Two days have passed since the assassination on Chang Street and the appearance of Tong Guan that day. The atmosphere in the capital has gradually become warmer.
Of course, this warming does not refer to the weather.
When the Jin people went south and foreign aggression struck, it was not too difficult to arouse the bloody spirit of the people in the face of the disaster. However, after the arousal, a large number of people died. When the external pressure faded, many people
The family has been completely destroyed. When people react, the future has turned pale. Just like people facing a crisis stimulate their potential, when the danger passes, people with serious overdrafts will eventually fall.
How to make people recover after this is a big problem.
In fact, during the period when the siege battle came to an end, the death of a large number of family members who had not participated in the defense of the city - either due to starvation or suicide - had been reported continuously. When the Right Prime Minister's Office and Zhuji
After the public opinion system was fully operational, although the number of people found dead was still increasing, there was a trace of blood on the face of Bianliang, a giant with too much overdraft.
The tragedy of the deceased, the dedication of the warriors, the inheritance of will, and the warning that the danger has not faded all fermented and spread in the city with the operation of the Prime Minister's Mansion and Bamboo Records. For this era, the directional spread of public opinion is actually relatively simple.
The thing is, because the channels for ordinary people to obtain information are really too narrow. As long as they hear something and the government cooperates a little bit, it will often turn into conclusive facts.
So after a few days of preparation, at least in terms of the social atmosphere after the war, certain results have appeared.
First of all, the government collected the identity and life information of the war dead and began to compile a register. It will later build a Hall of Heroes. It also stated that it will provide an explanation to the families of the deceased. Although the specific explanation is still under discussion, consultation has also begun.
The opinions of the social officials, gentry, and elders, even if they are still in the pie-making stage, are considered sincere for the time being.
Secondly, with the coordination of the government and the propaganda of Zhuji, the rich officials and gentry who had spare capacity began to give out porridge and food, and expressed their willingness to take care of the families of those who died in the battle to defend the city. The emergence of this kind of thing is, first,
The Prime Minister's Office came forward to appeal. The second reason was that Zhu Ji promoted the big families who took the lead and left them with a good reputation. The third reason was that the imperial court was discussing that in the future, the families of the victims, whether they were in business, official positions, or farming, would
Giving them a lot of convenience, just like the preferential treatment policy for disabled people in later generations, and accepting disabled people to work will naturally bring a lot of benefits.
Thirdly, scholars have not yet finished paying attention to this incident. Because Zhuji emphasized the threat of Jurchens, how to deal with this crisis has become the main topic of daily discussion among those who are concerned about the country and the people. These scholars can either discuss
They were preparing to write and join the army, or they were discussing the topic of eliminating the ills of current affairs in restaurants and teahouses. For example, some small groups of scholars under the names of "National Disaster Society" and "Plum Blossom Society" were secretly established, recruiting people from everywhere, and exaggerating concerns about the country and the people.
In the past, there were many such groups, mostly poetry societies. This time, they had more radical goals.
Of course, no matter what the goal is, most groups have only one ultimate meaning: to be rich and noble, but not to forget each other.
Fourthly, at this time, the importance of warriors and soldiers in the city has also been greatly improved. The reckless people who were not liked in the past, if they talk in the teahouse now, they will talk about those who participated in the battle to defend the city, or who have
Those who are still injured are often looked down upon by others. The soldiers in Bianliang City were originally similar to gangsters, but at this time, with the deliberate exaggeration of the Prime Minister's Office and Zhuji and the strengthening of people's recognition, they often appeared
On various occasions, I began to pay attention to my image.
These things influenced each other and promoted each other. Within a few days, the atmosphere in the city became positive and harmonious. People gradually cared about and helped each other more and more. Every time in some soup kitchens and rice soup places, heart-warming things also happened.
It happens from time to time. In some restaurants and teahouses, including Zhuji, although the food is crude, people talk about the Jurchens outside the city and the situation in the city, and they all express their desire to work together as one, which makes people feel inspired.
Being in it, Yue Fei always felt warm in his heart.
He was one of the attachés who accompanied Ning Yi into the city. In the past few days, Ning Yi took him to secretly meet many military generals in the capital. As a small commander of the local Xiang army, Ning Yi specially took him with him
He came to see these high-ranking generals in Beijing. He said that they looked familiar to each other, but it was self-evident that he wanted to promote and help him. But while he was grateful, the most touching thing was the past few days.
Come and see the heartwarming scenes around you.
Although he was not involved in the middle, he was still clear about the purpose of Zhuji and Xiangfu's actions. A seriously injured person cannot sleep immediately. No matter how painful it is, he has to push through it. Zhuji
These actions of the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister's Mansion may seem simple in daily storytelling, but Yue Fei can still see Ning Yi's various actions besides meeting with military generals, meetings with some high-ranking families, and visits to the soup kitchens.
Choice, regarding the planning of story-telling publicity and some assistance activities, these seemingly natural and spontaneous actions were actually carefully planned by Ning Yi, the shopkeeper and the staff of Zhuji.
Manipulating and inciting people's hearts is done as a matter of knowledge. Many things and steps are planned and linked together. Such things have never been heard of before, but Yue Fei does not feel hypocritical because of this. Being in it, he knows
The purpose of Xiangfu and Zhuji was to extend the life of the city, and when a sign of improvement appeared, he felt vigorous vitality and joy from the heart.
As long as we can continue to do this, the world may be able to be saved...
After a few days, the only thing that made him feel indignant was the assassination of Ning Yi on the street two days ago. He had practiced martial arts with Zhou Tong since he was a child, and he was half a Green Forest man, but he had no contact with Green Forest.
Deep down, even if he knew Zhou Tong through his relationship, most of the impressions were okay. But this time, he really felt that these people deserved to be killed.
Of course, fortunately, there were more powerful people surrounding Mr. Ning to protect him.
Most of the things around him went smoothly, which made him quite reassured about the future situation. As long as things continue like this, it won't matter how many battles he wins and how many he loses when we reach Taiyuan. Chatting with several familiar shopkeepers in Zhuji
Get up, he often said the same thing.
"People always have to be in severe pain to wake up. If the master is still here, he will be relieved to see the situation in Beijing at this time."
When he said this, he was sitting on the second floor of a Zhuji shop, chatting with a Zhuji staff named Cui Hao. This man was a scholar, his parents died early, and he had a wife who joined Zhuji when his wife fell ill.
Remember, but unfortunately the woman died in the end. When Ning Yi left the city, he gathered mostly people who had no worries. Cui Hao followed him. Yue Fei had saved him once in the battle formation, so he became familiar with her.
"Everyone cherishes his life, but if he can die a worthy death, there are still some people who are willing to die generously." Cui Hao's personality became a little gloomy after his wife died, and he became cheerful again after narrowly surviving in the battle.
Smiling reservedly, "During this period, the government has indeed spared no effort to help us. Even those who had conflicts before did not cause any obstacles."
"With state affairs like this, there are still people who know the importance." Yue Fei laughed heartily, "What's more, the prince of Guangyang County met with Mr. Ning this time. I heard from several generals yesterday that the prince also praised Mr. Ning in private.
Don’t stop talking.”
"...This matter needs to be discussed." Cui Hao said in a low voice.
"Um?"
"Nothing." Cui Hao turned his head and looked out the window. Today, this part of the city has slowed down and become a little lively. He paused for a moment and then added: "Our business
It seems that the situation is okay, but the upper level of the court can't see clearly. I heard that the situation is a bit strange, and the boss seems to be having a headache. Of course, this matter is not something I have to consider. "
He said this in a low tone, and after he finished speaking, both of them fell silent. At this time, there was a table of people at the other end of the restaurant talking loudly, but everyone was talking about the battle with the Jurchens, and several people were preparing to go to Taiyuan with the army.
After hearing a few words here, Yue Fei laughed and picked up the teacup to signal.
"In the current national crisis, Your Majesty is wise, and we have a lot to do. It's a pity that we don't have wine, otherwise we should imitate them and make things clear."
"The battle in Taiyuan will not be easy. There have been internal discussions about what will happen next. We may stay to help stabilize the situation in the capital. Pengju, if you go north, take care of your own life. There will be plenty of wine when you come back."
There was a shortage of supplies in the capital, and everyone came back with Ning Yi to do things. They were ordered not to drink. The two raised their cups and drank tea instead of wine. After Yue Fei drank, he smiled: "Brother Cui, there is no need to worry about this, Taiyuan
A battle, as long as we are willing to fight hard, is by no means a life-and-death battle. According to our estimation, after Zong Wang and Zong Han reunite, there will definitely be a face-to-face battle, but as long as we dare to fight, with the right location and people, the Jurchens will definitely win
Retreat in the hope of a better future. Although we suffered a severe defeat this time, as long as we learn from the pain, we can hope for a better future."
After saying this, he turned his head and looked out the window. The white snow in the city spread out in front of his eyes. Bianliang City had really suffered too many traumas this winter. But looking at it at this time, he also vaguely felt that there was a gap between heaven and earth.
There is an unyielding will.
Then, I thought of my master who died trying to assassinate Zong Han at the beginning of the war, and the old man's face suddenly appeared.
If you can go north and fight, there is nothing to fear about death!
Then there was another simple day. After this day, it was December 26th. From yesterday to today, Ning Yi did not go to see the generals in the capital, and Yue Fei did not follow him all the time. Near noon, he came
A strange atmosphere lingered in the courtyard where Zhuji's staff were discussing. Everyone was discussing fiercely, and some even cursed in a depressed tone. Yue Fei found Cui Hao and asked what happened.
Cui Hao hesitated for a moment: "Today, in the Golden Palace, the Prime Minister of the Right asked to resign and beg to go."
"Wha, what?"
"The right prime minister handed over the certificate and asked to retire...to become an official..."
Yue Fei was stunned for a long time. He knew that the Zhuji department was the power of the Youxiang Mansion. For a period of time, he had been following behind to contribute. What he saw and felt after returning to the capital was that the Erxiang Zheng, who was in charge of the defense of the capital this time, was stunned for a long time.
At the height of the sun, he was stunned and couldn't believe that such a thing had happened. But he was only inexperienced in officialdom and was not a fool. Then he thought of something: "The right minister...doesn't he have too much credit?"
"It's not a big deal." Cui Hao was still calm, "As you think, the right prime minister is in charge of the capital, Xia Cun is General Qin, the second son of the right prime minister, and the eldest son of Tai Principle is here. If I expected it right, the right prime minister is
Seeing that the negotiation was about to be finalized, he retreated in order to advance and gave up his position to protect Taiyuan. Every one of the top officials in the dynasty had their ups and downs. Cai Taishi was dismissed several times. As long as they can compete for full merit in this battle, the eldest son and the second son will be able to win.
Keep it safe, and the Right Prime Minister will be able to make a comeback in the future, and even make further progress. Taking up an official position now is an act of keeping a low profile and keeping a low profile."
"Then your Majesty's side..."
"Rejected." Cui Hao said with a smile, "Such a matter must be rejected several times at this time."
*****************
Before the war was over, the right prime minister resigned due to injury, which was a big shock to the upper echelons of the court. The emperor even lost his temper and said, "Is it possible that I am jealous of the virtuous and capable, and refuse to reward meritorious deeds!?" Qin Siyuan was dismissed.
A scolding, followed by some words of comfort, was the end.
In fact, for the people at the center of the political situation during this period, Qin Siyuan's actions made them somewhat relieved. Because since the negotiations began, the situation in the court these days has made many people look down upon it.
You know, even for big officials like Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Li Gang, and Qin Siyuan, the future situation is more or less like hiding in a fog. Some parts can be seen, but there are always parts that cannot be seen.
After the war, there were people going up and down, and if a big court dispute really broke out, no one could tell whether it would be Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Li Gang, or Qin Siyuan who fell. Everyone was holding back and working together privately, including negotiating.
Regarding the subsequent Taiyuan issue, no one is completely sure, no one is 100% certain.
It is also for this reason that at the end of the negotiations, Qin Siyuan officially made his move. His resignation made many people breathe a sigh of relief. Of course, there are still doubts, just like in Bamboo Records, a group of staff would quarrel over it.
, in the Prime Minister's Mansion, when Ning Yi met with Jueming and others, he sighed: "Ginger is still hot when he is old." That night, he persuaded Qin Siyuan to take a step forward and seize power, even if he became a powerful minister like Cai Jing, if he took over
We will face a long period of war and disputes, and it may not all be a dead end. But Qin Siyuan's clear strategy appears to be more stable.
Many people in the court may have sighed like this.
That afternoon, Qin Siyuan submitted his resignation letter for the second time, but it was rejected again.
On December 27, he resigned for the third time but was rejected.
On the afternoon of December 27, Li Chai and Zong Wang negotiated the terms of the peace talks, which included conditions such as the Wu Dynasty calling the Kingdom of Jin his brother, millions of silver coins, and compensation for the Jurchens' return journey with grain and grass. That afternoon, the handover of grain and grass was completed.
here we go.
On the 28th, Qin Siyuan resigned for the fourth time and was rejected.
On the 29th, Wu Ruiying's request for Zhou Zhe to review was allowed, but the time for the review was stated to be discussed at another date.
Zhou Zhe stood up for Qin Siyuan so resolutely that the people in the prime minister's office were somewhat relieved and more or less guessed that the emperor was determined to use the right prime minister this time. The right prime minister's attitude had been expressed and he would no longer ask for it.
Another day passed, and it was New Year's Eve in Jinghan's thirteenth year. On this day, snowflakes began to float again. Outside the city, a large amount of grain and grass were being sent to the Jurchen military camp. At the same time, the Youxiang Mansion in charge of logistics was operating at full capacity.
They were waiting, collecting every grain of food that could be collected, and preparing for the army's journey north to Taiyuan - although many of the above things are still vague, the next preparations must always be made.
On the second day of the first lunar month, the Jurchen army left camp and headed north. In the camp outside the city, all the siege equipment they left behind were set on fire. The fire burned, reflecting the sky in the north of the city red. That night, an even grander celebration broke out in Bianliang.
, fireworks rose into the night sky, exploding in clusters, and the snowy ridge in Jiancheng was particularly enchanting.
On the third and fourth day of the lunar month, requests for troops were louder and louder than before. On the fifth day of the lunar month, Zhou Zhe ordered that Wu Shengjun Chen Yanshu, headed by Chen Yanshu, lead his 40,000 troops northward, together with the surrounding Xiang troops, rebels, and Western troops.
, to intimidate Taiyuan, Wuruiying requested a war, but was subsequently rejected.
On the sixth day of the lunar month, all the reports urging Chen to go north to save Taiyuan flew up like flakes, and were all rejected. Zhou Zhe once again got angry in the Jinluan Palace: "The Jurchens are eager to go, and besides, we have signed an agreement worth one million years old.
How can we make a fuss again, mobilize hundreds of thousands of troops, waste people and money! We can't survive this year!" Qin Siyuan resigned again, but was reprimanded and rejected.
This was the beginning of Jinghan's fourteenth year. After that day, chaos broke out in the Jinluan Palace. The military and other departments raised issues such as merit and compensation for this battle. Wurui Camp was the first to take credit, and Zhou Zhe was criticized all the way.
He praised all requests, and was prepared to meet the heroes in person and review the troops in the future. On the other hand, he insisted that the troops had been dispatched for the Taiyuan incident, and there was no need to make a fuss. And a large number of backlash also began to appear, regarding Taiyuan.
Important notes were being handed over one after another. Cai Jing and Tong Guanxi began to withdraw and watch.
On the ninth day of the lunar month, Li Lili, a great scholar, was in an important position in Chen Taiyuan. The opportunity was urgent and he could never recover. He had a dispute with Zhou Zhe in the Golden Palace. He hit his head on the steps and was bleeding profusely. After being diagnosed and treated by the imperial doctor, he saved his life and was subsequently imprisoned.
Time passed by one by one. Some people thought that Li Li and others were making a fuss, while others were just lucky. Indeed, the Jurchens had decided to leave, and they had annual coins. Speaking of the siege of Taiyuan, soldiers had also been sent out.
It seems that there is no need to make such a fuss. As the Jurchens continued to move north in this snowstorm, the discussion about Taiyuan in the capital gradually became silent. Although some people kept asking to send troops to Taiyuan to seize the last opportunity, the voices
Eventually it became less and less.
The Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month has arrived.
This was the most lively festival in the 14th year of Jinghan's reign. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, due to the unresolved city ban and limited supplies, it was impossible to celebrate grandly. At this time, the Jurchens left, and a large amount of supplies had been transported from all directions.
The people sincerely celebrated that they had driven away the Jurchens. Fireworks lit up the entire night sky, the city was filled with light, and fish and dragons danced all night long.
In the imperial city, Zhou Zhe walked up to the city wall and quietly looked at the bustling scene. After a while, the queen came, holding a big shawl to put on him.
"In recent times, I heard that there has been too much chaos in the court. Your Majesty has been working so hard that you can't even relax a little during the holidays."
Zhou Zhe waved his hand, not wanting those clothes, and looked at the fireworks and the market outside.
"I have wasted too much time. I want to cheer up. How can I feel tired..." He paused, tilted his head and said, "I have been reading ancient poems recently, and every time I feel something, there is one that I like the most. Queen, you want
Want to know?"
"Your Majesty is worried about the country and the people, and Bianliang was hit by the war. It must be some kind of lyric that worries about the war and the people."
"Wrong guess." Zhou Zhe shook his head, and after a while, he took a deep breath, his eyes wandering far away: "I'm going back! The fields will be ruined, and the barbarians will not return... Since I regard my heart as a slave,
I feel melancholy and sad... I realize that the past is not admonished, and I know that I can catch up with those who are coming. In fact, I have lost my way, but I am not far away. I realize that what is now is but yesterday was not..."
"His Majesty……"
"I feel that what is right now is not what it was yesterday!" Zhou Zhe sighed, and his tone suddenly became louder, "I used to think that as an emperor, the most important thing is to employ people and check and balance! These scholar-bureaucrats, even if they are filthy in their hearts, always
Everyone has their own abilities. I just need to sit on the high platform and let them compete and compete. There will always be something done. There will always be someone who can do something. But who knows, with some checks and balances,
They have lost their blood and their bones! They only know how to weigh my will in everything, only know how to communicate and pass the buck! Queen, I have done everything wrong in the past ten years..."
"Your Majesty..." The queen froze there. She never imagined that Zhou Zhe would say such words.
Zhou Zhe smiled and said: "It's ridiculous to entrust state affairs to others. I have been raising scholars in the Wu Dynasty for nearly three hundred years. These people know how to manipulate people's hearts better than anyone else. They all pretend to be loyal ministers and good generals in front of me! They are plotting against me.
! Shifting blame and balancing! It has made my country rotten. If it hadn't been for this war, I wouldn't have been able to wake up. There are passionate people among the people! Every time there are righteous people, dogs are slaughtered! Look at Cai Jing, his eyebrows are low and his eyes are submissive.
I treat him well, but when it comes to the catastrophe of the country's subjugation, he lowers his eyebrows and says nothing! Look at Tong Guan, the king of Guangyang County, I treat him well! The Jurchens went south, and he saw that the situation was not good.
Turn around and leave! Look at Qin Siyuan. His second son is in Bianliang, and his eldest son is in Taiyuan. He is in the prime position! Recently, he resigned and asked to go. What is he doing? Think I don’t understand? Retreat to advance! Protect him first!
Son, then he still has the influence to control the court, just like Cai Jing! He figures out my thoughts, he is so clever! He is...he is trying to use me and manipulate me!"
"Taiyuan!" He waved his hand, "How could I not know that Taiyuan is important! How could I not know that I want to save Taiyuan! But they... what kind of battle are they fighting! Push everyone to Taiyuan, save Taiyuan, and the Qin family will
He can cover the sky with one hand! I'm not afraid of him covering the sky with one hand, but what if he loses? Zongwang Zonghan joins forces, and the Jurchens fight back with all their strength. All of them will be buried there. What can I do to defend this country! I put all my money and give it a try, they say
Lightweight! They are gambling with my country! If they lose, they are loyal ministers and martyrs; if they win, they are the white jade pillars holding up the sky and the purple golden beams that support the sea!"
"If they hadn't fought like this! If Qin Shaohe hadn't been in Taiyuan! If they hadn't forced me, how could I have made such a move!"
"I have been wrong for thirteen years."
He spoke slowly and put his hand on the snow on the parapet wall. The snow was cold, but it made him feel like blood was burning.
"This country, this people...can no longer be left to them and wantonly abused..."
"My country, my people..."
"...I will personally protect you."
In his decisive tone, fireworks rose, illuminating his resolute and resolute face.
Going north to Taiyuan, thousands of miles away, there were no fireworks.
The thin-faced Qin Shaohe walked up to the city wall and looked at the Jurchen military camp opposite. The light from the camp stretched out, as if it was going to penetrate the city wall. The city seemed a bit lively today. At least the fires in the military camps and other places were brighter.
.
"Ahem...are you okay?" He patted a soldier on duty on the shoulder, "Today is the Lantern Festival. There are glutinous rice balls below. Let's go eat some later."
As he walked along, he said this to everyone.
The siege of the city has been going on for a long time, and the food and grass in the city has begun to bottom out. Since a month ago, the food ration has been halved. Now, although there is not no food, most people are in a state of half-starvation. Due to the heating in the city
The number of objects has also begun to decrease. Standing guard at the top of the city in this state still makes people tremble.
After a while, he saw Li Pin who was guarding the city wall. Although he was currently in charge of the city's logistics, as a Confucian scholar who followed the principles of a gentleman, he also had insufficient food. Now he had plenty to eat.
Qin Shaohe handed him a snack box.
"I brought some glutinous rice balls for you. Go aside and eat them secretly."
Li Pin declined and finally accepted it, but did not open it. The two walked for a while, communicating in low voices about the situation, and looked south for a while from a distance.
"It's time to go to Yuan Dynasty. I don't know what's going on in the capital. I wonder if the siege has been relieved."
"Looking at the troops standing still outside the city, I'm afraid there won't be any progress."
"The city is suffering from hunger and cold. Although there is still food, we don't dare to mess around, so we can only live frugally. Many elderly people died of cold and starvation..." Qin Shaohe whispered, "I don't know how long we can wait."
"I will wait for as long as the Wu Dynasty guards." Li Pin smiled generously and glanced at the military camp outside the city. "How can I, a man, give up this great river and mountain to one another?"
"Ahem, haha... That's right!" Qin Shaohe reached out and patted Li Pin on the shoulder. Li Pin staggered, and for a moment, the two people at the top of the city started laughing.
The heroic laughter spread far away on the snowy city wall. (To be continued.)