Ever since Kong Xiuyun walked into the side hall, Xiang Zhuang had guessed something. However, at this juncture, Xiang Zhuang didn't want to expose the matter. He picked up the ginseng soup Kong Xiuyun brought and drank it slowly.
The ginseng soup was very hot. After just a few sips, Xiang Zhuang felt warm all over. At this time, Kong Xiuyun smiled and said: "Today I accidentally got something about the king's expedition. I don't know that the king
Would you like to take a look?"
Kong Xiuyun glanced at the maid, who understood and immediately handed over the book of remonstrances. At this time, Kong Xiuyun took the book of remonstrances with both hands and placed it in front of Xiang Zhuang. She smiled and said: "It is the Mid-Autumn Festival now, and the weather is gradually getting better.
When the weather turns colder, Your Majesty will cross the Yangtze River again and march westward. The journey is long and the soldiers are miserable. Why don't Your Majesty put this matter aside for the time being and wait until next spring when the flowers bloom, then we can start our western expedition again?"
Seeing that Xiang Zhuang was still indifferent and still drinking ginseng soup quietly, Kong Xiuyun knew that Xiang Zhuang would definitely not listen to her advice, but both her brother and father hoped that they could persuade Xiang Zhuang. At this time, Kong Xiuyun had no choice but to
With a slight sigh, she looked at Xiang Zhuang and said: "Besides, I have also heard that there are many objections from the officials in the court. Why doesn't the king listen to the suggestions of the officials?"
"That's enough!" Xiang Zhuang suddenly shouted. He pushed Shen Tang aside, stood up and said, "Women don't get involved in politics. Besides, you are my most trusted concubine, how can you do this?"
Kong Xiuyun was scolded by Xiang Zhuang. She lowered her head helplessly, tears welling up in her eyes. At this time, Xiang Zhuang also felt that his attitude was a little too strong. In fact, the Kong family must be urging Kong Xiuyun to persuade him behind this. Xiang Zhuang suppressed it slightly.
With anger in his heart, he looked at Kong Xiuyun and sighed: "Many things are not as simple as you think. Don't mention this matter again. Go back to bed early."
Xiang Zhuang no longer paid attention to Kong Xiuyun. He strode out of the palace. A man from Pi rushed to greet him. Xiang Zhuang shouted: "Go to Xiaoxiang Palace."
…
"Queen, as you expected, the concubine really went to see the king. I heard that the king was furious and reprimanded the concubine. At this time, she is rushing to the Xiaoxiang Palace." Wu, a waiter.
Fang's chamberlain smiled contemptuously and said, "What does she think she is? How dare she compete with the queen for favor."
Wu Fang was said to be uncomfortable by the chamberlain, so she could only shrug and asked: "Where is the king at this time?"
"It should be there soon," the chamberlain replied, and Wu Fang said slightly anxiously, "Quick, touch up my makeup."
The chamberlain hurriedly sang a promise and helped Wu Fang walk towards the inner hall. At this time, hurried footsteps gradually sounded outside the hall. Accompanied by Bi Ren, Xiang Zhuang arrived in front of the Xiaoxiang Hall. He raised his head and looked at Xiaoxiang.
At the word palace, I couldn't help but sigh. I originally thought that Kong Xiuyun was a person with no desires and was the most worthy person for me to talk to. But at this time, the interests of the family were slowly devouring her, which made Xiang Zhuang
He was extremely dissatisfied and lost his original trust in the Kong family.
But if the Chu State wants to seek stability, the Kong family cannot easily touch it. Thinking of this, Xiang Zhuang couldn't help but sigh. He looked at Xiao Weizi, who was nearby, and ordered: "You can go ahead and report it."
Xiang Zhuang was not in a hurry to enter the Xiaoxiang Hall. Xiao Weizi sang a promise and went in first. As soon as he entered the Xiaoxiang Hall, Xiao Weizi shouted loudly: "Queen, the king is here."
The sound of hurried footsteps suddenly sounded in the inner hall. Wu Fang had already put on her makeup and walked out with the help of the chamberlain. However, she only saw Xiao Weizi and was startled. Xiao Weizi saw Wu Fang's face.
With his thoughts in mind, he pointed to the outside of the palace with a smile and said softly: "The king is still angry, the queen should be more careful what she says."
Wu Fang nodded in understanding. At this time, Xiao Weizi hurriedly walked out of Xiaoxiang Hall. After a while, Xiang Zhuang walked in quickly. Wu Fang stepped forward and saluted with a smile: "Greetings to your Majesty."
Xiang Zhuang waved his hand: "My family, why are you so polite?"
The two of them came to the soft mat and sat down together. At this time, two palace maids hurriedly brought tea and placed it in front of Xiang Zhuang and Wu Fang.
His expression changed, and he tentatively said, "I heard that your Majesty will go on an expedition in the next few days?"
Xiang Zhuang immediately looked at Wu Fang warily and said displeasedly: "Are you going to admonish me too?"
"That's not true. I just prepared an autumn coat and a black cloak for the king. I hope that the king can wear it when he goes on the Western Expedition. I heard that the autumn in Guanzhong is very cold. I'm afraid that the king will freeze." Wu Fang laughed.
He smiled and said: "I heard that the war in the north has never stopped in the past few months. At this time, all countries are striving for strength, and we, Dong Chu, cannot fall behind others. Therefore, I support your Majesty's Western Expedition and look forward to your Majesty's
Return in triumph soon."
Xiang Zhuang's heart was warmed by Wu Fang's words, and he couldn't help but hug Wu Fang into his arms. In the past few days, hundreds of officials had been admonishing him, and the Western Expedition encountered obstacles, which doubled the pressure in Xiang Zhuang's heart. At this time, he could
Wu Fang found some comfort here and felt really comfortable. It was already late at night. Xiang Zhuang took another sip of tea and hugged Wu Fang quietly until the moon hung high in the sky. When it was time to rest, Xiang Zhuang stood up and hugged Wu Fang.
, walked slowly towards the back hall.
After a while, we talked about our longing for each other before leaving for the expedition.
…
In the early morning, as the bell of the Eastern Chu Palace rang, civil servants and generals lined up in a long queue, led by two people, namely Kong Yu and Cao Wujiu. Everyone slowly walked into the hall. At this time, Xiang Zhuang was already in the hall.
Five hundred personal guards were lined up on both sides, holding long swords and looking murderous.
This indicates that Xiangzhuang is determined to conquer the west. No matter who tries to stop him at this time, he will be killed by the sword. Most of the officials have withdrawn. At this time, there is silence in the hall. Soon, Ying Liang and ten people will be killed.
The rest of the people walked into the main hall and shouted in front of the jade steps: "The King of Eastern Chu has arrived."
"Welcome to the King to live a thousand years." All civil and military officials hurriedly knelt down to salute. At this time, Xiang Zhuang also came to the main hall. He walked up the jade steps, sat high on it, and stared at everyone in the hall with bright eyes. Among them,
Many people have lowered their heads unconsciously. They have gradually felt the faint murderous aura brought by Xiang Zhuang today. It seems that sending troops to the west has become an unquestionable topic. Whoever takes the lead will become the first stepping stone.
At this time, the hall was very quiet. After looking at everyone for a long time, Xiang Zhuang finally said: "I came here today to clarify one thing. I have made a complete decision on the Western Expedition. In mid-August, the three armies will set off."
, if any of you have ideas, you can mention them to me, but partisanship will never be allowed, and no one will be allowed to form gangs to openly fight against me."
Xiang Zhuang's words clearly meant something. Many people heard the meaning in Xiang Zhuang's words, but no one dared to come out and say anything openly. Until the silence in the hall was finally broken by Kong Yu, who slowly walked out of the courtroom and came to He went to the center of the hall, cupped his hands and said, "Old minister, I have something to say."
"Prime Minister, please tell me." Xiang Zhuang leaned forward and said: "If it is about the Western Expedition, I advise you, Prime Minister, to refrain from talking."
Kong Yu just wanted to speak, but was choked by Xiang Zhuang. He was furious for no reason. He knocked on the ground with his crutch and said angrily: "Your Majesty, the land of Jiangdong has just been peaceful. Although the war in the north and Guanzhong continues, but now it has spread to When I get to Jiangdong, I think it is too reckless for your Majesty to send troops at this time. Moreover, with the war, there will be no peace in Jiangdong. The supply of food and grass is far from being as easy as your Majesty thought. Moreover, although Dongyue was defeated, it never gave up. The war in Dongchu and South Vietnam in the west are also about to start. I don’t know when the war will spread to Lujiang. Once the king sets out to march west, the consequences will be disastrous!"
Kong Kun spoke righteously, and all his officials knelt down and raised their hands: "Your Majesty, think twice!"
Kong Kun united all the ministers to protest. This was a result that Xiang Zhuang had long expected. At this time, he could take the opportunity to reduce Kong Kun's power, so as to prevent the Kong family from having too much power in Jiangdong and being deeply entrenched and unable to control it in the future. He opened his mouth and scolded: "The war in the world is related to people's livelihood. The homeland of the Chu Kingdom has not yet been recovered. Liu Bang, a common man, is so virtuous and capable. He dares to underestimate our Chu country and ruin my uncle Xiang Bo's engagement. The country and the family hate each other. How can we give up? I am marching to the west." , It is also for long-term considerations. Once Liu Bang dominates the Guanzhong area and has hundreds of thousands of troops, and will join forces and move south in the future, will our small territory in Dongchu be able to withstand the enemy's hundreds of thousands of troops?"
When Xiang Zhuang said this, he looked at His Highness Cao Wujiu and said, "Besides, suppressing the enemy army at its bud is the best strategy. This is my king's long-term plan. You don't need to say more."
Kong Yu wanted to say more, but Cao Wujiu, who had already made peace with Xiangzhuang, walked out of the court and said with cupped hands: "My colleagues, the king's plan for the Western Expedition is right. Instead of letting Liu Bang's family dominate, why not send troops in advance and unite all countries to join forces?" After suppressing Liu Bang and destroying him, Guanzhong will still be divided into three parts. This will also be beneficial to Eastern Chu's future advancement into Guanzhong. I agree with your king's decision."
Cao Wujiu's statement was immediately echoed by other generals: "Be prepared for danger in times of peace. Your Majesty is foresighted, and you will surely receive God's blessing."
"We support your Majesty." Everyone knelt down to express their stance. At this time, Xiang Zhuang looked at the people in the palace and ordered: "I am marching to the west, and I have appointed Cao Wujiu as the Governor of Andong, Gui Yinghao and Ma Tianhong as deputy generals, and He ordered Li Ji to take over the 20,000-strong army at Dantu River Port, and Xiang Xiang to take over the 10,000-strong army at Jiangcheng River Port, so as to protect Jiangdong without any mistakes."
Cao Wujiu and others took a step forward to sing the promise. At this time, Xiang Zhuang looked at Ying Ziying again and said: "Promote Ying Ziying to be the prime minister of the left, Kong Yu to be the prime minister of the right, and be in charge of Jiangdong government affairs. Kong Ji In order to govern Li Neishi, he will be in charge of agriculture in the east of the Yangtze River and provide supplies to the army. He does not need to go out with the army. The rest of the people will perform their own duties. If there are any further suggestions to hinder the western expedition, they will be killed without mercy."
Xiang Zhuang's tough stance promoted another winner in one day. The Cao family became the core officials of Jiangdong and checked the Confucius family. This made many people become anxious and wait and see, and they did not dare to criticize the Western Expedition anymore, which made a group of people anxious and anxious. The court turmoil disappeared silently.
The next day, that is, the day after Xiangzhuang's court meeting, nearly a hundred ships suddenly gathered at Dantu River Port. Bags of grain and horse fodder were transported to the ships. On the side, Lotte stood at the port. He stared at the busy soldiers,
The Chu army in Jiangdong, which had been silent for a long time, finally spread its wings again and soared into the pass.
