Chapter 120: Dragon Son First Descends, Yushu Hengmei
In the blink of an eye, it’s late summer and June.
The armies of Wei and Shu endured the extremely hot weather and had been facing each other on the Wei River for a full month.
In the Wei army's camp, the generals received a summons from their commander, Sima Yi, and came to the camp one after another, waiting for the commander's instructions.
General Sima Yi, who was fully clothed, looked around the tent and saw Zhang He, Guo Huai, Jia Xu, Xia Houba, Dai Ling, Sima Shi, Sima Zhao and other generals there, and then he said:
"Now that all the gentlemen are here, there is one matter that I still need to decide with you all."
Everyone was silent, ready to listen carefully.
"Today at 12:00, I received a report that the Shu army is out of food and fodder and is preparing to withdraw its troops to return to Shu. I want to take advantage of the retreat of the Shu army and send an army to pursue it. I wonder which general is willing to go?"
Everyone in the tent had seen the combat power of the Shu army, and they all understood that Zhuge Kongming had always been familiar with warfare and the art of war, so no one dared to take the initiative to stand up at this moment.
"The great general, please."
At this time, General Zhang He stood up and loudly remonstrated:
"There is a saying in the art of war: 'Besiege an army and do not stop it when you return.' The Shu army has always advanced and retreated with a well-founded basis. This time it was just a retreat after running out of food. It was not a defeat and a retreat. I am afraid that the pursuit at this time will be difficult to achieve results.
Therefore, the last general does not agree with the general's efforts to prevent the Shu army from retreating."
"I have my own opinion, general, don't say any more!" Sima Yi's face was as gloomy as water at this moment, and he shouted sternly: "I have made up my mind, General Zhang He listens to the order!"
"The general is here!" Although Zhang He felt unhappy at this moment, but since the commander was the most respected person in the army, Zhang He could only obey the order.
"I order you to lead an army of two thousand to pursue the Shu army. You must make no mistakes!"
Zhang He was shocked when he heard this. He raised his head and glanced at Sima Yi blankly, speechless for a moment.
With two thousand soldiers and horses, he was allowed to pursue the powerful and well-trained Shu army. It seemed that Sima Yi was going to send himself to death!
But what can I do to Sima?
Since I am the general of the Wei Dynasty, I cannot take the lead in disobeying the general's orders.
It seems that everything can only be left to fate...
Zhang He sighed, bowed and said the word "nuo", then strode out of the camp gate.
Sima Yi looked at Zhang He's burly figure disappearing at the camp gate and sneered in his heart: Zhang He, don't blame me for being ruthless. If you do, blame yourself. You are so pretentious and don't take our Sima family seriously.
Since it can't be used by me, then... hum!
"The whole army listens to the order and advances at full speed to pursue the Shu army!" Zhang He was leading two thousand light cavalry under his command, galloping on the Qinling mountain road. Although he did not agree with Sima Yi's order, as a general of the Wei Dynasty, he understood that military orders are as important as mountains.
For this reason, if you don't strictly enforce military orders yourself, how will the generals of the Wei Dynasty convince the public in the future?
"Wait a minute!" Zhang He suddenly reined in his horse and looked at the surrounding terrain warily. Suddenly, he had an ominous premonition. He asked the army guide beside him: "Where is this place?"
"General Qi, this place is called Mumen Road. It is named because its shape resembles a wooden door."
"Wooden Doorway..." Zhang He looked at the mountain peaks on both sides warily. He felt that it was too quiet here, and it was a bit abnormal.
Maybe the Shu army is hiding in the jungle in the mountains right now!
"The whole army is ordered to retreat five miles and exit this mountain road immediately!" Zhang He said, turning his horse's head and retreating behind the rear.
————
In the main camp of the Wei army, all the generals were waiting with trepidation for news about Zhang He. Everyone knew that after this battle, they would be able to return to the court. They only hoped that Zhang He could win back for a while, so that they could be with His Majesty.
He explained in front of him. However, General Sima Yi didn't seem too worried.
Sima Yi thought that as long as he properly appeased Ke Bineng, the Xianbei master who was coordinating Zhuge Liang's rebellion, and that he did not allow Zhuge Liang to occupy an inch of Wei territory this time, he believed that he would be able to offset his merits and not be punished.
"Report!"
Everyone heard the shouts outside the camp gate and involuntarily turned their heads towards the camp gate. They saw a scout covered in scars rushing into the tent, lying on the ground wailing and reporting the battle situation: "General Zhang He
He... was ambushed by the Shu army on Mumen Road, and was seriously injured... and died..."
"Ah!" Jia Xu and others exclaimed, unable to believe what the scout said. You must know that Zhang He was a general who had been granted the title of Marquis, and he did not expect to die so hastily.
Just when everyone was sighing in shock, an imperceptible sneer flashed across coach Sima Yi's face.
―――
On Yiyou day in the seventh month, the palace in Luoyang was filled with joy from top to bottom.
Because the prince Cao Yin was born safely, the emperor was very happy. Not only did he order a general amnesty, but he also held a banquet in the palace to celebrate.
In Shiqian Hall, there was singing and dancing at this moment.
Tai Lecheng led the musicians and played the newly created songs of the Wei Dynasty in sequence, starting with "Ping of Chu", "Battle at Xingyang", "Capture of Lu Bu", and then "Conquering Guandu", "Old Kingdom", "Ding Wugong"
》[Note 1], this magnificent Huangzhong Dalu makes the entire Luoyang Palace even more joyful.
[Note 1: Wei Chen Miao Xi modified the Song of Cao Wei Taiyue based on Taiyue of the Han Dynasty.]
Because the emperor was so happy, even the literary attendants, the ministers of Sanqi, and other relatives and princes were invited to attend the royal family banquet.
Emperor Cao Rui and Empress Mao, who was holding Prince Cao Yin in her arms, sat side by side facing south.
The rest of the royal family, relatives and princes all sat casually on the seats at the foot of the stairs.
"Your Majesty, I have always heard that all the ministers and young masters at the banquet are talented people. Since everyone is here today, why not let them write poems and rhymes for the emperor to facilitate the banquet?"
Queen Mao nodded to Cao Rui and said with a smile.
"What the Queen said is absolutely true."
Cao Rui was in a good mood today and said to the literary attendants below:
"Today is the wedding banquet for the Emperor's full moon. All of you here are well-educated people. You might as well recite poems and compose poems for the Emperor this time to help entertain the banquet. What do you think?"
"My ministers, I would like to obey your Majesty's will." At the foot of the stairs, Xia Houxuan, Cao Zhao, Bian Lan, Li Feng, He Zeng, Du Shu and others, as well as the queen's brother Mao Zeng and others bowed and replied.
"Okay, come and prepare some pen and ink."
The chamberlain who was accompanying the emperor agreed and went to get ready. Not long after, the Four Treasures of the Study were placed in front of several people downstairs.
The Marquis of Changling, Xia Houxuan, and the Marquis of Changping, Cao Zhao, were always quick-thinking, so they started writing as soon as they picked up their pens. However, Empress Mao's younger brother Mao Zeng was only able to serve as the emperor's official because of his sister's status and power, but in fact he
He has little talent and little knowledge, and is not good at literature or martial arts. It is naturally not easy to write poems on the spot.
Not long after, Cao Rui saw that everyone at the stage had already put in their pens and nodded. He looked at Xia Houxuan at the table. It seemed that he wanted Xia Houxuan to present his poems first. There was no other reason than that Xia Houxuan was Among the clan and royal in-laws, he is the most talented and famous person.
"Taichu, how about reciting your poem for the emperor?"
Xia Houxuan bowed slightly and answered the emperor:
"Wei Chen wrote an "Ode to the Emperor Yin" for Prince Yin. I would like to make some comments here, but please don't make fun of him."
As Xia Houxuan said this, he stood up and left the table, pacing and chanting:
"Looking at the body of the two rituals is the great chronicle of human ethics. The Tao is not worshiped in the later development, and the unity is greater than the sacrifice. The brilliance of Yihuangqu enjoys the prosperity of the world. In the fifth year of Taihe, Emperor Zhao Yin The beginning of its prosperity."
After Xia Houxuan finished reciting a passage, everyone at the table showed admiration.
"At that time, it was Meng Qiu who was harmonious and kind. When the good time came and the prince was born, you issued the imperial edict of Kaiti, which showed the abundance of Zhanzhan's kindness. He benefited the people greatly and worshiped others freely. The omens of the nobles were used to show virtue. , To show benevolence by pardoning a mortal death. Guizhou chants and we all rejoice, may the Emperor Zuo be prosperous day by day."
After Xia Houxuan finished reciting, everyone at the table raised their hands to show their appreciation. Cao Rui was also very satisfied. He raised the wine bottle and walked down the hall steps in person, added a bottle of wine to Xia Houxuan, and said:
"I hope that Yin'er will be as safe and happy as Taichu said in the poem just now, and there will be no disasters forever. Come and have a glass of wine to pay tribute to Taichu!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Your Majesty, please."
Xia Houxuan raised the imperial wine given by the emperor himself and drank it in one gulp.
After three rounds of drinking, everyone was slightly tipsy. At this time, Queen Mao tugged on Cao Rui's sleeve, and Cao Rui suddenly remembered something.
"Taichu, the queen's brother is diligent and studious, and he has always admired you. He wants to make friends with you. Today, you two might as well have a drink at the same table. When we meet one day, we will be close friends. I don't know what you think. ?”
Cao Rui was in a happy mood at the moment and was smiling all over his face when he spoke.
Everyone, including Xia Houxuan himself, understood that the emperor did this just to take this opportunity to enhance Mao Zeng's reputation.
"Shilang Mao is so generous, but I can't afford it. I have no talent or virtue. How can I compare to the noble status of Shilang Mao, a relative of the Emperor? It's okay to share the table with me today, but this is just a friend. Please forgive me for not being too high."
As soon as Xia Houxuan finished speaking, the expressions of everyone at the table changed.
Cao Rui was originally in a good mood, but after hearing Xia Houxuan's words, he became furious. Xia Houxuan clearly looked down on Mao Zeng!
Mao Zeng had already stood up and sat next to Xia Houxuan. After hearing what the other party said, Mao Zeng also turned red, ashamed and angry. He thought to himself: You Xia Houxuan are extremely talented, but you can't even compete with His Majesty. I won’t even give you the queen’s face, it depends on how you end up later!
Xia Houxuan naturally knew that doing so would anger Cao Rui, but he had never made friends indiscriminately. In his opinion, this was his principle, and even the emperor could not force him.
Cao Rui was afraid of ruining the fun of today's banquet and didn't want to get angry during the banquet. He waved his hand and said:
"I think everyone is drunk now, so why don't we leave!"
"I obey!" Seeing the emperor speak, everyone left the table one after another.
"The Marquis of Changling."
Seeing that everyone else was walking away, Cao Rui called Xia Houxuan. Xia Houxuan, who was about to leave the table, heard the emperor's call, turned around and saluted and asked:
"What are your orders, Your Majesty?"
"I want to promote Guan Qiujian to the rank of captain of Luoyang Diannong School, so the post of Yulin Supervisor will be vacant. From tomorrow on, you can go and command Yulin Langzhong!"
After Cao Rui finished speaking coldly, he waved his sleeves and turned around.
"I thank your Majesty for your grace."
Xiahou Xuan understands that the defense of the palace has always been handled by the Forbidden Army's Wuwei Battalion, Middle Barrier Battalion, Valiant Cavalry Battalion, Zhonglian Battalion, Guerrilla Battalion and other new Forbidden Army troops. Although this Yulin Supervisor is named the Yulin Army Commander, in fact it is just a fake and has no It seems that His Majesty took this opportunity to punish himself.
Xia Houxuan smiled bitterly, stood up from the cold stone steps, and walked away.
What neither Xia Houxuan nor Cao Rui expected was that after the banquet in the palace that day, the news that Xia Houxuan and Mao Zeng had sat at the same table spread throughout Luoyang City, and people in the street gave this incident an elegant name. , called "Jian Jia leans on the jade tree". It means that the hair was once like a reed, but it still wanted to rely on Xia Houxuan, the jade tree, to become famous. This incident was also passed down as an interesting story and has been passed down to later generations.