua City. After another ten days and a half, the news will probably be sent. By then, I will ask him to arrange for Han Chonggui's grandson.
Come back and point out the sons of the Imperial City Division step by step."
"Han Chonggui's grandson, the Holy One is talking about the former Sidu Yuhou Han Chonggui? I heard that his grandson is a troublemaker." Liu Chenggui directly ignored Zhao Heng's promise after that and only stared at the first two sentences.
.
"Isn't it? He is the troublemaker. He caused a big trouble last year and was relegated to a small village on Yongxing Military Road to do inspections. Unexpectedly, not long after he went there, he fell into trouble with the people of the Red Lotus Sect.
Conflict!" The more Zhao Heng thought about it, the more he felt that God was taking care of him, and continued with a smile. "Those people in the Red Lotus Sect were also extremely unlucky. It was not good to provoke anyone, so they decided to provoke him. In the end, he bit him back.
After taking a big sip, he followed the clues and got evidence of stealing and selling official rations and plotting evil intentions. Therefore, he rebelled against me in advance before he was fully prepared."
"Sure enough, Your Majesty, the heavens are filled with great blessings!" After hearing this, Liu Chenggui immediately bowed his head to the ground, "I heard that good talents have their uses, and mediocre talents have their uses. That Han Chonggui's grandson was originally a troublemaker.
.And being used by the Holy One in this way turned decay into magic..."
"You old guy, you are getting more and more arrogant! I just wanted to give him a beating and send him to Yongxing Military Road to do such trivial matters as knowing the village. Why do I need to make the decision myself?!" Zhao Heng
He rolled his eyelids and shook his head with a smile.
"That's true. However, the old slave still believes that God lends his hand to eliminate hidden dangers for the Holy One!" Liu Chenggui did not change his words and continued to smile and pat him.
"Okay, I'm hungry, go and send me a dinner!" After hearing enough flattery, Zhao Heng didn't want to hear any more. He waved his hand and ordered with a smile. "I still have a lot of things to do.
Need to continue processing after meal."
"Old slave, I obey!" Liu Chenggui saluted again and left quickly. The moment he walked down the steps of Wende Hall, he smiled and touched a pair of jade bis in his sleeves.
Han Du Yuhou, I did not accept your gift in vain. Next, whether your troublemaking grandson can return to Bianliang depends on his own fate!
Just as he was thinking proudly, he suddenly saw a familiar figure running quickly from a distance. When he saw him, he didn't even bother to say hello and went straight to the main entrance of Wende Hall.
"Stop, Cao Dianzhi, where are you going?" Liu Chenggui was in a hurry, stretched out his hand from his sleeve, and grabbed the person with agility that was very inconsistent with his age.
"Great victory, great victory!" Cao Li, the leader of the right squadron, was caught off guard and was almost pulled down on the steps. He staggered a few steps, and before he could regain his balance, he shouted in a hoarse voice, "Liu Dou know, let go quickly, and there will be a victory in the end.
I want to present myself to Your Majesty. The Anhua victory was great, the Zhenrong army destroyed the city with one drum, and the 200,000 rebels of the Red Lotus Sect were all scattered like birds and beasts!"
